Remote Station Research Articles

Temporal niche partitioning as a potential mechanism for coexistence in two sympatric mesopredator sharks

Global marine biodiversity declines require bold and ambitious plans to safeguard ecosystem services. Overfishing, habitat loss and projected climate impacts have yielded deleterious effects on marine predators, in particular, driving increasing threat of extinction for many shark species with implications for ecosystem health. Identifying and protecting critical habitat areas for sharks is fundamental to their protection, and may allow for species recovery. Here we use baited remote underwater video stations to investigate spatial and temporal patterns of habitat use by sharks in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) that is centrally important to the regional blue economy in the UK, the Cardigan Bay SAC. Our results show heterogeneous spatial habitat use and temporal trends in habitat sharing between smallspotted catsharks Scyliorhinus canicula and nursehounds S. stellaris. Nearshore reef habitats are substantially more important than non-reef habitats for both species. The relative abundance of each species, however, is roughly inversely seasonally proportional, with S. canicula and S. stellaris relative abundance highest in March and September, respectively. Temporal niche partitioning may be an important mechanism in marine systems, but has not been widely investigated in sympatric shark communities. These findings are directly relevant for ongoing development of the Welsh Marine Evidence Strategy (2019-2025) and the Welsh National Marine Plan, particularly to inform spatial planning to strengthen the role of SAC management design in protecting important shark areas.

Simulation and analysis of firing accuracy of remote control weapon station

Simulation and analysis of firing accuracy of remote control weapon station

Into the depths: Unveiling ELAIS-N1 with LOFAR’s deepest sub-arcsecond wide-field images

We present the deepest wide-field 115–166 MHz image at sub-arcsecond resolution spanning an area of 2.5° × 2.5° centred at the ELAIS-N1 deep field. To achieve this, we improved the direction-independent (DI) and direction-dependent (DD) calibrations for the International LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) Telescope. This enhancement enabled us to efficiently process 32 h of data from four different 8-h observations using the high-band antennas (HBAs) of all 52 stations, covering baselines up to approximately 2000 km across Europe. The DI calibration was improved by using an accurate sky model and refining the series of calibration steps on the in-field calibrator, while the DD calibration was improved by adopting a more automated approach for selecting the DD calibrators and inspecting the self-calibration on these sources. For our brightest calibrators, we also added an additional round of self-calibration for the Dutch core and remote stations in order to refine the solutions for shorter baselines. To complement our highest resolution at 0.3″, we also made intermediate resolution wide-field images at 0.6″ and 1.2″. Our resulting wide-field images achieve a central noise level of 14 μJy beam−1 at 0.3″, doubling the depth and uncovering four times more objects than the Lockman Hole deep field image at comparable resolution but with only 8 h of data. Compared to LOFAR imaging without the international stations, we note that due to the increased collecting area and the absence of confusion noise, we reached a point-source sensitivity comparable to a 500-h ELAIS-N1 6″ image with 16 times less observing time. Importantly, we have found that the computing costs for the same amount of data are almost halved (to about 139 000 CPU h per 8 h of data) compared to previous efforts, though they remain high. Our work underscores the value and feasibility of exploiting all Dutch and international LOFAR stations to make deep wide-field images at sub-arcsecond resolution.

Optimal sizing and operation of a hybrid energy systems via response surface methodology (RSM)

Hybrid energy systems (HESs) are the most important sources of energy demand-supply, have developed significantly around the world. Microgrids, renewable energy sources, remote telecommunications stations, greenhouses, etc., are being considered as HESs applications. Optimal sizing of these systems is considered as one of the important issues related to energy management. In this paper, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is proposed for the optimal sizing of a Photovoltaic (PV) system in a HESs. The suggested procedure solves the optimization problem by considering the factors affecting PV output power about the environmental conditions of the HESs. Providing a mathematical model for each of the input parameters and the ability to assessment the sensitivity of each of the input variables are the most important advantages of the proposed technique. In this paper, the RSM provides the most optimal sizing related to the PV system by considering climatic and geographical factors in the study site, and technical and economic issues related to the HESs. The optimal model obtained is evaluated by the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) evaluation method, which is one of the important techniques of statistical evaluation. It should be noted that the RSM technique can be utilized to optimize all components of any HES.

Remote high-speed rail stations, urban land supply, and the emergence of new economic activities

This study investigates the influence of high-speed rail (HSR) station placements on urban economic activities within cities. Specifically, we assess their effects on government-driven new land supply and market-driven emerging economic activities. Using data from 2007 to 2017, our analysis encompasses 720 HSR stations across 319 Chinese cities, with a focus on remote stations situated in the peripheral counties. Our findings reveal that remote HSR stations typically function as new city subcenters. They consistently drive the expansion of both land supply and economic activities (distance effect) and draw them toward the quadrant surrounding the station (direction effect). However, the alignment between their impacts on land supply and economic activities varies based on the city characteristics. In cities experiencing population declines, remote HSR stations notably affect land supply but have a negligible influence on economic activities, leading to resource misallocation and an increased risk of ghost towns. Furthermore, better HSR accessibility and higher tertiary industry proportions can magnify the spatial spillover effects of HSR station location on both land supply and economic activities.

Smart IoT SCADA System for Hybrid Power Monitoring in Remote Natural Gas Pipeline Control Stations

A pipeline network is the most efficient and rapid way to transmit natural gas from source to destination. The smooth operation of natural gas pipeline control stations depends on electrical equipment such as data loggers, control systems, surveillance, and communication devices. Besides having a reliable and consistent power source, such control stations must also have cost-effective and intelligent monitoring and control systems. Distributed processes are monitored and controlled using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) technology. This paper presents an Internet of Things (IoT)-based, open-source SCADA architecture designed to monitor a Hybrid Power System (HPS) at a remote natural gas pipeline control station, addressing the limitations of existing proprietary and non-configurable SCADA architectures. The proposed system comprises voltage and current sensors acting as Field Instrumentation Devices for required data collection, an ESP32-WROOM-32E microcontroller that functions as the Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) for processing sensor data, a Blynk IoT-based cloud server functioning as the Master Terminal Unit (MTU) for historical data storage and human–machine interactions (HMI), and a GSM SIM800L module and a local WiFi router for data communication between the RTU and MTU. Considering the remote locations of such control stations and the potential lack of 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi networks, two configurations that use the GSM SIM800L and a local Wi-Fi router are proposed for hardware integration. The proposed system exhibited a low power consumption of 3.9 W and incurred an overall cost of 40.1 CAD, making it an extremely cost-effective solution for remote natural gas pipeline control stations.

The local ship speed reduction effect on black carbon emissions measured at a remote marine station

The local ship speed reduction effect on black carbon emissions measured at a remote marine station

Prototype Implementation of a Digitizer for Earthquake Monitoring System.

A digitizer is considered one of the fundamental components of an earthquake monitoring system. In this paper, we design and implement a high accuracy seismic digitizer. The implemented digitizer consists of several blocks, i.e., the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), GPS receiver, and microprocessor. Three finite impulse response (FIR) filters are used to decimate the sampling rate of the input seismic data according to user needs. A graphical user interface (GUI) has been designed for enabling the user to monitor the seismic waveform in real time, and process and adjust the parameters of the acquisition unit. The system casing is designed to resist harsh conditions of the environment. The prototype can represent the three component sensors data in the standard MiniSEED format. The digitizer stream seismic data from the remote station to the main center is based on TCP/IP connection. This protocol ensures data transmission without any losses as long as the data still exist in the ring buffer. The prototype was calibrated by real field testing. The prototype digitizer is integrated with the Egyptian National Seismic Network (ENSN), where a commercial instrument is already installed. Case studies shows that, for the same event, the prototype station improves the solution of the ENSN by giving accurate timing and seismic event parameters. Field test results shows that the event arrival time and the amplitude are approximately the same between the prototype digitizer and the calibrated digitizer. Furthermore, the frequency contents are similar between the two digitizers. Therefore, the prototype digitizer captures the main seismic parameters accurately, irrespective of noise existence.

Study on the relationship between economic input growth in Marine protected areas and environmental governance in the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica: Based on reef fish assemblages

Reef fish communities under fishing pressure often experience reduced biomass, abundance, and altered size structure. The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) can help mitigate these declines. However, the success of MPAs, especially in developing countries with financial and socioeconomic challenges, largely hinges on effective enforcement. This study utilized underwater visual surveys (UVS) and baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) to evaluate population density, size distribution, and biomass of both economically valuable (e.g., target and ornamental species) and ecologically important (e.g., small/large predators and herbivores) fish groups within and outside a no-take MPA on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica.The results indicated that protective measures did not significantly affect the biomass of economically valuable fish species. However, there were notable differences in fish abundance and size distribution between no-take zones (where fishing is prohibited) and open-fishing zones. This suggests that, despite potential illegal fishing activities within the MPA, certain fish community components benefit from the protective measures.Specifically, herbivores and ornamental fish, which are often targeted by artisanal compressor fishing and the aquarium trade, exhibited higher biomass and abundance levels within the MPA. Additionally, significant shark species such as Galeocerdo cuvier, Carcharhinus leucas, and Carcharhinus limbatus were exclusively found within the MPA.The study also highlighted the crucial role of habitat quality, particularly high coral cover, in enhancing the biomass of ornamental fish.This research contributes to the growing body of evidence that MPAs, even with limited enforcement, consistently offer ecological benefits for reef fish communities

Decreasing trends in PM2.5 and BC concentrations observed on central and southwestern Japanese Islands

The interannual trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) concentrations at remote stations in central (Noto) and southwestern (Fukue) Japan were investigated using statistical trend analysis and the chemical transport model, Regional Air Quality Model 2 (RAQM2ver3). The concentrations of PM2.5 and BC in Noto and Fukue exhibited seasonal variations and decreased from 2013 to 2020. Higher concentrations of PM2.5 and BC were observed during the spring season (April) in both locations. The PM2.5 concentrations peaked in Fukue approximately one month earlier than in Noto, while the BC concentration peak in Noto occurred one month earlier than that of PM2.5. The total reductions in PM2.5 concentrations in Noto and Fukue were 7.5 ± 5.0 and 3.8 ± 0.95 μg m−3, corresponding to reduction rates 1.1 ± 0.7 and 0.5 ± 0.95 μg m−3year−1, respectively, compared to the concentrations in 2013. The total reduction in BC concentrations in Noto from 2013 to 2019 was estimated to be 0.13 ± 0.1 μg m−3, amounting to 0.018 ± 0.014 μg m−3year−1 reduction rate. The results of the source–receptor relationships analysis suggest that the decreases in PM2.5 and BC concentrations in Fukue and Noto were significantly influenced by reductions in amounts transported from central China (CCHN, 30–40°N), northern China (NCHN, >40°N) and Japan (JPN) after 2015/2016. The decrease in emissions from these three regions accounted for the observed reductions in particulate concentrations.

New robust remote reference estimator using robust multivariate linear regression

SUMMARY The solution of the remote reference method, a frequently used technique in magnetotelluric (MT) data processing, can be viewed as a product of the two-input–multiple-output relationship between the local electromagnetic field and the reference field at a remote station. By applying a robust estimator to the two-input–multiple-output system, one can suppress the influence of outliers in the local magnetic field as well as those in the local electric field based on regression residuals. Therefore, this study develops a new robust remote reference estimator with the aid of robust multivariate linear regression. By applying the robust multivariate regression S-estimator to the multiple-output system, the present work derives a set of equations for robust estimates of the transfer function, noise variances, and the scale of the Mahalanobis distance simultaneously. The noise variances are necessary for the multivariate analysis to normalize the residuals of dependent variables. The Mahalanobis distance, a distance measure for multivariate data, is a commonly used indicator of outliers in multivariate statistics. By updating those robust estimates iteratively, the new robust remote reference estimator seeks the transfer function that minimizes the robust scale estimate of the Mahalanobis distance. The developed estimator can avoid bias in the MT transfer function even if there are significant noises in the reference magnetic field and handle outlying data more robustly than previously proposed robust remote reference estimators. The authors applied the developed method to a synthetic data set and real-world data. The test results demonstrate that the developed method downweights outliers in the local electric and magnetic fields and gives an unbiased transfer function.

Epidemiology of sarcoptic mange in a geographically constrained insular red fox population

Background Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the contagious ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei, capable of suppressing and extirpating wild canid populations. Starting in 2015, we observed a multi-year epizootic of sarcoptic mange affecting a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) population on Fire Island, NY, USA. We explored the ecological factors that contributed to the spread of sarcoptic mange and characterized the epizootic in a landscape where red foxes are geographically constrained.MethodsWe tested for the presence of S. scabiei DNA in skin samples collected from deceased red foxes with lesions visibly consistent with sarcoptic mange disease. We deployed 96–100 remote trail camera stations each year to capture red fox occurrences and used generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess the affects of red fox ecology, human and other wildlife activity, and island geography on the frequency of detecting diseased red foxes. We rated the extent of visual lesions in diseased individuals and mapped the severity and variability of the sarcoptic mange disease.ResultsSkin samples that we analyzed demonstrated 99.8% similarity to S. scabiei sequences in GenBank. Our top-ranked model (weight = 0.94) showed that diseased red foxes were detected more frequently close to roadways, close to territories of other diseased red foxes, away from human shelters, and in areas with more mammal activity. There was no evidence that detection rates in humans and their dogs or distance to the nearest red fox den explained the detection rates of diseased red foxes. Although detected infrequently, we observed the most severe signs of sarcoptic mange at the periphery of residential villages. The spread of visual signs of the disease was approximately 7.3 ha/week in 2015 and 12.1 ha/week in 2017.ConclusionsWe quantified two separate outbreaks of sarcoptic mange disease that occurred > 40 km apart and were separated by a year. Sarcoptic mange revealed an unfettered spread across the red fox population. The transmission of S. scabiei mites in this system was likely driven by red fox behaviors and contact between individuals, in line with previous studies. Sarcoptic mange is likely an important contributor to red fox population dynamics within barrier island systems.Graphical

MAZE SLOVING ROBOT WITH LIVE MONITORING

This project presents a sophisticated maze-solving robot, equipped with advanced live monitoring capabilities, meticulously designed to autonomously navigate and solve intricate maze environments.The robot's navigation prowess is underpinned by an array of sensors, prominently featuring ultrasonic and infrared technologies, which are adept at detecting and avoiding obstacles while simultaneously mapping the layout of the maze. These sensors feed data into an embedded microcontroller, which processes the information in real-time. To determine the optimal path to the maze's exit, the microcontroller employs sophisticated algorithms such as Depth-First Search (DFS) or Breadth-First Search (BFS), renowned for their efficiency in solving complex mazes.A key feature of the robot is its live monitoring capability, enabled by a wireless communication module. This module is responsible for transmitting critical data, including the robot's status, position, and sensory inputs, to a remote monitoring station. The real-time feedback provided through this system allows users to observe the robot's progress dynamically and make necessary adjustments on the fly, ensuring optimal performance and adaptability in diverse environments. The robot’s compact chassis design ensures superior maneuverability, even in the most confined spaces, while a robust power management system guarantees extended operational periods, making the robot both efficient and reliable.The integration of live monitoring capabilities not only significantly enhances the robot's functionality but also offers invaluable insights into its performance and decision-making processes. This feature is particularly advantageous for educational purposes, providing students and researchers with a tangible demonstration of theoretical concepts in robotics and automation. Additionally, the real-time data acquisition and analysis capabilities make the robot a potent tool for research, especially in fields requiring precise navigation and obstacle avoidance, such as search and rescue operations. Here, the ability to receive immediate feedback and monitor the robot’s actions in real-time is crucial, as it can directly influence the success of missions in dynamic and potentially hazardous environments.The development of this maze-solving robot represents a significant leap forward in the realms of robotics, automation, and remote monitoring technologies. By addressing real-world challenges with enhanced efficiency, this project underscores the potential of advanced robotics to transform a variety of applications. The robot's design, characterized by a harmonious blend of sophisticated sensor arrays, intelligent pathfinding algorithms, and robust real-time monitoring systems, exemplifies the cutting-edge advancements in technology. This convergence of features not only demonstrates the practical applications of theoretical research but also paves the way for future innovations in autonomous systems, highlighting their capability to operate effectively in real-world scenarios and to provide critical insights that can drive further technological progress. Keywords: maze-solving robot, autonomous navigation, live monitoring, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, flood-fill algorithm, real-time processing, wireless communication.

Analysis of the influence of road roughness on the servo performance of remote control weapon stations

Analysis of the influence of road roughness on the servo performance of remote control weapon stations

Qualitative Analysis of the Lived Experience of Reproductive and Pediatric Health Care in the Military Health Care System.

Persistent inequities exist in obstetric and neonatal outcomes in military families despite universal health care coverage. Though the exact underlying cause has not been identified, social determinants of health may uniquely impact military families. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate the potential impact of social determinants of health and the lived experiences of military individuals seeking maternity care in the Military Health System. This was an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol. Nine providers conducted 31 semi-structured interviews with individuals who delivered within the last 5 years in the direct or purchased care market. Participants were recruited through social media blasts and clinic flyers with both maximum variation and homogenous sampling to ensure participation of diverse individuals. Data were coded and themes were identified using inductive qualitative research methods. Three main themes were identified: Requirements of Military Life (with subthemes of pregnancy notification and privacy during care, role of pregnancy instructions and policies, and role of command support), Sociocultural Aspects of the Military Experience (with subthemes of pregnancy as a burden on colleagues and a career detractor, postpartum adjustment, balancing personal and professional requirements, pregnancy timing and parenting challenges, and importance of friendship and camaraderie in pregnancy), and Navigating the Healthcare Experience (including subthemes of transfer between military and civilian care and TRICARE challenges, perception of military care as inferior to civilian, and remote duty stations and international care). The unique stressors of military life act synergistically with the existing health care challenges, presenting opportunities for improvements in care. Such opportunities may include increased consistency of policies across services and commands. Increased access to group prenatal care and support groups, and increased assistance with navigating the health care system to improve care transitions were frequently requested changes by participants.

Modern approaches to compression and noise resistant encoding of photo and video information in radio channels of complexes with unmanned aerial vehicle

Modern complexes with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of long flight duration (heavy class) are in practice equipped with a wide range of target loads, which leads to the need to transmit a large amount of useful information in real time with the required quality to a remote ground control station (GCS). The large volume of transmitted information imposes serious technical requirements on the capacity of communication channels, which, on the one hand, when designing communication systems within UAVs, is ensured by the use of directional antenna systems, multi-position signal-code structures, noise-resistant coding, high energy in the communication channel, etc. On the other hand, developers simultaneously solve the problem of minimizing the amount of information from target loads supplied to the input of the communication system while maintaining the required quality after compression. This article discusses the main information compression standards used by CUAVs developers, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as video codecs based on three-dimensional orthogonal transformations.

OpenCell: A low-cost, open-source, 3-in-1 device for DNA extraction.

High-cost DNA extraction procedures pose significant challenges for budget-constrained laboratories. To address this, we introduce OpenCell, an economical, open-source, 3-in-1 laboratory device that combines the functionalities of a bead homogenizer, a microcentrifuge, and a vortex mixer. OpenCell utilizes modular attachments that magnetically connect to a central rotating brushless motor. This motor couples to an epicyclic gearing mechanism, enabling efficient bead homogenization, vortex mixing, and centrifugation within one compact unit. OpenCell's design incorporates multiple redundant safety features, ensuring both the device's and operator's safety. Additional features such as RPM measurement, programmable timers, battery operation, and optional speed control make OpenCell a reliable and reproducible laboratory instrument. In our study, OpenCell successfully isolated DNA from Spinacia oleracea (spinach), with an average yield of 2.3 μg and an A260/A280 ratio of 1.77, demonstrating its effectiveness for downstream applications such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification. With its compact size (20 cm x 28 cm x 6.7 cm) and lightweight design (0.8 kg), comparable to the size and weight of a laptop, OpenCell is portable, making it an attractive component of a 'lab-in-a-backpack' for resource-constrained environments in low-and-middle-income countries and synthetic biology in remote field stations. Leveraging the accessibility of 3D printing and off-the-shelf components, OpenCell can be manufactured and assembled at a low unit cost of less than $50, providing an affordable alternative to expensive laboratory equipment costing over $4000. OpenCell aims to overcome the barriers to entry in synthetic biology research and contribute to the growing collection of frugal and open hardware.

Remote Topography-Guided Transepithelial Photorefractive Combined Phototherapeutic Keratectomy Telesurgery.

The purpose of this study was to report the first remote telesurgery in a case of epithelial basement membrane disease with recurrent corneal erosions. Topography-guided transepithelial photorefractive combined phototherapeutic keratectomy (PRK-PTK) is a surgical option that treats corneal irregularities and prevents the recurrences of erosions while treating the refractive error. We performed for the first time a remote transepithelial topography-guided combined PRK-PTK using the iRes®2 excimer laser platform (iVIS Technologies, Taranto, Italy), with the surgeon sitting in his own room and controlling the excimer laser in remote with 5G connection through the Remote Control Station and the patient in the operating room. At one-month post-operative, visual acuity was 20/20 and the patient's symptoms subsided. Our surgery opens the era of telesurgery in the corneal panorama.

Numerical modelling of impact seismic sources using the stress glut theory

SUMMARY Meteorite impacts have proved to be a significant source of seismic signal on the Moon, and have now been recorded on Mars by InSight seismometers. Understanding how impacts produce seismic signal is key to the interpretation of this unique data, and to improve their identification in continuous seismic records. Here, we use the seismic Representation Theorem, and particularly the stress glut theory, to model the seismic motion resulting from impact cratering. The source is described by equivalent forces, some resulting from the impactor momentum transfer, and others from the stress glut, which represents the mechanical effect of plasticity and non linear processes in the source region. We condense these equivalent forces into a point-source with a time-varying single force and nine-component moment tensor. This analytical representation bridges the gap between the complex dynamics of crater formation, and the linear point-source representation classically used in seismology. Using the multiphysics modelling software HOSS, we develop a method to compute the stress glut of an impact, and the associated point-source from hypervelocity impact simulations. For a vertical and an oblique impact at 1000 m s−1, we show that the moment tensor presents a significant deviatoric component. Hence, the source is not an ideal isotropic explosion contrary to previous assumptions, and draws closer to a double couple for the oblique impact. The contribution of the point force to the seismic signal appears negligible. We verify this model by comparing two signals: (1) HOSS is coupled to SPECFEM3D to propagate the near-source signal elastically to remote seismic stations; (2) the point-source model derived from the stress-glut theory is used to generate displacements at the same distance. The comparison shows that the point-source model is accurately simulating the low-frequency impact seismic waveform, and its seismic moment is in trend with Lunar and Martian impact data. High-frequencies discrepancies exist, which are partly related to finite-source effects, but might be further explained by the difference in mathematical framework between classical seismology and HOSS’ numerical modelling.

Hybrid Power System Design and Dynamic Modeling for Enhanced Reliability in Remote Natural Gas Pipeline Control Stations

The most rapid and efficient method to transport natural gas from its source to its destination is through a pipeline network. The optimal functioning of control stations for natural gas pipelines depends on the use of electrical devices, including data loggers, communication devices, control systems, surveillance equipment, and more. Ensuring a reliable and consistent power supply proves to be challenging due to the remote locations of these control stations. This research article presents a case study detailing the design and dynamic modeling of a hybrid power system (HPS) to address the specific energy needs of a particular natural gas pipeline control station. The HOMER Pro 3.17.1 software is used to design an optimal HPS for the specified location. The designed system combines a photovoltaic (PV) system with natural gas generators as a backup to ensure a reliable and consistent power supply for the control station. Furthermore, it provides significant cost savings, reducing the cost of energy (COE) by USD 0.148 and the annual operating costs by USD 87,321, all while integrating a renewable energy fraction of 79.2%. Dynamic modeling of the designed system is performed in MATLAB/Simulink R2022a to analyze the system’s response, including its power quality, harmonics, voltage transients, load impact, etc. The experimental results are validated using hardware in the loop (HIL) and OPAL-RT Technologies’ real-time OP5707XG simulator.