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An individual of spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta was killed by local people in Elba Protected Area, South-East Egypt in winter of 2024. This record constitutes the first record of the species in contemporary Egypt since its extinction over 5,000 years ago. The possibility of increased rainfall and grazing practices creating a corridor for hyena dispersal from neighboring Sudan was investigated. The record is 500 km north of the known range of the spotted hyena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the changing relationship between the boreal winter Arctic Oscillation (AO) and eastern African precipitation. The results show that the negative correlation has significantly weakened since the late 1970s. And the Arabian anticyclonic circulation changed concurrently with the AO. In the mid‐high troposphere, the anomalous anticyclone centred over the Arabian Peninsula in 1980–2020 moved northeastward and weakened compared to 1950–1979. Correspondingly, the anomalous downward motion over eastern Africa significantly weakened compared with that in 1950–1979, corresponding to insignificant precipitation. A further analysis suggests that AO‐related Rossby wave trains in the upper troposphere may modulate the Arabian anticyclone. From 1950 to 1979, the wave activity preferred propagating eastward from the Mediterranean to Russia along a high‐latitude path. In contrast, during 1980–2020, it tended to emanate southeastward towards Saudi Arabia, with a notably stronger and more eastward extension than in the earlier period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenge of limited training samples, this study employs the model-agnostic meta-learning (MAML) algorithm along with domain-knowledge-based data augmentation to predict winter temperatures on the Korean Peninsula. While data augmentation has been achieved by using global climate model simulations, the proposed augmentation is purely based on the observed data by defining the labels using large-scale climate variabilities associated with the Korean winter temperatures. The MAML-applied convolutional neural network (CNN) (referred to as the MAML model) demonstrates superior correlation skills for Korean temperature anomalies compared to a reference model (i.e., the CNN without MAML) and state-of-the-art dynamical forecast models across all target lead months during the boreal winter seasons. Sensitivity experiments show that the domain-knowledge-based data augmentation enhances the forecast skill of the MAML model. Moreover, occlusion sensitivity results reveal that the MAML model better captures the physical precursors that influence Korean winter temperatures, resulting in more accurate predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Labrador Sea in the subpolar North Atlantic is known for its large air-to-sea CO2 fluxes, which can be around 40% higher than in other regions of intense ocean uptake like the Eastern Pacific and within the Northwest Atlantic. This region is also a hot-spot for storage of anthropogenic CO2. Deep water is formed here, so that dissolved gas uptake by the surface ocean directly connects to deeper waters, helping to determine how much atmospheric CO2 may be sequestered (or released) by the deep ocean. Currently, the Central Labrador Sea acts as a year-round sink of atmospheric CO2, with intensification of uptake driven by biological production in spring and lasting through summer and fall. Observational estimates of air-sea CO2 fluxes in the region rely upon very limited, scattered data with a distinct lack of wintertime observations. Here, we compile surface ocean observations of p CO2 from moorings and underway measurements, including previously unreported data, between 2000 and 2020, to create a baseline seasonal climatology for the Central Labrador Sea. This is used as a reference to compare against other observational-based and statistical estimates of regional surface p CO2 and air-sea fluxes from a collection of global products. The comparison reveals systematic differences in the representation of the seasonal cycle of p CO2 and uncertainties in the magnitude of air-sea CO2 fluxes. The analysis reveals the paramount importance of long-term, seasonally-resolved data coverage in this region in order to accurately quantify the size of the present ocean sink for atmospheric CO2 and its sensitivity to climate perturbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the overlooked habitat of macroalgae in sand grains, specifically focusing on the life cycle of Monostroma angicava in northern Japan. The study reveals that microscopic codiolum sporophytes of M. angicava bore into calcareous sand grains during the summer, showcasing a unique endolithic lifestyle. The research highlights the ecological significance of sand grains as a seasonal habitat for macroalgal life cycle stages, shedding light on the adaptive strategies and dispersal modes of these organisms in coastal ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]

In winter, many reptiles have a period of inactivity ("brumation"). During brumation there is no energetic intake, therefore there would be an advantage to reducing energetic expenditure. The size of energetically costly organs, a major determinant of metabolic rate, is known to be flexible in many tetrapods. Seasonal plasticity of organ size could serve as both an energy‐saving mechanism and a source of nutrients for brumating reptiles. We studied a population of an invasive gecko, Tarentola annularis, to test for seasonal changes in activity, metabolic rate, and mass of various organs. The observed period of inactivity was December–February. Standard metabolic rates during the activity season were 1.85 times higher than in brumating individuals. This may be attributed to decreased organ mass during winter: heart mass decreased by 37%, stomach mass by 25%, and liver mass by 69%. Interestingly, testes mass increased by 100% during winter, likely in preparation for the breeding season, suggesting that males prioritize breeding over other functions upon return to activity. The size of the kidneys and lungs remained constant. Organ atrophy occurred only after geckos reduced their activity, so we hypothesize that organ mass changes in response to (rather than in anticipation of) cold winter temperatures and the associated fasting. Degradation of visceral organs can maintain energy demands in times of low supply, and catabolism of the protein from these organs can serve as a source of both energy and water during brumation. These findings bring us closer to a mechanistic understanding of reptiles' physiological adaptations to environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, 366 locations were selected from the Faridabad district of Haryana, India, for seasonal gamma radiation measurements in indoor/outdoor environments. It was measured by a radiation monitor PM 1405 (Polimaster instrument/Republic of Belarus). The measured gamma was statistically analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, Shapiro–Wilk test, Mann–Whitney test, and ANOVA test. The significance value of the outdoor gamma dose rate in winter (OGDRW) is found to be less than the significance level (0.05), indicating that the geology has a significant impact on OGDRW. The estimated annual effective dose was related to the values stated by UNSCEAR and ICRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penetrating fronts play an important role in the cross-shelf transport of terrestrial materials in the East China Sea (ECS). Using long-term satellite remote sensing data and numerical simulation data, the most likely period of occurrence and region of the penetrating fronts in the western ECS are analyzed in this study, and the evolutionary process and mechanism are also investigated. The statistical results of satellite-derived chlorophyll data from 1998 to 2022 (25 years) reveal that penetrating fronts occur most frequently near 27°N in winter, with the frequencies of occurrence in January, February and March being 47%, 65% and 64%, respectively. Backward Lagrangian tracer experiments demonstrate that the penetrating water near 27°N originate from three different regions. The core penetrating low-salinity water originates from the Zhejiang-Fujian coast, while the northern marginal water originates from the northern part of Taiwan Island, and the southern marginal water originates from the central Taiwan Strait. Mechanism analysis reveals that the core penetrating low-salinity water evolves in three successive stages. First, under the influence of the Zhejiang-Fujian Coastal Current driven by strong northeasterly winds, the low-salinity water along the Zhejiang-Fujian coast moves southwestward parallel to the coastline and accumulates in the western Taiwan Strait. Second, during the relaxation stage of the northeasterly wind, the northeastward Taiwan Strait Current strengthens, and the low-salinity water accumulated in the western Taiwan Strait moves to the northeast. Third, when the northeastward-moving lowsalinity water runs into the Western Kuroshio Branch off the northeastern Taiwan Island, the low-salinity water is rapidly stretched eastward, and a significant penetrating front eventually appears. Since the synoptic northeasterly wind and the Western Kuroshio Branch are dominant dynamic factors in this region during wintertime, we believe that the synoptic wintertime penetrating fronts near 27°N are common and important phenomena that play important roles in the cross-shelf transport of terrestrial materials in the ECS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Khmelnitskaya and Yanovskaya (Math Methods Oper Res 66(2):255–261, 2007) characterized the Owen value for TU games with a coalition structure by the axioms of efficiency, marginality, symmetry across coalitions and symmetry within coalitions. Symmetry across components requires that components with equally productive in the game between components obtain the same total payoffs of their members. In this note, inspired by Casajus (Econ Lett 169:59–62, 2018), we weaken the symmetry across components to the sign symmetry across components, which requires only that equally productive components obtain the same sign of total payoffs. We extend the Khmelnitskaya-Yanovskaya's characterization by using efficiency, marginality, sign symmetry across coalitions, and sign symmetry within coalitions, similarly as it was done by Casajus (Econ Lett 169:59–62, 2018) for the Shapley value for general TU games. At last, we extend the main result to the Winter value for games with level structure [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through exposure to the sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, the skin produces more than ninety percent of the body's vitamin D3 needs. The primary objective of this study was to estimate and compare the mean concentration of vitamin D3 (IU) produced by daily exposure to UV light during the summer and winter seasons. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the summer of 2022 and the winter of 2023, with male participants recruited exclusively. All participants resided in the Agadir region (30.428° N). A total of 324 men were included in the summer study and 345 in the winter study, with ages ranging from 18 to 100 years. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview questionnaire. The objective was to assess sun exposure variables in order to estimate the amount of vitamin D3 produced by sunlight. The findings revealed that during the summer, vitamin D synthesis was below the recommended value of 600 IU/day in 0% of participants, between 600 and 1200 IU/day in 44.44% of participants, and ≥ 1200 IU/day in 55.55% of participants. During the winter period, 13.33% of participants exhibited a mean vitamin D synthesis below the recommended value of < 600 IU/day. In contrast, 74.20% exhibited a synthesis between 600 and 1200 IU/day, while 12.46% exhibited a synthesis of ≥ 1200 IU/day. For all groups of Moroccan men, daily vitamin D production by UV solar exposure appears to be sufficient to meet the daily vitamin D requirement in summer but not in winter. The primary predictors of mean daily vitamin D production by UV solar exposure are the fraction of the body exposed, age, and season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavelike banded convection occurs frequently and persistently in southern China, significantly impacting local weather. This study presents the first multi‐year investigation of wavelike banded convection associated with ducted gravity waves in southern China from 2013 to 2021 using radar mosaic maps. These convective bands are highly dependent on the wave ducting environment, which typically exhibits a three‐layer stratification structure. Out of 112 identified cases, two types were further classified based on the presence of a wave ducting vertical structure in the soundings: WaveDuct and nonWaveDuct type. Unlike nonWaveDuct type, the WaveDuct type predominantly happens on winter or spring nights. The phase speeds of WaveDuct convective bands also show a highly positive correlation with the depth of the ducting layer, consistent with wave ducting theory. This study provides a climatological understanding of the frequencies, movements, and environment conditions of wavelike banded convection related to ducted gravity waves over southern China. Plain Language Summary: In southern China, convective morphology sometimes exhibits wavelike banded features, which can persist for extended period. Recent studies show that the interaction between ducted gravity waves and convection organizes convection into wavelike banded patterns, and their long‐lived propagation characteristic has a sustained impact on weather conditions. While previous research has primarily focused on case studies in southern China, this study further statistically examines the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of wavelike banded convection associated with ducted gravity waves in southern China, offering a broader understanding of these phenomena. Key Points: Distinct differences exist between wavelike banded convection with and without the presence of a wave ductWavelike banded convection associated with ducted gravity waves is most likely to occur on winter or spring nightsThe phase speeds of these bands show a positive correlation with the depth of the ducting layer, consistent with wave ducting theory [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to determine the role of social media use by tourists staying in hotels in ski resorts in Turkey in hotel preference. In winter 2022, 1178 valid data obtained by face-to-face survey method from hotel visitors and social media were analyzed using Smart PLS-SEM. As a result of the research, it has been determined that there is a positive and meaningful relationship between the interaction and accessibility features of social media, affecting the trust, perceived usefulness and perceived entertainment levels of the tourists participating in winter tourism in the hotel preference, and tourists’ continuing use of social media in hotel preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective conservation strategies for animal populations require knowledge of relationships between population dynamics and their environmental drivers. However, these processes often vary within animal populations, requiring site‐specific conservation planning. Given limited financial resources, identifying groups of sites with similar population dynamics can help practitioners efficiently implement conservation programs to larger areas. We evaluated spatial patterns and environmental drivers of wintering site trends in a migratory bird of conservation concern, the Greenland white‐fronted goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris). We used latent class analysis to identify trend patterns in 35 years of abundance data among 59 geographically discrete Greenland white‐fronted goose wintering sites. We developed a state‐space abundance model in a Bayesian framework to quantify the effects of weather and land‐cover conditions experienced throughout spring migration, summer breeding, autumn migration and wintering periods on variation in wintering site abundance. We identified two main patterns in Greenland white‐fronted goose abundance trends: northeastern wintering sites declined on average by 3% per year, while southwestern wintering sites declined on average by 14% per year. Differential responses to weather and habitat conditions likely explained variation among groups, as geese at southwestern wintering sites were more negatively affected by harsh weather conditions (e.g. low temperatures and high precipitation on breeding areas) and poor habitat conditions (i.e. low‐quality grasslands and croplands) on wintering areas. Future conservation efforts to improve the suitability and nutritional quality of agricultural areas, especially cereal croplands in autumn and early winter and grasslands in late winter and early spring, could potentially improve local habitat conditions, especially in the southwestern wintering sites where abundance declines were steepest. Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate the potential to delineate animal populations based on spatial patterns in population dynamics using long‐term abundance monitoring data, which are commonly the only available data for conservation practitioners. By grouping sites based on spatial patterns in local abundance trends, we can further test hypotheses about how these groups are differentially affected by changing environmental conditions. This information is important for informing efficient conservation planning over large areas when financial resources are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme wintertime cold in the central United States (US) can drive excessive electricity demand and grid failures, with substantial socioeconomic effects. Predicting cold-induced demand surges is relatively understudied, especially on the subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) timescale of 2 weeks to 2 months. North American winter weather regimes are atmospheric tools that are based on persistent atmospheric circulation patterns, and have been linked to potential S2S predictability of extreme cold in the central US. We study the relationship between winter weather regimes and daily peak load across 13 balancing authorities in the Southwest Power Pool. Anomalous ridging across Alaska, the West Coast, and Greenland drive increases in demand and extreme demand risk. Conversely, anomalous troughing across the Arctic and North Pacific reduces extreme demand risk. Thus, weather regimes may not only be an important long-lead predictor for North American electricity load, but potentially a useful tool for end users and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the accessibility conditions for carrying out research work for an exemplary site in the southern Baltic Sea region. The basic parameter of the state of the marine environment was the significant wave height determined at a frequency of one hour based on the ERA 5 model data covering the period between 1940 and 2022. A statistical analysis of the variability of this height on a monthly basis, taking into account its conversion into the time of potential availability in conditions enabling research, showed its strong seasonal variability in the form of differences in the number of hours that can be used for operating purposes. This number, depending on the research vessel capabilities, may even be an order of magnitude higher in the summer months than in winter. Additionally, it was found that the variability of the significant wave height has not changed substantially over the last 82 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme wildfires have devastating impacts on multiple fronts, and associated carbon greatly heats the earth's climate. Whether and how to predict wildfires becomes a critical question. In this study, we find that the preceding-winter "warm Arctic-cold Eurasia" (WACE) pattern significantly enlarges the spring burned area in West Siberia. The winter WACE and accompanying snow reduction result in dryness and vegetation exposure in West Siberia in spring, increasing fire risks. A multiple linear regression model is constructed that successfully predicts the spring burned area in West Siberia one season in advance (R-squared coefficient=0.64). The same predictors also well predict the corresponding fire carbon emissions. Independent predictions for spring burned area in 2019 and 2020 are very close to observations, with a mean absolute percentage error of only 3.0%. The findings of this study provide a possibility for guarding humans against extreme wildfires and predicting sharp rises in carbon emissions. The authors show that the winter "warm Arctic-cold Eurasia" pattern significantly enhances spring fire activity in West Siberia, contributing to the prediction of wildfire burned area, and resulting CO2 emissions, one season in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Two functional responses largely guide woody plants' survival to winter conditions: cold hardiness and dormancy. Dormancy affects budbreak timing based on chill accumulation. Effects of warming on dormancy may appear time‐shifted: fall and winter warming events decrease chill accumulation, delaying budbreak observed in spring. The same warming events also affect cold hardiness dynamics, having immediate implications. As cold deacclimation rates increase with dormancy progression, the same amount of warming has greater damage risk the later it occurs in the season, depending on return of low temperatures. Should frequency of erratic weather increase with climate change, more instances of risk are expected. However, understanding how plants fare through seasons now and in future climates still requires better knowledge of winter physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike prior researches focusing on interannual or interdecadal changes of the Northwest Pacific subtropical high (NWPSH), this paper emphasizes the interdecadal changes in the relationship between May‐June and July‐August NWPSH. The correlation coefficients between them are 0.66 (passing the 99.9% confidence level) and 0.12 during 1979–2002 and 2003–2023. Therefore, the May‐June NWPSH has a strong connection with July‐August East Asian precipitation during 1979–2002, but not during 2003–2023. The interdecadal variations in the relationship of NWPSH are due to interdecadal changes of ENSO. During 1979–2002, the eastern‐type ENSO in prior winter, having longer durations, can influence May‐June and July‐August NWPSH and the North Indian Ocean. However, the central‐type ENSO in prior winter only persists it's influence until May‐June, and changes into a Pacific Dipole pattern in July‐August during 2003–2023. Despite the North Indian Ocean continually warms during 2003–2023, the tropical Pacific Dipole offsets its impacts on the NWPSH. Plain Language Summary: The Northwest Pacific Subtropical High (NWPSH) has always been valued by meteorologists due to its important role in the East Asian climate. This paper found that the relationship between the NWPSH in May‐June and July‐August has weakened significantly since 2002. The eastern‐type ENSO, characterized by longer durations, can influence the NWPSH and the North Indian Ocean in May‐June and July‐August before 2002. However, from 2003 to 2023, the influence of the central‐type ENSO only persists until May‐June, transitioning to a Pacific Dipole pattern in July‐August. Therefore, both May‐June and July‐August NWPSH are affected by the North Indian Ocean before 2002. However, the NWPSH in May‐June is affected by the North Indian Ocean and prior winter ENSO after 2002, while the July‐August NWPSH is impacted by the tropical Pacific Dipole. And the tropical Pacific Dipole also offsets the influence of the North Indian Ocean on the NWPSH. This leads to a weakening of the relationship between the NWPSH in May‐June and July‐August. Key Points: The relationship between the Northwest Pacific subtropical high (NWPSH) in May‐June and July‐August has significantly weakened after 2002The reason for weakening relationship of NWPSH is that the persistent eastern ENSO has become a short‐period central ENSO after 2002Central ENSO will become Pacific Dipole mode in summer, which will weaken the influence of North Indian Ocean on NWPSH [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unified clustering framework based on pattern correlation is used to identify eight blocking regimes over Eurasia and surrounding oceans during the winter months (December–March) of 1948–2021. The regimes are labeled based on their centers of action, which are located over the West Atlantic, Greenland, the East Atlantic, Scandinavia, the Ural Mountains and Siberia, the Okhotsk Sea, the Bering Strait, and the North Pacific. It should be noted that the classification is almost insensitive to the time period but mainly depends on the percentage of different blocking events. The spatial distributions of cold surges differ substantially among these eight regimes. Due mainly to the cold advection downstream of the centers of blocking activities, cold surges can be observed over parts of the Eurasian continent. Possible relationships between the eight blocking regimes and large‐scale modes of climate variability, including the Arctic Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation, and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation, are explored. Not only contemporary connections but also the predictive value of large‐scale modes is discussed. Plain Language Summary: Atmospheric blocking, an important circulation system in middle and high latitudes, has significant local and upstream/downstream impacts on weather and short‐term climate. Since blockings with diverse occurrence locations affect different regions, it is necessary to classify them by a unified framework. In this study, a clustering method based on pattern correlations is adopted to identify wintertime blocking regimes over Eurasia and surrounding oceans to establish their connections with the corresponding spatial distribution of cold surges. The clustering result is almost insensitive to the time period, which mainly depends on the percentage of blocking events located at different regions. We also examine the large‐scale climate background for each regime to provide a reference for the cold surge forecast over the Eurasian continent. Key Points: Eight wintertime blocking regimes over Eurasia and surrounding oceans are revealed by a clustering methodBlocking activities induce cold surges over parts of the Eurasian continent due to downstream cold advectionThe cluster regimes are almost insensitive to the time period [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the methodology for reconstructing anomalous temperature index series of China in 1368–1911 based on the REACHES database which digitizes the Chinese records quoted in the Compendium of Meteorological Records of China in the Last 3000 Years. The reconstruction adopts an ordinal scale index approach ranging from −2 (very cold) to 1 (warm). Based on the grading criteria, a total of 12,871 records were retrieved through a standard coding system established at REACHES. Sensitivity experiments were performed to test robustness of the index system and a reasonability test was conducted to develop an appropriate method for deriving areal mean temperature index. The reconstructed series were validated through comparison with early instrumental data from Global Historical Climatology Network which shows good correlations and reliability of the REACHES reconstructed index data. Annual and semi-annual (winter and summer) temperature index data series were released for the whole domain as well as the 3- and 15-subregion geographical domains in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-modern geography and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (∼400 ppmv) coupled with temperatures ∼3°C warmer than the pre-Industrial era are suggested to make the mid-Pliocene warm period (mPWP; 3.264–3.025 Ma) an important near-future climate change analogue. To date, however, few studies explore mPWP hydroclimatic characteristics for the full southern Africa area using proxy records and/or Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP) climate projections. Hence, we analyse precipitation outputs from 17 PlioMIP phase 2 models to explore southern African mPWP precipitation changes compared to pre-Industrial outputs. Despite diverse inter-model changes, robust signals exist. Most models project annual precipitation declines, up to 0.5 mm/day in the ensemble median. Drying of a similar magnitude for the summer (October-March) and winter (April-September) half-year periods contribute to this change, with models more consistently projecting winter drying. Consequently, the summer and winter precipitation zones (SRZ and WRZ) are projected to shift poleward by ∼1°. For WRZ regions, relatively stable summer precipitation and reduced winter precipitation is projected to result in reduced seasonality. Over SRZ regions, early (late) summer precipitation declines (increases) projected for October–December (January–March) re-organise the summer wet-season to be more concentrated in late summer. Qualitatively good consistency with future projections highlights the mPWPs relevance considering southern Africa’s future climate changes, however, limited model-proxy agreement suggests a need to further (re)assess Pliocene (mPWP) proxy records and/or the PlioMIP2 model boundary conditions towards better capturing mechanisms driving mPWP climatic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atlantic Niño, a primary climatic variability mode in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, exhibits pronounced variability not only in boreal summer but also in winter. However, the role of the winter Atlantic Niño in trans-basin interactions remains underexplored compared to its summer counterpart. Through analysis of observational reanalysis data since the mid-twentieth century, here we found that the winter Atlantic Niño significantly influences the development of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), surpassing the impact of summer Atlantic Niño, with a longer lead time. This effect is reasonably captured in the CMIP6 Historical simulations from a multi-model ensemble perspective. Further analysis of the global warming scenario projects that the influence of winter Atlantic Niño on ENSO will persist into the future, in contrast to the reduced impact of summer Atlantic Niño. Therefore, these findings underscore the importance of further investigating the winter Atlantic Niño to gain a comprehensive understanding of trans-basin interactions and their future changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The change with time in parameter S, which characterizes the relation of the critical frequency foF2 to the height hmF2 of the ionospheric F 2 layer is considered. The results of measurements by the vertical sounding method at two stations (Moscow and Juliusruh) are analyzed. The dependence of foF2 on hmF2 is plotted for three intervals: 1957–1980, 1996–2023, and 2011–2023. Five near-noon LT moments and two seasons (winter (January and February) and summer (June and July)) are considered. It is found for both stations and both seasons that the S value has been increasing systematically from the earlier to later periods. At the same time, the winter S values are approximately by a factor of 3 higher than the summer ones for all periods. It is suggested that the found changes in parameter S could provide valuable information on long-term variations (trends) in thermospheric parameters with the help of current theoretical models of the TIEGCM or WACCM-X type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CFOSAT (Chinese-French Oceanography Satellite) equipped with the high-performance wave spectrometer SWIM has obtained continuous and extensive wave data. While CFOSAT wave data have undergone numerous validations and calibrations globally, most comparisons have been made with buoy data. There is a lack of contrast with existing mature datasets when applying satellite data to the study of wave field characteristics. By focusing on the China's adjacent seas, comparing the significant wave heights (SWH) between CFOSAT and ERAS data and analyzing their differences. The results show that the CFOSAT data and ERAS data exhibit similar performance and high correlation in wave field observations; The difference in SWH between them shows seasonal variation characteristics, with a greater degree of dispersion in the autumn and winter seasons and a more stable in the spring and summer seasons; With the increase of wave height, the bias between CFOSAT and ERAS data significantly increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Reduced snow cover and increasing temperature variability can increase freezing stress for herbaceous plants in northern temperate regions. Legumes have emerged as a plant functional group that is highly sensitive to these changes relative to other herbaceous species in these regions. We explored root‐nodulating bacterial associations and cyanogenesis as potential mechanisms explaining this relatively low freezing tolerance of legumes. Methods: To examine the influence of bacterial associations, we grew four legume species with or without crushed‐nodule inoculum at three severities of freezing, and three concentrations of nitrogen to disambiguate the direct benefits of increased nitrogen from the total bacterial effect. We quantified cyanogenesis via hydrogen cyanide production in both true leaves and cotyledons for nine legume species. Results: Root nodulation generally only affected legume survival under low nitrogen, when freezing severity was moderate or low. However, for the frost‐surviving plants, the growth advantage provided by nodulation decreased (it was often no longer significant with increasing freezing severity), and greater freezing severity reduced total nodule mass. In contrast, cyanogenesis was only detected in two of the nine species. Conclusions: The diminished performance of nodulated plants in response to freezing could place legumes at a competitive disadvantage and potentially explain their high sensitivity to freezing relative to other herbaceous species in northern temperate regions. Overall, this result has important implications for changes in soil fertility, community composition, and plant productivity in these ecosystems in the context of a changing winter climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reveals the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of the winter nighttime urban heat island (UHI) effect in the case of Beijing, China. The land surface temperature (LST) is retrieved by radiative transfer equation by using the remote sensing data from Landsat ETM+/OLITIRS from 2007 to 2017 for the winter nighttime period, and LST is then divided by the mean-standard deviation method into different levels of thermal landscapes. A combination of the migration calculation of gravity center and multi-directional profile analysis is used to study the directional differentiation characteristics of LST and the migratory characteristics of the gravity center of UHI. Finally, the overall temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of winter nighttime surface urban heat island (SUHI) in Beijing are studied, and the possible reasons for the changes are discussed. Results show that Beijing's UHI effect first increased and subsequently decreased from 2007 to 2017. The winter heat island in the urban area developed from low-density agglomeration to high-density agglomeration to low-density diffusion. Additionally, the high-level thermal landscapes migrated to the southwest along with the city center of gravity, and the expansion rate is fastest in the southwest, which is directly linked to the changes in the urban construction land. Moreover, the overall spatial distribution of winter nighttime LST is high in the east and south and low in the west and north, and is influenced by topography, land cover, urbanization, anthropogenic heat, and other factors as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boreal lakes experience pronounced seasonal variation in abiotic factors, especially light, temperature, and oxygen. A deep boreal humic lake was sampled year‐round to test putative changes in total fish catch, species composition, catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE), habitat use, fish size, and condition. Monthly sampling was conducted in Lake Pääjärvi, southern Finland, during one full year in 2020–2021 as well as in March and August 2021 and 2022. The fish community was dominated by cyprinid species in all months, but the percentage of percid fish caught increased during the warm summer period. Most fish were caught in littoral habitats and the highest catches occurred in summer, but some species (e.g., ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernua, and pikeperch, Sander lucioperca) remained abundant in the winter catch. The body size of fish was larger in the winter catch, while condition factor was higher in summer for most species. Fish species proportions in total catch, CPUE, and average size of fish were closest to the annual mean values in September, which may be used as the optimal period to monitor fish communities of similar deep boreal lakes. Our findings highlight the need for year‐round research to reveal the impacts of rising temperatures and diminishing ice‐covered periods in fish communities and lake food webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using ERA5 reanalysis data, this study explores the interannual variability of the occurrence frequency of the stronger Kunming quasi‐stationary front during in winter over the period 1980–2021 and the main causes of the variability. The results indicate that the occurrence frequency is significantly modulated on interannual timescales by southwesterly anomalies over the warmer region west of 103° E and northeasterly anomalies over the colder region east of 106° E. When the stronger southwesterly anomalies over the warmer region are comparable with stronger northeasterly anomalies over the colder region, the inhomogeneities of horizontal convergence and diabatic heating are strengthened near the frontal zone. This anomalous circulation causes a higher‐than‐normal occurrence frequency of the stronger Kunming quasi‐stationary front in winter. The East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) are the two most important controls on the interannual variability of the occurrence frequency of the stronger Kunming quasi‐stationary front. Both the CGT and EAWM modulate the inhomogeneities of horizontal convergence and diabatic heating on the west flank of the front, and the EAWM further regulates diabatic heating over the east flank of the front. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western Himalayas (WH) receives precipitation through eastward propagating synoptic weather systems, Western Disturbances (WDs), embedded in large scale subtropical westerly jet (SWJ) during Northern Hemispheric boreal winter (December, January and February; DJF). In the recent decade, WDs have undergone certain changes in their characteristic's viz., decreased associated precipitation, no significant changes in the WDs frequency and intensity, etc. However, Non-WDs days and associated precipitation gained its importance as it contributes ~ 20% of winter precipitation over WH. In this study, structure, dynamics and moisture availability associated with changing WDs and Non-WDs precipitating days are analyzed. Robust statistical methods and Theil-Sen slope on ERA5 data during 1987–2020 is considered to comprehend why active WDs' (Non-WDs) precipitation frequency is declining (notably increasing). Interestingly, it is as well found that all the WDs do not precipitate and there are Non-WDs days when precipitation occur. It shows declining trend in WD precipitation and the increasing importance of Non-WDs. The findings show formation of 'Ω shape' flow - where high pressure is locked between two low pressure systems - over Indian subcontinent during Non-WDs days. Such dynamical wind col formation ('Ω shape') from lower (850Hpa) to upper (200 hPa) troposphere provides conducive situation for enhanced moisture incursion from Bay of Bengal (BoB) towards and over the WH during Non-WDs days leading to precipitation. This new finding needs to be looked from sustaining and replenishment of glaciers; agriculture; socioeconomic benefits during winters and needs to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North American bat populations have experienced precipitous declines since the introduction of white-nose syndrome (WNS). Evidence that bats have responded to WNS by altering their winter habitat selection has been used to manipulate underground environments and improve winter survival. However, such management practices must be based on local data, which do not exist for all regions. Our goal was to identify determinants of winter habitat use for 3 bat species with varying susceptibility to WNS. To do so, we conducted 188 surveys of 129 potential hibernacula over 3 winters. We found that the range of winter temperatures and presence of water were important for the Little Brown Myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus), species that are highly susceptible to WNS. Counts of both species were greater in sites with a narrow (<5 °C) temperature range and where streams or water bodies >25 m2 were present. In addition, we found larger groups of Little Brown Myotis in abandoned railroad tunnels than in caves. Winter counts of these species increased over time at 3 railroad tunnels that were surveyed for 3 consecutive winters, whereas populations were extirpated from historically important caves and mines. Counts of Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus), which are less susceptible to WNS, were also greater in hibernacula with water bodies. However, average winter temperature also helped predict counts of Big Brown Bats. This species had a curvilinear response to temperature, with most bats found at hibernacula with average winter temperatures of 4 to 6 °C, and fewer bats observed at warmer and colder conditions. These data show that focusing solely on historically important hibernacula may fail to achieve conservation goals for the Little Brown Myotis and Tricolored Bat in our region, and suggest that anthropogenic structures can provide habitat for remnant populations of imperiled bat species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive winter grazing on forage crops helps overcome winter feed shortages but is associated with soil pugging and high rates of sediment and nutrient losses. A recently recommended approach to intensive winter grazing management–grazing from the top of the slope downwards (‘top-down’)–can substantially reduce sediment and nutrient losses as part of a suite of practices called ‘strategic grazing’. We hypothesised that this new management has had significant uptake and that a farmer’s risk preferences, values, and demographics influence adoption of these practices. Using a national-scale survey of farmers from 2023, we found that 52.5% of respondents who grazed winter forage crops on slopes, grazed top-down. Location had a modest impact on this decision, with Otago respondents being 17–24% more likely to graze top-down than those from other regions. Māori farmers were 30% more likely to graze top-down than non-Māori farmers. Profitability was positively correlated with this decision. We conclude that the adoption of top-down grazing practices on slopes for winter forage crops is widespread, with just over half of the farmers surveyed grazing winter forage crops top-down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analysed the migratory behaviour of adult Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) breeding at Helgoland in the North Sea, based on data obtained from geolocation devices in the non-breeding season 2016–2017. Birds moved east and south-west to a broad range of wintering sites, ranging from the western Baltic Sea to North-West Africa. Three out of 12 birds spent the winter in Africa, while 9 birds wintered in Europe, with the primary wintering sites in the North Sea. All but one tagged bird spent some time in the Baltic Sea or in the transitional waters between the North Sea and Baltic Sea. We also analysed data from online databases (dofbasen.dk, ornitho.de) and the German Seabirds at Sea database to explore the extent to which Northern Gannets used the western Baltic Sea, as well as the Kattegat and Skagerrak, during the winter months. Records of Northern Gannets in Danish waters have increased substantially over the last 18 winters, with particular increases in the Baltic Sea. There was also a notable increase in sightings of Northern Gannets in German Baltic Sea waters, but this occurred later than in the more northerly Danish waters. Both analyses demonstrated that Northern Gannets explored the western part of the Baltic Sea, as well as the Kattegat and Skagerrak, increasingly intensively. This recent increase in sightings is in accord with the establishment and exponential increase in the nearest breeding colony of Northern Gannets at Helgoland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Spring regrowth in temperate perennials relies on renewal buds, which form a key component in the shoot growth cycle. Still, we possess almost no information on these renewal buds, which is becoming more pressing with the current climate change. Most existing studies concentrated on easy‐to‐study aboveground buds of woody plants, whose morphology has largely been linked to frost protection. It is not clear to what extent these findings apply also to herbaceous species.We therefore examined protective traits and preformation of winter renewal buds in 379 species of temperate herbs, and tested how these traits are distributed across the phylogeny and related to other bud bank and whole‐plant traits.We identified a major gradient from few, large, highly preformed, scale‐covered buds associated with larger belowground storage organs deep in the soil, to small, numerous, less preformed, and naked buds near the soil surface.Belowground renewal buds of temperate herbs show several distinct strategies for winter survival and spring regrowth that might affect their response to changing winter and early spring conditions. Renewal bud traits are driven not only by frost protection but also by protection of the apical meristem from mechanical disturbance in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

East Asian atmospheric rivers (ARs) exhibit the most pronounced activity in summer with significant impacts on monsoon rainfall. However, their occurrence mechanisms are yet to be revealed in detail. In this study, we unravel the inherently complex nature of East Asian summer ARs by applying a multiscale index that quantifies the relative importance of high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) moisture transports in AR development. It is found that both HF and LF processes contribute to shaping the summertime ARs in East Asia, contrasting to the wintertime ARs dominated by HF processes. Stratification of ARs with the multiscale index reveals that HF-dominant ARs are driven by baroclinically deepening extratropical cyclones, analogous to the widely accepted definition of canonical ARs. In contrast, LF-dominant ARs result from an enhanced monsoon southwesterly between a quasi-stationary cyclone and an anticyclone with the latter being the anomalous expansion of the western North Pacific subtropical high. Such a pattern is reminiscent of the classical monsoon rainband. While HF-dominant ARs are transient, LF-dominant ARs are quasi-stationary with a higher potential for prolonged local impacts. The intermediate ARs, constituting a majority of East Asian summer ARs, exhibit synoptic conditions that combine HF- and LF-dominant ARs. Therefore, East Asian summer ARs cannot be explained by a single parent system but should be considered as a continuum of extratropical-cyclone-induced and fluctuating monsoon-flow-induced moisture plumes. This finding would serve as a base for the advanced understanding of hydrological impacts, variability, and projected change of East Asian ARs. Significance Statement: Despite the accumulation of studies on summertime atmospheric rivers (ARs) in East Asia, a comprehensive explanation for their occurrence mechanisms remains elusive. This study disentangles their complicated nature through case-level multiscale analyses. In contrast to wintertime ARs, summertime ARs are shaped by both high- and low-frequency moisture transports. The high-frequency moisture transport is associated with migratory extratropical cyclones which are suppressed but still active in summer, while the low-frequency moisture transport arises from the fluctuation of a quasi-stationary monsoon southwesterly along the periphery of the western North Pacific subtropical high. The varying relative contribution of high- and low-frequency components from one AR to another suggests that East Asian summer ARs represent a continuum of extratropical and monsoonal moisture plumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elderly people in regions of China with hot summers and cold winters have significantly higher heat sensitivity than people in other regions and are ambiguous in their subjective perceptions of temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. This makes the elderly more vulnerable to the heat; consequently, when they engage in outdoor activities during the summer wearing light clothing, their diminished thermal perception increases the risk of heat stress injuries. Therefore, to more accurately evaluate the outdoor thermal comfort perception of the elderly in summer, this study used traditional field meteorological measurements, a questionnaire survey, physiological data, and machine learning prediction methods, to establish an outdoor thermal benchmark for retirement communities in hot summer and cold winter regions. Findings from the study reveal that the neutral universal thermal climate index (NUTCI) and the neutral universal thermal climate index range are 25.94°C and 22.23°C to 29.66°C respectively, and that the thermal comfort threshold is 35.39°C. It was also found that for 80% of elderly residents in the two retirement communities studied, the thermal acceptable range is from 19.41°C to 35.07°C. Using these findings as a guide, the thermal categories proposed are neutral 22.23°C to 33.08°C, slightly warm 33.08°C to 39.68°C, warm 39.68°C to 43.52°C, and hot above 43.52°C, with a preferred UTCI of 27.02°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The winter of 1739/40 is known as one of the coldest winters in Europe since early instrumental measurements began. Many contemporary sources discuss the cold waves and compare the winter to that of 1708/09. It is less well known that the year 1740 remained cold until August and was again cold in October and that negative temperature anomalies were also found over Eurasia and North America. The 1739/40 cold season over northern mid-latitude land areas was perhaps the coldest in 300 years, and 1740 was the coldest year in central Europe in 600 years. New monthly global climate reconstructions allow us to address this momentous event in greater detail, while daily observations and weather reconstructions give insight into the synoptic situations. Over Europe, we find that the event was initiated by a strong Scandinavian blocking in early January, allowing the advection of continental cold air. From February until June, high pressure dominated over Ireland, arguably associated with frequent eastern Atlantic blocking. This led to cold-air advection from the cold northern North Atlantic. During the summer, cyclonic weather dominated over central Europe, associated with cold and wet air from the Atlantic. The possible role of oceanic influences (El Niño) and external forcings (eruption of Mount Tarumae in 1739) are discussed. While a possible El Niño event might have contributed to the winter cold spells, the eastern Atlantic blocking is arguably unrelated to either El Niño or the volcanic eruption. All in all, the cold year of 1740 marks one of the strongest, arguably unforced excursions in European temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy rainfall events (HREs) occur almost throughout the year in the Philippines, with relatively limited research during the winter monsoon. This study analyzes the 20-year (2003–2022) daily precipitation from 55 rain gauges and Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) from November to February. HREs are classified into three clusters by employing a cluster analysis on the most pertinent principal modes extracted from the principal component analysis. Each cluster exhibits a distinct heavy rainfall spatial pattern, mostly showing more than 50 mm/day of rainfall in the eastern part of the country. We noted that heavy rainfall in the Philippines during the winter monsoon occurs during a strong East Asian Winter Monsoon and caused by the interaction of shear line and low-level cyclonic vortex. The different location of rainfall maxima in each HRE cluster is a result of the variation of locations of the shear line and cyclonic vortex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The demand for legal regulation of the right to strike has existed for a long time and has gained importance as a result of the railway strikes last winter. Against this background, the article analyzes the causes of the apparent increase in the willingness to strike in the critical infrastructure sector and how this can be countered. Legal options for the regulation of labor disputes are discussed, with a particular focus on a provision requiring the parties involved to agree to arbitration if either side so requests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern Ocean (SO) is central to the global overturning circulation. South of the Antarctic Polar Front, Antarctic Winter Water (WW) forms in the wintertime mixed layer (ML) and becomes a subsurface layer following summertime restratification of the ML, overlaying upwelled deep waters. Model simulations show that WW acts as a conduit to seasonally transform upwelled deep waters into intermediate waters. Yet, there remains little observational evidence of the distribution and seasonal characteristics of WW. Using 18 years of in situ observations, we show seasonal climatologies of WW thickness, depth, core temperature, and salinity, revealing a distinct regionality and seasonality of WW. The seasonal cycle of WW characteristics is tied to the annual sea ice evolution, whereas the spatial distribution is impacted by the main topographic features in the SO driving an equatorward flux of WW. Through the identification of these localized northward export regions of WW, this study provides further evidence suggesting an alternative view from the conventional "zonal mean" perspective of the overturning circulation. We show that specific overturning pathways connecting the subpolar ocean to the global ocean can be explained by ocean‐topography interactions. Plain Language Summary: The Southern Ocean (SO) around Antarctica is central to the global ocean circulation system. The cold wintertime atmosphere drives ocean cooling and sea ice formation, which causes surface waters to become denser, mixing with deep waters that rise to the surface from the deep ocean. As the ocean surface layer warms in summer, there remains a cold layer below the surface known as Antarctic Winter Water (WW). This layer warms throughout the summer, thinning the WW layer. However, the properties of WW (temperature, salinity, thickness, and depth) vary in space and in erosion rate around the SO. By compiling 18 years of ocean observations, we investigate the physical dynamics that determine how WW changes in space and over the average annual cycle. We find that there are localized regions across the SO where WW properties are transported northward as part of the ocean circulation system, which typically aligns with large topographic features and acts to connect SO water masses to the global ocean. Key Points: Seasonal climatologies of Antarctic Winter Water (WW) and its properties are mapped using 18 years of in situ observationsObservations reveal the distinct seasonal and regional characteristics of WW and their potential link to processes such as sea ice formationLocalized redistribution of WW properties equatorward is steered by large topographic features [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ratoon rice occupies an important position in rice production owing to its time-saving, labor-saving and low-pollution planting, and increased benefits. However, the impact of tillage management on the yield in rice ratooning system has not yet been reported. Thus, field experiments were carried out to investigate the impact of seven tillage methods on the yield of ratoon rice crop in Jingzhou City in 2021–2022. The managements included winter plowing + rotary 2 times (PTw + RT2) or 3 times (PTw + RT3), spring plowing + rotary 2 times (PTs + RT2) or 3 times (PTs + RT3), no plowing + rotary 2 times (P0 + RT2) or 3 times (P0 + RT3) and no tillage (NT). PTw + RT3 had the highest total rice yield. The experimental data were collected in 2021 and 2022. In terms of main season rice yield, the order of ranking was PTw > PTs ≈ NT ≈ P0, while for ratoon rice yield, the ranking was NT > PTw ≈ PTs > P0. Generally, the root function ranked as PTw > PTs > P0 > NT. The photosynthetic capacity of the main season rice always maximized in PTw, those of the ratoon rice all maximized in NT, and those of both the main season rice and ratoon rice always minimized in P0. In the three tillage modes (PTw, PTs, P0), an additional rotary tillage did not affect the growth or yield of rice. PTw + 3RT was the highest yielding tillage management, but it is still necessary to explore other PTw + 3RT methods and more economical tillage management to increase the yield of ratoon rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter wheat constitutes approximately 20% of China's total cereal production. However, calculations of total production based on multiplying the planted area by the yield have tended to produce overestimates. In this study, we generated sample points from existing winter wheat maps and obtained samples for different years using a temporal migration method. Random forest classifiers were then constructed using optimized features extracted from spectral and phenological characteristics and elevation information. Maps of the harvested and planted areas of winter wheat in Chinese eight provinces from 2018 to 2022 were then produced. The resulting maps of the harvested areas achieved an overall accuracy of 95.06% verified by the sample points, and the correlation coefficient between the CROPGRIDS dataset is about 0.77. The harvested area was found to be about 13% smaller than the planted area, which can primarily be attributed to meteorological hazards. This study represents the first attempt to map the winter wheat harvested area at 10–m resolution in China, and it should improve the accuracy of yield estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wintertime atmospheric blocking often brings adverse environmental and socioeconomic impacts through its accompanying temperature and precipitation extremes. However, due to the chaotic nature of the extratropical atmospheric circulation and the challenges in simulating blocking, the skillful seasonal prediction of blocking remains elusive. In this study, we leverage both observational data and seasonal hindcasts from a state-of-the-art seasonal prediction system to investigate the prediction skill of North Pacific wintertime blocking frequency and its linkage to downstream cold extremes. The observational results show that North Pacific blocking has a local maximum over the central North Pacific Ocean and that the occurrence of North Pacific blocking drives significant cold anomalies over northwestern North America within a week, which are both well reproduced by the model. The model skillfully predicts the western North Pacific blocking frequency near the subtropical jet exit region at the shortest forecast lead, but skill drops off rapidly with lead time partly due to model drift in the background flow. To overcome this rapid drop in skill, we develop a linear hybrid dynamical-statistical model that uses the forecasted Niño 3.4 index and upstream precipitation as predictors and that maintains significant forecast skill of high-latitude North Pacific blocking up to 7 lead months in advance. Our results indicate that an improvement in the seasonal prediction skill of winter North Pacific blocking frequency may be achieved by the enhanced representation of the links among sea surface temperature anomalies, tropical convection, and the ensuing tropical-extratropical interaction that initiates North Pacific blocking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Zuoshi No.1, one of the main potato varieties cultivated in Enping City, Guangdong Province, as the material, a randomized block design was used to study the effects of organic-inorganic compound fertilizer on potato yield, quality, etc. The aim was to provide theoretical basis for the rational use of organic-inorganic compound fertilizer in winter potato production in this area. The results showed that T3 treatment had significant yield increasing benefits, could ensure the quality of potato tubers, had the highest commercial potato rate, and the highest economic benefits; and the partial productivity (119.84 kg/kg) and agronomic efficiency (67.10 kg/kg) of this treatment were both the highest. Taking into account potato yield, quality, fertilizer utilization rate, and economic benefits, it is recommended that 900 kg/hm² of organic-inorganic compound fertilizer be applied as a suitable fertilization scheme for winter potato production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMany Canadian manual wheelchair users face many challenges in winter months such as slippage on ice- or snow-covered ramps, snow windrows, and casters becoming stuck in deep or hard packed snow. These barriers impact wheelchair users’ ability to participate in the community. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and feasibility of a winter wheelchair obstacle course known as the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN). The results demonstrated that the SNOWMAN course authentically represented real-world winter conditions, as confirmed by participant responses and qualitative feedback from four manual wheelchair users. The course was comprehensive, covering a range of winter obstacles typically encountered by wheelchair users. Construct validity was established by differentiating performance between manual wheelchairs and a motorized platform with snow tracks, showcasing varying completion times and device satisfaction levels. Feasibility was also assessed, with the administration protocol being mostly adhered to, safety measures implemented, and usability scores meeting acceptable thresholds. The SNOWMAN course showed promise for evaluating wheelchair adaptations and devices for winter conditions, as well as training users in winter mobility skills. Future research directions include comparing different wheeled mobility devices, exploring adaptations for usability in winter, and developing new technology tailored for challenging terrains and winter conditions. The SNOWMAN course could serve as a valuable tool for both research and clinical applications in enhancing winter mobility for wheelchair users.The SNOWMAN course demonstrates strong potential for ecologically valid evaluation and development of wheelchairs and adaptations specific to winter conditions.The SNOWMAN course provides a venue to safely evaluate and train authentic winter mobility skills and strategies.The SNOWMAN course has the potential to positively impact the broader community by enhancing awareness of winter mobility and accessibility issues.The SNOWMAN course demonstrates strong potential for ecologically valid evaluation and development of wheelchairs and adaptations specific to winter conditions.The SNOWMAN course provides a venue to safely evaluate and train authentic winter mobility skills and strategies.The SNOWMAN course has the potential to positively impact the broader community by enhancing awareness of winter mobility and accessibility issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution (2 km) high-frequency (hourly) SST data from 2015 to 2021 provided by the Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) onboard the Japanese Himawari-8 geostationary satellite were used to study spatial and temporal variability of the China Coastal Front (CCF) in the South China Sea. The SST data were processed with the Belkin and O'Reilly (2009) algorithm to generate monthly maps of the CCF's intensity (defined as SST gradient magnitude GM) and frontal frequency (FF). The horizontal structure of the CCF was investigated from cross-frontal distributions of SST along 11 fixed lines that allowed us to determine inshore and offshore boundaries of the CCF and calculate the CCF's strength (defined as total cross-frontal step of SST). Combined with the results of Part 1 of this study, where the CCF was documented in the East China Sea, the new results reported in this paper allowed the CCF to be traced from the Yangtze Bank to Hainan Island. The CCF is continuous in winter, when its intensity peaks at 0.15 °C/km (based on monthly data). In summer, when the Guangdong Coastal Current reverses and flows eastward, the CCF's intensity is reduced to 0.05 °C/km or less, especially off western Guangdong, where the CCF vanishes almost completely. Owing to its breadth (50–100 km, up to 200 km in the Taiwan Strait), the CCF is a very strong front, especially in winter, when the total SST step across the CCF peaks at 9 °C in the Taiwan Strait. The CCF's strength decreases westward to 6 °C off eastern Guangdong, 5 °C off western Guangdong, and 2 °C off Hainan Island, all in mid-winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was planned to understand influence of season on reproductive performance in Gir heifers. A cumulative 12 years (2006–2017) full term calving record of Gir heifers (n = 414) were used for analysis. Results indicated that age at sexual maturity (ASM), age at first conception (AFCON), age at first calving (AFC) and number of services per conception (NSC) differed significantly (p < 0.05) across months. Heifers born during summer had significantly (p < 0.05) longer ASM, AFCON and AFC than during winter and rainy seasons. Season did not affect NSC and gestation length (GL). All the reproductive traits gradually and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from the year 2006 to 2017 except GL. The study revealed that month, season and period of birth had significant (p < 0.05) effect on reproductive performance of Gir heifers, so these factors should be taken care while selecting Gir heifers for reproductive traits improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration is an integral part of the annual cycle of many bird species that have evolved to take advantage of spatially segregated, seasonally abundant food resources while avoiding harsh winter conditions. Increasing evidence suggests that long-distance migrants are shortening their migration routes and wintering at higher latitudes closer to their breeding grounds. One potential example of this process are the observations of Egyptian vultures during the winter on the island of Crete. In this study we provide an overview of wintering Egyptian vulture occurrences on the island of Crete, seeking to shed additional light on the species’ wintering ecology. To this aim we collated extensive field observations spanning 28 winters from 1995 to 2023 and analysed telemetry data from three tracked vultures. Our results revealed a change in the wintering frequency of Egyptian vultures in the island with an increasing trend since 2015, especially regarding the presence of subadult and adult birds. We found an increased habitat use intensity for open landscapes and agricultural areas compared to other habitat types within Crete, emphasizing the influence of food availability on space utilization. We suggest that the interplay between climate changes, lack of experienced conspecifics and local food availability could have triggered the increasing number of wintering Egyptian vultures in Crete. The implications of this short-stopping behaviour extend to conservation strategies, highlighting the need for the consideration of new wintering sites and the potential threats faced by vultures during this period. We recommend the operation of supplementary feeding stations and actions to reduce the risk of electrocution to be considered as valuable conservation actions in the species’ wintering sites in Crete. Monitoring and further research are recommended to assess the long-term impact and viability of this new migration tactic, providing insights into adaptive responses to environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]