Distance Indicators Research Articles

Decomposing dependency analysis: revisiting the relation between annotation scheme and structure-based textual measures

Abstract Standardized quantitative measurement of texts lies at the heart of digital approaches to humanities. Structure-based textual measures are known to be influenced by the choice of syntactic annotation schemes. Building on previous research, the present article further explores the relation between annotation schemes and the index of mean dependency distance (MDD) by comparing the treebanks of seventeen languages, respectively, within a tree representation (basic universal dependencies, BUD) and within a graphic representation (enhanced universal dependencies, EUD). Following the idea of decomposing annotation schemes into the combinations of analyses of specific constructions (coordinate structures, control constructions, and relative clauses), we design algorithms to identify them in the CoNLL-U format treebanks and explore their influences. It is found that the overall MDD of the EUD representation is statistically higher than that of BUD at corpus level, primarily affected by the coordinate structure due to its high frequency. At sentence level, all three constructions might contribute to either increased or decreased MDD, with stochastically intervening words and word order being two important determinants of the values of the measure. Finally, we propose and argue for the view that MDDs calculated under different annotation schemes should be regarded as different textual measures in nature. In sum, the present study provides another case study to deepen our understanding of the nature of syntactic annotation schemes and its relation with textual indices, which paves the way for standard measurement of texts in future humanities research.

Genetic Parameters Estimation and Identification of Promising Rice Genotypes Grown in Rainfed Condition Using Mgidi Index in Rampur, Chitwan

Rice, the world’s most vital crop with over 40,000 varieties cultivated for 8 to 13 thousand years, produced around 520.65 million metric tons annually—largely in China, India, and Bangladesh—while nearly half the global population relies on it as a primary food source, facing significant challenges in rainfed areas that impede productivity. This study evaluated 24 rice genotypes, including 22 pipeline varieties from the National Rice Research Program (NRRP) in Dhanusa and two checks, Bahaguni-2 and Sabitri. The Multi-Trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) was used as selection tool to rank genotypes based on their proximity to an ideal genotype. Broad-sense heritability (h²) estimates ranged from 0.03 for panicle length to 0.96 for days to 80% maturity, suggesting high potential for selection gains in days to 80% maturity (h² = 0.96) and plant height (h² = 0.91), while tiller number and grain yield showed low heritability (h² > 0.5). Variance analysis indicated substantial genetic control for plant height and days to 80% maturity, while panicle length and grain yield were more influenced by environmental factors. Principal component analysis revealed four factors explaining 76.5% of the trait variation, with FA1 (days to 50% flowering, days to 80% maturity) accounting for the most variation. Selection gains were assessed using MGIDI and FAI-BLUP indexes, with MGIDI achieving a 15.13% gain for targeted traits and FAI-BLUP yielding 1.25%. Selected genotypes from MGIDI included SVIN 127, SVIN 098, SVIN 643, SVIN 084, and IR 18F1085, with SVIN 127 and SVIN 098 also appearing in the FAI-BLUP index, highlighting their potential value for breeding. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of both selection indexes in identifying superior genotypes for enhanced breeding efficiency. SAARC J. Agric., 22(2): 239-255 (2024)

SCAGAN: Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Lesion Image Generation Model Based on GAN

The wireless capsule endoscope (WCE) has been utilized for human digestive tract examinations for over 20 years. Given the complex environment of the digestive tract and the challenge of detecting multi-category lesion images, enhancing model generalization ability is crucial. However, traditional data augmentation methods struggle to generate sufficiently diverse data. In this study, we propose a novel generative adversarial network, Special Common Attention Generative Adversarial Network (SCAGAN), to generate lesion images for capsule endoscopy. The SCAGAN model can adaptively integrate both the internal features and external global dependencies of the samples, enabling the generator to not only accurately capture the key structures and features of capsule endoscopic images, but also enhance the modeling of lesion complexity. Additionally, SCAGAN incorporates global context information to improve the overall consistency and detail of the generated images. To further enhance adaptability, self-modulation normalization is used, along with the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) loss function to ensure structural authenticity. The Differentiable Data Augmentation (DiffAug) technique is employed to improve the model’s performance in small sample environments and balance the training process by adjusting learning rates to address issues of slow learning due to discriminator regularization. Experimental results show that SCAGAN significantly improves image quality and diversity, achieving state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance in the Frechet Inception Distance (FID) index. Moreover, when the generated lesion images were added to the dataset, the mean average precision (mAP) of the YOLOv9-based lesion detection model increased by 1.495%, demonstrating SCAGAN’s effectiveness in optimizing lesion detection. SCAGAN effectively addresses the challenges of lesion image generation for capsule endoscopy, improving both image quality and detection model performance. The proposed approach offers a promising solution for enhancing the training of lesion detection models in the context of capsule endoscopy.

VEGAS-SSS: An intra-group component in the globular cluster system of the NGC 5018 galaxy group using VST data

Globular clusters (GCs) offer a valuable tool as a fossil tracer of the formation and evolution of galaxies and their environment. Studying the properties of these stellar systems provides crucial insights into the past formation and interaction events of the galaxies, especially in galaxy group and cluster environments. We study the properties of globular cluster (GC) candidates in an area of 1.25 times 1.03 square degrees centred on the NGC,5018 galaxy group. We use the deep, wide field, and multi-passband (ugr) observations obtained with the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) as part of the VST Elliptical GAlaxy Survey (VEGAS). With a focus on studying small stellar systems (SSS) associated with bright galaxies, this paper constitutes an extension of the VEGAS-SSS series investigating GCs in the NGC,5018 group. We derived photometric catalogues of compact and extended sources in the area and identified GC candidates using a set of photometric and morphometric selection parameters. A GC candidate catalogue has been provided and inspected using a statistical background decontamination technique, benefiting from the wide area coverage of the data. The 2D distribution map of GC candidates reveals an over-density of sources on the brightest member of the NGC,5018 group. No significant GC over-densities are observed in the other bright galaxies of the group. We report the discovery of a candidate local nucleated low-surface-brightness (LSB) dwarf galaxy that may possibly be engaged in a tidal interaction with NGC,5018. The 2D map also reveals an intra-group GC population aligning with the bright galaxies and along the intra-group light (IGL) component of the group. The radial density profile of GC candidates in NGC,5018 follows the galaxy surface brightness profile. The (g-r) colour profile of GC candidates centred on this galaxy shows no evidence of the well-known colour bimodality; however, it is observed instead in the intra-group population. From the GC luminosity function (GCLF) analysis, we find a low specific frequency N =0.59 ± 0.27 for NGC,5018, which is consistent with previous results based on less deep optical data over a smaller area. This relatively low S_! N value, coupled with the lack of colour bimodality, might be due to a combination of observational data limitations as well as the post-merger status of NGC,5018, which might host a population of relatively young GCs. For the intra-group GC population, we obtained a lower limit of N,gr ∼0.6. Using the GCLF as a distance indicator, we estimate that NGC 5018 is located $38.0 ± 7.9$ Mpc away, which is consistent with values reported in the literature.

Associated Anatomic Abnormalities in Patients Undergoing Rotational Tibial Osteotomies for Patellofemoral Pathology and Implications for the Level of Correction.

Tibial rotational deformity is a known risk factor for patellofemoral joint (PFJ) disorders. However, it is commonly associated with other abnormalities which affect the PFJ. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of associated factors known to affect PFJ in patients undergoing rotational tibial osteotomy and their implication for the correction level. All patients with PFJ disorder, who underwent rotational tibial osteotomy between July 2009 and February 2020, were included. Patients were excluded if there were no preoperative computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Scans were analyzed by 2 observers. Parameters of interest were femoral version, tibial torsion, trochlear dysplasia, lateral trochlear inclination (LTI), tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, Insall-Salvati (IS), and Caton Deschamps Index (CDI). The search resulted in 80 knees, which had a mean femoral version of 21.0 ± 11.7, tibial torsion of 45.9 ± 9.1, TT-TG of 18.3 ± 5.5, and LTI of 11.4 ± 14.7. In total, 42.5% had TT-TG value of ≥ 20 mm. Patella alta/baja was found in 54% based on CDI or IS >1.2 and <0.8. High-grade trochlear dysplasia was found in 25%. In total, 29% had a tibial torsion abnormality but normal TT-TG and patella height. In total, 18% had abnormal TT-TG but normal patellar height. Based on the associated abnormalities of patella height and tubercle lateralization, 18% of the population were suitable for supratubercle osteotomy, and 29% of patients were suitable for diaphyseal or distal tibial osteotomy. A tibial tubercle osteotomy was required in 54% of patients, making a through-tubercle approach the most appropriate option for most patients. Radiological cross-sectional study.

Comparison of traditional selection indices and the Multi-Trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) for improving rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

Comparison of traditional selection indices and the Multi-Trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) for improving rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

Open distance and e-learning (ODeL) assessment indicators for quality learning

This paper is aimed at identifying indicators of open distance and e-learning (ODeL) assessment for quality learning in higher education. The demand for university education in higher learning institutions has continued to grow and hence there has been a phenomenal expansion in enrolments that are not matching with the expansion of facilities. As institutions of higher learning step up to offer their academic programmes by ODeL mode of instructional delivery, there are concerns from stakeholders about the quality of the certificates and degree awards. This can be attributed to inadequate quality assurance standards to assess the quality and value of ODeL academic programmes. The concept of quality, in general, is debated to a high extent, even though it is a common word, it is not a well-understood concept and is defined differently by different individuals in different contexts at different points in time. The implications of poorly assessed students in most cases result in half-baked graduates who may fail to grasp the concepts, skills and knowledge in their area of specialization. On the same score, it is envisaged that the process of assessment requires students’ full engagement with clearly explained criteria that includes peer-reviewing of each other’s work and the necessary support that is provided to the students on the programme. The process of assessment is an iterative process and benefits both the lecturers and students. Although assessment demands a synergetic approach by all the players in the delivery of a programme, there are other critical indicators of assessment that promote quality teaching, and these must be taken into serious considerations. Therefore, the paper contends that there are various indicators of ODeL assessment for quality learning. Additionally, the paper presents Evans’ assessment tool (EAT framework) that could be used to improve quality e-assessment feedback of ODeL and move away from the more traditional methods of providing feedback to the learners under this mode.

Seleção de progênies da aveia branca com base no ideótipo agronômico em razão da resposta à estímulos ambientais

ABSTRACT: The development of a selection strategy and to obtain a precocious white oat progenies, homogeneous for flowering and with additions to panicle grain mass, reconciled to environmental stimuli controlled by air temperature. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Augusto Pestana, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design was in augmented blocks with intermediate control, the regular treatments corresponded to 238 white oat progenies and the common treatment was represented by the commercial control (URS Taura) arranged in three replications. The selection for grains weight per panicle, percentage of flowered plants, days to physiological maturity and accumulation of degrees day are due to a high genetic contribution, which indicated promising selection for these characters already in initial breeding generations. The accumulation of degrees days for physiological maturity defines that 41.94% of the progenies are selected as precocious. The genotype ideotype distance index (MGIDI) selected 20% of the white oat progenies with greater flowering uniformity, less accumulation of degrees days and high potential for grain mass per panicle.

The potential of interprovincial money laundering in Indonesia: investigation on the attractiveness and destination choice

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to ascertain the level of attractiveness of each province in Indonesia as a potential destination for money laundering activities originating from Jakarta.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a quantitative approach, this study uses the Walker Gravity Model, which has been modified in two key components: the attractiveness and distance variables. The first modification is achieved by using proxy economic variables, for which data is available at the provincial level within a country. The utilization of proxy data serves to circumvent certain data limitations inherent to the original model, which is only accessible at the country level. The second modification is introduced to the distance component, wherein this study develops a distance index that is deemed to be more representative than physical distance used in the original model.FindingsThe research findings indicate a notable correlation between economic activity and the risk of money laundering, with provinces in closer proximity to Jakarta exhibiting a higher likelihood of being targeted for money laundering activities. However, there are exceptions for some provinces that, despite their distance from Jakarta, also demonstrate a high potential for money laundering due to their strong economic ties to the capital city.Originality/valueThe existing studies on money laundering attractiveness, extent and flow at the provincial level in Indonesia using quantitative approaches are limited. This paper provides new insights into the economic and governance landscapes of Indonesian provinces, highlighting the need for tailored anti-money laundering strategies.

Genetic analysis of yield and yield components and powdery mildew resistance in F4 and F5 populations of blackgram

The present investigation aimed to evaluate 96 F4 and F5 genotypes, including two parental lines (VBN11 and LBG17) of blackgram, across two locations for yield, yield components, and resistance to powdery mildew. Pooled analysis, genetic variability assessment, correlation studies, parent-regression coefficient analysis, and the Multi-trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI) were performed. Combined ANOVA revealed significant differences for all the traits studied. In the combined analysis, genotypes G3 and G1 exhibited desirable yields along with powdery mildew resistance. High heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (GAM) were observed for the traits such as single plant yield, the number of pods per plant, and percent disease index (PDI). Seed yield per plant recorded significant and positive correlations with the number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and 100-seed weight in both generations. Among the traits, PDI showed the highest regression coefficient. Principal component analysis exhibited four principal components (PCs) explaining the total variance in the F4 and F5 generations. The MGIDI index analysis revealed a total genetic gain for specific traits, including the number of pods per plant, single plant yield, and the number of capsules per plant in the F5 generation. Genotypes G18, G19, G4, and G38 were identified as valuable genetic resource through MGIDI, contributing significantly to blackgram improvement for high yield and powdery mildew resistance.

Routine machine quality assurance tests for a self-shielded gyroscopic radiosurgery system.

This report describes routine machine quality assurance (QA) (daily, monthly, and annual QA) tests for the Zap-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® platform. Following the recommendations of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group (AAPM TG)-142 and Medical Physics Practice guideline (MPPG) 8.b, routine machine QA tests for the Zap-X system were implemented. The implementation included (1) daily, monthly, and annual QA tests encompassing dosimetry, mechanical, safety and imaging tests, (2) QA methods of each test specific to the Zap-X, (3) a tolerance value for each test, and (4) necessary QA equipment. Baseline values and key results of daily, monthly, and annual QA tests are presented in this report. This report also discusses QA tests not adopted from TG 142 or MPPG 8.b (e.g., distance indicator) due to unique features of the Zap-X system as well as additional QA tests added from the vendor's recommendations (e.g., self-check) and from TG-135 recommendations (e.g., monthly end-to-end testing) because of similarities between Zap-X and CyberKnife systems. The comprehensive information on routine machine QA tests presented in this report will assist Zap-X teams in other Neurosurgery centers or Radiation Oncology clinics in establishing and maintaining their QA programs until AAPM endorsed guidelines become available.

Remote assessment of ‘Type C’ implantable satellite tag extrusion using light sensors

Advances in engineering and long‐term monitoring projects have greatly increased the sophistication of cetacean biologging methods and technology. While implantable cetacean tags naturally extrude and eventually fall off, satellite tag duration for large whales is still highly variable and often below expected longevity based on battery life alone. Causes of tag failure are difficult to determine and may include natural extrusion of the device, transmitter failure during deployment, or post‐deployment damage. Tags deployed during a study designed to assess tag performance and impacts in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Gulf of Maine between 2011 and 2015 were equipped with a sensor designed to detect light exposure. Light sensor readings were evaluated based on follow‐up photos of 30 whales in order to investigate whether recorded light levels could serve as a remote indicator of tag extrusion distance. There was a direct correlation between the amount of extrusion and daytime light levels; fully embedded tags recorded no light, while tags that had extruded enough to fully expose the light sensor recorded full light levels. Partially extruded tags recorded variable light levels throughout daylight hours, likely due to irregular or partial exposure of the light sensor. While the single‐sensor design cannot describe the fine‐scale rate of tag extrusion, additional light sensors placed along the length of the tag and a visible indicator of sensor orientation would greatly improve remote diagnostics. These results show that light levels may be used as an indicator of extrusion and highlight their potential value for understanding tag performance.

A novel methodology for assessing resources and environmental carrying capacity with emphasis on ecosystem services: A multi-disciplinary approach to sustainable urban planning

Due to increased human activities, urban areas face challenges in maintaining their environment and natural resources in support of development. As a result, it is necessary to plan according to the availability of resources and the state of the environment to achieve sustainable development. For this purpose, Carrying capacity (CC) can be used to assess the sustainability of cities as complex Social-Ecological Systems (SES). By emphasizing Ecosystem Services (ESs) and regional thresholds, this paper proposes a novel methodology to evaluate Urban Resources and Environmental Carrying Capacity (URECC). At first, an integrated simulation model is developed by combining an ecosystem services simulation model, a surface and ground water simulation model, a priority-based water allocating model, and a demands (i.e., water, food, and energy) estimation model. To evaluate URECC, various measurement indicators are developed and combined with a multi-stage decision-making (MSDM) method. Also, the decision-making sequences of management strategies and climate change scenarios are used to evaluate changes in the future. Based on the results, in the two base stages (2013–2016) and (2017–2020), without applying strategies, the average value of pressure-support, distance, and composite indices changed by +1.5%, −75.6%, and −66.7%, respectively, indicating a decrease in the CC. The future period (i.e., 2021–2040) was divided into four-year decision-making stages. According to the results, with the implementation of top sequences of strategies, the average values of pressure-support, distance, and composite indices would surpass those of maintaining the current trend by 49.4%, 123.5%, and 63.7%, respectively. In conclusion, management actions such as the development of semi-centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment networks, the simultaneous expansion of green space and built-up land, the implementation of artificial recharge, the improvement of irrigation efficiency, the management of urban water consumption, and the use of vegetation with low to medium water demands are effective for strengthening the URECC.

Observation of single-photon azimuthal backflow with weak measurement.

Quantum backflow (QB), a counterintuitive interference phenomenon where particles with positive momentum can propagate backward, is important in applications involving light-matter interactions. To date, experimental demonstrations of backflow have been restricted to classical optical systems using techniques such as slit scanning or Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing, which suffer from low spatial resolution due to the inherent limitations in slit width and lenslet array density. Here, we report an observation of azimuthal backflow (AB) both theoretically and experimentally by employing the weak measurement technique, which enables the precise extraction of photon momentum at each pixel. Our results show that a heralded single photon, prepared in specific superposition states with solely negative orbital angular momentum (OAM), can exhibit positive OAM. The effects of mode ratio, propagation distance, and OAM index on the azimuthal backflow are systematically investigated. This work provides new techniques for observing and manipulating backflow in quantum systems.

Fine-grained simulation model for PV power output interval based on two-stage scenario clustering and dual-ensemble compatible learning

Photovoltaic (PV) power simulation is indispensable for the planning and operation of renewable-rich power systems. Among various simulation methods, data-driven indirect simulation methods are the most efficient, primarily involving scenario extraction and power output generation. Typical scenario extraction methods often feature coarse characterizations, which also cannot be expressed by traditional power output generation models lacking the ability of quantifying the uncertainty of the output results. This paper proposes a fine-grained simulation model for PV power output interval, i.e., upper bound and lower bound, based on two-stage clustering of multiple typical scenarios and dual-ensemble compatible learning. The first stage of scenario extraction, considering the impact of total daily irradiance on PV output, employs a line distance index for preliminary scenario division of daily PV output. These scenarios are further divided into five characteristic scenarios with an angular distance index considering the impact of intra-day irradiance variations on power output. PV power output interval is generated from dual-ensemble compatible learning including Stacking and Bagging, which are adaptively selected with a Bias-Variance Selection Index (BS) calculated using the value of scenario characteristics. Stacking and Bagging are driven by three neural network base learners with Bayesian layers, which can output the lower bound and upper bound with confidence at a certain level, thus quantifying the uncertainty of the result accurately. The actual data of Daxing and Gangjialing power stations are used in case study. Results form case study show that compared with the existing methods, the proposed method can improve the Power Coverage Rate (PCR) and Average Power Simulation Accuracy (APA) of uncertainty simulation results by 27.44% and 5.39%, respectively. Meanwhile, the Average Daily Maximum Power Simulation Accuracy (AMPA) is similar to that of existing methods.

Changes in IT Project Management Awareness According to Business Process Management Experts’ Opinion: Comparative Study 2017-2023

Abstract Purpose. The main purpose of this article is to compare experts’ opinions over two time periods to examine the differences in IT project management awareness and perception. The study was based on opinions expressed in a survey conducted in 2017 and 2023 during symposium meetings related to business process management. Methodology. The paper’s methodology is based on a theoretical and research approach. The survey questionnaire was constructed using a literature analysis and the authors’ own experience. The authors formulated a hypothesis addressing the issue of how awareness regarding IT project management has changed over the last five years. The main hypothesis was supplemented by auxiliary hypotheses concerning the variation regarding awareness of: the need to implement information systems into organizations, the need to apply process management within these implementations, and the determinants and effects of IT project management. Main results. The main results and findings of the research were determined by the validity of the hypotheses using the Fisher-Snedecor test. In addition, differences in city and Euclidean distance indices were calculated, which indicated the directions of changes in experts’ views on the place and role of project management. The results pointed to the existence of significant discrepancies between experts’ awareness in 2017 and 2023. The conclusions obtained from the survey may have important implications for both business practitioners and educational purposes. The theoretical contribution. Findings: the findings show the opinions of experts including individuals with a strong research interest and those with an academic background, and also incorporated respondents with substantial practical experience. Part of the respondents’ competence was related to years of using traditional project management methods, which in some way also shapes the approach to agile and hybrid methodologies. Practical implications (if applicable). The conclusion for future project management education at universities, consulting firms, specialized courses, etc. shows profiling in the direction of modern IT development trends correspond to the changes connected with strategies of modern mobile companies with remote access to the data, taking into account changes connected based on representatives from Generation Z, the demographic currently entering the workforce.

Stellar Pulsation and Evolution: A Combined Theoretical Renewal and Updated Models (SPECTRUM). I. Updating Radiative Opacities for Pulsation Models of Classical Cepheid and RR-Lyrae

Pulsating stars are universally recognized as precise distance indicators and tracers of stellar populations. Their variability, combined with well-defined relationships between pulsation properties and intrinsic evolutionary parameters such as luminosity, mass, and age, makes them essential for understanding galactic evolution and retrieving star formation histories. Therefore, accurate modeling of pulsating stars is crucial for using them as standard candles and stellar population tracers. This is the first paper in the “Stellar Pulsation and Evolution: a Combined Theoretical Renewal and Updated Models” project, which aims to present an update of Stellingwerf’s hydrodynamical pulsation code, by adopting the latest radiative opacity tables commonly used in stellar evolution community. We assess the impact of this update on pulsation properties, such as periods, instability strip topology, and light-curve shapes, as well as on period–Wesenheit and period–luminosity relations for Classical Cepheids and RR Lyrae stars, comparing the results with those derived using older opacity data. Our results indicate that the opacity update introduces only minor changes: instability strip boundary locations shift by no more than 100 K in effective temperature, and pulsation periods vary within 1σ compared to previous evaluations. Light curves exhibit slight differences in shape and amplitude. Consequently, the theoretical calibration of the Cepheid- or RRL-based extragalactic distance scale remains largely unaffected by the opacity changes. However, achieving consistency in opacity tables between stellar evolution and pulsation codes is a significant step toward a homogeneous and self-consistent stellar evolution and pulsation framework.

A novel hybrid fuzzy analytical hierarchy process–game theory model for prioritizing factors affecting the deterioration of water pipelines

Water pipes face significant aging and degradation problems due to several pipe-related, soil-related, operational, and environmental factors. Hence, the paramount objective of this research paper is to prioritize the criticality of the factors affecting the deterioration of water pipes in Hong Kong. The framework of the developed model is envisioned based on two main modules, namely weight computation and weight aggregation. The first module incorporates identifying and categorizing water deterioration factors. Then, the relative importance priorities of water deterioration factors are scrutinized using seven weight computation methods. These methods encompass analytical hierarchy process (AHP), Monte Carlo AHP, fuzzy AHP, magnitude-based fuzzy AHP, total difference-based fuzzy AHP, spherical fuzzy AHP and Pythagorean fuzzy AHP. In this regard, fuzzy-based and Monte Carlo-based methods are leveraged to circumvent the critical shortcomings of classical AHP. The performances of weight computation methods are analyzed using statistical evaluation indicators of satisfactory index (SAT) and distance between weights (WD). The second module is a hybrid meta-heuristic-based game theory model designated for compiling the importance weights of deterioration factors obtained from the first module. In this context, a set of widely acclaimed meta-heuristics are exploited and examined for optimizing the significance of deterioration factors. Analytical results exemplified that soil-related factors implicate the deterioration process more than pipe-related, operational-related, and environmental-related factors. It was also inferred that water pressure (6.64%) is the most significant factor influencing water pipe deterioration followed by internal corrosion and protection method (6.11%), and then soil corrosivity (6.05%). On the other hand, length (1.93%), rain deficit (1.97%), and street block length (2.33%) constitute the least influencers on water pipe deterioration. Results also demonstrated that spherical FAHP outperformed other variants of AHP accomplishing SAT and WD of 0.065 and 0.057, respectively. Comparative analysis revealed that particle swarm optimization-based game theory is a better mechanism than the remainder of meta-heuristic-based game theory models in obtaining a more accurate compromised-based weighting vector to the experts’ judgments. It is envisaged that this research can assist the water supplies department in identifying, assessing, and prioritizing the impairment causes of water pipelines in Hong Kong. It can also aid in establishing more accurate deterioration models and more cost-effective maintenance intervention programs.

Biorational Management of Thrips1 in Mango in Guerrero, Mexico

Biorational Management of Thrips1 in Mango in Guerrero, Mexico

Breeding Brassica juncea hybrids with higher seed weight and oil content: Defining criteria for selection of parents

Most of the released high-yielding hybrids of Brassica juncea have a low 1000-seed weight (TSW) with no increment in the percent oil content (OC), and, therefore, these hybrids have poor acceptance among the farmers in India. It is, thus, imperative to understand the genetic basis of these traits and deploy them in commercial hybrid breeding programs. The present study utilized a set of 15 diverse B. juncea genotypes with TSW and OC ranging from 1.32 to 8.26 g and 31.93–43.39 %, respectively, to generate 210 hybrids following a full diallel mating scheme. These hybrids along with their parents, were evaluated in three different environments. Inheritance of TSW suggests the predominance of additive gene action, whereas non-additive gene action was observed to regulate OC. Further, TSW and OC were reported to be influenced by maternal and non-maternal effects, respectively. Parents with bold seeds viz., NPJ 253, RH 761 and EC 223389 were identified as good general combiners for both the traits. Hybrid generated from the cross NPJ 253 x NPJ 161, with both parents having high seed weights, exhibited the highest mean values (8.43 g) and heterobeltiosis (17.2 %) for TSW. Whereas, hybrid between parents NPJ 253 and IC 426372, possessing high and low seed weights, respectively, observed the highest mean value (44.95 %) and heterobeltiosis (14.89 %) for OC. Keeping both TSW and OC together, hybrids viz., NPJ 253 x EC 223389 (H1), NPJ 253 x NPJ 161 (H2) and NPJ 253 x Pusa Tarak (H4) were identified as promising using the Multi-trait Genotype-Ideotype Distance Index. Lines with higher TSW and better combining ability for OC shall be converted to male and/or female lines for generating commercial hybrids. The scheme for deploying higher seed weight and improved oil content in B. juncea hybrids is discussed.