Sensor performance requirements for atmospheric correction of satellite ocean color remote sensing.

We analyze the effects of the sensor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirements for atmospheric correction of satellite ocean color remote sensing using the near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands. Using the Gaussian noise model for the sensor noise distribution in the NIR and SWIR bands, some extensive simulations have been carried out to evaluate and assess the effects of sensor NIR and SWIR SNR values on the retrieved normalized water-leaving reflectance spectra ρwN(λ), which are used to derive all ocean or inland water biological and biogeochemical property data. The standard atmospheric correction algorithm for global oceans and inland waters using the two NIR bands, i.e., Gordon and Wang (1994) [Appl. Opt.33, 443 (1994)Appl. Opt.46, 1535 (2007)], is assumed in the evaluation. Specifically, the minimum and goal SNR requirements for the NIR and SWIR bands for atmospheric correction are estimated. The minimum SNR values are those with which sufficiently accurate ρwN(λ) can be derived, while the goal SNR requirements are those with which the atmospheric correction algorithms reach to their corresponding inherent limitations (or inherent errors), i.e., no gains can be achieved with further increase of SNR values in the NIR and SWIR bands. Evaluation results show that the minimum SNR requirement for the two NIR bands is ~200-300, while the minimum SNR requirement for the three SWIR bands is ~100. For the goal SNR requirements, the recommendations are SNR's of ~600 and ~200 for the two NIR bands and three SWIR bands, respectively.

New theoretical formulation for the determination of radiance transmittance at the water-air interface: comment.

We challenge a recent paper in this journal suggesting that the well-established formula governing the transmittance of radiance across a refracting interface needs revision [Optics Express, 25(22) 27086 (2017)]. We provide a simple example of radiative transfer across an interface showing that the accepted formula is correct.

Optical inversions of the water column based on glider measurements.

We demonstrate a method for estimating absorption and backscattering coefficients by inverting glider-measured profiles of the downwelling irradiance and upwelling radiance. The inversion method was validated against approximately 1,300 profiles of data from 22 glider missions within the Gulf of Maine over a 10 year period. The backscattering coefficient at 532 nm was estimated with a mean absolute error of 21% and bias of 0.01% compared to measured values. We could only quantitatively evaluate the absorption coefficient against the fluorometry data, but found that profiles of fluorescence and absorption were in quantitative agreement. With absorption and backscattering coefficients acting as a basis for studying the biogeochemical parameters of the constituents in the water column, these results show the potential of bio-optical gliders for studying marine ecosystems under varying sky conditions.

Influence of Raman scattering on the light field in natural waters: a simple assessment.

A simple, surprisingly accurate, method for estimating the influence of Raman scattering on the upwelling light field in natural waters is developed. The method is based on the single (or quasi-single) scattering solution of the radiative transfer equation with the Raman source function. Given the light field at the excitation wavelength, accurate estimates (~1-10%) of the contribution of Raman scattering to the light field at the emission wavelength are obtained. The accuracy is only slightly degraded when typically measured aspects of the light field at the excitation are available.

Medication Decision Making in Low-Income Families of Black Children With ADHD: A Mixed Methods Study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore how and why some low-income Black caregivers seek medication treatment for their children with ADHD. METHODS: Using a sequential exploratory mixed method design, Phase 1 comprised an indepth case study design of seven low-income Black caregivers of children receiving medication for ADHD. Based on findings from Phase 1, the second phase involved a secondary analysis of data on Black uninsured or publicly insured children age 6 to 17 with ADHD (n = 450). RESULTS: Factors influencing medication decision-making included child safety and volatility, caregiver mental health, caregiver aggravation, family centered care (FCC), shared decision making (SDM), sole caregiver status, and school involvement. After adjusting for ADHD severity, previous receipt of special education services and experiences of FCC and SDM were independently associated with receipt of a medication for ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians and school personnel can intervene to decrease disparities in the treatment of ADHD.

Detailed validation of the bidirectional effect in various Case I and Case II waters.

Simulated bidirectional reflectance distribution functions (BRDF) were compared with measurements made just beneath the water's surface. In Case I water, the set of simulations that varied the particle scattering phase function depending on chlorophyll concentration agreed more closely with the data than other models. In Case II water, however, the simulations using fixed phase functions agreed well with the data and were nearly indistinguishable from each other, on average. The results suggest that BRDF corrections in Case II water are feasible using single, average, particle scattering phase functions, but that the existing approach using variable particle scattering phase functions is still warranted in Case I water.

Light scattering and absorption by randomly-oriented cylinders: dependence on aspect ratio for refractive indices applicable for marine particles.

Typically, explanation/interpretation of observed light scattering and absorption properties of marine particles is based on assuming a spherical shape and homogeneous composition. We examine the influence of shape and homogeneity by comparing the optics of randomly-oriented cylindrically-shaped particles with those of equal-volume spheres, in particular the influence of aspect ratio (AR=length/diameter) on extinction and backscattering. Our principal finding is that the when AR>~3-5 and the diameter is of the order of the wavelength, the extinction efficiency and the backscattering probability are close to those of an infinite cylinder. In addition, we show the spherical-based interpretation of extinction and absorption can lead to large error in predicted backscattering.

Observation of non-principal plane neutral points in the in-water upwelling polarized light field.

Neutral points are specific directions in the light field where the three Stokes parameters Q, U, V, and thus the degree of polarization simultaneously go to zero. We have made the first measurement of non-principal-plane neutral points in the upwelling light field in natural waters. These neutral points are located at approximately 40°- 80° nadir angle and between 120° - 160° azimuth to the sun which is well off of the principal plane. Calculations show that the neutral point positions are very sensitive to the balance in the incident light between the partially polarized skylight and the direct solar beam.

Managing Substance Use Disorder through a Walking/Running Training Program.

While emerging studies have demonstrated the benefit of exercise in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) recovery outcomes, lack of motivation to engage in exercise has been indicated as one of many perceived barriers that contribute to low recruitment and adherence rates in SUD treatment. The current study aimed to explore participants' perceptions of attending a supervised exercise program (boot camp workouts, walking/running practice, and a race event) while in treatment for SUD. A total of 109 participants were recruited to a 14-week exercise training program and 61 chose to participate in, and completed, a race at the close of the program. Interviews were conducted during weeks 6 through 14 and data were examined using Thematic Analysis. Three main themes were identified: (1) pushing forward recovery through running, (2) gaining a sense of achievement by crossing the finish line, and (3) building a sense of belonging in the program. Implications for SUD recovery programs are discussed.

Estimation of space-borne lidar return from natural waters: a passive approach.

A method, based on the reciprocity principle of radiative transfer, for using routinely collected field measurements of apparent optical properties in a water body to estimate the total return (time integrated) to an airborne or space borne lidar is presented. It will allow prediction of lidar returns using the databases of apparent optical propertie assembled in support of ocean color remote sensing.

Spectra of particulate backscattering in natural waters.

Hyperspectral profiles of downwelling irradiance and upwelling radiance in natural waters (oligotrophic and mesotrophic) are combined with inverse radiative transfer to obtain high resolution spectra of the absorption coefficient (a) and the backscattering coefficient (b(b)) of the water and its constituents. The absorption coefficient at the mesotrophic station clearly shows spectral absorption features attributable to several phytoplankton pigments (Chlorophyll a, b, c, and Carotenoids). The backscattering shows only weak spectral features and can be well represented by a power-law variation with wavelength (lambda): b(b) approximately lambda(-n), where n is a constant between 0.4 and 1.0. However, the weak spectral features in b(b)b suggest that it is depressed in spectral regions of strong particle absorption. The applicability of the present inverse radiative transfer algorithm, which omits the influence of Raman scattering, is limited to lambda < 490 nm in oligotrophic waters and lambda < 575 nm in mesotrophic waters.

Light scattering by coccoliths detached from Emiliania huxleyi.

We used in situ radiance/irradiance profiles to retrieve profiles of the spectral backscattering coefficient for all particles in an E. huxleyi coccolithophore bloom off the coast of Plymouth, UK. At high detached coccolith concentrations the spectra of backscattering all showed a minimum near approximately 550 to 600 nm. Using flow cytometry estimates of the detached coccolith concentration, and assuming all of the backscattering (over and above the backscattering by the water itself) was due to detached coccoliths, we determined the upper limit of the backscattering cross section (sigma(b)) of individual coccoliths to be 0.123+/-0.039 microm(2)/coccolith at 500 nm. Physical models of detached coccoliths were then developed and the discrete dipole approximation was used to compute their average backscattering cross section in random orientation. The result was 0.092 microm(2) at 500 nm, with the computed sigma(b) displaying a spectral shape similar to the measurements, but with less apparent increase in backscattering toward the red. When sigma(b) is computed on a per mole of calcite, rather than a per coccolith basis, it agreed reasonably well with that determined for acid-labile backscattering at 632 nm averaged over several species of cultured calcifying algae. Intact coccolithophore cells were taken into account by arguing that coccoliths attached to coccolithophore cells (forming a "coccosphere") backscatter in a manner similar to free coccoliths in random orientation. Estimating the number of coccoliths per coccosphere and using the observed number of coccolithophore cells resulted is an apparent backscattering cross section at 500 nm of 0.114+/-0.013 microm(2)/coccolith, in satisfactory agreement with the measured backscattering.

Rayleigh-Gans scattering approximation: surprisingly useful for understanding backscattering from disk-like particles.

Recent computations of the backscattering cross section of randomly-oriented disk-like particles (refractive index, 1.20) with small-scale internal structure, using the discrete-dipole approximation (DDA), have been repeated using the Rayleigh-Gans approximation (RGA). As long as the thickness of the disks is approximately 20% of the wavelength (or less), the RGA agrees reasonably well quantitatively with the DDA. The comparisons show that the RGA is sufficiently accurate to be useful as a quantitative tool for exploring the backscattering features of disk-like particles with complex structure. It is used here to develop a zeroth-order correction for the neglect of birefringence on modeling the backscattering of detached coccoliths from E. huxleyi.

Backscattering of light from disk-like particles with aperiodic angular fine structure.

Recent computations of the backscattering cross section (sigmab) of randomly-oriented disk-like particles (refractive index, 1.20) with small-scale periodic angular internal structure, have been repeated for similarly sized particles, but with the periodic structure replaced by an aperiodic structure. The latter is formed by randomly perturbing a periodic structure. Although sigmab for individual realizations of an aperiodic disk can differ significantly from that of its periodic counterpart, averaging over several realizations brings the two into confluence, unless the aperiodicity is too large. These computations suggest that using disks with perfectly periodic (as opposed to quasi-periodic) fine structure for modeling the backscattering of detached coccoliths from E. Huxleyi is justified.

A method to extrapolate the diffuse upwelling radiance attenuation coefficient to the surface as applied to the Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY).

The upwelling radiance attenuation coefficient (KLu) in the upper 10 m of the water column can be significantly influenced by inelastic scattering processes, and thus will vary even with homogeneous water properties. The Marine Optical BuoY (MOBY), the primary vicarious calibration site for many ocean color sensors, makes measurements of the upwelling radiance (Lu) at 1 m, 5 m, and 9 m and uses these values to determine KLu and propagate the upwelling radiance directed toward the zenith, Lu, at 1 m to and through the surface. Inelastic scattering causes the KLu derived from the arm measurements to be an underestimate of the true KLu from 1 m to the surface at wavelengths greater than 575 nm, thus the derived water leaving radiance is underestimated at wavelengths longer than 575 nm. A method to correct this KLu, based on a model of the upwelling radiance including Raman scattering and chlorophyll fluorescence has been developed which corrects this bias. The model has been experimentally validated, and this technique can be applied to the MOBY data set to provide new, more accurate products at these wavelengths. When applied to a 4 month MOBY deployment, the corrected water leaving radiance, Lw, can increase by 5 % (600 nm), 10 % (650 nm) and 50 % (700 nm). This method will be used to provide additional more accurate products in the MOBY data set.

Backscattering of light from disklike particles: is fine-scale structure or gross morphology more important?

The backscattering of light from disklike objects possessing periodic structures (e.g., resembling a wheel with spokes, hereafter called a pinwheel) or an object with a wavelength-sized deviation from a flat disk (e.g., a spherical cap) has been computed by using the discrete dipole approximation. The disks ranged in diameter from 1.5 to 2.7 microm with thicknesses from 0.04 to 0.15 microm. The goal of the study was to obtain some understanding of the differences between the backscattering of a collection of such objects in random orientation and a collection of randomly oriented homogeneous disks of the same size, i.e., the conditions under which the gross morphology (e.g., disklikeness) of these objects determines their backscattering. The computations for pinwheels showed that their backscattering cross sections were nearly identical to those of homogeneous disks of similar size (but with reduced effective refractive indices that are easily estimated) as long as the maximum separations between the spokes was less than one quarter of the wavelength. In this regime the backscattering is totally governed by the particle's gross morphology and effective index. For larger spoke separation, departures from a homogeneous disk are observed and manifest as significant increases (many times) in backscattering. In the case of spherical caps with the same projected area as the associated disk, the computations again show a complete similarity in their backscattering, and when the disks are sufficiently thin (with thickness divided by wavelength<0.15 to 0.25) there is very little difference between the backscattering of a cap and the associated disk.

Normalized water-leaving radiance: revisiting the influence of surface roughness.

Many spaceborne sensors have been deployed to image the ocean in the visible portion of the spectrum. Information regarding the concentration of water constituents is contained in the water-leaving radiance-the radiance that is backscattered out of the water and subsequently propagates to the top of the atmosphere. Recognizing that it depends on the viewing and Sun geometry, ways have been sought to normalize this radiance to a single Sun-viewing geometry--forming the normalized water-leaving radiance. This requires understanding both the bidirectional nature of the upwelling radiance just beneath the surface and the interaction of this radiance with the air-water interface. I believe that the latter has been incorrectly computed in the past when a water surface roughened by the wind is considered. The presented computation suggests that, for wind speeds as high as 20 m/s, the influence of surface roughness is small for a wide range of Sun-viewing geometries, i.e., the transmittance of the (whitecap-free) air-water interface is nearly identical (within 0.01) to that for a flat interface.

Pitfalls in atmospheric correction of ocean color imagery: how should aerosol optical properties be computed?: Comment.

The Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) experience suggests that in most situations the aerosol models presently in use for atmospheric correction of ocean color imagery are sufficient for this task. It has been shown [Appl. Opt. 41, 412 (2002)] that the top-of-atmosphere reflectances computed for more realistic aerosol models differ from those computed for presently used models but have not shown that they will yield a better atmospheric correction, e.g., through direct application to ocean color imagery. Thus they provide no evidence that the presently used aerosol models are inadequate, or that their use is a pitfall in atmospheric correction.

Irradiance inversion algorithm for absorption and backscattering profiles in natural waters: improvement for clear waters.

Our iterative inversion algorithm for retrieving absorption a(z) and backscattering b(b)(z) from profiles of upwelling and downwelling irradiance, on the basis of assuming a depth-independent phase function for the medium, was found to have unsatisfactory accuracy for b(b)(z) in clear waters. We modified the algorithm here by assuming a depth-independent phase function for the particles and then performing an additional iteration over the fraction of total scattering that is due to the water itself. The modified algorithm's accuracy is considerably improved over the original in clear waters and reduces to the original in waters for which the particle contribution to b(b)(z) is dominant.