Search Results (16,204)

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is experiencing higher warming rates than elsewhere, which may affect regional vegetation growth. Particularly on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau (ETP), where the topography is diverse and rich in biodiversity, it is necessary to clarify the drivers of climate and topography on vegetation cover. In this research, we selected the Shaluli Mountains (SLLM) in the ETP as the study area, monitored the spatial and temporal dynamics of the regional vegetation cover using remote sensing methods, and quantified the drivers of vegetation change using Geodetector (GD). The results showed a decreasing trend in annual precipitation (PRE) (−2.4054 mm/year) and the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) (−0.1813/year) in the SLLM. Annual maximum temperature (TMX) on the spatial and temporal scales showed an overall increasing trend, and the regional climate tended to become warmer and drier. Since 2000, fractional vegetation cover (FVC) has shown a fluctuating upward trend, with an average value of 0.6710, and FVC has spatially shown a pattern of “low in the middle and high in the surroundings”. The areas with non-significant increases (p > 0.05) and significant increases (p < 0.05) in FVC accounted for 46.03% and 5.76% of the SLLM. Altitude (q = 0.3517) and TMX (q = 0.3158) were the main drivers of FVC changes. As altitude and TMX increased, FVC showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing. The results of this study help us to clarify the influence of climate and topography on the vegetation ecosystem of the ETP and provide a scientific basis for regional biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Full article

Understanding the migratory strategies of plateau-endemic species is essential for informing effective conservation, especially under climate change. The Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis), a high-altitude specialist, has shown notable population growth in recent years. We analysed satellite tracking data from 16 individuals of a western subpopulation in the lake basin region of northern Tibet (2021–2024), focusing on migration patterns, stopover use, and habitat selection. This subpopulation exhibited short-distance (mean: 284.21 km), intra-Tibet migrations with low reliance on stopover sites. Autumn migration was shorter, more direct, higher in altitude, and slower in speed than spring migration. Juveniles used smaller, more fragmented habitats than subadults, and their spatial range expanded over time. Given these patterns, we infer that the short-distance migration strategy may reduce energetic demands and mortality risks while increasing route flexibility—characteristics that may benefit population growth. We refer to this as a low-energy, high-efficiency migration strategy, which we hypothesise could support faster population growth and enhance resilience to environmental change. We recommend prioritizing the conservation of short-distance migration corridors, such as the typical lake basin area in northern Tibet–Yarlung Tsangpo River system, which may help sustain plateau-endemic migratory populations under future climate scenarios. Full article

Background: The implementation of advanced agronomical strategies, including the use of antitranspirant, in order to mitigate the negative effects of environmental stress, particularly heat stress on plants, has become a focal area of research in the Mediterranean basin. This region is characterized by hot and dry summer that affects plant physiology. Methods: The experiment was carried out in Sicily (South Italy) on 12-year-old avocado cv. Hass grafted onto Walter Hole rootstock. Two subplots each of forty homogenous trees were selected and treated (1) with calcium carbonate (DECCO Shield^®) and (2) with water (control) at the following phenological phases: 711, 712 and 715 BBCH. The climatic parameters were recorded throughout the year. Physiological measurements (leaf transpiration, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential) were measured at 105, 131 and 168 days after full bloom. Fruit growth was monitored, and physico-chemical analyses were carried out at harvest. Results: The antitranspirant increased photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and reduced leaf transpiration (−26.1%). Fruit growth rate increased during summer, although no morphological and qualitative difference was observed at harvest. PCA highlighted the positive effect of the calcium carbonate on overall plant physiology. Conclusions: Antitranspirant foliar application reduced heat stress effects by improving physiological responses of avocado trees. Full article

Understanding the environmental drivers of radial growth in the Pinus massoniana (lamb.) is essential for improving forest productivity and carbon sequestration in subtropical ecosystems. This study used the basal area increment (BAI) as an indicator of radial growth to investigate the main factors affecting the radial growth rate of P. massoniana and the changes in BAI with these factors. A total of 58 high quality tree ring series were analyzed. Six common methods were used to comprehensively analyze the importance of nine factor variables on the BAI, including tree age, competition index, average temperature, and so on. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were developed to explore the nonlinear relationships between each selected variable and the BAI. The results revealed the following: (1) Age and Competition Index was identified as the primary driving force; (2) BAI increased with Age when tree age was below 69 years; (3) from the overall trend, the BAI of P. massoniana decreased with the increase in the Competition Index. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing management plans for P. massoniana forests. Full article

The phenomenon of arable land non-agriculturalization has become increasingly severe, posing significant threats to the security of arable land resources and ecological sustainability. This study focuses on Dachang Hui Autonomous County in Langfang City, Hebei Province, a region located at the edge of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei metropolitan cluster. In recent years, the area has undergone accelerated urbanization and industrial transfer, resulting in drastic land use changes and a pronounced contradiction between arable land protection and the expansion of construction land. The study period is 2016–2023, which covers the key period of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei synergistic development strategy and the strengthening of the national arable land protection policy, and is able to comprehensively reflect the dynamic changes of arable land non-agriculturalization under the policy and urbanization process. Multi-temporal Sentinel-2 imagery was utilized to construct a multi-dimensional feature set, and machine learning classifiers were applied to identify arable land non-agriculturalization with optimized performance. GIS-based analysis and the geographic detector model were employed to reveal the spatio-temporal dynamics and driving mechanisms. The results demonstrate that the XGBoost model, optimized using Bayesian parameter tuning, achieved the highest classification accuracy (overall accuracy = 0.94) among the four classifiers, indicating its superior suitability for identifying arable land non-agriculturalization using multi-temporal remote sensing imagery. Spatio-temporal analysis revealed that non-agriculturalization expanded rapidly between 2016 and 2020, followed by a deceleration after 2020, exhibiting a pattern of “rapid growth–slowing down–partial regression”. Further analysis using the geographic detector revealed that socioeconomic factors are the primary drivers of arable land non-agriculturalization in Dachang Hui Autonomous County, while natural factors exerted relatively weaker effects. These findings provide technical support and scientific evidence for dynamic monitoring and policy formulation regarding arable land under urbanization, offering significant theoretical and practical implications. Full article

Monitoring the height of secondary forest regrowth is essential for assessing ecosystem recovery, but current methods rely on field surveys, airborne or UAV LiDAR, and 3D reconstruction from high-resolution UAV imagery, which are often costly or limited by logistical constraints. Here, we address the challenge of scaling up canopy height monitoring by evaluating a recent deep learning model, trained on data from the Amazon and Atlantic Forests, developed to extract canopy height from RGB-NIR Planet NICFI imagery. The research questions are as follows: (i) How are canopy height estimates from the model affected by slope and orientation in natural forests, based on a large and well-balanced experimental design? (ii) How effectively does the model capture the growth trajectories of Pinus and Eucalyptus plantations over an eight-year period following planting? We find that the model closely tracks Pinus growth at the parcel scale, with predictions generally within one standard deviation of UAV-derived heights. For Eucalyptus, while growth is detected, the model consistently underestimates height, by more than 10 m in some cases, until late in the cycle when the canopy becomes less dense. In stable natural forests, the model reveals seasonal artifacts driven by topographic variables (slope × aspect × day of year), for which we propose strategies to reduce their influence. These results highlight the model’s potential as a cost-effective and scalable alternative to field-based and LiDAR methods, enabling broad-scale monitoring of forest regrowth and contributing to innovation in remote sensing for forest dynamics assessment. Full article

Introduction: Finger injuries are common in pediatric patients and typically heal well with conservative management. However, rare fracture patterns involving significant displacement and physeal injury, such as the one described in this case, require specialized surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications. Case Presentation: A 12-year-old left-hand-dominant female presented with pain, swelling, and deformity at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint following hyperextension of the left fifth digit. Initial radiographs revealed a volar displaced intra-articular fracture with physis involvement, confirmed by computed tomography (CT) imaging. Conservative management with closed reduction and splinting failed to achieve adequate alignment. Surgical intervention was performed via a dorsal approach, utilizing ORIF with K-wire fixation to restore joint congruity and ensure anatomic alignment. Outcomes: Postoperative follow-up demonstrated satisfactory healing, maintained reduction, and resolution of pain with no complications. The patient regained functional use of the digit with minimal stiffness, and the growth plate remained uninvolved during the recovery period. Discussion: This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging, early referral, and tailored surgical intervention for rare mallet fractures involving volar displacement and physeal injury. ORIF provided reliable stabilization and optimal outcomes in this complex case. Conclusions: Volar displaced Salter–Harris III fractures of the DIP joint are rare and challenging injuries in pediatric patients. This case highlights the role of ORIF in achieving successful outcomes and emphasizes the importance of precise reduction and stabilization to prevent long-term complications. Full article

As urbanization processes are no longer characterized by simple linear expansion but exhibit leaping, edge-sparse, and discontinuous features, spatiotemporally continuous impervious surface coverage data are needed to better characterize urbanization processes. This study utilized GAIA impervious surface binary data and employed spatiotemporal aggregation methods to convert thirty years of 30 m resolution data into 1 km resolution spatiotemporal impervious surface coverage data, constructing a long-term time series annual impervious surface coverage dataset for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Based on this dataset, we analyzed urban expansion processes and landscape pattern indices in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, exploring the spatiotemporal response relationships of ecological environment changes. Results revealed that the impervious surface area increased dramatically from 7579.3 km² in 1985 to 37,484.0 km² in 2020, representing a year-on-year growth of 88.5%. Urban expansion rates showed two distinct peaks: 800 km²/year around 1990 and approximately 1700 km²/year during 2010–2015. In high-density urbanized areas with impervious surfaces, the average forest area significantly increased from approximately 2500 km² to 7000 km² during 1985–2005 before rapidly declining, grassland patch fragmentation intensified, while in low-density areas, grassland area showed fluctuating decline with poor ecosystem stability. Furthermore, by incorporating natural and social factors such as Fractional Vegetation Coverage (FVC), Habitat Quality Index (HQI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), slope, and population density, we assessed the vulnerability of urbanization development in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Results showed that high vulnerability areas (EVI > 0.5) in the Beijing–Tianjin core region continue to expand, while the proportion of low vulnerability areas (EVI < 0.25) in the northern mountainous regions decreased by 4.2% in 2020 compared to 2005. This study provides scientific support for the sustainable development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration, suggesting location-specific and differentiated regulation of urbanization processes to reduce ecological risks. Full article

Pimelea is one of the highly toxic plants in Australia, particularly affecting cattle. It contains simplexin, a potent toxin that can cause Pimelea poisoning (St. George Disease) in livestock. A survey was conducted to assess the current impact of Pimelea on livestock production, pasture systems, and financial losses among agricultural producers. In addition, information was also sought about the environmental conditions that facilitate its growth and the effectiveness of existing management strategies. The survey responses were obtained from producers affected by Pimelea across nine different Local Government Areas, through three States, viz., Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. Pimelea was reported to significantly affect animal production, with 97% of producers surveyed acknowledging its detrimental effects. Among livestock, cattle were the most severely affected (94%), when compared to sheep (13%), goats (3%), and horses (3%). The presence of Pimelea was mostly observed in spring (65%) and winter (48%), although 29% of respondents indicated that it could be present all year-round under favorable rainfall conditions. Germination was associated with light to moderate rainfall (52%), while only 24% linked it to heavy rainfall. Pimelea simplex F. Muell. was the most frequently encountered species (71%), followed by Pimelea trichostachya Lindl. (26%). Infestations were reported to occur annually by 47% of producers, with 41% noting occurrences every 2 to 5 years. Financially, producers estimated average annual losses of AUD 67,000, with 50% reporting an average of 26 cattle deaths per year, reaching up to 105 deaths in severe years. Some producers were spending up to AUD 2100 per annum to manage Pimelea. While chemical and physical controls were commonly employed, integrating competitive pastures and alternative livestock, such as sheep and goats, was considered as a potential management strategy. This study reiterates the need for further research on sustainable pasture management practices to reduce Pimelea-related risks to livestock and agricultural production systems. Full article

For a long time, the explanation of the various determinants of oil price fluctuations and their impact on economic activity has been based on the supply and demand mechanism. However, with various volatile changes in the international situation in recent years, such as threats to public health and an increase in regional conflicts, special attention has been paid to the geopolitical context as an additional driver of oil price fluctuations. This study examines the relationship between oil price changes and GDP growth and other macroeconomic variables from the perspective of the vulnerability of oil-importing and oil-exporting countries to unexpected oil price shocks, driven by tense geopolitical events, in three European countries (Norway, Germany, and Poland). We apply the Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) model and orthogonalized impulse response functions, based on quarterly data, in regard to two samples: the first spans 1995Q1–2019Q4 (pre-2020 sample), with relatively gradual changes in oil prices, and the second spans 1995Q1–2024Q2 (whole sample), with sudden fluctuations in oil prices due to geopolitical developments. A key finding of this research is that vulnerability to unpredictable oil price shocks related to geopolitical tensions is higher than in regard to expected gradual changes in oil prices, both in oil-importing and oil-exporting countries. Different causality patterns and stronger responses in regard to GDP growth during the period, including in regard to tense geopolitical events in comparison to the pre-2020 sample, lead to the belief that economies are not more resilient to oil price shocks as has been suggested by some studies, which referred to periods that were not driven by geopolitical events. Our research also suggests that countries implementing policies to reduce oil dependency and promote investment in alternative energy sources are better equipped to mitigate the adverse effects of oil price shocks. Full article

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a major cause of chronic low back pain (LBP), yet the molecular mechanisms driving disc degeneration and pain remain poorly understood. This study analyzed intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue from 36 young patients (median age = 36.00 [31.00, 42.50] years) with herniated discs and LBP, alongside healthy controls, to investigate changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and neurochemical alterations. Disc degeneration was assessed using MRI (Pfirrmann grading) and histology (Sive’s criteria). Histochemical and immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate aggrecan content, calcification, and the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), substance P (SP), and S-100 protein. MRI findings included Pfirrmann grades V (30.55%), IV (61.11%), III (5.56%), and II (2.78%). Severe histological degeneration (10–12 points) was observed in three patients. Aggrecan depletion correlated with longer pain duration (r = 0.449, p = 0.031). NGF expression was significantly elevated in degenerated discs (p = 0.0287) and strongly correlated with SP (r = 0.785, p = 5.268 × 10⁻⁹). Free nerve endings were identified in 5 cases. ECM calcification, present in 36.1% of patients, was significantly associated with radiculopathy (r = 0.664, p = 0.005). The observed co-localization of NGF and SP suggests a synergistic role in pain development. These results indicate that in young individuals, aggrecan loss, neurochemical imbalance, and ECM calcification are key contributors to DDD and chronic LBP. Full article

Medium-chain fatty acid triglycerides (MCTs) possess antibacterial, antiviral, nutritional, and other biological activities and have demonstrated significant application potential in humans and terrestrial animals. In recent years, with the development of the green aquaculture industry, MCTs have been gradually applied to aquaculture animals, which can enhance growth performance, improve flesh quality, regulate lipid metabolism, boost immune activity, and modulate the intestinal flora, thereby improving the production efficiency of aquaculture. This paper elaborates in detail on the biological activities of MCTs and their applications in aquatic animals, providing a theoretical and practical basis for the application of MCTs in aquaculture. Full article

Due to small population size, Population Viability Analysis (PVA) of endangered species often pools all individuals into a single matrix to decrease variation in estimation of transition rates. These pooled populations may mask significant environmental variation among populations, affecting estimates. Using 10 years of population data (2000–2010) on the endangered plant Jacquemontia reclinata in Southeastern Florida, USA, I parameterized a stage-structured matrix model and calculated annual growth rates (lambdas)and elasticity for each year using stochastic matrix models. The metapopulation model incorporating actual dynamics of the two largest populations showed a lower occupancy rate and higher risk of extinction at an earlier time compared to a model that used the average of all natural populations. Analyses were consistent that incorporating population variation versus average dynamics in modeling J. reclinata demography results in more variation and greater extinction risk. Local variation may be due to both weather (including minimum winter temperature and total annual precipitation) and local disturbance dynamics in these urban preserves. Full article

The wind energy sector is experiencing substantial growth, with global wind turbine capacity increasing and projected to expand further in the coming years. However, rain erosion on the leading edges of turbine blades remains a significant challenge, affecting both aerodynamic efficiency and structural longevity. The associated degradation reduces annual energy production and leads to high maintenance costs due to frequent inspections and repairs. To address this issue, researchers have developed numerical models to predict blade erosion caused by water droplet impacts. This study presents a finite element analysis model in Abaqus to simulate the interaction between a single water droplet and wind turbine blade material. The novelty of this model lies in evaluating the influence of several parameters on von Mises and S33 peak stresses in the leading-edge protection, such as friction coefficient, type of contact, impact velocity, and droplet diameter. The findings provide insights into optimising LEP numerical models to simulate rain erosion as closely as possible to real-world scenarios. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lateral patellar dislocation (LPD) is a common pathology of the adolescent knee and a major predisposing factor for patellofemoral instability (PFI). The pathogenesis of PFI involves a combination of anatomical and biomechanical contributors, with increasing evidence pointing to sex-specific differences in knee morphology. Despite this, the developmental course of these parameters and their variation between sexes remain insufficiently characterized. This study aims to investigate sex-related differences in patellofemoral joint geometry among skeletally immature patients with a history of PFI, focusing on how these anatomical variations evolve with increasing knee size, as represented by femoral condylar width. Methods: A total of 315 knee MRIs from patients under 18 years with documented PFI were retrospectively analyzed. Trochlear morphology, patellar tilt, axial positioning, and sagittal alignment were assessed using established MRI-based parameters. All measurements were normalized to bicondylar width to account for individual knee size. Sex-specific comparisons were performed using independent t-tests and linear regression analysis. Results: Females exhibited significantly smaller femoral widths, shallower trochlear depth (TD), shorter tibial tubercle–posterior cruciate ligament (TTPCL) distances, and lower patellar trochlear index (PTI) values compared to males (p < 0.05). In males, increasing femoral width was associated with progressive normalization of patellar tilt and sagittal alignment parameters. In contrast, these alignment parameters in females remained largely unchanged or worsened across different femoral sizes. Additionally, patellar inclination angle and PTI were significantly influenced by knee size in males (p < 0.05), whereas no such relationship was identified in females. Conclusions: Sex-specific morphological differences in patellofemoral geometry are evident early in development and evolve distinctly with growth. These differences may contribute to the higher prevalence of PFI in females and underscore the importance of considering sex and knee size in anatomical assessments. Full article