Detailed Site Research Articles

Structural identification of the RY12 domain of RyR1 as an ADP sensor and the target of the malignant hyperthermia therapeutic dantrolene.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening pharmacogenetic condition triggered by volatile anesthetics, which activate pathogenic RyR1 mutants. The small molecule therapeutic dantrolene has long been used to treat MH. However, the binding site and mechanism of dantrolene remain unclear. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of RyR1 bound to dantrolene and the MH trigger agent 4-chloro-m-cresol (4CmC), revealing the dantrolene and 4CmC binding sites in atomic detail. Dantrolene binds stacked with ATP or ADP in the RY12 domain at the corner of the receptor, inducing a conformational change in this domain which is allosterically coupled to pore closure. Functional analyses revealed that ATP or ADP was required for dantrolene inhibition, and a single point mutation that disrupts the peripheral ATP binding site abolished ATP/ADP-dependent dantrolene inhibition. Strikingly, in the absence of dantrolene, this site selectively binds two ADP molecules, suggesting a possible role in ATP/ADP ratio sensing.

Groundwater Contamination by Heavy Metals in Malaysia: Sources, Transport, and Remediation Strategies

Groundwater contamination by heavy metals is a pressing environmental concern, particularly in regions highly dependent on groundwater as a freshwater source. While Malaysia primarily relies on river water, certain states and islands depend on groundwater for their supply. Research on heavy metal contamination in Malaysia’s groundwater remains limited, making it crucial to study the distribution and mobility of contaminants to develop appropriate remediation strategies. In addition to natural sources, anthropogenic activities such as landfills, mining, and the use of fertilizers contribute significantly to heavy metal pollution in groundwater. Factors like rainfall, fluctuating groundwater levels, and low soil pH can exacerbate heavy metal leaching into aquifers. Various models and techniques, including 2D resistivity imaging and MODFLOW, are used to assess groundwater flow and contaminant transport. These models suggest that contaminant concentrations decrease with increased depth and radial distance from pollution sources such as landfills and mining areas. The health risks associated with heavy metal exposure through groundwater consumption are significant, necessitating effective remediation strategies. Phytoremediation is an economical solution for groundwater containing low concentrations of heavy metals, while permeable reactive barriers may be suitable for more complex cases, pending detailed site investigation. This review aims to examine the current state of knowledge on heavy metal contamination in Malaysia’s groundwater, focusing on sources, distribution patterns, and movement of pollutants. It also seeks to evaluate existing remediation methods, including phytoremediation and permeable reactive barriers, while identifying gaps in research, particularly concerning risk assessments and heavy metal speciation.

Generative Adversarial Networks-Based Ground-Motion Model for Crustal Earthquakes in Japan Considering Detailed Site Conditions

ABSTRACT We develop a ground-motion model (GMM) for crustal earthquakes in Japan that can directly model the probability distribution of ground-motion acceleration time histories based on generative adversarial networks (GANs). The proposed model can generate ground motions conditioned on moment magnitude, rupture distance, and detailed site conditions defined by the average shear-wave velocity in the top 5, 10, and 20 m (VS5, VS10, and VS20) and the depth to shear-wave velocities of 1.0 km/s and 1.4 km/s (Z1.0 and Z1.4). We construct the neural networks based on styleGAN2 and introduce a novel neural network architecture to generate ground motions considering the effect of source, path, and such detailed site conditions. The resulting 5% damped spectral acceleration from the proposed GMM is consistent with empirical GMMs in terms of magnitude and distance scaling. The proposed GMM can also generate ground motions accounting for the shear-wave velocity profiles of surface soil with different magnitudes and distances and represent characteristics that are not explained solely byVS30.

The value of simplified models of radionuclide transport for the safety assessment of nuclear waste repositories: A benchmark study

In order to assess sites for a deep geological repository for storing high-level nuclear waste safely in Germany, various numerical models and tools will be in use. For their interaction within one workflow, their reproducibility, and reliability version-controlled open-source solutions and careful documentation of model setups, results and verifications are of special value. However, spatially fully resolved models including all relevant physical and chemical processes are neither computationally feasible for large domains nor is the data typically available to parameterize such models. Thus, simplified models are crucial for the pre-assessment of possible sites to narrow down the list of suitable candidates for which detailed site investigations and fully resolved models will be done at a later stage. Still, the accuracy of these simplified models is of importance as the pre-assessment of suitable sites will be based on them. In this study, we compare the modelling capabilities of TransPyREnd, a one-dimensional transport code based on finite differences, specifically developed for the fast estimation of radionuclide transport by the German federal company for radioactive waste disposal (BGE), with OpenGeoSys, which is a modelling platform based on finite elements in up to three spatial dimensions. Both codes are used in the site selection procedure for the German nuclear waste repository. The comparison of the model results of TransPyREnd and OpenGeoSys is augmented by comparisons with an analytical solution for a homogeneous material. For the purpose of numerical benchmarking, we consider a geological profile located in southern Germany as an example where the hypothetical repository is located in a clay-stone formation. TransPyREnd and OpenGeoSys yield overall similar results. However, both codes use different discretizations which impact is the highest for strongly sorbing compounds, while the difference gets negligible for less sorbing and more diffusive compounds as higher diffusion tends to blur the initial conditions. Overall, the OpenGeoSys model is more exact whereas the TransPyREnd model has considerable faster run times. We found in our example, that significant substance amounts are only leaving the host rock formation, if apparent diffusion is high, for which case both codes give similar results, while relative differences are considerable for strongly sorbing compounds. However, in the latter case no significant substance amount of radionuclides leaves the host-rock formation, thus deeming the differences in the model results minor for the overall safety assessments of sites.

Breeding site segregation and Dutch elm disease fungi carriage percentage of three bark beetle species (Scolytus esuriens, S. chikisanii, and S. japonicus) in a Japanese elm tree in Hokkaido, Japan

ABSTRACT In Japan, three bark beetle species, namely Scolytus esuriens, S. chikisanii, and S. japonicus, have been recently identified as new vectors of Dutch elm disease (DED), although their detailed breeding sites and relation to DED fungi acquisition have not been revealed. We investigated the diameter of branches and a trunk (branch – trunk) at the location of the maternal tunnel (Ømt) and the pupal chamber (Øpc), the distance from the pupal chamber to the bark surface i.e. depth of the pupal chamber (Dpc) on a single Japanese elm tree, and the percentages of bark beetles carrying DED fungi (%bcDED) among those collected from the chamber for three species. The Ømt was 11.0–25.6 cm for S. esuriens, 8.3–23.3 cm for S. chikisanii, and 1.3–3.2 cm for S. japonicus. Therefore, three species were found to exhibit breeding site segregation based on the branch – trunk diameter. The %bcDED were 90.2%, 66.7%, and 40.0% for S. esuriens, S. chikisanii, and S. japonicus, respectively. %bcDED showed an increasing trend with increase in Øpc and Dpc. For DED control, it is necessary to monitor and remove small branches that were previously overlooked to prevent an increase in the population of vector beetles, although %bcDED of bark beetles emerging from small branches tends to be low.

Quantifying uncertainty in rock mass properties: Implications for GSI, RMi, and RMR assessments

Probability-based empirical methods were employed as an alternative approach to predicting uncertainties associated with rock mass properties. The focus was on developing probabilistic spreadsheets to forecast rock mass classification indexes. Histograms were constructed to describe the best distribution in predicting rock mass properties. The developed models also offer utility in predicting the impact of discontinuities within the rock mass on rock strength and rock mass classification systems. Statistical analyses identified volumetric joint count, joint spacing, joint frequency, and rock strength as the most influential parameters. Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed varying degrees of correlation among different rock mass properties. While some properties demonstrated significant correlations suitable for modelling, others did not align well with any correlation model. The results highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to rock mass characterization, considering multiple factors beyond volumetric joint count. Geological complexities, including tectonic activity and weathering processes, may obscure direct correlations. These results emphasize the importance of empirical modelling and detailed site investigations for accurate assessment of rock mass quality and stability in the Himalaya.

Assessing waste-to-energy potential and landfill site suitability via a holistic approach

This study provides an in-depth analysis of waste-to-green energy conversion potential, utilizing Geographic Information System and Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources. This study identifies optimal sites in detail for landfill and Centralized Anaerobic Digestion (CAD) systems, integrating environmental, technical, and logistical considerations using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), complemented by the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Employing a robust methodological framework, the study assesses nine critical parameters, including proximity to waste sources and energy grids, highlighting 23.75 % of the region as 'Highly Suitable' for sustainable waste-to-energy projects. The energy analysis further elucidates the operational and economic feasibility of new energy facilities, showcasing a potential installation power of 5.32 MWh for the new facility, compared to 3.15 MWh for the existing Beydeğirmeni biogas plant. This analysis indicates a significant capacity for enhancing renewable energy production, with the new facility promising a higher employment capacity and a favorable investment payback period. Our comprehensive evaluation offers a scalable and replicable model for municipal waste-to-energy conversion, contributing valuable insights to the field of sustainable urban planning first in the literature. By highlighting the economic and operational benefits of targeted infrastructure investments, the research advocates for integrated planning approaches that align with global sustainability objectives. In conclusion, this paper advances the discourse on sustainable waste management and energy production, presenting a methodologically sound and empirically supported pathway for urban areas to capitalize on their waste-to-energy conversion potential, thereby facilitating informed policy-making and strategic urban development.

Employing discrete global grid systems for reproducible data obfuscation

Archaeological heritage worldwide is threatened through deliberate destruction in particular site looting making the location of archaeological sites potentially sensitive data. At the same time, public information about site locations are important for heritage management, as well as agricultural and urban development. Finding a balance between revealing detailed site locations and not providing data at all is a difficult task. Here we provide an approach to obfuscate archaeological site location data facilitated through a Discrete Global Grid System. We then apply the new obfuscation method to the global p3k14c data set. Veiling the locations of heritage sites with a Discrete Global Grid System allows tiered accuracy access for different stakeholders tailored to their respective needs as well as legal constraints and requirements of administrations. Discrete Global Grid System based obfuscation is globally scalable, consistent, reproducible, and can address the current heterogeneity of obfuscation methods.

Prognostic performance of the 2023 FIGO staging schema for endometrial cancer

ObjectiveTo assess the prognostic performance of the 2023 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) endometrial cancer staging schema. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study queried the Commission-on-Cancer's National Cancer Database. Study population was 129,146 patients with stage I-IV endometrial cancer per the 2009 FIGO staging schema. Stage-shifting and overall survival (OS) were assessed according to the 2023 FIGO staging schema. ResultsUpstage (IA → II, 21.4 %; IB → II, 53.0 %) and downstage (IIIA→IA3, 22.2 %) occurred in both early and advanced diseases. Inter-stage prognostic performance improved in the 2023 schema with widened 5-year OS rate difference between the earliest and highest stages (68.2 % to 76.9 %). Stage IA1-IIB and IIC had distinct 5-year OS rate differences (85.8–96.1 % vs 75.4 %). The 5-year OS rate of the 2009 stage IIIA disease was 63.9 %; this was greater segregated in the 2023 schema: 88.0 %, 62.4 %, and 55.7 % for IIIA→IA3, IIIA1, and IIIA2, respectively (inter-substage rate-difference, 32.3 %). This 5-year OS rate of stage IA3 disease was comparable to the 2023 stage IB-IIB diseases (88.0 % vs 85.8–89.5 %). In the 2023 stage IIIC schema (micrometastasis rates: 29.6 % in IIIC1 and 15.6 % in IIIC2), micrometastasis and macrometastasis had the distinct 3-year OS rates in both pelvic (IIIC1-i vs IIIC1-ii, 84.9 % vs 71.1 %; rate-difference 13.8 %) and para-aortic (IIIC2-i vs IIIC2-ii, 82.9 % vs 65.2 %; rate-difference 17.7 %) nodal metastasis cases. The 5-year OS rate of the 2009 stage IVB disease was 23.4 %; this was segregated to 25.4 % for stage IVB and 19.2 % for stage IVC in the 2023 staging schema (rate-difference, 6.2 %). ConclusionThe 2023 FIGO endometrial cancer staging schema is a major revision from the 2009 FIGO schema. Almost doubled enriched sub-stages based on detailed anatomical metastatic site and incorporation of histological information enable more robust prognostication.

Geotechnical assessments for renewable energy infrastructure: Ensuring stability in wind and solar projects

Geotechnical assessments are crucial for ensuring the stability and longevity of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in wind and solar projects. This review explores the significance of geotechnical assessments in these projects, highlighting key considerations and challenges. Geotechnical assessments play a critical role in the design, construction, and operation of renewable energy infrastructure, providing essential information about the subsurface conditions that can impact the stability and performance of wind and solar projects. These assessments involve the evaluation of soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to assess their suitability for supporting renewable energy structures. In wind energy projects, geotechnical assessments are essential for determining the foundation design of wind turbines. The soil and rock conditions at the site can significantly impact the stability and load-bearing capacity of the foundation, affecting the overall performance and safety of the turbine. Similarly, in solar energy projects, geotechnical assessments are necessary for designing the foundation of solar panels and support structures, ensuring they can withstand environmental loads and maintain their efficiency over time. One of the key challenges in geotechnical assessments for renewable energy projects is the variability of subsurface conditions. Soil and rock properties can vary significantly over short distances, requiring detailed site investigations to accurately characterize the subsurface conditions. Additionally, the presence of natural hazards such as landslides, earthquakes, and floods can further complicate geotechnical assessments, necessitating robust risk mitigation strategies. Despite these challenges, geotechnical assessments are essential for ensuring the long-term stability and performance of renewable energy infrastructure. By providing valuable insights into subsurface conditions, these assessments help developers and engineers make informed decisions about site selection, foundation design, and risk management, ultimately contributing to the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. In conclusion, geotechnical assessments are vital for ensuring the stability and longevity of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in wind and solar projects. By providing crucial information about subsurface conditions, these assessments help mitigate risks and ensure the safe and efficient operation of renewable energy projects. Keywords: Geotechnical Assessments, Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, Stability, Wind and Solar Projects.

Multicriteria screening evaluation of geothermal resources on mine lands for direct use heating

Direct use of geothermal energy is the oldest and most versatile form of utilizing geothermal energy. In the last decade, this utilization has significantly increased, especially with the installation of geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps. Many current and inactive mine land sites across the U.S. could be redeveloped with clean energy technologies such as direct use geothermal, which would revitalize former mining communities, help with reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. We present a multicriteria screening framework to evaluate various aspects of direct-use geothermal projects on mine lands. The criteria are divided into three categories: (1) technical potential, (2) demand and benefits, and (3) regulatory and permitting. We demonstrate the framework using publicly available data on a national scale (continental U.S.). Then, using an example of abandoned coal mines in Illinois and focusing on resource potential, we illustrate how this evaluation can be applied at the state or more local scales when a region’s characteristics drive spatial variability estimates. The strength of this approach is the ability to combine seemingly disparate parameters and inputs from numerous sources. The framework is very flexible—additional criteria can be easily incorporated and weights modified if input data support them. Vice versa, the framework can also help identify additional data needed for evaluating those criteria. The multicriteria screening evaluation methodology provides a framework for identifying potential candidates for detailed site evaluation and characterization.

Novel insights into ferrate (VI) activation by Mn-modified sludge biochar for sulfamethoxazole degradation: Dominance of hydroxyl group and Mn-O bond in the non-radical pathway

Ferrate (Fe (VI)), as a versatile oxidizer, has been widely employed for water treatment. However, the rapid self-decomposition of Fe (VI) diminishes its practical application efficiency. In this study, a novel Mn-modified sludge biochar (MSBC) was synthesized for the first time to activate Fe (VI) and generate highly reactive Fe (IV)/Fe (V) for the rapid removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The results showed that MSBC (0.10 g/L) effectively activated Fe (VI) (100 μM), and 87.39 % of SMX (10 μM) and 40.26 % of total organic carbon (TOC) were removed within 10 min. Notably, raising the solution pH (e.g., from 6.0 to 11.0) would result in decreasing the reactivity of Fe (VI) and a lower removal efficiency of SMX. The quenching, electron paramagnetic resonance and probe experiments suggested that •O2– and high-valent iron species (Fe (V)/Fe (IV)) were identified as the major contributions to the removal of SMX. The detailed activation sites of MSBC were –OH and Mn-O, as corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) calculation and characterization. These activation sites facilitated activation of Fe (VI) through efficient electron transfer. The Fukui index indicated that the N, S, and O atom of SMX were the primary attacked sites. Subsequently, five potential degradation pathways were proposed, with the cleavage of the S-N bond being the predominant one. The toxicity of these products was examined using ECOSAR program, revealing that main products showed low toxicity or non-toxicity. The Cl-, SO42-, and NO3– had negligible effect on SMX degradation, although excessive concentrations of HCO3– and humic acid (HA) showed slightly inhibition. Additionally, the Fe (VI)/MSBC system also effectively removed 87.34 % of sulfadiazine (SDZ) and 93.91 % of sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMP). Overall, this study offered a practical and cost-effective approach for the activation of Fe (VI) and provided new insights to the degradation mechanism.

Enhancing standard CFD based practices for site assessment through polynomial surrogates for estimating uncertainty in wind speed

One of the challenges in digitizing the wind energy sector is to have reliable, accurate and efficient data assessment and prediction tools. We believe that accurate surrogates are key towards improving efficiency and reliability for informed decision making. For a quantitative understanding of wind and energy in complex terrains, a detailed site assessment is done, most often using mesoscale and/or microscale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based approach. Typically, one would require multiple scenarios/case for a CFD simulator to incorporate the influence of a parameter on variability of wind speed and energy production. These simulations are computationally expensive, and the industry is constantly on a look out for more efficient methods. Towards this end, we propose using a polynomial surrogate based on Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE) for uncertainty quantification that requires only a few CFD simulations to assess the variability of wind speed with respect to variability in an input parameter. The variability estimates from PCE were first validated against the standard Monte Carlo method on simple benchmarks and then tested for complex terrains. In this work, we present results that help us understand how canopy foliage, particularly its height, impacts the variability in wind speed in complex terrains. Since the polynomial surrogate relies only on a limited set of input variations (forest height) to estimate the variability distributions for wind speed locally (for specified points of interests), it has proven to be a low-cost and accurate method for estimating uncertainty. In this paper, we discuss the results for wind speed variability for five sites with varying complexity using the polynomial surrogate model. Furthermore, the singular value decomposition (SVD) entropy value is used to quantify terrain complexity for the sites considered. We show how the variability in wind speed can potentially be correlated to terrain complexity. This is our first attempt in providing an empirically (including multiple sites) derived relationship that can be used as a basis for fast and reliable variability estimator for wind resource planners.

Influence of local versus national datasets on seismic loss estimates: A case study for residential buildings in the metropolitan area of Montreal, Canada

Assessing seismic losses requires information on ground shaking levels, a comprehensive inventory of elements at risk and their asset values to evaluate repair/reconstruction costs. The uncertainties associated with these parameters are often significant and the available data are often incomplete. This study aims to assess the value and utility of detailed data in refining seismic risk estimates. Over several years, detailed site conditions and residential exposure datasets were compiled for Greater Montreal. These models were used to estimate building damage and associated losses for various seismic scenarios. Recently, Natural Resources Canada developed a national exposure model to provide a National Earthquake Risk Profile using data derived from existing sources such as topographic maps and census data. This paper compares seismic loss projections for residential buildings using the local dataset as a baseline with those from the national model using OpenQuake and the latest Seismic Hazard Model. The local site model is based on in situ data and site measurements, while the global, proxy-based model relies on USGS correlations between slope topography and site classification. Results show that the global model overestimates seismic hazards, resulting in 30% higher residential losses than the local model. Absolute losses are increased by a factor of 3.6–5.6 depending on the building classification when using the national exposure model compared to the local inventory while relative losses are increased by a factor of 1.1–1.5. These results emphasize the need to develop detailed seismic risk assessment databases for accurate risk assessments, and for selecting appropriate risk reduction measures.

Soil liquefaction sites following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-Türkiye earthquake sequence

AbstractSeismically induced soil liquefaction was listed as one of the major causes of damage observed in the natural and built environment during the 2023 Türkiye-Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence. Reconnaissance field investigations were performed to collect perishable data and document the extent of damage immediately after the events. The sites with surface manifestations of seismic soil liquefaction in the form of soil ejecta, excessive foundation and ground deformations were identified and documented. The deformations were mapped, and samples from ejecta were retrieved. The ejecta samples were predominantly classified as sands with varying degrees of fines. Laboratory test results performed on liquefied soil ejecta revealed that the fines-containing liquefied ejecta samples are mostly classified as low plasticity clays (CL). Most of CL soil type ejecta were retrieved from Gölbaşı–Adıyaman region. The liquid limits of these samples varied in between 32 and 38%, their plasticity index values were estimated in the range of 16–23%. Surprisingly, two ejecta samples with plasticity indices higher than 30% were retrieved from Hatay airport, one of which was classified as high plasticity clay (CH). The majority of the fine-grained ejecta samples fall either on “Zone B: Testing Recommended” region of the Seed et al. (Keynote presentation, 26th Annual ASCE Los Angeles Geotechnical Spring Seminar, Long Beach, CA, 2003) susceptibility chart. Moreover, 12 out of 74 samples fall outside the susceptible limits defined by Seed et. These preliminary results suggest that clayey soils can produce liquefied ejecta when subjected to cyclic loading. Detailed site investigation and laboratory testing programs are ongoing to further investigate this rather unexpected response. Until their findings become available, the liquefaction susceptibility of silty-clayey soils’ mixtures is recommended to be assessed conservatively with caution.

Identification of desalination and wind power plants sites using m-polar fuzzy Aczel–Alsina aggregation information

Real-world decision-making problems often include multi-polar uncertainties dependent on multi-dimensional attributes. The m-polar fuzzy (mF) sets can efficiently handle such multi-faceted complications with T-norm based weighted aggregation techniques. The Aczel–Alsina T-norms offer comparatively flexible and accurate aggregation than the other well-known T-norm families. Consequently, this work introduced novel mF Aczel–Alsina aggregation operators (AOs), including weighted averaging (mFAAWA, mFAAOWA, mFAAHWA) and weighted geometric (mFAAWG, mFAAOWG, mFAAHWG) AOs. The fundamental properties, including boundedness, idempotency, monotonicity, and commutativity are investigated. Based on the proposed AOs, a decision-making algorithm is developed and implemented to solve two detailed multi-polar site selection problems (for desalination plant and for wind-power plant). Finally, a comparison with mF Dombi and mF Yager AOs reveals that different T-norm based AOs may yeild different solutions for the same problem.

An innovative deep eutectic solvent: chalcogen bonding as the primary driving force.

Chalcogen bonding (ChB) interactions have drawn intensive attention in the last few decades as interesting alternatives to hydrogen bonding. The applications of ChB were mostly centered on the solid state and have rarely been explored in solution. In this work, a novel strategy for forming ChB-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was exploited. We set forth the formation, physicochemical properties, and interaction sites in detail. This work not only provides a new idea to design DES systems but also to exploit the potential application of ChB complexes.

First description of post-flexion larvae of the West Atlantic trumpetfish, Aulostomus maculatus

Abstract The West Atlantic trumpetfish Aulostomus maculatus is a species of little commercial importance, but it is frequently used as a study organism in behavioural ecology, and it has been traded in the aquarium industry to some extent. The adult life stage is well described, however its early life history is nearly unknown. This paper provides the first description of post-flexion larvae of A. maculatus, including detailed illustrations, photographs, morphological data, and collection site data of specimens collected during a multipurpose research survey conducted within the Sargasso Sea Subtropical Convergence Zone. The collection site also implies a geographic range expansion, off the continental shelf, of the pelagic larvae stage. This paper hence advances the scientific knowledge about the early life stages, distribution and ecology of this species.

Monitoring temperature patterns at the selected world heritage sites in Egypt using high resolution WorldClim data

Long term temperature patterns helps in assessing changes in the climatic conditions of an area and climatic changes poses a major challenge to the world heritage sites whether it is natural or cultural. Therefore in this study using maximum and minimum temperature data for the period 1960-2021 downloaded from WorldClim 2.1 calculation of mean temperature is done in QGIS environment for the selected UNESCO world heritage sites of Arab Republic of Egypt. WorldClim 2.1 provides finer resolution gridded data downscaled from Climate Research Unit. Trend analysis using linear regression and Mann-Kendall method and Sen’s Slope estimate is used to understand the patterns of mean temperature at all the selected sites. The study reveals that mean temperature at all the selected sites is increasing but since 1990 the sites which are located geographically in lower Egypt are witnessing rapid increase in mean temperature compared to the sites located in upper Egypt which historically witnessed more temperature due to its geographical milieu. This study can help in stimulating the utility of geospatial data in understanding the changes in climatic parameters in relation to world heritage sites. Moreover it can serve as foundation upon which detailed longitudinal site specific investigation can be done.

In-Peat Geomechanical Monitoring Method under Actual Road Embankment

This paper presents an ongoing ‘in-peat’ geomechanical monitoring exercise under an actual road embankment that is being constructed in Sarawak State of Malaysia. The road embankment will serve as part of 236km second trunk road, which is expected to be completed in 2 years. It measures about 34m wide and 3m high, overlies 5m thick of peat and a soft clay. In-peat monitoring method uses a technique that can monitor the vertical stress, the horizontal stress, the pore water pressure, and the settlement from within the peat layer. This complete set of data are valuable to back analyze the phenomena takes place during and post construction, using the state-of-the-art concept in soil mechanics. Detail site information, installation method and preliminary data are discussed. The installation exercise has been finished and the in-peat monitoring has been started. A professional service was appointed to install and monitor the sensors, which is supervised by the academic and the department of public works. The in-peat monitoring is a critical milestone to better understand the geomechanical behavior of peat under actual road embankment and to verify the current peat conceptual model.