Entire Area Research Articles

Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology in the Optimal Deployment of Wireless Sensor Network Nodes

WSN (Wireless Sensor Network) is a network composed of a large number of sensor nodes self-organizing through wireless communication technology. Nodes are prone to failures due to environmental impact and energy depletion, and environmental interference and node failures can easily cause changes in the network topology. This article conducts research on the application of AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology in the optimal deployment of WSN nodes. Using AI technology to optimize the deployment of hybrid WSN mobile nodes, ensuring that the node density of each sub target area reaches its expected node density to ensure effective coverage of the entire target monitoring area. Given the target area range, the number and position of sensor nodes are determined through AI technology, which is the network layout for a given target area. Effectively reducing the data flow of the entire network. Due to the limited energy of sensor nodes, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing network lifespan are the main goals of designing WSN. Deployment strategies must optimize the deployment strategies of sensor nodes, intermediate nodes, and base stations to ensure coverage, connectivity, and robustness.

ADAPTATION OF FIELD FORAGE PRODUCTION IN UKRAINE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE “GREEN” COURSE

The article presents the results of a study of the state and prospects for developing field fodder production as a necessary component in reviving large-scale milk production in the conditions of various challenges today in the context of the “green” course of Ukraine. Field fodder production has a leading role in solving the problem of providing dairy herds with full-fledged bulk fodder in sufficient quantities, especially in arid regions. The creation of a strong and high-quality fodder base for cattle is possible through the innovative development of modern intensive field fodder production, which should be based on a high level of mechanization, electrification, intensive energy-saving technologies for growing and harvesting fodder, on the achievements of genetics, breeding, and biotechnology. In 2021, the sown area of fodder crops was determined to be 1,535 thousand ha, 4.6 times less compared to 2000, 1.7 times less since 2010, and 8.5% less since 2020. There is a clear tendency to decrease livestock and poultry in agricultural enterprises and households. The total number of farm animals for all categories of farms decreased by 1.7-3.6 times during the studied period, and only poultry increased by 1.6 times. In the structure of cultivated areas of crops in Ukraine in 2021, fodder crops occupied 5.4%. At the same time, the specific weight of crops of perennial grasses in the entire sown area was only 2.9%. The revival of animal husbandry in agrarian enterprises in general and dairy cattle breeding, in particular, is associated with the intensification and improvement of the economic efficiency of field fodder production. In this regard, the anticipatory provision of animal husbandry needs with high-quality, protein-balanced, cheap fodder is particularly important. The reasons for the unsatisfactory development of fodder production are summarized. In recent years, military operations in the country have exacerbated the negative trends in field fodder production and the livestock industry, including dairy farming. An important task of modern fodder production is to reduce the negative impact on the environment to counteract the deterioration of the natural environment further. Due to global warming, there is a need to change the land management principles and adapt field fodder production to new climatic conditions. Such a course is inevitable since Ukraine, aiming to further integrate into the European Union, must fulfill its commitments and adhere to sustainable land use and reliable environmental protection principles. In order to reap the benefits of climate change and compensate for potential damages, appropriate adaptation measures must be implemented with a multi-stakeholder approach and collaboration. At the same time, the leading role in reducing the potentially dangerous consequences of climate variability and extreme events, raising awareness of adaptation to new or changing conditions, determining priorities, and developing a coordinated approach belongs to the state and government. Types of measures and specific directions for the adaptation of domestic agricultural enterprises to today’s challenges in the field of field fodder production in the context of sustainable development are proposed, which will contribute to the adoption of balanced management decisions, which will increase the effectiveness of business entities and their competitiveness.

Solar Radiation and Weather Analysis of Meteorological Satellite Data by Tensor Decomposition

In this study, the data obtained from meteorological satellites were analyzed using tensor decomposition. The data used in this paper are meteorological image data observed by the Himawari-8 satellite and solar radiation data generated from Himawari Standard Data. First, we applied Higher-Order Singular Value Decomposition (HOSVD), a type of tensor decomposition, to the original image data and analyzed the features of the data, called the core tensor, obtained from the decomposition. As a result, it was found that the maximum value of the core tensor element is related to the cloud cover in the observed area. We then applied Multidimensional Principal Component Analysis (MPCA), an extension of principal component analysis computed using HOSVD, to the solar radiation data and analyzed the Principal Components (PC) obtained from MPCA. We also found that the PC with the highest contribution rate is related to the solar radiation in the entire observation area. The resulting PC score was compared to actual weather data. From the result, it was confirmed that the temporal transition of the amount of solar radiation in this area can be expressed almost correctly by using the PC score.

Gibbon population status and long-term viability: Implication for a newly established protected area management

Effective protected area management is a crucial process for biodiversity conservation, and its effectiveness can be evaluated using the status of indicator species. Monitoring changes over time in the status of indicator species is an essential tool for designing and improving management plans for protected areas. Due to the preference for pristine habitat hoolock gibbon can be considered indicator species for habitat quality. We therefore defined changes in the status of the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) over 16 years (2005–2021) by estimating density changes and population viability in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary (MWS), a newly established protected area in western Myanmar. Using the acoustic point count method, we estimated the gibbon density to determine the impacts of selective logging and human disturbances on this species. This survey was conducted between February and March 2021 at 22 sampling sites, covering 352 km2 of evergreen and mixed deciduous forests in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary. We used distance sampling method to estimate an overall gibbon density of 0.97 groups/km2, which appeared to be dramatically lower than a previous estimate of 1.81 groups/km2 from 2005, defined using the same method. We then divided the Sanctuary into three zones and defined the minimum viable population (MVP) for gibbons in each zone to support management policies for the long-term persistence of the species. Moreover, the population viability analysis indicated that the population of eastern hoolock gibbons in the entire study area was seriously declining to lower than 1000 gibbons by the year 2055. By our estimation, around 4400 groups are needed for the long-term persistence of gibbons in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary. Our results highlight the detrimental effects of selective logging and human disturbance on gibbons, and presumably wildlife in general, in Mahamyaing Wildlife Sanctuary and the problems of inadequate protection level and management, underscoring the need to address these threats through targeted conservation efforts.

Influence of climatic conditions on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index variability in forest in Poland (2002–2021)

AbstractThe influence of climate change on forest condition is noticeable. Forest ecosystem stress caused by climate change has already been manifested in several parts of Europe, including Poland. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to investigate for the entire area of Poland a long‐term trend and variability of forest greenness expressed as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), derived from two decades (2002–2021) of remote sensing Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. In the next step, selected meteorological elements – temperature (T), precipitation (P) and evapotranspiration (ETo), derived from ERA5‐Land reanalysis—were used to determine the influence of climatic conditions on the variability of NDVI in forests. The study documents the general greening of forests in Poland in 2002–2021. The greening is mostly visible in central‐eastern Poland, where the annual mean NDVI increased by 0.030 in 20 years, while it is weaker in the Baltic coast and in the southern edges of Poland (increase by 0.009 in 20 years). Overall, the positive, statistically significant trends in annual NDVI prevail over the negative, statistically significant trends and account for 32.5% of forest area, whereas the negative trends account for 3.9%. The study indicates an overall moderate impact of meteorological elements on variability of NDVI in forests in Poland. The most important factors affecting forest condition are P and ETo. The strongest correlations between NDVI and P and ETo reach 0.55 and are located in central Poland, in the form of a belt from western to eastern borders.

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ambulance transports for self-harm: a population-based study in Osaka Prefecture, Japan

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic might have affected emergency medical services transports for self-harm in Japan. However, the available data are insufficient to fully understand the pandemic’s impact on ambulance transports due...

УСОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАННЫЙ ЦИЛИНДРИЧЕСКИЙ БУНКЕР ДЛЯ ХРАНЕНИЯ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННОЙ ПРОДУКЦИИ

An improved cylindrical hopper for storing agricultural products is proposed, the distinctive feature of which is the nature of the arrangement of through additional channels with conveyors in the foundation below the floor, which are parallel to each other and necessarily cross the central channel with the central conveyor at right angles. This arrangement of through additional channels with conveyors allows you to evenly distribute additional funnels over the floor area, as a result, uniform unloading of the cylindrical hopper is ensured over its entire area with minimal agricultural product residues on the floor and the operation of the conveyors independently of each other, which allows for the maximum possible supply of raw materials to each conveyor. The most efficient unloading of the hopper is realized when the funnels and additional funnels are fully opened, when the maximum possible supply of agricultural products occurs to the central conveyor and to each conveyor installed in the through additional channel. The dependences for determining the technical performance of the unloading system of a cylindrical hopper are given, which made it possible to perform a comparative analysis of the technical performance of the improved hopper and its prototype. The performed analysis showed that, under equal conditions, the technical performance of the unloading system of the improved cylindrical hopper is 30...33% higher than the technical performance of the unloading system of the prototype. The technical performance of the cylindrical hopper unloading system depends on the location of the conveyors relative to each other and on the funnel feed, the higher the funnel feed, the greater the technical performance of the conveyors. A dependence is obtained for calculating the required power of the drive motor at a known value of the technical performance of the conveyor. The practical use of the improved design of a cylindrical hopper for storing agricultural products will make it possible to quickly unload products.

THE SYSTEM OF AQUATIC HABITATS FROM TEPLIȚA, A VITAL ELEMENT FOR CONSERVATION OF THE BIODIVERSITY OF THE UPPER CORRIDOR OF TISA RIVER

Protected areas are a critical aspect towards safeguarding biodiversity with impacts on climate change and carbon sequestration. This study presents the results of the analysis on the living conditions offered to aquatic birds by the aquatic habitats of ROSPA0143 Upper Tisa protected area and highlights the importance of the aquatic habitats from Teplița for the conservation of biodiversity. Teplița aquatic system registers the largest number of aquatic species (66 out of a total of 68 for the entire protected area), of species that occur only here (22), of those nesting exclusively at Teplița (36.84% of the total nesting aquatic species) as well as the largest populations of aquatic species that are important for conservation. The vegetal carpet that supports the fauna has a simplified structure due to anthropic pressures, being comprised of three types of hygrophilous habitats, but with a high degree of ruderalization. Water quality analysis reveals a slightly more basic pH value for Tisa than for the 3 lakes in the area. Also, high values of dissolved oxygen and oxygen saturation determined for Tisa and the three lakes reflect a good level of oxygenation, above the minimum of 6.5-8 mg·L-1 required for healthy water. In accordance to water legislation, all measured parameters (i.e., alkalinity, Na, NH4+, NO2-, NO3-, Cl, iron) fall within the very good, good, and moderate quality classes. Dissolved copper, however, reveals a degraded water quality for lake 3 with a concentration slightly higher than the legal limit (0.123 mg·L-1).

A Signal Model Based on the Space–Time Coding Array and a Novel Imaging Method Based on the Hybrid Correlation Algorithm for F-SCAN SAR

The F-SCAN principle is a better alternative to the scan-on-receive technique (SCORE) based on digital beamforming (DBF), which can avoid low gain caused by a conventional broad beam in the case of a wide swath. In F-SCAN SAR, a pencil beam scans the entire target area from far to near, providing high energy independent of the position and ensuring a low range ambiguity-to-signal ratio (RASR). Moreover, echo compression can be achieved via appropriate system parameter configuration, significantly shortening the receive window and reducing the amount of data. A wider range swath can, therefore, be achieved. However, for this novel F-SCAN SAR working mode, signal modeling and imaging processing are key issues that needed to be addressed. In this paper, the far-field synthetic antenna pattern of the space–time coding array (STCA) is first derived and analyzed, based on which the signal modeling of the F-SCAN SAR is carried out. Then, according to the signal model and echo characteristics, a novel imaging processing method based on the hybrid correlation algorithm is presented for the F-SCAN SAR. First, the dechirp operation is performed to compensate for the quadratic phase of the range time. The range compressed result is obtained after a range Fourier transform, where different range targets are successfully separated and range aliasing is avoided. Then, the modified azimuth reference function is correlated with the echo at each range cell to complete range cell migration correction (RCMC) and azimuth compensation. The received signal parameters and the Doppler parameters of each range cell are derived to update the azimuth reference function. Finally, accurate focused results are obtained in the range-frequency, azimuth-time domain. The simulation results indicate that the signal model based on the STCA can satisfy the requirements of the F-SCAN principle, and the proposed imaging algorithm can complete the precise focusing processing of the F-SCAN SAR echo.

Historical overview of the Deliblato sands afforestation

Deliblato Sands is one of the largest sandy areas in Europe. Given that developing of vegetation on the sand is a slow process, followed by human activities that devastate the plant cover (grazing, deforestation), the free-moving sand on Deliblato Sands exited until the 18th century. Unbound sand hindered the development of agriculture in the entire southern Banat region, so it was necessary to start a more intensive process of restraining sand masses. The afforestation of this area began in 1818 and is still ongoing. In the process of afforestation, nine periods can be recognized that differ in relation to afforestation/reforestation techniques, the choice of species or the organizational structure of the forestry units (and countries) of the area of Deliblato Sands belonged throughout history.The most significant results in the binding of free moving sand were achieved by the application of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seedlings with juniper scrub (Juniperus communis L.) laid down on open sandy areas and sowing different species of grass between the rows of seedlings. This technique has been applied since the IV afforestation period (1878-1898). The largest areas were afforested in the V period (1898-1918), when parts of Deliblato Sands were formally protected for the first time in history as areas of importance for the preservation of biodiversity. The species most used in afforestation are black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), Scots pine and black pine (Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold), poplars (Populus sp.), and some shrubby (e.g. Juniperus virginiana L.) and herbaceous species (e. g. Ammophilla arenaria (L.) Link, Festuca vaginata Willd., Leymus arenarius (L.) Hochst., Carex arenaria L.). Today, Robinia pseudoacacia L. is most common tree species on Deliblato Sands and it occupies almost a third of the entire area.

Landscape ecological risk analysis of subtropical vulnerable mountainous areas from a spatiotemporal perspective: Insights from the Nanling Mountains of China

Although mountains provide various important ecological services for human beings, the need remains to be stressed for further research on conducting ecological risk analysis in vulnerable mountainous regions characterized by a relatively high population density. In this study, the Nanling Mountains, which are recognized as a significant mountainous region in southern China, were selected as a case. Using the Globe Land30 dataset and landscape metrics, we calculated landscape ecological risk indices from 2000 to 2020. Our objective was to investigate the distribution and changes in landscape ecological risks within mountainous areas and their associated implication, to support the protection and development of the Nanling Mountains, and to provide a valuable reference case for risk management in other mountainous regions. The results showed that the land cover transformation in Nanling was predominantly driven by the expansion of artificial surfaces and open water, accompanied by a decline in woodland, cultivated land, grassland, wetland, and shrubland areas. The overall landscape metrics exhibited minimal changes, with the majority of modifications observed between 2000 and 2010. During this period, there was a noticeable shift in patch shape from complex to simple, a decrease in landscape continuity, an increase in landscape separation, and an overall increase in landscape heterogeneity. The landscape ecological risk index displayed substantial spatial heterogeneity within the study area. High-risk and medium–high-risk areas were primarily concentrated in the central and eastern regions, surrounded by medium-risk areas. Low-risk and medium–low-risk areas were widely dispersed across the entire study area. Between 2000 and 2020, there was an observed rise in the percentage of low and medium–low-risk areas from 61.74% to 64.05%. This indicates an overall enhancement in the ecological environment of the study area. The transfer of landscape ecological risk primarily involved artificial surfaces and high-altitude grasslands. The correlation analysis between the total regional GDP and LERI showed that there was a smooth inverse “U” linear relationship between them. To conclude, there exists a definite correlation between the landscape ecological risk and human activities, particularly environmental policies. Additionally, the relationship between the landscape ecological risk index and the total regional GDP aligns with the Environmental Kuznets Curve. It is crucial to approach major decisions concerning densely populated and fragile mountainous areas with careful consideration and caution. In promoting land optimization and integration, priority should be given to the area around the artificial surface.

Evaluation of socio economic status in Malabar Coast in India: An in-depth analysis of socio-economic factors shaping society

The Malabar Coast in India comprises of two distinct regions, the North Malabar Coast and the South Malabar Coast. The North Malabar Coast is located in the state of Kerala and stretches from Kasargod in the north to Kannur in the south. The South Malabar Coast is located in the state of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and stretches from Kannur in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. The North Malabar Coast is known for its scenic beauty, greenery, and pristine beaches. It is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries and historic sites, such as the Bekal Fort and the Ananthapura Lake Temple. All over the study I mainly worked on the socio economic status of Malabar Coast and used some method after that I mainly found the Malabar Coast has the highest literacy per capita income, and highest sex ratio. For more accurately I considered urban population of different district to measure the status of urban population one district to another. After the analysis we find out the total entire area has more or less equal distribution of urban population that indicate less regional disparity and high development.

Potentiality and Threats of Avocado Farming in Eastern Hills of Nepal

Innovative and profitable agriculture has become indispensable for the supply of food and nutrients to people as well income generation. Thus, this study deals with the feasibility of commercial avocado farming including the analysis of problems related to this especially in the case of eastern hilly areas of Nepal. This study applied household questionnaire survey, key informant survey, focus group discussions and field observation to collect relevant primary information. Previous research journals, dissertations, books and official records were used as the major sources of secondary data collection. This study covers the entire area of Ward No. 3 of Dhankuta Municipality. Around, 44 percent (223hhs) farm households were selected as a sample out of the total 506 households of this area based on Yamane's sample determination formula (1967).This study proves that the agriculture system can be made profitable and useful through carefully using of new high valued crops. It reveals that avocado is a new commercial crop with maximum potential in the hilly areas of eastern including both challenges and opportunities. Moreover, this study also confirms that the avocado farming is not only a profitable business but also a risky and challenging. The farmers are facing various socio-economic challenges while doing this cultivation. Thus, the conclusion of the study is that the new agricultural activities are not free from challenges so that farmers must be faced patently to achieve success. This conclusion conveys the message that the success achieved only by facing barriers is sustainable.

Recent Foraminifera From the Mahanadi River Estuary, East Coast of India

The Mahanadi River estuary (Figure 1) is one of the major estuaries in India and the largest one in the Odisha State. It is situated within latitudes 190 47? and 200 30? N and longitudes 850 33? and 860 49? E. It originates from Amarakantak region of Madhya Pradesh and flows through Madhya Pradesh and Odisha States over a length of 890 kms having a drainage basin of about 1,41,600 sq. kms with a large catchment area. It opens into the Bay of Bengal at Pardeep in Cuttack district. It has a wide opening into the sea at its northeastern end. The tidal stretch extends up to 32 kms from the mouth. The entire area is full of mangrove vegetation together with mud flats traversed by a network of tidal creeks except some portions such as Paradeep and Astaranga mouth regions which are sandy shorelines. The studies on Recent foraminifera in relation to the prevailing ecological parameters such as salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH, and sediment characteristics and organic matter content of the sediments have been carried out in the present investigations. These studies can be used to delineate the palaeo-environments which serve as useful tools in the exploration for petroleum. 10 sediment and 10 water samples were collected from the estuary for the study of foraminifera and sediment characters, and water analysis respectively. The foraminifera of the estuary were identified. 12 abundant species which are Ammobaculities exiguus, Ammonia beccarii, Ammonia beccarii tepida, Elphidium advenum, Elphidium hispidulum, Milliamina fusca, Nonion depressulus, Pararotalia nipponica, Pararotalia cf. globosa, Quinqueloquelina lamarckina, Quinqueloculina seminulum and Rosalina globularis and are related to the prevailing ecological parameters and the substrate characteristics including the organic matter content.

A Methodology to Improve Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Urban Environments

This paper presents a methodology to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in urban environments. The ongoing climate change is causing increasingly important consequences for cities and their inhabitants. Temperatures are rising and human thermal comfort conditions are becoming worse. For this reason, it is essential to evaluate how parts of cities react to these phenomena and how they could improve their behavior. To do this, the area of interest has to be analyzed from various aspects, starting with an assessment of the microclimatic conditions. Through these analyses, it is possible to observe the interactions between climate and the urban context on a macro-scale. The actual results, such as surface temperature and air temperature, will be useful for hypothesizing where different paved surfaces need to be restored with mitigative actions. Another aspect that needs to be considered for a comprehensive analysis of the area’s potential concerns the study of solar potential. We will describe how this topic was approached, making in-depth evaluations of the quality of the results obtained through the analysis of simplified models. The portability of these data within a spatial domain was also evaluated, integrating the values on a territorial database. Another important topic that needs to be analyzed to plan an improvement of an area in terms of energy production is the installation of new solar active production systems. The appropriate inclusion of photovoltaic panels could lead to the near self-sustainability of buildings by decreasing the external energy demand. The results obtained by applying the methodology in a case study highlight that all these aspects must be taken into account simultaneously to improve the existing conditions of entire city areas, leading to a more sustainable urban environment.

Multi-year variability of summer phytoplankton biomass and size structure in the northern Chukchi and East Siberian Seas, Arctic Ocean: role of light and nutrient availability

In the Arctic Ocean, the northern Chukchi and East Siberian Seas (NCESS) are vulnerable to climate change due to warming, sea ice melting, and surface freshening. To investigate how local physical forcing affects phytoplankton biomass and communities in this area, the multi-year (2015-2020) distributions of summer (August) chlorophyll-a concentrations and size structures using data collected by the Korea-Arctic Ocean Observing System (K-AOOS) program were investigated. The environmental characteristics and phytoplankton communities in the study area showed east-west regional differences. It is characterized by warm fresh waters and strong stratification to the east and cold saline waters and relatively high nutrient and sea ice concentrations to the west. Despite the differences between the east and west regions, patterns of the inter-annual variation in phytoplankton biomass and communities were similar across the entire study area, implying environmental controllers regulating phytoplankton in the NCESS. Inter-annually, higher sea surface salinity and weaker water column stratification were observed in 2017-2019 than in 2015 and 2020, implying the possibility of a potential modulation by the Arctic Oscillation. The shallower nitracline depth and higher surface nutrient concentrations since 2017 compared to the period from 2015-2016, indicate improved nutrient availability due to Atlantic water intrusion. However, average insolation has been relatively low since 2017, with the exception of August 2018. August mean phytoplankton biomass was highest in 2018 in the study area (average 83.7 mgm-2) and was dominated by large-sized phytoplankton. The low phytoplankton biomass in 2017 (23.9 mgm-2) and 2019 (62.4 mgm-2), despite similar characteristics of nutrient concentration to 2018, is likely due to lower average daily insolation in both years (206 μEm-2d-1 and 184 μEm-2d-1 in 2017 and 2019, respectively) compared to the 2018 average (271 μEm-2d-1). These results suggest that increased intrusion through upwelling of Atlantic water, along with nutrient loading, could be a pivotal driving factor contributing to this enhanced production in the NCESS, particularly under conditions where light levels are sufficient for phytoplankton growth and bloom development.

Spatiotemporal Variations in the Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Plateau Lake Wetlands Regulated by Land Use Control under Policy Guidance

Lake wetlands play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Human activities and climate change impact the carbon sequestration capacity of lake wetlands. However, this process is intricate. Clarifying the decisive factors that affect carbon sequestration is crucial for preserving, utilizing, and enhancing the carbon sequestration capacity of plateau lake wetlands. Here we analyzed the regulatory role of land use under policy guidance on the carbon sequestration capacity of the plateau lake wetland of Caohai (CHLW), SW China. The results show that: (1) The cumulative carbon sequestration varied significantly from 1990 to 2020, with the highest carbon sequestration of 15.80 × 105 t C in 1995 and the lowest of 3.18 × 105 t C in 2020, mainly originating from endogenous carbon sequestration within the plateau lake wetlands. (2) As of 2020, the carbon stock of CHLW was approximately 2.54 × 108 t C. (3) The carbon sequestration in CHLW experienced a dynamic change process of decrease-increase-decrease over 30 years, mainly influenced by land use changes under policy regulation, with human and natural factors accounting for 91% and 9%, respectively. (4) Under three simulated scenarios (Q1, Q2, and Q3), the ecological priority scenario exhibited positive regulation on the carbon sequestration of CHLW and the entire protected area in 2030 and 2060, with the highest increase in carbon sequestration. This scenario is consistent with the current conservation policy, indicating that the current protection policy for CHLW is scientifically reasonable. This research demonstrates how land use and climate changes impact carbon storage in wetlands, with consideration of policy guidance. It provides references for utilizing and conserving lake wetlands worldwide, ultimately achieving the dual goals of wetland conservation and carbon neutrality.

Suppressing Gas Evolution in Li4Ti5O12||LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 Pouch Cells By High Temperature Formation

The increasing demands for a wide range of lithium-ion battery (LIB) applications requires the development of both improved high-energy as well as high-power systems. However, for high-power applications, the performance and thermal stability window of most commercial LIB systems is very limited. To meet these requirements, the spinel-type active material Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is a very prominent candidate as an alternative to conventionally used graphite as a negative active material for LIBs. However, despite the excellent lifetime and safety properties of LTO [1], its commercialization is still hindered by severe gas evolution during cyclic and calendar aging [2,3].This study demonstrates that elevated temperatures during the formation procedure do not only suppress gas evolution upon subsequent charge/discharge cycling but also have a positive impact on the specific discharge capacity and rate capability. It was shown by same-spot SEM investigations that higher formation temperatures lead to the formation of a homogeneous decomposition layer over the entire electrode surface area. Volume measurements of the cells showed, that an increase in formation temperature is furthermore associated with more gas evolution, suggesting that gas evolution and decomposition layer formation are directly correlating.It is assumed that the formation of this decomposition layer on the LTO electrode surface during the formation procedure essentially serves to reduce or (in case of applying sufficiently high formation temperatures) even suppress surface catalytic gassing reactions during subsequent cell application.In this context, the impact of the electrode surface area on the qualitative and quantitative gassing behavior during cell aging is highlighted. In contrary to the assumption that LTO is solely responsible for gas evolution in LTO-based LIBs, it could be shown that gas evolution is primarily determined by the specific electrode surface area. Accordingly, when LTO is used as negative active material, a protective layer for suppression of gas evolution should be formed not only on the active material particles but also on the inactive surface are, hence, the entire electrode surface area.Therefore, the high-temperature formation approach presented in this study is ideally suited for formation of an effective decomposition layer over the entire electrode. Since neither particle pretreatment nor the addition of film-forming electrolyte additives were necessary to suppress severe gas evolution, the high temperature formation approach could be the cornerstone for a cost-effective and easy commercialization of Li4Ti5O12-based cells.[1] C. Han, Y.B. He, M. Liu, B. Li, Q.H. Yang, C.P. Wong, F. Kang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 6368–6381[2] K. Wu, J. Yang, Y. Liu, Y. Zhang, C. Wang, J.Xu, F. Ning, D. Wang, J. Power Sources, 2013, 237, 285.[3] S. Wang, J. Liu, K.Rafiz, Y. Jin, Y. Li, Y. S. Lin, J. Electrochem. Soc., 2019, 166, A4150.

Stacking of Flowcells for the CO2-to-CO Electrolysis

The low-temperature CO2-to-CO electrolysis is one of the most mature CO2 electrolysis processes regarding technical and economical readiness. For this rather young technology Ag is established as a stable and highly selective catalyst. Research focus is therefore on increasing the process´ energy efficiency as well as the space-time yield. Promising results were reported for continuous single flowcells in lab scale size operating with aqueous electrolytes and gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) [1,2].This work specifically addresses the performance optimization of such flowcells under the condition of designing a stackable flowcell architecture. For two different flowcell concepts, short-stacks were designed and tested.Media flow compartments in a catholyte buffered GDE-flowcell operating with a proton exchange membrane were modified on two levels. The feed gas distribution over the GDE was optimized by introducing gas flowfields in the gas chamber, which supports the GDE from the far side of the anode and provides electrical contact. In the catholyte chamber, which separates the membrane from the cathode, an ionically conductive spacer was introduced. This spacer suppressed gas bubble-induced noise during cell voltage measurements and thus enabled a more stable process. The anode was mounted directly to the membrane (Zero-Gap) eliminating the second electrolyte gap (Figure1). In combination, these three modifications provided a supporting structure all the way from the anode flowfield to the cathode flowfield and thus force closure within the cell. Additionally these modifications ensured electric and ionic contact through the entire active cell area and provide mechanical support for the GDE and the membrane. By assembling and successfully testing a two-cell short-stack, it was demonstrated that the applied modifications yielded a stackable flowcell concept. [3]As catholyte buffered flowcells are limited in reaching high energy efficiencies (e.g. 35%) due to the ohmic resistance in the electrolyte gap, a flowcell containing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was designed applying the lessons learned previously and stackability as a design requirement. These flowcells operate with anion exchange membranes as polymer electrolytes rendering the catholyte buffer redundant. The electrodes can be mated directly on the membrane which minimized the electrode distance to the thickness of the membrane. The MEA flowcells, therefore, show low cell voltages and hence high energy efficiencies (e.g. 45%). Furthermore, the number of media flows that are to be managed within a single flowcell and hence in a stack is reduced. Aside from this simplification, anolytes with low ionic conductivity (e.g. 10mM KHCO3) can be used, reducing shunt currents within the stack and thus simplifying the electrolyte manifolds.A modular bipolar plate consisting of two plates was designed, which allows a free combination of different coated flowfields for the anode and cathode sides. For instance, the anode plates were coated with an Ir-MMO coating to enhance the OER appearing at the anode and thus to increase the single-cell performance. The bipolar plates were implemented in a three-cell short-stack containing MEA cells (Figure1). The results from electrochemical experiments with the short-stack showed that the results obtained with the single flowcell (200 mA/cm²; 3.2 V; FE(CO) >90%) could be adapted to the three-cell short-stack.

Real-time biodiversity analysis using deep-learning algorithms on mobile robotic platforms.

Ecological biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate. To combat such irreversible changes in natural ecosystems, biodiversity conservation initiatives are being conducted globally. However, the lack of a feasible methodology to quantify biodiversity in real-time and investigate population dynamics in spatiotemporal scales prevents the use of ecological data in environmental planning. Traditionally, ecological studies rely on the census of an animal population by the "capture, mark and recapture" technique. In this technique, human field workers manually count, tag and observe tagged individuals, making it time-consuming, expensive, and cumbersome to patrol the entire area. Recent research has also demonstrated the potential for inexpensive and accessible sensors for ecological data monitoring. However, stationary sensors collect localised data which is highly specific on the placement of the setup. In this research, we propose the methodology for biodiversity monitoring utilising state-of-the-art deep learning (DL) methods operating in real-time on sample payloads of mobile robots. Such trained DL algorithms demonstrate a mean average precision (mAP) of 90.51% in an average inference time of 67.62 milliseconds within 6,000 training epochs. We claim that the use of such mobile platform setups inferring real-time ecological data can help us achieve our goal of quick and effective biodiversity surveys. An experimental test payload is fabricated, and online as well as offline field surveys are conducted, validating the proposed methodology for species identification that can be further extended to geo-localisation of flora and fauna in any ecosystem.