Past Surveys Research Articles

Playback-Aided Surveys and Acoustic Monitoring in the Detection of the Endangered Forest Owlet Athene blewitti.

Monitoring rare and endangered species over the long term is challenging due to limited historical data and comparable methods. Climate and landscape changes can significantly impact species distributions, driving some to extinction. The Forest Owlet is an endangered bird considered extinct but rediscovered after 113 years in 1997. Since its rediscovery, followed by the description of its calls, there have been regular recent sightings of the species from newer locations, leading to its downlisting in the IUCN Red List from critically endangered to endangered. In the Dang region in Gujarat, India, there have been no historical records despite previous systematic ornithological studies over three decades, but have multiple sightings over the last few years. Although we now know a little more about the broad association of the species occurrence with habitat and climate variables, a major focus of this study is to estimate the reasons for the "appearance" of the Forest Owlet in Dangs. We revisited locations of past surveys to determine if the species is currently found in the study sites where it was previously unrecorded. We also examine whether new survey methods using playback of its call could enhance its detection. During resurveys, we located the Forest Owlet at new, previously unrecorded locations. Analyses of satellite imagery products revealed significant changes in the broader Dang landscape, including the loss of native forests, increased agriculture, and shifts in mean maximum temperature and rainfall. Our research suggests playback can enhance detection, although its effectiveness varies across landscapes. A detection strategy for long-term monitoring was developed using different acoustic detectors. An effective detection distance of 300 m within the habitat was achieved using automated recording units (ARUs). Although the species responds to climate and habitat change, the cause of the increased reports of this endangered species remains undetermined. However, we found increased detections using newer survey techniques involving bioacoustics. We recommend using these techniques carefully for future baseline studies, which are urgently required.

An Updated Survey of Trends in the Surgical Management of Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis - The Increasing Popularity of the Suture Suspension Arthroplasty.

Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct an updated survey of American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) membership to evaluate current preferences for surgical management of thumb CMC arthritis. Past surveys have demonstrated LRTI to be the most preferred surgical technique. We hypothesised that current surgical preferences for thumb CMC arthritis have changed over the last several years due to rising popularity of high-strength suture implants. Methods: A 22-question survey inquired about the preferences for the surgical management of basal joint arthritis and was sent to the ASSH membership. Descriptive statistics were calculated on all survey questions. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare differences in thumb CMC arthroplasty preferences across respondents. Results: A total of 1,499 responses were available for analysis, yielding a response rate of 29.9%. For surgical management of basal joint arthritis in the primary setting, the largest percentage of respondents preferred open trapeziectomy with suture suspension arthroplasty (39.2%); amongst them, over half (56%) used a high-strength suture implant. This was followed by open trapeziectomy with LRTI (38.3%). In the revision setting, most respondents preferred open trapeziectomy with suture suspension arthroplasty (53.5%), followed by LRTI (24.6%). In determining the choice of procedure, respondents felt some form of metacarpal suspension and implant cost to be more important factors than ligament reconstruction and interposition. A higher proportion of international members (16.2%) utilised implant arthroplasty than US/Canadian members (1.1%; p<0.01). Conclusions: Past surveys have demonstrated LRTI to be the most preferred surgical technique. The current survey demonstrates open trapeziectomy and suture suspension arthroplasty, especially using high-strength suture implants, gaining popularity amongst surgeons, while open trapeziectomy and LRTI decreasing in preference. Suture suspension arthroplasty is now the preferred surgical technique in both the primary and revision setting. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Interruption Cost Estimation for Value-Based Reliability Investment in Emerging Smart Grid Resources

Growing uncertainty in supply and demand in power systems causes significant challenges in maintaining supply reliability at affordable costs. Power grids are expected to undergo substantial transformations to address these challenges with upgrades and integration of emerging smart technologies that require significant investment costs. A value-based reliability assessment of these grid technologies is necessary to justify the worth of these investments. A key parameter required in such an assessment is the cost of power interruptions originating from transmission system failures. The interruption cost data available in published reports and past surveys relate to generation inadequacy since generation facilities comprise the most capital-intensive investment of an electric utility. Customer interruptions due to a lack of generation mainly occur due to generation failures during the peak demand period, whereas interruptions due to transmission component failures can occur at other periods with specific probabilities. This paper presents a methodology to estimate the cost of outages originating from transmission asset failures, which proposes a sector period model for each customer sector to obtain associated demand-normalized interruption costs. The proposed method can also be used to decide investment in grid resiliency enhancement against extreme weather that mainly impacts the grid network facilities.

Horizon picking algorithm using global optimization and coherence measurement in poststacked seismic data

Accurate horizon recognition within poststack seismic sections is important in seismic interpretation. Horizon picking techniques influence diverse seismic structural analyses and inversion methodologies. Despite encountering challenges such as computational demands and time constraints, the past few years have witnessed the development of numerous 2D and 3D methods. With the progress of modern computing, more robust and efficient techniques, harnessing artificial intelligence, have come to the fore. In this context, we develop an innovative cost-effective algorithm grounded in a global optimization framework. This algorithm combines the very fast simulated annealing method with a set of stability parameters and coherence measurements between neighboring seismic traces, which is used as the objective function. The search is executed on continuous and sequential clusters of seismic traces, with a focus on maximizing coherence amidst the presented events. We evaluate the algorithm’s efficacy by applying it to two distinct input data sets — enveloped and nonenveloped seismic traces. The initial application is to the time-migrated Marmousi data set, a synthetic marine data set originated from a complex geologic sedimentary basin situated in Angola, Africa. Subsequently, we apply the algorithm to depth-migrated land data extracted from a past survey conducted in the Tacutu Basin in northern Brazil. Outcomes arising from the application to 2D synthetic and field data sets underscore the method’s viability as a compelling alternative for seismic horizon picking within the time or depth domain.

Update on the Obstetric Anesthesia Practice in Flanders/Belgium: A 10-year follow-up survey and review

Background: With 75% of women receiving neuraxial anesthesia for labor and cesarean section (CS) in Flanders, Belgium, obstetric anesthesia is an essential part of perinatal care. Despite advancements in obstetric anesthesia and guidelines being updated regularly, past surveys have shown great variability among hospitals. Objective: This investigation aims to observe current obstetric anesthesia practices, compare them with previous surveys, and assess adherence to guidelines among anesthesiologists. Methods: An online questionnaire-based survey, approved by the KU Leuven Ethics Committee, was conducted focusing on three main topics: analgesia during labor, anesthesia for CS, and postoperative analgesia after CS. The survey, consisting of 127 questions, was distributed via email to the heads of anesthesia departments in 57 Flemish hospitals providing obstetric anesthesia care. Responses were anonymously analyzed. Results: For labor analgesia initiation, a conventional epidural with administration of ropivacaine 0.2% (+- sufentanil) remains the most widespread used technique, although Combined-Spinal Epidural (CSE) has gained significant popularity. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) in combination with continuous epidural infusion (CEI) is the preferred maintenance method, however programmed-intermittent bolus (PIEB) has found its way into standard practice. CSs are mostly done by performing CSE or single shot spinal, using hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% with sufentanil. Spinal-induced hypotension is treated with a combination of left lateral tilt, fluid administration and vasopressor administration, usually as a bolus. Post-CS pain is mainly treated by a combination of oral/ parenteral analgesics and neuraxial analgesia (PCEA +- CEI), with only a minority choosing regional techniques such as wound infiltration, transverse abdominal plane blocks, quadratus lumborum blocks, etc. Conclusion: Compared to previous surveys, the Flemish anesthesiologists adhere well to the latest guidelines and gold standards in obstetric anesthesia, consistently modernizing their practices. Nevertheless, with the continual introduction of novel techniques and methods, it is imperative for practitioners to maintain efforts in pursuing ongoing innovation.

Competitive dynamics in a multi-sided mobile payment platform market: an agent-based modeling perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to develop a comprehensive model to better understand competitive dynamics between mobile payment providers in a multi-sided market featuring customers and merchants. This is undertaken by modeling customers performing financial transactions with merchants while two mobile payment systems (MPS) providers deploy different strategies to compete for market share.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed an agent-based simulation model using the NetLogo environment. The simulation featured two competing platform providers, 1,000 customer agents and 50 merchant agents. Past research, interviews and surveys were conducted to accurately model the behavior of the agents. Each simulation run lasted for 50 time periods. A total of 1,024 experimental conditions were designed to model different competitive environments, and 50 replications were conducted for a total of 51,200 experiments.FindingsThe simulation model provides insight into MPS platform providers’ competitive strategies by simultaneously modelling socioeconomic interactions between customers, merchants and MPS.Research limitations/implicationsFrom a methodological perspective, the paper contributes a comprehensive model that can be used to study competitive dynamics between competing platforms in a multi-sided market. From the perspective of competitive strategies, the results show that pricing alone is not sufficient to influence MPS diffusion. Interactions between pricing, customers’ risk perception, perceived security and ease of use of the platform create unexpected same-side and cross-side network effects, which affect MPS diffusion.Practical implicationsWhile pricing remains a crucial lever for MPS to compete for market share, they should focus on enhancing customers’ and merchants’ trust and reduce their risk perception. This can be done through the improvement of the user experience of their platform, development of educational materials and marketing campaigns that address concerns around security, data breaches and perceived risk.Originality/valueThe paper is a direct response to a recent call for action on studying competition between MPS platforms by simultaneously modelling the socio-economic behavior of heterogeneous consumers and merchants. The proposed agent-based simulation model can be used to provide insights into competitive strategies and as a building block for subsequent research in this area.

Integrating historical and recent data to measure long-term trends of endangered subterranean species

Documenting population trends is pivotal to identify the underlying drivers of biodiversity changes and setting conservation priorities. Ascertaining trends often requires long-term, standardized, monitoring data that are not always available. Historical data provide important information on past species distribution, but their integration with recent data to obtain trend estimates is challenging. Here we show how site occupancy-detection models (SODMs) can allow combining data from recent monitoring with historical ones from the gray literature. Using data on the endangered cave salamander, Speleomantes strinatii, we tested whether SODMs can provide reliable trend estimates if i) historical data include repeated within-season surveys enabling the estimation of past detectability, or if ii) information on detection/non-detection is not available. We conducted repeated surveys across 40 caves covering the species range, for which historical (1940–1982) biospeleological data were available. We then developed Bayesian SODMs i) estimating species detectability from both recent and past surveys, and then assessing trends; ii) in absence of estimates of past detectability, assessing trends by comparing scenarios on the potential misdetection rate during historical surveys. Salamanders were widespread in the study sites. SODM estimated high detectability for both recent and historical surveys and suggested a growing occupancy. Changes in occupancy were unrelated to landscape modifications. Even without historical detection/non-detection data, realistic scenarios of past misdetection consistently suggested an increasing or stable trend. The application of tailored analytical approaches is fundamental to exploit the vault of information available in historical data, and can be linked to adaptive management to promote efficient conservation actions.

Spawning run estimates and phenology for an extremely small population of Atlantic Sturgeon in the Marshyhope Creek–Nanticoke River system, Chesapeake Bay

AbstractObjectiveOnce thought to be extirpated from the Chesapeake Bay, fall spawning runs of Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus have been rediscovered in the Marshyhope Creek (MC)–Nanticoke River (NR) system of Maryland, United States. High recapture rates in past telemetry surveys suggested a small population in the two connected tributaries. This study aims to generate estimates of abundance and understand within system connectivity for spawning runs in 2020 and 2021.MethodsData from mobile side‐scan sonar surveys and detections of acoustically tagged adults on stationary telemetry receivers were analyzed in an integrated model to estimate spawning season abundance and examine run timing and system connectivity for this population. An array of acoustic receivers was deployed throughout the MC–NR system to monitor the movement of tagged fish during the spawning run period from mid‐August to late October. Side‐scan sonar surveys were conducted weekly in September in an area of high spawner aggregation to generate count data on spawning run abundance.ResultIn 2020 and 2021, 32 (95% credible interval [CRI] = 23–47) and 70 (95% CRI = 49–105) Atlantic Sturgeon, respectively, used the MC–NR system. The lower estimate for 2020 coincided with an earlier end to the spawning run related to cooler September temperatures in that year.ConclusionIn both years, high spawning run connectivity between MC and the upper NR was observed. Overall, run estimates supported previous hypotheses that the MC–NR system supports a very small population and that both MC and the upper NR serve as important areas for spawning activity.

A 350 MHz Green Bank Telescope Survey of Unassociated Fermi LAT Sources: Discovery and Timing of 10 Millisecond Pulsars

We have searched for radio pulsations toward 49 Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) 1FGL Catalog γ-ray sources using the Green Bank Telescope at 350 MHz. We detected 18 millisecond pulsars (MSPs) in blind searches of the data; 10 of these were discoveries unique to our survey. 16 are binaries, with eight having short orbital periods P B < 1 day. No radio pulsations from young pulsars were detected, although three targets are coincident with apparently radio-quiet γ-ray pulsars discovered in LAT data. Here, we give an overview of the survey and present radio and γ-ray timing results for the 10 MSPs discovered. These include the only isolated MSP discovered in our survey and six short-P B binary MSPs. Of these, three have very-low-mass companions (M c ≪ 0.1 M ⊙) and hence belong to the class of black widow pulsars. Two have more massive, nondegenerate companions with extensive radio eclipses and orbitally modulated X-ray emission consistent with the redback class. Significant γ-ray pulsations have been detected from nine of the discoveries. This survey and similar efforts suggest that the majority of Galactic γ-ray sources at high Galactic latitudes are either MSPs or relatively nearby nonrecycled pulsars, with the latter having on average a much smaller radio/γ-ray beaming ratio as compared to MSPs. It also confirms that past surveys suffered from an observational bias against finding short-P B MSP systems.

Keeping Analytical Chemistry Training Up-to-Date.

The undergraduate analytical chemistry curriculum serves to equip students with the knowledge and skills for work outside of classroom training. As such, instructors face a challenging task in deciding the breadth and depth of topics for their courses to ensure their syllabi can remain up-to-date with today's needs. We propose that instructors consider covering capillary electrophoresis (CE) and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technologies in their analytical chemistry courses. Past surveys of the curriculum show a noticeable lack of emphasis on these topics, which we feel is a missed opportunity and one that holds potential for the collective benefit of instructors and students. CE and LOCs are utilized in a diverse array of fields like biochemistry, pharmaceutical production, materials science, and environmental analysis, and their applications are becoming increasingly important amidst the growing movement toward environmentally sustainable practices and green chemistry. They are also more accessible in the analytical chemistry classroom compared with typical benchtop instruments due to the flexibility of their size and cost. This makes them easier to obtain, maintain, and transport for use and demonstration purposes. Additionally, interwoven in these topics are core concepts that are fundamental to analytical chemistry; thus, covering them will inherently reinforce students' understanding of fundamental knowledge. Therefore, we believe increased coverage of CE and LOCs can better prepare undergraduates for modern analytical chemistry work in various industries and fields of research.

Ethnic density and first episode psychosis in the British Pakistani population: findings from the East Lancashire Early Intervention Service.

Elevated risk of psychosis for ethnic minority groups has generally been shown to be mitigated by high ethnic density. However, past survey studies examining UK Pakistani populations have shown an absence of protective ethnic density effects, which is not observed in other South Asian groups. To assess the ethnic density effect at a local neighbourhood level, in the UK Pakistani population in East Lancashire. Data was collected by the East Lancashire Early Intervention Service, identifying all cases of first episode psychosis (FEP) within their catchment area between 2012 and 2020. Multilevel Poisson regression analyses were used to compare incidence rates between Pakistani and White majority groups, while controlling for age, gender and area-level deprivation. The ethnic density effect was also examined by comparing incidence rates across high and low density areas. A total of 455 cases of FEP (364 White, 91 Pakistani) were identified. The Pakistani group had a higher incidence of FEP compared to the White majority population. A clear effect of ethnic density on rates of FEP was shown, with those in low density areas having higher incidence rates compared to the White majority, whereas incidence rates in high density areas did not significantly differ. Within the Pakistani group, a dose-response effect was also observed, with risk of FEP increasing incrementally as ethnic density decreased. Higher ethnic density related to lower risk of FEP within the Pakistani population in East Lancashire, highlighting the impact of local social context on psychosis incidence.

Machine learning detection of fog top over eastern Taiwan mountains from Himawari-8 satellite true-color images

During the cold season, fog frequently blankets the eastern Taiwan mountains areas, a region known for the montane cloud forest (MCF). The mountain fogs play crucial roles in supporting local biodiversity. However, it remains challenging to identify the appropriate temporal and spatial variation of the mountain fogs due to limited ground observations in the complex terrain. To address this issue, this study combines machine learning and satellite remote sensing to provide continuous, terrain-unlimited temporal and spatial detection of fog occurrence over complex topography. From the nadir view of the satellite, the mountain fog top can form a clear edge closely following the topographical features to represent the maximum height of the fog-occurring area. This provides the opportunity to detect the top edges of mountain fog from satellite true-color images by applying the U-net machine learning technique. The training data consists of the three visible bands observed at 8 a.m. local time (LT) from the Himawari-8 satellite between the years 2019–2021, with the fog edges in the cases of fog occurrence serving as the training labels. The model performance is evaluated using true-color images at the same and different LTs. The result shows that the model can capture the climatology of the fog edge hotspots at specific elevations, with an accuracy of nearly 89% for predicting cases of fog occurrence at the same LT and over 70% for different LTs. These fog edge hotspots are highly consistent with the known locations of the MCF from past field surveys. The current results provide valuable guidance on identifying potential fog-prone ecosystems. Notably, the current model uses relatively simple input data, indicating the flexibility of the data source from other satellite observations and the potential application to other regions with topographical-related fog and low cloud.

Examining the well-being of military spouses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic using the Quality of Life survey

LAY SUMMARY The Quality of Life (QOL) survey of military spouses is a critical mechanism to inform the Canadian Armed Forces in efforts to support military families. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 survey examined spouses’ mental health and identified the challenges faced during this time, on top of the usual demands of military life. Consistent with results from past QOL surveys, the top issues that challenge civilian military spouses were relocation, primary health care, and spousal employment. Civilian military spouses who expressed concerns related to health, social connection, and employment also reported lower levels of well-being. Offering programs that can help address these concerns is important to support the well-being of military spouses.

(212) The Questionable Clinical Utility of Sperm Morphology: Rate of Isolated Teratospermia in a Population of Fertile Men

Abstract Introduction Over the last several decades, sperm morphology has represented a standard component of semen analysis. However, its clinical utility is not well-defined, despite continual efforts by the WHO to address critiques of semen morphology criteria through increasingly strict guidelines. Issues with intra- and inter-laboratory technical variability, in addition to the subjective nature of the morphology assessment, have been thoroughly discussed in existing literature. Furthermore, current literature has highlighted the low predictive value of sperm morphology abnormalities in assisted fertility treatment (ART) and natural pregnancy outcomes. As of 2020, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines have noted that morphology alone is not highly predictive or diagnostic of infertility. However, past survey studies have demonstrated the pervasive belief among physicians of the value of sperm morphology, potentially leading to counseling patients towards more expensive ART methods. These concerns call into question the emphasis placed on sperm morphology assessment and its value in the clinical setting. Objective To better understand the impact of sperm morphology on fertility, we assessed sperm morphology in a population of known fertile men. Methods Healthy men over 18 years of age were recruited to provide one semen sample prior to vasectomy from March 2020 through November 2022. Inclusion criteria for the study was as follows: (1) patients were required to have biological children under the age of 5 years old, with no history of difficulty achieving pregnancy, and (2) had undergone no prior fertility procedures. Sperm morphology was analyzed using Papanicolaou stain with Kruger strict criteria by two technicians in an Andrology specialty laboratory per the WHO 5th edition manual. Results There were 83 men who participated in the study, 68 of whom (81.9%) had a complete sperm morphology assessment available. On average, participants were 37 years of age and had a mean BMI of 28 (22.8, 33.2). Of those with a smoking history available (n=61), 38 (62.3%) were non-smokers, 7 (11.5%) were former smokers, and 16 (26.2%) were current smokers. Patients had an average of 3 children with a mean youngest child age of 11.5 months old. There were 38 patients (55.9%) with 3% or lower normal sperm morphology, including two patients who had 0% normal morphology (Table 1). The most common morphologic abnormalities were head shape defects (n=59, 84.3%), followed by coiled tails (n=14, 20.3). Men 3% or lower normal sperm morphology were four times as likely to have both head and tail abnormalities than men with 4% or greater normal sperm morphology (n=8 vs n=2, respectively); half of these men also had lower than normal motility, whereas none of the men with 4% or greater normal sperm morphology had lower than normal motility. Conclusions More than half of fertile male patients (65.6%) had lower than normal sperm morphology in our study. The results of our study further question the clinical relevance of sperm morphology on fertility outcomes and if the current approach in assessing morphology is too strict. Disclosure No.

Receipt survey of prescription continuation rates for patients with onychomycosis and web-based survey of dermatologists on prescribing policies for onychomycosis therapeutics.

Onychomycosis can be treated with topical and oral medications. However, it is important to appropriately select these medications according to the type and severity of the disease and ensure treatment is continued for the recommended duration. In Japan, treatment options for onychomycosis have increased in recent years. Moreover, in 2019, the guidelines for dermatomycosis treatment were revised. In this study, we conducted a receipt survey to clarify the actual treatment status of onychomycosis cases as indicated by the continuation rates of prescribed treatment drugs, together with a web-based survey to ascertain the prescribing policy of dermatologists regarding drugs for onychomycosis treatment. In agreement with past surveys, this receipt survey showed that the prescription continuation rate for oral medications was higher than that for topical medications. The 1-year prescription continuation rate for topical onychomycosis medications was found to be low (<10%). The web-based survey showed that the percentage of physicians who prescribed oral medications as their first choice increased by approximately 10% for each disease type, compared with the results of the previous survey conducted around 7 years ago. However, the study also confirmed that topical drugs are still prescribed for some disease types for which oral drugs are better suited. To ensure complete cure without patient drop-out, oral drugs with a high probability of achieving complete cure and a high continuation rate should be prescribed for patients with onychomycosis.

Increasing the detectability of long-period and nulling pulsars in next-generation pulsar surveys

Abstract Recent discoveries of multiple long-period pulsars (periods ${\sim}10\,$ s or larger) are starting to challenge the conventional notion that coherent radio emission cannot be produced by objects that are below the many theorised death lines. Many of the past pulsar surveys and software have been prone to selection effects that restricted their sensitivities towards long-period and sporadically emitting objects. Pulsar surveys using new-generation low-frequency facilities are starting to employ longer dwell times, which makes them significantly more sensitive in detecting long-period or nulling pulsars. There have also been software advancements to aid more sensitive searches towards long-period objects. Furthermore, recent discoveries suggest that nulling may be a key aspect of the long-period pulsar population. We simulate both long-period and nulling pulsar signals, using the Southern-sky MWA Rapid Two-meter (SMART) survey data as reference and explore the detection efficacy of popular search methods such as the fast Fourier transform (FFT), fast-folding algorithm (FFA) and single pulse search (SPS). For FFT-based search and SPS, we make use of the PRESTO implementation, and for FFA we use RIPTIDE. We find RIPTIDE’s FFA to be more sensitive; however, it is also the slowest algorithm. PRESTO’s FFT, although faster than others, also shows some unexpected inaccuracies in detection properties. SPS is highly sensitive to long-period and nulling signals, but only for pulses with high intrinsic signal-to-noise ratios. We use these findings to inform current and future pulsar surveys that aim to uncover a large population of long-period or nulling objects and comment on how to make optimal use of these methods in unison.

Integrating legacy survey data into GIS‐based analysis: The rediscovery of the archaeological landscapes in Grevena (Western Macedonia, Greece)

AbstractSurface archaeological survey has been widely established as the principal method for the regional study of Mediterranean diachronic landscapes. Before the introduction of GPS and digital, GIS‐based recordings in the late 1990s, survey projects employed analogue recording strategies (e.g. personal notebooks, printed forms and cartographic materials) resulting in low‐precision spatial datasets. These archives, termed here as legacy survey data, can today be visualized and analysed using computational tools. The aim of the present work is to exemplify how legacy data can be reused and reproduced to explore unknown aspects of past survey projects. It showcases a multi‐source, GIS‐structured workflow to manage and re‐evaluate data from the region of Grevena, north‐western Greece, where a largely unpublished all‐period extensive survey titled the Grevena Project has pinpointed a rich, yet unavailable to the archaeological community cultural record. The publications lacked critical evaluation of the survey results and significance, such as accurate site locations, size and chronology as well as a description of the field collection strategies used. To recover and combine these data into a single geodataset, a three‐step workflow was created, including the systematic recording of collected artefacts, the deployment of archival and remote‐sensing resources (e.g. georeferenced cartographic and photographic materials and satellite imagery) and the development of a new extensive survey in selected areas for validation purposes. Results indicated heterogeneity in the techniques employed by the Grevena Project for site recognition. They also brought an important assemblage of Palaeolithic finds unrecorded before. Furthermore, large‐scale geomorphological analysis using geomorphometric approaches demonstrated an irregularly high density of sites in elevated areas, which is considered a surveying bias. Remote sensing sources including archival aerial photographs highlighted regional landscape changes (e.g. in forest coverage) revealing architectural remains unmapped before. Finally, the new survey around Ayios Georgios showed the discovery of several new sites, emphasizing a case study of much more complex dynamics than originally considered during the Grevena Project.

An Overview and Future Outlook of the Murder Mystery Game Industry in China

Murder mystery games have experienced a notable surge in popularity, with their origins deeply rooted in storytelling traditions. This research paper delves into the reasons for their rise, emphasizing the influences of macroeconomic factors, educational trends, and digitalization. These elements not only provided a backdrop for the murder mystery game's resurgence but also played a pivotal role in shaping its contemporary form. A comparative analysis of online and offline modalities reveals distinct user experiences and commercial potentials for each. Furthermore, the research offers pragmatic suggestions for entrepreneurs interested in establishing offline murder mystery stores, underscoring the nuances of market dynamics and consumer preferences. Harnessing statistical data from past survey results and well-informed estimations, the study presents a data-driven exploration into the genre's growth and transformation. By charting the game's historical trajectory and examining its present state, this paper provides a holistic overview of murder mystery games in the modern context and their significance in the evolving entertainment industry.

Assessing the confidence in pest freedom gained in the past pine wood nematode surveys

Assessing the confidence in pest freedom gained in the past pine wood nematode surveys

Hunting down white dwarf–main sequence binaries using multiwavelength observations

ABSTRACT Identification of white dwarfs (WD) with main-sequence (MS) companions and characterization of their properties can put important constraints on our understanding of binary stellar evolution and guide the theoretical predictions for a wide range of interesting transient events relevant for, e.g. Rubin Observatory (LSST), ZTF, and LISA. In this study, we combine ultraviolet (UV) and optical colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) to identify unresolved WD–MS binaries. In particular, we combine high-precision astrometric and photometric data in the optical from Gaia-DR3 and UV data from GALEX GR6/7 to identify 93 WD–MS candidates within 100 pc. Of these, 80 are newly identified. Using the Virtual Observatory SED Analyzer (VOSA), we fit the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of all our candidates and derive stellar parameters, such as effective temperature, bolometric luminosity, and radius for both companions. We find that our identification method helps identify hotter and smaller WD companions (majority with ≥10 000 K and ≤0.02 R⊙) relative to the WDs identified by past surveys. We infer that these WDs are relatively more massive (median ∼ $0.76\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$). We find that most of the MS companions in our binaries are of the K and M spectral types.