bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Deep Learning Approach for Surface Crack Classification and Segmentation in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Assisted Infrastructure Inspections
Authors: Egodawela Shamendra , Khodadadian Gostar Amirali , Buddika H. A. D. Samith , Dammika A. J. , Harischandra Nalin , Navaratnam Satheeskumar , Mahmoodian Mojtaba
Published: March 2024

Surface crack detection is an integral part of infrastructure health surveys. This work presents a transformative shift towards rapid and reliable data collection capabilities, dramatically reducing the time spent on inspecting infrastructures. Two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were deployed, enabling the capturing of images simultaneously for efficient coverage of the structure. The suggested drone hardware is especially suitable for the inspection of infrastructure with confined spaces that UAVs with a broader footprint are incapable of accessing due to a lack of safe access or positioning data. The collected image data were analyzed using a binary classification convolutional neural network (CNN), effectively filtering out images containing cracks. A comparison of state-of-the-art CNN architectures against a novel CNN layout “CrackClassCNN” was investigated to obtain the optimal layout for classification. A Segment Anything Model (SAM) was employed to segment defect areas, and its performance was benchmarked against manually annotated images. The suggested “CrackClassCNN” achieved an accuracy rate of 95.02%, and the SAM segmentation process yielded a mean Intersection over Union (IoU) score of 0.778 and an F1 score of 0.735. It was concluded that the selected UAV platform, the communication network, and the suggested processing techniques were highly effective in surface crack detection.
Design of a Multi-Position Alignment Scheme
Authors: Guan Bofan , Liu Zhongping , Wei Dong , Fu Qiangwen
Published: March 2024

The current new type of inertial navigation system, including rotating inertial navigation systems and three-autonomy inertial navigation systems, has been increasingly widely applied. Benefited by the rotating mechanisms of these inertial navigation systems, alignment accuracy can be significantly enhanced by implementing IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) rotation during the alignment process. The principle of suppressing initial alignment errors using rotational modulation technology was investigated, and the impact of various component error terms on alignment accuracy of IMU during rotation was analyzed. A corresponding error suppression scheme was designed to overcome the shortcoming of the significant scale factor error of fiber optic gyroscopes, and the research content of this paper is validated through corresponding simulations and experiments. The results indicate that the designed alignment scheme can effectively suppress the gyro scale factor error introduced by angular motion and improve alignment accuracy.
Research on a Cross-Domain Few-Shot Adaptive Classification Algorithm Based on Knowledge Distillation Technology
Authors: Gao Jiuyang , Li Siyu , Xia Wenfeng , Yu Jiuyang , Dai Yaonan
Published: March 2024

With the development of deep learning and sensors and sensor collection methods, computer vision inspection technology has developed rapidly. The deep-learning-based classification algorithm requires the acquisition of a model with superior generalization capabilities through the utilization of a substantial quantity of training samples. However, due to issues such as privacy, annotation costs, and sensor-captured images, how to make full use of limited samples has become a major challenge for practical training and deployment. Furthermore, when simulating models and transferring them to actual image scenarios, discrepancies often arise between the common training sets and the target domain (domain offset). Currently, meta-learning offers a promising solution for few-shot learning problems. However, the quantity of supporting set data on the target domain remains limited, leading to limited cross-domain learning effectiveness. To address this challenge, we have developed a self-distillation and mixing (SDM) method utilizing a Teacher–Student framework. This method effectively transfers knowledge from the source domain to the target domain by applying self-distillation techniques and mixed data augmentation, learning better image representations from relatively abundant datasets, and achieving fine-tuning in the target domain. In comparison with nine classical models, the experimental results demonstrate that the SDM method excels in terms of training time and accuracy. Furthermore, SDM effectively transfers knowledge from the source domain to the target domain, even with a limited number of target domain samples.
Drivers of Driving: A Review
Authors: Feyzollahi Maryam , Pineau Pierre-Olivier , Rafizadeh Nima
Published: March 2024

As car ownership and usage expand globally, understanding the factors that influence the propensity to drive is crucial for promoting sustainable transportation. This literature review examined the factors influencing driving decisions through a systematic search of databases, rigorous screening of over 1000 articles, and analysis of 142 studies. The findings reveal that attributes of the built environment (e.g., density, diversity, accessibility), economic factors (e.g., income, costs of car ownership, policies), and psychological aspects (e.g., attitudes, social norms, perceptions) have significant impacts on driving behaviors. By employing an integrative methodology involving targeted searches, keyword analysis, and detailed evaluation, this review offers insights into the multifactorial nature of driving decisions. The synthesis of studies across multiple domains emphasized the need for a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the factors influencing the propensity to drive, laying a foundation for informed transportation policy and practice.
Developing a New ANN Model to Estimate Daily Actual Evapotranspiration Using Limited Climatic Data and Remote Sensing Techniques for Sustainable Water Management
Authors: Karahan Halil , Cetin Mahmut , Can Muge Erkan , Alsenjar Omar
Published: March 2024

Accurate estimations of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) are essential to various environmental issues. Artificial intelligence-based models are a promising alternative to the most common direct ETa estimation techniques and indirect methods by remote sensing (RS)-based surface energy balance models. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are proven to be suitable for predicting reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and ETa based on RS data. This study aims to develop a methodology based on ANNs for estimating daily ETa values using NDVI and land surface temperature, coupled with limited site-specific climatic variables in a large irrigation catchment. The ANN model has been applied to the two different scenarios. Data from only the 38 days of satellite overpass dates was selected in Scenario I, while in Scenario II all datasets, i.e., the 769-day data were used. An irrigation scheme, located in the Mediterranean region of Turkiye, was selected, and a total of 38 Landsat images and local climatic data collected in 2021 and 2022 were used in the ANN model. The ETa results by the ANN model for Scenarios I and II showed that the R2 values for training (0.79 and 0.86), testing (0.75 and 0.81), and the entire dataset (0.76 and 0.84) were all remarkably high. Moreover, the results of the new ANN model in two scenarios showed an acceptable agreement with ETa-METRIC values. The proposed ANN model demonstrated the potential for obtaining daily ETa using limited climatic data and RS imagery. As a result, the suggested ANN model for daily ETa computation offers a trustworthy way to determine crop water usage in real time for sustainable water management in agriculture. It may also be used to assess how crop evapotranspiration in drought-prone areas will be affected by climate change in the 21st century.
Characteristics and Estimation of Dew in the Loess Hilly Region of Northern Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Jia Zhifeng , Chang Yingjie , Liu Hao , Li Ge , Guan Zilong , Zhang Xingchen , Xi Ruru , Liu Pengcheng , Liu Yu
Published: March 2024

As a non-precipitation water source, dew is important for plant and animal survival and crop production in arid and water-scarce areas. This study assessed the amount of dew in a dry zone in a long-term (2016 to 2022) field observation experiment at the Ansai Experimental Station, a typical loess hilly area in China. Dew primarily occurred in summer and autumn, with a frequency of >50%. The average annual dew amount was 29.20 mm, with an average annual rainfall of 641.8 mm. The average annual dew-to-rain ratio was 4.58%, and the average annual number of dew days was 143.6 d/a. The surface soil moisture content increased by approximately 1.02% with increasing dew amounts. The change in the soil moisture at a 5 cm depth was 0.14% on average and lagged substantially by 1 h. Using the Beysens model, the annual estimated and measured dew amounts in 2022 were 25.27 and 29.84 mm, respectively, and the annual normalized root mean square deviation (NRMSD) was 0.17. Thus, the Beysens model evaluated the dew amount in the study area well at the monthly and annual scales. The quantification of dew resources can provide support for the development, utilization, and management of limited water resources in arid areas, promoting more accurate decision-making for the sustainable development of water resources in the future.
Influence of Size and Fit on Malaysian Apparel Industry Sustainability: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wang Yiyan , Zakaria Norsaadah
Published: March 2024

Mass production and global trade have fuelled apparel industry economic growth since the industrial revolution. Mass production and global trade have also contributed to sustainability issues, such as pollution and resource depletion. This scoping review explores how garment sizing and fit affect the sustainability of the Malaysian garment industry. The research objective was achieved using an in-depth analysis of the literature to identify the main sizing and fit issues and research gaps in the Malaysian apparel industry. Furthermore, the sustainability challenges resulting from sizing and fit issues were explored and the strategies to address these issues for apparel industry sustainability were proposed. Finally, the authors suggest that Malaysia should establish its own standard sizing system to contribute to the sustainable development of the local industry. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide an empirical basis and strategic guide for sustainable development by the Malaysian apparel industry.
Framework for Strategic Selection of Maintenance Contractors
Authors: Zubair Muhammad Umer , Farid Osama , Hassan Muhammad Usman , Aziz Taha , Ud-Din Sameer
Published: March 2024

Selecting the right maintenance contractor is crucial for efficient operation and project success. Traditionally, this selection has been cost-driven, but the ever-growing complexity of projects has led to a shift towards best-value selection. The best value selection criteria evaluate the contractors based on factors like experience and past performance, along with the proposed cost. However, this approach lacks substantiated knowledge of these factors and often includes factors that cannot be validated at the time of procurement. This paper proposes a framework that applies the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to the maintenance contractor selection process. A detailed literature review was carried out to identify factors involved in maintenance selection. Data were collected from experts through a questionnaire developed based on the identified factors, facilitating AHP implementation. Substantiation strategies were identified using expert judgments. Our findings reveal that past performance criteria hold the maximum weight in the selection process. The proposed framework offers a more comprehensive approach for selecting maintenance contractors, ensuring both value and efficiency.
Zero-Energy Purification of Ambient Particulate Matter Using a Novel Double-Skin Façade System Integrated with Porous Materials
Authors: Li He , Guo Hongwei , Lu Xiaohan , Hu Jun , Zhong Ke
Published: March 2024

This study introduces an innovative double-skin façade system integrated with porous materials (DSF-PM) designed to combat air pollution by purifying atmospheric particulate matter without energy consumption. By evaluating three installation strategies—vertical, horizontal, and cross placement—and examining porous materials with pore sizes of 0.5 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm through a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, we optimized the DSF-PM system for enhanced particulate matter purification. Our findings reveal that positioning the porous material on both airflow sides with a pore size of 1 mm yields the best purification performance. The seasonal performance analysis demonstrates that the DSF-PM system achieves an average annual purification efficiency of 26.24% for particles larger than 5 µm, surpassing 20% efficiency, comparable to primary filters in global standards, with zero energy input. This passive double-skin façade system, leveraging solar-driven natural convection, emerges as a sustainable solution for ambient air purification in urban environments.
Optimal Design of Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System Considering Electric Vehicle Station Using Improved Multi-Objective Optimization: Techno-Economic Perspectives
Authors: Al-Sahlawi Ameer A. Kareim , Ayob Shahrin Md. , Tan Chee Wei , Ridha Hussein Mohammed , Hachim Dhafer Manea
Published: March 2024

Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) and renewable energy sources (RESs) have been widely integrated into distribution systems. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer advantages for distribution systems, such as increasing reliability and efficiency, reducing pollutant emissions, and decreasing dependence on non-endogenous resources. In addition, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology has made EVs a potential form of portable energy storage, alleviating the random fluctuation of renewable energy power. This paper simulates the optimal design of a photovoltaic/wind/battery hybrid energy system as a power system combined with an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) using V2G technology in a grid-connected system. The rule-based energy management strategy (RB-EMS) is used to control and observe the proposed system power flow. A multi-objective improved arithmetic optimization algorithm (MOIAOA) concept is proposed to analyze the optimal sizing of the proposed system components by calculating the optimal values of the three conflicting objectives: grid contribution factor (GCF), levelled cost of electricity (LCOE), and energy sold to the grid (ESOLD). This research uses a collection of meteorological data such as solar radiation, temperature, and wind speed captured every ten minutes for one year for a government building in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The results indicated that the optimal configuration of the proposed system using the MOIAOA method consists of eight photovoltaic modules, two wind turbines, and thirty-three storage batteries, while the fitness value is equal to 0.1522, the LCOE is equal to 2.66 × 10−2 USD/kWh, the GCF is equal to 7.34 × 10−5 kWh, and the ESOLD is equal to 0.8409 kWh. The integration of RESs with an EV-based grid-connected system is considered the best choice for real applications, owing to their remarkable performance and techno-economic development.
Asset Information Model Management-Based GIS/BIM Integration in Facility Management Contract
Authors: Ismaeil Esam M. H.
Published: March 2024

Achieving efficiency success status inside an organization’s built environment and obtaining a positive return on investments need robust and comprehensive asset management and maintenance processes based on the efficiency of contract information documents within the built asset lifecycle. This paper aims to highlight the appropriate interactive approach for construction projects to build the information flow scope of asset facility management contracts based on GIS (Geographical Information System) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) integration processes and sustainability standards, and project as-built contractual documents to support owners and stakeholders with the intent of improving asset management processes. Expert interviews and contract information flow types in several facility management processes conducted in both local and international facility management organizations were used to assist the information flow scope method. The study classified and built significant integrated information and data flow models for a case study to serve as contract guidelines, including efficiency performance measures and indicators for monitoring procedures, technical evaluation, and financial issues in order to provide high-performance service quality in facility management applications.
Irrigation and Fertilization: A Comprehensive Analysis of Their Influences on Qualitative Indices in Two Plum Varieties
Authors: Venig Adelina , Stănică Florin
Published: March 2024

The chief aim of this study is to provide information regarding the value and effectiveness of localized irrigation applied to plum trees grown in nurseries; this study also emphasizes how irrigation impacts various qualitative indices in the context of different fertilization treatments. By increasing production in the nursery, the application of differentiated rules for fertilization and irrigation is expected to yield vigorous, healthy fruit tree planting material. As in the case of all cultivated plants, fruit trees in nurseries are primarily dependent on soil and climatic conditions. This research was carried out in a private fruit tree nursery in the northwestern part of Romania. The soil taxonomic unit identified on the research field was arable, weakly glaciated loamy clay on fluvial deposits. The two plum cultivars that were studied were Stanley and Cacanska Lepotica, both of which are valued for the high caliber of their fruit. This research was conducted using a 4 × 2 × 4 trifactorial experiment, with irrigation acting as the primary factor, cultivar as the secondary factor, and fertilization as the tertiary factor. During this research, the fertilization treatments proved to have the most significant impact (34.50%) on stem diameter compared with irrigation (20.67%) and cultivar (5.63%), given that the cultivar had no discernible influence on the increase in the diameters of the grafted trees.
Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors and Environmental Literacy of Generations X, Y and Z with the Same Ancestral Background: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Öner Neslihan , Durmuş Hasan , Yaşar Fırat Yağmur , Borlu Arda , Özkan Nilüfer
Published: March 2024

As social culture and structure evolve, changes occur in individuals’ eating habits and environmental awareness. This study assesses the relationship between sustainable eating behaviors and environmental literacy across generations (Gens) from the same ancestry. The Sustainable and Healthy Eating (SHE) Behavior Scale and the Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults (ELSA) was administered to 381 individuals across three generations. Self-reported anthropometric data were collected. The total scores of the SHE Behavior Scale of the participants from all three generations were significantly different from each other. The “Quality Labels”, “Meat Reduction” and “Low Fat” factor scores were similar in GenX and GenY. These factor scores were significantly lower in GenZ. The “Animal Welfare” factor score was significantly higher in GenX. The “Avoiding Food Waste and Seasonal Foods” and “Local Food” factor scores were significantly higher in GenX than in GenY and GenZ. The “Healthy and Balanced Diet” factor score was significantly lower in GenZ. There was no difference between the total ELSA scores. The “Environmental Consciousness” factor score was significantly lower in GenX than in GenY. Generational disparities strongly influence perspectives on sustainable and healthy eating. Focused initiatives are essential to educate future parents, who play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation, about sustainable nutrition.
The Determinants of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Empirical Evidence from Canadian Provinces
Authors: Haider Azad
Published: March 2024

The main objective of the present study is to examine the determinants of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada using panel data of 10 provinces from 1990 to 2019. The pooled ordinary least squares method is used to estimate the models. The main findings of the basic model show that provinces with larger populations, younger ages, and more income produce higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The results of the extended model (per capita greenhouse gas emissions as the dependent variable) show that only five factors (out of ten potential determinants identified)—oil production per capita, gas production per capita, motor vehicles registered per capita, electricity generation intensity, and heating degree days—are significant determinants of per capita greenhouse gas emissions. The results also reveal that the provinces with older populations have lower per capita greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. However, both trend variables played an important role in explaining the greenhouse gas emissions per capita in Canada. Moreover, there were no significant differences among the patterns of the per capita greenhouse gas emissions in Canada after 2005.
EQ-DIRECTION Procedure towards an Improved Urban Seismic Resilience: Application to the Pilot Case Study of Sanremo Municipality
Authors: Cattari Serena , Ottonelli Daria , Mohammadi Soheil
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses the critical importance of effective mitigation policies to enhance earthquake resilience in urban systems, especially in light of recent seismic events in Italy. The Italian Civil Protection Department (ICPD) has delineated specific Limit Conditions (LCs) for urban settlements, serving as benchmarks for targeted mitigation policies, and akin to Limit States for buildings in Codes. While the ICPD has already developed operational procedures for some LCs, concentrating on evaluating the structural operational efficiency of strategic functions during emergency management, only a conceptual outline exists for other LCs involving preparedness and recovery/reconstruction phases. To address this gap, this paper introduces the EQ-DIRECTION (EarthQuake Disaster-REsilient City acTIOn plan) procedure. This method aims to analyze and assess the “Limit Condition for Safeguarding the Existence of the Settlement” (referred to as SLC). The procedure entails identifying the “minimum urban system” required for effective recovery and evaluating the performance of this system in terms of structural damage and economic losses against the SLC requirement. The practical application of this methodology to a real-world case study in Sanremo municipality on the western coast of Liguria (Italy) demonstrates the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the procedure for earthquake resilience in urban planning and management.
Precious Metals Recovery Process from Electronic Boards: Case Study of a Non-Profit Organization (QC, Canada)
Authors: Blais Caroline , Le Dinh Anh Quan , Loranger Éric , Abdul-Nour Georges
Published: March 2024

The growth in the consumption of electronic products in recent years has resulted in increasing electronic device waste. At the same time, there is a decrease in the availability of raw metals required to produce electronic boards. Recycling through the recovery of precious and critical metals contained in electronic board waste is a solution, but the processes need to be safer for the environment. This paper presents the steps that lead to investment in the development of an eco-friendly and cost-effective process for recovering precious metals from end-of-life electronic telecommunications cards. Social organizations can also become involved in the recycling of electronic cards, thus enabling the integration of marginalized people into society. We examine the case of a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people living with mental health problems through the recycling of end-of-life telecommunication devices. This recycling process must operate within constraints specific to this organization and to the employment of people with mental health issues. The literature review showed that considering ecological and economic factors, the hydrometallurgical process appeared to be a logical choice.
How Can Price Promotions Make Consumers More Interested? An Empirical Study from a Chinese Supermarket
Authors: Niu Jia , Jin Shanshan , Chen Ge , Geng Xianhui
Published: March 2024

Price promotions are commonly employed to enhance supermarket performance and the sustainable development of the retail industry, yet their effectiveness may vary among similar supermarket chains. In contrast to Western countries, Chinese supermarkets are typically community-centered, allowing consumers to make frequent visits due to lower transaction costs. This multiple-visit pattern discourages substantial one-time purchases based on promotions. This study aims to investigate how pricing promotions can attract consumers more effectively and which product categories are most suitable for this purpose. Utilizing scanner data from Chinese chain supermarkets, we empirically assess the impact of promotion depth, breadth, and duration on consumer purchasing behavior using fixed effects models, IV, and GMM methods. Furthermore, we identify product category characteristics that are more appealing to consumers based on the relationships between different product category promotions and consumer behavior. Results demonstrate that each of the three price-promotion features has a positive effect on Chinese supermarket performance, with varying degrees of significance. Different promotion methods not only benefit promoted products but also stimulate sales of non-promotional items. At the product level, the impact of supermarket promotions on performance differs across categories. The most attractive category in terms of consumer purchases influenced by discounts is special paper, while small kitchen appliances have the least impact. Promoting categories with lower average prices, higher average sales volumes, fewer products, and better storage durability is conducive to attracting consumer shopping. These empirical findings have implications for academic research on price promotion theory and supermarket managers’ pricing strategy decisions, as well as the sustainable development of the offline retail industry.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution in China: Current Status, Risk Assessment and Management Strategies
Authors: Jiang Tianheng , Wang Maomao , Zhang Wei , Zhu Cheng , Wang Feijuan
Published: March 2024

With the expansion of the scope and diversity of agricultural non-point source (AGNPS) pollution, environmental pollution in water bodies and soils has intensified, seriously affecting the quality of life of urban and rural residents. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the current status of AGNPS pollution from five aspects: fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural films, livestock and crop residues. The study also includes a comprehensive risk assessment of the nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, microplastic pollution, and heavy metal contamination attributed to the current AGNPS pollution in China. The findings reveal widespread nitrogen and phosphorus pollution across provinces in China, a low risk of microplastic pollution, and acute contamination with heavy metals such as As, Cd and Hg, notably in Hubei, Gansu, Liaoning, Guizhou, and Hunan. Additionally, the study reveals that in Chinese provinces currently facing severe heavy metal pollution, heavy metal contamination constitutes a significant carcinogenic risk to adult health and a serious non-carcinogenic risk to child health. Consequently, guided by the ‘3R theory’ principles of source reduction, interception, and remediation, this paper suggests an array of expanded strategies for AGNPS pollution management. These strategies are proposed to aid in the sustainable advancement of AGNPS pollution control.
Charged Lepton-Flavour Violation
Authors: Frau Giulia , Langenbruch Christoph
Published: March 2024

We review the experimental status of searches for lepton-flavour violation in the charged sector. We give an overview of searches for lepton-flavour violation in purely leptonic decays, hadron decays, and decays of heavy bosons. We focus on the most stringent constraints on lepton-flavour violating processes in these areas and give prospects for ongoing and future experiments.
Cationicity Enhancement on the Hydrophilic Face of Ctriporin Significantly Reduces Its Hemolytic Activity and Improves the Antimicrobial Activity against Antibiotic-Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens
Authors: Luo Xudong , Deng Huan , Ding Li , Ye Xiangdong , Sun Fang , Qin Chenhu , Chen Zongyun
Published: March 2024

The ESKAPE pathogen-associated antimicrobial resistance is a global public health issue, and novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. The short cationic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) family represents an important subfamily of scorpion-derived AMPs, but high hemolysis and poor antimicrobial activity hinder their therapeutic application. Here, we recomposed the hydrophilic face of Ctriporin through lysine substitution. We observed non-linear correlations between the physiochemical properties of the peptides and their activities, and significant deviations regarding the changes of antimicrobial activities against different bacterial species, as well as hemolytic activity. Most importantly, we obtained two Ctriporin analogs, CM5 and CM6, these two have significantly reduced hemolytic activity and more potent antimicrobial activities against all tested antibiotic-resistant ESKAPE pathogens. Fluorescence experiments indicated they may perform the bactericidal function through a membrane-lytic action model. Our work sheds light on the potential of CM5 and CM6 in developing novel antimicrobials and gives clues for optimizing peptides from the short cationic AMP family.
Paradoxical Exception to Island Tameness: Increased Defensiveness in an Insular Population of Rattlesnakes
Authors: Hayes William K. , Person Carl E. , Fox Gerad A. , King Julie L. , Briggs Erick , Gren Eric C. K.
Published: March 2024

Island tameness results largely from a lack of natural predators. Because some insular rattlesnake populations lack functional rattles, presumably the consequence of relaxed selection from reduced predation, we hypothesized that the Santa Catalina Island, California, USA, population of the southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus helleri, which possesses a functional rattle), would exhibit a decrement in defensive behavior relative to their mainland counterparts. Contrary to our prediction, rattlesnakes from the island not only lacked tameness compared to mainland snakes, but instead exhibited measurably greater levels of defensiveness. Island snakes attempted to bite 4.7 times more frequently as we endeavored to secure them by hand, and required 2.1-fold more time to be pinned and captured. When induced to bite a beaker after being grasped, the island snakes also delivered 2.1-fold greater quantities of venom when controlling for body size. The additional venom resulted from 2.1-fold larger pulses of venom ejected from the fangs. We found no effects of duration in captivity (2–36 months), which suggests an absence of long-term habituation of antipredator behaviors. Breeding bird surveys and Christmas bird counts indicated reduced population densities of avian predators on Catalina compared to the mainland. However, historical estimates confirmed that populations of foxes and introduced mammalian predators (cats and pigs) and antagonists (herbivorous ungulates) substantially exceeded those on the mainland in recent centuries, and therefore best explain the paradoxically exaggerated defensive behaviors exhibited by Catalina’s rattlesnakes. These findings augment our understanding of anthropogenic effects on the behaviors of island animals and underscore how these effects can negatively affect human safety.
Synoptic Analysis of Flood-Causing Rainfall and Flood Characteristics in the Source Area of the Yellow River
Authors: Jin Lijun , Yan Changsheng , Yuan Baojun , Liu Jing , Liu Jifeng
Published: March 2024

The source area of the Yellow River (SAYR) in China is an important water yield and water-conservation area in the Yellow River. Understanding the variability in rainfall and flood over the SAYR region and the related mechanism of flood-causing rainfall is of great importance for the utilization of flood water resources through the optimal operation of cascade reservoirs over the upper Yellow River such as Longyangxia and Liujiaxia, and even for the prevention of flood and drought disasters for the entire Yellow River. Based on the flow data of Tangnaihai hydrological station, the rainfall data of the SAYR region and NCEP-NCAR reanalysis data from 1961 to 2020, three meteorological conceptual models of flood-causing rainfall—namely westerly trough type, low vortex shear type, and subtropical high southwest flow type—are established by using the weather-type method. The mechanism of flood-causing rainfall and the corresponding flood characteristics of each weather type were investigated. The results show that during the process of flood-causing rainfall, in the westerly trough type, the mid- and high-latitude circulation is flat and fluctuating. In the low vortex shear type, the high pressures over the Ural Mountains and the Okhotsk Sea are stronger compared to other types in the same period, and a low vortex shear line is formed in the west of the SAYR region at the low level. The rain is formed during the eastward movement of the shear line. In the subtropical high southwest flow type, the low trough of Lake Balkhash and the subtropical high are stronger compared to other types in the same period. Flood-causing rainfall generally occurs in areas with low-level convergence, high-level negative vorticity, low-level positive vorticity, convergence of water vapor flux, a certain amount of atmospheric precipitable water, and low-level cold advection. In terms of flood peak increment and the maximum accumulated flood volume, the westerly trough type has a long duration and small flood volume, and the low vortex shear type and the subtropical high southwest flow type have a short duration and large flood volume.
Analyzing the Effect of Sewer Network Size on Optimization Algorithms’ Performance in Sewer System Optimization
Authors: Turan Mustafa Erkan , Cetin Tulin
Published: March 2024

Sewer systems are a component of city infrastructure that requires large investment in construction and operation. Metaheuristic optimization methods have been used to solve sewer optimization problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of network size on metaheuristic optimization algorithms. Cuckoo Search (CS) and four versions of Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) were utilized for the hydraulic optimization of sewer networks. The purpose of using different algorithms is to investigate whether the results obtained differ depending on the algorithm. In addition, to eliminate the parameter effect, the relevant algorithms were run with different parameters, such as population size. These algorithms were performed on three different-sized networks, namely small-sized, medium-sized, and large-sized networks. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were utilized to statistically analyze the results. The results were also evaluated in terms of the optimality gap criterion. According to the results based on the optimality gap, the performance of each algorithm decreases as the network size increases.
Joint Failure Probability of Dams Based on Probabilistic Flood Hazard Analysis
Authors: Montgomery Matthew G. , Yaw Miles B. , Schwartz John S.
Published: March 2024

Probabilistic risk methods are becoming increasingly accepted as a means of carrying out risk-informed decision making regarding the design and operation policy of structures such as dams. Probabilistic risk calculations require the quantification of epistemic and aleatory uncertainties not investigated through deterministic methodologies. In this hydrological study, a stochastic sampling methodology is employed to investigate the joint failure probability of three dams in adjacent similarly sized watersheds within the same hydrologic unit code (HUC) 6 basin. A probabilistic flood hazard analysis (PFHA) framework is used to simulate the hydrologic loading of a range of extreme precipitation events across the combined watershed area of the three studied dams. Precipitation events are characterized by three distinct storm types influential in the Tennessee Valley region with implications for weather variability and climate change. The stochastic framework allows for the simulation of hundreds of thousands of spillway outflows that are used to produce empirical bivariate exceedance probabilities for spillway discharge pairs at selected dams. System response curves that indicate the probability of failure given spillway discharge are referenced for each dam and applied to generate empirical bivariate failure probability (joint failure probability) estimates. The stochastic simulation results indicate the range of spillway discharges for each pair of dams that pose the greatest risk of joint failure. The estimate of joint failure considering the dependence of spillway discharges between dams is shown to be three to four orders of magnitude more likely (7.42 × 102 to 5.68 × 103) than estimates that assume coincident failures are the result of independent hydrologic events.
Analyses on Characteristics of Spatial Distribution and Matching of the Human–Land–Water–Heat System on the Yunnan Plateau
Authors: Chen Jinming , Yang Xiao , Dao Haiya , Gu Haowen , Chen Gang , Mao Changshu , Bai Shihan , Gu Shixiang , Zhou Zuhao , Yan Ziqi
Published: March 2024

Water, soil, and heat are strategic supporting elements for human survival and social development. The degree of matching between human-land-water-heat elements directly influences the sustainable development of a region. However, the current evaluation of the matching of human-land-water-heat elements overlooks the influence of elevation factors on the matching results, especially evident in mountainous areas. Taking the Yunnan Plateau with distinctive mountainous features as the research subject, divided into 11 elevation ranges, the Lorenz Gini coefficient, asymmetry coefficient, matching distance, and imbalance index are used to assess the spatial matching and balance of human-land-water-heat elements. A projection tracing model is employed to analyze its water resource carrying capacity. Analyses revealed that the Gini coefficient of monthly precipitation from the 1950s to 2022 on the Yunnan Plateau increases with increasing latitude, whereas the correlation with elevation is notably lower. The asymmetry coefficient increases gradually from west to east with change in longitude. The mismatch of the human–land–water–heat system in regions at different elevations is in the order 1800–2000 m > 2000–2200 m > 1400–1600 m > 800 m > other areas. The matching of the human–land–water–heat system in different wet–dry years and seasons also fluctuates with elevation, resulting in serious seasonal drought and water shortage problems in mountainous areas with elevations of 1200–1600, 1800–2000 m, and >2600 m. The spatial equilibrium of temperature and precipitation in regions of different elevations is best, followed by that of cultivated land, while that of the population is the worst. The Gini coefficients for different water cycle processes of precipitation, surface runoff, and regulating storage capacity for water supply continue to increase. Specifically, the Gini coefficient of industrial water supply is the highest, reaching 0.576, and that of agricultural irrigation is the lowest (0.424). Through artificial regulation of lake and reservoir water, seasonal changes in the demand for agricultural irrigation water are offset to achieve a demand–supply balance and matching of land and water resources. The water resource capacity of different elevation ranges is evenly underloaded. However, the potential of the water resource capacity varies obviously with elevation in the order 2000–2200 m < 1800–2000 m < 1600–8000 m < 1400–1600 m < other areas. It appears that the greater the human–land–water–heat system mismatch, the smaller the regional potential of the water resource capacity.
Locally Led Opportunities for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Climate Change and Gender Equality Partnerships in the Blue Pacific
Authors: Grant Melita , Willetts Juliet
Published: March 2024

Partnerships between water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and rights-holder organisations (RHOs) have become more common, important and impactful in the international development sector, and they have been driven by aligned agendas, mutual benefits and the pursuit of locally owned and inclusive development agendas. There are opportunities to broaden partnerships and coalitions to include climate change advocacy, adaptation and mitigation organisations given the increased focus on the links between WASH, resilience and climate change action. This article takes a first step in addressing the question: How can the experience of WASH, gender equality and climate organisation partnerships and coalitions in the Blue Pacific inform the WASH sector in its growing support of and investment in diverse partnerships in support of localism? We conducted a systematic scoping review to identify the literature on gender equality, WASH and climate change-related partnerships and coalitions in the Blue Pacific. Three key themes emerged from the systematic scoping review based on 23 studies published from 1996 to 2024. Firstly, partnerships and coalitions are part of a critical localism agenda, though care needs to be taken by potential partners and donors to understand and manage power dynamics between actors and organisations working within and across sectors. Secondly, a range of benefits and success factors have been documented on partnerships and coalitions in the Blue Pacific, including support for emerging leadership, leveraging policy outcomes, facilitating learning and the sharing of frameworks and tools between partners. Thirdly, like all parts of the community and governance ecosystem, gender dynamics and social norms inform and influence partnerships and coalitions. At the same time, partnerships are important for informing and driving gender equality and inclusion at the local and regional levels including within the WASH sector. This article is useful for local actors, donors and civil society organisations wishing to pursue the mutually beneficial goals of WASH, gender equality, climate change action and localisation in the Blue Pacific.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RED GORBATOV BREED SIRES ACCORDING TO THE MILK PRODUCTIVITY OF DAUGHTERS
Authors: АМЕРХАНОВ Х.А. , ШЕХОВЦЕВ Г.С. , ПРОХОРОВ И.П.
Published: March 2024

Сохранение генетического разнообразия в будущих поколениях молочного скота имеет первостепенное значение для долгосрочного успеха молочной промышленности. Проведен сравнительный анализ быков-производителей красной горбатовской породы, используемых в воспроизводстве стада. Материалом для работы послужили данные по осеменению коров и телок из программы «Селэкс», карточки племенных быков и отчеты по запасам спермы. Представлены данные линейной принадлежности, кровности и наличия семени быков-производителей красной горбатовской породы из племпредприятий Нижегородской и Московской областей. Семенной фонд красной горбатовской породы представлен племматериалом 9 быков-производителей, среди которых только Залп и Заказ являются чистопородными. Действующим на данный момент является производитель Звон-Н, который имеет определенную долю крови красной датской и англерской пород. Данный бык не отличается высоким уровнем эякулята (5,51 мл нативной спермы). Однако концентрация сперматозоидов в эякуляте (0,821 млрд/мл) превышает этот показатель у других быков красной горбатовской породы. Приведены результаты оценки быков-производителей по качеству их дочерей, где наибольшей племенной ценностью характеризуются быки Эклер и Сказочник, которым присвоены племенные категории А3Б3 и А1 соответственно.

The preservation of genetic diversity in future generations of dairy cattle is of paramount importance for the long-term success of the dairy industry. A comparative analysis of the breeding bulls of the Red Gorbatov breed used in the reproduction of the herd was carried out. The material for the work was data on insemination of cows and heifers from the Selex program, cards of breeding bulls and reports on sperm stocks. The data on the linear affiliation, breed composition and presence of sire’s semen of the Red Gorbatov breed from breeding enterprises of the Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow regions are presented. The semen fund of the Red Gorbatov breed is represented by the breeding material of 9 sires, among which only Zalp and Zakaz are purebred. The current producing sire is Zvon-N, which has a certain proportion of the Red Danish and Angler breeds. This bull does not have a high level of ejaculate (5.51 ml of native sperm). However, the concentration of sperm in the ejaculate (0.821 billion/ml) exceeds this figure in other bulls of the Red Gorbatov breed. The results of the evaluation of breeding bulls by the quality of their daughters are presented, where the bulls Ekler and Skazochnik are characterized by the greatest breeding value, which are assigned the breeding categories A3B3 and A1, respectively.
Process Parameter Optimization via RSM of a PEM based Water Electrolysis Cell for the Production of Green Hydrogen
Authors: Reddy P Bhavya Teja , Pramanik Hiralal
Published: March 2024

In the present work, the operating parameters were optimized using Box Behnken Design (BBD) in response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize the hydrogen production rate (R1) and hydrogen production rate per unit watt consumed (R2) of a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell (PEMEC), a third response (R3) which was the sum of the scaled values of R1 and R2 were selected to be maximized so that both hydrogen production rate and hydrogen production rate per unit watt consumed could be maximized. The major parameters which were influencing the experiment for enhancing the output responses were oxygen electrode/anode electrocatalyst loading (A), current supplied (B) and water inlet temperature (C). The commercial proton exchange membrane Nafion® was used as the electrolyte. The acetylene black carbon (CAB) supported IrO2 was used as the electrocatalyst for preparing oxygen electrode/anode whereas commercial Pt (40 wt%)/CHSA was used as the H2 electrode/cathode electrocatalyst. The quadratic model was developed to predict the output/responses and their proximity to the experimental output values. The developed model was found to be significant as the P values for both the responses were < 0.0001 and F values were greater than 1. The optimum condition for both the responses were O2 electrode/anode electrocatalyst loading of 1.78 mg/cm2, supplied current of 0.33 A and water inlet temperature of 54°C. The predicted values for hydrogen production rate (R1) and hydrogen production rate per unit watt consumed (R2) were 2.921 mL/min and 2.562 mL/(min·W), respectively obtained from the quadratic model. The error % between the predicted response values and experimental values were 1.47% and 3.08% for R1 and R2, respectively. This model predicted the optimum conditions reasonably in good agreement with the experimental conditions for the enhancement of the output responses of the developed PEM based electrolyser.