Virginia Beach Public Library

This study presents a novel approach integrating near-field passive remote sensing technologies with advanced machine learning algorithms and edge detection through image segmentation to free surface water levels from live oblique imagery in tidal environments. The sensor is capable of full color monitoring by the optical sensor during daylight hours, which affords greater pixel density for the machine learning model and edge detection, while nighttime monitoring relies on the more limited range and relatively monochromatic color profile of the infrared projection sensor, leading to diminished accuracy at night. Cameras were strategically deployed at twelve sites across the United States, capturing images at six-minute intervals over a three-month period. The final machine learning model was trained on a week's worth of images taken every 6 minutes, translating to approximately 1,700 images at each of the twelve sites. This was done to train a model to run over the following 3 months to accurately predict 80% of the six-minute water levels within 1.5 cm, and 97% of the water levels within 10 cm accuracy. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the system reliably produced continuous surface water level measurements, with an aggregate root mean square error of less than 1 cm when cameras were positioned within approximately 10 meters of the target observation area. To verify vertical measurement accuracy, USGS A-style staff gauges were installed within each camera's field of view. Water levels inferred from imagery were cross-validated with nearby radar sensors at each location. A generalized machine learning model that doesn't fully rely on site-specific flooding imagery has been in development, but there are many factors that convolute its universal effectiveness. The resulting data machine learning model products are in the process of being integrated into the USGS Water Data System, with the goal of enabling both internal and public access to real-time water level estimates derived from the machine learning water level estimation framework.

The need to support learning and provide equal access to information does not stop when a health emergency arises. It becomes even more important, and as such, libraries of all types in the Commonwealth quickly responded to 2020’s emerging crisis by enhancing existing services and creating innovative new services, proving that once again, library staff are vital participants in providing for the well-being of patrons. This column explores how library workers and libraries in Virginia quickly adapted to restrictions imposed as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how and in what ways networking served as a vehicle to informal learning among elementary school principals.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a multiple case study methodology across a ten-week period, studying six principals and conducting over 50 interviews. Six individual case studies were conducted, followed by a cross-case analysis.FindingsThis study found that a principal’s informal learning opportunities are just as important as formal ones, and often occur more frequently. Principals rely daily on a small network of other principals to informally learn about pressing challenges and situations in their schools. Informal learning allows principals to continually develop and refine their practices without the confines of formally set dates and times. Informal learning happens organically and is needs driven based on what knowledge a principal requires at a given point in time.Originality/valueAlthough formal learning has been a focus in educational leadership research for the past 15 years, almost nothing is known about how principals informally learning. This study adds to the very limited body of research in the educational leadership field.

A seemingly benign cave-in between two residential buildings appeared to be a simple emergency sewer repair. The fifty year old 12-inch cast iron gravity sanitary sewer main carried half the flows from the service area to the pumping station. Little did we expect that this would turn into a major repair involving multiple engineering disciplines. The utility engineer investigated the cave-in through CCTV and review of the as-built plans. It was discovered that the area had unstable soil conditions and the pipe was constructed on a wood pile system ten feet below grade. The pipe required emergency repairs. During the point repair the pile system was confirmed along with poor soil conditions. A geotechnical engineer was engaged to examine the conditions of the existing piles and soils. The piles appeared to be in good condition, while the cross members that supported the pipe had failed. Tests were performed on the existing piles and were found to be structurally sound. The engineer recommended that the pipe support system be rehabilitated and supplemented with a 2 to 5 foot stone base. A rehabilitation design was created by the structural engineer for the pile system. The project incorporated the complete replacement of 315 linear feet 12-inch gravity sewer, rehabilitation of the pile support system and restoration of the site. The lessons learned included; that the cooperation and integration of multiple engineering disciplines was essential to the success of the project, and the utilization of innovative materials to rehabilitate the pile system provided a sound foundation for additional service life.

The first workshop in this series of institutes exploring the legacies of slavery in Virginia sponsored by the Virginia Geographic Alliance took place in Richmond, Virginia, and explored Africanist...

This lesson can be used in a United States History or Geography elementary class in grades 4 and 5. Students will investigate pictures of present and past public pools and create maps of pools in t...

The impact that parenting responsibilities have on the psychological well-being of African American grandparents raising grandchildren is an increasing concern in American society. Contemporary research studies indicate that African American grandparents who encounter a variety of challenges in raising their grandchildren are able to cope successfully with these situations if they derive a sufficient amount of psychological rewards from raising grandchildren (Giarrusso, Silverstein, & DuFeng, 2000). These rewards include increased gratification, feelings of usefulness, and increasing pride in their own abilities to meet new challenges (Fuller-Thomason & Minkler, 2000). This article will investigate how the coping resource factors of intergenerational solidarity, informal social support and spirituality enhance the psychological well-being of African American grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. doi:10.1300/J045v22n03_09.

Currently the Lynnhaven River and its tributaries in Virginia Beach, Virginia are in violation of the State's water quality standards for fecal coliform bacteria and dissolved oxygen in shellfish waters. As a result many segments of the river are listed as impaired on Virginia's 303(d) Total Maximum Daily Load Priority List. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has evaluated the water samples and has performed source characterization through a process called Bacterial Source Tracking, or `BST'. The data obtained for the Lynnhaven River Watershed indicate that as much as 25% of the fecal coliform pollution in the closed shellfish areas can be attributed to human sources. To better understand the problem, in 2004 the City of Virginia Beach took the initiative to investigate potential sources of sanitary wastewater that may be entering the Lynnhaven River via the storm drainage system. The City's consultant proposed an innovative technique to monitor human waste signatures. Optical brighteners monitoring (OBM) is a promising new technique to detect the presence or absence of human sewage in receiving waters. This paper will describe OBM as an emerging technique to quickly and cost-effectively facilitate a comprehensive survey of illicit discharge entering the storm sewer system. Furthermore, the paper discusses in-house testing, optimal selection of sites, detailed monitoring, and grab sampling.