Activation Of Human Factor Research Articles

BEHAVIORAL CHANGES OF SPILLED OIL IN THE MARINE ECOSYSTEM

When oil is spilled at sea it normally spreads out and moves on the sea surface under the influence of the wind and current while undergoing a number of chemical and physical changes. These processes are collectively termed weathering and determine the behavior of the oil. An oil spill is the release of the liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, as a result of human activity and other factors as equipment failures, human errors, willful damage to equipment and oil installations etc. Oil is the most common pollutant of the marine environment. The behavior of spilled oil depends on the oil properties and the environmental conditions. It is very important to recognize the dynamic nature of spilled oil because the properties of spilled oil can change over time. It is important to monitor the continuous changes in the properties of the spilled oil, as response strategies may have to be modified to suit the current changes in oil behavior. The properties of crude or refined oils vary in their physical and chemical characteristics. These characteristics affect their volatility, toxicity, weathering rate and persistency. Oil spills have a devastating and long term impact on waterways and coastal areas around the world. Seabirds are frequently affected by offshore oil spills. Spills can severely harm turtle eggs and damage fish larvae, causing deformities. Shellfish and corals are particularly at risk since they cannot escape the runaway slick. Oil spills are also responsible for tainting algae, which perform a vital role in water ecosystems. Oil spills can be partially controlled by chemical dispersion, combustion, mechanical containment and adsorption. As the world advances technologically, unfortunately accidents do happen and spills reoccur more frequently than we would like. A good knowledge and understanding of the types of oil, oil properties and the changes in the behavior of oil is very critical in effective response planning, strategies choices, execution and overall oil spill emergency response management in the marine ecosystems.

Spatial heterogeneity of landslide distribution and its drivers in the Yangtze River Basin: a remote sensing and GIS-based multi-factor analysis

IntroductionThe Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is a region of immense economic and ecological significance in China, whose complex topography and climatic variability render it particularly susceptible to landslide disasters.MethodsIn this study, landslide spatial density (LSD) is adopted as a quantitative indicator and multiple linear regression analysis alongside the geographic detector method are employed to evaluate the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on LSD. A Composite Human Activity Intensity Index (CHAII) is developed from nighttime light intensity, population density, and distances to impermeable surfaces and cultivated land. Factors analyzed include CHAII, slope, topographic ruggedness, precipitation, and distances to river and fault lines. ResultsResults reveal that precipitation and distance to fault are the most significant drivers of LSD across the YRB, with precipitation exhibiting the highest explanatory power. CHAII, precipitation, and topographic ruggedness show strong positive correlations with LSD, whereas slope, distance to river, and distance to fault are negatively correlated. Notably, slopes of 20°–30° correspond to reduced LSD, suggesting a localized mitigating effect. Regionally, intense precipitation in the upper YRB substantially amplifies landslide risk even under low levels of human activity, whereas in the middle YRB natural and anthropogenic factors jointly influence LSD, reflecting a transitional zone. In the lower YRB, interactions between human activity and natural factors become more pronounced, increasing spatial heterogeneity of LSD.DiscussionThe findings provide important scientific insights for landslide risk management and contribute to the sustainable development of the YRB.

Remote sensing inversion of lake water quality and its response to human activities in multi-scale buffer zones

ABSTRACT With rapid urbanization and industrialization in Hubei, assessing water quality and identifying key influencing factors are crucial for lake conservation. This study utilized remote sensing and machine learning to analyze water quality parameters, including the permanganate index, total phosphorus (TP), and turbidity, in Liangzi Lake (Hubei's second-largest lake) from 2019 to 2022. A spatial quantification model and statistical analysis were employed to assess human activity intensity at different buffer scales (1,000–4,000 m) and identify key influencing factors. Results showed significant seasonal and annual variations in water quality, with the highest pollution in autumn and the lowest in winter. Pollution levels decreased from 2019 to 2020 but gradually increased from 2020 to 2022, possibly related to changes in human activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spatially, the Gaotang sub-lake had the highest permanganate index and TP pollution, while the Manjiang sub-lake had the highest turbidity. Precipitation and livestock density were the primary factors, accounting for 26.7–30.8% and 12.9–17.6% of water quality variation, respectively. At the 1,000 m and 2,000–4,000 m buffer zones, industrial output and population density were the dominant human activity factors influencing water quality. This study provides practical insights for targeted lake management strategies and environmental protection efforts.

Predicting potential distribution and adaptability of the invasive plant Bidens pilosa in China based on the MaxEnt model.

Bidens pilosa, a globally invasive plant species, poses a significant threat to ecosystems and agricultural production in China. To evaluate its potential expansion in China, particularly its habitat suitability under climate change, we predicted its distribution with natural distribution data and 31 environmental variables (climate, soil, topography, and human activity factors) under the MaxEnt model. Future changes in suitable habitats were simulated under the SSP245 and SSP585 climate scenarios. The results showed that the model exhibited high predictive accuracy, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89. Temperature and precipitation were the primary influencing factors, accounting for 82.6% and 12.6% of the contribution, respectively. Currently, suitable habitats were predominantly located in southern and central-eastern China. The suitable habitats were projected to expand toward eastern and northern Tibet, particularly into ecologically fragile regions such as the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Therefore, climate change would exacerbate invasion risks.

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Mechanisms of Cultural Heritage Distribution Along the Jiangnan Canal, China

As a crucial component of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal’s hydraulic engineering, the Jiangnan Canal has historically played a pivotal role in China’s development as a key hydraulic infrastructure. This water conservancy project, connecting northern and southern water systems, not only facilitated regional economic integration but also nurtured unique cultural landscapes along its course. The Jiangnan Canal and its adjacent cities were selected as the study area to systematically investigate 334 tangible cultural heritage (TCH) sites and 420 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) elements. Through integrated Geographical Information System (GIS) spatial analyses—encompassing nearest neighbor index, kernel density estimation, standard deviation ellipse assessment, multi-ring buffer zoning, and Geodetector modeling, the spatiotemporal distribution features of cultural heritage were quantitatively characterized, with a focus on identifying the underlying driving factors shaping its spatial configuration. The analysis yields four main findings: (1) both TCH and ICH exhibit significant spatial clustering patterns across historical periods, with TCH distribution displaying an axis-core structure centered on the canal, whereas ICH evolved from dispersed to clustered configurations. (2) The center of gravity of TCH is primarily around Taihu Lake, while that of ICH is mainly on the south side of Taihu Lake, and the direction of distribution of both is consistent with the direction of the canal. (3) Multi-ring buffer analysis indicates that 77.2% of TCH and 49.8% of ICH clusters are concentrated within 0–10 km of the canal, demonstrating distinct spatial patterns: TCH exhibits a gradual canal-dependent density decrease with distance, whereas ICH reveals multifactorial spatial dynamics. (4) Human activity factors, particularly nighttime light intensity, are identified as predominant drivers of heritage distribution patterns, with natural environmental factors exerting comparatively weaker influence. These findings provide empirical support for developing differentiated conservation strategies for canal-related cultural heritage. The methodology offers replicable frameworks for analyzing heritage corridors in complex historical landscapes, contributing to both applied conservation practices and theoretical advancements in cultural geography.

Study on Fish Diversity and Drivers Based on Environmental DNA in Chishui River, China

Freshwater fish is facing a great crisis due to the looming threat of biodiversity loss. Certain important target areas are difficult to survey owing to their accessibility, making them susceptible to data deficiencies. In this study, we surveyed 52 sites using environmental DNA techniques to investigate fish biodiversity in the Chishui River Basin of the Yangtze River, China. A total of 96,031 valid fish sequences were read, resulting in the identification of 77 species belonging to six orders, 62 genera, and 18 families. The dominant orders were Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, and Perciformes. Among the identified fishes, 71 were native and six were exotic, with the native fishes including 16 endemic fishes from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. The Shannon–Wiener and richness indices of the tributaries in the upstream section were significantly higher than those of the tributaries in the downstream section. The Datong River is the most diverse secondary tributary of the Chishui River. Among the environmental factors in the Chishui River Basin, altitude and electrical conductivity had the greatest influence on fish diversity (p < 0.01). Our findings highlight the application of environmental DNA technology to modern biodiversity surveys and illustrate that the Chishui River Basin is primarily affected by environmental factors at this stage. However, continuing efforts are needed to protect freshwater biodiversity, and additional research is required to better understand the complex interplay between human activity and environmental factors.

Insight into the Influence of Ecological Factors on Shaping Distribution Patterns of Camptotheca acuminata for Conservation and Management.

Camptotheca acuminata Decne. is an endemic and valuable tree species in China that is renowned for its medicinal and economic value due to secondary metabolites like camptothecin, a potent anti-cancer compound. With wild resources dwindling, it is a key protected species. Predicting and analyzing its suitable habitats under different future environmental scenarios is essential for conservation, introduction, development, and planting strategies. This study used 1008 distribution points and 32 environmental factors, applying the MaxEnt v3.4.4 model and ArcGIS v10.7 software to predict C. acuminata's potential distribution under four greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5) for the present, 2050, and 2070. This study identifies the key environmental factors influencing its distribution and analyzes habitat trends under various ecological scenarios. The dominant environmental factors are Bio6 (contribution 23%; importance 59.8%), human activity factor (contribution 18.6%; importance 15.7%), Slope2 (contribution 1%; importance 7%), Slope3 (contribution 5.1%; importance 3.4%), elevation (contribution 0.9%; importance 1.7%), and Bio14 (contribution 41.2%; importance 1%). The total potential suitable habitat area for C. acuminata is 1.5796 × 104 km2. Except under RCP8.5, where the habitat area continuously increases, the habitat area shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. When human activity is considered, the total potential suitable habitat area is 1.8495 × 104 km2, with a consistent decrease under all scenarios except RCP8.5. Centroid migration analysis shows that, driven by global warming, the suitable habitats for C. acuminata are shifting toward higher latitudes. This study provides theoretical support for the conservation, resource management, and germplasm protection of C. acuminata under future ecological and environmental changes.

Spatiotemporal Changes and Driving Forces of the Ecosystem Service Sustainability in Typical Watertown Region of China from 2000 to 2020

Quantitative assessment of the ability of the ecosystem service (ES) and its driving forces is of great significance for achieving regional SDGs. In view of the scarcity of existing research that evaluates the sustainability of multiple ES types over a long time series at the township scale in a typical Watertown Region, this study aims to address two key scientific questions: (1) what are the spatiotemporal changes in the ecosystem service supply–demand index (ESSDI) and ecosystem service sustainability index (ESSI) of a typical Watertown Region? and (2) what are the key factors driving the changes in ESSI? To answer the above two questions, this study takes the Yangtze River Delta Integrated Demonstration Zone (YRDIDZ) as the study area, utilizing multi-source remote sensing and other spatiotemporal geographical datasets to calculate the supply–demand levels and sustainable development ability of different ES in the YRDIDZ from 2000 to 2020. The main findings were as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the mean ESSDI values for habitat quality, carbon storage, crop production, water yield, and soil retention all showed a declining trend. (2) During the same period, the mean ESSI exhibited a fluctuating downward trend, decreasing from 0.31 in 2000 to 0.17 in 2020, with low-value areas expanding as built-up areas grew, while high-value areas were mainly distributed around Dianshan Lake, Yuandang, and parts of ecological land. (3) The primary driving factors within the YRDIDZ were human activity factors, including POP and GDP, with their five-period average explanatory powers being 0.44 and 0.26, whereas the explanatory power of natural factors was lower. However, the interaction of POP and soil showed higher explanatory power. The results of this study could provide actionable ways for regional sustainable governance: (1) prioritizing wetland protection and soil retention in high-population-density areas based on targeted land use quotas; (2) integrating ESSI coldspots (built-up expansion zones) into ecological redline adjustments, maintaining high green infrastructure coverage in new urban areas; and (3) establishing a population–soil co-management framework in agricultural–urban transition zones.

Study on the Spatial Distribution Patterns and Driving Forces of Rainstorm-Induced Flash Flood in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin

Flash floods, typically triggered by natural events such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and dam failures, are characterized by abrupt onset, destructive power, unpredictability, and challenges in mitigation. This study investigates the spatial distribution patterns and driving mechanisms of rainstorm-induced flash flood disasters in the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin (YTRB) by integrating topography, hydrometeorology, human activity data, and historical disaster records. Through a multi-method spatial analysis framework—including kernel density estimation, standard deviation ellipse, spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I and Getis–Ord Gi*), and the optimal parameter geographic detector (OPGD) model (integrating univariate analysis and interaction detection)—we reveal multiscale disaster dynamics across county, township, and small catchment levels. Key findings indicate that finer spatial resolution (e.g., small catchment scale) enhances precision when identifying high-risk zones. Temporally, the number of rainstorm-induced flash floods increased significantly and disaster-affected areas expanded significantly from the 1980s to the 2010s, with a peak spatial dispersion observed during 2010–2019, reflecting a westward shift in disaster distribution. Spatial aggregation of flash floods persisted throughout the study period, concentrated in the central basin. Village density (TD) was identified as the predominant human activity factor, exhibiting nonlinear amplification through interactions with short-duration heavy rainfall (particularly 3 h [P3] and 6 h [P6] maximum precipitations) and GDP. These precipitation durations demonstrated compounding risk effects, where sustained rainfall intensity progressively heightened disaster potential. Topographic and ecological interactions, particularly between elevation (DEM) and vegetation type (VT), further modulate disaster intensity. These findings provide critical insights for risk zonation and targeted prevention strategies in high-altitude river basins.

Spatiotemporal Changes and Driving Analysis of Ecological Environmental Quality in the Qinghai Lake Basin

Taking Qinghai Lake Basin as the research object, the spatial and temporal variation characteristics of the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) in Qinghai Lake Basin from 1986 to 2022 were analyzed, and the spatial distribution and driving factors of the RSEI are discussed. Methods: Using remote sensing technology and a geographic detector, combined with time series RSEI data, the main natural factors and human activity factors affecting ecological quality were studied. Conclusion: (1) In the past 30 years, the RSEI in Qinghai Lake Basin showed a significant upward trend, and the ecological quality continued to improve. The low RSEI region decreased, while the high RSEI region increased and was distributed more evenly. (2) Spatially, the RSEI changes significantly in the central and southeastern regions but little in the northern and western regions. (3) Height difference is the main factor affecting the RSEI, which affects the stability of the climate, vegetation, and ecosystem. (4) From 2000 to 2020, the impact of terrain and climate on the RSEI is significant, the impact of human activities on ecological quality is enhanced, and the impact of land use change on the RSEI has a potential negative impact. The findings highlight the importance of ecological restoration policies in promoting long-term ecological sustainability and the need for further research on the socio-economic impacts of human activities and provide a new perspective on the relationship between ecological health and sustainable development, providing guidance for improving environmental governance in vulnerable regions and promoting sustainable development.

Analysis of Multiple Drivers of Fractional Vegetation Cover Evolution in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Based on the Optimal Parameters Geographical Detector

A clear understanding of the driving mechanisms behind spatial and temporal vegetation dynamics is of great significance in guiding the protection and restoration of ecological environments. The spatial and temporal distribution pattern of fractional vegetation cover （FVC） and its multiple driving mechanisms in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei were investigated using long-term NDVI data from 2002 to 2020. A total of 25 specific variables were selected to represent the influencing factors of topography, climate, geotechnical type, and human activities. The selected variables were combined with the methods of metric dichotomies, trend analyses, biased correlation analyses, and optimal parameter geodetectors. The results indicated that： ① The FVC in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei over the past 20 years exhibited a general downward trend, with an average decline rate of approximately 0.002 4 per annum. The FVC levels in the northern and southern regions were relatively high, while those in the western and central regions were relatively low. Approximately 28.73% of the areas exhibited a significant decreasing trend （P<0.01）, with the greatest decline observed in the southern, eastern, and central regions of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. ② The main factors driving the evolution of FVC （Q>0.15） were identified as natural factors, including evapotranspiration, cumulative precipitation, soil type, topography, and human activities, such as financial income, GDP per capita, nighttime light intensity, and population density. These factors were found to interact with each other. The enhancement effect on FVC was found to be nonlinear, with a bilinear enhancement effect observed when the combination of LST and ET was considered. This was followed by the combination of solar radiation and ET, which demonstrated the highest explanatory power （Q>0.81）. The FVC was highest for the combination of LST and ET （Q>0.83） and second highest for the combination of solar radiation and ET （Q>0.81）. ③ Evapotranspiration ranged from 572 to 772 mm, cumulative precipitation ranged from 461 to 514 mm, and radiation ranged from 1 980 to 2 030 W·m-2. When LST was between 5.5 and 12 ℃, average temperature was between -0.902 and 3.74 ℃, altitude was between 1 560 and 2 180 m, terrain type was large undulating middle mountain, soil type was leaching soil, and vegetation type was forest land, with FVC performing the best. The results of this study can assist the regional government in making accurate policy decisions regarding the protection and restoration of the vegetation ecosystem.

Investigation of regeneration and spreading of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in Lithuania

Abstract Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), a North American species, naturalized in Europe many years ago, falls into the category of alien species with insufficient and controversial information. In Lithuania this species is mostly found in farmsteads. It is frequently cultivated along roadsides. However, it is relatively rare in forests. Robinia pseudoacacia found new habitats during the rapid globalization period due to intentional human activity or random factors. In Lithuania, black locust, as an invasive species spreads in certain ecotops relatively such as Curonian Spit. The black locust does not behave uniformly across different ecotopes and climate zones. Thus, to successfully manage the species abundance, scientific investigations are essential. The aim of these studies was to evaluate the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) spreading in open areas and adjacent stands. Investigations were carried out in the Jonava and Kretinga Regional Divisions of State Forest Enterprises (SFE) allocated temporary sample plots, where species composition contained black locust. The recovery of black locust under tree crowns was small and exceed only about 122 units / ha. The black locust spread into open spaces from the maternal plant at the distance of 8-32 meters in average. Prevailed the saplings in 1 and 2 hight groups and their relative share increase moving away from biogroups (coppice). Of all the records on the saplings 96.6% was formed from the root suckers and only 3.4% – regenerated from seeds. After conducting a seed germination study under natural conditions, it was determined that the germination rate was low, at about 2.5%. The seeds germinated only in the mineral firebreak when sown on the surface and in mineral soil on the surface.

Peranan Cagar Budaya Megalitik Palindo dalam Pengembangan Sektor Pariwisata di Kecamatan Lore Barat Kabupaten Poso Provinsi Sulawesi Tengah

Lore Barat has a megalithic icon called the Palindo Megalithic. The Palindo Megalithic as cultural heritage start from 14 August 2023 because they have uniqueness and historical value. This research aims to determine the role of the Palindo Megalithic cultural heritage for developing the tourism sector and strategies of Palindo Megalithic in developing the tourism sector. This research use method such as observation, interviews and literature study. Data analysis used qualitative analysis and SWOT analysis to help answer questions from the problem formulation. Based on the results of the analysis of the Palindo Megalithic cultural heritage, it has a role in developing the tourism sector, such as being a tourism icon, developing MSMEs and preserving traditional traditions. The strengths of the Palindo Megalithic are: uniqueness, historical value, and cultural tourism activities. Weaknesses that are accessibility and facilities, design still havennt managed optimally, funding from the government is lacking/inhibited, and low levels of human resources. Look at the potential, it has opportunities such as local economic development. The forms of threat based on field observations can be divided into two: natural factors and human activity factors

An Explanation of the Differences in Grassland NDVI Change in the Eastern Route of the China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor

This study analyzed the spatiotemporal changes in grassland NDVI from 2000 to 2020 in the eastern route of the China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor, a region with frequent ecological–economic interactions, and explained the main driving factors, influencing patterns, and degrees of grassland NDVI changes in different regions. Based on MODIS NDVI data, the study employs emerging spatiotemporal hotspot analysis, Maximum Relevance Minimum Redundancy (mRMR) feature selection, and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) to reveal the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of grassland NDVI, while identifying long-term stable trends, and to select the most relevant and non-redundant factors to analyze the main driving factors of grassland NDVI change. Partial dependence plots were used to visualize the response and sensitivity of grassland NDVI to various factors. The results show the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the NDVI of grassland in the study area showed an overall upward trend, from 0.61 to 0.65, with significant improvement observed in northeastern China and northeastern Russia. (2) Spatiotemporal hotspot analysis indicates that 51% of the area is classified as persistent hotspots for grassland NDVI, mainly distributed in Russia, whereas 12% of the area is identified as persistent cold spots, predominantly located in Mongolia. (3) The analysis of key drivers reveals that precipitation and land surface temperature are the dominant climatic factors shaping grassland NDVI trends, while the effects of soil conditions and human activity vary regionally. In China, NDVI is primarily driven by land surface temperature (LST), GDP, and population density; in Mongolia, precipitation, LST, and GDP exert the strongest influence; whereas in Russia, livestock density and soil organic carbon play the most significant roles. (4) For the whole study area, in persistent cold spot areas of grassland NDVI, the negative effects of rising land surface temperature were most pronounced, reducing NDVI by 36% in the 25–40 °C range. The positive effects of precipitation on NDVI were most evident under low to moderate precipitation conditions, with the effects diminishing as precipitation increased. Soil moisture and soil pH have stronger effects in persistent hotspot areas. Regarding human activity factors, the livestock factor in Mongolia shows an inverted U-shaped relationship with NDVI, and increasing population density contributed to grassland degradation in persistent cold spots. Proper grazing intensity regulation strategy is crucial in these areas with inappropriate grazing intensity, while social and economic activities promoted vegetation cover improvement in persistent hotspots in China and Russia. These findings provide practical insights to guide grassland ecosystem restoration and ensure sustainable development along the eastern route of the China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor. China should prioritize ecological compensation policies. Mongolia needs to integrate traditional nomadic grazing with modern practices. Russia should focus on strengthening regulatory frameworks to prevent the over-exploitation of grasslands. Especially for persistent cold spot areas of grassland NDVI in Mongolia and Russia that are prone to grassland degradation, attention should be paid to the significant negative impact of livestock on grassland.

PRODUCTION AND in vitro EVALUATION OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN RHHB-EGF FOR WOUND HEALING AND TARGETED THERAPY

Aim. The goal of the study was to evaluate the biological activity of recombinant human heparinbinding EGF-like growth factor (rhHB-EGF) on mouse fibroblasts in vitro as a potential agent for promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration. Methods. The study employed a scratch assay to evaluate the migration of mouse fibroblasts (L929 and NIH-3T3), the MTT test to assess cell proliferation, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for protein identification, and flow cytometry to determine cell viability. Results. In the concentration range of 500-1000 ng/ml rhHB-EGF, no cytotoxic effect was recorded, but an increase in proliferation and/or metabolic activity, as well as migration of fibroblasts, was detected, with a maximum effect at 500 ng/ml rhHB-EGF in the cell incubation medium. A 30% overgrowth of the wound surface of fibroblasts was demonstrated in the scratch assay test under the influence of rhHB-EGF compared to the corresponding control. Conclusions. rhHB-EGF at a concentration of 500 ng/ml can be used in preparations to stimulate wound healing and tissue regeneration due to its ability to stimulate proliferation/metabolic activity and migration of fibroblasts, as well as the lack of cytotoxicity. Further, in vivo studies are needed for a comprehensive evaluation of this possibility.

Human activity, not environmental factors, drives Scedosporium and Lomentospora distribution in Taiwan.

Scedosporium and Lomentospora species are emerging fungal pathogens capable of causing severe infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Previous environmental surveys have suggested potential associations between these fungi and various soil chemical parameters, though the relative influence of human activity versus environmental factors has not been systematically evaluated. Here, we conducted a comprehensive survey of 406 soil samples from 132 locations across Taiwan, analyzing fungal abundance alongside soil physicochemical parameters and the Human Footprint Index (HFI). We recovered 236 fungal isolates comprising 10 species, with S. boydii (32.2%), S. apiospermum (30.9%), and S. dehoogii (14.4%) being the most prevalent. The highest fungal burdens were observed in urban environments (up to 1293 CFU/g), particularly in public spaces and healthcare facilities. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between fungal abundance and HFI (r=0.143, P=.005), while soil chemical parameters including nitrogen, carbon, pH, electrical conductivity, and various base cations showed no significant associations despite their wide ranges. These findings indicate that anthropogenic disturbance of environments, rather than soil chemistry, is the primary driver of Scedosporium and Lomentospora distribution in Taiwan. This understanding holds important implications for predicting infection risks and developing targeted public health strategies, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. Future studies incorporating more specific indicators of human impact may further elucidate the mechanisms underlying these distribution patterns.

Impact of forest cover and land use change on tree species diversity and carbon stocks in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal

The relationship between tree species and carbon stock is significantly influenced by changes in forest cover and quality. Forests, as renewable resources, are facing rapid decline, leading to land degradation and biodiversity loss. In this study, field observation, mapping, and sampling were conducted across 63 blocks with dimensions of 10 × 10 m for trees and 5 × 5 m for sapling. Secondary materials and Landsat images, sources from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website, provided valuable spatial data. Data analysis employed ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel, incorporating calculations for the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land use and land cover (LULC), carbon stock, and biodiversity. The study revealed an increase in forest cover from 2001 (703.73 hectares) to 2022 (955.8 hectares), with an intermediate cover of 830.88 hectares in 2013. The highest NDVI value was recorded in 2001 at 0.65, which then decreased to 0.41 in 2013 and rose slightly to 0.47 in 2022. Likewise, high-vegetation land (HVL) cover decreased from 76.3% in 2001 to 11.8% in 2013 but increased again to 41.7% in 2022. This drastic decline followed by significant recovery in HVL reflects the complex interplay of human activity, policy, and natural factors. The recovery to 41.7% by 2022 suggests a positive trajectory, highlighting the effectiveness of recent conservation and restoration efforts. The analysis revealed distinct trends in species prevalence, diversity, and richness. Alnus nepalensis was notably the most prevalent species (18.2%), while Quercus semicarpifolia was the least (2.55%). Diversity patterns varied significantly, with block 16 showing the highest Shannon–Wiener index (4.8), reflecting balanced species composition, while blocks 57 and 58 had no diversity (0.0). Conversely, these same blocks showed the highest Simpson index (1.0), indicating complete dominance by a single species. Exceptional cases include blocks 11, 16, and 23, which exhibited the highest species richness (7.0), contrasting sharply with the lowest richness in blocks 57 and 58. These trends highlight considerable spatial variability in forest structure, with blocks 57 and 58 standing out for their low diversity and richness but high dominance. The total aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock across all 63 blocks were 255.83 tons/ha and 120.24 tons/ha, respectively, with mean and standard error values for AGB and carbon stock at 4.06 ± 0.45 and 1.91 ± 0.21, respectively. The study highlights the long-term ecological value of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, especially due to its proximity to the capital city, where it provides essential natural resources such as clean water and air to the urban population. The park also serves as a vital habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Government efforts to protect these species and maintain a healthy ecosystem are crucial. Further research focusing on GIS and remote sensing could provide valuable insights into the park’s conservation efforts on both spatial and temporal scales.

Spatial differentiation and coupling between village development intensity and landscape pattern of 100 villages in Anhui, China

Spatial development and landscape pattern are fundamental elements of the land system of village. Analysing the spatial differentiation and coupling relationship between spatial development intensity and landscape pattern is of great significance for the development and protection of village land resources. In order to address the current research lack on the coupling response between village spatial development intensity and landscape pattern, a technical method for analysing the spatial differentiation and coupling relationship between village spatial development intensity and landscape pattern is constructed based on the methods of village spatial development intensity model, landscape pattern index, bivariate spatial autocorrelation model, coupling degree and coupling coordination degree model. Taking 100 villages in Anhui Province, China as an example, the spatial distribution characteristics and coupling characteristics of village spatial development intensity and landscape pattern are analysed. The results show that there are obvious regional differences in the spatial distribution of village spatial development intensity and landscape pattern in Anhui Province. The village spatial development intensity shows a pattern of the Northern Anhui plain region (NAPR) > along the Yangtze River plain region (YRPR) > Jiang-huai Hilly region (JHHR) > Southern Anhui mountainous region (SAMR) > Western Anhui mountainous region (WAMR). The village landscape pattern in NAPR and YRPR are high fragmentation, while the village in JHHR has the lowest fragmentation, and the villages in SAMR and WAMR show relatively low fragmentation. The spatial coupling relationship between village spatial development intensity and landscape pattern is mainly characterised by high-high clustering and low-high clustering. The coupling coordinated development of villages in NAPR is the best, followed by YRPR, JHHR and SAMR, and WAMR is the worst. There is only a significant multi-linear relationship between village landscape pattern and multiple spatial development intensity indicators in WAMR and NAPR. The spatial differentiation and coupling relationship are influenced by both natural geographical factors and human activity factors. Finally, the study puts forward some targeted countermeasures and suggestions. The research results can provide theoretical method and practical application reference for village land space development and protection and village planning.

Exploring the impact of natural and human activities on vegetation changes: An integrated analysis framework based on trend analysis and machine learning.

Exploring the impact of natural and human activities on vegetation changes: An integrated analysis framework based on trend analysis and machine learning.

Climate impact mechanism underlying vegetation carbon sequestration changes in northern Guangdong, China based on spatial lag model.

Understanding the mechanisms driving changes in vegetation carbon sequestration is a scientific support for achieving regional "dual carbon" goals and high-quality development. However, current research lacks comprehensive consideration of the spatiotemporal autocorrelation of influencing factors, and fails to accurately reflect the dynamic impact process of these factors. We identified the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of vegetation carbon sequestration in northern Guangdong using meteorological data from 31 national meteorological stations and vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) data within a 10 km radius from 2001 to 2020. By constructing a spatial lag model of panel data and combining partial correlation analysis and dominance analysis methods, we analyzed the role of climate factors, and investigated the spatial variations of the influencing factors by the geographical weighted regression model. We further quantified the contribution of climate factors and human activity factors to vegetation carbon sequestration changes with the residual trend method. Results showed that, from 2001 to 2020, the average carbon sequestration in the study area was 955.43 g C·m-2. Vegetation carbon sequestration in this region showed a fluctuating downward trend, with strong spatial heterogeneity. The annual average relative humidity, annual average sunshine hours and annual average precipitation were climate factors with significant impacts on regional carbon sequestration changes. The spatial differences of those influencing factors were considerable, and there was a strong correlation with altitude. Compared to climate factors, human activities were the main influencing factor of vegetation carbon sequestration variations in northern Guangdong, with an average contribution rate of 70.2% for human factors and 29.8% for climate factors.