Search

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Great Plains of North America host a stark climatic gradient, separating the humid and well-watered eastern US from the semi-arid and arid western US, and this gradient shapes the region's water availability, its ecosystems, and its economies. This climatic boundary is largely set by the influence of two competing atmospheric circulation systems that meet over the Great Plains – the wintertime westerlies bring dominantly dry air that gives way to moist, southerly air transported by the Great Plains low-level jet in the warmer months. Climate model simulations suggest that, as CO 2 rises, this low-level jet will strengthen, leading to greater precipitation in the spring but less in the summer and, thus, no change in mean annual precipitation. Combined with rising temperatures that will increase potential evapotranspiration, semi-arid conditions will shift eastward, with potentially large consequences for the ecosystems and inhabitants of the Great Plains. We examine how hydroclimate in the Great Plains varied in the past in response to warmer global climate by studying the paleoclimate record within the Ogallala Formation, which underlies nearly the entire Great Plains and provides a spatially resolved record of hydroclimate during the globally warmer late Miocene. We use the stable isotopes of oxygen (δ18 O) as preserved in authigenic carbonates hosted within the abundant paleosol and fluvial successions that comprise the Ogallala Formation as a record of past hydroclimate. Today, and coincident with the modern aridity gradient, there is a sharp meteoric water δ18 O gradient with high (-6 ‰ to 0 ‰) δ18 O in the southern Great Plains and low (-12 ‰ to -18 ‰) δ18 O in the northern plains. We find that the spatial pattern of reconstructed late Miocene precipitation δ18 O is indistinguishable from the spatial pattern of modern meteoric water δ18 O. We use a recently developed vapor transport model to demonstrate that this δ18 O spatial pattern requires air mass mixing over the Great Plains between dry westerly and moist southerly air masses in the late Miocene – consistent with today. Our results suggest that the spatial extents of these two atmospheric circulation systems have been largely unchanged since the late Miocene and any strengthening of the Great Plains low-level jet in response to warming has been isotopically masked by proportional increases in westerly moisture delivery. Our results hold implications for the sensitivity of Great Plains climate to changes in global temperature and CO 2 and also for our understanding of the processes that drove Ogallala Formation deposition in the late Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive test program was performed to experimentally investigate the effect of CFRP strengthening on the axial strength and stability of CFS plain angle short columns subjected to monotonic axial compression. A total of 28 specimens were tested by varying the CFRP strengthening configurations for different column heights. Both uni-directional (CF_UD) and bi-directional (CF_BD) CFRP were considered. The influence of various parameters such as the type of CFRP, fiber orientation, and number of CFRP layers was investigated and discussed in detail. For single layer (ply) of CFRP, CF_UD-0° strengthening configuration resulted in maximum increase of axial capacity by 58.33% and 45.72% (in comparison to bare steel specimens), corresponding to 0.5 m and 1.0 m column lengths respectively. All the bare steel and skin-strengthened specimens failed predominantly due to torsional–flexural buckling mode. Additional layer of CFRP wrapping was found to enhance the axial capacity further and CF_UD-0°/BD was found to possess greater capacity in the case of double layer of CFRP. Adopting cardboard in-fill in addition to CF_UD-0° wrap has prevented the torsional mode of buckling and resulted in a peak increase of axial capacity by 192.55% and 240.61% corresponding to 500 mm and 100 mm long specimens, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the volume transport of Atlantic water into the Arctic Ocean can affect the heat and mass balance in the central Arctic Ocean. To understand the impacts of Arctic storms on the inflow through Fram Strait, we implemented the NEMO ocean model for the Arctic Ocean, to simulate the decadal variations of the water volume transport through Fram Strait. The simulations suggest that the water inflow tends to be weaker in the decades of the 1960 and 2010s but stronger in the 1980s. The decadal variation is associated with decadal variability of the storm density in the Greenland Sea. When there is an increased storm density near Fram Strait, the southerly wind anomalies dominate the Atlantic water pathway. As a response, there is an increased Atlantic inflow through Fram Strait. Plain Language Summary: On decadal scales, Arctic storms near Fram Strait are highly correlated with the water volume transport into the Arctic Ocean through Fram Strait. When there are more storms near Fram Strait, the transport tends to increase. In addition, the heat flux associated with the water volume transport reflects the impacts of both the linear trend in ocean temperature and the decadal variation of water volume transport. Key Points: On a decadal scale, the storms in the Greenland Sea can affect the volume transport of Atlantic water inflow through Fram StraitAssociated heat flux reflects the impacts of both the linear trend in ocean temperature and the decadal variation of water volume transport [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of Eurasian aspen's (Populus tremula L.) ecological and growth characteristics is of high importance to plant and wildlife community ecology, and noncommercial forest ecosystem services. This research assessed these characteristics, identified aspen's habitat optimum, and examined causality of its current scarce distribution in central Europe. We analyzed a robust database of field measurements (4,656,130 stands) for forest management planning over 78,000 km2 of the Czech territory. Our analysis we used GIS techniques, with basic and multivariate statistics such as general linear models, ordination, and classification. Results describe a species of broad ecological amplitude that has heretofore attracted little research attention. Spatial analysis showed significant differences between aspen and other forest non-forest cover types. Additionally, we found significant association between the proportion of aspen in a stand, the size of forest property, and the forest category. The results demonstrate historic reasons for aspen's widespread presence, though contemporary occurrence is limited. This study advances the concept of a quantitatively based aspen ecological optimum (niche), which we believe may be beneficial for numerous aspen associates in the context of anticipated warming. Irrespective of local ecology (i.e., the realized aspen niche), the study confirms that profit-driven policy in forestry is chiefly responsible for historic aspen denudation in central Europe. Even so, we demonstrate that ample habitat is present. Further solutions for improving aspen resilience are provided to support these keystone systems so vital to myriad dependent flora and fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a common airborne wheat disease. The frequent occurrence at a large scale in China has caused significant yield losses and poses a considerable threat to food security. To effectively manage and forecast the disease, a comprehensive understanding of the long-distance migration patterns of Pst is essential. Shaanxi province, situated in close proximity to the northwestern epidemic areas in China, plays a crucial role as a key overwintering region for Pst. However, it remains uncertain whether Pst, after winter reproduction in Shaanxi province, can extend its spread to the primary wheat regions in the North China Plain. In this study, during February and June 2022, a total of 302 Pst samples were collected from Shaanxi province and the North China Plain. Thirteen pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were adopted to analyze the population genetic structure. It was observed that both genetic and genotypic diversities exhibited a discernible decline from the Shaanxi to the North China Plain. Moreover, Shaanxi displayed a close genetic relationship with Henan and Shandong, whereas Henan exhibited the most substantial population exchange with Shaanxi. Further analysis revealed that Shaanxi served as the primary inoculum of Pst in the investigated region, and the spread of Pst to Henan and Shandong originated from Shaanxi. As a result, the epidemics in Shandong further led to the prevailing of the disease in Hebei. Our study enhances the understanding of the epidemiological patterns of wheat stripe rust in the springtime prevalent regions of China, and it provides insights for future disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the environmental significance of pollen and spores in alluvial plains is important for stratigraphic correlation and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. This paper presents palynological data from the North China Plain and explores their relationship with paleoflood records and human impacts since the Holocene. Our data reveal that pollen concentration and pollen assemblage vary in flood deposits (including overbank deposits and slackwater deposits) and inter-flood deposits (including sandy soils and lacustrine deposits). Flood deposits have higher fern percentages (28.6%) and lower herbaceous percentages (14.8%) compared to inter-flood deposits, though slackwater deposits share similar pollen concentrations and assemblages with sandy soils. Notably, overbank deposits are characterized by pollen-poor zones and aggregation of deteriorated pollen grains, especially in Unit III (755-385 cm, ca. 3.2-2.2 ka) and Unit V (190-0 cm, after ca. 0.6 ka). These findings suggest that overbank deposits correspond to strengthened hydrodynamic conditions at the flood-peak stage. Furthermore, the indicative pollen and spores provide compelling evidence for intensifying human impact in the North China Plain since the late Holocene. An aggregation of Selaginella sinensis at the depth of 640-610 cm indicates deforestation in the uplands since ca. 2.9 ka. Similarly, a sharp increase in Malvaceae percentage at the depth of 285-215 supports historical records of initial cotton planting in the Tang Dynasty (ca. 1.4-1.1 ka). The study underscores the value of palynological analysis for reconstructing paleoenvironment and human-environment interactions, providing a robust framework for understanding landscape evolution in the North China Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a deep learning model to simulate the complex dynamics of boundary layer clouds (BLCs) over the US Southern Great Plains. Using over twenty years of extensive observations from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program for training and validation, the model diagnoses the BLCs from the perspective of cloud-land coupling. Morning meteorological profiles set as the initial conditions and then identifying triggers for BLCs formation from surface meteorology. The deep learning model offer accurate simulation of the convection initiation and cloud base of BLCs. In comparison with reanalysis data (i.e., ERA-5 and MERRA-2), it provides a notable improvement in the vertical structure of low clouds from a climatological perspective. The deep learning model can serve as the cloud parameterization and extend to analyzing stratiform and cumulus clouds within reanalysis frameworks, offering insights into improving the simulation of BLCs. By quantifying biases due to various meteorological factors and parameterizations, this deep learning-driven approach bridges the observational-modeling divide. Surface humidity and parameterization emerge as key limiting factors to affect the representation of BLCs in the reanalysis data. This deep learning approach holds promise for improving the convection parameterization and advancing model diagnostics in weather forecasting and climate modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater vulnerability assessment systems have been developed to protect groundwater resources. The DRASTIC model calculates the vulnerability index of the aquifer based on seven effective parameters. The application of expert opinion in rating and weighting parameters is the DRASTIC model's major weakness, which increases uncertainty. This study developed a Mamdani fuzzy logic (MFL) in combination with data mining to handle this uncertainty and predict the specific vulnerability. To highlight this approach, the susceptibility of the Qorveh-Dehgolan plain (QDP) and the Ardabil plain aquifers was investigated. The DRASTIC index was calculated between 63 and 160 for the Ardabil plain and between 39 and 146 for the QDP. Despite some similarities between vulnerability maps and nitrate concentration maps, the results of the DRASTIC model based on nitrate concentration cannot be verified according to Heidke skill score (HSS) and total accuracy (TA) criteria. Then the MFL was developed in two scenarios; the first included all seven parameters, whereas the second used only four parameters of the DRASTIC model. The results showed that, in the first scenario of the MFL modeling, TA and HSS values were respectively 0.75 and 0.51 for the Ardabil plain and 0.45 and 0.33 for the QDP. In addition, according to the TA and HSS values, the proposed model was more reliable and practical in groundwater vulnerability assessment than the traditional method, even using four input data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land surface–atmosphere interactions are a key component of climate modeling. They are particularly critical to understand and anticipate the climate and the water resources over the semiarid and arid North African regions. This study uses in situ observations to assess the ability of the IPSL-CM global climate model to simulate the land–atmosphere interactions over the Moroccan semiarid plains. A specific configuration with a grid refinement over the Haouz Plain, near Marrakech, and nudging outside Morocco has been performed to properly assess the model's performances. To ensure reliable model–observation comparisons despite the fact that station measurements are not representative of a mesh-size area, we carried out experiments with adapted vegetation properties. Results show that the CMIP6 version of the model's physics represents the near-surface climate over the Haouz Plain reasonably well. Nonetheless, the simulation exhibits a nocturnal warm bias, and the wind speed is overestimated in tree-covered meshes and underestimated in the wheat-covered region. Further sensitivity experiments reveal that LAI-dependent parameterization of roughness length leads to a strong surface wind drag and to underestimated land surface atmosphere thermal coupling. Setting the roughness heights to the observed values improves the wind speed and, to a lesser extent, the nocturnal temperature. A low bias in latent heat flux and soil moisture coinciding with a pronounced diurnal warm bias at the surface is still present in our simulations. Including a first-order irrigation parameterization yields more realistic simulated evapotranspiration flux and daytime skin surface temperatures. This result raises the importance of accounting for the irrigation process in present and future climate simulations over Moroccan agricultural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intervalley plain is an important type of landform for mapping, and it has good connectivity for urban construction and development on the Loess Plateau. During the global landform mapping of the Deep-time Digital Earth (DDE) Big Science Program, it was found that slope and relief amplitude hardly distinguished intervalley plains from intermountain flats. This study established a novel descriptive method based on a digital elevation model to describe the difference between intervalley plains and intermountain flats. With the proposed method, first the pattern of variation in the elevation angle is described using a sight line on the terrain profile, and the lowest elevation angle (LEA) is extracted. The maximum value of the LEA is subsequently used among multiple terrain profiles to represent the maximum velocity of the elevation decrease, that is, the three-dimensional lowest elevation angle (3D LEA), to represent the intervalley plains with lower 3D LEA values. The sight parameters of the 3D LEA are evaluated to optimize the intervalley plain mapping. The functional mechanism of the sight parameters is presented from a mathematical perspective and a comparative analysis of the 3D LEA is performed for the relief amplitude and slope angle at multiple scales. This study explores sight-line analysis in a novel way, providing a new terrain factor for landform mapping involving intervalley plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Algerian-Tunisian border region lies the Tebessa plain, which belongs to the Saharan Atlas domain and is characterized by a semi-arid climate and high salinity, often rendering the groundwater unusable. The objective of this research is to highlight groundwater salinization using statistical and geostatistical methods to model this spatial heterogeneity. A total of 30 data points were used, and the statistical analysis revealed a strong association between chlorides, sulfates, electrical conductivity, and values significantly exceeding the standards. Surface and directional variograms for EC (electrical conductivity), SO4 (sulfates), and Cl (chlorides) exhibit anisotropy, with the major axis showing a hole effect and a periodicity of 5 km. Geostatistical mapping through ordinary kriging allowed us to identify areas of high salinity and deduce the underlying cause; which is the dissolution of gypsiferous formations. These results were confirmed by thermodynamics and Sr2+/Ca2+ ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-truth politics has been diagnosed as harmful to both knowledge and democracy. I argue that it can also fundamentally undermine epistemic autonomy in a way that is similar to the manipulative technique known as gaslighting. Using examples from contemporary politics, I identify three categories of post-truth rhetoric: the introduction of counternarratives, the discrediting of critics, and the denial of more or less plain facts. These strategies tend to isolate people epistemically, leaving them disoriented and unable to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. Like gaslighting, post-truth politics aims to undermine epistemic autonomy by eroding someone's self-trust, in order to consolidate power. Shifting the focus to the effects on the victim allows for new insights into the specific harms of post-truth politics. Applying the concept of gaslighting to this domain may also help people recognize a pernicious dynamic that was invisible to them before, giving them an important tool to resist it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is an effort to expose the sedimentation rate of the Ganges–Brahmaputra (GB) tidal delta plain from the subsurface-dated sediments samples. The study reveals that the average sedimentation rates (about 2.12–4.59 mm yr−1) of the area are not as good to minimize as the estimated range of relative sea-level rise (RSLR) (1–9 mm yr−1). Moreover, the sediments cannot be distributed properly in the tidal and fluvio-tidal plains due to different anthropogenic activities like poldering and embankments. In addition, the upstream diversion of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra rivers water reduces the suspended sediment load to the downstream and consequently, the sedimentation rates. Finally, the GB tidal delta plain and its coastal area are in a vulnerable situation in consideration of sedimentation rates, RSLR, and different anthropogenic activities. Therefore, regular monitoring and evaluation is essential about sedimentation, coastal and upstream anthropogenic practices, RSLR, etc., for the implementation of effective and efficient mitigation and adaptation measures in the deltaic plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights signatures of seismic activity along the Moradabad Fault (a transverse basement fault) in the upper Ganga plain. Soft-sediment deformation structures have been identified at different locations around the Moradabad Fault (MF) zone and analyzed from a morphological perspective. The deformational structures include deformed cross-beddings, sand volcanoes, water-escape structures, micro-faults, and plastic intrusions. The mechanism of deformation is related to liquefaction and/or fluidization processes. The presence of seismites and epicenters of recent earthquakes in the Moradabad Fault zone irrefutably associates the seismic activity in the Ganga plain with the basement fault activation. Furthermore, subsurface GPR data, surface geomorphic evidence such as channel offset, stream convergence, initiation of new channels, and different stages of river terrace development in the upthrown and downthrown blocks of the fault suggests the active nature of the Moradabad fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonbreeding raptors are vulnerable to many anthropogenic changes such as habitat fragmentation and increasing risk of collision (e.g., with wind turbines, powerlines, or vehicles). One aspect of habitat quality for raptors during winter has received comparably less attention: the role of colonial burrowing rodents such as prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) as a reliable food source, and the effects of widespread reduction in prairie dog abundance and availability to nonbreeding raptors. We used a historical dataset (1998–2002) of roadside surveys for raptors and prairie dogs in the Southern and Central Great Plains, including Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, USA, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua, to provide the most spatially and temporally expansive analysis to date of the potential role of prairie dogs in influencing presence and abundance of raptors. We assessed patterns of co-occurrence among raptors and prairie dogs and modeled the response of selected species to weather, latitude, grassland cover, and prairie dog presence and abundance at multiple spatial scales. During the study period, we detected 19 species of raptors and identified nine raptor species that co-occurred with prairie dogs more than expected by chance. We also found evidence that occurrence of prairie dogs was related to presence and/or abundance of Ferruginous Hawks (Buteo regalis), Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and Rough-legged Hawks (B. lagopus). Our work underscores the association of prairie dogs with many wintering raptor species, especially Ferruginous Hawks and Golden Eagles, and indicates that prairie dogs may also be an important resource for Rough-legged Hawks and Bald Eagles during the nonbreeding season. Las rapaces no reproductoras son vulnerables a muchos cambios antropogénicos, como la fragmentación del hábitat y el aumento del riesgo de colisión (por ejemplo, con aerogeneradores, líneas eléctricas o vehículos). Un aspecto de la calidad del hábitat para las rapaces durante el invierno ha recibido comparativamente menos atención: el papel de roedores coloniales que excavan madrigueras, como los perritos de las praderas (Cynomys spp.), como una fuente confiable de alimento, y los efectos de la reducción generalizada en la abundancia y disponibilidad de perritos de las praderas para las rapaces no reproductoras. Utilizamos una serie de datos histórica (1998–2002) de censos en carreteras de rapaces y perritos de las praderas en las Grandes Llanuras del sur, que incluyen Arizona, Colorado, Nuevo México y Texas, EEUU, y el estado mexicano de Chihuahua, para proporcionar el análisis espacial y temporal más amplio hasta la fecha sobre el papel potencial de los perritos de las praderas en la influencia de la presencia y abundancia de rapaces. Evaluamos patrones de coocurrencia entre rapaces y perritos de las praderas y modelamos la respuesta de especies seleccionadas a factores como el clima, la latitud, la cobertura de pastizales y la presencia y abundancia de perritos de las praderas considerando múltiples escalas espaciales. Durante el período de estudio, detectamos 19 especies de rapaces e identificamos nueve especies de rapaces que coocurrieron con perritos de las praderas más de lo esperado por azar. También encontramos evidencia de que la presencia de perritos de las praderas estaba relacionada con la presencia y/o abundancia de Buteo regalis, Aquila chrysaetos, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, y B. lagopus. Nuestro trabajo destaca la asociación de los perritos de las praderas con muchas especies de rapaces invernantes, especialmente con B. regalis y A. chrysaetos, e indica que los perritos de las praderas también pueden ser un recurso importante para B. lagopus y H. leucocephalus durante la temporada no reproductiva. [Traducción del equipo editorial] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depletion of groundwater stocks reduces both the flow of economic value and production of goods from this resource. One challenge in estimating the economic value of the stock of groundwater is that feedback effects from irrigation behavior affect resource conditions, which creates an endogeneity concern. This study estimates how changes in groundwater stocks affect the returns to agricultural land in the High Plains aquifer. We avoid bias from feedback effects by exploiting hydrologic variation in predevelopment saturated thickness. Simulation results reveal that the average annual present value of returns to land are expected to decrease in the High Plains region by $126.7 million in 2050 and by $266.0 million in 2100. When the initial saturated thickness is less than 70 feet, most of the economic impact (67%) of a decrease in the stock of groundwater occurs through an adjustment in irrigated acreage while 33% occurs through reduced irrigated rental rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the evolution of remote sensing, more data products concerning cropland distribution are becoming available. However, the accuracy and consistency across all datasets in crucial regions are inherently uncertain. We delved into the Middle Yangtze Plain, a complex and vital agricultural area with relatively high cultivation intensities in China. We used confusion matrices and consistency analysis to compare the accuracy and consistency of four multi-year cropland distribution data products. These include Global Land Analysis & Discovery Cropland Data (GLAD), Annual Global Land Cover (AGLC), the China Land Cover Dataset (CLCD), and China's Annual Cropland Dataset (CACD). Key findings include the following: GLAD has the highest precision at 96.09%, the CLCD has the highest recall at 98.41%, and AGLC and CACD perform well in achieving a balance between precision and recall, with F1 scores of 90.30% and 90.74%, respectively. In terms of consistency, GLAD and the CLCD show inconsistency at 69.58%. When all four products unanimously classify a pixel as cropland, the identified cropland area closely corresponds to the statistical data reported in the yearbook. The Jianghan Plain holds the majority of cropland in the Middle Yangtze Plain, constituting 50.88%. From 2003 to 2019, the cropland area experienced fluctuating and ascending trends. Shangrao City witnessed the most notable rise in cropland area, with an increase of 323.0 km2, whereas Wuhan City underwent the most substantial decline, amounting to 185.8 km². These findings contribute valuable insights into the precision and consistency of existing cropland distribution products, offering a foundation for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a book review of "The impact of plain language on legal English in the United Kingdom" by Christopher Williams. The book offers a unique perspective on plain legal English and its effects. The author, a retired professor, aims to encourage further research on the topic rather than disappoint those who already have expertise in plain language, legal matters, or linguistics. The book covers various aspects, including the history of plain language in the UK, the language of legislation, and the language of court judgments. The author presents interesting details and provides references for further exploration. The text also discusses the use of plain language in legal judgments and online terms and conditions. In the analysis of legal judgments, it is found that sentence length has decreased in criminal cases but increased in civil cases. The length of judgments has also increased over time, particularly in civil cases. The use of Latinisms and first-person pronouns has decreased, while the use of passive verbs remains high. Regarding online terms and conditions, they are often too lengthy and complex for consumers to read. The use of unfamiliar pro-forms and pronominal adverbs varies across different types of contracts. The text concludes that plain language is gradually becoming more common in legal writing, but there is still more work to be done. The author suggests further research in areas such as wills and the impact of plain language on law students' education. [Extracted from the article]

This work intends to understand the spatial variation of channel morphological adjustment over 30 years (1987–2017). This region lacks an understanding of local variation in structural setup and its relative impact on channel morphological development as well as the direct control of channel hydrology in shaping the channel morphology. Besides measuring the reach-specific morphodynamics, this study is also engaged in understanding the impact of the allogenic processes (tectonics and gradient) and their local variations along with the response of autogenic processes and its reflection on channel morphological adjustment. Reach-specific channel morphodynamics is measured through training the observed dataset using the autoregressive integrated moving average model where the root mean squared error found at the best-fit model scenario was considered as the measure of relative variations in the morphometric variables. Channel reaches under direct structural control are morphologically most unstable where the faultline-induced possible sedimentation controls the fluvio-geomorphic processes intensively. The nature of morphological adjustment varies on different surface gradients but local variations in structural setup determine its spatial nature. The temporal variations of channel morphological parameters are responsive to peak discharge strength coupled with controls of channel gradient. Moreover, channel morphological change to hydrological variation is more sensitive on the piedmont surface compared to low gradient plain. This research contributes towards a close understanding of reach-specific channel morphological behaviour which is important while predicting its future and implementation of any river management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indo-Ganga–Brahmaputra plain is one of the world's most vulnerable areas to catastrophic flood events. The severity and frequency of floods in this region have grown dramatically during the last few decades. As a result, an authentic map providing detailed spatial information on floods is required for reducing future flood disasters. This sort of map can be an invaluable tool for displaying flood-prone areas and determining the magnitude of flood risk. The Ramganga river (~ 200 km length) flowing in the western Gangetic plain was chosen for this investigation. This river is well known for its channel movement and flood hazards. The analytical hierarchy process model in GIS ambiance was used in this work to quantify and map flood risk in the lower Ramganga river basin. Six hazard-forming factors, namely relief, distance from active channel, slope, geomorphology, rainfall, and vegetation, and seven vulnerability factors, namely population density, household density, female density, road density, land use/land cover, female literacy, and total literacy, were chosen to determine flood risk zone (FRZ). According to the findings, about 35.29 per cent of the basin's total area is in a high to very high flood risk zone, where flooding occurs at one- to three-year recurring intervals. The flood risk map has been validated using ground truth data, and the Kappa index has been computed, indicating a high degree of accuracy for the FRZ thematic classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the factors and quantifying their contributions to nitrogen (N) loss associated with surface runoff is of great significance to the control of non‐point source N pollution. However, the distinct geographical units, such as hills and plains, may lead to great differences in the contribution of these driving factors, which has been rarely investigated. This study developed an effective framework, which simulated the N loss with surface runoff in hills and plains by SWAT and NDP, and analyzed their spatial distribution variations by spatial autocorrelation analysis, and distinguished the contribution of their driving factors by multi‐scenario simulation and partial redundancy analysis (pRDA). The framework was instantiated in a hill and a plain agricultural watershed, respectively, in the upper Taihu Lake Basin, China. We found the contribution of fertilization to N loss with surface runoff in the hills (10.4%) was greater than that in the plains (6.4%), which may be due to the N increment effect of paddy land. The contribution of rainfall to N loss with surface runoff in the plains (93.2%) was greater than that in the hills (74.3%), which may be due to the N increment effect of urban land. The developed framework could provide a viable way to study the environmental impacts of natural and anthropogenic drivers in different types of agricultural watersheds, thus offer scientific references for nutrient control measures. Plain Language Summary: Geographical units within a watershed, such as hills and plains, exhibit distinct characteristics that give rise to variations in the processes of nitrogen (N) runoff loss and their associated driving factors. These variations pose challenges to the development of effective control measures for non‐point source N pollution. Consequently, we have developed an effective framework capable of simulating N loss with surface runoff, analyzing variations in their spatial distribution, and discerning the external (e.g., rainfall) and internal (e.g., land management, fertilization) contributions of driving factors in the hills and plains, respectively. A notable discovery was that fertilization played a more substantial role in N loss in hills due to increased N levels resulting from paddy land, whereas rainfall emerged as the primary driver of N loss in plains due to elevated N levels associated with urban land. This research contributes to our understanding of the complexities surrounding N runoff loss and provides valuable insights for the development of targeted control measures within diverse geographical units. Key Points: Contribution of different drivers to N runoff loss was compared between hills and plainsFertilization contributed more to N loss in hills due to N increment of paddy landRainfall contributed more to N loss in plains due to N increment of urban land [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out with the aim to characterize a mosquito species that was documented near about a century ago from Darjeeling district of northern West Bengal, India. Mosquito larvae were collected from the bamboo stumps or holes of sub-Himalayan plains of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India. Collected immatures were reared upto adults maintaining standard protocol. Larva and adult specimens were investigated for morphological identifications upto generic and species level. In the present study, the Niveus species Downsiomyia albolateralis (Theobald, 1908) is a newer addition to the mosquito fauna in the region and it will update the mosquito checklist for the knowledge of vector and non-vector species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piranshahr Plain contains evidence of almost continuous occupation of human populations from prehistoric times to the present. The popularity of the plain stems from the existence of permanent rivers such as Little Zab and its fertile soil suitable for agriculture. In recent years, due to the control of the boundary waters, several dams have been constructed, including Kani Shinka in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Girdi Sheytan is one of the five archaeological sites excavated as part of the rescue archaeological plan related to Kani Shinka Dam. The primary goal of the excavation was the preliminary evaluation of the site's strata to develop a long-term plan in case there was a need for rescue excavation. Hence, a stratigraphic trench was dug in the higher part of the mound, and as a result, it was found that the mound contains more than three meters of archaeological deposits, including the Parthian and Chalcolithic periods. The trench revealed that Girdi Sheytan could be one of the major sites of the Dalma Culture in northwestern Iran. Although the site was originally excavated as a rescue project, the main questions of the present study included: what cultural periods does the site represent? What is the importance of the identified periods, including the Dalma Culture? The examination of the potsherds recovered from the Dalma strata showed that Girdi Sheytan contains most of the types associated with the Dalma Culture. Furthermore, the discovery of Pisdeli-style sherds among them makes it possible to study the transitional stage of this culture. In this article, while presenting the stratigraphy of the area, an attempt has been made to introduce and classify the obtained findings, especially pottery. The preliminary results of excavation at Girdi Sheytan implied that this area was one of the most significant settlements related to the Dalma Culture in the south of Lake Urmia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change exerts significant impacts on regional agricultural production. This study assesses the implications of climate change on winter wheat yields in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain (3H Plain), utilizing bias-corrected climate projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) for mid-21st century (2041–2060) and late 21st century (2081–2100) periods under two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5). These projections were incorporated into the decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT) CERES-Wheat model to forecast potential alterations in winter wheat production. Initial findings reveal that uncorrected CMIP6 projections underestimated temperature and precipitation while overestimating solar radiation across the southern 3H Plain. Following bias correction through the equidistant cumulative distribution function (EDCDF) method, the regional average biases for temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation were reduced by 18.3%, 5.6%, and 30.7%, respectively. Under the SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5 scenarios, mid-21st century simulations predicted a 13% increase in winter wheat yields. Late 21st century projections indicated yield increases of 11.3% and 3.6% under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, respectively, with a notable 8.4% decrease in yields south of 36° N under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. The analysis of climate change factors and winter wheat yields in the 3H Plain under both scenarios identified precipitation as the key contributing factor to yield increases in the northern 3H Plain, while temperature limitations were the primary constraint on yields in the southern region. Consequently, adaptive strategies are essential to mitigate climate change impacts, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges posed by elevated temperature in the southern 3H Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concurrent heat extremes (CHEs) are becoming increasingly common in the mid‐high latitudes across the Northern Hemisphere (NH), underscoring the need to comprehend their spatiotemporal characteristics and underlying causes. Here we reveal a phase‐locking behavior in Wave‐4 pattern, particularly after mid‐1990s, giving rise to a prominent CHE mode akin to heat extreme pattern observed in 2022, which swept most NH regions. Wave‐4 pattern significantly amplifies the likelihood of CHEs in Eastern Europe (∼30%), Northeast Asia (∼25%), and northwestern coast of North America (∼15%), while reducing the likelihood in central North America and northern Central Asia. During 1979–2022, the identified pattern accounted for over 69.7% of the trends in heat extremes over the mid‐high latitudes of the NH, directly exposing approximately 333.5 million people to heat extremes. Observations and simulations indicate that radiation anomalies over Eastern European Plain and West Siberian Plain play pivotal roles as primary forcing sources for Wave‐4 pattern. Plain Language Summary: Researchers have found that concurrent heat extremes are becoming more common in the Northern Hemisphere. This study discovered that a specific weather pattern, called as Wave‐4, became more prominent after the mid‐1990s and is linked to these heat extremes. This pattern increases the probability of heatwave occurrences in Eastern Europe, Northeast Asia, and northwestern coast of North America while decreasing them in central North America and northern Central Asia. Between 1979 and 2022, the identified Wave‐4 pattern contributed to more than two‐thirds of the increase in heat extremes in the northern hemisphere, affecting around 333.5 million people. It is also determined that unusual radiation levels over the Eastern European Plain and West Siberian Plain are significant factors contributing to the Wave‐4 pattern. This information helps us better understand the causes and characteristics of heat extremes in different parts of the world. Key Points: The Phase‐locked Rossby wave‐4 pattern dominates the concurrent heat extremes across the Northern HemisphereThe identified pattern exposed approximately 333.5 million people to heat extremesRadiation anomalies over the Eastern European Plain and West Siberian Plain play pivotal roles as forcing sources of the pattern [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glacierized alpine catchments are rapidly evolving due to glacier retreat and consequent geomorphological and ecological changes. As more terrain becomes ice-free, reworking of exposed terrain by the river as well as thawing of the top layer may lead to an increase in surface and subsurface water exchanges, leading to potential changes in water storage and release, which in turn may impact ecological, geomorphological and hydrological processes. In this study, we aim to understand the current and future hydrological functioning of a typical outwash plain in a Swiss Alpine catchment. As with many other fluvial aquifers in alpine environments, this outwash plain is located at the valley bottom, where catchment-wide water and sediment fluxes tend to gather from multiple sources, may store water and provide specific habitats for alpine ecosystems. Their dynamics are however rarely studied in post Little Ice Age proglacial zones. Based on geophysical investigations as well as year-round stream and groundwater observations, we developed a simplified physically based 3D MODFLOW model and performed an optimized automatic calibration using PEST HP. We highlight the strong interactions between the upstream river and the aquifer, with stream infiltration being the dominant process of recharge. Groundwater exfiltration occurs in the lower half of the outwash plain, balancing out the amount of river infiltration at a daily timescale. We show that hillslope contributions from rain and snowmelt have little impact on groundwater levels. We also show that the outwash plain acts as a bedrock-dammed aquifer and can maintain groundwater levels close to the surface during dry periods lasting months, even in the absence of glacier meltwater, but may in turn provide only limited baseflow to the stream. Finally, we explore how new outwash plains may form in the future in this catchment due to glacier recession and discuss from a hydrological perspective which cascading impacts the presence of multiple outwash plains may have. For this case study, we estimate the total dynamic storage of future outwash plains to be about 20 mm, and we demonstrate their limited capacity to provide more stream water than that which they infiltrate upstream, except for very low river flows (<150 to 200 L s -1). Below this limit, they can provide limited baseflow on timescales of weeks, thus maintaining moisture conditions that may be beneficial for proglacial ecosystems. Their role in attenuating floods also appears limited, as less than 0.5 m 3 s -1 of river water can be infiltrated. The studied outwash plain appears therefore to play an important role for alpine ecosystems but has a marginal hydrological effect on downstream river discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rising prevalence of fast-acting opioids in the USA suggests the increased need for non-professional first responder administration of naloxone. Effective administration of naloxone during an overdose requires that bystanders are familiar with, have access to, and know how to use naloxone. Methods: Drawing on a statewide, address-based sample of Nebraskan adults, we used logistic regression to predict the likelihood of respondents' familiarity with, access to, and competency to administer naloxone. Our independent variables included measures indicating proximity to drug use, perceived community stigma toward people who use drugs, and demographic data. Results: There were significant gaps in naloxone knowledge in Nebraska. Although 74.8% of respondents were familiar with naloxone, only 18.2% knew how to access it and 18.0% knew how to use it. Being close to an overdose experience, lifetime illicit opioid use, being close to a person who uses opioids, and having access to illicit opioids were not significantly associated with naloxone familiarity, access, or competency among respondents in Nebraska's two largest cities, Omaha and Lincoln. Outside of these cities, being close to a past overdose experience and access to illicit opioids was associated with higher odds of naloxone access and competency, but lifetime opioid use and being close to a person who uses opioids were not. Finally, among those familiar with naloxone, a higher perception of community stigma toward people who use opioids generally was associated with lower odds of naloxone access and competency. Higher perception of community stigma toward people who use heroin, methamphetamines, and cocaine, however, was associated with higher odds of naloxone access. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the continued need for education on naloxone with a specific focus on access and competency to further reduce opioid-related overdose deaths. Specific focus should be placed on promoting naloxone knowledge among people with a higher likelihood of needing to administer naloxone to reduce otherwise avoidable deaths. Further work is needed to understand differences in the relationship between substance-specific perceived stigma and its association with naloxone access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general geometric model of the elliptical cross-section double-ogive-nose projectile (ECDP) was established, and the expression of penetration resistance was obtained. Based on the special shape and penetration process characteristics of the ECDP, a three-stage penetration model was constructed, and closed-form penetration equations were derived. Three ECDPs with the major-minor axis ratio of 1.5 were launched by a 130 mm gas-gun to impact the plain concrete targets with the oblique angle of 10° at a nominal striking velocity of 650 m/s, the experimental data such as the penetration depth of the ECDPs and the failure characteristic parameter of the targets was obtained. The initial posture of the ECDP had little effect on the penetration depth and trajectory deflection under the condition of the target with 10° oblique angle, but it had obvious influence on the structural response. The theoretical model was verified by experimental data, the calculated result of the penetration depth was in good agreement with the experimental data, the deviation was within the range of -13.5% ~ -8.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study of the spatial and genetic relationship between coronae and lobate plains allows us to draw two important conclusions. (1) About 17% of all volcanic coronae of Venus are sources (coronae–sources) of young lavas that form lobate plains of the Atlian period. A small portion of coronae–sources in the total population of coronae reflects the decrease in the formation rate of mantle diapirs. (2) The area of lobate plains associated with a particular corona and the area of the corona itself are negatively correlated. These relationships allow the existence of only two models for the final stages in the evolution of mantle diapirs. Having analyzed both of these models, we suppose that, during the Atlian period in the geologic history of Venus, either a single zone of neutral buoyancy existed or the lithosphere base was located at approximately the same level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal changes and patterns of a regional water environment based on the hydrological and water quality monitoring times and the geographical locations of the monitoring sections in the research area, the plain of Cixi, eastern China. Based on the calculation of runoff generation and concentration in the coastal plain river network and based on the characteristics and impact evaluation of the regional water pollution, the migration and diffusion mechanisms of surface water pollutants were studied for different sources and characteristics of pollutants entering the river in different river sections. The analytic results show that the water environment and water resource security of the coastal plain mainly cause the problem of eutrophication in the water bodies, and the input of nitrogen and phosphorus from land sources is the main cause of eutrophication in the water bodies, mainly including the production and discharge of domestic sewage, nutrient loss in aquaculture water bodies, affecting agricultural activities, etc. The evaluation also demonstrates that with the development of coastal zones and the rapid development of coastal towns, as the population in coastal plain areas continues to increase, industrial development and population growth are the main driving factors for water quality changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the intricate interrelationship between groundwater microbial communities and hydrochemical characteristics in the Mancheng District, Baoding City, samples from karst groundwater and porous groundwater were collected. Hydrochemical analysis and the 16s RNA gene V4-V5 region sequencing method were used to detail the water environmental characteristics and microbial community distribution pattern in the study area. The hydrochemical results reveal notable differences in major ion contents and other hydrochemical indices between karst water and porous water. Microbial community analysis demonstrates that Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes are the dominant taxa in both types of water bodies, albeit with significant variations in their proportions across distinct water bodies. The observed disparities in microbial communities between karst water and porous water underscore the influence of environmental factors such as ion concentration and pH on microbial distribution. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) indicates notable associations between microbial community composition and environmental factors in both types of groundwater environments. Studying the distribution pattern of microbial communities and the connection with environmental factors in two types of groundwater lays a crucial foundation for interpreting the functional roles of microbes in groundwater ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015–2019, young bluethroats were caught in order to determine the parameters of their migration stop in the taiga zone in the east of the Russian Plain. A total of 272 birds were analyzed, of which 186 were males and 86 were females. The average duration of the migration stop for young bluethroats was 1.45 days. Transient individuals have fat reserves that allow them to make migratory jumps lasting an average of 4.39 ± 0.20 h. Bluethroats with an average stopping time have a mass deposition rate of 0.04 ± 0.36 g per day and, by the time of departure, are able to make nonstop flights lasting an average of 3.89 ± 0.58 h. Individuals that make the decision to stop lose a little of their fat reserves, reducing their ability to fly nonstop until the next stop. The significance of the river valleys in the east of the Russian Plain for a successful stopover remains an open question, and it has not been fully clarified whether these places have the necessary ecological conditions for the successful stopover of small birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North Africa is acknowledged as one of the world's hottest and most vulnerable regions to climate change. This study addresses a critical gap in comprehensive research on climate change in Algeria, focusing specifically on the Setif high plains in Northeast Algeria. Despite its susceptibility, studies on this region remain scarce. Utilizing the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) dataset and five emission scenarios (SSPs), this research projects climate changes during the twenty-first century (2030–2050–2070). Results indicate significant temperature increases and precipitation declines. SSP5-5.8 presents the most pessimistic outlook, foreseeing the highest temperature elevations (24.52 to 27.18°C, 31.83 to 34.43°C, and 17.30 to 20°C for average, maximum, and minimum temperatures), and the largest precipitation decreases (65.9% to 60.94%). Conversely, SSP1-1.9 offers a more optimistic perspective with smaller temperature increments (24.21 to 24.36°C, 31.55 to 31.69°C, and 17.01 to 17.10°C) and a milder precipitation reduction (68.07% to 71.97%). These findings underscore a warming trend and reduced precipitation, emphasizing the urgent need for understanding climate change impacts in the region. Addressing these challenges is crucial for devising effective adaptation and resilience measures. The agricultural sector, a vital aspect of the region's economy, may benefit from adjustments such as reducing rainfed crop cultivation and adopting intensive farming practices. Moreover, advancements in biotechnology and climate predictions offer promising avenues for adapting agricultural water management to the changing climate. This research not only contributes to the knowledge base on climate change but also provides actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners, aiding in the development of sustainable strategies to mitigate risks and foster resilience in the face of a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil respiration (Rs) of forests is a major component of global Rs, yet few studies have focused on it. This study aimed to estimate global forest Rs and its changes at a resolution of 30 m via an artificial neural network (ANN) model. Five input candidates representing forest type, climatic, soil, and geographical information, as well as 1472 satisfactory forest Rs records, were used to build the ANN model and evaluate the model performance via a 10‐fold cross‐validation scheme. Global forest change data sets were used to accurately define the extent of forests and their changes, which was achievable because of the dynamic information and high resolution (30 m) of the data sets. The results indicate that the average annual global forest Rs from 2000 to 2020, as estimated by the optimal ANN model with an r2 value of 0.67 and a root‐mean‐square error of 252.6 g C m−2 yr−1, was 46.24 ± 5.86 Pg C yr−1. From 2001 to 2019, the average theoretical annual global forest Rs loss was 0.22 ± 0.06 Pg C yr−1 due to an average forest loss area of 23.4 million ha yr−1. In addition, the annual Rs theoretically increased by 0.75 Pg C in 2012 due to a global forest gain area of 80.5 million from 2001 to 2012. The presented data sets of global forest Rs and its changes can provide an accurate benchmark for discussing the carbon cycle and climate change at global to regional scales, even when operating over a small forest area (i.e., dozens of ha), which is a scale that has been ignored in other global Rs studies. Plain Language Summary: This paper discusses the soil respiration (written as Rs) of global forests, which has rarely been the focus of other Rs studies. Soil respiration is defined as the amount of Carbon Dioxide released from the soil surface into the atmosphere. The goal of this study was to estimate global forest Rs and its changes at a resolution of 30 m using the artificial intelligence model. The model had five input candidates representing forest type, climatic, soil, and geographical information. Additionally, 1472 satisfactory forest Rs records were used to build the model and evaluate its performance via a cross‐validation scheme. Global forest change data sets have a high 30 m‐resolution and provide dynamic information, and were thus chosen to accurately define the extent of forests and their changes in this research. This results show that the estimated average annual global forest Rs from 2000 to 2020 was 46.24 ± 5.86 quadrillion gram of carbon. The data sets produced by this study is able to act as an accurate benchmark used to discuss the carbon cycle and climate change at global to regional scales, and they can even make it possible to operate over a smaller forest area, such as dozens of ha. Key Points: 30‐m resolution global data sets of forest soil respiration and its changes from 2000 to 2020 are providedThe average annual global forest soil respiration from 2000 to 2020 was 46.24 ± 5.86 Pg C yr−1An accurate benchmark is provided for discussing the carbon cycle and climate change at global to regional scales, even over a small forest area (i.e., dozens of ha) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egg prcdation is the primary cause of nest failure for tundra nesting birds. Taverner's Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii taverneri) breeding on the North Slope of Alaska have increased approximately 5-fold over the last 25 years and arc now one of the most encountered waterbird species breeding at our study site on the coastal plain of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This rapid population growth may offer a new food resource for egg predators, impacting predator populations, which in turn could have cascading effects for other tundra nesting bird species, many of which are declining. To determine how the population growth of geese may affect the nest-predator community, and to establish a baseline of predators as the area is impacted by climate change and development, we used digital time-lapse cameras to record prcdation events at Cackling Goose nests. We determined fate for 52 nests in 2017, 2019, and 2021, of which 20 were depredated. The most frequent predator differed each year. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were responsible for 89% of depredations in 2017 and wolverines (Gulo gulo) for 67% in 2019, and those species only depredated nests in those single years. In contrast, Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) were responsible for nest failure in all years, but did not exceed 40% of total depredations in any year. Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) were an unexpected egg predator, depredating 2 nests. Our results were notably different than work on other Arctic goose species, where Arctic foxes were the primary predator. The inter-annual variability of egg predators at this Arctic Refuge study site provides insights into complex predator-prey interactions on the Arctic Coastal Plain. Received 24 October 2022. Accepted 24 September 2023. Key words: Arctic Coastal Plain, Arctic nesting geese, egg predator, Taverner's Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii taverneri), wildlife cameras. La depredacion de huevos es la causa primaria del fracaso de nido para aves que anidan en la tundra. El ganso Branta hutchinsii taverneri, que se reproduce en la pendiente Norte de Alaska ha quintuplicado su presencia en los ultimos 25 anos y ahora es una de las especies acuaticas en reproduccion mas observadas en nuestro sitio de estudio en la planicie costera del Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Este crecimiento poblacional acelerado puede ofrecer una nueva fuente de alimentacion para depredadores de huevos, impactando las poblaciones de depredadores, que podria tener efectos en cascada en otras especies de aves que anidan en la tundra, muchas en declive. Para determinar como el crecimiento poblacional de gansos puede afectar la comunidad de depredadores de nidos y establecer una linea base de depredadores en un area que es impactada por el cambio climatico y el desarrollo, usamos camaras digitales con temporizador automatico para registrar eventos de depredacion en nidos de ganso Branta hutchinsii. Determinamos el destino de 52 nidos en 2017, 2019 y 2021, de los cuales 20 fueron depredados. El depredador mas frecuente vario cada ano. Los zorros rojos (Vulpes vulpes) fueron responsables del 89% de las depredaciones en el 2017, mientras que los glotones (Gulo gulo) lo fueron del 67% en el 2019, y esas especies solo depredaron nidos en esos anos. En contraste, el zorro artico (Vulpes lagopus) fue responsable de fracaso de anidacion durante todos los anos, pero su cuota de depredacion no excedio el 40% en ninguno de los anos. El aguila real (Aquila chtysaetos) fue un depredador inesperado, depredando 2 nidos. Nuestros resultados fueron notablemente diferentes que otros estudios con otras especies de gansos silvestres del Artico, donde los zorros articos fueron los depredadores primarios. La variacion interanual de depredadores de huevos en este sitio de estudio en el Refugio Artico proporciona informacion en interacciones complejas depredador-presa en la Planicie Costera Artica. Palabras clave: camaras para vida silvestre, depredador de huevos, ganso Branta hutchinsii taverneri, gansos de anidacion artica, Planicie Costera Artica., The ecology of Arctic species is complex, and climate-mediated effects have been demonstrated as both direct and rapid, as well as disguised by species interactions (Gauthier et al. 2004, Post [...]

"The American Steppes: The Unexpected Russian Roots of Great Plains Agriculture, 1870s-1930s" by David Moon explores the influence of Russian and Soviet agricultural and forestry practices on the American Midwest. Moon examines the transfer of knowledge, crops, and people between the Eurasian steppes and the American Great Plains, focusing on regions such as Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. The book highlights the contributions of various ethnic groups, including Ukrainians, Kazakhstanis, Russians, Germanic peoples, Mennonites, and Russian-Jewish immigrants. Moon argues that human choices, rather than environmental factors alone, played a significant role in the Russian influence on agriculture in the United States. The book also addresses settler colonialism, Indigenous knowledge, and the impact of farming practices on the land. Overall, "The American Steppes" offers a thought-provoking perspective on the under-explored topic of Russian influence in the American Midwest. [Extracted from the article]

As a part of the survey discovering the land snail fauna of Can Tho City, Vietnam, this study recorded snails for the first time in the city and an additional data on Amphidromus inversus annamiticus (Crosse & P. Fischer, 1863) for the plains of the Cuu Long River Delta. A. inversus annamiticus found in the study area has two types of shell spiraling, both dextral and sinistral, with or without a blackish brown spiral streak from the apex. All of the shells without that streak are sinistral and bigger in size compared to the ones with the color streak. Snail individuals were hibernating on the branches and trunks of landscape trees that include, Dipterocarpus alatus, Samanea saman, Khaya senegalensis, and Erythrina fusca.

More and more optical records have exhibited that multiple upward leaders (MULs) occur frequently on a building in the flash attachment process. An interesting issue is why a building can continue to launch upward leader (UL) after the first one appears. This phenomenon is analyzed in the present paper. Considering the influence of the leader behaviors on the ambient electric field, an improved 3‐D fine‐resolution lightning attachment model with MULs is established to simulate cloud‐to‐ground flash events with diverse leader spatial morphologies. The simulation results show that MULs may initiate almost simultaneously or with an obvious delay and the variation range of UL length is large. From this, the flash events of lightning terminating on a building are divided into four scenarios and each scenario is analyzed. It was found that the spatial location of downward leader, the length and propagation direction of the first UL and the time interval from the inception of the first UL to final jump significantly affect the electric fields at top corners of building and further affect the inception of the second UL. Based on qualitative analysis, four factors are proposed to explain why the above four scenarios happen. Plain Language Summary: This research focuses on understanding the process of cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lightning, which can cause significant harm to society. Specifically, the study investigates the initiation of multiple upward leaders in the CG lightning process. By considering the impact of lightning leader behaviors on the surrounding electric field, the researchers develop an improved lightning attachment model. Using this model, we simulate the development of leaders and identify factors that explain why one or more leaders originate from an isolated building. The results highlight the importance of the location of the lightning, the characteristics of the first upward leader, and the timing of the lightning strike in influencing the initiation of multiple upward leaders. Future studies will explore CG lightning within groups of buildings, contributing to our understanding of this phenomenon and providing insights for protecting buildings from lightning strikes. Key Points: An improved 3‐D fine‐resolution stochastic discharge model is developedThe spatial location of lightning, as well as the length and propagation direction of the first upward leader, has an impact on the initiation of multiple upward leadersThe time interval between the inception of the first upward leader and the final jump affects the initiation of multiple upward leaders [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) Belly River Group (BRG) of southern Alberta has a complex internal stratigraphic architecture derived from differential geometries of its component formations that resulted from regionalized tectonic influences and shifting source areas. A full understanding of BRG architecture has been compromised heretofore by a limited understanding of subsurface data in southwestern- and southeastern-most Alberta. In this study outcrop exposures throughout southern Alberta are tied to reference well logs and subsurface cross-sections allowing a more precise understanding of BRG architecture and how it relates to well-known vertebrate fossil producing areas. Modifications to an existing stratigraphic model of the BRG show that the Oldman and the Dinosaur Park formations have reciprocal north-to-south wedge-shaped geometries and a diachronous contact that become prominently expressed south of Twp 12. The updated model also demonstrates that the Oldman Formation thickens stratigraphically up-section to the south, and that the Foremost-Oldman contact is, essentially, a datum across much of southern Alberta. Identification of the Oldman Formation in the subsurface remains based on its relatively high gamma-ray response in mudstone successions, but it is also recognized that many of its sandstones exhibit relatively low gamma-ray responses like those in underlying and overlying formations. Nomenclature and subdivisions of the Oldman Formation are revised to accommodate this updated understanding, and modifications are also made to the definition of the Judith River-Belly River discontinuity, a newly recognized surface that marks the onset of accommodation and eustatic rise in sea-level in the northern Western Interior Basin at ~76.3 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional villages, rich in historical and cultural value, hold a high level of preservation value. In the process of urbanization, traditional villages face the crisis of decline, making it difficult to perpetuate the carried cultural heritage. The Ganjiang River Basin hosts numerous traditional villages with rich research value, making the study of their preservation and development in this region a significant topic. This paper, from the perspective of landscape ecology, employs geographic detectors to analyze the driving factors behind the emergence of traditional villages in the Ganjiang River Basin, summarizing the spatial distribution characteristics of traditional villages. A classification method based on village landscape features is adopted to categorize traditional villages in the Ganjiang River Basin, providing a reference for planning the preservation and development of traditional villages. The research results show that plain areas are more suitable for the continuation of traditional villages; a single suitable environmental element cannot provide an environment conducive to the development of traditional villages, which is the result of the combined effect of multiple suitable elements; the study has divided traditional village landscapes into nine types, with clear distribution differences among different types of villages; for different regions and types of traditional villages, it is necessary to balance development and protection tendencies and plan differently according to environmental characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The region of Vitoria concentrates lots of urban demands on natural systems susceptible to flooding. This work aims to evaluate the sensitivity to coastal flooding in a region where Quaternary deposits are narrow and with a closed estuarine system pressured by urbanization. The coastal sensitivity index evaluated on the plains was based on 10 physical variables (5 of process and 5 structural). In general, plains showed a high to very high degree of sensitivity. The most sensitive area were the wetlands. Proximity to the coast is an important factor, however, the effects of sea level rise also were severe in areas that do not face the sea. The estuarine re-entrant system of Vitoria exposes inland areas to the coastal flooding, which may have their sensitivity enhanced by the proximity of watercourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This preliminary study aims at reconstructing the life history, including dietary patterns, mobility, and health conditions, of a high‐class noblewoman (M154) from the late Shu state (晚蜀), the period of Kai Ming regime (開明氏), in the Shuangyuan Village Cemetery of the Eastern Zhou period (770–221 BC), Chengdu Plain, China, as a way to provide a glimpse into the human lifeway in the late Shu culture period under the impact of non‐local cultures. We combined skeletal pathological observations with multi‐isotope (carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen) analyses of bone collagen, enamel, and dentin serial sections and analyzed multi‐tooth enamel from the remaining 10 humans in the cemetery as comparative data. The results suggest that the occupant of M154, a female who died at around 30 years of age, consumed mainly rice (C3‐based crop) and high animal protein throughout her life, was weaned at 2–3 years of age, experienced physiological stresses after weaning and at 7–8 years of age but recovered from both rapidly (less than a year), which probably was related to better care, and that the timing of physiological stress embodied in isotopic profiles from incremental dentin sections is consistent with the observed enamel hypoplasia and cribra orbitalia. She more likely lived with the local population from childhood to adolescence and did not experience long‐distance migrations. After 7–8 years of age, she consumed relatively stable food resources and lived a stable life until death. Here, we show the stable and well‐cared‐for life history of a high‐ranking noble of the late Shu state, providing new insights into the study of the ancient Shu people and a reference for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes spatial and temporal patterns in fire across the US Western Great Plains over the last 40 years. Although pyrogeographic studies have explored the nexus of fire patterns in relation to the bio-physical environment and socio-ecological trends, most of this research has focused on forested ecosystems and regions long known for conflict between wildfires and human development, especially at the wildland–urban interface. But evidence suggests large wildfire activity is increasing in the US Great Plains, and the Western Great Plains—a Land Resource Region comprised of four ecoregions, Northwestern Plains, High Plains, Nebraska Sandhills, and Southwestern Tablelands—not only contains some of the largest areas of rangeland in the US but also the highest concentration of public land in the Great Plains. As such, the Western Great Plains provides an opportunity to explore fire activity in primarily rural landscapes with a combination of public and private ownership, all dominated by rangeland vegetation. We combined several publicly-available datasets containing fire records between 1992 and 2020 to create two databases, one with georeferenced point data on 60,575 wildfire events in the region, and another with georeferenced perimeter data for 2665 fires. Ignition by humans was the dominant cause of fires. No ecoregion showed a statistically significant trend towards either increasing or decreasing the annual burned area. The Northwestern Plains had the most burned area and the greatest number of incidents—consistently around or above 1000 incidents per year since 1992—with the majority in July. The High Plains showed the greatest increase in annual fire incidence, never reaching more than 200–300 per year 1992–2009, and averaging above 1000 incidents per year since 2010. Few long-term trends in human population, weather, or fuel metrics appear strongly associated with fire patterns in any ecoregion, although the years 2006, 2012, and 2017 stood out for their levels of fire activity, and these years often frequently logged extreme values in wildland fuel metrics. These relationships merit much closer examination in the Western Great Plains, because like other rangeland-dominated landscapes, the fine fuels that comprise these wildland fuelbeds are much more responsive to fine-scale changes in moisture conditions. Rural Western Great Plains landscapes are a mosaic of public and private land ownership, and an increasing impact of wildfires on public grazing lands—which are often situated within other jurisdictions or ownership—will likely have an impact on rural livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plants often impact the abiotic and biotic conditions of the ecosystems they invade. These impacts can persist after the removal of the invader as legacy effects that may hamper restoration. We assessed whether the invasion of Cumberland Plain Woodland in Australia by African Olive impacts the performance of native species through legacy effects. We also tested whether the addition of soil inocula from uninvaded Cumberland Plain Woodland and rhizosphere soils can mitigate the effects of invaded soils on native plant performance. To do this, we grew four native Cumberland Plain Woodland species (Australian Indigo, Climbing Saltbush, Hickory Wattle, Wedge-leaf Hop-bush) in mesocosms containing either uninvaded Cumberland Plain Woodland soil, African Olive-invaded Cumberland Plain Woodland soil or invaded Cumberland Plain Woodland soil inoculated with uninvaded or native rhizosphere soil. We found invaded soils to not consistently impact the growth of the Cumberland Plain Woodland species studied. In invaded soil, Hickory Wattle produced lower above and belowground biomass, Climbing Saltbush produced lower belowground biomass and Australian Indigo had a lower root to shoot ratio compared to plants grown in Cumberland Plain Woodland soil. The nodulation of Australian Indigo did not differ between soil treatments, while that of Hickory Wattle responded positively to inoculation. Our results suggest that the addition of native soil biota may improve the outcomes of ecological restoration projects on a species-specific basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excavations at Tilmen Höyük were carried out by U. Bahadir Alkım between 1959-64 and 1969-72. These excavations revealed an uninterrupted settlement at Tilmen Höyük from the 4th millennium BC to the end of the 2nd millennium BC. A group of wheel-made, well-fired pottery belonging to the Early Bronze Age recovered during these excavations has been named Açık Renkli Yalın Keramik (ARYK) by us. This ceramic group was first introduced to the archaeological literature as Plain Simple Ware by Braidwood. This lightcolored, wheel-made, well-purified, and well-fired ceramic group is found extensively in Southeastern Anatolia and Northern Syria during the Early Bronze Age. In international terminology, the Middle Euphrates Region is defined as the part of the Euphrates River in Southeastern Anatolia and Northern Syria. This region can be considered as the main region of the ARYK group. ARYK, which has found a very wide distribution area, is seen as an imported material in Eastern and Central Anatolia. The ceramic group in question continued its development from the Late Chalcolithic Age and continued to be seen throughout the 2nd millennium BC. It shows technological developments, especially since the EBA. ARYK begins to be produced on wheels at the beginning of the EBA, and rapid wheel production continues as a ceramic group towards the end of the EBA. We can say that this ceramic group was mass-produced in accordance with certain standards at the end of the EBA. Some forms seen in the ARYK group are important for dating. The "S" shaped bowls known as cyma-recta are dated to EBA I-II, while the bell-shaped cups known as caliciform are dated to the late EBA. The pottery from Tilmen Höyük analysed in this article dates from EBA I to the EBA/MBA transition phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]