Similar Environments Research Articles

Continual Learning of Generative Models With Limited Data: From Wasserstein-1 Barycenter to Adaptive Coalescence.

Learning generative models is challenging for a network edge node with limited data and computing power. Since tasks in similar environments share a model similarity, it is plausible to leverage pretrained generative models from other edge nodes. Appealing to optimal transport theory tailored toward Wasserstein-1 generative adversarial networks (WGANs), this study aims to develop a framework that systematically optimizes continual learning of generative models using local data at the edge node while exploiting adaptive coalescence of pretrained generative models. Specifically, by treating the knowledge transfer from other nodes as Wasserstein balls centered around their pretrained models, continual learning of generative models is cast as a constrained optimization problem, which is further reduced to a Wasserstein-1 barycenter problem. A two-stage approach is devised accordingly: 1) the barycenters among the pretrained models are computed offline, where displacement interpolation is used as the theoretic foundation for finding adaptive barycenters via a "recursive" WGAN configuration and 2) the barycenter computed offline is used as metamodel initialization for continual learning, and then, fast adaptation is carried out to find the generative model using the local samples at the target edge node. Finally, a weight ternarization method, based on joint optimization of weights and threshold for quantization, is developed to compress the generative model further. Extensive experimental studies corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

Influence of absorptive capability on organizational performance of tier two commercial banks in Kenya

Firms that clearly understand their mandate are more easily able to understand their customers and hence are in a better position to create products that correctly fit in with the market needs and withstand competition. Most firms in the same industry operate under similar environments, however, the ability of a firm to understand its surroundings and take up the opportunities around it and at the same time minimize its threats within certain acceptable time limits, brings out to a large extent the difference between performance of one firm and the other in a similar industry. This study was anchored on the competitive theory as advanced by Michael Porter. A descriptive approach was used by explaining the data and characteristics of the population being studied. The study targeted a total of 64 respondents. This study did not sample the tier two commercial banks because they are few and hence a census was adopted. A pilot test on 8 employees was consequently carried out before this study. The respondents agreed that tier two banks strive to be competitive in the market and employees are encouraged to implement new ideas. The study concluded that absorptive capability has a significant contribution to performance of tier two banks. The study also recommended that banks should enhance customer retention to build their customer base.

The New Cyberlinktech, Inc. Resilience to Creating Growth Model

The New Cyberlinktech, Inc. (TNCI) operates in a highly dynamic and evolving market, requiring the need for a strategic business plan to sustain growth and adaptability. The New Cyberlinktech, Inc. (TNCI) is one of the leading information technology providers for Private Emission Testing Centers (PETCs) under the Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Office in the Philippines. TNCI faces significant challenges in the current market landscape, including increasing regulatory pressure against PETCs, the emergence of the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) as an alternative mode of vehicle testing, and the frequent leadership changes and abrupt policy shifts at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). To ensure sustainability and adaptability, this dissertation aims to develop a comprehensive business plan for The New Cyberlinktech, Inc. (TNCI) that addresses the challenges posed by the rapidly changing market landscape including a 5-year roadmap. The research design employs a mixed methods approach. The qualitative phase involves conducting interviews with key stakeholders within TNCI, including senior management, employees, and selected industry experts. Through these qualitative interactions, the study aims to identify the specific challenges faced by TNCI in the evolving market and explore potential strategic approaches to address them. In the quantitative phase, the focus is on using surveys among the current clients of the company to determine the preferred IT projects that they want the company to implement in the future. The quantitative analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of TNCI’s current performance, identifies potential risks and opportunities, and informs the development of strategic recommendations. The integrated analysis phase synthesizes the findings from the qualitative and quantitative data. By comparing and contrasting the insights gained from both approaches, a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing TNCI is achieved. The strategic business plan is formulated based on the integrated analysis, considering the specific needs and goals of TNCI. The plan encompasses strategies to address regulatory challenges, navigate the MVIS landscape, manage leadership changes, adapt to policy shifts, and recommend potential IT projects that the company can adapt and implement. Potential findings may include insights into the specific regulatory pressures faced by PETCs, the implications of the MVIS on TNCI’s business model, and strategies to mitigate the effects of leadership and policy changes. The implications of the research findings can inform TNCI’s decision-making process and help guide the company in sustaining growth and adaptability in the rapidly evolving market. This dissertation contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive strategic business plan tailored to TNCI’s context. The findings and recommendations have practical implications for TNCI and other IT companies operating in similar environments. Future research opportunities may involve evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of the proposed business plan and exploring additional strategies to enhance TNCI’s competitive advantage in the PETC industry. Keywords: Strategic continuity, Business plan, Sustainability, Adaptability, Private Emission Testing Centers, Motor Vehicle Inspection System, Regulatory pressure, Leadership change, Policy shifts, mixed methods researc

A global database of Mars-relevant hydrovolcanic environments on Earth with potential biosignature preservation

Abstract Basaltic hydrovolcanic environments on Earth produce abundant glass (sideromelane), which readily alters and acts as an important source of chemical energy for lithotrophic microorganisms; as such, these sites are significant for potential origins-of-life and early life research. Similar environments were identified on Mars and should be considered potential targets for astrobiological investigation. Pleistocene to recent phreatomagmatic and glaciovolcanic structures on Earth include tuff cones, tuff rings, maars, tuyas, and tindars. Such hydrovolcanic deposits contain abundant glass that is variably hydrothermally altered, and some areas contain published evidence of putative microbial habitation and microbially mediated alteration, including microtubules and granular alteration. We analyzed the literature on terrestrial hydrovolcanic environments and created a global database of 45 volcanic fields on Earth with compositions, alteration histories, and structures relevant to Mars. These sites have geochemistry, mineralogy, and syn- and post-eruptive environmental conditions that make them suitable targets for Mars-analogue astrobiological research. Relevant alteration products include palagonite, zeolites, clays, and calcite. Seven of these sites have evidence of microbially mediated alteration, which could be considered a useful biosignature in a Mars-analogue context. The sites are Wells Gray–Clearwater Volcanic Field, Canada; Fort Rock Volcanic Field, Western Snake River Plain Volcanic Field, and Upsal Hogback, USA; Reykjanes Volcanic Field and Western Volcanic Zone, Iceland; and Carapace Nunatak, Antarctica. Based on the properties of these already confirmed sites, along with comparing the remaining 38 Earth volcanic fields to volcanic rocks on Mars, we recommend 11 volcanic fields in particular from our database for future investigations: Auckland and South Auckland volcanic fields, New Zealand; O’ahu, Black Rock Desert, and Black Point, USA; Tuya Volcanic Field, Canada; Karapınar Volcanic Field, Türkiye; Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago, Iceland; Llancanelo Volcanic Field, Argentina; São Miguel Volcanic Field, Azores; and Icefall Nunatak, Antarctica. We recommend reviewing palagonitized tuff samples from these sites for evidence of microbial alteration, in addition to performing geochemical and mineralogical analyses to constrain their magmatic and alteration properties. By studying the rock record of hydrovolcanic environments on Earth to infer habitability and biological alteration, we contribute to establishing the conditions favorable for the origination, survival, and proliferation of life in a Mars-relevant setting.

Environmental management and its influence on the quality of cerrado soils

The objective was to evaluate the effects of different types of management of a Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Oxisol) on edaphic properties, as well as identifying physical, chemical and biological indicators with greater weighting for soil quality discrimination among the managed environments. The design used was completely randomized: Native Cerrado (NC); No-tillage (NT); Forestry (F); Pasture (P); and Agroforestry (AF), in which 3 soil samples were collected, in the layer from 0 to 20 cm. Chemical, physical and biological, variables were determined and analyzed with the aid of the GENES application, subjecting them to analysis of variance and discrimination by Tukey test (p<0.05). After that, the multivariate technique of principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify the indicators and group similar environments. That physical and biological attributes form quality indicators with greater contributions in the differentiation of environments.

Insights of Healthcare Workers and Community Members on Mental Health Perception and Practices in Meru County, Kenya

Mental health is a neglected field in many low and middle-income countries, such as Kenya, where information on the prevalence of mental health conditions is scarce. This problem is aggravated by an uneven distribution of mental health service providers and widespread ignorance and stigma around mental illness in the general population. The study in Meru County, Kenya, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers and community members regarding mental health. The study, a descriptive cross-sectional survey, involved 535 community members and 109 healthcare workers, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected through household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions and analysed using univariate frequencies, descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis. The study revealed that 39% of community members had a family member with a mental health condition, while 68% of HCWs had been diagnosed with such conditions. Mental illness was often attributed to supernatural causes, genetics, substance abuse, and socio-economic pressures. A significant gap was found in the availability of counselling services in health facilities, with only 29.4% of HCWs reporting their presence. The perception of the affordability and accessibility of mental health services varied greatly between HCWs and community members. Additionally, while HCWs reported the availability of free medication, community members experienced shortages. The study also noted differing attitudes towards patients with mental illness in terms of respect and dignity and highlighted the use of traditional healers and religious leaders for mental health issues. This study contributes valuable insights into the state of mental health in Kenya, highlighting the high burden of mental illness, limited availability of services, and prevalent myths and misconceptions. It underscores the need for improved healthcare worker training, public awareness, and stronger health systems to address mental health issues effectively in Kenya and similar rural environments

Chapter 7: Assessing Habitability Beyond Earth.

All known life on Earth inhabits environments that maintain conditions between certain extremes of temperature, chemical composition, energy availability, and so on (Chapter 6). Life may have emerged in similar environments elsewhere in the Solar System and beyond. The ongoing search for life elsewhere mainly focuses on those environments most likely to support life, now or in the past-that is, potentially habitable environments. Discussion of habitability is necessarily based on what we know about life on Earth, as it is our only example. This chapter gives an overview of the known and presumed requirements for life on Earth and discusses how these requirements can be used to assess the potential habitability of planetary bodies across the Solar System and beyond. We first consider the chemical requirements of life and potential feedback effects that the presence of life can have on habitable conditions, and then the planetary, stellar, and temporal requirements for habitability. We then review the state of knowledge on the potential habitability of bodies across the Solar System and exoplanets, with a particular focus on Mars, Venus, Europa, and Enceladus. While reviewing the case for the potential habitability of each body, we summarize the most prominent and impactful studies that have informed the perspective on where habitable environments are likely to be found.

Detection of evolutionary conserved and accelerated genomic regions related to adaptation to thermal niches in Anolis lizards.

Understanding the genetic basis for adapting to thermal environments is important due to serious effects of global warming on ectothermic species. Various genes associated with thermal adaptation in lizards have been identified mainly focusing on changes in gene expression or the detection of positively selected genes using coding regions. Only a few comprehensive genome-wide analyses have included noncoding regions. This study aimed to identify evolutionarily conserved and accelerated genomic regions using whole genomes of eight Anolis lizard species that have repeatedly adapted to similar thermal environments in multiple lineages. Evolutionarily conserved genomic regions were extracted as regions with overall sequence conservation (regions with fewer base substitutions) across all lineages compared with the neutral model. Genomic regions that underwent accelerated evolution in the lineage of interest were identified as those with more base substitutions in the target branch than in the entire background branch. Conserved elements across all branches were relatively abundant in "intergenic" genomic regions among noncoding regions. Accelerated regions (ARs) of each lineage contained a significantly greater proportion of noncoding RNA genes than the entire multiple alignment. Common genes containing ARs within 5 kb of their vicinity in lineages with similar thermal habitats were identified. Many genes associated with circadian rhythms and behavior were found in hot-open and cool-shaded habitat lineages. These genes might play a role in contributing to thermal adaptation and assist future studies examining the function of genes involved in thermal adaptation via genome editing.

Investigating Statistical Features of the FX Bid Ask Series in a Small Economy with a Sizeable Informal Economy

The assessment of the effect of the informal use of a foreign currency on the corresponding FX rates toward the national currency is a very difficult task, requiring direct calculation and modeling. It comes mostly because of the unknown quantity of foreign money used in the informal sector, but also because of the lack of quantitative calculation models. To overcome this gap and to realize a qualitative description of this effect in a concrete economic environment, we propose herein a comparative analysis between the behavior of two typical FX rate series recorded in the Albanian currency market, the Euro-ALL and USD-ALL, providing that the Euro is used commonly as a national currency substitute in the informal economy and the USD is not. So, we have evidenced that the un-stationarity degree of the Bid and Ask spread distribution for the Euro-ALL FX series is higher than for the corresponding USD-ALL case, but with a lower variance. Those features occurring simultaneously can be explained by assuming that informal use of the Euro acts as an additional perturbation on the FX system, imposing high nonstationary, but at the same time it provides reservoir or source features for the money disbalances, reducing the average fluctuations. Next, the depth of the market measured by the average Bid-Ask Spread has resulted in a smaller price for the Euro currency, indicating a lower cost of the transactions and reinforcing the assumption regarding the distribution’s in-stationarity features. Based on those indicatory findings, we propose to realize indirect evidence for our assumptions by comparing the reproduction of the corresponding distribution using autoregressive models. In this case, we have evidenced that the distribution of the FX Euro-ALL spread can be reproduced better if we include in standard ARCHX (m, n, p) models a term that mimics the informality measure. When applying the same procedure for the USD-ALL spread, the resulting distribution has not matched equally well with the original ones. Those findings have been discussed in the framework of an alternative description of the effect of the informal use of foreign currency in a small economy with a sizeable informal sector, which convene our current system under analysis, but we believe that they can be applicable for similar economic environments. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2024-05-01-02 Full Text: PDF

A Sequential-Multi-Decision Scheme for WiFi Localization Using Vision-Based Refinement

Currently, most mobile devices have WIFI and camera modules to locate their position. However, there are two main challenges in large, highly similar indoor environments (localization accuracy and localization time). Aiming to balance these problems, we propose a sequential-multi-decision integrated system that combines WIFI and vision to acquire users' locations. This system has two phases: sequential fusion localization and adaptive multi-decision fusion localization. The former employs WIFI-based localization first, then image-based localization and fusion localization are used within the constraints of WIFI-based localization. In the WIFI-based localization phase, the gaussian process regression (GPR) model is used to construct a WIFI indoor map. Subsequently, we propose to apply the hybrid whale optimization algorithm (HWOA) to WIFI-based localization to improve its accuracy and stability. The latter uses an adaptive multi-decision fusion mechanism that integrates WIFI-based localization, image-based localization, and fusion localization to obtain the users' location finally. The experiments show the effectiveness of HWOA applied to WIFI-based localization. We also experimentally evaluate the proposed fusion algorithm with other state-of-the-art fusion algorithms (e.g., accuracy and time) in a real environment (an area larger than 10,000 <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$m^{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula> ). The experimental results show that the proposed fusion system is competitive.

Robust cooperative of cadmium sulfide with highly ordered hollow microstructure coordination polymers for regulating the photocatalytic performance

Accurately controlling and achieving selective reactivity at difficult-to-access reaction sites in organic molecules is challenging owing to the similar local and electronic environments of multiple reaction sites. In this work, we regulated multiple reaction sites in a highly selective and active manner using cobalt coordination polymers (Co-CP) 1 and 1a with various particle sizes and morphologies ranging from large granular to ordered hollow hemispheres by introducing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a surfactant. The size and morphology of the catalysts could be tuned by controlling the amount of SDS. An SDS concentration of 0.03 mmol generated 1a having a highly ordered hollow hemispherical microstructure with a well-defined platform as a pre-made building unit. Cadmium sulfide (CdS), as a typical photocatalyst, was subsequently uniformly anchored in-situ on the premade building unit 1a to produce CdS@1a composites, that inherited the originally ordered hollow hemispherical microstructure while integrating CdS as well-dispersed catalytic active sites. Furthermore, the well-established CdS@1a composites were used as photocatalysts in selective oxidation reactions under air atmosphere with blue irradiation. The CdS0.109@1a composite with unique structural characteristics, including uniformly distributed and easily accessible catalytic sites and excellent photoelectrochemical performance, served as a highly efficient heterogeneous photocatalyst for promoting the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides as the sole products. This work presents an approach for fabricating CPs as premade building units that function as well-defined platforms for integration with photocatalysts, enabling tuning of the structure-selectivity-activity relationships.

Exploring the relationship between environment and brain morphology in anurans: a comparative phylogenetic approach

Abstract The correlation of ecological and behavioural characteristics with morphological features of brain structures has been recurrently corroborated for different vertebrate taxa, such as mammals, birds, and fishes. Here, we asked whether such correlations can also be detected in amphibians, an animal group of great interest due to its great behavioural and ecological diversity. We analysed the shape of two brain regions, cerebellum and optic tectum, of 67 species from 32 families of the order Anura (frogs and toads), applying 2D geometric morphometrics in a phylogenetic context. We found species that share similar environments and daily patterns have a similarly shaped cerebellum and optic tectum, with diurnal and arboreal species with more varied brain shapes. We did not find a correlation between activity mode or lifestyle with shape for both brain regions; however, we found that shared ancestry had an influence in their evolution. Future studies including a higher number of species from each ecological group, and from more families, would help to better clarify whether the patterns found here are a general rule for anurans.

Flood Susceptibility Mapping Using SAR Data and Machine Learning Algorithms in a Small Watershed in Northwestern Morocco

Flood susceptibility mapping plays a crucial role in flood risk assessment and management. Accurate identification of areas prone to flooding is essential for implementing effective mitigation measures and informing decision-making processes. In this regard, the present study used high-resolution remote sensing products, i.e., synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images for flood inventory preparation and integrated four machine learning models (Random Forest: RF, Classification and Regression Trees: CART, Support Vector Machine: SVM, and Extreme Gradient Boosting: XGBoost) to predict flood susceptibility in Metlili watershed, Morocco. Initially, 12 independent variables (elevation, slope angle, aspect, plan curvature, topographic wetness index, stream power index, distance from streams, distance from roads, lithology, rainfall, land use/land cover, and normalized vegetation index) were used as conditioning factors. The flood inventory dataset was divided into 70% and 30% for training and validation purposes using a popular library, scikit-learn (i.e., train_test_split) in Python programming language. Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the performance of the models. The accuracy assessment results showed that RF, CART, SVM, and XGBoost models predicted flood susceptibility with AUC values of 0.807, 0.780, 0.756, and 0.727, respectively. However, the RF model performed better at flood susceptibility prediction compared to the other models applied. As per this model, 22.49%, 16.02%, 12.67%, 18.10%, and 31.70% areas of the watershed are estimated as being very low, low, moderate, high, and very highly susceptible to flooding, respectively. Therefore, this study showed that the integration of machine learning models with radar data could have promising results in predicting flood susceptibility in the study area and other similar environments.

수소 정책 및 기술 트렌드 분석

Purpose: Korea enacted the world’s first hydrogen law and has made great efforts to become the world’s No. 1 hydrogen economy through its steadfast policy of promoting the hydrogen economy until the 5th NDC in 2022. In particular, the role of hydrogen is being emphasized more than ever in the 2030 NDC and the 10th Long-Term Electricity Supply Plan, making it urgent to proactively invest and establish policies.&#x0D; Research design, data, and methodology: This study compares and analyses the current status of hydrogen-related policies and technologies in Korea and Japan, and aims to build on Japan’s successes and learn from its failures in developing the hydrogen industry based on Korea’s unique characteristics.&#x0D; Results: This report compares the current status of hydrogen policy and technology in Korea and Japan, draws implications, and analyzes what Korea can learn from Japan. Specifically, we emphasized the importance of the government providing guidelines for hydrogen prices, continuing to invest in basic R&amp;D, and collaborating with companies that can leverage their overseas networks, such as corporations. In order to achieve the global goal of carbon neutrality, it is preferable for the two countries to cooperate and create synergies rather than compete.&#x0D; Implications: It emphasizes the importance for Korea to learn from benchmarking with Japan in the field of hydrogen energy, improve its competitiveness, and explore opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. Japan is a global leader in hydrogen energy, providing technology development and demonstration cases, which Korea can use to improve its own strategy and find new directions. In addition, both countries are pursuing the hydrogen energy transition in similar environments, and can improve their competitiveness by understanding and analyzing each other’s policies and technologies. Finally, if both countries share common goals, they can find opportunities for cooperation through technology development, supply chain construction, market opening, etc. to accelerate the hydrogen energy transition and maximize mutual benefits.

Carbon Farming practices assessment: Modelling spatial changes of Soil Organic Carbon in Flanders, Belgium

Carbon sequestration in soils is a strategy to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable soil management. Since the European Union (EU) stimulates the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the atmosphere, the necessity to explore innovative approaches to sequester carbon in agricultural landscapes is becoming urgent. Carbon Farming (CF) has emerged as a promising program to mitigate climate change in agriculture but there is still a lack of agreement on which tools can be used to calculate Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) dynamics in this context. Using the RothC model a spatial analysis of SOC in the agricultural parcels of Flanders, Belgium was performed. Two among the various CF practices were simulated: a use of cover crops (CC) and the most common crop rotations adopted in the area, enriched with the use of cover crops. The performances of the model were evaluated and compared to other studies in areas with similar climate and environments. The selected CF practices can mitigate the carbon emissions from agricultural soils up to 60 % of the current projections. The most sensitive variables in the RothC model that affect the final total SOC, and thus determining the model outcome, are the Business As Usual (BAU) carbon inputs and the initial carbon content. For these variables the Pearson Correlation Coefficient with the change in SOC reached values of −0.78 and −0.50 respectively. To achieve net carbon sequestration in the agricultural soils of Flanders, Belgium, more effective solutions need to be evaluated. Furthermore, a larger amount and accessibility of data are required to reach better modelling performances.

RoboBoat: A robotic boat for 3D mapping of partially flooded underground sites

AbstractThis paper presents the development and field testing of RoboBoat, an unmanned surface vehicle designed to acquire three‐dimensional (3D) point cloud representations of narrow flooded galleries in caves, mines, and other similar environments where conventional surveying and mapping procedures cannot be applied. We developed techniques tailored to these scenarios, including a contour‐following reactive navigation method and an iterative closest point‐based simultaneous localization and mapping method. Custom metrics have been defined to iteratively validate and improve the 3D model of the passageways. The successful field tests in natural caves and mining galleries demonstrate the accuracy of the 3D representation, making it suitable for digital preservation of large‐volume cultural heritage sites.

The Mechanism of Street Markets Fostering Supportive Communities in Old Urban Districts: A Case Study of Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong

In old urban districts with tenement buildings, street markets address the working class’s social and economic needs. They are pivotal in fostering supportive communities, in particular for low-income residents in sub-standard housing. However, their outdated overall environment impedes the delivery of adequate support to residents. Prior research on street markets has focused on those in the Americas and Europe, and has revealed the societal support values of these markets. However, studies on street markets in high-density cities like Hong Kong are lacking. This study introduces an evaluation framework to assess the impact of street markets on the development of supportive communities for Hong Kong’s sub-divided apartment residents. Employing the Pei Ho Street market in Sham Shui Po as a case study, an importance-performance analysis highlights critical but underperforming factors including public facilities, activity venues, commerce, and employment. Based on these findings, the study proposes four improvement strategies for the renewal of street markets in high-density communities, which could apply to other cities with similar high-density urban environments. It concludes that street markets in Hong Kong display unique spatial characteristics shaped by low-income lifestyles in a high-density urban environment, enriching daily social life and promoting sustainable community development.

Tipología de unidades de producción y tecnologías pecuarias de adaptación a la sequía en Sinaloa, México

Drought as an effect of climate change affects the productivity and sustainability of livestock systems. The objective of this study was to analyze how technological land management for adaptation to climate change adopted by livestock farmers in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, corresponds to the typologies identified in the study area. A non-probabilistic sampling was applied, selecting 50 production units (UP) in six municipalities of Sinaloa, whose information was analyzed by cluster analysis and descriptive statistics. It were identified three livestock typologies. Cluster 1 (46 %), was defined as subsistence since its production units (PU) has few animals and showed the smallest total surface area, the producers are the oldest and use the shade in paddocks and the adjustment of stocking rates as drought mitigation practices. Cluster 2 (46 %), sowed the medium productive behavior, are younger producers whose PU showed the largest area of crops and rangeland, this group adopted stocking rate adjustment, forage conservation and species diversification as mitigation measures. Cluster 3 (8 %) showed the highest total area, livestock inventory and productivity levels; drought mitigation decisions are focused on stocking rate adjustment and forage conservation. The study identified mitigation practices related to land use from the farmers' point of view. These results can be used to conduct studies in similar environments and to scale adaptation measures for climate change from the local level and by type of farmer.

Variations in life-history traits in exploited and unexploited populations of Perth herring (Nematalosa vlaminghi): evidence for density-dependent growth?

Context Fishing can reduce population biomass, allowing remaining individuals to grow faster and mature earlier because of greater resource availability, which potentially compensates for lost reproductive output over a shortened lifespan resulting from fishing mortality. Aims To compare life-history traits of Nematalosa vlaminghi, a long-lived (20 years), semi-anadromous fish endemic to south-western Australia, in exploited and unexploited populations living in similar environments. Methods Populations were sampled in 2016–2018. Total mortality (Z) was estimated using catch-curve analyses, allowing for annual recruitment variability. Maturation age and length was estimated by logistic regression analysis. Growth curves were fitted to length-at-age data. Key results Compared to the unexploited population, Z was 2.6 times greater, juvenile growth was more than twice as fast, and maturity was attained at least 3 years earlier in the unexploited population. Conclusions Results supported the hypothesis of faster growth in exploited populations because of density-dependent processes. Environmental factors may also have contributed to trait differences between populations. Implications Faster growth and earlier maturation may partly compensate for lost reproductive output in exploited populations, although severe age truncation owing to fishing is still likely to decrease population resilience in this species, irrespective of any compensatory density-dependent processes.

Customizing reformulated gasoline using biofuel-additives to replace aromatics

Understanding the thermophysical and dynamic characteristics of hydrocarbon blends is crucial for optimizing engine performance and emissions control. By investigating the properties of blends with diverse biomass-derived oxygenates (BDO) as green fuel additives, we aim to mitigate toxic aromatic compounds in both conventional and reformulated gasoline. Experimental verification of prior molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results on gasoline+alkyl levulinate blends establishes the validity of our gasoline model, establishing MD simulations as a powerful tool for investigating blend properties. Subsequent MD simulations estimate the density, viscosity, and compressibility of three gasoline formulations blended with four BDOs (butanol, dimethyl ether, methyl ethyl ketone, and methyl pentanoate). At the molecular level, these BDOs exhibit similar solvation environments in blends, except for butanol, which influences their dynamic properties. Methyl pentanoate and butanol emerge as potent candidates for green fuel integration in conventional gasoline, albeit with limited effectiveness in low-aromatic content fuel corresponding to aromatic mole fraction of 0-0.16. Introducing butyl levulinate significantly enhances valid compositions from 18% in binary blends to 70% in ternary blends, with 100% success in one of the reformulated gasoline formulations.