South-western Zone Research Articles

Application of remote sensing/GIS in the appraisal of geotechnical stability of civil engineering structures in cretaceous sedimentary units in Gombe, Northeastern, Nigeria

The increasing urbanization in Gombe township has necessitated the need for a city-wide assessment of the area to ascertain its spatial geotechnical stability. In this study, the geotechnical stability of Gombe township and environs, Northeastern, Nigeria, was appraised using the geospatial approach. Four different thematic maps (lithology, lineament, elevation, and slope) were generated in a GIS environment. Weights were allocated to the subclasses of the thematic maps based on their contribution to the stability of engineering structures. The thematic maps were integrated using ArcGIS 10.3 software to generate a geotechnical stability model of the study area, which was validated through an on-site inspection of the structures in the area. The study area was delineated into three zones: unstable (17.24%), moderate (77.2%), and stable (4.74%). The moderate zones characterised by medium elevation and slope, average lineament density, and underlain by sandstones were the predominant zones in the area. However, the stable and the unstable zones predominate in the western and eastern parts of the study area respectively. The stable zones that occur in the northwestern and southwestern zones of the study area are underlain by the Kerri-Kerri Formation while the poor and unstable areasare underlain by argillaceous materials of the Pindiga Formation. The validation of the model revealed numerous cracked buildings and bridges and a failed bridge in the unstable zones. The moderate stability zones suffer a mixed fortune, having some stable structures in some parts and failing structures in other parts. The buildings in the stable zones, however, are generally devoid of structural cracks.

Assessment of Genetic Parameters and Diversity Organization of Ginger Accessions Cultivated in Burkina Faso as Revealed by Microsatellite Markers

Rhizomes of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) are widely used as a spice across the world. It has originated from South-east Asia and introduced to many parts of the world, and has been cultivated as a spice and for medicinal purpose. Ginger is a high value crop in Burkina Faso. The genetic diversity organization in ginger species is not well-known in Burkina Faso. Genetic resources are imperative for varietal selection. The importance of genetic resources depends on the levels of their diversity. The present investigation aims to assess the diversity of ginger accessions collected from Burkina Faso. Forty-seven ginger accessions collected from three provinces, Comoé (03), Léraba (14), Kénédougou (30), located in the southwestern zone of Burkina Faso were genotyped for their molecular traits using microsatellite markers. A total of 24 alleles were revealed by electrophoresis. All the simple-sequence repeats (SSR) set primers used revealed high polymorphic rate (100%) with the expected heterozygosity (0.499), showing their ability in assessment of the diversity levels and genetic organization of ginger accessions due to their codominance. The dendrogram obtained by the Neighbor-Joining method revealed three main genetic groups. The genetic differentiation index value (0.313) showed that the accessions of the three provinces were different, with an interesting diversity observed from kénédougou ginger accessions. Information from this study could be used in the development of effective management strategies for the conservation and effective use of the genetic resources within ginger accessions grown in Burkina Faso.

Графовые алгоритмы для расчёта распределения следов амурского тигра на территории Приморского края

The paper analyzes the distribution of the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) tracks in the Primorsky Krai municipalities according to observations obtained during the one-time winter count organized by the Pacific Institute of Geography of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2005. This task is related to the need to calculate the number of animals based on the tracks of their vital activity. Based on the initial data we form a sample to analyze a set of tracks to identify intersection areas of various tiger habitats in Primorsky Krai. The map of Primorsky Krai municipalities was presented in the form of a planar graph to identify their intersections. A recurrent algorithm for identifying tiger clusters was developed using graph theory methods. According to them, the territory of Primorsky Krai is divided into northern, central, southern and southwestern zones with intersections. The districts of Primorsky Krai included in the designated zones are listed. The total number of tracks in intersecting adjacent zones was counted to identify possible tiger migrations in Primorsky Krai. A quantitative assessment of the degree of intersection of the selected zones by the number of tiger tracks is given. The proposed calculation scheme can be used to clarify and verify the results of modeling the spatial distribution and total population size of the Amur tiger.

Climate change impact assessment of growing degree days and thermal growing period of cotton in north-west India

ABSTRACT Temperature is an indispensable necessity of plant growth, which explains the 95% variability in plant development. Accumulated temperature, i.e. growing degree day (GDD) is a useful agro-climatic indicator that translates raw climatic data into meaningful decisions. In this study, the GDD concept is used to analyze spatio-temporal variability of accumulated growing degree days (AGDD) and thermal growing period of cotton for the past and future climates in the three different zones (north-east, central and south-west) of Punjab. During the baseline period, higher AGDD were accumulated in the south-western (2,441 °C day), followed by central (2,276.8 °C day) and north-eastern (2,073.8 °C day) zones. During the end of mid-century, AGDD of the central zone was increased by 4–11%, 3–27% for north-eastern, and 3–7% for south-western zones in contrast to the baseline period. This increase in AGDD of cotton might decrease the thermal growing period by 6–14%, 8–25%, and 4–8% for central, north-east and south-western zones, clearly indicating the thermal stress over the cotton crop. This study provides quantitative information for crop breeders and cotton scientists to develop new genetically modified cultivars and improved agronomic practices to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change.

Exploring trends and variability of climate change indices in the agro‐ecological zones of Pakistan and their driving mechanisms

AbstractAnthropogenic climate change induced weather and climate extremes have led to frequent heat waves, droughts and floods threatening water resources and food security for an agricultural country like Pakistan. Despite their significance, the trends and variability of extreme temperature and precipitation indices and associated large‐scale drivers in the agro‐ecological zones (AEZs) of Pakistan remain unknown and need urgent attention because of abrupt climate change. The present study documents the spatiotemporal variations of climate change indices together with the elevation‐dependent variability trends over various AEZs in Pakistan for the period of 42 years (1979–2020). Nonparametric Mann–Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope (SS) estimator tests have been employed for trend estimation. Results indicated linearly increasing (warming) and statistically significant trends in Tmean, TNx, WSDI and TR20 whereas significant decreasing (cooling) trends in cool nights (−1.73 days·decade−1) and cold spells (−1.28 days·decade−1). The spatial distribution of temperature indices trends depicts robust warming over southwestern and central zones while cooling trends over northern zones. Regarding precipitation extremes, all indices have shown increasing (wetter) trends with a significant increase in PRCPTOT and RX5day. The stations in northern and subhumid AEZs received more precipitation compared to other zones. Elevation‐dependent trends in temperature indices exhibited a statistically significant positive (negative) relationship with cold (warm) tails. Most of the extreme precipitation indices have a weak, but positive association with elevation except SDII. The weakening of South Asian subtropical upper‐level jet by a high‐pressure system over northeast Pakistan resulted in amplified land surface temperatures. However, the spatial patterns of zonal winds indicate a trough over Pakistan's southern and central parts, with warmer sea‐surface temperature, low sea‐level pressure and easterly anomalies, favour moisture transport and precipitation in Pakistan. The outcomes of present study will be useful in addressing various climate‐induced disasters occurring in various AEZs of Pakistan.

The Community’s Understanding and Responses Regarding Land Subsidence, Waterlogging, and the Link Between the Two in Rural South-western Coastal Bangladesh

Land subsidence has triggered severe waterlogging problems in the southwestern coastal zone of Bangladesh, which affects the biodiversity as well as people’s lives, and livelihoods. The members of the affected community, however, appear to have a poor understanding of the nature of land subsidence and its consequences. This study, therefore, aims to assess the community members’ understanding of as well as the actions that they take to solve problems of this nature in the rural, southwestern coastal zone of Bangladesh. A qualitative comparative case study approach was employed in this study, where two rural communities from the southwestern coastal districts were selected as the cases. By subjecting the data to thematic analysis, the study found that, although a few civil society members and activists are, to some extent, aware of the occurrence of land subsidence and its linkage with waterlogging, however, most of the members of the communities lack adequate knowledge or an understanding about the nature, causes and consequences of the land subsidence issue and its connection to the waterlogging problem in their locality. Thus, it was found that they take no or very few measures to cope with the risk of land subsidence. The study’s findings imply that the policymakers should formulate a strategy for making the members of the community aware of the nature, causes, and consequences of land subsidence issues.

Inequality Among Agricultural Households in Rural Punjab: The Effect of Income Sources

This study examined income inequality among agricultural households in Punjab using primary data collected during the agricultural year 2020-21. The study employed the Gini coefficient and Theil index to measure and decompose income inequality. The results indicated that agricultural household's involvement in off-farm and ad-hoc sources increased with their income level. Crop cultivation contributed the highest to total income inequality due to its dominance in household income. Still, it had an inequality-decreasing effect in marginal, small, semi-medium, and medium-category households. Livestock income was also identified as a potential tool for reducing inequality, especially in the south-western zone of the state. However, the off-farm income sources were inequality enhancing, likely due to disparities in skills and education required for engaging in such activities compared to agricultural activities. The Theil index revealed that intra-zonal and intra-landholding size inequality were the main contributors to overall inequality. These results indicated that there was a need for targeted policy interventions to enhance the livestock sector, promote income diversification, and address intra-zonal and intra-landholding disparities to promote inclusive and equitable development in Punjab's agricultural sector.

Contributory Pension Scheme and Welfare of Retirees: A case of Tertiary Institutions of Education in Southwestern Nigeria

The study investigated the effect of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) on the welfare of retirees of tertiary institutions of education in the Southwestern zone of Nigeria. Using the Taro Yamane formula and a multi-level sampling technique, a sample size of 125 retirees was obtained from three tertiary institutions of education in the Southwestern part of Nigeria as follows: Osun State College of Education, Ilesa (41), Lagos State University of Education, Lagos (36) and Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo (48). The main instrument of data collection was a set of questionnaire which was administered to the retirees to collect relevant data. The instrument was validated and its reliability coefficient calculated to be 0.82 using the Cronbach Alpha formula. The data collected was analysed using the Chi-square and the one-sample t-test statistics. The results showed that the contributory pension scheme did not have significant effect on the welfare of the retirees (t = .207, p < 0.05). Useful recommendations were made based on this finding.

Value Chain Analysis of Kinnow in Southwestern and Sub-Mountainous Zones of Punjab

The study was undertaken to examine the value chains for kinnow in Punjab during 2020-21 and suggest policy implications for the improvement of the marketing efficiency of kinnow. The results showed that the producer share in the consumer's rupee was 34.6 per cent in Producer?Pre-harvest Contractor?Wholesaler?Retailer?Consumer (VC-I). In contrast, Producer?Consumer (VC- IV) was 93.2 per cent in Punjab. Value-added products of kinnow, that is, kinnow juice and concentrate, were found in the Producer?Processor?Distributor?Consumer (VC-V). Major marketing related problems faced by kinnow growers were price fluctuations, perishability, etc. It was suggested that there is a need for better market facilities, transport incentives, and the establishment of more processing units to realize remunerative prices for their kinnow produce in Punjab.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Performance of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. Ex J. C. Wendl in Selected Agro-Ecologies of Uganda

Bamboo is a versatile and valuable resource that has been shown to have social, ecological, and economic benefits in many countries worldwide. Even though Uganda has a suitable environment for bamboo growth, it remains underutilized. One of the key challenges in promoting bamboo farming is the need for more information about the growth performance of different bamboo species in various site conditions. Therefore, this study determined the morphological characteristics and growth performance of Bambusa vulgaris in Uganda. A total of 24 bamboo farms were selected from a list of bamboo farmers provided by key informants using stratified sampling. These farms had relatively uniform B. vulgaris stands and were drawn from Uganda's three agroecological zones (AEZs): the Southwestern, West Nile, and Lake Victoria crescent agro-ecological zones. Eight temporary sample plots were established in each zone, and various growth parameters were measured. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Sidak post-hoc test was used to compare the performance of Bambusa vulgaris across the different agro-ecological zones based on growth parameters. The results of the study showed that the total above-ground biomass was highest in the Lake Victoria crescent (24.773 kg/ha), followed by the West Nile (17.141 kg/ha) and the Southwestern (15.125 kg/ha) agro-ecological zones. The growth rate of B. vulgaris after three years was found to be similar to the outstanding growth rate mentioned in the literature. The growth performance of B. vulgaris was notably better in the L. Victoria crescent compared to the West Nile and Southwestern highlands – suggesting that efforts to promote the growing of B. vulgaris should prioritize the L. Victoria crescent agro-ecological zone. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the growth performance of B. vulgaris in different agro-ecological zones in Uganda. This information can be used to guide the promotion and development of bamboo farming in the country, which has the potential to improve livelihoods and contribute to sustainable development

Agrobiological evaluation of the varieties and cultivars of narrow-leafed fodder lupine

The reserve for increasing the production of high-protein fodder is the cultivation of leguminous crops, including narrow-leafed lupine (L. angustifolius L.). Protein content in the narrow-leafed lupine seeds is 33–35%, in the dry matter of green mass – 17–19%. It is one of the best forecrops for field crops, as it is able to accumulate 150-300 kg/ha of symbiotic nitrogen in its biomass. The research was conducted in the southwestern zone of the Central Region (Bryansk region). The soil of the fields is sod-podzolic loamy with an average fertility level, pH 5.1–5.6. The weather conditions did not quite meet the biological requirements of the crop. The results of the study of the varieties and cultivars of narrow-leafed lupin in the competitive variety trial 2020–2022 on grain and green mass yield, adaptability, alkaloid con tent and duration of the growing season are presented. The Vityaz variety included in the State Variety Register of the Russian Federation in six regions is taken as a standard. The varieties Bryansky kormovoy and Belorozovy 144 are released in all the regions of the country. Grain yield of different varieties and cultivars varied in the range of 1.59–3.74 t/ha during the years of study. The maximum value was obtained for Hybrid 1246 in 2020. SN 39-20 and Hybrid 1246 (2.86 and 2.76 t/ha) stood out in terms of average grain yield over the 3 years of the trial. The adaptability coefficient was 121 and 117%. The alkaloid content in the seeds of these varieties ranged from 0.010 to 0.046%, with an annual average of 0.028%. Less than 0.04% of alkaloids in the seeds were observed in the varieties SBS 56-15-1, Narrow-leafed 53-02 and Hybrid 1314. The duration of the growing season varied in the range of 78–95 days by year of the trial, the calendar maturity date was the end of July – the 2nd ten-day period of August. All of them are in the "very early" group (71–100 days). The minimum maturity date was observed in 2021 and the maximum in 2020. The varieties Belorozovy 144 and Hybrid 1314 have a longer (6–9 days) vegetation period compared to the standard variety Vityaz. They are characterized by high stature and intense lateral branching. The term of technological readiness for harvesting on green mass came in the first ten days of July. All lupine varieties and cultivars studied in the experiment exceeded the standard in green mass yield by 3.1-8.8 t/ha.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT OF MOVEMENT COMPETENCE AMBITION AMONG HUMAN KINETICS STUDENTS IN SOUTH-WEST UNIVERSITIES, NIGERIA

This paper reports the quantitative phase of an ongoing explanatory sequential mixed methods research design on Movement Competence Ambition (MCA) among human kinetics students in public universities within the South-Western geo-political zone of Nigeria. The study holds and treats ambition as a psycho-philosophical concept. The psychological perspective of ambition implying achievement motivation was mixed with its philosophical view of honour-seeking behaviour. Both perspectives relate to Einstein’s inertial-tendency postulate regarding reference frames. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 418 respondents (199, 47.6% males; 219, 52.4% females); x̅ age = 20 years and 1 month). A self-developed 15-item validated questionnaire r =.81 built on the four “P’s” plus one added of ambition drivers, i.e. Predisposing, Precipitating, Perpetuating, Protective, and Prospective (added) factors was the main instrument for data collection. Descriptive statistics of frequency, and percentage, were employed to depict respondents’ bio-data while collected data was analysed with mean and rank ordered. Results indicate that 377 (90.2%) of the students were fairly ambitious while 41 (9.8%) were highly ambitious. 90.9% of males and 89.5% of females were fairly ambitious while more females (10.5%) were highly ambitious as compared to males (9.1%). Though there was no marked difference between the ambition statuses by gender, however, females showed a better level of ambition compared to males. The predisposing factors with a mean of 4.1 have the highest impact on movement competence ambition followed by precipitating factors with the second highest mean value of 3.5. Other factors do not affect the population's ambition status as the factors have mean values below the criterion average of 3.5. Therefore, the predisposing and precipitating factors are areas of concentration to enhance the students’ achievement goal orientation in movement competence.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0014/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Native selenium in the apical rocks of the Gaisky copper-pyrite deposit

Research subject. Selenium mineralization in altered rocks of the Gaisky deposit. Aim. Determination of formation conditions of native selenium in altered rocks. Results. Selenium mineralization is established in three zones of altered rocks in the sides of the 3rd quarry and is confined to the upper part of the sulfur-quartz rocks. Layers with a high content of native selenium and tiemannite are distinguished by a carbon-black color against the general background of yellow-green sulfur-quartz rocks, forming subvertical trickle textures. The maximum propagation of selenium mineralization was found in the southwestern zone of the quarry. Here, selenium-containing rocks are traced vertically by 6 m, forming a lens with a diameter of up to 70 cm. The accumulation of selenium occurs due to its physical properties. Selenium is similar to sulfur in volatility, although it undergoes more intense condensation under decreased temperatures. The accumulation of selenium condensate is facilitated by a silicic acid gel, which prevents the removal of selenium by a hydrothermal flow. Conclusion. The native selenium of the Gaisky deposit is characterized by a hydrothermal genesis, which, along with the presence of monoclinic native sulfur in the rocks, indicates the hydrothermal formation of the entire complex of altered rocks.

ZONATION OF SEISMIC VULNERABILITY LEVELS IN SOUTH BENGKULU REGENCY, INDONESIA FOR DISASTER-BASED REGIONAL PLANNING

The accurate prediction and prevention of earthquakes remains challenging. Consequently, the primary approach to mitigate the impact of earthquakes is through disaster risk reduction efforts. One significant strategy involves conducting seismic vulnerability analyses based on disaster scenarios. This study aims to identify and map areas with varying levels of seismic vulnerability, analyzing the factors contributing to vulnerability in the South Bengkulu Regency. Secondary data, including peak ground acceleration (PGA) values, were collected, along with microtremor data obtained through the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method. The recorded microtremor data serve as input parameters for PGA, Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI), Seismic Vulnerability Index (Kg), shear wave velocity (Vs), and the time-averaged shear wave velocity for the first 30 m depths (Vs30) values. The findings reveal that, overall, seismic vulnerability in the South Bengkulu Regency can be categorized as low. However, specific areas, particularly in the southwestern and northeastern zones, exhibit relatively higher levels of vulnerability. The heightened vulnerability in these areas is attributed to elevated PGA values, despite the region's generally high soil density, which acts as a mitigating factor against earthquake threats.

Contribution of HVSR, MASW, and geotechnical investigations in seismic microzonation for safe urban extension: A case study in Ghabt Admin (Agadir), western Morocco

Ghabt Admin, located in western Morocco, is prone to seismic activity and site effects due to its position within an alluvial basin situated between two faulted mountain belts. The region has experienced several devastating earthquakes, including the 1960 Agadir earthquake that resulted in the loss of 12,000 lives and the destruction of over 75% of the city. Moreover, the area has recently undergone rapid urbanization, necessitating the implementation of seismic studies to make informed decisions regarding land use. This study aims to conduct the first seismic microzonation and site characterization studies by using HVSR, 1D-MASW, and geotechnical investigations. The datasets consist of 80 microtremors, 15 1D-MASW profiles, detailed geological observations, boreholes, and soil/rock identification tests. Due to challenges related to anthropogenic sources and soil heterogeneities, only 31 H/V measurements met the SESAME criteria. The HVSR results indicate the following: (i) the predominant peak frequency (f0) ranges from 1.4 to 15.7 Hz, with lower values (1.4–3 Hz) observed in the Oued Issen alluvial fans and the sand dune area, while moderate to high values (4–15.7 Hz) are found in the lacustrine limestone and Tagragra’s dome. (ii) The amplitude peak frequency (A0) ranges from 2 to 7.7, with higher values observed in the southwestern zone and certain parts of the glacis-fans zone, particularly in the Oued Issen zone. (iii) The seismic vulnerability index (Kg) ranges from 0.28 to 39.5. The Oued Issen area, which is composed of recent unconsolidated deposits and affected by the Oued Issen fault, exhibits high Kg values. Analysis of HVSR curve typology reveals complex geology. The VS30 map shows VS values ranging from 179 m/s to 830 m/s, classifying the study area into soil classes A, B, and C according to Eurocode 8. Furthermore, the 1D-MASW results are compatible with the HVSR results and the distribution of the geological units.

Energy Input and Output se Pattern in Wheat Crop Production System in South Western Zones of Punjab, India

Energy Input and Output se Pattern in Wheat Crop Production System in South Western Zones of Punjab, India

Traces of paleogeodynamic processes in the zone junctions of the Middle and Lower Kura depressions

The territory of Azerbaijan covers the southeastern part of the Greater Caucasus meganticlinorium, the northeastern parts of the mountain systems of the Lesser Caucasus and Talysh, i.e., basins of the Lower and Middle Kura, as well as the southwestern and western zones of the Middle and South Caspian depressions, respectively. The combination of these large structural elements determines the very complex tectonic structure of the territory of Azerbaijan, including the Middle and Lower Kura basins.
 The article presents the results of a study conducted to study the paleotectonic processes that took place in the Cenozoic in the junction zone of the Middle and Lower Kura depressions, according to modern (2017—2018) seismic survey data using the common depth point method. The geological structure of the constituent parts of these depressions is considered, and paleotectonic processes are described that played an important role in their formation and led to the divergence of the geological sections of these depressions in the interval from the end of the Cretaceous to the end of the Lower Pliocene. When comparing the seismic wave pattern representing the geological sections of the Middle and Lower Kura depressions, it becomes clear that the compensation of the volumes of sedimentary material is carried out by Pliocene terrigenous deposits in the Lower Kura and Paleogene sediments in the Middle Kura depressions. At the same time, here, the hypsometry of the Miocene-Maikop interval of the section differs by 1300—1500 m.
 The article presents the author’s positions on the post-Cretaceous tectonic processes of the evolutionary development of the geological structure of these basins in the zone of their junction, where the Mingacheir-Saatli-Talysh transverse Mesozoic uplift (Saatly-Geokchay zone of Mesozoic uplifts) occupies an important place.

Effect of Potash Application on Yield and Quality of Kinnow Mandarin in Sandy Loam Soils of South Western Zone in Haryana, India

The present investigation was carried out at CCS HAU, Hisar (Haryana) during 2017-2021 on sandy loam soils to investigate the effect of soil and foliar applied potassium on Kinnow productivity and quality. There were five treatments viz T1- 0.0g MOP plant-1 (control), T2- soil application of 175g MOP plant-1 (RDK), T3- soil application of 250.0g MOP plant-1, T4- soil application of 325.0g MOP plant-1 and T5- soil application of 175g MOP plant-1 (RDK) followed by foliar application of KNO3@ 2.0% in the end of May June and July laid out in RCBD with four replications. The data showed that treatment with soil application of 325.0g MOP plant-1 produced highest yield and yield parameters (average fruit weight, reduces fruit drop) followed by soil application of 175.0g MOP plant-1 + foliar sprays of KNO3@ 2.0% in the end of May, June and July with leaf N/K ratio of 2.18-2.27 over control and recommended dose of K. The later treatments also markedly improved the quality in respect of TSS/acid ratio and ascorbic acid content without influencing the juice and peel thickness. Over all, either soil application of 325.0g MOP plant-1 or soil application of 175.0g MOP plant-1 + foliar sprays of KNO3@ 2.0% in the end of May, June and July along with recommended dose of N and P is suggested to improve the productivity and fruit quality in Kinnow in sandy loam soils of south western zone in Haryana.

A harvest framework for a recovering American black bear population

AbstractHaving reproducible and transparent science‐based processes in wildlife management ensures the integrity of decision making. These processes are particularly important when establishing harvest frameworks, as guiding information in the peer‐reviewed literature is limited. We provide an example using multiple data sets, whose products guided aspects of the development of a harvest framework for a population of recolonizing American black bears (Ursus americanus) in Missouri, USA. To characterize the spatial distribution of harvest, we used 10 years (2010–2019) of black bear global positioning system (GPS) location data and 30 years (1991–2020) of sightings data to assess spatial vulnerability to harvest as the intersection among information on bear occurrence, bear sightings, and hunter land‐use tendencies (i.e., the avoidance of steep slopes, large distances from roads). We then used the spatial vulnerability assessment, information on the distribution of public and private lands, and easily discernable boundaries (i.e., major highways, rivers) to suggest boundaries for bear management zones. Additionally, to identify the timing of harvest that would limit female harvest bias, we assessed the temporal vulnerability of harvest using sex‐based changes in average daily step lengths and monthly utilization distribution sizes during fall. Black bear occurrence and sighting propensity was greater in southwestern Missouri, and potential hunter land use appeared pervasive across the landscape given the lack of landscape features that would disincentivize use. Given the influence of black bear occurrence and sighting propensity, spatial harvest vulnerability diminished from southern and southeastern to central portions of Missouri, with areas north of the Missouri River not a part of the established black bear range. We consequently divided areas south of the Missouri River into 3 black bear management zones: a small southwestern zone with primarily private lands and high harvest vulnerability, a southeastern zone that encompassed considerable public lands and moderate amounts of vulnerability, and a central zone that was composed mainly of areas of low vulnerability. Temporally, males did not exhibit movement‐based changes, but females became less active after the first week of October and used 63.9% less area through fall. Based on movements rates of males and females, a hunting season after the first week of October could reduce the likelihood of females being harvested. Harvests from the black bear harvest season in 2021 suggest that the proportion of bears harvested in each zone was similar in distribution to the proportion of permits allocated across zones with no harvest sex bias, which was aligned with agency goals. Animal movement and space use data products can guide harvest framework decision‐making.

The influence of compressive stresses on folding in the Middle Kura depression and the Turkmen shelf


 
 
 On the basis of the morphology of the folds, their three-dimensional position, the types of faults and the development of mud volcanism, the features of the spread of compres- sive stresses and their influence on the oil and gas bearing of the Kura and Gabirri interfluve, the Yevlakh-Agjabedi depression and the Godin massif were studied. For this purpose, maps of isomorphs and morphological schemes, positions of local folds on the plan of each of these structural elements were compiled. It has been established that within the depressions, the process of folding took place due to the mechanisms of longitudinal and latitudinal bending, which led to the formation of mostly linear and brachiform folds within them. The high intensity of compressive stresses with- in the Kura and Gabirri interfluve contributed to the development of mud volcanism here, and the increase in their intensity at the end of the Miocene led to the emergence of disharmony here in the structural plans between the Cretaceous-Eocene and Oligocene-Quater- nary complexes of sediments. For this purpose, the development of the Barda and Shirvanli structures located in the Yevlakh-Agjabedi depression along the section was investigated and it was determined that they had an uneven development. The Shirvanli fold, which is located in the southwestern zone of the region, had a height of 50-70 m according to the top of the Late Cretaceous. According to the top of the Paleocene, it reached a height of 150 m, and according to the top of the carbonate layer, which forms the lower part of the section of the Eocene, a fold developed and reached a height of 300 m. The Shirvanli fold, which began to form in the Eocene, developed more intensively in the Maikop age sediments. The reason for this was the high mobility of clay sediments along the section and the activation of compressive stress. The development of the Shirvanli structure in the Cretaceous proves its hereditary origin. The Barda fold, located in the northeast part of the Shirvanli fold, according to the top of the Eocene express itself as a structural terrace. It does not express itself as a structure by the bottom of Paleocene and the washed surface of the Cretaceous sediments complexes, but according to the top of the Maikop sedimentary complex, it is a local fold with a height greater than 300 m. It was determined that the thickness of Maikop sediments in the core of the Barda fold confirms that Maikop clays play a key role in the development of the fold. At the same time, the significant decrease in the thickness of the Sarmatian and Chokrak sediments in the crest part of the mentioned fold is indicative of its syn-depositional development in the same time interval. As it is clear from the morphological and developmental features of both mentioned folds , they are of diapiric origin, but due to the relatively weak development of compressive stresses, the low thickness of the sedimentary layer lying on the Maikop sediments, these folds did not have the necessary energy potential to fully realize diaprism. The latitudinal bending mechanism in the formation of these folds was relatively weak. The effusive massif in the Yevlakh-Agjabedi depression significantly limits the activity of compressional stress in this area. Compressive stresses have had their effect on the structures formed in the Oligocene-Miocene sediments on the northwestern slope of the Yevlakh-Agjabedi depression, but they were weakly expressed in the Neogene sediments due to the regional erosion that began in the second half of the Sarmatian age. It should be noted that the Barda and Shirvanli structures began their development period in the Cretaceous, and were faced with the compressive stresses in Maikop. Within the Godin massif, the morphology of the folds, their disordered three-dimensional position, testify to the absence of the influence of compressive stresses on the fold formation process.