Geographic Expansion Research Articles

Amphibians at risk: Effects of climate change in the southwestern North American drylands

Climate change can affect species' geographical range in several ways, leading to species' geographical range expansion and contraction. Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate class, and deterioration is due, in part, to the loss of suitable habitat. This taxonomic group is especially sensitive because of their biphasic life cycles (aquatic and terrestrial) and microhabitat requirements. Herein, we propose a combined approach, which uses biological and life history information to understand species' sensitivity to climate change. The goals of our study were to (1) identify the contribution of environmental variables to the broad-scale distribution of amphibians in drylands of the southwestern United States and Mexico, (2) describe how the habitat suitability of amphibians can potentially respond to a range of climate change scenarios across drylands, and (3) identify amphibian traits related to increased vulnerability and adaptation to the specific pressures and mechanisms of climate change projected for the dryland areas. Results show that climate strongly influences the geographic distribution of amphibian diversity in drylands and that most amphibians are expected to lose habitat in the upcoming decades. This study also shows that areas with the greatest loss of high habitat suitability are related to temperature increases and precipitation reductions. Our results build a framework that will significantly improve the current state of knowledge on the drylands' biogeography while providing comprehensive information and analyses for decision-makers to conserve and protect endangered and threatened amphibian species and their habitats.

The Price of Beauty: A Literature Review on Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Infection After Cosmetic Procedures.

Abstract Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection of the skin and soft tissues is a complication of cosmetic procedures. The incidence of cutaneous NTM infections has increased significantly as aesthetic operations have become more commonplace. With the rise of cosmetic tourism, the geographic expansion of NTM infections is a major concern. Due to the unique pathogenesis of NTM infections, diagnosis and treatment remain significant challenges for clinicians. Clinical management relies on a combination of antibiotic therapy with drug susceptibility testing and appropriate surgical debridement. Some new drugs, photodynamic therapy, and bacteriophage therapy have been developed in recent years, and may improve the aesthetic outcomes. This review summarizes the cosmetic procedures prone to NTM infections in recent years and their clinical features. We propose a 2-stage treatment procedure, including a hospitalization phase and a follow-up phase. We aim to increase the alertness of clinicians to NTM infections for timely detection and treatment. Level of Evidence: 3

Urban Planning Principles in Design of the Ethnographic Centres

Federation Government Resolution on Adoption of the Concept of the Federal Target Programme "Development of the Domestic and Inbound Tourism in the Russian Federation (2019-2025)" foresees the comprehensive development of the tourist clusters in the priority types of tourism1. Within the tourist industry, the ethnic tourism is one of the priority directions, which has the great potential, but is still in the stage of infancy. Currently, there are 49 ethnographic centres in 36 regions of our country. In recent years, the trend for creating the ethnography-oriented recreation centres in the south of Russia becomes evident. In the south of Russia the following destinations are referred to such centres: the ethnographic centre "My Russia" in Greater Sochi on the territory of Rosa Khutor, the “Ataman” exhibition complex in the village of Taman in the Krasnodar Region, the ethno village of the Nekrasov Cossacks and Molokan Spiritual Christians in the Stavropol Region, Novokumsky settlement, however, their number is not enough for the territory of the south of Russia. The acquaintance with the experience of building and designing the ethnographic facilities has led to the conclusion, that nowadays the creation of a new type of the ethnographic centres combining the education and recreation functions with resting in the natural environment is highly relevant. However, the normative and methodological documents regulating their creation are missing.Materials and methods. The research included: the analysis of development of the various types of the ethnographic facilities using the analytical and graphical analytic methods, field research and photo-fixation, as well as the comparative analysis of the functional zoning and layout, spatial arrangement and composition of the ethnographic museums and the ethnographic parks "in the open air". The article investigates the foreign and domestic examples of the facilities.Results. Based on the study of the ethnographic facilities, the main scientifically based urban planning principles for creation thereof have been distinguished, their features and territorial planning distinctions within the structure of the settlements have been found. The research results are being piloted within the conceptual project of layout and development of the tourist ethnographic centre in the city of Semikarakorsk, Rostov region. The proposed project aims at creating the tourist ethnic environment within the structure of the planned urban settlements of the south of Russia for preserving the Don Cossacks’ traditions and boosting the development of the ethnic tourism in the south of Russia.Discussion and Conclusion. The layout and functional zoning of the ethnographic centres depend not only on the urban planning situation, location of their territory within the structure of the urban entities, but also on the identity of the culture represented on their territory. The results of the study enable the geographical expansion of the ethnographic centres across the south of Russia, increase the range of the recreation and education services provided within the urban environment through their enlargement and transformation, bring a person closer to the natural environment and different peoples’ national environment. This will enable each ethnographic centre to demonstrate its distinctive features ensuring its individual character.

First Record and Geographic Expansion of the Sebastes schlegelii in the Sea of Marmara

This study reports the first-recorded presence of the Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) in the Sea of Marmara, signifying a notable geographical expansion beyond its natural range. The sampled male specimen, with a total length of 27.5 cm and a weight of 459.20 g, aligns with known size patterns observed in the Black Sea, suggesting a consistent trend. The unexpected presence of the species in the Sea of Marmara raises intriguing questions about its potential spread in the broader Mediterranean Sea basin. The adaptability of the Sebastes schlegelii to diverse environmental conditions underscores its ecological resilience. The study emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and management due to potential threats posed by invasive species, especially considering the vulnerabilities of the Sea of Marmara to climate change

Geographical Expansion of Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype B: First Detection and Molecular Characterization of Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype B in US Poultry.

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), classified within the Pneumoviridae family, wreaks havoc on poultry health. It typically causes upper respiratory tract and reproductive tract infections, mainly in turkeys, chickens, and ducks. Four subtypes of AMPV (A, B, C, D) and two unclassified subtypes have been identified, of which subtypes A and B are widely distributed across the world. In January 2024, an outbreak of severe respiratory disease occurred on turkey and chicken farms across different states in the US. Metagenomics sequencing of selected tissue and swab samples confirmed the presence of aMPV subtype B. Subsequently, all samples were screened using an aMPV subtype A and B multiplex real-time RT-PCR kit. Of the 221 farms, 124 (56%) were found to be positive for aMPV-B. All samples were negative for subtype A. Six whole genomes were assembled, five from turkeys and one from chickens; all six assembled genomes showed 99.29 to 99.98% nucleotide identity, indicating a clonal expansion event for aMPV-B within the country. In addition, all six sequences showed 97.74 to 98.58% nucleotide identity with previously reported subtype B sequences, e.g., VCO3/60616, Hungary/657/4, and BR/1890/E1/19. In comparison to these two reference strains, the study sequences showed unique 49-62 amino acid changes across the genome, with maximum changes in glycoprotein (G). One unique AA change from T (Threonine) to I (Isoleucine) at position 153 in G protein was reported only in the chicken aMPV sequence, which differentiated it from turkey sequences. The twelve unique AA changes along with change in polarity of the G protein may indicate that these unique changes played a role in the adaptation of this virus in the US poultry. This is the first documented report of aMPV subtype B in US poultry, highlighting the need for further investigations into its genotypic characterization, pathogenesis, and evolutionary dynamics.

Distribution Pattern of Suitable Areas and Corridor Identification of Endangered Ephedra Species in China.

The suitable habitat of endangered Ephedra species has been severely threatened and affected by climate change and anthropogenic activities; however, their migration trends and restoration strategies are still relatively understudied. In this study, we utilized the MaxEnt model to simulate the suitable habitats of five endangered Ephedra species in China under current and future climate scenarios. Additionally, we identified significant ecological corridors by incorporating the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. Under the current climate scenario, the suitable area of Ephedra equisetina Bunge, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk ex Mey, Ephedra sinica Stapf, and Ephedra monosperma Gmel ex Mey comprised 16% of the area in China, while Ephedra rhytidosperma Pachom comprised only 0.05%. The distribution patterns of these five Ephedra species were primarily influenced by altitude, salinity, temperature, and precipitation. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable areas of E. equisetina, E. intermedia, and E. sinica are projected to expand, while that of E. monosperma is expected to contract. Notably, E. rhytidosperma will lose its suitable area in the future. Our identified ecological corridors showed that the first-level corridors encompassed a wider geographical expanse, incorporating E. equisetina, E. intermedia, E. sinica, and E. monosperma, while that of E. rhytidosperma exhibited a shorter length and covered fewer geographical areas. Overall, our study provides novel insights into identifying priority protected areas and protection strategies targeting endangered Ephedra species.

Kayak Boy: an entrepreneurial venture in a blue ocean industry

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the students will learn about the blue ocean strategies that are adopted by entrepreneurs when they are entering into a new business territory and be able to perform an industry analysis and understand the competitive advantage that a firm possesses in a new market using Porter’s five forces framework. Case overview/synopsis This case study is about Sushant, an entrepreneur, who started his entrepreneurial venture in water sports tourism along the coastlines of India. His core business was into offering kayaking and camping activities. However, he planned to scale up his business by expanding its geographical reach. To fulfill this, he was also planning to manufacture his own kayaks, which would increase economies of scale in the long run. This case study investigates the dilemma of whether he should first increase his service offerings before expanding geographically or focus on geographical expansion and then increase service offerings. Complexity academic level This case is designed to be taught at the post-graduate level (Master of Business Administration) for an entrepreneurship course. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS3: Entrepreneurship.

Do we protect ourselves against West Nile Virus? A systematic review on knowledge, attitudes, and practices and their determinants

BackgroundWest Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. In humans, 80% of infections are asymptomatic, while approximately 20% experience influenza-like symptoms. Fewer than 1% develop the neuroinvasive form which can lead to encephalitis, meningitis, acute flaccid paralysis, and even death. The global spread of the virus to areas where it was not previously present has become a growing concern. Since the 2000 s, there have been numerous outbreaks affecting local and travelling populations worldwide. Given the lack of a vaccine, preventative measures are primarily focused on surveillance, vector control, and the use of personal protective behaviours (PPBs). The importance of PPBs is central to public health recommendations. However, translating these messages into coherent action by the public can prove challenging, as the uptake of such measures is inevitably influenced by socio-economic factors, awareness, knowledge, and risk perception. MethodsA PRISMA-based systematic research was conducted on EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023459714. Quality of studies included in the final stage was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cross-Sectional Study (CEBMa). Results2963 articles were screened, and 17 studies were included in the final round. Out of these, six were deemed of high quality, ten were of medium quality, and one was of low quality. In almost all studies considered, both awareness and knowledge of WNV transmission were above 90%, while concern about WNV ranged from 50% to 80%. Concern about the safety of repellents, either with or without DEET, ranged from 27% to 70%. The percentage of people actually using repellents ranged from 30% to 75%, with the lowest usage reported among individuals over 60 years old (29%) and pregnant women (33%), and the highest among students aged 9–11 (75%). Concern for West Nile Virus (WNV) was consistently linked to an increase in taking preventative measures, including the use of repellents, by two to four times across studies. The school-based intervention was effective in increasing the practice of removing standing water (AOR=4.6; 2.7–8.0) and wearing long clothing (AOR=2.4; 95%CI: 1.3–4.3), but did not have a significant impact on the use of repellents. ConclusionsThe present systematic review provides an overview of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of WNV and their determinants. While concern about West Nile Virus (WNV) and its effects can be a significant motivator, it is important to promote evidence-based personal protective behaviours (PPBs) to counter unwarranted fears. For example, the use of repellents among the most vulnerable age groups. Given the geographical expansion of WNV, it is necessary to target the entire population preventively, including those who are difficult to reach and areas not yet endemic. The findings of this investigation could have significant implications for public health and support well-informed and effective communication strategies and interventions.

Organismal responses to deteriorating water quality during the historic 2020 red tide off Southern California

In April and May of 2020, a large phytoplankton bloom composed primarily of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedra reached historic levels in geographic expanse, duration, and density along the coast of southern California, United States, and Baja California Norte, Mexico. Here, we report the water quality parameters of dissolved oxygen and pH over the course of the red tide, as measured by multiple sensors deployed in various locations along San Diego County, and document the extent of mass organism mortality using field surveys and community science observations. We found that dissolved oxygen and pH corresponded with bloom dynamics, with extreme hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions occurring at multiple locations along the coast, most notably within select estuaries where dissolved oxygen reached 0 mg L−1 and hypoxia occurred for up to 254 consecutive hours, as well as along the inner shelf of the open coast where dissolved oxygen dropped as low as 0.05 mg L−1. Similarly, pH ranged widely (6.90–8.79) across the bloom over both space and time, largely corresponding with dissolved oxygen level. Extreme changes in dissolved oxygen and pH, in addition to changes to other water parameters that affect organismal health, ultimately led to documented mortalities of thousands of demersal and benthic fishes and invertebrates (primarily within estuarine and inner-shelf environments), and long-term surveys within one lagoon showed protracted changes to benthic infaunal density and species composition. In addition to field observations, we also quantified water quality parameters and organism mortalities from four local aquarium facilities, with varying levels of filtration and artificial oxygenation, and documented the morphological changes in the gills of captive-held Pacific sardine in response to the red tide. We show that multiple factors contributed to organismal stress, with hypoxia likely being the most widespread, but not the only, cause of mortality.

Multiple records of the introduced parthenogenetic Smooth-scaled Tegulet, <i>Gymnophthalmus underwoodi</i> Grant 1958, in Puerto Rico

The introduction of invasive species to islands can be devastating to local biota. While many invasive species’successful colonization of new habitats can be attributed to features like high fecundity or low mate selectivity,parthenogenetic species pose a unique threat in their ability to reproduce asexually at high rates. The Smooth-scaledTegulet (Gymnophthalmus underwoodi), first described from Barbados in the 1950s, has since been documented as anintroduced species across additional Lesser and Greater Antillean islands as well as northwestern Brazil and Venezuela.Herein we report multiple individuals from Puerto Rico, including the first genetic records, which indicate that theindividuals on this island are most closely related to populations recorded from Brazil and Montserrat. Additionalgenetic information is necessary to determine the timing and migration of this species across the Caribbean. Regardless,the continued geographic expansion of this parthenogen across the Caribbean could present a threat to local fauna.

Expanding the horizons of FinTech: A comprehensive geographical analysis of expansion in Europe and beyond

The financial technology (FinTech) industry has experienced an unprecedented surge in growth over the past decade, reshaping the financial services landscape worldwide. This paper examines the multifaceted geographical expansion of FinTech, with a specific focus on Europe as the initial launching point and an in-depth exploration of global prospects. By delving into the fundamental catalysts, intricate challenges and nuanced strategies for expansion, this offers insights into the dynamic evolution of FinTech across diverse geographical regions.

Japanese encephlu emergence in Australia: the potential population at risk.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), an RNA virus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, primarily cycles between aquatic birds and mosquitoes with pigs as amplifying hosts, posing a significant global encephalitis threat. The emergence and spread of the JEV in new epidemiological regions, such as recent cases in Australia and nonendemic areas like Pune, India, raise significant concerns. With an estimated 68000 clinical cases and 13600 to 20400 deaths annually, JEV poses a substantial global health threat. The virus primarily affects children, with a case-fatality ratio of 20-30% and long-term neurological sequelae in survivors. The changing epidemiology, influenced by factors like bird migration, climate change, and increased urbanization, contributes to the geographic expansion of JEV. The recent outbreaks underscore the potential for the virus to establish itself in nonendemic regions, posing a threat to populations previously considered at low-risk. With limited treatment options and high rates of neurological complications, continued surveillance, traveler vaccination, and research into treatments are crucial to mitigate the impact of JEV on human health. The evolving scenario necessitates proactive measures to prevent and control the spread of the virus in both endemic and newly affected areas.

THE EFFORTS OF JORDANIAN POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE IN LIGHT OF THE CORONA PANDEMIC

Purpose: This research examines Jordanian political parties' social service programs during COVID-19, identifying challenges and proposing recommendations for improvement, including youth empowerment, geographical expansion, and legislative advocacy.
 
 Theoretical framework: This research examines the social service efforts of Jordanian political parties during the COVID-19 pandemic using various theoretical frameworks. It examines political party functionality, resource dependency, youth engagement, geopolitical analysis, and policy advocacy. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these parties' efforts, identify challenges, and offer strategic recommendations for strengthening their social roles and impact.
 
 Design/Methodology/Approach: This research explores the social service efforts of Jordanian political parties during the COVID-19 pandemic using a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory design. Data is collected through semi-structured interviews with key informants, documentary analysis, and thematic analysis. Ethical considerations are upheld, and the research is validated and reliable through strategies like triangulation of data sources and member checking. The findings aim to enhance the effectiveness of political parties in addressing societal needs.
 
 Findings: The research on Jordanian political parties' social service efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed challenges such as limited financial resources, limited youth engagement, and geographic disparities. Recommendations for improvement include empowering youth, expanding beyond urban centers, and advocating for legislative reforms. These strategies can enhance the effectiveness of political parties as agents of social change and catalysts for positive transformation in Jordanian communities.
 
 Research, Practical & Social Implications: The study on Jordanian political parties' social service efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic offers academic insights and practical applications. It provides insights into the evolving roles of political organizations in addressing societal needs, empowering youth, and expanding party outreach. The findings can inform strategic decision-making, promoting social cohesion, and advocating for legislative reform.
 
 Originality/Value: This research provides a contextualized analysis of Jordanian political parties' social service efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines the intersection of politics and social welfare, identifying challenges like limited resources and geographic disparities. The study offers practical recommendations for improvement and policy implications, emphasizing the importance of fostering an enabling environment for political parties to engage in social service provision.

Climate Change and Jump Dispersal Drive Invasion of the Rosy Wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea) in the United States

The rosy wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea) is a carnivorous, highly detrimental invader in many parts of the world. Although its negative impact on endemic island mollusk populations has been well documented, little is known about its range expansion in North America, where populations are not constrained by oceanic barriers. In this study, we present three compelling lines of evidence indicating significant ongoing and projected geographic range expansion of E. rosea: (1) We analyze the current range using data from iNaturalist; (2) we report on the demographics and persistence of an isolated extra-limital satellite population in Nashville, Tennessee, since its discovery in 2006; and (3) we employ a predictive ecological model that incorporates environmental variables indicating that the range expansion will continue into the central U.S. well beyond its present range. The findings of this study shed light on the underlying mechanisms behind the invasion of this species. First, the invasion is frequently associated with jump dispersal events, which are often linked to horticultural and landscaping activities. Second, the establishment and proliferation of satellite populations are facilitated by common landscape management practices, such as irrigation, as well as the urban heat island effect (UHI). Third, there is a possible synergistic interplay between the UHI effect and climate change that accelerates the range expansion via global warming.

Unmet Healthcare Needs and Their Determining Factors: Addressing Inequalities in Access to Healthcare in Myanmar

Myanmar aims to achieve universal health coverage by 2030 through the 2017–2021 National Health Plan while providing nearly cost-free healthcare services at public facilities. Nonetheless, concerns regarding healthcare access persist. This study examined healthcare access in Myanmar by identifying the prevalence, determinants, and reasons behind unmet healthcare needs (UHN), which occur when an individual needs healthcare but cannot access it. Descriptive statistical analysis and binary logistic regression were employed using data obtained from 318 residents of Tat Kon Township, Nay Pyi Taw. Among the participants, 23.6% experienced UHN. Specifically, individuals with low income, daily-waged workers, rural residents, younger individuals, and females reported high UHN. The primary reason was the unavailability of healthcare facilities (46.7%), followed by competing personal priorities (19%) and treatment or transportation costs (14%). The government could consider expanding public healthcare infrastructure and implementing a nationwide health insurance system. Continuing the geographic expansion of health services to address the needs of rural residents and extending service hours to accommodate individuals engaged in daily-waged or full-time employment are recommended. These efforts could be complemented by improving public transportation infrastructure, promoting income security, and supporting gender equity to facilitate access to healthcare services.

Reviewing taxonomy, expanding geography, and supplying supporting evidence for the morphology of Euastrum compereanum from Mozambique and Namibia

In this study, the authors report the discovery of a rare desmid species (Euastrum compereanum) in Mozambique and Namibia. The species was previously documented from only three African countries, namely Chad, Zambia, and Botswana. In a prior publication about desmids from Namibia a line drawing of this species was included, but the species was identified as E. platycerum var. eximium forma. This paper aims to address this taxonomic discrepancy, rectify the identification, and provide a definitive name assignment. Furthermore, our research expands the known distribution of E. compereanum by introducing a novel geographical record in Mozambique. Aside from the taxonomic correction and geographical distribution expansion, the paper offers the very first photographic documentation of its cellular morphology. Previous publications on this species solely relied on line drawings, making this publication a significant advancement in the understanding of its cell structure.

Comprehensive evaluation on progressive development strategies in DENV surveillance and monitoring infection rate among vector population.

The elevated rise in dengue infection rate has been a health burden worldwide and it will continue to impact global health for years to come. Accumulated literature holds accountable the geographical expansion of the mosquito species transmitting the dengue virus DENV. The frequency of this viral disease outbreaks has increased rapidly in the recent years, owing to various geo-climatic and anthropological activities. Due to scarcity of any effective control measures, there has been a continuous traceable rise in mortality and morbidity rates. However, it has been reported that the spate of incidences is directly related to density of the virus infected vector (mosquito) population in a given region. In such a scenario, systems capable of detecting virus infected vector population would aid in estimating prediction of outbreak, as well as provide time to deploy suitable management strategies for vector control, and to break the vector-human transmission chain. This would also help in identifying areas, where much improvement is needed for vector management. To this context, we illustrate an exhaustive overview of both gold standards and as well as emerging advents for sensitive and specific mosquito population strategized viral detection technologies. We summarize the cutting-edge technologies and the challenges faced in pioneering to field application. Regardless the proven popularity of the gold standards for detection purpose, they offer certain limitations. Thus with the surge in the infection rate globally, approaches for development of newer advancements and technique upgradation to arrest the infection escalation and for early detection as a part of vector management should be prioritized.

Advances in paleoclimatology

ABSTRACT There is an urgent need for information on the Earth’s climate beyond the limited history provided in the instrumental record. Paleoclimate information provides a baseline for understanding natural climate variability and how human activities have altered the climate. Paleoclimate reconstructions also allow us to estimate the potential impacts of climate change on multiple aspects of the climate system. Over the past three decades, paleoclimatologists have made great advances in using climate proxies, natural archives of climate conditions, to better understand climates of the past. Here, we categorize the main types of advancements made over recent decades, which include the discovery of new proxies and new measurements from existing proxies, the reconstruction of novel components of the climate system, the geographical expansion of paleoclimate records, and the integration of multiple proxies and models. We provide examples of published research in each category from across the field of paleoclimatology, and we end with a summary of remaining knowledge gaps and emerging questions that will require continued paleoclimate research progress in the future.

Creating Racial Subjects: Eugenics, Psychiatry, and the Ainu

ABSTRACT This article explores the development of psychiatric interest in the Ainu people of Hokkaidō Island within the socio-political context of Japan’s colonial expansion and the eugenics movement from the late nineteenth century to the end of the Second World War. Japanese researchers reinterpreted data on the Ainu – particularly as this related to racial categorization and blood-mixing – in reaction to the passing of the 1940 National Eugenics Law and the Japanese Empire’s geographic expansion. Their studies negated colonial reality and attributed psychiatric degeneracy to a racialized Ainu constitution, building off and reinforcing preexisting anticipated futures for Ainu people. The article ends by raising questions about the impact of eugenics ideology, its practices, and related laws on minoritized groups in the post-war period.

Covering young avocado ‘Hass’ trees with high-density shading nets during the winter mitigates frost damage and improves tree performance

Key messageCovering young ‘Hass’ trees with Silver 60% shading nets during cold winters mitigates frost damage and improves tree performance, apparently through a mechanism other than increasing nighttime air temperature.Avocado is a commercially important subtropical evergreen fruit tree. Severe frost may damage foliage, floral buds, flowers and fruit, thereby reducing avocado crop yield and restricting its geographical distribution and expansion. Shading nets are frequently used to protect agricultural crops from climate-related damage. To determine their ability to mitigate frost damage, Silver 60% shading nets were deployed over young ‘Hass’ trees during two consecutive winters and uncovered trees served as controls. Freezing and chilling temperatures occurred in the experimental orchard during the winter of each year, from December to March, reaching − 2.49 ℃ in January 2022. In the control, 93% of the examined floral buds were severely damaged compared to 4% in the Silver 60% trees. Damage to young vegetative shoots was assessed at 4.35 out of 5 in the control compared to 0.5 out of 5 in the Silver 60% trees. In both years, minimum air temperatures under the Silver 60% shading nets were similar to those of the control. Leaf-level photosynthetic photon flux density was ~ 60% lower under the shading nets. In most measurements, CO2-assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and chlorophyll concentration in the leaves of the Silver 60% trees were higher than, or similar to the controls. Trunk diameter and flowering intensity of the Silver 60% trees were higher than for the control. These results indicate that covering young ‘Hass’ trees with Silver 60% shading nets during cold winters can mitigate frost damage and improve tree performance.