This paper presents a detailed land cover mapping study for the state of Victoria in Australia conducted through a machine learning approach (random forest algorithm) using Sentinel-2 imagery. The study uses a hierarchical classification, based on the FAO's Land Cover Classification Scheme. This paper highlights the importance of spatial random sampling in assessing ground data, and details methods for land cover mapping, remote sensing analysis, calibration as well as validation. The land cover mapping procedure involves the use of a fine-tuned random forest classifier, and an overlaying mask generation technique to improve classification accuracy. The resulting 2021/22 land cover map is accessible through the Victorian Land Use Information System (VLUIS) and has undergone rigorous technical validation with an overall accuracy of 86%. This data set is publicly accessible and regularly released to provide valuable information for a variety of applications, including agricultural policy development, strategic planning, climate change modelling and environmental monitoring.
The Kyoto Consensus introduced a key conceptual shift in characterizing acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients into Type-A and Type-B phenotypes. A day-long meeting was convened at Istanbul during APASL 2026 to assess the real-world applicability of Type-A and Type-B ACLF across continents. The objective was that physicians could recognize ACLF as a unified disease entity, and quality research and new therapeutic options with defined end-points could be undertaken. Data from APASL ACLF Research Consortium (AARC), EASL-CLIF and NACSELD were assessed and discussed in detail. While the applicability of Type-A and Type-B varied across cohorts, the definition required to be appended. The experts unanimously agreed that 'liver failure' as identified by serum bilirubin of ≥ 5 mg/dl and INR ≥ 1.5 should be the 'core' for both Type-A and Type-B ACLF. Type-A ACLF is considered when "a patient with compensated advanced chronic liver disease or compensated cirrhosis presents with index decompensation as liver failure followed by development of ascites and/or hepatic encephalopathy within 4 weeks." Type-B ACLF is considered when "a patient with prior or concurrent decompensated cirrhosis presents with acute decompensation as liver failure accompanied by one or more extrahepatic organ failures." New definitions of organ dysfunction and failure, as well as endpoints for clinical trials, were also deliberated and finalized. The "Istanbul Report", presents a milestone evidence based consensus document carrying harmonization of various aspects of ACLF, incorporating current evidence, critically analyzed unanimous recommendations, and key areas for future studies.