Early September Research Articles

Effects of tillage method and seeding rate of wheat pasture on forage production and calf performance

Our objectives were to determine the effects of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L . ) establishment method [conventional tillage (CT) vs. no-till (NT)] and seeding rate on forage and animal production. Pastures were planted in early September of each year with seeding rates (SR) of 67, 100, or 134 kg of wheat/ha. Steers (n = 144; BW = 235 ± 23.2 kg) were placed on wheat pasture for the fall and winter grazing season and were replaced by a new set of steers (n = 288, BW = 263 ± 19.1 kg) for spring grazeout. Forage was sampled monthly for forage production and nutritive quality determination. Increasing SR resulted in increased ( P ≤ 0.02) forage mass and forage allowance but tended ( P ≤ 0.08) to decrease CP and ME of wheat forage in the fall and winter. No-till tended ( P ≤ 0.09) to produce less forage mass during the fall and winter but tended ( P = 0.08) to increase forage mass in April. Increasing SR tended ( P = 0.09) to increase steer ADG during the fall and winter. Steer gains during the fall and winter were not affected ( P = 0.95) by tillage system and were improved ( P = 0.01) by NT in the spring. Increasing SR increased fall forage production in both CT and NT and tended to increase steer gains in the fall, without increasing total gain per hectare during the fall. No-till establishment methods have production advantages that will likely improve farm net returns.

Is Mythimna turca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) a migrant?

Migration of the Mythimna turca population was monitored using a searchlight trap on Beihuang island, providing direct evidence that M. turca migrates across the Bohai Strait. Migratory trajectories demonstrated that M. turca mainly moved northward in prevailing southerly winds from June to August and moved southward during spells of north-easterly winds during September. • The study showed that M. turca is a migratory insect. • M. turca migrated across the Bohai Sea in two distinct periods. • M. turca mainly moved northward in spring and summer and moved southward in autumn. The double line moth, Mythimna turca (Linnaeus, 1761) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important widely distributed insect species. Studies on the moth in European countries have focused on population monitoring and in China on taxonomy of Mythimna and distribution surveys of M. turca. However, whether M. turca is a migratory insect is unknown. Here, migration of the moth population was monitored using a searchlight trap from 2004 to 2020 on Beihuang island, Northern China, providing direct evidence that M. turca migrates across the Bohai Strait seasonally, in late May to early September. Population dynamics, ovarian development, wind direction and possible migration trajectories were also analyzed. Most moths migrated in June and at the end of August and the beginning of September, and a few migrated in May, July and October. The average duration of this windborne migratory period of M. turca was 93 d. Migratory trajectories demonstrated that M. turca mainly moved northward in spells of southerly winds from June to August and moved southward in spells of northerly winds during September. This new key information about the ecology of M. turca population will aid the formulation of M. turca management strategies.

Modelling SARS‐CoV‐2 disease progression in Australia and New Zealand: an account of an agent‐based approach to support public health decision‐making

ObjectiveIn 2020, we developed a public health decision‐support model for mitigating the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in Australia and New Zealand. Having demonstrated its capacity to describe disease progression patterns during both countries’ first waves of infections, we describe its utilisation in Victoria in underpinning the State Government's then ‘RoadMap to Reopening’. MethodsKey aspects of population demographics, disease, spatial and behavioural dynamics, as well as the mechanism, timing, and effect of non‐pharmaceutical public health policies responses on the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in both countries were represented in an agent‐based model. We considered scenarios related to the imposition and removal of non‐pharmaceutical interventions on the estimated progression of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. ResultsWave 1 results suggested elimination of community transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 was possible in both countries given sustained public adherence to social restrictions beyond 60 days’ duration. However, under scenarios of decaying adherence to restrictions, a second wave of infections (Wave 2) was predicted in Australia. In Victoria’s second wave, we estimated in early September 2020 that a rolling 14‐day average of <5 new cases per day was achievable on or around 26 October. Victoria recorded a 14‐day rolling average of 4.6 cases per day on 25 October. ConclusionsElimination of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission represented in faithfully constructed agent‐based models can be replicated in the real world. Implications for public healthAgent‐based public health policy models can be helpful to support decision‐making in novel and complex unfolding public health crises.

METHODS AND PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF APPLICATION OF REMOTE SENSING FOR MONITORING OF EUTROPHICATION OF RESERVOIR (ON THE EXAMPLE OF TURKISH LAKE)

The article considers theoretical, methodological and practical aspects of the study of eutrophication of water bodies using remote sensing. Factors influencing eutrophication of reservoirs, possibilities of their geoecological monitoring with the use of remote sensing are analyzed. Over a long period of time, slowly and evolutionarily, lakes naturally change their state from oligotrophic to eutrophic and even dystrophic. However, in the XX century accelerated anthropogenic eutrophication of many lakes, other bodies of water and watercourses around the world. The main reason for this was the increased use of nitrogen fertilizers and the discharge of municipal wastewater containing phosphates from household synthetic detergents. To estimate the intensity of eutrophication processes in Turske Lake, we used remote sensing data, in particular, the vegetation index NDVI. The method of estimating the intensity of eutrophication processes in Turske Lake on the basis of remote sensing is as follows: using the EO-browser resource sentinel-hub.com was selected satellite images Landsat-8-9 L2 for the period from 1.05 to 1.10.2017-2021. The images were then analyzed to establish relationships and relationships between NDVI index values, temperature, NDVI index dynamics during the warm season, year, 5-year period, and the influence of other factors on the eutrophication process. The following regularity of intra-annual dynamics of the NDVI index has been established: in May eutrophication is practically absent, in June NDVI indicators increase, some parts of the lake surface with positive NDVI values ​​appear. In July, NDVI values ​​continue to rise. NDVI peaks in August or early September. In some years, abnormally high NDVI values ​​are recorded at this time. Starting from the second half of September, the values ​​of the index decrease, the reservoir is released from algae, they die, settle to the bottom and form an organic component of sapropel. Although in some years, even in late September, there are still some islands of high eutrophication of the lake, especially near the northern and eastern shores. Analysis of the long-term dynamics (2017-21) of eutrophication of the lake did not reveal a clear tendency to increase over time. NDVI indicators were the lowest in 2019, and the maximum values ​​were acquired in 2017 and 2021. The density of the relationship between weighted temperature values ​​and NDVI was analyzed. The correlation coefficient is 0.88. This is a fairly high level of correlation. In addition to temperature, the intensity of eutrophication of the lake is also influenced by nitrogen-containing and phosphorus-containing compounds that enter the reservoir with runoff from agricultural lands, farms and residential areas. Global climate change is also having a negative impact. A set of measures to reduce eutrophication and improve the hydroelectric condition of Turske Lake is proposed, which includes the following measures: reducing the supply of nutrients to the reservoir, compliance with the use of water protection zones, mechanical removal of plants from the lake and reclamation canals, environmental awareness and awareness the state of the reclamation network, compliance with regulations for its use, adaptation to global climate change.&#x0D; Key words: lake, eutrophication of the lake, research of eutrophication of reservoirs using methods of remote sensing, measures to reduce eutrophication and improve the current hydroecological condition of the Turske Lake.

Microclimatic conditions drive summer flight phenology of Platypus cylindrus in managed cork oak stands

AbstractThe oak pinhole borer, Platypus cylindrus F., mainly colonizes oaks (Quercus sp.), and it is considered among the most serious pests of cork oak (Quercus suber L.). Despite being traditionally considered as a secondary pest in thermophilic oak woodlands, outbreaks seem to be more frequent throughout the Mediterranean Basin thus becoming a growing forest health concern. In the Iberian Peninsula, this insect mainly attacks cork oaks (Q. suber) causing intense stress to mature trees specially after cork harvesting season. In this study, we investigated the summer flight phenology of P. cylindrus in six stands located in north‐eastern Spain. We recorded the number of insects trapped in pheromone‐baited traps from late April to early September of 2021, and computed sex ratio, average date of flight and season flight curve in each plot. We fitted a GAM model to evaluate how population dynamics are driven by date and climatic factors. A total of 1795 insects were collected during the sampling period. Population peaks occurred from late May to mid‐August. The fitted GAM predicted changes in the number of captures throughout the summer varying with microclimatic conditions. In addition, diversity of trapped non‐target Curculionidae resulted moderate with low evenness including either ambrosia or bark beetles. This study represents the first attempt at modelling P. cylindrus flight, thus providing insights into the association between climate, pests and forestry.

Early Withdrawal of Pandemic Unemployment Insurance: Effects on Employment and Earnings

We examine the effects of the sudden withdrawal of expanded pandemic unemployment benefits in June 2021 using anonymized bank transaction data for 16,253 individuals receiving unemployment insurance (UI) in April 2021. Comparing the difference-in-differences between states withdrawing and retaining expanded UI, we find that UI receipt falls 36.3 p.p., while employment rises by only 6.8 p.p. by early September. Average cumulative UI benefits fall by $2,529, while average cumulative earnings increase by only $292. Heterogeneity by unemployment duration implies that these effects are primarily driven by extensive margin expiration of benefits rather than by intensive margin reductions in the benefit level.

Interactions Between Ocean and Successive Typhoons in the Kuroshio Region in 2018 in Atmosphere–Ocean Coupled Model Simulations

AbstractTyphoons decrease sea surface temperature (SST) along their wakes through upwelling of subsurface water, vertical mixing in the upper ocean, and heat release from the sea surface, and these cold wakes can influence subsequent typhoons. In this study, we investigated interactions between the upper ocean and typhoons in the North Pacific subtropical gyre with focuses on Kuroshio's response and feedback using atmosphere–ocean coupled model simulations. In late August and early September 2018, typhoons SOULIK, CIMARON, and JEBI passed through the northwestern subtropical gyre. During the passages of SOULIK and CIMARON, SST decreased along their paths due to vertical mixing except in the Kuroshio region. We quantitatively revealed that the Kuroshio stayed warm because the deep mixed layer along its path and small vertical temperature gradient around the mixed layer base, which are unfavorable conditions for cooling by vertical mixing, limited the cooling effects. After SOULIK and CIMARON had passed, SST recovered through horizontal Kuroshio heat transport and radiative heating. The possibility that the SST field after SOULIK and CIMARON passages influences JEBI was also discussed. Although impacts on JEBI intensity were not identified, it is implied that the turbulent heat flux (THF; sum of the sensible and latent heat fluxes) around JEBI was modulated by the SST field: heat release from the ocean was reduced in the region with decreased SST and enhanced over the sustained high SST of the Kuroshio. Furthermore, the large THF over the Kuroshio may have caused an increase of JEBI‐associated precipitation around Japan.

KREATIVITAS PESERTA DIDIK PADA MASA PEMBELAJARAN TATAP MUKA TERBATAS MELALUI MADING DI SMAN 1 XIII KOTO KAMPAR

Mading school is one of the simple media that can be used by school residents as a means of information, entertainment media, increase social insight, and develop creativity. This study aims to describe the creativity of students of SMAN 1 XIII Koto Kampar in filling out the mading in limited face-to-face learning starting in early September 2021. The method used in this study is a descriptive method with a qualitative approach and data collection through interviews and direct observation. The results of this study indicate that the creativity of students in producing wall magazines in limited face-to-face learning is very good and interesting. Mading is very effective in developing the creativity of students.

Varietal Characteristics of Jerusalem Artichoke as a High Nutritional Value Crop for Herbivorous Animal Husbandry

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is considered to be one of the most promising multipurpose bioenergetic crops. The goal of this study was to carry out laboratory and field research regarding the tops and tubers of 16 Jerusalem artichoke (JA) cultivars grown on sod-podzolic sandy loam soils, taking into account varietal characteristics in order to point out advances in JA potential as alternative feedstock in herbivorous animal husbandry. The height of JA plants produced was from 147 to 280 cm. Having formed by the beginning of September, the size of the assimilating leaf apparatus surface was 0.41 to 2.31 m2/plant. In early September, the productivity of JA green mass amounted to 23.6 to 86.0 t/ha for late-maturing cultivars on average; correspondingly, this was 13.0 to 25.4 t/ha for early-maturing cultivars. At the end of October, the “late” cultivars produced 28.2 to 86.9 t/ha of green mass; on the contrary, the herbage of the “early” ones mostly withered and even dried up. The highest gross yield of tubers in early September was obtained from cultivars Diyeticheskiy (43.5 t/ha) and Nadezhda (40.8 t/ha). The average yield of early-maturing cultivars was 13.4 … 43.5 t/ha; as for “late” ones, it was reported to be 6.0 … 35.9 t/ha. In the third ten-day period of October, tubers of all cultivars gained weight significantly: the average yield of early-maturing cultivar tubers increased up to 33.1 …51.1 t/ha, whereas the average tuber yields of “late” cultivars were 14.4 … 43.9 t/ha. On average, the distribution of dry matter content in JA was 28.8 to 29.8% in aboveground biomass and in tubers, 23.8 to 24.0%. According to the chemical composition, cellulose (10.9 to 13.1%) and sugars (4.0 to 4.2%) could be noted to predominate in the green mass, but tubers were high in sugars (16.9 to 17.6%). The analyses on the trace elements (Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Si and Zn) showed that crop green mass contained more Mg (45 to 72 mg/100 g) and Mn (44 to 65 mg/100 g), but for JA tubers, late-maturing cultivars were rich in Si (27.2 to 79.0 mg/100 g) and early-maturing cultivars were mainly high in Zn (32.8 to 46.5 mg/100 g). The highest total coefficient of energy efficiency was displayed by the following cultivars: Novost VIRa (3.09); Tadzhikskiy (2.78); Spindle (2.68); Korenevskiy (2.43); Interes (2.10); and Skorospelka (1.98). In this respect, Jerusalem artichoke certainly has potential as a forage crop that can reach high yields with low external inputs. The data obtained may be useful for farmers who want to adapt and produce this useful and essential crop for the sustainability of feed production.

Study on the Dehydration Characteristics of Spring Maize after Physiological Maturity and the Suitable Period of Mechanical Grain Harvest

The high moisture content of seeds during harvesting results in a large amount of grain that breaks during mechanical harvesting, which becomes a key problem that hampers the promotion of mechanical grain harvesting technology. Maize in southern Xinjiang physiologically matures from early September to early October. In this study, 52 varieties of maize at different maturity stages were studied in 2019-2020 and were categorized in the order of physiological maturity time: early September (PD1), mid-September (PD2), late September (PD3), and early October (PD4). The goal of this study was to analyze the differences in content of kernel moisture at physiological maturity and the rate of dehydration after physiological maturity of varieties at different stages of maturity, so as to determine the suitable period for mechanical grain harvesting of maize at different stages of maturity. The results showed that the content of seed moisture at different maturity stages varied in a two-stage linear model, with periods of fast and slow dehydration. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the content of seed moisture at different stages of physiological maturity did not differ significantly ( P &gt; 0.05 ).

Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 mutational profiles at a university and its surrounding community reveals a 20G outbreak on campus.

Wastewater surveillance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been leveraged during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a public health tool at the community and building level. In this study, we compare the sequence diversity of SARS-CoV-2 amplified from wastewater influent to the Columbia, South Carolina, metropolitan wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and the University of South Carolina campus during September 2020, which represents the peak of COVID-19 cases at the university during 2020. A total of 92 unique mutations were detected across all WWTP influent and campus samples, with the highest frequency mutations corresponding to the SARS-CoV-2 20C and 20G clades. Signature mutations for the 20G clade dominated SARS-CoV-2 sequences amplified from localized wastewater samples collected at the University of South Carolina, suggesting that the peak in COVID-19 cases during early September 2020 was caused by an outbreak of the 20G lineage. Thirteen mutations were shared between the university building-level wastewater samples and the WWTP influent collected in September 2020, 62% of which were nonsynonymous substitutions. Co-occurrence of mutations was used as a similarity metric to compare wastewater samples. Three pairs of mutations co-occurred in university wastewater and WWTP influent during September 2020. Thirty percent of the detected mutations, including 12 pairs of concurrent mutations, were only detected in university samples. This report affirms the close relationship between the prevalent SARS-CoV-2 genotypes of the student population at a university campus and those of the surrounding community. However, this study also suggests that wastewater surveillance at the building-level at a university offers important insight by capturing sequence diversity that was not apparent in the WWTP influent, thus offering a balance between the community-level wastewater and clinical sequencing.

Seasonal Flight Activity of Atylotus duplex (Walker), Atylotus thoracicus (Hine), and Stonemyia rasa (Loew) (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Connecticut, with Floral Hosts of Stonemyia Species in New England

Adults intercepted by Malaise traps of the Gressitt and Gressitt style were used to determine the seasonal flight activity of Atylotus duplex, A. thoracicus, and Stonemyia rasa at three sites in Connecticut over one or two years. In Guilford, adults of A. duplex entered two traps placed between an apple orchard and a mesic forest during four weeks in July 1996 and in four between late June and late July 1997. In an acidic bog in Norfolk, adults of A. thoracicus flew into a trap over five weeks between mid-July and mid-August 2011. Stonemyia rasa entered two traps in Guilford over four weeks between mid-August and early September 1996 and between late August and mid-September 1997. In Meriden, S. rasa was captured in two traps between an apple orchard and a field with scattered woody vegetation between late July and early September 1996. A significant female bias occurred in trap samples of A. duplex from Guilford in 1997 and of S. rasa from Guilford and Meriden in 1996. Flight periods in Connecticut are compared with others reported for northern areas. In New England, adults of Stonemyia rasa visited flowers of six plant species (four new floral hosts) in five families, and those of S. tranquilla were on seven species (six new) in six families. The most important results of this study were the first systematic sampling of A. duplex and S. rasa, the first state records of A. duplex, and the discovery of many new floral hosts for S. rasa and S. tranquilla. New information on flight periods of A. duplex and S. rasa was the direct result of examining the bycatch of traps operated for other purposes.

Evaluation of the rapid, multi-country, parallel process, multi-tasking approach to startup of short-term technical assistance to improve service delivery in newborn and child health in the context of USAID's Zika response in four Eastern and Southern Caribbean countries.

Background: In 2018, the USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project started a new partnership with four Eastern and Southern Caribbean countries impacted by the Zika virus: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The goal of the project was to provide short-term technical assistance (STTA) to strengthen the health systems' capacity to detect newborns and young children potentially affected by Zika and to address their health needs. To meet these objectives, ASSIST developed an innovative approach based on its existing model for service delivery improvement. This novel approach is known as Rapid, Multi-country, Parallel Process, Multi-tasking Approach for a Project Startup (RMPP-MAPS). An evaluation was conducted to document the STTA startup activities, to identify enabling and constraining factors, and to capture lessons learned. Methods: An external consultant conducted remote in-depth interviews with individuals involved in the startup using semi-structured interview guides and retrieved data from the review of project documents. Results: Using RMPP-MAPS, the ASSIST Project successfully implemented the startup for complex STTA in four countries within less than four months, spanning mid-May to early September 2018. Project milestones included achieving buy-in from stakeholders, co-developing the technical scope and materials, and rapidly executing critical operational functions. Dedicated project teams, country leaderships, and local champions were essential to overcoming the main challenges, which included a condensed timeframe, lack of in-country offices, and country-level factors such as a shortage of health care workers and a weak health infrastructure. Conclusions: The RMPP-MAPS is a feasible and resource-efficient mechanism of interest to implementers, donors, and low and middle-income countries facing temporal and financial limitations to rapidly addressing public health priorities.

Burseraceae in Kuala Keniam and Surrounding Area at Taman Negara Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract A preliminary survey on Burseraceae diversity was conducted in Kuala Keniam and surrounding area at Taman Negara Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. The data from recent scientific expedition in early September 2020 were compiled with the previous collections lodged in the Herbarium of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKMB), Herbarium of Forest Research Institute Malaysia (KEP), Herbarium of University of Malaya (KLU) and Herbarium of Singapore Botanic Gardens (SING). A total of 19 taxa of Burseraceae from five genera were listed in this area. Santiria and Dacryodes represented the highest species with six (6) taxa each followed by Canarium with five (5) species. The common species that we have counted around Kuala Keniam are Canarium littorale and Dacryodes rostrata. From the flora survey, we counted Canarium littorale, C. pilosum, D. costata, D. rostrata, D. rugosa, Santiria griffithii, S. laevigata and Triomma malaccensis. Meanwhile, in the plot study, we counted Canarium littorale, C. pilosum, Dacryodes rostrata, D. rugosa, Santiria laevigata, S. tomentosa and Scutinanthe brunnea.

Development of the cherry leaf spot epidemics in different regions of Bulgaria

A 2-year research on the epidemics of the cherry leaf spot (CLS) was conducted in unsprayed cherry orchards at two locations in Bulgaria (Krichim and Gabarevo). The primary infections for both years at Gabarevo happened in mid-May during fruit development. In Krichim during 2018 the first symptoms of the disease appeared in early June (fruit ripening), while in 2019 they became evident in the second half of May (fruit development). In both locations and years, the period of a rapid increase in the CLS incidence and defoliation was from mid-June till late July. The maximum of the disease incidence and defoliation was observed in early September. More seasonal rather than regional trend in the disease dynamics was observed. In 2018 the orchards in both locations exhibited delayed the CLS progression compared to 2019 due to the relatively dry conditions in April and May. The higher disease incidence and defoliation in 2019 could be assigned to the high infection background and weather conditions in the beginning of the growing season.

Temporal Dynamics and Severity of Cucurbit Downy Mildew Epidemics as Affected by Chemical Control and Cucurbit Host Type.

Cucurbit downy mildew caused by the oomycete Pseudoperonospora cubensis is an important disease that affects members of Cucurbitaceae family globally. However, temporal dynamics of the disease have not been characterized at the field scale to understand how control strategies influence disease epidemics. Disease severity was assessed visually on cucumber and summer squash treated with weekly alternation of chlorothalonil with cymoxanil, fluopicolide, or propamocarb during the 2018 spring season and 2019 and 2020 fall seasons in North Carolina and the 2018 and 2020 fall seasons in South Carolina. Disease onset was observed around mid-June during the spring season and early September during the fall season, followed by a rapid increase in severity until mid-July in the spring season and late September or mid-October in the fall season, typical of polycyclic epidemics. The Gompertz, logistic, and monomolecular growth models were fitted to disease severity using linear regression and parameter estimates to compare the effects of fungicide treatment and cucurbit host type on disease progress. The Gompertz and logistic models were more appropriate than the monomolecular model in describing temporal dynamics of cucurbit downy mildew, with the Gompertz model providing the best description for 34 of the 44 epidemics examined. Fungicide treatment and host type significantly (P < 0.0001) affected the standardized area under disease progress curve (sAUDPC), final disease severity (Final DS), and weighted mean absolute rates of disease progress (ρ), with these variables, in most cases, being significantly (P < 0.05) lower in fungicide-treated plots than in untreated control plots. Except in a few cases, sAUDPC, Final DS, and ρ were lower in cases where chlorothalonil was alternated with fluopicolide or propamocarb than in cases where chlorothalonil was alternated with cymoxanil or when chlorothalonil was applied alone. These results characterized the temporal progress of cucurbit downy mildew and provided an improved understanding of the dynamics of the disease at the field level. Parameters of disease progress obtained from this study could serve as inputs in simulation studies to assess the efficacy of fungicide alternation in managing fungicide resistance in this pathosystem.

INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPOSITAE – 3

INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPOSITAE – 3

Weddell Sea polynya analysis using SMOS–SMAP apparent sea ice thickness retrieval

Abstract. The Weddell Sea is known to feature large openings in its winter sea ice field, otherwise known as open-ocean polynyas. An area within the Weddell Sea region that has repeatedly featured open-ocean polynyas in the past is that which encompasses the Maud Rise seamount. Within this area, after 40 years of intermittent, smaller openings, a larger, more persistent polynya appeared in early September 2017​​​​​​​ and remained open for approximately 80 d until spring ice melt. In this study we present proof that polynya-favorable activity in the Maud Rise area is taking place more frequently and on a larger scale than previously assumed. By investigating thin (&lt; 50 cm) apparent sea ice thickness (ASIT) retrieved from the satellite microwave sensors Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) and Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP), we find an anomaly of thin sea ice spanning an area comparable to the polynya of 2017 over Maud Rise which occurred in September 2018. In this paper, we look at sea ice above Maud Rise in August and September of 2017 and 2018 as well as all years from 2010 until 2020 in an 11-year time series. Using fifth-generation ECMWF Reanalysis (ERA5) surface wind reanalysis data, we corroborate previous findings (e.g., Campbell et al., 2019; Francis et al., 2019; Wilson et al., 2019) on the strong impact that storm activity can have on sea ice above Maud Rise and help consolidate the theory that the evolution of the Weddell Sea polynya is controlled by local atmospheric as well as oceanographic variability. Based on the results presented, we propose that the Weddell Sea polynya, rather than being a binary phenomenon with one principal cause, is a dynamic process caused by various different preconditioning factors that must occur simultaneously for it to appear and persist. Moreover, we show that rather than an abrupt stop to anomalous activity above Maud Rise in 2017, the very next year shows signs of polynya-favorable activity that, although insufficient to open the polynya, were present in the region. This phenomenon, as we have shown in the 11-year SMOS record, was not unique to 2018 and was also identified in 2010, 2013 and 2014. It is demonstrated that L-band microwave radiometry from the SMOS and SMAP satellites can provide additional useful information, which helps to better understand dynamic sea ice processes like polynya events when compared to the use of satellite sea ice concentration products alone.

High individual repeatability of the migratory behaviour of a long-distance migratory seabird

BackgroundUnderstanding the evolution of migration requires knowledge of the patterns, sources, and consequences of variation in migratory behaviour, a need exacerbated by the fact that many migratory species show rapid population declines and require knowledge-based conservation measures. We therefore need detailed knowledge on the spatial and temporal distribution of individuals across their annual cycle, and quantify how the spatial and temporal components of migratory behaviour vary within and among individuals.MethodsWe tracked 138 migratory journeys undertaken by 64 adult common terns (Sterna hirundo) from a breeding colony in northwest Germany to identify the annual spatiotemporal distribution of these birds and to evaluate the individual repeatability of eleven traits describing their migratory behaviour.ResultsBirds left the breeding colony early September, then moved south along the East Atlantic Flyway. Wintering areas were reached mid-September and located at the west and south coasts of West Africa as well as the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. Birds left their wintering areas late March and reached the breeding colony mid-April. The timing, total duration and total distance of migration, as well as the location of individual wintering areas, were moderately to highly repeatable within individuals (repeatability indexes: 0.36–0.75, 0.65–0.66, 0.93–0.94, and 0.98–1.00, respectively), and repeatability estimates were not strongly affected by population-level inter-annual variation in migratory behaviour.ConclusionsWe found large between-individual variation in common tern annual spatiotemporal distribution and strong individual repeatability of several aspects of their migratory behaviour.

Offline Learning Readiness during COVID-19 Pandemic: Indonesian’ Parent Knowledge, Belief, and Attitude

BACKGROUND: Indonesian Government advised to begin to open the school for offline learning with strict COVID-19 prevention protocol in early September 2021. However, this policy may cause parents to feel anxious and concerned about their children’s health during face-to-face learning. The previous research has focused on parents’ perspectives and readiness toward their children’s digital use in general, leaving their beliefs, attitudes, and readiness concerning offline learning in the COVID-19 pandemic unexplored. AIM: This study aimed to identify knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward children’s offline learning among parents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data using Survey Monkey. The sample in this study was parents who had children aged 6–12-years-old and willing to participate in this study. A linear regression model was employed to find readiness-related factors. RESULTS: A total of 800 (response rate was 80%) participants participated in the study. The average age was 34 (SD = 12.3), 60% were female and 54% worked in the public sector. Participants had an average knowledge score of 10.3 (SD = 3.27, with a range of 0–13), parental attitudes concerning the advantages and disadvantages of offline schooling versus online learning were 3.88 (SD = 0.12), the belief was 3.78 (SD = 0.89), and the readiness score was 3.45 (SD = 0.89). Attitude (β _= 3.04 and p = 0.001) and belief (β _= 2.89 and p = 0.001) were the factors associated with readiness to offline learning outbreak COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the implementation of offline learning during the pandemic has been a positive response by families. Individuals may also benefit from targeted health education programs to strengthen COVID-19 knowledge, belief, and preparation for offline learning during pandemic COVID-19.