Cold Months Research Articles

Integrating a phase change material based thermal energy storage system with a solar vacuum timber dryer

ABSTRACT This study focused on the development of a solar-heated vacuum dryer with a thermal-energy storage system. The timbers layers were stacked between specially fabricated aluminum platens, integrated with sealed tubes filled with phase-change material (PCM) for thermal storage. Each platen had openings in both the ends to allow hot water enter from one end and exit through another end. An evacuated tube collector (ETC)-based solar hot-water system was used to heat the water, and the hot water was flown through the platens for melting and charging of the PCM inside the tubes. The platens, along with the wood layers, were placed in a vacuum tank. During the day, the heating of wood and the melting of PCM were done simultaneously, while in night time, wood layers got heated through conduction using stored heat in the platens. Two 38 mm thick hardwoods (Populus deltoides and Mangifera indica) were dried in January, the coldest month in India. Moisture content of Populus deltoides (initial moisture content of 110%) and Mangifera indica (initial moisture content of 95%) dropped to the final moisture content of 14% in nine days of the drying with an average moisture content drop of of 10.7%/day and 8.9% perday, respectively.

Habitat Suitability Modelling for the Red Dwarf Honeybee (Apis florea (Linnaeus)) and Its Distribution Prediction Using Machine Learning and Cloud Computing

Apis florea bees were recently identified in Egypt, marking the second occurrence of this species on the African continent. The objective of this study was to track the distribution of A. florea in Egypt and evaluate its potential for invasive behaviour. Field surveys were conducted over a 2-year period, resulting in the collection of data on the spatial distribution of the red dwarf honeybees. A comprehensive analysis was performed utilizing long-term monthly temperature and rainfall data to generate spatially interpolated climate surfaces with a 1-km resolution. Vegetation variables derived from Terra MODIS were also incorporated. Furthermore, elevation data obtained from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission were utilized to derive slope, aspect, and hillshade based on the digital elevation model. The collected data were subject to resampling for optimal data smoothing. Subsequently, a random forest model was applied, followed by an accuracy assessment to evaluate the classification output. The results indicated the selection of the mean temperature of coldest quarter (bio11), annual mean temperature (bio01), and minimum temperature of coldest month (bio06) as temperature-derived parameters are the most important parameters. Annual precipitation (bio12) and precipitation of wettest quarter (bio16) as precipitation parameters, and non-tree vegetation parameter as well as the elevation. The calculation of the Habitat Suitability Index revealed that the most suitable areas, covering a total of 200131.9 km2, were predominantly situated in the eastern and northern regions of Egypt, including the Nile Delta characterized by its fertile agricultural lands and the presence of the river Nile. In contrast, the western and southern parts exhibited low habitat suitability due to the absence of significant green vegetation and low relative humidity.

Christmas article: Can chili improve the performance of Santa Claus and goblins? A randomized study

Many children expect a visit from Santa Claus, preferably on Christmas Eve and the teasing goblins are active teasing throughout the month of December. Therefore, Santa Claus and goblins must be in good shape for the activities of December. Rice pudding, Christmas pancakes, and other goodies are consumed in large quantities to help both the size of Santa Claus as well as the activity level of the Christmas teasing. Chili peppers and spicy foods contain the compound capsaicin, responsible for their heat and spiciness. Some research suggests that capsaicin may have potential benefits for physical function, although the evidence is not conclusive, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of chili supplementation on strength performance. The study used a randomized, double-blind design. The subjects completed three plank tests measuring the maximum time before and after having pancakes including capsaicin or placebo. Pancake recipe for four persons was 500 g all-purpose flour, 10 dl milk, six eggs, half a teaspoon salt, 50 g melted butter, one teaspoon vanilla, one teaspoon cinnamon, one teaspoon ginger. For the intervention group one teaspoon chili was added. Vanilla, cinnamon and ginger blinded the taste of chili and the adding red tint blinded the visual of chili. When eating the pancakes, sugar and strawberry or blackcurrant jam were added. In august 2023, four Santa Claus-sized Santas and four smaller teasing goblins met the inclusion criteria. There was an overall effect of chili Christmas pancakes compared to control in improving plank time from 111.7 (± 14.6) sec. to 156.3 (± 26.17) sec. (p = 0.043, paired t-test), compared to the change in the control group from 88.8 (± 14.7) sec. to 97.3 (± 19.7) sec. (p = 0.34, paired t-test). In the pooled sample of all eight participants there was evidence that the Christmas pancake meal by itself influenced a change in plank time from 100.2 (± 10.4) sec. to 126.8 (± 17.2) sec. (p = 0.025, paired t-test). However, all the goblins improved in plank time from 133.6 (± 12.5) sec. to 181.22 (± 22.7) sec. (p = 0.035, paired t-test), the Santas did not. In this study, we found that adding chili to Christmas pancakes can improve plank test performance. However, the effect was not detectable for Santas. It was probably the best outcome of the test, that the goblins had a good impact eating chili Christmas pancakes. We therefore recommend that Santa Clauses and teasing goblins use chili in the Christmas pancakes to have the strength to solve the big Christmas tasks in December. It could also be a recommendation based on the literature to use chili in cooking in December, both to keep warm in the cold month of December and perhaps to avoid unnecessary excess weight. None. None.

Biological traits and population dynamics for sustainable harvesting of Carcinus maenas

Research focusing on the biological patterns and population dynamics of Carcinus maenas has not been conducted for the purpose of fishery management along the European coastal systems. This has led to the implementation of fisheries management policies without scientific considerations, adversely affecting fishery profitability. To addrees this gap, we studied the crab species’ population dynamics, reproductive biology, and growth patterns across different Portuguese lagoons and estuaries on a monthly basis from 2019 to 2021. Surveys were performed in the Southern (Ria Formosa lagoon and Ria Alvor estuary), Central (Sado river/estuary) and Northern regions (Ria Aveiro estuary) of Portugal. Monthly biological data was used to analyse size-frequency distributions, sex ratios, spawning seasons, recruitment pulses, estimate carapace width at first maturaty and biological growth parameters. It was observed that spawning occurs almost year-round in all systems, with a peak in the colder months, between September and March. In the southern regions of the Portuguese coast, the spawning period starts earlier than in the central and northern systems, with a higher sex ratio recorded for females in all systems. The carapace width at which 50 % (CW50) of individuals reach maturity is similar for both sexes, around 30 mm, a value below to the minimum landing size enforced in Portugal. The analysis of von Bertalanffy growth curves revealed a continuous recruitment with a peak during the colder months, with individuals reaching the size at maturation after six months. The fast growth and continuous recruitment leds to the existence of between four and six growth cohorts for both sexes across all system. The findings of this study can contribute to more effective fisheries management policies for C. maenas in Portugal, such as a reduction of the minimum landing size.

European and US Efforts To Develop Geothermal Energy Are Headed in Different Directions

_ Writing about emerging geothermal technology requires dealing with the fact that it is emerging in different forms in different places. A common thread of what’s new are methods based on drilling wells into hot rock to deliver fluid into hot formations to harvest energy. Chances are that sentence is not exactly an accurate description of any particular method because of the significant differences among them. Some use hydraulic fracturing while others do not. One pumps water from well to well, another into the fractures of a single well, and the third keeps the fluid inside the wellbore. And the end product varies as well. In the US, the big early developments are aimed at generating electricity for the grid and storing energy in developments where wells are fractured. In Germany, the big target is providing hot water to district heating systems that deliver it to a wide range of customers in urban areas. New technology there must avoid fracturing. In Germany, they are testing a new geothermal method that harvests heat in deep well loops using a fluid that brings energy to the surface with minimal pumping. “In Utah or Nevada, the use case is they do electric only versus in Europe where it is more heat plus electricity,” said Florian Mueller, a PhD candidate doing research on geothermal at the Energy and Technology Policy Group in Zurich, Switzerland. In both cases these methods were developed by startups whose early commercial applications require adapting to a mind-numbing list of external factors. As a result, “Geothermal will look different everywhere,” said Ken Medlock, the senior director of the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University, during a panel session at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). Adaptation The differences reflect a common challenge faced by innovators. A practical solution to a pressing problem, engineered to be reliable and cost-competitive, is just the starting point. Growth from there will depend on how they adapt to the market. In the US, Fervo Energy’s first large-scale commercial project in southern Utah is heating water by pumping it from injection wells to production wells through rock fractured from both sides. Produced water will need to be around 400°F—higher is better—to ensure it can be used to efficiently generate electricity for consumers in southern California. In southern Germany, Calgary-based Eavor Technologies is building a series of 12 flow loops with cased vertical wells linked by a long, uncased lateral that is treated to ensure the fluid remains in the wellbore and is heated efficiently. When built, each loop will be filled with a fluid formulated to conduct geothermal energy to the surface where it will be used for home heating during the cold months, and electric generation during warmer ones. The differences often reflect the vagaries of regulation. Fervo is building its 400 MW geothermal electric plant, Cape Station, 500 miles from its initial customers at a site in southern Utah where the quality of the formation was already known because it adjoins the US geothermal test site commonly known as FORGE. Also, the remote desert site minimizes the likelihood of opposition to drilling and fracturing, which is not the case in California which has banned fracturing.

Epidemiological Data from Patients Who Underwent Colonoscopy from High-Susceptibility Vacancies

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiological profile of patients to propose measures that facilitate regulation and access to diagnostic imaging exams. Methods Data were collected from 157 scheduled exams for high-suspicion colonoscopy through regulation systems and electronic medical records from January to December 2023. Results: The data showed a higher rate of appointments among females, particularly in older age groups (71–80 years). There was a high rate of non-attendance on the day of the exam scheduled during the coldest months of the year. The most prevalent biopsy location was the colon region, with a predominance of low-grade adenomas and polyps. Conclusion Facilitating access to diagnostic imaging exams includes regionalization in scheduling. Monitoring results allows for the tracking of family members, enabling preventive action and early diagnosis.

Impacts of Climate Change Conditions on the Potential Distribution of Anoplophora glabripennis and Its Host Plants, Salix babylonica and Salix matsudana, in China.

The Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) is a phytophagous pest that is seriously endangering Salix babylonica Linn. and S. matsudana Koidz. Poor control can damage local ecosystems, resulting in economic losses and management risks. In the context of climate change, the climatic ecological niche of organisms is no longer compatible with the surrounding environment. To mitigate the effects of climate change, some organisms respond adaptively to climate change through different mechanisms and in different ways. In this study, an optimized MaxEnt model was used to explore the potential distribution areas of A. glabripennis and its host plants, S. babylonica and S. matsudana, in response to current and future climate and to determine their movement routes and relative dynamics. The results show that the optimized model exhibits the lowest complexity and excellent prediction accuracy. It is important to note that both temperature and precipitation are the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of suitable habitats for A. glabripennis and its host plants. This is evidenced by the mean temperature of the warmest quarter and precipitation of the wettest month being the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of suitable habitats for the host plants. Similarly, the minimum temperature of the coldest month and precipitation seasonality are the primary bioclimatic variables constraining the dispersal of A. glabripennis. Under climate change, the suitable areas of both S. babylonica and S. matsudana are declining, while the suitable areas of A. glabripennis are expanding in future climates. Furthermore, three species exhibited a proclivity for migration to higher latitudes in response to climate change. In conclusion, this study contributes to our understanding of the biogeographic characteristics of these A. glabripennis, S. babylonica, and S. matsudana and provides a basis for the formulation of timely conservation strategies to reduce the potential impacts of climate change. This is of great significance for the rational management, utilization, and protection of forest ecosystems in China.

Prediction of environmental suitability for Haematoxylum campechianum: a proposal to promote reforestation in Mexico

Models of potential distribution and ecological niche allow to estimate priority areas for the management of species of interest, as well as to identify variables related to environmental suitability and predict the behavior of species in the face of anthropogenic disturbances. Logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum) is a species that we consider a natural heritage in southeastern Mexico because of its ecological role and the current and historical use of its wood. This species is present in different vegetation types and even dominates in some ecosystems called "tintales", which have been exploited for dye extraction in past centuries. This, combined with changes in land use for livestock, agriculture, and other anthropogenic activities, has affected the Logwood´s distribution and connectivity of its populations. We modeled the potential distribution of H. campechianum and evaluated the feasibility of reforestation with this species in southeastern Mexico. For this purpose, we included 638 occurrence points and used the MaxEnt algorithm for modeling, analyzing different parameters. We used the potential distribution model, accessibility to the areas and water availability to calculate a feasibility index for reforestation. The environmental suitability for the species is more present in southeastern Mexico, conditioned by the aridity index, the maximum temperature of the coldest month and the warmest month. The greatest percentage of areas with high feasibility indexes for reforestation are found in Campeche, apparently a key state for the conservation and management of the species. This study can be the starting point for implementing reforestation programs with H. campechianum and can be used as an example to apply to other species with patrimonial value.

Exploring the value of Dioscorea melanophyma: an orphan crop from China

Dioscorea melanophyma is a wild relative of cultivated yam, and its development and utilization are strategically important for food security. This study aims to investigate the germplasm resources, ethnobotany, pests, and diseases of D. melanophyma, and to examine the impact of climate change on its distribution and survival. The study also assesses the nutritional value of the tubers and bulbils, and investigates the pattern of bulbil germination and associated changes in endogenous hormone levels. The survey finds that D. melanophyma is mainly distributed in southwest China, and its tubers and bulbils are recorded as edible. The major diseases of this species are white rust and anthracnose, and the pests are the species Lilioceris sinica, and the families of Arctiidae, Agromyzidae, and Elateridae. Temperature annual range (Bio7), elevation and min temperature of coldest month (Bio6) were found to significantly influence the distribution of D. melanophyma, with cumulative contribution and ranked importance of the MaxEnt model reaching 87.3 % and 89.5 %, respectively. In the future, the area of highly suitable habitats for D. melanophyma will decrease dramatically, while moderately and lowly suitable are will increase. The tubers and bulbils of D. melanophyma are rich in nutrients and have a higher nutritional value score than those of D. polystachya. Dioscorea melanophyma reproduces asexually, primarily through the numerous bulbils it produces. Early in the year (before March), high concentrations of abscisic acid in the bulbils inhibit germination through physiological dormancy. From April on, many bulbils begin to germinate, achieving a germination rate of 90 % within one month. In conclusion, D. melanophyma exhibits significant developmental potential, and is likely to serve as a crucial genetic resource for yam cultivation and play a vital role in food security. This comprehensive study on D. melanophyma aims to offer valuable information and insights to consumers, producers, and researchers alike.

Models reveal shifting distribution of climatic suitability for pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) cultivation under future climate change scenarios

The pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) is a deciduous tree notable for its large edible fruit. Native to the eastern US and Canada, it has earned attention as a horticultural commodity and focus of scientific inquiry. However, few studies have modeled its potential future distribution under climate change. This study predicted the current and future potential distribution for pawpaw in North America and globally, with a focus on understanding future climatic suitability for fruit cultivation. This study first modeled suitability via the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) method by relating climate predictors with different datasets on pawpaw distribution, including nursery locations growing pawpaw. It also trained a boosted regression tree (BRT) model to estimate where sufficient heat accumulation for fruit ripening would occur. The models were applied to two future times (2041–2060 and 2081–2100), four emissions scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585), and climate projections from three climate models. Using nursery locations, the MaxEnt model yielded a mean area-under-the-curve statistic of 0.978 (standard deviation = 0.009) using 10-fold cross-validation, indicating strong predictive performance. The model suggested optimal conditions for pawpaw at these values: -4 °C for minimum temperature of coldest month, 26 °C for maximum temperature of warmest month, 88 cm for annual precipitation, and 0 % for precipitation seasonality. Models suggested shifting suitable climate conditions and accompanying increases in heat accumulation for fruit ripening. Northern America, Eastern Europe, and Northern Europe were predicted to have higher and increasing suitability; Western Europe, Southern Europe, and Eastern Asia were predicted to have higher but decreasing suitability. Little uncertainty existed due to collinearity shift or dissimilarity between current and future climate, but more uncertainty existed when predictions were based on differing climate model projections. This study provides insight into the pawpaw's potential response to climate change, and guidance on future locations for cultivation.

Movement patterns of green turtles at a key foraging site: the Banc d’Arguin, Mauritania

AbstractInteractions with fisheries is a major threat to sea turtles. However, space-use at foraging locations remains overlooked in many populations, preventing effective protection. We assess the space-use of 14 juvenile and 24 adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) satellite-tracked in 2018–2022 within a foraging site of global importance for this species, the Banc d’Arguin in Mauritania, West Africa. Turtles exhibited a patchy distribution and used overlapping habitats irrespective of sexes and life stages. Mean individual home range was larger (151.5 ± 160.5 km²) than values reported in most green turtle populations. Individuals concentrated in two main areas used year-round. Inshore/offshore movements seem to occur within the central part of the Banc d’Arguin, with turtles moving to deeper areas during colder months. More than half of the turtles performed within-season range shifts and switched between up to four distinct areas, with some individuals returning to previously visited sites. Turtles mostly exploited shallow areas (4.30 ± 3.42 m) and seemed to use disproportionally more of the areas inside the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, than areas of similar bathymetry outside this marine protected area. This suggests that foraging green turtles have been benefiting from the management of the Park since it was established in 1976. However, turtles’ home range overlapped greatly with artisanal fisheries, which operate in the central shallow waters of the Park. The present study provides valuable ecological information that can be used to inform the planning of fisheries management zones, aiming to reduce the interactions between turtles and artisanal fisheries.

Synergizing climate dynamics, species distribution, and structural parameters for sustainable management of Pseudrocedrela kotschyi in Benin (West Africa)

Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, profoundly impacting plant species. Pseudocedrela kotschyi, a vital component of tropical ecosystems is experiencing severe population decline due to habitat degradation and regeneration issues. Understanding how climate change exacerbates these problems combined with assessment of its structural parameters is essential for developing conservation strategies and ensuring the survival of this species. Occurrence records and bioclimatic data were utilized for niche modeling. Additionally, forest inventories were conducted across various habitats of the species in Benin, to characterize the structural parameters of its populations. An ecological niche modeling approaches was used to depict niche differentiation among subpopulations of Pseudocedrela kotschyi and assess the climate change impacts on the sepecies in Benin. The Maximum Entropy Algorithm (MaxEnt) was used to simulate the species’ current and future distributions under different shared socio-economic pathway (SSP) climate scenarios. Three distinct populations of the species were identified. The populations exhibited no niche overlap among subpopulations indicating local adaptation. In non-protected areas, P. kotschyi individuals tend to be smaller in size. This trend is particularly pronounced in the Sudano-Guinean zone, where protected habitats benefit from a higher monthly thermal amplitude. In contrast, in the Guineo-Congolian zone, both protected and unprotected habitats are influenced by the minimum temperature of the coldest month and the mean annual temperature, leading to higher densities of regeneration and adults of P. kotschyi. In the Sudanian zone, regardless of the protection status, higher annual rainfall supports larger mean diameters for P. kotschyi and its population. This study underscores the importance of preserving the species' habitats, regulating potentially harmful human activities, and incorporating future climate forecasts into management plans to ensure the sustainable conservation of P. kotschyi.

Predicted Spatial Patterns of Suitable Habitats for Troides aeacus Under Different Climate Scenarios.

Troides aeacus is the largest butterfly in China and is highly valued for its ornamental beauty. Due to T. aeacus being classified as a national second-class protected species in China, studying its spatial distribution is crucial for developing effective conservation measures. In this study, a total of 490 distribution points were obtained, and the potential distribution areas of the golden-sheathed T. aeacus were analyzed by using the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) based on three different greenhouse gas emission scenarios, namely, SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5, in combination with nine important environmental variables. The results indicate that temperature and precipitation are the primary environmental factors influencing the suitable habitat of T. aeacus, with key variables including the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), temperature annual range (bio7), mean temperature of the warmest quarter (bio10), annual precipitation (bio12), precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio19), and slope. The height distribution of T. aeacus in my country is in the area south of the Huaihe River in the Qinling Mountains, with a total area of 270.96 × 104 km2, accounting for 28.23% of the total area of China. According to future climate change conditions, as climate warming progresses, both low- and high-suitability areas show an expansion trend in most scenarios, particularly under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, where highly suitable areas increase significantly while moderately suitable areas gradually shrink. To address future climate change, conservation strategies should focus on protecting highly suitable areas and strengthening the management of marginal habitats to enhance the adaptability and survival chances of T. aeacus.

Predicting the Potential Distribution of Aralia chinensis L. (Wild Vegetable) in China Under Different Climate Change Scenarios.

Global climate change has a main impact on the distribution of plants. Aralia chinensis L. is economically valuable, making it necessary to predict the impact of climate change on its distribution. It is important for researching the effects of climate change on A. chinensis distribution to achieve sustainable utilization. Based on 340 occurrence records of A. chinensis covering all known provinces and 58 environmental factor data, we used MaxEnt to simulate the potential distribution of A. chinensis under current and different future climate scenarios, analyzing the key environmental variables affecting its distribution. The results were as follows: (1) Suitable A. chinensis habitats under current and different future climate scenarios were mainly distributed in the southern region of China, east of the Hu Huanyong line. (2) Annual precipitation, minimum temperature during the coldest month, precipitation during the driest month, and slope were the key environmental variables affecting its potential distribution, and annual precipitation was more important. (3) Suitable habitat areas were projected to increase under different future climate scenarios and expand westward and northward while shrinking in the central regions, such as Hubei and Hunan. The results provide a theoretical reference for the conservation and cultivation of A. chinensis.

Prediction of the potentially suitable areas of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver in China under climate change based on optimized Biomod2 and MaxEnt models.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a medicinal plant of significant economic importance. Its cortex has been employed for centuries to alleviate various conditions such as lumbar pain, knee pain, and osteoporosis. Additionally, E. ulmoides possesses substantial industrial value. With the growing demand for this medicinal herb, ensuring its sustainable supply has become imperative. Climate change has caused habitat restrictions or migration of medicinal plants. Therefore, predicting the impact of climate change on the distribution of E. ulmoides is crucial for its conservation and sustainable use. This study evaluated the potential distribution of E. ulmoides across China under various climate change scenarios since the last interglacial period by modeling suitable areas based on 257 distribution records and 19 major environmental factors related to E. ulmoides. The model selection process initially identified the MaxEnt model as the most suitable. The optimized MaxEnt model, with RM = 2.0 and FC = LQHPT settings, generated the most precise predictions. Results indicate that the minimum temperature of the coldest month, annual mean temperature, and annual precipitation significantly affect the distribution of E. ulmoides. Under current environmental conditions, highly suitable areas for E. ulmoides are found in Southwest and Southeast China, with a total suitable habitat area of 23.12 × 104 km2. However, the range of suitable habitat has shifted due to global warming's negative impact. Under different climate scenarios, suitable areas for E. ulmoides have either increased or decreased, with expansions primarily in high-latitude regions. Future climate scenarios predict shifts in the centroid of suitable E. ulmoides habitat towards Yichang City in Hubei Province. The findings of this study support the development, artificial cultivation, and conservation of E. ulmoides resources.

Genomic analysis reveals the presence of hypervirulent and fluoroquinolone-resistant Clostridioides difficile in farmed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in Slovenia

Clostridioides difficile is one of the leading causes of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In this study, we characterized 76C. difficile isolates, obtained from three Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) farms in Slovenia from November 2014 to October 2015 (sampling period 1) and from January to December 2021 (sampling period 2). The overall isolation rate of C. difficile from all the examined mussels was 59.8 %. A statistically significant trend of seasonal variation was observed, with a higher isolation rate in the colder months of the year (87.9 %; sea temperature ≤ 15 °C) compared with the warmer months (31.8 %; sea temperature > 15 °C). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that the isolates belonged to 31 different sequence types (STs), which were associated with three clades (1, 4, and 5) and two cryptic clades (C-II and C-III). Five isolates, which belonged to ST11 (clade 5), harbored all the main toxin genes (A+B+CDT+) and chromosomal mutations conferring fluoroquinolone resistance. Core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) revealed four clusters of 2–3 isolates, three of which included isolates from different farms, suggesting that clonal C. difficile strains are circulating among the Slovenian mussel farms. The results highlight the presence of hypervirulent strains in mussels; therefore, at-risk population groups should be alerted to the risks associated with consuming shellfish.

Analysis of Water Dynamics at the Effluent Treatment Station of Cooperoque: Evaluation of Precipitation, Evaporation, and Infiltration of Effluent from a Milk Refrigeration Station

Purpose: The study aims to analyze water dynamics at the Cooperoque Effluent Treatment Station, focusing on the interactions between precipitation, evaporation, and effluent infiltration to enhance water resource management. Theoretical reference: The research references various studies and methodologies related to the quantification of evaporation from lakes and reservoirs, particularly in semi-arid regions, utilizing the Jensen-Haise Method for evaporation estimation. The research aligns with previous studies, such as Mallmann (2014), on water infiltration in soil management, emphasizing the importance of understanding water dynamics for sustainable resource management. Method: The study employs the Jensen-Haise Method to calculate evaporation rates, covering the period from January 2023 to October 2024. It examines the effects of precipitation, evaporation, and effluent infiltration on tank levels. Results and conclusion: The results reveal that tank levels are influenced by precipitation, evaporation, and effluent infiltration, with more significant declines during dry months and smaller reductions during periods of high precipitation. Evaporation rates, calculated using the Jensen-Haise Method, are higher in warmer months, contributing to lower tank levels, while these rates decrease in colder months. A notable anomaly occurred in May 2024 when effluent infiltration exceeded the volume of generated effluents and rainfall due to the activation of an irrigation system. Key findings indicate that lake levels drop more during dry months, with a significant negative water balance observed in May 2024 due to excessive infiltration during heavy rainfall. The study concludes that adaptive water management strategies are necessary to address climatic variations and improve the efficiency of the effluent treatment system. Implications of research: The research provides valuable insights for developing adaptive water management strategies to address climatic variations and improve the efficiency of effluent treatment systems. Continuous monitoring is emphasized as crucial for sustainable water resource management. Originality/value: The study highlights the complex interactions between precipitation, evaporation, and effluent dynamics, offering a foundation for improved water management practices and contributing to the preservation of regional water resources. The study contributes to the understanding of water dynamics at effluent treatment stations, offering practical insights for managing water resources effectively. It highlights the importance of adaptive strategies and continuous monitoring to maintain pond levels and optimize the treatment process.

Season-dependent characteristics of shock-related injuries in the Arctic zone of the Arkhangelsk region

Relevance. Studying the dynamics of injury rates, injury types and severity, as well as the treatment quality across various country regions, in particular the Arctic, is a prerequisite for managerial, healthcare, and strategic efficiency prior to and during hospital stay, taking into account the climate, geography, social and economic characteristics of every Russian Federation constituent.The objective is to analyse shock-related injuries in the Arctic zone of the Arkhangelsk region to understand season-related injury dynamics.Methods. Retrospective case series description parameters were used to study 140 patients with traumatic shock admitted to the Arkhangelsk Regional Clinical Hospital (ARCH) - a tier 1 trauma center. The analysed medical registration records included patient ambulance record and token (form 114/u), inpatient medical record (form 003/u), surgery logbook (form 008/u), patient radiographs, CT and nuclear MRI reports, as well as laboratory results. The study was conducted in accordance with ethical standards of the Declaration of Helsinki and European Community Directives (8/906 EC) and was approved by the local ethics committee of the Northern State Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Healthcare, Arkhangelsk (protocol no. 02/4-15 dated 04/08/2015). Statistical application package STATA ver.12 was used for statistical data processing.Results and discussion. The research demonstrated that the incidence of shock trauma is 4 times higher in men than in women. The vast majority of the injured are of working age. Seasonal distribution analysis per type of injuries and shock severity, including due to alcohol abuse, was carried out. The number of shock injuries is highest in winter, mainly due to road accidents which constitute 75.6 % of all injuries in winter. Throughout the year, over 50 % of shock injuries are combined injuries, that outperform isolated and multiple injuries in number. In particular, numerous combined injuries occur in winter with a responsible for almost 60 % among all other injuries. The majority the injured with shock-related trauma presented with stage 2 shock (49.3 %), whereas stage 1 and stage 3 shock was diagnosed in 27.9 % and in 21.4 % respectively. In winter, one in four patients with a shock-related injury presented with stage 3 shock. Alcohol-associated shock injuries are more numerous in summer (35.3 %), showing almost the same incidence as road traffic, domestic, and street injuries.Conclusion. The analysis of various types of injuries and season-related incidence of shock injuries in the Arctic territory of the Arkhangelsk region provides evidence to justify preventive measures to reduce the injury rates. Intensified efforts are required to minimise road traffic accidents in winter and combat alcohol abuse responsible for most injuries in summer. Since the vast majority of shock injuries occur in winter, in cold months ambulances must be equipped with local heating facilities, such as evacuation thermal bags with autonomous electric heating, thermal blankets, infusion warmers for blood transfusion and infusion sets.

Priority Conservation Area of Quercus mongolica Under Climate Change: Application of an Ensemble Modeling

As the primary secondary tree species in Northeast China, Quercus mongolica possesses significant ecological and economic value. This study employed the Biomod2 platform in conjunction with ArcGIS spatial analysis to assess the potential suitable habitat distribution area of Q. mongolica under current climatic conditions. Furthermore, it forecasted the distribution range and niche changes of potentially suitable habitats for Q. mongolica from 2022 to 2090 and pinpointed the key environmental factors influencing its distribution. The findings reveal that the total potential suitable area for Q. mongolica covers 74,994.792 km2, predominantly spread across Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, and other regions. The primary determinants of suitable area distribution were peak temperature of hottest month, lowest temperature of coldest month, and altitude. Under future climate scenarios, the potentially suitable habitats of Q. mongolica are anticipated to diminish to varying extents, with the distribution center exhibiting a tendency towards northward migration. Concurrently, the overlap among different climate scenarios is predicted to expand over time. This investigation facilitates a comprehensive understanding of Q. mongolica’s adaptation to climate change, enabling informed adjustments and serving as a valuable reference for the preservation and sustainable management of Q. mongolica populations.

Urban form and seasonal PM2.5 dynamics: Enhancing air quality prediction using interpretable machine learning and IoT sensor data

This study investigates the critical issue of how urban form characteristics influence PM2.5 concentrations, a key concern for public health in densely populated cities. Traditional monitoring methods have faced data gaps and methodological limitations. To address this, we employed interpretable machine learning (ML) models with data from 1,069 Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors across Seoul, South Korea (September 2020–August 2023). Over 80 urban form variables—including density, transportation, road design, building morphology, and land use—were analyzed using Recursive Feature Elimination to identify key factors affecting PM2.5 concentrations within three buffer zones (300-m, 500-m, 1-km). The random forest model demonstrated the highest accuracy, with an R² of 95 % for autumn and 96 % for spring. Our findings show higher PM2.5 levels in colder months, driven by road width and building density in autumn and traffic and industrial activity in winter. In summer, green spaces and meteorological conditions were primary factors, while spring air quality was notably impacted by localized traffic emissions around highways and bus stops. This study offers robust predictions and actionable insights for urban planning and air quality management. Future research could integrate additional environmental variables and expand sensor coverage to further refine predictive models.