Areas Of Human Activity Research Articles

Establishing a plastic waste map using remote sensing data in the coastal area of Thanh Hoa province (Vietnam)

Plastic pollution, particularly in oceans, is a growing environmental threat. Monitoring this pollution is challenging due to the shortage of data and tools. Remote sensing offers a promising solution by using various types of satellite and aerial images to detect and track plastic waste movement. Purpose. The study aims to establish a plastic waste map using remote sensing technology, focusing on the case study of the coastal area of Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam. Methodology. The study involves several steps, including the collection of plastic waste data (samples in the case study and indices from remote sensing images) as well as topographic and base map collection, statistics of plastic samples, grid design, calculation, interpolation, accuracy assessment, and mapping. Field surveys involved taking pictures of plastic debris along designated routes and a grid system was used to classify and calculate waste samples. Satellite images, especially Sentinel-2 MSI optical satellite imagery, are utilized to identify water areas of high plastic concentration. Findings. A map of plastic wastes in coastal areas of Thanh Hoa was created, with indices like NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index) and FDI (Floating Debris Index) helping identify potential plastic waste signals. The resulting map reveals high concentrations of plastic waste in sea areas near the major river mouths of the Ma River basin and tourist areas, which aligns with areas of high human activity. Originality. This is the first study of plastic waste in the coastal area using remote sensing data in Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam. Practical value. This study can contribute to the effective management of marine plastic waste in Thanh Hoa while opening up opportunities for applying the method to create marine plastic waste maps throughout Vietnam and foster long-term monitoring and management.

Methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach

Importance. The widespread use of foreign language education in non-linguistic universities is due to a number of factors that determine the development of professional activity in various industries. Medicine and healthcare are among the key areas of human activity that require regular updating of knowledge and improvement of professional skills of a specialist in the context of scientific and technological progress. Medical professionals are required to keep abreast of the latest achievements of science and technology, to study new methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases in order to provide patients with better medical care. Using the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world community realized that the emergence of such threats requires rapid response and cooperation between various countries and organizations. Only through the experience of interaction between scientists and medical professionals from different countries, it was possible to jointly normalize the epidemiological situation around the world. The World Health Organization has played a key role in coordinating international efforts to combat coronavirus infection by providing all the necessary information in foreign languages, mainly English and French. In view of this, there is a social demand in the labor market for medical workers who speak English perfectly, and in higher educational institutions there is a demand for language courses from students of residency. The main purpose of the study is to develop a methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach.Research Methods. To achieve the main goal, theoretical and empirical research methods are applied, which make it possible to study and analyze existing theories and concepts on the topic of developing a methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional co mmunication based on an integrated approach. Based on the analysis of the academic literature on the research topic, the regularities of the construction of the methodological model, its functions and component composition are revealed. Modeling of the educational process makes it possible to create an effective methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach.Results and Discussion. The conducted research makes it possible to identify the didactic functions of the methodological model: 1) orienting; 2) regulatory; 3) formative; 4) controlling. Based on the identified didactic functions, a methodological model for teaching residents of foreign la nguage professional communication based on an integrated approach is developed, which is structurally presented in the form of five consecutive blocks: 1) prerequisites; 2) goal setting block; 3) content block; 4) operational and activity block; 5) evaluation and performance block.Conclusion. The developed methodological model for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach allows creating a simulation of the educational process in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed teaching met hodology. The obtained research results are supposed to be used in the methods of foreign language teaching in medical universities in the training of residents.

Мониторинг спортивной подготовки в велосипедном спорте. Часть IV. Теоретико-методологические основы мониторинга спортивной подготовки в велосипедном спорте

The term «monitoring» is actively used in various areas of human activity, including science, education, production, etc. However, in the field of physical culture and sports, the use of this term is not as extensive and systematized as in other industries. One of the aspects that impede the full use of monitoring in sports is associated with the lack of a theoretical base of this concept. The aim of the work was the justification and development of approaches to the structure and content of monitoring the sports training of high-class athletes in bicycle sports based on the study of the experience of monitoring in various fields of human activity. For the first time, a theoretical and methodological base has been developed for creating a practice-oriented methodology for monitoring sports training of athletes in cycling. The results are focused on their practical use by athletes, coaches and specialists of bicycle sports

ЩОДО ОДНОГО ПІДХОДУ ДО ВИРІШЕННЯ ПИТАННЯ АВТОМАТИЗОВАНОГО БУДУВАННЯ СХЕМИ ПОСИЛАНЬ РЕЛЯЦІЙНИХ БАЗ ДАНИХ

Introduction. The current trend of continuous integration of various areas of scientific and practical human activity contributes to the constant increase in the complexity of problems, the successful solution of which becomes possible only through the use of large volumes of information, as a rule, geographically distributed across multiple database files. In this case, the need to know the locations and features of the interaction of its components becomes of fundamental importance when organizing the most convenient and efficient ways to access it. In some cases, to meet such needs, you can use the services of existing products (Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, FileMaker Pro, Oracle Database, dBASE, etc.). Sometimes, using a specialized SQL language or its dialects, it is more convenient to create a “handmade” one that will satisfy the stated requirements. If the user desires or needs to know the location of the information used in the work, understand the logic of the mechanism for obtaining it, and evaluate the effectiveness of the ways of its delivery to constantly monitor its current and future nomenclature and quantity, its developments can help, which can provide more detailed information, than known means. As experience shows, obtaining an integral and effective solution to this set of closely interrelated issues becomes possible only with the availability of a purely specialized software tool for the automated construction of link diagrams, which is a multifunctional, operational, easy-to-learn, and easy-to-use user environment. Endowed with the ability at any time and with minimal user participation to visualize on the screen the current structure of the created database with the required degree of clarity, detail, and ease of perception, such an environment should become a means of operational analysis and assessment of ways of possible modification of the database itself in the direction of creating a more effective one in practical terms, regarding the variant of its structure. Purpose. Research and practical testing of the existing capabilities of approaches, methods, algorithms, and software modules that were developed during the creation of a universal information software technology for working with undirected graphs of the “mixed forest” type. To evaluate the efficiency and feasibility of using these approaches to improve a set of integrated software tools for the automated construction of relational database link diagrams with minimal user participation in this process. Methods. Database systems, apparatus of graph-tree theory. Result. A new approach is proposed, and the result of its software implementation is presented in the form of a “pilot” version of a set of software tools for the automated construction of relational database link schemes. The basis of the approach is techniques, methods, algorithms, etc. which were created and implemented programmatically in a new, universal information software technology for working with (temporarily) undirected graphs of the “sour cream forest” type. , Software package (SP) makes “formal” the user’s participation in the process of building link diagrams. By greatly reducing the time required for this and providing more than 90% savings in the technical resources of the computer used, SP makes it possible to take into account data tables, the total number of fields of which is limited only by the latter’s capabilities. A positive conclusion about the suitability of such an approach will become an incentive for its further improvement in the form of specialized information software technology as an effective means of solving the problems of constructing relational database link schemes.

Перспективы социальной философии в современных условиях глобализации

Globalization processes have occurred more than once in human history. Scientists have identified several waves of major integration processes that took place in various areas of human activity. However, modern globalization processes, largely due to the development of digital technologies, surpass in scale and signifi-cance all those occurring previously. What are the vectors of development of modern globalization and its consequences for all humanity? This is not an idle question concerning scientists and philosophers. In this re-gard, there are many different concepts that interpret the essence of the phenomenon of “globalization” and its prospects. However, there is no doubt that the human world has ceased to be flat and linear, society has transformed into humanity, and humanity has transformed into a world on a planetary scale. The social world is presented in a complex proliferation with a huge variety of super dynamic connections and relationships determined by civilizational achievements. With the processes of globalization, a new page begins in the his-tory not only of humanity, but also in the history of social philosophy, which cannot measure society in the same traditional ways. Socio-philosophical discourse requires new cognitive research paradigms in order to more accurately represent the picture of the globalizing world and the place of the singular person in it. The article attempts to substantiate one of these paradigms.

Prospects for social philosophy in modern conditions of globalization

Globalization processes have occurred more than once in human history. Scientists have identified several waves of major integration processes that took place in various areas of human activity. However, modern globalization processes, largely due to the development of digital technologies, surpass in scale and signifi-cance all those occurring previously. What are the vectors of development of modern globalization and its consequences for all humanity? This is not an idle question concerning scientists and philosophers. In this re-gard, there are many different concepts that interpret the essence of the phenomenon of “globalization” and its prospects. However, there is no doubt that the human world has ceased to be flat and linear, society has transformed into humanity, and humanity has transformed into a world on a planetary scale. The social world is presented in a complex proliferation with a huge variety of super dynamic connections and relationships determined by civilizational achievements. With the processes of globalization, a new page begins in the his-tory not only of humanity, but also in the history of social philosophy, which cannot measure society in the same traditional ways. Socio-philosophical discourse requires new cognitive research paradigms in order to more accurately represent the picture of the globalizing world and the place of the singular person in it. The article attempts to substantiate one of these paradigms.

Fluorometer “FLS 10s”

Many biological objects have the ability to fluoresce under the influence of electromagnetic radiation in the optical range. Measuring the fluorescence of a biological object helps obtain information about its internal state. Therefore, the creation of instruments for scientific research in the field of studying biological objects has been a pressing task for many areas of human activity for many years. In particular, these are areas such as agriculture, ecology, food industry and medicine. This article is devoted to a description of the recently developed “FLS 10s” device for studying plant chlorophyll fluorescence, as well as description of software for operating the device and analyzing the information obtained. This device provides data of well known OJIP test. Keywords: fluorescence, fluorometer, fluorescence measurement, Kautsky effect, OJIP test, fluorescence induction, fast chlorophyll α fluorescence induction.

Investigation on the Instability Mechanism of Expansive Soil Slope With Weak Interlayer Based on Strain Softening

ABSTRACTExpansive soils are widespread in the world and coincide with areas of high human activity. The main cause of deep instability of expansive soil slopes is due to their softening caused by excavation and seepage. By developing a comprehensive numerical model based on the theory of unsaturated soil, this study examines the characteristics of stress and displacement distribution of expansive soil slopes through hydraulic‐mechanical coupled numerical simulation. This study analyzes the evolution patterns of slopes with excavation unloading and seepage of water storage to reveal the mechanisms of deep‐seated instability of expansive soil slopes. The findings demonstrate that: The instability of expansive soil slopes begins at the foot of the slope and propagates along the interlayer, affecting the entire slope. Excavation leads to the softening of the expansive soil interlayer and the transfer of shear stress. During water storage, the weakening of the soil strength results in slope instability along the weak interlayer slip. Softening of the expansive soil interlayer facilitates the redistribution of shear forces in the slope and alters the distribution law of the plastic zone in the deep layer. Overly slowing down the slope leads to significant excavation unloading, which is detrimental to the slope's stability.

Sample size effects on landslide susceptibility models: A comparative study of heuristic, statistical, machine learning, deep learning and ensemble learning models with SHAP analysis

In landslide susceptibility assessment (LSA), inventory incompleteness impacts the accuracy of different models to varying degrees. However, this area remains under-researched. This study investigated six LSA models from heuristic, statistical, machine learning and ensemble learning models (analytical hierarchy process (AHP), frequency ratio (FR), logistic regression (LR), Keras based deep learning (KBDL), XGBoost, and LightGBM) across six different sample sizes (100%, 90%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 10%). Results revealed that XGBoost and LightGBM consistently outperformed other models across all sample sizes. The LR and KBDL models followed, while FR model was the most affected by sample size variations. AHP, an empirical model, remained unaffected by sample size. Through SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis, elevation, NDVI, slope, land use, and distance to roads and rivers emerged as pivotal indicators for landslide occurrences in the study area, suggesting that human activities significantly influence these events. Five time-varying indicators regarding human activity and climate validated this inference, which provides a new method to identify landslide triggering factors, especially in areas of intense human activity. Based on the findings, a comprehensive framework for LSA is proposed to assist landslide managers in making informed decisions. Future research should focus on expanding model diversity to address the effects of sample size, enhancing the adaptability of the LSA framework, deepening the analysis of human activity impacts on landslides using explainable machine learning techniques, addressing temporal inventory incompleteness in LSA, and critically evaluating model sensitivity to sample size variations across multiple disciplines.

What is the actual composition of specific land cover? An evaluation of the accuracy at a national scale – Remote sensing in comparison to topographic land cover

Satellite imagery allows us to capture and collect land cover information for increasingly large areas. This allows us to represent current land cover on maps in a simple and standardized way; however, any land cover determined in this way is subject to some algorithmic uncertainty. This paper aims, for the first time, to indicate the magnitude of this uncertainty through the empirical probability distribution of a given land cover at a given location. By analyzing 3 data sources, i.e. the Corine Land Cover map, the POLSA land cover map and the classic map - the BDOT10k database of topographic objects. Empirical distributions of the occurrence of land cover class data in areas with a given land use on a topographic map were determined. The work was carried out on a large scale, i.e. on the maximum possible sample for Poland, i.e. on the area of the whole country. This makes it possible to introduce and quantify uncertainties. Spatial analyses were carried out using satellite-based methods to determine land cover or using a topographic map. This work and its results will be useful to all users who want to assess the occurrence of a phenomenon in a given area, taking into account the uncertainty of the land cover, and thus obtain more accurate and reliable results. It also provides, for the first time, a methodology for verifying such map correspondences, which can be replicated in work by other researchers, using the confusion matrix and as evaluation metrics the true positive rate (TPR) and weighted accuracy have been adopted. The paper proposes a link between land cover classes in all databases. It was shown that the TPR for BDOT10k was higher than 50% only with CLC Level 1 (72.0%) and POLSA Land Cover (61%), while the TPR for RS classes for each remote sensing data was always higher than 60% with BDOT10k. The class with the highest remote sensing classes was related to water, especially marine (92.0% for POLSA and 85.3% for CLC level 3), arable land (98% for POLSA, lowest for CLC level 3 (80%), and forests (coniferous POLSA – 89%, CLC level 1 and 2–85%), while low values were obtained for wetlands, peatbogs. The authors do not state which land cover approach is better, as each may have multiple uses, but the values presented in this work must raise awareness of uncertainties in land cover and critical implementation in decision-making processes for multiple areas of human activity. The study provides ready-to-use values of the probability of a given land cover class being present on a topographic map, given that remote sensing has classified it as such. These functions can also be used in reverse, to determine the probability of a given land cover class being present in remote sensing, given that a specific class has been identified on a topographic map. The results of the consistency assessment, with the composition structure, can be used by a wide range of users, including public administration, land managers, land architects, public services, academia and individuals.

Green space coverage versus air pollution: a cloud-based remote sensing data analysis in Sichuan, Western China

ABSTRACT Air pollution is the greatest health risk to human health, as acknowledged in several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), such as SDG-1, SDG-3, SDG-7, and SDG-11. Despite global comprehension of the positive effect of Green Space Coverage (GSC) on mitigating air pollution, investigating the impact of different GSC types has received little attention. Here, we utilized multiple air pollution data and a cloud-computing platform to examine the role of different GSC types in mitigating NO2 and PM2.5 pollutants across 2019 and 2022 in Sichuan Province, China. We classified GSC areas into tall GSC and short GSC classes, taking into account the recognized importance of vegetation height in prior studies. Our analysis revealed that tall GSCs exhibit lower pollutant levels across all areas studied, indicating a potential correlation between GSC height and pollution mitigation efficacy. Furthermore, in high human activity areas, while tall GSC emerged as effective sinks for PM 2.5 compared to short GSC (25% and 20% lower average annual in 2019 and 2022, respectively), their performance in reducing NO2 pollutant levels was relatively limited (9% and 4% lower average annual in 2019 and 2022, respectively). These findings can contribute to urban planning and environmental management.

Technology for Protecting Building Envelopes in Construction Using Magnetron Sputtering

The global environmental agenda is aimed at saving energy resources in all areas of human activity. An important condition for energy saving and increasing energy efficiency is the thermal protection of buildings and structures of all types. Currently, when designing and constructing buildings, structurally oriented solutions are needed to provide conditions for the implementation of modern innovative technologies. At the same time, when producing new thermal insulation (heat-protective) materials, it is necessary to take into account such important issues as environmental friendliness and ensuring a comfortable microclimate. Issues of indoor air exchange are extremely important, especially during the spread of new viral infections. Thermal insulation (thermal protection) of buildings must ensure air circulation, that is, be vapor permeable. Polyester material has this property. Modern technologies make it possible to impart heat-reflecting properties to such materials by applying metallized nanolayers or their compounds to their surface. Among the methods for applying such layers, a special place is occupied by the magnetron sputtering method, which is used in the technology of applying protective coatings to the surface of products made from roll and sheet materials. With the development of applied technological research in the chemical industry, many substances (compounds) were invented, some of which gained such popularity that they began to be used in the production of a huge number of materials, including in the construction industry. One of these substances was polyester as a high-molecular compound, which became widely used in many areas of industry. Polyester material is often combined with other man-made or natural fibers. Among them: cotton, linen, wool, polyamide. As a result, we obtain a canvas (materials) with new characteristics, adding new unique properties, such as strength and wear resistance, does not fade in the sun, and does not require special care. Polyester fabric is used for suspended ceilings and in building materials. Its high density of 250 kg per cubic meter allows this to be done. By combining the production of polyester and cotton, the material acquires the properties of breathability, hygroscopicity and low thermal conductivity. The purpose of this article is to describe the technology of the ion-plasma processing method of combined linen materials with possible application in the construction industry.

The use of anthropogenic areas helps explain male brown bear movement rates and distance travelled during the mating season

AbstractDuring the reproductive period, mating strategies are a significant driver of adaptations in animal behaviour. For instance, for polygamous species, greater movement rates during the mating season may be advantageous due to the increased probability of encountering several potential mates. The brown bear Ursus arctos is a solitary carnivore that lives at low densities, with a polygamous mating system and an extended mating season of nearly 3 months. Here, we hypothesized that male brown bears may show changes in movement patterns and space‐use behaviour during their mating season. Using long‐term (2002–2013) telemetry data from the Finnish Karelia male population (n = 24 individuals; n = 10 688 GPS locations), we first analysed daily movement metrics, that is, speed, net and total distance with respect to the period (mating vs. post‐mating) and several environmental predictors. Then, we conducted a step‐selection analysis for each of these periods. Throughout the year, male bears selected forested/shrub habitats and increased movement rates near main roads. During the mating season, reproductive needs seem to trigger roaming behaviour in adult males to maximize encounter rates with potential receptive females. However, all movement metrics increased within areas of high human activity, suggesting a bear response to a higher risk perception while using those areas. During the post‐mating period, overlapping with the bear hyperphagia and the hunting season, males selected anthropogenic areas farther from main roads and trails, suggesting a trade‐off between foraging opportunities and risk avoidance.

Technologies Versus Justice: Challenges of AI Regulation in the Judicial System

The article examines issues of using artificial intelligence in such a sensitive area of human activity as justice. The authors refer to numerous facts on attempts to create a kind of “smart court” in various countries. At the same time, these attempts run up against circumstances that indicate the need to establish legal restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in the administration of justice. Moreover, according to the authors’ reasoned conviction, there are areas in which the robot judge turns out to be powerless to replace human intelligence. Based on the philosophical and legal approach to assessing such a phenomenon as digitalization and the phenomenology of legal judgment, the authors conclude that the adoption of a court decision that meets the requirements of the principle of justice is something beyond the reach of artificial intelligence. Such a decision can only be made by a human judge, but not by a robot. AI systems in the judicial system should support rather than supersede judges.

Green Nephrology - What does this mean for dialysis procedures?

In times in which climate change is becoming increasingly noticeable in the everyday lives of the global population, a rethinking towards an environmentally friendly and climate-neutral way of life is essential in all areas of human activity (including medicine). In the field of nephrology, a reorientation of resource-intensive renal replacement therapy is therefore absolutely necessary, keyword "green nephrology". To this end, awareness of the CO2 emissions caused in the field of nephrology must first be raised so that CO2 savings can then be implemented efficiently. Initially using the current conventional dialysis procedures. In addition, further technical developments such as portable and wearable haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis machines will enable significant savings in energy and water consumption in the future. Furthermore, innovative research approaches are introducing new alternatives to organ transplantation, such as xenotransplantation, stem cell research and "artificial" organ replacement.A wide variety of promising approaches is therefore available for the renal replacement therapy of the future. The aim of nephrology must now be to drive forward further development and implement it in such a way that environmentally friendly patient care in nephrology is possible in the near future in order to make our contribution to climate protection while at the same time ensuring the treatment and its quality.

Διερεύνηση απόψεων ξενόγλωσσων εκπαιδευτικών Α΄ θμιας Εκπαίδευσης για τον ρόλο των ψηφιακών τεχνολογιών στη διδασκαλία της ξένης γλώσσας

In recent years, digital technologies have penetrated all areas of human activity. The foreign language teacher has access to multimodal, multimedia texts that contribute to the development of language and communication skills, while using tools that provide the opportunity for interaction in authentic learning environments. This quantitative research aims to explore the views of foreign language teachers serving in public and private sector primary schools on the role of digital technologies in foreign language teaching. 80 foreign language teachers participated in the survey and an electronic questionnaire was used as a research tool. The main aspects of the survey are related to the extent to which digital tools are used in foreign language teaching and assessment, the technical equipment of classrooms, the identification of obstacles in the pedagogical use of digital media and, finally, the development of specific language skills in foreign language teaching. It emerged that issues of technical support and lack of equipment are of concern to teachers, the need for continuous training was highlighted and difficulties related to classroom management and the formation of a digital culture for students were recorded.

Universities and Artificial Intelligence

The general objective of the research was to determine the advances related to the universities and artificial intelligence. The specific objectives of the research are to identify the universities that invest the most in artificial intelligence and the best global universities for artificial intelligence. Methodology, in this research, 42 documents have been selected, carried out in the period 2018 – 2024; including: scientific articles, review articles and information from websites of recognized organizations. Results, AI is becoming increasingly important in all areas of human activity, which is why standards are being established for its proper use. Education is an important aspect in the development of people, which is why it must be invested at an international level. Innovation is very important for any type of organization and especially for universities. Conclusions, artificial intelligence is gaining more followers in university higher education, due to its important contribution. In addition, some principles have been formulated to guide its development. The top global university is the MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (The United States of America); the top university in Latin America and the Caribbean is the Universidade de São Paulo (Brazil); the top university in Europe is the University of Oxford (United Kingdom); the best university in Asia is the Tsinghua University (China); the top university in Africa is the University of Cape Town (South Africa); the top university in Oceania is the University of Melbourne (Australia). The university that invests the most in artificial intelligence was Johns Hopkins University. The best global universities for artificial intelligence were Tsinghua University, Nanyang Technological University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Stanford University, University of California – Berkeley and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Exploration of using a wall-climbing robot system for indoor inspection in occupied buildings

Indoor inspection robots operating in occupied buildings need to minimize disturbance to occupants and access high areas of a room and cramped spaces obstructed by obstacles for higher inspection coverage. However, existing indoor inspection robots are still unable to meet these requirements. This paper aims to explore the feasibility of applying wall-climbing robots to address these requirements. To this end, we propose a small-sized wall-climbing robot prototype that can move on common indoor surfaces. We extend the proposed prototype to support thermographic inspection by integrating thermal imaging technology into it. Experiment results show that the proposed robot prototype can reach more wall and floor areas for inspection than previously developed indoor inspection robots. It has also been demonstrated that the reduced size and the wall-climbing ability allow the robot to largely avoid human activity areas, thereby reducing disturbance to occupants. This study represents the first attempt to introduce wall-climbing robots into the indoor inspection domain and provides the initial validation of their advantages over existing indoor inspection robots regarding improving inspection coverage and minimizing disturbance to occupants. The findings in this study can provide valuable insights for the future design, selection and application of robotic systems for indoor inspection tasks.

Identifying human elephant conflict hotspots through satellite remote sensing and GIS to support conflict mitigation

Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is a significant issue in Sri Lanka and many parts of the world where elephants and humans coexist. To address HEC, this study integrates remote sensing and GIS analysis, focusing on monitoring changes in greenery. The study prepared the latest land cover and land use (LCLU) maps with Sentinel-2 satellite data, correlating them with reported HEC incidents reported in 2021 and 2022 to identify HEC hotspots in two forest-dominated regions of Southeast Sri Lanka. High-resolution sentinel-2 satellite imagery were used to detect areas of human activities and elephant habitats in proximity to each other. Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification methods were used for LCLU classification. The overall accuracy of the classification was 97.31 and 94.62, and kappa was 0.95 and 0.90 for RF and SVM, respectively. Multi-temporal normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) analysis provided insights into vegetation health and coverage, offering a clear picture of greenery changes. Monthly changes in vegetation cover readings were quantified using NDVI values derived from MODIS data, identifying suitable regions for elephants to forage frequently. Furthermore, Kernel density estimation identified high-density areas for reported incidents of human and elephant deaths. This process involved assigning weight to conflict incidents within a 5 km radius, considering the proximity to the forest, and evaluating greenery changes using NDVI values, revealing varying levels of HEC risk, ranging from very high to low. The LCLU map, created using the RF classifier, indicates that all potential HEC hotspots for very high and high HEC risks are closely aligned with forest boundaries. The findings support HEC mitigation strategies through community awareness, HEC hotspots mapping and restoration practices to ensure a sustainable human-elephant coexistence. This method will help policymakers in wildlife conservation to identify high risk HEC zones to support HEC mitigation. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of integrating remote sensing and GIS techniques in demarcating HEC hotspots in Sri Lanka to support conflict mitigation efforts.

Parturition of a rear-fanged rainbow water snake (Enhydrisenhydris) involved in snakebite and effects of its envenoming in Nepal

Based on a specimen preserved in the snakebite treatment center in eastern Nepal, this study aims to analyse brief life history (i.e., litter size, parturition date, habitat preference) of Enhydris enhydris, effects of its envenoming, and anthropogenic threat on its populations. One euthanized gravid female E. enhydris collected alive from eastern Nepal by a snakebite victim was examined. The gravid female gave birth to 23 litters on July 11, 2012. This parturition suggested high reproductive potential. Its bite to a man walking on the road caused no ill-effects. However, the use of tourniquet as a part of prehospital care might be detrimental or be obstacle for in-hospital care of snakebite. The conflicts between E. enhydris and humans at roads and human-activity areas are inevitable across the distribution ranges of this species. The continued anthropogenic impact can threaten its populations. This study finding can be a basis for assessing conservation status and options for its conservation as well as prehospital care and prevention of its bites.