East-west Gradient Research Articles

Characterization of the unprecedented polynya events north of Greenland in 2017/2018 using remote sensing and reanalysis data

Based on an ice concentration threshold of 90%, it has been identified that two polynya events occurred in the region north of Greenland during the 2017/2018 ice season. The winter event lasted from February 20 to March 3, 2018 and the summer event persisted from August 2 to September 5, 2018. The minimum ice concentration derived from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) observations was 72% and 65% during the winter and summer events, respectively. The occurrence of both events can be related to strengthened southerly winds associated with an increased east-west zonal surface level air pressure gradient across the north Greenland due to perturbation of mid-troposphere polar vortex. The relatively warm air temperature during the 2017/2018 freezing season in comparison with previous years, together with the occurrence of the winter polynya, formed favourable pre-conditions for ice field fracturing in summer, which promoted the formation of the summer polynya. Diminished southerly winds and increased cover of new ice over the open water were the dominant factors for the disappearance of the winter polynya, whereas increased ice inflow from the north was the primary factor behind the closure of the summer polynya. Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images were found better suited than AMSR2 observations for quantification of a new ice product during the polynya event because the SAR images have high potential for mapping of different sea ice regimes with finely spatial resolution. The unprecedented polynya events north of Greenland in 2017/2018 are important from the perspective of Arctic sea ice loss because they occurred in a region that could potentially be the last “Arctic sea ice refuge” in future summers.

Distinct atmosphere-ocean coupling processes on the onset phase of Indian summer monsoon during 2017 and 2018 as revealed through SCATSAT-1 and its comparison with CFSv2

ABSTRACT Distinct atmosphere-ocean coupled processes determine the inter-annual variability in the onset processes of Indian Summer Monsoon. In this work, we have analysed the distinct characteristics of onset process during 2017 (MOK17) and 2018 (MOK18) using SCATSAT-1 observations. Two years of dedicated SCATSAT-1 analysed winds and other flux datasets are used to understand distinct-coupled processes and further compared with coupled model forecasts from National Centres for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2). Air-sea coupled mechanism during 2017 and 2018 suggests that there is a delayed response (about one pentad) of atmosphere-ocean coupling over North Indian Ocean on the monsoon onset and its propagation during 2018. It is found that the influence of cyclone Mekunu formed over Western Arabian Sea disturbed the onset vortex formed over Eastern Arabian Sea during MOK18. The presence of cyclone Mekunu results in a sudden spike of East-west Sea Surface Temperature gradient, Latent Heat Flux and wind stress over Arabian Sea during one pentad before monsoon onset over Kerala. This created an onset like situation in the next pentad, and later the conditions are not favoured for the further progress of the monsoon. It leads to a weak onset followed by a sluggish and halted northward progression of monsoon during 2018. In the absence of a cyclonic system during the onset phase of MOK17, conventional onset and its further progress took place during 2017. Further comparison of SCATSAT-1 and other analysed data sets with the CFSv2 model show that the CFSv2 model is able to capture the atmosphere-ocean coupled processes during the onset phase up to four pentads in advance during MOK17. However, due to the presence of Mekunu cyclone before the monsoon onset limited the forecast skill of CFSv2 only up to two pentads in advance during MOK18. We found that the presence of strong convective instability due to strong synoptic-scale system can influence the skill of coupled model forecast in the extended range. The new SCATSAT-1 observations provide high-quality observations that can be used to quantify the errors and identify common biases in the coupled models.

Assessing vermetid reefs as indicators of past sea levels in the Mediterranean

The endemic Mediterranean reef building vermetid gastropods Dendropoma petraeum complex (Dendropoma spp) and Vermetus triquetrus develop bio-constructions (rims) on rocky shorelines at about Mean Sea Level (MSL) and are therefore commonly used as relative sea-level (RSL) markers. In this study, we use elevations and age data of vermetid reefs to (1) re-assess the vertical uncertainties of these biological RSL indicators, and (2) evaluate the vertical growth rates along a Mediterranean east-west transect, in attempt to explain the differences found in both growth rates and uncertainties. In Israel, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and laser measurements relative to the local datum show that the reef surfaces mainly occupy the upper intertidal zone with variations in elevation from +0.51 ± 0.07 m to +0.13 ± 0.05 m along the coast. However, in specific sites the vertical uncertainty exceeds the tidal range. In some places the local vermetid species D. anguliferum and V. triquetrus appear to alternate along the vertical rim profiles. This study documents a spatial variability of vertical growth rates, ranging from ~1 mm yr−1 in Israel and Crete, to ~0.1–0.2 mm yr−1 in NW Sicily and Spain. The order of magnitude of the difference in growth rates correlates with the east-west spatial thermal gradient of Sea-Surface Temperature (SST). Preferential skeleton deposition of D. petraeum and V. triquetrus measured by growth axis δ18O analysis shows that most calcification occurs at SST above the mean annual value. These findings indicate that vermetid reefs are a site-specific RSL indicator, displaying various vertical uncertainties and inner-structure complexities. Local data on the indicative range of vermetids are required when reconstructing relative sea-level changes using fossil vermetids.

Characterisation of wet and dry summer seasons and their spatial modes of variability over Zimbabwe

In the face of a changing climate, knowledge on the characteristics of wet and dry summers and their modes of variability becomes of great importance to Zimbabwe so that proper policies and planning can be implemented to maximise the positive impacts of climate change while minimising its negative impacts. We used time series of rainfall anomaly index, empirical orthogonal function analysis and composite analysis to determine the temporal and spatial characteristics of summer rainfall in Zimbabwe between 1980 and 2013. Results indicate that there is a possible shortening in the length of the summer season, running from November to March. There were 14 anomalous summer seasons (7 dry and 7 wet) during the 33 summer seasons in the study period. Three dominant modes of variability were identified for Zimbabwean summer rainfall for the period under study: (1) an east–west gradient accounting for about 63% of the total variability, (2) a northeast–southwest oscillation accounting for about 18% of the variability and (3) a northwest–southeast oscillation accounting for about 6% of the variability. From the results, the high frequency of occurrence of above or below normal summer seasons is a major concern due to their far-reaching effects on Zimbabwe’s economic and social well-being. Circulation mechanisms influencing such characteristics should be studied and possible predictors identified for the development of short-term climate prediction models. If the forecasting of extreme events is reliable and done with sufficient lead time, the information can be utilised to mitigate the adverse effects while maximising their positive impacts. The findings of this study are important for informing economic activities in sectors such as farming, energy, mining, and tourism, which rely heavily on summer rainfall. However further studies must be carried out to identify the atmospheric and oceanic circulations which lead to such rainfall variability. Such information is critical in the development of reliable rainfall forecasts and early warning systems.
 Significance:
 
 Rainfall affects a variety of socio-economic activities, especially in Zimbabwe where rain-fed agriculture is a major contributor to the gross domestic product. Therefore, understanding spatial and temporal variations in rainfall enhances the formulation of strategies and decision-making to ensure sustainable development in the country.

Quantitative analyses of cirques on the Faroe Islands: evidence for time transgressive glacier occupation

This study presents the first analysis of ice‐free cirques on the Faroe Islands using a Geographical Information System (GIS) and the Automated Cirque Metric Extraction (ACME) tool. The length, width, area, circularity, mean aspect, mean slope, and elevation range, minimum, and maximum were calculated using ACME. Cirque distance to coastline was measured using ArcGIS. A total of 116 cirques were identified. Mean cirque length is 950 m and mean cirque width is 890 m. Average cirque area is 0.8 km2 and mean elevation is 386 m a.s.l. The modal orientation of the aspect of cirques is north‐northeast, with a vector mean of 7° and mean resultant length of 0.09. Aspect data have large dispersion, which shows evidence of cloudy ablation seasons in the past. The dispersion in aspect may also be related to the time transgressive nature of glacier occupation in these cirques. Past equilibrium‐line altitudes (ELAs) of cirque glaciers reconstructed with the minimum point method resulted in a mean palaeo‐ELA of 213 m a.s.l. Positive, linear relationships are observed between palaeo‐ELA and cirque distance to coastline. There are at least two possible interpretations of this relationship: (i) that the cirque formation is dependent on pre‐existing topography with cirques forming at the head of valleys, which occurs at higher elevations further inland, and (ii) that this relationship demonstrates the importance of access to moisture for glacier survival. A combination of both interpretations is also possible. Positive linear relationships are also observed between longitude and palaeo‐ELA indicative of palaeo‐precipitation patterns along an east–west gradient. Cirques on the Faroe Islands are smaller in length and width and present at lower elevations compared to cirques located in other regions of the world. The timing of glacial occupation in these cirques is not known, and the landforms likely formed over multiple glaciations.

Assessing progress under Health 2020 in the European Region of the World Health Organization.

BackgroundHealth 2020 is the regional health policy framework of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe. The goals of Health 2020 are to improve health and well-being, reduce health inequalities and strengthen public health. To gain insight into the Health 2020 targets needing extra attention in coming years, we assessed progress under Health 2020 in the WHO European Region.MethodsQuantitative methods were used to assess progress in 50 out of 53 Member States of the WHO European Region in 2005, 2010 and 2015. The 16 quantitative Health 2020 indicators were rescaled from 1 to 100, with 1 indicating poor performance and 100 indicating good performance. The geometric mean of all 16 rescaled indicators was taken by Health 2020 target to compose a Health 2020 index.ResultsThe Health 2020 index (2015) ranged from 82.8 in Sweden to 30.0 in Turkmenistan. A clear east-west gradient was observed in the WHO European Region, with countries in western parts performing relatively better than countries in eastern parts. Indicators with the largest increase between 2005 and 2015 were premature mortality, mortality external causes, life expectancy and infant mortality. However, all quintiles showed a decline on overweight.ConclusionsThe Health 2020 index gives a relative overview regarding the past and present performance on the Health 2020 policy framework of countries in the WHO European Region. Although improvements have been observed between 2005 and 2015, challenges remain to improve health for all in the context of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Influence of Paleolithic range contraction, admixture and long-distance dispersal on genetic gradients of modern humans in Asia.

Cavalli-Sforza and coauthors originally explored the genetic variation of modern humans throughout the world and observed an overall east-west genetic gradient in Asia. However, the specific environmental and population genetics processes causing this gradient were not formally investigated and promoted discussion in recent studies. Here we studied the influence of diverse environmental and population genetics processes on Asian genetic gradients and identified which could have produced the observed gradient. To do so, we performed extensive spatially-explicit computer simulations of genetic data under the following scenarios: (a) variable levels of admixture between Paleolithic and Neolithic populations, (b) migration through long-distance dispersal (LDD), (c) Paleolithic range contraction induced by the last glacial maximum (LGM), and (d) Neolithic range expansions from one or two geographic origins (the Fertile Crescent and the Yangzi and Yellow River Basins). Next, we estimated genetic gradients from the simulated data and we found that they were sensible to the analysed processes, especially to the range contraction induced by LGM and to the number of Neolithic expansions. Some scenarios were compatible with the observed east-west genetic gradient, such as the Paleolithic expansion with a range contraction induced by the LGM or two Neolithic range expansions from both the east and the west. In general, LDD increased the variance of genetic gradients among simulations. We interpreted the obtained gradients as a consequence of both allele surfing caused by range expansions and isolation by distance along the vast east-west geographic axis of this continent.

Obesity treatment within the Italian national healthcare system tertiary care centers: what can we learn?

The prevalence of obesity is soaring all over the world, and Italy is reaching the same pace. Similar to other countries, the Italian healthcare system counts on a three-tier model for obesity care, and each region has freedom in the implementation of guidelines. No national record is currently available to monitor the actual situation throughout the country. To provide a report of the current status on the availability of specialized public obesity care services in Italy. Regional prevalence of obesity was extrapolated from publicly available data. Data on facilities for the management of obesity were retrieved from records provided by national scientific societies. Whenever possible, data was verified through online research and direct contact. We report a north-south and east-west gradient regarding the presence of obesity focused facilities, with an inverse correlation with the regional prevalence of obesity (R = 0.25, p = 0.03). Medical-oriented centers appear homogeneous in the multidisciplinary approach, the presence of a bariatric surgery division, the availability of support materials and groups, with no major difference on follow-up frequency. Surgery-oriented centers have a more capillary territorial distribution than the medically oriented, but not enough data was retrieved to provide a thorough description of their characteristics. Obtaining a clear picture of the situation and providing consistent care across the country is a challenging task due to the decentralized organization of regions. We provide a first sketch, reporting that the model is applied unevenly, and we suggest feasible actions to improve the situation in our country and elsewhere. Level V, narrative review.

Report on the Emergence Time of a Species of Thitarodes Ghost Moth (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), Host of the Caterpillar Fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycota: Ophiocordycipitaceae) in Uttarakhand, India.

Ghost moths in the genus Thitarodes Viette, 1968, are hosts of the economically important caterpillar fungus, which is harvested in high mountain meadows across the Hengduan mountains and the Himalayas. In northwestern India, although caterpillar fungus has been collected in the state of Uttarakhand, no adults of Thitarodes species have been recorded. We report the sighting of a female pupa of Thitarodes sp. and its last-instar molt at Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, India, on 5 July 2019 and estimate that the adult emergence time in this habitat should be late July or early August. Although the habitats of caterpillar fungus in Uttarakhand are geographically closer to those in Nepal, they are climatically more similar to habitats of caterpillar fungus in Qinghai province in China. Among records at the same elevation, climatic variables are highly predictive of the emergence date of Thitarodes adults (adjusted-R2: 0.7925, F = 6.27, P = 0.03). Our result highlights the role of the Himalayan mountains as both a north-south climatic barrier and an east-west climatic gradient. We encourage local stakeholders and scientists in Uttarakhand to survey adult emergences of Thitarodes from July to mid-August.

Phylogeography of the mediterranean green seaweed Halimeda tuna (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta).

Populations of many Mediterranean marine species show a strong phylogeographic structure, but the knowledge available for native seaweeds is limited. We investigated the genetic diversity of the green alga Halimeda tuna based on two plastid markers (tufA gene and a newly developed amplicon spanning five ribosomal protein genes and intergenic spacers, the rpl2-rpl14 region). The tufA sequences showed that Mediterranean H. tuna represents a single, well-defined species. The rpl2-rpl14 results highlighted a genetic separation between western and eastern Mediterranean populations; specimens collected from widely scattered locations in the Adriatic/Ionian region shared a haplotype unique to this region, and formed a group separated from all western Mediterranean regions. Specimens from Sardinia also formed a unique haplotype. Within the western Mediterranean basin, a gradual shift in the frequency of haplotypes was apparent along a West-East gradient. Our results represent the first clear evidence of an East-West genetic cleavage in a native Mediterranean macroalga and offer an interesting perspective for further research into fine-scale seaweed population structure in the NW Mediterranean Sea.

Exploring the Combined Effect of Urbanization and Climate Variability on Urban Vegetation: A Multi-Perspective Study Based on More than 3000 Cities in China

More than 3000 cities in China were used to study the effect of urbanization and local climate variability on urban vegetation across different geographical and urbanization conditions. The national scale estimation shows that China’s urban vegetation depicts a trend of degradation from 2000 to 2015, especially in developed areas such as the Yangtze River Delta. According to the panel models, the increase of precipitation (PREC), solar radiation (SRAD), air temperature (TEMP), and specific humidity (SHUM) all enhance urban vegetation, while nighttime light intensity (NLI), population density (POPDEN), and fractal dimension (FRAC) do the opposite. The effects change along the East–West gradient; the influences of PREC and SHUM become greater, while those of TEMP, SRAD, NLI, AREA, and FRAC become smaller. PREC, SHUM, and SRAD play the most important roles in Northeast, Central, and North China, respectively. The role of FRAC and NLI in East China is much greater than in other regions. POPDEN remains influential across all altitudes, while FRAC affects only low-altitude cities. NLI plays a greater role in larger cities, while FRAC and POPDEN are the opposite. In cities outside of the five major urban agglomerations, PREC has a great influence while the key factors are more diversified inside.

Spatial-temporal dynamics of hunter effort for wild turkeys in Michigan.

Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo; hereafter turkeys) are an important game animal whose popularity among hunters has increased in recent decades. Yet, the number of hunters pursuing turkeys appears to be in flux, patterns of hunter abundance have primarily been described at broad spatial scales, and the ability of management to impact hunter numbers in the post-restoration era of management through opportunity for quality hunting is unclear. We used county-scale estimates of turkey hunter numbers collected over a 14-year period (2001–2014) and time-series analyses to evaluate the spatial scales at which spring and fall turkey hunter populations fluctuate, and also used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate whether attributes related to quality turkey hunting explain recent patterns in hunter abundance. We found heterogeneity in turkey hunter population growth at finer spatial scales than has been previously described (i.e., counties and management units), and provide evidence for spatial structuring of hunter population dynamics among counties that did not always correspond with existing management units. Specifically, the directionality of hunter population change displays spatial structure along an east-west gradient in southern Michigan. We also found little evidence that factors providing opportunity for quality turkey hunting had meaningful impacts on recent spatial-temporal patterns of hunter numbers. Our results imply that providing quality turkey hunting opportunities alone may be insufficient for sustaining populations of turkey hunters in the future, and that modern determinants of hunter participation extend beyond the availability of abundant turkey populations. Moreover, our results demonstrate that interpretation of harvest data as indices of abundance for turkey populations is difficult in the absence of hunter effort data, as changes to turkey harvest are a function of potentially fine-scaled changes in populations of hunters, not simply changes to turkey populations.

Do smoking, nutrition, alcohol use, and physical activity vary between regions in Germany? - results of a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies on lifestyle risk factors mainly focused on age- or gender-specific differences. However, lifestyle risk factors also vary across regions. Aim of the present study was to examine the extent to which prevalence rates of SNAP (smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, physical activity) vary between East and West Germany or North and South Germany.MethodsData came from the population-representative 2015 Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse (ESA) comprising 9204 subjects aged 18 to 64 years. To assess an east-west or south-north gradient, two binary logistic regression models were carried out for each SNAP factor.ResultsThe logistic regression models revealed statistically significant differences with higher rates of at-risk alcohol consumption and lower rates of unhealthy nutrition in East Germany compared to West Germany. Significant differences between North and South Germany were found for at-risk alcohol consumption with higher rates of at-risk alcohol consumption in South Germany. Daily smoking and low physical activity were equally distributed across regions.ConclusionsThe implementation of measures reducing at-risk alcohol consumption in Germany should take the identified east-west and south-north gradient into account. Since the prevalence of unhealthy nutrition was generally high, prevention and intervention measures should focus on Germany as a whole instead of specific regions.

Multifractal and multiscale entropy scaling of in-situ soil moisture time series: Study of SMOSMANIA network data, southwestern France

Soil moisture processes exhibit a strong variability in space and time due to the variability of the meteorological forcing and the spatial heterogeneity of soil properties. This study aims at providing a statistical description of soil moisture variability by analyzing data from nine in situ stations located over an West-East gradient in southwestern France (SMOSMANIA stations, distributed over an area of about 300 × 200 km). For each station, four time series of soil moisture observed at four different depths ranging from 5 cm to 30 cm are analyzed. First, possible scaling properties are investigated within the Fourier domain with the help of spectral analysis tools. Red noise-like (1/f2) scaling properties could be noticed over a fairly wide scale range (1000 h–1 h) with relatively homogeneous scaling parameters for 5 cm depth soil moistures regardless of the station. These properties are confirmed at other depths with slightly steeper spectra and more heterogeneity across stations. In a second step, multifractal analysis has been carried out on the same data. Multifractal scaling is observed over a narrower scaling range (128 h–1 h). Moment scaling functions can be parameterized within the framework of Universal Multifractals: typical parameters are C1≈0.25 and α ≈ 1.6–1.8 for surface data while both parameters are subject to strong changes (C1 increases and α decreases) as the depth increases. In a third step, Multiscale Entropy (MSE) analysis has been applied in order to analyze the dataset from an information theory point of view and to infer whether multifractal properties could have a signature on MSE estimates. The MSE function has been found to follow a power law of the aggregation time with a scaling exponent close to 0.3–0.4 for surface data. These exponents were generally close to the Hurst exponent H estimated by first-order structure functions. While it is already known that MSE should follow scaling properties in the case of monofractal signals, the results suggest that the latter property holds for natural multifractal processes. Finally, complementary numerical tests based on synthetic multifractal time series are done in order to assess the relationship between the MSE scaling exponent H′ and multifractal parameters C1, α and H. A dependency on the three multifractal parameters has been observed, yet in practice the approximation H′ ≈ H seems somewhat acceptable for processes with relatively large Hurst exponents and/or low multifractal intermittency (C1). On a more broad perspective, the existence of relationships between multifractal scaling and MSE properties could help to refine the physical interpretation of observed scaling properties in many geophysical processes.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Incidence and Prevalence Across Europe.

Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is often one of the most devastating and debilitating chronic gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. The main objectives here were to systematically review the incidence and prevalence of paediatric IBD across all 51 European states. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis based on PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, searches of reference lists, grey literature and websites, covering the period from 1970 to 2018. Incidence rates for both paediatric Crohn's disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] were higher in northern Europe than in other European regions. There have been large increases in the incidence of both paediatric CD and UC over the last 50 years, which appear widespread across Europe. The largest increases for CD have been reported from Sweden, Wales, England, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Hungary, and for UC from the Czech Republic, Ireland, Sweden and Hungary. Incidence rates for paediatric CD have increased up to 9 or 10 per 100 000 population in parts of Europe, including Scandinavia, while rates for paediatric UC are often slightly lower than for CD. Prevalence reported for CD ranged from 8.2 per 100 000 to approximately 60 and, for UC, from 8.3 to approximately 30. The incidence of paediatric IBD continues to increase throughout Europe. There is stronger evidence of a north-south than an east-west gradient in incidence across Europe. Further prospective studies are needed, preferably multinational and based on IBD registries, using standardized definitions, methodology and timescales.

Geographic variations in hip fracture incidence in a high-risk country stretching into the Arctic: a NOREPOS study

SummaryThere are geographic variations in hip fracture incidence rates across Norway, with a lower incidence in the coastal areas of the southwest and in the Arctic north, contrary to what may be expected with regard to vitamin D exposure from sunlight. The regional differences have become smaller in recent years.IntroductionTo investigate geographic variation in hip fracture incidence within Norway and regional differences in time trends.MethodsAll hip fractures treated in Norwegian hospitals 2002–2013 were included, and demographic information was obtained from Statistics Norway. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated separately for 19 counties. Incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals for county differences and time trends were estimated using Poisson regression.ResultsAge-standardized number of hip fractures per 10,000 person-years varied between counties from 69 to 84 in women and from 34 to 41 in men. The highest rates were observed in the southeastern capital city of Oslo, while rates were low in the four northernmost counties. There was an east-west gradient, with lower incidence in the coastal southwest compared with the southeast. Women showed a statistically significant decline during 2002–2013 in almost all counties (up to 31%). In men, only a few counties showed a decline. In both genders, hip fracture rates at age 80 in the combined five counties with the highest rates were significantly higher than in the combined five counties with the lowest rates across the period, although the trends converged over time.ConclusionsIn Norway, the hip fracture incidence was lower in the north compared with the south. In addition, we observed an east-west gradient with the highest incidence in the southeast and lower incidence in the coastal southwest. While there has been an overall declining trend in hip fracture incidence over time, regional differences are still apparent.

Coastal geomorphic chronosequences across broad spatiotemporal scales. Metrical observations from the Cape Verde hotspot

AbstractThe study of the coastal landscapes of hotspot oceanic islands through comprehensive structural metrics and ecological estimators represents an opportunity to explore geomorphological transformations and broad spatiotemporal scale features of coastal evolution. As part of this approach, a new metrical comparative analysis is presented in this study, comprising four islands in different evolutionary stages. They belong to the Cape Verde archipelago, which forms a double insular chain in which an east–west gradient in age and evolution is particularly evident across the southern chain. A space‐for‐time (SFT) substitution approach is applied to the coasts of (1) Fogo, in the shield stage; (2) Santiago, in the early post‐erosional stage; (3) São Vicente, in the advanced post‐erosional stage; and (4) Boa Vista, in the last erosional stage. From the obtained spatial distributions and frequencies of landforms, the coastal landscapes of these islands are compared in relation to their (i) geomorphic composition, using similarity indices (Whittaker, βw, Sorensen, Cs) and nestedness estimators (NOFD, WNODF), (ii) geomorphic abundance, using morpho‐assembling densities (Dgm), and (iii) geomorphic diversity, using six alpha‐diversity indices (Richness, S, Menhinick, DMN, Simpson, D, Shannon, H', Berger‐Parker, d, and Brillouin, HB). An advanced geomorphological taxonomy is implemented for areas with limited open‐access data, including a set of planform features captured through scale‐frequency decomposition. Photographic, cartographic and fieldwork data are used for landform identification at 1200 random sampling points, empirically determined by a bootstrap method. The results show a chronological ordering of the compared variables and a possible co‐evolution towards an increase in organizational geomorphic complexity of coastal systems at broad space‐timescales. The method proposed in this study can contribute, from a metrical perspective, to finding new long‐term evolutionary features and constitutes an advance in the development of an integrated model of coastal evolution in oceanic islands. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Genetic structure of Italian population of the grapevine downy mildew agent, Plasmopara viticola

AbstractDowny mildew, caused by the Oomycete Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most important diseases affecting the Eurasian grapevine, Vitis vinifera. The pathogen originated in Northern America and its presence was signalled for the first time into Europe in 1878. In this study, the genetic variability and structure of Italian P. viticola population was investigated by genotyping 106 P. viticola strains belonging to 12 different regions, at 31 microsatellite markers. As a result of the high percentage of missing data, 96 strains and 19 loci were retained for the data analysis. The overall Italian population presents absence of clones, evidence of sexual and asexual reproduction and a low genetic diversity, as expected for an introduced pathogen, but a slightly higher genetic diversity than that found in other European populations, based on allelic diversity at the investigated microsatellite loci. Out of 19 loci, half shows deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and, indeed, structure analysis indicates the presence of two separate genetic clusters, with little but significantly different distribution according to geography (west–east gradient) and climatic conditions. Overall, the analysis of the P. viticola population, 140 years after its appearance in Italy, provides indication on the pathogen adaptability. This should be taken into consideration in the future for preserving the durability of disease resistant varieties in open field. In this view, all the disease control methods available should be integrated in order to reduce the selection of pathogen strains able to overcome plant resistance.

Resonance Effect in Interaction Between South Asian Summer Monsoon and ENSO During 1958–2018

The study has shown that the shear component of the vertical integrated kinetic energy (Ks) over the box (40oE-100oE, 0-20oN) can be used to measure the intensity of the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM). Based on its value averaged between June and August, the SASM can be divided into strong and weak monsoon episodes. Between 1958 and 2018, there existed 16 (16) strong (weak) monsoon episodes. Based on the calendar year, the relationship between the SASM and ENSO episodes can be grouped into six patterns: weak monsoon - El Nino (WM-EN), normal monsoon - El Nino (NM-EN), weak monsoon - non ENSO (WM-NE), strong monsoon - La Nina (SM-LN), normal monsoon - La Nina (NM-LN) and strong monsoon - non ENSO (SM-NE). Previous studies suggest that the WM-EN and SM-LN patterns reflect the correlated relationship between the SASM and El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Therefore, we name these two strongly coupled categories WM-EN and SM-LN as the resonance effect. Two important circulations, i.e., Walker circulation (WC) and zonal Asian monsoon circulation (MC), in the vertical plane are found to be not always correlated. The MC is controlled by thermal gradients between the Asian landmass and the tropical Indian Ocean, while the WC associated with ENSO events is primarily the east-west thermal gradient between the tropical South Pacific and the tropical Indian Ocean. Furthermore, the gradient directions caused by different surface thermal conditions are different. The main factor for the resonance effect is the phenomenon that the symbols of SSTA in the tropical Indian Ocean and the equatorial eastern Pacific are the same, but are opposite to that of the SSTA near the maritime continent.

Perception of population ageing and age discrimination across EU countries

Population ageing is the most dominant demographic challenge that the European Union is experiencing in the 21st century. This may create negative attitudes and lead to discrimination against persons of advanced age. Age-related stereotypes and prejudice can result in age discrimination, termed ageism. This research concerns the question of perceived ageism towards older people in 25 EU countries, surveyed in 2015 using the Special Eurobarometer 437. The analytical section includes descriptive findings and the results of three multi-level regression models addressing three domains (explained variables) of perceived ageism: 1) discrimination in general, 2) discrimination during economic crisis, and 3) discrimination when electing an older person as a high official. The two-level regression allowed simultaneous modelling of individual-level (gender, age, partnership status, social class, and life satisfaction) and of country-level (life expectancy at 55, perceived start of old age, and HDI) effects. The personal characteristics impacted much stronger perceived ageism than country contexts. Ageist perception in general has mostly been noted at pre-retirement age, but the age profile has not been the same across three regression models. The East-West gradient, frequently reported, is questioned because the geographical picture of perceived ageism is rather puzzling.