Range Of Variation Research Articles

Machine learning identification of microhabitat features associated with occupancy of artificial nestboxes by hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius in a UK woodland site

Hazel dormice Muscardinus avellanarius have severely declined since 2000 leading to increased legislative protection in the UK and Europe. Artificial nestboxes are widely used for its conservation and monitoring. Previous research has focused on how to identify suitable areas for nestboxes, but where to place individual boxes to promote occupancy is less well understood. Here, we demonstrate the use of machine learning Random Forest regression to predict nestbox occupancy from a wide range of microhabitat variables using a UK woodland as a case study. Random forest models are powerful predictive tools that allow simultaneous testing of many predictors with relatively few observations.Field data included observed nestbox occupancy (2017–2021) and measurements of 76 microhabitat variables collected in the summer of 2021 from 45 occupied and unused nestboxes located in a deciduous woodland in Berkshire, UK. We applied Random Forest regression to identify important variables and predict nestbox occupancy demonstrating robust approaches to tune model hyperparameters and evaluate importance metrics.In our study area, nestboxes were more likely to be occupied in sites with more hazel Corylus avellana, greater overall tree abundance but not fully closed canopies (optimal 80–85%), more honeysuckle Lolium periclymenum and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, and when located further from footpaths and woodland margins. Occupancy over the study period was well predicted using microhabitat variables (13.3% OOB error) but future occupancy was more uncertain (33.3% error for 2021–2023 records).Modelling approaches that allow consideration of numerous variables from few locations or observations can be help identify relevant features and predict desirable outcomes of conservation actions. Here we demonstrate this approach identifying microhabitat variables that influence artificial nestbox occupancy by hazel dormice in a UK woodland. Findings offer some recommendations for local management that could promote nestbox occupancy and improve monitoring and conservation efforts.

Development of Quasi-Passive Back-Support Exoskeleton with Compact Variable Gravity Compensation Module and Bio-Inspired Hip Joint Mechanism.

The back support exoskeletons have garnered significant attention to alleviate musculoskeletal injuries, prevalent in industrial settings. In this paper, we propose AeBS, a quasi-passive back-support exoskeleton developed to provide variable assistive torque across the entire range of hip joint motion, for tasks with frequent load changes. AeBS can adjust the assistive torque levels while minimizing energy for the torque variation without constraining the range of motion of the hip joint. To match the requisite assistance levels for back support, a compact variable gravity compensation module with reinforced elastic elements is applied to AeBS. Additionally, we devised a bio-inspired hip joint mechanism that mimics the configuration of the human hip axis to ensure the free body motion of the wearer, significantly affecting assistive torque transmission and wearing comfort. Benchtop testing showed that AeBS has a variable assistive torque range of 5.81 Nm (ranging from 1.23 to 7.04 Nm) across a targeted hip flexion range of 135°. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey revealed that the bio-inspired hip joint mechanism effectively facilitates the transmission of the intended assistive torque while enhancing wearer comfort.

Talking about my generation: exploratory insights from water policy makers in British Columbia

Abstract The values held by policy makers can influence policy change. But what those values are and their source has received little attention. We argue that one source of these values – and associated differences – is rooted in generational ‘social frames’. We provide evidence from an exploratory survey in British Columbia, Canada, where transformative changes in water policy are being implemented, which include potential changes in water governance to include First Nations (or Indigenous Peoples). Controlling for a range of variables, we found consistent generational differences between personal and organizational values, differences in priorities, and preferences for certain types of economic instruments between Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennial respondents. We offer our thoughts as to how these differences may influence the policy process. We also call for public water agencies to develop structures that harness this diversity for internal policy learning, adaptation and innovation.

The impact of reclamation and vegetation removal on compositional and functional attributes of soil microbial communities in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region

Large-scale mining for oil extraction in the boreal forests of Northern Alberta has led to a disturbance footprint of ~900 km2 of land; which must be reclaimed to equivalent land capabilities. Microorganisms are sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances and play an essential role in the cycling of soil nutrients and plant growth, making them potential indicators of ecosystem function. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine the impact of land reclamation on the composition and function of soil microbial communities in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR). We evaluated bacterial community composition via high throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and soil functional diversity by community-level physiological profiling (CLPP). The ranges of variability for these factors observed in soils reclaimed with either peat-mineral mix (PMM), forest floor-mineral mix (FFM), or FFM diluted with sand (Sand-FFM), were compared to that of undisturbed reference soils (NS) and a vegetation removed soil (VR). Differences between reclamation soils and natural soils were clearly discernible, with reclamation imposing a more drastic disturbance to the boreal forest than that of removal of vegetation alone. VR changed the structure of the soil microbial community and increased the overall diversity, within-community interactions, and heterogeneity; while reclamation shifted the microbial community structure to an even greater extent, placing it outside the range of natural variability. Among reclamation substrates, FFM showed the highest level of similarity to the range of natural variability and PMM showed the least. Altogether, our findings underscore the profound impact of anthropogenic activities associated with large-scale mining on soil biological activity, microbial communities, and edaphic profiles. These alterations are of such magnitude that they render the affected soils significant divergent from the reference undisturbed boreal forest soil.

Beyond the operating room: built environment design knowledge supportive of resilient surgical services

PurposeSurgical services are settings where resilient performance (RP) is necessary to cope with a wide range of variabilities. Although RP can benefit from a supportive built environment (BE), prior studies have focused on the operating room, giving scant attention to support areas. This study takes a broader perspective, aiming at developing BE design knowledge supportive of RP at the surgical service as a whole.Design/methodology/approachSeven BE design prescriptions developed in a previous work in the context of internal logistics of hospitals, and thus addressing interactions between workspaces, were used as a point of departure. The prescriptions were used as a data analysis framework in a case study of the surgical service of a medium-sized private hospital. The scope of the study included surgical and support areas, in addition to workflows involving patients and family members, staff, equipment, sterile instruments and materials, supplies, and waste. Data collection included document analysis, observations, interviews, and meetings with hospital staff.FindingsResults identified 60 examples of using the prescriptions, 77% of which were related to areas other than the operating rooms. The developed design knowledge is framed as a set of prescriptions, examples, and their association to workflows and areas, indicating where it should be applied.Originality/valueThe design knowledge is new in surgical services and offers guidance to both BE and logistics designers.

Studies on Genetic Divergence Analysis in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) Genotypes

In order to select superior genotypes for the creation of genetic stock for hybridization program or the introduction of a crop variety, plant breeders can assist from genetic diversity both within and between plant species. Mahalanobis D2 Statistics was used to conduct the current study on Genetic Divergence and clustering pattern utilizing twenty eight different genotypes of Black gram. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with three replications at Plant Breeding Farm, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Nine different biometrical characteristics were observed and documented viz., plant height at maturity (PH), pod length (LP), number of branches per plant (NBPP), number of clusters per plant (NCPP), number of pods per cluster (NPPC), number of pods per plant (NPPP), number of seeds per pod (NSPP), 100 seed weight (SW), and seed yield per plant (SY). All of these characters have a significant degree of variability, according to an analysis of variance. Mahalanobis (D2) static revealed considerable genetic diversity among the genotypes. Genotypes were grouped into 6 clusters. Cluster VI was the largest including 11 genotypes. The intra-cluster distance for cluster IV is the maximum and the lowest intra-cluster distance was reported for cluster II. The highest inter-cluster distance was revealed between cluster I and III and then between cluster II and III. This demonstrates unambiguously that the genotypes in this cluster exhibit a wide range of genetic variation and may be useful in a black gramme hybridization scheme to increase production. Between clusters I and II, the minimal inter-cluster distance was discovered. The percentage that each character contributed to the overall divergence was as follows: the number of pods per plant (50.997), the greater seed output (50.997), and the 100 seed weight (29.456). (8.121). It is proposed that crossings between parents from the most divergent clusters should show the highest level of heterosis as well as the greatest degree of genetic architectural variability.

Branched hierarchization of indicators related to rural housing for environmental health evaluation

The Brazilian rural communities concentrate a significant fraction of the population exposed to deficient conditions in water supply, sanitary sewage, and solid waste management, which, combined with housing conditions, directly impact the quality of a healthy environment. Few studies have evaluated the salubrious conditions of a rural environment, and in the searches carried out, the use of branched hierarchical techniques was not verified. The objective of this work was to create a branched hierarchization of those variables that are the cause of unhealthy conditions of the housing environment. Initially, all the variables that affect the salubrity of the housing environment were listed, to later order them in a ramified form. Afterwards, and based on the technical literature, the parameters of adequacy and/or inadequacy of these variables were defined. This methodology was tested in a rural dwelling in order to exemplify its applicability. The application of the proposed tool has demonstrated a satisfactory practical use, with low time spent for its conclusion, besides providing a realistic characterization of the environment evaluated. This work provides an easily applicable methodology for obtaining a detailed report on the degree of adequacy of a wide range of variables that influence the healthiness of rural dwellings.

Corporate entrepreneurship and family businesses: a perspective article

PurposeFamily businesses play a pivotal role in the world’s economy, contributing to 70% of its GDP. Their success in the current environment demands the enactment of entrepreneurial and innovative competencies to catalyse organizational growth and performance. In this context, corporate entrepreneurship may help these organizations advance their competitive advantage. The systematic analysis of the past 50 years of research reveals that a broad range of variables may moderate relationships among antecedents, outcomes and corporate entrepreneurship. This article aims to explore future avenues of research that will contribute to a better understanding of corporate entrepreneurship in family firms.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on the systematic research.FindingsWhile the synergy between corporate entrepreneurship and family business has gained attention, the intricacies and nuances within this intersection remain largely unexplored due to the diverse nature of corporate entrepreneurship and family enterprises. Future research endeavours in this domain should aim to explore fundamental aspects, including refining the definition of corporate entrepreneurship, understanding its interplay with familiness, socioemotional wealth, national and organizational culture and other various family-related factors such as the composition of the top management team, organizational size, diversity and attitudes towards risk.Research limitations/implicationsBy outlining the key variables such as familiness, socioemotional wealth, generational involvement and cultural factors, the paper guides future research efforts. Researchers and practitioners can use these identified variables as focal points for deeper investigation and analysis when exploring the dynamics of corporate entrepreneurship within family businesses.Practical implicationsFamily firm managers may apply instruments like the Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument together with other instruments like the Family Influence Familiness Scale (FIFS) and the FIBER instrument to obtain an indication of a firm’s likelihood of being able to successfully implement an entrepreneurial climate within the firm.Social implicationsFamily businesses represent 70% of the world’s GDP, therefore, improving the understanding of how corporate entrepreneurship augments their resilience and competitiveness, may contribute to the well-being of 60% of the global workforce.Originality/valueThe paper synthesizes the research in corporate entrepreneurship in family businesses and proposes a future perspective.

Evaluating the multi-variable influence on O3, NO2, and HCHO using BRTs and RF model

This study addresses significant knowledge gaps in understanding the complex interplay between atmospheric chemistry and synoptic conditions. Using emerging machine learning techniques—Boosted Regression Trees (BRTs) and Random Forest (RF) models—we investigate the influence of synoptic conditions on pollutant levels. Several BRTs and RF models are developed to estimate surface concentrations of ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and formaldehyde (HCHO). By considering a range of algorithmic structures and explanatory variables for each pollutant, the research aims to identify the most skillful predictive approaches and influential factors governing pollutant levels. The design seeks to highlight key determinants of concentration patterns without constraining the investigation to pre-defined model structures or explanatory variable sets. Introducing a novel methodology, Correlation Coefficient Differential Evaluation (C2DE), we quantitatively assess the influence of explanatory variables. C2DE reveals significant contributions from spatial variables (i.e., trajectory clusters at varying altitudes), formaldehyde to nitrogen dioxide ratio (FNR), and meteorological parameters. Specifically, spatial variables contribute approximately 28 % to O3 concentrations, while the FNR accounts for around 5.2–9.8 % of the overall influence. For NO2 and HCHO, spatial variables contribute around 26.5 % and 32.1 %, respectively. Moreover, when considering the combined influence of meteorological parameters, these collectively explain about 45.34 %, 35.31 %, and 45.41 % of the variations in O3, NO2, and HCHO concentrations, respectively. Thus, C2DE provides valuable insights into the relative contributions of these factors, aiding in the comprehensive evaluation of air quality dynamics. This underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to comprehending and effectively addressing air pollution before devising its control strategies.

Evolutionary dynamics of genome size and transposable elements in crickets (Ensifera: Gryllidea)

AbstractOrthoptera species are characterised by their expansive genomes. However, crickets, the third largest group of this order, have notably smaller genomes than grasshoppers or katydids. The evolutionary drivers behind these differences in genome size (GS) remain largely uncharted. In our study involving 56 cricket species, we assessed GS using flow cytometry and assembled 43 novel mitochondrial genomes for phylogenetic analysis. Model fitting indicated that GS generally conformed to an Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck adaptive evolutionary model, displaying a 5.1‐fold range of variation in GS, from 0.82 pg in Myrmecophilus quadrispina Perkins to 4.68 pg in Ornebius formosanus Shiraki. Remarkably, despite such variations, no significant trends in genome contraction or expansion were detected, suggesting an adaptive stabilisation. We found strong evidence that expansions of repeat elements, particularly transposable elements (TEs), are key drivers of the large GS in crickets. Across the 56 cricket species analysed, TE content exhibited substantial variability, spanning from a mere 3.63% to a pronounced 31.22%. Clades exhibiting significant GS or TE variations, such as mole crickets (Gryllotalpidae), ant‐loving crickets (Myrmecophilidae) and scaly crickets (Mogoplistidae), are often observed at basal phylogenetic nodes and exhibit distinct ecological niches and morphological divergences. This implies that cricket genomes undergo early mutations and stabilise throughout evolution. Our findings shed light on common patterns and uncover lineage‐specific differences in content and evolution of TEs in crickets. We anticipate that our study will provide a foundation for future comparative research on the insect TE repertoire.

Regionalization of hydroclimate variables in the contiguous United States

We apply a hierarchical clustering algorithm to the Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) database. The method employs linkage clustering while forcing spatial contiguity. We apply it to the lower-48 United States, deriving regions that are based on temperature and precipitation averages and anomalies, as well as statistical parameters underlying several drought and intense precipitation measures. Resulting regions make intuitive sense from the perspective of driving influences on temperature and precipitation averages and anomalies, and are compatible with results from another empirically derived clustering scheme. Regions selected for individual variables show high similarity across different time frames. There is slightly less similarity when comparing regions created for different monthly or daily hydroclimate variables, and relatively low similarity between monthly vs. daily measures. It is unlikely that any one regionalization solution could summarize hydroclimate extremes given the wide range of variables used to describe them, but geographically sensitive datasets like PRISM and flexible algorithms provide useful methods for regionalization that can aid in drought monitoring and forecasting, and with impacts and planning associated with heavy precipitation.

Investigation of maternal breastfeeding guarantee policy needs and influencing factors: a cross-sectional study in China.

The promotion of breastfeeding is an important strategy to prevent neonatal death and improve maternal and infant health. But Chinese efforts to improve breastfeeding practices have not been particularly effective. There is still a long way to go to achieve the national health development goals. We aimed to explore the maternal demand for breastfeeding guarantee policy in China and to determine the impact of a range of socio-demographic and neonatal-related variables on breastfeeding guarantee policy demand. The study was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology hospital of Shanghai, one of China's earliest provincial and municipal maternal and child health care institutions. From June to November 2021, 1,292 women were recruited for the cross-sectional study in child health clinic. We collected relevant socio- demographic and neonatal-related data. Maternal breastfeeding needs were measured through a self-designed questionnaire on breastfeeding guarantee policy demands of mothers. The mean score of breastfeeding guarantee policy demand was 4.42 ± 0.51. There were statistically significant differences in the effects of maternal age, education level, family income per capita (Yuan), medical payment type, baby age, work status, and current feeding methods on the demand for breastfeeding guarantee policies (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that higher education level (B = 4.437, P < 0.001), baby age (B = 2.150, P = 0.002), and current feeding methods (B = 2.754, P = 0.005) were significantly associated with a higher demand for a breastfeeding guarantee policy, the effect of medical payment type is the most influencing factor (B = -7.369, P < 0.001). The maternal needs for breastfeeding guarantee policy are multi-faceted and urgent. In the process of improving and implementing policies, the government and relevant departments should take into account the actual needs of women who have different education levels, baby ages, family economics, and feeding methods.

Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) Characterization in Twenty Five Landraces of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

For the establishment of Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization, Twenty five landraces of rice (Oryza sativa L.), collected from different parts of Tamil Nadu, were characterized according to the DUS guidelines of the Plant Varieties Protection and Farmers’ Rights Authority, using thirty agro-morphological traits. Rice accessions were planted with three replications using the randomized block design (RBD) in 2021 at the Plant Breeding Farm, Department of Genetics and plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University. Observations were recorded on various agro-morphological traits such as Leaf sheath, flag leaf, leaf blade, awns, panicle, ligure and clum characteristics. The results obtained revealed a wide range of variability for twenty five landraces, essential characters of the thirty DUS characters studied. The results of this study will be useful for restoration and conservation of beneficial genes. Contemporary research work will be advantageous for breeders to choose the right parent for crop improvement and the researchers for genetic diversity among landraces.

Bayesian model updating of super high‐rise building for construction simulation

SummaryA finite element model was established using SAP2000 software for the C1 tower, a super high‐rise building in the second phase of the Nanjing Financial City project, and the construction process of the tower was simulated. The C1 tower adopts a frame core tube extension arm and ring truss structure system, with 87 floors above ground and five floors underground. The roof structure has an elevation of 416.6 m. Precise measurements of inter‐story compression deformation were conducted using advanced surveying equipment. Sensitivity analysis, based on the finite difference method, identified the shear wall elastic modulus, frame column elastic modulus, steel beam elastic modulus, and shear wall unit weight as four highly influential parameters. Employing the Bayesian principle, the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method was applied to determine the posterior density probability function of the parameters targeted for modification. Subsequently, the Metropolis–Hastings (MH) sampling algorithm was employed to refine the C1 Tower model. This refinement significantly reduced the root mean square error between the measured and simulated vertical displacements, achieving an error reduction of approximately 10% from 6.082 to around 2.160. The modified material parameters, for the most part, adhered to a normal distribution assumption and exhibited mean values in the posterior probability density functions for the elastic modulus of Q345 steel beams, C70 frame columns, and C60 shear walls. Compared to the initial finite element parameters, the variation range was approximately 13% to 17%. These results serve as a validation of the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Quantifying hominin morphological diversity at the end of the middle Pleistocene: Implications for the origin of Homo sapiens.

The Middle Pleistocene (MP) saw the emergence of new species of hominins: Homo sapiens in Africa, H. neanderthalensis, and possibly Denisovans in Eurasia, whose most recent common ancestor is thought to have lived in Africa around 600 ka ago. However, hominin remains from this period present a wide range of morphological variation making it difficult to securely determine their taxonomic attribution and their phylogenetic position within the Homo genus. This study proposes to reconsider the phenetic relationships between MP hominin fossils in order to clarify evolutionary trends and contacts between the populations they represent. We used a Geometric Morphometrics approach to quantify the morphological variation of the calvarium of controversial MP specimens from Africa and Eurasia by using a comparative sample that can be divided into 5 groups: H. ergaster, H. erectus, H. neanderthalensis, and H. sapiens, as well as individuals from current modern human populations. We performed a Generalized Procrustes Analysis, a Principal Component Analysis, and Multinomial Principal Component Logistic Regressions to determine the phenetic affinities of the controversial Middle Pleistocene specimens with the other groups. MP African and Eurasian specimens represent several populations, some of which show strong affinities with H. neanderthalensis in Europe or H. sapiens in Africa, others presenting multiple affinities. These MP populations might have contributed to the emergence of these two species in different proportions. This study proposes a new framework for the human evolutionary history during the MP.

Probabilistic analysis of solid oxide fuel-cell integrated with gas turbine

Abstract Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) integrated with a Gas Turbine (GT) is a highly efficient way to convert chemical energy of hydro carbon fuel into electrical energy. SOFC-GT is a high temperature, high pressure system and features a fuel flexibility, which makes it easier to retrofit into the existing power plants. A lot of research had already taken place to make SOFC-GT more fuel efficient and cost effective as well. SOFC-GT is a complex thermodynamic electro-chemical system that has numerous input variables that affect the overall efficiency of the system. In order to further develop the SOFC-GT technology and future research, clear understanding is required to analyze relationship between the input and output parameters. One way to analyze the input/output relationship over the range of parameter variations is to conduct a probabilistic sensitivity analysis. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis of 19 input variables has been conducted to understand how each variable would affect the net power output and overall efficiency of a SOFC-GT system.

Global Warming Drives Expansion of Endangered Spruce Forest on the Tibetan Plateau

Global warming is critical to the distribution pattern of endangered plants; therefore, understanding the future changes in the adaptive areas of endangered spruce and driving factors on the Tibetan Plateau is of great research significance for spruce species conservation and sustainability. In this study, variations in the distribution pattern of four endangered spruce species (Picea. Balfouriana, Picea. Linzhiensis, Picea. Complanata, and Picea. Aurantiaca) on the Tibetan Plateau were predicted by the MaxEnt model, and the important environmental variables affecting its geographic distribution were analyzed. We found that under the current climate conditions, the four endangered spruce species were mainly situated in the southern and southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The mean temperature of the coldest quarter was a key environmental variable affecting the geographic distribution of four endangered spruce species, with suitable growth ranges of −9–8 °C for P. balfouriana and −6–5 °C for P. linzhiensis, P. complanata, and P. aurantiaca. Under different future climate pathways, the highly suitable habitat of four endangered spruce was mainly situated in the east, south, and southeast districts of the Tibetan Plateau. With the suitable growth range of key variables continuing to expand on the Tibetan Plateau, the area of suitable habitat for each of the four endangered spruce species increases to varying degrees. Compared with the current climate, four endangered spruce species will expand to the northwest of the Tibetan Plateau under different future climate scenarios, and the degree of expansion will increase with the increase in temperature. This study not only reveals the response of suitable habitats of four endangered spruce species to global warming, but also provides scientific insights for spruce population conservation and sustainable development.

Applying parentage methods to detect gravel augmentation effects on juvenile Chinook Salmon recruitment rates

AbstractQuantifiable measurement of habitat restoration effects on salmonid reproductive performance is limited, although it is necessary for evaluating whether population responses follow management actions. We investigated using close‐kin mark‐recapture methods to partition restoration effects within standard monitoring metrics of juvenile emigrants leaving the natal reach. This approach allowed for statistical comparison of relative juvenile capture rates (recruitment) from Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) naturally reproducing in gravel augmented (restored) and nonaugmented (unrestored) reaches of a highly managed California River. Genetic parentage techniques linked adult females that had spawned in augmented and nonaugmented spawning habitats with juvenile Chinook Salmon sampled the following spring at a trap located below the natal spawning area. Successful recruitment was documented from both augmented and nonaugmented habitats, with no statistical difference between the two habitat types. The capture rate per adult female was low (0.19–0.24 juveniles/female) compared to rates observed in other systems. Within the juvenile collections, most females in the study had 0 or 1 offspring observed; however, one female that spawned in a restored habitat had 25 offspring recovered at the trap. We modeled juvenile capture rates in relation to a range of biological and environmental variables including spawning habitat site, spawning habitat treatment (augmented and nonaugmented), annual spawner abundance, year spawned, female fork length, spawning and hatch day, and flow maximum and variance. There was an inverse relationship between annual adult abundance (escapement obtained from carcass surveys) and recruitment (juvenile recoveries at trap), suggesting habitat limitation may be creating density‐dependent effects. Additionally, female body size was positively associated with recruitment, while spawning day and mean daily temperature were inversely associated with recruitment, suggesting that both biological and environmental factors independent of habitat influenced reproduction potential. This study provides evidence that habitat restoration could have an additive (incremental) positive effect on recruitment rate, informing hatchery management and restoration activities related to population recovery.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG WOMEN USING THE MULTINOMIAL LOGISTIC REGRESSION MODEL

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prolonged disease with debilitating effect on man. This includes many health problems because the disease is a risk factor for a number of complications. This study employs a multinomial logistic regression model to explore the prevalence of diabetes and identify contributing factors. Analyzing a diverse range of variables, the study aims to provide in-depth insights into the complex relationships influencing diabetes occurrence. The findings indicated that poor health status contributed more, among other factors, in terms of influencing diabetes. This could be as a result of having other health challenges. Also, women with stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease were at greater risk of having diabetes compared to those not having. Women who were active had lower risk of having diabetes compared to those who were inactive as physical activities help control bodyweight through increased fat metabolism. Increasing age is often accompanied by a progressive decline in most physiological functions, resulting in increased susceptibility to disease. It was observed in this research that DM was more prevalent in elderly women than women of younger age.

Assessing the vulnerability of urban drinking water intakes to water scarcity under global change: A bottom-up approach

Drinking water intakes (DWIs) face significant pressure due to global changes, including urbanization and climate change. The common approach relies mainly on climate projections generated by global climate models to simulate large scale hydroclimatic conditions. However, it is crucial to discern the impact of global changes on water scarcity at the local level, including in regions where available data are limited. This paper proposes an approach that focuses on studying the vulnerability of surface DWIs to low water levels and water demand in current and future climates within a cold-climate region.Low flows at DWIs were simulated using historical water level data obtained from hydrometric stations situated along the studied river. After defining four scenarios for climate change and anthropogenic activities affecting raw water withdrawals at DWIs, the full potential range of level variations was simulated. This study employed a combined water scarcity index derived from two sub-indices based on water level and water demand. The resulting index ranges from 0 to 1, where a higher value indicates a greater vulnerability to water scarcity. The simulation results demonstrate the vulnerability of water scarcity in both current and future climates.The calculated index, selecting the current vulnerability to water scarcity for the five studied DWIs, ranged from 0.61 to 0.76. The results for the vulnerability of these DWIs under future climate conditions exhibited significant variability across the different scenarios representing possible maximum daily withdrawal. These scenarios were defined to encompass a spectrum of options related to the government's policy for drinking water conservation strategy implementation. While exploring the full range of potential risks, the study's results demonstrated that the DWIs were especially vulnerable to anthropogenic changes affecting water demand.The framework developed in this study can provide a decision-support basis for municipalities and water managers to adapt to global change and achieve greater water supply resilience.