Survey Points Research Articles

Annual and spatial variation in adult and brood abundance in a sub-Arctic wader

ABSTRACT Capsule Numbers of adult Eurasian Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus declined steeply across Iceland’s largest lowland basin during 2012–2021, but the abundance of broods during 2013–2021 did not decline. Sites with more adults generally held more broods. Aims Many Arctic-breeding waders are experiencing population declines, and it is imperative to gain a better understanding of how habitats and demography interplay in driving the dynamics of wader populations. We investigated the temporal and spatial variation in the abundance of Eurasian Whimbrel adults and broods (a proxy for productivity), and also the habitat associations of adults and broods, to assess whether sites holding more adults were also more productive. Methods Temporal and spatial variation in the abundance of Eurasian Whimbrels were analysed using generalized linear models in an 11-year dataset of adult counts and a nine-year dataset of brood counts, collected in a road-based survey across Iceland’s largest lowland region. Results We found a strong decline in the adult population but no trend in brood abundance, which showed high annual variation. Both the adults and broods occurred in a range of semi-natural habitats, but broods occurred less frequently in cultivated, built-up and forested habitats than expected by chance. More broods were associated with survey points that had a higher abundance of adults, suggesting the sites holding more adults are also more productive. Conclusions Spatial variation in brood abundance is largely a proximate product of local adult abundance, whereas its temporal variation seems strongly affected by annual environmental conditions. Incorporating such results into landscape planning, and prioritizing habitats for conservation where adults are more abundant, should also favour more productive sites in this Icelandic population.

Professional loyalty and social mobility of young professionals

Introduction. Professional education in the modern information society acquires new meanings and value orientations. This is explained by the fact that increasing investment in human potential and ensuring due quality of education create a serious foundation for the formation of social mobility. At the same time, its connection with professional loyalty requires a separate conceptualisation and creation of a necessary empirical basis for assessing the economic resource and corporate responsibility and ensuring proper investments in human resource development. The purpose of the study is to reveal the main characteristics of young specialists’ professional loyalty with regard to ensuring their effective inclusion in the system of social and labour relations. Materials and methods. The online survey involved young (under the age of 35) teachers of pedagogical universities of some CIS countries (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan). The all-Russian sample covered in total 1,295 respondents. The analysis of empirical data was based on the methods of descriptive statistics and systematisation of data on young teachers’ ambitions in terms of professional prospects. Results. The findings of the survey point to the acceptable conditions for professional growth, as viewed by many young teachers (64%). The young people’s satisfaction with their labour activity was 73%. The probability of young teachers’ voluntary dismissal decreases with their increased length of service at universities. The share of young teachers intending to link their professional activity with the university in the next 3-5 years was 73%. Conclusion. Young specialists’ professional loyalty directly conditions their success in their profile labour activities. Young specialists who develop the necessary positive attitudes and competencies in the process of their education will in most cases be more flexible at the workplace and have a higher social mobility level. In this regard, investments in professional education can be justified if young professionals have a necessary mobility potential allowing them to successfully adapt to the labour market.

The Green Bank 820 MHz Pulsar Survey. I. Survey Overview and Initial Results

The Green Bank 820 MHz pulsar survey covers ≃173 deg2 in the Cygnus X region of the Galaxy, centered on l = 84.°5 and b = 1.°5. Significant star formation is present in this region, and lines of sight pass through three arms of the Galaxy (Orion–Cygnus, Perseus, and an outer arm). Using the Green Bank Telescope, we recorded 200 MHz of bandwidth for 4.5 minutes at 81.92 μs resolution for each of 3457 observed survey pointings during 2016 and 2017, covering about two-thirds of the total area. We searched these data for pulsars and report the discovery of six new pulsars—PSRs J2016+3820, J2016+4231, J2019+3810, J2035+3538, J2035+3655, and J2041+4551—and the codiscovery of PSR J2057+4701. PSR J2035+3655 is in a short (4.5 hr) binary orbit; we report the full binary solution and weakly constrain the mass of the pulsar via a marginal (2σ) detection of the Shapiro delay. We also searched the survey data for known pulsars to estimate the survey’s sensitivity and measured 820 MHz pulse widths and flux density for 20 detected sources. For sources that were also detected in the Green Bank North Celestial Cap survey at 350 MHz, we measure scattering parameters and compare to expectations for the region. With these results, we revisit the population estimates that motivated this survey and consider the impact of the survey’s yield on their underlying models. We note an apparent underestimate in dispersion measure predictions from typical Galactic electron density models in the survey region, and discuss future observation strategies.

Comparative Effectiveness of different therapies for Convergence Insufficiency

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different treatment options such as brock string, dot card, jump convergence and pencil push-up exercises for convergence insufficiency (CI). Methodology: After ethical approval, this quasi experimental study was conducted at District Head Quarter (DHQ) Bhakkar, Thel University Bhakkar, schools and collages of Bhakkar and district Layyah by selecting 140 patients presenting with symptomatic convergence insufficiency through non-probability convenient sampling. After informed consent, Positive Fusional Vergence (PFV), CI Symptom Survey (CISS) and near point of convergence (NPC) were measured. Then randomly divide into four groups of 35 patients by non-probability purposive sampling. Each group received one of the chosen therapy for 3 consecutive months. All patients were examined and self-structure proforma was filled as baseline data on each follow-up of therapy. Data was analyzed by IBM SPSS version 23. Results: After completion of three month of treatment, near point of convergence improved from mean 13.343 ±.219 to 8.757±.194; CI 95%: p<0.001 respectively in brock string, mean 13.486 ±.197 to 7.729 ±.169; CI 95%: p<0.001 in dot card exercise, in jump convergence mean 13.614 ±.214 to 9.057, ±.170; CI 95%: p<0.001 improvement of NPC occur and in pencil push-up 13.243 ±.208 to 8.329 ±.143; CI 95%: p<0.001. Conclusion: The dot card is most effective treatment to perform at home for CI, effective for achieving clinically significant improvements in signs and symptoms associated with CI in young adults.

Method for Measuring the Fractional Derivative of a Two-Dimensional Magnetic Field Based on Taylor–Riemann Series

In magnetic data processing, a fractional derivative can enhance details without excessively amplifying high-frequency noise. To obtain a fractional derivative numerically, a large number of survey points are required. This article demonstrates how a few survey points can be used to obtain the fractional derivative of a two-dimensional magnetic field through the application of Taylor–Riemann series. First, we derive the measurement method for the fractional gradient. This method is achieved by measuring the magnetic field at several survey points on a circle, then constructing analytical functions and finally calculating the fractional derivative. Next, an experiment is designed and simulated to demonstrate the impact of the fractional derivative start point and the ability to suppress Gaussian noise. Finally, the experiment is performed, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed method in a two-dimensional magnetic field.

Awareness and knowledge of dementia and its communication disorders amongst Brazilian speech and language therapists.

Speech and language therapists (SLTs) play an important role in assessing and rehabilitating communication disorders in people with dementia, but there is evidence to suggest that they do not receive appropriate training to provide management and support during their training. To investigate the level of awareness and knowledge that practising SLTs from Brazil have about dementia and their role in the care of dementia through an online survey. An online survey tool was developed to collect information from practising Brazilian SLTs regarding their knowledge about dementia, awareness about their role in the care of people with dementia, and opinions on how SLTs may be better prepared to work in the dementia field. The survey was disseminated via social media, websites, and e-mail lists of researchers and stakeholders. A total of 227 SLTs completed the survey. Participants showed good knowledge of dementia in general, while their answers were less accurate on primary progressive aphasia. Regarding the awareness by SLTs of their role in the care of people with dementia, most agreed or strongly agreed that SLTs could help people in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dementia (> 80%). However, fewer participants agreed or strongly agreed that they felt confident in contributing to the treatment and diagnosis process of dementia (about 50%). To improve the training of SLTs in Brazil, most participants believed that it would be necessary to improve the teaching of dementia at the undergraduate speech and language therapy curriculum level and to develop recommendations or guidelines about speech and language therapy practice in dementia. The results of this survey point to a need for improvement in the knowledge and confidence of Brazilian SLTs about dementia. To reach this goal, targeted training courses and applied practice opportunities should be embedded within university curricula and training programmes. What is already known on the subject Many studies confirm the importance of speech and language therapy in the non-pharmacological treatment of people with dementia. However, other evidence suggests to a possible lack of training for Brazilian SLTs, especially in the curriculum of undergraduate courses. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study reveals that Brazilian SLTs have substantial knowledge of dementia and recognize the significance of their role in treating people with dementia. However, a minority expressed confidence in their ability to assess and treat people with dementia. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The findings of this research demonstrate that Brazilian SLTs have good knowledge of dementia and endorse their professional role in dementia care; however, they lack confidence in their own skills and expertise in diagnostic assessment and treatment of dementia. Interventions aimed at boosting the SLT's confidence level could lead to improved patients outcomes and overall quality of care within clinical settings.

Efficient Damage Assessment of Rice Bacterial Leaf Blight Disease in Agricultural Insurance Using UAV Data

In Indonesia, where the agricultural insurance system has been in full operation since 2016, a new damage assessment estimation formula for rice diseases was created through integrating the current damage assessment method and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral remote sensing data to improve the efficiency and precision of damage assessment work performed for the payments of insurance claims. The new method can quickly and efficiently output objective assessment results. In this study, UAV images and bacterial leaf blight (BLB) rice damage assessment data were acquired during the rainy and dry seasons of 2021 and 2022 in West Java, Indonesia, where serious BLB damage occurs every year. The six-level BLB score (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) and damage intensity calculated from the score were used as the BLB damage assessment data. The relationship between normalized UAV data, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and BLB score showed significant correlations at the 1% level. The analysis of damage intensities and UAV data for paddy plots in all cropping seasons showed high correlation coefficients with the normalized red band, normalized near-infrared band, and NDVI, similar to the results of the BLB score analysis. However, for paddy plots with damage intensities of 70% or higher, the biased numbering of the BLB score data may have affected the evaluation results. Therefore, we conducted an analysis using an average of 1090 survey points for each BLB score and confirmed a strong relationship, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.9 for the normalized red band, normalized near-infrared band, and NDVI. Through comparing the time required by the current assessment method with that required by the assessment method integrating UAV data, it was demonstrated that the evaluation time was reduced by more than 60% on average. We are able to propose a new assessment method for the Indonesian government to achieve complete objective enumeration.

Study on the Application of Finite Difference in Geological Mine Fault Groups: A Case Study

Fault structures can cause a bad mining environment and increase the stress of surrounding coal pillar faults. The study investigates the stress evolution characteristics within fault structure groups and their surrounding coal pillars and explores the extent to which these fault structure groups influence the stress distribution in coal pillars. Based on three-dimensional modeling technology, a transparent geological model of the geological environment of fault structure groups was constructed and finite difference software was used to generate a numerical simulation model. Two survey lines and four survey points were arranged to analyze the stress distribution of a coal pillar fault. The results show that the fault structure groups have obvious stress barrier effects. There is a 35 m stress reduction zone in the hanging wall of the fault and a 30 m stress increase zone in the footwall of the fault. Both FL-1 and FL-3 faults have a stress barrier effect in the hanging wall. The obvious stress increases in the footwall of the fault are 37.7 MPa and 33.5 MPa, respectively. The stress of the FL-2 fault as a whole appears to be a more obvious superposition at the end of mining, and the peak stress reaches 41.5 MPa.

A gravitational eye: a method for extracting maximum information from gravitational potentials

Gravity measurements have uses in a wide range of fields including geological mapping and mine-shaft inspection. The specific application under consideration sets limits on the survey and the amount of information that can be obtained. For example, in a conventional gravity survey at the Earth’s surface a gravimeter is translated on a two-dimensional planar grid taking measurements of the vertical component of gravity. If, however, the survey points cannot be chosen so freely, for example if the gravimeter is constrained to operate in a tunnel where only a one-dimensional line of data could be taken, less information will be obtained. To address this situation, we investigate an alternative approach, in the form of an instrument which rotates around a central point measuring the gravitational potential or its radial derivative on the boundary of a sphere. The ability to record additional components of gravity by rotating the gravimeter will give more information than obtained with a single measurement traditionally taken at each point on a survey, consequently reducing ambiguities in interpretation. We term a device which measures the potential, or its radial derivatives, around the surface of a sphere a gravitational eye. In this article we explore ideas of resolution and propose a thought experiment for comparing the performance of diverse types of gravitational eye. We also discuss radial analytic continuation towards sources of gravity and the resulting resolution enhancement, before finally discussing the possibility of using cold-atom gravimetry and gradiometry to construct a gravitational eye. If realised, the gravitational eye will offer revolutionary capability enabling the maximum information to be obtained about features in all directions around it.

Determining of Appropriate Passenger Car Unit Values Due to a Change in Effective Width of Roadway

Legitimately, the passenger car equivalent value is determined based on the type and width of the road as well as the traffic volume. Interestingly, the effective width of roadway often varies due to land topography conditions and level of side friction. Theoretically, the number of survey posts should be determined based on road geometric and environmental conditions because traffic volume is a reflection of the choice of speed. Unfortunately, due to limited funds, traffic volume, travel speed and ride friction surveys were carried out at 1 survey point. As a result. the recommendations for strategies and/or traffic management and engineering techniques could be bias. This study aims to calculate the impact of differences in the effective road width on the equivalent value of passenger cars using the Speed Method. For this reason, a speed survey was carried out on a number of arterial roads in the Kupang urban area. It was found that changes in the effective width of road lanes have a significant impact on changes in motorbike speed so that the use of passenger car equivalent value for motorcycle should be based on the result of field survey, instead of a standardized value as it was recommended by Indonesian Highway Capacity Guide

Application of Principal Component Analysis in Determining the Hydrogeochemistry Characteristics of Karst Water in Bac Kan and Cao Bang

Research on the origin and processes affecting the hydrogeochemical characteristics of karst water provides useful information for the management and exploitation of karst water resources. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to the karst water physicochemical data, including temperature, pH, Electronic Conductivity (EC), Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3-, SO42-, and NO3- in Ba Be lake (Bac Kan province) and Ha Quang, Trung Khanh (Cao Bang province). The Piper diagram described the main type of hydrochemical facies in karst water at 24/25 survey points as Ca2+-HCO3-. The combination of eleven physicochemical properties was reduced into four main components (PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4) based on eigenvalues of 4,0; 2,5; 1,3 and 1,2, respectively. A total of 81,53% of the variance was represented by four main components, in which PC1 (36,36%) represented the rock-water interaction, PC2 (22,88%) represented pollution sources related to human activities, PC3 and PC4 (22,29%) represented the dissolution of magnesium minerals. The moderate-strong correlation between parameters of the Mia Le Formation’s sample in Ba Be Lake area and PC1 indicated that the major chemical composition of karst water is strongly influenced by the interaction between carbonate rocks and water. This process also occurs intensely at some survey points in the Bac Son, Song Hien, and Cao Bang formations. Meanwhile, some samples NK.19, NK.23, NK.25 of the Bac Son and Song Hien formations had a moderate positive correlation with PC2 and are affected by human activities. Research results have shown that the combination of principal component analysis PCA and correlation analysis is an effective tool in determining karst water characteristics in the area.

Evaluating the predictors of habitat use and successful reproduction in a model bird species using a large‐scale automated acoustic array

The emergence of continental to global scale biodiversity data has led to growing understanding of patterns in species distributions, and the determinants of these distributions, at large spatial scales. However, identifying the specific mechanisms, including demographic processes, determining species distributions remains difficult, as large‐scale data are typically restricted to observations of only species presence. New remote automated approaches for collecting data, such as automated recording units (ARUs), provide a promising avenue towards direct measurement of demographic processes, such as reproduction, that cannot feasibly be measured at scale by traditional survey methods. In this study, we analyze data collected by ARUs from 452 survey points across an approximately 1500 km long study region to compare patterns in adult and juvenile distributions in great horned owl Bubo virginianus. We specifically examine whether habitat associated with successful reproduction is the same as that associated with adult presence. We postulated that congruence between these two distributions would suggest that all areas of the species' range contribute equally to maintenance of the population, whereas significant differences would suggest more specificity in the species' requirements for successful reproduction. We filtered adult and juvenile calls of the species for manual review using automated classification and constructed single season occupancy models to compare land cover and vegetation covariates which significantly predicted presence of each life stage. We found that habitat use by adults was significantly predicted by increasing amounts of forest cover, reduced forest basal area, and lower elevations; whereas juvenile presence was significantly predicted only by decreasing amounts of forest cover, a pattern opposite that of adults. These results show that presence of adult great horned owls is not a sufficient proxy for locations at which reproduction occurs, and also demonstrate a highly scalable workflow that could be used for similar analyses in other sound‐producing species.

Development of Soil Quality Databases and Land Potential Assessment Using GIS: A Case Study of Lao Cai Province, Vietnam

The utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly the Mapinfo software, is indispensable in the establishment of a land quality and land potential database encompassing each land parcel within Lao Cai province. Through a multifaceted approach involving data collection techniques, field surveys, data analysis, and the creation of both spatial and attribute databases, the GIS application in Lao Cai province has successfully compiled a comprehensive dataset. This dataset encompasses a range of layers, including boundaries, administrative demarcations, land use statuses, survey points, soil types, slope characteristics, soil depth, irrigation patterns, climatic conditions, soil fertility data, and transportation and hydrological information. The amalgamation of this spatial data with attribute data yields a comprehensive repository featuring information on 405 units of agricultural land quality and potential, in addition to 65 aggregated non-agricultural land parcels. This combined dataset functions as the foundational land quality and potential database for Lao Cai province. Assessment outcomes for land quality and land potential throughout the entire province reveal that 51.42% of the land exhibits low quality, 35.06% demonstrates moderate quality, and 13.52% boasts high quality. In terms of land potential, 29.15% is categorized as having low potential, 44.88% as having moderate potential, and 25.97% as having high potential. Furthermore, the precise delineation of land quality and potential for each land parcel within the database effectively caters to the information retrieval needs of land administrators and stakeholders. This research also seeks to contribute to the standardization of land databases at both the provincial and national levels, thereby bolstering land management efforts within the context of globalization, development, and climate change adaptation.

Salinity distribution in agricultural land by geophysical, hydrochemical and geostatistical approaches: a pilot area located in Qelabshowah–Belqas, East Nile Delta region, Egypt

The study area is situated in the Qelabshowah–Belqas region, known for its Quaternary deposits. This research aims to demonstrate the two-dimensional (2D) variation of subsurface layers and salinity distribution using geoelectrical data, hydrochemical analysis, and geostatistical analysis. DC resistivity measurements were taken at fifteen vertical electrical sounding (VES) survey points using a Schlumberger array (AB/2 = 100 m) along three profiles. In addition, an electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey was conducted with a dipole–dipole array across one profile. Seven surface water samples were collected in the area. From the 1D and 2D inversion of VES and ERT data sets, three-to-four geoelectric layers were identified, including unconsolidated surface deposits, saturated clayey sand, saturated sand, and a salt-rich layer. The 2D inversion of VES data revealed an ancient salt-rich layer deposited in swampy conditions over a conductive wet sand layer along profile one due to salt mineral infiltration and dissolution. The 2D inversion of ERT data showed accurate lateral geometric accuracy compared to the 2D inversion of VES data, highlighting geological features, such as caves in the second layer and a buried water canal on the ground surface. Surface water samples showed high salinity levels with sodium hazards, indicating an Na–Cl composition. Geoelectric and hydrochemical data sets were geostatistically analyzed using spherical variogram supported ordinary Kriging interpolation. The analysis indicated weak to moderate spatial dependency for true resistivity parameters, while sodium content (SC) and permeability index (PI) showed strong spatial correlation. The 2D spatial distribution resistivity maps based on the 1D inversion of VES data displayed a general decrease in resistivity with depth, likely due to clay minerals or moist soil in the second layer and saline irrigation water infiltration in the third layer. The 2D spatial distribution of SC and PI showed a high concentration zone, posing a potential risk to agricultural crops regardless of soil permeability. It is recommended to use these maps when cultivating plants that can tolerate high sodium levels during the reclamation process.

Understanding and Perception of Automated Text Generation among the Public: Two Surveys with Representative Samples in Germany.

Automated text generation (ATG) technology has evolved rapidly in the last several years, enabling the spread of content produced by artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, with the release of ChatGPT, virtually everyone can now create naturally sounding text on any topic. To optimize future use and understand how humans interact with these technologies, it is essential to capture people's attitudes and beliefs. However, research on ATG perception is lacking. Based on two representative surveys (March 2022: n1 = 1028; July 2023: n2 = 1013), we aimed to examine the German population's concepts of and attitudes toward AI authorship. The results revealed a preference for human authorship across a wide range of topics and a lack of knowledge concerning the function, data sources, and responsibilities of ATG. Using multiple regression analysis with k-fold cross-validation, we identified people's attitude toward using ATG, performance expectancy, general attitudes toward AI, and lay attitude toward ChatGPT and ATG as significant predictors of the intention to read AI-written texts in the future. Despite the release of ChatGPT, we observed stability across most variables and minor differences between the two survey points regarding concepts about ATG. We discuss the findings against the backdrop of the ever-increasing availability of automated content and the need for an intensive societal debate about its chances and limitations.

Trends and predictors of unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV in Zambia: implications for elimination of vertical transmission of HIV

BackgroundPrevention of vertical (mother to child) transmission of HIV is one of the key strategies towards HIV epidemic control. Despite considerable progress over the past decade in Zambia, the country is yet to reach global and national target for elimination of vertical transmission of HIV. Avoidance of unintended pregnancy among women living with HIV is one of the cost-effective interventions in a comprehensive approach to prevent vertical transmission of HIV. Therefore, this study aimed at ascertaining trends in and predictors of unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV in Zambia.MethodsThe study employed a repeated cross sectional (RCS) study design, using data from the three (3) most recent consecutive rounds of the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) conducted in 2007, 2013/2014 and 2018. The study used data from a total of 27,153 women aged 15–49 years over the three survey periods among whom 4,113 had an HIV positive result following a rigorous HIV testing algorithm of the demographic and health surveys, and these constituted our sample size of women living with HIV. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses to respectively ascertain trends in and predictors of unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV.ResultsOver the three survey points, unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV has largely remained unchanged from 20.8% in 2007 to 20.5% in 2013/14 and 21.1% in 2018 DHS. Residence, age of women, household wealth, woman’s parity, employment, and age of spouse emerged as significant predictors of unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV in Zambia.ConclusionPreventing HIV infection in a child preserves life, contributes to improving quality of life from its early stages and averts lifetime costs of HIV treatment and associated healthcare costs. There is need to consider optimization of interventions to prevent vertical transmission of HIV including shaping programming regarding preventing unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV. Among other aspects, policy and practice need to strengthen SRH/HIV integration and better target rural residents, younger women, those with high parity and consider positive male engagement to reduce unmet need for family planning among women living with HIV.

Contemporary movement of rock glaciers in the La Sal and Uinta Mountains, Utah, USA

Rock glaciers are common landforms in mountainous areas of the western US. The motion of active rock glaciers is a key indicator of ice content, offering connections to climate and hydrologic systems. Here, we quantified the movement of six rock glaciers in the La Sal and Uinta Mountains of Utah through repeat differential GPS surveying. Networks of 10–41 points on each rock glacier were surveyed in September 2021; July 2022; September 2022; and July 2023. We found that all features are moving with average annual rates of motion from 1.5 ± 0.8 to 18.5 ± 7.5 cm/yr. Rock glaciers move up to 3× faster in the summer than in the winter, and rates of motion were greater in 2023 after a winter with above-average snowfall, emphasizing the role of liquid water availability. Velocities of individual points in the winter of 2021–22 are positively correlated with velocities during the winter of 2022–23, suggesting that spatial variability of motion is not stochastic, but rather reflects internal properties of each rock glacier. Bottom temperature of snow measurements during winter, and the temperature of springs discharging water in summer, suggest that these rock glaciers contain modern permafrost. Radiocarbon data document advance of one rock glacier during the Little Ice Age. Our GPS dataset reveals complicated patterns of rock glacier movement, and the network of survey points we established will be a valuable baseline for detecting future cryosphere change in these mountains.

Application of Deep Learning on Structure Displacement Measurement and Accuracy Analysis

Displacement serves as a crucial indicator in structural health monitoring within civil engineering, with computer vision being a commonly employed tool due to its cost-effectiveness and convenience. This paper introduces a methodology for tracking feature points computed via computer vision techniques SuperPoint and SuperGlue. Two test scenarios are conducted: a bridge loading test characterized by a low uniform stress state, and a tensile strength test marked by a high stress state. However, a notable drawback of this method is the potential misalignment between the survey point (the point under measurement) and the feature point, leading the errors. To address this issue, a fundamental principle for selecting feature points is presented. In the bridge loading test, the displacement of the survey point is recorded, and the influence of misalignment between survey point and feature point on accuracy is analyzed under low-stress uniform conditions. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of this method for field measurements in civil engineering. Subsequently, a tensile strength test is conducted to assess the influence of different feature point selection criteria on accuracy under high-stress conditions. Concurrently, the DIC software Ncorr is applied to analyze the displacement field of feature points near the survey point. The results highlight the significant influence of selecting feature points within regions of high stress concentration on measurement accuracy.

2018年浙江古田山24公顷亚热带常绿阔叶林动态监测样地林冠结构和地形数据集

The canopy structure and topographic variables jointly influence the spatiotemporal variation of habitats for important species. However, there remains a considerable scarcity of precise forest canopy structure and topographic data obtained from large-scale forest dynamic plots. LiDAR data, acquired via near-surface remote sensing platforms, facilitates precise computation of both canopy structure and topographic variables. This study selected a 24-hectare dynamic plot in the subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest, located in the core conservation area of Qianjiangyuan National Park, as its focal point for survey. We conducted an analysis and quality control process on the point cloud data in 2018 using a near-surface remote sensing platform for this area, aiming to acquire corresponding canopy structure and topography data. Ground data collected through Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) surveying were used to verify and validate the accuracy of the digital elevation model (DEM). The analysis revealed a mean square error of elevation of 0.07 meters, suggesting a high level of accuracy of the dataset. The 24-hectare subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest dynamic plot represents a typical low-altitude evergreen broad-leaved forest in the central subtropical region. This dataset can provide essential data support for the monitoring and research of biodiversity in subtropical broadleaved evergreen forests.

Prevalence of antimicrobial use and healthcare-associated infections in the UAE: Results from the first nationwide point-prevalence survey

ObjectivesThe WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) 2017–2018 reported a significant increase in antimicrobial resistance among nosocomial pathogens. This was the first national point of prevalence survey in United Arab Emirates. MethodsA one-day multicenter cross-sectional survey using a unified web-based platform was conducted in forty-four hospitals across the country from 3 to 23 November 2019 to estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial use and healthcare-associated infections among both governmental and private sectors. ResultsAll in all, 3657 inpatients in the 44 participating hospitals were surveyed; 51.4 % were on at least one antibiotic at that time. Pneumonia was the most frequently reported hospital-acquired (47 %), followed by intra-abdominal sepsis (10.9 %), upper respiratory tract infections (10.6 %), and urinary tract infections (9.9 %). Ceftriaxone and piperacillin/Tazobactam were the most frequently used antibiotics (13.5 %, 9.6 %). Compliance with guidelines was reported in 70.3 % of prescriptions. Only 11.4 % of patients received a single dose of surgical prophylaxis. ConclusionOur results on antimicrobial use and hospital-acquired infection prevalence are comparable to other regional and international findings. Local guidelines are needed to reduce the excessive use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics, reduce prolonged antibiotic use after surgery, and decrease hospital-acquired infections.