Field Survey Research Articles

Artificial light at night decreases leaf herbivory in typical urban areas

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is exerting growing pressure on natural ecosystems, but its impact on biological interactions remains unclear. This study aimed to assess how ALAN influences leaf functional traits and herbivory in two prevalent street tree species (Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott and Fraxinus pennsylvanica) through field surveys and paired experiments in the urban areas of Beijing, China. We found that ALAN led to increased leaf toughness and decreased levels of leaf herbivory. Additionally, ALAN showed species-specific effects on leaf nutrients, size as well as defense substances. The findings illustrate that ALAN can significantly alter some key functional traits and ecological processes (nutrient cycling, energy flow). In general, we suggest that high ALAN intensity will be detrimental to the energy flow from urban plants to higher trophic levels, posing a potential threat to the maintenance of biodiversity (e.g., arthropod diversity, bird diversity) in urban ecosystems.

Field laboratory comparison of STANDARD Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) with Bioline Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) for the detection of Lymphatic Filariasis in Samoa, 2023.

To monitor the progress of lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination programmes, field surveys to assess filarial antigen (Ag) prevalence require access to reliable, user-friendly rapid diagnostic tests. We aimed to evaluate the performance of the new Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) with the currently recommended Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) for detecting the Ag of Wuchereria bancrofti, the causative agent of LF, under field laboratory conditions. During an LF survey in Samoa, 344 finger-prick blood samples were tested using FTS and QFAT. Microfilariae (Mf) status was determined from blood slides prepared from any sample that reported Ag-positive by either Ag-test. Each test was re-read at 1 hour and the next day to determine the stability of results over time. Overall Ag-positivity by FTS was 29.0% and 30.2% by QFAT. Concordance between the two tests was 93.6% (kappa = 0.85). Of the 101 Mf slides available, 39.6% were Mf-positive, and all were Ag-positive by both tests. Darker test line intensities from Ag-positive FTS were found to predict Mf-positivity (compared to same/lighter line intensities). QFAT had significantly higher reported test result changes than FTS, mostly reported the next day, but fewer changes were reported between 10 minutes to 1-hour. The field laboratory team preferred QFAT over FTS due to the smaller blood volume required, better usability, and easier readability. QFAT could be a suitable and user-friendly diagnostic alternative for use in the monitoring and surveillance of LF in field surveys based on its similar performance to FTS under field laboratory conditions.

Characterizing Growth-Retarded Japanese Eels (Anguilla japonica): Insights into Metabolic and Appetite Regulation

During field surveys and culture procedures, large growth disparities in Anguilla japonica have been observed. However, the potential causes are unknown. This study explored differences in digestive ability, metabolic levels, and transcriptomic profiles of appetite-related genes between growth-retarded eel (GRE) and normal-growing eel (NGE) under the same rearing conditions. The results showed that growth hormone (gh) mRNA expression in GREs was considerably lower than NGEs. The levels of total protein (TP), total cholesterol (T-CHO), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), blood ammonia (BA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in GREs were significantly lower than in NGEs. Conversely, levels of glucose (GLU), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were higher in GREs. The activities of SOD, CAT, and T-AOC levels were also significantly lower in GREs, as were the activities of glucose-related enzymes including hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PASE). Additionally, orexigenic genes (npy and ghrelin) were dramatically downregulated, whereas anorexigenic genes (crh and pyy) were significantly upregulated in GREs. These findings suggested that variances in growth hormone, metabolic activities, and appetite level could be associated with the different growth rates of A. japonica. The present research not only revealed the characteristics of the growth, metabolism, and appetite of GREs but also offered new perspectives into the substantial growth discrepancies in A. japonica, providing novel ideas for enhancing fish growth.

Trip Attraction Rate Estimation Using Open Data Sources for Smart Transportation Planning

Trip Attraction Rate (TAR) serves as a load factor utilized in aggregate transportation modeling. Conventional estimation consumes a lot of time and manpower for field surveys. Meanwhile, open data sources, such as Google Maps, offer an alternative approach to conducting a survey. The popular times feature from Google Maps can estimate coffee shop TAR in the city of Bandung. This study focuses on coffee shops in Bandung City. Data was collected using web scraping techniques on Google Maps and produced a sample size of 377 data points after the validity and reliability processes. Subsequently, multiple linear regression was employed to estimate TAR. The findings reveal that variables like building area and distance to public transportation hubs influence TAR simultaneously. Moreover, our approach could also distinguish TAR between weekdays (0.13 people/m2/hour) and weekends (0.14 people/m2/hour) in Bandung City. This result challenges the usage of Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) standards, which is often due to limitations of time and workforce in conducting surveys for TAR estimation. The difference in values indicates the need to estimate specific TAR for each city in Indonesia rather than relying on ITE values, and the proposed approach to using open data sources will shorten the estimation process.

Revitalizing Rural Landscapes: Applying Cultural Landscape Gene Theory for Sustainable Spatial Planning in Linpu Village

In the context of rapid urbanization, it is imperative to address the preservation and sustainable development of rural landscapes. This study introduces a novel framework using cultural landscape gene theory to enhance the landscape spatial pattern of Linpu Village, China. Employing a multi-method approach, including data collection and historical data analysis, GIS analysis, and field surveys, we analyze the village’s landscape features and identify a well-preserved “one core, two wings” spatial configuration with diminishing accessibility from the center to the periphery. The study uncovers significant challenges to landscape coherence and legibility, including landscape element discontinuity, inadequate maintenance, and fragmented information. To address these issues, we propose optimization strategies aimed at revitalizing weakened cultural landscape genes, repairing disrupted elements, ensuring corridor integrity, and improving spatial organization. The extraction–construction–analysis–preservation model established in this research not only delivers a comprehensive analysis of Linpu’s cultural landscape but also offers a scalable framework for preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of traditional villages. This study contributes to the practical implementation of sustainable landscape strategies, enhancing the ecological adaptability and resilience of rural environments in the face of urban encroachment.

Field survey assessment of flood loads and related building damage from the July 2021 event in the Ahr Valley (Germany)

Field survey assessment of flood loads and related building damage from the July 2021 event in the Ahr Valley (Germany)

Characterization of damage to steel bridge girders subjected to over-height vehicle collision

Bridge structures that span roads and highways are often at the risk of over-height vehicle collision. Such collisions can cause structural damage to bridge girders, adversely affecting the bridge's safety and functionality, while posing an immediate hazard to traveling motorists. To ensure the structural integrity of the bridge girders, it is imperative to evaluate them in response to the loading demand induced by over-height collisions. However, current specifications and codes do not have the details necessary to predict the impact forces that steel bridge girders can experience during such collisions. To address this gap, a comprehensive investigation was conducted in this study to (i) determine impact force characteristics, (ii) evaluate various impact-induced structural response measures, and (iii) identify design parameters in need of attention to minimize the extent of impact-induced damage to steel girders. For this purpose, nonlinear finite-element models were developed and validated with experimental tests and field surveys. The structural performance of the steel bridge girders was then investigated, in terms of damage patterns, girder displacements and rotations, shear forces and bending moments, and impact forces, during a range of over-height collision scenarios. Based on the obtained results, predictive equations were developed to estimate the mean impact force. This was to facilitate the impact-resistant design of steel girders commonly used in bridge structures.

Soil-sediment connectivity through Bayesian source tracking in an urban naturalised waterway via microbial and isotopic markers

Riverine sediments are important habitats for microbial activity in naturalised waterways to provide potential ecosystem services that improve stormwater quality. Yet, little is known about the sources of these sediment microbes, and the factors shaping them. This study investigated the dominant source of sediments in a tropical naturalised urban waterway, using two Bayesian methods for microbial and isotopic 13C/15N markers concurrently. Additionally, key factors shaping microbial communities from the surrounding landscape were evaluated. A comprehensive two-year field survey identified source land covers of interest based on topology and soil context. Among these land covers, riverbanks were the dominant source of sediments contribution for both edaphic and microbial components. The physico-chemical environment explains most of the variation in sediment communities compared to inter-location distances and microbial source contribution. As microbes provide ecosystem services important for rewilding waterways, management strategies that establish diverse sediment microbial communities are encouraged. Since riverbanks play a disproportionately important role in material contribution to sediment beds, management practices aimed at controlling soil erosion from riverbanks can improve overall functioning of waterway systems.

InSAR data for detection and modelling of overexploitation-induced subsidence: application in the industrial area of Prato (Italy)

Spaceborne-based monitoring for environmental purposes has become a well-established practice. The recent progress of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors, including through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Sentinel-1 constellation, has enabled the scientific community to identify and monitor several geohazards, including subsidence ground deformations. A case study in the Tuscany Region, Italy, highlights the effectiveness of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) in detecting abrupt increases in ground deformation rates in an industrial area of Montemurlo municipality. In this case, InSAR data enabled prompt identification of the phenomenon, supporting the authorities in charge of environmental management to thoroughly investigate the situation. First, an on-site validation was performed via field surveys confirming the presence of cracks and fissures on some edifices. Further analysis, including water pumping rates, settlement gauge and topographic levelling, corroborated the InSAR data's findings regarding vertical deformation. Integration of collected data allowed for spatial identification and assessment of the subsidence bowl and its source depth recognized by the remote sensing data. The Montemurlo case offers a procedural guideline for managing abrupt accelerations, identified by InSAR data in subsidence-prone areas due to fluid overexploitation. In fact, these data proved useful in helping local authorities responsible for hydrogeomorphological risk management. With the exacerbation of deformation issues in subsidence-prone regions due to climate change, early detection and monitoring of such phenomena are increasingly crucial, with InSAR data playing a central role in achieving this goal.

Identification and Characterization Colletotrichum spp. Causing Mango Dieback in Indonesia

Dieback disease in mango trees has been observed in Indonesia, particularly in Java Island, with the causal agent remaining unidentified. One of the important pathogens that are responsible for causing mango dieback is Colletotrichum. Field surveys were conducted in various mango cultivating areas in Java Island, Indonesia to assess prevalence of Colletotrichum as dieback disease pathogen. Eleven Colletotrichum isolates were recovered from symptomatic dieback twigs and morphologically characterized. Genetic diversity fingerprint analysis was carried out using rep-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis identified isolates as belonging to Colletotrichum asianum and Colletotrichum cairnsense using partial sequences of four gene regions, including ITS, ACT, GAPDH, and TUB2. Pathogenicity tests on mango seedlings cv. Arumanis showed that all fungal isolates were responsible for causing dieback symptoms. Subsequently, symptomatic tissue was reisolated to fulfill Koch’s Postulate. This study represented new funding for two species of Colletotrichum causing mango dieback in Indonesia.

One-size-fits-all versus risk-category-based screening interval strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention in Chinese adults: a prospective cohort study

In non-high-risk individuals, risk-category-based atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) screening strategies may be more cost-effective than one-size-fits-all approaches. However, current decisions are constrained by a lack of research evidence. We aimed to explore appropriate risk-category-based screening interval strategies for non-high-risk individuals in ASCVD primary prevention in the Chinese population. We used data from 28,624 participants in the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) who had completed at least two field surveys. The risk assessment tools were the 10-year ASCVD risk prediction models developed based on the CKB cohort. We constructed multistate Markov models to model disease progression and estimate transition probabilities between different risk categories. The total person-years spent unidentified in the high-risk state over a 10-year period were calculated for each screening interval protocol. We also estimated the number of ASCVD events prevented, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, and costs saved when compared to the 3-yearly screening protocol. When compared to the uniform 3-yearly protocol, most risk-category-based screening interval protocols would identify more high-risk individuals timely, thus preventing more ASCVD events and gaining QALYs. A few of them would reduce total health-care costs. The protocol, which used 6-year, 3-year, and 2-year screening intervals for low-risk, intermediate-low-risk, and intermediate-high risk individuals, was optimal, and would reduce the person-years spent unidentified in the high-risk category by 17.9% (95% CI: 13.1%-21.9%), thus preventing an estimated 113 thousand (95% CI: 83-138) hard ASCVD events for Chinese adults aged 30-79 over a 10-year period. When using a lower cost of statin therapy, more screening protocols would gain QALYs while saving costs. For the primary prevention of ASCVD, risk-category-based screening protocols outperformed the one-size-fits-all approach in the Chinese population. This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (82192904, 82388102, 82192900) and grants (2023YFC2509400) from the National Key R&D Program of China. The CKB baseline survey and the first re-survey were supported by a grant from the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation in Hong Kong. The long-term follow-up is supported by grants from the UK Wellcome Trust (212946/Z/18/Z, 202922/Z/16/Z, 104085/Z/14/Z, 088158/Z/09/Z), grants (2016YFC0900500) from the National Key R&D Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China (81390540, 91846303, 81941018), and Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (2011BAI09B01).

Automatic topology and capacity generation framework for urban drainage systems with deep learning-based landuse segmentation and hydrological characterization

This paper proposed a comprehensive and automated framework that integrates the entire urban drainage design process, from refined land use segmentation, to catchment subdivision and characterization, to network topology generation, and finally to hydraulic estimation of pipeline capacity, based on multiple open-source datasets. The method incorporated deep learning-based semantic segmentation, GIS-based hydrological characterization, topology generation and hydraulic calculation algorithms. The performance and applicability of the method were validated through case studies of two cities. The results showed that the deep learning model with prior knowledge could accurately segment urban land use to obtain the detailed shape and boundary description, and achieved higher detection accuracy for water bodies, buildings, and roads. The stormwater drainage topology and conveyance capacity were automatically generated based on subcatchment division and hydrological characterization under a set of topological parameter conditions. In the optimal Critical Success Index (CSI) scenario, only 8% and 21% of the generated pipelines were inconsistent with the expert-designed networks. Compared to the traditional manual design process, the automated approach can save significant time and resources and reduce the reliance on field surveys and empirical/expert work. At the same time, the tool can be employed for system layout and capacity optimization, providing important support for the automation, design, and rehabilitation of stormwater drainage systems.

Psychological and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents: concepts, practices, and prospects

To provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the Psychological and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents (PBICR), this paper introduces its background and features from four aspects. In terms of design concept, the PBICR focuses on various aspects of the mental health and health behaviors of the Chinese population, takes full account of timeliness and efficiency, adheres to the original intention of open data access and data sharing, and builds a high-quality database with large-sample, multi-center, repetitive, and a nationwide cross-sectional design to promote data mining and exchange and cooperation; in terms of survey implementation, the PBICR adopts a combination of population size-proportional, multi-stage sampling and quota sampling, and obtains data through face-to-face field surveys with strict quality control to ensure the representativeness and reliability of the samples. Regarding to the output, the PBICR's research content is rich and updated in line with international hotspots, which can satisfy the demand for research needs on diversified variables and data. Previous research results have had a significant impact in many fields such as public health, management, communication, and psychology. Looking ahead, the PBICR will gradually complete the construction of databases from the general database to sub-databases, pay attention to special populations and globally widespread areas, add perspectives on tracking surveys and biomedical data research, and have greater research potential to drive research on the mental and behavioral health of Chinese population through the overall layout of the multi-dimensional.

The MOSDEF-KCWI Survey: Spectral Properties of Lyα Halos around z ∼ 2 Star-forming Galaxies

We present Keck Cosmic Web Imager integral field observations of extended Lyα emission in the circumgalactic medium of 27 typical star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 2, drawn from the Multi-Object Spectrometer for Infra-Red Exploration (MOSFIRE) Deep Evolution Field (MOSDEF) survey. Using composite spectra in two bins of star formation rate (SFR), star formation rate surface density (ΣSFR), and other galactic properties, we measure spatial variations in the Lyα profile across three regions in the Lyα halo. We find single-peaked, redshifted profiles are ubiquitous within a central 7 kpc radius region. Further out in the halo (7–14 and 14–21 kpc), the Lyα profile of the resonantly scattered emission exhibits more diversity, either transitioning to a double-peaked profile or remaining single peaked across the halo. We find a shorter scale length of the Lyα halo surface brightness profile for composite halos with faster winds. The composites have a similar average inclination, suggesting those with faster winds clear channels in the interstellar medium (ISM), reducing the fraction of Lyα photons resonantly scattered to large radii. A uniform expanding shell radiative transfer model reproduces the shape but not the normalization of the observed double-peaked Lyα profiles. Models that adopt a more realistic, clumpy ISM are likely needed to reproduce both the shape and normalization of the Lyα profiles.

Using Citizen Science and Field Surveys to Document the Introduction, Establishment, and Rapid Spread of the Bare-Eyed Pigeon, Patagioenas corensis, on the Island of Saint-Martin, West Indies

Using Citizen Science and Field Surveys to Document the Introduction, Establishment, and Rapid Spread of the Bare-Eyed Pigeon, Patagioenas corensis, on the Island of Saint-Martin, West Indies

Does Scaling Up Pig Farming Promote Carbon Neutrality Among Pig Farmers?

Pig farming is a major source of carbon emissions in China's livestock industry, and the promotion and application of carbon neutral technologies dedicated to carbon reduction and sequestration is a key measure to promote the realization of carbon neutrality in pig farming industry. In the absence of a system for carbon emission reduction in agriculture, it is important to explore whether large-scale pig farming can spontaneously promote the application of carbon neutral technologies by pig farmers. Combined with the technical background of carbon neutrality in pig farming industry and using the field survey data of 468 pig farmers in Shandong Province, this paper empirically analyzed the effect of large-scale pig farming on the carbon neutral behavior of pig farmers. The findings are threefold. Firstly, because of the effect of economies of scale in the application of carbon neutral technologies, large-scale pig farming can promote the carbon neutral behavior of pig farmers. However, the effect of economies of scale in the application of carbon neutral technologies has a boundary, and the annual output of pigs should be maintained at 3000 to 4999. Secondly, among the effects of pig breeding scale on the application and its degree of composting project, state of planting and breeding cycle has no regulating effect. Thirdly, among the effects of pig breeding scale on the application and its degree of biogas engineering, both state of planting and breeding cycle and subsidy for construction of biogas digester have negative regulating effects. In this paper, the pig farming industry is taken as a typical example to reveal the endogenous incentive mechanism of promoting agricultural carbon emission reduction, which provides theoretical reference and experience enlightenment for the formulation of effective policies to promote agricultural carbon neutrality, which are different from industrial industries.

Risk assessment of the laboratory host range and a molecular characterization determining the field host range of Lixus aemulus, for the biological control of Chromolaena odorata in South Africa

Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae: Eupatorieae) is a sprawling shrub native to the Americas, and a destructive invader of much of the humid tropics and subtropics of the Old World. Opportunistic native-range exploration in 1995 identified a stem-boring weevil, Lixus aemulus, as a promising biological control candidate agent. Host-specificity testing was conducted on L. aemulus in South Africa using laboratory no-choice and paired-choice tests. Three invasive alien plants closely related to C. odorata may be utilized by L. aemulus but no indigenous, ornamental or crop species in South Africa will be attacked by the weevil. A native-range field survey was conducted in Brazil to determine the exact identity of the host plant L. aemulus had been collected in 1995, and to identify additional host-plant species. Genetic assessments of the Lixus sp.(p.). adults collected on the three host plants (C. odorata, Chromolaena laevigata and Heterocondylus vitalbae) reveal these individuals are L. aemulus and the weevil can be classed as an oligophage in its native range. Over 5,500 adults were released in South Africa, but establishment has been poor. A climate mismatch between the region of South Africa invaded by C. odorata and Rio Branco, Acre state, Brazil, seems the most likely explanation, but the extent of the native range of L. aemulus is unknown. Thus, it is uncertain whether L. aemulus can be collected from a population in an area with a more similar climate to South Africa.

The Taxonomic Diversity and Conservation Status of Endemic Plant Species in the Gangetic Plains of Prayagraj

Abstract: This study investigates the taxonomic diversity and conservation status of endemic plant species in the Gangetic plains of Prayagraj. Field surveys and literature review identified 125 endemic plant species, distributed across 45 families and 78 genera. Assessment of their conservation status revealed that 30% of these species are threatened, with 15% categorized as critically endangered. The primary threats to these endemic plants include habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural expansion, fragmentation, and anthropogenic pressures such as grazing and invasive species encroachment. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to mitigate these threats and ensure the preservation of the unique flora in the Gangetic plains of Prayagraj. Priority actions include habitat preservation, restoration initiatives, and community engagement to promote sustainable land use practices. This research provides valuable insights into the conservation priorities for endemic plant species in this region, serving as a foundation for future conservation strategies and biodiversity management efforts.

The Application of Remote Sensing Technology in Post-Disaster Emergency Investigations of Debris Flows: A Case Study of the Shuimo Catchment in the Bailong River, China

The Bailongjiang River Basin is a high-risk area for debris flow in China. On 17 August 2020, a debris flow occurred in the Shuimo catchment, Wen County, which blocked the Baishui River, forming a barrier lake and causing significant casualties and property damage. In this study, remote sensing, InSAR, field surveys, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) techniques were used to analyze the causal characteristics, material source characteristics, dynamic processes, and disaster characteristics after the debris flow. The results showed that the Shuimo catchment belongs to low-frequency debris flows, with a recurrence cycle of more than 100 years and concealed features. High vegetation coverage (72%) and a long main channel (11.49 km) increase the rainfall-triggering conditions for debris flow occurrence, making it more hidden and less noticed. The Shuimo catchment has a large drainage area of 31.26 km2, 15 tributaries, significant elevation differences of 2017 m, and favorable hydraulic conditions for debris flow. The main sources of debris flow material supply are channel erosion and slope erosion, which account for 84.4% of the total material. The collapse of landslides blocking both sides of the main channel resulted in an amplification of the debris flow scale, leading to the blockage of the Baishui River. The scale of the accumulation fan is 28 × 104 m3, and the barrier lake area is 37.4 × 104 m2. The formation mechanism can be summarized as follows: rainfall triggering → shallow landslides → slope debris flow → channel erosion → landslide damming → dam failure and increased discharge → deposition and river blockage. The results of this study provide references for remote sensing emergency investigation and analysis of similar low-frequency and concealed debris flows, as well as a scientific basis for local disaster prevention and reduction.

Analysis of Microfaces and Depositional Environment of Limestone in North Isimu Area, Gorontaolo Regency

The geological conditions in the northern part of Lake Limboto vary greatly from the constituent rocks to the working geological structures. Lithological variations consist of volcanic and plutonic rocks to limestone. The area where limestone is widely distributed is in the North Isimu Region, Gorontalo Regency. This research aims to analyze the geological conditions, microfacies and depositional environment of limestone in the North Isimu Region, Gorontalo Regency. The research methods used to achieve this goal consist of field surveys and petrographic laboratory analysis. Field surveys include taking rock samples, taking coordinate points, taking elevation, geomorphological observations, observing geological structures and taking field documentation. Meanwhile, petrographic analysis of rocks uses a polarizing microscope as a tool to follow up megascopic observations. Observation of rock incisions under a microscope using cross nicol and parallel nicol. Based on the results and discussion, it shows that the geomorphology of the research area includes structural hills with sub-parallel river flow patterns. The geological structure of the research area is a descending fault trending northwest-southeast. The research area is divided into four facies, namely foraminifera wackestone, crystalline limestone, foraminifera algae packstone and coralline floatstone. Standard microfacies (SMF) in the North Isimu Region consists of three SMF namely SMF-3, SMF-4 and SMF-5 with two limestone depositional environmental zones namely toe of slope (FZ-3) and slope (FZ-4). FZ-3 was deposited at the end of the foreslope zone and FZ-4 was deposited seaward of the foreslope from the edge of the carbonate debris platform.Keywords: Limestone; Microfacies; Depositional Environment; North Isimu