Population Density Research Articles

The Relationship between the Development of Population Growth and Density and Land Use in Irbid Governorate using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

The Relationship between the Development of Population Growth and Density and Land Use in Irbid Governorate using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

Ultra-wide band near-infrared (NIR) optical thermometry (12-673 K) performance enhanced by Stark sublevel splitting in Er3+ ions near the first biological window in the PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphor.

The fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) approach, which relies on thermally coupled levels (TCLs), is significantly important for optical thermometry at room temperature and above, but was found to be impractical for low temperature sensing due to limited population density (thermal) or lack of spectrum at extremely low temperatures. Herein, we report a wide temperature range (12-673 K) sensing capability of the PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3:Er3+/Yb3+ (C1:PZT) phosphor utilising the bandwidth of Stark sublevel split near-infrared (NIR) emission bands as one sensing parameter and FIR as another. Motivated by our previous studies on upconversion (UC) and the promising thermometry performance of the C1:PZT phosphor for real time nanothermometer monitoring (using visible TCLs), this work extends to the same thermometry application using UC-NIR emission as TCLs. The temperature-dependent UC spectra were measured across the ranges of 12-313 K and 313-673 K under 980 nm excitation, and their sensing capabilities were thoroughly evaluated. An enveloped single emission band, comprising multiple peaks in the NIR region, was observed and subsequently deconvoluted using Gaussian fitting. These individual peaks were analyzed in relation to Stark sublevel splitting, which was particularly evident at 12 K, and the variations in their full width at half maximum (FWHM) were compared across temperatures up to 313 K. Based on the temperature-dependent bandwidth, two prominent peaks ∼11 655 cm-1 (858 nm) and 11 454 cm-1 (873 nm), were identified as TCL levels, and a sensitivity (Sr) of 0.68 ± 0.01% K-1 at 673 K was observed, making it a suitable thermometer for reading low temperatures using NIR bands.

Enhancing the efficiency of the cultivation of cladocerans (Moina sp. and Diaphanosoma sp.) through dietary diversification strategies.

The establishment of a feeding regimen for cladocerans is crucial in contemporary aquaculture due to their significance as nutrient-rich live feeds for various aquatic species. Three experiments were conducted to optimize the growth and reproduction rates of cladocerans (Moina sp. and Diaphanosoma sp.) using various stocking densities, types of food, and feeding regimens, emphasizing the importance of Haematococcus sp. in enhancing aquaculture productivity. In the first experiment, five different initial stocking densities: 1×103 indv. L-1 (T1), 3×103 indv. L-1 (T2), 6×103 indv. L-1 (T3), 9×103 indv. L-1 (T4), and 12×103 indv. L-1 (T5) of cladocerans were tested over a 10-day culture period, where T3 demonstrated the best growth. Using the best initial stocking density from experiment 1, the second experiment assessed varying concentrations of Haematococcus sp.: 1×105, 5×105, 10×105, 15×105, and 20×105cells mL-1 in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively as feed of cladocerans; among them, T3 exhibited the highest population density. Experiment 3 evaluated the effects of three different diets including live Haematococcus sp. (T1), baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (T2), and Haematococcus sp.+baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (T3) on the growth of cladocerans over 10 days. The study employed the optimal initial stocking density of cladocerans and the feeding concentration of Haematococcus sp. as determined from the prior two experiments. Notably, T3 yielded the highest zooplankton density in this investigation. These findings indicate that elevating the initial stocking density of cladocerans and increasing the concentrations of Haematococcus sp. as feed up to an optimal level can effectively enhance the population growth of cladocerans. Both very low and excessively high initial stocking density, as well as suboptimal and excessively high concentrations of Haematococcus sp., negatively impact the growth of cladocerans. Moreover, using Haematococcus sp. alone or in combination with baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) enhances the growth and reproduction rates of cladocerans, indicating potential benefits for aquaculture systems.

Exploration and morphological characterization of Trichoderma spp from organic waste at TPST Rempoah-Baturraden, Banyumas Regency

Members of the Trichoderma genera are able to adapt to various habitats including organic waste, with a fairly high population density. This study aimed to determine the differences in the morphological characteristics of Trichoderma spp isolated from the Rempoah Integrated Waste Processing Facility (TPST), Baturraden District, Banyumas Regency. The experiment was conducted at the Mycology and Phytopathology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University. The results of the exploration of the Trichoderma genera obtained three isolates. The characteristics observed were macroscopic characteristics including the colour and shape of the colonies, and microscopic characteristics including the shape of conidiophores, phialides, and conidia. The results showed that the three Trichoderma isolates from Rempoah TPST had different morphological characteristics. The species of Trichoderma spp obtained were T. koningii, T. asperellum, and T. harzianum.

Assessment of Suitable Habitats, Fragmentation Analysis, and Ecological Corridor Identification for Sichuan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Sichuan Province, Southwest China.

The Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) was found to possess significant scientific and conservation value but faced multiple threats including habitat fragmentation and loss, human disturbance, illegal hunting, and the impacts of climate change on their habitat. To enhance habitat protection for this species, our study utilized field survey data and distribution records from protected areas to systematically evaluate spatial heterogeneity in suitable habitat distribution and habitat quality in Sichuan Province. Integration of 3S technology and ecological modeling allowed for a comprehensive assessment. We found that: (1) The potential habitat area for the species in Sichuan Province covered 78,470.47 km², with suitable and marginally suitable habitats occupying 28,301.36 and 50,169.11 km² respectively. Suitable habitats were predominantly found at elevations of 1600-3200 m, in areas with low population density and minimal human disturbance. (2) Suitable habitats within protected areas accounted for 42.7% of the total suitable habitat area, while marginally suitable habitats within protected areas comprised 24.8% of the total marginally suitable habitat area. (3) Vegetation types most utilized by the species, ranked from highest to lowest preference, were deciduous broadleaf forests, evergreen coniferous forests, evergreen broadleaf forests, mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, and shrublands. Evergreen coniferous forests exhibited the largest patch area and lowest fragmentation, whereas deciduous broadleaf forests showed higher fragmentation within protected areas. (4) Four potential ecological corridors were identified, connecting the Wujiao, Xuebaoding, and Baodinggou nature reserves. Strengthening the protection of suitable habitats and potential ecological corridors would enhance landscape connectivity, facilitating the effective utilization of suitable habitats by the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. Our findings provided a scientific basis for future conservation and management efforts for the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.

Sound enrichment helps persons suffering from low frequency phantom sounds.

Low frequency noise (LFN) of unknown origin can be disturbing, especially at night, and affect sleep and relaxation. If reduction of the LFN is impossible, adding sound can mask the troubling noise or detract attention from it to reduce distress. To assess the effectiveness of this, a survey was set up consisting of three questionnaires: the first when a person requested a masking sound and follow-ups after 1 and 3 months. Distress reduction was based on self-assessment and on the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ). Out of 124 respondents, 69% reported that the masking sound contributed to a reduction in complaints, resulting in a reduction in TQ score. Respondents were mainly above 50 years of age and 31% were male. Most respondents (84%) denounce the possibility of an internal sound. However, demographic characteristics of respondents are more similar to tinnitus patients and less to residents annoyed by environmental noise. The number of respondents per capita rises with decreasing population density, indicating that a quiet environment enhances the hearing of LFN. Thus, absence of sound in the environment may induce the hearing of LFN.

The effect of ranger patrols on the sighting of large mammals by local herders in Northern Iran.

Ranger patrols are essential for biodiversity conservation, particularly in protected areas where they help mitigate poaching of large mammals. Effective patrols reduce poaching and support higher population densities of large mammals. This study investigates the impact of ranger patrols on large mammal sightings in the Central Alborz Protected Area (CAPA), northern Iran, a crucial wildlife corridor with UNESCO-listed Hyrcanian forests and high-altitude grasslands. CAPA also supports livestock grazing in over 200 villages, making it a key area for studying human-wildlife interactions. Data were gathered using semi-structured questionnaires from local herders, whose observations provide valuable insights into wildlife presence and the effectiveness of ranger patrols. The study area was divided into 5×5km grid cells to ensure uniform data collection. Results show that large mammal sightings decrease with increasing distance from active, semi-active, and seasonal ranger stations. This trend is likely due to reduced patrol coverage, which increases poaching risks. Although factors such as habitat preferences and human disturbances may contribute. Inactive ranger stations appear to have lost effectiveness, likely because of the lack of regular patrols, which warrants further investigation. These findings emphasize the critical role of consistent patrol efforts in reducing poaching and maintaining wildlife populations in this ecologically important region.

Pest categorisation of Lepidosaphes pistaciae.

Following the commodity risk assessment of Prunus persica and P. dulcis plants for planting from Türkiye, in which Lepidosaphes pistaciae (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), the pistachio oyster scale or yellow pistachio scale, was identified as a pest of possible concern, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation for the territory of the European Union (EU). L. pistaciae is reported as a polyphagous pest which, however, mainly affects plants of the genus Pistacia. Originating from Asia, it is widely distributed in pistachio producing countries of Central, South and West Asia. Within the EU, the pest has been reported from Cyprus and Greece. However, its precise distribution within Cyprus and Greece is unknown. It completes two generations per year and overwinters as a fully developed adult female. The eggs are hidden under the female's body and hatch around April. First-instar nymphs, crawlers, move on host plants for a short period of time before becoming permanently settled and initiating feeding, mainly on leaves but also on branches and fruits. Young females appear in early June and mature ones in late June. Plants for planting and fruits provide potential pathways for entry into the EU. Climate suitability suggests that it could further establish in large parts of the EU. In Iran, L. pistaciae is considered a devastating pest for cultivated pistachio. L. pistaciae was detected in Greece over 30 years ago with small population densities and without any records of damage. It was also found in Cyprus in 1967 and nowadays is not considered a major pest. Its ability to cause an impact in the EU is uncertain considering the lack of evidence on impact in Cyprus and Greece. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry. While the fulfilment of the criterion on having an economic or environmental impact in the EU is associated with a key uncertainty, all the other criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met.

Damage Threshold and Population Dynamic of Meloidogyne javanica on Tomato Plant

ABSTRACTThe root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica is a significant pathogen that causes substantial yield losses in tomato plants. Moroccan farmers generally lack knowledge regarding the density of this pathogen, which can trigger visible and localised symptoms. Additionally, regional studies that establish damage thresholds for this issue are scarce. This study investigated the damage threshold of M. javanica on tomato plants using nine initial population densities (Pi) of second‐stage juveniles (J2s): 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 J2s (g dry soil)−1. Aboveground growth (plant height and fresh and dry shoot weight) and belowground growth (root length and diameter) were assessed after 90 days. The plant growth parameters were significantly reduced at higher inoculum densities. The Seinhorst model fitting revealed the highest minimum relative yield (m) for shoot fresh weight (m = 0.761 ± 0.012) and the lowest for root diameter (m = 0.509 ± 0.026). The tolerance limit (T) varied, with the highest shoot dry weight (T = 1.657 ± 0.329 J2s (g soil)−1) and lowest root diameter (T = 0.095 ± 0.019 J2s (g soil)−1). The production of eggs by M. javanica increased significantly with increasing initial population density, rising from 211 ± 64 eggs (g roots)−1 at 0.5 J2s (g soil)−1 to 3735 ± 380 eggs (g roots)−1 at 64 J2s (g soil)−1, representing a 17.7‐fold increase. Tomato plants exhibited the maximum galling index at lower nematode densities. Symptoms began at densities as low as 0.095 J2 (g soil)−1, with severity increasing with nematode density. Given the severe damage caused at low densities, Moroccan farmers must adopt early detection and effective management strategies.

Baseline Nutritional Status of Mother-Child Dyads in Urban Slums: Pre-Intervention Analysis for a Nutrition Informatics Intervention

Background: Urban slums are critical for public health intervention due to high population density, poor living conditions, and limited healthcare access. This study examines baseline nutritional and lifestyle patterns among mother-child dyads in the urban slums of Uttar Pradesh. The dyads were recruited for Nutritional Assessment and Intervention Kiosk (NAIK), a Population Health Informatics platform to address double burden of malnutrition. Methodology: This cross-sectional, pre-intervention study involved 406 mother-child dyads with children aged 2-5 years. Data on socio-demographic variables, anthropometric measurements, nutrient intake and lifestyle patterns were collected. Descriptive statistics summarized baseline characteristics. Results: The demographic profile showed predominantly low-income mothers with 43.34% without primary education. The mean ages of mothers and children were 33.98 ± 5.9 years and 46.91 ± 10.89 months, respectively. The waist-to-hip ratio was 0.92 ± 0.76 indicating cardiovascular risk factors with significant maternal obesity (47.78%). Education of the mother was found to be significantly associated with Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) of the child. The findings highlight the overnutrition in mothers and nutrient inadequacy in children, influenced by inadequate dietary intake and unhealthy lifestyle. Conclusions: This paper will comprehensively overview baseline population status, setting the stage for further analysis and evaluation of the intervention.

Population variability across geographical ranges: perspectives and challenges.

Populations fluctuate over time and across geographical space, and understanding how different factors contribute to population variability is a central goal in population ecology. There is a particular interest in identifying trends of population variability within geographical ranges as population densities of species can fluctuate substantially across geographical space. A common assumption is that populations vary more near species geographical range edges because of unsuitable environments and higher vulnerability to environmental variability in these areas. However, empirical data rarely support this expectation, suggesting that population variability is not related to its position within species geographical ranges. We propose that performance curves, which describe the relationship between population growth rates and environmental conditions, can be used to disentangle geographical patterns of population variability. Performance curves are important for understanding population variability because populations fluctuate more in locations where they have lower growth rates owing to unsuitable environmental conditions. This is important for the assessment of these geographical patterns in population variability because geographical edges often do not reflect environmental edges. Considering species performance curves when evaluating geographical patterns of population variability would also allow researchers to detect populations that are more susceptible to future changes in environmental conditions.

Assessment of watershed health, integrating environmental, social, and climate change criteria into a fuzzy logic framework.

Spatio-temporal analyses of environmental and social criteria in the context of climate change, facilitate understanding of how historical and current conditions have influenced watershed health. Previous studies have analyzed watershed health, but very few have integrated fuzzy logic with the CRITIC method (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation), which enables us to explore alternatives to improve watershed performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in watershed health through historical and projected climate change scenario in the tropical Santa Cruz watershed in Aquismón, S.L.P., Mexico (1985-2027) considering environmental criteria (hydrological and sediment connectivity, runoff, flooding, drought, landscape fragmentation) and social criteria (indigenous population density, human impact on biodiversity, health index, income index, education index). The results indicate that spatio-temporal changes can alter the Watershed Health Score (WHS) from a value of 2.69 to 6.90, particularly in areas with precarious social conditions. Moreover, the study reveals how weighting evolves overt time, as seen in the case of landscape fragmentation, whose value increased 0.0113 to 0.254. This study shows how objective methods such as CRITIC can be integrated through fuzzy logic to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of watershed problems without the need for a large number of experts to weight the variables (subjective methods). This method can subsequently be applied and reproduced in different zones or watersheds where there is no certainty as to which criteria have the greatest influence and thus enable decisions for watershed management or restoration.

Antimicrobial resistance on Ships: A Narrative review.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global health challenge, particularly in maritime environments where unique conditions foster its emergence and spread. Characterized by confined spaces, high population density, and extensive global mobility, ships create a setting ripe for the development and dissemination of resistant pathogens. This review aims to analyse the contributing factors, epidemiological challenges, mitigation strategies specific to AMR on ships and to propose future research directions, bridging a significant gap in the literature. Maritime environments facilitate the propagation of AMR through interconnected factors. The confined and communal nature of ships allows resistant pathogens to spread rapidly among diverse populations. The inappropriate and often empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, compounded by limited access to diagnostic tools, accelerates the selection of resistant strains. Poor infection control practices, including inadequate sanitation and ineffective isolation measures, exacerbate the risks. Environmental contamination through untreated wastewater and ballast water discharge introduces resistant bacteria and genes into marine ecosystems, posing additional public health and ecological threats. Surveillance of AMR on ships is hampered by logistical barriers, including the lack of standardized protocols and reporting systems. Documented outbreaks of resistant pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, underline the public health risks associated with AMR in maritime settings, alongside significant operational disruptions and environmental impacts. Despite advancements in portable diagnostic technologies, their adoption on ships remains minimal, leaving critical gaps in detection and management. Effective management of AMR in maritime settings necessitates the integration of stewardship programs tailored to shipboard environments, reinforced infection control measures, and advanced wastewater treatment.

Mapping environmental noise of Guangzhou based on land use regression models.

Environmental noise seriously affects people's health and life quality, but there is a scarcity of noise exposure data in metropolitan cities and at nighttime, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the environmental noise level by land use regression (LUR) models and create daytime and nighttime noise maps with high-resolution of Guangzhou municipality. A total of 100 monitoring sites were randomly selected according to population density. The Equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq) was measured on weekdays from December 2022 to May 2023 during daytime [morning (7:30-12:00), afternoon (13:00-16:30), evening (17:30-22:00)], and nighttime (23:00-7:00) with 30min of measurement at each site in winter/spring and summer/autumn. The LUR model was constructed by a supervised forward stepwise method to predict the noise exposure level via introducing the geographic predictor variables. A ten-fold cross-validation method was utilized to assess the performance of LUR models. A total of 800 times of measurements were conducted and the average equivalent continuous LAeq of monitoring sites was 65.79±7.45dB(A). Urban areas exhibited higher noise levels than suburban areas (66.95±7.37dB(A) vs. 63.08±6.94dB(A), P<0.001). Further, the noise level during the day was also significantly higher than during the night (67.18±6.50dB(A) vs. 61.60±7.59dB(A), P=0.001). Four LUR models were developed with adjusted R2 ranging from 0.54 to 0.76, and the R2 of the ten-fold cross-validation varied from 0.61 to 0.79. Points of interests (POIs), traffic-related variables, and land use were important predictive factors in LUR models. Noise maps of daytime and nighttime with a resolution of 50×50m were created, respectively. Our results revealed that daytime and nighttime environmental noise exceeded the recommended values from the World Health Organization in Guangzhou. POIs, traffic-related variables, and land use were the main influencing factors of environmental noise level.

Spatial distribution patterns, hotspots of contaminants of emerging concern and driving factors in a river network of Xizang Plateau.

This study encompasses the explication of systematic spatial distribution patterns and identification of hotspots of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) across the network of rivers, including Yarlung Tsangpo River and its tributaries in Xizang Plateau. A total of 16 CECs were detected in wide range of frequencies and concentrations ranging from below limit of detection (BLD) - 163.13ng/L across the river network, indicating widespread spatial heterogeneity. The systematic spatial distribution pattern suggested a positive spatial autocorrelation with Moran's Index values of 0.35, 0.15, 0.42 for diclofenac acid, bisphenol AF and trimethoprim, respectively. Subsequently, hotspots of CECs were identified in the upper reaches of Parlung Tsangpo River and Zayu River, and lower reaches of Lhasa River by using Getis-Ord Gi∗ statistics coupled with inverse distance weighted interpolation. Geodetector was used to elucidate the driving factors responsible for the spatial heterogeneity. The q-statistics identified rivers, dissolved oxygen, human population density, and land use types as major factors associated with the spatial heterogeneity of CECs. Besides, the interaction between these factors produced enhanced bivariate and nonlinear effects on the spatial heterogeneity of CECs, compared to their individual impacts. The specific levels of the environmental and physicochemical parameters associated with the higher CECs concentrations justified the hotspots. This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the CEC contamination in riverine environments along with an exploration into driving factors responsible for spatial heterogeneity and hotspots that may pose high risks to human health and aquatic ecosystem.

History of Health at Cayo Santiago-An Investigation of Environmental and Genetic Influences on the Skeletal Remains of the Introduced Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) Colony.

The Cayo Santiago rhesus macaque colony is a renowned primate population that has experienced significant natural and anthropogenic ecological variation in their 85-year history. Demographic and familial information is also tracked and collated for the majority of monkeys. Thus, the health history of rhesus macaques at Cayo Santiago should reflect the impacts of both environmental and genetic factors. In this study, we utilized a sample of skeletal remains comprised of 2787 individuals (1571 females, 1091 males), born between 1938 and 2017 from the derived skeletal collection of the primate colony to assess variation in survivorship, pathology, bone mineral density (BMD), and dental eruption status, in the context of hurricane impacts, nutritional fluctuations, and matriline genealogy. Results demonstrated that rhesus macaques at Cayo Santiago exhibit a range of skeletal pathologies that encompass biomedical and archaeological significance, multiple etiologies, severities, locations, and types, in addition to a secular trend of declining BMD that is hypothesized to reflect decreasing physical activity levels under increasing population densities. Specifically, hurricane impacts were found to increase the rate of systemic disease, decrease BMD in young adults, and delay eruption of the primary dentition. Certain matrilines exhibited heightened levels of systemic disease at early ages while others exhibited greater rates of congenital disease. Early-life adversity, through the experience of major hurricanes, may enhance inflammatory pathways, heightening the risk of disease and accelerating the aging process leading to reduced BMD. Such impacts may underly greater levels of observed infection post-hurricane through intensification of pathogen transmission and disease rates brought on by hurricane-adaptive social strategies that favor closer proximity. Familial susceptibility to disease indicates heritable host genetic factors are likely influencing disease patterning in the population. A cluster of congenital diseases may most convincingly illustrate this, or alternatively reflects low levels of genetic diversity in the population.

Potential Sustainability of Integrated Household Constructed Wetlands (IHCWS) implementation in small island as an effort to mitigate marine pollution due to greywater domestic wastewater (A case study in Bungin Island, Indonesia)

The potential for surface marine water pollution from domestic greywater wastewater poses a threat to small, densely populated islands. This condition will affect the sustainability of the ecosystem in the surrounding environment. This research was conducted on Bungin Island, located in Sumbawa Regency, Indonesia. The island is one of the most densely populated islands with an area of only 8.5 ha and a population of 3,400 people. This research aims to map the potential sustainability of the application of Integrated Household Constructed Wetlands (IHCWS) on Bungin Island, Indonesia as an alternative to managing greywater from household activities. There are six dimensions and thirty sustainability attributes studied including ecology, socio-culture, economy, technology, policy, and public health. The data obtained were analyzed using the RAPFISH MDS method. The results showed that the potential application of IHCWS on Bungin Island in each aspect, ecology (88.68%), socio-culture (79.13%), economy (99.66%), technology (99.71%), policy (99.71%), and public health (88.68%). In conclusion, the IHCWS is classified as sustainable. The application of technology that requires maintenance is not by the conditions of small island communities. This is one of the sustainable solutions to mitigate environmental pollution, especially marine in small islands that have a high population density.

Differential recruitment drives pathogen-mediated competition between species in an amphibian chytridiomycosis system.

Pathogens that infect multiple host species have an increased capacity to cause extinctions through parasite-mediated apparent competition. Given unprecedented and continuing losses of biodiversity due to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causative fungus of the amphibian skin disease chytridiomycosis, a robust understanding of the mechanisms driving cross-species infection dynamics is essential. Here, we used stage-structured, susceptible-infected compartmental models to explore drivers of Bd-mediated apparent competition between two sympatric amphibians, the critically endangered Litoria spenceri and the non-threatened Litoria lesueurii. We additionally simulated the impact of plausible L. spenceri conservation management interventions on competitive outcomes between these two species. Despite being more susceptible to disease than its competitor, a high relative rate of recruitment allowed the non-threatened L. lesueurii to reach substantially higher densities than L. spenceri in our baseline models, applying a strong absolute force of infection on L. spenceri as an amplifying host. However, simulated management interventions which bolstered L. spenceri recruitment (i.e., captive breeding and release, removal of predatory non-native trout) spurred strong recoveries of L. spenceri while simultaneously (1) increasing the force of Bd infection in the environment and (2) reducing L. lesueurii population density. At high and moderate elevations, combined captive breeding/release and non-native trout removal were sufficient to make L. spenceri the most abundant species. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of recruitment in moderating pathogen dynamics of multi-host amphibian chytridiomycosis systems. While infection-based parameters are undoubtedly important in Bd management, modifying relative rates of recruitment can substantially alter pathogen-mediated competition between species of an amphibian community.

Distribution and abundance of a soil centipede, Tygarrup nepalensis Shinohara, 1965 (Mecistocephalidae: Geophilomorpha: Chilopoda) in a moist temperate forest in Northwest Himalaya

Abstract This study investigates the distribution of the soil centipede, Tygarrup nepalensis (Order Geophilomorpha), in the moist temperate forest of the Northwest Himalayas, located in Himri, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. Centipedes were collected using a standardized 25 × 25 cm quadrat sampling method. We examined the influence of various environmental and edaphic parameters on its populations across different forest areas (north, northeast, southwest facing aspects). The north aspect exhibited higher density due to more favourable soil conditions, including higher phosphorus and organic carbon, which supported larger populations of detritivore earthworms, likely prey for T. nepalensis. These findings underscore the role of microhabitat characteristics in shaping centipede distribution and highlight implications for forest management strategies aimed at conserving soil biodiversity and enhancing forest productivity. Our results indicate that average soil moisture levels (25.8% to 30.5%) are conducive to the habitat requirements of T. nepalensis, which thrives in moist environments. Notably, population densities varied significantly, with lower density in the northeastern aspect, correlated with reduced soil phosphorus concentrations and increased acidity.

Prevalence and associated factors of adolescent psychological abuse, neglect in Western China a multi-center cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The western region of China has a dense population, relatively underdeveloped economy, and a significant number of left-behind children. Currently, the prevalence of adolescent psychological abuse, neglect, and the factors associated with these issues in the region remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the current status of adolescent psychological abuse and neglect and its associated factors in this region. Methods: Data were collected from 50 schools in western China through cluster sampling to target adolescents aged 12 to 18. A comprehensive survey form was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics of adolescents. The Child Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale was employed to assess the current psychological abuse and neglect of adolescents. Independent samples t-tests were used for inter-group comparisons. A Directed Acyclic Graph was constructed for controlling confounding variables. Subsequently, binary logistic regression analysis was performed, and a nomogram risk factors model was developed using R Studio. Results: This study included 12,743 teenagers, with an average age of 15.53(±1.39) years. Among them, 4,965 individuals, accounting for 39.0%, reported experiences of psychological abuse, while 4,167 individuals, accounting for 32.7%, reported experiences of neglect. The rates of psychological abuse and neglect in adolescents are influenced by gender, grade, left-behind experience, parental marital status, and living on campus (P < .05). Conclusion: Adolescents in western China exhibit higher rates of psychological abuse and neglect compared to those in the eastern and northern regions of China. Gender, grade, left-behind experience, and family factors significantly influence the psychological abuse and neglect of adolescents.