Search Results (214)

This study introduces a novel methodology for assessing ice-jam flood hazards along river channels. It employs empirical equations that relate non-dimensional ice-jam stage to discharge, enabling the generation of an ensemble of longitudinal profiles of ice-jam backwater levels through Monte-Carlo simulations. These simulations produce non-exceedance probability profiles, which indicate the likelihood of various flood levels occurring due to ice jams. The flood levels associated with specific return periods were validated using historical gauge records. The empirical equations require input parameters such as channel width, slope, and thalweg elevation, which were obtained from bathymetric surveys. This approach is applied to assess ice-jam flood hazards by extrapolating data from a gauged reach at Fort Simpson to an ungauged reach at Jean Marie River along the Mackenzie River in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The analysis further suggests that climate change is likely to increase the severity of ice-jam flood hazards in both reaches by the end of the century. This methodology is applicable to other cold-region rivers in Canada and northern Europe, provided similar fluvial geomorphological and hydro-meteorological data are available, making it a valuable tool for ice-jam flood risk assessment in other ungauged areas. Full article

Consanguinity is the marriage of two related persons. This type of marriage is one of the main pillars when it comes to recessive hereditary diseases, birth defects, infertility, miscarriages, abortion, and infant deaths. Intermarriage continues to be a common practice in various communities in North Africa, the Middle East, and West and South Asia, as well as among migrants from Europe and North America, even though in more and more countries it has become illegal. Even if security and stability are some of the motivations for consanguineous marriage, studies show that women often suffer physical and verbal abuse from their husbands. However, because of the blood bond, tolerance for these habits is much higher. In addition, it seems that the divorce rate is much lower because separation would affect the entire state of the family. The choice of partner is significantly influenced by variables such as limited access to education and financial resources. Illiterate people coming from poor rural areas are much more likely to choose consanguineous marriage to maintain wealth in the family. The lack of medical knowledge about the negative effects of consanguinity leads to an increased rate of abortions, infant deaths, and births of children with congenital birth defects. Today, because of the process of urbanization and increased levels of knowledge, the younger generation is becoming increasingly less receptive to this particular form of marriage. In addition, as education has become more accessible to women, they have become more independent and eager to fulfill their own goals and not the wishes of the family. In conclusion, contrary to the many apparent advantages of consanguineous marriage, partners should put genetic risks first, as medical problems bring with them increased costs in the medical system and also within the family, leading to even lower economic status and consequently perpetuation of this type of marriage. Full article

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 continues to pose a major threat to animal and public health. Since its emergence, clade 2.3.4.4b has become the dominant global lineage, associated with widespread outbreaks in Europe. This study aimed to characterise the H5N1 strains detected in backyard chickens in Serbia and investigate their phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships with historical and currently circulating strains in Serbia and the broader region. Samples collected in 2024 were tested by qRT-PCR, and positive samples were propagated in MDCK cells. Whole genome sequencing of isolated virus was performed using the MinION Mk1C platform (ONT, Oxford, UK). Bayesian phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were conducted using BEAST X and SPREAD3 v.9.6. The results revealed three independent introductions of H5N1 into Serbia between 2020 and 2024. The spatiotemporal diffusion patterns confirmed both north–south and west–east viral spread from Northern and Central Europe into the Balkans. Additionally, Serbia was identified as a critical transit and divergence point in the regional transmission network, highlighting its role in the spread of H5N1 between Western and Eastern Europe. These findings underscore the importance of continued genomic surveillance in both domestic and wild bird populations to better understand and reduce HPAI spread. Full article

Fish-borne parasites encompass diverse taxonomic groups, including nematodes of the genus Eustrongylides (family Dioctophymatidae), which infect fish, fish-eating birds, and, occasionally, humans. Eustrongylides spp. are globally distributed, with E. ignotus and E. tubifex prevalent in North America, while E. excisus is more frequent in Europe and the Middle East. This study investigates the presence of E. excisus in a fish community of the Po River (Turin, northwest Italy). Among 170 fish sampled from three sites along the Po River, only two Padogobius bonelli individuals from the Murazzi site were found to be infected, each hosting a single larva within the abdominal cavity. Molecular analysis (ITS rDNA sequencing) confirmed the parasite as E. excisus, showing 100% identity with known sequences. Although prevalence in this study was low (1.18%), the findings significantly expand the known host range of E. excisus, previously reported only in other gobiid species in Eastern Europe. The parasite is widely distributed in Italy, especially in commercial fish from large lakes, and its spread is facilitated by oligochaete intermediate hosts and piscivorous birds like cormorants. Given the benthic habits and diet of P. bonelli, increased monitoring is needed to better understand the parasite’s transmission dynamics and the potential risks to native biodiversity and human health. Full article

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) is a valuable timber species native to western North America that was introduced to Europe in the 19th century. The objective of this study was to select the most valuable and stable Douglas fir provenances in Romania by combining growth and quality traits, using two indices recently used in forest tree species: the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) and the multi-trait stability index (MTSI). The study was conducted across three common garden experiments in Romania, established in 1977, evaluating 61 provenances from the United States, Canada, Germany, France, and Romania. The analyzed traits were diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (TH), and pruned height (PH). Significant genotype–environment interactions were observed, with the Douglas fir showing superior growth performance in one of the testing sites in western Romania (Aleșd). The MGIDI and MTSI identified high-performing provenances from diverse geographic origins, including the Pacific Northwest, Europe, and Canada. Selection differentials ranged from 2.8% to 10.9% for individual traits, highlighting the potential for genetic improvement. The selected provenances represent valuable genetic resources of Douglas fir that are adapted to environmental conditions in the Carpathian region, contributing to the development of climate-adaptive breeding strategies and sustainable forest management. Full article

Spring frosts were examined using 1981–2023 meteorological data from five weather stations located in areas with a significant share of agricultural crops, especially orchards. Days with frost were determined from air temperature data at 5 and 200 cm above ground level from the onset of the growing season. Atmospheric circulation conditions during frosts were analyzed using the HYSPLIT model (backward trajectory clusters) and empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs). EOFs were used to identify pressure distributions at the 850 hPa level that favor the occurrence of spring frosts. In the first half of spring, frosts were mainly associated with high-pressure systems centered over Poland and the advection of air masses from the northwest, west, and east. Meanwhile in the second part of spring, they occurred during the advection of Arctic air masses from the north and northeast. Changes in the pressure distribution and backward trajectories in the first and second parts of spring indicate a change in the thermal properties of air masses over eastern Europe with increasing day length and angle of sunlight incidence. Furthermore, a decrease in the frequency of spring frosts has been observed in the study area since the 1990s. Full article

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a group of disorders with increasing incidence in the pediatric population worldwide. There are limited data on pediatric IBD (pIBD) epidemiology in Eastern Europe and none so far from Romania. The aim of our study was to evaluate incidence rates and time trends for pIBD in the north-west region of Romania and to compare them with results from studies on the same topic published worldwide. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients under 18 years of age diagnosed with pIBD in the time frame between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2020 at the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children in Cluj-Napoca. Age-adjusted incidence rates, annual percentage change (APC), average annual percentage chance (AAPC) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for pIBD, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Temporal trends were plotted using Joinpoint regression. Results: Ninety-four patients were identified. For the entire studied period, the incidence rate for pIBD was 0.79/10⁵ (±0.74), 0.4/10⁵ for CD (±0.42) and 0.34/10⁵ for UC (±0.4). Time trends for incidence were positive, but statistical significance was found only for pIBD and CD. The APC observed for pIBD, CD and UC was 12 (95% CI: 6.5–17.7), 13.1 (95% CI: 8–18.5) and 5.67 (95% CI: 1.5–13.4), respectively. Comparison to other similar studies placed Romania among the countries with the lowest incidence of pIBD. Conclusions: Although pIBD incidence in our region appears to be low, there has been an important and significant increase in the incidence of overall pIBD and especially CD. Full article

Giant Paleogene groundbirds named Gastornis have long been known from Europe, with similar fossils from North America being placed in the genus Diatryma. A more recent discovery in China is evidence that these birds had wide geographic distribution. The name Gastornis is now generally considered to be the name that has historical precedence. Historically, Gastornis has been interpreted as being a fierce predator, but anatomical and isotopic evidence suggests that the giant birds were herbivores. Gastornithid tracks preserved in Lower Eocene fluvial sediments of the Chuckanut Formation in northwest Washington State, USA, support the herbivore interpretation. These tridactyl footprints preserve broad triangular toenails rather than talons. The Chuckanut Formation gastornithid tracks have been given the ichnotaxonomic name Rivavipes giganteus Mustoe et al. (2012). In 2024, two important new discoveries were made. These are a trackway that preserves three adult tracks, and two tracks left by a gastornithid chick.The adult bird trackway has stride and pace distances that are consistent with the short lower limb bones (tarsometatarsals) observed in Gastornis skeletal remains. The reproductive strategies of gastornithids remain enigmatic; the evidence consists of numerous egg shell fragments found at sites in France and the newly discovered Chuckanut tracks. Full article

We examined the morphological variation in the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) along south–north and west–east geographic gradients in Europe (Slovakia, Lithuania, and Estonia). Data collected over several decades (1980s–2020s) were analyzed, focusing on five traits: body mass, body length, tail length, hind foot length, and ear length, with GLM models assessing the influence of latitude, longitude, age, sex, and decade. Results revealed strong adherence to ecogeographic rules. Findings suggest that body size increased toward the north, following Bergmann’s rule, which links larger size to better heat conservation in colder climates. Conversely, appendage sizes (e.g., tail, ear) decreased, aligning with Allen’s rule to minimize heat loss. Longitudinal gradients revealed reductions in body length and appendages toward the east, potentially reflecting climatic and habitat variability. Temporal trends highlighted dynamic changes in body size, with increases in Slovakia and mixed trends in Lithuania and Estonia. Sex-based dimorphism varied by country and decade, with females often heavier and males displaying longer appendages. The findings underscore the influence of geographic and temporal factors on morphological variation, providing critical insights into the adaptability of A. agrarius. These results contribute to understanding species’ ecological plasticity and evolutionary responses. Full article

The amended European Union (EU) Renewable Energy Directive—in aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in overall energy consumption—promotes an increased demand for wood, while the EU’s updated Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation sets ambitious, binding national targets for the increase in net greenhouse gas removals that could restrict the supply of wood. Additionally, the ongoing war in Ukraine has directly affected the availability of woody biomass in Europe through the EU’s import ban on timber and timber products from Russia and Belarus. This paper provides an in-depth comparative analysis of sources and uses of woody biomass in four European regions in light of these recent climate and energy policies and geopolitical developments. The analysis indicates significantly underestimated reported removals in three of the four European regions studied. Further, projections suggest policy incoherence between current climate and energy objectives until 2030 in all four regions, as fellings increase at a faster rate than net annual increment in all four regions, decreasing the forest carbon sink and thus making it all but impossible to reach the 2030 target of the LULUCF regulation. However, between 2030 and 2040, energy-related fellings could decrease in regions north and west, while they could continue to grow in regions east and south, albeit at a lower rate. Full article

This paper presents the findings of a 12-year study on radon conducted from January 2011 to December 2022 at the Giordan Lighthouse station on the island of Gozo, Malta. Located in the Central Mediterranean, Gozo’s strategic position enables effective monitoring of air mass movements between Africa and Europe (from south to north) and between Europe and Central Asia (from west to east). Our research involves an analysis of seasonal and diurnal variations in radon levels, alongside analysis of relevant meteorological variables, clustering of air mass back trajectories, and assessment of local and remote radon production. The findings provide critical insights into the dynamics of atmospheric radon, which are significant not only for the Maltese islands, but also for enhancing our understanding of transcontinental radon transport in the Central Mediterranean, a region that has remained largely unexplored. Full article

In recent decades, meat consumption has faced growing scrutiny from an environmental, health, and animal welfare perspective. As a result, reducing meat consumption has emerged as an important strategy to mitigate its negative effects. Flexitarians, a growing group of meat reducers, have attracted attention for potentially shaping future dietary trends. This study uses a qualitative approach and draws on 15 in-depth interviews with young flexitarians in Slovenia (YFS) to identify the main facilitators and barriers to meat reduction by exploring their motivations, capabilities, and opportunities as described in the COM-B behavioral model. This study fills the gap in studies on flexitarians using the COM-B model by looking at capabilities and opportunities, not solely motives. In addition, it fills the gap in qualitative in-depth studies on all three COM-B categories, as well as a gap in studies conducted outside northwest Europe and other primarily western geographical contexts. This study highlights important findings for the central and eastern European context that industry and governments should consider when developing behavior change strategies for healthy, sustainable diets. This study shows that strong rural family ties and limited access to meat alternatives are the major barriers to meat reduction in Slovenia. The YFS preferred whole, unprocessed foods (legumes, vegetables, grains) over processed meat alternatives and reduced their meat consumption primarily for health and environmental reasons, relying on social support from peers and information from popular documentaries and social media influencers. Full article

The objective of the EU project Resilience for Dairy (R4D) is to develop and strengthen a self-sustainable Thematic Network on resilient dairy farms in 15 European countries. This article focusses on those solutions (practices and techniques) that are assessed contributing to a resilient dairy farming sector. The opinions of experts, farmers, and stakeholders were collected and scored through surveys and in a series of local workshops. Six key contributing knowledge fields are included: economic and social resilience, technical efficiency, environment, animal welfare and health, and societal perception. Assessing these knowledge fields proved to be a good predictor for measuring resilience. Only the impact fields of animal welfare and health and societal perception overlapped each other in response. This study shows differences in the choice of solutions across Europe. Experts from South and East Europe are more positive about the contribution of solutions to resilience than their colleagues from North and West Europe, except for social life items. Expert and farmer/stakeholder opinions differ regarding several of the solutions. Technical efficiency is a leading strategy. Priority topics of interest are communication with society, renewable energy production, strategic hoof trimming, early detection of diseases, monitoring fertility and health, and calf rearing. Besides resilience, attractiveness and readiness of the solutions were also assessed. Full article

Human leishmaniasis is facing important epidemiological changes in Southern Europe, driven by increased urbanization, climate changes, emerging of new animal reservoirs, shifts in human behavior and a growing population of immunocompromised and elderly individuals. In this evolving epidemiological landscape, we analyzed the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human leishmaniasis in the Tuscany region of Central Italy. Through a multicentric retrospective analysis, we collected clinical and demographic data about all cases of leishmaniasis recorded between 2018 and 2023. We observed 176 cases of human leishmaniasis, with 128 (72.7%) visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and 47 (26.7%) cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Among these, 92.2% of VL and 85.1% of CL cases were autochthonous. The cumulative incidence of autochthonous human leishmaniasis was 0.22 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018, but reached 1.81/100,000 in 2023. We identified three main areas of transmission: around the city of Florence (North-East Tuscany), around Grosseto city (South-West Tuscany) and Elba Island. Our findings confirm that the epidemiology of leishmaniasis is undergoing significant changes in Central Italy. Awareness towards this emerging health threat and surveillance strategies need to be improved in order to reliably assess the disease’s burden. Further research is needed in a “One-Health” perspective, to clarify the epidemiological dynamics at the environmental, reservoir, vector and human levels. The role of climate change and specific climatic factors affecting the epidemiological patterns of human leishmaniasis should be assessed. Further knowledge in these fields would promote targeted control and prevention strategies at regional and national levels. Full article

Understanding the spatial–temporal patterns of air pollution is crucial for mitigation strategies, a task fostered nowadays by the generation of continuous concentration maps by remote sensing technologies. We applied spatial modelling to analyze such spatial–temporal patterns in Lombardy, Italy, one of the most polluted regions in Europe. We conducted monthly spatial autocorrelation (global and local) of the daily average concentrations of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, O₃, NO₂, SO₂, and CO from 2016 to 2020, using 10 × 10 km satellite data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), aggregated on districts of approximately 100,000 population. Land-use classes were computed on identified clusters, and the significance of the differences was evaluated through the Wilcoxon rank-sum test with Bonferroni correction. The global Moran’s I autocorrelation was overall high (>0.6), indicating a strong clustering. The local autocorrelation revealed high–high clusters of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in the central urbanized zones in winter (January–December), and in the agrarian southern districts in summer and autumn (May–October). The temporal decomposition showed that values of PMs are particularly high in winter. Low–low clusters emerged in the northern districts for all the pollutants except O₃. Seasonal peaks for O₃ occurred in the summer months, with high–high clusters mostly in the hilly and mildly urban districts in the northwest. These findings elaborate the spatial patterns of air pollution concentration, providing insights for effective land-use-based pollution management strategies. Full article