Search Results (69)

Wildfires are significant and increasing hazards in the United Kingdom (UK), affecting both ecosystem integrity and public safety, particularly within many rural–urban interface locations. In moorland environments, where recreational pressure is high, human negligence often remains a major ignition source. The Peak District National Park in Central England is vulnerable to these hazards, as exemplified by the 2018 wildfire at The Roaches Nature Reserve, which was triggered by an out-of-control barbecue. Despite increasing wildfire risk due to climate change, public awareness and perceptions of wildfire impact in the UK are limited. This study used an online questionnaire survey to examine public understanding of wildfires among a non-specialist audience and how the ‘2018 Roaches wildfire’ influenced Reserve users’ perceptions of impacts, recovery, and management. Respondents demonstrated a general awareness of wildfire severity, ignition sources, and global fire geography, although familiarity with specific UK incidents varied. Perceptions of impacts were mixed, reflecting different experiences and emotional responses to the 2018 event. Ecological aspects, such as soil, biodiversity, and landscape aesthetics, were widely perceived as ‘slow to recover’, whereas recreation, safety, and health were viewed as returning to normal more quickly. A strong sense of shared responsibility for wildfire safety emerged, with participants emphasizing the need for clearer communication, improved public education, and higher levels of community involvement. These findings provide exploratory but valuable insights into public perceptions of UK wildfires, thereby informing future research pathways to strengthen fire management and preparedness. Full article

In this paper, the coordinate transformation method is applied to the Navier–Stokes equations expressed in terms of the stream function and vorticity formulation. An elliptical grid generator is used to construct an orthogonal curvilinear grid within an irregular domain of complex geometry, mapping the physical region onto a computational square domain. The developed algorithm is capable of generating both orthogonal and general curvilinear grids. The finite-difference scheme of the Navier–Stokes system in arbitrary orthogonal curvilinear coordinates is then solved numerically on this grid using the alternating direction method. Numerical simulations of the Roach problem are conducted at low Reynolds numbers and on grids of varying resolutions. The obtained results are compared with the reference studies of Napolitano and Orlandi, showing satisfactory agreement with the data reported by 16 other research groups. Overall, the proposed method enables efficient numerical simulation of laminar flows in domains with complex geometry. The developed approach provides high accuracy and stability and can be effectively used for the numerical analysis of applied fluid dynamics problems. Furthermore, the methodology described in this work may serve as a foundation for future studies focused on improving computational efficiency and expanding the applicability of curvilinear grid techniques in modern fluid dynamics. Full article

The fish liver, as the main detoxification organ, is highly susceptible to xenobiotic exposure, often resulting in various hepatopathies. The cytochrome P450 system plays a central role in xenobiotic metabolism, with cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) supplying the electrons required for CYP enzyme activity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the ecological state of a reservoir and fish health, including CYPOR levels, through hematological, bacteriological, and histological analyses. Samples of water and fish were collected from 12 littoral sites of Lake Ladoga. A total of 1360 specimens of fish from carp (Cyprinidae) and perch (Percidae) families were examined. For histological examination and CYPOR level determination, we selected 40 specimens using a blind randomization method. This sample size was sufficient for statistical analyses. Hematological smears were stained with azure eosin; bacteriological cultures were grown on multiple media; liver samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Sudan III. CYPOR levels in liver homogenates were measured by ELISA-test. Physical and hydrochemical analyses indicated a high pollution level in the littoral zones. Isolated bacterial species were non-pathogenic but exhibited broad antibiotic resistance. Hematological evaluation revealed erythrocyte vacuolization and anisocytosis. Histological analysis showed marked fatty degeneration in hepatocytes, indicating toxic damage. CYPOR concentrations ranged from 0.3–0.4 ng/mL in healthy fish to 5–6 ng/mL in exposed specimens, showing strong correlation between environmental influence and enzyme activity. These findings demonstrate the potential of CYPOR as a sensitive biomarker for biomonitoring programs. The integrated methodological approach provides a model for assessing aquatic ecosystem health and identifying zones requiring priority remediation. Full article

The sustainable management of water bodies with hydropower plants (HPPs) and protected rheophilic fish species is challenging. The key question is whether impounded rivers can still provide habitat for protected rheophilic fish species, including Natura 2000 species. We investigated hydro-morphological conditions and fish communities, focusing on the bottom-dwelling Danube longbarbel gudgeon (Romanogobio uranoscopus) and the medium-distance migrating cactus roach (Rutilus virgo) in the Brežice HPP system on the Sava River in Slovenia. Fish sampling using an electric bottom trawl in the HPP impoundment, electrofishing in the nearshore, and video surveillance in the fish pass revealed a diverse and distinctive fish community. This community reflected rheophilic conditions in the upper impoundment and fish pass, and lentic conditions in the lower impoundment. These findings provide evidence that impounded rivers, when complemented by well-designed mitigation measures, can sustain rheophilic fish species, including the Danube longbarbel gudgeon and cactus roach. Maintaining rheophilic habitat within the impoundment, combined with a functioning river-like side channel, is crucial. However, at Brežice HPP, changes in the management of the fish pass water inflow are necessary to ensure adequate and consistent hydraulic conditions and water temperatures. Applying a knowledge co-creation approach, which requires productive interaction among scientists, managers and policy makers, could help to find the best solutions for sustainable water ecosystem management. Full article

Forests play a crucial role in climate regulation through atmospheric CO₂ sequestration. However, disturbances like wildfires can severely compromise this function. This study assesses the ecological and economic consequences of a 2018 wildfire in The Roaches Nature Reserve, UK, focusing on post-fire carbon dynamics. A mixed woodland dominated by Pinus sylvestris L. and Larix decidua Mill. was evaluated via satellite imagery (remote sensing indices), dendrochronological analysis (wood cores sampling), and soil properties analyses. Remote sensing revealed areas of high fire severity and progressive vegetation decline. Tree-ring data indicated near-total mortality of L. decidua, while P. sylvestris showed greater post-fire resilience. Soil properties (e.g., soil organic carbon, biomass and microbial indices, etc.) assessed at a depth of 0–5 cm showed no significant changes. The analysis of CO₂ sequestration trends revealed a marked decline in burned areas, with post-fire sequestration reduced by approximately 70% in P. sylvestris and nearly 100% in L. decidua, in contrast to the stable patterns observed in the control stands during the same period. To estimate this important ecosystem service, we developed a novel CO₂ Sequestration Loss (CSL) index, which quantified the reduction in forest carbon uptake and underscored the impaired sequestration capacity of burned area. The decrease in CO₂ sequestration also resulted in a loss of regulating ecosystem service value, with burned areas showing a marked reduction compared to pre-fire conditions. Finally, a carbon loss of ~208 Mg ha⁻¹ was estimated in the burnt area compared to the control, mainly due to tree mortality rather than shallow soil carbon stock. Overall, our findings demonstrate that wildfire can substantially compromise the climate mitigation potential of temperate forests, highlighting the urgency of proactive management and restoration strategies. Full article

Aras Dam reservoir, a key inland fishery in northwest Iran, faces increasing socioecological threats that jeopardize sustainable resource use. To provide updated information on stock conditions under limited data availability, this study applied the catch maximum sustainable yield (CMSY⁺⁺) model using biometric measurements and catch records from 2013 to 2022. Four noncommercial species commonly harvested in the reservoir—silver bream (Blicca bjoerkna), common bream (Abramis brama), common roach (Rutilus rutilus), and freshwater bream (Carassius auratus)—were assessed. Stock status was evaluated through biomass relative to reference points (B/B_MSY) and fishing mortality (F/F_MSY). Results revealed unsustainable conditions for common bream, common roach, and freshwater bream, while silver bream remained in a healthy state. These findings suggest that maintaining current fishing levels may intensify pressure and risk stock depletion for several species. The CMSY⁺⁺ model demonstrated efficiency in providing rapid assessments in data-limited situations, offering insights for inland fishery management. To ensure sustainable fisheries in the Aras Dam reservoir, managers should implement stricter measures to control illegal fishing, reduce excessive effort, and promote recovery of depleted stocks. Full article

The presence of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) can have considerable effects on the environment and on humans. The present study examines their levels in two lakes with different trophic levels located in northwestern Poland; their concentrations were determined in water and the bottom sediments, in common reed and in the organs of pike, bream and roach. The work also evaluates Pb and Cd bioavailability in bottom sediments, their potential for biomagnification, their bioaccumulation in the food chain and risk to human consumers. Metal concentrations were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The geochemical fractions of the metals were isolated by sequential extraction. Both Pb and Cd demonstrated low bioavailability, with the carbonate fraction playing a key role in their bioconversion. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in some organs and tissue types of fish and reeds correlated with their levels in water and sediments. No biomagnification was observed between the studied fish species. Calculations based on BMDL, TWI and THQ concentrations found Pb and Cd levels in the edible parts of fish to be within permissible limits and not to pose any threat to consumer health. Full article

The ability of terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea) to protect themselves effectively from predation by birds has never been tested. They are equipped with glands producing chemical substances; moreover, some species show conspicuous coloration, which might suffice as an aposematic signal. We evaluated the palatability of isopods to birds. We tested the responses of Parus major captured in the wild (and thus possessing some experience with common native isopod species) to the following isopod species: Porcellio scaber (native, inconspicuous), Oniscus asellus (native, moderately conspicuous), Armadillo officinalis (non-native, moderately conspicuous), Armadillidium versicolor (native, conspicuous), and Armadillidium gestroi (non-native, conspicuous). We compared bird responses to isopods with reactions to the Blaptica dubia, an edible roach very similar to isopods in size and appearance. Isopods were better protected from bird attacks than roaches; however, their color pattern did not affect the level of protection. Birds were able to differentiate isopods from the roach; in experiments, where we presented isopod and roach individuals together, the birds hesitated longer in attacking and observed both prey items for a longer time. Non-native species either profited from the generalization of the protection of native isopods or from neophobia. Some isopods elicited significantly more discomfort behavior in birds, suggesting differences in the chemical protection among the tested species. Full article

Cold-water lakes in high-latitude regions are experiencing rapid changes in community structure and functioning associated with local and global stressors (e.g., climate change, hydropower and invasive species). However, the long-term ecological responses of cold-adapted top predators are relatively poorly monitored despite their high importance for structuring ecological communities and for the provisioning of ecosystem services. We studied long-term changes (2010–2021) in the population structure and trophic niche of two cold-adapted coregonid fishes in oligotrophic Lake Osensjøen, southeastern Norway. Our gillnet surveys indicated that the whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) population declines simultaneously with the increasing population density of roach (Rutilus rutilus), whereas vendace (Coregonus albula) showed more stable densities. Both whitefish and vendace became increasingly dominated by small-sized individuals following the increase in coexisting roach and perch (Perca fluviatilis) populations. Our stomach content and stable isotope data indicated a marked overlap in the trophic niches of whitefish and roach, with both species showing high among-individual variation in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values as compared to the more specialized zooplanktivorous vendace. Our study provides further evidence that the ongoing environmental changes in high-latitude lakes may induce rapid changes in community structures and lead to the population declines of cold-adapted fishes, likely associated with strong resource competition with warm-adapted cyprinid and percid fishes. Such shifts in fish community structure may, in turn, affect the benthic and pelagic food-web compartments and reduce valuable ecosystem services such as local fisheries targeting salmonids. Full article

This study aimed to determine the nutritional properties of selected edible insects as a potential future food. A total of eight species of edible insects, including the dubia roach (Blaptica dubia), super worm (Zophobas morio) larvae, locust (Locusta migratoria), silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae, house cricket (Acheta domesticus), sago palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) larvae, black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae, and grasshopper (Oxya Yezoensis) have been obtained and analyzed for their macronutrient contents. Results showed that grasshopper (68.18 g/100 g) has the highest protein content, which is comparable to conventional animal meats. This indicates that the edible insect is a valuable alternative protein and provides essential amino acids. Thus, some edible insects could serve as a source of sustainable nutrients for daily requirements and mitigating food insecurity in the future. Full article

This study retrospectively evaluates the clinical outcomes of definitive volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for high-risk or very high-risk locoregional prostate cancer patients from an Asian institution. Consecutive patients who received VMAT (76 Gy in 38 fractions) between January 2017 and June 2022 were included. Whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) (46 Gy in 23 fractions) was employed for clinically node-negative disease (cN0) and a Roach estimated risk of ≥15%, as well as simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) of 55–57.5 Gy to node-positive (cN1) disease. The primary endpoint was biochemical relapse-free survival (BRFS). Secondary endpoints included radiographic relapse-free survival (RRFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS) and prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS). A total of 209 patients were identified. After a median follow-up of 47.5 months, the 4-year actuarial BRFS, RRFS, MFS and PCSS were 85.2%, 96.8%, 96.8% and 100%, respectively. The incidence of late grade ≥ 2 genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity were 15.8% and 11.0%, respectively. No significant difference in cancer outcomes or toxicity was observed between WPRT and prostate-only radiotherapy for cN0 patients. SIB to the involved nodes did not result in increased toxicity. International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) group 5 and cN1 stage were associated with worse RRFS (p < 0.05). PSMA PET-CT compared to conventional imaging staging was associated with better BRFS in patients with ISUP grade group 5 (p = 0.039). Five-year local experience demonstrates excellent clinical outcomes. PSMA PET-CT staging for high-grade disease and tailored pelvic irradiation based on nodal risk should be considered to maximize clinical benefit. Full article

PURPOSE: We aim to compare the performance of three different radiomics models (logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM)) and clinical nomograms (Briganti, MSKCC, Yale, and Roach) for predicting lymph node involvement (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study includes 95 patients who underwent mp-MRI and radical prostatectomy for PCa with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Imaging data (intensity in T2, DWI, ADC, and PIRADS), clinical data (age and pre-MRI PSA), histological data (Gleason score, TNM staging, histological type, capsule invasion, seminal vesicle invasion, and neurovascular bundle involvement), and clinical nomograms (Yale, Roach, MSKCC, and Briganti) were collected for each patient. Manual segmentation of the index lesions was performed for each patient using an open-source program (3D SLICER). Radiomic features were extracted for each segmentation using the Pyradiomics library for each sequence (T2, DWI, and ADC). The features were then selected and used to train and test three different radiomics models (LR, RF, and SVM) independently using ChatGPT software (v 4o). The coefficient value of each feature was calculated (significant value for coefficient ≥ ±0.5). The predictive performance of the radiomics models and clinical nomograms was assessed using accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) (significant value for p ≤ 0.05). Thus, the diagnostic accuracy between the radiomics and clinical models were compared. RESULTS: This study identified 343 features per patient (330 radiomics features and 13 clinical features). The most significant features were T2_nodulofirstordervariance and T2_nodulofirstorderkurtosis. The highest predictive performance was achieved by the RF model with DWI (accuracy 86%, AUC 0.89) and ADC (accuracy 89%, AUC 0.67). Clinical nomograms demonstrated satisfactory but lower predictive performance compared to the RF model in the DWI sequences. CONCLUSIONS: Among the prediction models developed using integrated data (radiomics and semantics), RF shows slightly higher diagnostic accuracy in terms of AUC compared to clinical nomograms in PCa lymph node involvement prediction. Full article

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue, particularly in regions with low screening uptake. This study evaluates the effectiveness of self-sampling and the 7-type HPV mRNA E6/E7 test in improving cervical cancer screening outcomes among a referral population in Mexico. A cohort of 418 Mexican women aged 25 to 65, referred for colposcopy and biopsy due to abnormal cytology results (ASC-US+), participated in this study. Self-samples were analyzed using both the 14-type HPV DNA test and the 7-type HPV mRNA E6/E7 test. The study assessed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and the necessity of colposcopies to detect CIN3+ lesions. Participant acceptability of self-sampling was also evaluated through a questionnaire. The 7-type HPV mRNA E6/E7 test demonstrated equivalent sensitivity but significantly higher specificity (77.0%) and PPV for CIN3+ detection compared to the 14-type HPV DNA test (specificity: 45.8%, p < 0.001). The use of the HPV mRNA test as a triage tool reduced the number of colposcopies needed per CIN3+ case detected from 16.6 to 7.6 (p < 0.001). Self-sampling was highly accepted among participants, with the majority reporting confidence in performing the procedure, minimal discomfort, and willingness to undertake self-sampling at home. Self-sampling combined with the 7-type HPV mRNA E6/E7 testing offers a promising strategy to enhance cervical cancer screening by improving accessibility and ensuring precise diagnostics. Implementing these app roaches could lead to a significant reduction in cervical cancer morbidity and mortality, especially in underserved populations. Future research should focus on the long-term impact of integrating these methods into national screening programs and explore the cost-effectiveness of widespread implementation. Full article

Beekeepers need new treatment options for controlling small hive beetles (Aethina tumida), a devastating honey bee (Apis mellifera) pest. For many years, commercial beekeepers in the U.S. have used gel roach baits off-label as a method for treating SHBs. Herein, we evaluated the acute toxicity of active ingredients commonly found in gel roach baits, including abamectin, clothianidin, hydramethylnon, fipronil, and indoxacarb through topical and oral routes of exposure against SHBs and honey bees. Additionally, coumaphos, the active ingredient of the only registered in-hive control treatment for SHBs, was evaluated to provide a comparison to the gel roach bait active ingredients. Fipronil was the most toxic compound to SHBs topically (LD₅₀ = 0.23 ng/SHB) and through pollen (LC₅₀ = 0.06 µg/g pollen). Fipronil (LD₅₀ = 0.31 ng/honey bee) had a selectivity ratio of 1.3, suggesting that it is more toxic to SHBs than it is to honey bees, but only to a small degree. Abamectin, clothianidin, hydramethylnon, and indoxacarb had a higher toxicity to honey bees than to SHBs through topical exposure. Our results suggest that gel roach baits and their active ingredients are toxic to honey bees and pose a serious risk to colony safety if used as in-hive treatments. Full article

In this study, the concentrations of metals and trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined in the muscle tissue of adult roach and white bream at two different sites in the Belgrade section of the Danube. Twenty-six fatty acids, consisting of nine saturated FA (SFAs), seven monosaturated FA (MUFAs) and ten polysaturated FA (PUFAs), were identified. The analysis of the concentration of metals and trace elements of the roach and white bream showed species-specific differences in their bioaccumulation. Four of all elements analyzed (As, Hg, Ni and Pb) correlated significantly with the changes in FA profiles in fish from both sampling sites, with the exception of Cu, which correlated with the FA profile at the site before, and Zn, whose concentration influenced the FA profile at the site after wastewater discharges. The lower PUFA content in the fish from a site under higher environment pressure could indicate that the fish are stressed. The results suggest that changes in lipid composition may be one of the protective mechanisms of cells to cope with anthropogenic stressors. Full article