Current Climate Research Articles

Quantitative and Qualitative Production of Species Cucumis metuliferus and the Potential for Adaptation in the Context of Current Climate Change.

Cucumis metuliferus E. Meyer ex Naudin belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is an annual vegetable species known as horned melon or kiwano. Fruits are recommended for the daily diet because they provide vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals to alleviate malnutrition and improve human health. In this study, kiwano was cultivated in the climatic conditions of Southwestern Romania, which is characterized by warm summers, lower precipitation, and high temperatures, ensuring optimal conditions for growth and development. The fruits were harvested at three stages of consumption: immature stage (green), intermediate stage (white-yellow) or the mature stage (yellow-orange). They were also subjected to analysis on the productive yield and physical-chemical properties. The results showed that the number of fruits ranged from 13.9 to 15.3 fruits/plant, and their average weight had values from 204 g to 234 g, depending on the harvest stage. The results obtained for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity indicated significant differences (p ≤ 0.05), depending on the harvesting stage. The highest values for the antioxidant capacity (140.90 μM TE/100g DPPH) and total polyphenols (48.78 TPC mg/100 g) were recorded in the immature fruit phase, as well as for the carbohydrate content (3.56%), total protein (1.98%), ascorbic acid (4.3 mg/100 g f.w.), and carotene (0.98 mg/100 g) in the mature fruit phase. These results may stimulate interest in the introduction of this species as a niche crop and for consumption as a source of natural antioxidants for the prevention of diseases due to oxidative stress.

Priority conservation areas for protected saproxylic beetles in Romania under current and future climate scenarios

Climate change threatens species and ecosystems globally, including forest ecosystems that support rich invertebrate diversity. Saproxylic beetles, that depend on old-growth trees and deadwood, are facing increasing pressure. Consequently, conserving these beetles has become a priority for EU Member States. We developed ensemble species distribution models for five saproxylic beetles for current and three future time horizons under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways and two Global Circulation Models. We used a systematic conservation planning approach to assess the effectiveness and resilience to climate change of the Romanian Natura 2000 network for saproxylic beetles while identifying areas for prospective protected area expansion to meet EU conservation targets. Our study revealed that under all scenarios and time horizons, the saproxylic beetles may lose over 80% of their suitable habitat and restrict their distribution to higher elevations. According to the conservation prioritization analysis, we found that, when considering 30% of the landscape as being protected, an average of 85% of species distribution is retained within priority areas overlapping the Carpathian Mountains, while for the current protected area coverage (18% of Romania’s terrestrial area), the existing Natura 2000 network does not perform satisfactorily, with only ~ 30% of the saproxylic species distributions falling within the network. Our results corroborate previous findings on saproxylic beetle range shifts and contractions due to climate change. Furthermore, our findings question the effectiveness of the current Natura 2000 network, as it is currently inadequate for protecting these species. To achieve the goals of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 of protecting at least 30% of the EU’s territory, we advocate the expansion of the Natura 2000 sites to future suitable saproxylic beetle habitats.

Bioclimatic design approach in colonial office buildings architecture in Algeria

This study investigates the interaction between climate and colonial architectural heritage, focusing on the adaptive design strategies employed in office buildings constructed during the colonial period. Utilizing a bioclimatic approach and referencing Mahony's table, the research conducts a comparative analysis between the recommendations of bioclimatic design principles and the responsive design strategies adopted by French engineers during the colonial era. The objective is to determine whether these colonial-era buildings were constructed in accordance with local climatic conditions. The findings of this study shed light on architecture that effectively responds to climate, serving as an important source of inspiration for contemporary designers. This is particularly relevant at a time when the harmonious relationship between modern architectural design and climate challenges has diminished. This research contributes to a better understanding of the integration of bioclimatic principles in colonial architecture, offering valuable insights for developing sustainable and resilient design strategies in the face of current climate changes. By re-evaluating past practices, it proposes a thorough reflection on the importance of designing buildings adapted to environmental specificities, promoting a more ecological and contextual approach to contemporary architecture.

804 Exploring the Characteristics of ENT Senior House Officers: Insights for Workforce Planning

Abstract Aim The current healthcare climate has adversely impacted the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals, particularly Senior House Officers (SHOs), who play an important role in the provision of ENT services. Consequently, there has been a shift in the characteristics of applicants for SHO positions. We examined applicant characteristics for a Trust Grade ENT SHO position at The Royal London Hospital. Method Data was collected from all applications made for the position, evaluating qualifications, experience, academic achievements, skills, and fitness to practice. Essential characteristics included a medical degree, surgical experience, <2 years' ENT experience, foundation program completion, and English proficiency. Desirable features encompassed MRCS exam success, NHS experience, peer-reviewed publications, teaching and research qualifications, and participation in audits and quality improvement projects. Results There were 110 applicants; 94% qualified outside the UK. Whilst 74% met all essential criteria, significantly fewer satisfied desirable criteria such as passing surgical membership examinations (0-5%) and prior NHS experience (7%). 2% to 4% reported experience of performing basic ENT procedures under supervision, and only 4% reported previously assisting in theatre. 1 applicant satisfied all desirable characteristics. Conclusions The current healthcare climate has significantly impacted the characteristics of the ENT SHO workforce. A lack of NHS experience and limited ENT exposure necessitates intensive support for new SHOs. Departments must consider how to balance the provision of support, for example with the implementation of registrar hot weeks or funding for additional staffing, with key economic and educational interests.

Shifting systems of racial inequity: Applying critical race psychology to advance racial justice

AbstractSince the murder of George Floyd in 2020, a renewed and more mainstream attention to systemic racism emerged. Critical Race Theory (CRT) has permeated the larger public discourse around race more than ever before. Yet, social, scientific, and political backlash intended to silence conversations about the systemic and power‐driven nature of racism have also characterized these years. 30+ years have passed since CRT's introduction as a critical analysis of how the legal system fails minoritized groups; 20+ years have passed since CRT's introduction into the social psychological field. Although psychology provides a strong foundation for the CRT tenets, incorporating CRT into the field of psychology has lagged behind many other fields (e.g., sociology, education). In two installments, this special issue (re)introduces psychological researchers to CRT and Psychological Critical Race Theory (PCRT), underscores CRT's importance and limitations in the context of psychological research, features novel applications and directions in CRT, and addresses the current political climate of opposition to discussions of CRT. This second installment looks outward highlighting psychological research applying (P)CRT frameworks to advance racial justice. We conclude with reflections on the history of CRT and PCRT and the shifts necessary in our scholarship‐activism to dismantle systems of racial oppression.

1231 Using Novel Technologies and Innovative Theatre Utilisation Procedures to More Than Triple Operating Theatre Output

Abstract Aim In the current climate of extended waiting lists and increasing demands on theatre time and personnel, efficiency gains are vital in shaping the future of surgical practice. We have utilised novel surgical technology to drive massive increases in throughput for one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide (tonsillectomies). Method Use of the BiZactTM device, a vessel sealing bipolar instrument, has been shown in our trust and worldwide to be safe and offer greater efficiency. We combined this with a conveyor-belt style theatre arrangement - with a second team preparing and anaesthetising the following patient simultaneously, and changes to anaesthetic and post-op procedures to maximise productivity. Results Contrasting the GIRFT recommended 3 adult half day tonsillectomy list, we were able to safely perform 10 adult tonsillectomies in one session, with no change in expected post-operative complication rates. Average time recorded on the theatre system was 10m:00s per patient, with the average time-on-tonsil just 2m:59s. There was 1 patient who presented post-operatively with secondary haemorrhage that was managed conservatively. Conclusions The implementation of efficient technology, combined with innovative theatre procedural technique, short lasting anaesthetics and reduced post operative observation time allowed the half day list capacity to be increased by 333%. Complication rates in this case, and in our wider use of this technique (n=103), have been within normal range, whilst allowing greatly increased efficiency and rapid reduction of local waiting lists. Lessons learned from this conveyor-belt style practice have wide ranging potential applications across specialties that will drive efficient future practice.

Sap Flow Density of the Prevailing Tree Species in a Hemiboreal Forest under Contrasting Meteorological and Growing Conditions

This study aimed to assess the adaptive capacity of the dominant tree species in Lithuania, namely Scots pine, Norway spruce, and silver birch, to current climate conditions based on their changes in transpiration expressed through the tree sap flow intensity. The species-specific responses were investigated at two typical edaphically different forest sites with water-limited and water-saturated soils. Contrasting events like overflow in 2017 and drought in 2019 provided an opportunity to detect the adaptative capacity of the monitored tree species to these meteorological extremes. Norway spruce trees, due to having both the most intense sap flow at the beginning of the growing season and the longest period of active transpiration, demonstrated the highest annual transpiration rate, regardless of the hydrological regime of the site. Their decreased resilience to subsequent biogenic damage caused by pests due to a significant decrease in sap flow density during intense and prolonged droughts may reduce their importance in Lithuanian forestry. Silver birch trees, which demonstrated a reduction in sap flow after a drought following the untimely drop of their leaves and the end of active vegetation, even at the end of a prolonged warm period, can be seen to not have appropriate adaptations to current climate conditions. Scots pine trees are the best adapted to mitigating the recent threats of climate change.

P-731 Into a green (r)evolution in fertility centers: a forerunner experience

Abstract Study question Is it possible to redefine an everyday clinical routine at the fertility centers in order to reduce the environmental impact? Summary answer A fundamental improvement in the reduction of waste is the elimination of all unnecessary disposable tools, especially during embryo transfer. What is known already Pollution and related climate changes have a major impact on global health. While the mission of healthcare systems is to guarantee health among people, emissions from the health care setting significantly contribute to climate change. Recent publications have called for an emergency action to reduce the healthcare environmental footprint. The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) states that the current climate crisis implies an imminent health risk even to reproductive health. An immediately reduceable source of greenhouse emissions could reside in inappropriate and avoidable tests, procedures, tools and treatments used in clinical practice. Study design, size, duration This is a retrospective observational study in which all outpatient, surgical and laboratory procedures, that are part of the daily clinical routine at our fertility center, were analysed during a one-week period and evaluated to be strictly necessary or not. In particular, as for surgical activity, in the mentioned week, all embryo transfer (ET) and oocyte retrieval (OR) waste production was analysed. Participants/materials, setting, methods During the week of 18-24 September 2023, waste production from 80 ETs and 56 ORs procedures was analysed. The environmental impact of all unnecessary tests, procedures and tools was assessed in terms of energy-, time- and money-saving, waste production and potential harm to the patients. In particular, the amount of packaging unnecessarily produced each week was weighed. Main results and the role of chance In consideration of the high number of procedures performed at our fertility center, the amount of waste related to the surgical activity was estimated as too high. Regarding ETs, the estimated total waste for a single procedure is 0.6692 kg, 0.5749 kg being product waste, 0.0943 kg being packaging waste. Concerning ORs, the estimated total waste for a single procedure is 0.7563 kg, 0.6495 kg being product waste, 0.1068 kg being packaging waste. This waste can be reduced by eliminating extra-packaging for the ET and OR set (from «one pack for each item» to «all in one»). A significant role in environmental pollution is also played by plastic surgical drapes and physician’s coats, used to cover patients and operators to guarantee both protection and comfort. These plastic garments have several drawbacks, including difficult or unfeasible sterilisation as well as their disposable use, huge environmental impact and cost in their manufacture. A proposed solution is to avoid the use of unnecessary disposable tools, such as the plastic sterile physician’s coat, 2 out of 3 plastic sterile cloths to cover the patients and the plastic syringe during the embryo transfer. Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of the proposed solution is healthcare workers’ compliance. In fact, their willingness to participate in eventual future educational events and procedural changes is unknown. Another limitation is that it is not clear whether the removal of unnecessary facilities will lead to a real reduction in environmental damage. Wider implications of the findings Eliminating unnecessary materials during surgery seems to have a huge positive impact on waste reduction. Our future plan is to lead a prospective study to compare waste management, production and recycling differentiation of a selected week after the procedural changes and awareness-raising events with the already assessed week. Trial registration number Not applicable

Do We Let Businesses Get away with Dodgy Ethics and Loose Morals? An Application of Markov Random Fields

Whatever the context, in today’s world, disagreements are unavoidable. People routinely fail to find common ground on matters that matter. Curiously, the format – the nature of disagreements - evolves too. Frequently, a feeling, an attitude, is connected to another one which alters as people age, switch political aisles etc. Businesses – large and small – striving to stay afloat amidst the current economic climate – offer sterling examples of scenarios where paying attention to these differing attitudes could create all the difference. The way these businesses function, their methods of generating revenue, may be viewed by young college graduates in one way, by more experienced professionals with business backgrounds in quite another way and it is immensely crucial, on the part of the organization, to navigate the situation carefully. A recent Gallup survey done on 5757 respondents supplies us with rich data on such exciting matters. With a careful selection of feeling and action questions, and through a careful deployment of a specialized network structure – the Markov random field – we bring out statistically insightful differences: how, for instance, with conservative-leaning respondents, the most crucial hub of this field – the node that exerts the greatest collective correlational pull – is whether the business operates in a way that is sustainable for the environment and the planet, while for liberals, it is whether the business offers fair wages to workers of all types.

Global needs for nitrogen fertilizer to improve wheat yield under climate change.

Increasing global food demand will require more food production1 without further exceeding the planetary boundaries2 while simultaneously adapting to climate change3. We used an ensemble of wheat simulation models with improved sink and source traits from the highest-yielding wheat genotypes4 to quantify potential yield gains and associated nitrogen requirements. This was explored for current and climate change scenarios across representative sites of major world wheat producing regions. The improved sink and source traits increased yield by 16% with current nitrogen fertilizer applications under both current climate and mid-century climate change scenarios. To achieve the full yield potential-a 52% increase in global average yield under a mid-century high warming climate scenario (RCP8.5), fertilizer use would need to increase fourfold over current use, which would unavoidably lead to higher environmental impacts from wheat production. Our results show the need to improve soil nitrogen availability and nitrogen use efficiency, along with yield potential.

Predicting the distribution of potentially suitable habitat in China for Cirsium japonicum Fisch. ex DC. under future climate scenarios based on the R-optimized MaxEnt model.

Cirsium japonicum contains a variety of medicinal components with good clinical efficacy. With the rapid changes in global climate, it is increasingly important to study the distribution of species habitats and the factors influencing their adaptability. Utilizing the MaxEnt model, we forecasted the present and future distribution regions of suitable habitats for C. japonicum under various climate scenarios. The outcome showed that under the current climate, the total suitable area of C. japonicum is 2,303,624 km2 and the highly suitable area is 79,117 km2. The distribution of C. japonicum is significantly influenced by key environmental factors such as temperature annual range, precipitation of the driest month, and precipitation of the wettest month. In light of future climate change, the suitable habitat for C. japonicum is anticipated to progressively relocate toward the western and northern regions, leading to an expansion in the total suitable area. These findings offer valuable insights into the conservation, sustainable utilization, and standardized cultivation of wild C. japonicum resources.

Utilizing digitized occurrence records of Midwestern feral Cannabis sativa to develop ecological niche models.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has historically played a vital role in agriculture across the globe. Feral and wild populations have served as genetic resources for breeding, conservation, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. However, feral populations of Cannabis, specifically in the Midwestern United States, remain poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the abiotic tolerances of these populations, estimate suitable areas, identify regions at risk of abiotic suitability change, and highlight the utility of ecological niche models (ENMs) in germplasm conservation. The Maxent algorithm was used to construct a series of ENMs. Validation metrics and MOP (Mobility-oriented Parity) analysis were used to assess extrapolation risk and model performance. We also projected the final projected under current and future climate scenarios (2021-2040 and 2061-2080) to assess how abiotic suitability changes with time. Climate change scenarios indicated an expansion of suitable habitat, with priority areas for germplasm collection in Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. This study demonstrates the application of ENMs for characterizing feral Cannabis populations and highlights their value in germplasm conservation and breeding efforts. Populations of feral C. sativa in the Midwest are of high interest, and future research should focus on utilizing tools to aid the collection of materials for the characterization of genetic diversity and adaptation to a changing climate.

Predicting the potential distribution change of the endangered Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) across its entire range in China under climate change.

The Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) is a rare primate species indicated as endangered and distributed in karst areas in northern Vietnam and southwestern China. However, research limited to specific nature reserves or sites has hampered holistic conservation management. A comprehensive map of the potential distribution for the Francois' langur is essential to advance conservation efforts and ensure coordinated management across regions. Here, we used 82 occurrence records of Francois' langur surveyed in Guangxi, Guizhou, and Chongqing from 2017 to 2020, along with 12 environmental variables, to build the potential habitat model under current and future climate (2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090s) using maximum entropy models (MaxEnt). Our results indicated that (1) precipitation- and temperature-associated bioclimatic variables contributed the most to the distribution of Francois' langur. Vegetation, water sources, and anthropogenic variables also affected its distribution; (2) a total of 144,207.44 km2 of potential suitable habitat across the entire range in China was estimated by the current model. Moderate- and high-suitability habitats accounted for only 23.76% (34,265.96 km2) of the predicted suitable habitat and were mainly distributed in southwest Guangxi, east of Chongqing, and the border between Guizhou and Chongqing; (3) the suitable habitats of Francois' langur will contract considerably under future climate change, and the habitat centroid will move in the southeast direction with a shifting distance of approximately 2.84 km/year from current to 2100. The habitat prediction of Francois' langur and the main drivers proposed in this study could provide essential insights for the future conservation of this endangered species. The existing distribution areas should be monitored and protected, but conservation beyond existing habitats should also be a focus of effort, especially in future expansion areas. This would ensure effective and timely protection under climate change and anthropogenic pressures.

A Survey of the Estimated Cost of Surgical Consumable Items Within Trauma and Orthopaedic Departments.

Introduction The impact of the current economic and environmental climate, both nationally and globally, is further straining the NHS. This has led to scrutiny of high-expenditure areas, including consumables. Clinician's knowledge surrounding health economics is sparse, and we conducted this survey to assess cost-awareness within the Trauma and Orthopaedic (T&O) departmental staff. Methods A questionnaire was digitally distributed to T&O staff in the East Kent Hospitals Trust. This included demographic data and to make estimations of the cost of 10 specialty-specific items. The data were analysed to determine the average, median, and interquartile range (IQR) of the estimated prices and compared to the actual costs. Results Approximately 7.1% of all item estimates were deemed 'correct'. No correlation was seen between years of staff experience and the accuracy of estimates. 'Kenalog 1 mL ampoule' (Kenalog, Bristol-Myers Squibb, NJ) had the highest accuracy of estimation across all responses (13%), whilst both 'kirschner wires' and '3.2 drill bit' had the lowest accuracy (4% each). The median estimated cost was closest to the actual cost for 'cement pack' (median estimate/actual cost = 0.9). The median estimated cost was furthest from the actual cost for 'tourniquet cuffs' (median estimate/actual cost = 0.16). 'Velcro wrist splint' was the item that was the most overestimated (median estimate/actual cost = 1.57), with only two of the 10 items being overestimated ('velcro wrist splint' and 'dynamic hip screw and plate'). The most underestimated item was 'tourniquet cuffs' (median estimate/actual cost = 0.16). Conclusions There is a paucity of knowledge surrounding the cost of specialist T&O consumables. The limitations included the sample size (98 respondents) and geographical area (East Kent Hospitals Trust). This study shows that there is a need for further research into this topic, with long-term outcomes, which may be beneficial both economically and environmentally.

The optimized Maxent model reveals the pattern of distribution and changes in the suitable cultivation areas for Reaumuria songarica being driven by climate change.

Reaumuria songarica, a drought-resistant shrub, is widely distributed and plays a crucial role in the northern deserts of China. It is a key species for desert rehabilitation and afforestation efforts. Using the Maxent model to predict suitable planting areas for R. songarica is an important strategy for combating desertification. With 184 occurrence points of R. songarica and 13 environmental variables, the optimized Maxent model has identified the main limiting factors for its distribution. Distribution patterns and variation trends of R. songarica were projected for current and future climates (2030s, 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) and different scenarios (ssp_126, ssp_370, and ssp_585). Results show that setting parameters to RM (regulation multiplier) = 4 and FC (feature combination) = LQHPT yields a model with good accuracy and high reliability. Currently, R. songarica is primarily suitable for desert control in eight provinces and autonomous regions, including Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Ningxia. The total suitable planting area is 148.80 × 104 km2, representing 15.45% of China's land area. Precipitation (Precipitation of the wettest month, Precipitation of the warmest quarter, and Annual precipitation) and Ultraviolet-B seasonality are the primary environmental factors limiting the growth and distribution of R. songarica. Mean temperature of the warmest quarter is the primary factor driving changes in the distribution of suitable areas for R. songarica under future climate scenarios. In future climate scenarios, the suitable planting area of R. songarica will shrink, and the distribution center will shift towards higher latitude, potentially indicate further desertification. The area of highly suitable habitat has increased, while moderately and less suitable habitat areas have decreased. Increased precipitation within R. songarica's water tolerance range is favorable for its growth and reproduction. With changes in the suitable cultivation area for R. songarica, priority should be given to exploring and utilizing its germplasm resources. Introduction and cultivation can be conducted in expanding regions, while scientifically effective measures should be implemented to protect germplasm resources in contracting regions. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for addressing desertification resulting from climate change and offer practical insights for the development, utilization, introduction, and cultivation of R. songarica germplasm resources.

Forever Becoming: Teaching “Transgender Studies Meets Art History” and Theorizing Trans Joy

Academics often comment that their teaching affects their research, but how this manifests is often implicit. In this essay, I explicitly explore the artistic, scholarly, and curatorial research instantiated by an undergraduate class titled “Transgender Studies meets Art History,” which I taught during the fall of 2022. Alongside personal anecdotes—both personal and connected to the class—and a critical reflection on my pedagogy, I discuss the artwork and public programming connected to a curatorial project, “Forever Becoming: Decolonization, Materiality, and Trans* Subjectivity, I organized at UrbanGlass, New York City in 2023. The first part of the article I examine how “trans” can be applied to thinking about syllabus construction and re-thinking canon formation for a class focused on transgender studies’ relationship to art history. In the second half, I theorize trans joy as a felt vibration between/across multiplicity and singularity, belonging and unbelonging, and world-making and world-unmaking. Overall, I consider trans as a lived experience and its utility as a conceptual tool. As a coda, I consider the precarity of teaching this course in the current political climate of the United States.

A new species of Pseudotsuga (Pinaceae) from the lower Miocene of Lesvos, Greece, and its palaeogeographical and palaeoclimatic implications

Pseudotsuga Carrière is commonly known as Douglas-fir, a minor genus attributed to Pinaceae. Four extant species are included in this genus, with dispersed distribution in East Asia and western North America. Pseudotsuga possesses a number of fossil records of needled leaves, seed cones, and seeds. Nevertheless, few reliable fossil wood of this genus has been specifically investigated. Here, we describe some anatomically well-preserved petrified fossil wood from the lower Miocene of Lesvos Island, Greece, as Pseudotsuga lesvosensis n. sp. The studied fossil wood remains are characterized by the presence of normal axial and radial resin canals, piceoid cross-field pitting, along with distinctive helical thickenings in cell walls consistent with Pseudotsuga. The present fossil conifer further enriches the species diversity of the Miocene Petrified Forest in Lesvos. The first report of Pseudotsuga lesvosensis from the southern Europe in this study extends the tempo-spatial distribution patterns of Pseudotsuga and contributes to further understanding of its origin and evolutionary history. The occurrence of P. lesvosensis fossil wood, as well as other palaeontological macrofloral composition evidence, indicates a humid warm temperate to subtropical climatic condition during the early Miocene within the Lesvos, which differs significantly from the current Mediterranean climate.

Balancing ecology and practicality to rank waterbodies for preventative invasive species management

Abstract ‘Early detection and rapid response’ (EDRR) is the most successful framework for preventative invasive species management, but prioritizing localized EDRR actions with limited resources is challenging. An approach that ranks individual locations, such as waterbodies, for EDRR by combining an invasive species' establishment risk with the practicality of managing it could help set reasonable priorities. Here, we worked with regional practitioners in Arkansas, USA, and the broader Southeastern USA to co‐produce a workflow for preventative aquatic invasive species management that (1) estimates establishment risk under current and future climates with a species distribution model, (2) scores waterbodies according to difficulty of eradicating an aquatic invasive species if it were introduced and (3) combines establishment risk and eradication difficulty scores to rank waterbodies according to preventative management priority. As our focal species, we used giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), a floating aquatic fern ranked among the worst weeds in the world due to its negative socio‐ecological impacts and difficulty to eradicate once established. Current establishment risk is low for much of our study area, but under future climate scenarios (RCP 8.5), areas with >60% giant salvinia establishment risk increased from 546 km2 to 30,219 km2 between 2023 and 2040 in Arkansas. We found giant salvinia establishment risk and eradication difficulty are independent of each other (r = 0.28), and it follows that, alone, early detection tools such as species distribution models are insufficient for managers to prioritize sites for EDRR. Practical implication: We envision our approach fitting into a potential EDRR workflow that cascades from broad‐ to local‐scale. To illustrate, (1) horizon scanning and/or climate matching generates lists of high‐risk invasive species; (2) species lists are narrowed according to eradication feasibility scores; (3) for all remaining species, all waterbodies across a geography of interest receive prioritization rankings based on establishment risk and eradication difficulty scores. Given that climate change makes predicting invasive species' distributions a moving target, combining co‐produced eradication difficulty scoring with species distribution modelling will balance rigour with practicality when prioritizing locations for EDRR.

Investing in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health—What Radiology Innovators Need to Know

Expected to grow at a 5.5% compound annual growth rate and reach a market of $34.6 billion by 2028, the diagnostic radiology market is an innovation powerhouse, in significant part due to artificial intelligence and digital products. Many radiologists, researchers, technologists, and leaders possess the skills to develop cutting-edge innovations to improve patient care. However, invariably funding is needed to bring these innovations to fruition. Here we describe, from the vantage point of a practicing venture partner, the key considerations, criteria, and frameworks used when making decisions of what, when, and who to invest funding in. We also describe the current funding climate for these innovations.

Apocalypses

This entry analyzes the notion of apocalypses in various socio-cultural contexts, highlighting the evolution of research and its diversification, from the field of religious science to that of socio-anthropology. It highlights the symbolic, social and political functions of social movements based on such perspectives, and the place they occupy in representations of contemporary popular culture. The latter uses them to give meaning to current events, pandemics and climate change, interpreted from hybrid apocalyptic matrices borrowing elements from religious, scientific and secular images and discourses.