Different Types Of Environments Research Articles

Analysis of the Mechanical Degradability of Biodegradable Polymer-Based Bags in Different Environments

Biodegradable polymer-based bags were developed as an alternative to plastic. However, their degradation in environmental conditions has not been fully investigated and is often incomplete. Here, the decomposition of three types of biodegradable bags and one type of plastic bag in different types of environments was analyzed. Polymer bags were exposed for six weeks in water, soil, air and compost, while the control groups were stored in room conditions. All types of polymer bags were sampled twice (after 3 and 6 weeks), and different parameters of changes in physical–mechanical properties were measured. The research established significant differences in changes in mechanical properties between different types of biodegradable polymer bags, with ‘white’ and ‘brown’ bags showing the best decomposition potential. As expected, the largest change in the structure and physical–mechanical properties of all types of polymer bags was recorded in compost, and the smallest in air and water.

Population genetic structure of the pioneer weed Cyperus ligularis in urban areas

AbstractHumans change the environment according to their need, causing modifications and affecting the local biodiversity. This work applied a set of dominant markers to test if urban populations of Cyperus ligularis L. (Cyperaceae) present less genetic diversity compared to forest/non‐urban populations, and if these environmental differences (land use) influence gene flow and population structure. Six available populations of C. ligularis were collected in different types of environments in Recife (Brazil). Overall 15 primers of DNA Amplification Fingerprinting and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat were applied and analyzed by proper statistics. The results revealed moderate genetic diversity, significant pairwise gene flow (Nem), and low differentiation between populations (FST). Land use had no direct correlation with genetic diversity or structure, however, an insular population showed higher differentiation from the remaining. Urban environments may not influence gene flow among C. ligularis populations in such environments; therefore, the genetic diversity is homogeneous in the analyzed area.

Trichoderma spp.: characteristics and applications

Trichoderma is the genus of a cosmopolitan fungus, common in different types of environments or agroecosystems. It has different properties that give it beneficial qualities and functions, which is why it is given different uses, for example, as a biocontrol agent, through induced or direct systemic resistance, as a plant growth stimulant, improving the absorption of water and nutrients and producing phytohormones, as a bioremediator, among others. The objective of this work was to compile knowledge of the characteristics of the genre Trichoderma and the different applications it can have

Generalization of the Schrödinger Equation for Open Systems Based on the Quantum-Statistical Approach

Within the framework of the quantum-statistical approach, utilizing both non-Hermitian Hamiltonian and Lindblad’s jump operators, one can derive various generalizations of the von Neumann equation for reduced density operators, also known as hybrid master equations. If one considers the evolution of pure states only, i.e., disregarding the coherence between states and spontaneous transitions from pure to mixed states, then one can resort to quantum-mechanical equations of the Schrödinger type. We derive them from the hybrid master equations and study their main properties, which indicate that our equations have a larger range of applicability compared to other generalized Schrödinger equations proposed hitherto. Among other features, they can describe not only systems which remain in the stationary eigenstates of the Hamiltonian as time passes, but also those which evolve from those eigenstates. As an example, we consider a simple but important model, a quantum harmonic oscillator driven by both Hamiltonian and non-Hamiltonian terms, and derive its classical limit, which turns out to be the damped harmonic oscillator. Using this model, we demonstrate that the effects of dissipative environments of different types can cancel each other, thus resulting in an effectively dissipation-free classical system. Another discussed phenomenon is whether a non-trivial quantum system can reduce to a classical system in free motion, i.e., without experiencing any classical Newtonian forces. This uncovers a large class of quantum-mechanical non-Hamiltonian systems whose dynamics are not determined by conventional mechanics’ potentials and forces, but rather come about through quantum statistical effects caused by the system’s environment.

Contrasting potential impact patterns of unique and shared microbial species on nitrous oxide emissions in grassland soil on the Tibetan Plateau

Microbial nitrogen transformation processes in grasslands are important nitrous oxide (N2O) sources on the Tibetan Plateau. Different microorganisms carrying various functional nitrogen (N) cycling genes colonize different soil types and have varying impacts on N2O emissions. However, the role of specific microbial components such as unique and shared microbial species, in N2O flux in alpine grassland soils remains understudied. Thus, we combined gas chromatography-based static opaque chamber methods with metagenomic sequencing to investigate the role of unique and shared microbial species carrying N-cycling genes in N2O emissions from two alpine grassland types on the Tibetan Plateau. Our results showed that the N2O flux in the alpine meadows (9.48 × 10−9 g m−2 h−1) was higher than that in the alpine steppes (4.21 × 10−9 g m−2 h−1). Furthermore, our study revealed a significant negative correlation between the abundance of unique microbial species and the N2O flux in alpine steppes. In contrast, the abundance of shared microbial species was significantly and positively correlated with N2O flux. The unique microbial species in the phyla Chloroflexi and Actinobacteria carried the ureC, nasA and nirB genes, which could consume nitrogen substrates in forms other than producing N2O, which could explain the N2O reduction seen in the alpine steppes. In addition, the higher abundance of shared microbial species in the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Thaumarchaeota and Acidobacteria carried genes encoding denitrification pathways (nirK, narG, and norB) could interpret the higher N2O emissions in the alpine meadows. In addition, our study revealed that the soil substrate contents (e.g., soil organic carbon and total nitrogen) and soil environment factors (e.g., soil pH and soil moisture) were potentially important drivers of N2O emissions in soil via their regulation of the composition of unique and shared microbial communities carrying N-cycling genes. Collectively, our results suggested that identifying the unique and shared microbial species carrying different N-cycling genes could provide potential biological strategies for mitigating N2O emissions in alpine grasslands, such as blocking the growth of shared microbial species. Future management practices for mitigating N2O emissions in alpine grassland should also focus on adopting appropriate nutrient management strategies, such as balanced fertilization, to prevent excessive nutrient. Our findings provide insights for further elucidating the different potential regulatory effects of unique and shared microbial species on emissions under the control of the soil environment in different types of grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau.

Predicting bird diversity through acoustic indices within the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot

The increasing conversion of natural areas for anthropic land use has been a major cause of habitat loss, destabilizing ecosystems and leading to a biodiversity crisis. Passive acoustic sensors open the possibility of remotely sensing fauna on large spatial and temporal scales, improving our understanding of the current state of biodiversity and the effects of human influences. Acoustic indices have been widely used and tested in recent years, with an aim towards understanding the relationship between indices and the acoustic activity of several taxa in different types of environments. However, studies have shown divergent relationships between acoustic indices and the vocal activity of most soniferous taxa. A combination of indices has, in turn, been reported as a promising tool for representing biodiversity in different contexts. We used uni- and bivariate models to test different combinations of 8 common indices in relation to bird assemblage metrics. We recorded twenty-two study sites in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and three different types of environments in each site (forest, pasture, and swamp). Our results showed that 1) the best acoustic indices for explaining bird richness, abundance, and diversity were Bioacoustic and Acoustic Complexity; 2) the type of environment (forest, pasture, and swamp) influenced the performance of acoustic indices in explaining bird biodiversity, with the highest score model (biggest R2 value) being a combination between Acoustic Diversity and Bioacoustic indices. Our results do support the use of acoustic indices in monitoring the acoustic activity of birds, but combining indices is encouraged since it provided the best results. However, given the divergence we found across environments, we recommend that sets of indices are tested to determine which of them best describe the biodiversity pattern models for a specific habitat. Based on our results, we propose that biodiversity patterns can be predicted through acoustic patterns. However, the level of confidence will depend on the acoustic index used and on focal taxa of interest (i.e., birds, amphibians, insects, and mammals).

Infrared Spectral Fingerprint of Neutral and Charged Endo- and Exohedral Metallofullerenes

Small metal-containing molecules have been detected and recognized as one of the hybrid species that are efficiently formed in space, especially in the circumstellar envelopes of evolved stars. It has also been predicted that more complex hybrid species such as those formed by metals and fullerenes (metallofullerenes) could be present in these circumstellar environments. Recently, quantum-chemical simulations of metallofullerenes have shown that they are potential emitters contributing to the observed mid-IR spectra in the fullerene-rich circumstellar environments of different types of evolved stars. Here we present the individual simulated mid-IR (∼5–50 μm) spectra of 28 metallofullerene species. Both neutral and charged endo- and exohedral metallofullerenes for seven different metals (Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Ti, and Fe) have been considered. The changes induced by the metal–C60 interaction in the intensity and position of the spectral features are highlighted using charge-density difference maps and electron-density partitioning. Our calculations identify the fundamental IR spectral regions in which, depending on the metal binding nature, there should be a major spectral contribution from each of the metallofullerenes. The IR spectra of the metallofullerenes are made publicly available to the astronomical community, especially users of the James Webb Space Telescope, for comparisons that could eventually lead to the detection of these species in space.

Real-Time Multi-Agent Mobile Robot based on A Client-Server Model

A client-server network is one of the most important topics in a computer network. In this work, a real-time computer control system is designed based on the Client-Server Model for a Multi-Agent Mobile Robot System (CSM-MAMRS) and is applied to a building that consists of (N) floors and uses one mobile robot on each floor that has specific actions in different types of environments. The new proposed CSM-MAMRS consists of four layers. The first stage manages the network communication for each agent. The second stage solves the major problems of path planning by using a proposed hybrid algorithm that combines the Rapidly Exploring Random Tree Star (RRT*) and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms in order to provide the shortest and smoothest path with collision avoidance between the starting and the target points in a static and dynamic robot environments are used.. In the third stage, a velocity planner controller is based on an inverse kinematic mobile robot model. In the fourth stage, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol HTTP is used to send velocity values to real mobile robots via the Wireless Network Control Administration. The simulation results and experimental works successfully achieved to significant improvement in real-time when using three missions of three mobile robots on different static map floors in the building. The maximum tracking pose errors for three robots in the static enviormnets are 0.39 cm, 0.02 cm, 0.32 cm respectively, but the maximum tracking pose error in the dynamic environments are 2.94 cm and 2.8 cm only for two mobile robots along the maximum distance of 250 cm. Index Terms— Real-time computer control, Mobile robot, Multi-agent system, Path planning algorithms.

AI Based Virtual Mouse with Hand Gesture and AI Voice Assistant Using Computer Vision and Neural Networks

Abstract: The use of hand gesture recognition in controlling virtual devices has become popular due to the advancement of artificial intelligence technology. A hand gesture-controlled virtual mouse system that utilizes AI algorithms to recognize hand gestures and translate them into mouse movements is proposed in this paper. The system is designed to provide an alternative interface for people who have difficulty using a traditional mouse or keyboard. The proposed system uses a camera to capture images of the user’s hand, which are processed by an AI algorithm to recognize the gestures being made. The system is trained using a dataset of hand gestures to recognize different gestures. Once the gesture is recognized, it is translated into a corresponding mouse movement, which is then executed on the virtual screen. The system is designed to be scalable and adaptable to different types of environments and devices. All the input operations can be virtually controlled by using dynamic/static hand gestures along with a voice assistant. In our work we make use of ML and Computer Vision algorithms to recognize hand gestures and voice commands, which works without any additional hardware requirements. The model is implemented using CNN and mediapipe framework. This system has potential applications like enabling hand-free operation of devices in hazardous environments and providing an alternative interface for hardware mouse. Overall, the hand gesturecontrolled virtual mouse system offers a promising approach to enhance user experience and improve accessibility through human-computer interaction.

An ultra-fast directional protection scheme for DC microgrids based on high-order synchrosqueezing transform

Protection of Direct Current (DC) microgrids is a challenging task because of large currents within a few milliseconds after the occurrence of a DC fault, which causes serious damage to converters. The present study introduces a protection algorithm based on Traveling Waves (TWs) to detect and locate faults. The proposed method implements the High-order Synchrosqueezing Transform (HOSST) to capture TWs using local measurements. Unlike conventional methods, HOSST can analyze signals in both time and frequency domains by creating a concentrated energy in the time–frequency representation. By extracting impulse features, HOSST detects TWs with high accuracy even in a noisy environment for different types of DC faults with various fault resistances. The proposed method can identify external and internal faults by determining the polarity of TWs, which makes the relays operate properly within their protection zone and prevents mal-operation. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method, it is applied to a DC microgrid. The results show the high accuracy of the presented approach in the fault location with a slight error with selectivity, reliability, sensitivity, and high speed, which is independent of the voltage level and configuration. In addition, the certainty of the proposed method is higher than the previous studies due to the simultaneous use of current and voltage.

Linking production geography and financial performance

PurposeWhen is manufacturing in high-cost environments and more profitable for multinational manufacturers and when in low-cost environments? While the literature offers many cues to answer this question, too little empirical research directly addresses this. In this study, we quantitatively and empirically investigate the financial effect of companies' production footprint in low-cost and high-cost environments for different types of production networks.Design/methodology/approachUsing the data of 770 multinational manufacturing companies, we analyze the relationship between production footprints and profitability during four calendar semesters in 2018 and 2019 (N = 2,940), investigating the moderating role of companies' production network type.FindingsWe find that companies with networks distinguished by both high levels of product complexity and process sophistication profit the most from producing to a greater extent in high-cost countries. For these companies, shifting production to low-cost countries would be associated with negative performance implications.Practical implicationsOur findings suggest that the production geography of companies should be attuned to their network type, as defined by the companies' process sophistication and product complexity. Manufacturing in low-cost countries is not always the best choice, as doing so can adversely affect profits if the products are highly innovative and the production processes are complex.Originality/valueWe contribute to the scarce empirical literature on managing global production networks and provide a data-driven analysis that contributes to answering some of the enduring questions in this critical area.

Change in the faunal composition of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) along a heterogeneous landscape gradient in the Brazilian Amazon.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different anthropic landscape profiles on the diversity and distribution of mosquito species in a rural settlement of the Brazilian Amazon. Eight field collections were conducted at 18 sampling points interspersed throughout 2020-2021. Plastic containers, bamboo internodes, and tires were used as traps to capture immature mosquitoes in three distinct habitats: forest, forest edge, and peridomicile. A total of 15,547 individuals, distributed in 26 species of culicids, were collected. The most abundant species were Culex urichii (8,376 specimens), Culex (Melanoconion) (2,473 specimens), and Aedes albopictus (1,252 specimens). Forest habitat showed the highest abundance, and forest edge showed the highest species richness. Different types of environments influenced both the abundance and richness of mosquitoes. The species composition was also significantly different between the analyzed sites, mainly between forest and peridomicile environments. The change in species dominance could largely explain this change in mosquito community composition. Haemagogus janthinomys, an important sylvatic arbovirus vector, was found in peridomicile habitats and Ae. albopictus, a vector associated with human environments, was found in forest habitats, thus providing evidence of species spillover. Our results indicated that landscape changes affect mosquito communities, influencing their richness and abundance. These changes may have implications for future arboviral outbreaks in this rural settlement due to the possible establishment of sylvatic vector species in anthropic environments.

Wild rodents harbour high diversity of Arthroderma.

Arthroderma is the most diverse genus of dermatophytes, and its natural reservoir is considered to be soil enriched by keratin sources. During a study on the diversity of dermatophytes in wild small rodents in the Czech Republic, we isolated several strains of Arthroderma. To explore the diversity and ecological significance of these isolates from rodents (n = 29), we characterised the strains genetically (i.e., sequenced ITS, tubb and tef1α), morphologically, physiologically, and by conducting mating experiments. We then compared the rodent-derived strains to existing ITS sequence data from GenBank and the GlobalFungi Database to further investigate biogeography and the association of Arthroderma species with different types of environments. In total, eight Arthroderma species were isolated from rodents, including four previously described species (A. crocatum, A. cuniculi, A. curreyi, A. quadrifidum) and four new species proposed herein, i.e., A. rodenticum, A. simile, A. zoogenum and A. psychrophilum. The geographical distribution of these newly described species was not restricted to the Czech Republic nor rodents. Additional isolates were obtained from bats and other mammals, reptiles, and soil from Europe, North America, and Asia. Data mining showed that the genus has a diverse ecology, with some lineages occurring relatively frequently in soil, whereas others appeared to be more closely associated with live animals, as we observed in A. rodenticum. Low numbers of sequence reads ascribed to Arthroderma in soil show that the genus is rare in this environment, which supports the hypothesis that Arthroderma spp. are not soil generalists but rather strongly associated with animals and keratin debris. This is the first study to utilise existing metabarcoding data to assess biogeographical, ecological, and diversity patterns in dermatophytes. Citation: Moulíková Š, Kolařík M, Lorch JM, et al. 2022. Wild rodents harbour high diversity of Arthroderma. Persoonia 50: 27- 47. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2023.50.02.

Microplastics as an emerging menace to environment: Insights into their uptake, prevalence, fate, and sustainable solutions

The inflated demand for plastic products has led to tremendous rise in plastic debris in different environmental matrices, thereby resulting in plastic pollution. This affects plants, animals, and even humans, as microplastics can enter the food chain and cause several health implications. Microplastics are the small plastic particles (size below 5 mm) that are largely debated nowadays owing to their environmental risk assessment. Their potential to interact with other toxic contaminants, their tendency to be ingested or taken up by living organisms and their longevity is a serious threat to our environment. However, despite wealth of recent information, still there is a gap, particularly in eco-toxicology studies, fate, prevalence and feasible solutions to cope up with the menace of microplastics pollution. This review unravels the environmental fate and behaviour of microplastics as well as their global distribution in the marine and terrestrial environment. Furthermore, we aim to contribute to the international debate on the microplastics global paradigm. We briefly suggest sustainable solutions and recommendations to achieve future research goals on microplastics. Our review reveals some of the newest biological (green algae and modified sponges) and physical (nano-particles and membrane treatment) remediation solutions to eradicate microplastics from different types of environment. This review presents a critical evaluation of the state of knowledge of micro-plastics and suggested some recommendations which can help in identifying some important key questions for future research.

Evaluation of thermal environment and human thermal comfort in 8 types of public places from 2019 to 2021

Objective: To evaluate the thermal environment of different types of public places and the thermal comfort of employees, so as to provide scientific basis for the establishment of microclimate standards and health supervision requirements. Methods: From June 2019 to December 2021, 50 public places (178 times) of 8 categories in Wuxi were selected, including hotels, swimming pools (gymnasiums), bathing places, shopping malls (supermarkets), barber shops, beauty shops, waiting rooms (bus station) and gyms. In summer and winter, microclimate indicators such as temperature and wind speed were measured in all kinds of places, combined with the work attire and physical activity of employees in the places. Fanger thermal comfort equation and center for the built environment (CBE) thermal comfort calculation tool were used to evaluate the predicted mean vote (PMV), predicted percent dissatisfied (PPD) and standard effective temperature (SET) according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 55-2020. The modification effects of seasonal and temperature control conditions on thermal comfort were analyzed. The consistency of GB 37488-2019 "Hygienic Indicators and Limits in Public Places" and ASHRAE 55-2020 evaluation results on thermal environment was compared. Results: The thermal sensation of hotel, barber shop staff and the gym front-desk staff were moderate, while the thermal sensation of swimming place lifeguard, bathing place cleaning staff and gym trainer were slightly warm in summer and winter. Waiting room (bus station) cleaning and working staff, shopping mall staff felt slightly warm in summer and moderate in winter. Service staff in bathing places felt slightly warm in winter, while staff in beauty salons felt slightly cool in winter. The thermal comfort compliance of hotel cleaning staff and shopping mall staff in summer was lower than that in winter (χ(2)=7.01, 7.22, P=0.008, 0.007). The thermal comfort compliance of shopping mall staff in the condition of air conditioning off was higher than that in the condition of air conditioning on (χ(2)=7.01, P=0.008). The SET values of front-desk staff in hotels with different health supervision levels were significantly different (F=3.30, P=0.024). The PPD value and SET value of the front-desk staff, and the PPD value of cleaning staff of hotels above three stars were lower than those of hotels below three stars (P<0.05). The thermal comfort compliance of front-desk staff and cleaning staff in hotels above three stars was higher than that in hotels below three stars (χ(2)=8.33, 8.09, P=0.016, 0.018). The consistency of the two criteria was highest among waiting room (bus station) staff (100.0%, 1/1) and lowest among gym front-desk staff (0%, 0/2) and waiting room (bus station) cleaning staff (0%, 0/1) . Conclusion: There are different degrees of thermal discomfort in different seasons, under the condition of air conditioning and health supervision, and the microclimate indicators can not fully reflect the thermal comfort of human body. The health supervision of microclimate should be strengthened, the applicability of health standard limit value should be evaluated in many aspects, and the thermal comfort of occupational group should be improved.

Determination of aerobic and anaerobic biological degradability of waste tyres

Environmental contamination of rubber from waste tyres poses a risk to the environment. Rubber particles from tyres enter the environment due to the abrasiveness of the road surface. The aim of the scientific work was to observe the biological degradability of waste tyres in aquatic environment and its ecotoxicity. Biodegradability was observed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions that simulate both aerobic and anaerobic conditions in the aquatic natural environment. Aerobic conditions in the aquatic environment take place in flowing fresh water, sea water, lakes. Leachate was prepared to simulate the behaviour of tyres in an aqueous environment. Aerobic degradability was evaluated through complete biodegradability using a 301 F manometric respirometry test. Anaerobic biodegradability was evaluated by measuring biogas production using OECD 311 Anaerobic Biodegradability of Organic Compounds in Digested Sludge. For a better simulation of the natural environment, the pH of the leachates from the tyres was adjusted to a neutral range. It should be noted that standard degradability tests were extended by 7 days due to low biodegradability. Adjusting the pH during the biodegradability test is also a modification of the original test. This modification was used to better simulate biodegradability when the pH of tyres in the natural environment is reduced by acid rain. An essential part of monitoring the behaviour of waste tyres was the assessment of ecotoxicity using standard tests. The contribution of the scientific article lies in the evaluation of the course of decomposition in aerobic and anaerobic conditions with and without pH adjustment and in the use of modified biodegradability tests. The benefit of the scientific work is in the determination of the biodegradability of waste tyres with and without pH treatment, which simulate a comparison of the degradability of tyres in an acid rain environment. Another benefit of the scientific work is the depiction of biodegradation using 3D modelling with calculations of 100% degradability at different input concentrations of waste tyres. Modelling was used for the time for the absolute decomposition of tyres without pH adjustment (outside the acid rain environment) and with pH adjustment (in the acid rain environment). By monitoring, it is possible to determine whether acid rain as an anthropogenic activity influences the degradability of waste tyres in the natural environment. Biodegradability tests confirmed the low biological degradability of waste tyres. The highest average rate of biological degradability—15% was recorded at the input concentration of waste tyres of 350 mg/L. The aerobic degradability test confirmed the improvement of tyre decomposition when adjusting the pH to the level of 6.5–7.5. On the contrary, the anaerobic degradability test confirmed the improvement of the decomposition in the alkaline region compared to the neutral pH values of the mixture. By mathematical–statistical evaluation of aerobic decomposition with preservation of degradability trends at three input concentrations, the time of absolute decomposition of waste tyre particles at a concentration of 370 mg/L was found to be approximately 336 days. By adjusting the pH to the neutral range during aerobic decomposition, the total decomposition time was reduced to 126 days. The ecotoxicity tests performed confirmed the toxic effect of tyre leachate on selected tested organisms. In the future, the authors propose to focus on a more detailed assessment of the ecotoxicity of the waste conditions and to modify the biodegradability tests by changing the conditions (wider range of input pH value, longer biodegradability time, temperature) for a better simulation of different types of environments. Adjusting the pH to a neutral environment increased aerobic degradability but had no significant effect on anaerobic degradability. Therefore, it is important to focus future research on the adjustment of various conditions to support the degradability of tyres, of which pH has clearly been confirmed as an important factor.

Explaining the Effectiveness of Human Perception of the Environment in Different Types of Garden City: A Comparative Study of Garden Cities of Dehkede and Mehrshahr

Explaining the Effectiveness of Human Perception of the Environment in Different Types of Garden City: A Comparative Study of Garden Cities of Dehkede and Mehrshahr

Types of Severe Convective Wind Events in Eastern Australia

Abstract Severe winds associated with thunderstorms and convection are a hazard affecting key aspects of society, including emergency management and infrastructure design. Several studies around the world have shown that severe convective winds (SCWs) can occur due to several different processes, in a range of atmospheric environments, with significant regional and temporal variations. However, in eastern Australia, the types of SCWs and their variability have not been assessed outside of individual case studies. Here, a combination of reanalysis, lightning, radar, and station data are used to characterize a set of 36 SCW events in four locations in eastern Australia. These events are objectively chosen based on the strongest measured wind gusts from station data (greater than 25 m s−1) over a 14-yr period, with 6-hourly lightning data and a 30-dBZ radar reflectivity threshold used to infer moist convective processes. Radar data analysis suggests that these SCW events are produced by several different types of parent thunderstorms, with station observations suggesting a range of temporal characteristics for these different event types. A clustering algorithm applied to environmental data is used to suggest three dominant types of events, based on low-level moisture, low-level temperature lapse rate, and deep-layer mean wind speed and vertical shear. Based on the distribution of synoptic conditions and thunderstorm properties for each environmental cluster, it is suggested that these three event types correspond to the following: 1) shallow vertical transport of strong synoptic-scale winds to the surface, 2) downbursts driven by subcloud evaporation, and 3) intense thunderstorms including supercells. Significance Statement The purpose of this study is to better understand the different types of severe wind events in eastern Australia that are produced by convective storms. We looked at 36 historical cases in four locations and find that severe winds can be produced by very different classes of convective storms. We also suggest that there are three key types of atmospheric environment that are associated with events in this region. These environments vary in terms of the vertical structure of temperature, moisture, and wind speed above the surface. Understanding the different types of environments that lead to severe convective winds can help to reduce uncertainties in future climate projections for this region based on environmental changes.

Development of Cloud Autonomous System for Enhancing the Performance of Robots’ Path

With the development of computer technology and artificial intelligence (AI), service robots are widely used in our daily life. At the same time, the manufacturing cost of the robots is too expensive for almost all small companies. The greatest technical limitations are the design of the service robot and the resource sharing of the robot groups. Path planning for robots is one of the issues playing an important role in every application of service robots. Path optimization, fast computation, and minimum computation time are required in all applications. This paper aims to propose the Google Cloud Computing Platform and Amazon Web Service (AWS) platforms for robot path planning. The aim is to identify the effect and impact of using a cloud computing platform for service robots. The cloud approach shifts the computation load from robots to the cloud server. Three different path-planning algorithms were considered to find the path for robots using the Google Cloud Computing Platform, while with AWS, three different types of environments, namely dense, moderate, and sparse, were selected to run the path-planning algorithms for robots. The paper presents the comparison and analysis of the results carried out for robot path planning using cloud services with that of the traditional approach. The proposed approach of using a cloud platform performs better in this case. The time factor is crucially diagnosed and presented in the paper. The major advantage derived from this experiment is that as the size of the environment increases, the respective relative delay decreases. This proves that increasing the scale of work can be beneficial by using cloud platforms. The result obtained using the proposed methodology proves that using cloud platforms improves the efficiency of path planning. The result reveals that using the cloud computing platform for service robots can change the entire perspective of using service robots in the future. The main advantage is that with the increase in the scale of services, the system remains stable, while the traditional system starts deteriorating in terms of performance.

The exploration of marginal spaces in Central-West Patagonia and the role of discontinuous occupation of forests and highlands

Regions with low population density, which are geographically marginal with respect to the most frequently occupied areas, are theoretically more prone to discontinuities in human occupation. This is the case in Central-West Patagonia (Chile, South America), where the discontinuities have had different characteristics and extents, some even lasting millennia. This work proposes that, given the prolonged and repeated periods of abandonment of some areas in Central-West Patagonia, its exploration is not to be considered a unique, one-time process; rather, it occurred more than once throughout its history. Because ascertaining each exploration is complex, this process can be investigated by focusing on spaces that represent the incorporation of new areas as human groups were enlarging their ranges of action. With this objective, updated archaeological data are presented in two different types of environments of the region: forests and highlands. These environments were marginal sectors that were not utilized as frequently or intensely as the valleys and where the archaeological record would be expected to preserve the actions associated with exploration contexts. The preliminary nature of data precludes defining exploratory contexts, but it is distinct in orienting its search in time and space.