Relative Index Research Articles

A model for predicting mean diameter at breast height from mean tree height and stand density

ABSTRACT Recent technological advances in airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) allow the estimation of single tree or stand-level variables such as tree height and number of trees per hectare (stand density) for large area. However, it is impossible to measure the diameter at breast height (dbh) directly, and hence models have been proposed to estimate dbh indirectly from LiDAR-derived tree height and/or crown dimensions. This study develops a model for predicting mean dbh (D) from mean tree height (H) and stand density (ρ). To derive the model, we assumed (1) the conservation rule of stem surface area, (2) the power relationship between relative density by stem surface area and relative spacing index, and (3) the linear relationship between stem surface area and the product of tree height and dbh. This model was applied to Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa Endl.) plantations throughout Japan, and its predictive performance was assessed using field-based forest inventory data. The results showed that D could be successfully estimated from H and ρ, although it was underestimated when D was greater than 40 cm. The model can be easily applied not only to other conifer species and districts but also to other remote sensing studies.

Dietary Phytochemical Index in Relation to Metabolic Health Status, Serum Adropin, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Adults

BackgroundLittle is known about the relationship between dietary intake of phytochemicals with metabolic health status and underlying mechanisms. ObjectivesLittle is known about the relationship between dietary intake of phytochemicals with metabolic health status and underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that dietary phytochemical index (DPI) improves metabolic health status by ameliorating serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and adropin. MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in 527 adults (286 males and 241 females). The dietary intakes of participants were collected by a 168-item food frequency questionnaire, and DPI was estimated as a percentage of energy intake derived from phytochemical-rich foods. Anthropometric variables, blood pressure, glycemic and lipid profiles, and biochemical variables were assessed. The metabolically unhealthy (MU) phenotype was determined based on the definition presented by Wildman et al. ResultsThe MU phenotype was identified in 51.4% of male and 32.0% of female participants. Participants in the third tertile of DPI had 59% lower odds of MU than those in the first tertile (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.87) after considering potential confounders. Stratified analysis by sex and body mass index indicated that DPI was inversely related to MU phenotype in females (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.97) and normal-weight individuals (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.62). DPI was also inversely associated with hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and chronic inflammation. Nonsignificant reduced odds of low BDNF (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.42, 1.84) and adropin (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.31, 1.79) were observed in individuals in the top tertile of DPI compared with those in the bottom tertile. ConclusionsThis study showed that individuals with higher dietary intake of phytochemicals had lower odds of MU, particularly females and normal-weight individuals. No significant relationship was observed between serum BDNF and adropin with phytochemical intake.

Relationships between the specific growth rate and the thermal-unit growth coefficient applied to cultured juvenile fish

The growth of cultured juvenile fish is usually quantified by two indexes, the specific growth rate or SGR, and the thermal-unit growth coefficient or TGC. The SGR is a relative growth index based on logarithms of body weights, and it decreases with body weight. The classical TGC is based on one-third powers of body weights and the summation of temperature over time. It can also depend on body weight, but it is possible to release this dependency by empirically adjusting the power function in its mathematical definition. These two indexes are usually presented in the same article to compare the growth attained by different groups of fish subjected to different experimental treatments. However, no formal framework linking both indexes is available for researchers up to the moment, the meanings of SGR and TGC remaining unrelated. The present work shows that the TGC of a group of fish growing at a given temperature can be expressed as a function of the SGR. In addition, the relationship between SGR and TGC here reported provides the basis to re-defined the TGC as a size-independent index with application to fish culture.

Spatiotemporal Analysis of the Impacts of Land Use Change on Ecosystem Service Value: A Case from Guiyang, China

The significance of ecosystem services and land use for human well-being and sustainable development cannot be understated. Scientifically assessing the ecosystem service value (ESV) and studying the relationship between land use change and the ESV can provide a theoretical groundwork for land use planning and ecological administration in Guiyang. In this study, gradient analysis was utilized to explore the changes of ESV at district level of Guiyang. Then, the synergistic relationship and the strength of the interaction between land use intensity (LUI) and ESV were explored by using a coupled coordination model and spatial autocorrelation analysis. Furthermore, polynomial fitting was carried out for the LUI index and its linked coordination index in relation to the ESV. The results showed that (1) the areas of farmland, forest, grassland, and unused land in Guiyang decreased from 2000 to 2020, while the areas of construction land and water body increased conversely. (2) The expansion of the construction land and water body was the main cause of the ESV change pattern in Guiyang, which first moved downward and then upward. (3) The ESV and LUI had a low overall coupling coordination degree (CCD). Spatial autocorrelation studies showed that low–to–low aggregation and high–to–high aggregation dominated the spatial patterns of essential regions. (4) The LUI and CCD indexes exhibited an inverted U-shaped curve correlation.

Enhancing stress resilience in rice (Oryza sativa L.) through profiling early-stage morpho-physiological and molecular responses to multiple abiotic stress tolerance.

Under changing climatic conditions, crop plants are more adversely affected by a combination of various abiotic stresses than by a single abiotic stress. Therefore, it is essential to identify potential donors to multiple abiotic stresses for developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Hence, the present study was undertaken with 41 germplasm accessions comprising native landraces of Tamil Nadu, Prerelease lines and cultivars were screened independently for drought, salinity, and submergence at the seedling stage during Kharif and Rabi 2022-2023. Stress was imposed separately for these three abiotic stresses on 21-day-old seedlings and was maintained for 10 days. The studied genotypes showed a significant reduction in plant biomass (PB), Relative Growth Index (RGI), relative water content (RWC), leaf photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and Chlorophyll Concentration Index (CCI) under drought followed by salinity and submergence. Stress-tolerant indices for drought, salinity, and submergence revealed significant variation for plant biomass. Furthermore, a set of 30 SSR markers linked to drought, salinity, and submergence QTLs has been used to characterize 41 rice germplasm accessions. Our analysis suggests a significantly high polymorphism, with 28 polymorphic markers having a 93.40% in 76 loci. The mean values of polymorphic information content (PIC), heterozygosity index (HI), marker index (MI), and resolving power (RP) were 0.369, 0.433, 1.140, and 2.877, respectively. Jaccard clustering grouped all the genotypes into two major and six subclusters. According to STRUCTURE analysis, all genotypes were grouped into two major clusters, which are concurrent with a very broad genetic base (K = 2). Statistically significant marker-trait associations for biomass were observed for five polymorphic markers, viz., RM211, RM212 (drought), RM10694 (salinity), RM219, and RM21 (submergence). Similarly, significant markers for relative shoot length were observed for RM551 (drought), RM10694 (salinity), and ART5 (submergence). Notably, the genotypes Mattaikar, Varigarudan samba, Arupatham samba, and APD19002 were identified as potential donors for multiple abiotic stress tolerance. Thus, identifying the genetic potential of germplasm could be useful for enhancing stress resilience in rice.

Critical Risk Factors influencing Time Schedule of Residential Projects in Pakistan

Delays in residential construction projects are common issues in both developing and developed countries. This research aims to identify the key reasons behind these delays in Pakistan. When the projects run behind schedule, this can lead to problems such as exceeding the budget, reduced productivity at the construction site, and potentially lower quality work. The study involved a detailed survey using questionnaires that were addressed to industry professionals. Their responses were used to rank the critical factors causing delays. The most significant factors were found to be fluctuating material prices, financial challenges for contractors, underestimating project duration, poor site management, inexperienced contractors, ineffective project management, communication gaps among project stakeholders, shortage of skilled workers, changes in project design, unqualified contractors, and inadequate project planning. Identifying these critical factors through the Relative Importance Index (RII) method can help in addressing and preventing delays in Pakistan's construction projects, ensuring timely completion and better project outcomes in the future.

Team commitment and performance of construction project in Nigerian construction industry

Project success requires team commitment, which is a product of an encouraging culture of cooperation and teamwork among project team members. The research work aims to ascertain which components of team commitment affect the performance of construction projects in Nigeria. The research adopted a quantitative design where questionnaires were used for data collection. Out of 1233 questionnaires distributed, 975 were received with valid responses and used for data analysis. Data were analysed descriptively using percentage, mean score, and relative agreement index. The study showed the factors of team commitment having an effect on project performance, as rated by the respondents, to be: Normative component: “Project team members owe a great deal to this organisation”; “Members of the project team do not feel it is right to quit the project before completion”; “This organisation has a great deal of personal meaning for project team members”. Affective component: “This organisation deserves the loyalty of project team members”; “The project team considers the team’s problems as their own. Then, “One of the few negative consequences of leaving this organisation will be the scarcity of available alternatives” is for continuance. In conclusion, the emotional attachment of the team members and sense of obligation to the project team and construction organisation are the driving forces behind pushing for the successful outcome of projects within the Nigerian construction industry.

Relationship between GIX, SIDX, and ROTI ionospheric indices and GNSS precise positioning results under geomagnetic storms

Ionospheric indices give information about ionospheric perturbations, which may cause absorption, diffraction, refraction, and scattering of radio signals, including those from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Therefore, there may be a relationship between index values and GNSS positioning results. A thorough understanding of ionospheric indices and their relationship to positioning results can help monitor and forecast the reliability and accuracy of GNSS positioning and support the precision and safety of life applications. In this study, we present the relationship between three indices: Gradient Ionosphere indeX (GIX), Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance indeX (SIDX), and Rate of Total electron content Index (ROTI) in relation to precise positioning results. We used two approaches: precise point positioning (PPP) and relative positioning for long baselines. We focus on GNSS stations located in Europe for two selected geomagnetic storms: March 17, 2015, and May 22, 2015. Our results show that in the case of PPP, positioning degradation occurred mainly at high latitudes and was mostly caused by rapid small-scale changes in ionospheric electron content represented by SIDX and ROTI. We also showed a significant correlation between cycle slips of GNSS signals and ROTI (0.88). The most significant degradations for relative positioning for low and medium latitudes were associated with large spatial gradients reflected by the GIX.

A structural equation modeling approach to understand users' perceptions of app-based CNG auto-rickshaw services in Dhaka City

AbstractThe use of CNG auto-rickshaws is increasing in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. CNG auto rickshaws are a crucial component of the transportation system of Dhaka City. These offer the dwellers a quick and affordable way to navigate the city’s congested streets. This study aims to determine how commuters in Dhaka City perceive the quality of app-based CNG auto rickshaw service. A structured questionnaire is developed based on the users’ reported attitudes and perceived risks. In order to comprehend how users feel about an app-based CNG auto rickshaw service, collected data were used to create a Structural Equation (SE) model. The responses are also evaluated using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method, which validates the SE model. The study shows that women’s safety and better safety experience are the most significant parameters while accepting app-based CNG auto rickshaw services. The results of this study will help the service providers involved in this operation better understand the best course of action to be taken in order to provide better service to commuters.

Assessment of the Potential of European Union Member States to Achieve Climate Neutrality

Climate neutrality is the main environmental goal set for the European Union Member States until 2050. EU economies can achieve this ambitious climate goal by reducing the emission intensity of economies, which has been achieved for many years by reducing pollution emitted by industry. The aim of the study is focused primarily on demonstrating the degree of relationship between the variables describing economic growth, GDP, and the level of CO2 emissions. In the first stage of the research, the potential of countries to achieve climate neutrality was assessed, which was achieved by estimating the correlation between GDP indices in relation to 2013 and the level of CO2 emissions. Research has shown that despite the countries’ differences in the structure of their energy balances, they can achieve independence of economic growth from the emission level of their economies. The research also concerns Poland’s special situation compared to other European Union countries according to energy balance based on coal. A model based on differential equations was used to simulate the impact of GDP, energy intensity, and the share of biofuels on temperature and CO2 concentration until 2030, using data for Poland as an example. The aim of this analysis is to answer the question of whether the energy transformation in the country will achieve the assumed emission reduction goals by 2030.

Vendor Selection Criteria and Construction Project Performance in Rivers Nigeria.

The study focused on Vendor Selection Criteria and Construction Project Performance in Rivers Nigeria. It adopted a survey approach; utilized structured questionnaire to collect data from 71 on-site construction project managers and engineers; data obtained were ranked according to their priority using Relative Importance Index (RII), and Chi-Square Analysis. Linear regression coefficients were drawn as estimates of construction project performance. The results showed that 22 criteria, grouped into four supplier selection dimensions: capability, quality, costs and sustainability. These indicators showed significant interaction with construction project performance. However, supplier flexibility did not yield significant outcome on construction project performance. The results suggest that supplier capability, supplier quality, supplier costs, and supplier sustainability selection variables are important sources of enhanced performance for construction project management. Keywords: Construction management; Vendor selection; Project performance; Relative importance index; Sustainable supplier selection.

Circular Economy in the Building Sector: Investigating Awareness, Attitudes, Barriers, and Enablers through a Case Study in Saudi Arabia

The adoption of circular economy (CE) holds significant potential to mitigate the challenges posed by the conventional linear economic model. The building sector in Saudi Arabia continues experiencing rapid growth, often marked by a consistent annual rise in the number of projects. The incorporation of CE principles into this expansion presents opportunities to optimize resource utilization, minimize waste generation, and enhance overall environmental sustainability. This study explores the current levels of awareness, perception, and implementation of CE principles among local building sector stakeholders and assesses the potential for CE expansion in the region. Additionally, it seeks to rank the identified barriers and enablers while exploring the interconnected relationships between such barriers. A literature review was conducted to explore the CE barriers and enablers. This was followed by an online survey which was conducted amongst 139 respondents from diverse stakeholder groups. A relative importance index (RII) was employed to rank the barriers and enablers, and the findings were subjected to statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The outcomes of this study highlight a significant lack of awareness regarding CE principles among stakeholders, with a very low implementation rate. To break this inertia and encourage the adoption of CE practices, this study suggests the need for CE- supportive policy and legislation, and the provision of financial incentives.

Validation of the Donabedian Model of Health Service Quality in Selected States in Nigeria.

Every citizen of a nation has the basic constitutional right to quality health care. However, there is a dearth of literature on the validity and reliability of the Donabedian conceptual model of health service quality in Nigeria. The current paper focused on validating the Donabedian model of quality health service in selected states in Nigeria. This is a prospective study of 479 health workforce consisting of 204 physicians, 180 nurses, and 95 health information management officers in three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire with a response rate of 87%. The overall reliability test of the variables yielded α =0.938. Data gathered was analyzed descriptively for the socio-demographic characteristics and Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the criteria according to their relative importance. Findings from the study reveal that the (RII) of all the items in the study instrument exceeded the universally acceptable threshold of 0.5, indicating a high level of care in Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria with regards to structure, process, and outcomes. The study underscored the need for the adoption of the Donabedian model in the three other geopolitical zones in Nigeria for a generalized conclusion on the validity and reliability of the Donabedian conceptual model of health service quality. We recommended that research studies on health service quality should be anchored on Donabedian conceptual model as a way to increase awareness of the relevance of the model in improving clinical care in Nigeria.

Developing a proof-of-concept curriculum foundation model for industry 5.0: A primary data survey of built environment academics

Purpose: Higher education curriculum development in the construction industry has historically received scant academic attention and often, courses/programmes are largely developed using the tacit knowledge of individual tutors. This research investigates the core interpersonal and technical skills and competencies required of a contemporary construction management graduate. Specifically, the work culminates in the development of a proof-of-concept model that could be incorporated into higher education curriculum development. Methodology: A mixed philosophical stance is implemented using both postpositivism and interpretivism together with inductive and abductive reasoning to examine built environment academics’ perceptions of the phenomena under investigation. Descriptive and inferential statistics (i.e., weighted average, relative importance index, one sample t test, Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test) are utilised to formulate a foundational set of core interpersonal skills for construction management curricula. Such knowledge provides a strong foundation for building an optimised course curriculum. Findings: Research findings demonstrate that, whilst technical skills are relatively important for the construction manager’s role, they significantly pale in comparison to interpersonal skills. Furthermore, an aggregate ranking of skills and competencies suggests that a substantial number of interpersonal skills and competencies out-rank numerous technical skills and competencies. Surprisingly, digital-esque themes rank towards the bottom of the table, with ‘traditional’ skills competencies (i.e., workflow, budgeting and costing) ranking higher. Originality: This research constitutes the first attempt to: understand the core interpersonal and technical skills and competencies required of a contemporary construction manager; and premised upon this, generate a construction management education curriculum foundation model. Nascent findings pinpoint the core interpersonal skills and competencies that serve as the curriculum’s foundation and expose the inadequacies of digital technical skills in core construction management teaching.

Strategic drivers for the deployment of energy economics principles in the developing construction industry: A Nigerian perspective

AbstractIn developing countries, there is a scarcity of research focusing on the factors that drive the adoption and utilization of energy economics principles (EEPs). EEPs encompass a diverse set of strategies and practices designed to encourage energy efficiency, promote the adoption of renewable energy sources, and foster sustainable energy practices among construction stakeholders. Despite their potential benefits, such as reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, there remains a knowledge gap regarding the specific drivers influencing the implementation of EEPs in developing countries. Therefore, this study addresses this knowledge gap by examining the primary drivers for utilizing EEPs in the Nigerian construction industry. To achieve this objective, a quantitative research approach was adopted. Close‐ended questionnaires were developed and distributed to professionals in the construction industry, encompassing architects, builders, engineers, and quantity surveyors. The normality of the data was confirmed through univariate skewness and kurtosis analysis. Based on the relative importance index (RII) and mean scores, the highest‐ranked driver was government policies and regulations, followed by economic growth and job creation. Environmental sustainability ranked third, while energy cost savings and return on investment occupied the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Through exploratory factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation, six key criteria that drive the adoption of EEPs were identified: financial‐related drivers, environmental‐related drivers, social‐related drivers, government‐related drivers, technological‐related drivers, and behavioral‐related drivers. By identifying these six distinct clusters of drivers, this study enhances the understanding of the drivers for implementing EEPs, ultimately facilitating the transition to more energy‐efficient and sustainable practices in the construction sector and beyond.

Identification of maize genotypes tolerance to acid soil stress using multiple criteria

This study aims to select maize hybrids that can tolerate acidic soil stress using several tolerance indexes. The research took place at two sites. Muneng Experimental Farm has average soil (pH=6.8), and Moncongloe Experimental Farm has acid soil (pH=5.8) from January to April 2023. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed to organize ten maize hybrids, namely TH 1, TH 2, TH 3, TH 4, TH 5, TH 6, TH 7, TH 8, NK 6172, and P 32, each replicated three times. The variable observation was yield, standardized to 15% moisture content. To determine the tolerance of maize, six tolerance indexes were applied: The Stress Tolerant Index (STI), the Stress Susceptibility Index, the Mean Productivity (MP), the Harmonic Mean, the Stress Relative index (SI), and the Stress Susceptibility Percentage Index (SSPI). The result showed that hybrids that tolerate acidic soil are TH 1 and TH 2, as indicated by their average rating and standard deviation. In contrast, TH 5 and TH 7 hybrids are sensitive to acidic soil conditions. The STI and MP are suitable tolerant indexes that can select acid-tolerant hybrids with high yields under optimum and acidic conditions.

Effect of Cyclic Loading Treatment on the Compression Energy and Creep Properties of Machine-Harvested Seed Cotton

Machine-harvested seed cotton was taken as the research object to further clarify its creep performance, minimize its power consumption during the loading process, and obtain a better loading method. The uniaxial compression creep test was carried out using the Instron universal material test bench to apply cyclic loading treatment. The test factors included cyclic loading times, cyclic stress peak, and cyclic loading frequency. The energy consumption curve of the machine-harvested seed cotton during cyclic loading was obtained through OriginPro 2019b software, and its energy change law was analyzed. Creep strain was divided into two parts, namely, initial creep strain and creep strain increment, to elucidate the creep mechanism. The Burgers model was chosen to describe the creep strain increment. Results show that machine-harvested seed cotton exhibits energy consumption hysteresis during cyclic loading. The compression energy rapidly decreases with increasing cyclic loading times and then stabilizes. Meanwhile, the compression energy increases with increasing cyclic stress peak and cyclic loading frequency. The creep strain mechanism is also the same, which first rapidly increases and then levels off. Cyclic loading times, cyclic stress peak, and cyclic loading frequency have different effects on creep strain increment, instantaneous elastic modulus, hysteresis elastic modulus, viscosity coefficient, delay time, and relative deformation index. Finally, disregarding power consumption and interaction, extending the cyclic loading time, and increasing the cyclic stress peak while simultaneously minimizing the cyclic loading frequency can reduce the relative deformation index in the creeping stage. Accordingly, the deformation retention ability in the creep is improved, but the compression energy in the cyclic loading increases. The results can provide theoretical and data support for studying the theoretical basis of the rheological properties of machine-harvested seed cotton, the design of seed cotton baling devices, and the study of bale (mold) forming quality.

Grape Seed Extract Affects Body Weight, Liver Weight and Relative Tissue Weight Index in Aluminium Chloride Treated Rats

Introduction: Grape seed extract (vitis vinifera) contains antioxidant compounds with ability to prevent aluminium chloride induced hepatotoxicity. Aims & Objectives: To study the effects of grape seed extract on body weight, liver weight and relative tissue weight index in aluminium chloride treated rats. Place and Duration of Study: This experimental study study was conducted at the Animal House of Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Duration of study was February 2017 to February 2018. Material & Methods: 24 adult, healthy albino rats (male) were divided in to three groups. Group A was given distilled water by gavage (1ml/day), Group B was given aluminium chloride (34mg/kg body weight) and group C was given aluminium chloride plus grape seed extract (34mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight) by gavage. Whole treatment continued for 42 days. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for entering and analyzing data.p value of ? 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A significant difference in body weights of Group B and C rats was noted at the end of the study. Mean liver weight was significantly reduced in aluminium treated group and near normal restoration of liver weight was seen in group C receiving grape seed extract. Conclusion: Excessive aluminium chloride exposure led to a reduction in body weight, and liver weight. Grape seed extract being an antioxidant improved these effects.

Promising Themes for Electronic Cigarette Prevention Campaigns for Youth and Young Adults.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most widely used tobacco product by youth and young adults in the United States. Effective prevention campaigns require the identification of appropriate content focus for message construction. A sample of 2622 youth and young adults ages 15-24 were recruited through social media advertisements and completed an online survey. Respondents reported current e-cigarette use or intention to use if not currently using. They also indicated agreement or disagreement with 75 e-cigarette-related beliefs representing 16 themes. The relative promise of each theme/belief for campaign messaging was investigated by examining its association with the behavior/intention outcomes and the opportunity for positive change in its distribution (room to move). All themes showed significant associations with the behavior (ORs = 2.49-19.04) and intention (ORs = 2.21-6.11) outcomes. Room to move for themes ranged from 32.9% to 96.3% in behavior analysis and 15.6-93.9% in intention analysis. A normed relative promise index (M = 50, SD = 17) showed flavors (72), comparison to cigarettes (69), and relaxation and mental health (68) as the top ranked themes. Subgroup analyses by demographics revealed few differences. Results on the belief level were largely consistent with those on the theme level. Data from this study provide timely evidence for the relative value of various themes/beliefs as potential targets for message development in e-cigarette prevention campaigns. The final selection of target themes/beliefs requires consideration of openness to persuasion, which may be informed by additional testing. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most widely used tobacco products among youth and young adults in the United States. This study adds new evidence on the relative promise of a wide range of e-cigarette beliefs and belief clusters (themes) as potential targets for message development in educational campaigns. This evidence is important to consider in future campaign efforts directed at the youth and young adult populations in the United States.

Activity patterns and use of artificial water ponds by White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in western Campeche

Artificial Water Ponds (AWP) are widely employed for preserving and managing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in arid, and tropical regions of Mexico. However, there is a significant knowledge gap concerning the impact of these AWP on white-tailed deer activity. To determine the effect of AWP on the ecological aspects of white-tailed deer, we assessed the visitation rates and activity patterns of this species in AWP and compared them with areas devoid of water such as Dirt Roads (DR) using camera traps during the dry season within the seasonal wetland region of Nicte Ha, situated in western Campeche, Mexico. The research was conducted in a highly seasonal tropical wetland area at the Nicte-Ha UMA in southwestern Campeche, México. We established set camera trap stations during the dry season of 2019, 2020, and 2021 in seven AWP and 12 DR that operated for at least 80 days and compared the white-tailed deer visitation rate (measured as the Relative Abundance Index, RAI) and activity patterns among both treatments and across the three studied years. We collected a total of 3,640 independent records of white-tailed deer (2,584 in AWP and 1,056 in DR) for three years, with a combined effort of 3,978 camera days (1,306 camera days in AWP and 2,672 in DR). Our analysis revealed that the Relative Abundance Index (RAI) was consistently higher in the AWP than the DR across the three study years. However, we examined RAI variations over the three years and observed differences in the AWP, while the DR exhibited a relatively stable pattern. In the case of the activity patterns, we observed that white-tailed deer were primarily diurnal, with a significant overlap in activity between the two treatment areas. Nonetheless, within the AWP, the species exhibited continuous daytime activity, whereas, in the PR, distinct activity peaks occurred during sunrise and sunset. The results show that the presence of AWP in Nicte Ha has important effects on the presence of white-tailed deer during the dry season since we observed that there is a higher RAI in the sites where there is AWP compared to the PR sites. In the case of activity patterns, the AWP sites maintain constant activity throughout the day compared to DR, where activity peaks associated with sunrise and sunset occur. Our results show the importance that this type of structure has for the management of the species during the dry season of the year in Nicte Ha and the potential benefits of these structures in tropical seasonal areas, especially under a scenario in which drought during the dry season may be more severe in the near future due to the global change.