Control Plan Research Articles

Unlocking policy effects: Water resources management plans and urban water pollution

Water resource management, as a foundation for supporting sustainable urban development, has garnered increasing attention from scholars. Developing effective water resource management plans is a major challenge faced by countries worldwide. This study uses the 2015 Water Pollution Control and Prevention Action Plan (WPCAP) in China as a natural experiment and employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to estimate the relationship between WPCAP and urban water pollution from 2010 to 2021. The findings are as follows: 1) WPCAP reduces water pollution. 2) WPCAP decreases water pollution in high-policy-pressure cities but increases water pollution in low-policy-pressure cities within a 60 km radius, particularly having a significantly negative impact on water pollution in low-policy-pressure cities with low altitude. 3) optimizing industrial and domestic water use, as well as enhancing sewage treatment capabilities, are crucial pathways through which WPCAP reduces water pollution. Additionally, WPCAP significantly improves water pollution control capabilities in cities with abundant water resources, large cities, and industrialized cities. 4) although WPCAP's ability to control water pollution increases management costs, it also raises residential income and promotes population growth. These findings have important implications for the sustainable development of water resources in emerging countries, including China.

The Phenomenon of Violence Against Women and Children in Households

<p><em>This research aims to conduct a study and conduct more in-depth research regarding the phenomenon of domestic violence that occurs in the Tangerang City community. The background to the problem in this writing is that there are still many cases of domestic violence that occur in Tangerang City, there are people who have reported it but there are still many who have not reported it because of threats from their husbands, embarrassment, and so on. Therefore, this writing has an urgency that must be discussed and studied in depth by conducting research on various institutions that handle cases of domestic violence in Tangerang City</em><em>. T</em><em>his research method uses a qualitative juridical method using data collection in the form of observations, interviews, and documents carried out at the Tangerang City Metro Police, the Tangerang City Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB) Service, the Tangerang City Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Integrated Service Center (P2TP2A), and the Tangerang City District Court. The results of the research and discussion are that the violence that often occurs is physical violence, sexual violence, physical violence, and child neglect. The factors that cause this include economic factors, infidelity factors, educational factors, and employment factors. Efforts made to prevent domestic violence include education and outreach on violence against women and children in schools, Islamic boarding schools, and universities</em><em>.</em></p>

SOME BIOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL FEATURES OF HYPODERMA LATREILLE, 1818 IN TAVUSH REGION OF ARMENIA

Background. Cattle hypodermosis is a chronic parasitic disease (entomosis) that occurs as a result of parasitizing the larvae of warble flies in the body of animals. Disease is common in more than 55 countries of the world, causing great economic damage. It is considered as a parasitic disease with a certain zoonotic potential. Purpose. To conduct research on biological and ecological features of the warble flies that determines certain epidemiological traits of the caused pathology in Tavush Region of Armenia. Materials and methods. The observations were carried out in Tavush Region, and the experiments were carried out at the Research Center for Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Sanitary Expertise at the Armenian National Agrarian University. The warble flies marked with stain, were released at a distance of 0.5 to 1.5 km from livestock farms with subsequent search and trapping of insects, located on pastures and on the skin of animals. Generally, 275 warble flies were released. Warble fly activity was evaluated visually counting the comparative number of flying insects at the fixed point per minute at different times of the day, as well as animal anxiety state caused by warble flies was identified. Statistical processing of experimental data was performed by means of “Vassart.net” online calculator. Results. Female warble flies Hypoderma bovis flew up to 12.1 km, while female warble flies H. lineatum did it up to 8.6 km. Females of H. bovis and H. lineatum demonstrated various spatial and circadian flying activity that depends on season, and altitude above the sea level. Spring generation of warble flies is more resistant to low air temperatures compared to the summer generation. Mild and humid summers, as well as an increase in the number of animals, contribute to an increase in the population of warble flies, while high temperature and high soil moisture contribute to the mass death of warble fly pupae developing in the ground. Conclusion. The research data cited in the article, detect the presence of a wide range of biocenotic factors that determine the epidemiology of cattle hypodermosis in the Tavush region of the Republic of Armenia. Cattle hypodermosis control plan was designed based on the results of the research, as well as natural and climatic conditions of Tavush region. Pasture prevention activities and periodic treatment of the cattle with insecticides were emphasized.

Pyrethroid resistance distribution in Triatoma infestans and environmental association along the Argentine endemic zone

Insecticide resistance is considered a barrier to chemical control of Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Chagas disease in the Southern Cone of South America. Although initiatives to reduce the incidence of the disease in the region have integrated different strategies, they have mainly relied on vector elimination using pyrethroid insecticides such as deltamethrin. Reports of pyrethroid resistance in connection with T. infestans control failures first emerged in northern Argentina and southern Bolivia. Recently, a mosaic pyrethroid-resistant focus has been described in the center of the Argentine Gran Chaco (Department of General Güemes, Chaco Province), characterized by the presence of susceptible and very highly resistant populations in the same area. The involvement of different resistance mechanisms has been proposed, together with the contribution of environmental variables that promote the toxicological heterogeneity described. In the endemic zone of Argentina, however, new questions arise: Are there any other clusters of resistance? Is there a relationship between the distribution of resistance and environmental variables (as has been observed at smaller scale)? We studied toxicological data from insects collected and analyzed at 224 localities between 2010 and 2020 as part of the resistance monitoring conducted by the Chagas National Program. The sites were classified according to the survival rate of insects exposed to a discriminant dose of deltamethrin: 0–0.19 were considered susceptible, 0.2–0.79 low-resistance, and 0.8–1 high-resistance. Localities were georeferenced to describe the spatial distribution of resistance and to identify environmental variables (demographics, land use, urbanization, connectivity, and climate) potentially associated with resistance. We used Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) to examine the association between resistance and environmental predictors, selecting error distributions based on the response variable definition. For the entire period, 197 susceptible localities were distributed across the endemic zone. Localities with different survival rates were found throughout the area; 9 high-resistance localities circled the two previously identified resistant foci, and 18 low-resistance in 6 provinces, highlighting their relevance for control planning. Precipitation variables were linked to resistance in all the GLMs evaluated. Presence/absence models were the most accurate, with precipitation, distance from the capital city, and land use contributing to the distribution of resistance. This information could be valuable for improving T. infestans control strategies in future scenarios characterized by unpredictable changes in land use and precipitation.

Implementation of One Health Approach in Tanzania: Strengths and Challenges

Abstract One Health (OH) approach has recently been defined by the OH High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) as an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. Under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the OH section (OHS) is responsible for OH implementation. The OHS task is to bring together multiple sectors and disciplines to work together with clear OH approach coordination in the country. Following the recent revision of the OH strategic plan (2022–2027), the OHS is now eligible to receive funding from the government. In addition, through OHS, Tanzania has supporting documents for OH, including the National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance, the prioritized list of zoonotic diseases, and strategic prevention and control plans. Despite these developments in OH in Tanzania, the Capacitating One Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (COHESA) project helped identify the challenges and gaps that Tanzania faces in OH implementation. A baseline assessment study was conducted in four settings: Desktop Review, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Key Informants Interview (KII), and OH net mapping. Results showed that the country’s OH challenges include a lack of OH resources, OH education inclusiveness, and OH awareness at the subnational level. There are limited suitable OH monitoring mechanisms to assess the progress of the OH approach in Tanzania. Thus, COHESA supports the country in addressing these challenges to improve at all levels of OH sectoral performance in the context of OH governance, education, and implementation. Information © The Authors 2024

The Structure and Function of Oral Cancer Control in Kerala, India: A Narrative Review of Cancer Control Policy Documents from 1988 to 2020

The government of Kerala was the first state in India to come out with a comprehensive plan for cancer control based on National Cancer Control Program. The purpose of this review was to identify the structure and function of cancer control in Kerala, India with specific reference to oral cancer. A systematic search was done in PubMed using the keywords “Health Policy”, “Cancer”, “Oral cancer”, “Guiding document” and “Kerala”. All government of Kerala health-related websites were searched electronically for cancer-related policy documents. The medical library catalogs of the two government Comprehensive Cancer Care Centres in the state were searched. All available Government documents, institutional documents, other online resources related to cancer prevention were collected. A checklist was prepared to review the documents. Out of 18 documents identified, two cancer-specific policy documents and two health policy documents were included in the review.The cancer control strategies outlined in the reviewed documents presented a pragmatic vision for cancer control in low-resource settings. The concept called the ‘Kerala Cancer Care Grid’ outlined in one of the documents is a novel strategy to address the geographical inequality in access to cancer care. It recognized interdepartmental coordination and partnership with private sector institutions and community organizations as crucial for achieving comprehensive cancer control. In the reviewed documents, oral cancer was discussed mainly in the context of early detection, health education, and capacity building at the primary care level.

Analyzing the Impact of Economic Performance on the Interplay between Financial Management Strategies and Profitability in the Iraqi Context

Purpose - This study examines how economic performance affects financial management approaches and profitability in Iraq's construction business. This research examines how financial management strategies affect profitability and economic success. Design/Methodology/Approach—Construction project and site managers in Iraq were surveyed online for the study. Given the scope and magnitude of the research, this study's 85.3% response rate is impressive. In-depth statistical analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), which examined economic performance, financial management, and profitability. Findings - The instance indicates that the lack of organization-wide integrated systems, common across enterprises, contributes to this problem. The major issue is that the organization's information systems strategy never expressly prioritizes KM-enabling schemes. Practical Implications—The study's conclusions have major practical ramifications. Iraqi enterprises should prioritize resource optimization, cost control, and strategic financial planning to improve economic performance. In addition, governments should promote building projects through incentives, subsidies, and tax policies that boost economic productivity and profitability. These policies are available here. Originality/Value—This study adds to the literature by stressing economic performance as a mediator between financial management methods and profitability in Iraq's construction sector. It examines the dynamics of this link in Iraq's building sector. With the new data, firms may improve financial performance by making informed judgments and using efficient financial management procedures.

Hospital-Onset Bacteremia Among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to introduce hospital-onset bacteremia (HOB) as a health care-associated infection measure. The epidemiology and clinical characteristics of HOB among infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are unknown. To estimate the rate of HOB among infants admitted to the NICU, measure the association of HOB risk with birth weight group and postnatal age, and estimate HOB-attributable mortality. This retrospective multicenter cohort study and emulated trial from 2016 to 2021 included a convenience sample of 322 NICUs in the United States. Participants were infants admitted to participating NICUs for 4 or more days. The primary exposures were birth weight and postnatal age. Additional exposures included small for gestational age and central line presence. The primary study outcomes were HOB and HOB-attributable mortality. Of 451 443 included infants, 250 763 (55.6%) were male, 200 680 (44.4%) were female, and 62 091 (13.8%) were born 1500 g or less. Of 9015 HOB events that occurred among 8356 infants (2%) during 8 163 432 days at risk (unadjusted incidence rate, 1.1 per 1000 patient-days; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2), 4888 HOB events (54.2%) occurred in the absence of a central line. Within the first 2 weeks after birth, the HOB rate was 14.2 per 1000 patient-days (95% CI, 12.6-16.1) among infants born 750 g or less, to 0.4 events per 1000 patient-days among infants born more than 2500 g (95% CI, 0.4-0.5). Among infants born 750 g or less, the relative HOB risk decreased by 90% after day 42 compared with days 4 to 14 (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.10; 95% CI, 0.1-0.1). Conversely, among infants born more than 2500 g, the relative HOB risk increased by 50% after day 42 compared with days 4 to 14 (IRR, 1.5, 95% CI, 1.2-1.9). Compared with otherwise similar infants without HOB, infants with HOB had an absolute difference in attributable mortality of 5.5% (95% CI, 4.7-6.3). This study found that HOB events in the NICU are associated with increased mortality. Birth weight is an important risk factor for HOB; however, the relative rate of HOB decreases over postnatal age among low-birth-weight infants and increases among infants born more than 2500 g. Identifying strategies to prevent HOB and programs to decrease HOB risk are urgently needed to reduce infant mortality.

A study on fire risk and its mitigation in gravure printing press

The gravure printing process is widely utilized for large-scale, high-quality, multi-colored printing tasks executed at high press speeds. This includes a diverse range of products such as art books, greeting cards, currency, stamps, wallpaper, magazines, and more. This thesis addresses the fire risks associated with gravure printing, acknowledging the use of highly flammable materials and the potential for static charge-related incidents. Despite its prevalence, there is limited research on fire prevention and control in gravure printing. The study employs field observations, stakeholder interviews, and an extensive review of literature on fire risk and control in printing press operations in India. It analyzes the causes of fires using the fire triangle model, emphasizing the role of heat, combustible materials, and oxygen in fire incidents within the printing press environment. The thesis categorizes preventive measures into fire prevention and fire suppression actions, focusing on reducing fire load, static charge mitigation, and implementing firefighting systems. It observes that poor housekeeping, lack of awareness, and inadequate emergency control plans contribute significantly to fire hazards in press facilities. Additionally, the research identifies key factors such as high press temperatures, low humidity, improper storage, and inadequacies in firefighting systems as potential causes of fires. It emphasizes the need for optimal environmental conditions, proper storage practices, and effective firefighting infrastructure within press facilities. The study concludes with comprehensive guidelines for loss prevention and control, including management programs, housekeeping, operator training, pre-emergency planning, preventive maintenance, and plant security. It also addresses safety measures specific to gravure printing presses, such as automatic sprinkler systems, fire hydrant system, carbon dioxide flooding systems, and portable fire extinguishers. In summary, this thesis provides valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of fire risks in gravure printing presses and recommends a holistic approach for effective fire prevention and control.

Efficient-safe gas extraction in the superimposed stress strong-outburst risk area: Application of a new hydraulic cavity technology

Coal and gas outbursts pose significant risk in coal mining, especially in high-stress areas. The F15-22080 haulage roadway of the No. 8 Mine, known for its high outburst risk with superimposed stress, presents challenges such as low permeability and frequent borehole outbursts during gas extraction. To address these issues, this study introduced an innovative, efficient, and safe gas extraction technique paired with an air-hydraulic drilling integrated anti-outburst platform. The stress and outburst characteristics of the roadway reservoir were analyzed using FLAC3D simulation and experimental testing, leading to the classification of the reservoir into the general stress area (GSA) and superimposed stress area (SSA). Focusing on the SSA, the borehole outburst mechanism was investigated. Building on these insights, a comprehensive gas zoning control plan for extraction was developed. In the GSA with low risk of borehole outburst, hydraulic cavity boreholes were directly implemented to boost extraction efficiency and minimize construction costs. In the SSA, a multistep collaborative extraction strategy was adopted. This strategy involved an initial "air-flushing conventional borehole pre-extraction" step to prevent borehole outbursts, followed by a "hydraulic cavity borehole strengthening-extraction" step to ensure efficient gas extraction. The fluid-solid coupling model consistent with the gas flow around boreholes was established, and the extraction effects of the regional control plan were simulated and analyzed using COMSOL, thereby establishing the construction parameters. The successful field application of this technique, evidenced by data from gas extraction and roadway excavation, validates the effectiveness of it.

Identifying Expert Opinions on the Challenges and Barriers Faced in Implementing Iraq's National Plan for Controlling Hepatitis B.

This study examined the difficulties and obstacles faced by healthcare professionals in implementing Iraq's national plan for hepatitis B virus (HBV) control. This research aims to offer valuable insights into the intricacies of HBV control efforts and identify key areas for improvement. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 physicians, representing diverse medical specialties and healthcare settings, including experts in the fields of medical sciences. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software, version 24 (VERBI Software GmbH, Berlin, Germany)to identify recurring themes and gain insights into the challenges encountered during the implementation of the national plan. Ten physicians participated in the study, providing insights into challenges and barriers hindering the effective implementation of Iraq's national plan for HBV control. Consensus among participants highlighted challenges such as resource constraints, inadequate infrastructure, population ignorance, and vaccine refusal. Documentation challenges, including inaccuracies in reporting HBV-associated mortality, were also noted. Barriers to successful implementation included poor public awareness, inadequate education for healthcare providers, and funding shortages. Unmet needs highlighted the necessity for unified protocols, surveillance systems, and international training programs. The improvement strategies proposed by participants emphasized raising awareness, supporting primary healthcare centers, and enhancing funding allocation. This study underscores significant challenges in implementing Iraq's national plan for HBV control, with barriers ranging from resource constraints to communication barriers. Healthcare professionals advocate for targeted interventions, collaborative efforts, and policy measures to address these challenges effectively. The findings contribute to the evidence base for enhancing HBV control efforts in Iraq and emphasize the importance of tailored approaches to public health interventions.

Essential oil compounds modulate nutritional quality and stress response in Botrytis cinerea-infected grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. ‘Karaerik’)

Grapes, rich in vitamins and minerals, could offer a healthy alternative. However, their potential contamination by the fungus Botrytis cinerea poses serious health risks, necessitating cautious consumption, particularly among those on restricted diets, to mitigate adverse effects. Therefore, the study investigated the effects of individual and combined application of individual components of essential oils (EOs) such as thymol, eugenol, and 1,8-cineole on various parameters such as antioxidant enzymes, mineral elements, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds in the treatment of B. cinerea infection in 'Karaerik' grapes. Our study provided important information about physiology and pathogen response, and results indicated that the pathogen-infected groups had higher levels of oxidative stress indicators, such as proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). On the other hand, EOs elevate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, notably superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), whereas thymol treatments effectively reduced oxidative stress to levels comparable to the control group. Under thymol and eugenol treatments, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), boron were significantly higher than the control groups. Increases were also determined in the concentrations of mineral elements such as (B) and copper (Cu). Anthocyanin profiles were preserved by EO treatments, with combined EO applications yielding higher anthocyanin profiles percentages compared to individual treatments. In our results, there were notable differences in the overall quantities of phenolic compounds, and the combination of EO applications caused higher levels of phenolic compounds, especially in the groups that include the fungal infection. Overall, the study showed how effective EO treatments are at reducing B. cinerea infections and maintaining grape quality, which has significance for long-term disease control plans and maintaining berry quality in viticulture.

Combining Lean Six Sigma and agile approach to optimize order management: action research in a Brazilian company

Purpose This paper aims to assess the combined application of Lean Six Sigma and agile approach for optimizing operational processes of order management in the seed industry. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on an action research case conducted in a multinational Brazilian Seeds Business enterprise. This paper reports on the application of the Lean Six Sigma define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC), using the steps of DMAIC cycle as a sprint of agile approach. The methodology involves outlining an operational process through sequential activities, each associated with a cycle time, equivalent number of full-time employee and number of orders. Performance metrics for the order management process include continuous monitoring of these activities, using monitoring systems, management software and manual records to collect data. Findings The findings reveal significant improvements in critical-to-quality measures related to customer care, planning and logistics. The implementation of the DMAIC methodology and agile approach resulted in tangible enhancements in cycle time, defects per opportunities and overall process efficiency. The results allow the classification of defects, the identification of their causes and, consequently, the presentation of a control plan to mitigate these problems. Furthermore, the study identifies key causes of operational issues and proposes a prioritized action plan. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this research is its restriction to a single case. The external validity of the results and generalizability to other organizational contexts may be compromised due to the lack of case diversity. The fact that the research focuses on a single company, even if it is a large multinational company, may limit the applicability of the findings to different sectors, sizes and organizational structures, which may be an opportunity for future research. Practical implications The findings suggest that the integrated approach of DMAIC and agile methodology contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency. The systematic collection and analysis of data enhance evidence-based decision-making, providing a robust foundation for strategic and operational choices. Moreover, the successful integration of methodologies presents a comprehensive framework applicable to diverse organizational challenges. Originality/value The paper applies action research to understand and address operational challenges, emphasizing practical solutions. The integration of DMAIC and agile enhances the depth of process analysis, enabling the identification, implementation and control of improvements. This study offers a significant contribution both to practitioners, providing practical implications, and to academics, enriching the Lean Six Sigma and agile body of knowledge.

Regional disparities and social-ecological constraints of soil antibiotic pollution in urban agglomerations of China

With intensive socio-economic growth, antibiotics have been heavily discharged into soils, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health. However, limited data are available in broad-scale urban agglomerations which limit the understanding of the driving mechanisms for antibiotic pollution and hinder action plans for pollution control. Here, we examined the underlying mechanisms driving antibiotic pollution and their regional disparities (Central Yunnan vs. Yangtze River Delta), and we predicted antibiotic concentrations in the soils of these two urban agglomerations using machine learning algorithms. Specifically, anthropogenic pressures such as population aggregation and livestock production accounted for the highest contribution to model accuracy in Central Yunnan, suggesting human interference mediated by geographical isolation likely plays a pivotal role in the clustering of antibiotic pollution in soils. However, soil and climate variables were the most important predictors in the more developed Yangtze River Delta, indicating that human-mediated soil carrying capacity was likely the main mechanism controlling antibiotic pollution in this region. Our results showed that machine learning models performed better (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve: 0.91–0.98) in predicting antibiotic hotspots than classic linear models. Our findings highlight the regional disparities in underlying mechanisms for antibiotic pollution in the soils of urban agglomerations, and demonstrate that machine learning algorithms based on spatially available predictors can be extended to other regions.

Integrating vehicle trajectory planning and arterial traffic management to facilitate eco-approach and departure deployment

Eco-approach and departure (EAD) enable continuous vehicle motion in urban signalized corridors. Since such a motion can extend to the EAD vehicles’ followers, it makes EAD a promising technology to benefit the traffic flow where automated vehicles and conventional vehicles coexist. Most existing EAD studies envision an ideal setting that neglects real-world operational conditions such as lane changes, multi-movement intersection configuration, partially automated fleet, and/or limited traffic state awareness. This study aims to fill the gap by designing an EAD algorithm considering real-world traffic operation constraints. The proposed algorithm uses a model predictive controller to minimize vehicle speed reduction and variation based on the real-time traffic signal control plan and measured queues at the intersection. The required inputs are readily available at many modern intersections. We observed that the proposed controller’s performance might degrade because of lane-changing maneuvers and lead-left turn traffic signals. These observations motivated our development of a lane change management strategy and a signal control implementation strategy to facilitate the EAD implementation. The lane change management strategies separate the EAD operations and lane-changing maneuvers in time and space. The signal control implementation strategy applies lag-left turn signals to enable EAD operation for both the through and left-turn vehicles. Compared to the non-EAD case, our EAD approach produces 2.5% to 7.8% energy savings while keeping similar intersection mobility. Notably, this approach brings about 2.5% to 3.6% energy savings in a 2% CAV case. This result demonstrates the feasibility of deploying EAD at low connected automated vehicle penetration rates.

Comprehensive risk management of reservoir landslide-tsunami hazard chains: a case study of the Liangshuijing landslide in the Three Gorges Reservoir area

AbstractLandslide-induced tsunamis in reservoirs often pose greater risks than landslides themselves. Existing studies and mitigation practices have prioritized increasing landslide stability to meet safety standards, incurring high costs and lacking sustainability. More than 5000 landslides have developed along the Three Gorges Reservoir banks in China, and some may trigger tsunamis. To effectively and sustainably manage risk of landslide-tsunami hazard chains (LTHC), we propose a new framework (based on quantitative risk analysis) involves decision-making based on risk characteristics and local economies, a strategy for selecting optimal risk control plan through cost–benefit analyses that consider long-term effectiveness and adverse effects, and dynamic management through iterative risk reassessment-recontrol cycles. The Liangshuijing landslide accelerated in 2009, posing a tsunami threat to the Yangtze River and coastal residents. Post-mitigation, the risks under four mitigation plans and combined scenarios were quantitatively evaluated. The mass removal plan reduces total risk by approximately 68%, less than the 80% reduction from the anti-slip pile plan, but with a 30-fold greater benefit–cost ratio (BCR). The surface drainage and monitoring network plans show limited long-term cost-effectiveness due to short measure lifetimes, however, their short-term BCRs exceed those of the mass removal plan due to lower direct costs. According to comprehensive long and short-term analyses, combined plans involving mass removal are the most cost-effective. Our results reveal how to select appropriate strategies for managing LTHC risk, how landslide mitigation controls tsunami risks, and how time-related parameters affect solution effectiveness. Our findings show that partially mitigating risks may provide more cost-effective and sustainable management of LTHCs than eliminating risks to negligible levels.

Optimal emission control plan aiming to basically eliminate PM2.5 heavy pollution in North and Northwest China in 2018

The fundamental eradication of heavy air pollution is the core objective during China's "14th Five-Year Plan" period. The purpose of this study was to basically eliminate fine particulate matter (PM2.5) heavy pollution in North and Northwest China during all PM2.5 heavy pollution process throughout 2018 through optimal emission control model based on linear programming technique. The results showed that the sensitivity coefficient of PM2.5 concentration to precursor emissions in North China increased with emissions disturbances, ranging from 0.23 to 0.93 with −80% disturbances. Compared to non-optimal control (NOC) scenario in North China, the optimal control (OC) scenario implemented in various precursors in various regions not only resulted in less precursors mitigation (with emission reduction of 4.1%, 5.9%, 16.6%, 3.5%, and 4.5% for primary PM2.5, SO2, NOx, NH3, and VOCs, respectively), but also led to greater air quality improvements (with the number of PM2.5 heavy pollution days (HPDs) reduced by 37 days, achieving the goal of basically eliminate PM2.5 heavy pollution in North China). If the polluting industries in North China were transferred to Northwest China and the synergistic control (SC scenario) measures were applied, both regions could achieve basically elimination of PM2.5 heavy pollution during the whole simulation periods. However, without implementing optimal control measures in Northwest China (FU scenario), the air quality in that region was poised to deteriorate. Specifically, the number of HPDs in Northwest China changed from 95 days under business as usual (BAU) scenario to 376 days under FU scenario and 29 days under SC scenario, and no new cities with PM2.5 heavy pollution emerged under SC scenario compared to BAU scenario. This study could provide scientific support for the battle against heavy pollution weather in China by redistributing the domestic industrial layout, rather than solely reducing local emissions.

Control and motion planning of fixed-wing UAV through reinforcement learning

Autonomous systems, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, are increasingly integral to various domains, including aerial vehicle control. This paper explores the application of reinforcement learning (RL) in the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems of aerial vehicles, specifically focusing on motion planning for fixed-wing UAVs. We present two key applications: waypoint tracking and dynamic target interception. These findings underscore the potential of reinforcement learning to enhance the robustness, adaptability, and efficiency of aerial vehicle control systems, paving the way for more autonomous and intelligent flight operations.

Complex Habitats Boost Predator Co-Occurrence, Enhancing Pest Control in Sweet Pepper Greenhouses

Sweet pepper is a crop that benefits from phytosanitary treatments with low environmental impact, especially the successful control of pests through the introduction of biological control agents in greenhouses. However, predators that naturally occur in these surroundings often enter greenhouses. The precise roles of these natural predators and their interactions with the introduced predatory insects and mites are often unknown. This study investigated the relationships between Nesidiocoris tenuis, which is naturally present, and Amblyseius swirskii and Orius laevigatus, which are two species of generalist predators released for the control of multiple pests. This study was conducted for two years on 13 commercial sweet pepper crops in various types of greenhouses (tunnels and traditional greenhouses) in Sicily. The environmental complexity value (ECV) for each site was estimated based on 18 points detected around the site according to the different habitats that occurred at each coordinate. The results showed that the occurrence of N. tenuis in greenhouses, independently of their typology (tunnel or traditional greenhouse), was mainly promoted by the greater diversification of habitats immediately surrounding the pepper crops (in a circular area with a diameter of 500 mt), with an increase in its density during the crop season. Moreover, N. tenuis–O. laevigatus’s co-occurrence in flowers suggested that they were not impacted by each other’s presence and that their co-occurrence had a significant effect on pest reduction, although their co-occurrence was density-dependent. As an intraguild predator, N. tenuis competed with O. laevigatus for Frankliniella occidentalis when many predators were present. In addition, N. tenuis also competed with A. swirskii when they both occurred in flowers at a higher density. This study highlights the importance of pepper plant flowers in promoting a higher occurrence of juvenile forms of N. tenuis within flowers. Amblyseius swirskii colonized the plants in 3 weeks, distributing itself almost uniformly over the leaves with a clear control action against not only Bemisia tabaci but also F. occidentalis when present on the flowers. Thus, this concurrent analysis of several commercial pepper sites within the same production area suggests that, even with similar pest control plans, the diverse variability in the presence of natural enemies must be considered when selecting control strategies for pepper crop pests and that N. tenuis, favored by complex surrounding habitats, contributes actively to pest reduction.

From PID to swarms: A decade of advancements in drone control and path planning - A systematic review (2013–2023)

This systematic literature review synthesizes and evaluates existing research on drone control and path planning, encompassing the principles of swarm intelligence and nature-inspired algorithms. However, it is not limited to these; it also explores other algorithms to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in this rapidly evolving field. The review identifies and analyzes key trends, challenges, and advancements in drone control and path planning. It investigates the evolution of control strategies, ranging from classical proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers to modern swarm algorithms and reinforcement learning-based techniques. Additionally, it explores path planning methodologies, including traditional optimization algorithms and heuristic-based approaches, and specifically, swarm algorithms within the context of drone swarms. The emphasis on nature-inspired intelligent computation extends to the exploration of swarm intelligence and cooperative planning as integral components of drone path planning. By synthesizing and critically analyzing the literature, this systematic review not only presents a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of drone control and path planning, but it also acknowledges the role of various nature-inspired algorithms, including but not limited to swarm intelligence, and identifies avenues for future research in this evolving field.