Multi-Model Approach for Assessing the Influence of Calibration Criteria on the Water Balance in Ouémé Basin

Hydrological models are very useful tools for evaluating water resources, and the hydroclimatic hazards associated with the water cycle. However, their calibration and validation require the use of performance criteria which choice is not straightforward. This paper aims to evaluate the influence of the performance criteria on water balance components and water extremes using two global rainfall-runoff models (HBV and GR4J) over the Ouémé watershed at the Bonou and Savè outlets. Three (3) Efficacy criteria (Nash, coefficient of determination, and KGE) were considered for calibration and validation. The results show that the Nash criterion provides a good assessment of the simulation of the different parts of the hydrograph. KGE is better for simulating peak flows and water balance elements than other efficiency criteria. This study could serve as a basis for the choice of performance criteria in hydrological modelling.

Unequal Distribution of Innovation Efforts for Neglected Tropical Diseases: The Role of Funding Evaluation Criteria

Background: International research and innovation efforts for neglected tropical diseases have increased in recent decades due to disparities in overall health research funding in relation to global burden of disease. However, within the field of neglected tropical diseases some seem far more neglected than others. In this research the aim is to investigate the distribution of resources and efforts, as well as the mechanisms that underpin funding allocation for neglected tropical diseases. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted to establish a comprehensive overview of known indicators for innovation efforts related to a wide range of neglected tropical diseases. Articles were selected based on a subjective evaluation of their relevance, the presence of original data, and the breadth of their scope. This was followed by thirteen in-depth open-ended interviews with representatives of private, public and philanthropic funding organizations, concerning evaluation criteria for funding research proposals. Results: The findings reveal a large difference in the extent to which the individual diseases are neglected with notable differences between absolute and relative efforts. Criteria used in the evaluation of research proposals relate to potential impact, the probability of success and strategic fit. Private organizations prioritize strategic fit and economic impact;philanthropic organizations prioritize short-term societal impact;and public generally prioritize the probability of success by accounting for follow-up funding and involvement of industry. Funding decisions of different types of organizations are highly interrelated. Conclusions: This study shows that the evaluation of funding proposals introduces and retains unequal funding distribution, reinforcing the relative neglect of diseases. Societal impact is the primary rationale for funding but application of it as a funding criterion is associated with significant challenges. Furthermore, current application of evaluation criteria leads to a primary focus on short-term impact. Through current practice, the relatively most neglected diseases will remain so, and a long-term strategy is needed to resolve this.

Local Criteria Used by Farmers to Evaluate the Agronomic Performance and the Fertilizing Capacity of Cowpea Varieties: Diversity, Variability and Proximal Relation with Agronomic Measurements in Contrasted Sahelian Locations

When contributing to participatory research, farmers usually appreciate the performance of cowpea varieties using qualitative scores. The score they attribute to each variety are based on local knowledge. The specific criteria they individually use to attribute a score are not well described. The objectives of this work were to: 1) identify and describe exhaustively the local criteria used by farmers to measure the agronomic performance of cowpea;2) assess the variability and statistical structure of these farmer criteria across local contexts;3) and analyze the association between these farmer criteria and the classical agronomic measurement. To achieve these objectives, an augmented block design was implemented across fifteen locations in the regions of Maradi, Dosso and Tillabéri, representing a diversity of local contexts. From a set of 36 cowpea varieties, fifteen varieties were sown per location, including five varieties (controls) common to all locations. In each location, two replicates were sown in randomized Fisher’s blocks. After agronomic measurement and participatory evaluation (scoring of varieties by farmers), a group survey (focus group) was conducted in each location to identify the criteria considered by farmers to found their discretional scoring of varieties during the participatory evaluation. The analysis of the data identified, across locations, thirteen criteria defined by farmers to characterize the agronomic performance of cowpea. Some of these criteria were different according to location. Farmers ranked the three varieties with the best performance for each agronomical trait (Top 3 varieties). A comparison of the farmer ranking with the ranking based on agronomic measurements revealed similarity and complementary between both methods. This study highlighted the importance of considering both local and scientific knowledge in local varietal evaluations.

GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Techniques to Derive Flood Risks Management on Rice Productivity in Gishari Marshland

Floods are phenomenon with significant socio-economic implications mainly for human loss, agriculture, livestock, soil loss and land degradation, for which many researchers try to identify the most appropriate methodologies by analyzing their temporal and spatial development. This study therefore attempts to employ the GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis and analytical hierarchy process techniques to derive the flood risks management on rice productivity in the Gishari Agricultural Marshland in Rwamagana district, Rwanda. Here, six influencing potential factors to flooding, including river slope, soil texture, Land Use Land Cover through Land Sat 8, rainfall, river distance and Digital Elevation Model are considered for the delineation of flood risk zones. Data acquisition like Landsat 8 images, DEM, land use land cover, slope, and soil class in the study area were considered. Results showed that if the DEM is outdated or inaccurate due to changes in the terrain, such as construction, excavation, or erosion, the predicted flood patterns might not reflect the actual water flow. This could result unexpected flood extents and depths, potentially inundating rice fields that were not previously at risk and this, expectedly explained that the increase 1 m in elevation would reduce the rice productivity by 0.17% due to unplanned flood risks in marshland. It was found that the change in rainfall distribution in Gishari agricultural marshland would also decrease the rice productivity by 0.0018%, which is a sign that rainfall is a major factor of flooding in rice scheme. Rainfall distribution plays a crucial role in flooding analysis and can directly impact rice productivity. Oppositely, another causal factor was Land Use Land Cover (LULC), where the Multivariate Logistic Regression Model Analysis findings showed that the increase of one unit in Land Use Land Cover would increase rice productivity by 0.17% of the total rice productivity from the Gishari Agricultural Marshland. Based on findings from these techniques, the Gishari Agricultural Marshlands having steeped land with grassland is classified into five classes of flooding namely very low, low, moderate, high, and very high which include 430%, 361%, 292%, 223%, and 154%. Government of Rwanda and other implementing agencies and major key actors have to contribute on soil and water conservation strategies to reduce the runoff and soil erosion as major contributors of flooding.

Contribution of GIS to Soil Landscape Mapping by Multi-Criteria Analysis Using Weighting: The Case of the Square Degrees of M’Bahiakro (Centre) and Daloa (Centre-West) in Ivory Coast

As part of the drive to improve coffee and cocoa production in Ivory Coast, studies are carried out to identify soils that are favourable for these crops. It is therefore necessary to orientate soil investigations based on reliable criteria that best discriminate soil cover. With this in mind, this study is being carried out to help improve survey methods by mapping soil landscapes. It uses GIS and weighted multicriteria analysis. To do this, satellite images were processed and the geological map of the square degrees of M’Bahiakro and Daloa was reclassified. The results show that relief is the main factor in soil landscape differentiation, with respective weights of 0.58 and 0.67 for the forest and pre-forest zones. In contrast, the weight of geological formation in soil landscape differentiation remains low (0.05 for the forest zone and 0.07 for the pre-forest zone). The criteria used on the base of aggregation sum methods have made it possible to formulate soil landscape mapping prediction functions according to agro-ecological environments in the humid intertropical zone. This is essential for the orientation of soil survey work. Nevertheless, other comparative methods, such as the coding mapping method, could provide elements for discussion to validate the models.

Multi-Criteria Wildfire Risk Hazard Assessment in GIS Environment: Projection for the Future and Impact on RES Projects Installation Planning

It is alarming for the fact that Wildfires number, severity and consequently impact have significantly increased during the last years, an aftermath of the Climate Change. One of the most affected areas worldwide is Mediterranean, due to the unique combination of its type of vegetation and demanding climatic conditions. This research is focused on the Region of Epirus in Greece, an area with significant natural vegetation and a range of geomorphological aspects. In order to estimate the Wildfire Risk Hazard, several factors have been used: geomorphological (slope, aspect, elevation, TWI, Hydrographic network), social (Settlements and landfils, roads, overhead lines and substations), environmental (land cover) and climatic (Fire Weather Index). Through a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in a GIS environment, the Wildfire Risk Hazard has been estimated not only for current conditions but also for future projections for the near future (2031-2060) and the far future (2071-2100). The selected case study includes the potential impact of the Wildfires to the installed (or targeted to be installed) RES projects in the studied region.

Application of extended criteria donor grafts in liver transplantation for acute-on-chronic liver failure:A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND There is no consensus on the usage of extended criteria donor(ECD)grafts in liver transplantation(LT)for acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF)patients.AIM To summarize the experience of using ECD livers in ACLF-LT.METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted,enrolling patients who underwent LT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2015 to November 2021.The patients were divided into ECD and non-ECD groups for analysis.RESULTS A total of 145 recipients were enrolled in this study,of which ECD and non-ECD recipients accounted for 53.8%and 46.2%,respectively.Donation after cardiac death(DCD)recipients accounted for the minority compared with donation after brain death(DBD)recipients(16.6%vs 83.4%).Neither overall survival nor graft survival significantly differed between ECD and non-ECD and DCD and DBD recipients.ECD grafts were associated with a significantly higher incidence of early allograft dysfunction(EAD)than non-ECD grafts(67.9%vs 41.8%,P=0.002).Postoperative outcomes between DCD and DBD recipients were comparable(P>0.05).ECD graft(P=0.009),anhepatic phase(P=0.034)and recipient gamma glutamyltransferase(P=0.016)were independent risk factors for EAD.Recipient preoperative number of extrahepatic organ failures>2(P=0.015)and intraoperative blood loss(P=0.000)were independent predictors of poor post-LT survival.CONCLUSION Although related to a higher risk of EAD,ECD grafts can be safely used in ACLF-LT.The main factors affecting post-LT survival in ACLF patients are their own severe preoperative disease and intraoperative blood loss.

Extended criteria brain-dead organ donors:Prevalence and impact on the utilisation of livers for transplantation in Brazil

BACKGROUND Despite its association with higher postoperative morbidity and mortality,the use of extended criteria donor(ECD)livers for transplantation has increased globally due to the high demand for the procedure.AIM To investigate the prevalence of ECD in donation after brain death(DBD)and its impact on organ acceptance for transplantation.METHODS Retrospective analysis of DBD organ offers for liver transplantation between 2017 and 2020 in a high-volume transplant centre.The incidence of the Eurotransplant risk factors to define an ECD(ET-ECD)among DBD donors and the likelihood of organ acceptance over the years were analysed.The relationship between organ refusal for transplantation,the occurrence,and the number of ET-ECD was assessed by simple and multiple logistic regression adjustment.RESULTS A total of 1619 organ donors were evaluated.Of these,78.31%(n=1268)had at least one ET-ECD criterion.There was an increase in the acceptance of ECD DBD organs for transplantation(1 criterion:from 23.40%to 31.60%;2 criteria:from 13.10%to 27.70%;3 criteria:From 6.30%to 13.60%).For each addition of one ETECD variable,the estimated chance of organ refusal was 64.4%higher(OR 1.644,95%CI 1.469-1.839,P<0.001).Except for the donor serum sodium>165 mmol/L(P=0.310),all ET-ECD criteria increased the estimated chance of organ refusal for transplantation.CONCLUSION A high prevalence of ECD DBD was observed.Despite the increase in their utilisation,the presence and the number of extended donor criteria were associated with an increased likelihood of their refusal for transplantation.

Deformation characteristics and novel strain criteria of strainbursts induced by low-frequency cyclic disturbance

Strainbursts induced by cyclic disturbance with low frequency(termed as cyclicinduced strainbursts)are major dynamic disasters during deep excavation and mining.There is currently no quantitative criterion available for the prediction of such disastrous events.In this study,based on true triaxial experiments,we analyzed the deformation characteristics,established two novel strain criteria for the cyclic-induced strainbursts,and explained the physical meaning of these criteria.Characteristic strains for the cyclic-induced strainbursts were defined,including the control strain ε_(ctr),the strain caused by the combined dynamic and static loading ε_(sd),and the ultimate strain ε_(u) after strainbursts.As indicated by the results,the deformation evolution of the cyclic-induced strainbursts shows remarkable fatigue characteristics,which resemble that of rock subjected to cyclic loading and unloading.In other words,there are three stages during deformation evolution,namely,initial rapid growth,uniform velocity growth after several periods of disturbance,and sudden sharp growth preceding the burst.The ultimate strain ε_(u) is insensitive to the tangential static stress and disturbance amplitude,but it changes nonlinearly with disturbance frequency.From the perspective of deformation,the occurrence of a cyclic-induced strainburst is controlled by the control strainε_(ctr).Thus,a control strain criterion is proposed;that is,when the stain ε_(sd) is larger than the control strain ε_(ctr),a strainburst will be induced by cyclic disturbance.Moreover,based on the statistical results,a strain ratio criterion is proposed;that is,when the strain ratio ε_(sd)/ε_(u) is greater than 30%,a cyclic-induced strainburst will be induced.

Derivation and validation of soil total and extractable cadmium criteria for safe vegetable production

Determining the appropriate soil cadmium(Cd)criteria for vegetable production is important for ensuring that the Cd concentrations of the vegetables meet food safety standards.The soil extractable Cd criteria for vegetable production are also essential for both food safety and environmental management,especially in areas with a high natural background level.In the present study,soil total and extractable Cd criteria were derived using the approach of species sensitivity distribution integrated with soil aging and bioavailability as affected by soil properties.A dataset of 90 vegetable species planted in different soils was compiled by screening the published in literature in five bibliographic databases using designated search strings.The empirical soil-plant transfer model was applied to normalize the bioaccumulation data.After normalization,the intra-species variability was reduced by 18.3 to 84.4%.The soil Cd concentration that would protect 95%(HC_(5))of the species was estimated by species sensitivity distribution curves that were fitted by the Burr III function.The soil Cd criteria derived from the added approach for risk assessment were proposed as continuous criteria based on a combination of organic carbon and pH in the soil.Criteria for total Cd and EDTA-extractable Cd in the soil ranged from 0.23 to 0.61 mg kg^(-1)and from 0.09 to 0.25 mg kg^(-1),respectively.Field experimental data were used to validate the applicability and validity of these criteria.Most of the predicted HC5 values in the field experimental sites were below the 1:1 line.These results provide a scientific basis for soil Cd criteria for vegetable production that will ensure food safety.

THE REGULARITY CRITERIA OF WEAK SOLUTIONS TO 3D AXISYMMETRIC INCOMPRESSIBLE BOUSSINESQ EQUATIONS

In this paper,we obtain new regularity criteria for the weak solutions to the three dimensional axisymmetric incompressible Boussinesq equations.To be more precise,under some conditions on the swirling component of vorticity,we can conclude that the weak solutions are regular.

Assessing Criteria Weights by the Symmetry Point of Criterion (Novel SPC Method)–Application in the Efficiency Evaluation of the Mineral Deposit Multi-Criteria Partitioning Algorithm

Information about the relative importance of each criterion or theweights of criteria can have a significant influence on the ultimate rank of alternatives.Accordingly,assessing the weights of criteria is a very important task in solving multi-criteria decision-making problems.Three methods are commonly used for assessing the weights of criteria:objective,subjective,and integrated methods.In this study,an objective approach is proposed to assess the weights of criteria,called SPCmethod(Symmetry Point of Criterion).This point enriches the criterion so that it is balanced and easy to implement in the process of the evaluation of its influence on decision-making.The SPC methodology is systematically presented and supported by detailed calculations related to an artificial example.To validate the developed method,we used our numerical example and calculated the weights of criteria by CRITIC,Entropy,Standard Deviation and MEREC methods.Comparative analysis between these methods and the SPC method reveals that the developedmethod is a very reliable objective way to determine the weights of criteria.Additionally,in this study,we proposed the application of SPCmethod to evaluate the efficiency of themulti-criteria partitioning algorithm.The main idea of the evaluation is based on the following fact:the greater the uniformity of the weights of criteria,the higher the efficiency of the partitioning algorithm.The research demonstrates that the SPC method can be applied to solving different multi-criteria problems.

A Comprehensive Overview of the ELECTRE Method in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

The ELECTRE(ELimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalite)method has gained widespread recognition as one of the most effective multi-criteria decision-making(MCDM)methods.Its versatility allows it to be applied in a wide range of areas such as engineering,economics,business,environmental management and many others.This paper aims to provide an overview of the ELECTRE method,including its fundamental concepts,applications,advantages,and limitations.At its core,the ELECTRE method is an outranking family of MCDM techniques,which allows for the direct comparison of alternatives based on a set of criteria.The method takes into account the preferences and importance of decision-makers and generates a ranking of the alternatives based on their relative strengths and weaknesses.The ELECTRE method is a powerful tool for decision-making,and its applicability to a wide range of fields demonstrates its versatility and adaptability.By understanding its concepts,applications,merits,and demerits,decision-makers can use the ELECTRE method to make informed and effective decisions in a variety of contexts.

Spatial Distribution and Inscribed Criteria of Cultural Landscape World Heritage Sites

As an important type of world heritage sites,cultural landscape has always been an important research subject.In order to explore the spatial distribution and evolution mode of cultural landscape all over the world,the paper systematically elaborated the historical context of cultural landscape.The distribution characteristics were analyzed by statistical methods,and the connotation and evolution law represented by cultural landscape in different regions were expounded.The word frequency of regional heritage criteria was analyzed,and the local characteristics of each case were discussed.The research shows that the spatial distribution of global cultural landscape is unbalanced,mainly concentrated in Europe,and the spatial distribution characteristics are closely related to geographical environment,social history,economic development level and many other factors.In terms of inscribed criteria for world heritage sites,most cultural landscapes are mainly based on cultural criteria,but also involve natural criteria.The recognition and protection of cultural landscapes that simultaneously meet multiple criteria will become the focus in the future.

Research Status of Water Quality Criteria and Standards and Analysis on the Transformation Methods

Under the vision of development for the new era,China has entered a stage of high-quality economic development and an important window period in which we have the conditions and ability to address the prominent issue of economic development and ecological protection in a coordinated way.However,all kinds of environmental benchmark values in China are lacking and need to be constantly supplemented and improved.Therefore,exploring and putting forward a simple and efficient method for the transformation of environmental criteria into environmental standards is an important basis for the rapid establishment of relevant environmental criteria system and the effective promotion of the development of environmental standards system towards a scientific and reasonable direction.In this paper,the water environment is taken as the research object.By analyzing the research progress of environmental criteria and standards at home and abroad,and the foreign method of transforming environmental criteria into environmental standards,combined with the problems faced in the process of transforming environmental criteria into environmental standards in China,an effective method to transform China's environmental criteria into environmental standards is analyzed.After analysis and comparison,it is found that the pollution reduction accounting method could achieve their simple and efficient conversion.Under the premise of obtaining environmental criteria for certain pollutants,environmental criteria for certain pollutants could be obtained by distributing pollutants reduction costs,and accounting economic benefits after reaching standard,thus obtaining the environmental standard of this type of pollutant,which provides reference to determine the environmental standard limits of such pollutants.

Ethical Criteria in Research in Music Education in Brazil

The growth of research in Music Education in Brazil,together with the advancement of ethical care in research,originated this research that aimed to investigate aspects related to ethical care in research in Music Education in Brazil,based on Resolution No.510/2016,which deals with ethics in research with human beings.Data were collected via Internet,in the journal of the Brazilian Association of Music Education(known by the acronym ABEM),with a time frame from 2016 to 2022.As a result,five papers were found.It is understood,in this sense,that there is room for the growth of investigations in Music Education that deal with research ethics.Despite the advances in legislation regarding research ethics,as well as the need for investigations in Music Education to also consider these issues in their data collection and analysis,the theme has still been little considered in methodological procedures.

Understanding Applications and Best Practices of DEMATEL:A Method for Prioritizing Key Factors in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory(DEMATEL)method is a powerful tool for understanding and visualizing the causal relationships among factors in complex decision-making problems.The method uses diagrams and matrixes to map out the causal relationships and interdependencies among factors,allowing decision-makers to identify key drivers and potential solutions to the problem.DEMATEL has a wide range of application areas,including supply chain management,environmental planning,healthcare,finance,and engineering,among others.The DEMATEL method is a valuable tool for decision-makers who need to understand the complex causal relationships among factors in order to make informed decisions.The method provides a structured approach for analyzing and prioritizing factors and for identifying potential solutions to complex problems.This paper describes the main features of this method,its application areas as well as the main process steps in the DEMATEL method.

Multi-Criteria Group Decision-Making Method Based on an Improved Single-Valued Neutrosophic Hamacher Weighted Average Operator and Grey Relational Analysis

This paper proposes a multi-criteria decision-making (MCGDM) method based on the improved single-valued neutrosophic Hamacher weighted averaging (ISNHWA) operator and grey relational analysis (GRA) to overcome the limitations of present methods based on aggregation operators. First, the limitations of several existing single-valued neutrosophic weighted averaging aggregation operators (i.e. , the single-valued neutrosophic weighted averaging, single-valued neutrosophic weighted algebraic averaging, single-valued neutrosophic weighted Einstein averaging, single-valued neutrosophic Frank weighted averaging, and single-valued neutrosophic Hamacher weighted averaging operators), which can produce some indeterminate terms in the aggregation process, are discussed. Second, an ISNHWA operator was developed to overcome the limitations of existing operators. Third, the properties of the proposed operator, including idempotency, boundedness, monotonicity, and commutativity, were analyzed. Application examples confirmed that the ISNHWA operator and the proposed MCGDM method are rational and effective. The proposed improved ISNHWA operator and MCGDM method can overcome the indeterminate results in some special cases in existing single-valued neutrosophic weighted averaging aggregation operators and MCGDM methods.

基于生态安全的我国土壤镉环境基准研究

土壤镉(Cd)污染的生态安全问题不容忽视,我国目前尚缺乏基于生态风险的土壤Cd环境基准。本研究通过调研国内外关于土壤Cd的生态毒性研究,收集并筛选基于我国土壤的Cd毒性效应数据,采用物种敏感性分布法并结合Cd的生态毒性预测模型,推导不同用地方式下的土壤全量和EDTA提取态Cd生态安全环境基准。共收集与筛选出包含13个物种或生态过程的126个土壤Cd生态毒性数据,其中陆生植物毒性数据60个(6个物种)、无脊椎动物毒性数据39个(3个物种)、生态过程毒性数据27个(4种指标)。土壤Cd生态毒性预测模型研究结果表明,土壤pH是影响Cd生态毒性的最重要因子。自然保护地和农业用地、公园用地、住宅用地、商服及工业用地不同土壤pH值范围的土壤全量Cd生态安全基准分别为1.91~5.25、3.94~11.1、7.59~22.0和10.5~30.8 mg·kg^(-1),基于EDTA提取态Cd的生态安全基准分别为1.13~3.12、2.34~6.62、4.51~13.1和6.24~18.4 mg·kg^(-1)。研究结果可为我国土壤污染风险管控标准的制修订提供依据。

中国医保药品价格谈判回顾和展望

目的:总结2018—2023年中国医保药品价格谈判的实践经验,对未来的工作提出建议。方法:通过文献回顾、收集官方公布的数据和网络报道资料,对当前医保药品价格谈判的政策和实践进行总结分析。结果:谈判药品平均降价50%~60%,但也存在有待解决的问题。未来医保药品价格谈判工作需要更加关注价值谈判组织体系、标准和方法的建立,重视价值谈判的立法和规制,使价格谈判工作更加公正、公平和透明化。结论:我国的药品价格谈判成绩斐然,充分发挥了政府主导和市场机制的作用,通过价值谈判保障了创新药物的可得性和可及性,在新药需求无限性和医保基金有限性之间找到了平衡点。