Distribution Map Research Articles

Redescription of the poorly known Allopodoiulus schioedtei (Verhoeff, 1898) and the identity of Xestoiulus luteus (Attems, 1951) (Diplopoda: Julida: Julidae)

Based on old type material and freshly collected specimens, we evaluate and clarify the taxonomic status of two poorly known Balkan species, Allopodoiulus schioedtei (Verhoeff, 1898) and Xestoiulus luteus (Attems, 1951), and propose their synonymy with X. luteus syn. nov. as a junior subjective synonym. A lectotype is designated for A. schioedtei. In addition, the genus Allopodoiulus Verhoeff, 1898 and the species A. schioedtei are diagnosed and redescribed. The validity of the genus Allopodoiulus and the relationships of its two known species, A. schioedtei and Allopodoiulus verhoeffi (Jawłowski, 1931), are briefly discussed. A distribution map of A. schioedtei is presented.

Three new species of Pelargonium, section Hoarea (Geraniaceae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Pelargonium auriculipetalum, P. leucopetalum, and P. tortandrum are described as new species. All three species are deciduous geophytes with turnip-shaped tubers belonging to section Hoarea. They differ with regard to flower colour, flower and leaf structure, and all of them occur in the winter rainfall area along the west coast of southern Africa. All three species are illustrated and distribution maps are provided for the species.

Molecular Dynamics Analysis of Li+/Mg2+ Transport Mechanism in COF Membranes with Flexible Oxygen-Containing Side Chains

Lithium is currently used in a wide range of portable electronic devices. With the rapid growth of the electric vehicle sector, lithium has become an essential resource. In this work, the influence of different lengths and types of oxygen-containing side chain in COF membranes on the Li+/Mg2+ separation performance were explored via molecular dynamic simulations. The transport mechanism was elucidated through analysis of the interaction mechanism, density distribution map, potential of mean force (PMF), and dehydration number of ions during their passage through the membranes. Simulation results indicate that COF-4EO membrane shows high separation performance for Li+/Mg2+ mixture, the flexible side chain of EO provides a jumping site for Li+ ions, and the transport energy barrier in the membrane for Li+ ions is low, which enhances the screening effect into the pore. Moreover, Mg2+ ions are more difficult to dehydrate water from their hydration layer and then enter into the membrane. This work would give some insight for designing of COF membranes with well ion separation performance.

Toxic layering and compound extremes: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in rural, environmental justice copper mining communities

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pervasive environmental pollutants with significant impacts on ecosystems and public health. This study aimed to characterize PFAS concentrations in an environmental justice community impacted by active/legacy copper mining, compounded by wildfires and flash floods. Additionally, the study explored the (re)mobilization of PFAS and co-occurrence with metal(loid)s following these events. Twenty-eight PFAS compounds in 35 residential and 8 control surface soil samples were analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). The maximum total PFAS concentration observed in the residential samples was 96.40 μg kg−1, compared to 1.69 μgkg−1 in the control samples. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) had a maximum concentration of 61 μg kg−1 in residential samples, while Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) had the highest concentration in the control samples at 0.92 μg kg−1. Long-chain PFAS were most dominant in this study. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) (58 % of the samples), Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (35 %), and Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) (72 %) exceeded the U.S. EPA Soil-to-Groundwater Risk-Based Screening Levels, highlighting the potential risk of contaminants migrating from soil to groundwater, which could ultimately impact groundwater quality. Co-occurrence analysis showed that increases in PFAS concentrations were positively associated with Zn (β = 1.25, p = 0.0034) and Ba (β = 1.23, p = 0.0284) but negatively associated with Pb (β = −0.83, p = 0.0115) and Co (β = −1.38, p = 0.04671). In general, a spatial distribution map indicated that greater PFAS concentrations were observed near potential sources i.e., active mines. This evidence combined with select metal co-occurrence highlights the potential role of mining activities on PFAS concentration.

Assessment of the dynamics of heavy metal contamination in the alluvial aquifer of the Drean plain, El Taref (North-Eastern Algeria) using GIS indices and water quality analysis

The study was conducted to assess the quality of shallow groundwater in the Drean plain, with a focus on the concentration of heavy metals. The indices employed included the water quality index (WQI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and metal index (MI). Spatial distribution maps of heavy metals, as well as pollution indices, were developed based on twenty samples. The physicochemical parameters, including T, pH, EC, DO, and TDS, were measured using standard techniques. Heavy metals, including iron (Fe), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd), were analysed through spectrophotometry. The average concentrations of Mn, Cr, Cd, and Pb exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards, with respective values of 0.16 mg/L, 0.06 mg/L, 0.28 mg/L, and 0.38 mg/L. According to the water quality index (WQI), which ranges from 21 to 800, approximately 50% of the water samples was classified as highly polluted and therefore not recommended for consumption. According to the metal index (MI), the average value is 6.77, with 80% classified as highly polluted. The average value of the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was 2201, indicating that the water in the plain is severely polluted for consumption, with 100% of the samples classified as unfit for consumption. The study underlines the urgency of reducing the health risks to the urban population and recommends continuous monitoring of the area to assess the evolution of the pollution.

Distribution and association of road traffic accident with depression among Indian population aged 45 years and above: nested multilevel modelling analysis of nationally representative cross-sectional survey

IntroductionThe prevalence of important public health problems like road traffic accidents (RTA) and depression are surging. This study was aimed to estimate distribution and determine the association between RTA and depression among Indian population aged 45 years and above: overall and stratified into age group, gender and across states/union territories as aspirants, achievers, and front runners.MethodsUsing Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) dataset (April 2017–December 2018), we have conducted this study among middle aged (45–59 years) and older adults and elderly (≥ 60 years) Indians. Bivariate analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of RTA and depression nationally and across aspirants, achievers, and front runner states. States and union territories were categorised as low, medium, and high as per RTA and depression prevalence, which were further cross tabulated. Spatial distribution maps were created using Microsoft Excel. We have documented the association of RTA with depression. To reduce the confounding effects of demographic and socioeconomic; health related and behavioural covariates; propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted. Nested multilevel regression modelling was analysed using STATA version 17.ResultsPrevalence of RTA was 1.84% (1.74–1.94) nationally, highest among achiever states [2.04% (1.82–2.30)]. Prevalence of depression was 6.08% (5.90–6.26) nationally, highest among aspirant states [7.02% (6.74–7.30)]. The adjusted odds of having RTA was significantly among depressed [aOR (95% CI) 1.76 (1.45–2.15)] than non-depressed participants; which was much higher among females [aOR (95% CI) 1.93 (1.43–2.62)] than in males [aOR (95%CI) 1.67 (1.29–2.16)] and much higher among middle aged [aOR (95%CI) 2.08 (1.63–2.65)]. Odds of RTA was highest across front runners [aOR (95%CI) 1.86 (1.26–2.72)] followed by aspirant states [aOR (95%CI) 1.79 (1.37–2.33)].ConclusionThis study established the positive association between depression and road traffic accidents among middle aged, older adults and elderly. Therefore, efforts must be taken to address mental health issues in them with proper policy implication more focused on females and middle aged. Front runner’s states should get the limelight followed by aspirant states.

An automatic eddy detection algorithm based on quadrant angle of velocity vector and its application

ABSTRACT Eddies assume a pivotal role in both the oceanic heat cycle and marine dynamic processes. The development of real-time satellite observations, coupled with advancements in computer intelligence, has propelled automatic eddy detection algorithms to the forefront of ocean remote sensing research. Nevertheless, target omissions and accuracy degradations are inevitable for multiple detection algorithms due to strong morphological variations in ocean eddies. This paper proposes an automatic detection algorithm based on the quadrant angle of the velocity vector in the flow field. Firstly, a rectangular search box is established, and the corresponding quadrant angles at the four vertices are calculated. Secondly, the centres and types of eddies are determined according to the cumulative sum and variety rules of quadrant angles. Then the outermost boundary is identified by regularity of quadrant angles in eight directions expanding outward from the centre of the eddy using the stream function equation. The new algorithm is assessed and verified using geostrophic flow data derived from the CMEMS standard gridded sea level anomaly product. Furthermore, its detection capabilities are demonstrated through a comparative analysis with several other algorithms. All methods exhibit consistent efficacy in detecting the majority of eddies with similar spatial distributions. In cases where the new algorithm identifies a specific eddy not detected by the FF15 and ND10 algorithms, sea surface temperature data is employed for verification. The sea surface temperature distribution map, along with the obtained results, illustrates the superiority of the new algorithm and its adaptability to products with varying resolutions. Additionally, the results undergo verification through a manual detection method, revealing that the new algorithm achieves SDR of 91.73% and an EDR of 3.54%. This percentage significantly surpasses the lower acceptable limit of 80% for the SDR parameter. The new algorithm is applied to study eddies with lifetimes exceeding ten days, spanning from March 2022 to February 2023, within the East China Sea and the South China Sea. The radius of SCS eddies is generally larger than that of ECS eddies, both cyclonic and anticyclonic. This further confirms the significant influence of regional ocean dynamics on the structure of eddies in different regions. Finally, the algorithm is applied to SWOT data to test the adaptability of the algorithm to non-regular grid data. The results show that the algorithm can effectively analyse SWOT data within 60° latitudes.

Reexamination of the taxonomic status of Coladenia agni (de Nicéville, [1884]) from Hainan, China reveals a new subspecies (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae)

By reexamining the taxonomic status of Coladenia agni (de Nicéville, [1884]) from different localities, the insular population from Hainan Island is described as a new subspecies, i.e., C. a. huanghaoi Li & Liu ssp. nov., based on morphological and genetic distinctions. The habitus, distributional map, and molecular phylogeny of all subspecies of C. agni are provided with remarks on ssp. sundae de Jong & Treadaway, 1992. Furthermore, some less-discussed characteristics on the hind tibiae are also illustrated and discussed.

Dianthus malyeri (Caryophyllaceae), a new species from Türkiye

Dianthus malyeri (sect. Dentati) is described and illustrated as a new species from Bursa Province, in northwestern Anatolia, Türkiye. The new species morphologically resembles D. elegans, but distinctly differs in its longer, with more nodes stems, shorter leaves, shorter calyx, as well as shorter petals with 6–11-toothed at apex. A detailed description, photographs, a morphological comparision with D. elegans vars. elegans and cous, IUCN conservation status assessment, distribution map, notes on ecology of the new species are presented.

Design of an Autonomous Orchard Navigation System Based on Multi-Sensor Fusion

To address the limitations of traditional GNSS-based navigation systems in orchard environments, we propose a multi-sensor fusion-based autonomous navigation method for orchards. A crawler-type agricultural platform was used as a test vehicle, and an autonomous orchard navigation system was constructed using a 2D LiDAR, a dynamic electronic compass, and an encoder. The proposed system first filters LiDAR point cloud data and uses the DBSCAN–ratio–threshold method to process data and identify clusters of tree trunks. By matching the center coordinates of trunk clusters with a fruit tree distribution map, the platform’s positional measurements are determined. An extended Kalman filter fusion algorithm is then employed to obtain a posterior estimate of the platform’s position and pose. Experimental results demonstrate that in localization accuracy tests and navigation tests, the proposed system provides high navigation accuracy and robustness, making it suitable for autonomous walking operations in orchard environments.

Cytotaxonomical remarks on Allium serbicum (Amaryllidaceae), a misappreciated species of the Balkan flora

Allium serbicum is a critical and unappreciated species described from Serbia (Balkan Peninsula), and usually treated as a synonym of A. pallens or A. tenuiflorum. Based on living and herbarium material it was possible to clarify its morphology, karyology, leaf anatomy, pollen grain and seed testa microsculpturing, ecology and chorology of this very peculiar and rare endemic species. It is diploid with 2n = 16 chromosomes, and seems taxonomically quite isolated, since it is morphologically well differentiated from the other species of A. sect. Codonoprasum, with very specialized ecological requirements, being a glareicolous plant localized exclusively on calcareous screes. In addition, a second-step lectotypification, a detailed description, a new iconography, distribution map and conservation status are also provided.

Two new species of the beaded lacewing genus Asadeteva (Neuroptera: Berothidae) from Thailand

Asadeteva U. Aspöck & H. Aspöck, 1981 (Neuroptera, Berothidae), has been traditionally considered a Palearctic faunal element. Asadeteva was originally described from Afghanistan and Pakistan, while recent report has extended its known range into the Oriental Region. Herein, we report two new species of Asadeteva from Thailand, namely Asadeteva christophi U. Aspöck & H. Aspöck sp. nov. and Asadeteva thailandica sp. nov. This discovery highlights the presence and diversity of this genus in the Oriental Region. A distribution map and a revised key to the species of Asadeteva are also provided.

Comparison of predicted and actual dermatitis generated from computed tomography images and dose distribution maps

Anticipating the onset, location and severity of radiation dermatitis before radiotherapy can aid in dermatological care. This study developed a method for creation of a prediction diagram for dermatitis and conducted a comparative verification between the prediction diagram and actual patient condition. The prediction diagram involved converting skin doses into 2 Gy fractionated equivalent doses using α/β of 10.0, defining regions of interest (ROIs) from 20-50 Gy at 10 Gy intervals. Overlaps between these ROIs at each dose level and the skin (external) was sequentially color-coded as blue, yellow, red, and purple. The study included four patients: two underwent head and neck treatment and two received neck and chest treatment. This approach involved a visual assessment comparing the prediction diagram with skin photographs captured at the end of treatment. Nurses marked skin sites corresponding to grades 1 and 2 on photographs, assessing their correlation with the predicted range. Visual assessment results were largely positive, although one patient exhibited slightly lower scores. Results revealed a correlation between grade 1 skin reactions and the 20 Gy regions. Grade 2 reactions were observed in regions near 30 and 40 Gy. Although discrepancies between prediction diagram and actual skin symptoms were observed in patients, a broad agreement was evident. The prediction diagram cannot accurately predict radiation dermatitis, as it does not account for skin symptoms unrelated to the dose. However, the diagram is significant as it provides physicians, nurses, and patients with concise and visually comprehensible information regarding the location of dermatitis.

Salvia gibbosa, S. gracilicaulis and S. ruizii (Lamiaceae), three new species from Peru

Peru is the second American country in terms of species richness of the genus Salvia but such diversity seems to be stabilized when compared with that in other American countries with continuous findings of new Salvia species. This is probably an artifact reflecting the need to intensify the study of the genus in the country and several taxonomic novelties are predicted. In fact, recent botanical explorations in northern Peru have led to the discovery of three new species unmatched with any of the known salvias, which are here consequently supported as new additions to the Peruvian Flora: Salvia gibbosa, S. gracilicaulis and S. ruizii. Descriptions, diagnostic characters, photographs and a distribution map are presented to support the proposal of these new species.

A New Timber Species of Amanoa (Phyllanthaceae; Phyllanthoideae) Endemic to Colombia’s Montane Forests and Critically Endangered, with an Updated Key for the Species of the Genus

Amanoa tolimensis, a critically endangered new timber tree species from Andean forests of Colombia is described, illustrated, and its distinctive morphological structures are displayed through a Lankester plate. A. tolimensis is recorded so far in montane forests over sandy-clay soils of “Bosque de Galilea” Regional Natural Park, an area located on the western flank of the eastern mountain range of Tolima department. This new species belongs to a small group within the genus characterized by the presence of an androphore, and presents morphological similarities with A. almenrindae. The latter, is a shrub to small tree from black water periodically flooded forests and savannas of Rio Negro basin of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. This new species is a tree 24 m tall, with branches and inflorescence lenticellate, with a ferruginuous tomentum, presenting differences in shape and size in leaves, petioles, pedicels, sepals, ovary, and the pistillate flowers are pedicellate. Additionally, habitat, phytogeographical information, a distribution map, and data about its conservation status are included. An updated identification key for the neotropical species of Amanoa is also provided. This new species represents the first report of this genus in Colombian Andes, and the first endemism of this genus for the country. Amanoa tolimensis is under pressure from logging in some areas of the park, and urgent protection of the species is needed.

Heavy metal(loid)s pollution in soils of a typical agricultural and rural area: Source apportionment and derived risk quantification.

In light of the pervasive contamination of soils with heavy metals (HMs) on a global scope, the precise identification and assessment of sources and areas of contamination are crucial for the effective management and utilization of land. This study combines several models to quantitatively apportion possible sources of HMs and environmental risks in agricultural and rural areas of Langfang City, Hebei Province. The findings indicate that the accumulation of HMs is influenced by human activities, with varying degrees of accumulation observed. The Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model identified five sources, with the order of magnitude of their contributions to the soil HMs content being as follows: coal combustion source (24.9%), industrial activities source (23.1%), agricultural activities source (19.2%), natural source (16.6%), and traffic emissions source (16.3%). The ecological risks present in the study area are not significant; however, the human health risks exceed the acceptable limits. The primary sources of pollution that pose a risk to human health are industrial, followed by natural source. As, Cr and Ni were responsible for the non-carcinogenic risk, while Cr was the dominant factor in the carcinogenic effect. The risk distribution map indicates that the areas exhibiting the highest risk are situated in the east-central region of the study area. This study had identified the priority control factors (including HMs, sources of pollution and high-risk areas) for the use and management of the land.

Spatiotemporal analysis of atmospheric methane concentrations and key influencing factors using machine learning in the Middle East (2010–2021)

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas that significantly impacts climate change due to its rising atmospheric concentrations. Hence, it is crucial to comprehend the spatial and temporal fluctuations in atmospheric CH4 concentration (XCH4) at both national and international levels. This study investigates the correlation between atmospheric XCH4 concentrations (XCH4) and key influencing factors to identify the primary sources and sinks of CH4 across the Middle East (ME). Initially, XCH4 data from the GOSAT satellite, covering the period from 2010 to 2021, were employed to generate spatiotemporal distribution maps of XCH4 across the ME region. Subsequently, the study investigated the single and simultaneous relationship between XCH4 and relevant environmental factors, such as vegetation, temperature, precipitation, and others, across different months using correlation analysis and the Permutation Feature Importance (PFI) method to identify the key factors influencing XCH4 variations. The results reveal significant spatial and temporal variations in XCH4 concentrations, with higher levels detected in the central and southern regions of the ME during the summer months. The results also highlight the presence of both peak positive and negative correlations with temperature and moisture during winter months. Additionally, both precipitation and vegetation demonstrated negative correlations with XCH4, especially during the winter and plant-growing seasons. According to the PFI results, temperature emerged as the most significant factor, accounting for over 40% of the variance in XCH4 concentrations during summer. At the same time, anthropogenic activities exerted minimal influence on these patterns. This comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis provides crucial insights into the variation of CH4 and its primary drivers in this climatically vulnerable region. Identifying emission patterns can support the development of targeted mitigation policies to curb the future rise of CH4.

Multivariate and Spatial Study and Monitoring Strategies of Groundwater Quality for Human Consumption in Corsica

Groundwater, widely used for supplying drinking water to populations, is a vital resource that must be managed sustainably, which requires a thorough understanding of its diverse physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics. This study, based on a 27-year extraction from the Sise-Eaux database (1993–2020), focused on the island of Corsica (72,000 km2), which is diverse in terms of altitude and slopes and features a strong lithological contrast between crystalline Corsica and metamorphic and sedimentary Corsica. Following logarithmic conditioning of the data (662 water catchments, 2830 samples, and 15 parameters) and distinguishing between spatial and spatiotemporal variances, a principal component analysis was conducted to achieve dimensionality reduction and to identify the processes driving water diversity. In addition, the spatial structure of the parameters was studied. The analysis notably distinguishes a seasonal determinism for bacterial contamination (rain, runoff, bacterial transport, and contamination of catchments) and a more strictly spatial determinism (geographic, lithological, and land use factors). The behavior of each parameter allowed for their classification into seven distinct groups based on their average coordinates on the factorial axes, accounting for 95% of the dataset’s total variance. Several strategies can be considered for the inventory and mapping of groundwater, namely, (1) establishing quality parameter distribution maps, (2) dimensionality reduction through principal component analysis followed by two sub-options: (2a) mapping factorial axes or (2b) establishing a typology of parameters based on their behavior and mapping a representative for each group. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these strategies are discussed.

Morpho-Phenological, Chemical, and Genetic Characterization of Italian Maize Landraces from the Lazio Region.

In the framework of a Collaboration Agreement between CREA and ARSIAL, a morpho-phenological, chemical, and genetic characterization of maize populations native to the Lazio region was carried out. During 2022 and 2023, a set of 50 accessions, belonging both to ARSIAL and CREA maize collections, were multiplied in Bergamo. Morpho-phenological descriptors were recorded in the field: plant height, ear height, and male and female flowering time. The grain chemical composition in terms of protein, lipid, starch, ash and fiber was evaluated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). A double-digest restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) strategy was used to genotype the landraces. The two collections were not significantly different in terms of grain chemical composition. On the other hand, the ARSIAL and CREA germplasm showed a different distribution in the three cluster-based population structure obtained by ddRADseq, which largely corresponded to the distribution map of their collection sites. The materials from the Lazio region maintained by ARSIAL and CREA were revealed to be different. The comparison between the two groups of landraces showed the importance of characterizing germplasm collections to promote the recovery and valorization of local biodiversity.

A taxonomic monograph of the Eurasian holoparasitic plant genus Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae)

A taxonomic monograph is presented for Lathraea L. (Orobanchaceae), a genus of holoparasitic plants distributed across Europe and Asia. Plants in this genus are characterised by their underground stems, achlorophyllous scales with internal gland-lined cavities, and, in some species, explosive seed dehiscence. Despite their conspicuousness, no taxonomic treatment of the genus has been written since 1930. Our work draws upon extensive international field data and a comprehensive survey of herbarium specimens. Detailed descriptions are provided for each species, along with full synonymy, distribution maps, and notes on habitat, host specificity, phenology, ecology, ethnobotany and threat risk. We present evidence to consolidate Lathraea into five species, resolving taxonomic confusion. The infrageneric classification is reviewed and a key to species is provided. Species are illustrated with photographs of living and dried material.