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Stingless bees are essential for the pollination of cultivated and native plant species. Anthropogenic activities in natural ecosystems trigger changes in the microclimate, impacting the flight activity of bees. Here, we examine the effects of some abiotic factors on the flight activity of some stingless bees. We installed four colonies of each species (Plebeia droryana, Scaptotrigona bipunctata and Melipona quadrisfasciata) in three distinct areas (predominantly urbanized area, mosaic of pastures with agricultural cultivation and mosaic of natural vegetation with fragmented landscapes) represented by different uses and land cover (L.U.L.C.). All observations were in the morning during three time slots. For each area, we recorded daily abiotic factors and measured the flight activity of bees entering and leaving the colony. P. droryana and S. bipunctata had similar flight activities, with less activity in anthropized areas. M. quadrifasciata showed the lowest activity among species in the three areas. The flight activity of S. bipunctata showed significant differences. Abiotic factors had significant differences between areas, light intensity had the greatest influence on flight activity among the three species. Our study indicates that stingless bees exhibit a pattern of behavior. However, the abiotic characteristics of a given ecosystem can affect the flight activity of each species based on its normative behavior. This is the first study to evaluate abiotic effects on the flight activity of P. droryana, S. bipunctata and M. quadrifasciata in southern Brazil. The results obtained here can contribute to the establishment of a conservation plan for stingless bee species and prevent future extinctions in a scenario of environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants synthesize aromatic components during their secondary metabolism, these components are known as volatile oils or essential oils. Oils extracted from medicinal and aromatic plants have been investigated and applied due to their ethnomedicinal properties and the presence of abundant bioactive compounds. Many research studies examined the variations in the yield and composition of essential oil depending on the season and duration of the day-night period. The aim of the present study is twofold, we have performed a bibliometric analysis by using the Scopus database (data collection) and VOSviewer software (analysis) along with a comprehensive review of the literature published to date on the essential oils extracted from aromatic and medicinal plants, with an emphasis on their chemical profiles based on climatic and circadian periods. Extensive research on this relationship between abiotic factors (climatic and circadian) and chemical constituents, has identified significant variability among them. Phyto medicines and preparations with well-defined and verified bioactive volatile components, action mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of essential oils, have been utilized as pharmacological means. During this study, it was observed that this field is under-explored, and only limited data is available so far, therefore it has a lot of scope for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional architecture is the result of collective experience in the optimum use of available materials in a given location and adapted to specific conditions and needs. Although forms and groups also depend on other cultural and social issues, the constructive techniques used depend mostly on geographical conditioning factors such as altitude, hydrography, lithology, climate, etc. This text aims to analyse the possible relationships among the multiple variants and specific geographical conditioning factors of each location; in turn, this should provide an understanding of the reasons motivating or reducing their use and the mechanisms adapting these techniques to these conditioning factors. The analysis cross-referenced GIS systems from a database compiling information on 1160 half-timbered walls with a series of themed maps containing information on geographical factors. The conclusions reached show that a single technique adapts to different geographical conditioning factors, giving rise to a wide range of solutions which can provide greater durability and improved habitability. This capacity to adapt to the location is a lesson in sustainability that can be applied at present and is above all part of the intrinsic wealth and value of traditional architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the spatiotemporal characteristics of photosynthetic vegetation (PV) and non-photosynthetic vegetation (NPV) is critical for the study of vegetation in arid and semiarid regions. However, the evaluation of the fractional cover of PV (fPV) and NPV (fNPV) in Xinjiang has received very little attention. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of PV and NPV and their responses to precipitation and temperature in Xinjiang from 2001 to 2020. The results showed that the overall stability of fPV and fNPV were of the low fluctuation and high fluctuation types, respectively. A significant increase trend of fPV was found in most regions (P < 0.01), while fNPV showed an insignificant increase trend in general, except for eastern Xinjiang (P > 0.05). The comparison of fPV and fNPV shows that the vegetation of Xinjiang has improved over time, except for the Yili region, showing the need to strengthen the environmental protection of this region. Through the spatial analysis, some agricultural oasis areas experienced an expansion in the distribution of vegetation, while some sparse vegetation distribution area has not improved. From the climate perspective, the response degree of fPV and fNPV with precipitation is higher than that of temperature. The responses of fPV and fNPV to precipitation are greater in the summer and spring phases, respectively. Whereas, the responses of both fPV and fNPV to temperature are greater in the autumn phase. In the time phase, precipitation mainly promotes the distribution of PV and NPV, while temperature mainly inhibits their distribution. This study provides a theoretical basis for ecological restoration and conservation in Xinjiang and other arid and semiarid regions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of whether environmental conditions influence human migration has attracted considerable attention from researchers in recent years. Despite this high level of interest, little is known about the relationship between producers' perceptions of environmental threats and their decision to migrate, particularly in developing countries where they are increasingly vulnerable. To address this issue, a survey was conducted in the cotton zone of northern Benin to collect data on 630 producers' perceptions of climate threats. Results from econometric modeling indicate that perceived adverse environmental conditions increase the migration of agricultural producers to new destinations. Overall, the results support that migration is not a direct consequence of environmental change but rather an adaptive strategy deemed efficient by migrants to cope with the adverse consequences of environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites, and some important groups of mycotoxins are aflatoxins, ochratoxins, ergot alkaloids, citrinin, patulin and fusarium, which include trichothecenes, fumonisins and zearalenone. Ochratoxins are one of the most lethal mycotoxins; specifically, Ochratoxins A (OTA), which is perilous to the productivity and wellbeing of poultry birds. Ochratoxin species tend to grow in warmer climates such as Aspergillus ochraceous as well as colder climates such as Penicillium verrucosum. It has been known to cause toxicity in broilers and layers more as compared to aflatoxins. Its toxicological profile designates it as carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, teratogenic, immunotoxic and mutagenic. It is also a potential hazard for human health when animal-derived commodities are consumed. The presence of ochratoxins within poultry feed has undesirable influences on the growth and quality of the final product in the form of eggs and meat. Moreover, ochratoxins cause economic losses by affecting productive performance and lead to histopathological changes in the organs of birds, negatively affecting the bird's health. Some agents such as vitamins E and C, silymarin, activated charcoal, distillery yeast sludge and indigenous mycotoxin binders were used to reduce the effects of OTA toxicity on poultry. This review comprehensively explains the ochratoxins, the environmental factors responsible for their occurrence and their persistence as a major threat to poultry production as well as potential ameliorative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is the most important parasitic infection in Iran. The aim of this study was to model the changing suitability patterns of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis for the 21st century in the country. Temperature, precipitation, and aridity-nature distribution limiting bioclimatic variables were involved in the ecological modelling. The altitudinal trends were considered by using 100 m bars. In Iran, the topographical patterns strongly impact the changing patterns of the suitability of L. infantum due to climate change. In general, climate change will decrease the parasite's suitability in the areas at low altitudes and increase in the middle and higher elevation regions. Increasing values are mainly predicted in the West, the decreasing suitability values in the East part of Iran. The altitudinal shifts and the reduced spatial distribution of L. infantum in the arid regions of East and Central Iran were modelled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Trigona spinipes is a species of bee found throughout the Brazilian territory. This study aimed to evaluate the forage behavior of the species T. Spinipes to abiotic and biotic factors. The experiment was accomplished in the field of BeeLab belonging to the Federal University of Paraíba. Four feeders prepared with different levels of sucrose (0%, 25%, 50% and 75%), were arranged on sawhorses and placed next to hives of T. Spinipes. The sawhorses were distanced from the hive each 10 meters until 100 meters away. Each distance the number of visitors was counted hourly. Climatic variables of temperature, relative humidity, dew point, radiation and rainfall were noted in order to observe the behavior of the species in different conditions. It was observed that the foraging activity of bee T. Spinipes was higher in function, primarily, of temperature and radiation the opposite occurred with relative humidity and dew point. The T. Spinipes exhibited a behavior of preference for solutions with higher sucrose levels. No decrease was observed in the number of visitors of the species until the maximum distance observed. T. Spinipes has your forage behavior modulated by climatic variables and can be considered a dominant species on food source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with traditional research methods, research based on physiological processes could provide more interactions between the radial growth of trees and climate factors. The Vaganov–Shashkin model (VS-oscilloscope) was applied to simulate tree-ring formation in semi-arid eastern Gansu, China and its response to climate variables during the past several decades. Three simulated tree-ring width series are significantly correlated to the corresponding measured tree-ring chronologies during their common periods (p < 0.001). The growth rate due to soil moisture dominates the radial growth of trees in the main growing season, and growth rate due to temperature limits tree growth at the start and end of the growing season. Simulation results show that soil moisture significantly affects tree-ring width in extremely wide and narrow rings years (p < 0.01). Correlation analysis between measured tree-ring chronologies and monthly climate data and divided periods simulation results show that the limiting effect of soil moisture on the radial growth of Pinus tabulaeformis under warm and dry conditions is significantly enhanced. Our results provide useful knowledge for improving the protection of forests in ecologically fragile areas and mitigating the adverse effects of warmer climate in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) can negatively affect corn production. In this study, incidence and abundance of PPN were assessed in 300 corn fields across 20 counties in North Dakota during 2015 and 2016. Seventy-two percent of the fields were positive for PPN. The major genera identified were Helicotylenchus (incidence: 52%; mean density: 1513 nematodes kg−1 of soil; greatest density: 16 910 nematodes kg−1 of soil), Tylenchorhynchus (37%; 687; 9500), Paratylenchus (31%; 1484; 7800), Pratylenchus (20%; 399; 2125), Heterodera (9%; 555; 4500), Xiphinema (8%; 330; 900), Hoplolaimus (3%; 294; 500) and Paratrichodorus (1%; 124; 200). Neighbouring counties had greater similarity in PPN diversity than counties that are further apart, with western, north-eastern and south-eastern counties forming clusters of similar nematode occurrence and diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis was conducted to determine the association between incidence and abundance of these PPN populations and various soil edaphic and climatic factors. The analysis revealed that Hoplolaimus, Paratrichodorus, Paratylenchus and Pratylenchus were positively correlated with soil temperature, rainfall and per cent sand, while Helicotylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus and Xiphinema were positively correlated with pH, percent clay and percent organic matter. This is the first report of an extensive investigation of PPN communities in North Dakota corn fields. Research findings will be useful in future field experiments to determine the impact of PPN on corn in the Northern Great Plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1999, the Grain for Green Project was implemented by the Chinese government. Since then, the vegetation of Zuli River Basin, a semi-arid river basin of the Chinese Loess Plateau, has been greatly changed. Clearly understanding the impact of natural and artificial factors on vegetation change is important for policy making and ecosystem management. In this study, spatio-temporal variations in vegetation cover in Chinese Zuli River Basin during 1999–2016 were investigated using Landsat normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data. Analyses of several indicators, including changes in NDVI in different slopes and land use changes and the relationships between climatic factors and NDVI change, were presented to quantitatively evaluate the effects of agriculture, climate, and policy on NDVI change. The NDVI in the Zuli River Basin increased during the study period, and the main contributors to this change were forest in 1999–2011, cropland, abandoned farmland, and grassland in 2009–2016, and land with slopes ≤ 15°. Land with slope > 15°, where the "Project" was implemented, slightly contributed to the increase in regional NDVI. In 1999–2011, the project (−98.16%) combined with climate change (−68.18%) showed negative effects on the increase in NDVI in the Zuli River Basin, but agriculture (22.28%) played a positive role in increasing this index. In 2009–2016 and 1999–2016, the project (38.45% and 35.25%, respectively), the project combined with climate change (49.83% and 46.30%, respectively), agriculture (18.61% and 23.30%, respectively), promoted increases in NDVI in the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effects of magnesium (Mg) NPK fertilizer applied in 2000 to maturing Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst.) stands with yellowing symptoms and situated on poor acidified soils in the Šumava mountains (the Czech Republic). Long-term defoliation, nutrient content in the foliage and diameter increment were evaluated in three specific variants: yellowing trees, trees without yellowing symptoms and fertilized trees. The results indicate differences in soil characteristics, nutrient content and radial growth with response to climate. Fertilization increased Mg content and base saturation in the soil and decreased the amount of exchangeable aluminum and hydrolytic acidity. Differences were significant especially in magnesium, calcium and phosphorus contents in the foliage of yellowing trees. There was also a significant difference in manganese content; yellowing trees showed deficiency in comparison with both fertilized and unfertilized healthy trees. Two years after the initial fertilization (to present), defoliation and yellowing symptoms in the unfertilized yellowing trees were more pronounced compared to other variants. These symptoms were more influenced by fertilization than foliation. The duration of significant positive effects of fertilization on diameter increment lasted for a shorter time than the effect on foliage. Simultaneously, higher sensitivity to climatic factors was observed in the fertilized trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of insect pests in cotton crop, such as Bemisia tabaci, Amrasca devastans and Pectinophora gossypiella (PBW) is dependent on climatic factors, such as maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Besides, cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is also a major yield-limiting factor in the cotton crop. The results indicated that non-transgenic genotypes were heavily infested by whitefly, whereas jassid infested all genotypes with little difference. The population of whitefly and jassid acquired peak level in the month of July and August on all the genotypes. The correlation studies indicated the negative correlation of jassid, pink bollworm and CLCuD on yield component, whereas whitefly infestation was found positively correlated with CLCuD. Moreover, multivariate regression analysis (MRA) indicated the maximum and minimum temperature impacted the infestation of whitefly and jassid more than other factors, whereas maximum temperature greatly impacted the infestation of PBW in transgenic genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With this study we investigated the effective factors on annual amount of total litterfall and needle litterfall in Pinus brutia forests and estimated them with a regression model based on certain stand parameters. We studied 27 permanent plots representing different stand structure and environmental conditions in South-Western Turkey. Litterfall was collected in three month intervals corresponding to each of four seasons for a three-year period. We found a significant relationship between litterfall and stand properties such as crown closure (%), basal area (m2 ha−1), stand stem volume (m3 ha−1), above-ground biomass (t ha−1), mean annual volume increment (m3 ha−1 yr−1) and site index (T = 75). Similar relationships also hold true between litterfall and each of such climatic factors as seasonal mean temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) and temperature/precipitation ratio (dimensionless). The mean annual litterfall considerably varied depending on stand characteristics and certain environmental factors. Both needle litterfall and total litterfall may be predicted for long term by regression models using certain stand parameters. Models developed for litterfall of P. brutia forests in this study may be used for national C inventory in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world’s freshwater ecosystems, sources of drinking water, are threatened by eutrophication. Many studies show that global warming leads to changes in aquatic ecosystems. Recently, eutrophication signs have been recorded in Lake Baikal, the world’s largest and deepest lake containing 20% of the world’s fresh water reserves. We have analysed long-term changes of the most sensitive natural factors (air and water temperature, wind regime, precipitation and solar radiation) and revealed their potential impact on emergence of unfavourable signs in the shallow zone of Lake Baikal. The main causes of adverse ecological processes are elevated temperatures of air and coastal water, reduced amount of precipitation, weakening of wind flows, and water exchange processes, and as a result, reduced self-purification. The highest number of anomalous climate changes has been recorded in the XXI century. Moreover, the years of the past decade were the most favourable for emergence of adverse processes in the lake (outbreak of rapid growth of algae and aquatic vegetation, rotting of their remains at the bottom and on the shores of the lake, etc.). Climatic factors will continue causing adverse effects in the shallow zone of Lake Baikal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to quantitatively evaluate the intensity of FT erosion, eight typical factors, including annual FT cycle days, precipitation, average diurnal phase-changed water content, rainfall erosivity during the FT period, wind field intensity during the FT period, slope, aspect, and vegetation, were introduced to establish an improved evaluation method of FT erosion in the TRSR, which had better applicability in TRSR with an overall precision of 93%. Results showed that FT erosion was widely distributed in the TRSR, with zones of slight, mild, and moderated erosion being the most widely distributed. During 2000–2015, a slight improvement can be observed in the condition of FT erosion over the whole study region. Vegetation coverage was the dominant factor affecting the intensity of FT erosion in the zones with sparse vegetation or bare land, whereas the climate factors played an important role in high vegetation coverage area. Vegetation coverage played a dominant role in affecting the FT erosion intensity in zones with 0.3 ≤ VC < 0.6, whereas the terrain and climate factors played an more important role in areas with sparse vegetation (VC < 0.3) or high vegetation coverage (VC ≥ 0.6). Meanwhile, slope was of great importance in affecting the process of FT erosion in zones with slopes of >18°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents study on nutritional composition of edible oysters Crassostrea madrasensis L. from the Southwest Coast of India, and co-relation of its nutritional qualities with chlorophyll- a concentration, sea surface temperature, and phytoplankton density in their growth environments.

We collected and identified 5,721 ectomycorrhizal fruiting bodies (EcM) from Naejangsan National Park from June 2004 to 2013, belonging to 1 phylum, 1 class, 6 orders, 19 families, 40 genera, and 196 species. Of these, 2,249 individuals were identified as 89 species belonging to 11 genera in 7 families in the Agaricales; 1,511 were identified as 43 species belonging to 2 genera in 1 family in the Russulales; 1,132 were identified as 50 species belonging to 21 genera in 6 families in the Boletales; 793 were identified as 8 species belonging to 3 genera in 2 families in the Cantharellales; 29 were identified as 3 species belonging to 2 genera in 2 families in the Thelephorales; and 7 were identified as 3 species belonging to 1 genus in 1 family in the Comphales. Thus, most of the EcMs identified belonged to the following 3 orders: Agaricales, Russulales, and Boletales. Russulaceae were most common (43 species), followed by Boletaceae (39 species), and Amanitaceae (27 species); most individuals were Russulaceae (1,511), followed by Hydnagiaceae (1,071) and Boletaceae (804). The monthly distribution showed that the greatest number of individuals and species of EcM, including the dominant ones, occur around July~September at an elevation of 200~299 m, diminishing markedly above 600 m. The greatest number of individuals and species, including the dominant ones, were collected in the period with average temperatures 25.0~26.9°C, lows of 21.0~22.9°C, and highs of 30 .0~31.9°C, relative humidity > 76%, and rainfall > 400 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two river catchments, the Huangfuchuan and the Hailiutu, located in the same climate zone in the Erdos Plateau, China, have distinctly different flow regimes. This study systematically compared differences between the flow regimes of these two catchments using several statistical methods, and analysed the possible causes. The variations in yearly, monthly and daily mean discharges were found to be much greater in the Huangfuchuan catchment than in the Hailiutu catchment. Preliminary analysis indicated that these differences are not caused by changes in climate, but are instead attributable to differences in geology, geomorphology, hydrological processes and human interventions. In the Hailiutu catchment, the dominant groundwater contribution maintains stationary daily and monthly river discharges, while shifts in yearly mean discharges were closely associated with the expansion or reduction of crop area. In the Huangfuchuan catchment, the dominant direct rainfall–runoff process generates flashier daily and monthly river discharges, while the decrease of yearly mean discharges is caused mainly by the construction of check dams. These findings have significant implications for water resource management and the implementation of proper soil and water conservation measures in the middle reach of the Yellow River Basin of China. Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor Y. Gyasi-Agyei [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland covers approximately one-third of the area of the Loess Plateau and plays an important role in the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles. This study was conducted to estimate the C and N storage of grassland ecosystems under different climates (semi-humid, semi-arid and arid). Results indicated that about 90% of the ecosystem C and N were stored in the soil. Soil organic carbon (SOC) density of grasslands in different climatic zones decreased in the order, semi-humid (53.34 Mg C ha−1) > semi-arid (50.22 Mg C ha−1) > arid (19.13 Mg C ha−1) climatic zone. Also, grassland in the semi-humid climatic zone had the highest belowground biomass C (1.01 Mg C ha−1) and N (0.25 Mg N ha−1) density; whereas grassland in the semi-arid climatic zone had the highest aboveground biomass C (1.06 Mg C ha−1) and N (0.26 Mg N ha−1) density. C and N storage of grassland ecosystem in the arid climatic zone was significantly lower than that in the other two climatic zones (p < 0.05). The vegetation community density, cover, and richness, above- and belowground biomass, and climatic factors significantly influenced the C and N distribution in this region (p < 0.05). The mean annual precipitation emerged as the most important variable for C and N accumulation. Grassland with mean annual precipitation of 350–630 mm might have high C and N sequestration potential. Results of this study provide reliable reference information for predicting C and N dynamics in similar agroecological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arctic and subarctic area are likely to be highly affected by climate change, with possible impacts on human health due to effects on food security and infectious diseases. To investigate the evidence for an association between climatic factors and infectious diseases, and to identify the most climate-sensitive diseases and vulnerable populations in the Arctic and subarctic region. A systematic review was conducted. A search was made in PubMed, with the last update in May 2013. Inclusion criteria included human cases of infectious disease as outcome, climate or weather factor as exposure, and Arctic or subarctic areas as study origin. Narrative reviews, case reports, and projection studies were excluded. Abstracts and selected full texts were read and evaluated by two independent readers. A data collection sheet and an adjusted version of the SIGN methodology checklist were used to assess the quality grade of each article. In total, 1953 abstracts were initially found, of which finally 29 articles were included. Almost half of the studies were carried out in Canada (n=14), the rest from Sweden (n=6), Finland (n=4), Norway (n=2), Russia (n=2), and Alaska, US (n=1). Articles were analyzed by disease group: food- and waterborne diseases, vector-borne diseases, airborne viral- and airborne bacterial diseases. Strong evidence was found in our review for an association between climatic factors and food- and waterborne diseases. The scientific evidence for a link between climate and specific vector- and rodent-borne diseases was weak due to that only a few diseases being addressed in more than one publication, although several articles were of very high quality. Air temperature and humidity seem to be important climatic factors to investigate further for viral- and bacterial airborne diseases, but from our results no conclusion about a causal relationship could be drawn. More studies of high quality are needed to investigate the adverse health impacts of weather and climatic factors in the Arctic and subarctic region. No studies from Greenland or Iceland were found, and only a few from Siberia and Alaska. Disease and syndromic surveillance should be part of climate change adaptation measures in the Arctic and subarctic regions, with monitoring of extreme weather events known to pose a risk for certain infectious diseases implemented at the community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural products are strongly affected by variations in climatic conditions. The cultivation of oilseed crops is expanding under different climatic zones. Vegetable oils are also important sources of biofuel. It is renewable and does not contribute to raising the net level of CO2in the atmosphere. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the impact of climatic factors on seed oil content and oil quality of sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) genotype TS-3 with the perspectives of biodiesel production. The seed samples were collected from field grown plants in three regions of Pakistan differing in temperature and moisture regimes viz. district Bannu, district Kohat (Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa), and district Attock (Punjab), respectively. The mean day and night temperatures and average rainfall varied in the three regions during vegetative and reproductive phases of sesame. The average day temperature was higher in Attock. Minimum day temperature during the reproductive phase was observed in Kohat, while minimum night temperature during grain filling and maturation was recorded in Attock. Maximum seed oil content was exhibited by seed samples collected from Kohat exhibiting 3 and 4°C lower day temperature than Attock and Bannu, respectively, during the reproductive stage. Significantly higher oil specific gravity was detected in seed samples collected from Bannu. The lower acid value was recorded for seed samples of Kohat. A significantly higher iodine number was found in the oil of seed samples collected from Attock. The palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2) content did not vary significantly in seed samples of the three regions. Maximum oleic acid (C18:1) content was exhibited by seed samples collected from Kohat. Significantly higher biodiesel yield was obtained from the oil of seed samples collected from Kohat and Bannu, respectively. It can be inferred that climatic conditions significantly affect the oil yield and quality of sesame and that agroclimatic conditions of Kohat and Bannu are suitable for cultivation of sesame for biodiesel production. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of niacin and dietary concentrate proportion on body temperature, ruminal pH and milk production of dairy cows. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, 20 primiparous Holstein cows (179 ± 12 days in milk) were assigned to four dietary treatments aimed to receive either 0 or 24 g niacin and 30% (low) or 60% (high) concentrate with the rest being a partial mixed ration (PMR) composed of 60% corn and 40% grass silage (on dry matter basis). Ambient temperature and relative humidity were determined and combined by the calculation of temperature humidity index. Respiration rates, rectal, skin and subcutaneous temperatures were measured. Milk production and composition were determined. Ruminal pH and temperature were recorded at a frequency of 5 min using wireless devices for continuous intra-ruminal measurement (boluses). pH values were corrected for pH sensor drift. The climatic conditions varied considerably but temporarily indicated mild heat stress. Niacin did not affect skin, rectal and subcutaneous temperatures but tended to increase respiration rates. High concentrate reduced skin temperatures at rump, thigh and neck by 0.1–0.3°C. Due to the technical disturbances, not all bolus data could be subjected to statistical evaluation. However, both niacin and high concentrate influenced mean ruminal pH. High concentrate increased the time spent with a pH below 5.6 and ruminal temperatures (0.2–0.3°C). Niacin and high concentrate enhanced milk, protein and lactose yield but reduced milk fat and protein content. Milk fat yield was slightly reduced by high concentrate but increased due to niacin supplementation. In conclusion, niacin did not affect body temperature but stimulated milk performance. High concentrate partially influenced body temperatures and had beneficial effects on milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the first survey of earthworm species from the grasslands of Uttar Pradesh, a northern state of India. The study was conducted in all five political regions (e.g., Agra, Bareilly, Meerut, Moradabad and Saharanpur) of western Uttar Pradesh, during different climatic seasons from the year 2007 till 2009. Seven species belonging to two earthworm families were recorded: Metaphire posthuma (Vaillant), Lampito mauritii (Kinberg, 1867) and Perionyx excavatus (Perrier, 1872) from Megascolecidae and Eutyphoeus i.e. E. waltoni (Michaelsen, 1907), E. gigas (Stephenson, 1917), E. orientalis (Beddard, 1883) and E. pharpingianus (Michaelsen, 1907) from Octochaetidae. Moradabad was identified as the region of western Uttar Pradesh showing the highest species richness of earthworms during rainy season (July to October). Species richness and density of worms were assessed the maximum in Moradabad and the minimum density in Saharanpur during peak winter months i.e. from November to February. However, species richness of worms was found the least in Meerut region during winter and summer months and Saharanpur during summers (March to June). M. posthuma was found in all the regions round the years but L. mauritii and E.waltoni have been reported from all the regions only during the rainy season. P. excavatus was next in occurrence pattern, as it was recorded from all the regions except from Meerut. E. pharpingianus was found in all the regions except Meerut. Occurrence of E.orientalis and E. gigas was recorded rarely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our goal was to predict the spatial distribution of canopy species composition in secondary deciduous hardwood forests at a fine spatial resolution, based on climatic and topographical factors using a geographic information system. We studied secondary forests on Mt. Gozu, Niigata Prefecture, central Japan. Canopy species composition was investigated in 100 sample plots within the study area. A digital elevation model (DEM) was created, and topographical, hydrological, and light factors were calculated using the DEM. Climatic factors were interpolated by kriging. The five major species used as response variables were Fagus crenata, Quercus serrata, Quercus crispula, Magnolia obovata, and Castanea crenata. We prepared three possible explanatory variable sets: climatic variables only, both climatic and topographic variables, and topographic variables only. Multivariate regression trees were derived, and the accuracy of predicting the major species composition was tested. The multivariate regression trees derived from the climatic variable set and from the climatic and topographic variable set had better accuracy than the regression tree derived from the topographic variable set. In the regression tree generated by the climatic and topographic variable set, the warmth index was the principal explanatory variable in classifying forest types, followed by topographic factors. This regression tree would be preferable to the other two regression trees for the prediction of canopy species composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In bipolar disorder, the factors provoking a new episode are unknown. As a seasonal variation has been noticed, it has been suggested that weather conditions may play a role. The aim of the study was to elucidate whether meteorological parameters influence the development of new bipolar phases. A group of patients with at least three previous hospitalizations for bipolar disorder was examined every 3 months for up to 3 years. At each examination an evaluation of the affective phase was made according to the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D17), and the Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Rating Scale (MAS). In the same period, daily recordings from the Danish Meteorological Institute were received. We found no correlations between onset of bipolar episodes [defined as MAS score of 11 or more (mania) and as HAM-D17 score of 12 or more (depression)] and any meteorological parameters. We found a statistical significant correlation between mean HAM-D17 scores and change in mean and maximum temperature, and non-statistical significant correlations between mean MAS scores and rainfall plus atmospheric pressure, and non-statistical significant correlations between mean HAM-D17 scores and hours of sunshine and cloudiness. Though meteorological factors may have an impact on triggering new episodes in bipolar patients, they do not constitute a dominant cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anuran assemblages were studied regarding species composition, microhabitat partitioning, temporal distribution, and spatial distribution in three natural ponds. Twenty‐two species belonging to four families (Bufonidae, Hylidae, Leptodactylidae, and Microhylidae) were recorded, 11 of these also in the larval stage. Month of occurrence, height above ground, and type of substrate were the most important variables discriminating among adult anuran microhabitats, whereas position in the water column, water depth, and presence of aquatic vegetation were the most important ones to discriminate among tadpole microhabitats. The total number of species and the number of species with calling males recorded were positively correlated with mean monthly rainfall and temperature. Tadpole species richness was not related to the number of types or abundance of potential tadpole predators in ponds. In the studied anuran assemblages, environmental and stochastic factors are more likely to produce the observed patterns of species distribution than biotic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]