Changes In Distribution Patterns Research Articles

Sustainable Energy Consumption Analysis through Data Driven Insights

Energy is the backbone of our society, supporting our daily activities and driving progress. It plays a crucial role in shaping our modern way of life. The future of global energy consumption is influenced by many factors, including demographics, economic dynamics, technological developments, political actions, environmental demands and geopolitical considerations. As the world's population continues to grow and urbanize, the demand for energy is increasing. At the same time, rapid technological innovations are shaping the energy landscape and changing production, distribution and consumption patterns. In the midst of this development, it is very important to optimize energy consumption, accurately anticipate needs, curb climate change, limit emissions of greenhouse gasses, fight against pollution and promote sustainability. This study includes an in-depth analysis of historical consumption trends, assessing the multiple benefits of renewable energy integration, estimating carbon emissions, formulating practical policy recommendations and providing empirically informed insights. The work is based on various data obtained from platforms such as Kaggle and using advanced visualization techniques such as Power BI dashboards. The study provides invaluable perspectives on future energy needs, the penetration of renewable sources into the energy mix, and the strategic needs to achieve sustainable energy use.

Irregularity and time series trend analysis of rainfall in Johor, Malaysia

Due to its effect on weather and its propensity to cause catastrophic incidents, climate change has garnered considerable global attention. Depending on the area, the effects of climate change may vary. Rainfall is among the most significant meteorological factors associated with climate change. In Malaysia, changes in rainfall distribution pattern have led to many floods and droughts events which lead to La Nina and El Nino where Johor is one of the states in southern part that usually affected. Thus, rainfall trend analysis is important to identify changes in rainfall pattern as it gives an initial overview for future analysis. This research aims to evaluate historical rainfall data of Johor between 1991 and 2020. Normality and homogeneity tests were used to ensure the quality of data followed by Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope analysis to determine rainfall trend as the rainfall data is not normally distributed (p > 0.05). Standardized precipitation anomaly, coefficient of variation, precipitation concentration index and rainfall anomaly index were used to identify rainfall variability and intensity while standard precipitation index was used to evaluate drought severity. The lowest annual rainfall recorded was 1725.07 mm in 2016 and the highest was 2993.19 mm in 2007. Annual rainfall and seasonal rainfall showed a declining trend although it is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Results reveal that Johor experienced extreme wet and dry years, leading to drought and flood incidents. Major floods arose in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011 while driest years occurred in 1997, 1998 and 2016 which led to El Nino phenomenon. March and April were identified as the driest months among all. Thus, the findings from this study would assist researchers and decision-makers in the development of applicable adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce climate change impact. It is recommended that more data analysis from more stations should be done in the future research study to obtain a clearer view and more comprehensive results.

Are long-term biomonitoring efforts overlooking crayfish in European rivers?

BackgroundLong-term biomonitoring of macroinvertebrates is a popular and valuable approach for assessing the status of freshwater ecosystems, identifying the impact of stressors, and evaluating ecosystem health. Although macroinvertebrate-based biomonitoring can be effective in detecting changes in distribution patterns and community trends over time, crayfish often remain undetected or unreported by biomonitoring efforts despite their importance in maintaining the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.ResultsBy analyzing a comprehensive database of long-term macroinvertebrate time series, we found that most sampling methods and assessment schemes can detect both native and non-native crayfish in running waters if sites are continuously sampled. However, native crayfish were detected to a lesser extent and by fewer methods. Kick-net sampling and assessment techniques prevailed as the most efficient methods for capturing crayfish. However, the substantial number of time series lacking crayfish data calls into question whether these methods are sufficiently comprehensive to encapsulate crayfish populations accurately. The use of other targeted methods such as baited traps or hand catching may provide a more reliable estimate of their presence.ConclusionsGiven the detrimental impacts of non-native crayfish and the decline in native crayfish populations, we strongly recommend that stakeholders and managers incorporate a combination of these approaches into their monitoring efforts. The use of different taxonomic levels (family vs. genus vs. species level) in estimating biological indices and biomonitoring tools can cause delays in identifying new non-native specie’s occurrences, hindering effective water quality assessment and ecosystem management by governments and stakeholders. Therefore, whenever possible, we call for standardized taxonomic levels for biomonitoring studies and management strategies to accurately address these issues and make recommendations going forward.

Changing Epidemiology of Clinical Isolates of Candida Species during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Data Analysis from a Korean Tertiary Care Hospital for 6 Years (2017-2022).

This study assessed the changes in Candida species distribution and antifungal susceptibility patterns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic compared with a pre-pandemic period in Korea. We retrospectively investigated the specimen, species type, and antifungal susceptibility of Candida isolates obtained between 2016 and 2022. Data between two periods were compared: 2016-2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020-2022 (pandemic). We included 11,396 clinical isolates of Candida species (5137 isolates in the pre-pandemic and 6259 isolates in the pandemic). The most prevalent species was Candida albicans (50.4%), followed by Candida glabrata (22.7%), Candida tropicalis (12.5%), and Candida parapsilosis complex (12.5%). Their ranks were unchanged; however, their relative isolation ratios varied during the pandemic, exhibiting differences ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 across species. The incidence of candidemia increased during the pandemic (average 1.79 episodes per 10,000 patient days) compared with pre-pandemic levels (average 1.45 episodes per 10,000 patient days) in both intensive-care-unit (ICU) and non-ICU patients. Additionally, C. parapsilosis complex candidemia increased by 1.6-fold during the pandemic. During the pandemic, C. albicans and C. tropicalis candidemia significantly increased by 1.5- and 1.4-fold in ICU patients. In contrast, C. parapsilosis complex candidemia surged 2.1-fold in non-ICU patients. These species exhibited reduced resistance to fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin in the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic. This study underscores the heightened incidence of Candida-related infections during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance of Candida species epidemiology beyond the pandemic's scope.

Ancient and modern DNA track temporal and spatial population dynamics in the European fallow deer since the Eemian interglacial

Anthropogenic factors have impacted the diversity and evolutionary trajectory of various species. This can be through factors such as pressure on population size or range, habitat fragmentation, or extensive manipulation and translocation. Here we use time-calibrated data to better understand the pattern and processes of evolution in the heavily manipulated European fallow deer (Dama dama). During the Pleistocene, fallow deer had a broad distribution across Europe and were found as far north as Britain during the Eemian interglacial. The last glacial period saw fallow deer retreat to southern refugia and they did not disperse north afterwards. Their recolonisation was mediated by people and, from northern Europe and the British Isles, fallow deer were transported around the world. We use ancient and modern mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and mitogenomic data from Eemian Britain to assess the pattern of change in distribution and lineage structure across Europe over time. We find founder effects and mixed lineages in the northern populations, and stability over time for populations in southern Europe. The Eemian sample was most similar to a lineage currently in Italy, suggesting an early establishment of the relevant refuge. We consider the implications for the integration of anthropogenic and natural processes towards a better understanding of the evolution of fallow deer in Europe.

Study of changes in temporal distribution pattern of rainfall at Dapoli station in Konkan region of Maharashtra

Dapoli situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra is having average annual rainfall of 3587 mm with average number of rainy days 75. The yield of major Kharif season crop rice is affected by the erratic behavior of rainfall. Present study is an attempt to study the rainfall variations at the Dapoli station which will be useful for forecasting the future temporal availability of water. Comprehensive statistical tools were used to investigate trends in averages and monthly rainfall over the station on decadal basis. Forty years (year 1972-2011) daily rainfall data for Dapoli station was used for the analysis. Results of study showed that, decadal mean rainfall depths of June and August were found decreasing and those for September was found increasing. Mean rainfall depth variations for July as well as annual total rainfall were found random. Seven years moving averages showed that, rainfall depths for the months of June, July and August were found decreasing and for month of September was found increasing. In annual rainfall graph a slight decline was observed.

Impact of the implementation of Madrid's low emission zone on NO2 concentration using Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI data

In recent years, several measures and policies have been introduced to safeguard healthy NO2 levels in urban areas, including the creation of low emission zones (LEZs). In November 2018, a traffic-restricted area known as the Special Protection Low Emission Zone (SPLEZ) was established in the core of the city of Madrid, embracing most of its central district. This study aims to evaluate whether the implementation of the LEZ has led to improvements in air quality by analyzing NO2 concentrations in various case scenarios. For this purpose, data from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) onboard the Sentinel-5 precursor (Sentinel-5P) were used. The pre- and post-LEZ implementation seasonal analysis (from July 2018 to May 2019) and the entirety of 2022 indicated that the epicenter of transport-related NO2 concentrations did not lie within its boundaries. However, NO2 levels within the SPLEZ peaked during winter, with heating and meteorological factors playing a significant role. Additionally, the findings from the case study of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the influence of human activities on the NO2 concentration in both the SPLEZ and the entire metropolitan area. NO2 emissions decreased during the strict lockdown period and steadily increased as activities resumed. Satellite data was compared to surface-level measurements in each case study, resulting in a linear correlation coefficient of 0.72. TROPOMI data was found to closely align with surface-level observations as pollution levels increased, contrasting with better air quality scenarios. Despite certain limitations, it can serve as a valuable tool for providing complementary information to surface-level data, particularly in characterizing changes in pollution distribution patterns.

Study on Mechanical Effect and Plastic Zone Distribution of Tunnel Surrounding Rock in the Presence of Various Expansion Approaches

To examine the distribution of the plastic zone of the surrounding rock subjected to various expansion approaches used for the existing tunnels, this article deals with the distribution and thickness of the plastic zone of the surrounding rock subjected to one-sided expansion excavation (1SEE), two-sided expansion excavation (2SEE), and surrounding expansion excavation (SEE). First, the mechanical model of tunnel expansion is established and the initial stress field 1SEE and expansion stress field of tunnel surrounding rock are analyzed. The finite element model of tunnel expansion is developed to examine the plastic zone distribution in the presence of various tunneling approaches. The obtained results reveal that with the growth of expansion size, the plastic distribution area grows, with a maximum increase rate of 138.5%; the difference of each position reduces, with the difference value of each part less than 0.2 m. The plastic zones of 2SEE and SEE approaches are almost symmetrically distributed around the tunnel center line, and the invert and vault of the SEE tunnel are excavated at the same time, the excavation size is the same, and the difference in plastic zone range is small. With the rise of the lateral pressure coefficient, the distribution pattern of the plastic zone changes from X-type to butterfly-type and then to ellipse-type.

Nuclear Distribution of the Chromatin-Remodeling Protein ATRX in Mouse Early Embryos during Normal Development and Developmental Arrest In Vitro.

The chromatin-remodeling protein ATRX, which is currently recognized as one of the key genome caretakers, plays an important role in oogenesis and early embryogenesis in mammals. ATRX distribution in the nuclei of mouse embryos developing in vivo and in vitro, including when the embryos are arrested at the two-cell stage-the so-called two-cell block in vitro-was studied using immunofluorescent labeling and FISH. In normally developing two- and four-cell embryos, ATRX was found to be closely colocalized with pericentromeric DNA sequences detected with a probe to the mouse major satellite DNA. The association of ATRX with pericentromeric heterochromatin is mediated by nuclear actin and reduced after the treatment of embryos with latrunculin B. When culturing embryos in vitro, the distribution pattern of ATRX changes, leading to a decrease in the association of this protein with major satellite DNA especially under the two-cell block in vitro. Taken together, our data suggest that the intranuclear distribution of ATRX reflects the viability of mouse embryos and their probability of successful preimplantation development.

Analysis of Land Value Change in Genuk District

Genuk District is a district in Semarang City which is designated as an industrial area. The development of industrial estates can lead to increased urbanization. According to data from Central Agency on Statistics in 2020, the population in Genuk District has always increased from year to year. The increasing population causes the need for land to also increase. Land prices can also rise considering the need for land and factors from industrial development. On the other hand, Genuk District is prone to tidal flooding. The worst tidal floods in Genuk District occurred in Gebangsari, Genuk and Banjardowo Sub-District in the 2000s. Based on the problem, this research aims to map land prices temporally in 2014, 2019 and 2022 and analyze the distribution pattern of land value changes in Genuk District with the Local Moran’s I method. That method is used for analyze the pattern of land values in 2022 and the pattern of land price changes between 2019 and 2022. The method used in mapping land prices is based on a fair market land price approach and land valuation techniques using a mass valuation cost approach. The average land value zone in 2014 has a value of IDR 711,000 in 2019 has an average value of IDR 986,000 and in 2022 is IDR 1,599,000. According to the results of Local Moran’s I, the pattern land value change in 2019-2022 is different from the results of the land value pattern in 2022 for each category class. This shows that the high land value changes between 2019 to 2022 are not in the same location as the high land value in 2022.

Abstract C079: H. pylori eradication for mitigating gastro-duodenal cancers: Modeling pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin niosomes in Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and, hence, control of its associated conditions (peptic ulcer, gastric cancer, and lymphoma) still constitute major challenge to therapeutics. H. pylori has been implicated in 60% of gastric and 90 % of duodenal ulcers and has been classified as a Class 1 carcinogen in human by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World health Organization (Enerson et al, 2016; Vogiatzi et al, 2007; WHO). It affects 4million people world-wide of which 0.5million is from the US and 70% are of 25-64 y/o (Chung & Shelat, 2017). Presently, gastric cancer is the second leading cause of neoplastic mortality globally (Contreras et al, 2014; Owen et al, 2018). The efficacy of currently used antibiotics (erythromycin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and azithromycin) in triple or quadruple combinations with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is decreasing due to resistance development via lipopolysaccharide modification, increased drug efflux, and reduced porin pathway. Adaptive response by bacteria to specific signal due to antibacterial presence in its environment, leading to up-regulation of the efflux system (MexXY/OprM), and down-regulation of porin pathway (OprD) has been recognized as key factor in the resistance manifestation. In an earlier study, we reported that encapsulation of an anti-H. pylori drug (levofloxacin) molecules in niosomes (nano-size lipid vesicles) improved its molecular assimilation by drug-resistant E. coli and Ps. aeruginosa and produced approximately 50 % reduction in their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) (Jankie et al, 2012). In this study, we investigated the in vivo bioavailability of levofloxacin niosomes administered intraperitoneally to Sprague Dawley rats. Plasma data modelling in Gastroplus PKTM for non-compartmental through 3-compartmental models, using Hooke & Jeeves pattern search, indicated that pure levofloxacin obeyed two-compartment kinetic model, while levofloxacin niosomes demonstrated one-compartmental model. In addition, niosome encapsulation increased drug exposure (AUC) about 5 folds and duration of action (mean residence time, MRT) about 1.6 folds. Thus, niosome encapsulation changed distribution pattern and the values of PK parameter supported 2-compartmental and 1-compartmental models for levofloxacin and its niosomes respectively. The knowledge of in vivo rodent PK generated in this study is vital for the determination of test doses in a higher animal species and, subsequent, for the calculation of thee first in human dose of levofloxacin using allometric equations. Generally, the potential is quite high for niosomes encapsulation to enhance the efficacy of other anti-H. pylori drugs against drug-resistant bacterial strains and needs to be investigated. Citation Format: Amusa S. Adebayo, Satish Jankie. H. pylori eradication for mitigating gastro-duodenal cancers: Modeling pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin niosomes in Sprague-Dawley rats [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C079.

Response of a Sylvan Moss Species (Didymodon validus Limpr.) with a Narrow Distribution Range to Climate Change

Mosses are particularly susceptible to climate change owing to their close biological and ecological associations with climatic conditions. However, there is a limited understanding of the changes in distribution patterns of the moss species in forest ecosystems under climate change, especially in mosses with narrow ranges. Therefore, we reconstructed historical, simulated present, and predicted future potential distribution patterns of Didymodon validus, a narrow-range moss species in the forest ecosystem, using the MaxEnt model. The aim of this study was to explore its unique suitable habitat preference, the key environmental factors affecting its distribution, and the distributional changes of D. validus under climate change at a long spatial-time scale. Our findings indicate that the most suitable locations for D. validus are situated in high-altitude regions of southwestern China. Elevation and mean temperature in the wettest quarter were identified as key factors influencing D. validus distribution patterns. Our predictions showed that despite the dramatic climatic and spatial changes over a long period of time, the range of D. validus was not radically altered. From the Last Interglacial (LIG) to the future, the area of the highly suitable habitat of D. validus accounted for only 15.3%–16.4% of the total area, and there were weak dynamic differences in D. validus at different climate stages. Under the same climate scenarios, the area loss of suitable habitat is mainly concentrated in the northern and eastern parts of the current habitat, while it may increase in the southern and eastern margins. In future climate scenarios, the distribution core zone of suitable habitat will shift to the southwest for a short distance. Even under the conditions of future climate warming, this species may still exist both in the arid and humid regions of the QTP in China. In summary, D. validus showed cold and drought resistance. Our study provides important insights and support for understanding the impact of climate change on the distribution of D. validus, as well as its future distribution and protection strategies.

The impact of urbanisation on local climate: a case study from Palmas, Brazil

The relationship between growing rates of urbanisation and city warming has been evaluated in a very large number of urban climate studies. The work detailed here has focused on remote-sensing data, looking at changes in urbanisation over time in one of the newest cities in Brazil, i.e. Palmas in the northern region of the country, which serves as capital city of Tocantins. The youngest state in Brazil, Tocantins was only founded in 1988, with the construction of Palmas as capital commencing in 1989. Measured meteorological data were used to assess local climate changes in typical years, whereas urbanisation levels, generated for stepwise increments of 10 years, were obtained from the identification of vegetated and built-up classes in satellite imagery. Results suggest that changes in local climate were not always related to ongoing urbanisation in Palmas. Equally, despite promising changes in patterns of distribution of vegetation in given areas of Palmas over time – with an increase in high NDVI levels in 2021 that would potentially ameliorate local climate – thermal benefits did not prove to be detectable at the reference meteorological station.

Apical-basal distribution of different subtypes of spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea and the changes during aging.

Sound information is transmitted from the cochlea to the brain mainly by type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), which consist of different subtypes with distinct physiological properties and selective expression of molecular markers. It remains unclear how these SGN subtypes distribute along the tonotopic axis, and whether the distribution pattern changes during aging that might underlie age-related hearing loss (ARHL). We investigated these questions using immunohistochemistry in three age groups of CBA/CaJ mice of either sex, including 2-5 months (young), 17-19 months (middle-age), and 28-32 months (old). Mouse cochleae were cryo-sectioned and triple-stained using antibodies against Tuj1, calretinin (CR) and calbindin (CB), which are reportedly expressed in all type I, subtype Ia, and subtype Ib SGNs, respectively. Labeled SGNs were classified into four groups based on the expression pattern of stained markers, including CR+ (subtype Ia), CB+ (subtype Ib), CR+CB+ (dual-labeled Ia/Ib), and CR-CB- (subtype Ic) neurons. The distribution of these SGN groups was analyzed in the apex, middle, and base regions of the cochleae. It showed that the prevalence of subtype Ia, Ib and dual-labeled Ia/Ib SGNs are high in the apex and low in the base. In contrast, the distribution pattern is reversed in Ic SGNs. Such frequency-dependent distribution is largely maintained during aging except for a preferential reduction of Ic SGNs, especially in the base. These findings corroborate the prior study based on RNAscope that SGN subtypes show differential vulnerability during aging. It suggests that sound processing of different frequencies involves distinct combinations of SGN subtypes, and the age-dependent loss of Ic SGNs in the base may especially impact high-frequency hearing during ARHL.

A review of post-whaling abundance, trends, changes in distribution and migration patterns, and supplementary feeding of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales

Southern Hemisphere humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) were heavily targeted during modern commercial whaling operations, with some 216,000 individuals killed between 1903 and 1973. That impacted the abundance of all the seven breeding stocks of the species. Most of these stocks have been recovering from whaling pressure although the understanding of the current growth rates of some stocks, and how the rates compare across stocks are lacking. Updated information is fundamental for understanding the species’ current status, and to support the review of management plans promoting its protection and recovery, especially considering current changes in ocean environments due to climate change. This work offers a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on Southern Hemisphere humpback whales breeding stocks’ status. The aim is to provide information on their post-whaling growth trends and changes in distribution and migration patterns. Within that, records of supplementary feeding records (i.e. feeding beyond their formally described feeding grounds) are described. We have also identified knowledge gaps and note that the establishment of research collaborations, as well as standard methodologies for data collection can be important steps for the acquisition of better comparable data sets for the analysis of the current status of humpback whales and to fill such gaps. The compiled information provided can be used as part of an In-Depth Assessment of the species by the International Whaling Commission.

Exploring temperature dynamics in Madhya Pradesh: a spatial-temporal analysis.

Understanding the dynamics of temperature trends is vital for assessing the impacts of climate change on a regional scale. In this context, the present study focuses on Madhya Pradesh state in Central Indian region to explore the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of temperature changes from 1951 to 2021. Gridded temperature data obtained from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in 1° × 1° across the state are utilised to analyse long-term trends and variations in temperature. The Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's slope (SS) estimator were used to detect the trends, and Pettitt's test was utilised for change point detection. The analysis reveals significant warming trends in Madhya Pradesh during the study period during specific time frames. The temperature variables, such as the annual mean temperature (Tmean), maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin), consistently increase, with the most pronounced warming observed during winter. The trend analysis reveals that the rate of warming has increased in the past few years, particularly since the 1990s. However, Pettitt's test points out significant changes in the temperature, with Tmean rising from 25.46 °C in 1951-2004 to 25.78 °C in 2005-2021 (+0.33 °C), Tmax shifting from 45.77 °C in 1951-2010 to 46.24 °C in 2011-2021 (+0.47°C), and Tmin increasing from 2.65 °C in 1951-1999 to 3.19 °C in 2000-2021 (+0.46 °C). These results, along with spatial-temporal distribution maps, shed important light on the alterations and variations in monthly Tmean, Tmax, and Tmin across the area, underlining the dynamic character of climate change and highlighting the demand for methods for adaptation and mitigation.

Genetic diversity of Hyalomma marginatum in Tunisia is not influenced by the bio-climate.

Ticks are important ectoparasites responsible for the transmission of several pathogens with significant medical, veterinary, and economic impacts. Climate and social changes have generated substantial changes in ticks' distribution, abundance, and activity patterns, including ticks belonging to the Hyalomma marginatum species. Knowledge on the genetic structure and dynamics of H. marginatum populations might contribute to a better understanding of their current and future evolution under the effects of anthropogenic factors and eco-climatic changes. In the present study, we investigated the genetic structure and phylogenetic distribution of H. marginatum across three bioclimatic regions in Tunisia using two mitochondrial markers (16S and 12S rRNA). The molecular investigations were based on 47 adult H. marginatum ticks collected from humid, upper semi-arid, and sub-humid regions of Tunisia. Our results revealed a genetic diversity of 0.278% and 0.809% using the 16S and 12S markers, respectively. The low genetic diversity that we observed raises the hypothesis of a bottleneck event occasioned by a reduction in the size of the tick population under the effects of environmental factors and/or human activities. This hypothesis is supported by the population's demographic history analysis, which revealed a clear deviation from neutrality and supports the occurrence of a bottleneck event followed by a demographic expansion. The fact that most 16S and 12S variability was present in the ticks from the humid bioclimatic zone may suggest that those ticks represent the ancestral population. Overall, the analysis has shown that the phylogenetic clusters do not correspond to the bioclimatic zones.

Distribution of heavy metals in water and sediment at the Bojonegara nearshore of Banten Bay, Indonesia

Heavy metals released to a nearshore environment may vary due to contaminant sources and the seasonally coastal processes. This study revealed how the seasonal variability and potential sources controlled the distribution pattern of several heavy metals and the level of water quality in Bojonegara nearshore of Banten Bay. The water and sediment samples were collected once in January, February, August, September, and October 2020 at six stations representing the river and sea. Heavy metal was determined using the APHA procedure. Cu was detected in August-October, ranging from <0.002 – 0.008 mg/L. The concentrations of Cu, Cd, and Pb in the sediment were detected, varying from <0.02 to 3.90 mg/kg, <0.02-1.68 mg/kg, and <0.02-6.71 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of the concerned metals in sediment vary, and their distribution pattern change seasonally. These metals in water and sediments were still safe for the environment and marine biota. This study suggests how contaminant sources and coastal processes could control the contaminant level. In addition, potential sources of heavy metal merely derived from onshore of the Bojonegara, but it could be derived from advection from other areas through the coastal processes.

Evolutionary Characteristics of Daytime and Nocturnal Precipitation Heterogeneity in Gansu Province, Northwest China

The diurnal variation in precipitation and its evolution are important foundations for understanding the regional impact of climate change and the parameterization of the model. Based on the daily precipitation data set of 23 national meteorological stations during 1970–2019, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of precipitation concentration degree (PCD) and precipitation concentration period (PCP) in Gansu province were evaluated on daytime and nocturnal scales. The results show the following: (1) Annual precipitation ranges from 69.1 ± 24.7 mm to 578.3 ± 96.6 mm, mainly (54.1 ± 2.6%) occurring at night, and the spatial distribution of the nocturnal precipitation rate is positively (r = 0.53, p &lt; 0.01) correlated with annual precipitation; the wetting trend (12.7 mm/10 a, p &lt; 0.01) in the past 50 years is obvious, and is mainly dominated by the frequency of precipitation (r = 0.58, p &lt; 0.001), with both performing better during the day. (2) Most PCD is located between 0.55 and 0.75, showing a basic distribution pattern for daytime greater than nocturnal, higher values, and stronger interannual fluctuations in arid areas; the significant decreasing trend (p &lt; 0.05) of PCD is very clear and highly consistent, especially in the high-altitude area, and the increase in precipitation in the dry season and the improvement in precipitation uniformity in the wet season play a key role. (3) PCP often fluctuates slightly around the 39th–41st pentad, but the general rule that daytime values are smaller than night values and the interannual variability is larger in arid areas also requires special attention; PCP has shown a relatively obvious advance trend in a few regions, but this is because the prominent and complex changes in the monthly precipitation distribution pattern have not been fully reflected. Along with continuous humidification, the decrease in PCD and the advance of PCP are likely to be the priority direction of precipitation evolution in the arid region of Northwest China, especially during the day. These findings provide a new perspective for understanding regional climate change.

Palaeoenvironmental changes across the Mid‐ and latest Maastrichtian events: Planktic foraminiferal inference from the Elles section (central Tunisia)

Based on quantitative changes in the Maastrichtian planktic foraminiferal species distribution patterns from the Elles section (central Tunisia), δ13C, δ18O‐based palaeotemperature and inferred proxies (species diversity, ecological associations, and depth ranking), the palaeoenvironment is inferred. Based on Constrained Clustering and corroborated by Non‐metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), four statistically significant intervals are identified. Interval 1 (lower–middle part of CF5 Zone) is marked by a warm, oligotrophic, stable, and well‐stratified upper water column. Interval 2 (upper part of CF5 Zone), here designated as the pre‐Mid‐Maastrichtian Event (MME) event, is marked by stressed, warmer, moderately mesotrophic, and weakly stratified surface waters with an unstable upper water column. Interval 3 (CF4 Zone) encompasses the MME and is marked by warm, stable, mesotrophic surface waters with a moderately well‐stratified upper water column. The upper part of Interval 3, designated as post‐MME, is also marked by mesotrophic conditions, but with increased surface water warming, unstable and stressed conditions. Interval 4 (CF3–CF1 zones) shows the effects of the Indian Deccan volcanism, and is marked by warmer surface waters, mesotrophic, unstable, stressed environmental conditions, with a weakly‐stratified upper water column.