Delving into the persistent impacts of colonialism within the sphere of modern science, we explore some of the deep-seated disparities between the Global North and South with regards to the scientific enterprise. Central to this inequality are the hurdles of language and financial support. As such, this work discusses the often-overlooked obstacles that Global South scientists face, including the additional efforts non-native English speakers must invest in reading and publishing, their higher rejection rates, and the widespread neglect of publications in languages other than English. These challenges not only hinder the advancement of science but also deepen existing divides. Furthermore, we examine the double-edged sword of and the geopolitical limits of open science. While these policies democratize access to scientific knowledge, they can inadvertently exacerbate the North-South inequalities due to, for example, the prohibitive costs associated with open-access publishing—a financial burden that is often unmanageable for researchers with limited funding. This funding gap severely restricts the Global South’s scientific capabilities and impact, affecting everything from conducting comprehensive research to attending scientific meetings. The culmination of these disparities not only diminishes the impact of Global South researchers in their fields but also traps them in a cycle of reduced funding and limited global networking opportunities. In addressing these complex issues, the contributions in this work highlight some of the most common and pronounced issues related to scientific inequalities, as well as suggesting possible ways of bridging these gaps in order to reach a more equitable distribution of resources and recognition in the global scientific community.

This paper presents an innovative approach to road assessment, focusing on enhancing the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and Visión Inspection de Zones et Itinéraires Á Risque (VIZIR) methodologies by integrating Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology. The research was conducted in an urban setting, utilizing a UAS to capture high-resolution imagery, which was subsequently processed to generate detailed orthomosaics of road surfaces. This study critically analyzed the discrepancies between traditional field measurements and UAS-derived data in pavement condition assessment. The study findings demonstrate that photogrammetry-derived data from UAS offer at least similar or, in some cases, improved information on the collection of a comprehensive state of roadways, particularly in local and collector roads. Furthermore, this study proposed key modifications to the existing methodologies, including dividing the road network into segments for more precise and relevant data collection. These enhancements aim to address the limitations of current practices in capturing the diverse and dynamic conditions of urban infrastructure. Integrating UAS technology improves the measurement of pavement condition assessments and offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable approach to urban infrastructure management. The implications of this study are significant for urban planners and policymakers, providing a robust framework for future infrastructure assessment and maintenance strategies.

The unmanned aircraft system (UAS) sector is a rapidly evolving domain characterized by fast technological advancement, diverse use cases, and an intricate regulatory environment. As a result, understanding and navigating the UAS industry presents a complex challenge for operators, manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and data users alike. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the UAS market in the United States, with a particular focus on the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU’s) Blue Small UAS (sUAS) initiative. This paper provides an overview of the current UAS market in the U.S., accounting for 49 manufacturers from 11 countries. The study offers a breakdown of market shares and identifies the significant players, primarily the U.S. and China, where 53% and 18% of all manufacturers reside, respectively. It also discusses the impact of the newly introduced Remote ID regulations and the compliance among UAS manufacturers with these regulations. Moreover, the study covers the Blue sUAS list, addressing its origins and purpose, as well as the often-misunderstood implications for the broader UAS market. The study clarifies that Blue-listed UAS are not exclusively superior or the only options for purchase by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or other U.S. government (USG) agencies. Moreover, it highlights that the Blue sUAS list’s suitability for military applications does not automatically render it optimal for civilian use, especially in infrastructure applications. This research aims to deepen understanding and stimulate informed discussion around the U.S. UAS market, regulatory compliance, the Blue sUAS list, and the broader implications for drone usage in both military and civilian contexts.

The following paper proposes an Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) inspection framework for communities where guidelines for this emerging technology have yet to be provided. The framework involves pilot training in an area with similar features to the structure to be inspected, developing best inspection practices for future application, selecting a bridge for detailed inspection using non-destructive testing methods such as visual inspection, and inspecting the bridge using the UAS inspection framework developed for the area. The results of both reviews are compared, and the framework is validated. The final inspection framework is presented in the paper, along with relevant conclusions and future work. The proposed framework can be valuable for infrastructure owners and inspectors to conduct more efficient and cost-effective bridge inspections while ensuring safety in communities with limited UAS guidelines and research work. The structural analysis, qualitative assessment, and load rating of the case study are presented as proof of concept on the effectiveness of the UAS bridge inspection and its advantages.