Optimal Zone Research Articles

Assessing critical flood-prone districts and optimal shelter zones in the Brahmaputra Valley: Strategies for effective flood risk management

Frequent flooding has become a persistent issue in floodplain regions, causing significant disasters during each rainy season due to insufficient disaster management planning. This study proposes a methodology to prioritize flood susceptibility areas at the district level and identify suitable sites for flood shelters using a combination of machine learning algorithms and multi-criteria analysis, supported by geospatial technology. Flood shelter suitability mapping was conducted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), while flood susceptibility zones were assessed using four different machine learning models: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest, Decision Tree, and Naive Bayes. The integration of machine learning models with the AHP technique is vital in situations where conventional numerical models face challenges due to limited data, such as river discharge and water levels. The methodology includes a multicollinearity assessment to ensure the independence of selected flood-causing factors, information gain ratio to identify the most influential factors, Spearman's rho test to verify correlations between the machine learning models, and ROC-AUC along with statistical regression for validating the accuracy of the flood susceptibility maps. The findings indicate that the SVM algorithm, given its strong performance and effective training datasets, is recommended for areas with similar physical characteristics. The district-wise priority map generated from the weighted results of flood susceptibility assessments will be useful for flood management and mitigation strategies. Additionally, the study found that applying the AHP technique to determine flood shelter suitability, after assessing flood-prone areas, enhanced the efficiency of the flood management process. This research offers valuable insights for authorities to better address flooding and improve flood prevention and management efforts in floodplain regions, contributing to broader climate change adaptation strategies.

A "Goldilocks Zone" for Recruiting BET Proteins with Bromodomain-1-Selective Ligands.

Synthetic genome readers/regulators (SynGRs) are bifunctional molecules that are rationally designed to bind specific genomic sequences and engage cellular machinery that regulates the expression of targeted genes. The prototypical SynGR1 targets GAA trinucleotide repeats and recruits the BET family of transcriptional regulatory proteins via a flexibly tethered ligand, JQ1. This pan-BET ligand binds both tandem bromodomains of BET proteins (BD1 and BD2). Second-generation SynGRs, which substituted JQ1 with bromodomain-selective ligands, unexpectedly revealed that BD1-selective ligands failed to functionally engage BET proteins in living cells despite displaying the ability to bind BD1 in vitro. Mechanistically, recruiting a BET protein via BD1- or BD2-selective SynGRs should have resulted in indistinguishable functional outcomes. Here we report the conversion of inactive BD1-targeting SynGRs into functional gene regulators by a structure-guided redesign of the chemical linker that bridges the DNA-binding molecule to the highly selective BD1 ligand GSK778. The results point to an optimal zone for positioning the BD1-selective ligand for functional engagement of BET proteins on chromatin, consistent with the preferred binding of BD1 domains to distal acetyllysine residues on histone tails. The results not only resolve the mechanistic conundrum but also provide insight into domain-selective targeting and nuanced design of chemo probes and therapeutics.

CHO stable pool fed-batch process development of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein production: Impact of aeration conditions and feeding strategies.

Technology scale-up and transfer are a fundamental and critical part of process development in biomanufacturing. Important bioreactor hydrodynamic characteristics such as working volume, overhead gas flow rate, volumetric power input (P/V), impeller type, agitation regimen, sparging aeration strategy, sparger type, and kLa must be selected based on key performance indicators (KPI) to ensure a smooth and seamless process scale-up and transfer. Finding suitable operational setpoints and developing an efficient feeding regimen to ensure process efficacy and consistency are instrumental. In this investigation, process development of a cumate inducible Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) stable pool expressing trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in 1.8 L benchtop stirred-tank bioreactors is detailed. Various dissolved oxygen levels and aeration air caps were studied to determine their impact on cell growth and metabolism, culture longevity, and endpoint product titers. Once hydrodynamic conditions were tuned to an optimal zone, various feeding strategies were explored to increase culture performance. Dynamic feedings such as feeding based on current culture volume, viable cell density (VCD), oxygen uptake rate (OUR), and bio-capacitance signals were tested and compared to standard bolus addition. Increases in integral of viable cell concentration (IVCC) (1.25-fold) and protein yield (2.52-fold), as well as greater culture longevity (extension of 5 days) were observed in dynamic feeding strategies when compared to periodic bolus feeding. Our study emphasizes the benefits of designing feeding strategies around metabolically relevant signals such as OUR and bio-capacitance signals.

Adaptive MAC Scheme for Interference Management in Ad Hoc IoT Networks

The field of wireless communication has undergone revolutionary changes driven by technological advancements in recent years. Central to this evolution is wireless ad hoc networks, which are characterized by their decentralized nature and have introduced numerous possibilities and challenges for researchers. Moreover, most of the existing Internet of Things (IoT) networks are based on ad hoc networks. This study focuses on the exploration of interference management and Medium Access Control (MAC) schemes. Through statistical derivations and systematic simulations, we evaluate the efficacy of guard zone-based MAC protocols under Rayleigh fading channel conditions. By establishing a link between network parameters, interference patterns, and MAC effectiveness, this work contributes to optimizing network performance. A key aspect of this study is the investigation of optimal guard zone parameters, which are crucial for interference mitigation. The adaptive guard zone scheme demonstrates superior performance compared to the widely recognized Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) and the system-wide fixed guard zone protocol under fading channel conditions that mimic real-world scenarios. Additionally, simulations reveal the interactions between network variables such as node density, path loss exponent, outage probability, and spreading gain, providing insights into their impact on aggregated interference and guard zone effectiveness.

Novel chiral phthalimides: Antimicrobial evaluation and docking study against Acinetobacter baumannii's OmpA protein

Antibiotics have been a vital component in the fight against microbial diseases for over 75 years, saving countless lives. However, the global rise of multi-drug-resistance (MDR) bacterial infections is pushing us closer to a post-antibiotic era where common infections may once again become lethal. To combat MDR Acinetobacter baumannii, we investigated chiral phthalimides and used molecular docking to identify potential targets. Outer membrane protein A (OmpA) is crucial for A. baumannii resistant to antibiotics, making it a pathogen of great concern due to its high mortality rate and limited treatment options. In this study, we evaluated three distinct compounds against the OmpA protein: FIA (2-(1,3-dioxoindolin-2yl)-3-phenylpropanoic acid), FIC (2-(1,3-dioxoindolin-2yl)-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid), and FII (3-(1,3-dioxoindolin-2yl)-3-phenylpropanoic acid). Molecular docking results showed that these three compounds exhibited strong interactions with the OmpA protein. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis further confirmed the stability and binding efficacy of these compounds with OmpA. Their antimicrobial activities were assessed using the agar well diffusion method, revealing that FIA had an optimal zone of inhibition of 24 mm. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of these compounds were determined, demonstrating their bactericidal properties against A. baumannii, with MICs of 11 μg/μL for FIA, 46 μg/μL for FIC, and 375 μg/μL for FII. In vitro cytotoxicity data indicated that none of the three compounds were hemolytic when exposed to human red blood cells. This finding is particularly significant as it highlights the superior efficacy of FIA against A. baumannii compared to the other compounds. With thorough pharmacokinetic validations, these chiral phthalimides are promising alternative therapeutic options for treating infections caused by A. baumannii, offering new hope in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.

The Optimal Zoning of Non-Grain-Producing Cultivated Land Consolidation Potential: A Case Study of the Dujiangyan Irrigation District

Non-grain-producing cultivated land (NGPCL) greatly affects sustainable agricultural development and food security, and its consolidation is important. With the Dujiangyan irrigation district as an example, an empirical study of NGPCL consolidation zoning was performed following the idea of “connotation definition and classification—potential identification—consolidation zoning”. On the basis of expert evaluation, NGPCL was classified into three levels according to the degree of damage to cultivated land by crop type. NGPCL was common in the study area, accounting for 53.8% of the total area. The spatial pattern of NGPCL was characterized as “continuous in the south and scattered in the north”. The assessment of theoretical and realistic NGPCL consolidation potentials suggested that areas with medium consolidation potential exhibited a contiguous distribution in the southern part of the study area, whereas it was dispersed in other regions. The proportion of area suitable for consolidation exceeded 40%. Finally, through a multiobjective optimization algorithm, a potential zoning scheme for NGPCL consolidation was constructed. The final experimental results revealed that the areas with medium or high consolidation potential accounted for 97.54% of the total area. This study is useful for supporting the governance of NGPCL.

Microstructure and tribological behavior of Al–TiC composite strips fabricated by a multi-step densification method

This study aims to enhance the tribological properties of automotive applications by examining the effects of TiC content on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear behavior. This study investigates the production of Al–TiC composite strips using a novel multi-step densification process combining mechanical alloying and hot rolling with TiC concentrations ranging from 0 to 12 vol%. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive approach to developing and analyzing Al–TiC composite strips using a multistep densification method. This study integrates microstructural analysis, mechanical property evaluation, and detailed tribological behavior assessment under different wear loads (5–25 N). A key innovation is the application of the Abbott Firestone method to analyze worn surfaces, providing insights into optimal wear conditions. The study reveals that increasing the TiC content to 12 vol% significantly improves densification, hardness (up to 268.8% increase), and wear resistance (up to 95% improvement at a 5N load). Dry ball-on-flat sliding wear tests at loads of 5–25N demonstrate that TiC particles hindered complete delamination wear in the composite strips. The Abbott Firestone method analysis of worn surfaces indicated an optimal exploitation zone in the Al-6 vol% TiC composite at both low and high wear loads. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into optimizing Al–TiC composites for enhanced performance in automotive components that require improved wear resistance.

Exploring aortic morphology and determining variable-distance insertion lengths for fluoroscopy-free resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA)

Background (Rationale/Purpose/Objective)Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is used to temporary control non-compressible truncal hemorrhage (NCTH) as bridge to definitive surgical treatment. The dependence on radiography for safe balloon positioning is one factor that limits the extended use of REBOA in civilian and military pre-hospital settings. We aimed to determine standardized sex and age-based variable-distance catheter insertion lengths for accurate REBOA placement without initial fluoroscopic confirmation.MethodsContrast enhanced CT-scans from a representative sample of a Dutch non-trauma population were retrospectively analyzed. Intravascular distances were measured from the bilateral common femoral artery access points (FAAP) to the middle of the aortic occlusion zones and accompanying boundaries. Means and 95% confidence intervals for the distances from the FAAPs to the boundaries and mid-zone III were calculated for all (combined) sex and age-based subgroups. Optimal insertion lengths and potentially safe regions were determined for these groups. Bootstrap analysis was performed in combination with a 40-mm long balloon introduction simulation to determine error-rates and REBOA placement accuracy for the general population.ResultsIn total, 1354 non-trauma patients (694 females) were included. Vascular distances increased with age and were longer in males. The iliofemoral trajectory was 7 mm longer on the right side. The optimal zone I catheter insertion length would be 430 mm. Optimal zone III catheter insertion lengths showed up to 30 mm difference, ranging between 234 and 264 mm. Statistically significant and potentially clinically relevant differences were observed between the anatomical distances and necessary introduction depths for each subgroup.ConclusionThis is the first study to compare aortic morphology and intravascular distances between combined sex and age-based subgroups. As zone III length was consistent, length variability and elongation seem to mainly originate in the iliofemoral trajectory and zone II. The optimal zone I catheter insertion length would be 430 mm. Optimal zone III catheter insertion ranged between 234 and 264 mm. These standardized variable-distance insertion lengths could facilitate safer fluoroscopy-free REBOA in austere, pre-hospital settings.

Methods of determining thresholds of climate variables in building thermal design zoning in China

Climate variable thresholds (CVTs) are essential for building thermal design zoning (BTZ). However, the CVTs in the current BTZ are no longer suitable for developing the current building design. Therefore, the calculation method of bidirectional optimization zone index division standard is established: Forward optimization to obtain the outdoor threshold value that meets the indoor temperature calculation; Reverse optimization to obtain the distribution trend of the combined form of the envelope structure under the known indoor calculated temperature and outdoor climate conditions. According to the new calculation method, the outdoor heating threshold temperatures (OHTT) are adjusted from the original 5 °C–10 °C. In addition, CVTs are updated for significant subregions, such as: 1) the CVT for the hot summer and cold winter and hot summer and warm winter zone is calculated as 10 °C; 2) the CVT for severe cold (SCZ) and cold zones (CZ) is updated to −8 °C. These results will support the development of a BTZ and provide a scientific basis for reforming the heating method in China.

Land suitability and human adaptation: River Siang from Sangam to Pongging, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Land suitability in mountainous regions profoundly influences human adaptation strategies, particularly in environments shaped by morphometric characteristics. This study focuses on the Siang river valley from Sangam to Pongging, Arunachal Pradesh, India, employing Land Suitability Analysis (LSA) to assess terrain viability for settlement, and orchard cultivation. Key determinants such as topographic features, drainage morphometry, and infrastructural accessibility were analyzed to develop thematic maps delineating optimal zones for different land uses. The research underscores how geomorphic attributes and accessibility influence settlement patterns and orchard suitability, with lower elevations proving favorable for settlements and orchards due to accessible topography and climatic conditions. By integrating spatial analysis techniques and assessing variables like elevation, slope, and proximity to infrastructure by euclidian distance and pareto principle (80/20 rule), this research provides a comprehensive framework for informed land use planning. Strategic planning recommendations emphasize sustainable practices and community engagement to balance development needs with environmental preservation in Arunachal Pradesh's rugged terrain. It advocates for collaborative efforts between stakeholders to optimize land utilization and foster resilient development amidst challenging environmental conditions. This initial attempt aims to raise awareness among land users, planners, research workers, and administrators to ensure proper and effective land management.

Selection of optimal areas for the installation of Wind Farms in the north-eastern part of Cuba

The present research aims to select optimal areas for the installation of wind farms in the north-eastern part of Cuba. The research is based on the free software QGIS, Hierarchical Process Analysis, databases of the information of the alternatives and criteria and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which makes it possible to know the places where these farms will be installed. In addition, experts were consulted to obtain the weights or level of importance of the selected criteria, such as distance to ports, distances to common roads, distances to population centers, to electrical grids and finally the wind speed. As a result, a mathematical conceptual model was obtained for the selection of optimal zones for the installation of wind farms in the eastern north of Cuba, by means of the MCDM and GIS methods, where it was determined that, within the evaluated alternatives of wind farms, Gibara III is the optimal one. These models will allow the development of wind projects in the eastern region of Holguin, and to be able to manage human, financial and material resources.

Variations in the alveolar bone morphology in maxillary molar area: a retrospective CBCT study

BackgroundThis study quantitatively analyzed the anatomic structure of the alveolar bone in the maxillary molar region at three potential locations for Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD) placement. Additionally, the study compared the variability in this region across different age groups, sagittal skeletal patterns, vertical facial types, and sexes.MethodsIn this retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study, the buccal alveolar bone was analyzed in the posterior molar area of 200 patients, the measurement items include buccal alveolar bone height, alveolar bone thickness, interradicular distance, and maxillary retromolar space.ResultsBuccal alveolar height was greatest in the U56 region. The interradicular space was largest in the U56 region and increased from the alveolar crest to the sinus floor. Buccal alveolar bone thickness was highest in the U67 region and generally increased from the alveolar crest to the sinus floor. The maxillary retromolar space gradually increased from the alveolar crest to the root apex.ConclusionsTADs are safest when placed in the buccal area between the maxillary second premolar and the first molar, particularly at the 9 mm plane. The U67 region is the optimal safe zone for TAD placement for maxillary dentition distalization. TADs placement in adolescents can be challenging. Maxillary third molar extraction can be considered for maxillary dentition distalization.

Improvement of the technique of positioning the endocardial electrodes of the cardiac contractility modulation device in patients with CHF with reduced ejection fraction and atrial fibrillation

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the advanced technique for positioning the endocardial electrodes of a cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) device. The CCM system was implanted in 100 patients, of which 60 CCM electrodes were positioned in the most optimal zones of myocardial perfusion, in particular, in the zone of the minor focal-scar/fibrotic lesion (the Summed Rest Score of 0 to 1-2, the intensity of the radiopharmaceutical at least 30%), and in 40 patients according to the standard procedure. Before the implantation of the CCM system, 60 patients underwent tomography (S-SPECT) of the myocardium with 99mTc-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile at rest to determine the most optimal electrode positioning zones and 100 patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and after 12 months to assess the effectiveness of surgical treatment. Improved ventricular electrode positioning technique is associated with the best reverse remodeling of the left ventricular myocardium, especially in patients with ischemic chronic heart failure, with less radiation exposure to the surgeon and the patient, and without electrode-related complications. At the preoperative stage, it is recommended to perform a synchronized single-photon emission computed tomography of the myocardium with 99mTc-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile at rest before implantation of the CCM device to assess the presence of scar zones/myocardial fibrosis in the anterior and inferior septal regions of the interventricular septum of the left ventricle, followed by implantation of ventricular electrodes in the zone of the minor scar/fibrous lesion, which will allow to achieve optimal stimulation parameters, increase the effectiveness of CCM therapy, reduce the radiation exposure on medical personnel and the patient during surgery.

Investigating the potential of unconventional resources in the Midland Basin: A comprehensive chemostratigraphic analysis of a Cline Shale (Wolfcamp-D) core

Basinal mudrocks assigned to the Wolfcamp Group in the Midland Basin are prolific producers of oil and gas. Technological advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have been successful in the exploitation of oil and gas from these tight mudrocks. However, many challenges remain unsolved in capturing their macroscale compositional variations to enhance recovery factors and delineate “sweet spots”. To gain improved insights into this fine-grained system, high resolution chemostratigraphic (XRF) data was integrated with mineralogical measurements (XRD), logs, thin sections, and TOC readings, as well as hierarchical cluster analysis to: 1) develop a sequence stratigraphic framework, and 2) reconstruct paleo-redox, as well as ancient water-mass, conditions within the Cline Shale (Wolfcamp-D) from a core in the Midland Basin.This study revealed the presence of three chemo-stratigraphically distinct depositional sequences in the Cline Shale, herein termed Lower, Middle, and Upper Cline from the base upwards. All three units exhibit distinct mineralogical and petrophysical characteristics, were correlated across the basin, and interpreted as third-order sequences. Superimposed onto the three interpreted third-order sequences within the Cline, are potential higher frequency (fourth-order) sequences. These fourth-order sequences typically consist of a lower interval, interpreted as lowstand deposits and an upper interval, which is interpreted as transgressive and highstand deposits. The lower interval is interpreted to be deposited during highly reducing conditions while the upper interval is interpreted to be deposited under suboxic conditions. The highest organic matter preservation is associated with the interpreted lowstand deposits, especially in the Upper Cline. Optimal landing zones (20 ft) are recognized in the upper zone of the Cline Shale based on their high resistivity, total organic richness, elevated siliceous content, and reduced percentage of clay minerals. These zones have been correlated with several nearby wells.The current study demonstrates the wealth of information that can be gained from a single core/well when properly investigated at high resolution with measurements on a cm-scale. The observed shifts in the chemistry of the sediments character and composition are distinct, with implications for sequence stratigraphic analysis, the reconstruction of ancient water-mass conditions, and the identification of “sweet spots” for hydrocarbon resources. The provided analysis lays a foundational basis for further studies in the region, serving as critical data input for expansive regional research efforts.

Securing water for arid regions: Rainwater harvesting and sustainable groundwater management using remote sensing and GIS techniques

Arid regions experience climatic stress under climate change: increased drought frequency coupled with intensified storm events. This disruption and lack of precipitation patterns leads to water scarcity and hinders the achievement of sustainable development goals. Egypt drainage basin exhibiting the greatest suitability for the implementation of rainwater harvesting (RWH) strategies. To facilitate the development of sustainable water resource management practices in the region, this study uses a multi-criteria methodology to delineate optimal zones for RWH within the Wadi Safaga. Integration of radar and optical remote sensing data obtained from Sentinel-1&2, Landsat-8, ALOS/PALSAR, and Sentinel-1 Interferometric SAR with climatic Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), hydrological, and geological datasets emphasizes the hydrologic characteristics of the catchments. Additionally, the analysis of rainfall intensity patterns within the basin was undertaken. Thirteen factors are used in the predicted model including elevation, slope, curvature, depression, lithology, radar, InSAR CCD, drainage density (Dd), distance to river (DR), vegetation, topographic wetness index (TWI), rainfall, and lineament density. A knowledge-driven Geographic Information System (GIS) methodology, including weighted factors based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), was implemented to delineate plausible areas for RWH and groundwater potential zones (GWPZs). The resultant map categorized the basin into five GWPZ classes: very low (14%), low (28%), moderate (27%), high (21%), and very high (10%). Furthermore, the study identified optimal locations for constructing reservoirs to store harvested rainwater and provide protection for downstream mining, industrial, and tourism activities. In conclusion, the obtained information is crucial for planners and decision-makers to implement sustainable water resource management strategies within the Wadi Safaga basin.

The ecological traits of birds in the context of future changes of their ranges under the impact of global climate change

Over the next 70 years, the average annual temperature in Europe is projected to increase by 4.1 °C. In Zhytomyr Oblast, this figure is likely to increase by 4.4 °C. The amount of precipitation in Europe is expected to increase by an average of 60.3 mm per year, with Zhytomyr Oblast experiencing an 87.2 mm per year increase in precipitation compared to the current state. As a consequence of the global climate change, the habitat-preference index will decline for 159 species (60.1%), remain virtually unchanged for 20 species (7.6%), and improve for 83 species (31.7%). The primary factors influencing the differentiation of avian ecological niches by climate regimes are thermal gradient, precipitation gradient, and temporal variability of precipitation throughout the year. With regard to the landscape aspect, bird species can be differentiated according to their campophi­lous/dendrophilous characteristics, their water-intensive/rural or urban/rural tendencies. Soil conditions are a determining factor in the landscape aspect of ecological niches. As a consequence of the global climate change, the habitat preference index will increase for species that are more thermophilic and prefer conditions with higher precipitation. According to predictions, over the coming 70 years, the number of campophilous birds will increase as compared to dendrophilous birds as a result of the global warming. Moisture-loving campophiles will be outcompeted by rural species, and rural species will be outcompeted by urban species. In response to the climate change, populations of bird species are shifting their geographical ranges to regions with suitable climatic conditions. The knowledge of the characteristics of ecological niches is the foundation for anticipating alterations in species distributions in response to global climate change in the future. The estimation of niche parameters is contingent upon the model employed to fit the observed data. The beta model is a flexible and versatile tool that enables comparisons to be made between species complexes. The thermal projection of ecological niche was employed to categorise bird species into ecological groups based on the position of the optimum zone and the width of tolerance amplitude. Ecological groups differ in their prospects in the context of global climate change. It can be predicted that the trends of stenotopic megatherms will improve, whereas those of all other bird species will deteriorate. The most pessimistic scenario is expected for stenotopic microtherms. The analysis of the ecological properties of birds in the region identified 10 functional axes, three of which correlate with the sensitivity of bird species to the global climate change. The prediction of impact of landscape factors on species distribution is challenging. However, the structure of the functional axes allows us to identify which ecological niche parameters, determined by landscape conditions, are more sensitive to birds. Functional axes 1 and 6 indicate a positive trend in urban bird life in the context of global climate change. It is anticipated that positive prospects will emerge in connection with the global climate change for birds belonging to the families Anseriformes, Podicipediformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes, Gaviiformes, and Pelecaniformes. Conversely, negative prospects are expected for forest birds (Columbiformes, Strigiformes, Piciformes) and birds of forest and open spaces (Falconiformes). The functional axis 1 correlated with bird weight. A positive correlation between bird weight and the predicted change in the habitat-preference index over the next 70 years was identified exclusively for species belonging to Charadriiformes. The positive effect of weight on the probability of habitat improvement within Charadriiformes can be attributed to the fact that rurally occurring species within this order are usually heavier than those in natural ecosystems, and those in urban habitats are heavier than those in rural habitats. Functional Axis 4 identifies the group of urban birds whose habitat conditions are likely to deteriorate in the near future due to global warming. This group includes woodpeckers, which can be considered an indicator of the biodiversity of bird communities that are sensitive to the global climate change.

Optimized Fault Detector Based Pattern Recognition Technique to Classify and Localize Electrical Faults in Modern Distribution Systems

This research presents a method that integrates artificial neural networks (ANN) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to identify and classify faults in large power networks, as well as to pinpoint the zones where these faults occur. The objective is to enhance reliability and safety by accurately detecting and categorizing electrical faults. To manage the computational demands of processing the extensive and complex data from the power system, the network is divided into optimal zones, each made visible for fault detection. Niche Binary particle swarm optimization (NBPSO) is employed to place the fault detectors (FD) in each zone. This allows for precise measurement of fault voltage and current phasors without significant cost. The ANN module is tasked with identifying the fault area and locating the exact fault within that zone, as well as classifying the specific type of fault. Discrete Wavelet Transform is used for feature extraction, and a phase locked loop (PLL) is used for load angle computation. The proposed method's validity has been tested on the IEEE-33 bus distribution network.

Precision targeting in the globus pallidus interna: insights from the multicenter, prospective, blinded VA/NINDS CSP 468 study.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the globus pallidus interna (GPi) has been shown to significantly improve motor symptoms for the treatment of medication-refractory Parkinson's disease. Yet, heterogeneity in clinical outcomes persists, possibly due to suboptimal target identification within the GPi. By leveraging robust sampling of the GPi and 6-month postsurgical outcomes, this study aims to determine optimal symptom-specific GPi DBS targets. In this study, the authors analyzed the anatomical lead location and 6-month postsurgical, double-blinded outcome measures of 86 patients who underwent bilateral GPi DBS. These patients were selected from the multicenter Veterans Affairs (VA)/National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) 468 study to identify the optimal target zones ("sweet spots") for the control of overall motor (United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]-III), axial, tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia symptoms. Lead coordinates were normalized to Montreal Neurological Institute space and the optimal target zones were identified and validated using a leave-one-patient-out approach. The authors' findings revealed statistically significant optimal target zones for UPDRS-III (R = 0.37, p < 0.001), axial (R = 0.22, p = 0.042), rigidity (R = 0.20, p = 0.021), and bradykinesia (R = 0.23, p = 0.004) symptoms. These zones were localized within the primary motor and premotor subdivisions of the GPi. Interestingly, these zones extended beyond the GPi lateral border into the GPi-globus pallidus externa (GPe) lamina and into the GPe, but they did not reach the GPi ventral border, challenging traditional surgical approaches based on pallidotomies. Drawing upon a robust dataset, this research effectively delineates specific optimal target zones for not only overall motor improvement but also symptom subscores. These insights hold the potential to enhance the precision of targeting in subsequent bilateral GPi DBS surgical procedures.

What is the Optimal Proximal Landing Zone of the Stent Graft in Treatment of Aortic Type B Dissection?

Retrograde type A aortic dissection (RTAD) represents a serious complication of endovascular treatment for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). To avoid RTAD, it is recommended to land the proximal end of the stent graft in a non-dissected aortic segment. In this study, we investigated whether landing in the dissection area increased the number of events at the proximal site. We conducted a retrospective review of endovascular treatments for TBAD at a single institution between 2009 and 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: group A, with a proximal landing zone entirely within the dissected area, and group B, with the proximal extent of the seal zone in the non-dissected area. We evaluated the occurrence of proximal events, including RTAD, and examined long-term outcomes to assess the validity of landing in the dissection area. The study included eighty-nine patients who underwent endovascular treatment for TBAD. New intimal tears in the proximal landing site occurred in 3 cases (3.4%), with 1 case (2%) in group A and 2 cases (5.1%) in group B, showing no significant difference. Among the three cases, one (1.1%) in group B with zone 2 landing resulted in RTAD. At 60months, the overall survival was 85%, and freedom from aorta-related mortality was 88%, with no significant difference between the groups. Even if the proximal landing is in a dissected area, a treatment strategy performed in zone 3 without proximal landing in zone 2, seeking a non-dissected area, can still provide sufficient therapeutic effects. Level of Evidence 3 Retrospective single-center cohort analysis.

Partitioned Simulation of Land Use Change Based on Carbon Neutrality Zoning and Its Multiscale Effect on Carbon Emissions in the Xia–Zhang–Quan Metropolitan Circle, China

Urbanization significantly affects the global carbon balance. Therefore, clarifying the effect of urbanization-induced land use change on carbon emissions and proposing the zonal-based policy implementation became crucial. In this study, we estimated the future land use carbon emissions in three scenarios by adopting the partitioned Patch-generating Land Use Simulation Model (PLUS) in the Xiamen–Zhangzhou–Quanzhou (XZQ) metropolitan circle, China. The results showed that (1) the region could be divided into two sub-areas (carbon sink function zone and high-carbon optimization zone); the partitioned PLUS model had a higher accuracy in the developed areas, whereas it had a lower accuracy in the undeveloped areas; (2) the main characteristic of land use change was the construction on the land that was previously farmland, spanning 260.2 km2; the land used for construction would continue to expand, with 215.5 km2 (8.2%), 261.0 km2 (9.9%), and 129.5 km2 (4.9%) in the natural development scenario (ND), economic development scenario (ED), and carbon neutrality scenario (CN), respectively; (3) the amount of carbon emissions would increase by 196.2 × 104 tons and 235.4 × 104 tons in the ND and ED, respectively, whereas, it would decrease by 49.0 × 104 tons in the CN. This study made a beneficial attempt at partitioning based on carbon neutrality by improving the PLUS model simulation results and carbon emission assessment, which could provide methods and references for future similar studies. The findings suggest a method for the coordinated development between the carbon sink function zone and the high-carbon optimization zone. In addition, comprehensively understanding the land use change and its effects on carbon emissions, from this study, could provide important insights into carbon neutrality and regional sustainable development for urban planners and policymakers. In future research, the zoning research could be conducted at a finer scale, since the partition results were relatively coarse in this study.