Northwestern Region Research Articles

Characterizing Vegetation Phenology Shifts on the Loess Plateau over Past Two Decades

Phenology is a critical mirror reflecting vegetation growth and has a major impact on terrestrial ecosystems. The Loess Plateau (LP) is a paramount ecological zone in China that has experienced considerable vegetation changes. However, understanding the dynamics of vegetation phenology is limited by ambiguous vegetation interpretation and anthropogenic-induced forces. This study combined the multi-climatic and anthropogenic datasets to characterize the interactions between phenology shifts and environmental variables. The principal findings were as follows: (1) Phenological shifts exhibit spatial heterogeneity and an interannually increasing trend in greenness (R2 > 0.6, p < 0.05). Notably, SOS (the start of the growing season) advances while EOS (the end of the growing season) delays in both the southeastern and northwestern regions. (2) SOS and EOS, primarily in the range of 100–150 and 285–320 days, respectively. Phenological changes vary depending on vegetation types. The forest has an early SOS, within 80–112 days, and a delayed EOS, within 288–320 days. The SOS of shrub is mainly within 80–144 days. (3) EOS shows a strong response to the preseason of each climate variable. Precipitation (R = 0.76), soil moisture (R = −0.64), and temperature (R = 0.89) are the governing determinants in shaping vegetation phenology. In addition, agriculture and urbanization play a significant role in shaping the spatial variations of SOS. These findings provide a basis for a systematic understanding of the processes that affect vegetation growth, which is crucial for maintaining the health and sustainability of arid and semiarid ecosystems.

Wind Farms’ Location and Geographical Proximity as a Key Factor in Sustainable City Development: Evidence from Poland

In this study, the potential impact of wind farm locations on the sustainable development of cities in Poland was evaluated, considering the availability of wind-generated electricity. We analyzed 37 cities in Poland with populations over 100,000. Research indicates that wind farms located 30–80 km from large cities perform best in terms of generating capacity, while greater distances increase transmission costs and energy losses. In Poland, wind farms are primarily situated in the northwestern regions, posing challenges for energy transmission to the southern cities, which are the main centers of energy consumption. The findings show that wind farms with the highest generating capacity are generally about 50 km from major cities. Key factors influencing wind farm locations include technical criteria, economic feasibility, environmental impact, public opinion, and the availability of transmission networks. Sustainable development of wind farms requires strategic cooperation between urban and rural municipalities, joint spatial planning, coordinated land acquisition, and the exchange of know-how.

Zooplankton in the zones of transformation of river runoff in the north-western Black Sea region and the Mediterranean Sea in 2017–2020

Estuary zones play a key role in the regulation of the impact of continental processes on marine ecosystems. The zone “river–sea” is a unique area with specific conditions, geochemical and biological processes. They belong to the so called “ecological hot spots” and that is why their research is especially needed to understand possible changes in the ecosystems. In the present study we described the spatial distribution of zooplankton in the zones of transformation of river runoff in the Ukrainian part of the north-western Black Sea region and the Turkish coast of the Mediterranean Sea in 2017–2020. In the Black Sea, samples were collected from the coast of the Odesa Marine Region, Danube Region and coastal waters between Dnipro-Bug estuary and Yuzhne town. On the Turkish Mediterranean Sea coasts, samples were collected between Antalya city and Patara village (Mugla province). A total of 64 samples of the zooplankton were studied. We did not establish a direct dependence between zooplankton biomass and annual volume of river runoff (correlation between these metrics is from –0.25 to –0.80). 20 taxa of zooplankton in the Odesa Marine Region, 21 taxa in the Danube Region, 11 taxa in the Dnieper Region, 23 taxa in the Turkish coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea were registered. Species of forage zooplankton were dominant over non-forage ones in all seasons and all investigated aquatoria. The percentage of Noctiluca scintillans (Macartney) Kofoid & Swezy, 1921 and jellyfish did not exceed 5% of the total biomass of zooplankton. In summer in the Black Sea, the majority of zooplankton by number and biomass was formed by organisms of meroplankton, species of Cyclopoida and Harpacticoida, in autumn species of the genus Acartia, Oithona davisae Ferrari F. D. & Orsi, 1984, larvae of Cirripedia and Penilia avirostris Dana, 1849. The number and biomass of adults and Copepodid Stages of Acartia species increased from spring to autumn in all years. In populations of Acartia species Copepodid stages predominated over adults by number and biomass in all seasons. In the Mediterranian Sea, the majority of zooplankton by number and biomass was formed by larvae of benthic invertebrates and Copepoda. The abundance and biomass of zooplankton at a distance of 300 m from the river mouth were greater than directly at the mouth. The hydro-front was expressed near all investigated rivers, the maximum values of zooplankton number and biomass were observed here and they decreased in direction both towards the mouth of the river and towards the open sea.

Mapping China's reserved arable lands and its sustainable cropping layout.

Reserved arable lands in China is of great significance for rationally allocating crop planting structures, alleviating the pressure of grain imports, and protecting food security. Owing to data acquisition limitations, obtaining the spatial distribution of reserved arable lands at large spatial scales is relatively rare, and there is little information on predicting the suitability, production capacity, and ecological effects of crop cultivation in reserved arable lands. This study obtained the distribution of reserved arable lands in China by applying restrictive factors, and used the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) suitability index for eight crops to obtain a spatial distribution map of suitable crops, proposed a cropland ecological efficiency index (CEEI) to analyse the ecological impact of crop cultivation in reserved arable lands. China possesses approximately 3.93 million hectares of viable reserved arable lands comprising primarily grasslands (67.68%), sandy land (8.11%), saline-alkali land (20.68%), and bare land (3.53%). The average CEEI for the eight crops under irrigation conditions ranges from 0.844 to 0.865, and that under rain-fed conditions (excluding rice) ranges from 0.609 to 0.779. We proposed the development of rain-fed agriculture with sorghum as the primary crop in the central part of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, while promoting the cultivation of rapeseed and soybeans in the eastern parts of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Inner Mongolia. Overall, the development of irrigation agriculture focusing on wheat and barley should be pursued only when water resources are guaranteed, particularly in north-western regions such as Gansu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Shaanxi. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

High spatial resolution inversion of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) concentrations in Ebinur Lake of arid Xinjiang, China: Implications for surface water quality monitoring

Utilizing satellite remote sensing for the assessment and temporal-spatial analysis of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) is vital for overseeing lake water health and devising management plans. This study focused on the saline, turbid and arid Ebinur Lake, located in China’s northwestern region. The Random Forest (RF) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model algorithms were compared to select the one with the highest accuracy. It combined Sentinel-2 remote sensing data and in situ measurement data for the quantitative inversion of CDOM. Monthly CDOM distribution maps were generated with a 10 m resolution for the non-frozen months of May to October from 2018 to 2022, followed by a comprehensive analysis of temporal trends. The primary conclusions are: (1) The XGBoost model yielded highly accurate CDOM estimates, with a training set coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.94, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.06 mg/L, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 6.05 %, Relative Percent Difference (RPD) of 4.07; the test set demonstrated an R2 of 0.41 with an RMSE of 0.22 mg/L, MAPE of 22.74 %, RPD of 1.35; (2) Throughout the study period, the main lake portion displayed variable CDOM spatial patterns and trends. The inversion indicated higher CDOM concentrations in the central part than nearshore areas and decreasing CDOM in tandem with seasonable water-surface shrinkage. The findings offer hints for an accurate evaluation of water color parameters of Ebinur Lake and practical references for monitoring arid-region lake water quality via remote sensing.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes in women of different ethnicity from rural northwestern Ecuador

BackgroundIn Ecuador, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women and the second most common cause of cancer-related death in women. Although HPV represents a serious public health problem worldwide, the information about its prevalence and genotypes in remote communities of Ecuador is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of HPV genotypes among ethnic minority women from two remote communities of the northwestern region of Ecuador: Afro-Ecuadorians and Chachis (Amerindian group).MethodsWe included 291 women who responded to a short survey and were screened for HPV by the amplification of the L1 gene and a nested multiplex PCR to detect 14 high risk (HR) genotypes. A survey collected information on ethnicity, age, community access, and sexual and gynecological history. We identified risk factors associated with HPV infection and co-infection using multivariate logistic regression to calculate odds ratio (OR) and Wald 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOverall, HPV prevalence in the study cohort was 56%, and the five most common HR-HPV genotypes were HPV-58, -16, -68, -39, and -43; however, the distribution of HPV genotypes varied according to ethnicity. We identified lineage A (European variant) for HPV-16 and sublineage A2 for HPV-58 in both ethnic groups. Adjusting for ethnicity, age, community access, and number of sexual partners, we found that Afro-Ecuadorian women were less likely to have an HPV infection than Chachi women (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.96), and that participants in communities only accessible by river had 64% less chances of an HPV infection when compared to women in communities accessible by road (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.71), and women with 2 to 3 sexual partners had 2.47 times the odds of HPV infection than participants with 0–1 partners (OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.32, 4.6). Similar associations were observed with prevalence of co-infection.ConclusionsThis study provides baseline knowledge regarding the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes in ethnic groups of the northwestern coastal Ecuador and essential information for the implementation of appropriate HPV testing and vaccination program to prevent cervical cancer.

Two new species of tortricid moths (Lepidoptera: Olethreutinae: Olethreutini) injurious to Picea crassifolia in China

Two new species of the genus Pseudohermenias, P. absimilis sp. nov. and P. linxica sp. nov., are described from China. They feed on Picea crassifolia in the northwestern regions of the country. Photographs of the adult specimens and their genitalia are provided. Keys to the species of the genus based on the male and the female genitalia are presented.

Seismic coloured inversion to explore the hydrocarbon prospectivity of a field in the Upper Assam basin

This study demonstrates an integrated approach using a seismic-coloured inversion to derive the hydrocarbon potential of a field in the Upper Assam basin. The well-log analysis indicated the presence of hydrocarbon in the form of gas, oil, and water in sandstones with thin streaks of limestone and shale layers. The Acoustic Impedance (AI) model was generated from post-stack seismic data using a coloured inversion. Shale volume (Vshale), density, porosity and water saturation are the petrophysical parameters spatially populated using a multilayered feed-forward neural network on the inversion-based AI model. The estimated range of model-derived parameters varies as Velocity: 2136–5034 m/s, Vshale: 0–48%, Density: 2.14–2.72 gm/cc, Porosity: 6–29%, Water saturation: 9–28%, and demonstrates a reasonable correlation to well-log data. Seismic attribute for thin-fault likelihood was used to interpret the major faults. From the combined analysis based on interpreted faults and modelled parameters, the northwestern part of the study area displays a thick hydrocarbon-bearing zone (due to increasing thickness and reservoir quality). This interpretation is based on the consideration that faults are open. Thus, assuming continuity in the sequence, this northwestern region can be considered as one of the promising candidates for further exploration.

Spatiotemporal variability of lake surface water temperature and water quality parameters and its interrelationship with water hyacinth biomass in Lake Tana, Ethiopia.

Urbanization, agriculture, and climate change affect water quality and water hyacinth growth in lakes. This study examines the spatiotemporal variability of lake surface water temperature, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and their association with water hyacinth biomass in Lake Tana. MODIS Land/ Lake surface water temperature (LSWT), Sentinel 2 MSI Imagery, and in-situ water quality data were used. Validation results revealed strong positive correlations between MODIS LSWT and on-site measured water temperature (R = 0.90), in-situ turbidity and normalized difference turbidity index (NDTI) (R = 0.92), and in-situ Chl-a and normalized difference chlorophyll index (NDCI) (R = 0.84). LSWT trends varied across the lake, with increasing trends in the northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern regions and decreasing trends in the western, southern, and central areas (2001-2022). The spatial average LSWT trend decreased significantly in pre-rainy (0.01 ℃/year), rainy (0.02 ℃/year), and post-rainy seasons (0.01℃/year) but increased non-significantly in the dry season (0.00 ℃/year) (2001-2022, P < 0.05). Spatial average turbidity decreased significantly in all seasons, except in the pre-rainy season (2016-2022). Likewise, spatial average Chl-a decreased significantly in pre-rainy and rainy seasons, whereas it showed a non-significant increasing trend in the dry and post-rainy seasons (2016-2022). Water hyacinth biomass was positively correlated with LSWT (R = 0.18) but negatively with turbidity (R = -0.33) and Chl-a (R = -0.35). High spatiotemporal variability was observed in LSWT, turbidity, and Chl-a, along with overall decreasing trends. The findings suggest integrated management strategies to balance water hyacinth eradication and its role in water purification. The results will be vital in decision support systems and preparing strategic plans for sustainable water resource management, environmental protection, and pollution prevention.

Seasonal and trend variation of methane concentration over two provinces of South Africa using Sentinel-5p data

South Africa faces the urgency to comprehensively understand and manage its methane (CH4) emissions. The primary aim of this study is to compare CH4 concentrations between Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga regions dominated by cattle farming and coal mining industries, respectively. CH4 concentration trends were analyzed for the period 2019 to 2023 using satellite data. Trend analysis revealed significant increasing trends in CH4 concentrations in both provinces, supported by Mann–Kendall tests that rejected the null hypothesis of no trend (Eastern Cape: p-value = 8.9018e−08 and Mpumalanga: p-value = 2.4650e−10). The Eastern Cape, a leading cattle farming province, exhibited cyclical patterns and increasing CH4 concentrations, while Mpumalanga, a major coal mining province, displayed similar increasing trends with sharper concentration points. The results show seasonal variations in CH4 concentrations in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces. High CH4 concentrations are observed in the northwestern region during the December-January–February (DJF) season, while lower concentrations are observed in the March–April-May (MAM) and June-July–August (JJA) seasons in the Eastern Cape province. In the Mpumalanga province, there is a dominance of high CH4 concentrations in southwestern regions and moderately low concentrations in the northeastern regions, observed consistently across all seasons. The study also showed an increasing CH4 concentration trend from 2019 to 2023 for both provinces. The study highlights the urgent need to address CH4 emissions from both cattle farming and coal mining activities to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable development. Utilizing geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, policymakers and stakeholders can identify and address the sources of CH4 emissions more effectively, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.

Variations in the Adoption and Use of Different Family Planning Methods and Implications: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in Nigeria

Despite concerted efforts by all stakeholders to increase acceptability and access to modern family planning (FP) methods, the adoption and usage of family planning methods have remained low, particularly in developing countries which place stringent conditions on achieving SDGs. Therefore, there is the need to understand variations in the adoption and use of FP and their implications to speed-up interventions in the right direction. The study used cross-sectional data collected between June and August 2022 in 2,817 households with 6,641 males and females of reproductive age successfully interviewed. Univariate, bivariate, and binary multivariate logistic regression model were used to model traditional and modern FP usage. Awareness was shown to be approximately two-thirds (62.8%) among respondents with main source of information being radio. Major methods of awareness are condom and pills. In terms of significant others’ support enjoyed, 43.5%, 38.5% and 39.5% enjoyed their mother, mother-in-law, and community support, respectively. Religion, region and parent’s parity were significant predictors of traditional method usage. Living in the North-Western region, increase in education, being gainfully employed, increase in years of marriage and exposure to media increase the use of modern methods of FP, whereas living in the rural areas (AOR = 0.76; CI = 0.58-1.00) and partner FP approval (AOR = 0.64; CI = 0.48-0.85) significantly reduce usage. Diverse variations have been identified in the adoption and usage of FP. To improve utilisation, appropriate education and accurate information through radio and mass media must be provided in rural areas and regions where FP usage is low.

Gravity Modelling Insights into Crustal Structure: Moho Depth and Subsurface Structures in Central Sulawesi

Abstract The present study examines the underlying structures and Moho depth’s geological implications in Central Sulawesi. Comprehending the underlying features of this area is essential for evaluating seismic risks and geological mechanisms. From the World Gravity Map 2012 (WGM 2012), we used a 2D radially-averaged power spectrum analysis of Bouguer gravity anomalies. The Moho depth is around 31 km in the northwest and northeast, with significant fluctuations in the middle and eastern regions. Although the northeastern and northwestern regions have similar depths, the center region has a lower Moho depth. On the other hand, the Palu-Koro Fault limit is marked by the eastern area, which corresponds to the Matano Fault, mirroring the center region. Furthermore, substantial orogenesis inside the Eastern Tokorondo Complex is suggested by Moho depth thinning, especially in the central, eastern, and southern portions. Our research emphasizes Central Sulawesi’s complicated geological structures, marked by variable Moho depth and underlying formations. With implications for earthquake risk assessment and hazard reduction, these insights advance our knowledge of the region’s geological processes.

Analysis of interhospital emergency referrals despite safety concerns on the roads: Emergency referrals in Northwest Syria intraregional borders

Objectives This study aims to assess emergency patient referrals between hospitals in the northwestern region of Syria. In this way, determining the patient profiles referred in the region can help shed light on the reasons for avoidable referrals, reduce referrals, and reduce the risks associated with referrals. Methods This retrospective study investigated the patients who were referred to AAA Hospital, BBB Hospital, and CCC Hospital and from these facilities within the borders of the northwestern region of Syria between 01/01/2020-01/01/2021. Referral records of patients transferred between hospitals and ambulance stations were searched in files and computer records. Because there was no automation system in the healthcare facilities involved in the study, data were recorded manually on the data collection form and processed for statistical analysis. Statistical analyzes of the study were performed as descriptive statistics of variables are reported as mean∓standard deviation, median (min-max), and n(%). Statistical analyzes of categorical variables were performed using the chi-square test and Fisher Freeman Halton Exact test. Results The mean age of the patients of 899 patients included in the study was 33.68∓26.80 years, 530(59.0%) were male and 369(41.0%) were female. 27.3% of patients were trauma patients and of both sexes. Male trauma patients were approximately 2.5 times more common than female trauma patients. Among pediatric referrals, trauma was present in one out of every three patients. Patients were most frequently referred in February, March, and June and least frequently in January (p &lt; 0.05). It was found that the need for adult, newborn, and pediatric intensive care, the need for medical material and equipment, the need for further examination/treatment, followed by the need for treatment under the supervision neurosurgeon, obstetric and gynecologist, cardiology specialist, or pediatrician. It was also noted that referrals for COVID -19 (SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus Disease 2019) service needs due to the impact of the COVID -19 outbreak during the study period were among the most common reasons. COVID -19, falls, respiratory distress, traffic accidents, and acute MI were the most common diagnoses in all referred age groups. Conclusion In northwestern Syria, emergency patients are most often referred from one hospital to another because they require all types of intensive care units, medical materials and equipment, advanced diagnostic treatment, and specialists in neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, and pediatrics. Increasing hospital capacity and qualifications of hospitals within the humanitarian response and increasing the number of specialists, may be considered to reduce inter-hospital referrals of emergency patients.

First report of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae causing canker and stem blight of blueberries in Morocco

AbstractBlueberry (Vaccinium spp.) has been extensively planted in Morocco due to its nutritional value and economic importance. Botryosphaeria canker or stem blight of blueberry has emerged as one of the most destructive diseases affecting global production of this crop. This disease causes wood symptoms such as necrotic lesions, internal wood discoloration, and stem blight. Similar symptoms were found on blueberry farms in the Northwestern region of Morocco. Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae was isolated from the diseased tissues of blueberry. The identification of the causal agent was confirmed by morphological and molecular characterization through sequence analysis of two loci, the internal transcribed region (ITS) and beta‐tubulin (βtub). The pathogenicity test was performed on blueberry twigs and indicated that L. pseudotheobromae causes damage to blueberry plants. This is the first report of L. pseudotheobromae on blueberry in Morocco.

Dispersal patterns and potential distribution prediction of three rice planthopper species in China based on the ensemble model

AbstractThree rice planthopper species, Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera and Laodelphax striatellus, are destructive rice pests that cause serious economic losses in major rice‐producing regions of China. Understanding their dispersal patterns and potential distribution areas is crucial for effective management and control. Based on historical climate data and simulated future climate data combined with species occurrence data, the dispersal patterns of three planthopper species were analysed and their potential distributions were predicted. The results showed that from 1993 to 2022, the suitable areas for the three rice planthoppers gradually expanded. By 2022, the total suitable area for S. furcifera reached 478.35 × 104 km2, followed by 376.02 × 104 km2 for L. striatellus and 264.97 × 104 km2 for N. lugens. The optimum area for S. furcifera exhibited the most significant increase, expanding by 136.07 × 104 km2. The species has extended its range from southern China to the northeastern and northwestern regions within the past three decades. The suitable areas for L. striatellus and N. lugens did not show a significant spread trend. In addition, compared to that in 2022, the total suitable area for the three rice planthopper species increased slightly from 2041 to 2060. The study revealed that the wettest monthly rainfall and the lowest temperature were the most influential factors affecting the distributions of these planthopper species. This study provides valuable insights into the dispersal patterns and potential distribution of rice planthoppers in China and provides a theoretical basis for effective prevention and control strategies for destructive rice pests.

SOIL PROPERTIES AND AGRONOMIC EVALUATION OF TOMATO LINES (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) IN THE NORTHWEST REGION OF GABON

The availability of tomato seeds adapted to local production conditions remains one of the major constraints for a sustainable tomato industry in Gabon. An agro-morphological characterization of ten tomato lines enabled us to assess their potential on the soil of the north-western region of Gabon. At this end, the properties of the soil were analyzed on the one hand, then, agronomic parameters of the tomato lineswere assessed on the other. Univariate and multivariate analyses of agronomic data were carried out using R software. Granulometric analysis revealed that the soil had a silty-sandy structure (29% coarse silt, 28.71% coarse sand). The mineralogical composition shows an assimilable phosphorus content of 15.51ppm and concentrations (in meq/100g) of potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium of 0.41, 0.99, 0.32 and 0.60 respectively. For agronomic results, flowering time ranged from 26 to 36 DAS and first harvests from 70 to 84 DAS. Line L1 was the earliest and L9 the latest. For the yield, lines L4 (26.7 t/ha) and L8 (20.5 t/ha) were the most productive. The fruits with the best sizes were those of lines L2 (87.7 g) and L4 (86.6 g). Lines L1, L4, L5 and L8 were the firmest. The various diseases observed were downy mildew, spoon yellows and apical necrosis, with a moderate severity index (23,08 %) for all lines. These results show the agronomic performance of certain tomato lines on the sandy-loam soils of Gabon and for varietal improvement programs to increase tomatoes productivity in Gabon.

Assessment of the resistance of wild grasses in the northwestern region of the Russian Arctic to chloride salinization

Wild grasses are prevalent across various types of vegetation, playing a significant role in both natural ecosystems and human economic endeavors. The potential of using grasses to restore areas affected by tidal erosion and saline soils has not been fully investigated. A study was conducted to examine the impact of different levels of NaCl salinity (ranging from 20 to 200 mM) on seed germination and early growth of Agrostis capillaris L., Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv., Phalaris arundinacea L., and Phleum pratense L. These plants are commonly found in the Arctic region within the Belomorsky district of the Republic of Karelia. Through research, a direct connection was discovered between the germination of seeds and the growth of seedlings based on the salt levels in the root environment and the type of grass species present. In summary, all species successfully germinated at NaCl concentrations of 20–80 mM. However, germination rates decreased at 100 and 200 mM in most cases. When exposed to NaCl concentrations of 60 mM and higher, the growth of root and shoot in the grasses was slowed down to some extent (depending on the species), but not completely inhibited. Due to the resilience of wild grasses to cold temperatures, it is proposed that they could be used in the phytoremediation of Arctic areas with a salinity level of up to 100 mM (0.6 % salinity). An analysis of the data resulted in a ranking of grass species based on their salt resistance: P. pratense ˃A. capillaris ˃P. arundinacea ˃D. cespitosa.

Mapping geochemical anomalies by accounting for the uncertainty of mineralization-related elemental associations

Abstract. Geochemical mapping is a fundamental tool for elucidating the distribution and behaviour of economically significant elements and providing valuable insights into geological processes. Nevertheless, the quantification of uncertainty associated with geochemical mapping has only recently become a subject of widespread concern. This study presents a procedure that primarily consists of the determination of homogeneous clusters, the recognition of elemental associations for each cluster, and the identification of geochemical anomalies, with the aim of accounting for the uncertainty of elemental association in geochemical mapping. To illustrate and validate the procedure, a case study was conducted wherein geochemical stream-sediment samples from the northwestern region of the province of Sichuan, China, were processed to map anomalies associated with disseminated gold mineralization. The results indicate that (1) the representativeness of elemental association for the underlying geological process is an important source of uncertainty for geochemical mapping; (2) the procedure presented here is effective in addressing the uncertainty of elemental associations in geochemical mapping; and (3) the study area can be classified into two clusters, each characterized by unique elemental associations that align well with the distribution of Paleozoic and Triassic lithological units, respectively. Furthermore, the region still holds great potential for the discovery of gold deposits, particularly in areas proximal to known mineralization sites.

Genome-wide associative analysis of reproductive characteristics of a black-and-white Holstein cattle population in the conditions of the Northwestern region

In recent years, genomic assessment and the widespread introduction of modern biotechnological techniques have played a leading role in the implementation of breeding programs. For a long time, increasing milk productivity has been the main goal of breeding. This led to a significant decrease in reproduction in herds. The reproductive indicators of the uterine livestock of cattle can largely reduce the total profitability due to additional costs for manual, veterinary assistance and forced culling. Experienced groups are genotyped using the Bovinesnp50 V3 Beadchip chip are formed from the cows of black-and-white holsteinized breed. For the study, the main reproductive traits of cows were chosen: the age of the first insemination, the insemination indices in front of the first (a), the second (b), the third (c), fourth (d) lactation and the period between hotels. Analysis of associations throughout the genome was carried out using EMMAX software. 2 significant SNP and 5 conditionally significant were found. The CAMK2D candidate gene with the age at the first insemination, the TLN2, WSCD2, GAPT genes with the indicator, the number of insemination and genes WDR36, TDRD10 with the inter -suffering period was identified. Based on the studies, we assume that with age there is a change in the genetic factors affecting animal fertility. The identified candidate genes affect the mechanisms of maturation of follicles, so the growth and development of embryos. The results can be used both for the selection of animals to improve reproduction indicators, and for the search for the fundamental foundations of the formation of fertility in cattle.

PETROLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL PECULIARITIES OF ALKALINE ROCKS IN THE NORTH-WESTERN REGION OF THE UKRAINIAN SHIELD

The data of chemical composition and content of trace elements in alkaline-ultrabasic rocks of the northwestern region of the Ukrainian Shield are summarized. The occurrences of alkaline rocks of this composition were discovered as results of drilling in four areas (Horodnytska, Hlumchanska, Bolyarkivska, and Hubkivska). They are presented by small hypabyssal intrusions, stem- and dike-like bodies. The rocks are represented by the jacupirangite-melteigite series, which belong to high-Mg (Mg# 0.7–0.8) varieties. Less common are alkaline and subalkaline gabbroids found in thin apophyses and veins near alkaline-ultrabasic bodies. It is assumed that these gabbroids were formed as a result of crust material contamination of the primary alkaline-ultrabasic melts. The alkaline-ultrabasic rocks of all occurrences have high Cr (233–2737 ppm) and Ni (95–1022 ppm), but are unusually depleted in incompatible elements (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, REE, Y), with moderate Ba and Sr. Their geochemical features sharply differ from similar rocks, carbonatite and alkaline complexes known as in the Ukrainian Shield and other regions of the world. Despite the primitive composition of alkaline-ultrabasic rocks and anomalous REE depletion, their chondrite-normalized patterns have negative slopes and are similar to differentiated rocks with a prevailing of LREE (La/Yb = 6–16). The petrogenesis of such primitive and trace-element depleted alkaline-ultrabasic rocks is enigmatic. We suppose that these unusual geochemical features are the result of primary melt(s) generation from mantle source and their evolution by a similar way. For the alkaline rocks of the Horodnytska and Hlumchanska intrusions, and possibly the Hubkivska occurrence, the primary melts arose through partial melting of garnet (with amphibole?) peridotites. At the same time, the primary melt for the Bolyarkivska intrusion was generated by partial melting of spinel peridotite, probably in a shallower environment. The anomalous depletion at HFSE and REE can be considered as the result of specific conditions of partial melting of depleted mantle source at low temperature and pressure, when refractory minerals concentrating these elements (rutile, amphibole) remained in the restite, or due to early crystallization and fractionation of concentrating minerals (perovskite, apatite).