Loss Of Area Research Articles

Instrumentation for Monitoring and Early Warning of Tidal Flood Using ESP32S2 Microcontroller and A01NYUB Ultrasonic Sensor in Tambakrejo, Semarang

Abstract A tidal flood early warning system is crucial to minimize the impact and loss in tidal flood-prone areas. This research proposes an instrumentation and information system for tidal flood early warning monitoring by optimizing tidal data in the local area. The efficiency of the instrumentation depends on the accuracy of the sensors installed. This research presents the testing and application of The A01NYUB ultrasonic sensor with The ESP32S2 microcontroller for real-time technology-based water level monitoring and The Internet of Things concept. The collected sensor data is analyzed with an algorithm that has also been proposed in this research. The results show that the ultrasonic sensors can provide a reliable and adequate tide monitoring scheme with an accuracy of RMSE value of 0.08943 and bias value of – 2×10−16. The developed system provides early warning when the sea level reaches 260-280 cm with the MSL datum reference value range of -20 cm to 40 cm. The system has been tested at the Fisherman Boat Harbor, Tambakrejo, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. The test has shown the system’s accuracy and has proven that the developed system will help minimize the impact of the tidal flood disaster.

Comparing classic-onset corticobasal syndrome to speech/language-onset corticobasal syndrome

IntroductionPatients with classic-onset corticobasal syndrome (CBS) present with asymmetric limb apraxia and parkinsonism. We have, however, observed patients who initially present with speech and/or language (SL) problems and several years later develop CBS (i.e., SL-onset CBS). We aimed to compare clinical, neuroimaging and pathological characteristics of classic-onset CBS with SL-onset CBS. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 62 patients who met criteria for CBS (17 presented with classic-onset CBS and 45 had SL-onset CBS). We compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and grey and white matter volume loss with SPM12 between groups and assessed pathology and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) pathological lesion counts in patients who had died and undergone autopsy. ResultsMedian age at CBS diagnosis was 66.4 years in classic-onset CBS and 73.6 years in SL-onset CBS. Classic-onset CBS had higher frequencies of dystonia, myoclonus, and alien limb phenomenon, while SL-onset CBS had a higher frequency of vertical supranuclear gaze palsy. Both groups showed smaller frontoparietal volumes than controls, with SL-onset CBS having greater volume loss in the left supplementary motor area than classic-onset CBS. All three classic-onset CBS cases with autopsy (100 %) had CBD pathology while 8/21 of SL-onset CBS cases (38 %) had CBD. Pathological lesion burden (including astrocytic plaques) did not differ between classic-onset and SL-onset CBS. ConclusionClassic-onset and SL-onset CBS appear to be different syndromes, with the former being a more profuse motor syndrome. The more widespread volume loss in SL-onset CBS likely reflects longer disease course.

Intraoral scanner-based monitoring of tooth wear in young adults: 36-month results

ObjectivesThe study continues our longitudinal observation of wear aiming to further monitoring of progression and lesion morphology and to identify relationships with assumed aetiological factors.Materials and methodsMolars (FDI #36 or #46) of 74 participants (23.8 ± 2.2 years) were scanned (Trios 3, 3Shape) at the third follow-up (T3; observation period 1,111 ± 10 days). Data sets from T3, T2 (24-month follow-up) and T1 (12-month follow-up) were superimposed with baseline in a 3D analysis software (GOM Inspect). Wear was quantified as maximum vertical tissue loss (µm; median, 95% CI) in various occlusal areas (4/5 cusps and 2 ridges). Morphologies were classified into cupping (C), facet (F), and combined cupping-facet (CF). Aetiological factors were assessed with questionnaires.ResultsWear increased at T3 significantly at low rates in all areas of the occlusal surface (median between 7.0 (4.0;10.5) and 9.5 (6.0;15.0) µm). There was a clear trend for higher loss values in males, but no association with other factors such as nutrition. C and CF showed significantly higher loss values than F. Areas without initial wear developed F first, which either persisted or developed into C and CF.ConclusionsWear continued at low rates with C/CF morphology and sex as significant factors. Cupped lesions seem to develop from facets and thus may not be a valid diagnostic criterion for erosive tooth wear.Clinical relevanceWear is a cumulative process that apparently follows complex mechanisms that cannot be conceptualized in simplified terms; C and CF may be indicators for higher progression rates.

Enhancing the CO2 adsorption with dual functionalized coconut shell-hydrochar using Chlorella microalgae and metal oxide: Synthesis, physicochemical properties & mechanism evaluations

This study aims to develop an inexpensive, environmentally-friendly adsorbent for capturing CO2 using coconut shells, widely abundant in Asian agricultural waste. The raw coconut shell adsorbent (CS) has undergone dual functionalization utilizing Chlorella microalgae and magnesium oxide (MgO) to enhance its physicochemical properties. Through dual functionalization, minimizing the loss of surface area and reducing the temperature sensitivity often occurring during CO2 adsorption is possible. The surface morphology, functional groups, and thermochemical properties of CS-hydrochar were characterized and evaluated. The characterization demonstrates the successful development of the ternary composite (HCS-A-Mg), with a specific surface area of 1045 m2/g and containing nitrogen and metal oxide functional groups. XRD analysis of HCS-A-Mg reveals crystalline peaks at 36.8°, 42.9°, and 63°, confirming the successful impregnation of MgO. The adsorption result showed that HCS-A-Mg exhibits a higher CO2 adsorption capacity of 2.63 mmol/g, 50% higher than pristine hydrochar (HCS). The adsorption study revealed that the CO2 adsorption capacity of HCS-A-Mg can be maximized to 3.23 mmol/g at 101 °C and 4.6 bar. Adsorption isotherms shows that the non-linear Sips model best describes the adsorption process, indicating a multilayer adsorption mechanism with profound surface heterogeneity of n = 2.3 for HCS-A-Mg, signifying higher accessibility of gas molecules deep into pores, enabling a variety of adsorption sites for CO2 binding. Selectivity and reusability studies were conducted to validate the adsorbent applicability for industrial applications. HCS-A-Mg has higher CO2/N2 selectivity by 41–57% and 0.05% loss of adsorption capacity after the 10th cyclic operation, suggesting their suitability for industrial applications. This finding underscores the potential of microalgae and magnesium oxide in advancing carbon capture technology and addressing environmental challenges.

Predation, but not herbivory, declines with elevation in a tropical rainforest

AbstractNaturally, insect herbivore populations are controlled by their plant hosts and predators. These ‘bottom-up’ and ‘top-down’ controls influence leaf area lost to herbivory. Bottom-up control of herbivory may be driven by leaf nutrients and plant defences. Top-down control can be driven by abundance and species richness of natural enemies, host or prey specificity, and predation strategies (e.g., active searching or sit-and-wait ‘ambush’ predation). The relative importance of bottom-up and top-down controls is unresolved but likely to vary spatially and temporally and under different environmental conditions such as changing temperature. We surveyed leaf carbon and nitrogen, leaf area loss, and attacks on plasticine caterpillars across a tropical elevational gradient in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Provence, China. We show that predatory foraging activity decreases with elevation and temperature, whereas leaf nutrients and leaf area loss from herbivory remains more or less constant. Predation patterns were driven by ants, which are thermophiles and therefore more active, abundant, and diverse at warmer, lower elevations. Leaf nutritional values are important in driving herbivory patterns as herbivory was stable across this gradient, but other factors such as mechanical defences and herbivore-induced plant volatiles demand further study. Elevational studies provide insight into how ecosystem function will shift under climate change. As increasing temperatures following climate change allows predatory groups like ants to exploit higher elevations, top-down control in high elevation habitats could increase, resulting in re-wiring of these ecologically sensitive communities. At the same time, top-down control at lower elevations may be at risk if critical thermal maxima for natural enemies are exceeded.

Projected future climatic forcing on the global distribution of vegetation types.

Most emissions scenarios suggest temperature and precipitation regimes will change dramatically across the globe over the next 500 years. These changes will have large impacts on the biosphere, with species forced to migrate to follow their preferred environmental conditions, therefore moving and fragmenting ecosystems. However, most projections of the impacts of climate change only reach 2100, limiting our understanding of the temporal scope of climate impacts, and potentially impeding suitable adaptive action. To address this data gap, we model future climate change every 20 years from 2000 to 2500 CE, under different CO2 emissions scenarios, using a general circulation model. We then apply a biome model to these modelled climate futures, to investigate shifts in climatic forcing on vegetation worldwide, the feasibility of the migration required to enact these modelled vegetation changes, and potential overlap with human land use based on modern-day anthromes. Under a business-as-usual scenario, up to 40% of terrestrial area is expected to be suited to a different biome by 2500. Cold-adapted biomes, particularly boreal forest and dry tundra, are predicted to experience the greatest losses of suitable area. Without mitigation, these changes could have severe consequences both for global biodiversity and the provision of ecosystem services. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological novelty and planetary stewardship: biodiversity dynamics in a transforming biosphere'.

Effects of Rainfall Intensity and Slope on Infiltration Rate, Soil Losses, Runoff and Nitrogen Leaching from Different Nitrogen Sources with a Rainfall Simulator

The combined effects of slope gradient, rainfall intensity, and nitrogen fertilizer source on infiltration, runoff, soil loss, and nitrogen (N) leaching in agricultural areas are not thoroughly understood, despite their critical importance in sustainable agriculture. Previous studies have focused on these factors individually, leaving a significant gap in knowledge regarding their synergistic impact. Investigating the interplay between slope gradients, rainfall intensities, and N fertilizer sources is vital to developing effective soil and water conservation strategies and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. This study is comprised of two experiments. Experiment 1 was designed as a 3 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, incorporating three levels of rainfall intensity (RI) (45, 70, and 100 mm/h), two slope gradients (5 and 8°), and three soil types (sandy loam, silt loam, and clay loam), aimed at assessing runoff, infiltration, and soil loss. Experiment 2, laid out as 3 × 2 × 3 × 3 factorial, expanded on this, adding N fertilizer source (urea, CaCN2, and limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN) at 130 kg/ha N) and assessing N leaching alongside the previous metrics. Both experiments used a rotating disc rainfall simulator and were replicated four times. Results revealed that steeper slopes (8°) led to increased runoff and soil loss, impeding infiltration, while gentler slopes (5°) facilitated greater infiltration and minimized soil loss. Rainfall intensity played a significant role, with 70 mm/h/5° combinations promoting higher infiltration rates (48.14 mm/h) and 100 mm/h/8° resulting in lower rates (37.07 mm/h for sandy loam and silt loam, 26.09 mm/h for clay loam). Nitrogen leaching varied based on N source; urea at 130 kg/ha N led to higher losses (7.2% in sandy loam, 6.9% in silt loam, 6.5% in clay loam), followed by LAN (6.9% in sandy loam, 6.7% in silt loam, 6.3% in clay loam) while CaCN2 at the same rate resulted in lower N losses (6.4% in sandy soil, 4.4% in silt loam, 4.2% in clay soil). This research highlights the critical need to consider both slope gradient and rainfall intensity in conjunction with appropriate nitrogen fertilizer sources when developing strategies to mitigate soil erosion and nutrient loss in agricultural settings.

Assessing hurricane impact on vegetation and endangered deer habitat using airborne lidar and multispectral images

In the lower Florida Keys, the endangered Florida Key deer and numerous other wildlife species inhabit a vulnerable island environment susceptible to storm surges and rising seawater due to low elevation and flat terrain. Timely and reliable assessment of vegetation damage from natural disasters, such as Hurricane Irma, is crucial for effective habitat management. The study’s overall objective is to examine Hurricane Irma’s impact on vegetation on No Name Key, Florida, using remote sensing. The study relates the area change in vegetation obtained from remote sensing analysis to Florida Key deer population changes following the storm. The methodology involved performing a thematic change detection analysis using the following data sources: (1) aerial multispectral images (for pre- and post-Hurricane), (2) airborne lidar data (for pre- and post-Hurricane), (3) an existing vegetation map, and (4) soil data. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) image classification algorithm was applied to pre- and post-storm input image stacks to create pre- and post-Hurricane Irma vegetation maps. We were then able to obtain the area change information (for various vegetation categories) by performing the change detection analysis of the 2 SVM-classified images. The differences in areas following the storm were calculated for 7 affected vegetation types. Using the area change information following Hurricane Irma, we estimated the number of deer supported by the storm-affected vegetation. These estimated deer numbers, based on the area differences in post-Hurricane Irma vegetation types, were compared to observed deer numbers collected during the post-Hurricane Irma Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute (NRI) deer field survey. The results showed the following: mangroves had the largest negative area changes (area loss), followed by pinelands, hardwoods/hammocks, developed areas, and buttonwoods. Freshwater marshes had the largest positive area changes (area gain). The deer's preferred vegetation areas had decreased post-Hurricane Irma, resulting in a reduced deer population compared to pre-storm numbers. The predicted number of the Key deer post-Hurricane Irma fell within a 95% confidence interval of the observed deer population from the post-storm field survey. The study findings and techniques could be applied to study climate change impact, especially sea level rise. This methodology can be valuable in assessing the impact of storms on other wildlife species in similar environments. The applications and methodology are especially relevant considering the increasing frequency and intensity of storm surges and the accelerating rate of sea level rise.

Vestibular Function is Associated with Prefrontal and Sensorimotor Cortical Gray Matter Volumes in a Cross-Sectional Study of Healthy, Older Adults

Background The vestibular system is associated with alterations in the structure and function of the central nervous system. Yet, whether age-related vestibular loss is related to volume loss in the cerebral cortical areas that have been reported to receive vestibular input remains unknown. In this cross-sectional study of 117 healthy, older adults from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, we examine the relationships between age-related vestibular functions and the gray matter volumes of the prefrontal cortex and its subregions and of the sensorimotor cortex—regions known to process vestibular information. Methods T1-weighted MRI scans were automatically segmented using MRICloud. Log-linear multiple regression was used to investigate the relationships between average regional volume and vestibular function, adjusting for age, sex, and intracranial volume. Permutation testing was used for hypothesis testing, and bootstrapping was used to estimate confidence intervals. Results We found that age-related changes in vestibular end-organ function are associated with differentially altered gray matter volumes in the prefrontal and sensorimotor cortices, with many findings persisting when considering left (or right) side only. Concomitant with age-related, global brain atrophy, lower canal and utricular function were associated with additional volume atrophy of the prefrontal cortex and middle frontal gyrus, respectively. Lower saccular and utricular function were associated with the preservation of the volumes of the sensorimotor cortex and the pole of the superior frontal gyrus, respectively, against age-related, global brain atrophy. Canal and utricular function were not associated with the volumes of the sensorimotor cortex, and saccular function was not associated with the relative volumes of the prefrontal cortex. Conclusion Together, these findings of relative volume preservation or additional atrophy suggest that vestibular function may play a role in the resilience to or magnification of global age effects on cerebral cortical structure.

Updating knowledge of vegetation belts on a complex oceanic island after 20 years under the effect of climate change

Climate change is causing major changes in terrestrial ecosystems and biomes around the world. This is particularly concerning in oceanic islands, considered reservoirs of biodiversity, even more in those with a significant altitudinal gradient and high complexity in the vegetation they potentially harbour. Here, in Tenerife (Canary Islands), we have evaluated the changes in potential vegetation belts during the last 20 years by comparing them with a previous study. Considering the intimate linkage between vegetation and climate, we used a methodology based on phytosociological knowledge, ordination techniques and geostatistics, using multivariate spatial interpolations of bioclimatic data. This has allowed us to spatially detect the variations experienced by eight vegetation units during the last 20 years and incorporating a set of vulnerability metrics. New bioclimatic and vegetation cartography are provided according to the current scenario studied (1990–2019). Our results indicate that summit vegetation, humid laurel forest and thermo-sclerophyllous woodland are the habitats that have experienced a very high area loss and mismatch index, strong changes, if we consider that we are only comparing a period of 20 years. Simultaneously, the more xeric vegetation belts, the dry laurel forest and the pine forest would have benefited from this new warmer and drier climate, by gaining area and experiencing strong upward movements. These changes have not been spatially uniform, indicating that the elevational gradient studied not explain completely our results, showing the influence of the complex island topography. Effective landscape management should consider current remnants, transition capacity and movement limitations to better understand current and future vegetation responses in a global change context.

Optimization of parameters affecting the recovery in the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in natural waters by HPLC-fluorescence

To improve the recovery percentages in the analysis of PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in natural waters, parameters such as standard stability, filtration, storage time and matrix effect were optimized for five PAH by HPLC-FD. For aqueous standards, with the addition of 10% acetonitrile, good linearity was found for naphthalene, acenaphthene, anthracene, pyrene, and chrysene curves up to the second day of standards preparation. In filtration, the best results were obtained using the AP10 and Nylon filters with 10% acetonitrile, with recovery ranges of 98-72% and 93-56%, respectively. In contrast, lower values were obtained with cellulose filters in a polyethylene holder without the addition of 10% acetonitrile with recoveries of 52-0%. A 23 factorial design established, for natural water, that the most important factors were: storage time for naphthalene and acenaphthene, with area losses at 48 hours and the use of organic solvent for anthracene, pyrene and chrysene, with area gain for 20 % acetonitrile. For liquid-liquid extraction in standards, recoveries of 62-45% were found in aqueous matrix without acetonitrile and 98-35% with 20% acetonitrile + 2.5% NaCl, at 24 hours of preparation.

Contrasting carbon cycle responses to dry (2015 El Niño) and wet (2008 La Niña) extreme events at an Amazon tropical forest

Land surface models diverge in their predictions of the Amazon forest's response to climate change-induced droughts, with some showing a catastrophic collapse of forests, while others simulating resilience. Therefore, observations of tropical ecosystem responses to real-world droughts and other extreme events are needed. We report long-term seasonal dynamics of photosynthesis, respiration, net carbon exchange, phenology, and tree demography and characterize the effect of dry and wet events on ecosystem form and function at the Tapajós National Forest, Brazil, using over two decades of eddy covariance observations that include the 2015–2016 El Niño drought and La Niña 2008–2009 wet periods. We found strong forest responses to both ENSO events: La Niña saw forest net carbon loss from reduced photosynthesis (due to lower incoming radiation from increased cloudiness) even as ecosystem respiration (Reco) was maintained at mean seasonal levels. El Niño induced the opposite short-term effect, net carbon gains, despite significant reductions in photosynthesis (from a drought-induced halving of canopy conductance to CO2 and significant losses of leaf area), because drought suppression of Reco losses was even greater. However, long-term responses to the two climate perturbations were very different: transient during La Niña –the forest returned to its “normal” state as soon as the climate did, and long-lasting during El Niño –leaf area loss and associated declines in photosynthetic capacity (Pc) and canopy conductance were exacerbated and extended by feedbacks from higher temperatures and atmospheric evaporative demand and persisted for ∼3+ years after normal rainfall resumed. These findings indicate that these forests are more vulnerable to drought than to excess rain, because drought drives significant changes in forest structure (e.g., leaf-abscission and mortality) and ecosystem function (e.g. reduced stomatal conductance). As future Amazonian climate change increases frequencies of hydrological extremes, these mechanisms will determine the long-term fate of tropical forests.

Adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy reduces relapse of psoriasis vulgaris after discontinuation of biologics: a prospective registry-based cohort study

Background Biologics have revolutionized psoriasis treatment; however, relapse of psoriasis after discontinuation of biologics remains unresolved. Objective To assess the impact of adjunctive Chinese medicine (CM) therapy on relapse of psoriasis vulgaris (PV) after discontinuation of biologics. Methods We constructed a prospective cohort study through a psoriasis case registry platform that enrolled patients treated with biologics (in combination with or without CM). The endpoint event was relapse, defined as loss of psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 75. Results A total of 391 patients completed the study and were included in the analysis, of whom 169 (43.2%) experienced relapse during follow-up. To minimize the bias, a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed, generating matched cohorts of 156 individuals per group. Adjuvant CM therapy significantly associated with reduced incidence of relapse (HR =0.418, 95% CI = 0.289 ∼ 0.604, p < 0.001), and the protective effect of CM in the subgroup analysis was significant. In addition, PASI 90 response and disease duration were associated with relapse (p < 0.05). Conclusion Adjunctive CM therapy is associated with reduced relapse incidence in PV after discontinuation of biologics.

Global drivers of mangrove loss in protected areas.

Despite increasing efforts and investment in mangrove conservation, mangrove cover continues to decline globally. The extent to which protected area (PA) management effectively prevents mangrove loss globally across differing management objectives and governance types is not well understood. We combined remote sensing data with PA information to identify the extent and the drivers of mangrove loss across PAs with distinct governance types and protection levels based on categories developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Mangrove loss due to storms and erosion was prevalent across all governance types and most IUCN categories. However, the extent of human-driven loss differed across governance types and IUCN categories. Loss was highest in national government PAs. Private, local, shared arrangement, and subnational government agencies had low human-driven mangrove loss. Human-driven loss was highest in PAs with the highest level of restrictions on human activities (IUCN category I) due to mangrove conversion to areas for commodity production (e.g., aquaculture), whereas PAs that allowed sustainable resource use (e.g., category VI) experienced low levels of human-driven mangrove loss. Because category I PAs with high human-driven loss were primarily governed by national government agencies, conservation outcomes in highly PAs might depend not only on the level of restrictions, but also on the governance type. Mangrove loss across different governance types and IUCN categories varied regionally. Specific governance types and IUCN categories thus seemed more effective in preventing mangrove loss in certain regions. Overall, we found that natural drivers contributed to global mangrove loss across all PAs, whereas human-driven mangrove loss was lowest in PAs with subnational- to local-level governance and PAs with few restrictions on human activities.

Reduced Fascicle Area Demonstrated in Ilioinguinal Nerves Resected from Primary Inguinal Herniorrhaphy Patients as Evidence of Compression Neuropathy.

30 male patients with primary inguinal hernias undergoing primary inguinal herniorrhaphy were prospectively recruited for ilioinguinal nerve resection and evaluation. Three samples of the resected ilioinguinal nerve (proximal, canal, and distal) were evaluated using Masson's trichrome stain to measure fascicle and total nerve cross-sectional area and detect changes in collagen. The fascicle cross-sectional area in the canal segment was significantly decreased compared to the proximal control with a large effect size observed (p = 0.016, η2 = 0.16). There was no significant difference in the nerve cross-sectional area between locations, but there was a moderate to large effect size observed between locations (p = 0.165, η2 = 0.105). There was no significant difference in collagen content nor effect size observed between locations (p = 0.99, η2 = 1.503 × 10-4). Interpretation. The decrease in the fascicle cross-sectional area within the inguinal canal further suggests that there is chronic pressure applied by hernia tissue consistent with axon degeneration. Collagen content is uniformly distributed along the length of the nerve. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the observed effect of nerve location on the total nerve cross-sectional area and axon loss.

Concrete Cover Effects on Longitudinal Steel Bars Corrosion Rates in Reinforced High-Performance Concrete Circular Short Columns

The main objective of this research is to investigate the concrete cover thickness effect on the corrosion degree of the longitudinal reinforcing steel of short circular high-performance concrete columns. The practical program consists of casting and testing six circular columns with dimensions of (150 × 1000) mm tested under a central load. Three of them were reference columns, and three were corroded using an accelerated corrosion cell. The main variable adopted in the present research included the concrete cover thickness (10, 20, and 30) mm to compare results for weight and surface area loss of corroded steel and bearing capacity reduction among all samples. The results showed that increasing the concrete cover thickness from 10 to 20 and 30 mm decreased the loss percentage of the reinforcing steel weight by (12.47, 11.82, and 11.26) %, respectively. Also, the loss percentage of the cross-sectional area of the reinforcing steel decreased by (77.44, 64.00, and 57.75) %, respectively. While bearing capacity was reduced by (29.07, 25.25, and 32.23) % for 10, 20, and 30 mm clear covers, respectively, compared with the control columns of 10, 20, and 30 mm clear covers.

Early Holocene inundation of Doggerland and its impact on hunter-gatherers: An inundation model and dates-as-data approach

Sea-level rise was a key factor changing environments during the Early Holocene in Northwest Europe. It affected Mesolithic hunter-gatherer communities by inundating large areas in the current North Sea, commonly referred to as Doggerland. In this paper we present novel inundation models for the southern North Sea providing visualisations of lateral inundation driven by sea-level rise and relate it to frequency analysis of radiocarbon dates from archaeological sites. These improve on previous studies that relied on bathymetric data, which includes post-inundation overprints of Holocene sedimentation and erosion, and thus significantly underestimates the timing of inundation in some areas.We constructed a paleoDEM (a composite elevation grid of the top of the Pleistocene) for the eastern part of the southern North Sea; and sea level surfaces that combine relative sea-level curves from glacio-isostatic adjustment models optimised for Britain and southern Scandinavia respectively. We corrected our paleoDEMs for tectonic background basin subsidence, and in the inundation modelling account for pre-compaction elevation of peat in coastal areas. We evaluated the impact of these model components on our results and describe the possible inundation history of Doggerland. We suggest earlier inundation than predicted by previous models, showing significant area loss around 10.5–10 ka cal BP.Palaeogeographic changes are compared with archaeological radiocarbon data using a dates-as-data approach. Composite Kernel Density Estimate and permutation tested Summed Probability Distributions are used as a proxy for the visibility, nature and intensity of human activity. Results indicate key periods of growth and decline recorded in the dataset, as well as regional differences in growth rate, some correlating with inundation phases. Chiefly, we find elevated growth rates around 10.5–10 ka in northwest Germany and the Netherlands, contemporaneous with the abovementioned phase of extensive area loss, and moreover, with changes in culture and practices on Early Mesolithic sites.However, the spatiotemporal distribution of archaeological data is significantly influenced by accessibility and preservation of sediments of a certain age. We discuss the importance of inundation modelling and sediment data in understanding how landscape taphonomy affects archaeological patterning, especially in dates-as-data approaches.

Replacement of tubular fluorescent lamps with tubular LEDs lamps and daylight integration in classrooms and laboratories

The quality of lighting significantly influences our ability to perform tasks in enclosed spaces, and certain characteristics of lighting sources play a crucial role. Light-emitting diode (tubular LED) lamps offer advantages for both home and office use. Choosing tubular LED lamps over fluorescent ones is beneficial for several reasons. Tubular LEDs are mercury-free, ensuring environmental safety compared to the small amount of mercury present in fluorescent tubes. Furthermore, tubular LEDs provide directional lighting, minimizing light loss in fixtures and unnecessary areas, and offering better efficiency (around 40% more than tubular fluorescent lamps). Also, they produce high-quality light with various color temperatures, eliminating flickering issues that can cause discomfort such as eye strain, headaches, and migraines. Additionally, tubular LEDs have a longer lifespan making them a preferable lighting option. The superior quality of natural light makes it the optimal source of illumination, which matching well with the visual response of the human eyes. Daylight has a positive influence on people, instilling a feeling of vibrancy and brightness within their living environment. The acknowledged benefits of daylight extend to enhancing visual comfort, promoting health, and improving overall performance among building occupants. This paper focuses on the integration of natural daylight with artificial light, particularly through tubular LED lamps, and investigates the daylight factor. Two groups of six tubular LED lamps (60cm with 9 Watt and 120cm with 18 Watt) and another group of six tubular fluorescent lamps (60cm with 18 Watt and 120cm with 36 Watt) were studied. The study involved two sets of six tubular LED lamps (60cm with 9W and 120cm with 18W) and another set with six tubular fluorescent lamps (60cm with 18W and 120cm with 36W). Measurements were conducted using Spectroradiometer Ocean Optics HR 2000 with 4.7% uncertainty and a photometric bench to assess the spectral output. Additionally, UVA/B silicon detector and Luxmeter detector setups with uncertainties of 5.2% and 6%, respectively, were employed for irradiance and illuminance measurements of tubular LEDs and fluorescent lamps. Various parameters, including daylight factor ratio, UVA power to luminous flux (K) for tubular fluorescent lamps, spectral power distribution, and illumination levels were obtained. Integration between daylight and tubular LED lamps was also determined. The maximum detected value lmW /013.0  is less than the safe limit for human health but still there are effects on human health if they use these types of lamps. Therefore, it is advisable to switch from tubular fluorescent lamps to tubular LEDs to mitigate the impact of UVA on human health and the environment.

Calcium alginate−biochar composite promotes nutrient retention, enzyme activity, and plant growth in lime soil

Soil nutrients loss in karst area is an urgent eco-environmental problem. To control soil erosion and improve soil quality, calcium alginate−rice straw biochar composite (CA−MRB300) was prepared by embedding method. The retention mechanisms of soil nutrients onto CA−MRB300 were explored through batch adsorption experiments of soil nutrients, soil column leaching experiments combined with the analysis of physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activity. The effects of CA−MRB300 and its co-application with fertilizer on plant growth were investigated by a pot experiment. The results suggested that CA−MRB300 effectively retained PO43− and NO3− in lime soil mainly through surface precipitation and physical adsorption. The addition of CA−MRB300 increased the activities of alkaline phosphatase, urease, and sucrase in lime soil. Increased activity of urease accelerated the hydrolysis of urea to NH4+ in lime soil. Compared to a low proportion, a high proportion of CA−MRB30 was more likely to lead to the loss of K+. Moreover, the application of CA−MRB300 alone was more beneficial to the growth of soybean than the co−application of CA−MRB300 with fertilizer. This study indicates that CA−MRB300 has a great potential for application in retaining nutrients and promoting crop growth in lime soil.

Sandy beach erosion: impacts and adaptation strategies in Thailand

AbstractThis paper focuses on sandy beach erosion as a result of rising sea levels, including adaptation option analysis in Thailand. Twenty-seven beaches in the provinces of Rayong, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Trang were selected as study areas with high rates of erosion. The major scientific challenge entailed determining the relevance and contribution of rising sea levels (including storms) to beach erosion. The SimCLIM/CoastCLIM model was utilized to forecast changes in sea level and shoreline during the period of 1940–2100. A cost–benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted to evaluate adaptation options in terms of economics. The main outcome was a relevant contribution to knowledge on sea-level rise (including storm alteration) and its effects on sandy beach erosion, in terms of loss of sandy beach area and population migration. The results indicate that Mae Phim, Ban Ko Fai, and Pak Meng beaches are all threatened by erosion, and 8.02 and 23.26% of the erosion are attributed to storms and sea-level rise. Future scenarios (in 2100) showed 124.38 cm rise in 2100 sea level (compared to the 1995 baseline) leading to 507.90 m of eroded beaches, 2.15 km2 of sand loss and 873 people migrating. The results of CBA show that scenario 2 (beach nourishment) is not proper for application as an adaptation option on sandy beaches with high amounts of erosion (Ban Ko Fai and Pak Meng beach), while the option of beach nourishment alone is likely to be applied on Mae Phim beach due to its lower rate of erosion.