Quantum GIS Research Articles

LONG SHORT TERM MEMORY APPROACH FOR SHORELINE CHANGE PREDICTION ON ERETAN BEACH

Eretan Beach is one of the beaches in Indramayu and has a reasonably severe abrasion rate from year to year. The Eretan coastline always experiences significant changes due to erosion every year. Therefore, it is necessary to study changes in the coastline at Eretan beach. This study obtained coastline data from the Google Earth engine using CoastSat, a python-based open-source toolkit, from 1992 – 2022. The open-source geographic information system software used to process the data is the Quantum Geographic Information System. This study aims to analyze the Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) algorithm in predicting shoreline changes at Eretan Beach. The eight optimizer functions in the LSTM are used with nine different scenarios to analyze the algorithm's performance. The results of this study show that RMSProp has the best performance compared to other optimizers. The RMSE and MAPE values on the RMSProp are 35.06258 and 2.2923 on the training data and 9.2457 and 1.06786 on the test data. In addition, from the predictions for the next ten years at transect point 251, it was found that there would be an increase in the coastline.

U-Net-based integrated framework for pavement crack detection and zone-based scoring

ABSTRACT Pavement scoring systems are cost-effective means of integrating the pavement management to prevent the progression of failure. The current research developed a pavement scoring system in which the presence and severity of longitudinal and transverse cracks in asphalt pavements are detected through digital images. The pavement cracks were identified using U-Net-based network architecture optimised by the grasshopper optimisation algorithm. The quantum geographic information system was used to reveal the cracks on the study zones. These zones then were evaluated, compared and scored according to their mean crack length, mean crack width and the number of cracks. The analytic hierarchy process based on expert opinion was employed to determine the importance and weight of these factors. Each area received a score based on the condition of the pavement that enabled comparison and identification of the critical areas. The proposed method can allow transportation agencies to identify and evaluate critical areas and determine the proper maintenance and repair priorities.

Modeling the Effects of Climate Change on the Current and Future Potential Distribution of Berberis vulgaris L. with Machine Learning

Species of the Berberis genus, which are widely distributed naturally throughout the world, are cultivated and used for various purposes such as food, medicinal applications, and manufacturing dyes. Model-based machine learning is a language for specifying models, allowing the definition of a model using concise code, and enabling the automatic creation of software that implements the specified model. Maximum entropy (MaxEnt 3.4.1) is an algorithm used to model the appropriate distribution of species across geographical regions and is based on the species distribution model that is frequently also used in modeling the current and future potential distribution areas of plant species. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate the current and future potential distribution areas of Berberis vulgaris in Türkiye for the periods 2041–2060 and 2081–2100, according to the SSP2 4.5 and SSP5 8.5 scenarios based on the IPSL-CM6A-LR climate change model. For this purpose, the coordinates obtained in the WGS 84 coordinate system were marked using the 5 m high spatial resolution Google Satellite Hybrid base maps, which are readily available in the 3.10.4 QGIS program, the current version of QGIS (Quantum GIS). The CM6A-LR climate model, the latest version of the IPSL climate models, was used to predict the species’ future distribution area. The area showed a high correlation with the points representing B. vulgaris, which is generally distributed in the Mediterranean and the central and eastern Black Sea regions of Türkiye, and the very suitable areas encompassed 45,413.82 km2. However, when the SSP2 4.5 scenario was considered for the period 2041–2060, the areas very suitable for Berberis vulgaris comprised 59,120.05 km2, and in the SSP2 4.5 scenario, very suitable areas were found to encompass 56,730.46 km2 in the 2081–2100 period. Considering the SSP5 8.5 scenario for the period 2041–2060, the area most suitable for the B. vulgaris species is 66,670.39 km2. In the SSP5 8.5 scenario, very suitable areas were found to cover 20,108.29 km2 in the 2081–2100 period. Careful consideration of both the potential positive and negative impacts of climate change is essential, and these should be regarded as opportunities to implement appropriate adaptation strategies. The necessary conditions for the continued existence and sustainability of B. vulgaris—that is, areas with ecological niche potential—have been determined.

Case mapping and evaluation of the stunting reduction acceleration program in Kendari, Indonesia

Stunting is a child's growth and development disorder due to chronic malnutrition and recurrent infections. In 2022, the prevalence of stunting in Kendari was 19.5%, a decrease of 4.5% from 2021. However, this prevalence still exceeds the national target (14%). This study aimed to determine the distribution of stunting cases and evaluate the Acceleration of Stunting Reduction Program in Kendari. A mixed methods with concurrent design was carried out in August-November 2023 in Kendari. In the mapping distribution cases, the coordinate point of all cases was domiciled in 15 Focus Location Villages collected then analyzed by Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). For program evaluation, 10 informants were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and then analyzed using reduction techniques, data presentation and drawing conclusions. There were 82 cases of stunting spread across 15 villages, with the most cases being in Punggaloba Village with 20 cases. In implementing the acceleration reduction stunting program, it was supported with guidelines in each level, the sensitive and specific interventions from National Population and Family Planning Agency have been carried out. Several cross-programs and cross-sectors from sub-district to provincial levels play a role in implementing the program. Obstacles faced include limited operational funds, sectoral egos and low public awareness and non-acceptance of the status of stunted toddlers. Cross-sector commitment in efforts to implement the acceleration program needs to be strengthened and socialization to increase public awareness and acceptance of the community.

Preliminary Evaluation of Traffic Resilience against Potential Earthquake in Penang Island

When an earthquake occurs in a neighboring country close to Malaysia, such as Indonesia, the tremor can be felt by Malaysians, especially states located along the Straits of Malacca. The epicenter of an active earthquake in the Indian Ocean near northwestern Sumatra, Indonesia triggered a tsunami in December 2004 that hit Penang Island and killed dozens of people and caused minor property damage especially the transportation system. A Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), Open Street Maps (OSM), Online Questionnaire Survey, and Literature Review were used to evaluate the preliminary traffic resilience in Penang Island. The presence of fault lines and traffic networks from the secondary data were identified and integrated using GGIS and OSM. The contour results showed that the red zone (most affected) and yellow zone (less affected) were mostly located in the northeast district and the upper half in the southwest district while only a small part was covered with the green zone (not affected) in the southwest district of Penang Island. The factors influencing humans in responding during an earthquake were panic and fear from the point of view of history and general knowledge, as well as announcements and evacuations by the government as the highest votes by online questionnaire survey. Preliminary, the traffic networks with higher probability being affected in the events of earthquake are identified so that further study for the traffic resilience can be carried out.

Erosion susceptibility mapping of a loess-covered region using Analytic Hierarchy Process – A case study: Kalat-e-Naderi, northeast Iran

In this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied to generate erosion susceptibility maps in four basins of Kalat-e-Naderi county, namely Archangan, Kalat, Qaratigan, and Chahchaheh basins, situated in northeast Iran. The Kalat-e-Naderi region is characterized by a partial coverage of loess. Given the agricultural significance of loess and its susceptibility to erosion, this research focuses specifically on regions covered by loess. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, including ArcMap and Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), were utilized to facilitate the creation of erosion susceptibility maps. Seven factors, including slope, aspect, elevation, drainage density, lithology, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and precipitation were selected for consideration. Recognizing the variability of precipitation and vegetation cover across different seasons, seasonal data for the specified factors were employed. Consequently, erosion susceptibility maps were generated on a seasonal basis. Pairwise comparison tables revealed that precipitation, lithology, and slope emerged as the dominant factors contributing to erosion susceptibility in this region. The resultant maps distinctly delineate basins with higher precipitation values, unresistant lithology (such as loess, characterized by high porosity and permeability), and steeper slopes, exhibiting heightened susceptibility to erosion (Archangan and Kalat basins). The credibility of the research findings was examined through on-site observations. The outcomes of this study may provide pertinent insights for decision-makers and planners. This information can be effectively employed in formulating strategies aimed at conserving soil quality in areas vulnerable to erosion hazards.

Muslim Holy Sites in the Southern Urals: geoinformation mapping and spatial analysis

In the last decade, there has been a tendency in the Southern Urals to reconstruct old and to form new holy places revered by Muslims. To date, more than 115 such objects have been recorded. Most of them are revered only by the residents of small villages, but some have acquired great importance for Muslims throughout the region. The purpose of this work is to identify the most popular places of worship of Muslims in the Southern Urals. Considering that some of the objects of regional importance have been revered by Muslims since the XIV century, and others, having appeared relatively recently, quickly became one of the most visited places, it is necessary to determine the factors influencing the growth of this popularity. The study supposed the Geoinformation methods to be used. Thus, using free Quantum GIS software, and on the basis of archival materials, archaeologists’, ethnographers’, religious scholars’, culturologists’ groundwork, as well as referring to the materials of Internet communities and other open sources, we have created the following layers: 1) Mausoleums, 2) Places of worship according to the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, 3) Places of worship according to the Internet community Sufi RB, 4) Religious tourist routes. Using a comparative method, it was determined that the most popular among Muslims in the region are the mausoleum of Hussein-Bey and Mount Narystau (Ilchigulovo IV, kurgan burial ground). The results of the study indicate that the popularity of objects is influenced by a number of factors: they can be identified as the presence of a monumental structure, the representation of the object in the media space and in the Internet, as well as the availability of objective scientific data about it.

Geospatial Analysis of Parental Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in the Vicinity of Multispecialty Hospital in India.

The healthcare-seeking behavior of vulnerable groups, such as children under five, depends on a multitude of factors, including the caregiver's decision making. Approximately 60% of Indians seek care from private hospitals. Recent health policy in India has favored the establishment of multispecialty hospitals. However, it remains unclear to what extent this policy has changed the number of Indians seeking healthcare from these government-established multispecialty hospitals. The study aims to assess the health-seeking behavior of parents of children under five in the vicinity of a public multispecialty tertiary care hospital. This was a community-based cross-sectional survey with geospatial mapping conducted among the parents of children under five using a semi-structured questionnaire in Epi-collect mobile app. The study site was an urban slum in a catchment area [within five kilometers (km)] of a multispecialty tertiary care public hospital in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The study was conducted for one year duration from February 2019 to January 2020. A questionnaire was administered to the parents of the children under five (N = 353) after their household confirmation from the nearby Anganwadi center, the community level service providing center under the Integrated Child Development Scheme by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD). The questionnaire included sections for demographic characteristics, the illness pattern among their children, health-seeking decision-making, and more. Descriptive analysis was presented with numbers and percentages. Univariate analysis was used to assess the association between sociodemographic variables and health-seeking characteristics. Statistical significance was considered at p value less than 0.05. We used geospatial mapping using coordinates collected and compiled using the Microsoft Excel version 2021 and analyzed using QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System) software. Among the parents interviewed patients (N = 353), maternal literacy rates were over 85%. Approximately 54% of the families were below poverty line. Among 95.2% of the families, mothers were part of decision-making regarding their children's health-seeking. Over 92% of the families opted for consultation in a nearby private hospital or dispensary. Geospatial mapping of private hospitals was a favored place for healthcare-seeking by mothers, irrespective of their socioeconomic status or education rather than multispecialty hospital. The majority of the parents in the vicinity of public multispecialty hospitals seek care from private clinics for ailments for children under five. The establishment of public multispecialty tertiary care hospitals, which are mandated for tertiary level of care and research, cannot replace primary-level healthcare institutions, showed that private hospitals were the favored places healthcare seeking by mothers. These primary-level institutions are critical for the management of common ailments for children under five near home and reducing the financial burden on the family, even in the vicinity of a multispecialty hospital.

Prevalência da má nutrição em crianças menores de cinco anos na cidade da Beira, Moçambique, 2019

Abstract Objectives: to describe the prevalence of malnutrition (underweight, low height, and overweight) in children aged six to 59 months and its spatial distribution in the city of Beira, Mozambique. Methods: an exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted between October and November 2019, involving 407 children aged six to 59 months. The sample size calculation was based on the prevalence of height-for-age deficit. Anthropometric data were analyzed using Anthro version and the prevalence of malnutrition was presented through thematic maps generated in Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). Results: the main findings revealed a prevalence of 27.0% for low height/age, 7.9% for underweight/height, and 4.7% for overweight. Conclusions: the spatial distribution highlighted that both urban and peri-urban areas of the city showed similar prevalence rates for the three forms of malnutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition in Beira is high, with deficit height/age being the most significant expression, while overweight is diffusely distributed.

Parcellary Mapping of Titled and Untitled Lands in the Municipality of Bambang Province of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

This study took place between March and June 2023 in the Municipality of Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, with a specific focus on profiling titled and untitled lands in the area. The research examined the classification, location, area, and mode of titles for titled lands in Bambang. Additionally, it investigated the classification, location, area, mode of possession, lot status, for untitled lands. Moreover, maps were generated in conjunction with a geographic information system to identify titled and untitled lands in Bambang. The study utilized a combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies. To map the titled lands and to determine their spatial distribution, Quantum Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were applied.

Environmental and Socioeconomic Impact Analysis of Quarry Operations in General Santos City on its Host Communities

Several international policies have been formulated to address the environmental and social impacts of the quarrying industry. However, this multifaceted issue persists, particularly in the Buayan River System in General Santos City. This study examined the environmental and socioeconomic repercussions of quarry operations in General Santos City, focusing on 14 commercial sand and gravel quarries along the Buayan River system. A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires, direct observations, and secondary data analysis, and incorporating qualitative insights from key informant interviews. Stakeholders within a 500-meter radius of the quarries were sampled using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) to ensure representation. The findings revealed significant environmental impacts, including increased dust levels, soil erosion, and changes in water quality, which have adversely affected the local ecosystem and residents' health. The socioeconomic effects were mixed: while quarrying created jobs and improved infrastructure, it also showed deficiencies in community engagement and training programs. Regulatory analysis identified strengths in collaboration but highlighted weaknesses in enforcement, fee systems, and monitoring. The results indicated that although quarrying provides economic benefits, enhanced regulatory enforcement and sustainable practices are imperative to mitigate associated costs. Recommendations include strengthening enforcement, improving community engagement, updating fee structures, and implementing sustainable quarrying practices in General Santos City. By incorporating these recommendations, General Santos City can ensure the quarrying industry operates responsibly, balancing economic benefits with environmental and social well-being.

Flood Hazard: A QGIS Plugin for Assessing Flood Consequences

Flash floods cause substantial harm to the social and economic aspects of the affected countries. This is a significant problem in urban areas where drainage systems are inadequate and unable to withstand severe flooding. Understanding the specific regions that are susceptible to flooding is essential to implement strategies aimed at mitigating the risk. Detecting floods in ungauged basins is challenging. The current work aims to establish a practical method for identifying and mapping floodplain areas. We can use several tools, including the FLO-2D integration tool, Flood Risk tool, Geomorphic Flood Area plugin, and Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) with Hydrologic Engineering Centre River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) to efficiently and cost-effectively detect flood hazard zones. The QGIS tool, the Geomorphic Flood Index (GFI), is the most valuable tool for identifying flood-prone areas in cases where the areas are extensive and lack sufficient data. This tool offers high data analysis and cost calculation precision while using few resources.

Mortality from breast cancer and use of pesticides in the western mesoregion of Santa Catarina – Brazil

Chronic exposure to endocrine-disrupting pesticides may be related to breast cancer emergence in agricultural regions. This study aimed to investigate whether the consumption of pesticides is correlated with breast cancer mortality rates in the female population of western Santa Catarina. A retrospective ecological study was carried out. The number of deaths from breast cancer and agricultural production per planted area in the western mesoregion were obtained from public databases. The average of the standardized mortality coefficients was calculated in the periods: 2005 to 2009, 2010 to 2014, and 2015 to 2019. Raw data on pesticide consumption were grouped from 2000 to 2004, considering that the biological effects of chronic exposure occur late. Thus, previous exposure was considered in this study, in which consumption of pesticides occurred five, ten, and 15 years before death. For statistical analysis, thematic cartography and the Quantum GIS technique were used. The overlay method was applied to perform the spatial correlation. Considering 15 years of exposure, the sum of municipalities with an above-average rate of mortality from breast cancer occurred in 93 of the 118 municipalities in western Santa Catarina, which have an above-average history of pesticide consumption (R2=0.69). In 79% of cases, mortality occurred at a frequency above the average in municipalities whose pesticide consumption also exceeded the regional average. A proportional correlation between breast cancer mortality rates and the use of endocrine-disrupting pesticides was found.

Monitoramento da qualidade ambiental de restingas no litoral do sul do Brasil utilizando imagens de alta resolução: uma ferramenta para gestão ambiental

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental quality of the Atlantic coast restinga, in south Brazil, using red, green and blue (RGB) drone images obtained in September of 2020 and 2021. The generated orthoimage was classified into different vegetation classes like herbaceous, shrubs and arboreal as well as other classes such as degraded and constructed areas. Classification was performed using the Random Forest algorithm, available from the Dzetsaka plugin for Quantum GIS. Of the total assessed area of restinga (289.17 ha), in 2020, 61.54% were conserved and 36.72% were degraded. In 2021 there was a decrease in conserved areas to 59.56%, and an increase in degraded areas to 38.85%. Regarding the sectors (1–8) evaluated in the two different years, sector 6 had the smallest preserved area of restinga (5.40 and 8.14 ha in 2020 and 2021, respectively), and sector 2 had the largest preservation area, with 44.07 ha in 2020 and 43.55 ha in 2021. Sectors 1,2,4, and 5 showed a reduction in conserved restinga areas (on average, 6.75%). An increase in conserved areas was observed in sectors 6 and 7 (on average, 20.4%) and in sector 8 (2%). These results show the potential of using images obtained by drone, in multi-temporal analyses of fragile areas such as restingas, helping with protection and conservation measures for these ecosystems.

Mapping and Characterization of Center Pivot and Lateral Move Irrigation Systems in South Carolina Using Quantum Geographic Information System

In recent decades, the adoption of overhead irrigation systems, especially center pivots, to irrigate row crops has been steadily increasing in South Carolina. The adoption of irrigation in the state has been enhanced by the predominance of coarse-textured soils with low water-holding capacities, which increases the likelihood of obtaining a significant and profitable crop yield response to irrigation. As the number of overhead irrigation systems in the state increases, it is vital to understand their number, location, and characteristics for better planning and managing available water resources. The objective of this project was to map and characterize the overhead irrigation systems (center pivots and lateral moves) available in each county in South Carolina. The Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) was used to manually locate and measure each overhead irrigation system in the state using a 2022 Google satellite image. Basic measurements included the length, number of spans, and wetted radius. In addition, the rotation angle of center pivots and the field length of lateral move systems were measured. This study found that with a few exceptions, the overwhelming majority of the overhead irrigation systems in the state were located in the central part of the Coastal Plain region, between the Fall Line and the coast, where groundwater resources are more abundant. Also, this study found a total of 2,980 center pivots and 15 lateral move irrigation systems in South Carolina. A total of 64,694 hectares were irrigated by center pivots, while lateral moves irrigated only 80 hecatares. Out of the 46 counties in the state, those with the highest number of center pivots were Orangeburg (633 pivots), Calhoun (361), Lee (296), Clarendon (249), Sumter (248), Lexington (197), Bamberg (130), Darlington (121), Hampton (117), and Barnwell (114). All the lateral move systems were located in the counties of Barnwell (11) and Darlington (4). Water stakeholders and agencies in South Carolina could use this information for long-term water resources planning at various levels. This research is also useful nationally to inform the understanding of irrigation practices in the southeastern United States.

A Geovisualization Dashboard of Granular Food Security Index Map using GIS for Monitoring the Provincial Level Food Security Status

This study aims to build a web-based interactive geovisualization dashboard from a granular food security index map using satellite imagery and other geospatial big data. The map dashboard is built using a two-dimensional (2D) data visualization approach. Making a two-dimensional map using QuantumGIS (QGIS) tools, displayed in the form of WebGIS with the plugin used "Qgis2web" based on javascript leaflets. Once included in WebGIS, interactive visualizations are displayed on websites with interfaces based on hypertext markup language (HTML), cascading style sheets (CSS), and JavaScript (JS). The dashboard map is equipped with interactive features such as legend, click grid, zoom, show me where I am, measure distance, and search. Therefore, the dashboard map can be used to monitor the food security index, search for food security index areas, as well as geographical identification of food security index areas which are useful for supporting the analysis of decision-making or policies by the government regarding food security strategies.

Mapping of dental caries incidence based on geographical information system (gis) in elementary school

Background: Dental caries in Central Java, Indonesia is still important problem, around 43.45% even prevalence of caries in early childhood is still high around 82%. As an effort to control and prevent increasing that case, a risk analysis is needed to determine the risk factors supporting caries. Geographical information system (GIS) as a delivery of information on the spread of disease to support planning efforts. Aim of this study is to determine mapping of distribution dental caries incidence based on GIS concerned to analysis of caries risk factors at Elementary School in Semarang. Methods: Using cross sectional analytic survey with spatial vector map data of 31 public elementary schools at Banyumanik district, Central Java and attribute data on distribution of dental caries. Mapping distribution of caries incidence based on secondary data from City Health Office and Community Health Centre using (Quantum GIS QGIS) and Web GIS software. Results: Elementary schools with caries risk factor environment were good (n=16, 52%) and bad (n=15, 48%), otherwise those with health services were good (n=22, 71%) and bad (n=9, 29%). There was a relationship between caries risk factors and dental caries incidence (p value=0.004) and OR 19.83 (environment) and p value=0.027 and OR 7.917 (health services). Conclusion: Mapping distribution of caries incidence based on GIS was in a very high category influenced by bad environmental factors and poor health services.

GEOINFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE STUDY OF MUSLIM HOLY SITES IN THE SOUTHERN URALS

In the recent decade, there has been a tendency in the Southern Urals to reconstruct old holy places and to form new ones revered by the Muslims. To date, more than 115 such objects have been recorded. Most of them are revered only by residents of small villages, but some have become important for the Muslims throughout the region.
 
 The purpose of the study is to determine the most popular places of worship for the Muslims in the Southern Urals. Considering that some of the objects of regional importance have been revered by the Muslims since the XIV century, and others, having appeared relatively recently, quickly became one of the most visited places, it is necessary to determine the factors influencing the growth of this popularity.
 
 Historiographical base of the study. The research team analyzed the works of domestic and foreign authors, which mainly describe the conditions of the studied objects, religious rituals, organized events, etc. In addition, it was possible to attract the experience of researchers in implementing projects in geoinformation systems in religious studies.
 
 Materials and methods of the study. Geoinformation methods were used for the study. Based on archival materials, developments of archaeologists, ethnographers, theologians, culture experts, materials of Internet communities and other open sources, as well as the free cross-platform geoinformation system Quantum GIS, we have created the following layers: 1) mausoleums; 2) places of worship according to the data given by Russia’s Central Spiritual Governance for the Muslims; 3) places of worship according to the Internet community in the social network VKontakte Sufi RB; 4) religious tourist routes.
 
 Study results. Thanks to the use of geoinformation systems, it was possible to identify the most popular holy places among the Muslims of the Southern Urals. It is established that the most actively visited objects are the mausoleum of Hussein Bey in Chishminsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Ilchigulovo-IV burial mound (the sacred mountain Narystau) in Miyakinsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
 
 Conclusions. The results of the study indicate that the popularity of objects is influenced by a number of factors, among which the presence of a monumental structure, representation of the object in the media space and the Internet, as well as availability of objective scientific data about it are of key importance.

Modelling Distribution of Onthophagus Species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Sarawak

Dung beetles (Genus: Onthophagus) are members of the family Scarabaeidae and the subfamily Scarabaeinae. Despite their small size and unattractive appearance, dung beetles play an important role in the ecosystem, and they are widely recognised as one of the most effective bioindicators of ecosystem health. Although there has been an increase in dung beetle studies in Peninsular Malaysia, there are very few ecological studies of dung beetles conducted in Sarawak, despite being the largest state of Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to provide recent information on the distributions of dung beetles from the genus Onthophagus in Sarawak. A total of 32 occurrences data for eight selected Onthophagus species representing 11 localities were successfully recorded. All analyses were performed using the Maximum Entropy Modelling Version 3.4.4 (MaxEnt) and Quantum Geographic Information Systems 3.28.2 (QGIS) software. It is revealed that most dung beetles’ distributions are strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation which suggests its capabilities as a bioindicator to identify high biodiversity areas. In conclusion, this study could be beneficial to identify the potential hotspot areas for biodiversity conservation and effective management practices in Sarawak.

Scour Evaluation Using HEC RAS Model: A Case Study On Musiri Bridge, Trichy, India

Bridge scour is a natural phenomenon that can cause serious damage to infrastructure. It occurs when water flows around bridge piers or abutments, eroding the soil or sediment that supports them. This can lead to structural failure, which poses a significant risk to public safety. To mitigate this risk, engineers must design bridges with scour in mind, taking into account factors such as flow velocity, sediment transport, and erosion resistance. In doing so, they can ensure that our infrastructure remains safe and sustainable for years to come. Bridge scour evaluation is a crucial step to assure the structure’s safety and integrity. There are several approaches to designing, evaluating, and inspecting bridges for scour. Scour assessment is significant since it might jeopardize the bridge’s integrity. Floods scouring bed material surrounding bridge foundations are the most prevalent cause of bridge failures. Proper scour analysis is required as scour has found to be a serious threat to bridge structures since it increases the risk of collapse of bridge. Moreover, scour seriously affects the capacity of the bridge and causes structural damage. This research focusses on the scour analysis of Musiri bridge (Thanthai Periyar bridge) located on Cauvery River in Trichy. The bridge is subjected to local scour. Hydraulic Engineering Centre, River Analysis Simulation (HEC-RAS) software is used to analyze the effect of scour at different cross sections of the river, both in upstream and downstream. A planform analysis has been done across the bridge for a time period of over 10 years using open-source satellite data with the help of Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software. This centre line of the river across the bridge is mapped across different years to understand the effect of scour for the period of 2013 to 2023. Remedial measures have been suggested to combat the effect of scour in the study area. Bridges are just one piece of a larger puzzle, and their construction and maintenance have environmental and social impacts that must be carefully managed. Hence, it’s important to consider the broader implications of infrastructure development and it should ensure safe and simple design of bridge constructions so that the infrastructure investments can benefit both present and future generations.