Local Conditions Research Articles

Monitoring Long-Term Land Cover Change in Central Yakutia Using Sparse Time Series Landsat Data

Recently, as global climate change and local disturbances such as wildfires continue, long- and short-term changes in the high-latitude vegetation systems have been observed in various studies. Although remote sensing technology using optical satellites has been widely used in understanding vegetation dynamics in high-latitude areas, there has been limited understanding of various landscape changes at different spatiotemporal scales, their mutual relationships, and overall long-term landscape changes. The objective of this study is to devise a change monitoring strategy that can effectively observe landscape changes at different spatiotemporal scales in the boreal ecosystems from temporally sparse time series remote sensing data. We presented a new post-classification-based change analysis scheme and applied it to time series Landsat data for the central Yakutian study area. Spectral variability between time series data has been a major problem in the analysis of changes that make it difficult to distinguish long- and short-term land cover changes from seasonal growth activities. To address this issue effectively, two ideas in the time series classification, such as the stepwise classification and the lateral stacking strategies were implemented in the classification process. The proposed classification results showed consistently higher overall accuracies of more than 90% obtained in all classes throughout the study period. The temporal classification results revealed the distinct spatial and temporal patterns of the land cover changes in central Yakutia. The spatiotemporal distribution of the short-term class illustrated that the ecosystem disturbance caused by fire could be affected by local thermal and hydrological conditions of the active layer as well as climatic conditions. On the other hand, the long-term class changes revealed land cover trajectories that could not be explained by monotonic increase or decrease. To characterize the long-term land cover change patterns, we applied a piecewise linear model with two line segments to areal class changes. During the former half of the study period, which corresponds to the 2000s, the areal expansion of lakes on the eastern Lena River terrace was the dominant feature of the land cover change. On the other hand, the land cover changes in the latter half of the study period, which corresponds to the 2010s, exhibited that lake area decreased, particularly in the thermokarst lowlands close to the Lena and Aldan rivers. In this area, significant forest decline can also be identified during the 2010s.

Spatial-Temporal Process of Land Use/Land Cover and Desertification in the Circum-Tarim Basin during 1990–2020

The problem of desertification in the Tarim Basin, an area with a unique geography and climatic conditions, has received extensive research attention not only in China but also around the world. Between natural factors and human activities, the latter are considered the main cause of desertification, with the excessive use of land resources accelerating its risk. This study classified the degree of desertification into five types, no, light, moderate, severe, and extremely severe desertification, and focused on the spatio-temporal changes in LULC, desertification development, and their relationship in the Circum-Tarim Basin during the period of 1990–2020, and the results indicated the following. (1) Over the 30-year study period, farmland development was frequent in the basin. The total farmland area increased significantly by 1.40 × 104 km2, which resulted from the occupation of grassland (mainly low-covered and medium-covered grassland) and unused land (mainly saline–alkali land). (2) There was a general alleviation of the effects of desertification, but also local deterioration. The area of no-desertification land has significantly increased (an increase of 2.10 × 104 km2), and the degree of desertification has shifted significantly to adjacent lighter degrees, but the area of extremely severe desertification in certain regions has increased (an increase of 7.89 × 104 km2). (3) There was an inseparable relationship between LULC and desertification. Oasisization and desertification were two processes that interacted and were interrelated. There was an approximately 54.42% increase in no-desertification land area mainly occurring in the region where LULC types changed (Region II), although this area only accounted for 9.71% of the total area of the basin. There was an approximately 98.28% increase in the area of extremely severe desertification occurring where there were no changes in LULC types (Region I). Region II demonstrated the best effects of desertification prevention and control in the 30-year study period in the Circum-Tarim Basin. Land development and oasis expansion have led to concentrated water use, resulting in water scarcity in certain areas, which cannot support the needs of vegetation growth, thus aggravating the degradation. Hence, “adapting measures to local conditions, rational planning, zoning policies, precise prevention and control” will be the way forward for desertification control in the future in the Circum-Tarim Basin.

Impact of China’s Energy-Consuming Right Trading on Urban Land Green Utilization Efficiency

China is facing development challenges, such as the red line of arable land, resource shortage, and tightening ecological and environmental constraints. In this context, improving land green utilization efficiency (LGUE) is not only an important undertaking to optimize the spatial layout of the country and improve resource carrying capacity but also an inevitable choice for the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. China’s energy-consuming right trading (ECRT) is an important energy transition demonstration policy; however, its effect on LGUE has yet to be scientifically evaluated in academic research. Using panel data of 260 prefecture-level cities in China from 2009 to 2021, this study first uses a difference-in-difference model to test the effect of ECRT on LGUE, analyze its transmission mechanism, and further examine the impact of urban characteristic heterogeneity on policy effects from multiple perspectives. Results show the following: (1) The pilot policy of ECRT significantly improves urban LGUE, as confirmed by robustness tests. (2) The ECRT pilot policy enhances urban technological innovation, promotes the upgrading of industrial structure, and thereby improves LGUE. (3) The ECRT has a more significant enhancement effect on the central and western cities, large-scale cities, and resource-based cities. (4) Government environmental protection assessment can have a positive moderating effect, that is, further amplifying the effect of ECRT on improving urban LGUE. In conclusion, we should solidly promote the construction of a unified national ECRT market, formulate policy implementation plans tailored to local conditions, and steadily improve LGUE. To a certain extent, this paper reveals the inherent logic of how ECRT affects LGUE, which provides opportunities for cities to improve LGUE through ECRT, and provides reference for promoting the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development.

Geological-structural position and genesis of the Sovinoe gold ore deposit in Chukotka

The localization conditions for the large Sovinoe gold-quartz deposit were clarified based on results of the geological exploration. It has been ascertained that the vein- and stockwork-type ore bodies are confined to gentle ttectonic nappe zones in sites where they are crossed by steeply dipping faults. Ore deposition occurred under conditions of long-term tectonic movements, with participation of gold-bearing fluids enriched in methane and carbon dioxide, coming from deep-seated magmatic chambers at the stage of the orogen activation. The fluid flow was confined to deep-seated faults and represented the main factor for the transformation of tectonized terrigenous-sedimentary rocks into carbonaceous shales and for the formation of quartz-veined gold mineralization.

The effect of local climatic conditions on household consumption: a case study of South Africa

The article explores the causal effect of local climate conditions on household consumption in South Africa. The climatic conditions are represented by monthly average temperature and precipitation. The study utilises the nationally representative 2017 National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS), wave 5 data and 2017 Climate Research Unit (CRU) climate data. The parsimonious quantile regression shows that climatic conditions (precipitation, temperature, wet days, and cloud cover) impact household per capita consumption. The quadratic quantile regression model analysis shows that household per capita consumption is convex in precipitation. Below the turning point, increased precipitation is associated with decreased household per capita consumption. Above the turning point, increased precipitation is related to increased household per capita consumption. Regions that receive very low precipitation or experience extreme temperatures (very cold or very hot) require tailor-made interventions to alleviate consumption. When we control for household characteristics, the impact of climatic conditions on household per capita consumption is weak. Providing inclusive development policies and programmes can mitigate the impact of climatic conditions on household per capita consumption.

A holistic exploration of the optimal control strategies on an enhanced mathematical model for the co-infection of HIV/AIDS and varicella-zoster

Because of its high contagiousness and correlation with HIV/AIDS complaints, the virus that causes varicella-zoster virus and its interactions have major consequences for a considerable portion of people worldwide. The primary aim of this work is to suggest and examine optimal control methods for managing the transmission dynamics of HIV/AIDS and Varicella-Zoster co-infection, using an integer model approach. The mathematical analyses of the proposed integer order model places particular emphases on the boundedness and non-negativity of the model solutions, scrutinizing equilibrium points, determining the models basic reproduction ratios (the models basic reproduction numbers) through the next-generation matrix operator method, and assessing the model equilibrium points existences and stabilities in local approach by considering the local stability conditions of Routh and Hurwitz. Additionally, it incorporates an optimal control framework to enhance our understanding of the dynamics involved in the spreading of HIV/AIDS and Varicella-Zoster co-infection within a considered population. This entails determining preventative measures that can be deliberately put into place to lessen the effects of these co-infections. The solutions of the HIV/AIDS and Varicella-Zoster co-infection model converges to the co-infection endemic equilibrium point whenever the associated basic reproduction number is greater than unity, as verified by numerical simulation results. Including optimal management gives the research an innovative viewpoint and helps identify tactical ways to mitigate the negative effects of this co-infection on the public health. The results highlight how crucial it is to address these complex structures in order to protect and improve public health outcomes. Implementing the proposed protection measures and treatment measures simultaneously has most effective result to minimize and eliminate the HIV/AIDS and Varicella-Zoster co-infection disease throughout the population.

Subkiloparsec Scaling Relations between Hot Gas, Dense Gas, and Star Formation Rate in Five Nearby Star-forming Galaxies

Based on the newly acquired dense gas observations from the JCMT MALATANG survey and X-ray data from Chandra, we explore the correlation between hot gas and HCN J = 4 → 3 and HCO+ J = 4 → 3 emission for the first time at subkiloparsec scale of five nearby star-forming galaxies, namely M82, M83, IC 342, NGC 253, and NGC 6946. We find that both HCN J = 4 → 3 and HCO+ J = 4 → 3 line luminosity show a statistically significant correlation with the 0.5−2 keV X-ray emission of the diffuse hot gas ( L0.5−2keVgas ). The Bayesian regression analysis gives the best fit of log(L0.5−2keVgas / ergs−1)=2.39log(LHCN(4−3)′ /K km s−1 pc2) + 24.83 and log(L0.5−2keVgas / ergs−1)=2.48log(LHCO+(4−3)′ /K km s−1 pc2) + 23.84, with dispersion of ∼0.69 dex and 0.54 dex, respectively. At the subkiloparsec scale, we find that the power-law index of the L0.5−2keVgas −star formation rate (SFR) relation is log(L0.5−2keVgas/ergs−1)=1.80log(SFR/M⊙yr−1)+39.16 , deviated from previous linear relations at the global scale. This implies that the global property of hot gas significantly differs from individual resolved regions, which is influenced by the local physical conditions close to the sites of star formation.

How service quality affects consumer revisit behavior in chain restaurants: Lessons from COVID-19

Comparison studies in the context of Taiwanese and Chinese restaurant chains remain scarce. This research utilized a comparison study to examine the key distinctions between Taiwanese and Chinese restaurant chains in their response to COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this paper also focused on the indirect effects of service quality on customer revisit intention during pandemic. The first study involved a renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain and revealed that service quality impacts revisit intention through brand equity and safety management system. The second study involved a popular Chinese hotpot restaurant chain and demonstrated that service quality affects revisit intention through gratification and reputation. Additionally, the moderating effects of safety perceived and perceived value were considered critical on revisit intention. This study highlighted adapting to local market conditions while prioritizing safety and customer satisfaction amid pandemic. It enriches academic discourse and offer practical insights for post-pandemic business recovery strategies.

The CT Classification of Multilevel Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament to Guide Hybrid Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion vs. Posterior Laminoplasty.

For precise and minimally invasive treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine, the lifting segment is minimized, anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) was refined and improved. In addition, the development of appropriate surgical procedures for the ossification of each segment was rarely reported. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of hybrid anterior controlled antedisplacement fusion (Hybrid ACAF) with laminoplasty for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Between May 2018 and May 2021, 70 patients with multilevel OPLL were divided into a hybrid ACAF group and a laminoplasty group according to surgical methods. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and recovery rate (JOARR), (VAS, NDI) score and C2-C7 Cobb angle, the sagittal vertical axis of the neck (SVA), and complications (cerebrospinal fluid leakage, C5 paralysis, etc.) were compared between the two groups by t test or non-parametric test. The operation time of hybrid ACAF was longer. C5 paralysis and axial pain were more common in the laminoplasty group, while dysphagia and hoarseness were more common in the hybrid ACAF group. At the last follow-up, the hybrid ACAF group had better recovery and maintenance of cervical lordosis and sagittal plane balance and a higher JOA score and recovery rate than the laminoplasty group. Hybrid ACAF can reduce the number of vertebral bodies and expand the decompression range, which is safe, effective, and tailored to local conditions. Compared with laminoplasty, hybrid ACAF is a precise alternative for patients with OPLL.

Bank failures, capital buffers, and exposure to the housing market bubble

AbstractWe develop housing overvaluation measures that are separate from local economic conditions and show that banks with greater exposure to such overvalued markets have higher mortgage delinquency and charge‐off rates and significantly higher probabilities of failure during the 2007–2009 financial crisis even after controlling for bank characteristics. While high house prices relative to fundamentals present a greater likelihood of house price correction, we find no evidence that banks managed this risk by building capital. We also show that our overvaluation measures are important in explaining individual mortgage loan defaults and could be used to improve bank risk management.

Low-Cost Grey Water Treatment System Design And Treatability Studies In Relation To Recycling And Reuse In Rural Area of Angul District of Odisha

As global water scarcity intensifies, there is a growing need for sustainable water management solutions, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water is often limited. This study focuses on the development of a low-cost greywater treatment system tailored for rural settings, emphasizing the recycling and reuse of greywater. The research encompasses the design, implementation, and treatability studies of the proposed system, aiming to provide an affordable and effective solution for improving water sustainability in resource-constrained communities. The designed greywater treatment system incorporates cost-effective technologies and locally available materials to ensure its feasibility in rural contexts. The treatability studies explore the system's efficiency in removing contaminants commonly found in greywater, evaluating its potential to meet water quality standards suitable for various non-potable applications. Emphasis is placed on the system's adaptability to local conditions, promoting community engagement and ownership for long-term sustainability. By addressing the unique challenges faced by rural areas, this research contributes to the broader goal of achieving water security through decentralized, affordable, and environmentally conscious greywater treatment solutions. The findings from this study can inform policymakers, engineers, and local communities on practical approaches to enhance water quality, reduce environmental impact, and promote water recycling and reuse in rural settings.

Optimal sand transport roadbed geometry structure of Taklamakan Desert highway

In order to obtain the optimal geometric structure for sand transport in desert roads, this study fully utilizes the natural sand transport capacity of the desert roads, aiming to reduce occurrences of road damage due to sand burial. The research integrates Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with optimization analysis theory. Various typical geometric structures of desert highway roadbed were modeled using the Design Exploration module in CFD. Optimization analysis methods were employed to model and compute the sediment transport optimization design on both the roadbed and road surface. Then, the initial sample points are obtained by using the Design of Experiments (DOE), and the response surface is established by using the Kriging model to obtain the change trend of the input parameters and the objective function. Finally, the cross-section parameters of the sediment transport subgrade corresponding to different inflow conditions are obtained. The results show that the sediment transport performance of embankment, cutting and semi-filled uphill subgrade is negatively correlated with the height of subgrade. The relationship between slope gradient and sediment transport performance of subgrade depends on the height of subgrade and the type of subgrade section. For embankment and cutting, when the subgrade height is less than 0.5 m, the sediment transport performance of the subgrade is positively correlated with the subgrade slope; however, when the subgrade height exceeds 0.5 m, the sediment transport performance is negatively correlated with the subgrade slope. For the semi-filled uphill flow subgrade, the sediment transport performance of the subgrade is negatively correlated with the subgrade slope. Comprehensive analysis shows that semi-filled and excavated downhill subgrade has the best sand transport performance, embankment subgrade has the second highest sand transport capacity, then cutting subgrades, while semi-filled and excavated uphill subgrade has the worst sand transport performance. The research conclusions provide valuable scientific guidance for the design of sand control embankment structures tailored to local conditions for desert highways. This is of significant importance for enhancing the sediment transport capacity of desert highways and prolonging their service life.

A Review of Recent Developments on Modeling Low Impact Development (LID) Technique

Urban areas are more susceptible to flooding and water body contamination due to the detrimental effects of urbanization. As a result, a sustainable urban drainage system, also known as low impact development (LID) technique, is required. Although this technique can be extensively applied, the planning and design processes are multi-dimensional, multi-variable, and site-specific, which must consider various local conditions and factors. Consequently, these processes can be very complicated and time-consuming for professionals, necessitating support from computer modeling. This study intends to thoroughly explore the idea of LID modeling, various available computer models, and other tools for its optimization and decision-making processes. The most recent trustworthy journal publications that addressed the subjects under discussion were reviewed. This paper used the descriptive and comparative approaches as the analytical methods. According to the findings of the review, Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is the computer model in LID modeling that is most frequently employed. This model is a fundamental package for dynamic urban rainfall-runoff modeling, and it has the benefits of being lightweight, simple to use, and an intuitive user interface. Besides, this model is public domain (free to use), open source, and interoperable with many hydro modeling applications. A specific LID editor module is also included in this model for modeling different LID units. To acquire the best LID planning and design from multiple criteria and alternatives, it is also necessary to use metaheuristic algorithms as an optimization model and a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model in addition to the rainfall-runoff model. The authors believe combining the hydrologic and hydraulics models integrated with geographical information systems (GIS), metaheuristic algorithms, and MCDM is the most comprehensive and appropriate method for LID modeling in urban watersheds.

Temperature variations impacting leaf senescence initiation pathways alter leaf fall timing patterns in northern deciduous forests

Simulating the timing of leaf fall in large scale is crucial for accurate estimation of ecosystem carbon sequestration. However, the limited understanding of leaf senescence mechanisms often impedes the accuracy of simulation and prediction. In this study, we employed the advanced process-based models to fit remote sensing-derived end dates of the growing season (EOS) across deciduous broadleaf forests in the Northern Hemisphere, and revealed the spatial pattern associated with two leaf senescence pathways (i.e., either photoperiod- or temperature- initiated leaf senescence) and their potential effects on EOS prediction. The results show that the pixel-specific optimum models effectively fitted all EOS time series. Leaf senescence in 67.6 % and 32.4 % of pixels was initiated by shortening daylength and declining temperature, respectively. Shortening daylength triggered leaf senescence occurs mainly in areas with shorter summer daylength and/or warmer autumns, whereas declining temperature induced leaf senescence appears primarily in areas with longer summer daylength and/or colder autumns. The strong dependence of leaf senescence initiation cues on local temperature conditions implies that the ongoing increase in autumn temperature has the potential to alter the leaf senescence initiation, shifting from temperature cues to photoperiod signals. This shift would occur in 26.2–49.6 % of the areas where leaf senescence is initiated by declining temperature under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, while forest areas where leaf senescence is induced by shortening daylength may expand northward. The overall delaying of the currently predicted EOS would therefore slow down by 4.5–10.3 % under the two warming scenarios. This implies that the adaptive nature of plants will reduce the overestimation of changes in carbon exchange capacity between ecosystems and atmosphere. Our study offers novel insights into understanding the mechanism of leaf senescence and improving the estimation of autumn phenology and ecosystem carbon balance in the deciduous broadleaf forests.

Antimicrobial Resistance and ARGs Detection in Treated Final Effluent from STPs: An Upcoming Challenge to the Environment

Aim: The present study analysed the presence of antimicrobial resistance organisms and genes in the final effluent from STPs of hospitals. Study Area and Sampling: Samples for microbiological analysis were collected from two different hospitals in Trivandrum City and carried out further microbiological analysis. Methodology: In this study, MDRB (Multi Drug Resiatant Bacteria) were detected from the hospital effluent samples collected from two hospitals. Antibiotic susceptibility analysis showed that the 90% screened organisms was resistant to different antibiotics -Tetracycline (30µg), Amikacin (30µg), Gentamycin (10µg), Ciprofloxacin (5µg), Colistin (10µg) and Amoxicillin (30µg)). Metagenomic surveillance of effluent helped to assess the efficacy of STPs, at the same time assessing the local clinical antibiotic resistance condition by detection of the presence of antimicrobial resistance towards antibiotics and their genes (ARGs) in the hospital effluent. Results: In this study, a total of 3 antibiotic resistant bacterial strains obtained from hospital STP effluent were identified by16S rRNA sequence analysis. The sequences of E.coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter were submitted in Genbank with accession number MT784125, OM978270 andMN437586 respectively.The final effluent from Hospital 1 showed100% resistance to Tetracycline and 86% resistance to Amoxicillin followed by sensitivity 28%, 22%, 18% and 10% respectively to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin, Amikacin and Colistin. The bacterial strains isolated from final effluent of Hospital 2 showed highest resistance to Amikacin and Colistin which is 100% and 86% and 82% resistance to Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin. The gene primers used for the respective genes above have been amplified in the sample with a higher efficiency of 16 SrRNA, ermB and ampC primers showing a lower Cq value. Thus, these three genes were detected in the samples at high amount which showed the prominent use of the consecutive antibiotics in the clinical field

Central Asia's desertification challenge: Recent trends and drives explored with google earth engine

Achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) is considered critical to achieving sustainable development goals. However, further research and an improved large-scale desertification assessment framework are needed. We constructed a comprehensive land desertification status index (LDSI) to assess desertification and its driving mechanisms in Central Asia from 2001 to 2020. Our spatial distance models and principal component analysis were verified by combined field data. The results indicate that desertification levels in Central Asia fluctuated, decreasing from south to north and increasing from west to east. The extent of increased desertification (45.75%) and recovery (45.65%) were nearly equivalent. According to optimal parameters-based geographical detectors, climate factors are the main contributors to desertification, the most significant being reference evapotranspiration. We also found regional differences in the driving mechanisms of desertification. Based on Theil–Sen, Mann–Kendall, and Hurst tests, future desertification intensification of 9.69% is possible, with hotspots mainly in northwestern Central Asia, while 9.73% restoration may occur in other areas. The findings have relevance for achieving LDN. Policymakers should monitor the impact of global climate change and develop recovery measures based on comprehensive consideration of local climate, soil, and terrain conditions.

Proposed segment length for safety evaluation studies on rural divided highways in India

Determining an appropriate segment length for highway safety evaluations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) poses a significant challenge. This study aims to address this issue by recommending a suitable segment length for such evaluations in India, using a 167 km intercity expressway as a case study. We employed negative binomial (NB) models on datasets segmented from 100 m to 1000 m with 100 m increments. Our findings strongly suggest that segment lengths from 300 m to 700-m suit various safety assessments. However, the study reveals that parameter estimates vary significantly with both segment length and sample size. This highlights the sensitivity of parameters to data aggregation and sample size across different segment lengths, making it difficult to identify a single optimal length. Therefore, we propose selecting the segment length and segmentation approach based on specific local conditions, highway context, data availability and quality. The methodology presented here can guide policymakers in LMICs to make informed choices regarding segment length for safety evaluations, including blackspot identification and treatment on their highways.

IMPROVED SELECTION AND BREEDING PARAMETERS OF THE OBROSHYN GRAY BREED GROUP OF GEESE

The results of the improvement of the selection and genetic parameters of the goose population obtained by purebred linear breeding and geese with blood transfusion of the large gray breed (IV generation) of Obroshyn breeding are given. The research was conducted on geese of the Obroshyn gray breed group with the aim of increasing the selection and breeding nucleus of geese with high-performance indicators. As a result of the selection and breeding work carried out in 2022, the effectiveness of the introductory crossbreeding of Obroshyn gray geese with great gray geese was proven. Improvement of productive qualities of Obroshyn gray geese was achieved with the infusion of large gray breed blood (IV generation) and preservation of the main qualities of this breed group: good adaptability to local conditions of feeding and maintenance, exterior, quality of meat and feather and down raw materials. Productivity indicators of Obroshyn gray geese (I group) were: laying capacity – 38,4 pcs.; egg weight – 164,0 g; fertilization of eggs – 86,3 %; hatching of goslings – 76,4 %; live weight of geese at the age of 9 weeks - males 4310 g, females - 3800 g; preservation – 95,0 %. Obroshyn gray geese of the 4th generation obtained by transfusion of large gray breed blood (group II) were characterized by correspondingly higher indicators: in terms of laying by 3,1 %, however, fertilization was lower by 5,8 % and hatching was lower by 4.4%. The preservation of geese in this group was higher by 3,2 %, and the live weight at the age of 9 weeks was 4.4% higher in males and 3.2% higher in females. The geese of the II experimental group were superior to their peers from the I group in terms of meat quality, in terms of the weight of the uncut and cut carcass, and the yield of edible parts. Geese of experimental group II were also characterized by better meat productivity at the age of 9 weeks, in which the mass of pectoral muscles was 7.0% higher in males and 1,4 % higher in females, and the mass of thigh muscles was higher in males and females - by 4,0 and 4,8 %, respectively, than in geese of the I group. Geese of experimental group II were also characterized by better meat productivity at the age of 9 weeks, in which the mass of pectoral muscles was 7.0% higher in males and 1.4% higher in females, and the mass of thigh muscles was higher in males and females - by 4.0 and 4.8%, respectively, than in geese of the I group.

Choice or Constraint? A Locally Tailored Assessment of Housing and Transportation Costs in Central Texas

Transportation costs are a key component of an overall household budget. These costs are determined in part by residential location—housing and transportation costs are inextricably linked. The burden of high housing and transportation costs must be understood in context. High costs on their own are not necessarily a problem if a household freely chooses their location. Although several national-level tools (including the Center for Neighborhood Technology’s H+T Index and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Location Affordability Index) are now available to improve transparency about combined housing and transportation costs, their ability to reflect local conditions and to understand relative burdens is limited. In this paper, we create a combined housing and transportation cost index tailored to the realities of the Austin metropolitan area in Central Texas, with most data sources coming from state and local government or pertinent transportation agencies. We identify households allocating large shares of their budgets to housing and transportation costs and differentiate between those that have the ability to mode switch to reduce costs in principle and those that do not. Black and Hispanic/Latino households were disproportionately burdened by high costs. But across the entire population, overall cost burdens were low. This result means that fostering nonautomobile travel or denser residential living will be challenging using cost arguments alone.

Spatial effects of economical and infrastructural factors on BEV adoption: Evidence from an emerging market

Potential differences among developed and emerging countries regarding the battery electric vehicles (BEVs) adoption are highlighted in the literature. However, most studies focus on factors influencing BEV penetration in mature markets. In this paper, we explore the spatial adoption of electric vehicles and its determinants using data from Hungary, an emerging country. We show that spatial heterogeneities in the adoption rates of BEVs are important. Without taking these heterogeneities into account, only the fast chargers exhibit significant positive effects on BEV registration rate. We show that other local conditions, such as income and urbanization are also important factors explaining the new BEV registration rate.