Susceptibility Analysis Research Articles

Assessing landslide damming susceptibility in Central Asia

Abstract. Central Asia regions are characterized by active tectonics, high mountain chains with extreme topography with glaciers, and strong seasonal rainfall events. These key predisposing factors make large landslides a serious natural threat in the area, causing several casualties every year. The mountain crests are divided by wide lenticular or narrow, linear intermountain tectonic depressions, which are incised by many of the most important Central Asia rivers and are also subject to major seasonal river flood hazard. This multi-hazard combination is a source of potential damming scenarios, which can bring cascading effects with devastating consequences for the surrounding settlements and population. Different hazards can only be managed with a multi-hazard approach coherent within the different countries, as suggested by the requirements of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This work was carried out within the framework of the Strengthening Financial Resilience and Accelerating Risk Reduction in Central Asia (SFRARR) project as part of a multi-hazard approach with the aim of providing a damming susceptibility analysis at a regional scale for Central Asia. To achieve this, a semi-automated GIS-based mapping method, centered on a bivariate correlation of morphometric parameters defined by a morphological index, originally designed to assess the damming susceptibility at basin/regional scale, was modified to be adopted nationwide and applied to spatially assess the obstruction of the river network in Central Asia for mapped and newly formed landslides. The proposed methodology represents an improvement to the previously designed methodology, requiring a smaller amount of data, bringing new preliminary information on damming hazard management and risk reduction, and identifying the most critical area within the Central Asia regions.

Mitochondrial DNA: Inherent Complexities Relevant to Genetic Analyses.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) exhibits distinct characteristics distinguishing it from the nuclear genome, necessitating specific analytical methods in genetic studies. This comprehensive review explores the complex role of mtDNA in a variety of genetic studies, including genome-wide, epigenome-wide, and phenome-wide association studies, with a focus on its implications for human traits and diseases. Here, we discuss the structure and gene-encoding properties of mtDNA, along with the influence of environmental factors and epigenetic modifications on its function and variability. Particularly significant are the challenges posed by mtDNA's high mutation rate, heteroplasmy, and copy number variations, and their impact on disease susceptibility and population genetic analyses. The review also highlights recent advances in methodological approaches that enhance our understanding of mtDNA associations, advocating for refined genetic research techniques that accommodate its complexities. By providing a comprehensive overview of the intricacies of mtDNA, this paper underscores the need for an integrated approach to genetic studies that considers the unique properties of mitochondrial genetics. Our findings aim to inform future research and encourage the development of innovative methodologies to better interpret the broad implications of mtDNA in human health and disease.

Piroxicam analogue metal complexes: Synthesis, crystal structures, molecular modeling and biological studies

In recent decades, metal‐based drugs have gained considerable attention all over the world because of their enhanced therapeutic potential. The piroxicam analogue, that is, 2‐Benzyl‐4‐hydroxy‐1,1‐dioxo‐1,2‐dihydro‐1λ6‐benzo [e][1,2] thiazine‐3‐carboxylic acid pyridin‐2‐yl amide 1 was synthesized and coupled with Mn (II), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II) metal ions to isolate complexes 2–6. The N,O‐bidentate chelator coordinated with the metal center via pyridyl nitrogen and amide oxygen atoms by forming six‐membered ring system. Several analytical techniques like UV–Vis, FT‐IR, 1H NMR, magnetic susceptibility, and elemental analysis were performed to confirm the syntheses of the octahedral complexes. The conductance measurement was employed to determine the non‐electrolytic nature of the complexes. The molecular structures of manganese (II) 2, cobalt (II) 3, and zinc (II) 6, complexes were confirmed by single beam X‐ray crystallography revealing the monoclinic crystal system with P21/c space group. The crystallographic data was utilized to carry out the DFT studies, which were found in line with the experimental data. The antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP) and antibacterial activities were performed to determine the therapeutic potential of these synthesized compounds. These studies indicated that understudied compounds have potential as therapeutic agents and they may be used as drug candidates in the future. The in‐silico studies also aligned with the in‐vitro potential of the targeted compounds.

Crustal dynamics prediction and characterization for the Yishu fault zone based on slip susceptibility analysis

Crustal dynamics prediction and characterization for the Yishu fault zone based on slip susceptibility analysis

Aeolian dynamics at the northern edge of Deliblato (Banat) Sand Sea, Vojvodina, Serbia, at the time of the last deglaciation

Abstract The Deliblato (Banat) Sand Sea, which is one of the largest areas of аeolian sand in Europe, is located near the Iron Gate, which marks the crossing of the Danube River through the biggest gorge of this river. Here, Danubian alluvium has served as the sand source for the Banat Sand Sea, which was formed primarily through southeasterly (Košava) winds. Utilizing a multi-proxy approach, the objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of the environmental dynamics of the Banat Sand Sea. To achieve this goal, we conducted an analysis of an archive representing an approximately 20-m-thick dune formation on the northern edge of this dune field. Using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, we calculated aeolian sedimentation rates and dune ages. Sand was deposited here approximately between 17 ka and 13 ka. Magnetic susceptibility, grain size, and colorimetric analyses were interpreted in terms of local paleoenvironmental conditions. Calculated sedimentation rates (SR) indicate intensive aeolian deposition during the study period that range from 483 cm/ka to 502 cm/ka. We compared our data with regional and other European archives, as well as with climatic variations recorded in the Greenland ice core North Greenland Ice Core Project (NGRIP).

Enhancing Seismic Landslide Susceptibility Analysis for Sustainable Disaster Risk Management through Machine Learning

The accuracy of Seismic Landslide Susceptibility Maps (SLSMs) is imperative for the prevention of seismic landslide disasters. This study enhances the precision of SLSMs by integrating nine distinct machine learning methodologies with the GeoDetector version 0.0.4 tool to filter both numerical and physical factors contributing to landslide susceptibility. The dataset comprises 2317 landslide instances triggered by the 2013 Minxian Ms = 6.6 earthquake, from which redundant factors were pruned using the Recursive Feature Elimination technique. Subsequent evaluations of the optimized factors, both individually and in combination, were conducted through Frequency Ratio analysis and Factor Interaction assessment. The study juxtaposes the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) and the accuracy of nine machine learning models before and after factor optimization. The findings indicate an increase in AUC from a maximum of 0.989 to 0.992 in the Random Forest model, and an 8.37% increase in AUC for the SVM model, signifying a notable enhancement in the stability across all models. The establishment of the SLSM notably elevated the frequency ratio in high-risk zones from 50.40 to 85.14, underscoring the efficacy of combining machine learning and detector optimization techniques in sustainable practices. This research proposes a universal framework aimed at eliminating redundancy and noise in SLSMs and hazard risk assessments, thereby facilitating sustainable geological disaster risk management.

Analysis of landslide susceptibility and potential impacts on infrastructures and settlement areas (a case from the southeastern region of Türkiye)

Landslides have harmful effects not only on buildings but also on infrastructure and the natural environment. While they are typically triggered by natural events, such as heavy rainfalls and earthquakes, landslides can also be induced by anthropogenic activities, such as excavation and blasting. In certain regions, gigantic paleo-landslides exist, but triggering them is extremely difficult. However, triggering secondary landslides in gigantic paleo-landslides is relatively easy compared to the main corpus. The main purpose of this study was to produce a susceptibility map in a region in southeastern Türkiye and to discuss the impact of petroleum seismological investigation concerning the trigger of the landslides. For this purpose, a landslide inventory was compiled using geospatial data sets and field observations and used for landslide susceptibility mapping with the Random Forest algorithm. The accelerations sourced from blasting were also measured and the run-out distances were determined. A run-out distance map was produced using inverse distance weights. The study presents comprehensive insights by integrating a landslide susceptibility map and run-out distance map. It evaluates the impact of blasting on landslides through in-situ measurements and slope stability analyses. Findings indicate that no triggering effect on landslides was observed if the dynamite quantity remains below 4 kg and the blasting distance exceeds 10 m from the landslide.

Antifungal Susceptibility and Genotypic Analysis of cyp51A Mutations in Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates in Malaysia.

Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus poses a significant challenge in the management of invasive aspergillosis. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal susceptibility and cyp51A mutation profiles of A. fumigatus isolates in Malaysia. Sixty clinical A. fumigatus isolates were collected and subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) and molecular analysis. The antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI M38 guideline. The geometric mean (GM) minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), MIC50/MIC90 for voriconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, amphotericin B, and isavuconazole against A. fumigatus in non-invasive cases and invasive cases were calculated. In addition, the presence of cyp51A mutations was also identified. The present study revealed an overall resistance rate of 6.7% among the isolates. In non-invasive cases, isavuconazole and posaconazole demonstrated the lowest GM MIC of 0.08 µg/mL. Following them were itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B with concentrations of 0.15µg/mL, 0.16µg/mL and 0.90µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, in invasive cases, isavuconazole and posaconazole exhibited the lowest GM MIC of 0.09µg/mL. Following them were itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B with concentrations of 0.14µg/mL, 0.17µg/mL and 0.80µg/mL, respectively. Genotypic analysis revealed various cyp51A mutations, including F46Y, M172V, N248K, R34L, V244A, V244S, and E427K. However, not all mutations corresponded to antifungal resistance. The majority of clinical Aspergillus fumigatus isolates demonstrated susceptibility to the antifungal agents tested, with isavuconazole and posaconazole demonstrating the lowest MIC values. However, cyp51A mutations were discovered without a consistent correlation to antifungal resistance, emphasising the need for additional research.

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of V(IV) complexes containing 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate (DPA) ligand

A novel molecular coordination compound, [V4IVO4(DPA)4(OH2)4]∙2H2O, 1, and known [VIVO(DPA)(OH2)2].2H2O compound, 2, were obtained from V2O5 and 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid (H2DPA) reactions with water or ethyl alcohol by using hydro/solvothermal synthetic methods. 1 was fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, manganometric titration, magnetic susceptibility, thermogravimetric and single crystal XRD analyses. The single-crystal XRD analysis revealed that it was a molecular consist of four-nuclear coordination compound. DPA ligand in 1 acted chelating and bridging modes through carboxylate groups. Four V(IV) ions exhibit a distorted octahedral coordination geometry {VNO5}. 1 and 2 were investigated for antimicrobial activity. The results of antimicrobial activity show that they have an antimicrobial effect against the microorganisms P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, E. faecalis, L. monocytogenes, B.subtilis, C. albicans.

Multi-stage tectonic evolution of the Tatra Mts recorded in the para- and ferromagnetic fabrics

The Tatra Mts form the highest part of the Carpathian mountain chain; however, their tectonic and thermal evolution is still debatable. Previous magnetic fabric studies have primarily focused on the crystalline basement and its autochthonous cover. We investigate the magnetic fabrics of Cretaceous marly limestones from a Mesozoic nappe unit and post-thrusting Oligocene shales and mudstones to unravel the most recent tectonic evolution of the Tatra massif. In addition to standard petromagnetic measurements such as the acquisition of the Isothermal Remanent Magnetization or temperature-dependent susceptibility analyses, we investigated the paleotemperature of the Tatra region because high temperatures are known to significantly affect the magnetic mineralogy. The most common minerals in the studied units are paramagnetic phyllosilicates which govern the in-phase Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility. The ferromagnetic fraction is represented by fine-grained magnetite with a minor contribution of hematite. Measured and counted vitrinite reflectances document an eastward increase in maturity, which is also reflected in the magnetite–hematite grain size ratios. Because the paleotemperatures recorded in the Cretaceous rocks follow the same increasing trend as the post-thrusting shales, it appears that both units were affected by a single major thermal event linked presumably to the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene burial. We propose that magnetic fabrics carried by phyllosilicates document the impact of crucial tectonic phases such as Miocene uplift and Cretaceous thrusting, whereas the out-of-phase Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility and Anisotropy of Anhysteretic Remanent Magnetization fabrics most likely record the stress orientation during major burial episodes. Finally, the conspicuous vertical ferromagnetic lineation present in some Cretaceous sites documents the transpression-controlled tectonic regime in the Oligocene–Early Miocene.

Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using Machine Learning: A Case Study of Oregon

Landslide susceptibility assessment, a crucial component of disaster prevention and mitigation, has traditionally relied on geological datasets and commonly used evaluation metrics. However, these metrics, often applied to 2D susceptibility maps, may not capture the full complexity of the issue. In this study, we incorporated spatial distribution data, including a historical landslide inventory, and integrated morphological, geological, hydrological, and land-use features. This approach enabled the construction of predictive models using eight distinct algorithms. The evaluation of classifier performance scores unveiled the superior performance of gradient tree boosting. In contrast, logistic regression struggled to handle the nonlinear aspects of landslide susceptibility analysis. A finding in our research was the consistent disparity in predictive susceptibility maps, even when similar performance scores were achieved across different algorithms. This underscores the necessity of combining evaluation metrics with spatial mapping in landslide susceptibility model assessment. We also highlighted the critical role of digital elevation models in constructing effective models when feature data was limited. Conversely, when abundant information was available, the integration of multi-source data significantly enhanced the precision of landslide susceptibility mapping. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for spatial prioritization in landslide field investigations and enhances our understanding of landslide risk assessment.

Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial studies of some of first transition series metals and zinc complexes with mixed ligands of trimethoprim-isatin and nitrogen base

Complexes of mixed-ligand Schiff bases [trimetho-prim (TMP) with isatin] (L1) and nitrogen bases [2,2′-bipyridine (bipy)] (L2), [1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (L3)] with metal chlorides: M = Cr3+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ were prepared and characterized by metal content determination (%), FT-IR, electronic, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, conductance measurements and elemental analysis (CHN). The bacterial activity of the ligands and their metal compounds was evaluated via various microorganisms. Infrared spectra of Schiff base showed an azomethine peak shifted in complexes that coincide synthesis and coordination of Schiff base through the nitrogen atom of azomethine C=N) and the oxygen atom of the carbonyl group of L1 with metal ions. L2, L3 (bipy, phen) coordinated through the di imine nitrogen atoms. Conductance dimensions suggested the non-conductance nature of all the compounds except Cr(III) complexes, this outcome fits in with the molar conductance value estimated for 1:1 electrolyte in DMF. Magnetic susceptibility analysis and electronic spectra indicated an octahedral geometry for all complexes. Biological study for prepared compounds have been evaluated towards pathogenic microbes Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Some compounds have stronger antibacterial action than Schiff base towards tested microbes. KEY WORDS: Antimicrobial, Heterocyclic compounds, Schiff base, Trimethoprim drug, 2,2-Bipyridyl, 1,10-Phenanthroline Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(4), 1013-1025. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i4.16

The first hillslope thermokarst inventory for the permafrost region of the Qilian Mountains

Abstract. Climate warming and anthropogenic disturbances result in permafrost degradation in cold regions, including in the Qilian Mountains. These changes lead to extensive hillslope thermokarst (HT) formation, such as retrogressive thaw slumps, active-layer detachment slides, and thermal erosion gullies. These in turn cause, e.g., degradation of local vegetation, economic losses, infrastructure damages, and threats to human safety. However, despite its importance, there is currently no thermokarst inventory for the Qilian Mountains. Through manual visual interpretation and field validation, we therefore produce the first quantification of HT features. We count a total of 1064 HT features, with 67 % located in the upper reaches of the Heihe River basin, which encompasses ∼ 13 % of the Qilian Mountains region. We further identified that 187 HT features (18 %) existed before 2010, while the remaining 874 (82 %) were initiated in the recent period. More specifically, 392 sites (37 %) were initiated during 2010–2015 and 482 (45 %) after 2015. Thermokarst terrain is observed primarily in areas with shallow active-layer depths (average thickness 2.98 m) on northern shaded slopes of 3–25°, with low solar radiation and moderate elevations ranging from 3200 to 4000 m. This first inventory of HT features is an important and missing piece in documenting changes on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, and this new dataset also provides an important basis for further studies, such as automated extraction of HT features, susceptibility analysis of HT, and estimation of losses caused by HT. The datasets are available from the National Tibetan Plateau/Third Pole Environment Data Center and can be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.11888/Cryos.tpdc.300805 (Peng and Yang, 2023).

Temporal variations in the serogroup distribution of invasive meningococcal disease in Quebec, Canada, due to emerging unique clade of serogroup Y strain belonging to the Sequence Type-23 clonal complex

To identify recent trends in invasive meningococcal diseases (IMD) in Quebec, Canada, with a focus on MenY cases and MenY strains. IMD cases and MenY strains from January 1, 2015 to August 11, 2023 were analyzed for clonal analysis and prediction of susceptibility to MenB vaccines. MenY strains of ST-23 CC from Quebec were analyzed with global MenY strains by core-genomic multi-locus sequence typing (cg-MLST). Since 2015 the serogroup distribution of IMD in Quebec has shifted from predominantly MenB to mainly MenY, with most (80.9%) of the latter belonging to ST-23 CC. The median age of MenY cases due to ST-23 CC were statistically younger than MenY cases due to non-ST-23 CC. MenY of ST-23 CC showed genetic diversity and the major genetic cluster were similar to the Swedish Y1 strain. The increase in invasive MenY disease in Quebec was due to a sub-clade of Lineage 23.1 which caused an elevated proportion of severe disease in young adults. The increase in invasive MenY disease in Quebec, Canada was driven by the expansion of a sub-clade of Lineage 23.1 in young adults. Currently available quadrivalent A,C,W,Y-conjugate meningococcal vaccines were predicted to provide protection against these strains.

Relationship between Structure and Zero-Field Splitting of Octahedral Nickel(II) Complexes with a Low-Symmetric Tetradentate Ligand

Octahedral nickel(II) complexes are among the simplest systems that exhibit zero-field splitting by having two unpaired electrons. For the purpose of clarifying the relationship between structure and zero-field splitting in a low-symmetric system, distorted octahedral nickel(II) complexes were prepared with a tetradentate ligand, 2-[bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminomethyl]-4-nitrophenolate(1−) [(onp)−]. The complex [Ni(onp)(dmso)(H2O)][BPh4]·2dmso (1) (dmso = dimethyl sulfoxide) was characterized as a bulk sample by IR, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, electronic spectra, and magnetic properties. The powder electronic spectral data were analyzed based on the angular overlap model to conclude that the spectra were typical of D4-symmetric octahedral coordination geometry with a weak axial ligand field. Simultaneous analysis of the temperature-dependent susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization data yielded the positive axial zero-field splitting parameter D (H = guβSuHu + D[Sz2 − S(S + 1)/3]), which was consistent with the weak axial ligand field. Single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed the crystal structures of [Ni(onp)(dmso)(H2O)][BPh4]·dmso (2) and [Ni(onp)(dmf)2][BPh4] (3) (dmf = N,N-dimethylformamide). The density functional theory (DFT) computations based on the crystal structures indicated the D4-symmetric octahedral coordination geometries with weak axial ligand fields. This study also showed the importance of considering g-anisotropy in magnetic analysis, even if g-anisotropy is small.

Analysis of Wildfire Susceptibility by Weight of Evidence, Using Geomorphological and Environmental Factors in the Marche Region, Central Italy

Fires are a growing problem even in temperate climate areas, such as those in Central Italy, due to climate change leading to longer and longer periods of drought. Thus, knowing the fire susceptibility of an area is crucial for good planning and taking appropriate countermeasures. In this context, it was decided to use only causal factors of a geomorphological and environmental nature in order to obtain a fire susceptibility analysis that can also be applied to climatically under-sampled areas. Vector data of fires in Central Italy from 2005 to 2023 were collected, and the correct areal extent was calculated for each. At the same time, six factors were selected that could have an influence on fire development, such as ecological units, topographic wetness index (TWI), geology, slope, exposure, and altitude. The model was obtained by means of the weight of evidence statistical method, which takes into account past data by reinterpreting them in a future-oriented way on the basis of the identified factors and classes. The model was validated with a test sample and shows an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.72 with a reliability that can be described as good considering the total absence of climatic factors that are known to play a major role in fire development. Furthermore, the identified causal factors were divided into classes, and these were carefully weighted in order to define their relative influence in the study area. Particularly Ecological Units with characteristic and well-defined contrast (C) values, which could lead to a more complete definition of forests that tend to increase fire susceptibility and those that tend to decrease it, allowing the latter to be exploited as a hazard mitigation agent.

Synthesis and Characterization of Oxime Derivatives and their Some Transition Metal Complexes with Thiadiazole Groups: Biological Activities, and Molecular Docking Studies of the Ligands

AbstractThis study involved the synthesis and investigation of the anticancer and antioxidant capabilities of six newly developed ligands generated from 1,3,4‐thiadiazole and diphenyl ether keto oxime which has never been synthesized before, together with their transition metal complexes. The obtained ligands were characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy. Polymeric complexes of the obtained ligands were synthesized by reacting all ligands with MCl2.nH2O (M: Mn2+/Co2+)/Ni2+/Cu2+)) salts. The polymeric complexes′ structures were determined using elemental analysis, ICP‐AES, FTIR spectroscopy, UV‐vis spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Subsequently, the ligands were examined for their anticancer properties. To achieve this objective, the HT‐22 cell line, which consists of healthy mouse hippocampus neuronal cells, is utilized as the control group. Additionally, the MCF7 (breast cancer), MDA‐MB‐231 (breast cancer), C6 (rat glioma), HT‐29 (colon cancer), and A549 (lung carcinoma) cell lines are employed in cell culture research as representatives of cancerous cell lines. Based on the cell culture investigations, some of the synthesized ligands showed moderate to good anti‐cancer activity, especially for both colon cancer and brain tumors. Finally, a molecular docking analysis was conducted utilizing MOE software to ascertain the binding affinity between the synthesized ligands and the specific proteins of interest.

Utilization of Frequency Ratio and Logistic Regression Model for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Bogor Area

Java Island holds the highest record of landslide events in Indonesia. In 2021, the Bogor area, consisting of the city and regency of Bogor, recorded the highest number of landslides. These events further impact the fatalities, damage, and loss to society. Landslide mitigation should be considered to reduce the risk caused by landslide hazards. In this regard, a landslide susceptibility analysis is one of the fundamental steps in mitigation measures that can support policymakers in response to landslide disaster risk reduction. The location of landslide possibilities can be identified by mapping landslide susceptibility. Therefore, this study aims to produce a landslide susceptibility map (LSM) using a statistical frequency ratio method and logistic regression. The number of landslide inventories used in the model is about 822 events. To apply the model, the present study evaluates 13 influencing factors consisting of elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, slope curvature, Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), distance to river, lithological, distance to fault, soil type, annual rainfall, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), land use land cover (LULC), and road distance. The model performance is further evaluated using Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC). The frequency ratio (FR) and logistic regression (LR) models produce satisfactory results and have high predictions of future landslide occurrences with a score of 0.8317 and 0.8817, respectively.

Geological Hazard Susceptibility Analysis and Developmental Characteristics Based on Slope Unit, Using the Xinxian County, Henan Province as an Example.

Geological hazards in Xinxian County, Xinyang City, Henan Province, are characterized by their small scale, wide distribution, and significant influence from regional tectonics. This study focuses on collapses and landslide hazards within the area, selecting twelve evaluation factors: aspect, slope shape, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), topographic relief, distance from geological structure, slope, distance from roads, land use cover type, area of land change (2012-2022), average annual rainfall (2012-2022), and river network density. Utilizing data from historical disaster sites across the region, the information quantity method and hierarchical analysis method are employed to ascertain the information quantity and weight of each factor. Subsequently, a random forest model is applied to perform susceptibility zoning of geological hazards in Xinxian County and to examine the characteristics of these geological disasters. The results show that in the study area, the primary factors influencing the development of geohazards are the distance from roads, rock groups, and distance from geological structure areas. A comparison of the susceptibility results obtained through two methods, the analytic hierarchy process information quantity method and the random forests model, reveals that the former exhibits a higher accuracy. This model categorizes the geohazard susceptibility in the study area into four levels: low, medium, high, and very high. Notably, the areas of very high and high susceptibility together cover 559.17 km2, constituting 35.99% of the study area's total area, and encompass 57 disaster sites, which represent 72.15% of all disaster sites. Geological hazards in Xinxian County frequently manifest on steep canyon inclines, along the curved and concave banks of mountain rivers, within watershed regions, on gully inclines, atop steep cliffs, and on artificially created slopes, among other sites. Areas with very high and high vulnerability to these hazards are mainly concentrated near the county's geological formations. The gneiss formations are widely exposed in Xinxian County, and the gneisses' strength is significantly changed under weathering, which makes the properties of the different degrees of weathering of the rock and soil bodies play a decisive role in the stability of the slopes. This paper provides a basis for evaluating and preventing geologic hazards in the Dabie mountainous area of the South Henan Province, and the spatial planning of the national territory.

Automated imaging coupled with AI-powered analysis accelerates the assessment of plant resistance to Tetranychus urticae

The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae, is among the most destructive piercing-sucking herbivores, infesting more than 1100 plant species, including numerous greenhouse and open-field crops of significant economic importance. Its prolific fecundity and short life cycle contribute to the development of resistance to pesticides. However, effective resistance loci in plants are still unknown. To advance research on plant-mite interactions and identify genes contributing to plant immunity against TSSM, efficient methods are required to screen large, genetically diverse populations. In this study, we propose an analytical pipeline utilizing high-resolution imaging of infested leaves and an artificial intelligence-based computer program, MITESPOTTER, for the precise analysis of plant susceptibility. Our system accurately identifies and quantifies eggs, feces and damaged areas on leaves without expert intervention. Evaluation of 14 TSSM-infested Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes originating from diverse global locations revealed significant variations in symptom quantity and distribution across leaf surfaces. This analytical pipeline can be adapted to various pest and host species, facilitating diverse experiments with large specimen numbers, including screening mutagenized plant populations or phenotyping polymorphic plant populations for genetic association studies. We anticipate that such methods will expedite the identification of loci crucial for breeding TSSM-resistant plants.