Range Of Species Research Articles

The genome assembly of the westslope cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus lewisi, reveals interspecific chromosomal rearrangements with the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) are popular among anglers throughout their native range along the West Coast and interior of North America. As they colonized the interior of North America, cutthroat trout diverged into several genetically distinct groups. Many of these groups are now threatened by habitat destruction, hybridization with rainbow trout (O. mykiss), and competition from introduced species. These groups were previously classified as subspecies, but recent research suggests they may represent distinct species. In this study, we produced a chromosomal-level genome assembly and a genetic map for one of the species in the cutthroat trout species complex, the westslope cutthroat trout (O. lewisi-formerly O. clarkii lewisi). We also constructed haplotype-resolved assemblies from a westslope cutthroat-rainbow trout F1 hybrid. We used the new genome assemblies to identify major interspecific chromosomal rearrangements between the two sister species, including fusions, fissions, and inversions. These genome assemblies and chromosome data provide valuable insights regarding genetic variation within cutthroat trout and in hybrids between rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Thirteen years of Andean cat research in Chile: occurrence records and environmental patterns

ABSTRACT The Andean cat is the only felid listed as Endangered in the Americas according to IUCN. We present an update on the records of this species from 2010 to 2023. We used 350 camera trap units along 1,500 km in Chile, sightings, and records of skins in landowners’ houses. We detected Andean cat presence 114 times in 58 sites from northernmost Putre to Farellones and Alfalfal in central Chile, recording 13 sightings and one skin. From the records obtained, we developed an analysis based on the review of the distribution patterns of the species in the environmental space, as well as its potential distribution, intending to evaluate its environmental niche and determine priority sites for conducting new surveys in search of the species. This research aims to compile numerous unpublished Andean cat records across its distribution range in Chile, to create a valuable resource for species conservation and future research efforts.

Non-target effects of the flowerbud weevil Anthonomus santacruzi released for the biological control of Solanum mauritianum in South Africa: field data align with pre-release risk predictions

ABSTRACT The flowerbud weevil Anthonomus santacruzi Hustache (Curculionidae) was released in South Africa in 2008 to reduce the spread of the widespread and highly invasive tree Solanum mauritianum Scop. (Solanaceae). The weevil is widely established in the country’s warmer regions, where conditions are better aligned with its native Argentinean range. During pre-release testing, A. santacruzi survived to adulthood on several non-target native Solanum species, but the risks to field populations were deemed sufficiently low to justify release. In this study, we assessed the host-plant utilisation of A. santacruzi in a rangeland where S. mauritianum persisted in sympatry with five non-target Solanum species that were tested in the pre-release trials. During the 12-month study, A. santacruzi larvae were recorded in the buds of two native and one exotic non-target species, but in significantly lower proportions relative to S. mauritianum. Although adults and larvae were consistently recorded on the native S. dasyphyllum Schumach. & Thonn., the most utilised non-target species, mean monthly numbers were significantly lower than on S. mauritianum, with floral exploitation (i.e. buds with larvae) and larval survival to adulthood significantly higher on S. mauritianum. Utilisation of the native S. campylacanthum Hochst. ex A. Rich. and exotic S. viarum Dun. was occasional and rare, respectively. Considering the close proximity (≤ 8 m) of the non-target plants to the S. mauritianum controls, these results align with predictions of ‘spillover damage’ and appear unlikely to threaten non-target populations. Additional studies are planned to confirm that isolated non-target Solanum populations are not supporting ‘full utilization’.

A comprehensive review on diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM): histological spectrum, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management with conventional treatments and natural compounds.

Diabetic complications are among the most pressing health issues currently. Cardiovascular problems, particularly diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), are responsible for almost 80% of diabetic deaths. Because of the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the increased threat of death from its consequences, researchers are searching for new pharmaceutical targets to delay or cure it. Currently, there are a few medicines available for the treatment of DCM, some of which have serious side effects. To address this issue, researchers are focusing on natural products. Thus, in this review, we discuss the prevalence, incidence, risk factors, histological spectrum, diagnosis, pathogenic pathways of DCM, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in DCM, the current treatments, and the beneficial effects of natural product-based therapeutics. Natural treatments range from single doses to continuous regimens lasting weeks or months. Flavonoids are the largest class of natural compounds reported for the treatment of DCM. Natural regimens may cover the way for new treatment strategies for DCM for being multi-target agents in the treatment of DCM, with the ability to play a variety of functions via distinct signaling pathways.

Reduced processing and toxin binding associated with resistance to Vip3Aa in a strain of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) from Louisiana.

Transgenic crops expressing Cry and Vip3Aa insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis are a primary tool for controlling fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) populations. The evolution of resistance to Cry proteins in the native range of the fall armyworm has increased reliance and intensified the selection of resistance to Vip3Aa. In this study, we identified mechanisms of resistance to Vip3Aa in the LA-RR strain of S. frugiperda originating from Louisiana (USA). Midgut epithelial damage in susceptible larvae was evidenced by a significant drop in midgut pH after feeding on either Vip3Aa protoxin or activated toxin. In contrast, this midgut pH drop was only detected for activated Vip3Aa toxin in LA-RR larvae. Midgut fluids from LA-RR larvae displayed delayed processing of Vip3Aa protoxin when compared to fluids from susceptible larvae, and this slower processing was associated with reduced activity and expression of trypsin and chymotrypsin enzyme genes in the LA-RR strain. In bioassays, LA-RR larvae were significantly more susceptible to Vip3Aa protoxin pre-processed by midgut fluids from susceptible than from LA-RR larvae. In addition, midgut brush border membrane vesicles from LA-RR larvae exhibited lower specific Vip3Aa toxin binding than vesicles from the susceptible strain. The results of this study support that both slower proteolytic processing and reduced specific binding are associated with resistance to Vip3Aa in a S. frugiperda strain from the Western hemisphere, the native range of this pest. This information increases our understanding of resistance to Vip3Aa and advances monitoring and fall armyworm management. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

A MFR Work Modes Recognition Method Based on Dual-Scale Feature Extraction

Multi-function radar (MFR) work modes recognition is an important research component of the electronic reconnaissance field. When facing MFR systems equipped with complex mode-waveform mapping relationships and flexible beam scanning techniques, the intercepted work mode pulse sequences have a wide temporal range of feature distributions and variable durations, which bring significant challenges for accurate recognition. To address this issue, this study constructs a novel hierarchical MFR signal model with waveform multiplexing and waveform scheduling laws with spatial beam arrangement and proposes a work mode recognition method based on dual-scale feature extraction. The recognition method first obtains the variable-length sequence processing capability through pulse sequence segmentation. Then, a structure composed of convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) is followed to extract the deep time-series features at the internal-segment scale of segments, and the features of each segment are concatenated in the time dimension. Subsequently, an LSTM-Attention network is used to extract the external-segment-scale features while adaptively assigning a higher weight to important waveform segments. Ultimately, the work mode recognition results are obtained. The experimental results show that the proposed method’s performance is advantageous in recognizing work modes under the comprehensive MFR signal model.

Dolichophis caspius road mortality at its northern distribution range limit: the lower Olt River valley, southern Romania

Dolichophis caspius is frequently affected by road mortality, with many victims recorded also in Romania. Although some regions in the country have a presumptive high risk of road mortality, there is no certain data from all regions. In 2021 and 2024, we analyzed this species’ road mortality at its northern distribution range limit (lower Olt River valley, southern Romania). We identified 66 road-killed D. caspius over the course of eight days. Most victims (62.12%) were juveniles. The high number of road-killed juveniles is a consequence of the road`s features, which crosses many small human settlements (villages) and has numerous curves and speed enforcement cameras; therefore, the speed is reduced to 50 km/h. Consequently, the small-sized road-killed juveniles were easier to observe, as compared to roads of higher speeds, where they can be easily missed. The high number of juveniles indicates that in the region there are large populations that reproduce, as they are probably favored by climate warming. Although the absolute number of road-killed juveniles was higher at the end of summer and autumn, the ratio of juveniles and adults was the same in spring. The differences in road mortality on different days, even of the same month, indicate the importance of local microclimate conditions for the activity and road mortality of D. caspius. The lower Olt River valley region has a high risk of road mortality for this species, as it shows the scale of this phenomenon by highlighting the impact on juveniles.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBA GLOW SKINCARE CREAM

Background and aims: Nowadays consumers are now more aware of the possible hazards associated with synthetic formulations, thus there is a greater demand for skincare products based on herbs. Using herba glow containing Capparis spinosa, Morus nigra, and Rhodiola rosea, all of which are known for their strong antioxidant qualities. This study attempts to develop and assess the stability, physicochemical characteristics, and antioxidant activity of Herba Glow skincare cream. Methods: Herba Glow cream was developed as an oil-in-water emulsion using pharmaceutical-grade excipients. The formulation underwent comprehensive evaluation, including organoleptic assessment, homogeneity, viscosity, spreadability, and pH measurement. Stability was tested through a cycling test, while the DPPH radical scavenging test was used to measure antioxidant activity. Results: All formulations exhibited homogeneity and acceptable viscosity, with pH values within the skin’s natural range. Stability testing indicated minor changes in viscosity and pH, yet the formulations remained stable. Antioxidant analysis revealed that higher concentrations of Herba Glow extract enhanced free radical scavenging activity, with the 20% extract formulation showing the highest potency (IC50=1.117 ppm), comparable to well-established antioxidants. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Herba Glow cream is a promising herbal-based skincare product with significant antioxidant activity and stable physicochemical properties. This research bridges the gap between traditional herbal knowledge and modern cosmetic science, supporting the development of natural skincare alternatives. Peer Review History: Received 9 December 2024; Reviewed 14 January 2025; Accepted 21 February; Available online 15 March 2025 Academic Editor: Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, gorkemdulger@yandex.com

Quantifying forest degradation, deforestation and land use change in vital swift parrot breeding habitat

Forest degradation is a major cause of habitat loss for species that rely on old forest features. Quantitative knowledge of forest degradation and deforestation in the breeding range of the critically endangered swift parrot (Lathamus discolor) is poor but essential to inform effective conservation planning. We provide the first quantitative analysis of forest degradation and deforestation across the swift parrot breeding range. We identify trends and drivers of anthropogenic loss to determine whether current forestry policy is aligned with targets to secure species recovery. We used global datasets of forest extent, change and loss to evaluate historic deforestation and forest dynamics since the year 2000. We applied our analysis at three spatial scales within the breeding range: potential, core, and Swift Parrot Important Breeding Areas (SPIBAs). We measured trends in fire and anthropogenic forest loss before and after forestry policy changes. Results informed a land use change analysis to identify major drivers of forest loss. Habitat loss has occurred in more than 50% of the swift parrots’ breeding range. More than 37% of the breeding range was permanently deforested prior to the year 2000. Of remaining forest in the year 2000, approximately a quarter has been disturbed, degraded or permanently deforested. Degradation was 6.5 times that of deforestation, and production forestry was the major human driver of forest loss. Forest loss rates in SPIBAs have doubled since forestry policy change in 2014. Degraded forests are unlikely to provide habitat for swift parrots and urgent changes to forest policies and practices are needed to ensure the perpetuity of the species. We highlight the advantages of using publicly available remote-sensing datasets to quantify past and present habitat degradation, deforestation, and land use change at biologically meaningful scales relevant to the recovery of threatened species.

Factors underlying migratory timing of a seasonally migrating bird

Bird migration has fascinated natural historians and scientists for centuries. While the timing of migration is known to vary by species, population, sex, and individual, identifying the cause of this variation can be challenging. Here we investigate factors underlying migratory timing in a long-distance migratory bird, the Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypas trichas), using a population genomic approach. We begin by creating a map of genetic variation across geographic space (a “genoscape”) using lcWGS from across the breeding range. We then utilize genetic assays to assign 249 wintering and 1050 northward migrating birds to genetically distinct breeding populations. Additionally, we estimate the expected spring onset date in each predicted breeding region and calculate the remaining migratory distance for northward migrating birds. Our findings indicate that when population genetic structure is not a factor in the analysis, it appears that birds captured early in the season are migrating to breeding grounds where spring arrives later, which contrasts with prior research. However, when we incorporate population structure into our analysis, our results align with predictions, indicating that birds captured earlier in the season are indeed heading to breeding grounds where spring arrives earlier. Further analysis revealed that the disparity between results obtained with and without population genetic structure can be attributed to the fact that individuals from the western genetic group migrate three times the distance to the west, despite breeding at the same latitude. Our findings suggest that categorizing large numbers of migrating birds into genetically distinct groups can reveal population-specific patterns in migratory timing and shed light on the relative contributions of different selective forces responsible for the observed patterns.

Dynamic evaluation of winter wheat’s freezing resistance under different low-temperature periods and durations

Winter extreme low temperature events have been occurring frequently both before and after the winter season. The freezing resistance temperature of wheat is far lower than the intensity of low temperatures during the mid-winter period. Therefore, it is necessary to further quantify and evaluate the impact of low-temperature periods and durations during the early winter and the green-up period on the freezing resistance of wheat, based on different evaluation indicators. Through conducting experiments in an artificial low-temperature control chamber, this study investigates the critical temperature thresholds for the impact of different low-temperature periods and durations on the tiller and yield of winter wheat, as well as the critical temperature thresholds for soil effective negative accumulated temperature. The results demonstrate that (1) the tiller mortality rate (RT) and yield reduction rate (RY) of winter wheat during the winter increase with the severity and duration of low temperatures, showing an S-shaped curve. The winter wheat mortality rate during the early winter is related to the soil effective negative accumulated temperature in an exponential function, while the mid-winter and green-up stages have a linear relationship. (2) The freezing threshold temperatures for the RT, RY and soil negative accumulated temperature (SENAT) in different low-temperature periods (early winter, mid-winter, and green-up periods) range from − 11.7 to -17.9 °C, -9.4 to -15.6 °C, and 15.9 to 131.7 °C·h (2.2 to 16.8 °C·d), respectively. (3) The freezing threshold temperatures for the RT and RY in different low-temperature durations (1 day, 2 days, and 3 days) range from − 2.8 to -17.9 °C and − 9.4 to -15.6 °C, respectively. The findings of this study provide technical support and scientific guidance for the global cultivation structure and variety layout of winter wheat under the background of climate warming, as well as for the prevention and reduction of freezing damage and yield losses.

Genomic differentiation and SNP variation reveal local adaptations to eastern Mediterranean environmental conditions in wild radishes.

Morphological differences between the two genetically close wild radishes, Raphanus raphanistrum and R. pugioniformis, include differences in fruit structure that influence their dispersal ability and within population spatial structure. Here, we tested within- and among-populations genetic variation, hypothesizing that (i) short-distance dispersal of heavy fruits in R. pugioniformis provided opportunities for local adaptions, while (ii) long-distances of single-seeded diaspores increase migration rates in R. raphanistrum, resulting in closer genetic distances among populations. Populations were mapped along a geographical gradient in the eastern Mediterranean, and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was employed to assess population genetic structure. Population genetic variation was analyzed using genetic diversity parameters, pairwise genetic differentiation coefficients, Mantel tests, migration rates (MR), and ADMIXTURE analyses. Furthermore, SNP detection was utilized to identify loci associated with local adaptations. The average values of migration rates were similar in the two species, and non-synonymous SNP loci in CDS regions of R. raphanistrum (n=12) and R. pugioniformis (n=7) were well associated with directional selection. However, the genetic diversity parameters, isolation-by-distance Mantel tests, PCoA, and ADMIXTURE analyses indicated higher genetic differentiation among populations of R. pugioniformis than among populations of R. raphanistrum. Furthermore, a higher number of loci in R. pugioniformis than in R. raphanistrum (12 vs. 3 SNP outlier loci, respectively) were associated with average annual rainfall, the most prominent environmental parameter in the east Mediterranean. The results support the hypothesis that long-distance dispersal contributes to lower genetic diversity in populations of R. raphanistrum compared to R. pugioniformis. Considering that the distribution range of R. raphanistrum is relatively homogenous, whereas R. pugioniformis is scattered across varying topographical and climatic gradients, the results of this genome scan highlight the significant role of the environment in adaptive inter- and intra-species genetic variation in these two genetically-close species.

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

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

Significantly extended distribution range of three Jasminum species (Oleaceae) in India, with morphological and molecular markers for their identification

Significantly extended distribution range of three Jasminum species (Oleaceae) in India, with morphological and molecular markers for their identification

Effect of Particle Size on Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Deep Siliceous Shales in Southern Sichuan, China, Measured Using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering and Low-Pressure Nitrogen Adsorption

Granular samples are often used to characterize the pore structure of shale. To systematically analyze the influence of particle size on pore characteristics, case studies were performed on two groups of organic-rich deep shale samples. Multiple methods, including small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), low-pressure nitrogen gas adsorption (LP-N2GA), low-pressure carbon dioxide gas adsorption (LP-CO2GA), and XRD analysis, were adopted to investigate how the crushing process would affect pore structure parameters and the fractal features of deep shale samples. The research indicates that with the decrease in particle size, the measurements from nitrogen adsorption and SANS experiments significantly increase, with relative effects reaching 95.09% and 51.27%, respectively. However, the impact on carbon dioxide adsorption measurements is minor, with a maximum of only 8.97%. This suggests that the comminution process primarily alters the macropore structure, with limited influence on the micropores. Since micropores contribute the majority of the specific surface area in deep shale, the effect of particle size variation on the specific surface area is negligible, averaging only 16.52%. Shales exhibit dual-fractal characteristics. The distribution range of the mass fractal dimension of the experimental samples is 2.658–2.961, which increases as the particle size decreases. The distribution range of the surface fractal dimension is 2.777–2.834, which decreases with the decrease in particle size.

Genetically based trait coordination and phenotypic plasticity of growth, gas exchange, allometry, and hydraulics across the distribution range of Pinus pinaster

Summary Studying intraspecific trait variation across environments is key for understanding how resource‐use strategies evolve. It is hypothesized that plants from mesic environments have evolved toward a more acquisitive strategy with high growth potential and phenotypic plasticity, while populations from xeric continental climates exhibit a conservative strategy with slower growth and better physiological performance under drier conditions. We tested this hypothesis through the phenotypical characterization of 14‐yr‐old Pinus pinaster Aiton trees from 20 range‐wide populations growing in two climatically contrasting common gardens. We measured 20 traits related to growth, leaf morphology, gas exchange, photochemistry, and hydraulics. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that populations from mesic oceanic areas exhibited higher growth rates and higher allocation to leaf surface area under mesic conditions, along with greater plasticity in these traits. By contrast, xeric continental populations had better physiological status, showing higher gas exchange rates and photochemical efficiency, but lower sapwood‐specific hydraulic conductivity under drier conditions. Together, our results provide evidence that climate drives the joint evolution of leaf and stem traits and their plasticity following an acquisitive–conservative axis of resource use. Overall, trait coordination is found to be highly plastic, likely to maximize plant performance under contrasting environmental conditions.

Predicting the potential distribution of major marine mammals in the Cosmonaut Sea

The Southern Ocean, a critical marine region on Earth, is undergoing significant environmental changes due to global climate change, including reductions in sea ice extent, ocean acidification, and alterations in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). The Cosmonaut Sea, notable for its dynamic sea ice and rich biological activity, remains one of the least explored regions in the Southern Ocean, with limited data on its marine mammal populations. This study conducted during the 38th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE) from January to March 2022, collected systematic data on marine mammal occurrences. Species distribution modeling (SDM) was used to assess the influence of environmental variables on the distribution of the most abundant marine mammal species observed in the Cosmonaut Sea, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga), and Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). Our results indicated significant performance variations among the different algorithms, with ensemble model yielding more accurate predictions. Environmental variables such as water depth, sea surface height, and mixed layer thickness were identified as significant factors influencing habitat suitability for different species. Humpback whales were found to have the widest distribution range, followed by Antarctic minke whales and crabeater seals. Generally, the study provides the first comprehensive analysis of marine mammal distribution in the Cosmonaut Sea, highlighting the effectiveness of ensemble models in ecological predictions. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating high-resolution data and incorporating predator-prey interactions in future studies to improve our understanding and conservation of these complex ecosystems.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF GOLDEN-MANTLED HOWLER MONKEYS (ALOUATTA PALLIATA PALLIATA) IN DRY FOREST FROM THE NORTH PACIFIC COAST, COSTA RICA.

The golden-mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata palliata) represents an excellent sentinel species for use in One Health modeling because of its extensive natural range, regular contact with humans and domestic animals, and susceptibility to zoonotic diseases. The purpose of this research is to establish baseline health assessments for free ranging golden-mantled howler monkeys in Marino Las Baulas National Park, Costa Rica. In April 2013, seven free ranging golden-mantled howler monkeys were anesthetized for physical examinations and biological sample collection, including blood for hematology and blood gas analysis. All seven howler monkeys studied appeared in good overall health. On physical exams, 4/7 (57%) had some level of dental disease, most notably crown fractures. Fecal samples for endoparasite evaluation were collected from the seven anesthetized animals as well as an additional three animals that were anesthetized but remained in the trees out of reach for full physical exams. Feces were collected from the rectum or collected from the ground immediately after defecation. Fecal analysis showed 9/10 (90%) had one or more species of intestinal parasites, and one animal tested positive for Giardia spp. Hematologic values showed a mild monocytosis and eosinophilia compared to other Alouatta spp. Trypanosoma spp. were present in the blood smear of one animal. Additional vector-borne disease testing found one individual PCR positive to Plasmodium spp., and one individual PCR positive to Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies for West Nile virus were found in 5/7 (71%) of the animals; however, PCR testing for West Nile virus and dengue virus was negative for all samples. This represents the first published health assessments for howler monkeys in this region.

Climatic Influence on Growth Performance of Abies spectabilis in the Himalayas

Climate change has affected forest ecosystems across the world over the past century. However, its impact is particularly high in the Himalayas due to increasing temperatures, extreme precipitation events, and regional droughts. In this context, a review of the current stage of research was deemed necessary to understand the adaptation of a key conifer species to climate variability in the Central Himalayas. Hence, we conducted a systematic review of published peer-reviewed journal articles addressing the growth performance of Abies spectabilis (D. Don) Spach in the Central Himalayas. From this review, three main patterns of climate response have emerged: a positive correlation of radial tree growth with temperature of the current and previous growing seasons, tree growth limitation by winter temperature, and by temperature or moisture in the pre-monsoon season. Overall, results indicate an elevation-dependent temperature sensitivity, a crucial role of moisture availability, and seasonal shifts in climate–growth relationships, reflecting the species’ adaptability to changing climate conditions. Our review revealed that studies on elevation-dependent adaptation of wood anatomical traits by A. spectabilis are still rare. The tree-ring growth of this species shows a complex response to climate variability, with increasing as well as decreasing growth trends across its distribution range.

Spatial Variability in Geotechnical Properties Within Heterogeneous Lignite Mine Spoils

During surface coal mining, vast amounts of overburden waste materials—called spoils—are excavated and dumped, forming massive heaps, the sustainable exploitation of which is a top priority globally. This study addresses the advanced geotechnical characterization of spoil materials, focusing on lignite mine spoil heaps, which are often ignored due to their highly heterogeneous nature. This research quantifies the spatial variability in spoil materials from a large heap in Greece, highlighting the importance of a robust geotechnical framework for their effective reclamation. Using statistical analysis and variogram modeling, the scale of fluctuation (SoF) was derived for both the vertical and horizontal directions. The SoF values for spoil properties are found to be on the high end of the natural soil range. Vertical correlations are observed for distances over 10 m, occasionally reaching 20 m, indicating significant spatial variability; in the horizontal direction, the SoF reaches up to 285 m. These findings suggest that spoil elements exhibit important spatial dependence, which is critical for their proper design and exploitation. The results provide a basis for future research and the use of advanced numerical tools, such as the random finite element method, to support geotechnical design and the sustainable exploitation of spoil heaps.