Moist Areas Research Articles

A multiscale analysis of factors influencing Setophaga striata (Blackpoll Warbler) occupancy and abundance during the nonbreeding season in eastern Colombia

Abstract Setophaga striata (Blackpoll Warbler), one of the few boreal-breeding migratory birds that migrates to the Orinoco and Amazon regions, is experiencing steep population declines. However, knowledge of the species’ distribution and habitat use during the nonbreeding season is limited. Here, we explore how stationary nonbreeding season (December to April) occupancy probabilities vary across regional and landscape scales, and with vegetation structure for S. striata in eastern Colombia. By running single-species, single-season hierarchical occupancy models and N-mixture models, we evaluated how regional (annual precipitation, nonbreeding season precipitation, driest month, elevation, and net primary productivity), landscape (habitat type and % forest in the landscape), and vegetation structure variables influenced occupancy by S. striata. In the regional analysis, occupancy was positively influenced by stationary nonbreeding precipitation and net primary productivity, and was predicted to peak at elevations between 500 and 1,000 m. At the landscape scale, occupancy and abundance were higher in agroforestry systems (in order of magnitude: shade-grown cacao, citrus plantations and silvopastures) than in forested habitats. In relation to vegetation structure, occupancy was negatively correlated with a principal component containing shrub density, canopy height, and canopy cover. Within the Orinoco region, a spatial prediction based on our results supported high occupancy rates in moister areas along and close to the Andean foothills and where the Orinoco grasslands transition into Amazonian forests. Our results highlight the importance of landscapes containing agroforestry systems as stationary nonbreeding habitats for S. striata in Colombia’s Orinoco region and the importance of promoting agroforestry systems, like shade-grown cacao, in areas with higher nonbreeding season precipitation and net primary productivity values in order to increase habitat availability for the species.

Prevalence of Snails and Farmers' Practice Towards the Management of Giant African Snail, Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 in Kapilvastu, Nepal

The Giant African Snail (GAS), Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822, is the world's largest, most damaging, and highly invasive land snail, capable of consuming about 10% of its body weight daily and affecting at least 500 types of plants. Despite the high incidence of this pest, management options are limited and ineffective. In this context, this study was carried out to assess overall snail distribution, damage and management practices adopted by farmers against GAS. A household survey of randomly selected 60 households was carried out using semi-structured questionnaires at Banganga Municipality-01, Kapilvastu, Nepal. The results revealed the prevalence of three different snails: the GAS, Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822, the Common snail, Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes, 1834), and the Paddy Snail or Ghonghi or Ghongi, Pila globose (Swainson, 1822) in moist areas, drains, and grassy lands, among them, GAS causing the most significant damage during the rainy season. The most vulnerable stage of crops to GAS was the vegetative stage of development (53.3%) in vegetables and fruits, with the most preferred crop family being the Cucurbitaceae (45%). The majority of respondents (48%) believed that the lack of effective control measures was the main reason for the growing infestation and extent of damage. The 'Hand-picking and killing' method was considered the most effective and suitable method in the farming community over other control measures. It has been reported that the snail problem has increased over the years, and very little effort has been made by the concerned authorities to manage this pest. In conclusion, snails, especially GAS, pose major challenges to agricultural production in Nepal. Therefore, appropriate and cost-effective management strategies are required for their sustainable management.

Diversity of Ferns: Identification of Types Pteridophyta In Batang Gadis National Park, North Sumatera, Indonesia

The diversity of ferns is very high, especially in Indonesia. Ferns (Pteridophyta) are a division of the kingdom Plantae whose members have true roots, stems and leaves, as well as carrying vessels. Ferns (Pteridophyta) live in moist areas (hygrophytes) both epiphytes (attached to trees, wood, rocks) and terrestrial (soil). The diversity of ferns is related to altitude and other abiotic factors such as temperature, pH, humidity and light intensity. This research used qualitative methods through fern exploration activities in the Batang Gadis National Park, specifically at Sopo Tinjak Resort 6. The research results obtained 8 types of ferns in Resort 6 of the Batang Gadis Mandailing Natal National Park Area, North Sumatera, Indonesia.

Разнообразие сообществ почвенных диатомовых водорослей Государственного природного заказника «Фролихинский»

The species composition of soil diatoms in Frolikhinsky State Nature Reserve was studied. Flora of diatoms algae was represented with 128 taxa of 4 classes, 12 orders, 23 families and 49 genera. The greatest diversity of species was found on the bank of the Bireya River (77 species), and the lowest – on the Barguzinsky ridge pass (3 species). In most species and intraspecific taxa of diatoms (97%) found in the reserve, the occurrence rate varied from 10 to 40%. An occurrence rate above 40% was noted only in four taxa that were identified as leading: Pinnularia borealis (80%), Adlafia bryophila (50%), Gomphonema parvulum (50%) and Planothidium lanceolatum (50%). The complex of dominant species was diverse and included representatives of 15 families. 36 species and intraspecific taxa were classified as dominants, 20 taxa were classified as subdominants. The complex of associated species included 6 taxa, 67 taxa were found singly and occasionally. Pinnularia borealis Ehrenberg had the highest occurrence at all sites. The families Fragilariaceae, Achnanthidiaceae, Naviculaceae, Ahnanthaceae, Gomphonemataceae, Cymbellaceae, Cocconeidaceae, Eunotiaceae, Pinnulariaceae, Bacillariaceae, Sellaphoraceae were characterized by high species diversity. Comparison of diatoms complexes (DC) in different plots of the reserve revealed similarities and differences of floristic diversity and taxonomic structure. The main reasons of taxonomic heterogeneity of DC in different areas are the conditions defined by their location within the natural reserve. The largest number of species was found on the shores of water bodies characterized by a high degree of moisture. The least abundant and diverse diatoms were represented in shaded and insufficiently moist areas of coniferous forests with abundant coniferous litter and acidic soils.

Novel MOF-based autonomous humidity control materials for energy-efficient indoor moisture regulation

The concept of autonomous humidity control material (AHCM) is inspired by phase change material. AHCM is a new type of functional sorbent material. It can adsorb/release sufficient water vapor at the target relative humidity level and autonomously maintain the indoor relative humidity at a set value/range without external intervention, which cannot be achieved by conventional sorbents (e.g., zeolite, silica gel, etc.). In this study, a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) based AHCM is prepared, and its application for energy-efficient indoor moisture control has been investigated. The new MOF-AHCM has an S-shaped water vapor isotherm, large porosity, and high moisture adsorption capacity. The trigger points for adsorption and desorption occur at 60 % and 40 % RH, respectively. It means MOF-AHCM can autonomously regulate the indoor relative humidity to fall within 40%–60 % RH, which fits the thermal comfort range recommended by ASHRAE well. The physicochemical and hygrothermal characteristics of the synthesized MOF-ACHM have been assessed. Full-scale chamber tests were carried out to verify the humidity control ability of the new material. The experimental results show that MOF-AHCM can significantly mitigate indoor humidity fluctuation and regulate the humidity level within the target range autonomously. Furthermore, numerical simulation has been performed to investigate the impact of MOF-AHCM on building energy consumption in different moisture regions globally, namely, arid, semiarid, dry, moist, and wet areas. The results reveal that MOF-AHCM has an excellent humidity control capacity and can reduce the latent cooling demand of HVAC systems in most climates, especially in arid, semiarid, dry, and moist areas.

Ash dieback assessments on intensive monitoring plots in Germany: influence of stand, site and time on disease progression

AbstractSince 2002, ash dieback caused by the invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus has been observed in Germany. The pathogen and its associated symptoms have fatal consequences for the vitality and survival of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), an economically and ecologically important tree species. This study analyses the ash monitoring results of eleven intensive monitoring plots of the FraxForFuture research network distributed across Germany and focuses on within-stand differences of symptoms in dependence of small-scale site and tree properties. A cohort of 1365 ash trees was surveyed six times over three years, testing and applying a summer and a winter version of a nationally standardised ash dieback assessment key. The main disease symptoms (crown dieback and basal lesions) were more pronounced in areas with higher ash density, in edaphically moist areas (hydromorphic soils), on younger/smaller ash trees, and generally increased over time. However, the trend over time differed between single plots. In case of considering only the surviving part of the ash populations, crown condition even improved in 6/11 plots, indicating a selection process. Large basal lesions at the beginning of the observation period were a very good predictor for deadfall probability, especially on trees with lower stem diameter. Generally, ash dieback related symptoms at stem and crown were highly correlated. Silvicultural management practice in the past that actively pushed ash towards the moister end of its water demand spectrum has to be questioned in the light of ash dieback. Cost-intensive ash re-cultivation in the future—possibly with less dieback-susceptible progenies—should avoid pure ash stands and hydromorphic soil conditions.

To the biology of Ligularia sibirica in the South Ural Reserve

The article presents the results of studying the life and reproductive characteristics of plants of the relict for Europe Eurasian polymorphic species Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass. in three coenopopulations in the conditions of the South Ural Nature Reserve. The plant is little studied in the Ural region, medicinal and very effective, therefore in many ways promising for study in introduction purposes. In natural coenopopulations it grows in fairly moist areas, occurs sparsely in meadows, and in dense clusters under the forest canopy. In forest cenoses, Ligularia sibirica plants are tall and look much larger than in meadow cenoses. In different ecotopes, the variability of morphometric characters is not the same and is specific to a particular habitat. The characteristics of the generative sphere vary to a greater extent relative to the vegetative one. Analysis of variance revealed the dependence of the height of the generative shoot on the plant habitat (56.8%), as well as the length and width of the stem leaves on the ecotope conditions (51.3-69.2%). The age structure of the CP has a right-sided single-vertex type of spectrum with a predominance of young generative plants and a low proportion of mature ones. The superiority of generative plants in the spectra is due to the seed renewal of this species. Ligularia sibirica is distinguished by high reproductive rates with a fairly high coefficient of seed productivity (91%). However, the germination rate of its seeds is quite low, since the seeds are characterized by shallow organic dormancy, from which the seeds can be removed by short stratification or by storing the seeds in dry conditions. In the Southern Urals, this species requires further study.

Mehkužci (polži in školjke) zgornjega toka Neretve

During a survey taking place from 29.6.2022–2.7.2022 in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the river-floodplain system of the upper Neretva River around Ulog, 51 species of molluscs were found at 12 sampling sites. Besides manual sampling in the water bodies, the main sampling technique consisted of sieving of river deposits, to maximise the coverage of species diversity. The majority of the species were terrestrial gastropods (45 out of 51), most of them common species of forests and moist areas, but also of grassland. In the Neretva River itself and in adjacent waterbodies, six species of freshwater molluscs were found. Among them, at least three species of spring snails of the taxonomically challenging genera Belgrandiella, Bythinella, and Paladilhiopsis were found, the latter one only in river deposits. Future research should focus on truncatelloidean snails in the groundwater system of the upper course of the Neretva River. Furthermore, a broader investigation of the mollusc fauna of Bosnia and Herzegovina would help to clarify taxonomically unresolved questions of species of the Balkan region and possibly reveal species new for science.

Auxin biosynthesis, transport, and response directly attenuate hydrotropism in the latter stages to fine-tune root growth direction in Arabidopsis.

Roots detect water potential gradients in the soil and orient toward moister areas, a response known as hydrotropism that aids drought avoidance. Although auxin is crucial in tropism, its polar transport is not essential for hydrotropism in Arabidopsis. Moreover, antiauxin treatments in Arabidopsis produced inconsistent outcomes: some studies indicated auxin action was necessary while others did not. In this study, we examined auxin's physiological role in hydrotropism. We found that inhibiting auxin biosynthesis or transport intensified hydrotropic bending not only in wild-type, but also in hydrotropism defective mutants, namely miz1-1 and miz2 plants. Given that miz1-1 and miz2 exhibited compromised hydrotropism even under clinorotated conditions, we infer that auxin biosynthesis and transport directly suppress hydrotropism. Additionally, tir1-10, afb1-3, and afb2-3 displayed augmented hydrotropism. We observed a significant delay in hydrotropic bending in arf7-1arf19-1, suggesting that ARF7 and ARF19 amplify hydrotropism in its early stages. To discern the functional ties of ARF7/19 with MIZ1 and MIZ2, we studied the hydrotropic phenotypes of arf7-1arf19-1miz1-1 and arf7-1arf19-1miz2. Both triple mutants had diminished early-stage hydrotropism yet showed partial but significant recovery in the later stages. Given MIZ1's role in reducing auxin levels and MIZ2's essentiality for MIZ1 functionality, we conclude that auxin inhibits hydrotropism downstream of MIZ1 in later stages to refine root bending. Furthermore, it is posited that gene expression driven by ARF7 and ARF19 is pivotal for early-stage root hydrotropism.

Changes in Relative Humidity Profiles over Earth’s Oceans in a Warming Climate: A Satellite-Data-Based Inference

Abstract Recently, we presented a classification of “primitive” relative humidity (RH) profiles into eight distinct clusters over Earth’s oceans, based on about 18 years (2003–20) of observations from the AIRS on NASA’s Aqua satellite. Here we investigate the seasonal variability and decadal trends, both in the vertical structure of these RH profiles, and in their associated area of occurrence. Since vertical structures (except in the marine boundary layer) of each RH class are generally robust across all seasons and change only weakly in a warming climate, seasonal or decadal changes to their occurrence areas shift patterns of global moisture distribution. Globally, the marine boundary layer exhibits nonlinear moistening effects after about 2010, the end of the warming hiatus. Annual time series of ocean areas dominated by RH classes have linear trends, which are positive only for the most moist and driest RH classes (in terms of the free troposphere) associated with deep convection and large-scale subsidence favoring conditions for low-level stratocumulus clouds, respectively. Based on estimated linear trends of RH-class occurrences and sea surface temperatures, we infer projected linear responses of RH in a warming climate. Ocean areas dominated by most moist and driest RH classes (in terms of the free atmosphere) are estimated to increase by about 1% and 2%, respectively (corresponding to about 2.5% K−1 and 4.5% K−1, respectively). The averaged global and tropical RH structure remain almost constant in a warming climate. While this is consistent with other studies, our results show how increases in most moist and dry areas compensate each other, indicating possible increases in the frequency or persistence of future extreme events.

Shelterbelts increased soil inorganic carbon but decreased nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus, and bulk density relative to neighbor farmlands depending on tree growth, geoclimate, and soil microbes in the Northeast China Plain

Black soils constitute the food basket of many countries, and the improvement of their properties has received increasing attention. We collected 750 samples at 0 to 1 m depth from poplar shelterbelts and farmlands of 15 regions within the NE China Plain. We measured soil organic carbon (SOC), inorganic carbon (SIC), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), total N, available N, ammonia N (NH4+-N), total phosphorus (TP), available P, bulk density (BD), porosity, specific gravity, electrical conductivity (EC), water content (WC), pH, total Glomalin-related soil protein (TG) and easily extracted glomalin (EEG), soil microbial characteristics, and forest characteristics.The results showed that: 1) Pooled data collected from poplar shelterbelts decreased BD, TP and NO3−-N by 7%, 11% and 7%, and increased SIC by 16% (p < 0.05), respectively, in the 0–40 cm soil layer, and sharper NO3−-N decreases have been observed in the 40–100 cm soil layer soils. 2) Compared to farmlands, poplar shelterbelts decreased microbial α-diversity, and the undefined saprotroph-fungi abundance and microbial nitrification and denitrification by 9.25% to 11.67%, but increased ectomycorrhizal fungi dominance, complexity, and stability of microbial network compared with farmlands. 3) The partial least squares path model revealed that NO3−-N, TP, and BD changes were achieved by the direct effects of poplar growth and indirectly through soil microbial modification. At the same time, geo-climatic differences contributed to SIC changes. Poplar shelterbelts significantly affected soil properties in moist and warm areas, and the effects of shelterbelts on soil properties were more evident in the 0–40 cm layer than in the 40–100 cm layer.Our results highlight that, besides windbreaking functions, poplar shelterbelt's benefits for crop productivity should also include their effects on multiple soil properties into l m deep soils, soil microbial alteration, and associated with geoclimatic conditions.

Пространственно-временной анализ влажности почв сельскохозяйственных полей

Studies of the spatial-temporal variability of the field soil moisture content of three experimental fields located in the Perm district of the Perm region were carried out. The experimental conditions were pure fallow. The purpose of the work is to perform a spatio-temporal analysis of soil moisture in experimental fields using mathematical-cartographic and remote sensing methods. Field soil moisture was measured by points placed taking into account the heterogeneity of the soil cover and topography conditions. Based on the measurements performed, maps of field soil moisture were created using the “Ordinary Kriging” geostatistical method, using the Geostatistical Analyst module of the ArcGIS 10.1 program. The assessment of the influence of the relief on the moisture was performed using the SRTM global digital elevation model. Indicators calculated were topographic humidity index and closed depressions. Based on the obtained geostatistical layers, the relationship between humidity and Sentinel 2 satellite data was established through the spectral index NDVI. For the initial and final dates of measurements, correlation coefficients 0.8 and 0.9 were obtained. The nature of dependence turned out to be changeable over time. At the beginning of the growing season, the relationship is inverse, which confirms the indicator role of NDVI in moist areas, but starting from the third decade of May, the relationship becomes positive. This is due to the fact that the treatment of soils is not done every day, and seedlings appear earlier in the areas with the greatest moisture. Therefore, during the growing season, the field moisture content through the NDVI is indirectly identified by the value of the plant biomass. For individual measurement dates, a close correlation was established between NDVI raster maps and field humidity (r = 0.86). The resulting dependence can be used to predict soil moisture in similar areas. The results of the research will be used for differentiated sowing of seeds, taking into account different moisture conditions within the experimental fields.

705 Evaluation of Invasive Fungal Infections in the Burn ICU

Abstract Introduction Fungal infections are increasingly associated with critical illness, especially in major burn injury. The risk factors of invasive fungal infections include central venous catheter (CVC) placement, mechanical ventilation, broad-spectrum antibiotics, renal replacement therapy (RRT), and total parental nutrition. Critically ill burn patients have additional risk factors including extensive wounds, impaired immune system, and repeated surgical intervention. Despite significant morbidity and mortality caused by invasive fungal infections, efforts to prevent them with antifungal prophylaxis have not improved outcomes. In patients who develop invasive fungal infection, appropriate empiric antifungal therapy is imperative to reduce morbidity and mortality especially in the setting of delayed culture and sensitivity data. The purpose of this study was to characterize risk factors associated with the development of invasive fungal infection, invasive fungal infection organisms and surgical and pharmacological management. Methods A retrospective chart review was completed of adult patients admitted to the burn ICU found to have an invasive fungal infection (defined as at least one positive blood or tissue fungal infection and receipt of systemic antifungal therapy). The primary outcome was to identify common fungal organisms. Secondary outcomes included susceptibility pattern of the organism, location of infection, surgical management including debridement and amputation, pharmacological management, median ICU and hospital length of stay, and in hospital mortality. Results A total of 10 patients of a goal of 100 patients with a median 54% TBSA burns were evaluated at this time. The most common yeast species included candida albicans; mold species included a variety of organisms such as fusarium, zygomycete and paecilomyces. Common risk factors among these patients included CVC access (57%), mechanical ventilation (43%), and RRT (43%). Yeast infections were primarily treated with anidulafungin and fluconazole, while mold infections were managed with systemic amphotericin as backbone in addition to voriconazole or isavuconazole. Patients underwent aggressive surgical debridement for source control. Median ICU stay was 53 days with a median hospital stay of 63 days, and 42% mortality. Conclusions Fungal infections among critically ill burn patients are associated with the high morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, mitigation of modifiable risk factors is of utmost importance. This retrospective review of common fungal growth in our unit will inform future empiric antifungal management for patients with concern of invasive fungal infections. Applicability of Research to Practice Fungal infections present a clinical challenge for burn practitioners, especially in geographically moist areas. Prevention and informed surgical and pharmacological management are key to overcoming this infectious disease threat.

Exploring the New Targets for Candida Vaginiitis

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC), is an infection involving a type of fungus, or yeast. The fungus most commonly associated with vaginal yeast infection is called Candida albicans, which account for up to 92% of all cases, with the remainder due to other species of Candida. These fungi can be found all over the body and are normally present in warm and moist areas of the body. Studies have shown that up to 20%-50% of all women normally carry yeast in the vagina without the presence of symptoms. When C albicans in the vagina multiplies to the point of infection, this infection can cause vaginal inflammation, irritation, odor, discharge, and itching.

Geoenvironmental GIS development to investigate Landslides and Slope Instability along Frontal zone of Central Himalaya

The Frontal Himalayan terrain comprises of Lesser Himalaya and Siwalik Hills; is highly susceptible to landslide disaster due to active tectonics, scrappy geology, steep slope, and reshaping geomorphology. Besides that, hydrological impacts of land use degradation and climate change enhancing the vulnerability of the terrain. Keep in view this; the Dabka watershed, falls in frontal zone of central Himalaya has been selected for case illustration. Geospatial analysis advocates that the areas of the most stressed geo-environment (comprises of very steep slopes above 30°, geology of Lower Krol and Lariakanta formation, geomorphology of moist areas and debris sites and land use of barren land) have high density (5–10 landsides km2) of landslides whereas the areas of least stressed geo-environment (comprises of gentle slopes below 10°, geology of Kailakhan and Siwalik formation, geomorphology of depositional terraces and land use of dense forest) have low density of landslides (2 landsides km2). Out of total 340 landslides in the region, 198 are active landsides whereas 51 and 91 are reactivated and old landsides respectively. Geospatial analysis of landslide areas reveals that across the region total 804.33 ​ha land has been degraded by landslides which account for 11.65% of the total area of the Dabka watershed. The wedge failure analysis suggests that there are 3–4 sets of rock joints across the region and most of the sites are unsafe as their safety factors are less than 1.

Painful facial, oral, and genital ulcers

Painful facial, oral, and genital ulcers

Effect of washing aggregate sludge waste on the properties of alkali-activated blast furnace slag

The growing production of aggregates in quarries leads to the generation of solid wastes and an expansion of energy footprint. Since these solid wastes are generally stored in landfills, they cause environmental and economic problems. This paper sought to provide a sustainable alternative for the valorization processes of one of these solid wastes, washing aggregate sludge (WS) obtained from a specific aggregate quarry, by investigating the possibility of its utilization as a supplementary precursor material in alkali-activated paste and mortars. The mixtures were produced by replacing the blast furnace slag (BFS) with WS by 0, 25, 50, and 75 wt%, and the effect of WS on the physical, mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties of samples was comprehensively studied. The results revealed that the incorporation of WS consistently extended the setting time of mixes, providing a suitable setting time range for ease of handling, and the setting time of mixtures was predominantly influenced by the initial SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio. The mechanical and physical test results indicated that the increase in WS replacement ratios increased the water absorption, voids content, drying shrinkage, and sorptivity values, and reduced the compressive strength of alkali-activated mortar samples. On the other hand, an increase in WS ratio efficiently increased the residual compressive strength values of mortar specimens during wetting-drying cycles, indicating its suitability for warm and moist climatic areas. The microstructure analysis revealed that C-A-S-H type gels were mainly formed in the reference mix (100% BFS), whereas N-A-S-H along with C-A-S-H type gels were detected in the specimens produced with a higher WS ratio. The incorporation of WS up to 25% to produce BFS-based AAM as a construction material can be a competent method to efficiently utilize WS waste which may also protect the environment and ensure sustainability.

Pedology of archaeological stone-wall bench terraces

Agricultural terraces are the most widespread archaeological landforms worldwide. Despite their far-reaching prevalence in many inhabited parts of the world, archaeological soils in terraces (hereafter ‘terrace soils’) are scarcely studied and their nature is poorly defined. This study aims to depict a space–time framework for the development of calcareous soils in archaeological stone-wall bench terraces and suggest modifications to their soil classification and mapping. To do so, we examined soils at the forefront of five terraces in Catalonia (Spain), that had been previously dated with optically stimulated luminescence to periods from Medieval-Late Middle Ages (1200 ± 60 CE) to Modern (1810 ± 15 CE). Local soils surrounding the terraces are Entisols and Inceptisols in the relatively drier areas and Mollisols in the moister areas. Methods applied are field survey, standard physico-chemical analyses, and soil micromorphology. CaCO3 content, P, OM and CEC show irregularly trending values throughout the profiles. Micromorphology shows abundant content of charred components throughout the profiles and slight discontinuous carbonate recrystallization, mostly biogenic. Based on these observations, the main parent material was determined to be local soil that was redeposited by workforce as fill material for terracing. We further interpret that pedogenesis mainly involved structure development under the influence of anthroturbation and bioturbation, inheritance of ex situ aggregates from parent soil, reaggregation with little occurrence of organic matter, and low levels of lessivage and CaCO3 redistribution. We found that pedogenesis in these terraces started in a chaotic manner, considerably faster than pedogenesis in natural soils, primarily influenced by the act of terracing, the maturity of its inherited parent soil material, and relatively large depth. Therefore, early stages of terrace soil development can differ greatly from known soil models, questioning paradigms of pedogenic ‘time zero’ and ‘maturity’ in terrace soil. We suggest four terrace fill settings for terrace material and propose a model for the state of entropy and development of terrace soils. We classify the studied soils as Archaeo-Anthroportic Xerorthents, (Anthrosols (Calcaric, Escalic)), and Archaeo-Anthroportic Typic Haploxerolls (Anthrosols (Calcaric, Escalic, Relocatic, Anthromollic)), both overlying buried Inceptisols (Cambisols). Our primary conclusion is that terrace soils should be separately classified and mapped by treating terracescapes as distinct morpho-stratigraphic units in which age is the same as the age of their geomorphic surface. This study advances the pedological understanding of archaeological stone-wall bench terraces and identifies gaps in the understanding of terrace soils.

Development of Technique for Vehicle Specific Off-Road Trafficability Assessment Using Soil Cone Index, Water Index, and Geospatial Data

Nowadays, the type of vehicles, either tracked or wheeled in the Army has increased considerably and every decision maker wants the current details of off-road trafficability for operation planning. Therefore, vehicle-specific trafficability maps are the need of the hour. Emphasis should be given on soils capable of bearing the moving load of a vehicle and it is an important factor to be considered. Soil variability in spatial and temporal dimensions affects the assessment of off-road trafficability. Genetically, it is assumed that similar soil types behave similarly at a regional scale to reduce the complexity due to its variability. Remolding Cone Index (RCI) of Soil is the indicator of its capability and for generic solution; its value can be related to gravimetric moisture of soil for getting a general idea. In this paper, a logics-based, new concept has been introduced to rationalize the RCI values of these moist areas. Most significantly, moisture- and water-bound areas play an important role in the assessment of off-road trafficability. Therefore, to cover larger areas, a grid-based approach was taken as a base and, to get a preliminary idea of prevailing moisture, Normalized Difference Water Index was also mapped. Every vehicle has fixed vehicle cone index based on its vehicular characteristics and can be related with RCI for trafficability purpose. This new technique will save time and field work and is immensely useful for the trafficability assessment of any specific vehicle.

Assessment of the prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa among Iraqi patients with acne and study of their antibiotic susceptibility patterns

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is found in soil and water all over the world. It prefers moist areas, such as wash basins, toilets, and swimming pools that are insufficiently chlorinated, and expired and ineffective disinfection solutions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections range from external infections such as acne. A simple, severe, life-threatening disorder that is highly antibiotic-resistant. Aims: The current study was undertaken to analyze the frequency of P. aeruginosa as a microbial skin infection patient with acne and study their antibiotic sensitivity patterns due to a rise in instances of acne among young people in Iraq. Methods: A total of 61 samples were taken from inflamed and pus discharge patients,27 males and 34 females, with acne vulgaris on the face. Samples were cultured on selective, enrichment, and special media then incubated for 18-24 hr. at 37 °C. Bacterial Isolates Identification was done using different culture media, Microscopic Examination with Gram stain, in addition to Biochemical tests. In addition to API 20E identification system and conformation by VITEK 2 compact system. Antibiotic susceptibility test is done using different antibiotics. Results: Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were found in 23 (37.70%)/ 61 of the samples, with 11 (47.83%) male and 12 (52.17%) female.