South Part Research Articles

Ecological Niches of Generalist and Specialist Plants in the Subalpine Conifer Habitats (Abies sp.) of Northeast Asia: From South Korea to the Manchurian Region of China

Herein, we explored the ecologic niches of generalist and specialist species within the subalpine vegetation zone, a habitat of Abies sp. distributed throughout South Korea and China. We included Abies sp. habitats in inland areas of South Korea and parts of the Manchurian region of China. Rhododendron schlippenbachii Maxim., Acer pseudosieboldianum (Pax) Kom., Picea jezoensis (Siebold & Zucc.) Carrière, Betula ermanii Cham., Acer komarovii Pojark., Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc., Betula davurica Pall., Betula costata Trautv., Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb, and Sorbus commixta Hedl. were selected as generalist species. Betula chinensis Maxim., Betula platyphylla var. japonica (Miq.) H. Hara, Euonymus pauciflorus Maxim., Salix maximowiczii Kom., Cornus walteri F.T. Wangerin, Carpinus laxiflora (Siebold & Zucc.) Blume, Populus davidiana Dode, Philadelphus tenuifolius Rupr. & Maxim., Rhododendron brachycarpum D. Don ex G. Don, and Larix olgensis var. koreana (Nakai) Nakai were selected as specialist species. NMS ordination analysis showed that specialist, generalist, and other plant species distribution correlated with basal area at breast height, stand density, and species diversity index. Generalist species could be grouped based on Quercus sp., Betula sp., and Acer sp. niche spaces. Specialist species shared ecological niches with plant species found in the limestone zone, sedimentary rock zone, and valley area.

Origin of Intercrystalline Brine Formation in the Balun Mahai Basin, Qaidam: Constraints from Geochemistry and H-O-Sr Isotopes

The Balun Mahai Basin (BLMH), located in the northern Qaidam Basin (QB), is endowed with substantial brine resources; however, the genetic mechanisms and potential of these brine resources remain inadequately understood. This study investigated the intercrystalline brine (inter-brine) in BLMH, performing a comprehensive geochemical analysis of elemental compositions and H-O-Sr isotopes. It evaluated the water source, solute origin, evolutionary process, and genetic model associated with this brine. Moreover, a mass balance equation based on the 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratio was developed to quantitatively evaluate the contributions of Ca-Cl water and river water to the inter-brine in the study area. The results suggest that the hydrochemical type of inter-brine in the north part of BLMH is Cl-SO4-type and in the south part is Ca-Cl-type. The solutes in brine are mainly derived from the dissolution of minerals such as halite, sylvite, and gypsum. The hydrochemical process of brine is controlled by evaporation concentration, water–rock interaction, and ion exchange interaction. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes suggest that the inter-brine originates from atmospheric precipitation or ice melt water and has experienced intense evaporation concentration and water–rock interaction. The strontium isotopes suggest that the inter-brine was affected by the recharge and mixing of Ca-Cl water and river water, which controlled the spatial distribution and formation of brine hydrochemical types. The analysis of ionic ratios suggest that the inter-brine is derived from salt dissolution and filtration, characterized by poor sealing and short sealing time in the salt-bearing formation. The differences in hydrochemical types and spatial distribution between the north and the south are fundamentally related to the replenishment and mixing of these two sources, which can be summarized as mixed origin model of “dissolution and filtration replenishment + deep replenishment” in BLMH.

Provenance of the He 8 Member of the Upper Paleozoic Shihezi Formation, Ordos Basin, China: Insights from Heavy Minerals, Paleocurrents, Detrital Zircon Chronology, and Hf Isotopes

The Ordos Basin is located in the western part of the North China Craton. The Upper Paleozoic Shihezi Formation, particularly the He 8 Member, is one of the main gas-bearing strata. However, the source areas for the north and south sections have not been clearly distinguished, which has constrained oil and gas exploration to some extent. Therefore, understanding the source rock evolution of He 8 Member in both the south and north basins will provide a favorable theoretical basis for oil and gas exploration. The provenance of the He 8 Member of the Shihezi Formation in the Ordos Basin has not been well defined until now. Seven wellbore sandstone samples and three field outcrop sandstone samples from the He 8 Member in the Ordos Basin were analyzed. Based on zircon U–Pb dating and Lu–Hf isotope analyses, zircon assemblages of 520–386 Ma and 350–268 Ma in the southern Ordos Basin might have originated from the North Qinling Orogenic Belt (NQinOB) and the North Qilian Orogenic Belt (NQiOB); the 350–268 Ma age group of zircons from the NQinOB, and a large number of ~320–260 Ma detrital zircons supplied to the southern Ordos Basin by the NQinOB suggest that NQinOB magmatic and/or metamorphic events may have occurred in the NQinOB during the ~320–260 Ma period. From ~320–260 Ma, the NQinOB might have experienced significant tectonic activity that has not been fully revealed thus far. The zircons from 2600–2300 Ma, 2000–1600 Ma, and 450–300 Ma in the northern Ordos Basin might have been derived from the Trans-North China Orogenic Belt (TNCO), the Khondalite Belt, the Yinshan Belt, and the Alxa Belt. The paleocurrent and heavy mineral analyses determined that there are certain differences between the northern Ordos Basin and southern Ordos Basin, with unstable minerals such as barite and pyrite, as well as moderately stable minerals such as garnet, showing an increasing trend from south to north. There are also differences in the dominant paleocurrent directions between the south and north parts of the basin, and the Hf isotope data in the Ordos Basin show two-stage Hf model ages (TDM2) ranging from 918 Ma to 3574 Ma. As a result, the He 8 Member deposits in the southern Ordos Basin and northern Ordos Basin had different sources. The southern Ordos Basin might have derived from the NQinOB, the NQiOB, and the TNCO, and the northern Ordos Basin might have derived from the TNCO, the Khondalite Belt, the Yinshan Belt, and the Alxa Belt.

Mapping of soil erosion risk in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

This study centres on mapping soil erosion risk in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. A multi-criteria research design was adopted in carrying out this study by using remote sensed images, topographic, soil and rainfall data. K Factor, R Factor, P Factor, K Factor and Digital Elevation Model were generated. SWAT model was used to generate surface runoff and sediment yield and AHP model were used to identify and map levels of soil erosion risk in the study area. Loamy sandy soil with a K Factor value of 0.23 – 0.34 (t h MJ-1 mm-1) and loam soil with a K factor Value of 0.08 – 0.14 (t h MJ-1 mm-1) dominates the study area. The organic matter contents for all the soils were rated low with an average measured organic matter of 0.97 (%). The rainfall erosivity factor (R-factor) results showed variations across the study area from 1029.295 to 1343.092, 1343.092 to 1589.713, 1589.713 to 1744.922, 1744.922 to 1965.777, and 1965.777 to 2060.864 MJ mm ha year-1, h-1 year-1. Areas with dense vegetation had lower P-factors indicating better protection against erosion, while areas under cultivation, especially those with poor management practices and without cover crops show higher P-factors. Almost all the area has a moderate (0.5-0.6) C factor which means moderate protection, areas with higher protection (0.6-1) C factor occupied a small portion towards the east while patches of low C factors are found scattered in the north, west northwest, south and eastern part of the study area. The eastern part of the study area are more susceptible to soil erosion with value ranging from 3.2-5.8, 5.9-9.9 and 10.0-19. Slope steepness and slope length is lower in the northern, western and south-west of the study area. Areas with annual soil loss between 0 to 10 grams, 10 to 20 grams and 30 to 40 grams dominates the northern, western and southern parts of the study area. The erosion risk map depicts that very low-risk area coverage of 24.06%, low risk covers 20.29%, moderate risk occupies 17.75% and high risk erosion risk covers 21.30% while very high risk occupies 16.61% of the total area. This study recommends terracing and gabions in areas identified at risk of erosion, promotion and adoption of agronomic soil conservation methods of mulching, cover cropping and planting plants to enhance soil stability and reduce erosion.

Nutritional Composition and Phytochemical Analysis of Ragi Microgreens

Ragi (elusine coracana) is one of the staple pseudocereal well known for his multitude of beneficial roles in promoting health and general wellbeing. Though it is one of the common millets and majorly consumed in south and north part of India, nutritional potential of ragi microgreens is yet to be explored. Considering other established microgreen’s nutritional significance, possible health implications, antioxidant properties and erythropoietic activity, present study was undertaken to estimate nutritional composition, qualitative phytochemical analysis, and quantification of bioactive ingredients of lyophilized ragi microgreens. Since lyophilisation is considered superior technique in preserving heat labile compounds, compared to other dehydration methods, it was used as the preferred sample for present study. Nutrient composition of ragi microgreens was found to be impressive with a protein content of 13.3 gm percent, crude fibre content 8 gm percent, iron mg percent vitamin C 112 mg percent and calcium are 91 gm percent. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed presence of terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and sterols. Total chlorophyll estimation indicated that total chlorophyll content of lyophilized ragi microgreen is 623 mg/100 gm.

Identification of common spatial and temporal trends in the epidemiology of cattle bovine tuberculosis and human extrapulmonary and drug-resistant tuberculosis in Malawi

BackgroundIdentification of common spatial disease trends between cattle bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and human extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) can support integrated disease control and monitoring programmes. We employed the recently developed multivariate disease mapping methods to examine whether the diseases exhibited any spatial correlation. MethodsA retrospective study of cattle BTB and human EPTB and DRTB cases from 2018 to 2022 was conducted. Bivariate shared spatiotemporal components models were fitted to a) cattle BTB and human EPTB and b) cattle BTB and human DRTB at the district level in Malawi, with cattle density, human density and climatic variables as independent variables. ResultsDisease specific spatial effects were higher in the southern half of the country, while the shared spatial effects were more dominant in both the south and western parts of the country. The shared temporal effects showed constant trends, while disease specific temporal effects showed an increasing pattern for cattle BTB and a constant pattern for human EPTB and DRTB. The predicted disease incidence pattern for all forms of TB in the period without data showed a constant pattern over the years. Cattle density was positively associated with cattle BTB (β: 0.022; 95% Credible Interval (CI): 0.004, 0.042). Human density was positively associated with human EPTB (β: 0.005; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.009). ConclusionCattle BTB and human EPTB and DRTB have a common spatial pattern in the west and southern parts of Malawi. Integrated interventions targeting high-density areas for cattle and human may have positive impacts on cattle BTB and human EPTB and DRTB.

Spatial distribution, ecological and ecotoxicity evaluation of heavy metals in agricultural soils along Lala-Manjo Highway, Cameroon Volcanic Line

This study aims at assessing the spatial distribution, ecological and toxicity levels of heavy metals in agricultural soils of Lala-Manjo Highway in Cameroon. The soil samples were collected and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The result shows that Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Sr, V and Zn concentrations are higher than those of the upper continental crust reference values except those of As, Cd and Pb. Correlation coefficient indicate similar input sources governed by same geochemical characteristics. Spatial distribution maps show high concentration of heavy metals in east, south and western part of the study area. Pollution indicators show that enrichment factor varied from moderate to high enrichment of heavy metals. The contamination degree (27.12–35.59), geo-accumulation index (0.01–4.94), and potential ecological risk index (RI = < 150) revealed a low to moderate levels of metallic pollution. The majority of stations have pollution load index and Nemerow integrated pollution index values greater than one, indicating serious pollution. Modified hazard quotient and toxic risk index suggest significant severity of pollution and low toxicity risk of heavy metals, pointing low toxicity effects of heavy metals to fauna and flora in the soil ecosystem. Considering the factors governing soils accumulation such as geology, climate and anthropogenic activities as well as the correlation with commonly used environmental background, it is proposed that the data from this study can be considered as a baseline of pollution to plan major agricultural developments in the area. The study underlines the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management for the preservation of soil ecosystem. The results may assist companies and local population in setting realistic targets for monitoring and remediation programs.

Review of Enset (Tree Against Hunger and Drought) Value Chain Opportunities and Constraints in Agricultural Food Sector of Ethiopia

In sub-Saharan Africa Enset is widely dispersed wild plant species that ensures food security for many Africans. In similar view, in South and South-west parts of Ethiopia more than 20 million people depends on Enset as stable food and it is called drought tolerant food of root crop. Due to its multidimensional significant roles, its resilience and versatility during the times of famine Enset has earned the name &amp;apos;The Tree against Hunger&amp;apos;. Besides, food items like ‘Amicho’, ’Kocho’, and ‘Bulla’ are obtained from Enset for home consumption and marketing. Besides, the value chain is the full range of activities which are required to bring a product or service from conception, through the different phase of production which involves a combination of physical transformation and the input of various producer services, delivery to final consumers, and final disposal after use. Thus, the main intent of this article was to review the value chain of Enset from its respective opportunities and challenges from perspective of Ethiopia. Regarding to this, the information used in this paper was the secondary source information that was extracted from journal articles and dissertation papers. Then the collected information were analyzed qualitatively and presented in narrative ways. Finally, based on the review results of this article conclusions and recommendations are given in advances.

An Investigation on Microphysical Characteristics of Early‐, Late‐, and Post‐Mei‐yu Season Rainfall Over Taiwan

AbstractOver Taiwan, Mei‐yu season (May and June), which is primarily linked to frontal systems, is the transition period between winter and summer. Using the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission dual‐frequency precipitation radar (GPM DPR), the current study examined the rain and microphysical characteristics of the Mei‐yu season in Taiwan. In order to examine the areal and intra‐seasonal aspects, May and June months are divided into three sub‐seasons: early‐Mei‐yu, late‐Mei‐yu, and post‐Mei‐yu. The three sub‐seasons exhibited differences in rainfall and raindrop size distributions, with abundance of large drops in the post‐Mei‐yu. Additionally, there were noticeable variations in the raindrop size distributions among the south, central, north, and eastern parts of Taiwan, with more large drops in central Taiwan. To comprehend the microphysical progressions causing the regional and intra‐seasonal fluctuations, CFADs (contoured frequency by altitude diagrams) of rain parameters are utilized. Compared to other two sub‐seasons, the early‐Mei‐yu season exhibited weaker convection. Dominance of stratiform precipitation in late‐Mei‐yu season, and convective precipitation in post‐Mei‐yu season resulted in higher rainfall amounts in these two sub‐seasons (more particularly in post‐Mei‐yu) than the early‐Mei‐yu season. Examination of warm rain microphysical processes (below 5 km height) among these sub‐seasons revealed that the early‐Mei‐yu season is dominated with break‐up process, late‐Mei‐yu season with breakup and coalescence balance, and post‐Mei‐yu with coalescence, size‐sorting and evaporation processes.

Characteristics of air temperature on the southern and southeastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus in the modern period

In the paper, the characteristics of air temperature in the south part of the Greater Caucasus region and the effects of regional climate changes on this area in the modern period were studied. In the research, the air temperature observation data of 8 hydrometeorological stations operating in the region for the years 1961-2022 were used, and the modern classification of the average monthly, seasonal, annual and altitude time-space distributions of temperature was given.Based on the data of hydrometeorological stations in the south and southeast piedmonts of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, an electronic map was prepared for the distribution of average annual air temperature indicators on the territory, and for determining the indicators of areas without data. DEM (Digital Elevation Model) files obtained fromthe decoding of satellite images (satellite data) were used in the prepared map. The research shows that July and August are the hottest months when the temperature is 22.80C, while January is the coldest by temperature about 0.50C in this region. In this part of the Greater Caucasus province, in the cold months of the year, the average monthly temperature is indicating below 00C in the area located above the moderately mountainous part of the region. The dynamics of the average indicators of temperature of the multi-year period (1961-2022) are expressed by a positive trend. The average annual temperature distribution map of the territory shows that the air temperature is 15.00C in the low mountainous part of the region, while it decreases upwards and, according to the adiabatic law, equals 00C at altitudes above 3500 m. According to the climate studies conducted in the region, compared to the years 1981-2010, it was found that there was a temperature increase of 1.20C in the mountainous region in 2011-2022. Also, a comparative analysis of 10-year averages of air temperature trends, using the Holt- Winters model, shows that temperatures in 2100 are expected to increase by 3.00C compared to 2030. In the region, climate changes that worsen every year lead to water scarcity, desertification, drought, etc. and can expand the area of recurrence of environmental crises and destructive natural events. This research can be used in future climate change mitigation , climate atlases, infrastructure, agricultural and industrial projects in the region.

Strawberries in a warming world: examining the ecological niche of Fragaria×ananassa Duch – Across different climate scenarios

BACKGROUND: Strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) is a species of great economic and nutritional importance. It is widely cultivated in different regions of the world. However, climatic factors have a significant influence on its production. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ecoclimatic suitability and growth index of F.×ananassa in the face of the impacts of climate change in Brazil and the world. METHODS: The potential global distribution of F.×ananassa it was based on predicted global climate changes using CLIMEX and the A1B and A2 emissions scenario for the years 2050 and 2100. CLIMEX weekly growth index (GIw) was applied, and productivity data in commercial strawberry cultivation in Brazilian areas were collected. RESULTS: The results indicate a progressive reduction in areas suitable for strawberry cultivation globally, mainly on the African continent, Australia, China, and the Americas for the years 2050 and 2100. In Brazil, only the South region and part of the Southeast will continue to be suitable for strawberry production. CONCLUSIONS: The CLIMEX model predicts a reduction in the suitable area for cultivating Fragaria×ananassa Duch between 2050 and 2100 due to climate change. The generated maps can help identify new cultivation areas and support genetic improvement programmes to develop cultivars more tolerant to heat.

Exploration of Workaholic Characteristics of Married Women in Healthcare sector during Pandemic situations

Women in professional and family life are facing lot of challenges where they are struggling to manage their work pressure and family responsibilities. In healthcare sectors, the employees especially the nurses have to carry out shift work and have to perform morning, evening and night shifts. It is analysed and proved by many analysts that mostly the women from middleclass family life are subject to such work-life challenges in particular the women nurses especially during pandemic situations. This study focuses on Workaholism which is an extreme work force that leads to the disregard of others’ welfare and harmful effects faced by the women nurses especially who are married. In this aspect, the research was conducted to examine the workaholic characteristics of married women especially the nursing professionals during the pandemic period. The study was conducted by collecting data from women nurses from South part of India and the sample size derived for the study is 200. The findings reveal that Continuous thoughts of Work Involvement, Accepts Extra Work Time, Task Oriented, Compensation based on Work Performance and No Botheration about Work life Balance are the major workaholic characteristics of women nurses especially who are married.

Analysing the intra and interregional components of spatial accessibility gravity model to capture the level of equity in the distribution of hospital services in Italy: do they influence patient mobility?

BackgroundAn equal distribution of hospital structures represents an important factor to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Generally, the most diffused approach to measure the potential availability to healthcare is the provider-to-population ratio based on the number of beds or professionals. However, this approach considers only the availability of resources provided at regional or local level ignoring the spatial accessibility of interregional facilities that are particularly accessed by patients living at the borders. Aim of this study is to outline the distribution of the intra and interregional services in Italy to capture the level of equity across the country. Moreover, it explores the impact of the accessibility to these resources on interregional patient’s mobility to receive care.MethodsTo compute spatial accessibility, we propose an alternative approach that applies the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (ESFCA) to capture the level of attraction of intra and interregional hospitals to a given population. Moreover, the adoption of process and outcome indices captured to what extent the quality of structures influenced patients in choosing services located inside or outside their region of residence.ResultsThe study confirms that there is an unequal distribution of high-quality resources at regional and national level with a high level of inequality in the availability and accessibility of quality resources between the north and south part of Italy. This is particularly true considering the accessibility of intraregional resources in the southern part of the country that clearly influences patient choice and contribute to a significant cross border passive mobility to northern regions. This is confirmed by an econometric model that showed a significant effect of spatial accessibility with the propensity of patients of travel from the region of residence to receive care.ConclusionsThe analysis of intra and interregional components of spatial accessibility may contribute to identify to what extent patients are willing to travel outside their region of residence to access to care services. Moreover, it can contribute to gain a deeper understanding of the allocation of health resources providing input for policy makers on the basis of the principles of service accessibility in order to contain patient mobility.

Assessment of Long-Term Streamflow Response to Flash Drought in the São Francisco River Basin over the Last Three Decades (1991–2020)

Flash droughts, characterized by a rapid onset and severe intensity, pose a serious threat to water resource management. Extensive research has indicated that drought has lagged impacts on streamflow. Nevertheless, the hydrometeorological conditions by which streamflow dynamics respond to drought within the São Francisco River Basin (SFRB) remain ambiguous. To bridge this gap, we conducted a study on long-term streamflow responses to flash drought in the SFRB from 1991 to 2020, combining the Standardized Antecedent Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SAPEI) and quantile streamflow with a trend analysis. This study employed the SAPEI, a daily drought index, to identify flash droughts and assess the response of streamflow to the identified events across the SFRB. Our findings reveal insights into the direct response of streamflow to flash drought conditions, stimulated by the application of the SAPEI for analysis of flash drought events. The interannual flash droughts fluctuated over the years, with the middle part of the SFRB experiencing frequent, longer flash droughts, while the south part encountered shorter but less frequent events. About 55% of the study area is trended towards drying conditions. A comparative analysis of the SAPEI and streamflow identified a synchronized response to the onset of flash drought events, but the recovery timescale for the SAPEI and streamflow varied among the events. This study enhances understanding of the flash-drought–streamflow relationship in the SFRB and provides theoretical support for addressing drought risks under climate change.

Aridity record of the Arabian Peninsula for the last 200 kyr: Environmental magnetic evidence from the western equatorial Indian ocean

The evolution of aridity and its forcing mechanisms in the Arabian Peninsula are of significance for better understanding the environmental response of the region to global change and the impact of past climate shifts in human evolution. Paleoclimatic reconstructions for the region are predominantly derived from fragmentary terrestrial records. Here, we present a detailed environmental magnetic record for marine sediments from the western equatorial Indian Ocean, which constitute the terminal sink for eolian material originated from the Arabian Peninsula. The dominant magnetic minerals identified in the studied sediments include magnetite, maghemite, and hematite. The hard isothermal remanent magnetization (HIRM), widely used as a proxy for the abundances of the high coercivity mineral hematite, has been used to track variations in the concentration of Arabian dust over the last 200 kyr. Dust concentrations are lowest during interglacial periods of maximum boreal summer isolation, and coincide with intervals during which lake and fluvial systems developed and speleothems formed across most of southern and central Arabia. Our results point to a sharp decrease in the production of dust due to the expansion of vegetation cover up to 30°N during these periods. West African Monsoon appears to be the major source of increased rainfall across Arabia, while the Indian Summer monsoon likely contributed to enhance rainfall in the south and southeastern parts of the peninsula. Variation in the supply of Arabian dust were also driven by changes in high-latitude ice volume and atmospheric CO2, as indicated by highest dust concentration found during glacial periods. We interpret that the expansion of high-latitude ice sheets increased the global meridional temperature gradient, weakened the monsoon system, and resulted in a more southerly, colder and descending subtropical westerly jet, leading to the retreat of vegetation cover and the enhanced production of dust from the Arabian deserts. Our results highlight a link between the production of Arabian dust and orbital-scale climate variability, including both monsoon and northern hemisphere ice sheets dynamics.

Regional ecological risk assessment through the application of production-living-ecology land use function indicators: a case study of the eco-economic zone of Yellow River Delta.

To date, land use structure information has been employed extensively for ecological risk assessment (ERA) purpose in regional/landscape scales; in contrast, land use function (LUF) information-based ERA research is still scarce. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out more ERA case studies in macroscale with the help of pertinent LUF indicators. As an important way to construct production-living-ecology LUF indexes, this study employs the weighted stacking method and related economic statistical data for regional ecological risk assessment (RERA) purpose within Yellow River Delta High-efficiency Eco-economic Zone (YRDHEZ), China. This YRDHEZ-RERA research pointed out that (1) it was rational to use a series of economic statistical data to more comprehensively and precisely characterize regional production and living function grades in YRDHEZ. (2) The Yellow River Delta had lower agriculture and non-agriculture production functions, whereas the rest of the zone had higher production functions. (3) Most people lived in the south part, whereas north coastal zone had very low population density; the east part had higher per capita disposable income of urban/rural households than that of west. (4) The south part of the zone had higher production/living functions and integrated ecological risk source intensity than those of north coastal zone, whereas the coastal zone had higher ecology function, eco-environmental vulnerability, and final integrated ecological risk than those of inland region. As for regional ecological risk management, establishing nature reserve with strict spatial governance for coastal/estuarine wetlands and coordinating production/ecology functions of coastal salterns/breeding ponds are relevant feasible measures.

Variation of nitrate sources affected by precipitation with different intensities in groundwater in the piedmont plain area of alluvial-pluvial fan

A substantial reservoir of nitrogen (N) in soil poses a threat to the quality and safety of shallow groundwater, especially under extreme precipitation that hastens nitrogen leaching into groundwater. However, the specific impact of varying precipitation intensities on the concentration and sources of nitrate (NO3−) in groundwater across diverse hydrogeological zones and land uses remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the fluctuations in NO3− concentration, sources, and controlling factors in shallow groundwater under different intensities of precipitation (extreme heavy precipitation and continuous heavy precipitation) in a typical alluvial-pluvial fan of the North China Plain by using stable isotopes (δ2H–H2O, δ18O–H2O, δ15N–NO3-, δ18O–NO3-), hydrochemical analyses and the SIAR model. Affected by extreme heavy precipitation the depleted isotopes of δ2H–H2O and δ18O–H2O in groundwater of the entire area suggested the rapid recharge of fast flow by precipitation. The enriched isotopes of δ2H–H2O and δ18O–H2O of north part in alluvial fan after continuous heavy precipitation showed the recharge of translatory flow of soil water. NO3−concentrations increased to 78.9 mg/L after extreme heavy precipitation and increased to 105.3 mg/L after continuous heavy precipitation when compared to those in normal year (56.8 mg/L) of north part of the alluvial fan. However, NO3− concentrations had slight variation after continuous heavy precipitation of south part of the fan due to the deep vadose zone. The contribution ratio of sources of NO3− in groundwater by using SIAR analysis revealed manure & sewage (MS) as the primary NO3− source (accounting for 59.7–78.1%) before extreme heavy precipitation, chemical fertilizer (CF) making a minor contribution (6.9–17.3%). Different precipitation events and land use types lead to changes in NO3− sources. Affected by extreme heavy precipitation, the contribution of MS decreased while CF increased, particularly in vegetables (26.2–28.1%) and farmland (29.2–34.7%). After continuous heavy precipitation, MS increased again, particularly in vegetables (50.0%) and farmlands (20.4–66.4%), with CF either increasing or remaining steady. This indicated that continuous heavy precipitation accelerated the leaching of nitrogen (organic manure application) stored in deep soil to groundwater and it has a larger influence on the increasing of NO3− concentrations of groundwater than extreme heavy precipitation which carried nitrogen (chemical fertilizer application) in shallow soil to groundwater by fast flow. These findings underscore the importance of considering soil chemical N stores and their implications for groundwater contamination mitigation under future extreme climate scenarios, particularly in agricultural management practices.

First data on the occurrence and population dynamics of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Greece

AbstractSpodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly known as the fall armyworm, is one of the most serious pests of a wide range of plants including maize, soybean, cotton and rice. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the American continent and is considered as a quarantine pest for the European Union. Official surveys for the early detection of quarantine pests are performed annually in Greece. In the framework of that survey program, a network of pheromone traps for S. frugiperda has been established since 2019. From 2019 until 2022 no individuals of the pest were found in the traps. However, in autumn of 2023 the pest was first recorded in Greece. Male adults of the species were captured in those traps in seven regional units of south and central parts of Greece from September to December 2023. All the traps in which the pest was caught were placed in fields with Solanaceae plants, mainly tomatoes and eggplants. Moreover, larvae of the pest were also recorded in maize and tomato fields in Crete. From the collected data available it seems that the first adults caught in September most likely migrated to Greece from countries elsewhere in the region.

Evaluation of orange-fleshed sweetpotato genotypes for root yield and yield-related traits in South and Northern parts of Ethiopia

Evaluation of orange-fleshed sweetpotato genotypes for root yield and yield-related traits in South and Northern parts of Ethiopia

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus (Latham, 1790): a review on ecology, behavior, conservation and management

The specific epithet melanocephalus is derived from Greek words meaning "black" (melas) and "head" (kephalē), referring to the distinctive black plumage on the head and neck of the Black-headed Ibis. The Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) stands as a captivating symbol of avian grace amidst wetland habitats across Asia. With its distinctive black head contrasting against a white body, this elegant bird captivates both ornithologists and birdwatchers alike. In this review, we delve into the ecology, behavior, and conservation status of the Black-headed Ibis, shedding light on its significance in the avian world. It is a striking bird species belonging to the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. Known for its distinctive appearance and graceful appearance, this bird captivates observers across its range in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Threskiornis melanocephalus is commonly found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East, where it inhabits freshwater marshes, flooded grasslands, and shallow lakes. While not globally threatened, this species faces localized threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and hunting, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard its populations and their wetland habitats.1