Future Management Measures Research Articles

Modelling the impacts of climate change and management options on sustainable groundwater use in an irrigated agriculture landscape

Declining groundwater resources are a big concern for irrigated agriculture worldwide. This study investigated the causes of declining groundwater and how future climate and management measures impact the groundwater resource in Bangladesh. A conceptual hydrological model (NAM) was used to quantify catchment runoff, groundwater recharge and evapotranspiration loss and a hydraulic model (MIKE11) was used to quantify changes in river flow. The models were calibrated using observed water level, discharge, groundwater level (GWL) and actual evapotranspiration (ET). The modelling encompassed five contrasting climate scenarios of rainfall and potential evapotranspiration (PET) and a management scenario of additional surface water irrigation. The results show that GWL is declining across 16 administrative districts in the northwest region of Bangladesh. On average, the annual decline varies from 20 to 30 mm except for two southern districts where the annual decline was more than 80 mm. Declining rainfall and increasing use of groundwater for irrigation were the principal causes of declining GWL across the region. Under the climate change scenarios, modelled groundwater conditions improve due to increased rainfall. The increase in river water extraction for irrigation also produced positive outcomes for GWL (i.e., lessening the declining rate).

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors.

As a novel antineoplastic drug, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with a spectrum of autoimmune-related side effects, including acute kidney injury (AKI). Understanding the risk factors for immune-associated acute kidney injury will inform future symptom management measures to reduce this risk. This study aims to identify the risk factors for ICIs-AKI in cancer patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The systematic search was conducted in The Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and VIP Database. The related studies published since the establishment of the database to Aug 22, 2022, were screened, data was extracted following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the quality of the selected studies was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The above was performed independently by the two reviewers. The estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs) for risk factors of developing ICIs-AKI were conducted by random-effects meta-analysis. A total of 8 publications, including 5267 patients, were included. Meta-analysis results showed that extrarenal immune-related adverse events (irAEs), therapy with the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), male, hypertension, pre-existent use of a diuretic, and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) were significantly correlated to ICIs-AKI. We identified extrarenal irAEs, CTLA-4 treatments, males, hypertension, previous use of diuretics, and PPIs are essential predictors of ICIs-AKI. These findings are helpful for healthcare providers to monitor ICIs-AKI for management and timely interventions.

Population distribution, aggregation sites and seasonal occurrence of Australia’s western population of the grey nurse shark Carcharias taurus

Western Australia (WA) is host to a genetically discrete population of grey nurse sharks Carcharias taurus, listed by the IUCN as Near Threatened based on mean annual catch rates prior to protection within Australian waters in 1997. Only one small aggregation has been documented in WA to date with little data available on population dynamics, or spatial and temporal distribution along the WA coastline. We analysed C. taurus data from 16 years (2006-2021) of diver observations (2347 sightings) and commercial fisheries bycatch records (574 sharks), finding evidence of 4 new aggregation sites. Sightings at Shark Cave, a popular dive site near Perth, were related to water temperature and time of year (non-linear), with sightings per unit effort generally higher during the warmer months of summer and autumn (20-22°C). Evidence of fishing injuries was found on 17% of all C. taurus photo-tagged at Shark Cave. Strong site philopatry was apparent at most sites, and included a male shark that returned for 12 consecutive years to the Exmouth Navy Pier. This study confirms the range of Australia’s western population of C. taurus from near the South Australia/WA border, north to Shark Bay, with distribution extending further north along the coast when sea temperatures are lower (May-December). The beneficial role of citizen science in large observation studies such as this one is supported. However, while this research greatly increases the C. taurus knowledge base in WA, a large information deficit still exists. The identification and assessment of further aggregation sites is recommended, underpinning future management and protection measures for this iconic species.

Variation of Cones Production in a Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Clonal Seed Orchard

The current study is the first to describe fertility dynamics in a Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) seed orchard and among the few reporting related information from a mature seed orchard. The research aim was to evaluate the female cone production in order to provide support to future management measures. Observations were conducted in a clonal seed orchard from the Eastern Carpathians over six years; all the ramets of 44 clones and the zero-inflated data were analyzed with generalized lineal mixed effects models in a Bayesian framework. The results indicated a higher influence of the year and probably of the sensitivity to climate, and less variability between clones, in both the Poisson and zero-inflated components of cones production. The repeatability of mean annual clone production suggests moderate continuity of cone crops in the production rank of individual clones, while the estimates of heritability were under a moderate genetic control. The values of heritability were influenced by the reporting scale (latent vs. original data scale); therefore, caution in the analysis of non-Gaussian data and in comparisons of heritability between seed orchards is required. The variation of the female cone production was higher than expected for a seed orchard, but with marked variation across years, similar to other related indicators, patterns specific to mature, and productive commercial seed orchards. Several management options to be applied in the future were also discussed.

Social Structure and Temporal Distribution of Tursiops truncatus in the Gulf of Taranto (Central Mediterranean Sea)

This study aims to provide information on the site fidelity, residency patterns and the social structures of bottlenose dolphins occurring in the Gulf of Taranto in order to supply effective indications supporting the future management and conservation measures of the species. Out of 141 photo-identified individuals about 76% were re-sighted from 2 up to 31 times. The site fidelity analysis of photo-identified individuals highlighted the occurrence of 20 seasonal residents, 62 visitors and 59 transient individuals that were included in a local population in which emigration and reimmigration events occurred, as suggested by the residency-pattern analysis. The association pattern, performed using SOCPROG 2.9, highlighted a relatively low mean value of the overall half-weight association index (0.11 ± 0.04). However, the test for the null hypothesis of ‘random association’ was rejected and the temporal analysis made with SLAR suggested the presence of both extremely fluid and stable associations between individuals, describing a fission fusion social structure with a certain degree of social organization. Moreover, the cluster and social network analysis showed two geographically and socially segregated units. Thus, more investigations are needed and the development of a specific conservation plan for bottlenose dolphins in the whole area is required.

Detecting Key Factors of Grasshopper Occurrence in Typical Steppe and Meadow Steppe by Integrating Machine Learning Model and Remote Sensing Data.

Simple SummaryGrasshoppers are among the most dangerous agricultural pests of China. However, the monitoring, prediction and control of grasshoppers are complex and difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to detect the key factors affecting the spatial distribution of grasshopper occurrence, understand the role of the environmental factors in grasshopper occurrence, and study whether different laws exist between different grass types. Here we conduct a species–environmental matching model integrated by Maxent model and remote sensing data to identify the spatial distribution of grasshopper occurrence in Inner Mongolia of China, analyze the related environmental variables and detect the most relevant environmental factors for grasshopper occurrence both in typical steppe and meadow steppe.Grasshoppers mainly threaten natural grassland vegetation and crops. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand the relationship between environmental factors and grasshopper occurrence. This paper studies the spatial distribution and key factors of grasshopper occurrence in two grass types by integrating a machine learning model (Maxent) and remote sensing data within the major grasshopper occurrence areas of Inner Mongolia, China. The modelling results demonstrate that the typical steppe has larger suitable area and more proportion for grasshopper living than meadow steppe. The soil type, above biomass, altitude and temperature mainly determine the grasshopper occurrence in typical steppe and meadow steppe. However, the contribution of these factors in the two grass types is significantly different. In addition, related vegetation and meteorological factors affect the different growing stages of grasshoppers between the two grass types. This study clearly defines the different effects of key environmental factors (meteorology, vegetation, soil and topography) for grasshopper occurrence in typical steppe and meadow steppe. It also provides a methodology to guide early warning and precautions for grasshopper pest prevention. The findings of this study will be helpful for future management measures, to ensure grass ecological environment security and the sustainable development of grassland.

Variations of rhizosphere and bulk soil microbial community in successive planting of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata).

Successive planting and monoculture, as common forest management methods, are widely used globally, especially in Chinese fir plantations in the subtropical areas of southern China. Although soil fertility depletion and productivity decline caused by successive planting have been widely reported, the underlying mechanism is still ambiguous. In this study, the composition and diversity of soil microorganisms (rhizosphere and bulk soils) in Chinese fir seedlings exposed to successive planting soils (first-generation Chinese fir seedings, FCP. second-generation Chinese fir seedings, SCP. third-generation Chinese fir seedings, TCP) and broadleaf tree species soil (Phoebe zhennan S. Lee et F. N. Wei, CK) were examined with high-throughput sequencing technology. Our findings revealed that the diversity and richness of bacterial and fungal communities were remarkably reduced in TCP than FCP and SCP, and were remarkably different between FCP and SCP. At the phylum level, the fungi with greatest relative abundance were Basidiomycota (5.74–32.88%) and Ascomycota (57.63–87.38%), while the bacteria with the greatest relative abundance were Acidobacteria (23.16–31.17%) and Proteobacteria (24.71–29.32%) for all treatments in both soil types. Additionally, the relative abundance of some pathogens (Penicillium and Burkholderia) was significantly higher in TCP than in FCP and SCP, suggesting that the presence of pathogens is an important factor in increasing the incidence of soil-borne sickness. Moreover, changes in fungal and bacterial communities were predominantly driven by soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC), DOC/DON ratio (DOCN), NO3–-N, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and MBC/MBN ratio (MBCN). Overall, the long-term monoculture of Chinese fir promotes the microecological imbalance of rhizosphere and bulk soil, and remarkably reduced soil microbial community diversity. These results can provide a scientific support for the implementation of future management measures for fir plantations (e.g., fertilization, addition of microbial fungicides, and construction of mixed forests).

Estimation of potential soil erosion reduction using GIS-based RUSLE under different land cover management models: A case study of Pale Municipality, B&H

Spatial assessment of soil erosion is an important indicator of ecological soil change and global environmental changes. This is especially true for countries with rich forest cover such as Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this study, the risk of soil erosion was assessed using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and the impact of changes in the forest ecosystem, current conditions were compared with possible future forest management scenarios, and measures and solutions were proposed to reduce soil erodibility in vulnerable areas of the Pale Municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The studied area is at increased risk of soil erosion due to natural conditions (mountain relief, climate change, and the frequency of extreme climatic events—drought and heavy rains, which occur more and more frequently in a short period of time) and due to anthropogenic factors, such as large-scale deforestation and conversion of mountain areas for tourism purposes, tracing and construction of ski slopes and ski resorts in general, and expansion of settlements. All this leads to threats to water conservation areas, landslides, floods, forest fires, and additional reduction of forest areas due to drying of forests and expansion of settlements. GIS as a tool provides us with a quick and accurate way to find possible solutions to problems resulting from the intensive use and inadequate monitoring. In this study, we have tried to offer possible solutions and show the benefits that can be obtained by varying the factors that affect soil erodibility and depend on vegetation cover, that is, land use (C-factor). This study presents the application of RUSLE methods in combination with GIS for the purpose of planning economic activities, such as winter tourism development in the community of Pale. An increase in soil loss due to inappropriate land use was found, with the average annual soil loss due to deforestation in the ski area increasing to 909.43 t ha−1 year−1.

Using Remote Sensing Data and Species–Environmental Matching Model to Predict the Potential Distribution of Grassland Rodents in the Northern China

An increase in grassland rodent pests in China has seriously affected grassland ecological environments and the development of husbandry. Here, we used remote sensing data and a species–environmental matching model to predict the potential spatial distribution of the five major rodent pest species (Microtus, Citellus, Myospalax, Meriones, Ochotona) in northern China, and examined how the predicted suitability of the area depends on environmental variables. The results were consistent and significant, better than random, and close to optimal. Meriones and Microtus had the largest areas of High Suitability and Moderate Suitability with regard to environmental conditions. The combination analysis of areas of Moderate Suitability and High Suitability showed that for 66% of the total area, conditions were suitable for just one rodent species, while conditions suitable for two and three kinds of rodents accounted for 31% and 3%, respectively. Altitude, land surface temperature in winter (November, December, February) and summer (May, June, July), vegetation cover in summer (July, August), and precipitation from spring to summer (April, May, June) determined the spatial distribution of grassland rodents. Our findings provide a powerful and useful methodological tool for tracking the five major rodent pest species in northern China and for future management measures to ensure grassland ecological environment security.

Appearance of climatic cycles and oscillations in Carpathian Basin precipitation data

A number of climatic cycles and teleconnections are known on the Earth. By definition, the cycles can have a periodic effect on the global climate, while teleconnections can influence the weather at large distances. At the same time, it is overwhelmingly assumed that the hydrological cycle is permanently intensifying all over the world. In this study, we determine and quantify some connections among these climatic cycles and precipitation data from across Hungary. By using cross-correlation and cross-spectral analysis, the connections of the climatic patterns and oscillations with the precipitation of different Hungarian areas have been defined. We used the 1950–2010 timeframe in order to be able to detect effects of several climatic patterns, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Arctic Oscillation (AO), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Pacific/North American teleconnection pattern (PNA) and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) on the rainfall events of the Carpathian Basin. Data from four different precipitation measurement sites and oscillation indexes from several databases were used. The results help to understand the patterns and regularities of the precipitation, which is the major source of natural groundwater recharge, and a handy tool for future groundwater management measures. Because of the defined connections, any changes in these teleconnections will probably influence the future utilization of the Hungarian groundwater resources.

Classification of plant communities in the Caspian Hyrcanian English yew (Taxus baccata L.) forests using environmental factors: testing the modified TWINSPAN method

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the quality of the modified and classical TWINSPAN classification based on the environmental factors to identify the plant communities of Taxus baccata L. forests of Golestan Province. Fifty 400-m2 plots were systematically selected along an elevation gradient in the Taxus baccata forests. In each plot, soil was sampled using a composite sample taken to a depth of 20 cm. All vascular species were recorded on each plot according to the Braun-Blanquet’s method. In total, 56 plant species belonging to 48 genera and 34 families were recorded in spring 2018. The comparison of the results of modified and classical TWINSPAN showed that the modified TWINSPAN did not change the classification logic, but introduced more flexibility in the hierarchy of the division. It was also found that the compliance rate of the results provided by the classical TWINSPAN method was lower than the modified method. Using modified TWINSPAN, Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), and Redundancy analysis (RDA), we determined four floristic groups in the Taxus baccata habitat. The first (Carpinus betulus) and second (Taxus baccata) groups were located at low altitudes and soil contents in silt and clay were higher than in the other groups. In contrast, the third (Quercus castaneifolia) and the fourth (Juniperus communis) groups were located next to each other at higher altitudes and southwestern aspects, on steeper slopes and soils exhibited a high pH and a high sand content. We found close relationships between the distribution of vegetation groups of Taxus baccata habitat with edaphic and physiographic factors using RDA method. To conclude, the modified TWINSPAN offers a more efficient and flexible method to identify vegetation communities. This is a first step to implement future management and ecological restoration measures in habitats of high ecological value such as yew forests.

Assessment of reproductive cycle, parasitism and biological indices of the wedge clam Donax trunculus along the Taghazout coastline (on the Moroccan Atlantic Coast)

This study was conducted to assess the physiological parameters of reproduction (sex ratio and gametogenic cycle), parasitism and biological indices (condition index and gonadal index) in Donax trunculus. Samples were collected monthly over two years (from 2016 to 2017) from three sites along the coast of Taghazout (in Southern Morocco) hosting the tourist resort Taghazout Bay. Five stages were depicted by histological examination of gonads: undifferentiated, developing, mature, spawning, and spent. The results of this histological study of the gonads of D. trunculus show that the reproductive cycle of this species has two periods: the first one is characterized by high sexual activity and extends from February to June and the second one corresponds to sexual rest and lasts from July to October. In all three stations and during both years, individuals in the undifferentiated stage (sexual rest) are encountered from July to October. Two spawning periods were observed: the first in March followed by a resumption of activity in April, and the second from May–June. Seasonal variations of the biological indices (GI and CI) were associated with the reproductive and nutritive status of bivalves. The study of parasitism by the trematode Bacciger Bacciger revealed that all the infected individuals were females in the sporocyst stage with a total prevalence between 0 and 9% in August and September respectively. Our results serve as a warning for future management measures and justify the necessity of taking into account the biology of the species in a particular area for better management of resources.

Accident Cause Factor of Fires and Explosions in Tankers Using Fault Tree Analysis

Fire and explosion accidents occur frequently in tankers because they transport large quantities of dangerous cargo. To prevent fire and explosion accidents, it is necessary to analyze factors that cause accidents and their effects. In this study, factors that cause fire and explosion accidents were classified using the 4M disaster analysis method, and each factor’s effect on the accident was analyzed using fault tree analysis (FTA). First, the unsafe tank atmosphere environment was identified as a primary cause of fire and explosion accidents in tankers, and the underlying causes of these accidents were investigated. The probability of underlying causes leading to primary causes was derived using an expert survey. The results showed that management and media factors had a greater impact on the unsafe tank atmosphere environment than human factors. To prevent fire and explosion accidents, it is necessary to ensure sufficient working and resting times for seafarers and compliance with procedures and work guidelines. A generalization of the results of present and future studies will enable the identification of the cause and preventive measures for fire and explosion accidents in tankers. Furthermore, this will reduce accidents in tankers and contribute to future safety management measures of ships and companies.

The influence of environmental factors and fishing effort on demersal fish species in Ghanaian waters

Disentangling the effects of fishing and the environment on fish abundance and distribution is essential for informing future fisheries management measures. Fishery-independent trawl survey data (8 years data between 1999 and 2016) were examined to test influences of fishing effort and environmental variables (temperature, oxygen salinity) on the spatial distribution of two species groups (5 economically important species and 3 non-commercial species) on the continental shelf of Ghana. Fishing effort influenced year-to-year variability in the abundance of 5 species negatively and 2 species positively, with 1 species unaffected. All species showed significant spatio-temporal associations with temperature, salinity and oxygen levels within the region. We observed some interannual consistency in fish spatial distributions given climatic variables’ correlation; however, some variability appeared to reflect tracking of year-to-year shifts in climatic variables, such as inshore–offshore shifts in goatfish, red pandora and red cornetfish associated with thermal and oxygen shifts. While the habitat models did not entirely explain the variability in these spatiotemporal patterns, overall, both commercially targeted and non-targeted demersal species appeared to be impacted by fishing and the species also track spatial and temporal changes in environmental conditions from year-to-year. Future fisheries management regulations in the region should incorporate spatially resolved measures of fishing effort alongside measures of environmental variables.

Establishment and impact of exotic Cyprinus carpio (Common Carp) on native fish diversity in Buxar stretch of River Ganga, India

Abstract The catch pattern of the exotic Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and their relationship with water quality along with maturity status of fishes were assessed during 2017-2019 to understand overall establishment and impact of the species in Buxar stretch of River Ganga in West Bihar, India. A total of 64 fish species were recorded including two exotic fishes (C. carpio and Oreochromis niloticus) from the river stretch during the study period. The annual production data depicted Cyprinus carpio to be the most dominating fish species encountered from the study area sharing 57.07% (by weight) during the period 2017-19. Calculated average ‘Invasion coefficient index (Ix)’of 0.25 in entire three-year study period revealed that the invasion has moderately impacted the indigenous fish diversity. Landing of Indian Major Carp (IMC) indicated severe decline (76.4 - 95.6%) in comparison to the catch data recorded earlier from Buxar. Data generated on sex structure of Common Carp indicated that the overall sex ratio showed positive recruitment within the smaller size range of 282-307 mm and thus avails a competitive breeding advantage over other carp fishes. Gut content of Common Carp from the stretch observed major share of phytoplankton (81.04%) and zooplankton (17.18%) and thus there are significant dietary overlap of Common Carp with other valuable species. The stretch has been impacted with anthropogenic loading as identified through significantly higher water specific conductivity (580 µScm-1), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (3 mgl-1), etc. in drastically reduced water discharge regime. Among different water parameters, river flow, Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Total Phosphate showed positive whereas specific conductivity showed negative correlation with Common Carp seasonal abundance. Future conservation management measures may be formulated keeping in view of the identified factors through the present study for reducing the impending risks of the invasive fish species in Buxar stretch of River Ganga.

Population dynamics of Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) according to the phenology of Coffea arabica L. in equatorial conditions of North Sumatra

In the Toba Highlands of North Sumatra (Indonesia), coffee production (Coffea arabica L. var. Sigarar Utang) is an important outcome for smallholders; however, the attack of the coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei, is an obstacle for the development of coffee cultivation in this area. This pest causes great economic losses produced by the development of its offspring inside the coffee berries, making it difficult to control. This concerning situation has led us to consider the development of a CBB control strategy, but beforehand, it was necessary to acquire key information on the phenology of the coffee tree and its implication on the bioecology of the pest. Thus, two study designs were set up, one comprising six plots with two different age classes and the other corresponding to a single plot dedicated only to the study of short distance dispersal of CBB. Part of this study focused on the phenology of the coffee trees and showed that berry production mainly takes place in the upper parts of the trees and significantly decreases with tree age. Due to the equatorial climate, berries were practically always present. Berries were produced following two major flowering periods and some minor ones distributed over the year, and harvested at regular intervals. Berry distribution on the branches varied over time. Dynamics of infestations by CBB showed that ripe berries were more infested than unripe berries because they had been exposed longer to CBB attacks, that older trees were more exposed than younger trees and that infestation was evenly distributed along branches. In addition, internode pedestrian dispersal of CBBs was shown to occur, but considerably less frequently than airborne dispersal. In conclusion, it appears that in the agro-climatic context of the Toba region, the virtual year-round presence of berries - which fosters CBB infestations and CBB short-distance dispersal - is a constraint that must be taken into consideration for designing future pest management measures. To this end, it will be necessary in particular to evaluate the potential of trapping mainly used in tropical areas and to put into practice the sanitation harvesting applied in other countries.

Phylogeography of two marine predators, giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) and bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus), across the Indo-Pacific

For economically valuable marine fishes, identifying biogeographic barriers and estimating the extent of gene flow are critical components of fisheries management. We examined the population genetic structure of two commercially important reef-associated predators, the giant trevally ( Caranx ignobilis) and bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus). We sampled 225 individuals and 32,798 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of C. ignobilis, and 74 individuals and 43,299 SNPs of C. melampygus. Analyses of geographic population structure indicate the two species display subtly different phylogeographic patterns. Caranx ignobilis comprises two to three putative populations—one in the Central Pacific, one inhabiting the Western Pacific and Eastern Indian oceans, and one in the Western Indian Ocean—with some restricted gene flow between them. Caranx melampygus shows evidence of restricted gene flow from Hawaii to the West Pacific and Indian oceans, as well as limited genetic connectivity across the Indo- Pacific Barrier. Both species exhibit patterns characteristic of other large, reef-associated predators such as deepwater snappers and the great barracuda. This study contributes to ongoing assessments of the role of the Indo-Pacific Barrier in shaping patterns of phylogeography for large reef-associated fishes. Furthermore, by identifying putative populations of C. ignobilis and C. melampygus in the Central Pacific, our findings serve to improve future management measures for these economically important, data-limited species, particularly in light of historic and contemporary overfishing in Hawaii.

A comparison of the size at maturity of female American lobsters (Homarus americanus) over three decades and across coastal areas of the Gulf of Maine using ovarian staging

Abstract The carapace length (CL) at which American lobster (Homarus americanus) females reach maturity can be used to evaluate egg production, growth patterns, and the overall health of lobster stocks. The female maturity datasets used to represent Gulf of Maine (GOM) lobsters in the 2015 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission American Lobster Stock Assessment were collected in the 1990s by the Maine Department of Marine Resources at two coastal sites. Many studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between temperature and the size at maturity in female lobsters, and GOM waters have warmed significantly over this period. To update these GOM maturity datasets, we used ovarian staging to determine the maturity status of over 1200 females from fives sites over 3 years. Broad application of this methodology in tandem with key growth measurements on females 50–120 mm CL allowed us to characterize reproductive development and generate maturity ogives (proportion mature at a given CL). We observed a latitudinal gradient in the size at maturity across this coastal region of the GOM and quantified a decrease in this size over 25 years. These findings have implications for future stock assessment approaches and management measures implemented to sustain this valuable fishery.

A Mobile Phone App-Based Tai Chi Training in Parkinson's Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Study.

Introduction: With an increasing number of China's aging population, Parkinson's disease (PD) increases year by year. Persons with PD exhibit abnormal balance functions, leading to motor skills difficulties, such as unstable walking or even falling. Therefore, activities of daily living and quality of life are affected. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of Tai Chi training based on the mobile phone app in improving the balance ability of persons with PD.Methods and Analysis: A randomized, single-blind, parallel controlled trial will be conducted in this study. One hundred forty-four persons with PD who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into a 1:1:1 ratio: (1) control group, (2) basic experimental group (basic app with no Tai Chi training features), and (3) balanced-enhanced experimental group (basic app with Tai Chi training features). Individuals with PD will be evaluated on balance and motor function outcomes. The primary outcome measure is the limits of stability (including the maximum excursion and direction control); the secondary outcome measures include the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS-III), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up & Go (TUG), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Each group of patients will go through an assessment at baseline, 17 and 33 weeks.Discussion: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the mobile phone app Tai Chi training on the balance function of persons with PD. We assume that a challenging Tai Chi project based on a mobile phone app will improve balance in the short and long term. As walking stability progresses, it is expected that daily activities and quality of life improve. These findings will be used to improve the effectiveness of future home management measures for persons with PD.Ethics and Dissemination: This study has been approved by the ethical review committee of the Shanghai University of Sport (approval number: 102772019RT056). Informed consent will be obtained from all participants or their guardians. The authors intend to submit the study findings to peer-reviewed journals or academic conferences to be published.Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000029135).

Nycthemeral Movements of Wintering Shorebirds Reveal Important Differences in Habitat Uses of Feeding Areas and Roosts

Most shorebirds depend on coastal habitats for much of their life cycle. The quality and diversity of feeding areas during the wintering period directly condition their winter survival, subsequent migration, and breeding success. During their wintering in France, shorebirds use intertidal areas for feeding, both in daylight and at night, depending on the availability of mudflats during the tidal cycle. In this context, we studied whether the bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica) shows contrasting foraging behaviors and distributions between day and night in response to differences in visual capacities, prey availability, potential predation risk, and human activities. We carried out a fine-scale GPS tracking of birds at one of their main wintering sites along the French Atlantic coast. We predicted smaller foraging home ranges at night because of limits for godwits to detect prey visually, suggesting more sediment probing and less movement. Godwits used the entire time window when they have access to intertidal areas, but they faithfully selected distinct diurnal and nocturnal feeding areas using a low number of patches. This variability in space use highlights differences in selection of habitats, such as seagrass beds selected by most of the tracked godwits by day and used much less at night. In addition, distinct feeding distributions of monitored birds revealed interindividual variability in habitat selection, even more by night, most likely to reduce intraspecific competition. We therefore urge greater consideration of the night distribution of birds, rarely evaluated in shorebird studies, to define areas and habitats of importance to future management and conservation measures.