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Long-term changes in the physical properties of the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) were examined based on observational data collected during the spring and autumn seasons from 1996 to 2022. Recent observations on the physical properties of seawater in the Yellow Sea (YS) in spring and autumn showed that temperature increased and salinity decreased over 2021–2022 compared to 1996. Owing to the variation in the distribution of the physical properties of seawater, the volume of the YSCWM decreased approximately 17% in spring and 50% in autumn during 2021–2022 compared to that in 1996 in the study area. In particular, a clear increase in temperature was observed in the distribution area of the YSCWM, and similar changes in physical properties were observed in both spring and autumn. These changes in the characteristics of the YSCWM are consistent with long-term trend changes in the bottom waters of the YS. In the eastern YS region, the bottom water showed a long-term trend of increasing temperature and decreasing salinity in spring and autumn with similar interannual variability. This temperature variability of the bottom water in the YS was closely related to the variability of the winter Artic Oscillation index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed ground vegetation in 250 plots in 2018 in the old‐growth Picea abies‐dominated forest Säby Västerskog, south‐east Sweden as a follow‐up of studies in 1946 and 1998 with the same layout of plots. The vegetation changes were not clearly directional: the species composition in 2018 was intermediate between that of 1946 and 1998, whereas in 1998 species richness was higher and with the unique presence of a number of species indicating small‐scale disturbances. Vaccinium myrtillus increased in cover since 1946 and Avenella flexuosa decreased. This goes against regional trends that have been attributed to nitrogen deposition. Regional changes are overshadowed by local dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the implementation of stringent pollution control measures, surface ozone (O3) pollution remains a significant issue in the North China Plain (NCP) in recent years. Here we examined long-term changes in surface O3 concentrations during 2015–2021 in the NCP. The mean summer maximum daily 8-hour average ozone concentration exhibited an annual increase of 12.77 µg m− 3 (p < 0.01) from 2015 to 2019, followed by a decline from 174 µg m− 3 in 2019 to 157 µg m− 3 in 2021. Subsequently, satellite-based formaldehyde (HCHO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) columns were used to track volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions to evaluate the causes of O3 changes. Results showed that the increase of HCHO column and the sharp decline of NO2 column have indeed led to no decrease in O3 concentration and even contributed to O3 enhancement in most areas in 2015–2019. However, the sharp decline of HCHO and NO2 columns contributed to the decline of O3 concentration since 2020. The HCHO/NO2 values showed a transitional regime ranging from 4.23 to 5.05 and the O3 sensitivities were predominantly VOC-limited and transitional regimes in 2019–2021, varying among different mega-city clusters. The HCHO/NO2 increased from 2.62 ± 2.41 in 2015 to 2.99 ± 3.49 in 2019 but decreased since then, facilitating O3 formation regime transition from NOx-limited to transitional (or from transitional to VOC-limited) regimes, which contributed to the decline in O3 levels. The study determined that the optimal ratio of HCHO to NO2 for reducing O3 concentration is 4.66 for the NCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shallow Vrana Lake in Dalmatia, Croatia, is directly connected to the Adriatic Sea by the Prosika canal (0.85 km), constructed in the eighteenth century. The aim of this research was to examine the impacts of salinization on long-term changes in littoral macro-crustacean (Malacostraca) populations and assemblages in Vrana Lake and connecting canals. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled at seven sites during the period 2011–2020 (14 months) using a hand net (25 × 25 cm, 500 µm). During the study period, saltwater intrusions (strongest in 2012) through the Prosika Canal and site V4 caused increased salinization, resulting in a shift from normal oligohaline (0.5–5 PSU) to mesohaline (5–18 PSU) salinity. Out of a total of 18 macro-crustacean taxa identified, five widespread species—amphipods Echinogammarus stocki and Gammarus aequicauda, isopods Lekanesphaera hookeri and Proasellus coxalis, and decapod Palaemon antennarius constituted 91.6% of collected specimens (26,986). The first three brackish/marine species were significantly positively correlated with the average salinity 12 and 24 months before sampling. They disappeared or had very low abundance during the second low salinity phase (< 1–2 PSU), when freshwater/oligohaline P. coxalis and P. antennarius were the dominant macro-crustaceans. Two years of low salinity were needed for a strong population decline or disappearance of three brackish/marine species. Salinization is a major stressor in the Vrana Lake basin, and measures for its active control are urgently needed. The use of tested macro-crustacean metrics is recommended for future ecological monitoring as it could provide fast information about the effects of water management on aquatic biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic heat emissions, which are quantified as anthropogenic heat flux (AHF), have attracted significant attention due to their pronounced impacts on urban thermal environments and local climates. However, there remains a notable gap in research regarding the distinctions in the distribution of anthropogenic heat emissions (AHEs) along urban–rural gradients. To address this gap, the present study introduces a new concept—the anthropogenic urban heat island (ArUHI)—where the AHF within urban areas is higher than that in background areas. To quantitatively describe the magnitude and spatial extent of the ArUHI effect, two metrics—namely, ArUHI intensity (ArUHII) and ArUHI footprint (ArUHIFP)—are introduced. We conducted a comprehensive study across 208 cities in China to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of AHF variations along urban–rural gradients during the period of 2000–2016. In addition, we explored how the complex interactions between land cover and building form components affect changes in the AHF along urban–rural gradients. Additionally, we analyzed how economic zones and city sizes alter the ArUHI intensity and ArUHI footprint. The results showed that 97% (201/208) of Chinese cities exhibited a significant ArUHI effect from 2000 to 2016. The modeled ArUHI intensity value exhibited a substantial increase of nearly fivefold, increasing from 5.55 ± 0.19 W/m2 to 26.84 ± 0.99 W/m2 over time. Regarding the spatial distribution of the ArUHI footprint, the analysis revealed that, for the majority of cities (86% or 179 out of 208), the ArUHI footprint ranged from 1.5 to 5.5 times that in urban areas. City sizes and economic zones yielded significant influences on the ArUHI intensity and ArUHI footprint values. Building forms were significantly positively correlated with AHF, with R2 values higher than 0.94. This study contributes to the understanding of ArUHI effects and their driving factors in China, providing valuable insights for urban climate studies and enhancing our understanding of surface urban heat island mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban green space (UGS) is a fundamental infrastructure in modern urban settings, crucial for regulating the urban climate and improving public health. Accessibility to UGS represents a significant environmental justice issue, influencing the sustainable development of local communities. In this work, we comprehensively evaluated the temporal dynamics of UGS accessibility and the disparity in exposure for all 31 metropolitan divisions in the United States from 2013 to 2022. Our findings indicate that there have been no significant changes in both population-weighted UGS exposure and within-city inequality of UGS exposure for all racial/ethnic groups across the study period. Furthermore, a consistent racial/ethnic disparity in UGS exposure was noted throughout the study period, with the White group tending to have higher-than-average UGS accessibility, and all other racial/ethnic groups, including Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander, experiencing lower-than-average UGS accessibility. These findings underscore the urgency for urban planning and policy-making strategies to address these inequities, promoting healthy and sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the trophic and demographic dynamics of apex predators is of paramount importance for ecosystem conservation. Apex predators are usually free from predation, and thus, the main driver of population dynamics is the availability of trophic resources, which affects breeding performance. Albeit food habits have been described in many apex species, the effects of changes in the trophic niche on long‐term demographic dynamics are poorly known. We describe the long‐term (N = 25 years) changes in trophic niche breadth of a recovering golden eagle population in a Mediterranean landscape (northern Spain) and search for potential correlates with their productivity (i.e., number of fledged eaglets per controlled pair) as a proxy for their breeding performance (N = 290 pair‐years). We identified a total of 3475 prey items from 77 species; rabbits, hares, and red‐legged partridges were the most frequent prey consumed (overall 51%), followed by roe deer (10%), red‐billed chough, red foxes, and woodpigeons, all of them with >5%. Prey diversity in eagles' diet decreased during the study period. Consumption of rabbits and roe deer increased, while that of hares and partridges decreased; no significant trends were observed in the consumption of foxes, choughs, and woodpigeons. Prey diversity and red‐legged partridge consumption were negatively correlated with productivity at the territory level, while rabbits, corvids, and pigeons showed a strong positive relationship with productivity. The size of the territory showed the strongest positive relationship with productivity, while roughness was negatively correlated. Rabbits and ungulates showed negative and positive correlations with roughness, respectively, while predator consumption exhibited a negative relationship with the size of the territory. Our findings give insights into the potential trophic mechanisms driving the dynamics of recovering apex predator populations; a reduction in the trophic niche breadth toward specific groups of prey, which could be due to a higher availability and individual specificity toward these prey species, might enhance productivity at the territory level and, ultimately, influence population dynamics facilitating the recovery process. The remarkable increase in the consumption of wild ungulates, predators, and other apex consumers suggests that the current population recovery and reduced trophic niche breadth may facilitate this eagle population to exhibit its apex role and contribute to ecosystem functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analysed three wetlands located in eastern Poland which have been subjected to varying levels of anthropogenic pressure, and conservation measures over the years (Bagno Bubnów, Krowie Bagno and Ostoja Poleska). They are the remnants of the primaeval wetlands, of Western Polesie. The objectives of this study were to: analyse the long-term changes in the frequency of occurrence of plant communities and rare plant and bird species from 1950 to 1970 (before protective measures were implemented) to 2000–2020 (when protection was in place); assess the changes of the climatic and edaphic habitat conditions during the half-century of transformation processes, using ecological indicators; and indicate the least and most transformed among the analysed areas. The wetlands of western Polesie constitute a sanctuary of great habitat and species diversity. The degree of deformation and the forms of protective activities significantly influenced the biodiversity of the analysed sites. The greatest changes in the occurrence of the plant communities and rare plant species during the half-century took place in Krowie Bagno, while the smallest in Bagno Bubnów. In all areas, the fertility of habitats increased and their humidity decreased. The downward trend is most pronounced in the declining bird populations observed across the studied areas. Strong anthropopressure (drainage) and late protection (Krowie Bagno) contributed to lower biodiversity. Our results confirm that low anthropogenic pressure and early protective measures mean an increase in the diversity of plant species and communities. Preserving the biodiversity of these naturally priceless areas is the priority. The results show that the necessary condition is to stop water loss from these areas. The observed trends in plant communities and rare plant species indicate a high threat to the least transformed wetlands.

Knowing the impacts of global climate change on the habitat suitability distribution of Limassolla leafhoppers contributes to understanding the feedback of organisms on climate change from a macroecological perspective, and provides important scientific basis for protecting the ecological environment and biodiversity. However, there is limited knowledge on this aspect. Thus, our study aimed to address this gap by analyzing Asian habitat suitability and centroid shifts of Limassolla based on 19 bioclimatic variables and occurrence records. Selecting five ecological niche models with the outstanding predictive performance (Maxlike, generalized linear model, generalized additive model, random forest, and maximum entropy) along with their ensemble model from 12 models, the current habitat suitability of Limassolla and its future habitat suitability under two Shared Socio‐economic Pathways (SSP1‐2.6 and SSP5‐8.5) in the 2050s and 2090s were predicted. The results showed that the prediction results of the five models are generally consistent. Based on ensemble model, 11 potential biodiversity hotspots with high suitability were identified. With climate change, the suitable range of Limassolla will experience both expansion and contraction. In SSP5‐8.52050s, the expansion area is 118.56 × 104 km2, while the contraction area is 25.40 × 104 km2; in SSP1‐2.62090s, the expansion area is 91.71 × 104 km2, and the contraction area is 26.54 × 104 km2. Furthermore, the distribution core of Limassolla will shift toward higher latitudes in the northeast direction, and the precipitation of warmest quarter was found to have the greatest impact on the distribution of Limassolla. Our research results supported our four hypotheses. Finally, this research suggests establishing ecological reserves in identified contraction to prevent habitat loss, enhancing the protection of biodiversity hotspots, and pursuing a sustainable development path with reduced emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coral reefs as key ecosystems in Zanzibar are exposed to several anthropogenic and natural stressors. Methods: The benthic composition and coverage of coral reefs were investigated on three data sets involving ten coral reefs monitored from 1992 to 2016. Firstly, we investigated differences in the reef composition using data from seven reefs in 2015. Secondly, we analyzed communities on three distinctive reefs (2010 to 2012) to understand the importance of seasons and reef zones (slope, crest and flat) on species abundance. Finally, we investigated long-term changes (1992 to 2016) of five reefs. Results: Branching Porites and Acropora, and soft coral order Corallimorpharia, characterized sheltered reef communities. Soft corals and algal species characterized the reef communities exposed to strong hydrodynamic conditions, which also displayed greater cover of rocks and rubbles. The average dissimilarity between reefs ranged between 60% and 75%. The seasonal changes in community structure for reefs near Stone Town were mostly associated with soft coral Corallimorpharia. Indeed, the bare rock and algae distinguished the northern exposed reef from more sheltered reefs. Acropora was a key genus for the sheltered Chumbe reef, which explained between 14% and 18% of the dissimilarities among the three reefs. Hard corals covered between 40% and 70% in most years, with severe declines following El Niño events in 1998 and 2016. The dominating genus Acropora showed a strong decline from the late 1990s' with signs of recovery at remote reefs compared to reefs closer to human residence. Discussion: Our results highlight the importance of seasonality and spatial differences, reflecting differences in human impact and physical exposure and significant long-term changes in coral communities. Continued monitoring of reef health is essential to evaluate the success of ongoing management to sustain the reef services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a prominent air pollutant in cities, with far-reaching implications for both local air quality and global atmospheric chemistry. The long-term change in atmospheric CO levels at a specific location is influenced by a complex interplay of local emissions, atmospheric transport, and photochemical processes, making it a subject of considerable interest. This study presents an 8-year analysis (2014–2021) of in situ CO observations using a cutting-edge laser-based analyzer at an urban site in Ahmedabad, western India. The long-term observations reveal a subtle trend in CO levels, masked by contrasting year-to-year variations, particular after 2018, across distinct diurnal time windows. Mid-afternoon (12:00–16:00 h) CO levels, reflecting background and regional conditions, remained relatively stable over the study period. In contrast, evening (18:00–21:00 h) CO levels, influenced by local emissions, exhibited substantial inter-annual variability without discernible trends from 2014 to 2018. However, post-2018, evening CO levels showed a consistent decline, predating COVID-19 lockdown measures. This decline coincided with the nationwide adoption of Bharat stage IV emission standards and other measures aimed at reducing vehicular emissions. The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 further resulted in a noteworthy 29% reduction in evening CO levels compared to the pre-lockdown (2014–2019) period, highlighting the potential for substantial CO reduction through stringent vehicular emission controls. The observed long-term changes in CO levels do not align with the decreasing emission estimated by various inventories from 2014 to 2018, suggesting a need for improved emission statistics in Indian urban regions. This study underscores the importance of ongoing continuous CO measurements in urban areas to inform policy efforts aimed at controlling atmospheric pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the macrozoobenthos of two northern lakes differing in degree of humification of water over the 50-year period that have passed since the first studies were considered. In the lake with water uncolored by humus, the benthos biomass increased, and in the humified one, it decreased. The changes that have occurred are due to climate warming, especially pronounced in winter. It was concluded that even closely located bodies of water can respond differently to climate change. Depending on the nature of the catchment area and the morphology of the lakes, either an increase in their productivity due to the supply of nutrients or a decrease due to humification can be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Maerl-associated communities have received considerable attention due to their uniqueness, biodiversity and functional importance. Although the impacts of human activities are well documented for maerl-associated macrofauna, the spatio-temporal variations of macroalgae have comparatively been neglected, and the drivers that influence their dynamics are poorly known. We investigate the links between maerl-associated macroalgal communities, anthropogenic pressures and environmental conditions, and hypothesize that sites under human pressure would exhibit different dynamics when compared to reference sites. Methods To better understand community variation through space and time, four subtidal maerl beds under different pressures were consistently monitored over one year in the bay of Brest, Brittany, France. Both macroalgae community monitoring and environmental data were acquired through field sampling and available models. Key Results Higher macroalgal biomass was observed within eutrophic sites, especially in summer (more than ten times higher than in the Unimpacted site), caused by free-living forms of opportunistic red macroalgae. The Dredged site also exhibited distinct macroalgal communities during summer from the Unimpacted site. Nutrient concentrations and seasonality proved to be key factors affecting the macroalgal community composition, although dredging and its effects on granulometry also had a strong influence. Over the long term, fewer than half of the species identified during historical surveys were found, indicating major temporal changes. Conclusions Human pressures have strong impacts on maerl-associated macroalgal communities. Nutrient concentrations and dredging pressure appear as the main anthropogenic factors shaping maerl-associated macroalgal communities. Additionally, our results suggest historical changes in maerl-associated macroalgal communities over 25 years in response to changes in local human pressure management. This study suggests that maerl-associated macroalgal communities could be used as indicators of anthropogenically driven changes in this habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The visual attributes of urban green spaces influence people's perceptions, preferences, and behavioural activities. While many studies have established correlations between landscape perception and visual attributes, they often focus on specific timeframes and overlook dynamic changes in the spatial form of urban green spaces. This study aims to explore the long-term changes in the visual attributes of urban green spaces. We propose a method to quantitatively analyse changes in visual attributes using point clouds to simulate visual interfaces. Using an unmanned aerial vehicle, we conducted a five-axis tilt photography survey of Qinglvyuan Park in Nanjing, China, in August 2018 and September 2023. Point cloud models were generated for the two periods, and five visual attribute indicators, openness (OP), depth variance (DV), green view ratio (GVR), sky view ratio (SVR), and skyline complexity (SC), were analysed for long-term changes. The results indicate that OP, DV, and SVR decreased after five years, while GVR increased. The maximum increase in GVR was 26.6%, and the maximum decrease in OP was 12.8%. There is a positive correlation between GVR and its change (d_GVR). Conversely, there are negative correlations between SC and its change (d_SC), as well as between SVR and d_GVR. Tree growth emerged as a primary factor influencing changes in the visual attributes of urban green spaces. This study highlights the importance of adopting a long-term and dynamic perspective in visual landscape studies, as well as in landscape design and maintenance practices. Future research on predicting long-term changes in the visual attributes of urban green spaces should focus on understanding the relationships between tree properties and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological niches (ENM) and spatial distribution (SDM) models of the Russian sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Brandt et Ratzeburg (1833), as well as zoobenthos—the main components of this species feeding (Annelida, Mollusca and Crustacea) in the northern part of the Caspian Sea based on long-term monitoring data (1992–2011) and raster layers of the marine environment are presented. The constructed ENM using PCA within the framework of two concepts COUE and ECOUE allowed us to test the hypothesis of conservatism of ecological niches of the Russian sturgeon over time. It was shown that, while under the COUE concept the hypothesis of niche conservatism was fulfilled for one time period of monitoring, under the expanded ECOUE concept, this hypothesis is fulfilled for all monitoring periods. The SDM built by MaxEnt showed that trophic relationships between Russian sturgeon and Azov-Black Sea invaders from different taxonomic groups (Annelida, Mollusca, and Crustacea) in the northern part of the Caspian Sea are quite closely reflected in their spatial distribution. High biomass values of molluscs, crustaceans and ringworms (Annelida) as the main component in the feeding of Russian sturgeon in the western part of the Northern Caspian Sea create preferred conditions for feeding of Russian sturgeon in summer. It has been established that, in the eastern and shallow parts of the Northern Caspian the main components of the feeding are mollusks and crustaceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term dynamics of production of the glacial relict amphipod Monoporeia affinis was examined in a small subarctic lake. The aims of this study were: (1) to compare the production of amphipods with their biomass; (2) to relate the changes in amphipod population with environmental variables. I hypothesized secondary production could provide better insight into M. affinis population dynamics, than abundance and biomass alone. Production (increment-summation method) and its standard error were estimated based on benthic samples taken at a sublittoral site from June 2002 to May 2019 (as a rule, 4–5 times a year). Production and biomass were highly correlated with each other. The annual P/B ratio varied twofold. However, the majority of estimates did not differ significantly from the mean P/B value for the study period. Effects of environmental variables (water temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration) were pronounced for offspring and juvenile amphipods only. The older amphipods showed no significant correlation with any environmental variables. Despite the initial prediction, no reliable evidence was found that production revealed greater insight into population dynamics of M. affinis. This long-term study confirms that benthic production is mainly a function of biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spring snow cover (SC) over the western Tibetan Plateau (TP) (TPSC) (W_TPSC) and eastern TPSC (E_TPSC) have displayed remarkable decreasing and increasing trends, respectively, during 1985–2020. The current work investigates the possible mechanisms accounting for these distinct TPSC changes. Our results indicate that the decrease in W_TPSC is primarily attributed to rising temperatures, while the increase in E_TPSC is closely linked to enhanced precipitation. Local circulation analysis shows that the essential system responsible for the TPSC changes is a significant anticyclonic system centered over the northwestern TP. The anomalous descending motion and adiabatic heating linked to this anticyclone leads to warmer temperatures and consequent snowmelt over the western TP. Conversely, anomalous easterly winds along the southern flank of this anticyclone serve to transport additional moisture from the North Pacific, leading to an increase in snowfall over the eastern TP. Further analysis reveals that the anomalous anticyclone is associated with an atmospheric wave pattern that originates from upstream regions. Springtime warming of the subtropical North Atlantic (NA) sea surface temperature (SST) induces an atmospheric pattern resembling a wave train that travels eastward across the Eurasian continent before reaching the TP. Furthermore, the decline in winter sea ice (SIC) over the Barents Sea exerts a persistent warming influence on the atmosphere, inducing an anomalous atmospheric circulation that propagates southeastward and strengthens the northwest TP anticyclone in spring. Additionally, an enhancement of subtropical stationary waves has resulted in significant increases in easterly moisture fluxes over the coastal areas of East Asia, which further promotes more snowfall over eastern TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Although knowledge of the barriers and motivators to physical activity participation among nurses is increasing, the factors influencing motivation methods’ effectiveness are not completely defined. This study aimed to identify the methods that support increasing the level of daily physical activity and the factors that influence the effectiveness of motivation methods among nurses. Methods This study was based on an intervention study protocol. All registered nurses in clinical settings were invited to participate in the study. The study involved 71 professionally active nurses. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and employment data. The level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the daily number of steps was assessed using a pedometer. Body composition was measured using a bioimpedance method, and the 5-year risk of cardiovascular events was assessed using the Harvard Score. The intervention included self-monitoring daily steps using a pedometer and completing a diary daily for one month. Additionally, a few-minute speech was sent to each participant via email on the intervention’s 7th, 14th, and 21st days. Results The analysis revealed a higher value of physical activity recorded in the follow-up compared to the initial and final measurement in the Recreation domain [Met] (p

The COVID-19 pandemic threatened people's lives and livelihoods, which induced an existential hapax, changing their consumption choices. The unexpected disruption in physical retail due to the measures to control the pandemic, and changes in consumer preferences have forced organized retailers to leverage technology and adopt omnichannel strategies. However, small, unorganized retailers, popular in emerging markets like India, do not have state-of-the- art digital technologies to compete with online and organized retail. Thus, they need consumer insights to devise effective marketing strategies for sustaining. This research uncovers post-pandemic consumer values that drive preference for fragmented unorganized retailers, based on qualitative data collected from 32 respondents using in-depth interviews. The findings highlight that the altered consumer values of spiritualism, minimalism, self-transcendence, altruism, reciprocity, and hedonic shopping orientation guide preference for unorganized retailers. Small retailers' can leverage these consumer values by providingpersonalized products and services, communicating relevant store values, and adapting their operations to harness the opportunities in the new normal to revive and grow their businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns have been raised regarding the degradation of stream water quality due to the excessive influx of atmospheric deposition. This study aimed to reveal the long‐term variation in stream water chemistry in approximately 40 forested small watersheds in the northern Kanto region, based on 3 surveys conducted in 1991–1992, 2006–2007, and 2022. The factors influencing each dissolved element were investigated. Regarding long‐term variations in stream water chemistry, relatively stable concentrations of cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+) and SiO2 were observed. However, the concentrations of anions (Cl−, NO3−$$ {\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-} $$, and SO42−$$ {\mathrm{SO}}_4^{2-} $$) decreased due to the improvement in the atmospheric environment and the diminishing effect of fertilization. Furthermore, the recent increase in stream water pH was attributed to an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3−$$ {\mathrm{HCO}}_3^{-} $$), compensating for the decrease in anion concentrations relative to cations. Geology was the most significant factor for inter‐watershed variations in cations and SiO2, and this influence remained relatively constant over 30 years. Forest practices, especially fertilization, had a significant effect on Cl− and NO3−$$ {\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-} $$, and contributed to higher concentrations in the fertilized watersheds than in the non‐fertilized watersheds over the 15 years following fertilization. Sulfate deposition was a significant influencing factor for SO42−$$ {\mathrm{SO}}_4^{2-} $$, and the concentration fluctuated under long‐term variations in deposition over the past 30 years. Despite substantial acid deposition in the study area, the absence of stream water acidification could be attributed to the abundant cation supply from bedrock and volcanic ash, which underwent weathering processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study comprehensively analyzed the dynamic landscape of organic farming in the European Union (EU) from 2004 to 2021, investigating the shifts in dedicated agricultural areas influenced by evolving preferences and the priorities of farmers and consumers. Examining the impact of socio-economic factors, including gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the human development index (HDI), and human population density, this study established multivariate relationships through country-level analyses based on correlations, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and panel analysis. Despite a universal increase in the organic agriculture areas across all the EU countries during the study period, the production levels exhibited negative correlations with the human population density, GDP per capita, and HDI. Notably, the Baltic countries and Austria led in organic farming production, while Malta, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and Luxemburg formed a distinct group in the cluster analysis with less intensive organic agriculture per capita. These insights are crucial for supporting the resilience and sustainability of organic farming as it continues to evolve. Predictions of organic agriculture share for 2030 based on trends evaluated using linear regression in the years 2004–2021 estimated about 12% of utilized agricultural area, which was much lower than the target share of the European Commission at 25%. Predictions based on linear regression showed that achieving the European Green Deal target of a 25% share of organic agriculture in unlikely in most EU countries by 2030. The target is only highly probable to be obtained in Austria, Estonia, and Sweden. The EU countries varied significantly across various indices characterizing organic agriculture, including organic agriculture area share. It should be noted that the study was conducted on the data obtained prior to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which could potentially alter the previous trends in the development of organic agriculture in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Knowing the impacts of global climate change on the habitat suitability distribution of Limassolla leafhoppers contributes to understanding the feedback of organisms on climate change from a macroecological perspective, and provides important scientific basis for protecting the ecological environment and biodiversity. However, there is limited knowledge on this aspect. Thus, our study aimed to address this gap by analyzing Asian habitat suitability and centroid shifts of Limassolla based on 19 bioclimatic variables and occurrence records. Selecting five ecological niche models with the outstanding predictive performance (Maxlike, generalized linear model, generalized additive model, random forest, and maximum entropy) along with their ensemble model from 12 models, the current habitat suitability of Limassolla and its future habitat suitability under two Shared Socio‐economic Pathways (SSP1‐2.6 and SSP5‐8.5) in the 2050s and 2090s were predicted. The results showed that the prediction results of the five models are generally consistent. Based on ensemble model, 11 potential biodiversity hotspots with high suitability were identified. With climate change, the suitable range of Limassolla will experience both expansion and contraction. In SSP5‐8.52050s, the expansion area is 118.56 × 104 km2, while the contraction area is 25.40 × 104 km2; in SSP1‐2.62090s, the expansion area is 91.71 × 104 km2, and the contraction area is 26.54 × 104 km2. Furthermore, the distribution core of Limassolla will shift toward higher latitudes in the northeast direction, and the precipitation of warmest quarter was found to have the greatest impact on the distribution of Limassolla. Our research results supported our four hypotheses. Finally, this research suggests establishing ecological reserves in identified contraction to prevent habitat loss, enhancing the protection of biodiversity hotspots, and pursuing a sustainable development path with reduced emissions.

IntroductionCoral reefs as key ecosystems in Zanzibar are exposed to several anthropogenic and natural stressors.MethodsThe benthic composition and coverage of coral reefs were investigated on three data sets involving ten coral reefs monitored from 1992 to 2016. Firstly, we investigated differences in the reef composition using data from seven reefs in 2015. Secondly, we analyzed communities on three distinctive reefs (2010 to 2012) to understand the importance of seasons and reef zones (slope, crest and flat) on species abundance. Finally, we investigated long-term changes (1992 to 2016) of five reefs.ResultsBranching Porites and Acropora, and soft coral order Corallimorpharia, characterized sheltered reef communities. Soft corals and algal species characterized the reef communities exposed to strong hydrodynamic conditions, which also displayed greater cover of rocks and rubbles. The average dissimilarity between reefs ranged between 60% and 75%. The seasonal changes in community structure for reefs near Stone Town were mostly associated with soft coral Corallimorpharia. Indeed, the bare rock and algae distinguished the northern exposed reef from more sheltered reefs. Acropora was a key genus for the sheltered Chumbe reef, which explained between 14% and 18% of the dissimilarities among the three reefs. Hard corals covered between 40% and 70% in most years, with severe declines following El Niño events in 1998 and 2016. The dominating genus Acropora showed a strong decline from the late 1990s’ with signs of recovery at remote reefs compared to reefs closer to human residence.DiscussionOur results highlight the importance of seasonality and spatial differences, reflecting differences in human impact and physical exposure and significant long-term changes in coral communities. Continued monitoring of reef health is essential to evaluate the success of ongoing management to sustain the reef services.

Formulation of the problem. Studies and data on modern changes in the winter minimum average monthly flow of the rivers of the Lake Sevan basin and their climatic characteristics have acquired great practical importance and considerable interest due to the increased use of water resources for the purposes of various types of economic activities, in particular, in connection with the development of the economy, hydropower, irrigation, population growth and rising living standards. Especially relevant are the calculations of the minimum flow in relation to solving the problems of water supply for settlements, industrial enterprises. The aim of the work. Assessment of modern changes in the winter minimum average monthly runoff of rivers in the Lake Sevan basin and their climatic characteristics. Methods. The following methods were used in the work: mathematical-statistical, extrapolation, interpolation, spatial analysis, analogy, correlation and cartography. Results. A physical map has been compiled with a network of meteorological stations and hydrological posts in the Lake Sevan basin. Close correlations were obtained between the values of the winter minimum average monthly runoff and the average runoff of the winter period for a hydrological year. These dependences can be used for preliminary estimates of the minimum runoff of the winter low-water period of unstudied rivers in the territory under consideration. In the course of the research, the winter minimum average monthly discharges were calculated by months and for the entire observation period, the average value of the minimum runoff for the winter low water, and the linear trend of the climatic characteristic. Based on the obtained results, a map of the distribution of the modul of the average minimum runoff of the winter low-water period and the coefficients of the linear trend of the winter air temperature were constructed. Examples of curves of long-term changes in precipitation amounts for the autumn and winter periods, the sum of positive temperatures and the number of days with a positive average daily air temperature in the winter period for a series of meteorological stations in the study area are presented. The rivers of the Lake Sevan basin are characterized by an uneven spatio-temporal distribution of winter minimum runoff and climatic characteristics, changes in the winter average monthly minimum runoff, precipitation amounts for the autumn and winter periods are multidirectional, and air temperature changes are only an upward trend. In the area under consideration, there is mainly (by 8 out of 12 stations under study) a tendency to decrease in the values of the minimum average monthly river flow. The conducted studies lead us to the conclusion that the main factor causing changes in the low-water runoff of the rivers in the Lake Sevan basin in winter is the air temperature, or rather, its increase. It follows from this that when calculating and forecasting winter runoff, it is necessary to relate the values of runoff and air temperature.

Anthropogenic heat emissions, which are quantified as anthropogenic heat flux (AHF), have attracted significant attention due to their pronounced impacts on urban thermal environments and local climates. However, there remains a notable gap in research regarding the distinctions in the distribution of anthropogenic heat emissions (AHEs) along urban–rural gradients. To address this gap, the present study introduces a new concept—the anthropogenic urban heat island (ArUHI)—where the AHF within urban areas is higher than that in background areas. To quantitatively describe the magnitude and spatial extent of the ArUHI effect, two metrics—namely, ArUHI intensity (ArUHII) and ArUHI footprint (ArUHIFP)—are introduced. We conducted a comprehensive study across 208 cities in China to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of AHF variations along urban–rural gradients during the period of 2000–2016. In addition, we explored how the complex interactions between land cover and building form components affect changes in the AHF along urban–rural gradients. Additionally, we analyzed how economic zones and city sizes alter the ArUHI intensity and ArUHI footprint. The results showed that 97% (201/208) of Chinese cities exhibited a significant ArUHI effect from 2000 to 2016. The modeled ArUHI intensity value exhibited a substantial increase of nearly fivefold, increasing from 5.55 ± 0.19 W/m2 to 26.84 ± 0.99 W/m2 over time. Regarding the spatial distribution of the ArUHI footprint, the analysis revealed that, for the majority of cities (86% or 179 out of 208), the ArUHI footprint ranged from 1.5 to 5.5 times that in urban areas. City sizes and economic zones yielded significant influences on the ArUHI intensity and ArUHI footprint values. Building forms were significantly positively correlated with AHF, with R2 values higher than 0.94. This study contributes to the understanding of ArUHI effects and their driving factors in China, providing valuable insights for urban climate studies and enhancing our understanding of surface urban heat island mechanisms.

Urban green space (UGS) is a fundamental infrastructure in modern urban settings, crucial for regulating the urban climate and improving public health. Accessibility to UGS represents a significant environmental justice issue, influencing the sustainable development of local communities. In this work, we comprehensively evaluated the temporal dynamics of UGS accessibility and the disparity in exposure for all 31 metropolitan divisions in the United States from 2013 to 2022. Our findings indicate that there have been no significant changes in both population-weighted UGS exposure and within-city inequality of UGS exposure for all racial/ethnic groups across the study period. Furthermore, a consistent racial/ethnic disparity in UGS exposure was noted throughout the study period, with the White group tending to have higher-than-average UGS accessibility, and all other racial/ethnic groups, including Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander, experiencing lower-than-average UGS accessibility. These findings underscore the urgency for urban planning and policy-making strategies to address these inequities, promoting healthy and sustainable urban development.

Abstract Background Stroke was reported to be highly correlated with the triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI). Nevertheless, literature exploring the association between changes in the TyG-BMI and stroke incidence is scant, with most studies focusing on individual values of the TyG-BMI. We aimed to investigate whether changes in the TyG-BMI were associated with stroke incidence. Methods Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which is an ongoing nationally representative prospective cohort study. The exposures were changes in the TyG-BMI and cumulative TyG-BMI from 2012 to 2015. Changes in the TyG-BMI were classified using K-means clustering analysis, and the cumulative TyG-BMI was calculated as follows: (TyG-BMI2012 + TyG-BMI2015)/2 × time (2015–2012). Logistic regressions were used to determine the association between different TyG-BMI change classes and stroke incidence. Meanwhile, restricted cubic spline regression was applied to examine the potential nonlinear association of the cumulative TyG-BMI and stroke incidence. Weighted quantile sum regression was used to provide a comprehensive explanation of the TyG-BMI by calculating the weights of FBG, triglyceride-glucose (TG), and BMI. Results Of the 4583 participants (mean [SD] age at baseline, 58.68 [9.51] years), 2026 (44.9%) were men. During the 3 years of follow-up, 277 (6.0%) incident stroke cases were identified. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared to the participants with a consistently low TyG-BMI, the OR for a moderate TyG-BMI with a slow rising trend was 1.01 (95% CI 0.65–1.57), the OR for a high TyG-BMI with a slow rising trend was 1.62 (95% CI 1.11–2.32), and the OR for the highest TyG-BMI with a slow declining trend was 1.71 (95% CI 1.01–2.89). The association between the cumulative TyG-BMI and stroke risk was nonlinear (Passociation = 0.017; Pnonlinearity = 0.012). TG emerged as the primary contributor when the weights were assigned to the constituent elements of the TyG-BMI (weight2012 = 0.466; weight2015 = 0.530). Conclusions Substantial changes in the TyG-BMI are independently associated with the risk of stroke in middle-aged and older adults. Monitoring long-term changes in the TyG-BMI may assist with the early identification of individuals at high risk of stroke.

The results of studying long-term (lasting 10–15 years or more) phases of decreased and increased conditionally natural annual and seasonal runoff of the Don River near the village of Razdorskaya and the Lena River near the village of Kyusyur are considered. The retrieval of long-term water flow time series (excluding the changes that are caused by anthropogenic impacts from the observed water flow) is based on the transformation of the annual hydrograph of average daily water flow using the Kalinin–Milyukov method. The long-term phases of annual and seasonal runoff have been identified on the basis of cumulative deviation curves and criteria for statistical homogeneity of time series by their averages. For the entire period of observations on the Don (1891–2019) and the Lena (1936–2019), two cardinally different types of long-term dynamics for contrasting phases of annual and seasonal runoff that are characteristic of these rivers and common in most of Russia have been revealed. On the Lena, the phases of decreased and increased values of annual and seasonal runoff have changed quasisynchronously, whereas on the Don, the phases of annual runoff and snow melt flood runoff on the one hand and summer-autumn and winter runoff on the other hand have changed asynchronously. The main characteristics of the contrast phases have been determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We studied the urban–rural gradient of urban vegetation phenology changes (△UVP) and its drivers across 1500+ cities in China. • Along the urban–rural gradient, the SOS advance and EOS delay increase first, decrease later, and finally steady. • The △UVP is contributed more by climate change than by urbanization level for urban subzones. A comprehensive investigation on the long-term changes of urban vegetation phenology (△UVP) is critical for a better understanding of changes in urban ecosystems. However, the urban–rural gradient of the △UVP across cities with diverse climate zones and city sizes, as well as the associated drivers, remains largely unclear. Here, using multi-source remote sensing data from 2001 to 2019, we investigated the urban–rural gradient (including six urban–rural subzones, i.e., the old urban core, new urban core, new urban area, suburban area, exurban area, and rural area) of the △UVP across 1500 + cities in China and analyzed the impacts of urbanization level and climate change on the △UVP. First, over the past two decades, the △UVP during spring (i.e., the changes of the start of growing season, termed △SOS) is generally negative (advanced SOS; 73 % ± 4 %) and that during autumn (i.e., changes of the end of growing season, termed △EOS) is mainly positive (delayed EOS; 63 % ± 3 %) in all urban–rural subzones. The spatial distribution of the △UVP based on enhanced vegetation index (EVI) data is relatively consistent with that based on solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) data. Along the urban–rural gradient, both the SOS advance and EOS delay exhibit an increasing first, decreasing later, and finally steady curve, with the maximum occurring in the new urban area at − 12.4 ± 18.5 days (for △SOS) and 3.8 ± 9.9 days (for △EOS). Second, the SOS changes from an advance to a delay from the middle temperate to southern subtropical zones, while the EOS changes from a delay to an advance. The magnitudes of both △SOS and △EOS show a general trend of increasing first and then decreasing with decreasing latitude. Third, the SOS advance and EOS delay generally decrease with city size for the old urban core, increase initially and decrease later with city size for the three suburban subzones, while they show little deviations with city size for the new urban core and new urban area. Finally, in the three urban subzones, the mean △UVP across all the cities is contributed more by climate change (mean: △SOS: 73 %; △EOS: 78 %) than by urbanization level (mean: △SOS: 27 %; △EOS: 22 %). Our findings can improve the understanding of urban vegetation changes in the context of rapid urbanization and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The visual attributes of urban green spaces influence people’s perceptions, preferences, and behavioural activities. While many studies have established correlations between landscape perception and visual attributes, they often focus on specific timeframes and overlook dynamic changes in the spatial form of urban green spaces. This study aims to explore the long-term changes in the visual attributes of urban green spaces. We propose a method to quantitatively analyse changes in visual attributes using point clouds to simulate visual interfaces. Using an unmanned aerial vehicle, we conducted a five-axis tilt photography survey of Qinglvyuan Park in Nanjing, China, in August 2018 and September 2023. Point cloud models were generated for the two periods, and five visual attribute indicators, openness (OP), depth variance (DV), green view ratio (GVR), sky view ratio (SVR), and skyline complexity (SC), were analysed for long-term changes. The results indicate that OP, DV, and SVR decreased after five years, while GVR increased. The maximum increase in GVR was 26.6%, and the maximum decrease in OP was 12.8%. There is a positive correlation between GVR and its change (d_GVR). Conversely, there are negative correlations between SC and its change (d_SC), as well as between SVR and d_GVR. Tree growth emerged as a primary factor influencing changes in the visual attributes of urban green spaces. This study highlights the importance of adopting a long-term and dynamic perspective in visual landscape studies, as well as in landscape design and maintenance practices. Future research on predicting long-term changes in the visual attributes of urban green spaces should focus on understanding the relationships between tree properties and environmental conditions.

Background: Stroke was reported to be highly correlated with the triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI). Nevertheless, literature exploring the association between changes in the TyG-BMI and stroke incidence is scant, with most studies focusing on individual values of the TyG-BMI. We aimed to investigate whether changes in the TyG-BMI were associated with stroke incidence. Methods: Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which is an ongoing nationally representative prospective cohort study. The exposures were changes in the TyG-BMI and cumulative TyG-BMI from 2012 to 2015. Changes in the TyG-BMI were classified using K-means clustering analysis, and the cumulative TyG-BMI was calculated as follows: (TyG-BMI2012 + TyG-BMI2015)/2 × time (2015–2012). Logistic regressions were used to determine the association between different TyG-BMI change classes and stroke incidence. Meanwhile, restricted cubic spline regression was applied to examine the potential nonlinear association of the cumulative TyG-BMI and stroke incidence. Weighted quantile sum regression was used to provide a comprehensive explanation of the TyG-BMI by calculating the weights of FBG, triglyceride-glucose (TG), and BMI. Results: Of the 4583 participants (mean [SD] age at baseline, 58.68 [9.51] years), 2026 (44.9%) were men. During the 3 years of follow-up, 277 (6.0%) incident stroke cases were identified. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared to the participants with a consistently low TyG-BMI, the OR for a moderate TyG-BMI with a slow rising trend was 1.01 (95% CI 0.65–1.57), the OR for a high TyG-BMI with a slow rising trend was 1.62 (95% CI 1.11–2.32), and the OR for the highest TyG-BMI with a slow declining trend was 1.71 (95% CI 1.01–2.89). The association between the cumulative TyG-BMI and stroke risk was nonlinear (Passociation = 0.017; Pnonlinearity = 0.012). TG emerged as the primary contributor when the weights were assigned to the constituent elements of the TyG-BMI (weight2012 = 0.466; weight2015 = 0.530). Conclusions: Substantial changes in the TyG-BMI are independently associated with the risk of stroke in middle-aged and older adults. Monitoring long-term changes in the TyG-BMI may assist with the early identification of individuals at high risk of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients, the relationship between long-term peridialytic blood pressure (BP) changes and mortality has not been investigated. Methods To evaluate whether long-term changes in peridialytic BP are related to mortality and whether treatment with HD or haemodiafiltration (HDF) differs in this respect, the combined individual participant data of three randomized controlled trials comparing HD with HDF were used. Time-varying Cox regression and joint models were applied. Results During a median follow-up of 2.94 years, 609 of 2011 patients died. As for pre-dialytic systolic BP (pre-SBP), a severe decline (≥21 mmHg) in the preceding 6 months was independently related to increased mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.61, P  = .01] when compared with a moderate increase. Likewise, a severe decline in post-dialytic diastolic BP (DBP) was associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR 1.96, P  < .0005). In contrast, joint models showed that every 5-mmHg increase in pre-SBP and post-DBP during total follow-up was related to reduced mortality (adjusted HR 0.97, P  = .01 and 0.94, P  = .03, respectively). No interaction was observed between BP changes and treatment modality. Conclusion Severe declines in pre-SBP and post-DBP in the preceding 6 months were independently related to mortality. Therefore peridialytic BP values should be interpreted in the context of their changes and not solely as an absolute value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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As one of the major producers of extreme precipitation, mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) have received much attention. Recently, MCSs over several hotpots, including the Sahel and US Great Plains, have been found to intensify under global warming. However, relevant studies on the East Asian rainband, another MCS hotpot, are scarce. Here, by using a novel rain‐cell tracking algorithm on a high spatiotemporal resolution satellite precipitation product, we show that both the frequency and intensity of MCSs over the East Asian rainband have increased by 21.8% and 9.8% respectively over the past two decades (2000–2021). The more frequent and intense MCSs contribute nearly three quarters to the total precipitation increase. The changes in MCSs are caused by more frequent favorable large‐scale water vapor‐rich environments that are likely to increase under global warming. The increased frequency and intensity of MCSs have profound impacts on the hydroclimate of East Asia, including producing extreme events such as severe flooding. Plain Language Summary: Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), accounting for more than half of the total rainfall in the East Asian rainband, frequently generate high‐impact extreme weather events, such as flooding. In the summer of 2020, large regions of East Asia suffered extensive flooding and damage. Therefore, understanding the long‐term changes of MCSs is crucial to gain insights into how extreme weather may change in the context of global warming. However, compared to several other MCS hotpots, the investigation of long‐term changes of MCSs is scarce over East Asia. Here, based on a high spatiotemporal resolution satellite precipitation product and a novel MCS tracking method, we find that MCSs have become more frequent and intense in the East Asian rainband and accounted for three quarters of the total rainfall increase during 2000–2021. It is further found that increases in atmospheric total column water vapor, which is mainly due to increased temperature caused by anthropogenic forcing, leads to more frequent large‐scale water vapor‐rich environments that are responsible for the intensification of MCSs. As water vapor increases with global warming, it is very likely that MCSs will continue to intensify in this region into the future. Key Points: Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) have become more frequent and intense in the East Asian rainband over the past two decadesThe significant increase of MCS precipitation accounted for three quarters of the total rainfall increase during 2000–2021The increase of atmospheric total column water vapor, mainly driven by anthropogenic forcing, leads to more favorable environments for MCSs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy summer precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau has dramatic influences on water resources and hydrological disasters in South Asia. It experienced increasing trends over 1979–1996 and decreasing trends over 1996–2022, which are not yet well understood. Here we show observational and numerical evidence that stratospheric ozone has significant impacts on long‐term trends of summer precipitation in this strong convection area. It is found that stratospheric ozone depletion, by modulating the lower stratospheric temperature and upper‐tropospheric static stability, enhances deep convection and precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau. The results suggest that the ozone recovery in the future may reduce the summer precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau in the first half of the 21st century, which would be imperative for future water resource management in South Asia. Plain Language Summary: South Asia, with a population of more than 1.8 billion, is among the most vulnerable regions in the world in response to climate change and a global hotspot for water security. Heavy summer precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau, which directly affects North India and Nepal with a population of more than 200 million and has dramatic influences on water resources and hydrological disasters in South Asia, experienced increasing trends over 1979–1996 and decreasing trends over 1996–2022 (Figure 1). We find that the long‐term variations of the summer precipitation are likely related to the stratospheric ozone depletion and recovery over the Tibetan Plateau in recent decades. The convective precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau is modulated by the upper tropospheric static stability which is affected by the lower‐stratospheric temperature. We find that stratospheric ozone depletion, which radiatively cools the lower stratosphere, enhances the deep convection and precipitation. This work helps to understand the stratospheric contributions to the changes in the summer precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau and future water resource management in South Asia. Key Points: Trends in heavy summer precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau are positive in 1979–1996 and negative in 1996–2022Stratospheric ozone depletion led to lower stratospheric cooling and a reduction of upper‐tropospheric static stabilityStratospheric ozone depletion enhanced the deep convection and precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) constitute critical sources of water for the proglacial lakes and many rivers found downstream. To better understand the evolution of glaciers and the impact of this on proglacial lakes, seven glaciers corresponding to continenṅtal, subcontinental, and marine climate types that are influenced by westerlies and the Indian summer monsoon were selected for study. The evolution of the edges of these glaciers and their associated proglacial lakes were identified based on the visual interpretation of Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI images. A dataset covering the period 1976–2020 that included the glacier and proglacial lake edge vectors was then created. The relative errors in the areas of the individual glaciers were less than 3%, and for the proglacial lakes these errors were in the range 0%–7%. The dataset was used to effectively compare the changes in glaciers and proglacial lakes that have occurred over the past four decades. The most striking changes that were found were the retreat of glaciers and the formation of small proglacial lakes. This dataset could also be used as a proxy to support research on changes in mountain glaciers, particularly their response to climate change and water resources. This response is of great scientific significance and is important in many applications, including assessments of the ecological problems caused by melting glaciers. The dataset can be downloaded from http://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00076.00131.

Formulation of the problem. Studies and data on modern changes in the winter minimum average monthly flow of the rivers of the Lake Sevan basin and their climatic characteristics have acquired great practical importance and considerable interest due to the increased use of water resources for the purposes of various types of economic activities, in particular, in connection with the development of the economy, hydropower, irrigation, population growth and rising living standards. Especially relevant are the calculations of the minimum flow in relation to solving the problems of water supply for settlements, industrial enterprises. The aim of the work. Assessment of modern changes in the winter minimum average monthly runoff of rivers in the Lake Sevan basin and their climatic characteristics. Methods. The following methods were used in the work: mathematical-statistical, extrapolation, interpolation, spatial analysis, analogy, correlation and cartography. Results. A physical map has been compiled with a network of meteorological stations and hydrological posts in the Lake Sevan basin. Close correlations were obtained between the values of the winter minimum average monthly runoff and the average runoff of the winter period for a hydrological year. These dependences can be used for preliminary estimates of the minimum runoff of the winter low-water period of unstudied rivers in the territory under consideration. In the course of the research, the winter minimum average monthly discharges were calculated by months and for the entire observation period, the average value of the minimum runoff for the winter low water, and the linear trend of the climatic characteristic. Based on the obtained results, a map of the distribution of the modul of the average minimum runoff of the winter low-water period and the coefficients of the linear trend of the winter air temperature were constructed. Examples of curves of long-term changes in precipitation amounts for the autumn and winter periods, the sum of positive temperatures and the number of days with a positive average daily air temperature in the winter period for a series of meteorological stations in the study area are presented. The rivers of the Lake Sevan basin are characterized by an uneven spatio-temporal distribution of winter minimum runoff and climatic characteristics, changes in the winter average monthly minimum runoff, precipitation amounts for the autumn and winter periods are multidirectional, and air temperature changes are only an upward trend. In the area under consideration, there is mainly (by 8 out of 12 stations under study) a tendency to decrease in the values of the minimum average monthly river flow. The conducted studies lead us to the conclusion that the main factor causing changes in the low-water runoff of the rivers in the Lake Sevan basin in winter is the air temperature, or rather, its increase. It follows from this that when calculating and forecasting winter runoff, it is necessary to relate the values of runoff and air temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood profiling data in athletic populations and their respective responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection are lacking. Thus, this exploratory pilot study aimed to analyze and compare clinical blood markers in previously infected trained athletes (ATH; 30 m/29 f) and a not previously infected healthy athletic control group (HC; 12 m/19 f). The ATH group undertook a sports medical examination which included extended blood analyses. Blood profiles with a total of 74 variables were assessed (blood counts, pro-/inflammatory and immunological markers, and micronutrients), and the ATH group was compared to the age-matched, vaccinated HC group with comparable athletic back grounds, though without previous SARS-CoV-2-infections. The ATH group showed lower IgG, Troponin-T levels, and they had a lower complement/acute-phase protein activation. Furthermore, Vitamin D levels were lower and electrolyte/micronutrient concentrations were higher in ATH. Soluble transferrin receptor as a marker of erythrocyte turnover was decreased whereas PTT as a coagulation marker was increased. Subgroup analyses according to sex revealed more differences between the women of the ATH and HC groups (for 25 different variables) than between the men (for 5 different variables), especially for immunological and metabolic variables. In particular, the immune system and electrolyte/micronutrient status should be observed frequently and sex-specifically in this athletic cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane (CH4) emissions from agricultural sources contribute significantly to the total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, which cause climate change. According to the guidelines of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for calculating greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture is responsible for approximately 10% of total CH4 emissions from anthropogenic sources. CH4 is primarily emitted from livestock farming, particularly from cattle production during enteric fermentation and from manure. This article describes the results of multivariate statistical analyses carried out on data collected from 1961 to 2020 for thirty countries with the largest cattle populations. The study evaluated the trends in temporal changes in cattle populations and identified groups of countries with similar patterns during the study period. The global cattle population was highly correlated with CH4 emissions from the enteric fermentation of cattle and their manure. The countries experiencing the largest increase in cattle population were primarily developing countries located in South America, Africa and Southeastern Asia. The cattle population in these countries showed a strong correlation with the human population. On the other hand, the countries where the cattle population remained stable during the study period were mainly highly developed countries. The correlations between most of the examined variables associated with cattle production and the cattle population in these countries were inconsistent and relatively weak. In the near future, further increase in the cattle population and the associated CH4 emissions are expected, mainly in developing countries with high population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming leads to significant long-term changes in climate loads and effects on structures, which must be considered when designing buildings. In this study, loads on buildings and structures were examined to evaluate long-term changes in temperature and humidity of the atmospheric air and to develop a method for forecasting the estimated values of these effects. According to the data obtained via weather stations in Ukraine, it was determined that long-term changes in thermal and humidity actions at different weather stations are qualitatively similar but vary numerically by a significant extent. The increase in air temperature is generally consistent with the known trend of global warming, and relative humidity is characterized by a decrease in the variance at almost constant average annual value. The proposed method of identifying and describing trends in long-term changes in climatic influences can be used in the development of regulatory documents and in directly designing buildings and structures by considering the predicted changes in climatic influences during the future life of buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the variations in the characteristics of the trophic structure of Daya Bay island waters over the last four decades based on the survey findings and research data on biogenic elements (dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), NO2−, NO3−, NH4+, PO43−, and SiO32−) in Daya Bay during 1985–2021. At this time, the DIN concentration increased from 21.14 µg·L−1 to 558.42 µg·L−1 (26.41-fold increase), whereas the SiO32− concentration increased by only 3.6-fold. The PO43− concentrations attained a peak in 2004 and experienced a steady decline over the rest of the survey period. The fractions of NH4+, NO3−, and NO2− in DIN changed from 0.45, 0.40, and 0.15 in 1986 to 0.26, 0.74, and 0.003 in 2021, respectively. Overall, the mean values of NH4+, NO3−, and NO2− accounted for 45.2%, 42.5%, and 12.3%, respectively. The N/P(DIN/PO43−) ratio in Daya Bay increased from 28.08 in the 1980s to 51.63 in the 2010s. Meanwhile, the nutrient limitation conditions showed a gradual shift from N-limited to P-limited conditions. According to the nutrient quality index (NQI) analysis, the trophic state level of Daya Bay waters fell into the oligotrophic category 30 years ago (1985–2002, NQI < 2), whereas it increased from the mesotrophic level in 2005 (NQI = 2.03) to the eutrophic level in 2019 (NQI = 3.33) over the last 20 years. The results based on the eutrophication index (EI) of Daya Bay waters were generally consistent with those based on the NQI, displaying that the trophic level of Daya Bay waters indicated an increasing trend from 2005 to 2019. Moreover, the assessment data in 2021 indicated a decrease in the NQI to 0.90, thereby attaining the oligotrophic level again. This may be related to the decrease in aquacultural area in the bay over the last two years. The correlation analysis among the DIN, PO43−, and nutrient levels of Daya Bay waters indicated that the input of nitrogen and phosphorus was the primary reason for the higher nutrient levels in the water bodies; among them, municipal sewage discharge, aquaculture, and atmospheric deposition from industry are the main factors for the over importation. This indicates that the changes in the biogenic element concentrations led to variations in the trophic structure and level of Daya Bay and may be attributed to population growth and the development of the seaside industry and agriculture in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Heavy summer precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau has dramatic influences on water resources and hydrological disasters in South Asia. It experienced increasing trends over 1979–1996 and decreasing trends over 1996–2022, which are not yet well understood. Here we show observational and numerical evidence that stratospheric ozone has significant impacts on long‐term trends of summer precipitation in this strong convection area. It is found that stratospheric ozone depletion, by modulating the lower stratospheric temperature and upper‐tropospheric static stability, enhances deep convection and precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau. The results suggest that the ozone recovery in the future may reduce the summer precipitation over the southern slope of the Tibetan Plateau in the first half of the 21st century, which would be imperative for future water resource management in South Asia.

Abstract As one of the major producers of extreme precipitation, mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) have received much attention. Recently, MCSs over several hotpots, including the Sahel and US Great Plains, have been found to intensify under global warming. However, relevant studies on the East Asian rainband, another MCS hotpot, are scarce. Here, by using a novel rain‐cell tracking algorithm on a high spatiotemporal resolution satellite precipitation product, we show that both the frequency and intensity of MCSs over the East Asian rainband have increased by 21.8% and 9.8% respectively over the past two decades (2000–2021). The more frequent and intense MCSs contribute nearly three quarters to the total precipitation increase. The changes in MCSs are caused by more frequent favorable large‐scale water vapor‐rich environments that are likely to increase under global warming. The increased frequency and intensity of MCSs have profound impacts on the hydroclimate of East Asia, including producing extreme events such as severe flooding.

This study comprehensively analyzed the dynamic landscape of organic farming in the European Union (EU) from 2004 to 2021, investigating the shifts in dedicated agricultural areas influenced by evolving preferences and the priorities of farmers and consumers. Examining the impact of socio-economic factors, including gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the human development index (HDI), and human population density, this study established multivariate relationships through country-level analyses based on correlations, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and panel analysis. Despite a universal increase in the organic agriculture areas across all the EU countries during the study period, the production levels exhibited negative correlations with the human population density, GDP per capita, and HDI. Notably, the Baltic countries and Austria led in organic farming production, while Malta, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and Luxemburg formed a distinct group in the cluster analysis with less intensive organic agriculture per capita. These insights are crucial for supporting the resilience and sustainability of organic farming as it continues to evolve. Predictions of organic agriculture share for 2030 based on trends evaluated using linear regression in the years 2004–2021 estimated about 12% of utilized agricultural area, which was much lower than the target share of the European Commission at 25%. Predictions based on linear regression showed that achieving the European Green Deal target of a 25% share of organic agriculture in unlikely in most EU countries by 2030. The target is only highly probable to be obtained in Austria, Estonia, and Sweden. The EU countries varied significantly across various indices characterizing organic agriculture, including organic agriculture area share. It should be noted that the study was conducted on the data obtained prior to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which could potentially alter the previous trends in the development of organic agriculture in the EU.

The perennial sciaphilous alga Phyllophora crispa (Phyllophoraceae, Rhodophyta) belongs to the main community-forming species of the Black Sea but due to the catastrophic degradation of its populations, it has been listed as an endangered species in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation. Phyllophora crispa off the southwestern coast of Crimea is preserved within six Protected Areas (PAs) established between 1972 and 2017, which include the narrow 300-m-wide strips of coastal waters ranging from 0.0597 km2 to 0.208 km2 in area. Despite a long existence, the degeneration of P. crispa assemblages has been shown in some of them that may indicate inefficient measures aimed at conserving bottom communities in Marine PAs (MPAs) and the need to optimise the regional PA network. Therefore, this study addresses assessing the effectiveness of the preservation of P. crispa in MPAs along the southwestern coast of Crimea, and it aims at two main objectives: to compare the status of P. crispa populations in the study area at present and before the MPA establishment, and to assess their current state in the marine protected and unprotected areas. In 2015–2020, the density, biomass, weight and length of P. crispa thalli were determined in five MPAs ranged in age 33–48 years of protection and in 16 unprotected water areas, at depths from 0.5 m to 20 m. A comparison of the obtained and published data for the 5 m to 20 m depth range showed that from 1964–1967 until 2015–2020, the P. crispa biomass in the study area decreased on average 2.7-fold, the density 1.5-fold and the thallus weight 2.0-fold. Evaluating the decline of the populations of P. crispa along the depth range of 5–15 m showed that it was most pronounced at a 15-m depth, being statistically significant in biomass and thallus weight. At the same time, an analysis of variance showed no effect of protection on the between-year change in P. crispa population parameters. In addition, in 2015–2020, there was no statistically significant difference in the average biomass and density of this species inside and outside the MPAs. The average weight and length of thalli did not differ due to protection either, except for a depth of 10 m where values of these parameters were, respectively, 3.3 times and 1.4 times higher inside than outside MPAs. One explanation for the non-significant MPA effect on the state of populations of P. crispa could be a lack of statistical power in our study. Another one was the small area and low width of MPAs, which makes the seaweed communities vulnerable to negative impacts near the MPA borders. To improve the effectiveness of the conservation of P. crispa in the southwestern Crimea, it was recommended to increase the MPA coverage, create buffer zones around MPAs and take measures resulting in environmental improvement throughout the region.

The thermal state of the northern rivers of Russia has significantly changed during the last 30–40 years due to climate warming and changes in water runoff. The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse these changes, their long-term and spatial patterns. In the northeast Asian part of Russia, including Chukotka, the northern districts of Yakutia and the Magadan Region, the thermal state of rivers is affected by cold climatic conditions, high altitudes, continuous permafrost, aufeis, glacial runoff and groundwater recharge. It is closely related to flow direction and dimension of rivers. The study uses dataset containing observations of river water temperature (mainly from 1955 to 2012/2018) at 231 gauging stations and records of 34 weather stations. The large dataset enabled to create seasonal and monthly air temperature maps, as well as maps of deviation of these parameters from the values of background period. The boundaries of ten altitude-thermal zones were set and for each zone a relationship between temperature and mean catchment height was established. Empirical relationships between water and air temperatures showed the leading role of air temperature in changes in stream temperature. It was found that, despite the huge size of the northeastern region and contrasting natural conditions, noticeable climatic warming (by 1–2°C) has been recorded almost at the same time (since 1988). To the east of the Indigirka River, it has been detected since the mid-1990s. The air temperatures increase in spring and autumn is higher than in summer when the main river heat-flux is generated. The beginning of the first noticeable increase in stream temperatures dates back to the late 1980s. The next time milestones were the mid-late 1990s, the first half of the 2000s (from the Indigirka River to the Anadyr River), the late 2000s–early 2010s (western part of the region). The rivers and territories with positive water temperature anomalies predominate. The average range of anomalies is from ‒0.2 to +1.5°C; extreme values are from ‒0.8 to +2°C. The Arctic rivers, the area at the intersection of the Vilyuy and Olenek river basins, and the rivers to the east of the Kolyma River have maximum positive water temperature anomalies. Observed trends create favorable conditions for the intensification of thermal erosion and an increase in turbidity of river water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]