Survey Points Research Articles

Tall, large-diameter trees and dense shrub layer as key determinants of the abundance and composition of bird communities in oak-dominated forests

Increasing human activity is altering the structure of forests, which affects the composition of communities, including birds. However, little is known about the key forest structure variables that determine the richness of bird communities in European temperate oak forests. We, therefore, aimed to identify key variables in these habitats that could contribute to the design of management strategies for forest conservation by surveying 11 oak-dominated forest sites throughout the mid-mountain range of Hungary at 86 survey points to reveal the role of different compositional and structural variables for forest stands that influence the breeding bird assemblages in the forests at the functional group and individual species levels. Based on decision tree modelling, our results showed that the density of trees larger than 30 cm DBH was an overall important variable, indicating that large-diameter trees were essential to provide diverse bird communities. The total abundance of birds, the foliage-gleaners, primary and secondary cavity nesters, residents, and five specific bird species were related to the density of high trunk diameter trees. The abundance of shrub nesters was negatively influenced by a high density of trees over 10 cm DBH. The density of the shrub layer positively affected total bird abundance and the abundance of foliage gleaners, secondary cavity nesters and residents. Analysis of the co-dominant tree species showed that the presence of linden, beech, and hornbeam was important in influencing the abundance of various bird species, e.g., Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris), Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris) and Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix). Our results indicated that large trees, high tree diversity, and dense shrub layer were essential for forest bird communities and are critical targets for protection to maintain diverse and abundant bird communities in oak-dominated forest habitats.

Improved Double Deep Q-Network Algorithm Applied to Multi-Dimensional Environment Path Planning of Hexapod Robots.

Detecting transportation pipeline leakage points within chemical plants is difficult due to complex pathways, multi-dimensional survey points, and highly dynamic scenarios. However, hexapod robots' maneuverability and adaptability make it an ideal candidate for conducting surveys across different planes. The path-planning problem of hexapod robots in multi-dimensional environments is a significant challenge, especially when identifying suitable transition points and planning shorter paths to reach survey points while traversing multi-level environments. This study proposes a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-guided Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN) approach, namely, the PSO-guided DDQN (PG-DDQN) algorithm, for solving this problem. The proposed algorithm incorporates the PSO algorithm to supplant the traditional random selection strategy, and the data obtained from this guided approach are subsequently employed to train the DDQN neural network. The multi-dimensional random environment is abstracted into localized maps comprising current and next level planes. Comparative experiments were performed with PG-DDQN, standard DQN, and standard DDQN to evaluate the algorithm's performance by using multiple randomly generated localized maps. After testing each iteration, each algorithm obtained the total reward values and completion times. The results demonstrate that PG-DDQN exhibited faster convergence under an equivalent iteration count. Compared with standard DQN and standard DDQN, reductions in path-planning time of at least 33.94% and 42.60%, respectively, were observed, significantly improving the robot's mobility. Finally, the PG-DDQN algorithm was integrated with sensors onto a hexapod robot, and validation was performed through Gazebo simulations and Experiment. The results show that controlling hexapod robots by applying PG-DDQN provides valuable insights for path planning to reach transportation pipeline leakage points within chemical plants.

Exploring Tree Density Increases after Fire Exclusion in the Northern Front Range and Great Plains, Colorado, USA

Since Euro-American settlement and associated fire exclusion, grasslands and open forests have converted to forests throughout the United States. Contributing to the weight of evidence, we determined if forestation also occurred in forests and grasslands of Colorado. Our study extent encompassed landscapes of the 0.5 million ha Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in the northern Front Range (eastern side) of the southern Rocky Mountains and the 1 million ha Weld County, which contains Pawnee National Grassland, in the Great Plains grasslands. We quantified tree composition, cover, and densities from historical (years 1863 to 1886) tree surveys, current surveys (2002 to 2011), and land cover (2016) to identify departures. In the Arapaho and Roosevelt, historical lack of tree presence and overall low tree densities suggested an open landscape, due to about 70% of 7134 survey points without two trees within 60 m. The treed landscape, which was not continuously forested, had density estimates of about 153 trees/ha. In contrast, the current landscape was 68% forested with high tree densities; fire-dependent pines decreased relative to subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) increases. In Weld County, seven trees were surveyed historically, whereas currently, woody cover totaled 2555 ha. Uniquely applying historical surveys at landscape scales, we documented an open landscape in the northern Front Range, unlike previous research, and rare tree presence in the relatively understudied grasslands of Colorado. Forestation corresponded with changes in U.S. grasslands and forests following Euro-American settlement and associated fire exclusion.

Why Mature Galaxies Seem to Have Filled the Universe Shortly After the Big Bang — A New Cosmological Model, that Predicted the JWST Observations

The Azimulthal Hyper-Projection (AHP) onto spacetime Model of Cosmology is just an extension of the familiar Atlas map of a globe in geography. The Atlas is an azimuthal projection of 3 spacial dimensions projected onto a 2 dimensional plane. The important feature of an Atlas is that the geometry expands asymptotic toward the horizon, and is therefore POSITIONALLY DEPENDENT, such that if North America is centrally positioned, then Siberia and Alaska are viewed as extremely remote. Thus if the Bering Strait were centrally positioned, then longitudinal meridians of North America would likewise be viewed as being remotely separated. AHP extends this concept to a hyper-projection of 5 dimensions onto spacetime. However as viewed in spacetime, geodesics appear to be expanding outward in 3 dimensional space away from the observer. Thus by extension, AHP is also POSITIONALLY DEPENDENT, such that the separations between remote galaxies appear (measures) to be much greater than they would appear from their mutual local group, and vice versa our local group of galaxies would appear to be mutually separated with extreme distances from a remote perspective. A proposed experiment (figure 14) is offered to prove that two separated objects, as measure from a remote distance \((\sim 40 AU)\) are greater than their respective distance, as measured locally. Red-shifting is alternatively proposed as azimuthal angular projections of wavelengths \(\lambda\). Magnitude is alternatively proposed as a function of Lambert's cosine law of illumination, over expanding geodesics. From established \(z\) values, the Universal hypersphere is calculated (figure 9). A function of this projected hypersphere is shown to match the Universal expansion rate, as established from supernova cosmology survey points, and also satisfies the Cosmological Constant \(\Lambda\), without dark energy. Flattened galaxy rotation curves are simply and accurately explained as measured expanding geodesics and apparent increasing density, along the observer's line of sight (figure 11, equation 20). As well, this model provides a reasonable explanation of the James Web Space Telescope findings: of maturely developed galaxies at the time of the early universe. The justification of such a radically novel model is from recent observations from the first dataset, provided by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) of six massive galaxies, at a time in the early universe, seem to defy conventional cosmological models, as they appear to be as mature and developed as our own local group. Such unexpected discoveries JUSTIFY A RADICALLY NOVEL MODEL OF COSMOLOGY. TO QUOTE JOEL LEJA, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS AT PENN STATE “IT TURNS OUT WE FOUND SOMETHING SO UNEXPECTED IT ACTUALLY CREATES PROBLEMS FOR SCIENCE. IT CALLS THE WHOLE PICTURE OF EARLY GALAXY FORMATION INTO QUESTION”.

Envisioning Transition from Open Landscapes to Forested Landscapes in the Routt National Forest, Colorado, United States

Globally, in remaining wildlands, tree densities and forested cover have increased in grasslands and open forests since European settlement. In the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, United States, we determined tree composition and tree cover from historical (years 1875 to 1896) surveys and compared them to current (2002 to 2011) tree composition and current (year 2016) forested land cover for 500,000 ha of the Routt National Forest. Additionally, we examined whether changes in precipitation occurred. Regarding composition, pine (primarily lodgepole pine; Pinus contorta) decreased from 65% to 32% of all trees, with increased subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) from 0.5% to 23% of all trees, and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) from 13% to 30% of all trees. According to 80% of 5175 survey points not in forests, the historical landscape was very open, comprised of grasslands, mountain meadows, and other open ecosystems. In contrast, 75% of the current landscape is covered by forests. Change points in the Palmer Modified Drought Index were within historical limits, indicating that forestation was not related to a change in water availability. Based on historical surveys and accounts, we envisioned a historical landscape that was open but embedded with dense lodgepole pine clusters and spruce stands at high elevations, which has now become a predominantly forested landscape of dense forests, similar to global forestation patterns.

Theurgy, Paredroi, and Embodied Power in Neoplatonism and Late Antique Celestial Hierarchies

This article will place the rituals of the Greek Magical Papyri (PGM) for the acquisition of a supernatural assistant (paredros) into conversation with broader late antique debates surrounding the place of daimones within the celestial hierarchy. In considering the writings of Plotinus, Plutarch, Porphyry, and Iamblichus, it will survey points of contention surrounding questions of appropriate and inappropriate displays of ritual power, as facilitated by intermediary spirits who act as intercessors between humanity and the divine. Through analyzing the metaphysical underpinnings of the nature of the paredros, as variously articulated within the rituals for their conjuration within the Greek Magical Papyri, it will contextualize the aims of the ritualist against the backdrop of Iamblichus’ theurgy in pursuit of mastery of—and intimate, transcendent communion with—the fundamental numinous nature of the world. In doing so, this article argues that Iamblichus’ theurgy and the paredros rituals of the PGM ultimately grasp towards similar soteriological goals using different ritual methodologies; both seeking to elevate the incarnated body of the ritualist into a higher level of spiritual attainment through direct confrontation with the powers of nature.

Deep structure and geothermal resource effects of the Gonghe basin revealed by 3D magnetotelluric

In order to better understand the crustal shortening and orogenic uplift in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, as well as the geothermal resource effects formed during this process, we used ModEM software to perform 3D MT imaging on broadband magnetotelluric survey points deployed at 710 points in the Gonghe Basin and its surrounding areas. The resistivity model suggests that the Gonghe Basin exhibits a low–high–low overall electrical structure, with high conductivity widely distributed in the middle and lower crust. The resistivity model also reveals a significant discontinuity between high and low resistivity blocks at various depths in the upper and middle crust. These discontinuities are align with the faults observed on the surface related to strong crustal fluctuations, which are connected to high conductors in the middle and upper crust. Using empirical formulas for high-temperature and high-pressure testing of granite, it is estimated that the melting volume of these high conductors ranges from 3 to 43%, demonstrating good "plasticity". These high conductors can act as detachment layers for crustal shortening and deformation during the expansion of the Tibetan Plateau towards the northeast edge and can continuously conduct heat energy upwards, creating a high thermal background in the Gonghe Basin.

3D SURVEY POINT CLOUD DATA AS DIRECT RENDERING ASSETS FOR VISUALISING COMPLEX HERITAGE IN VIRTUAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract. Digital technology provides methods to record and preserve cultural heritage, support conservation and restoration efforts, and share our collective past with a worldwide audience. Between 2011 and 2017, the 3D Survey Group from Politecnico di Milano operated an annual workshop in the medieval village of Ghesc in which photogrammetry and laser-scanner surveys were carried out. The point cloud data acquired in these activities has become “time slices” documenting different stages of the preservation interventions in Ghesc and the evolution of advanced survey techniques. The main objective of this research is to streamline the workflow of delivering immersive and interactive experiences for complex heritage by directly utilising the 3D survey point cloud data, whether derived from a photogrammetric survey, static laser scanner, or mobile mapping.A point cloud-based multiplatform application is designed and delivered with versatile functions. It runs on PC and VR devices to provide virtual access to the village and narrate its revitalisation story. Additionally, it operates on mobile devices with an AR feature that brings vibrancy to the on-site experience. This application integrates high-fidelity point cloud models, detailed information on vernacular architecture in the Ossola Valley, and information on the preservation project with gamified learning experiences. The unconventional approach of using points as rendering primitives in virtual applications offers a practical solution for visualising complex heritage, enabling an efficient transition from the data collection stage to the data sharing stage without the need for 3D reconstruction and intricate BIM modelling.

Socioeconomic and geographical inequalities in delivery by cesarean section among women in Bangladesh, 2004–2017

BackgroundThere is a dearth of evidence on the trends and inequalities in utilizing cesarean section (CS) among women in Bangladesh. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the socioeconomic and geographical inequalities in delivery by CS among Bangladeshi women from 2004 to 2017.MethodsData from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2017 were analyzed using the WHO’s Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software. Inequalities were measured using four summary measures: Difference (D), Population Attributable Risk (PAR), Population Attributable Fraction (PAF), and Ratio (R). Socioeconomic inequalities were assessed using two equity dimensions: household wealth status, and level of education, while geographical disparities were measured using two equity dimensions: place of residence, and sub-national regions. For each measure, point estimates and their 95% confidence intervals were reported.ResultsAn increasing trend in the prevalence (weighted) of CS in Bangladesh use was found from 4.50% in 2004 to 32.73% in 2017 We found significant socioeconomic inequalities in CS in every survey point, with a higher concentration of CS among the rich (in 2017, PAR = 28.57; 95% CI: 26.69–30.46) indicating a pro-rich inequality, and higher educated (in 2017, PAF = 23.97; 95% CI: 12.26–35.68) sub-groups. We also identified significant geographical disparities in CS with a higher concentration of CS among people from urban areas (in 2017, PAR = 10.99; 95% CI: 10.19–11.79), and a coastal region (Khulna division) (in 2017, PAF: 30.48 (95% CI: 18.66–42.30).ConclusionWe observed both socioeconomic and geographical inequalities in CS exist in Bangladesh, though the trends of these inequalities were curved over time. Thus, it is important to comprehend these pro-rich and geographical inequalities better and implement appropriate interventions and policies to alleviate them.

A condition fitting method of temperature field for tunnel structure based on test measurements

Accurate temperature distribution of the tunnel lining under a fire scenario is crucial for conducting reliable thermal–mechanical investigations, as it directly impacts thermal stress and property degradation. In this regard, achieving consistency between simulation and actual response is imperative. However, the precision of most simulated temperature fields is hindered by a phenomenon known as the 'temperature platform', which occurs around the vaporization point of water. To this end, a Condition Fitting Method (CFM) is proposed in this paper. In CFM, optimal parameters are adjusted based on local historical measurements, enabling the acquisition of a detailed temperature field for the entire tunnel structure in real-time or even forward time step. Based on a preliminary segment fire test, the implementation of CFM successfully captures the temporal characteristics of the temperature platform on certain survey points. The results of both the current and forward time steps obtained from CFM demonstrate close agreement with the reference measurements obtained from the fire test, indicating consistency throughout the entire process. The maximum average error of the calculation result on survey points is 50.4 °C while the value for prediction result is 65.3 °C. For further investigation, a parametric study is conducted to identify the most crucial parameters. Additionally, numerical verification is performed to assess the feasibility of the proposed method and to compare the efficiency of different optimal algorithms. The results indicate that the proposed method has overcome the drawback of conventional simulation method that the temperature deviate from actual values at early stage. This achievement ensures that the proposed method provides a reliable temperature field for further investigations.

Safe inhalation pipe provision (SIPP): protocol for a mixed-method evaluation of an intervention to improve health outcomes and service engagement among people who use crack cocaine in England

BackgroundOver 180,000 people use crack cocaine in England, yet provision of smoking equipment to support safer crack use is prohibited under UK law. Pipes used for crack cocaine smoking are often homemade and/or in short supply, leading to pipe sharing and injuries from use of unsafe materials. This increases risk of viral infection and respiratory harm among a marginalised underserved population. International evaluations suggest crack pipe supply leads to sustained reductions in pipe sharing and use of homemade equipment; increased health risk awareness; improved service access; reduction in injecting and crack-related health problems. In this paper, we introduce the protocol for the NIHR-funded SIPP (Safe inhalation pipe provision) project and discuss implications for impact.MethodsThe SIPP study will develop, implement and evaluate a crack smoking equipment and training intervention to be distributed through peer networks and specialist drug services in England. Study components comprise: (1) peer-network capacity building and co-production; (2) a pre- and post-intervention survey at intervention and non-equivalent control sites; (3) a mixed-method process evaluation; and (4) an economic evaluation. Participant eligibility criteria are use of crack within the past 28 days, with a survey sample of ~ 740 for each impact evaluation survey point and ~ 40 for qualitative process evaluation interviews. Our primary outcome measure is pipe sharing within the past 28 days, with secondary outcomes pertaining to use of homemade pipes, service engagement, injecting practice and acute health harms.Anticipated impactSIPP aims to reduce crack use risk practices and associated health harms; including through increasing crack harm reduction awareness among service providers and peers. Implementation has only been possible with local police approvals. Our goal is to generate an evidence base to inform review of the legislation prohibiting crack pipe supply in the UK. This holds potential to transform harm reduction service provision and engagement nationally.ConclusionPeople who smoke crack cocaine in England currently have little reason to engage with harm reduction and drug services. Little is known about this growing population. This study will provide insight into population characteristics, unmet need and the case for legislative reform.Trial registration: ISRCTN12541454 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12541454

Why Mature Galaxies Seem to Have Filled the Universe Shortly After the Big Bang — A New Cosmological Model, that Predicted the JWST Observations

The Azimulthal Hyper-Projection onto spacetime Model (AHOSM) of Cosmology is just an extension of the familiar Atlas map of a globe in geography class. The Atlas is an azimuthal projection of 3 spacial dimensions projected onto a 2 dimensional plane. The important feature of an Atlas is that the geometry expands asymptotic toward the horizon, and is therefore POSITIONALLY DEPENDENT, such that if North America is centrally positioned, then Siberia and Alaska are viewed as extremely remote. Thus if the Bering Strait were centrally positioned, then longitudinal meridians of North America would likewise be viewed as being extremely remote. AHOSM extends this concept to a hyper-projection of hyper-spacetime (4 spacial dimensions) onto spacetime. However as viewed in spacetime, geodesics appear to be expanding outward in 3 dimensional space away from the observer. Thus by extension, AHOSM is also POSITIONALLY DEPENDENT, such that the most remote galaxies only appear to be mutually separated (from each other) with extreme distance, as viewed from our central position, and vice versa our local group of Galaxies would appear to be mutually separated with extreme distances from a remote perspective. A proposed experiment is offered to prove that the distance from Earth to Mars is measured greater from the perspective of the outer solar system and vice versa. Red-shifting is alternatively proposed as azimuthal angular projections of wavelengths \(\lambda\). Magnitude is alternatively proposed as a function of Lambert's cosine law of illumination, over expanding geodesics. This simple parsimonious model requires only a few assumptions, excluding dark energy to satisfy the Cosmological Constant \(\Lambda\), and is shown to match the Universal expansion rate, as established from supernova cosmology survey points. Galaxy rotation curves are simply and accurately explained as measured expanding geodesics and density, along the observer's line of site The justification of such a radically novel model is from recent observations from the first dataset, provided by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) of six massive galaxies, at a time in the early universe, seem to defy conventional cosmological models, as they appear to be as mature and developed as our own local group. Such unexpected discoveries JUSTIFY A RADICALLY NOVEL MODEL OF COSMOLOGY. TO QUOTE JOEL LEJA, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS AT PENN STATE “IT TURNS OUT WE FOUND SOMETHING SO UNEXPECTED IT ACTUALLY CREATES PROBLEMS FOR SCIENCE. IT CALLS THE WHOLE PICTURE OF EARLY GALAXY FORMATION INTO QUESTION”.

Why Mature Galaxies Seem to Have Filled the Universe Shortly After the Big Bang — A New Cosmological Model, that Predicted the JWST Observations

Recent observations from the first dataset, provided by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) of six massive galaxies, at a time in the early universe, seem to defy conventional cosmological models, as they appear to be as mature and developed as our own local group. Such unexpected discoveries JUSTIFY A RADICALLY NOVEL MODEL OF COSMOLOGY. TO QUOTE JOEL LEJA, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS AT PENN STATE ''IT TURNS OUT WE FOUND SOMETHING SO UNEXPECTED IT ACTUALLY CREATES PROBLEMS FOR SCIENCE. IT CALLS THE WHOLE PICTURE OF EARLY GALAXY FORMATION INTO QUESTION''. This article provides an alternative mathematical model of cosmological redshifting (\(z\)), which actually predicted such mature galaxies in a 2022 preprint, prior to these recent observations. As well, this model also predicts discrepancies between theoretical and observed galaxy rotation curves with apparent increased energy density. The Azimuthal Projection Model of the Universe is conceptualized as an \(\mathbb{R}^5\) spacetime, with a four spatial dimensional hypersphere azimuthally projected onto a three-dimensional spatial sphere. This simple parsimonious model requires only a few assumptions, excluding dark energy to satisfy the Cosmological Constant \(\Lambda\), and is shown to match the Universal expansion rate, as established from supernova cosmology survey points. This novel model conceives the universe as a higher dimensional dynamic with spacetime as a projection, rather than as an arrow from the absolute beginning of the Big Bang. Redshifting is alternatively proposed as azimuthal angular projections of wavelengths \(\lambda\). Accelerated Universal Expansion is alternatively proposed as azimuthal projections of meridians, asymptotical to a horizon, and Lambert's cosine law of luminous intensity. A radical implication of this model is that azimuthal angular projections are positional dependent, and thus it's conceivable that apparent distances between galaxies vary with the location of the observer (see figure 4). Supportive mathematical evidence is described from the Hubble Tension; Discrepancies between visible spectra redshifting of cepheid variables (the most recent calculation is \(Ho=74.03 \pm 1.42km/sec/Mpc\)), and from temperature fluctuations in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) (which are calculated to be \(Ho=68.7 \pm 1.3km/sec/Mpc\)), which resolves the discrepancy by recalibrating redshift data from supernova Cosmology survey points.

Seismic Microzonation Map of Chiang Mai Basin, Thailand

The seismic site effect which is controlled by local geological conditions is a key parameter of seismic hazards analysis. This paper presents an observational study of microtremor data to investigate the dynamic characteristics of soil in the Chiang Mai basin (Chiang Mai and Lumphun province), Northern Thailand. The Chiang Mai basin was formed on terrace sediments and alluvium sediments. The horizontal vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) analyses of ambient noise data at 101 sites in the basin were analyzed for an average smoothed HVSR curve to estimate the amplification factor and fundamental resonance frequency of each observation point. We also evaluated the shear wave velocity using the HVSR inversion technique based on the diffuse field assumption. Tests undertaken include a comparison of the HVSR of a significant earthquake that was detected at stations in the basin and a nearby bedrock site. The results indicate that the resonance frequency ranges between 0.15 - 0.4 Hz at sites having large thicknesses of soft sediments. The lowest resonance frequencies occur in the center of the basin, whereas higher resonance frequencies were observed in the areas of the shallowest bedrock in the west and east of the basin. It can be inferred that the western margin of the Chiang Mai basin is a steep slope, while the eastern margin of the basin is a low-angle west-dipping basement. The amplification factor ranges between 3 - 5 times, in the middle of the basin. Most of the Chiang Mai basin area is classified as site D soil (stiff soil) relative to alluvium sediments, and a region of class C soil (very dense soil) conforms to the terrace sediments located on the eastern edge of the basin. The soil classification is based on shear wave velocity (Vs30) determined by HVSR inversion. HIGHLIGHTS HVSR analysis and inversion of HVSR from 101 survey points in Chiang Mai basin The Chiang Mai basin area is at high risk from seismic amplification that amplifies a ground motion between 3 - 5 times in the middle of the basin at a dominant frequency range from 0.15 - 0.4 Hz The lowest Vs30 values location is in the middle of the basin classified as site class E (soft soil), while most of the basin area is classified as site D soil (stiff soil) corresponding to alluvium sediments. The class C soil (very dense soil) area conforms to the terrace sediments located on the eastern edge of the basin GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Impacts of bushfire on the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami and its single food source in eastern Victoria

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami eats only unripened seeds extracted from green cones of Allocasuarina and Casuarina trees. This specialised feeding habit results in Glossy Black-Cockatoos leaving unique evidence of having fed in a tree (i.e. feeding sign). The frequency of feeding sign beneath Black Sheoak Allocasuarina littoralis trees in East Gippsland, Victoria, was used as an index of the presence of Glossy Black-Cockatoos before and after intense and widespread bushfires during the summer of 2019–2020. Species distribution models for the cockatoo and its major food tree in the region were used to define 175 survey points in forested parts of East Gippsland. Survey points were visited in mid 2019, to score the presence or absence of Black Sheoak and Glossy Black-Cockatoo feeding sign. Following the 2019–2020 bushfires, all sites where Black Sheoak was present pre-fire were revisited twice within the following 28 months to search for feeding sign and score the extent of regeneration of Black Sheoak. Across all sites, the frequency of sites with feeding sign effectively halved between the pre-fire survey and first post-fire survey, then halved again between the first and second post-fire surveys, an overall decline of 76%. After 25–28 months, regeneration of Black Sheoak, in the form of either basal sprouting of established trees or seed germination, was observed at 80.6% of burnt sites, with a tendency for highest rates of regeneration at lower-fire- severity sites and for suckering to be more common than seedlings at higher-fire-severity sites. These results highlight the vulnerability of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo to reductions in the availability of its specialised food. The greatest threat to food security stems from increased frequency and intensity of fire, as predicted for the region by climate change models.

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising Survey of Psychiatrists in Massachusetts and Michigan

Abstract Purposes/Background The goals of this preliminary study were to survey psychiatrists and to examine the impact of advertisements on their prescription of psychotropic medications. The study specifically looked at psychiatrists in Massachusetts and Michigan, as the authors were able to readily contact the members of their respective state psychiatric societies. Methods/Procedures We used the survey software, Quatrics, to create an online survey that was sent via email link to the members of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society (1400 estimated members), and the Michigan Psychiatric Society (700 estimated members). Details were obtained about how challenging it was for the psychiatrist to convince the patient that a medication was not indicated. Information regarding how the psychiatrist first heard about new medications and where they go to learn more about these medications was included in the survey. Findings/Results We received 162 partial or full responses to our survey, representing a response rate of 8%. Those who were less than 10 years out of training were less likely to find it “easy” to change the minds of these patients, when compared with those more than 10 years out of training (Fisher exact test, P = 0.0396). The most frequent medication named as a response to “which medications do patients request” was Rexulti (brexpiprazole), followed by Vraylar (cariprazine), Caplyta (lumateperone), and aripiprazole. Implications/Conclusions This survey points to the prevalence of psychiatrists getting requests for these advertised medications and illustrates that those with fewer years out of training may have a more difficult time redirecting patients from medications that are not indicated for their illness.

Topographic conditions as governing factors of mire vegetation types analyzed from drone‐based terrain model

AbstractQuestionsPrevious studies have shown that mire vegetation responds to fine‐scale differences in topography; however, very few studies have examined the relationship between multiple topographic conditions and vegetation distribution patterns by using topographic information with a resolution finer than microtopographic patches of sub‐meter scale in mires. Is it possible to predict vegetation distribution patterns in a mire using topographic information derived from drone imagery? How do topographic conditions affect the emergence of vegetation types?Location3 km2 of sloping mire in eastern Hokkaido, northern Japan.MethodsDigital surface models (DSMs) and orthomosaics were created using an affordable drone (Phantom3 advanced) and photogrammetry. We calculated 23 variables reflecting topographic conditions from DSMs. The locations of four vegetation types (Moliniopsis japonica–Eriophorum vaginatum, ME; Moliniopsis japonica–Carex lasiocarpa, MC; Sphagnum fuscum–Ledum palustre, SL; and Carex lyngbyei–Thelypteris palustris, CT) were recorded by field survey and orthomosaics. Random forest models that predicted vegetation types from topographic variables were created and we evaluated the prediction accuracy, importance of variables and effect of variables on the occurrence probability of the vegetation types.ResultsAll predictive indicators (recall, precision, overall accuracy, kappa) were very high (>0.9). Important variables for modeling were altitude, relative height to the surroundings, slopes at a scale of several 10 m, soil wetness index and terrain ruggedness. Each vegetation type appeared under different topographic conditions; altitude was a key factor in ME and MC, and slope in CT. SL showed patchy distribution predictions on hummocks.ConclusionsVegetation distribution in the mire was strongly related to topographic information based on the DSMs. Analysis of the variable effects indicates that the emergence of the vegetation types was explained by a combination of multiple topographic conditions. This approach has the outstanding advantages of obtaining many survey points quickly and retrieving topographic conditions difficult to measure using on‐ground field surveys.

여성 지체장애인의 자존감, 장애 수용, 우울이 행복에 미치는 종단적 효과

Purpose: This study analyzed the longitudinal effects of self-esteem, acceptance of disability, and depression on happiness in women with physical disabilities.
 Method: The subjects of this study were composed of 571 women with physical disabilities. The data in this study came from both of the 6th and 7th survey points in the Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled 2nd Wave. The data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis.
 Results: First, self-esteem in 6th survey point significantly and positively did predict 7th survey point’s happiness. Second, acceptance of disability in 6th survey point significantly and positively did predict 7th survey point’s happiness. Third, depression in 6th survey point did not predict 7th survey point’s happiness.
 Conclusion: The results of this study suggests that previous point’s happiness, self-esteem, and acceptance of disability play a significant role in predicting following point’s happiness.

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND USING MACHINE LEARNING, GIS AND REMOTE SENSING DATA

The paper is devoted to agro-ecological classification of agricultural land using modern methods of geo-information data analysis and machine learning.
 Background. There are few works in the literature, which cover the issues of accuracy of machine learning (MLL) models for agro-ecological grouping of agricultural land. A large number of raster information layers are used to improve the accuracy of land classification from satellite images. This considerably increases the time of training and testing MMOs, producing thematic maps of agricultural land classification. This approach requires considerably high computing resources and a considerable amount of computer RAM. Raster GIS data models occupy a much larger volume than vector models. In this regard, research on automated agro-ecological (grouping, classification) of agricultural land using vector GIS models is of practical importance.
 Purpose. The aim of the study is to apply GIS methods, remote sensing (ERS) data and machine learning methods for agricultural land grouping.
 Materials and methods. The materials used were synthesized multispectral high spatial resolution Sentinel-2A images, maps of vegetation indices NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), OSAVI (Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index), EVI2 (Enhanced Vegetation Index2), NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index), SAVI, PVI, GDVI, MCARI, NDRE, TSAVI; topographic map, ALOS DSM (30 m/pixel) and ALOS PALSAR (12.5 m/pixel) satellite images, soil map and field survey results. Field measurements were carried out using the Triump-2 satellite geodetic receiver and included determination of coordinates of characteristic points of land plot boundaries, relief elements, and soil survey.
 Digital spatial model of land use was created using GIS ArcGIS and QGIS, Python engineering libraries were used in the machine learning process.
 Results. Agro-ecological grouping of lands was realized by the example of the farm "Zerno Sibiri" of Novosibirsk region using the following machine learning methods: Random Forest (RF) method, Decision Tree (DT), k-nearest neighbours method (KNN). The best accuracy is the RF machine learning model. The accuracy of the model averaged 97.9% (with training 99.9%, testing 98.8%, and cross validation 95.0%). The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is 0.006: for training sample 0.001; test sample 0.076; validation sample 0.123 respectively). The mean kappa coefficient was 0.97 (1.00 for the training sample; 0.982 for the test sample, and 0.927 for the validation sample). 
 Conclusion. The offered method of agro-ecological grouping of agricultural lands by means of GIS, RS data and machine learning methods enabled to distinguish informative quantitative indicators of the relief. The main essence of the proposed method is to create a machine learning model (MLM) based on a spatial dataset. The spatial dataset is formed using geoinformation analysis methods and includes: geomorphometric maps, maps of agrometeorological parameters, soil map, on-farm land management map and operational-territorial units of land classification. The application of vector data model allowed for agro-ecological grouping of agricultural lands in automated mode, to accelerate labor-intensive process of raster data recognition, to increase objectivity of the work. The suggested method of agro-ecological agro-ecological grouping of lands allows taking into account the totality of relief and soil-ecological conditions indicators with the help of geoinformation analysis methods, remote sensing and machine learning.

FEATURES OF THE RELATIONSHIP OF GERMANIUM CONTENT WITH THE CONCENTRATIONS OF TOXIC ELEMENTS AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION IN THE COAL SEAM С5 OF THE BLAGODATNA MINE

Problem Statement and Purpose. The purpose of this publication is to establish the character and level of the statistical relationship between the concentrations of germanium and toxic elements in coal seam c5 of the “Blagodatna” mine and the main features of their distribution for the assessment of possible environmental risks during the selective processing of coal enriched with this element. Coal is the main source of germanium. The study of the content of this element in coal seams acquires considerable importance due to its potential for industrial extraction and application as a valuable accompanying resource. Forecasts by the US Geological Survey point to an increase in global demand for germanium, with production expected to grow nearly 1.5 times by 2030. Data & Methods. The factual basis of the work was the results of data analyzes of 58 analyzes of the elements Ge, Be, F, Hg and As, conducted after 1981 in accredited state laboratories. In some cases, the data was supplemented with the results obtained by the furrow method of sampling from the core and mine workings, which was carried out from 1981 to 2018. At the beginning of the study, primary geochemical data were processed using STATISTICA 13.3 and IBM SPSS Statistics 22 to calculate basic statistical characteristics. Construction of frequency histograms for germanium content and reservoir thickness was also performed, as well as determination of their distribution characteristics. To achieve the research objectives, correlation and regression analyzes were performed using methods available in Micromine, one of the leading professional mining and geological information systems for 3D modeling, statistical data processing and mining planning (license MM5123). Results. The character and level of the statistical relationship between the content of germanium and “toxic elements” in coal seam c5 of the “Blagodatna” mine and the main features of their distribution were established for the assessment of possible environmental risks during the selective processing of coal enriched with this element. It has been proven that the correlation between germanium and all “toxic” elements is inverse and very weak. The existence of genetically different forms of germanium and arsenic, fluorine, mercury and beryllium was revealed. A general feature of the distribution of Ge, As, F, Hg, and Be in the coal seam is noncompliance with normal and lognormal laws and polymodality of the distributions with a shift of the density cores to the left. The diverse probable form of finding the considered impurity elements in general in coal allows to treat the regularities established with the help of regression and correlation analysis only as a kind of trend of dependencies between them.