Reference Area Research Articles

Reproducibility of rCBV in glioblastomas using T2*-weighted perfusion MRI: an evaluation of sampling, normalization, and experience.

The reproducibility of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) measurements among readers with different levels of experience is a concern. This study aimed to investigate the inter-reader reproducibility of rCBV measurement of glioblastomas using the hotspot method in dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) with various strategies. In this institutional review board-approved single-center study, 30 patients with glioblastoma were retrospectively evaluated with DSC-MRI at a 3.0 Tesla scanner. Three groups of reviewers, including neuroradiologists, general radiologists, and radiology residents, calculated the rCBV based on the number of regions of interest (ROIs) and reference areas. For statistical analysis of feature reproducibility, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used. Analyses were made among individuals, reader groups, reader-group pooling, and a population that contained all of them. For individuals, the highest inter-reader reproducibility was observed between neuroradiologists [ICC: 0.527; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21-0.74] and between residents (ICC: 0.513; 95% CI: 0.20-0.73). There was poor reproducibility in the analyses of individuals with different levels of experience (ICC range: 0.296-0.335) and in reader-wise and group-wise pooling (ICC range: 0.296-0.335 and 0.397-0.427, respectively). However, an increase in ICC values was observed when five ROIs were used. In an analysis of all strategies, the ICC for the centrum semiovale was significantly higher than that for contralateral white matter (P < 0.001). The inter-reader reproducibility of rCBV measurement was poor to moderate regardless of whether it was calculated by neuroradiologists, general radiologists, or residents, which may indicate the need for automated methods. Choosing five ROIs and using the centrum semiovale as a reference area may increase reliability for all users.

Evaluation of Modified Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps for Control of Aedes Aegypti in St. Augustine, Florida.

Aedes aegypti is an anthropophilic mosquito that vectors dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever viruses. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s autocidal gravid ovitraps (AGOs) may facilitate the control of container-inhabiting Aedes mosquitoes and curb arbovirus outbreaks by taking advantage of oviposition-seeking behavior using pesticide-free technology. The AGOs, manufactured by SpringStar Inc., were tested during the summer of 2018 in St. Augustine, FL. A total of 1,718 AGOs were deployed for study in 3 different 40-acre (∼18.2 ha) plots at a density of 5-7 AGOs per house and a coverage of >90% for all AGO test sites. The AGOs were modified using tap water instead of infusion water to reduce the capture of nontarget organisms. Each intervention and reference area was monitored weekly using BioGents Sentinel traps and Sentinel AGOs. Generalized linear mixed models showed that changes to Aedes mosquito populations were more seasonal than treatment driven. Homeowners expressed positivity about traps and believed the traps were both effective and had directly contributed to increased quality of life.

Vee-Tail Preliminary Design Methodology for Class I mini- UAV

Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly popular and widely used in a variety of industries. They can be used for tasks such as agriculture, construction, delivery, surveillance, rescue operations, mapping, wildlife tracking and many more. With the advancements in technology, UAVs are becoming more autonomous and able to perform tasks with minimal human intervention, so are widely used for military and law enforcement purposes. V-tail configurations are commonly used on UAVs due to their advantages in control and stability performance, as well as their ability to reduce drag and improve overall efficiency. However, research on V-tail design and sizing is limited, particularly for Class I mini-UAVs. The objective of this paper is to identify a methodology for a V-tail sizing of a Class I Mini UAV (NATO classification), which refers to the Conceptual and Preliminary Design of the UAV. The methodology will follow the design of a V-tail from the characteristics of the conventional tail of the UAV. Once the characteristics of the conventional tail were extracted, V-tail geometric characteristics (reference area, aspect ratio, mean aerodynamic chord, tail span, dihedral angle), were computed. Therefore, the aerodynamic characteristics of the V-tail have to be extracted, first as an isolated tail, and then as an installed tail. The stability derivatives of the V-tail are then calculated. The methodology for the analytical aerodynamic characteristics and stability derivatives, is a combination of NACA Report No.823 and Marcello R. Napolitano methodologies. Paul E. Purser and John P. Campbell provide design methods for V-tail on a NACA report, which include some of the desired stability derivatives. The rest of them will be calculated with Napolitano’s method. Marcello R. Napolitano gives a methodology for conventional tail sizing; thus, the equations of its methodology have to convert for a V-tail configuration. Furthermore, the aerodynamic characteristics and stability derivatives of the designed V-tail will be verified by Low Fidelity Aerodynamics simulation (XFLR5 software), and then by High Fidelity Aerodynamics by means of CFD. The results between low fidelity analytical values and High-Fidelity Aerodynamics values indicate a relative error lower than 20%.

Micrometeorological effects and thermal-environmental benefits of cool pavements: findings from a detailed observational field study in Pacoima, California

Cool pavements represent one of several strategies that can mitigate the effects of urban overheating by increasing albedo. By definition, this means increasing reflected and potentially re-absorbed short-wave radiation but also decreased surface and air temperatures and longwave upwelling, thus reducing radiant temperatures. So far, real-world studies have been inconclusive as to net effects from cool pavements. A project by GAF installed reflective pavements in Pacoima, California, in summer of 2022. This study set out to perform detailed, high spatiotemporal resolution, multi-platform observations to quantify micrometeorological benefits of the cool pavements and address concerns regarding glare, chemistry/air quality, and pedestrian thermal comfort. Results indicated large variability, as expected, but that the dominant effects were beneficial both in direct side-by-side, real-time comparisons (RT) between test and reference areas, as well as in difference-of-difference (DofD) to quantify local changes in test areas. During a heatwave in September 2022, maximum air-temperature differences (averaged over individual street segments) reached up to −1.9 °C RT in the afternoon. During non-heatwave, hot summer days, the largest street-segment-averaged afternoon air-temperature differences reached up to −1.4 °C RT or −2.8 °C DofD, and surface temperature up to −9.2 °C RT or −12.2 °C DofD. Whereas above values represent maximum effects, more typical street-segment averages also showed statistically significant benefits. In the afternoon, the mean of air-temperature differences was −0.2 °C RT and −1.2 °C DofD. The mean of surface-temperature differences was −2.6 °C RT and −4.9 °C DofD. Indicators of pedestrian thermal comfort also showed variability but predominantly a cooling effect. The mean of differences in mean radiant temperature was between −0.9 and −1.3 °C RT, and for physiological equivalent temperature, between −0.2 °C and −0.6 °C RT and −1.7 °C DofD. In terms of predicted mean vote, the mean of differences was −0.09 RT and −0.32 DofD.

Contribution of offshore platforms and surrounding habitats to fish production in the Bass Strait, south-east Australia

Information on the contribution of offshore oil and gas (O&G) platforms to fish productivity is required to contribute to the decision-making process to remove, partially remove, or retain these structures during decommissioning after petroleum production ceases. The present study assesses the biomass and fish production of one common and abundant fish species (Caesioperca lepidoptera – butterfly perch) and two commercially fished species (Helicolenus percoides – reef ocean perch; Nemadactylus macropterus – jackass morwong) on eight O&G platforms and in surrounding natural habitats in the Bass Strait, south-east Australia, where options for decommissioning are being assessed. High-definition stereo-video imagery was collected by remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from eight platform facilities, their immediate benthic surrounds, reference areas reflective of the likely pre-installation seabed state (sand-dominated) and a nearby natural ‘reef’ area referred to as south-east reef (some limestone foundation). The biomass of all three species was low in the benthic surrounds of platforms, at reference locations and at south-east reef where minimal cover by benthic organisms was recorded and, as such, there was little to no fish production for the three study species in these areas. We observed a total fish biomass of 2.85 tonnes across the eight platforms for the three fish species surveyed, with high variability across platforms. Total production (P) across all platforms was estimated at 1244 kg/year for the three species, with a mean fish production density of 82 g/m2/year. Approximately 79% of total production is considered ‘new’ production (984 kg/year i.e., the production attributed to the presence of the platforms; with a mean production density of 64 g/m2/year). The remaining 21% could be retained or redistributed into the surrounding area if platforms were removed. C. lepidoptera accounted for the majority (90%) of biomass and of total production for all three species across all locations surveyed. Despite only accounting for a small proportion of platform surface area, the bottom 5 m sections of platforms had 41% of the total biomass observed and accounted for 46% of total production of these three study species. Production measures for platforms surveyed here are relatively high compared to other artificial reefs and habitats around the world. Total removal of these platforms will likely result in a reduction of fish biomass and fish productivity (incl. several fishery species) in the immediate vicinity.

Examining the Impact of Long-Term Industrialization on the Trace Metal Contaminants Distribution in Seawater of the Pula Bay, Croatia

In this study, we examined for the first time the spatio-temporal distribution of trace metal (TM) contaminants (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Co) in the seawater column of Pula Bay. The bay has been known for decades as one of the most industrialized regions on the Croatian side of the Adriatic. Water samples were collected at 20 sites (at two depths) in four different seasons. The main physico-chemical parameters and DOC were measured along the TMs. The spatial distribution clearly showed that areas with industrial and nautical activities are sources of Zn, Pb and Cu, while no increase was observed for Cd, Ni and Co. Compared to the reference area outside the bay, the increase in dissolved concentrations ranged from a factor of 1.1 for Ni and Co to 8.5 for Pb. A clear difference in TM concentrations was observed between seasons, with concentrations being higher in warmer periods than in colder periods. The potential bioavailability/toxicity of TMs was examined using a passive sampling technique: diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT). In addition, a single-factor pollution index based on the available EQSs was used for both the dissolved TMs and DGT to assess the potential risk to the environment.

Downscaling atmospheric emission inventories with “top–down” approach: the support of the literature in choosing proxy variables

AbstractThe management and improvement of air quality are global challenges aimed at protecting human health and environmental resources. For this purpose, in addition to legislative and scientific indications, numerous tools are available: measurement methods and tools for estimating and forecasting. As a collection of data presenting an emission of a pollutant (to air), emission inventories support the knowledge of sources impacting air quality by estimating atmospheric emissions within a specific (wide or limited) reference area. There are several methodological approaches for their definition, which can be classified into bottom–up or top–down methods. This paper aims to review the methodological approaches described in the literature that apply the top–down approach for the disaggregation of atmospheric emissions with high spatial and temporal resolution. The proxy variables used to apply this approach are identified, as well as the spatial and temporal resolution obtained by the authors. The results show that population density and land use are the most common parameters with respect to most of the emission sources and for numerous atmospheric pollutants. The spatial resolution of the disaggregation described in the literature varies from a few hundred metres to several kilometres, in relation to the territorial extension of the study areas. The results of the review help support the selection of the best and most popular proxy variables used to scale emissions inventories.

Agri-Horti-PV Research System in North Rhine-Westphalia Including PV Trackers and Integrated Rainwater Harvesting

We present a new Agri-Horti-PV system installed at the end of 2021 in the brown coal area of North Rhine-Westphalia near Jülich, Germany. The system contains different PV installations: Standard south oriented PV modules with a rainwater harvesting set up and east-west tracker modules, of which one is equipped with a rainwater harvesting setup. For the investigation of plant growth under the PV panels and on the reference areas without PV installations a novel rail system allowing for automatic camera movement is integrated in the Agri-Horti-PV park. Using the camera setup plant growth measurements with high spatio-temporal resolution will be possible. The scientific investigations of crop growth and the influence of variable shading conditions controlled by the tracking system started in the growth season of 2022. Here we present the technical details of the system as well as first results of an experiment carried out with faba beans, assessing impact of the Horti-PV system on growth dynamics and leaf morphology.

Oil spill in an amazon blackwater environment: Biochemical and physiological responses of local fish species

The accidental spill of petroleum asphalt cement (PAC) in São Raimundo (SR Harbor, located on the Rio Negro (Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) was monitored through the analysis of polyciclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and a set of biomarkers in fishes (exposure biomarkes: PAHs-type metabolites concentrations in bile; the activities of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver. Effect biomarkers: lipid peroxidation concentration (LPO) in liver, acetylcholinesterase activity in brain, and genotoxic DNA damage in erythrocytes). Two fish species, Acarichthys heckelii and Satanoperca jurupari, were collected 10, 45, and 90 days after the PAC spill in São Raimundo. At the same time, fish were collected from the Tupé Sustainable Development Reserve (Tupé) which served as a reference area. The sampling periods were related to the rising waters of the natural flood pulse of the Rio Negro. Higher concentrations of PAHs in water were observed at 10 and 45 days and returned to the values of TP 90 days after the PAC spill, a period in which harbor waters rose about 0.2 m. Unlike the PAHs in water, biomarker responses in both fish species significantly increased following the PAC spill in SR. Hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), PAH-like metabolites in bile, and erythrocyte DNA damage increases, together with inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain were the most evident responses for both fish species. The calculated pyrolytic index showed mixed sources of PAHs (petrogenic and pyrolytic). The applied PCA-FA indicated important relationships between dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and PAHs concentrations in water, where DOC and PAHs concentrations contributed to biomarkers responses for both fish species in all collection periods.

Blanket bogs exhibit significant alterations to physical properties as a result of temporary track removal or abandonment

AbstractTemporarily consented tracks made from high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh have been used to mitigate both the physical and ecological impacts on peatlands from low‐frequency vehicle usage. However, the impacts of mesh track removal or abandonment at the end of the consented period remain poorly understood. Over a 2‐year period, we studied replicate sections of abandoned mesh track which, at the start of the experiment, had been unused for approximately 5 years, on a UK blanket bog. Some sections were removed (using two treatment methods – vegetation mown and unprepared), whereas others were left in situ. Metrics were compared both between treatments and to undisturbed reference areas. Significant differences in surface soil moisture were found between abandoned and removed tracks depending on season. Control areas had higher volumetric soil moisture than track locations. Compaction was significantly higher across all track locations in comparison to controls (p &lt; 0.001), but rarefaction was not recorded post‐removal, suggesting long‐term deformation. Overland flow events were recorded in rut sections for a mean of 16% of the time, compared to &lt;1% in control areas. Sediment traps on the tracks collected 0.406 kg compared to 0.0048 kg from the control traps, equating to a per trap value of 7.3 g from track samplers and 0.17 g from control samplers. Erosion and desiccation features occurred on both removed and abandoned track sections. Both abandonment and removal of mesh tracks have a wide range of impacts on the physical properties of peatlands, suggesting that only where access is a necessity should such a track be installed.

EVALUTION OF MODIFIED AUTOCIDAL GRAVID OVITRAPS FOR CONTROL OF AEDES AEGYPTI IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA.

Aedes aegypti is an anthropophilic mosquito that vectors dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever viruses. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s autocidal gravid ovitraps (AGOs) may facilitate the control of container-inhabiting Aedes mosquitoes and curb arbovirus outbreaks by taking advantage of oviposition-seeking behavior using pesticide-free technology. The AGOs, manufactured by SpringStar Inc., were tested during the summer of 2018 in St. Augustine, FL. A total of 1,718 AGOs were deployed for study in 3 different 40-acre (∼18.2 ha) plots at a density of 5-7 AGOs per house and a coverage of >90% for all AGO test sites. The AGOs were modified using tap water instead of infusion water to reduce the capture of nontarget organisms. Each intervention and reference area was monitored weekly using BioGents Sentinel traps and Sentinel AGOs. Generalized linear mixed models showed that changes to Aedes mosquito populations were more seasonal than treatment driven. Homeowners expressed positivity about traps and believed the traps were both effective and had directly contributed to increased quality of life.

Reviving Europe's rivers: Seven challenges in the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law to restore free‐flowing rivers

AbstractThe EU Nature Restoration Law represents an important opportunity for freshwater habitat restoration and, consequently, freshwater biodiversity protection. However, a number of challenges must be anticipated in its implementation, which may compromise its success. Some aspects, particularly those relating to freshwater ecosystems, require more clarification. We use riverine ecosystems to illustrate existing ambiguities in the proposed legislation and the potential consequences of leaving these aspects open to interpretation during the implementation process. We also discuss potential solutions to these problems which could help ensure that the law's objectives are met. We argue that river network structure and connectivity dimensions, which result into river meta‐ecosystems, must be explicitly considered. For that purpose, we ask for clear definitions of the critical terms “free‐flowing rivers,” “barriers,” and “reference areas.” In addition, we recommend developing methods for integrated assessment of connectivity across river networks. As a key property of river ecosystems, this must be used to prioritize actions to increase the length and number of free‐flowing rivers. Adequate restoration planning at larger spatial scales will benefit from a meta‐ecosystem perspective and accurate representation of aquatic‐terrestrial linkages, which will significantly improve the efficacy of restoration efforts. Furthermore, stakeholder and citizen engagement offer important opportunities at local, national, and European scales, and should be fostered to ensure inclusive decision‐making. The conservation challenges outlined here are particularly important for rivers, but they also have implications for other ecosystems. These considerations are useful for policymakers, conservationists, and other stakeholders involved in the Nature Restoration Law and related policy initiatives.This article is categorized under: Water and Life &gt; Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems Water and Life &gt; Conservation, Management, and Awareness Human Water &gt; Water Governance

Contamination Assessment of Toxic Elements in River Sediments from Baia Mare, Romania—Extreme Pollution from Mining Activities

Sediment samples from the Săsar River and its main tributaries were analyzed for their potentially toxic elements at the site of the Romplumb metallurgical company and near the well-known Pb-Zn-Cu epithermal deposit of Baia Sprie located in the Neogene volcanic chain of the Eastern Carpathians, Romania. The average metal concentrations arranged in order of decreasing abundance are as follows (mg·kg−1): Mn (4098) &gt; Zn (2093) &gt; Pb (918) &gt; Cu (489) &gt; As (160) &gt; Cr (37.51) &gt; Ni (30.25) &gt; Co (28.13) &gt; Cd (9.72) &gt; Hg (1.81). Several pollution indices were successfully used to assess the degree of contamination and ecological risk. The majority of sampling sites indicate high degrees of pollution, with two major hotspots identified. There are further sources, such as the Șuior (Pb-Zn-Au) and Săsar (Au-Ag) epithermal deposits, Cuprom company, and Bozânta tailing ponds, identified as contaminants. The Baia Mare mining district is causing a serious threat to the aquatic systems in the region, and it can be taken as a reference area for the human impact derived from the mining of mineral deposits of Au-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn. It is imperative to reduce ecological risks and thereby protect the population living within this abandoned mining area.

Оценка состояния урбаноземов по содержанию поллютантов

Abstract. The purpose of the study is to assess the ecological state of soils within urbanozems in relation to the degree of contamination with heavy metals using the example of the urban aggromeration of Orenburg. Methods. Sampling was carried out at 4 sites in the sanitary protection zone of industrial enterprises in Orenburg. Determination of mobile forms of heavy metals Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn in the samples was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In the studied areas, the pollution index or concentration coefficient was taken into account, while taking into account the reference values of heavy metals. Contamination with toxic elements of soils in the reference areas was determined using the PINemerow coefficient. The pollution index of urban areas was calculated as the arithmetic or geometric mean of PINemerow for all reference areas in the city. Statistical processing of the material was carried out using the universal program Statistica 10. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that for the first time data were obtained characterizing the accumulation of heavy metals in the sanitary protection zones of industrial enterprises in the city of Orenburg, and they were ranked according to the pollution index. Results. The analysis of the data obtained made it possible to reveal an increased content of Pb, Zn in all soil layers in the reference plot No. 1. The soils of site No. 2 had an increased content of Cu, Pb, Zn in the soil horizon of 20-30 cm, Pb was also found at a depth of 0-10 cm, which is explained by the passage of a major highway near the enterprise. Soil samples at a depth of 0-10 cm of site No. 3 were contaminated by 4 parameters (Cd, Mn, Pb, Zn) and had an average degree of anthropogenic pollution, which is due to the fact that the surface soils of the sanitary protection zone of the site are located near the enterprise associated with the processing of petroleum products. On the contrary, the studied areas No. 1; 2 and 4 sanitary protection zones of enterprises can be classified as low pollution. On the territory of the sanitary protection zone of site No. 4, an increased accumulation of Mn was found in the surface layers of soils.

The Role of Forebody Topology on Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Characteristics of Squareback Vehicles using Computational Aeroacoustics (CAA)

This study investigates the influence of forebody configuration on aerodynamic noise generation and radiation in standard squareback vehicles, employing a hybrid computational aeroacoustics approach. Initially, a widely used standard squareback body is employed to establish grid-independent solutions and validate the applied methodology against previously published experimental data. Six distinct configurations are examined, consisting of three bodies with A-pillars and three without A-pillars. Throughout these configurations, the reference area, length, and height remain consistent, while systematic alterations to the forebody are implemented. The findings reveal that changes in the forebody design exert a substantial influence on both the overall aerodynamics and aeroacoustics performance of the vehicle. Notably, bodies without A-pillars exhibit a significant reduction in downforce compared to their A-pillar counterparts. For all configurations, the flow characteristics around the side-view mirror and the side window exhibit an asymmetrical horseshoe vortex with high-intensity pressure fluctuations, primarily within the confines of this vortex and the mirror wake. Side windows on bodies with A-pillars experience more pronounced pressure fluctuations, rendering these configurations distinctly impactful in terms of radiated noise. However, despite forebody-induced variations in pressure fluctuations impacting the side window and side-view mirror, the fundamental structure of the radiated noise remains relatively consistent. The noise pattern transitions from a cardioid-like shape to a monopole-like pattern as the probing distance from the vehicle increases.

U-Pb Dating of the Kolchugino Group Basement (Kuznetsk Coal Basin, Siberia): Was the Change in Early–Middle Permian Floras Simultaneous at Different Latitudes in Angaraland?

The Kuznetsk Basin (Kuzbass) is one of the largest coal basins in Siberia and a reference area for the ancient Angaraland continent. The proximity of the Kuzbass and Siberian Platform caused their biotic similarities in the Late Palaeozoic. However, due to biota endemism, the Kuzbass Upper Palaeozoic does not correlate directly with the International Chronostratigraphic Chart (ICC). This paper discusses radioisotopic (CA-ID-TIMS) dating of zircons from a volcanic tuff located in the Starokuznetsk Formation (Fm). This level matches the interval of the Balakhonka/Kolchugino (B/K) floral change in Kuzbass, i.e., the gradual replacement of cordaitoid-dominated wet forests (Balakhonka flora) with more arid fern–pteridosperm–cordaitoid assemblages (Kolchugino flora). New age (276.9 ± 0.4 Ma) directly correlates the Starokuznetsk Fm with the Upper Kungurian of the ICC. We compared the Kuzbass data with data of the Western Verkhoyanie, where Middle Permian ammonoids (Sverdrupites assemblage) occur in strata recording the B/K floral change. The available (ICC) and new datings indicate the lag between the B/K floral change in low (Kuzbass) and high (Verkhoyanie) latitudes of Angaraland. The B/K floral change in the Kuzbass began in the early Late Kungurian and was completed by the end of this age. In contrast, the B/K floral change in Verkhoyanie began at the end of the Late Kungurian and was completed in the Late Wordian. The delay in the floral changes at different latitudes of Angaraland suggests that existing interregional correlations need further improvement.

Geoecological analysis of the state of forest park plantations in the Dnipro city using Landsat satellite images

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The importance of the number and viability of green areas for creating a com- fortable and safe life for residents of urbanized areas is increasing with the growth of cities, which has not stopped since the first half of the 20th century. Dnipro is a city with progressive air pollution, therefore the effective use of its green areas in this aspect – the selection of tree species, regular assessment of their condition and timely response to changes in vegetative activity – becomes especially relevant. To solve the research task, a combination of on-site and remote methods of assessing the vital state of green areas of the city was chosen. First, spatial and statistical information about the city’s green areas was defined and summarized, and a cartographic and statistical base of raw data was created, potential anthropogenic factors of influence were determined, and reference areas were selected. At the second stage, a systematic survey and assessment of the vital state of the trees of selected areas was carried out for seven years: morphometric indicators of trees of certain species and assessment of the state of their morphological elements (roots, trunk, crown, leaves). According to the degree of damage, trees were classified as: healthy, weakened (damaged), severely weakened; dying and dead. At the third stage of the study, the correlation of the vital state indicator (Ln) and the normalized vegetation index (NDVI) was determined, based on images from Landsat sensors 8 and 9 of the L1 processing level, pre-processing of the images was performed using the SCP (Semi-automatic Classification Plugin) module integrated in QGIS. According to the results of on-site research, it was found that for the period 2015-2021, most parks and squares of the control group belong to the second category (weakened), three to the first (healthy) and one to the third (severely weakened). The main types of damage have been identified as well as species of trees that are most susceptible to damage. The dynamics of vegetation activity indicators reflect the general tendency to increase the vegetation cover of the city for six years. According to the results of the correlation analysis of NDVI and Ln values, a stable dependence between the index of vital state and the normalized vegetation index was revealed. The correlation between the specified indicators for each particular year is direct and varies from 0.5 to 0.9. The vital state of forest park plantations in Dnipro city is at a satisfactory level. The average Ln for the entire city is 65.6%. It was concluded that the exploitation of the gas-absorbing capacity of plants must be carried out in combination with technical measures in order to activate the processes of improving the environment.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Collaborative fisheries research reveals reserve size and age determine efficacy across a network of marine protected areas

AbstractA variety of criteria may influence the efficacy of networks of marine protected areas (MPA) designed to enhance biodiversity conservation and provide fisheries benefits. Meta‐analyses have evaluated the influence of MPA attributes on abundance, biomass, and size structure of harvested species, reporting that MPA size, age, depth, and connectivity influence the strength of MPA responses. However, few empirical MPA evaluation studies have used consistent sampling methodology across multiple MPAs and years. Our collaborative fisheries research program systematically sampled 12 no‐take or highly protective limited‐take MPAs and paired fished reference areas across a network spanning 1100 km of coastline to evaluate the factors driving MPA efficacy across a large geographic region. We found that increased size and age consistently contributed to increased fish catch, biomass, and positive species responses inside MPAs, while accounting for factors such as latitude, primary productivity, and distance to the nearest MPA. Our study provides a model framework to collaboratively engage diverse stakeholders in fisheries research and provide high‐quality data to assess the success of conservation strategies.

Superimposition of virtual models using palatal rugae and maximum habitual intercuspation.

The superimposition of 3 dimensions (3D) digital models has been increasingly used for evaluating dental changes resulting from orthodontic treatment, and different superimposition techniques have been described. Although the maxilla has areas with greater stability for superimposition, such as the palatal rugae, there is still no reliable method for superimposing models of the lower arch. Therefore, this article aims to describe a technique for superimposing virtual models. To evaluate pre- and post-orthodontic treatment changes, the Geomagic Qualify 2013 software (3D Systems®, Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA) was used, with reference points in the maxilla, including the rugae and a reference area in the palate and midpalatal raphe. The lower arch was superimposed using the maximum habitual intercuspation (MHI) model as reference. 3D models superimposition using palatal rugae and MHI occlusion seems to offer satisfactory results in the interpretation of clinical changes at different follow-up moments in terms of development and/or orthodontic treatment.

Impacto da mudança de uso da terra nos estoques de nitrogênio em plintossolo de cerrado

ABSTRACT The land use changes and different management forms promote modifications in soil organic matter (SOM), which imply the yield and sustainability of agricultural systems. SOM provides essential elements for plants, such as Nitrogen (N), one of its main constituents, and is also an indicator of soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of N levels and stocks in the soil of Plinthosol in the state of Tocantins, Brazil, under different uses (eucalyptus, corn, and pasture) compared to a natural ecosystem of Cerrado sensu stricto. Therefore, six trenches were opened in each study area to collect soil samples at 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, and 40-50 cm soil layers, determining the contents and stocks (0-50 cm) of total N in the soil by dry combustion. The means were compared by the Tukey test at a 5% error probability level. N-S contents and stocks of the evaluated systems did not differ statistically from the reference area, except the eucalyptus area, which presented a higher average content, specifically in the 0-10 cm layer, and a higher average stock, considering the entire layer evaluated (0- 50cm). N-S stocks decreased in the following order across different land uses: eucalyptus &gt; corn = pasture = Cerrado, probably indicating the effectiveness of the arboreal component in incorporating N-S as well as the importance of adopting conservation management practices that prioritize greater input and stabilization of organic matter in the soil.