Natural Phenomena Research Articles

Machine learning algorithm partially reconfigured on FPGA for an image edge detection system

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used for many applications including military, construction, image and video mapping, medical, search and rescue, wireless communications, and aerial surveillance. One key research topic involving UAVs is pose estimation in autonomous navigation. A standard procedure for this process for UAVs is to combine inertial navigation system (INS) sensor information with the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal. However, some factors can interfere with the GNSS signal, such as natural phenomena (ionospheric scintillation) or malicious attacks (jamming or spoofing). One alternative method to avoid using the GNSS signal is to apply an image processing approach by matching UAV images with georeferenced images. But a high effort is required for image edge extraction. In this paper, a support vector regression (SVR) model is proposed to reduce the computational load and processing time for image edge detection. The dynamic partial reconfiguration (DPR) of part of the SVR datapath was implementated to accelerate the process, reduce the area, and analyze its granularity aspect by increasing the grain size of the reconfigurable region. Results show that the implementation in hardware is 68 times faster than that in software. This kind of architecure with DPR also facilitates the low power consumption of 4 mW, leading to a reduction of 57 % compared with that without DPR, which is also the lowest power consumption compared with other machine learning (ML) hardware implementations. Besides, the circuitry area is 41 times smaller. SVR with Gaussian kernel showed a success rate of 99.18 % and minimum square error of 0.0146 for testing with the planning trajectory. This system is useful for adaptive applications where the user/designer can modify/reconfigure the hardware layout during its application, thus contributing to lower power consumption, smaller hardware area, and shorter execution time.

Disaster Management in the Western Balkans Territory – Condition Analysis and Conceptualisation of the Cross-Border Cooperation Model

Abstract The main objective of the paper is analysis and proposal of a concept for establishing an efficient system for disaster management in the Western Balkan countries. After the breakup of Yugoslavia (1992), there has been no effective system for managing emergency situations, while cross-border cooperation in this respect does not exist at all. The paper provides an overview of the situation in the field of emergency and crisis management in five countries of the region and a concept of promotion and cross-border cooperation in this field. The results of the research show that no country in the region has adequate emergency and disaster management system and that, regardless of the negative experiences, an efficient multilateral cooperation system has not been established so far in this field (there is neither regulatory framework nor proposals for the model of organization and for the procedures or technical mechanisms that would make the above possible). Therefore, the concept of establishing the Regional Center for Disaster Management in the Western Balkans territory (RCDM-WB) is proposed as a first step in handling disaster situations that arise from natural phenomena or technical and technological accidents. This is the first scientifically developed proposal of this kind for the above-mentioned region.

Comparative analysis of the variability and impacts of tropical cyclones in flood-prone areas of Zimbabwe

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are extreme meteorological events that cause significant deaths, infrastructure damage, and financial losses around the world. In recent years, the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe's have become increasingly vulnerable to TCs caused by Indian Ocean tropical cyclones making landfall more frequently. There is still a limited understanding of the phenomenon and the quantification of its impacts. The aim of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the variability in the severity of tropical cyclones by analysing historical storm tracks and mapping the environmental impacts in Zimbabwe's Chimanimani and Chipinge districts. Results indicate that, between 1945 and 2022, the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe experienced 5 of the total 865 cyclones in the Southwest Indian Ocean. The maximum sustained winds from the Cyclone Idai in the Eastern Highlands were recorded as 195 km/h. Some of the remote sensing-based indices used to extract spatial information about the condition of vegetation, wetlands, built-up area, and bar land during pre and post cyclonic events included the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI). Analysis of NDVI in the Eastern Highlands revealed that there was a significant decrease in vegetated area because of the cyclone impact, with a decrease of 2.1% and 16.68% for cyclone Japhet and Idai respectively. The MNDWI shows a 10.74% increase in water content after cyclone Eline. Field validation in 2019 confirms the research findings. An Operations Dashboard Disaster Management System was developed in order to disseminate information to the affected stakeholders about the potential risk that the face due to the occurrence of the natural phenomena.

Variability of games in the process of human development

The article focuses on the stages of gaming culture development from instinctively contemplative and copycat to socialization and conscious education through games. Special attention is given to the intergenerational transformation and gradual transition of game information from natural instincts to meaningful practical use of the game and expansion of game activities. The influence of the social environment on the development of game activities is revealed. The goal of the research is the historical analysis of the development of game activity, as the basis of regulation of cultural relations, in the process of human development. The scientific novelty consists in clarifying the historical stages of the game development, which is an internal necessity of the existence of a living organism, with the preservation of quality and a change in its social qualitative state. Conclusions. For millions of years a man, maintaining his biological basis, has transformed games from an instinct into a social phenomenon. In ancient times the game by its very nature was the imitation (observation of animal behaviour, natural phenomena) with elements of motional experience. In the process of industrial activity, with the change of social relations a man socialized the game, which became a necessary means of education and hardening of the body. With the change of social relations the role of a game, as the principle of spiritual, mental, intellectual and physical development of a man, gradually increased. Thanks to the subject endowed with thinking, who constantly replenished his life experience, the game became more meaningful and necessary. It acquired a potential opportunity to adapt to any climatic and geographical conditions. With each stage of human development the essence of the game as a social phenomenon was formed in a new way.

Multi-agent system architecture for winter road maintenance: a real Spanish case study

AbstractRoad safety remains a critical issue in contemporary society, where the sudden deterioration of road conditions due to weather-related natural phenomena poses significant risks. These abrupt changes can lead to severe safety hazards on the roads, making real-time monitoring and control essential for maintaining road safety. In this context, technological advancements, especially in sensor networks and intelligent systems, play a fundamental role in efficiently managing these challenges. This study introduces an innovative approach that leverages a sophisticated sensor platform coupled with a multi-agent system. This integration facilitates the collection, processing, and analysis of data to preemptively determine the appropriate chemical treatments for roads during severe winter conditions. By employing advanced data analysis and machine learning techniques within a multi-agent framework, the system can predict and respond to adverse weather effects swiftly and with a high degree of accuracy. The proposed system has undergone rigorous testing in a real-world environment, which has verified its operational effectiveness. The results from the deployment of the multi-agent architecture and its predictive capabilities are encouraging, suggesting that this approach could significantly enhance road safety in extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, the proposed architecture allows the system to evolve and scale over time. This paper details the design and implementation of the system, discusses the results of its field tests, and explores potential improvements.

Leveraging Quadratic Polynomials in Python for Advanced Data Analysis

Objectives This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of quadratic polynomials in data modeling and analysis, particularly in representing the curvature of natural phenomena. Methods We begin with a fundamental explanation of quadratic polynomials and describe their general forms and theoretical significance. We then explored the application of these polynomials in regression analysis, detailing the process of fitting quadratic models to the data using Python libraries NumPy and Matplotlib. The methodology also included calculation of the coefficient of determination (R-squared) to evaluate the polynomial model fit. This study utilizes illustratively generated data to demonstrate the application of quadratic polynomials in Python for robust data analysis. Results Using practical examples accompanied by Python scripts, this study demonstrated the application of quadratic polynomials to analyze data patterns. These examples illustrate the utility of quadratic models in applied analytics. Conclusions This study bridges the gap between theoretical mathematical concepts and practical data analysis, thereby enhancing the understanding and interpretation of the data patterns. Furthermore, its implementation in Python, released under MIT’s license, offers an accessible tool for public use.

Whale detection and microseismic monitoring via DAS using submarine telecommunications cables – a case study from the NWS, Western Australia

A monitoring trial of subsea distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) conducted in the marine waters of Australia is presented. This trial explores the concept of repurposing existing submarine telecommunications cables for remote monitoring of the environment and geophysical phenomena. The data were collected from a pre-existing fibre-optic cable, 50 km in length, that links two offshore hydrocarbon production platforms off the northwest coast of Australia. Initial data analyses confirmed the ability to detect underwater sounds from various sources, including marine animals (such as baleen whales), anthropogenic activities (such as vessels), and natural geophysical phenomena (such as earthquakes). The study underscores the efficacy of DAS for capturing and locating marine mammal vocalisations, specifically highlighting signals from pygmy blue whales – a species granted the highest protection status in Australia – and Omura’s whales, both of which migrate biannually through the offshore waters of Western Australia. These findings indicate the potential of subsea DAS for detecting and tracking marine fauna regionally. Moreover, they suggest its applicability for future monitoring in support of environmental impact assessments and the development of adaptive management strategies to prevent or minimise impacts on migratory whale species from offshore industries.

From fairy rings to fairy chemicals: The story from nature phenomenon to commercial application

AbstractFairy rings are naturally occurring phenomena that are circular or curved clusters of mushrooms that appear in meadows, forests, and other places. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in deciphering fairy chemicals (FCs) involved in the intricate crosstalk between mushrooms and plants. FCs contain three chemical components: 2‐azahypoxanthine (AHX), 2‐aza‐8‐oxohypoxanthine (AOH), and imidazole‐4‐carboxamide (ICA). FCs can enhance the plant's resistance to environmental stresses such as cold, heat, and salt, and can increase crop yields; In addition, it can also have biological activities such as skin barrier improvement, anti‐ageing, and anti‐tumour. This review systematically integrated multiple facets of FCs, encompassing their discovery, the biochemical synthesis pathways giving rise to FCs, the derivatives and compounds originated from FCs, and their emerging applications in agriculture, beauty industry and medical sciences. Moreover, the review also addresses outstanding questions in FCs and future challenges related to plant growth regulators and other compounds, promising a practical and innovative future in agriculture.

Impact of Thunderstorm Activities on Tropospheric NOx Over Koshi Province of Nepal and Their Possible Role in Climate Change

Lightning, a natural atmospheric phenomenon, plays a significant role in altering atmospheric chemistry and air quality by generating nitrogen oxides (NOX). This research aims to explore the correlation between lightning stroke density and atmospheric NOX over Koshi Province of Nepal by using observational data. Over the course of three year (2018, 2019 and 2020), sessional (lightning pre-dominant; pre-monsoon and post-monsoon) measurements of lightning activity (lightning stroke density) were obtained from Global Lightning Dataset (GLD 360) and NOX data acquired from NASA’s Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI). The computation was conducted by using programming language PYTHON. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between lightning stroke density and NOX concentrations by considering lightning stroke density as independent variable and average NOX as dependent variable. Our analysis shows a notable positive correlation between lightning stroke density and average NOX over Koshi Province of Nepal. The values of correlation coefficient (R) was found 0.625, 0.630 and 0.511 in pre-monsoon of years 2018, 2019 and 20120 respectively and 0.654, 0.605 and 0.370 respectively in post-monsoon. Increased lightning activity corresponded to heightened NOX concentrations, especially during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. These results indicate that lightning significantly contributes to NOX emissions in Koshi Province. Understanding the relationship between lightning and NOX is essential for study atmospheric chemistry and assessing the impact of lightning on atmosphere.

A New Modification of the Weibull Distribution: Model, Theory, and Analyzing Engineering Data Sets

Symmetrical as well as asymmetrical statistical models play a prominent role in describing and predicting the real-world phenomena of nature. Among other fields, these models are very useful for modeling data in the sector of civil engineering. Due to the applicability of the statistical models in civil engineering and other related sectors, this paper offers a statistical methodology to improve the distributional flexibility of traditional models. The suggested method/approach is called the extended-X family of distributions. The proposed method has the ability to generate symmetrical and asymmetrical probability distributions. Based on the extended-X family approach, an updated version of the Weibull model, namely, the extended Weibull model, is studied. The proposed model is very flexible and has the ability to capture the symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes of its density function. For the extended-X method, the estimation of parameters, a simulation study, and some mathematical properties are derived. Finally, the practical illustration/usefulness of the suggested model is shown by analyzing two data sets taken from the field of engineering. Both data sets represent the fracture toughness of alumina (Al2O3).

ANTIMICROBIAL USE AND RESISTANCE: SURVEY OF KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF GENERAL PUBLIC IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT

Objective: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) leads to increased morbidity and mortality. WHO identified AMR as great threat to human health. India with highest bacterial disease burden in the world has rampant antibiotic usage. Natural phenomenon AMR is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. The responsibility of proper usage lies with both the prescribers and general public. Ecological, epidemiological, cultural and socioeconomic factors influence AMR. This study aims to enhance understanding of current public awareness and common behaviors related to antimicrobials, their use and AMR. Methods: Descriptive closed-questionnaire-based face-to-face survey was conducted between January to March 2022 among 400 attendants of patients visiting the tertiary care hospital at Tirupati, Chittoor District. Residents aged>18 y were included; health care providers excluded. Data was collected using WHO questionnaire consisting of two parts. Results: There is widespread antibiotic usage-70% of participants used at least once in past 6 mo. Many respondents were mistaken that head ache (42%) and cold (38%) require antibiotics. Only 66% of respondents knew to take full course of antibiotics. 26% of respondents never heard of antibiotic resistance terminology. 51% of participants had no idea that antibiotic-resistant bacteria can spread among persons. All the respondents agreed that regular hand washing is helpful. Conclusion: Huge knowledge gaps were found along with various misconceptions and misunderstandings in the public. It is imperative to address these gaps as soon as possible to save the potency of available antibiotics. Reasons for misconceptions and ways to dispel them need further studies.

Determination of threshold values and heavy metal pollution assessment of soils in an industrial area in Ghana.

Industrial activities have the potential to pollute soils with a wide variety of heavy metals (HMs). In Ghana, however, assessment of HM pollution of soils in industrial areas remains limited. Accordingly, HM soil pollution in one of the industrial areas in Accra, Ghana was assessed. Soil samples were taken and analysed forHMs, including Fe, Zr, Zn, Ti, Sr, Rb, Mn, Pb, Cu, and Co, using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). HM geochemical threshold values (GTVs) were determined to establish soil HM pollution levels and identify areas needing remediation. Furthermore, risk assessments wereconducted to evaluate the potentialecological and human health risks associated with these metals.The mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ti, Mn, Co, Cu, and Pb in the soils were: 27133.83, 147.72, 16.30, 95.95, 307.11, 4663.66, 289.85, 418.54, 44.97, and 112.88 mg/kg, respectively. Generally, the concentrations of HMsdecreased with depth, although some lower layers exhibited elevated HM levels. Soil pollution levels were categorized as low for Fe, Rb, Zr, Ti, Mn, Co, and Cu; moderate for Sr and Zn; and considerable for Pb. Notably, the northwestern part of the study area displayed a considerable to very high degree of HM contamination. While HMs in the soils posed low ecological risk, the human health risk assessment indicated potential health effects from Co, particularly in children. The presence of HMs in the soils was noted to originate from both natural geological phenomena and human activities, including industrial operations, agricultural practices, landfill activities, and vehicular emissions.

Testing structural balance theories in heterogeneous signed networks

The abundance of data about social relationships allows the human behavior to be analyzed as any other natural phenomenon. Here we focus on balance theory, stating that social actors tend to avoid establishing cycles with an odd number of negative links. This statement, however, can be supported only after a comparison with a benchmark. Since the existing ones disregard actors’ heterogeneity, we extend Exponential Random Graphs to signed networks with both global and local constraints and employ them to assess the significance of empirical unbalanced patterns. We find that the nature of balance crucially depends on the null model: while homogeneous benchmarks favor the weak balance theory, according to which only triangles with one negative link should be under-represented, heterogeneous benchmarks favor the strong balance theory, according to which also triangles with all negative links should be under-represented. Biological networks, instead, display strong frustration under any benchmark, confirming that structural balance inherently characterizes social networks.

Revisiting the nature and the context of T4 alternations: insights from disyllabic, trisyllabic and quadrisyllabic word/digit productions in Taiwan Mandarin.

The tone values of a Tone 4 (T4) syllable are conventionally assumed to change from '51' to '53' when the syllable is followed by another T4 syllable in Mandarin Chinese. Literature focusing on T4 alternation is still inconclusive regarding the contexts for the alternations and whether the phenomenon should be better categorized as tone sandhi (i.e.,represented as an abstract phonological rule in mental grammar) or tonal coarticulation (i.e.,a natural articulation phenomenon at the phonetic level). The current study probes into these issues by focusing on disyllabic pseudowords, right-branching trisyllabic words as well as unstructured trisyllabic and quadrisyllabic digits. Productions from a total of 148 participants were collected and fundamental frequency (f0) contours, vowel lengths and f0 slopes were included in the analysis. The results from the experiments supported the tonal coarticulation view and showed that the trigger for the alternations was the high-onset tones following T4. Implications to the phonological analysis on tonal alternations in Mandarin Chinese are discussed.

Stakeholder perspectives on landslide triggers and impacts in five countries

AbstractExpert perspectives drive landslide mitigation and post-disaster policy planning. This study examines landslide risk perceptions among the stakeholders (government officials, academics, policy experts, local community representatives, and representatives of NGOs/civil society) across Brazil, Colombia, Nepal, Iran, and Pakistan, identifying both shared concerns and local heterogeneity. Key informants revealed a discrepancy in their degree of concern about landslides, with government officials exhibiting greater apprehension compared to local community representatives. Local community representatives incorrectly perceived landslides to be the result of natural phenomena. In contrast, governmental and academic stakeholders felt that human-induced triggers, specifically those related to land use and land cover change, were significant contributors to landslide occurrences, necessitating stringent law enforcement. The comprehensive impacts of landslides included economic losses, infrastructure disruption, agricultural losses, and food security concerns, underscoring the multifaceted nature of this hazard. Our results suggest the need for proactive citizen engagement in landslide monitoring, recognizing the importance of local contexts. We end by proposing a dual-pronged policy approach that emphasizes the socio-economic context of each region.

The Observer Concept in Science as a Basis for Its Further Curricular Application Within the Discipline-Culture Paradigm

AbstractThis study considers the concept of observer-the fundamental concept axial for fundamental physical theories. The history of the observer concept in physics is reviewed and summarized. In the following, the observer concept is considered with regard to science education where scientific concepts should reflect their status in science. This parallelism between science and education is epistemological and dynamic. The examination of the school curriculum reveals invalid correspondence in the case of the observer. The curriculum often presents the observer when addressing the Galileo principle of relativity, while frequently missing relativity of motion in presenting natural phenomena. Multiple observers are avoided in dynamics where the modern epistemology—drawing on a “local observer”—introduces non-inertial observers (inertial forces) currently banned in school physics. The article refines the possible curricular changes with respect to dynamics and kinematics which emphasize multiple observers. The suggested curricular changes could provide science learners with a new perspective on physics knowledge within the paradigm of multiple observers—cultural content knowledge of the subject matter.

Membangun Kesehatan Mental Generasi Alpha: Urgensi Konseling dalam Mengatasi Tantangan Bullying di Era Sosial Media Melalui Komunikasi Empati

This research aims to determine the urgency of counseling in overcoming the challenges of bullying in the era of social media through empathetic communication. This research is a qualitative-descriptive study with a phenomenological approach to observe and describe natural phenomena that occur in the alpha generation in the social media era. Research data was obtained from bullying cases on social media, as well as from journal articles and other relevant literature. Analysis of this research data involves data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The validity of the research data was carried out using triangulation testing. The results of this research show that building the mental health of the Alpha generation through counseling is essential in the modern era filled with technology. Counseling creates a safe space to share experiences and feelings, helping them manage technological stress and social pressure. Addressing bullying in the age of social media requires empathetic communication, approaching the perpetrator with tact, providing positive support, and creating a safe place to talk. This can form a culture that is friendly, and supportive, and teaches the values of diversity and respect for others. Counseling and empathetic communication are not only solutions to psychological problems and bullying, but also a strong foundation for the mental and emotional well-being of the Alpha generation in an ever-changing world.

Source reservoir controls on the size, frequency, and composition of large-scale volcanic eruptions.

Large-scale, explosive volcanic eruptions are one of the Earth's most hazardous natural phenomena. We demonstrate that their size, frequency, and composition can be explained by processes in long-lived, high-crystallinity source reservoirs that control the episodic creation of large volumes of eruptible silicic magma and its delivery to the subvolcanic chamber where it is stored before eruption. Melt percolates upward through the reservoir and accumulates a large volume of low-crystallinity silicic magma which remains trapped until buoyancy causes magma-driven fractures to propagate into the overlying crust, allowing rapid magma transfer from the reservoir into the chamber. Ongoing melt percolation in the reservoir accumulates a new magma layer and the process repeats. Our results suggest that buoyancy, rather than crystallinity, is the key control on magma delivery from the source reservoir. They identify an optimum reservoir size for the largest silicic eruptions that is consistent with data from natural systems and explain why larger magnitude eruptions are not observed on Earth.

Effects of Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) on Biological Systems

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) is a natural phenomenon; however, anthropogenic activities have significantly shifted its equilibrium, leading to potential deleterious effects on biological systems. As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, the increased use of electronic devices has contributed to a rise in man-made EMF exposure. This exposure can affect biological systems on physiological and molecular levels, raising concerns about its potential effects on animal development, reproductive systems, and overall ecosystem health. The review explores the physiological effects of exposure to static, extremely low-frequency (ELF), and radiofrequency (RF) fields, analyzing how EMF impacts oxidative stress, reproductive physiology, cardiovascular function, brain and nervous system activity, and DNA/RNA integrity. It also acknowledges the emerging concern of EMF in aquatic environments, where underwater power supplies and extensive underwater cable networks are sources of EMF exposure that may affect marine and freshwater species. The potential effects on marine life include disruptions to migratory patterns, altered reproductive cycles, and changes in aquatic biodiversity. The review acknowledges that research on EMF has improved over time, but significant gaps and information remain. It emphasizes the need for immediate attention to address the challenges and opportunities in this field.

The foundations of Franciszek Blachnicki's pastoral-educational concept based on nature

Father Franciszek Blachnicki was a Polish priest, professor of pastoral theology at the Catholic University of Lublin (Poland) and the creator and first moderator of the Light-Life Movement, also known as the Oasis Movement. Its goal was to care for the upbringing and formation of children and youth, and later also adults, in the Christian spirit. Blachnicki developed an original educational method in which observing nature played an important role. Important elements for such upbringing, education and formation are ‘discovery expeditions’, also called ‘open-eye expeditions’. Their goal is to observe and experience nature. Natural phenomena help explain difficult issues in the field of spirituality and morality and other issues related to the meaning and purpose of human life. This article focuses on two issues. The first are small religious groups, an example of which is the Light-Life Movement. The second is a ‘directed life’, meaning to discover the Creator's plan for creatures, especially man. The inspiration of this text is the 70th anniversary of the first formation and educational meetings of the Light-Life Movement.