Local Variations Research Articles

An integrated stratigraphic framework for the uppermost jurassic to Lower Cretaceous interval of the Essaouira-Agadir Basin (Moroccan Atlantic margin) based on ammonites, calcareous nannofossils and calpionellids

The extensive exposures of Mesozoic rocks along the Atlantic Moroccan margin can offer the best and the most continuous record of Mesozoic sediments and Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous deposits along the Atlantic margin. This study reports the results of high resolution sampling and sedimentary logging of key outcrops to allow for ammonite, calpionellid and nannofossil biostratigraphy, in order to build a new integrated biostratigraphic chart for the uppermost Tithonian to the lowermost upper Barremian. This has been correlated to the offshore record (DSDP Sites 370/416A), which has also been redated using newly described calcareous nannofossil assemblages that confirm a thick and previously undescribed upper Tithonian through Berriasian succession.Calpionellid assemblages, although sparse, show affinities to the Mediterranean Tethys assemblages. Ammonites also show affinities to the Mediterranean Tethys taxa, but the identification of two new species points to periods of endemism during the lower Hauterivian. Calcareous nannofossils show varied affinities; to the North Atlantic Tethys and Mediterranean Tethyan Realms, the Cental Atlantic and short, but distinct cold-water Boreal Realm exchanges during the Berriasian, lower Valanginian and upper Hauterivian which have necessitated the development of a local EAB nannofossil zonation. The faunal affinities, local morphological variations and periods of faunal endemism are attributed to relative sea level changes which influenced the connection between the Essaouira-Agadir Basin (EAB), Central Atlantic and the western Tethyan Realm.A major sedimentary hiatus in the middle part of the Berriasian is recognised in the studied sections based on the biostratigraphy. This is interpreted to record a middle Berriasian unconformity that can be correlated both regionally and globally, due to an important period of tectonic activity associated with the break-up stage of the Atlantic.This new biostratigraphy builds on recent published studies that have focused on a high resolution integrated stratigraphic framework for the upper Barremian - lower Albian interval (Lower Cretaceous) in the Essaouira-Agadir Basin of Morocco.

Enhanced Electromechanical Response Due to Inhomogeneous Strain in Monolayer MoS2.

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit exceptional resilience to mechanical deformation. Applied strain can have pronounced effects on properties such as the bandgaps and exciton dynamics of TMDs, via deformation potentials and electromechanical coupling. In this work, we use piezoresponse force microscopy to show that the inhomogeneous strain from nanobubbles produces dramatic, localized enhancements of the electromechanical response of monolayer MoS2. Nanobubbles with diameters under 100 nm consistently produce an increased piezoresponse that follows the features' topography, while larger bubbles exhibit a halo-like profile, with maximum piezoresponse near the periphery. We show that spatial filtering enables these effects to be eliminated in the quantitative determination of effective piezoelectric or flexoelectric coefficients. Numerical strain modeling reveals a correlation between the hydrostatic strain gradient and the effective piezoelectric coefficient in large MoS2 nanobubbles, suggesting a localized variation in electromechanical coupling due to symmetry reduction induced by inhomogeneous strain.

Transition of dome formation to sudden explosive eruptions at Popocatépetl, Mexico: magnetic indicators

Transitions from effusive to explosive activity can increase hazards making it crucial to define early indicators such as changes in the magnetic signals. After more than 80 cycles of crater-dome extrusion and destruction from 1996 on, Popocatépetl volcano (Mexico) experienced changes in its behavior from March 15 to 18 July 2019, when no lava domes were observed. Some of the domes behaved as contained lava flows within the crater floor (pancakes) while others were more irregular-shaped. Activity decreased considerably over this 2019 interval except for the unexpected explosions in March and June, that produced ash plumes reaching up to 14,000 m a.s.l. In order to investigate the causes of the transition from effusive to explosive behavior in March and June, we analyzed the time series from the magnetic monitoring network at Popocatépetl volcano between October 2018 and December 2019. The raw signals were analyzed by weighted differences (WD) based on the elimination of non-local changes from the total intensity values of the geomagnetic field and the discrete-time continuous wavelet transform was used to evaluate the local variations of energy within the time series. The high energy periods (linked to negative magnetic anomalies) are induced by magma ascent associated with movement within the conduit. They indicate that the sudden explosions were due to the ascent of several magma batches that were slowed during ascent and were not able to reach the surface. Changes in the rheology of the lava are linked to the influx of several batches of magma with different compositions as well as to compaction by gas loss when ascending andesitic magma pushed out overlying more viscous degassed magma clearing the conduit, which can explain why these sudden explosions were more energetic. Several geophysical data sets as well as tephra compositions were integrated to support this conclusion. The correlated multiparameters also confirm that geomagnetic volcano monitoring has been essential in understanding the processes that drive the observed changes in eruptive behavior. We present new evidence for the detection of transient events produced by magma ascent and changes in the feeding system of Popocatépetl volcano with wavelet analysis. Detailed vulcanomagnetic processing, especially when it is correlated with other monitoring parameters, provides information on ascending magma and several conduit processes that would otherwise be camouflaged. Ascending batches may precede an eruption but they can also ascend in several pulses indicating how dome growth occurs.

Revised OSL chronology of the Kisiljevo loess-palaeosol sequence: New insight into the dust flux in the eastern Carpathian Basin during MIS 3 - MIS1

This study presents a detailed investigation of the Kisiljevo loess-palaeosol sequence in north-eastern Serbia, offering a refined understanding of its paleoenvironmental dynamics. Contrasting our updated OSL chronology with a previous study, reveals discrepancies, particularly at 400 cm depth, where a considerable age underestimation is evident. While variations in sampling depth and methodology may contribute to some differences, the substantial deviation raises concern about the reliability of the earlier chronology. Our robust age-depth model constructed using Bayesian modelling, and the consistent increase in ages with depth suggest a potential underestimation in the uppermost layer of the earlier study, possibly due to partial bleaching or post-depositional mixing. The Bayesian age-depth model portrays a continuous sedimentation history from the later stages of Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3) to the present day. The patterns in the calculated Mass Accumulation Rates reveal distinctive peaks during MIS 3 and the middle of MIS 2, deviating from typical dust deposition models. The MIS 3 peaks in dustiness could be attributed to regional factors such as increased transportation rates, enhanced trapping efficiency, or elevated palaeowind intensity. This research not only enhances our understanding of the Kisiljevo LPS but also provides valuable insights into regional paleoenvironmental dynamics. The study emphasizes the importance of considering local geological variations in reconstructing past climates from sediment archives and sets the stage for further investigations into the factors influencing dust deposition in north-eastern Serbia. The MAR trends established here serve as a crucial reference for broader paleoclimatic interpretations in the Carpathian Basin.

Mapping of valley splitting by conveyor-mode spin-coherent electron shuttling

In Si/SiGe heterostructures, the low-lying excited valley state seriously limits the operability and scalability of electron spin qubits. For characterizing and understanding the local variations in valley splitting, fast probing methods with high spatial and energy resolution are lacking. Leveraging the spatial control granted by conveyor-mode spin-coherent electron shuttling, we introduce a method for two-dimensional mapping of the local valley splitting by detecting magnetic field-dependent anticrossings of ground and excited valley states using entangled electron spin-pairs as a probe. The method has sub-μeV energy accuracy and a nanometer lateral resolution. The histogram of valley splittings spanning a large area of 210 nm by 18 nm matches well with statistics obtained by the established but time-consuming magnetospectroscopy method. For the specific heterostructure, we find a nearly Gaussian distribution of valley splittings and a correlation length similar to the quantum dot size. Our mapping method may become a valuable tool for engineering Si/SiGe heterostructures for scalable quantum computing.

Light-scattering-induced retardation as a high-sensitivity image contrast revealing collagen fibers.

Retardation induced by media can be used as an image contrast to depict the cumulative birefringent features and local variations of the sample, respectively. It is commonly assumed that the retardation is induced by the light propagation; however, the light scattering would generate the retardation as well. In our work, the scattering-induced retardation as a high-sensitivity image contrast for revealing collagen fibers is presented. First, it is shown that the retardation induced by fiber scattering is equal to π when modeled as cylinders. Using the data for the chicken breast and the palm measured by the polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system as an example, the scattering-induced retardation is calculated. The measured value of π is in complete agreement with the theory, and the corresponding retardation per unit distance is two orders of magnitude greater than the light-propagation-induced retardation, demonstrating its predominant role on the overall retardation and providing a possibility for highly sensitive displays. Compared with the accumulated retardation image and the differential retardation image, the scattering-induced retardation images could exhibit sharper fiber structures even in deeper regions. This work might be helpful for the early diagnosis of collagen-related diseases.

Recruitment of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in northerly UK estuaries indicates a mismatch between spawning and fisheries closure periods.

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a species of high commercial and recreational value, but it exhibits highly variable recruitment rates and has been subject to recent declines. Emergency management measures put in place to protect spawning stocks include the annual closure of commercial and recreational fisheries over a 2-month, February-March, window. Whether this protection measure is having the desired outcome for this data-poor species remains unclear. Otolith microstructural analyses (counts and widths of daily growth rings and check marks indicative of settlement) were used to estimate (1) spawn timing, (2) pelagic larval duration and settlement timing, (3) growth rate and condition, and (4) the otolith-fish size relationship for juvenile European sea bass caught from two estuaries in Wales (Dwyryd, Y Foryd), located at the northern edge of the species range. We observed a significant mismatch between the timing of fisheries closures and the spawning, with 99.2% of recruits having been spawned after the fishery had reopened (back-calculated median spawn date = May 5 ± 17 days SD), suggesting that the closure may be too early to adequately protect this population. Further, we present the first empirically derived estimates of pelagic larval duration for sea bass recruits settling in UK habitats, which showed a strong negative relationship with spawn date. Finally, we found significant differences in fish condition between the two estuaries, suggesting local variation in habitat quality. The results suggest that the timing of current fisheries closures may not be adequately protecting the spawners supplying these northernmost estuaries, which are likely to become increasingly important as sea bass distributions shift northward in our climate future.

Local Climate Zone Classification Using YOLOV8 Modeling in Instance Segmentation Method

Local climate zones play a crucial role in understanding the microclimates within urban areas, contributing to urban planning, environmental sustainability, and human comfort. Istanbul, as a transcontinental city straddling Europe and Asia, exhibits a rich blend of historical and modern architecture, varying land use patterns, and diverse microclimates. In this study, using high-resolution Google Earth imagery for explores the classification, utilizing a cutting-edge deep learning architecture YOLOv8 model, of Local Climate Zones (LCZ) in Istanbul, a city known for its diverse and dynamic urban landscape. The latest cutting-edge YOLO model, YOLOv8, is designed for tasks such as object detection, image classification, and instance segmentation, showcasing its versatility in computer vision applications. Labeled data was created according to WUDAPT's sharing the things to consider when "create LCZ training areas" from google earth images. The model is trained on high-resolution, bird's-eye-view images of Istanbul obtained from Google Earth, meticulously labeled with LCZ categories. The results obtained from the test images demonstrate the model's efficacy in accurately classifying and segmenting LCZ categories, providing valuable insights into the local climate variations within Istanbul. This research contributes to the field of urban climate studies by offering a robust and scalable approach to LCZ classification using advanced deep learning techniques. The outcomes hold implications for urban planning, environmental sustainability, and informed decision-making in the context of Istanbul's unique and diverse urban environment.

RMSxAI: arginine methylation sites prediction from protein sequences using machine learning algorithms and explainable artificial intelligence

Protein methylation is a vital regulator of many biological processes at the post-translational level, and accurate prediction of protein methylation sites is essential for research and drug discovery. In this paper, we present a new method, namely RMSxAI, to predict the arginine methylation sites from primary sequences using machine learning algorithms and describe the predictions using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques. Leveraging experimentally validated methylated and unmethylated protein sequences from diverse organisms, we deduced several sequence features, encompassing physicochemical properties, amino acid composition, and evolutionary insights. Our results show that the proposed RMSxAI can predict protein methylation sites with high accuracy, bringing the F1 score up to 0.88 and overall accuracy up to 88.4%. We use various XAI methods to explain the output results. These include key features, partial occupancy maps, and local variation models that provide insight into key features and interactions that lead to predictions. Overall, our approach is relevant to research and drug discovery, and our results demonstrate the potential of machine learning algorithms and XAI methods to provide accurate and meaningful prediction of arginine methylation sites.

Stacking regression model approach to mixed convection flow of ternary- nanofluid over slanted surface with magnetic field, waste discharge concentration, and joule heating effects

The current work is carried out to investigate the mixed convection flow behavior of ternary-based nanofluid over an inclined surface in the presence of a magnetic field, waste discharge concentration, and joule heating effects. The governing equations with proper assumptions were converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) form by implementing suitable similarity constraints and solved with Runge Kutta Fehlberg 4th 5th order and shooting scheme. The stacking regression model approach is implemented along with the Runge Kutta Fehlberg 4th 5th order technique. The obtained outcomes are presented with graphs, and model correctness is assessed using the combination of Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Extra Tree Regression (ETR), and Random Forest (RF). The consistency and stability of the model are demonstrated by the closely linked testing and training data. The study outcomes show that the rise in the magnetic constraint will improve the velocity profile while improved values of local pollutant external source and external pollutant source variation parameters will enhance the concentration profile. Enhancement in Eckart number and solid volume fraction values will improve the rate of thermal distribution. Ternary nanofluid shows significant improvement than nanofluid. The surface drag force is increased about 8 %-9 % in assisting flow case and 8 %-17 % for opposing flow case for different values of magnetic parameter, the rate of thermal distribution improved from 75.54 % to 11.55 % in assisting flow case and 16.87 % to 25.70 % in opposing flow case for different values of Eckert number. The study's results might contribute to the advancement of more effective heat exchangers and cooling systems for electronics and engines. Exploration and extraction of oil, as well as the creation of efficient water purification systems.

Radiographic Morphometric Analysis of the Distal Radius in the Tamil Nadu Population: A Retrospective Study.

Background and objectives Morphometric parameters such as radial inclination, palmar tilt, radial height, and ulnar variance exhibit considerable variations influenced by geographical, ethnic, racial, and individual factors. These parameters are pivotal in the context of distal radius fractures, distal radius plate design, and kinesiology. Understanding these variations is crucial for surgical precision and predicting complications. Methods This observational, retrospective study, conducted in a single hospital, aimed to determine the morphometric values of the distal end radius, specifically in the South Indian population. We analyzed 300 plain radiographs, encompassing 53.7% males and 46.3% females, with ages ranging from 17 to 89 years (mean age: 41.05 ± 15.8). Radial inclination, radial height, palmar tilt, and ulnar variance were measured on posteroanterior views, while palmar tilt was assessed on lateral wrist X-rays. Results In our study, significant gender-based and side-specific differences were observed. The mean length of the styloid process, palmar tilt, ulnar variance, anteroposterior diameter of the radius, transverse diameter of the radius, oblique width of the radius, and carpal height of the radius exhibited notable variations between males and females. Similarly, significant differences were noted between the right and left sides concerning ulnar variance and teardrop angle. Among males, a significant difference was observed only in the teardrop angle between the right and left sides (59.11 ± 7.25 vs. 62.01 ± 7.97). Conclusion The findings underscore the importance of recognizing local morphometric variations in the South Indian population. This knowledge not only enhances the ability to restore normal alignment post-distal radius fractures but also provides fundamental values for future research endeavors within the local demographic. The study acts as a foundational resource for advancing our understanding of the normal anatomy and variations in the distal radius, facilitating improved clinical outcomes and tailored surgical interventions.

Untangling the complex food webs of tropical rainforest streams.

Food webs depict the tangled web of trophic interactions associated with the functioning of an ecosystem. Understanding the mechanisms providing stability to these food webs is therefore vital for conservation efforts and the management of natural systems. Here, we first characterised a tropical stream meta-food web and five individual food webs using a Bayesian Hierarchical approach unifying three sources of information (gut content analysis, literature compilation and stable isotope data). With data on population-level biomass and individually measured body mass, we applied a bioenergetic model and assessed food web stability using a Lotka-Volterra system of equations. We then assessed the resilience of the system to individual species extinctions using simulations and investigated the network patterns associated with systems with higher stability. The model resulted in a stable meta-food web with 307 links among the 61 components. At the regional scale, 70% of the total energy flow occurred through a set of 10 taxa with large variation in body masses. The remaining 30% of total energy flow relied on 48 different taxa, supporting a significant dependency on a diverse community. The meta-food web was stable against individual species extinctions, with a higher resilience in food webs harbouring omnivorous fish species able to connect multiple food web compartments via weak, non-specialised interactions. Moreover, these fish species contributed largely to the spatial variation among individual food webs, suggesting that these species could operate as mobile predators connecting different streams and stabilising variability at the regional scale. Our results outline two key mechanisms of food web stability operating in tropical streams: (i) the diversity of species and body masses buffering against random and size-dependent disturbances and (ii) high regional diversity and weak omnivorous interactions of predators buffering against local stochastic variation in species composition. These mechanisms rely on high local and regional biodiversity in tropical streams, which is known to be strongly affected by human impacts. Therefore, an urgent challenge is to understand how the ongoing systematic loss of diversity jeopardises the stability of stream food webs in human-impacted landscapes.

Current strategies for the management of psoriasis with potential pharmacological pathways using herbals and immuno-biologicals.

Psoriasis is an acute to chronic multifunctional inflammatory skin disorder mediated through T-cell activation, dendritic cell intervention, local vascular variations, atypical keratinocyte proliferation, and neutrophil activation, leading to a skin disorder with no permanent cure. This review aims to find a potent, secure, and dependable medication, with a more scientific examination of herbal resources and recent targeted immunobiological therapies. Reports evaluating the effectiveness of biologics & herbal remedies for the topical therapy of psoriasis against control therapies were taken into consideration (placebo or active therapy). The work examined cellular circuits involved in inflammation with its immunogenetic mechanism behind various options available for treating psoriasis in addition to the role of agents inducing psoriasis. The extent of psoriasis can range from small, localized spots to total body coverage, and it can happen at any stage of life. Several theories exist for clarification however, the exact cause of psoriasis is not entirely understood. Researchers have discovered genetic loci linkages, environmental changes, drug induction, lifestyle conditions, some infections, etc. resulting in this disorder. There are numerous known conventional medical treatments for psoriasis, ranging from topical and systemic medicines to phototherapy or combinations of both with recent immunobiological treatment. However, the majority of these treatments are ineffective and have a variety of side effects that limit their long-term usage, such as cutaneous atrophy, tissue toxicity, mutagenicity, and immunosuppression. Herbal extracts or isolated compounds can be considered as a substitute for conventional psoriasis treatment. Unfortunately, many investigations often provide a small amount of facts about the safety and effectiveness of topically applied herbal remedies for the treatment of psoriasis. Thus, further factual evidences and validations are needed to promote herbal options, which must be supported by rigorous animal studies or clinical trials using standardised materials and compositions.

Effects of Micro-Topography and Vegetation on Soil Moisture on Fixed Sand Dunes in Tengger Desert, China.

Soil moisture is a key factor in arid ecosystems, with local variations influenced by topography and vegetation. Understanding this relationship is crucial for combating desertification. Employing ANOVA, Mean Decrease Accuracy (MDA) analysis from random forest modeling and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this study investigates the distribution of soil moisture and its associations with topographic and vegetative factors across four micro-geomorphic units in the Tengger Desert, China. Significant heterogeneity in soil moisture across various layers and locations, including windward and leeward slopes and the tops and bottoms of dunes, was observed. Soil moisture generally increases from the surface down to 300 cm, with diminishing fluctuations at greater depths. Soil moisture peaks in the surface and middle layers on windward slopes and in deep layers at the bottom of dunes, exhibiting an initial rise and then a decline on windward slopes. Topographic (including slope direction and elevation difference) and vegetation (including shrub and herb coverage) factors significantly influence soil moisture across three depth layers. Topographic factors negatively affect soil moisture directly, whereas vegetation positively influences it indirectly, with shrub and herb abundance enhancing moisture levels. These insights inform ecological management and the formulation of soil moisture-conservation strategies in arid deserts. The study underscores customizing sand-binding vegetation to various micro-geomorphic dune units.

Diagnostics of premature damage to surface-hardened industrial concrete floors

The article presents the diagnostic results on surface-hardened industrial concrete floors. Selected examples of floors showcased premature damage to surface layers, characterized by intense dusting, delamination, and local spalling, while the structural system remained unaffected. Quantitative petrographic analysis of concrete was applied to core specimens from the floors, involving the examination of digital images from a polarizing optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The hardening compound and powdered specimens of the cement matrix were characterized using differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. A multiple microindentation method was employed to assess local variations in mechanical properties. Concrete cross-section analysis revealed areas with a non-uniform distribution of air voids, identified regions exhibiting increased porosity, highlighted areas of cracking in the concrete, indicated local variability in the phase composition of cement hydration products, and pointed out the presence of carbonated areas. The causes of the damage were discussed based on these findings,. The crucial role of quantitative petrographic analysis in diagnosing premature surface damage to industrial floors was demonstrated.

Stress-induced changes in magnetite: insights from a numerical analysis of the Verwey transition

SUMMARY Magnetic susceptibility behaviour around the Verwey transition of magnetite (≈125 K) is known to be sensitive to stress, composition and oxidation. From the isotropic point (≈130 K) to room temperature, decreasing magnetic susceptibility indicates an increase in magnetocrystalline anisotropy. In this study, we present a model which numerically analyses low-temperature magnetic susceptibility curves (80–280 K) of an experimentally shocked (up to 30 GPa) and later heated (973 K) magnetite ore. To quantify variations of the transition shape caused by both shock and heating, the model statistically describes local variations in the Verwey transition temperature within bulk magnetite. For the description, Voigt profiles are used, which indicate variations between a Gaussian and a Lorentzian character. These changes are generally interpreted as variations in the degree of correlation between observed events, that is between local transition temperatures in the model. Shock pressures exceeding the Hugoniot elastic limit of magnetite ($ \ge $5 GPa) cause an increase in transition width and Verwey transition temperature, which is partially recovered by heat treatment. Above the Verwey transition temperature, susceptibility variations related to the magnetocrystalline anisotropy are described with an exponential approach. The room temperature magnetic susceptibility relative to the maximum near the isotropic point is reduced after shock, which is related to grain size reduction. Since significant oxidation and cation substitution can be excluded for the studied samples, variations are only attributed to changes in elastic strain associated with shock-induced deformation and annealing due to heat treatment. The shocked magnetite shows a high correlation between local transition temperatures which is reduced by heat treatment. The model allows a quantitative description of low-temperature magnetic susceptibility curves of experimentally shocked and subsequently heat-treated polycrystalline magnetite around the Verwey transition temperature. The curves are accurately reproduced within the experimental uncertainties. Further applications for analysing magnetite-bearing rocks seem possible if model parameters, such as for oxidation are included into the model.

Methods for characterization and continuum modeling of inhomogeneous properties of paper and paperboard materials: A review

The potential of paper and paperboard as fiber-based materials capable of replacing conventional polymer-based materials has been widely investigated and evaluated. Due to paper’s limited extensibility and inherent heterogeneity, local structural variations lead to unpredictable local mechanical behavior and instability during processing, such as mechanical forming. To gain a deeper understanding of the impact of mechanical behavior and heterogeneity on the paper forming process, the Finite Element Method (FEM) coupled with continuum modeling is being explored as a potential approach to enhance comprehension. To achieve this goal, utilizing experimentally derived material parameters alongside stochastic finite element methods allows for more precise modeling of material behavior, considering the local material properties. This work first introduces the approach of modeling heterogeneity or local material structure within continuum models, such as the Stochastic Finite Element Method (SFEM). A fundamental challenge lies in accurately measuring these local material properties. Experimental investigations are being conducted to numerically simulate mechanical behavior. An overview is provided of experimental methods for material characterization, as found in literature, with a specific focus on measuring local mechanical material structure. By doing so, it enables the characterization of the global material structure and mechanical behavior of paper and paperboard.

Implementing digitally enabled integrated healthcare

PurposeThe European funded project ADLIFE focuses on the application of digitally enabled integrated care for people with advanced chronic diseases. The implementation of the ADLIFE intervention required a robust practical tool that would be common to all pilot sites while allowing flexibility for local variations as well as the ability to adapt to unanticipated changes and problems.Design/methodology/approachThe ADLIFE project combined the concepts of implementation research and formative evaluation with the standardized operating procedures (SOP) methodology. The ADLIFE project significantly modified the SOP approach and used it as a means to not only to define and organize the tasks that needed to be performed in preparing and implementing the ADLIFE intervention but also to create a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced in each site, as well as a method for achieving a consensus.FindingsThe ADLIFE SOPs were developed by a dedicated working group, and they encompassed the preparatory phase leading up to implementation of the intervention. The SOP was also the basis for monitoring the implementation, and this created a structure for the dynamic ongoing tactical and even strategic changes necessitated by local diversity as well as many unanticipated changes.Originality/valueThe SOP methodology was useful in supporting the development of the ADLIFE SOP, which was a consensus-based approach to guide for managing the implementation process, both at project and local levels. It has supported continuous improvement and learning throughout the project. Both the process and the SOP produced by the process can be readily adapted and used in other similar projects.

Local variation in stress response of juvenile anadromous brown trout, Salmo trutta.

Habitat fragmentation may cut off anadromous salmonids from parts of their potential native habitat and separate previously connected populations. Understanding the consequences of this is vital for fish management and prioritization of restoration activities. Here, we show that there is a significant difference in the body morphology, physiological stress response, and aspects contributing to aerobic capacity between juvenile anadromous brown trout, Salmo trutta, collected at a downstream site and an upstream site, separated by 2 km and several challenging stream sections, in a small unfragmented stream system in western Sweden. Following a standardized stress test, there were significant differences between fish from the upstream and downstream sites (plasma cortisol concentration, plasma osmolality, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration). Plasma glucose concentration did not significantly differ between fish from the two sites. Fish from the upstream site had larger spleen mass, although there was no evidence of differences in ventricle mass or proportion of compact ventricular myocardium. These physiological differences indicate local variation in stress response and highlight the importance of considering local trait variation in river management. If a section of the river becomes fragmented or degraded, and there are differences in the juveniles in different parts of the river, the consequence for the population might be larger than the proportional loss of habitat.

Evaluations of two ion temperature models in IRI-2020 based on the observations from ICON and COSMIC-2 IVM

Ion temperature is a critical parameter for understanding the ionospheric thermal processes. Its measurement is relatively sparse compared to other ionospheric parameters, and validation of existing empirical models remains an important task. This study deals with the quiet time low- and mid-latitude topside ionospheric ion temperature measured by the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) and the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC-2). We conducted statistical analysis for local time, latitudinal, seasonal and solar activity variations. The comparison of the observations with two ion temperature models (Bil-1981 and TBKST-2021) of the International Reference Ionosphere-2020 (IRI-2020) shows that TBKST-2021 performs better than Bil-1981. TBKST-2021 model captures the morning and afternoon peaks quite well although with some underestimation. The underestimation of the morning and afternoon peaks may be due to overcorrection. Further, it shows a good seasonal and latitudinal dependence, with a better performance at the equinox than in solstices. However, TBKST-2021 requires to improve the presentation of hemispheric differences in solstices.