Site Survey Research Articles

Uncovering Diversity within the Glomeromycota: Novel Clades, Family Distributions, and Land Use Sensitivity.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, phylum Glomeromycota) are essential to plant community diversity and ecosystem functioning. However, increasing human land use represents a major threat to native AMF globally. Characterizing the loss of AMF diversity remains challenging because many taxa are undescribed, resulting in poor documentation of their biogeography and family-level disturbance sensitivity. We survey sites representing native and human-altered ecosystems across the American continents-in Alaska, Kansas, and Brazil-to shed light on these gaps. Using a recently developed pipeline for phylogenetic placement of eDNA, we find evidence for three putative novel clades within the Glomeromycota, sister to Entrophosporaceae, Glomeraceae, and Archaeosporaceae, with evidence for geographic structuring. We further find that taxa in the Diversisporaceae, Glomeraceae, and Entrophosporaceae relatively high families are overrepresented and more diverse in temperate samples. By contrast, the diversity of taxa that cannot be placed into a family is higher in tropical samples, suggesting that tropical sites harbor relatively high undescribed AMF diversity. Moreover, we find evidence that Entrophosporaceae is more tolerant, while Glomeraceae is more sensitive to disturbance. These results underscore the vast undescribed diversity of AMF while highlighting a way forward to systematically improve our understanding of AMF biogeography and response to human disturbance.

Implementation and Performance Analysis of Internet Networks for RT/RW Using MikroTik and OpenWRT in Simalidu Koto Salak Dhamasraya

This research analyzes the implementation and performance of RT/RW Net Internet networks utilizing MikroTik and OpenWrt in Simalidu Koto Salak, Dharmasraya, addressing the significant challenges posed by the region's telecommunications infrastructure. The primary objective is to evaluate critical Quality of Service (QoS) parameters that greatly influence user experience, specifically focusing on bandwidth, throughput, delay, jitter, and packet loss. Employing a systematic methodology, the study begins with site surveys to assess geographical and infrastructural contexts, followed by the deployment of a Point-To-Point network system designed to ensure optimal signal quality and efficient user management through MikroTik devices. Findings reveal that QoS in the RT/RW Net network is considerably affected by both technical configurations and the quality of the signal, culminating in a QoS score of 3.5, which corresponds to a 75% performance rating. These results indicate that, while the implemented network solution meets basic connectivity needs, further optimization is crucial to enhance user satisfaction and overall performance. Consequently, the study offers several recommendations aimed at improving internet service quality in similar environments, highlighting the necessity of continuous evaluation and adaptation of network configurations to meet the evolving demands of users. Furthermore, it suggests that future research could delve into advanced technologies and methodologies to further enhance network performance and user experience, particularly in rural areas, thereby effectively addressing connectivity challenges and ensuring that the benefits of reliable internet access are widely distributed among local communities.

Mengenal Lebih Dekat Apa Itu Penyakit Kondiloma Akuminata

Condyloma acuminata (KA), also known as genital warts or genital warts, is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The HPV subtypes that most often cause KA are 6 and 11, while subtypes 16 and 18 have the potential to cause cervical cancer. In the United States, there are more than 19.7 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections each year, with 14.1 million cases being HPV infections. In Indonesia, KA was ranked third largest in 12 teaching hospitals in the 2007-2011 period, with a high prevalence in the cities of Medan, Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Jogja and Denpasar, especially among those aged 25-45 years. HPV transmission occurs through sexual contact and can also occur through direct contact with contaminated objects. This disease can attack various genital areas and shows symptoms such as warts, itching, and discomfort. State Senior High School (SMAN) 3 Bengkulu City needs health education to increase students' awareness about the importance of maintaining the health of the genital area. Many students still take their genital health for granted, which can trigger deviant behavior. Therefore, the Service Team from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Muhammadiyah University of Bengkulu conducted outreach at the school in July 2024. This activity included a site survey, education about KA prevention, and evaluation. The results of the counseling show an increase in students' understanding of KA. The enthusiasm from the school and students is very good. Suggestions are given for the school to better control and accompany students to prevent trivialization of the disease, and students are expected to be more social and sensitive to the environment.

Novel (re-configurable, wearable, light weight, ergonomic) low cost 3D mobile mapping system not only for extreme mapping applications

Abstract. This paper presents a novel low cost 3D mapping system designed for fulfilling the gap between existing solutions and constantly growing end-users’ expectations. Firstly, the cost was reduced to minimum by providing an open-source, open-hardware projects. Secondly, the ergonomic, light weight, reconfigurable approach enables a wearable approach to maximize the mobility of the end user. It allows among other things the freedom to walk, crawl and climb. Those are necessities in extreme mobile mapping applications such as cave mapping, construction site survey, search and rescue missions and other unexplored yet applications such as mobile mapping with K9s (trained dogs equipped with 3D mobile mapping systems). The significance of this research is to provide cost effective mobile mapping solution for as large audience as it is possible. Thus, our software is constantly improved for covering more applications e.g. air + ground + underground mapping.

Peran Penyuluh Pertanian dalam Pembuatan Pupuk Organik melalui Budidaya Maggot di Desa Sukamakmur Kecamatan Ajung Kabupaten Jember

<p><em>This </em><em>research</em><em> aims to determine the role of agricultural extensionist in making organic fertilizer through maggot cultivation in Sukamakmur Village, Ajung Sub-district, Jember Regency. This research uses qualitative descriptive approach. Data collection uses observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis uses Miles and Huberman model. The research results show that role of agricultural extensionist in making organic fertilizer through maggot cultivation is divided into three processes, namely planning, management and results of maggot cultivation. In planning, extension workers carry out role of analysts in identifying environment through site surveys, checking tools, materials and feed. Extension agents as facilitators help provide tools and materials, capital and look for market opportunities. Extension agents as organizers carry out coordination, communication and evaluation. As an extension dynamist, mobilizes members of Tirto Bakti II farmer group to actively participate in comparative studies and bazaars. The role of motivator is carried out by motivating in verbal communication and plot demonstration. Extensionist as initiator provides suggestions in making derivative products such as fish feed, creating new packaging and labels. In management, extensionist as teachers/mentors carry out socialization and training activities. As a liaison, extensionist helping in preparing proposals of request assistance and facilities to the government. As advisors, extensionist advise on maintaining sustainability of maggot cultivation so that it continues to operate and increases the targets to be achieved. In the results of maggot cultivation, as agents of change, extensionist influence communities’ mindset to utilize waste through maggot cultivation and meet fertilizer needs with organic fertilizers.</em><em></em></p>

Фаутность еловых древостоев северо-таежного района Архангельской области

The results of studying the defectiveness of spruce forests in the northern taiga zone of the Arkhangelsk Region are presented. Defectiveness has a significant impact on the sanitary condition, marketability and sustainability of forest plantations. The study has been conducted from 2020 to 2023 using materials obtained from sample plots laid in mature spruce plantations, modal in terms of basic taxation parameters. Before starting the field work, the cartographic databases have been studied. The sample size has been determined by the variability of the taxational diameter of the main species and the experiment accuracy. In each test area, all trees have been enumerated by species, diameter at a height of 1.3 m and by condition categories. For each tree, the presence of defects affecting marketability and fruit bodies of wood-destroying fungi has been noted. To determine the age of the trees in the sample plot, core samples have been taken from the root collar. To study the patterns of the defectiveness spread and obtain mass material, statistical survey sites have been laid on fresh cuttings. When rot has been detected on the stump, the diameter of the rot has been measured and its type and stage have been determined. The age of the trees has been determined by the annual rings on the stumps. In the presence of rot, age has been determined by correlation with the diameter of the stump. The trees have then been grouped by their respective age classes. In the course of the research, defectiveness indicators have been studied and analyzed in various forest growth conditions. It has been revealed that with an increase in the age class, the occurrence of all defects increases. The most obvious dependence has been recorded for rots. The amount of rots varies from 5.1 to 29.0 %, depending on the type of forest growth conditions. The proportion of rots decreases with the deterioration of forest conditions. The most common wood-destroying fungus is the root sponge (Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref.). There is an increase in the incidence of wood-destroying fungi in trees with increasing diameter. The average stage of butt rot has been 2.8. The study of the defectiveness will improve the accuracy of assessing the resource potential of coniferous plantations in the Arkhangelsk Region.

Invisible Hand of Sampling for Management: Underlying Needs to Survey a Threatened Seabird Can Bias Aggregated Data

ABSTRACTAimSurveying for a species of concern ahead of proposed activities that alter its habitat is routine practice in conservation and management. Such surveys may accumulate large datasets that could further elucidate trends in abundance and distribution. However, the as‐needed surveying of proposed activities may impart a sample site selection bias on the data if used for another purpose. Management of a threatened, forest‐nesting seabird offered an example of this. Here we assessed how resource management planning and survey requirements can bias clearance monitoring survey data collected prior to proposed timber harvests, if those data are used for other purposes.LocationOregon and Washington, USA.TaxonMarbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus).MethodsTo assess how timber planning and other factors influenced marbled murrelet survey location selection, we used logistic regression models to examine habitat associations of marbled murrelet survey sites (n = 9178) encompassing proposed timber harvests, and the survey stations (n = 38,923) therein, across the murrelet's inland range in Washington and Oregon, USA between 1989 and 2021. We then simulated the effect this selective sampling might have on assessments of occupancy trends.ResultsMost habitat characteristics considered did influence where surveys were located, with distance to roads often being the strongest predictor of survey location. The strength of selection for each covariate changed over time, such that a habitat characteristic strongly influenced location selection in a year but was less influential in another year. The simulation analysis suggested that the non‐random selection of survey sites could profoundly bias assessments of occupancy trends.ConclusionsWhen using these clearance monitoring survey data– or any data–beyond their original purpose, careful consideration should be given to the scope of inference provided and analytical methods used, to ensure that observed trends are the product of biological processes and not biased by sampling artefacts.

Temporal and Spatial Distribution and Risk Assessment of Volatile Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Soils of Typical Industrial Parks in Chongqing Under the “Dual Carbon” Background

ABSTRACT In the context of China’s “Dual Carbon” initiative, controlling volatile compounds (VOCs) in industrial park soils was crucial for pollution control and carbon mitigation efforts. This study examined the distribution and risks of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the soils of Chongqing’s chemical and mechanical industrial parks. Through site surveys, in situ sampling, pollutant extraction and detection, and soil microbial diversity sequencing, we identified a higher pollution risk in chemical parks (detection rate of 18.5%) and compared to mechanical parks (1%). Surface soils exhibited greater pollutant concentrations (11.8%) than deeper soils (8.8%), with higher contamination levels in winter (27.8%) than in summer (9.3%). Microbial diversity analysis revealed richer microbial communities in summer, suggesting their role in the natural degradation of pollutants, with Proteobacteria dominating but remaining largely functionally uncharacterized. Trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene were the primary detected pollutants, though at concentrations below regulatory thresholds. These findings provided crucial data for refining carbon emission policies and environmental management strategies in industrial parks under the “Dual Carbon” framework.

Strategi Pelestarian Budaya Melalui Pembakuan Notasi Musik Kelintang Jolo di Muaro Jambi

This research aims to identify cultural preservation strategies through the standardization of Kelintang Jolo music notation in Muaro Jambi. The process skills used are ethnophysics-based qualitative research. This research uses a method that combines a qualitative approach with ethnographic and physics studies. The data collection techniques used were site survey, research instrument development, observation and documentation, interviews, data analysis and conclusion drawing, and evaluation. The results of this study indicate that Kelintang Jolo notation has an important role in preserving the traditional culture of Muaro Jambi which consists of (1) History of Kelintang Jolo. (2) The process of making Kelintang Jolo. (3) The concept of Ethnophysics in Kelintang Jolo. (4) Kelintang Jolo instrument. (5) Standardization of Music Notation. The implication of the research is expected support from various parties to maintain the sustainability of Kelintang Jolo music notation as a valuable cultural heritage. It is hoped that the results of this study can contribute to cultural preservation efforts through the standardization of traditional music notation in Indonesia.

Мультиплощадной космический мониторинг хранилищ отходов горного производства в Арктике

Modern methods and technologies are analyzed in the satellite-based areal monitoring of mining facilities and territories intended for disposal of mineral waste in the Russian Arctic. An approach to multi-area survey of mining waste disposal sites is presented based on a combination of optical-electronic and radar methods of remote sensing of the Earth through visualized and automated index spatial and temporal analysis of the actual state and dynamic changes of natural and technical systems using applied GIS and web geoservices. Using the example of operating mining enterprises, the experience and results of multi-area space survey are shown in order to create digital information products and databases, as well as to improve methods of supervision and control of the ground infrastructure construction to identify illegal mining and waste disposal during the operation and conservation of man-made deposits.

Experiences with the conservation of the Central Asian Tortoise Agrionemys horsfieldii Gray, 1844 during the construction of PV plants in Uzbekistan

The paper describes step-by-step actions to conserve a globally threatened species – the Central Asian Tortoise in the area of construction of PV plant in the Karnabchul steppe of Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. The total area of the solar PV plant is 350 ha. The research was conducted during spring and summer seasons from 2019 to 2022 during the planning and construction phase of this object. Fauna surveys of the project site in 2019 showed that the most abundant reptiles of the project site are the Central Asian Tortoise. A quantitative assessment of the individuals inhabiting the project site and an analysis the risk of planned technogenic impact were carried out in 2020. The likely damage to the turtle population from the installation and construction works was reasonably estimated at 430 individuals. This was a strong argument for postponing full-scale construction works until mid-2021. Preparations for the relocation of living on the project site turtles began in 2020: the design of the fence and the drainage channel profile were agreed to be as safe as possible for the animals; construction of the project site fence began and a 1250 ha relocation site with similar foraging and protection conditions was selected. In spring 2021, 4572 individuals were removed from the project site and relocated to the resettlement area. The necessary precautions were observed. In 2022, the effectiveness of translocating Central Asian tortoises into the contiguous territory was monitored. Population counts were carried out and the sex and age structure of the turtle population in the relocation area was studied. These studies show that the resettlement process has not disturbed the age and sex structure of the Central Asian tortoise in the area and has not resulted in the mortality of even a small number of individuals. The desert areas of Uzbekistan have the highest potential for solar energy development. At the same time, this sector of the economy also poses a potential threat to terrestrial vertebrate species, in particular the Central Asian Tortoise. The described actions on tortoise conservation in the conditions of Uzbekistan were applied for the first time and showed a good result. In our opinion, it can be used in the implementation of subsequent similar projects.

Interactive Mixed Reality Museum for Ulos Batak Cultural Heritage Preservation and Global Recognition

Indonesia, with its abundant cultural riches, faces challenges in preserving the traditional Batak cloth, Ulos, which is now threatened by globalization and foreign cultural claims. Ulos, which has been designated as Indonesia's Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb) since October 17 2014, has not yet received international recognition from UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list. This recognition is very important to increase global awareness about Ulos and the need for its preservation. Considering these challenges, this research proposes the creation of "Ulos Heritage: Mixed Reality-based Interactive Museum" as an innovative solution to preserve and promote Ulos. This museum was designed with an interactive technology approach, using mixed reality to create a memorable and immersive experience for visitors. This approach involves presenting the collection in an appropriate atmosphere and providing a hands-on experience through augmented and virtual reality technologies. Design methods include literature studies, site surveys, and distributing questionnaires to ensure designs that suit visitor needs. This museum will be located in Medan City, North Sumatra, with facilities including an exhibition area, interactive space and souvenir area. This initiative aims to strengthen public understanding of Ulos and support global recognition as a cultural heritage that must be preserved.

Monitoring the Distribution, Incidence, and Symptom Expression Associated with Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Virus in the Southern United States Using a Sentinel Plot System

Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV), transmitted by the cotton aphid ( Aphis gossypii Glover), was first confirmed in upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Alabama, U.S.A., in 2017. Subsequent observations of symptomatic plants followed by virus infection confirmation via reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) were made in neighboring states in 2018. To assess the distribution and incidence of CLRDV and the occurrence of presumed symptoms across the southern cotton belt, a multidisciplinary team established sentinel plot survey sites at 16 experiment stations in 11 states stretching from Texas to Virginia and Tennessee to Florida beginning in 2019. Field trials were conducted over a 3-year period using multiple cotton cultivars that were adjusted annually. Cotton plots were evaluated at each location by a single evaluator to attempt to correlate symptom occurrence across the cotton-growing region with virus incidence in cotton plant tissues using RT-PCR. Symptom incidence, based on visual estimation of plants in each plot with presumed symptoms, differed across the region and ranged from 0 to 75%, with a low average over all locations of 11.4% in 2021 to an average high of 28.0% in 2020. Though symptom incidence suggested the presence of CLRDV, there were instances where apparent symptoms were observed but virus presence was not confirmed by RT-PCR. CLRDV has since been confirmed from all locations, which suggests that it has become endemic in cotton production areas throughout the eastern range of the United States. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Spatiotemporal Changes and Recovery of Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities after the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill in the Subtidal Area around the Taean Peninsula in South Korea

Marine oil pollution is a significant environmental issue that significantly threatens ocean ecosystems. It occurs frequently and has devastating consequences for marine life, coastal habitats, and human communities. We examined the recovery of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in shallow subtidal areas following the Hebei Spirit oil spill around the Taean Peninsula, South Korea, in 2007. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected seasonally from 15 survey sites between 2008 and 2015. Immediately after the spill in 2008, species richness and density of benthic macroinvertebrates decreased by 66.7% and 37.0%, respectively, compared to before the oil spill in 2007. Cluster analysis based on benthic macroinvertebrate communities delineated the communities from 2008 to 2009 as a distinct cluster characterized by markedly low species richness. Communities from other periods exhibited spatiotemporal variability based on the sampling location and sediment characteristics. By 2011, species richness and density had recovered to levels similar to those in 2007, which was particularly pronounced regarding the resurgence of arthropods and mollusks. Notably, populations of amphipods that are particularly sensitive to oil, such as Urothoe sp. and Byblis spp., showed signs of recovery in 2011; however, recovery of the benthic community at the site nearest to the oil spill area, was not evident until July 2013, as indicated by the benthic opportunistic polychaete amphipod index. This underscores that prolonged time periods are required for communities to fully recuperate after oil spills.

Wi-Fi CSI fingerprinting-based indoor positioning using deep learning and vector embedding for temporal stability

Fingerprinting systems based on channel state information (CSI) often rely on updated databases to achieve indoor positioning with high accuracy and resolution of centimeter-level. However, regularly maintaining a large fingerprint database is labor-intensive and computationally expensive. In this paper, we explore the use of deep learning for recognizing long-term temporal CSI data, wherein the site survey was completed weeks before the online testing phase. Compared to other positioning algorithms such as time-reversal resonating strength (TRRS), support vector machines (SVM), and Gaussian classifiers, our deep neural network (DNN) model shows a performance improvement of up to 10% for multi-position classification with centimeter-level resolution. We also exploit vector embeddings, such as i-vectors and d-vectors, which are traditionally employed in speech processing. With d-vectors as the compact representation of CSI, storage and processing requirements can be reduced without affecting performance, facilitating deployments on resource-constrained devices in IoT networks. By injecting i-vectors into a hidden layer, the DNN model originally for multi-position localization can be transformed to location-specific DNN to detect whether the device is static or has moved, resulting in a performance boost from 75.47% to 80.62%. This model adaptation requires a smaller number of recently collected fingerprints as opposed to a full database.

Temporal variation in utilisation distribution and direction distribution of dugong feeding trails in intertidal seagrass beds in Talibong Island, Thailand: an insight into dugong feeding routes

Context A better understanding of animal habitat use informs fundamental ecology and can provide underpinnings for effective management. Aims This study explored the temporal variation in feeding ground utilisation by dugongs (Dugong dugon) in two intertidal seagrass beds in Talibong Island, Thailand (Sites A and B), focusing on the distribution and direction of dugong feeding trails. Methods Drone-based aerial photography was conducted quarterly over 1 year and daily over 2 weeks to observe feeding trails and behaviour. Key results During five and seven separate photography periods over 1 year, 0.04 ± 0.01% (range: 0.03–0.06%) of Site A (200,000 m2) was covered with new feeding trails daily, while 0.35 ± 0.31% (range: 0.07–0.96%) of Site B (278,000 m2) was covered daily. This temporal variation in the feeding trail area corresponded to that in seagrass coverage. Daily observations over 2 weeks during six separate photography periods revealed a significant decrease in overlapping rates (intersection over union) of the core areas (50% kernel density estimation [KDE]) as time elapsed. The 1-year observation highlighted relatively higher overlapping rates of home ranges (95% KDE) (Site A: 0.27 ± 0.09; Site B: 0.49 ± 0.08) and low overlapping rates of core areas (Site A: 0.02 ± 0.03; Site B: 0.09 ± 0.09). The relative frequencies of the feeding trail direction remained consistent across survey seasons, and the most and least dominant directions were common across all survey seasons and sites. The circular correlation coefficient between the directions of dugong body axis and the estimated tidal current was 0.45, suggesting that feeding generally occurred in the upstream direction. The direction and spatial range of dugong feeding may be affected by temporally consistent factors. One factor that can affect the feeding direction is the tidal current. Conclusions Overall, dugongs may feed and move within seagrass beds in a temporally consistent manner, even when there are shifts in feeding hotspots. Implications This research enhances our understanding of how dugongs utilise their feeding grounds and highlights the importance of not only identifying feeding hotspots but also predicting their feeding routes by considering the direction and distribution of feeding trails.

Terminal Pleistocene–Early Holocene human occupation in north-central Chile

While a clear human presence may be recognised in the Andes by 12 000–11 000 cal BP, most archaeological research has focused on occupation of the Andean highlands. To understand the initial occupation of inland areas of South America, the authors consider regional connections and spatial exploitation strategies of hunter-gatherers highlighted in a recent survey of Andean sites. Focusing on north-central Chile, artefacts and radiocarbon dates from three rock shelters suggest sporadic and brief occupation during the Terminal Pleistocene–Early Holocene. Co-occurrence of marine and montane resources, the authors argue, demonstrates a strategy of high mobility and local adaptation in early Andean occupation, using rock shelters as landmarks to navigate and learn new landscapes.

Why are organisational approvals needed for low-risk staff studies in the UK? Procedures, barriers, and burdens

BackgroundHealth care staff should be given the opportunity to participate in research, but recruiting clinicians via their employing organisation is not always straightforward or quick in the UK. Unlike many countries outside the UK, very low-risk survey, interview or focus group studies can be subject to some of the same governance approval procedures as interventional studies. An exemplar study carried out by the NIHR funded Palliative Care Research Partnership North West Coast is used to highlight the challenges still faced by researchers and health care organisations when setting up a low-risk staff study across multiple NHS and non-NHS sites.MethodsA study database was created and information was collected on the first point of contact with the clinical site, Health Research Authority (HRA) and local organisational approval times, time from trust or hospice agreement to the first survey participant recruited and overall site survey recruitment numbers. Descriptive statistics (median, range) were used to analyse these data.ResultsAcross participating NHS trusts, it took a median of 147.5 days (range 99–195) from initial contact with the local collaborator to recruitment of the first survey participant and hospice sites mirrored these lengthy timescales (median 142 days, range 110–202). The lengthiest delays in the HRA approval process were the period between asking NHS trusts to assess whether they had capacity and capability to support the research and them granting local agreement. Local approval times varied between trusts and settings which may indicate organisations are applying national complex guidance differently.ConclusionsThere is the potential for HRA processes to use more NHS resources than the research study itself when recruiting to a low-risk staff study across multiple organisations. There is a need to reduce unnecessary administrative burden and bureaucracy to give clinicians and research staff more opportunities to participate in research, and to free up NHS R&D departments, research nurses and clinicians to focus on more demanding and patient focused research studies. Hospices need standardised guidance on how to assess the risk of being involved in low-risk research without adopting the unnecessarily complex systems that are currently used within the NHS.

Neurological Surgery Manpower Training and Density in Islamic Republic of Iran: A Population Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Significant disparities in worldwide neurosurgical training and workforce distribution are prominent primarily in low-income and middle-income countries. Although Iran is considered a lower middle–income country, neurosurgical density and distribution in Iran has surpassed the recommended ratio of 1 neurosurgeon for every 100 000 population. The objective was to determine neurological surgery density and distribution in Iran and the factors significant in the relative success in training and allocation of neurosurgeons in Iran. METHODS: Review of PubMed and administration of site surveys of multiple data sources including Neurosurgical Society of Iran, Iranian Board of Neurological Surgery, Medical Council of Islamic Republic of Iran, Universities of Medical Sciences in Iran, and Ministry of Health and Higher Education of Iran. RESULTS: Over the 72-year period from 1952 to 2024, 1200 neurosurgeons have been trained and distributed in 31 provinces in Iran, attaining a ratio of 1.4/100 000 population. All but 40 neurosurgeons were trained after 1981, which coincided with the Iran-Iraq War. Decentralization of medical and neurosurgical residency training programs, resolving the immediate need for neurosurgeons managing penetrating traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries during the 1980 to 1988 Iran-Iraq War, and active participation of legislative and executive branches of government in solving health care disparities were major factors in meeting the needs of the country. At the present time, more than 555 neurosurgeons are practicing in Tehran Province, a proportion of 3.8 neurosurgeons for every 100 000 population, which indicates an element of disparity in density distribution across Iranian land. CONCLUSION: Legislative initiatives and government support of public health care delivery and decentralization of medical and residency training programs after the Iran-Iraq War and introduction of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education are considered the main reasons for the relative success in meeting the neurosurgical demand and manpower density. Still, further adjustment of distribution of manpower is needed.

Enhancing monitoring to promote early detection and eradication of invasive species

Ecological niche models are often used to predict the distribution of invasive species before or after they have been detected in new regions. Such models should also be used to guide surveys to promote the early detection and eradication of invasive species. Here we propose a practical framework that seamlessly uses ecological niche models to develop sampling routes that promote detection of invasive species. Our framework uses habitat suitability predictions and occurrence data on incursion populations to generate potential survey sites, which are then prioritized for sampling based on their size and suitability. The generated survey route is then displayed on an open street map platform. Our framework was developed into the ‘enmRoute' R package and a user‐friendly website to facilitate its application, and we validated our framework with a case study. We show that integrating ecological niche models with human transport routes promotes identification of survey sites that are predicted to collect more individuals and have a greater potential for species detection than traditional sampling approaches. Our framework may help industries, invasion biologists, and regulators develop economical and efficient survey programs for invasive pest monitoring that make eradication programs more attainable.