Impact Of Changes Research Articles

Climate Change and Cultural Security in the Postcolony

ABSTRACT Existing literature has extensively interrogated climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and indigenous knowledge of climate change. Scholars have, however, paid minimal attention to the nexus between climate change and cultural security―especially in Africa which is most vulnerable to climate change. This qualitative study investigates the nuanced impact of climate change on cultural security with focus on the African context, addressing a gap in existing literature that has primarily focused on the broader impacts of climate change, adaptation strategies, or indigenous knowledge and traditional climate change adaptation strategies. Employing a purposive sampling approach in northern Ghana, 48 participants were selected using maximum variation sampling technique so as to capture diverse and intersectional responses. Grounded in the securitization theory of the Copenhagen School which it extends to the local community level, the study unveils a complex relationship wherein climate change both positively and negatively influences cultural security. Findings reveal that climate change acts as a dynamic force, altering traditional practices, livelihoods, and community dynamics in both positive and negative ways. The study argues that discourses on climate change and cultural security necessitate a comprehensive understanding that acknowledges both the threats and opportunities posed. This study challenges static notions of cultural security in the face of evolving environmental realities and underscores securitization at the local community level not captured by classic securitization theory.

Study on the enhancement of ecosystem service function and sustainability planning of landscape gardening based on biomechanics

With the acceleration of urbanization and the impact of climate change, landscape gardening plays an increasingly important role in improving urban ecological environments, enhancing biodiversity and improving ecological service functions. Based on the principle of biomechanics, this paper discusses the strategy of enhancing the ecosystem service function of landscape gardening and proposes to optimize the sustainability of landscape gardening by means of multi-scale planning frameworks, ecological corridor construction, and microclimate regulation techniques. Through the implementation of biomechanical optimization practices in the study area, in this study, multiple technical methods were used for data collection to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. For monitoring plant growth, a regular sampling method was adopted to measure growth parameters (such as plant height, crown width, root depth, etc.) of plants in the study area on a monthly basis. In addition, high-precision meteorological monitoring equipment (such as temperature and humidity meters, anemometers, etc.) was used for continuous monitoring of microclimate conditions, with a data collection time span of one year, covering seasonal changes. Soil stability assessment quantifies soil stability and water management capacity through regular sampling of different soil types, using soil shear tests and water retention capacity tests. All data were processed using statistical analysis methods and combined with model simulations to validate the effectiveness of optimization strategies, ensuring the scientific and reproducible nature of research results. It was found that the optimization of vegetation configuration, soil structure and water flow management could significantly improve soil and water conservation capacity, wind speed regulation and microclimate regulation. The high density of vegetation not only enhanced the soil water retention capacity but also effectively reduced the wind speed and improved the local climate environment. In addition, the construction of ecological corridors and reasonable vegetation layout enhances the ecological connectivity and stability of the landscape. By evaluating the sustainability under different seasons, this paper further discusses how to dynamically optimize the landscape according to seasonal changes to ensure the stability of its long-term ecological service function.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Function Among Community-Dwelling People With Disabilities in Japan: A Follow-Up Study.

In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic altered lifestyles dramatically. We previously reported that the physical function of walk-in rehabilitation users in Japan worsened after the state of emergency declaration and continued to worsen until the end of 2020. However, whether physical function continued to worsen during the prolonged pandemic period remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community-dwelling people with disabilities. Data measured every 3 to 6 months from January 2018 to December 2022 were examined retrospectively for patients who started using day care services by July 2018 and continued until July 2022. Every 6 months was considered one period. Mixed-effects model repeated measures (MMRMs) were performed, including missing measurements for 10 periods from the first half of 2018 to the second half of 2022, and each period was tested for multiple comparisons. The MMRM showed that both walking speed (P < .001) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores (P < .001) changed from period to period. Walking speed and TUG scores worsened after 2020 and continued to worsen thereafter. Thus, the impact of lifestyle changes associated with the pandemic on community-dwelling people with disabilities was not transitory.

Impact of Structural Changes in the Chip Carrier on the Heat Dissipation Performance of Power Transistors

Impact of Structural Changes in the Chip Carrier on the Heat Dissipation Performance of Power Transistors

Climate change impact and adaptation options in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Climate change impact and adaptation options in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

Leveraging the GEV Model to Estimate Flood Due to Extreme Rainfall in Ungauged Dry Catchments of the Gobi Region

Extreme high flows can have negative economic, social, and ecological effects and are expected to become more severe in many regions due to climate change. Knowledge of maximum flow regimes and estimation of extreme rainfall is important, especially in ungauged dry regions, for planning and infrastructure development. In this study, we propose a regional method for estimating extreme flow regimes and modeled extreme rainfall using the extreme value theory, with examples from the Gobi region of Mongolia. The first step is to apply the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) theory for the maximum rainfall data using 44-year observational data covering the period 1978–2022. Then, estimated rainfall with a 100-year return period is used for the empirical equation of the maximum flood calculation. As a result, most stations’ maximum rainfall follows a Fréchet distribution and 100-year return period rainfall values that range between 27.8–130.6 mm. The local reference value in the 100-year return period rainfall is defined as 90 mm for the whole Gobi region. Our results show that extremely high rainfall in the Gobi region has changed from −7% to 16%, leading to higher flood events. These findings further provide evidence for the maximum rainfall for flood calculation, climate change impact assessment, water resource planning, and management studies.

Societal Context of Observed Differences in Perceptions Regarding Climate Change Impacts in the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the few atoll countries in the world, with an average elevation of just 1.5 m above sea level. The country faces the possibility of submersion, without adequate adaptation measures, if the current trends persist. The present study aimed to examine the societal context of observed differences in perceptions regarding climate change impacts in the two locations in atoll islands of the Maldives: Hithadhoo and Kulhudhuffushi, situated in the southernmost and northernmost islands within the country, respectively. A questionnaire survey was conducted at both locations, with follow-up semi-structured interviews. With regard to Hithadhoo, a higher percentage of residents recognize the impacts of climate change and sea level rise (SLR) and are more likely to take individual actions and encourage government action. Residents of Kulhudhuffushi reported fewer observed impacts of climate change and SLR, with a significant majority not taking specific actions or relying more on broader measures. These findings highlight the differences in perceptions regarding and responses to climate change impacts between the two areas, which can be attributed to different environmental conditions, awareness levels, and socioeconomic factors, including culture and values. This also indicates the need for tailor-made strategies and policies for climate change adaptation in different regions of a single nation.

Ironing out the conflicts: iron supplementation reduces negatives bacterial interactions in the rhizosphere of an Atacama-endemic perennial grass

BackgroundIn plants, root exudates selectively influence the growth of bacteria that colonize the rhizosphere. Bacterial communities associated with root systems are involved in macro and micronutrients cycling and organic matter transformation. In particular, iron is an essential micronutrient required for the proper functioning of iron-containing enzymes in processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, biomolecule synthesis, redox homeostasis, and cell growth in plants. However, the impact of changes of iron availability on the structure and set of ecological interactions taking place in the rhizosphere remains poorly understood. In this study, field experiments were conducted to compare the effects of iron supplementation (0.1 and 0.5 mM of FeSO4) on the assembly of the bacterial community of rhizosphere soil and bulk soil in a perennial grass present in the Andes steppe of Atacama Desert.ResultsThe results indicated that the difference in beta diversity between bulk soil and rhizosphere soil detected before supplementation did not persist after iron supplementation, in addition, co-occurrence networks showed a significant reduction in negative interactions among soil bacteria, mainly in rare taxa (< 0.1% relative abundance).ConclusionsThese observations suggest that iron availability contributes to the differentiation between bulk soil and rhizosphere bacterial communities, a process that is linked to significant changes in the relative abundance of more abundant species (> 0.1% relative abundance) and with a decrease in the negative interactions in both compartments after metal exposure. The differential effect of iron on the competition/cooperation ratio between bulk soils and the rhizosphere microbiome supports the hypothesis that the host limits the degree of cooperation that can be achieved by the bacterial community associated with an organ dedicated to nutrient absorption.

Analyses of Variation Trends of Winter Cold Snaps in Subarctic and Arctic Alaska

Arctic Alaska is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the nation, severely impacting infrastructure built on permafrost. As winters warm, the effectiveness of thermosyphons used to stabilize foundations diminishes, increasing the risk of infrastructure failure. Because thermosyphons operate with the highest efficiency during winter cold snaps, studying the variation trends and patterns of winter cold snaps in Alaska is particularly important. To address this issue, this study analyzes the historical temperature data of four selected locations in Subarctic and Arctic Alaska, including Bethel, Fairbanks, Nome, and Utqiagvik. The winter cold snap is defined as a period when the average daily temperature drops below a specific site’s mean winter air temperature. The frequency, duration, and intensity of the winter cold snaps are computed to reveal their trends. The results indicate that the mean annual air temperature (MAAT) shows a warming trend, accompanied by sudden warming after 1975 for all study sites. The long-term average monthly air temperature also indicates that the most significant warming occurs in the winter months from December to March. While the frequencies of winter cold snaps remain relatively unchanged, the mean intensity and duration of cold snaps show a declining trend. Most importantly, the most intense cold snap during which the thermosyphons are the most effective is becoming much milder over time for all study sites. This study focuses specifically on the impact of changes in winter cold spells on thermosyphon effectiveness while acknowledging the complexity of other influencing factors, such as temperature differences, design features, coolant properties, and additional climatic parameters (e.g., wind speed, precipitation, and humidity). The data for this study were obtained from the NOAA NCEI website. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable reference for the retrofit or design of foundations and for decision making in selecting appropriate foundation stabilizing measures to ensure the long-term stability and resilience of infrastructure in permafrost regions. Moreover, the insights gained from this research on freeze–thaw dynamics, which are also relevant to black soils, align with the journal’s focus on sustainable soil utilization and infrastructure resilience.

The influx of refugees from Ukraine and changes in Polish educational policy: A case study of the National External Examinations System

AbstractDue to Russia's full‐scale invasion of Ukraine, 144,000 Ukrainian children enrolled in Polish schools for the 2022/2023 school year. Ukrainian schoolchildren, akin to Polish students, have the right to take the eighth grade exam and the matriculation exam, enabling further free education. Faced with the significant influx of school‐age refugee children into the examination system, we examined Polish national exam sheets to assess changes in the existence and content of elements related to Ukraine and Russia. Our analysis includes a review of formal procedures related to the examination system, along with a comparative analysis of examination sheets from selected subjects used in 2021 and 2023. We also conducted interviews with coordinators at the Central Examination Board. Our findings indicate that some affirmative actions were taken. Additionally, most analysed sheets demonstrated changes in the portrayal of Russia and Ukraine towards an absence of images with positive or neutral connotations with Russia. Context and implicationsRationale for this study: The sudden and substantial influx of refugees from Ukraine presents an interesting case study regarding its impact of refugees on the national examination system. Ukrainian refugees, widely perceived in Poland as wronged by the aggressing state, offer an interesting avenue to explore the interplay between agency and structure in shaping the changes of image of Russia and Ukraine in Polish examination materials. The substantial influx of refugees presents a compelling case for examining the adaptation of state educational policies in response to refugee populations. Such studies are relatively rare, especially when we examine the influence of refugees on the state examination system.Why the new findings matter: Studies on refugee children within state education systems, particularly in the context of examination frameworks, are relatively rare. However, they are crucial for understanding the opportunities and barriers that affect refugee children's access to subsequent stages of education. Our research reveals intriguing affirmative policies aimed at facilitating refugees' integration into the examination system of another country. Additionally, it demonstrates how, due to agency dynamics, changes in the examination sheets occur, leading to enhancements in representing the refugees' country of origin while diminishing information about the aggressor country which can play a role in decreasing potential for PTSD syndrome among refugees.Implications for policy‐makers and general public: The findings of this study hold potential relevance for policymakers in other countries, as they illuminate potential adjustments to exam sheets in national external examinations. The paper enables an assessment of the impact of changes to the examination system on the well‐being of refugees and their subsequent adaptation to the host country. Moreover, the study elucidates the potential shifts in the portrayal of both the aggressor state and the affected state in scenarios where a substantial number of refugees participate in the examination system.

Future perspectives in the study of mutualistic interactions between insects and their microorganisms

Abstract. The impact of climate change and habitat destruction on insect diversity and survival is a critical area of study. These disruptions could severely affect the symbiotic relationships between insects and their microorganisms. Understanding how these interactions respond to such changes is essential for mitigating the decline of insect populations, which are already alarmingly decreasing worldwide. Mutualistic interactions between insects and microorganisms present vast opportunities in ecology, agriculture, and biotechnology. These associations are crucial for insect nutrition, defense, and adaptation and hold great potential for developing antimicrobial compounds with promising applications in the pharmaceutical industry. In agriculture, insect-associated microorganisms could play a key role in biological pest control, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. This would not only protect beneficial insects but also enhance agricultural efficiency. The conservation of mutualism must be integrated into biodiversity preservation efforts, as protecting these relationships will be critical in addressing future ecological challenges. The following sections describe the main mutualistic interactions between insects and their associated microorganisms, with a prospective approach to the directions that future research should consider.

Recognising spatial distribution shifts in southern beech Nothofagus in the Island of New Guinea in response to climate change

Context The Island of New Guinea hosts the highest diversity of Nothofagus species within the distribution range of this genus. According to modelled predictions, climate change will likely affect the distribution and existence of the genus Nothofagus in future. Aims Research efforts on how climate change influences the distribution patterns in Nothofagus in New Guinea are therefore needed. The objective of this study is to understand the impact of climate change on suitable distribution areas of Nothofagus in New Guinea. Methods The Random Forest (RF) algorithm was used to understand the potential distribution change of Nothofagus in the Island of New Guinea under climate change scenarios. Occurrence records and climatic, topographical and edaphic spatial layers were used as inputs for model prediction of distribution change of Nothofagus in New Guinea. The CNRM-CM6-1-HR Global Climate Model (GCM) with climatic scenarios, and Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP) 1–2.6 and SSP 5–8.5 were used to elucidate the potential distribution of Nothofagus under future climate change scenarios. Key results We found 328 presence records from 14 Nothofagus species in New Guinea. Results indicated that areas predicted to be suitable and highly suitable compared to current predictive distribution areas were reduced by ~9.24% in extent of the area using the SSP 1–2.6 climate scenario and 20.93% using the SSP 5–8.5 climate scenario. Conclusions The predictive model indicates that the potential future distribution of Nothofagus will decrease from the current potential distribution. Implications Knowledge of how climate change could influence the distribution patterns of Nothofagus will be useful for protecting these species in future. Furthermore, our findings are valuable for the discovery of unknown subpopulations in the predicted suitable regions.

Microbial Metabolic Limitations and Their Relationships with Sediment Organic Carbon Across Lake Salinity Gradient in Tibetan Plateau

Inland lakes, contributing substantially to the global storage of sediment organic carbon (SOC), are subject to marked changes in salinity due to climate warming. The imbalance in the supply of resources, such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, in sediments leads to microbial metabolic limitations (MMLs). This, in turn, triggers the secretion of extracellular enzymes by microorganisms to mine for deficient resources by decomposing complex organic carbon. This process is a rate-limiting step in the degradation of organic carbon and, as a result, has the potential to regulate organic carbon stocks. However, the general understanding of MML patterns and their relationships with SOC content along lake salinity gradients remains elusive. This study examined 25 lakes on the Tibetan Plateau with salinity ranging from 0.13‰ to 31.06‰, analyzing MMLs through enzymatic stoichiometry. The results showed that sediment microbial metabolism was mainly limited by carbon and nitrogen, with stronger limitations at higher salinity. Water salinity and sediment pH were the main factors influencing microbial limitations, either directly or indirectly, through their effects on nutrients and microbial diversity. Additionally, the SOC content was negatively correlated with microbial carbon limitation, a relationship weakened when salinity and pH were controlled. These findings suggest that the decrease in SOC with increased salinity or pH could be driven by stronger microbial carbon limitations, offering insights into the impact of salinity changes on SOC stocks in inland lakes due to climate change.

The Impact of Climate Change on Laboratory Medicine: A Global Health Perspective.

The Impact of Climate Change on Laboratory Medicine: A Global Health Perspective.

Modelling reservoir water electrical conductivity under the thermal stratification effect

In this study, the electrical conductivity (EC) of Ekbatan reservoir water in Hamedan Province (Iran) under the impact of thermal stratification changes and water temperature for seven scenarios of reducing inflow and outflow has been assessed using CE-QUAL-W2. Results showed that the highest and lowest EC is related to the scenarios of 10 and 30% reduction of outflow, respectively. Therefore, the EC largely depends on discharge, and this shows that policies of controlling the outflow can improve and reduce the salinity in water and soil. In autumn and winter, complete mixing has occurred; thermal stratification has begun in the middle of spring and continues until the end of summer. The highest EC was observed before the occurrence of thermal stratification and the lowest EC was observed at the end of the thermal stratification phenomenon. The lowest EC related to the fourth scenario is equal to 0.1 S/m occurred in the spring, and the highest value related to the second scenario is equal to 0.2 S/m and occurred in winter. The degree of EC sensitivity in relation to temperature changes is higher than that related to flow changes in the reservoir.

Forecasting the Impact of Climate Change on Apis dorsata (Fabricius, 1793) Habitat and Distribution in Pakistan

Climate change has led to global biodiversity loss, severely impacting all species, including essential pollinators like bees, which are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Like other bee species, A. dorsata is also not immune to climate change. This study evaluated the habitat suitability of A. dorsata under climate change in Pakistan by utilizing two years of occurrence and distribution data to develop a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model for forecasting current and future habitat distribution. Future habitat projections for 2050 and 2070 were based on two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP245 and SSP585) using the CNRM-CM6-1 and EPI-ESM1-2-HR-1 global circulation models. Eight bioclimatic variables (Bio1, Bio4, Bio5, Bio8, Bio10, Bio12, Bio18, and Bio19) were selected for modeling, and among the selected variables, the mean temperature of the wettest quarter (Bio8) and precipitation of the warmest quarter (Bio18) showed major contributions to the model building and strongest influence on habitat of A. dorsata. The model estimated 23% of our study area as a suitable habitat for A. dorsata under current climatic conditions, comprising 150,975 km2 of moderately suitable and 49,792 km2 of highly suitable regions. For future climatic scenarios, our model projected significant habitat loss for A. dorsata with a shrinkage and shift towards northern, higher-altitude regions, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Himalayan foothills. Habitat projections under the extreme climatic scenario (SSP585) are particularly alarming, indicating a substantial loss of the suitable habitat for the A. dorsata of 40% under CNRM-CM6-1 and 79% for EPI-ESM1-2-HR-1 for the 2070 time period. This study emphasizes the critical need for conservation efforts to protect A. dorsata and highlights the species’ role in pollination and supporting the apiculture industry in Pakistan.

The Influence of Public Expectations on Simulated Emotional Perceptions of AI-Driven Government Chatbots: A Moderated Study

This study focuses on the impact of technological changes, particularly the development of generative artificial intelligence, on government–citizen interactions in the context of government services. From a psychological perspective with an emphasis on technological governance theory and emotional contagion theory, it examines public perceptions of the simulated emotions of governmental chatbots and investigates the moderating role of age. Data were collected through a multi-stage stratified purposive sampling method, yielding 194 valid responses from an original distribution of 300 experimental questionnaires between 24 September and 13 October 2023. The findings reveal that public expectations significantly enhance the simulated emotional perception of chatbots, with this effect being stronger among older individuals. Age shows significant main and interaction effects, indicating that different age groups perceive the simulated emotional capabilities of chatbots differently. This study highlights the transformative impact of generative artificial intelligence on government–citizen interactions and the importance of integrating AI technology into government services. It calls for governments to pay attention to public perceptions of the simulated emotions of governmental chatbots to enhance public experience.

Anaerobic Digestion of Rice Straw as Profitable Climate Solution Reduces Paddy Field Greenhousegas Emissions and Produces Climate-Smart Fertilizer Under Carbon Trading Mechanisms

Continuous incorporation of rice straw has caused significant CH4 emissions from the paddy field production system in East China. Anaerobic digestion (AD) of the rice straw has been considered as a promising approach that could not only mitigate the land-based CH4 emissions, but also generate low-carbon electricity and high-quality organic fertilizer. However, this approach, in many circumstances, is unable to be cost-competitive with other straw treatment processes or power sources. To understand the potential incentives that recently launched carbon trading schemes, the China Carbon Emission Trade Exchange (CCETE) and Chinese Certified Emission Reduction (CCER), could bring to the rice straw utilization value chain, we conducted a cradle-to-factory gate life cycle assessment and economic analysis of a small-scale AD system with rice straw as the main feedstock in East China. The results indicate that, depending on the choice of allocation method, the climate change impact of the bioenergy generated through the studied small-scale AD system is 0.21 to 0.28 kg CO2eq./kWh, and the digester fertilizer produced is 6.88 to 22.09 kg CO2eq./kg N. The economic analysis validates the financial sustainability of such small-scale AD projects with rice straw feedstock under carbon trading mechanisms. The climate mitigation potential could be achieved at the marginal reduction cost of 13.98 to −53.02 USD/t CO2eq. in different carbon price scenarios.

Assessment and projection of climate change impact on Ghana’s agricultural crops: evidence from cassava (Manihot esculenta) production in the coastal Savannah agroecological zone

Assessment and projection of climate change impact on Ghana’s agricultural crops: evidence from cassava (Manihot esculenta) production in the coastal Savannah agroecological zone

The role of positional changes in optimizing OSA treatment: evidence from DISE

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to assess the impact of positional changes on upper airway obstruction patterns during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and identify the airway regions most responsive to this change. Special focus was placed on the tongue base, a critical area in OSA pathophysiology. Methods This prospective study was conducted from June 2021 to June 2024. DISE was performed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in supine and lateral positions to simulate the effect of positional therapy. Findings were evaluated using the VOTE classification. Results The examination was performed on 186 patients, with a median Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) of 19.3. In the supine position, complete obstructions were noted at the soft palate (88.2%), oropharynx (33.3%), tongue base (53.2%), and epiglottis (15.6%). Lateral positioning significantly reduced obstructions, particularly at the tongue base, where obstruction resolved in 94/99 of cases (94.9%). This improvement was significantly more pronounced at the tongue base than at other sites (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion These results suggest that DISE can identify airway regions responsive to positional changes, potentially guiding clinical decisions on positional therapy. The findings show a significant reduction in tongue base obstruction during lateral positioning in DISE. Since tongue base obstruction is a key contributor to airway collapse in OSA, this improvement suggests a practical, non-invasive treatment approach. While these findings highlight an acute association between lateral positioning and reduced obstruction, further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term clinical efficacy.