Temporal Change

Understanding the heterogeneous behavior of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is required for the expansion of the cells without loss of their regenerative capacity. As such, it is essential to establish their lineage relationships by tracking the history of individual cells in a cell population. However, the quality of lineage relationships is often degraded because of undetected or misdetected mitotic events, which lead to missed or inaccurate mother-daughter cell relationships. In this paper, we present an automated mitosis detection method for HSCs in time-lapse phase-contrast microscopy images. Since HSCs are nonadherent, i.e., free-floating in the culture medium, the method is distinguished from the recent mitosis detection methods developed for adherent cells that are attached to the surface of a petri dish. The proposed mitosis detection method detects individual cells in each image frame and subsequently tracks them over time and in so doing identifies newly appeared cells, each of which is considered as a candidate of a newborn cell. Each candidate is then examined to determine whether it is indeed a newborn cell based on temporal change of cell sizes of potential mother and daughter cells. Our method was quantitatively evaluated with 14 HSC populations, each of which is observed for four days, resulting in a precision of 97.4% and a recall of 96.6%.

Topography exerts strong controls on vegetation vigor in mountainous regions, yet district scale assessments integrating recent NDVI trends with explicit topographic and climatic drivers remain limited in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. This study quantified spatiotemporal patterns of vegetation vigor and decline in Sindhuli district, Nepal, using MODIS MOD13Q1 NDVI time series from 2017 to 2023. Annual NDVI composites were generated, and linear regression was applied to derive pixel wise trend slopes. Topographic variables (slope, sin(aspect), cos(aspect), and solar radiation proxy) were extracted from the SRTM 90 m DEM. Climate covariates (annual rainfall from CHIRPS and mean temperature from ERA5 Land) were added. A random sample of 3,000 points was extracted for statistical modelling using ordinary least squares regression and Random Forest analysis. Spatial autocorrelation was tested using Moran's I. Maps were produced in R using the terra and ggplot2 packages. Results showed that mean NDVI across the district was 0.62 ± 0.11, with 28.4 % of the area exhibiting a negative NDVI trend indicative of vegetation decline. Solar radiation proxy emerged as the strongest predictor of both mean NDVI and NDVI trend (p < 0.001), followed by slope and annual rainfall. North and west facing slopes with high solar exposure displayed the most pronounced decline, while south facing slopes showed greater stability or slight improvement. Direct comparison between 2017 and 2023 confirmed a district wide NDVI decrease of 0.04 units. These findings demonstrate that topographic position, particularly solar radiation exposure, together with rainfall, is a primary driver of recent vegetation decline in Nepal's mid hills. Given the widespread presence of Eucalyptus plantations in Sindhuli district, the observed trends have direct implications for fuelwood productivity, rural livelihoods, and sustainable plantation management. The study provides the first district level topographic and climatic analysis of vegetation vigor in the Nepalese mid hills and offers practical recommendations for site specific plantation planning. The open source GEE and R workflow developed here can be readily adapted for monitoring other mid hill districts in the Himalaya.

The coastal zone of the Nile Delta is a promising area for energy resources and industrial activities. It also contains important wetland ecosystems. This coastal area witnessed several changes during the last century. A set of four satellite images from the multi-spectral scanner (MSS), thematic mapper (TM) and Systeme Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) sensors were utilized in order to estimate the spatio-temporal changes that occurred in the coastal zone between Damietta Nile branch and Port-Said between 1973 and 2007. Image processing applied in this study included geometric rectification; atmospheric correction; on-screen shoreline digitizing of the 1973 (MSS) and 2007 (SPOT) images for tracking the shoreline position between Damietta promontory and Port-Said; and water index approach for quantifying Manzala lagoon surface area change using 1973 (MSS), 1984 (TM) and 2003 (TM) images. Results showed that coastal erosion was severe near Damietta promontory and decreased eastward, however, accretion was observed near Port-Said. About 50% of the coastal strip was under erosion and 13% was under accretion. In addition, a remarkable decline (34.5%) of the Manzala lagoon surface area was estimated. These changes were attributed mainly to the control of the River Nile flooding and the land use change by anthropogenic activities.

The purpose of this study is to upscale nonlinearly reactive transport from the pore scale to a heterogeneous porous medium with the aid of a sufficiently large three-dimensional pore network model. We consider a porous medium that is chemically homogeneous (sorption reactivity is constant in space) but physically heterogeneous, as it has a spatially variable pore size. Our numerical experiments aim to assess whether traveling wave (TW) behavior develops and to assess how large a network is required to be to allow our conclusions. This study revealed that for this purpose the network should include more than a million pore units and that this size varies with the degree of heterogeneity. This assertion is based on temporal changes of the moments of a migrating front of nonlinearly adsorbing solute. In networks of equal sized pores, TW behavior occurs, and concentration distributions can be predicted by an analytical solution. For increasing physical heterogeneity the balance between the dispersive and adsorptive forces remains absent because the second central moment continues to grow as a function of time. The growth rate of this moment is a function of pore-scale heterogeneity.

To evaluate the patterns of tumor shape and to compare tumor volume derived from simple diameter-based ellipsoid measurement with that derived from tracing the entire tumor contour using region of interest (ROI)-based 3D volumetry with respect to the prediction outcome in cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 98 patients with cervical cancer (stage IB-IIIB). The tumor shape was classified into two categories: ellipsoid and non-ellipsoid shape. ROI-based volumetry was derived from each magnetic resonance slice on the work station. For the diameter-based surrogate &quot;ellipsoid volume,&quot; the three orthogonal diameters were measured to calculate volume as an ellipsoid. The more than half of tumor (55.1%) had a non-ellipsoid configuration. The predictions for outcome were consistent between two volume groups, with overall survival of 93.6% and 87.7% for small tumor (&lt;20 mL), 62.9% and 69.1% fo...

Abstract.  The distant starlight problem is sometimes regaded as a central question in Young-Earth cosmology. Existing relativistic proposals — most notably the white-hole geometry of Humphreys and the Carmeli-CGR framework of Hartnett — invoke structural extensions of standard general relativity to address it. This paper explores whether a hybrid framework operating entirely within standard four-dimensional general relativity, combining several moderate mechanisms rather than relying on a single extreme one, can reduce the explanatory burden imposed by the problem. The proposal integrates early compact geometry, a phase of rapid early metric expansion analogous in effect to inflationary scenarios (without committing to specific field-theoretic implementations), moderate radial proper-time gradients, mixed cosmological and gravitational redshift, and observer-local proper time. We do not claim that this framework resolves the distant starlight problem in full. We claim that the cooperative action of these mechanisms permits a partial reduction of the problem and yields a positive prediction regarding the Hubble tension. Throughout the paper, references to specific coordinate-time intervals (such as the ~10 Gyr commonly associated with cosmological reconstructions) refer to the effective intervals produced by standard reconstruction methods, not to ontological commitments concerning the actual age of the universe. The framework is offered as an exploratory proposal for further quantitative development.

Grain yield and protein maps of sorghum and wheat were collected over consecutive seasons at Jimbour (southern QLD) and at Gurley (northern NSW) to identify spatial and temporal changes in nitrogen (N) removal and N supply. The Jimbour site was cropped with ...

The field experiments were carried out by Kawasaki Geological Engineering Co. Ltd. References Kasahara, J. et al., Imaging of ultra-long term temporal change of reservoir (s) by accurate seismic sources(s) and multireceivers, in Extended abstract of "EAGE workshop on Permanent Reservoir Monitoring (PRM)", 40-44, Feb.-Mar., Trondheim, Norway, 2011. Kasahara, J. et al., Real time Imaging of CO2 storage zone by very accurate-stable-long term seismic source, Energy Precedia, 2013. Kasahara, J. et al., Observation of very larger temporal changes due to the near surface effects and importance on the time-lapse study,

We present a phenomenological effective field theory describing an ultra-light scalar field with Compton wavelength λC = 150 Mpc, coupled to matter and endowed with an anisotropic kinetic term that selects a preferred spatial direction, explicitly breaking statistical isotropy at the level of the scalar kinetic operator. The framework is formulated as a Λ+scalar model: the cosmological constant is treated as an input, while the scalar contributes subdominant dynamical effects on large scales. The framework is specified at the EFT level with a clearly stated domain of validity and two observationally bounded free parameters (μ and β), makes no claim to UV completeness, and explicitly treats its equation-of-state result as a consistency condition rather than a prediction. From the single geometric scale λC, the model makes one parameter-free prediction: harmonic excess power in the matter power spectrum at wavenumbers 2

A well known method of estimating missing estimate monthly temperature with a higher accuracy. The estimates are based on the temperature departures of stations in the same geographical regions from their standard normal. The method was successfully applied for reconstructing the missing monthly temperature records at the Meteorological 2000 where large gaps in weather observations can be seen. With the available past data, it is shown that the accuracy of estimates is ± 0.3 °C and over 90 % of the estimates are within ± 0.5 °C from the observed values. Although the method can be applied to any region having a cluster of meteorological stations, the method depends on the density of the stations in the proximity of the target station and the availability of data in the nearby stations.

Midia Harbour is located on the Black Sea coast, about 13.5 km north of the port-city of Constanta. It was designed and built to provide facilities for industrial and petrochemical adjacent activities. In marine harbour areas, the study of benthic populations under the influence of pollution sources provides data regarding the level of pollution in the area depending on the degree of degradation of the biological community; at the same time, it reveals biological data concerning the resistance of various organisms to altered environmental conditions. Taking into consideration the industrial activities in the Midia Harbour area, this study is of particular importance regarding not only pollution-tolerant benthic invertebrates but species richness in general. In order to determine the status of marine water quality inside and in the vicinity of the Midia Harbour, water and sediment samples were collected and subjected to a series of physico-chemical measurements. As a result of biological assessment 14 groups of the following macrozoobenthic groups (Bryozoa,

Many areas have experienced disproportionate increases in the number of conflicts between large carnivores and humans, and this is especially true in western North America where urban sprawl has encroached into regions that have historically contained large carnivores. Yet, globally there is a paucity of studies of temporal changes in behavioural and ecological parameters of carnivores associated with human‐induced perturbations at the same location. We capitalized on the extent to which human population growth and its coincident food stores offer a quasi‐experimental setting to test hypotheses about the impact of novel food resources. Using black bears Ursus americanus and garbage, measures of behaviour and ecology were contrasted between individuals living in urban–wildland interface (‘experimental’) and in wildland (‘control’) settings at the interface of the Sierra Nevada Range and the Great Basin Desert in the western United States. A temporal dimension was included by comparin...

Sr/Ca ratios were measured on eight species of planktonic foraminifera from a core top transect of the North Atlantic. Five of the species (Globigerinoides ruber, Globigerina bulloides, Neogloboquadrina pachyderma, Globigerinoides sacculifer, Globigerinella siphonifera) show remarkably little within-species variability in Sr/Ca (1.2 ± 0.1%). Three globorotaliid species (Globorotalia hirsuta, Globorotalia inflata, Globorotalia truncatulinoides) show somewhat greater variability (3-7%). Interspecies variations are of 10%. The variability in globorotaliid Sr/Ca is explained either by a greater temperature sensitivity than for other species or by depth-dependent dissolution. Other than this effect, the overwhelming control on foraminiferal Sr/Ca appears to be seawater Sr/Ca. In contrast, time series Sr/Ca records of four species from a North Atlantic sediment core over a glacial-interglacial cycle show very significant differences. N. pachyderma shows large-amplitude changes in Sr/Ca (9.7%), in phase with d 18 O, whereas G. ruber shows the smallest amplitude changes (2.6%) out of phase with d 18 O and most similar to model predictions for temporal changes in seawater Sr/Ca. Records of G. inflata and G. bulloides are intermediate (amplitude changes of 3.3-4.7%) and out of phase with d 18 O. The lack of coherence in the time series records between the species shows that factors in additional to changing seawater Sr/Ca must affect planktonic foraminiferal Sr/Ca.

The red fox acts as reservoir for several helminthic infections which are of interest for both public and animal health. Huge efforts have been made for the assessment of the sensitivity of coprological tests for the detection of Echinococcus multilocularis, while less attention has been paid to other helminthic species. This study aimed at assessing the performance of two copromicroscopic techniques in the detection and prevalence estimation of gastrointestinal helminths in the red fox. Helminths were isolated from the small intestines of 150 red foxes from Bolzano province, Italy, with a scraping, filtration and counting technique (SFCT) and morphologically identified. Rectal contents were collected and submitted to simple flotation (FT) and, only for Taenids, a method based on the concentration of eggs and identification with multiplex PCR (CMPCR). Using SFCT as a reference standard, we estimated the sensitivity of the copromicroscopic tests. Three species of nematodes (namely, Toxocara canis, Uncinaria stenocephala and Pterygodermatites sp.) and five species of cestodes (E. multilocularis, Taenia crassiceps, T. polycantha, Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Mesocestoides sp.) were identified with SFCT, whereas eggs referable to the same taxa were detected with fecal diagnostics, except for Pterygodermatites sp. and Mesocestoides sp. The sensitivity of FT was low for all taxa, ranging from 9.8 to 36.3%, with lower values for Taeniidae. CMPCR was confirmed to perform better for the detection of Taeniidae eggs (23.5%) and the multiplex PCR on retrieved eggs was effective in the identification of the species. A meta-analysis of literature also suggested that our results are consistent with existing data, indicating that copromicroscopy tends to underestimate the prevalence of helminthic infections. The extent of such underestimation varies with taxon, being higher at high prevalence levels, in particular for cestodes. Irregular dynamics of egg shedding, and routine deep freezing of red fox feces may explain the frequency of false negatives with copromicroscopy. Low sensitivity of copromicroscopic tests should be accounted for when estimating prevalence and when defining the correct sample size for the detection of the parasites.

Seasonal succession and population dynamics of zooplankton communities is a well-documented phenomenon in an aquatic ecosystems. In this pretext, investigations on zooplankton diversity and density along with the interactive behaviour among various groups of zooplankton was carried out for a period of one year in unexplored and aesthetically important stream flowing through the heart of city. Qualitatively, 35 taxa of zooplankton belonging to 4 different groups viz. Protozoa, Rotifera, Copepoda and Cladocera were identified. Quantitatively, Protozoa showed dominance among the four groups indicating the deteriorating status of the water-body. Well-marked seasonal interaction among these groups were also witnessed in the present investigation.

This study had three main objectives: (1) to document bird species breeding in these four marshes, (2) to determine how the marsh-breeding populations have changed since the 1986-87 study, and (3) to relate the spatial distribution of marsh-nesting species to measurable habitat variables within marshes. A total of 3522 observations of birds, representing 83 species, were recorded from April 28, 2005, to June 30, 2005. These observations were made by sampling 109 fixed observation stations five times using both visual and vocalization sampling methods. Nineteen of those species are dependent on emergent marsh habitats. The most common marsh-dependent species encountered during this study were Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris). These two species each accounted for 23-47% of the marsh-dependent guild at Constitution Marsh, Tivoli North Bay, and Stockport Marsh. Marsh Wrens were nearly absent from Iona Island Marsh (Ͻ1.0%); there, Red-winged Blackbirds accounted for more than 77% of the marsh bird community. Red-winged Blackbirds also dominated the marsh avian communities at Constitution and Stockport Marshes. Bird species diversity decreased significantly since 1986-87 at Iona Island and Constitution Marshes. Decreased diversity corresponds with an increase in the density of Red-winged Blackbirds. At Iona Island Marsh, this shift in the avian community to almost entirely Red-winged Blackbirds coincided with a shift of the plant community dominance from narrowleaf cattail (Typha angustifolia) in 1986-87 to common reed (Phragmites australis) in 2004-05. This shift was not evident at Constitution Marsh, Tivoli North Bay, or Stockport Marsh, although the number of Phragmites australis has also expanded at these sites. In addition to our survey, we found a total of 230 nests in 2005. Major findings of the bird nest searches were (1) the very low density of nests found at Iona Island Marsh (five nests total in 2004 and 2005), (2) the most common nest encountered at the other three marshes was that of the Marsh Wren (83% of total nests observed), and (3) the highest bird nest density occurred at Tivoli North Bay (65 nests ha Ϫ1 ).

We used microsatellite DNA markers to investigate the maintenance of genetic diversity within and between samples of subpopulations (spanning five captive-bred generations) of the haplochromine cichlid Prognathochromis perrieri . The subpopulations are maintained as part of the Lake Victoria Cichlid species survival plan. Changes in the frequencies of 24 alleles, over four polymorphic loci, were used to estimate effective population size ( N e ). Point estimates of N e ranged from 2.5 to 7.7 individuals and were significantly smaller than the actual census size ( N obs ) for all subpopulations (32-243 individuals per generation), with the corresponding conservative N e / N obs ratios ranging from 0.01 to 0.12. Approximately 19% of the initial alleles were lost within the first four generations of captive breeding. Between-generation comparisons of expected heterozygosity showed significant losses ranging from 6% to 12% per generation. Seven private alleles were observed in the last sampled generation of four subpopulations, and analysis of population structure by F ST indicated that approximately 33% of the total genetic diversity is maintained between the subpopulations from different institutions. To reduce the loss of genetic variation, we recommend that offspring production be equalized by periodically removing dominant males, which will encourage reproduction by additional males. Consideration should also be given to encouraging more institutions to maintain populations, because a significant fraction of the genetic variation exists as among-population differences resulting from random differentiation among subpopulations.

A highly peaked density profile was obtained in pellet-injected discharges in LHD. The peaking factor, which is the ratio of the central to volume-averaged densities, increased from around 0.8 in the gas puff fuelled phase, up to more than 2.0 after multiple pellet injection. The core density reached to several times 10 20 m -3 . Temporal changes of density profiles were measured using a CO 2 laser imaging interferometer. The change of the particle flux was estimated from temporal variations of measured density profiles. The diffusion coefficient (D) and the convection velocity (V) were then obtained from temporal traces of the relationship between the normalized density gradient and the normalized particle flux. Thus-obtained diffusion coefficients increased monotonically toward the plasma edge, while the convection velocity was inwardly directed. These observations are clearly different from those in the low collision regime, where D was spatially almost constant and V was outwardly directed. Three different regimes of particle transport were identified after the pellet injection. The first phase is characterized by a constant density peaking just after the pellet injection. In this phase, negative slopes between the normalized particle flux and the normalized density gradient were found, implying that D and V could not be determined. The second phase is at an additional density peaking, where the normalized particle flux increased with an increase in the normalized density gradient. In this phase, the core diffusion coefficient (ρ < 0.6) was reduced compared with that before the pellet injection, and an inwardly directed pinch was observed. The third phase is with the density broadening, where the normalized particle flux was reduced with a decrease in the normalized density gradient. Here, the core diffusion coefficients were further reduced, and the core pinch velocity (ρ < 0.8) became close to zero. The transition from the first (the constant peaking phase) to the second phase (the additional peaking phase) occurred almost simultaneously in the entire region of the plasma, while the transition from the second to third phase (the broadening phase) occurred from the outer region to the inner region of the plasma. The collisionality dependence of D and V at ρ = 0.4~0.7 was studied in the wide range of collisionality (ν b * = 0.3~30) from density modulation experiments and the SDC analysis. A minimum value of D was likely to exist in the plateau regime (ν b * = 1~5) together with almost zero convection velocity. This may be favourable for future high density reactor operations of the heliotron reactor.

The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) on Mars Odyssey has produced infrared to visible wavelength images of the martian surface that show lithologically distinct layers with variable thickness, implying temporal changes in the processes or environments during or after their formation. Kilometer-scale exposures of bedrockare observed; elsewhere airfall dust completely mantles the surface over thousands of square kilometers. Mars has compositional variations at 100-meter scales, for example, an exposure of olivine-rich basalt in the walls of Ganges Chasma. Thermally distinct ejecta facies occur around some craters with variations associated with crater age. Polar observations have identified temporal patches of water frost in the north polar cap. No thermal signatures associated with endogenic heat sources have been identified.

The purpose of the study was to analyse the existing procedures and policies governing airfare refunds across airlines; to identify the key challenges faced by customers during the airfare refund process, including issues related to intermediaries, and to examine customer satisfaction levels with respect to airfare refunds and associated procedures. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a quantitative research design to examine customer experiences with airline refund procedures and their impact on satisfaction. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to airline passengers, primarily in Muscat. A total of 76 responses were obtained. The instrument measured booking behaviour, refund awareness, perceived challenges, and satisfaction levels. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied to analyse relationships and test significance. Findings: The findings reveal significant procedural challenges in airline refund processes, particularly in communication, transparency, and interpretation of airline rules. Although respondents ultimately reported moderate satisfaction after receiving refunds, the process itself was perceived as complex and inefficient. The results highlight a communication gap between airlines, intermediaries, and customers, underscoring the need for clearer policy dissemination and improved coordination to enhance customer trust and overall service experience. Research Implications: This study contributes to service management and airline industry literature by identifying structural communication gaps in refund procedures. It advances understanding of how transparency, intermediary roles, and procedural fairness influence customer perceptions. The findings provide a foundation for future research on regulatory frameworks, digital refund systems, and consumer protection mechanisms within the aviation sector. Social Implications: The study emphasizes the importance of transparent and fair refund practices in safeguarding passenger rights. Improved communication and simplified procedures can reduce financial uncertainty and enhance public trust in the airline industry. Strengthening regulatory oversight and consumer awareness initiatives may contribute to more equitable service delivery and improved accountability across stakeholders. Originality / Value: This research offers empirical insights into customer experiences with airline refund processes, an area that remains underexplored compared to service disruption studies. By integrating procedural challenges, satisfaction outcomes, and intermediary involvement, the study highlights transparency as a critical determinant of customer trust. The findings provide practical value for airlines, travel intermediaries, and policymakers seeking to reform refund governance.

The lowest-known excited state in nuclei is the 7.6 eV isomer of 229Th. This energy is within the range of laser-based investigations that could allow accurate measurements of possible temporal variation of this energy splitting. This in turn could probe temporal variation of the fine-structure constant or other parameters in the nuclear Hamiltonian. We investigate the sensitivity of this transition energy to these quantities. We find that the two states are predicted to have identical deformations and thus the same Coulomb energies within the accuracy of the model (viz., within roughly 30 keV). We therefore find no enhanced sensitivity to variation of the fine-structure constant. In the case of the strong interaction the energy splitting is found to have a complicated dependence on several parameters of the interaction, which makes an accurate prediction of sensitivity to temporal changes of fundamental constants problematical. Neither the strong- nor Coulomb-interaction contributi...

Accurate measurement of intertidal sediment erodibility is essential for the development of meaningful and accurate models of sediment dynamics. Despite considerable advances in technology and methodology, the measurement of cohesive intertidal sediment erosion remains problematic. Sediment erodibility varies according to both physical and biological properties and processes. These cannot be considered in isolation, as they can interact to create both positive and negative feedbacks, resulting in seemingly idiosyncratic responses in the system. If working models of estuarine sediment dynamics are to be made, it is essential that the influence of these processes on both the measurements and the system itself be considered. Recent developments in measurement technology enable rapid measurement of sediment stability allowing temporal and spatial variability to be measured on a time scale of minutes. This paper reports temporal variability in cohesive intertidal sediment erosion threshold related to immersion and emersion, and the concomitant responses in selected sediment properties (carbohydrates, water content and chlorophyll). Erosion threshold tended to increase over emersion and decrease over immersion, although the patterns of change varied depending upon local conditions, and in one case there was no temporal trend. Temporal changes resulted in a range of measured erosion threshold, dependant upon the erosion device used. Modifications to existing methodology, in order to account for this variation, are proposed and implications for modelling erosion processes are considered.

Long-term studies on catches from 757 lakes in northeastern Poland served to analyse fishery exploitation parameters available from the records in lakes books. Yield (kg . ha -1 ), annual frequency of exploitation and relative catch (kg . ha -1. month - 1 ) were analysed in five size classes of lakes, together with the relations occurring between these parameters. Linear correlation was determined between yield versus the number of months of exploitation when the catches were made and relative catch. The latter parameter was characterised by a slightly smaller variability of real values and consequently by a higher concentration along the adjusted trend line compared to the catch per lake area unit.

The study was conducted based on data from lake management books. Pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.), was present at various time intervals in 619 lakes in northeastern Poland that covered a total area of 116.2 thousand ha. Based on the frequency of occurrence of this fish species in commercial catches, three categories of habitats were distinguished. The morphologic and morphometric parameters of these three categories of lakes were compared. For each category, the dynamics of temporal changes was characterized in the lakes in which pikeperch lived, and the trend lines of these changes were plotted. An increase in the number of habitats of this predatory fish species appeared in 1951-1965 and was directly connected with its natural migration. The range of fish stocking measures and the time when they began were determined for the three categories of lakes analyzed.

Electronic Journal of Polish Agricultural Universities is the very first Polish scientific journal published exclusively on the Internet, founded on January 1, 1998 by the following agricultural universities and higher schools of agriculture: University of Technology and Agriculture of Bydgoszcz, ...

Monitoring the extension of seagrass meadows over time is of primary importance for the surveillance of marine coastal biodiversity. Here, we analyse the evolution of the meadow of Cymodocea nodosa in the Gulf of Tigullio, a coastal tract of naturalistic interest but subjected to high anthropogenic pressure. Historical maps at a scale 1:25,000 of C. nodosa meadow drawn in 1986, 1991 and 2001 were processed with GIS (Geographical Information System), using overlay vector methods. Diachronic analyses allowed the measurements of temporal changes, in term of percentage gain or loss of meadow extension, through concordance and discordance maps. A general increase in the extension of the meadow from 1986 to 1991 was evidenced, but the disparity of mapping methods (SCUBA diving in 1986, Side Scan Sonar in 1991) in the two surveys imposes caution when interpreting this result. On the other hand, the comparison of 1991 and 2001 maps, both derived from Side Scan Sonar surveys, showed a regression of the meadow of about 60% in the northern area, and modifications in the upper and lower limits of the meadow due to the impact of coastal works. C. nodosa meadow showed the only enlargement in front of the mouth of the Entella River, due to the increase in nutrient contents for rainfall in the period 1988–1994. The overall analysis evidenced a net decrease in seagrass meadow extension, an early warning of risk for marine coastal biodiversity in the Gulf of Tigullio.

1 We analyse successional changes in local spatial structure of populations of a dominant late-successional species ( Espeletia schultzii ) in the high tropical Andes. 2 Spatial maps of plants of E. schultzii and important features of their environment were recorded at early (year 3) and middle (year 8) stages of succession after agricultural disturbance, and in non-cultivated páramo. 3 Spatial covariance functions were calculated from the maps to provide information on the changing 'plant-eye's view' of seedlings and adults during succession, and on the coupling of spatial structure to dynamics of successional communities. 4 Seedlings of E. schultzii appeared at high densities shortly after agricultural disturbance ceased. Spatial aggregation, which among seedlings was strongest in later stages of succession, was absent among adults, suggesting greater mortality within aggregations of conspecifics plays a part in regulating population dynamics. 5 Early in succession, seedlings of E. schultzii were slightly segregated from the dominant early successional species, Rumex acetosella . By year 8 of succession, R. acetosella was strongly segregated from adults of E. schultzii , but not from seedlings. This suggests that competitive exclusion caused by asymmetric competition may contribute to decline in early successional species. 6 Spatial sorting in relation to abiotic factors was most evident in the mature páramo, with E. schultzii adults occurring on steeper slopes and on less stony ground. E. schultzii adults here were also segregated from Hypericum laricifolium , the other dominant species. 7 The coupling of local spatial structure to community dynamics may have profound effects on succession. In particular, the development of interspecific segregation could contribute to the continued coexistence of early and late successional species throughout succession.

Tar-mat columns exist in many carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East. Historically, tar-mats have been thought to impede primary oil extraction, thus necessitating further improved oil recovery (IOR) technology applications. However, this research considers tar-mats as potential sources for unlocking extremely difficult crude oil, less than 5 °API. The main objective of the study was to understand the qualitative physical and chemical properties of extremely viscous tar-mat oil and the quantitative potential of tar-mats to extract difficult oil. The physical and chemical geneses of the tar-mat oil were analyzed utilizing several experimental geochemical techniques, including rock evaluation pyrolysis, liquid extracts (SARA analysis), and Pregl-Dumas (CHNSO) elemental analysis. The results showed that oil recovery increased significantly as the temperature increased, while the heavier compounds, Nitrogen, Sulfur, and Oxygen (NSO), decreased. The geochemical analysis results showed that the Kuwaiti carbonate reservoir under investigation was oilprone and capable of oil/gas production. Most of the rock samples were thermally mature and good in terms of hydrocarbon generation. Additionally, the Hydrogen to Carbon (H/C) ratio increased as the API decreased. Toluene treatment produced the greatest oil recovery pattern at all tested temperatures, while surfactant and hot water yielded less oil recovery, respectively. This research proposes a novel method for systematically characterizing and evaluating tar-mat reservoir rocks so that a greater quantity of non-conventional tar-mat oils can be added to the world market. This research also proposes a new model that can contribute to API gravity prediction for solid tar-mats.

Utilizing over 100 years of rainfall records in 15 meteorology stations, an analysis was carried out to extract the trends of annual rainfall depth in Sri Lanka over the last century. A statistically significant increasing trend of rate 3.15 mm/year was observed at Colombo and decreasing trends were observed at Nuwara Eliya and Kandy with rates of 4.87 mm/year and 2.88 mm/year respectively. Since no coherent increase or decrease of rainfall in any group of stations in the wet or dry zones was observed, the possibility of large scale change over the past century was ruled out. However, more recent data records (1949 onwards), revealed a decreasing trends in 13 of the 15 stations. Thus, traces of a temporal change seem to be apparent in the rainfall records over the last half century. In general, the downward trends in recent decades are steeper than the long term variations. For the recent data records, the largest downward trend of 11.16 mm/year was observed at Batticaloa.

The meteorological station in Jaffna (80 02&#x27;E, 9 41&#x27;N) which is the main meteorology station to maintain weather records for the northern peninsula experienced difficulties in collecting data during the period from 1984 to 2000 due to hostilities in the region. Although the weather observations were resumed in 2001, no estimates of missing observations have been reported. This paper presents a neural network approach of reconstructing a serially complete data set of monthly temperature records at the Jaffna meteorology station based ...

Temperature and rainfall fluctuations, along with soil degradation, significantly impact the rubber plantation distribution, productivity, and economic viability of farmers. This study examines the combined influence of topsoil characteristics and climate on the suitability of rubber plantations in the Badalkumbura Divisional Secretariat Division. Land Surface Temperature (LST) analysis was conducted in 2014 and 2024 to assess temperature trends, while rainfall and temperature variations from 2011-2024 were analyzed using data from the Department of Meteorology and represented graphically. Soil quality was determined through laboratory analysis of samples collected from 25 Grama Niladhari Divisions among 41 Grama Niladhari Divisions in Badalkumbura Divisional Secretariat Division, focusing on parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), moisture content (MC), and texture. Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation was used to generate soil suitability maps. Multiple regression analysis was applied to assess the relationship between climatic and soil variables and rubber plantation patterns. The LST analysis identified a notable increase in land surface temperature from 2014 to 2024. From 2011-2024, minimum temperature consistently met the requirements for rubber, yet maximum temperature occasionally exceeded 34°C, especially in Yala seasons, potentially limiting productivity than the Maha season. Rainfall conditions during some Maha seasons were favorable and corresponded with periods of increasing market prices, encouraging plantation expansion. On the basis of pH, EC, MC, and texture, while none of the GN divisions meet all four suitability parameters, many meet three and are therefore recognized as priority zones for plantation establishment. The areas of Hingurukaduwa, Dewathura, Ankada, Ethpattiya, Ranugalla, and Miyanakandura were identified as highly favorable for rubber. These optimal places fall within Badalkumbura V, particularly "Ihala Kandukaraya". In correlation, temperature, rainfall, and soil quality were found to moderately influence rubber plantation trends in Badalkumbura. Finally, this study provides valuable insights for identifying suitable plantation zones and highlights the importance of integrated climate-soil management and policy support for sustainable rubber cultivation in Badalkumbura.

Temperature and rainfall fluctuations, along with soil degradation, significantly impact the rubber plantation distribution, productivity, and economic viability of farmers. This study examines the combined influence of topsoil characteristics and climate on the suitability of rubber plantations in the Badalkumbura Divisional Secretariat Division. Land Surface Temperature (LST) analysis was conducted in 2014 and 2024 to assess temperature trends, while rainfall and temperature variations from 2011-2024 were analyzed using data from the Department of Meteorology and represented graphically. Soil quality was determined through laboratory analysis of samples collected from 25 Grama Niladhari Divisions among 41 Grama Niladhari Divisions in Badalkumbura Divisional Secretariat Division, focusing on parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), moisture content (MC), and texture. Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation was used to generate soil suitability maps. Multiple regression analysis was applied to assess the relationship between climatic and soil variables and rubber plantation patterns. The LST analysis identified a notable increase in land surface temperature from 2014 to 2024. From 2011-2024, minimum temperature consistently met the requirements for rubber, yet maximum temperature occasionally exceeded 34°C, especially in Yala seasons, potentially limiting productivity than the Maha season. Rainfall conditions during some Maha seasons were favorable and corresponded with periods of increasing market prices, encouraging plantation expansion. On the basis of pH, EC, MC, and texture, while none of the GN divisions meet all four suitability parameters, many meet three and are therefore recognized as priority zones for plantation establishment. The areas of Hingurukaduwa, Dewathura, Ankada, Ethpattiya, Ranugalla, and Miyanakandura were identified as highly favorable for rubber. These optimal places fall within Badalkumbura V, particularly "Ihala Kandukaraya". In correlation, temperature, rainfall, and soil quality were found to moderately influence rubber plantation trends in Badalkumbura. Finally, this study provides valuable insights for identifying suitable plantation zones and highlights the importance of integrated climate-soil management and policy support for sustainable rubber cultivation in Badalkumbura.

The balance of C is one of the most important balances in nature, since it determines the flow of organic matter, governs that of other bioelements (N, P, S, etc.), and controls the content of CO 2 in the atmosphere. The objective of this work was to quantify the C sequestration in a Sweet chestnut forest located in the «Sierra de Gata» Mountains (Central-Western Spain). This chestnut coppice is located in the south edge of the «Sierra de Gata» mountains (province of Cáceres, central-western Spain). Climatic characteristics are mean temperature 15 ºC and mean annual-rainfall 1,158 mm yr-1 , i. e., sub-humid Mediterranean. The soils are an association of haplic Umbrisols and Leptosols. This coppice of Castanea sativa is 25 years old, i. e., the usual rotation time. The accumulations of C in the tree biomass was 58 Mg C ha-1 yr-1 , the calculated litter decomposition-constants 0.39 yr-1 , and the aboveground annual-production 5.25 Mg C ha-1 yr-1. The accumulation of C in the Ah horizons was 143 Mg C ha-1. On calculating a global balance, inputs of C into this forest ecosystem are always greater than the C outputs, the excess being 4.7 Mg C ha-1 yr-1 .

were captured in CDC miniature light traps using CO 2 (dry ice) at six sites in the Lower Dyje River Basin (Czech Republic). Other methods of capture -sweeping from vegetation and collection of larvae and pupae from ponds -were also used for more precise diagnostics. Thirty mosquito species of six genera were confirmed. A total of 415,218 females were captured. Most frequently found were the outbreak species Aedes vexans (56.52% of all mosquitoes collected) and Ae. sticticus (16.40%). Among other flood species, Ae. rossicus (5.17%), Ae. cantans and Ae. annulipes (2.44% of all females collected), and Ae. cinereus s. l. (1.11%) were especially abundant. Females of Ae. cataphylla were captured in spring (0.31%) and Ae. intrudens was numerous only at one site. Among the other species, Culex pipiens s. l. (6.61%) and Cx. modestus (8.87%) were abundant. Anopheles maculipennis s. l. (1.01%), An. claviger (0.43%), An. plumbeus (0.08%), An. hyrcanus (0.08%), Coquillettidia richiardii (0.52%) and Culiseta annulata (0.18%) were also detected. Sparsely occurring were Ae. excrucians, Ae. flavescens, Ae. caspius and Ae. geniculatus. Captured only very sporadically were Ae. communis, Ae. leucomelas, Ae. dorsalis, Ae. rusticus, Cx. martinii, Cx. territans, Cs. morsitans and Uranotaenia unguiculata.

Measuring success of fuels management is improved by understanding rates of litter accumulation and decay in relation to disturbance events. Despite the broad ecological importance of litter, little is known about the parameters of accumulation and decay rates in Ozark forests. Previously published estimates were used to derive accumulation rates and combined litter measurements, model estimates, and fire scar history data were used to derive a decay constant (k = 0.38). We used accumulation equations to demonstrate temporal changes in litter loading. For example, after a fire event that consumes nearly 100 percent of the litter, about 50 percent of the litter accumulation equilibrium is reached within 2 years, 75 percent within 4 years, and the equilibrium (99 percent accumulation) after approximately 12 years. These results can be used to determine the appropriate prescribed burning intervals for a desired fire severity. For example, fire history data show that the percentage of trees scarred, a surrogate for fire severity, is influenced by the length of historic fire intervals (i.e., amount of litter accumulated). This information will be incorporated into regional fire risk assessments and can be used as a basic knowledge of litter dynamics for both fire management planning and forest ecosystem understanding.