Climatic Conditions Research Articles

Experimental Study of an Industrial Data Transmission Network in the Automatic Control System of a Wind Turbine

This article explores and optimizes network technologies for wind energy systems, focusing on the RS-485 interface to ensure reliable data transmission in extreme conditions. The study aims to address the impact of various distortions on data quality and wind turbine management. A system was proposed with two wind turbines, each equipped with a Raspberry Pi 4, connected to sensors measuring temperature, vibration, and wind speed. The research examined how data transmission rates affect signal shape, calculating the distortion coefficient. At 460,800 baud, the signal was almost completely distorted, with significant amplitude loss. The distortion coefficients were 1.84 for logic ‘1’ and 1.92 for logic ‘0’. The optimal speed to minimize distortions was found to be 19,200 baud, providing the most stable signal. Additionally, temperature significantly impacted transmission quality, highlighting the need to consider climatic conditions in system design. The findings and methods can help improve existing data transmission systems and enhance wind turbine performance.

The Effect of the Use of a Novel Urease Inhibitor Coated Urea on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Ammonia Volatilization Losses from a Maize Field

Nitrogen fertilizers are essential for enhancing agricultural productivity but are also major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ammonia volatilization, which affect environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effect of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)-coated urea on GHG emissions and ammonia losses from maize fields in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, known for excessive nitrogen fertilizer usage. A randomized block design was employed with four treatments: control (no nitrogen), prilled urea, neem-coated urea (NCU), and CNSL-coated urea (CCU). Gas samples were collected using the closed chamber method, and emissions of CO₂ and N₂O were analyzed via gas chromatography. Ammonia volatilization was measured using the forced air draft method. Results showed that the CCU treatment significantly reduced ammonia volatilization compared to prilled urea (15.84% reduction), with reductions of 9% to those observed with NCU. Moreover, CCU-treated plots exhibited reduced cumulative GHG and lower global warming potential (GWP) without compromising maize yields. Cumulative GHG emissions varied among the treatments in the order urea> CCU> NCU> Control. CCU treated plots exhibited a net GWP decrease of 8.59% compared to urea and an increase of 4.13% compared to NCU. These findings suggest that CNSL-coated urea can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional urea, potentially mitigating environmental impacts associated with nitrogen fertilization. Further studies are recommended to assess the long-term efficacy of CNSL in various soil types and climatic conditions.

Interplay Between Atmospheric Correction and Fusion Techniques Enhances the Quality of Remote Sensing Image Fusion

Remote sensing image fusion technology integrates observational data from multiple satellite platforms to leverage the complementary advantages of the different types of remote sensing images. High-quality fused remote sensing images provide detailed information on surface radiation, climate, and environmental conditions, thereby supporting governmental policies on environmental changes. Improving the quality and quantitative accuracy of fused images is a crucial trend in remote sensing image fusion research. This study investigates the impact of atmospheric correction and five widely applied fusion techniques on remote sensing image fusion. By constructing four fusion frameworks, it evaluates how the choice of fusion method, the implementation of atmospheric correction, the synchronization of atmospheric parameters, and the timing of atmospheric correction influence the outcomes of remote sensing image fusion. Aerial flights using remote sensors were conducted to acquire atmospheric parameter distribution images that are strictly synchronous with the remote sensing images. Comprehensive and systematic evaluations of the fused remote sensing images were performed. Experiments show that for the remote sensing images used, selecting the appropriate fusion method can improve the spatial detail evaluation metrics of the fused images by up to 2.739 times, with the smallest deviation from true reflectance reaching 35.02%. Incorporating synchronous atmospheric parameter distribution images can enhance the spatial detail evaluation metrics by up to 2.03 times, with the smallest deviation from true reflectance reaching 5.4%. This indicates that choosing an appropriate fusion method and performing imaging-based synchronous atmospheric correction before fusion can maximize the enhancement of spatial details and spectral quantification in fused images.

Optimizing the Sweet Potato Supply Chain in Zimbabwe Using Discrete Event Simulation: A Focus on Production, Distribution, and Market Dynamics

This study leverages a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model to optimize the sweet potato supply chain in Zimbabwe, focusing on production, distribution, and market dynamics under varying climate conditions. The integration of climate data into the simulation model reveals significant insights into the resilience of different sweet potato varieties, particularly highlighting the suitability of yellow-skinned sweet potatoes for harsh climates due to their high resilience and drought resistance. However, market preferences still favor white-skinned varieties despite their vulnerability to climate extremes. The DES model identifies key bottlenecks, particularly in cultivation and transportation, that hinder supply chain efficiency. To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, such as improving access to irrigation, strengthening pest management, and adopting community-based resource-sharing approaches. These strategies are critical for enhancing both the resilience and efficiency of the supply chain. Additionally, the study highlights the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of drought on agricultural productivity, especially in regions that heavily rely on crops like sweet potatoes. Overall, this research offers strategic insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to improve food security and agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe, as well as in other countries with similar climate challenges.

Prediction of Potential Suitable Distribution Areas for Northeastern China Salamander (Hynobius leechii) in Northeastern China

The Northeastern China Salamander (Hynobius leechii) is classified as a rare, nationally protected Class II wild animal in China. Its population is declining, and its habitat is deteriorating. This study aimed to predict the distribution of suitable habitats for the Northeastern China Salamander under both current and future climate scenarios, utilizing the MaxEnt model optimized through ENMeval parameters. Species distribution data were collected from field surveys, existing literature, amphibian records in China, and the Global Biodiversity Information Network. A total of 97 records were compiled, with duplicate records within the ENMTools grid unit removed, ensuring that only one record existed within every 5 km. Ultimately, 58 distinct distribution points for the Northeastern China Salamander were identified. The R software package ‘ENMeval 2.0’ was employed to optimize the feature complexity (FC) and regularization multiplier (RM), and the optimized model was applied to assess the suitable distribution regions for the Northeastern China Salamander under present and future climate conditions. The findings indicated that rainfall and temperature are the primary environmental factors influencing Hynobius. Currently, the suitable habitat for the Northeastern China Salamander constitutes 6.6% of the total area of Northeastern China. Projections for the periods of 2050 and 2070 suggest that suitable habitats for the Northeastern China Salamander will continue to expand towards higher latitudes across three climate scenarios. While this study focuses solely on climate change factors and acknowledges certain limitations, it serves as a reliable reference and provides essential information for the distribution and conservation of the Northeastern China Salamander.

Exploring the short-term effects of extreme temperatures on tuberculosis incidence in Shantou, China: a Coastal City perspective.

Coastal cities, due to their proximity to coastlines and unique climatic conditions, face growing challenges from extreme temperature events associated with climate change. Research on the impact of extreme temperatures on tuberculosis (TB) in these cities is limited, and findings from different regions lack consensus. This study focuses on Shantou, a coastal city in China, to investigate the influence of extreme temperatures on TB within this distinctive geographical context. Distributed Lag Non-Linear Models (DLNM) were employed to evaluate the effect of extreme temperatures on TB incidence risk in Shantou, a coastal city in China, spanning from 2014 to 2021. Daily TB case data were provided by the Shantou Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Institute. Daily meteorological information was sourced from the Reliable Prognosis website, while daily air pollutant data were obtained from the China Air Quality Online Monitoring and Analysis Platform. The study revealed a significant association between extreme temperatures and TB incidence, with the impact peaking at a lag of 27 days after exposure. Notably, extreme cold temperatures led to a temporary decrease in TB incidence with a lag of 1-2 days. Subgroup analysis indicated that males had a notably higher risk of TB under extreme temperature conditions compared to females. Additionally, individuals aged 65 years and above showed a significant cumulative effect in such conditions. This research enhances our comprehension of the effects of extreme temperatures on TB in coastal cities and carries substantial public health implications for TB prevention in China.

Identification of SNP and SilicoDArT Markers and Characterization of Their Linked Candidate Genes Associated with Maize Smut Resistance

The implementation of biological advancements in agricultural production is the response to the needs of the agricultural sector in the 21st century, enabling increased production and improved food quality. Biological progress in the maize breeding and seed industries is unique in terms of their social and ecological innovation aspects. It affects agricultural productivity and the adaptation of cultivated maize varieties to market demands and changing climate conditions without compromising the environment. Modern maize resistance breeding relies on a wide range of molecular genetic research techniques. These technologies enable the identification of genomic regions associated with maize smut resistance, which is crucial for characterizing and manipulating these regions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify molecular markers (SilicoDArT and SNP) linked to candidate genes responsible for maize smut resistance, utilizing next-generation sequencing, as well as association and physical mapping. By using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and statistical tools, the analyzed maize genotypes were divided into heterotic groups, which enabled the prediction of the hybrid formula in heterosis crosses. In addition, Illumina sequencing identified 60,436 SilicoDArT markers and 32,178 SNP markers (92,614 in total). For association mapping, 32,900 markers (26,234 SilicoDArT and 6666 SNP) meeting the criteria (MAF > 0.25 and the number of missing observations < 10%) were used. Among the selected markers, 61 were highly statistically significant (LOD > 2.3). Among the selected 61 highly statistically significant markers (LOD > 2.3), 10 were significantly associated with plant resistance to maize smut in two locations (Smolice and Kobierzyce). Of the 10 selected markers, 3 SilicoDArT (24016548, 2504588, 4578578) and 3 SNP (4779579, 2467511, 4584208) markers were located within genes. According to literature reports, of these six genes, three (ATAD3, EDM2, and CYP97A3) are characterized proteins that may play a role in the immune response that develops in response to corn smut infection. In the case of genotypes belonging to the same origin groups, markers linked to these genes can be used to select varieties resistant to corn smut. These markers will also be tested on genotypes belonging to other maize origin groups to demonstrate their universality.

The LTAR Cropland Common Experiment at Platte River/High Plains Aquifer.

The Platte River/High Plains Aquifer (PR/HPA) region is characterized by cropland, pastures, and grasslands that are faced with changing climatic conditions and agricultural intensification. The PR/HPA Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) site is located in Eastern Nebraska with the goal of improving resilience, sustainability, and profitability of agroecosystems through enhancing ecosystem services and environmental quality, developing strategies for efficient agricultural production, and mitigating and adapting to climate change. To meet this goal, a common experiment and five ancillary experiments have been developed to evaluate prevailing regional practices in grain crop production systems compared to alternative practices in rainfed and irrigated systems. These experiments reflect different geographic regions and cropping systems within PR/HPA. The common experiment is at a plot scale under sub-drip irrigation. The prevailing practice is a corn-soybean rotation with a fixed N fertilizer rate. The alternative practice is a corn-winter wheat-relay cropped soybean rotation with temporally variable N rates using fertigation. There is also an auxiliary alternative practice, a corn-soybean rotation with temporally variable N rates using fertigation with fall manure application after soybean harvest. This document describes the regional characteristics, cropland LTAR experiments, stakeholder engagement, and future plans for the PR/HPA cropland experiments.

Effect of Castor Transplanting and Different Organic Manures on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Soil Fertility Status after Harvest of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) under North Gujarat Agro Climatic Conditions

An attempt was made to investigate the effect of castor transplanting and different organic manures on content, uptake and soil fertility status after harvest of castor (Ricinus communis L.) under North Gujarat agro climatic conditions. The field experiment comprised of four levels of age of seedling (A1: Two weeks old seedling, A2: Three weeks old seedling, A3: Four weeks old seedling and A4: Normal sowing) and four levels of source of manures (S1: No compost, S2: Vermicompost, S3: FYM and S4: Castor shell compost) laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept with three replication. Castor variety GCH 8 was used as a test crop. The result indicated that Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur content in castor seed did not differed significantly due to different age of seedling and different source of manures. But uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur were significantly higher under treatment A4 (Normal sowing) and S4 (Castor shell compost). The available nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur in soil were unaffected due to age of seedling and source of manures. However, organic carbon was found significantly higher (0.204%) with treatment S4 (Castor shell compost). Interaction effect of age of seedling and source of manures exhibited significant effect on content of sulphur and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium as well as sulphur.

Space-time analysis, severity of the wilt disease in escabeche pepper (Capsicum baccatum var. Pendulum) and identification of the causal agent (Phytophthora capsici L.) under subtropical climate conditions in Peru

Phytophthora capsici is an aggressive pathogen in escabeche pepper on the Peruvian coast. Root rot has a strong correlation with humidity and environment. Disease behavior was evaluated epidemiologically using spatiotemporal variables. Severity was evaluated according to the advance of the secondary symptom according to grades 1 to 5. Then, coordinates of each plant were established by photogrammetric survey of a field with 1705 escabeche pepper plants. For temporal analysis, severity was adjusted to an exponential model (R2 = 0.909) and incidence to a Gompertz model (R2 = 0.921) that detected an initial delay of the disease due to temperature. For the spatial analysis, the Global Moran Index (Ii) showed a high spatial dependence of the disease reaching a peak of 0.4 and 0.7 for severity and incidence, respectively. Also, heat maps related to the Local Ii were generated from which an initial source of infestation was determined where the furrow irrigation started in random infestations. Then, the infestation spots were settled in areas of surface water accumulation. Also, rhizosphere samples were collected per plant by degree of severity on V8 or CMA whit PARB and PDA-A selective medium. As a result, significant differences were obtained between grade 1, grade 2, 3, 4 and grade 5. In addition, the effect on yield was significant for plants with grade 4 and 5 with respect to fruit weight (22.3 and 18.5g/fruit) and weight per plant (509.5 and 371.8g/plant), respectively.

Cold Tolerance Assay Reveals Evidence of Climate Adaptation Among American Elm (Ulmus americana L.) Genotypes

T he American elm (Ulmus americana L.), once a dominant species in North American floodplain forests, has suffered significant population declines due to Dutch elm disease (DED). Despite this, some elms persist, potentially exhibiting disease resistance and climate-adaptive traits that could facilitate restoration. Understanding these traits is crucial for selecting genotypes suited to current and future climatic conditions, particularly in colder regions. This study evaluated the mid-winter cold tolerance of American elm genotypes across a climatic gradient to ascertain evidence of local climate adaptation. We used relative electrolyte leakage (REL) to assess mid-winter cold tolerance of current-year shoots on eleven survivor genotypes from New England and one susceptible, control genotype from Ohio. The lethal temperature, at which 50% of cellular leakage occurs (LT50), was determined and compared with 30-year climate data to identify potential climate adaptation. Genotypes from colder regions exhibited greater cold hardiness, indicating local adaptation to climate. Observed mid-winter LT50 values (−42.8 °C to −37.7 °C) were in excess of the 30-year minimum air temperature, even at the coldest source location. This calls into question whether mid-winter cold tolerance is the critical period for injury to American elm and more attention should be given to environmental conditions that cause de-acclimation to cold. By understanding the adaptive capacity of American elm, managers can better select mother trees for regional seed orchards, ensuring the long-term success of restoration initiatives.

The efficient strategy of operating the active cooling systems incorporated with photovoltaic panels for the three climatic regions: A case study

ABSTRACT Photovoltaic stations in Algeria are considered an effective solution to overcome the problem of its lack of electrical power and achieve the goals of sustainable development. The weather in Algeria is continental, it has three main climate zones from north to south, and the climate in Algeria is desert, which causes an increase in the temperature of photovoltaic modules and thus a decrease in their production of electrical power. Then the active cooling systems that use water as a cooling medium represent a good option to reduce the PV module temperature and thus increase electrical power generation rates. Due to the change in weather in Algeria from north to south and during the four seasons, in some periods, the operation of cooling systems is ineffective and leads to a decrease in the net output electrical power of photovoltaic stations. Therefore, this manuscript aims to develop an advanced strategy for operating active cooling systems incorporated with PV stations to achieve the highest net electrical power output from PV stations in Algeria. To achieve this goal, the theoretical study was conducted on three different regions in Algeria that express its continental climate, namely, Algiers (36°46′ N, 3°03′ E), northern Algeria, and Djelfa (34°40′ N 3°15′ E) in central Algeria and Ghardaïa (32°29′ N 3°40′ E) in southern Algeria, to get the optimal cooling strategies that achieve the highest net electrical power produced by PV stations. The simulation results presented that the average improvement in the electrical power generated from the PV panels incorporated with active cooling systems reached 15.1%, 17.8%, and 19.7% under the climate conditions of Algiers, Djelfa, and Ghardaïa, respectively. The optimal operating strategies of active cooling systems integrated with PV stations in Algeria increase the average net output electrical power of the PV stations by a rate reached 7.65%, 7.13%, and 4.91% for Algiers, Djelfa, and Ghardaïa, respectively.

Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones Using Geospatial Techniques. Case Study: Roman City and the Surrounding Area in the Northeastern Region, Romania

Effective groundwater management is crucial under the current climatic conditions, addressing both qualitative and quantitative aspects. An important step in delineating groundwater potential zones involves remote sensing (RS) data and geographic information systems (GISs), facilitating resource assessment, and the implementation of suitable field data management. This study introduces the delineation of potential groundwater zones using seven layers and the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method. Satty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to rank the seven selected parameters, contributing to the advancement of groundwater research and resource assessment. All seven thematic layers (Rainfall, Geology, Land Use/Land Cover, Drainage Density, Elevation, Slope, and Soil) were prepared and analyzed to delineate groundwater potential zones. The resulting groundwater potential zone map was categorized into four classes, Very Good, Good, Moderate, and Poor, covering areas of 81.53 km2 (45.1%), 56.36 km2 (31.2%), 19.54 km2 (10.8%), and 23.17 km2 (12.8%) of the total area, respectively. The accuracy of the output was validated by comparing it with information on groundwater prospects in the area, and the overall accuracy of the method was approximately 72%. High-yield boreholes were drilled and concentrated in the Very Good groundwater potential zones, while low-yield ones were developed in the Poor areas.

Comprehensive Analysis of Improved Hunter–Prey Algorithms in MPPT for Photovoltaic Systems Under Complex Localized Shading Conditions

The Hunter–Prey Optimization (HPO) algorithm represents a novel population-based optimization approach renowned for its efficacy in addressing intricate problems and optimization challenges. Photovoltaic (PV) systems, characterized by multi-peaked shading conditions, often pose a challenge to conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques in accurately identifying the global maximum power point. In this research, an MPPT control strategy grounded in an improved Hunter–Prey Optimization (IHPO) algorithm is proposed. Eight distinct shading scenarios are meticulously crafted to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed MPPT method in capturing the maximum power point. A performance evaluation is conducted utilizing both MATLAB/simulation and an embedded system, alongside a comparative analysis with alternative power tracking methodologies, considering the diverse climatic conditions across different seasons. The simulation outcomes demonstrate the capability of the proposed control strategy in accurately tracking the global maximum power point, achieving a commendable efficiency of 100% across seven shading conditions, with a tracking response time of approximately 0.2 s. Verification results obtained from the experimental platform illustrate a tracking efficiency of 98.75% for the proposed method. Finally, the IHPO method’s output performance is evaluated on the StarSim Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP) platform, indicating a substantial enhancement in the tracking efficiency of the photovoltaic system while maintaining rapid response times.

The genus Helianthus L. in the Russian Far East and in East Asia

Background. By now, Helianthus L. spp. have spread out to many parts of the world as cultivated or adventive plants. Herbarium collections, published sources, and our own data were used to study the emergence, distribution, environmental patterns, and adaptation of 6 species and 1 subspecies of Helianthus L. in the Russian Far East and in East Asia.Materials and methods. Field studies in the Russian Far East were carried out using the route-based method from 2001 through 2022 over Amur Province, and Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories. The data for the entire area of studies were retrieved from published sources and official web databases. Maps with Helianthus growing sites were made using the MapInfo software. Results and conclusions. Changes in environmental conditions contributed to the expansion of the range of H. annuus L. and H. tuberosus L. Actively cultivated in the Russian Far East and in East Asia, these two species are obviously quite localized to areas with a mild, warm and humid climate. Other Helianthus spp. are distributed to a much lesser extent, being in most cases poorly adapted to uncultivated growth in the Russian Far East or East Asia. Increased occurrence of H. annuus subsp. lenticularis (Douglas ex Lindl.) Cockerell in agrocenoses of Amur Province is probably associated with underpurified soybean material. Higher distribution of H. strumosus L. across ruderal communities in Japan, contrary to the other studied areas, is likely to have been induced by specific climate conditions. On the whole, the physical geography, the pace and degree of anthropogenic pressure, and the climate change impacts in East Asia and the Russian Far East favored successful naturalization, albeit uneven distribution, of H. annuus and H. tuberosus in various disturbed communities, in contrast to H. rigidus (Cass.) Desf., H. laetiflorus Pers., or H. petiolaris Nutt.

Access denied: Land alienation and pastoral conflicts

Conflicts involving pastoralists have been on the rise in the past two decades in West, Central and East Africa. This article argues that land alienation is a major source of this type of violence. We employ a narrow identification strategy of relevant pastoral conflicts based on the Armed Conflict Location Event Dataset and create a unique indicator of land alienation comprised of three types of land use changes (conversion of land into conservation areas, crop farms, and industrial mining projects). Relying on a disaggregated quantitative comparative design of 50 km-by-50 km cells covering the Sahelian region from 2002 to 2019, we find that land alienation is an underlying cause of pastoral conflicts. Moreover, we show that the impact of land alienation on pastoralist violence spreads over long distances and is influenced by state presence and climatic conditions. Our analysis further reveals an overlap between pastoralist violence and armed conflict. Bridging a gap between macro- and micro-level studies, we contribute to shed more light on the determinants of pastoral conflicts, a type of violence that has received scant attention in the geospatial quantitative literature.

Eco-physiological approach to assessing the functional state of workers in geological prospecting expeditions during meridian movement between mid-latitudes and the Arctic region

BACKGROUND: The current challenge lies in defining the unique characteristics of compensatory and adaptive mechanisms formation, as well as the development of healthcare technologies for various forms of work in Arctic region conditions. AIM: To study associations between climate patterns and physiological responses to daily fluctuations in meteorological factors. Specifically, we aimed to investigate how these factors impact the cardiovascular system and psychophysiological well-being of workers during geological prospecting expeditions along the meridian travel between Tyumen (57° 09’ N) and Yamal (71° 11ʹ N). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 115 men aged 20–40 years in mid-latitude conditions (baseline data) and during occupational relocation to the Arctic region comprised the sample. The examination included recording key indicators of the cardiovascular system (heart rate, blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure), ECG in standard unipolar and augmented leads, and psychophysiological assessments (evaluation of trait and state anxiety, stress diagnostics, regulation of self-control, and emotional lability). Additionally, to calculate the natural and climatic contrast of regions in Western Siberia, meteorological data and geomagnetic activity indicators were analyzed based on eight daily measurements over 12 months across 11 years using a unified system of meteorological station indicators in Tyumen and Kharasavey. RESULTS: The cardiovascular system experiences desynchronosis during meridian movement from middle latitudes to the Arctic region. This condition is influenced by the interregional climatic contrast and the differences in daily rhythm characteristics of meteorological data between the initial and final destinations. The interaction within the system of meteorological rhythms plays an important role in these variations. CONCLUSION: The established associations within the ‘meteorhythms–biorhythms’ system underscore the necessity for developing regional norms for chronophysiological parameters of a healthy individual under specific environmental and climatic conditions. It also highlights the importance of dynamic monitoring of deviations in these parameters during occupational relocations between mid-latitudes and the Arctic region across different seasons. This approach is essential for the effective monitoring of maladaptive disorders and for predicting the potential development of pathologies.

Space–Time Forecasting of Heating & Cooling Energy Needs as an Energy Poverty Measure in Romania

Lack of access to basic energy services, known as energy poverty, remains felt in the country, with seasonal changes and an economic divide. The frameworks to measure energy poverty differ spatially and temporally, with climate change and behavioral culture being the essential influencing factors. This paper is focused on heating and cooling energy demands, which can be defined as an energy poverty metric for the propensity to be at risk of energy poverty caused by climate regime. Employing sophisticated statistical space–time forecasting tools, we build a model incorporating spatial and temporal energy consumption volatility across Romanian regions at the NUTS3 level. The model considers climatic conditions and raw data from 45 years (1979–2023) of cooling and heating degree days to determine local trajectories for the next nine years. Identifying high-energy-poverty-risk areas in our research can provide valuable insights for policymakers, enabling them to develop targeted plans for eliminating energy poverty and ensuring equitable access to heating and cooling. The results underline the necessity of differentiated approaches in energy policies and add value to the general understanding of energy poverty issues and conditions, considering the Romanian climatic and socio-economic context.

The effects of Carpinus betulus expansion on soil properties under changing climatic conditions

Carpinus betulus (CB) is becoming increasingly important in the forests of Central Europe and is significantly increasing its proportion in various habitat types. We have analysed how the increase in CB affects soil properties. The study was conducted in the Białowieża Forest (BF). We monitored the changes in CB cover between 1962 and 2013 on 56 permanent plots and collected samples of the litter sub-horizons and the content of the underlying A horizons for laboratory analyses in 2014. During the study period, there was a significant increase in CB cover in the second tree layer by an average of 17.4 % (±1.8) and in the shrub layer by 3.8 % (±1.0), as well as an increase in species diversity from 41 % in the past to 59 % currently. The C/N ratio of the Oi sub-horizon was 32.0 (±0.9), and NH4+ compounds predominated over NO3-, with all nitrogen forms most closely associated with the C/N ratio. In the Oea sub-horizon, the C/N ratio was 23.4 (±0.4), and the sum of mineralised nitrogen reached 8%, with a clear predominance of NO3-. The characteristic most strongly associated with the increase in CB coverage was the NO3- content in the Oea sub-horizon. The MID analysis confirmed that the change in CB cover was not only significant, but also ecologically important. We suggest that there is a feedback loop in which the generally observed climate changes lead to trees occupying new habitats that supply the forest floor with high quality litter, which in turn affects the soil and promotes the persistence of changes in the species composition of the forest.

Mycolichenological portrait of alder forest: alpha diversity revealed in 1ha plot in the Samursky National Park (Republic of Dagestan, Russia)

Aim. Xylobiont fungi and lichens determine the sustainability of forest ecosystems, but their species richness and taxonomic diversity depend on the forest type and the degree of its disturbance. Alder forests, characterised by a specific set of ecological conditions, represent poorly studied habitats in terms of myco‐ and lichenobiota. The aim of this work was to determine the species composition of aphyllophoroid fungi and epiphytic lichens on a 1 ha sample plot in a lowland floodplain forest dominated by Alnus glutinosa in the Delta Samura area of the Samursky National Park.The authors collected basidiomata of lignicolous fungi and lichen specimens on a sample plot of 1 ha during field studies. The surveyed forest area is represented by a community dominated by Alnus glutinosa and lianas. The material was identified using light microscopy techniques and a standard set of chemical reactions.Thirty‐three species of aphyllophoroid fungi (Basidiomycota) and 53 species of lichens and allied fungi (Ascomycota) were identified. Among them, 16 species (48 %) of aphyllophoroid fungi were recorded for the first time for the Samursky National Park, including six species revealed for the first time for the Republic of Dagestan, of which three species (Donkia pulcherrima, Phanerochaete cumulodentata and Sertulicium granuliferum) were new to the Northern Caucasus. Lichen species Arthothelium ruanum, Bacidia arceutina and Graphis pulverulenta are listed for the first time for the Republic of Dagestan. At the same time, 21 species of lichenized fungi were recorded for the first time on Alnus glutinosa within the region.The taxonomical structure of aphyllophoroid fungi revealed reflects the spring period of basidiomata‐based field study. The predominance of corticioid fungi and revealing hydnoid species among morphological groups may be indicative of the generally wetter habitats of alder forests in comparison to other forest types distributed in the studied area. Most of species were recorded on dead wood of Alnus glutinosa as the main forest‐forming tree. At the same time, each of other substrates (Carpinus betulus and Corylus avellana) turned out to be the habitat of species new to the region. The group of fungal species developing on large‐scale substrate units, represented by fallen trunks, was the most prevalent and is to be considered as more vulnarable in a case of anthropogenical habitat disturbance. The majority of epiphytic lichens discovered on alder are not specific to this woody substrate, except for single findings. These species belong to epiphytes inhabiting the Samur forest, the core of the lichenobiota of which is composed of thermophilous lichens of lowland deciduous forests. In our opinion, the relict character of the forest, which is an isolated and rather small forest massif with relatively homogeneous climatic conditions, causes a high similarity between the species composition of lichens revealed in the surveyed sample plot with Alnus glutinosa and previously studied plots dominated by Carpinus betulus, Populus alba, and Quercus robur.