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• Quantification of vertical distribution of evapotranspiration (ET f) components along forest layers. • A systematic evapotranspiration model reflecting the impacts of forest layer structure. • Higher accuracy and local applicability of new evapotranspiration model compared to conventional model. Precise quantification of forest evapotranspiration (ET f) including transpiration from tree (T t), shrub (T s), and herb (T h) layers, as well as evaporation from litter (E l) and soil (E s) layers, and elucidating their responses to environmental conditions and stand structures are crucial for forest water management in water-limited forests. In this study, we observed the T t , T s , T h , E l , and E s , reference evapotranspiration (ET o), soil volumetric water content (SWC), litter water content (LWC), leaf area index (LAI) in tree, shrub, and herb layers, and canopy shade (K sc) from tree layer of the Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation during the dry days from May to October of 2021 and 2022 to elucidate the distribution of evapotranspiration along vertical layers and their environmental and structural determinants. The results indicated that the contributions of T t , T s , T h , E l , and E s to ET f during the dry days in 2021 (2022) were 42.1 % (44.7 %), 9.2 % (8.1 %), 8.2 % (8.6 %), 15.0 % (13.1 %), and 25.5 % (25.5 %), respectively. Although T t and T s demonstrated quadratic relationships with ET o , T h , E l , and E s exhibited linear relationships. All ET c s demonstrated a saturated exponential relationship with either SWC or LWC. Furthermore, T t , T s , and T h showed a saturated exponential relationship with their respective LAI, whereas E l and E s exhibited a cubic relationship with LAI in tree layers. All understory ET c s (T s , T h , E l , and E s) decreased exponentially with the K sc. The multi-factor models of evapotranspiration component (ET c) from different vertical layers, which coupled the impacts of environmental conditions and vertical structure, were developed, and provided superior accuracy (R2 = 0.78–0.88, NSE = 0.78–0.86, RSME = 0.03–0.16). Such insights deepened the understanding of vertical structural distribution and multi-factor responses of ET c s in forest ecosystems and hold the potential to inform and optimise forest water management strategies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatically identifying key physiological factors in plants, such as leaf relative humidity (LRH), chlorophyll content (Chl), and nitrogen levels (N), is vital for effective aeroponic management and improving growth, yield, quality, and sustainability. Meta-learning (MetaL) solutions utilize data fusion and intelligent processing, ensuring fast and consistent outcomes. This paper aims to develop a novel MetaL framework that leverages multimodal data sources—including spectral, thermal, and IoT environmental data—to enable real-time, non-invasive identification of LRH, Chl, and N content in aeroponically grown lettuce. The research examined various spectral reflectance indices (SRIs) and thermal indicators from plant characteristics. Model-based feature selection was implemented using back-propagation neural networks (BPNN), decision trees (DT), and gradient boosting machines (GBM) to identify key attributes and optimize hyperparameters. The experimental findings indicated that deploying GBM-based top variables as the foundational model, combined with BPNN as the meta-model, significantly improved the accuracy of analyzing the assigned factors. The prediction scores (R²) for LRH, Chl, and N increased to 0.875 (RMSE=0.879), 0.886 (RMSE=0.694), and 0.930 (RMSE=0.184), respectively, compared to applying BPNN-based features alone as a standalone model. Overall, the designed methodology contributes to more accurate predictions of plant physiological states, enabling proactive steps toward sustainable aeroponic agriculture. [Display omitted] • Allocating modalities data to meta-learning is a promising implement for sensing plant physiological factors. • IoT-enabled data collection optimizes aeroponic processes, offering an intelligent, low-cost, and rapid solution. • Gradient boosting machines configuration had a vital impact on prediction accuracy when picking top-level variables. • Fusion of multiple features enhanced the precision of evaluating LRH (87.5 %), Chl (88.6 %), and N (93.0 %) content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are recognised as pivotal biogeochemical process drivers. However, the factors influencing ROS production in the rhizosphere and their role in pollutant transformation remain elusive. We investigated ROS with a focus on spatiotemporal variations in superoxide radicals (O 2 •−), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) in the rhizosphere of maize during root development, and elucidated the impact of environmental conditions on ROS production. In-situ visualisation by fluorescence imaging showed that ROS hotspots gradually shifted from seminal to lateral roots during maize growth, indicating that newly developed roots are the major contributors to ROS production. The three types of ROS contents changed with root growth, suggesting that root development regulates ROS production. The ROS contents reached a maximum at 25 °C and 45% maximum field capacity. Both ambient temperature and soil moisture indirectly influenced ROS production by regulating the release of root exudates to induce changes in water-soluble phenols and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In contrast, ROS content gradually increased with oxygen availability, which directly mediated ROS generation by acting as a precursor. More interestingly, the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) significantly enhanced ROS generation, which further promoted PAH removal with a contribution of 31.4–43.3%. These findings provide new insights into the occurrence, distribution, and environmental effects of ROS in the rhizosphere. [Display omitted] • The newly-developed roots are pivotal contributors to reactive oxygen species production. • Temperature affects reactive oxygen species production by regulating root exudates secretion. • Soil moisture impacts reactive oxygen species generation by influencing root exudates release. • Oxygen availability mediates reactive oxygen species generation by acting as a precursor. • Reactive oxygen species plays a crucial role in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine transgression events and plant species' evolution to terrestrial environments increased the amount of organic matter in sediments during the Devonian Period. Subsequently, a bituminous material known as shale was formed, containing organic compounds that enable the reconstruction of environmental conditions from previous eras. These rock formation events are recorded worldwide, however, in the Ponta Grossa Formation, southern Brazil, a deeper understanding of samples from the Devonian Period is necessary. The goal of this study was to understand the regional environmental conditions, the origin of the organic matter, and the degree of maturation of the bituminous material. Shale samples were collected from an outcrop on the eastern border of the Paraná Basin and processed in the laboratory to obtain the saturated hydrocarbons fraction posteriorly analyzed. The results indicate a poorly oxygenated environment, with various salinity levels, mixed organic sources, and a high thermal maturity of the samples. The analysis of compound hydrocarbons elucidates the environmental conditions during the Devonian Period in the Ponta Grossa Formation, providing inferences applicable to the stratigraphic interval represented by this record and within the domain of the sampled area. • Analysis of Devonian Period shales in the Ponta Grossa Formation in Brazil. • Biomarkers in rocks undergo chemical modification that indicates thermal evolution. • The results were obtained using Ts/(Ts + Tm) and Pr/Ph ratios and the gammaceran index. • The shales contain a mixture of terrestrial and aquatic organic matter. • The samples presented low oxygen concentration and varied salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessed how environmental and operational conditions affect IR imaging of PV module. • Viewing angle close to 90° results IR image of PV module with uniform sky reflectance. • Observation angle of ±30° enhances detection and temperature measurement of hot-spots. • IR imaging at intermittent cloud condition; highly suitable to detect minor hot-spots. • Irradiation of ≤600 W/m2 is ideal condition for IR imaging to detect internal defects. The world's energy systems are transforming rapidly and switching from fossil fuels to renewables to address the current emission reduction targets. With the decrease in the cost of solar PV module globally by about 55% since 2013, the uptake of solar PV has increased dramatically. As these modules are exposed to ambient conditions in the field, they can develop defects or faults. These defects can affect the output power of the PV module and overall system output. To mitigate this, early and easy detection of defects is considered critical for operation and maintenance. Some defects can be easily identified through the infrared (IR) imaging and the presence of hot-spots on the PV module. This study highlights the best operational and environmental conditions for conducting IR imaging of PV module to detect defects. This study reveals that hot-spots with a minor temperature difference of 1.3–1.4 °C compared to the adjacent healthy cells likely indicate the presence of internal defects such as shunt. These hot-spots only appeared at lower irradiance conditions irrespective of the cloud condition. The IR imaging on partially and cloudy days showed that the presence of intermittent clouds, high ambient temperature and low wind speed helps the detection of these internal defects in the PV module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to examine the rodent exploitation strategies employed by the human groups that occupied the Dry Puna of Argentina during the Early and Mid-Holocene. We analyze the characteristics of the archaeological bone assemblages and present stable isotope compositions of Chinchillidae remains recovered in two Puna sites dated between 10,600–5200 years BP. Since rodent population dynamics and diets are largely reliant on local resources given their reduced spatial range, these results provide new valuable information to explore local environmental conditions in the past and how these influenced the rodent exploitation strategies employed by the hunter-gatherers that inhabited this area during the Early-Mid Holocene transition. Thus, this work presents detailed zooarchaeological data as well as δ 13C VPDB and δ 15N AIR values measured on bone collagen extracted from Lagidium sp. and other chinchillid remains recovered at Hornillos 2 and Inca Cueva 4, two archaeological sites dating to this period. These results are compared with the δ 13C VPDB and δ 15N AIR values measured on modern plants collected in the vicinity of both sites to address rodent dietary change through time as well as human procurement strategies. Our results show certain continuities for the Early-Mid Holocene transition, underlining the importance of areas such as Inca Cueva and Hornillos for past human groups, given the consistent availability of key resources for subsistence. • Past rodent exploitation strategies are studied in the Dry Puna of Argentina. • Chinchillids were an important resource during the early and mid-Holocene. • Zooarchaeology and stable isotope analysis are combined to achieve new results. • Results show continuities between early and mid-Holocene human occupations. • The areas studied were used as refugia within a changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the mechanical and morphological characteristics of a green composite reinforced with pineapple leaf fiber (PLF) under different environmental conditions. PLF underwent chemical treatment at optimal conditions, using a 1% w/v sodium carbonate solution for 6 hours, to produce an environmentally friendly pineapple leaf fiber (PLF)/polylactic acid (PLA)-based composite via injection molding. The optimal injection settings of 165℃ (melting temperature), 50 mm/sec (injection speed), and 110 bars (injection pressure) to produce the PLF/PLA composite. The PLF/PLA composite was developed with a fiber loading of 20% and a length of 3 mm. The produced PLF/PLA composites were then exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, including water, soil, refrigeration, and room temperature. The impact of these diverse conditions on the mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, compression, and shear) was scientifically observed for four-week. Additionally, the morphology of the fractured specimens was assessed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The contact angle measurement was conducted to assess the hydrophilic characteristics of the PLF/PLA green composite. There has been a lack of comprehensive research on the effects of different environmental conditions on the mechanical, wettability, and morphological properties of green composites derived from PLF/PLA. Thus, in this study, emphasis is given for investigating the effect of various environmental conditions on the mechanical properties of PLF/PLA injection-molded green composite. The composite material demonstrated the highest water absorption and swelling thickness at 6.45% and 5.51%, respectively, in comparison to the dry PLF/PLA samples. The green composite of PLF/PLA demonstrated excellent mechanical performance under ambient conditions compared to other environmental conditions. The PLF/PLA composite displayed a peak contact angle of 83.26° when subjected to soil burial conditions. On the contrary, the initial samples of the PLF/PLA composite displayed the minimum contact angle of 56.72°. • The mechanical behaviour was better in room temperature than refrigerating, soil burial, and water immersion conditions.. • The maximum water absorption and thickness of swelling were observed as 6.45% and 5.51% in comparison to the dry samples. • The soil buried composite samples showed maximum contact angle of 83.26°. • Morphological study showed minor damages to the samples exposed to refrigerator and room temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using specially trained canines in forensic analysis to identify individual human scents is a well-established method, capitalizing on dogs' exceptional olfactory abilities. This study investigates the survival of human scent under extreme weather conditions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Five experienced German Shepherd police dogs, trained for human scent tracking, participated in the experiments. The study was conducted during Bahrain's hot summer season, characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and occasional strong winds. Three common surfaces—sand, grass, and asphalt—were selected to represent scenarios where human scent might be detected. The findings revealed that human scent persisted for approximately 8–11 hours on sand and grass but only 1–3 hours on asphalt, highlighting the impact of surface type on scent survival. The research also examined the effect of temperature on scent survival, testing at three different temperatures: 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C. The results demonstrated that scent durability varied across types of articles and temperature conditions. For instance, at 30°C, human scent remained detectable for up to 93 days on leather but only 27–28 days on silk cloth. At 40°C, leather allowed the scent to last 64–65 days, while wood surfaces had the shortest duration. The scent lasted 37–39 days on jeans cloth at a temperature of 50°C but only 3–4 days on wood. The data gathered can be beneficial for forensic investigations in semi-desert areas involving canine olfaction, offering guidance on the timing and likelihood of scent detection. • The human scent dynamics for forensic canine analysis in Bahrain's weather is studied. • Human scent lasted for 8–11 h on sand and grass but 1–3 hours on asphalt. • Temperature had impacted human scent survival on different articles. • Timing and probability of scent detection vary with the environmental conditions. • Evidence supports the role of canine scent detection in forensic investigations within semi-desert areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed surface sediments from 12 stations located in Izmir Bay to determine the impact of anthropogenic pollution on dinoflagellate cysts. Forty-three dinoflagellate cyst taxa and two cyst assemblage zones were identified. Zone 1 is characterized by the dominance of cysts of Gymnodinium nolleri , Selenopemphix nephroides, and Operculodinium centrocarpum from the oligotrophic part of Izmir Bay. Zone 2 is in the highly productive inner part of the bay and is characterized by the high abundances of Lingulodinium machaerophorum , Spiniferites ramosus , cysts of Scrippsiella spp., cysts of Polykrikos spp. and Quinquecuspis concreta. We used multivariate statistical analysis (DCA and CCA) on dinoflagellate cysts and environmental variables to support the identification of Zones 1 and 2. Our analyses also revealed that summer and winter chlorophyll- a as well as elevated nitrate and nitrite concentrations are significant parameters in controlling dinoflagellate cyst distribution in Izmir Bay. • The importance of L. machaerophorum as an indicator of eutrophic conditions in Izmir Bay. • Autotrophic dinoflagellate cysts were more abundant than heterotrophic. • Cyst assemblages reflect the eutrophic (inner) and the oligotrophic (outer) parts of Izmir Bay. • Inner Izmir Bay is N-limited and outer Izmir Bay is P-limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel conceptual design methodology was developed and implemented to design twelve reference monopile foundations, compatible with the IEA 15 MW reference turbine. The designs are position-specific, corresponding to planned, US East Coast, wind energy development areas. The monopiles were designed considering the fatigue limit state (FLS), ultimate limit state (ULS), serviceability limit state (SLS), and natural frequency analysis (NFA), following an intentionally reduced subset of design load cases (DLCs) in IEC 61400-3-1. In 11 of 12 cases, the diameter and wall thicknesses of the monopile foundations were found to be determined by FLS criteria. The exception was one position subjected to a combination of breaking waves and a large significant wave height. For the 11 positions governed entirely by FLS, the maximum ULS utilization ratios varied between 0.63 and 0.81, indicating significant reserve capacity for the ultimate limit state. Fatigue damage during turbine idling was found to be an important contributor to lifetime fatigue damage, despite having a relatively small probability of occurrence. The novel design methodology described herein includes a preliminary FLS assessment step, which was found to be an efficient way to select an initial foundation geometry, while providing a 92% improvement in computational efficiency. • Novel conceptual design methodology developed for offshore wind monopile foundations. • Reference monopiles designed for position specific conditions off US East Coast. • Monopile thickness and diameter predominantly governed by fatigue. • Significant ULS reserve capacity unless large breaking waves are expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, power plants' manufacturing processes have evolved, and the amount of fly ash (FA) produced has gradually dropped. After years of investigation, FA has been used with a high rate of success. Therefore, FA, which is needed to manufacture geopolymers, may become more scarce and more expensive. To fill this gap, natural materials can be blended with FA to manufacture geopolymers. In this article, for the first time, a fascinating possibility has emerged for the possible application of natural basalt powder (BP) in FA geopolymer cement. As a partial replacement, several ratios of BP, from 2.5 % to 40 %, were mixed with FA. Geopolymer cement was then produced by activating both neat FA and those combined with BP. An inquiry was carried out to evaluate the influence of different ratios of BP on the flowability, compressive strength, environmental conditions resistance, transport properties, crystalline phases, hydration products, and microstructure of FA geopolymer cement cured in air and water. Regardless of whether the inclusion of BP decreased the flowability, the results showed that the inclusion of 2.5–20 % BP has a positive effect on improving the properties of FA geopolymer cement. The ideal ratio of BP was 10 %. Air curing was found more effective than water curing. • BP can be used in an appropriate ratio to improve the FA geopolymer cement properties. • The introduction of BP led to a decrease in the flowability of the mixtures. • 2.5–20 % BP boosts strength and environmental resistance. • 2.5–20 % BP reduced transport properties. • Air curing was better than water curing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean sediments are known for their major shifts in sedimentary composition associated with dramatic changes in environmental and climate conditions. A typical expression for this in Holocene sediments is the occurrence of a distinctly organic-rich unit, sapropel S1, thought to be related with humid climate conditions. The S1 is accompanied by major changes in Ba content and in other elemental composition, respectively related to biological upper water column productivity and shifts in detrital sediment provenance. Here, we focus on changes in Ba and in its various phases to unravel shifts in environmental conditions around S1. Using selective extractions for sediments in cores MP37PC, MP39PC and MP50PC, respectively at 1908, 1359 and 775m water depth, we distinguish different Ba-phases: detrital Ba (Ba-det), barite Ba (Ba-bar), Mn-oxide-related Ba (Ba-ox), carbonate- and pyrite-associated Ba (Ba-carb and Ba-pyr). The predominant Ba-phase during S1 is Ba-bar (∼70%), whereas before and after S1 it is Ba-det (>90%). All other phases are mostly relatively small but have diagnostic value for environmental conditions and processes. The detrital (Ba/Al) is distinctly lower during S1 than before and after. The (Ba/Al). det variability, and enhanced values for Ba-carb and Ba-ox may have substantial influence on the traditional way to derive barite-Ba or excess-Ba content. The steep gradients in Ba-bar at onset and ending of S1and its high level during S1, clearly identify this period. In addition, and due to the exclusive nature of extraction results, we unequivocally demonstrate for the first time that there is a small gradual 'early onset' Ba-bar preceding the major increase in sapropel S1 formation sensu stricto. The ending of S1 formation is relatively abrupt with a well-defined reventilation event ('6 ka reventilation event'). This reventilation is associated with a rapid change in environmental conditions such as oxygenation and related remineralization of organic matter and recrystallization of carbonate. This rapid change and associated diagenetic processes are authentically recorded in Ba-carb and Ba-ox. For the period during sapropel S1 formation, the Ba-carb and Ba-ox results point to different levels of ventilation in the Eastern Mediterranean, i.e. a relatively mixed water mass down to ∼800m, a moderately mixed water mass from ∼800-to ∼1500 m, and a more stagnant water mass below 1500 m. • Sequential extraction of sediment barium phases reveal paleoceanographic changes. • Within sapropels barium predominantly occurs as barite, otherwise as detrital Ba. • Barite-Ba pinpoints rapid major onset/ending and modest early onset for sapropel S1. • Minor carbonate- and Mn-oxide associated Ba are diagnostic for environmental change. • Carbonate and Mn-oxide related Ba point to depth-dependent ventilation in sapropel formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial interactions and environmental conditions determine the evolution of microbial communities and their functions during Nongxiangxing daqu (daqu) fermentation. In this study, the sensitivity of rare microbial taxa, conditionally rare-abundant microbial taxa and abundant microbial taxa, to environmental changes, as well as the impact of their presence on the microbial community structure and function during daqu fermentation were elucidated by using high-throughput sequencing technology combined with environmental and volatile metabolites analysis. The results indicated that rare taxa, which were the predominant microbial taxa, were more heterogeneous during the daqu fermentation process. It is necessary to note that rare taxa were more sensitive to changing environmental conditions. The microbial molecular ecological network and within-module connectivity and among-module connectivity analysis showed that most of the key nodes (∼63% of operational taxonomic units) located in the networks determining microbial interactions belong to rare taxa. Furthermore, rare taxa were significantly associated with more volatile metabolites, and rare taxa were particularly important for the synthesis of pyrazines and alcohols. The present study demonstrated that rare taxa, as the microbial taxa more susceptible to environmental variation, drive alterations in the structure of microbial communities and their functions. [Display omitted] • Rare taxa are the predominant taxa and more heterogeneous during daqu fermentation. • Rare taxa are more sensitive to environmental changes during daqu fermentation. • Most of the keystone taxa determining microbial interactions belong to rare taxa. • Rare taxa are particularly important for the synthesis of pyrazines and alcohols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing interest to the use of collagen films for biomedical applications motivates the analysis of their fracture behaviour in different environments. Studies revealed the decreased mechanical strength and stiffness as well as increased plasticity in water compared to collagen specimens tested in air. However, the fracture behaviour of pure collagen films in both air and water has not been reported so far. In this paper, the entire process of mode-I loading of single-edge notched tension (SENT) specimens was recorded and analysed. In case of in-air (dry) specimens, cracks propagated rapidly in a brittle fashion while large plastic deformations were observed in aqua prior to failure due to crack opening and a blunting mechanism in wet specimens. The fracture-toughness parameters for pure collagen in air and in aqua were estimated using linear-elastic (K I and G I) and elasto-plastic (J I) fracture-mechanics approaches, respectively, following the force-displacement response and deformational behaviour. G IC and J I were 1365 ± 112 J/m2 and 2500 ± 440 J/m2, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the structural changes linked to collagen fibrils in the crack-tip area and the fracture surface. For in-air specimens, the former mostly exhibited extrinsic toughening (usually at micro scale) acting behind the crack-tip, while in-aqua intrinsic toughening acting ahead of a crack tip was found. Fractography of in-air specimens showed no occurrence of voids while multiple micro-voids were found for in-aqua specimens. The fracture toughness and crack propagation of both mineralised (bone, dentine) and non-mineralised (skin) tissues has been extensively investigated over the past decades. Though these tissues are rich in collagen, the fracture properties of pure collagen have not been quantified yet at macroscale. Considering the applications of collagen films in tissue regeneration, it is essential to perform investigations of their fracture behaviour in both dry and wet conditions. Determining the effect of environment on the fracture behaviour of collagen and understanding its toughening mechanism are essential for prevention of failures during application. Moreover, this would give an insight for fabrication of tougher collagen-based biomaterials for biomedical uses. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A porous polymer radiative coating is fabricated and its optical property is gauged. • The cooling effect is tested under typical fine weather conditions in a whole year. • The impact of each environmental condition is analyzed quantitatively. • High relative humidity and ambient temperature lead to a small temperature drop. Cooling terrestrial objects for thermoregulation is a significant challenge in this decade due to the rapidly increasing world energy consumption and human daily life demands. Furthermore, the conventional cooling technologies are energy-intensive, as predominantly vapor compression-based cooling systems consume a substantial amount of electricity. Therefore, the development of energy-efficient alternative cooling techniques with fewer environmental footprints is desirable. Here, we present a porous polymer coating with P(VDF-HFP) as a passive radiative cooler to investigate the cooling performance under various conditions. The reflectivity within the visible wavelength range (0.38-0.78 μm) and the ultraviolet visible-near infrared wavelength range (0.25–2.5 μm) of a 2.0 mm thick porous polymer radiative coating (PPRC) are about 98% and 94%, while the emissivity in the main atmospheric window (8–13 μm) is up to about 97%, indicating that the proposed PPRC is a potential candidate to achieve a notable radiative cooling performance. By taking the meteorological location of Shanghai, China, as an example, the radiative cooling performance is tested for a whole year. The PPRC cooler can constantly exhibit excellent cooling performance throughout all-year and show the best in winter, followed by spring, autumn, and summer under typical fine weather conditions. We investigated quantitatively the impact of different environmental conditions, including cloud amount, air quality, relative humidity, and ambient temperature on the performance of the radiative cooler, which is essential for real-world deployment. For example, the PPRC cooler can achieve a temperature drop of up to about 6.9 °C at the relative humidity of 38% and only 3.9 °C at the relative humidity of 68% at 15:00–17:00 in summer when other environmental conditions are similar. As the passive cooling technique is expected to play an increasing role in the future, this work facilitates the fabrication of environmentally friendly PPRC cooler for energy-saving applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long-term standardized monitoring allowed fisheries diversity analysis. • Environmental conditions highly influenced benthic small-scale fisheries. • Resources diversity followed biogeographic regional patterns. • Fisher's strategies adapted to environmental and socioeconomic contexts. • Differentiated co-management systems could account for fisheries heterogeneity. Small-scale fisheries are major contributors to global fishing catch and to the livelihoods of many coastal communities. However, little is known about these fisheries, the spatial heterogeneity in which they are found, and the factors that explain this heterogeneity. In Chile, the distinct environmental regimes driven by the Humboldt Current System can contribute to a high diversity in the species targeted by small-scale fisheries. Through a Chilean case-study, we aimed to characterize how environmental and socio-economic conditions influence small-scale benthic fisheries in 15 coves, straddling two biogeographic regions along 24 degrees of latitude (ca. 2600 km) and administered by a nation-wide management framework. We compiled and analyzed a long-term database generated by a standardized monitoring protocol in order to determine how fishing techniques, benthic resource diversity, effort and fishers' income vary along the coastline. Our results highlighted that small-scale fisheries are strongly influenced by the variations in the environmental conditions, which determine variations in landings along the coast. Our analyses also illustrated how fishers seek to ensure their livelihoods by dealing with regional and local environmental conditions, ecology of marine resources, socio-economic context and a management system that is not able to accommodate fisheries' heterogeneity. Our results suggest that future changes to the Chilean management system should integrate the spatial variation observed among small-scale fisheries to ensure sustainable livelihoods of the fishers and conservation of the marine resources. Fishery management rules should be shaped according to the region where they are applied, moving from homogeneous nation-wide systems, or systems adapted from administrative divisions to differentiated co-management systems based on biogeographic units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exergy-based degree-hour (DH) method is supposed in predicting energy requirements. • It employs solar-air temperature, accounting for solar impact, not environmental temperature. • This method can be widely used across different climates and countries. • It is demonstrated practical benefits through a case study. • The exergy-based heating and cooling DHs enhances energy efficiency. This study presents an innovative exergy-based methodology to revolutionize the assessment of heating and cooling energy utilization, transcending the limitations of traditional heating and cooling degree-hours (HDH and CDH) analyses. The study's distinctiveness stems from its investigation into variations in HDH and CDH concerning critical parameters such as ambient temperature, solar-air temperature, solar absorptivity, surface emissivity, and total heat transfer coefficient. This fosters a profound comprehension of the thermodynamic performance of building heating and cooling systems, empowering decision-makers with the insights needed to optimize energy utilization effectively. As demonstrated through a case study conducted in Antalya, Turkey, this study uncovers significant findings. A mere 1 °C increase in ambient temperature results in an average 14 % surge in heating demand and an average 17 % decline in cooling demand, leading to a substantial 1000°-h discrepancy between heating and cooling requirements. Furthermore, we underscore the sensitivity of energy demand to temperature fluctuations, the substantial impact of design temperature on energy consumption, the notable influence of solar effects on environmental conditions, and the potential for optimization in parameters such as solar absorptivity, surface emissivity, and total heat transfer coefficient. These insights underscore the significance of exergy-based systems, offering heightened energy efficiency, swift adaptability to temperature changes, integration of renewable energy sources, and intelligent control features that contribute to sustainability and energy savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulk mineralogy and geochemistry of mudrock samples from a representative section of the Calcare di Base Formation outcropping in the Catanzaro Basin (Calabria) were studied using X-Ray Diffraction and X-Ray Fluorescence techniques. Phyllosilicates are the main mineralogical constituents followed by quartz, calcite, feldspar, hematite and gypsum in the lower part of the studied succession, whereas calcite is the main mineralogical component in the upper part. The geochemical composition reveals that SiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , CaO and MgO are the most abundant oxides on average. The chemical weathering indices, such as the CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration) and its modifications, show low-medium values and thus suggest weak-moderate source area(s) weathering conditions, under a mainly dry/arid paleoclimate environment. The low kaolinite amounts confirm a low-moderate degree of weathering processes. The studied samples originate from an environment in which non-steady-state weathering conditions prevailed and active tectonism allows erosional processes. This trend suggests a paleoclimate characterized by persistent dry (arid) conditions alternating with relatively wet (humid) conditions. The studied mudrocks are characterized by recycling effects as recorded in the Al–Zr–Ti plot. The provenance of the studied samples is mainly related to a felsic source such as the rocks composing the Sila Massif. The composition of the studied samples was compared to that of similar samples from the Calcare di Base formation of the Rossano Basin to reconstruct the paleoclimate scenario of the Mediterranean area during the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The analogies between the mudrocks investigated in this work and the argillaceous marls from the Calcare di Base formation of the Rossano Basin suggest that they formed in the same (i) non-steady-state weathering and (ii) dry/arid paleoclimatic conditions. All the evidences allow to hypothesize that semi-closed basins, even if distant and not necessarily synchronous from each other, may have developed in a comparable way due to similar local climate condition, geochemistry of the body water and river run-off. The geochemical and mineralogical proxies from the mudrocks of the Calcare di Base Formation may open a new scenario for the understanding of paleoclimatic condition during the Messinian Salinity Crisis. • Climatic and environmental changes of the Mediterranean basin in response to the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC). • Geochemistry and mineralogy of Calcare di Base (CdB) mudrocks as paleoenvironmental proxies of the first stage of the MSC. • Persistent dry conditions alternating with relatively wet phases during the deposition of the CdB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatially explicit and detailed information on tree species composition is critical for forest management, nature conservation and the assessment of forest ecosystem services. In many countries, forest attributes are monitored regularly through sample-based forest inventories. In combination with satellite imagery, data from such forest inventories have a great potential for developing large-area tree species maps. Here, the high temporal resolution of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 has been useful for extracting vegetation phenology, information that may also be valuable for improving forest tree species mapping. The objective of this study was to map the main tree species in Germany using combined Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 time series, and to identify and address challenges related to the use of National Forest Inventory (NFI) data in remote sensing applications. We generated cloud free time series with 5-day intervals from Sentinel-2 imagery and combine those with monthly Sentinel-1 backscatter composites. Further, we incorporate information on topography, meteorology, and climate to account for environmental gradients. To use NFI data for training machine learning models, we address the following challenges: 1) link satellite pixels with variable radius NFI plots, for which the precise area is unknown, and 2) efficiently utilize mixed-species NFI plots for model training and validation. In the past, accuracies for pixel-level species maps were often estimated solely for homogeneous pure-species stands. In this study, we assess how well pixel-level maps generalize to mixed plot conditions. Our results show the potential of combined Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-1 time series with NFI data for tree species mapping in large, environmentally diverse landscapes. Classification accuracy in pure stands ranged between 72% and 97% (F1-score) for five dominant species, while mapping less frequent species remained challenging. When including mixed forest stands in the accuracy assessment, accuracy decreased by 4–14 percentage points for the most dominant species groups. Our study highlights the importance of including mixed-forest stands when training and validating tree species maps. Based on these results, we discuss potentials and remaining challenges for tree species mapping at the national level. Our findings allow to further improve national-level tree species mapping with medium to high resolution data and provide guidance for similar approaches in other countries where ground-based inventory data are available. • Large-area tree species mapping based on Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 time series. • Use of National Forest Inventory data enables mapping of 11 tree species classes. • Lager shares of inventory data available for training through pseudo-label creation. • Major species groups with combined area share of 92% mapped with high accuracy. • Assessing accuracy of mixed-species stands crucial when mapping diverse landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reconcile environmental issues with socioeconomic development, the mitigation hierarchy emerges as a pivotal strategy that sequentially addresses environmental impacts through a structured approach of avoidance, minimization, remediation, and offsetting. No net loss (NNL) is achieved when biodiversity gains from all four mitigation stages are larger than the project's environmental impacts. Here, we assessed biodiversity changes linked to the implementation of the S11D Eliezer Batista iron mining Complex in the Carajás National Forest, Pará state, Brazil, expecting losses due to mining activities and gains through forest restoration offsets. We evaluated biodiversity stocks based on Biotic Value as the product of habitat importance and actual conditions. Habitat importance, a unique value for each class of land cover recognized within the study site, is based on the evaluation of habitat naturalness, rarity and endangerment, and substitutability. Actual conditions are computed from field-surveyed key ecological attributes of vegetation structure, community composition and diversity, and ecological processes, and forest restoration activities are able to restitute, within 4–6 years only, approximately 73 % of old-growth forest conditions. The Biotic Value ranges from 0 for mine lands to 1 for patchy savanna formations stocking above ironstone outcrops (locally known as cangas) and amounts to 0.43 units/ha for secondary forests. Between 2008 and 2021, we detected comprehensive land-use changes in the study area: Cangas , farmlands and old-growth forests decreased, while secondary forests and minelands increased considerably. Despite environmental degradation, the emergence of secondary forests contributed to a positive biodiversity balance within the areas managed by the mining company (+379 units), while biodiversity losses dominated outside the company's boundaries (−171 units). Although like-for-like compensation of canga impacts remains challenging, we thus conclude that forest restoration efforts initiated by the mining company effectively reversed the trajectory of environmental degradation prevailing in the landscape and provided considerable biodiversity gains for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) is currently the most damaging pest in many viticultural regions of South and Central Europe and is highly responsible for the development of secondary infections by Botrytis cinerea to both table and wine grapes. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are considered as substantial biological control agents of insect pests. However, they are able to infect their hosts only under a narrow spectrum of environmental conditions. In this study, the effects of temperature on pathogenicity of EPF for the control of L. botrana are reported. Among a collection of 33 EPF isolates, six virulent isolates were selected for the experiments. The bioassays took place at controlled conditions, under the temperature regimes of 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, 30, and 32.5 °C. A conidial concentration of 1 × 108 conidia/ml was prepared for each isolate, and fungi were applied by spraying them on third-instar larvae (L3) of L. botrana. Both factors, fungal isolate and temperature, significantly affected mortality of L. botrana. Most fungal isolates exhibited their highest larval mortality rates seven days post-treatment at the temperatures of 25 and 27.5 °C. Some isolates caused considerably high larval mortality that exceeded 90% under specific temperature conditions. Overall, EPF showed great potential as bio-control agents for controlling larval populations of L. botrana. [Display omitted] • Entomogenous fungi showed great potential as biocontrol agents of Lobesia botrana. • Temperature significantly influenced all fungi on larval mortality of L. botrana. • An isolate from a cool region (Isaria fumosorosea EBAC01) was the most virulent. • Most fungal isolates demonstrated their highest efficacy at 25 and 27.5 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern steppes of European Russia are rich in archaeological monuments that were extensively studied for many decades. Nevertheless, paleosols buried under the burial mounds and especially the big kurgans of the Bronze Age in the Ponto-Caspian area did not receive proper attention. The paper focuses on soil evolution and climate dynamics during the Bronze Age based on the study of soils buried during several stages of earthen mound construction within one big kurgan in the Kuban-Azov Plain, Russia. The kurgan 1 in the Beysuzhek-9 kurgan cemetery of the Bronze Age, situated in the Korenovsky District, Krasnodar Region, consists of three earthen mounds made at different times. The soils, buried under three mounds of the kurgan, are located in close vicinity from each other and have similar lithology and geomorphic position. They form a chronosequence representing three time slices. Moreover, the chronosequence displays a certain chronological order of burial: paleosols were first buried in the center of the kurgan and later closer to its periphery. The height of the kurgan is about 4 m that ensures good preservation of the buried soils. The research is based on the comparative analysis of morphology, micromorphology and analytical properties of three paleosols buried under different constructions in the kurgan and surface soil. Also, the palynological analysis was performed for the uppermost layers (0–5 cm) of three paleosols. During the first stage of the kurgan construction, the Novotitorovo archaeological culture of the Early Bronze Age at the 27th-22nd centuries BC, the climate of the region was sufficiently humid and provided a high bioproductivity for surrounding landscapes. The interval between the second and third stages of kurgan construction was marked by the gradual increase in aridity. During the third stage of the kurgan construction (the Catacomb archaeological culture, the Middle Bronze Age, the 21st −16th centuries BC), the climate was mostly arid. The results of the palynological analysis are in agreement with the study of paleosols. During the construction of the kurgan , the vegetation pattern corresponded to a Southern forest-steppe. The percentage of herbaceous plants increased markedly, and steppe species appeared during the time of Catacomb culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Experimental performance analysis of a CO 2 DX-SAHP. • COP decreases when the water inlet temperature increases. • The augment of solar radiation increases COP. • COP slightly increases due to the humidity increases. In the past decades, combined solar energy with heat pump systems has been one of the very widespread ways to improve the efficiency of conventional heat pumps. In that way, this paper presents an experimental analysis of the influence of environmental conditions in a small size DX-SAHP operating with CO 2 as refrigeration fluid to heat water. The variation of the water inlet temperature, the solar radiation flux and the relative humidity are analyzed and 88 different experimental results are presented. To support the analysis, a thermographic camera was also used. The results show that the gas cooler outlet pressure and temperature are strongly influenced by the water inlet temperature. As the water inlet temperature increases, the gas cooler outlet pressure and temperature increase, and consequently the COP decreases. The COP decreases in 45.8% for the variation of the water inlet temperature to 15–35 oC. The variation of the solar radiation of 876.9–30.17 W.m-2 presents a reduction of performance in about 30%. For the same conditions for the water heat exchange, the pressure ratio of the cycle decreases with an augment on the solar radiation flux. In addition, the COP is higher in 6% for a change in the mean relative humidity of 31.6–55.8 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colletotrichum species are the most important postharvest spoilage fungi of papaya fruit. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of temperature and relative humidity on growth rate and time for growth to become visible of five strains of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from papaya fruit in a complex medium. As a primary model, the radial growth rates were estimated using the Baranyi and Roberts model in papaya agar. The Solver MS Excel function was used to obtain the time to visible mycelium (tv). Secondary models obtained with the Rosso et al. cardinal model of inflection were applied to describe the effect of temperature on the growth rate (μ). The Arrhenius-Davey model was used to model tv. The obtained models seem to be satisfactory for describing both μ and tv. The relative humidity had an effect on μ and tv for all tested C. gloeosporioides isolates, but no model accurately described the behavior of the fungus. External validation of models was performed with papaya fruit. Growth models were developed with the same models used in vitro. The bias and the accuracy factors as indices for performance evaluation of predictive models in food microbiology as a function of temperature and RH were 1.22 and 1.33, respectively, for μ and 1.18 and 1.62, respectively, for tv, indicating accurate predictions. The supply chain of papaya is complex and requires constant conditions, and poor conditions can result in damage to the fruit. Knowledge of the behavior of C. gloeosporioides on papaya fruit and application of the developed models in the supply chain will help to establish transport control strategies to combat these fungi. This research has contributed to development of the first models of growth for C. gloeosporioides in Mexico. Temperature greatly affected fungal rot of papaya at the postharvest stage. Fungal growth occurred when water was available, regardless of the relative humidity. Predictive models may help food processors make decisions for suboptimal supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Artificial ageing from archaeological maritime silk offers deterioration insights. • Museums' deterioration agents tested: temperature, relative humidity, light, oxygen. • Structural/compositional changes assessed by colour measurements, FTIR, UHPLC-FLD. • Limiting light and oxygen reduces damage and increases silk's life expectancy. • A long-term preservation strategy for archaeological maritime silk is outlined. An exceptional group of silk fragments was unearthed in 2014 from a shipwreck, which sank in the mid-17th century, in the Wadden Sea, The Netherlands. A unique example of 17th-century fashion, it comprises about 300 textile fragments from garments, parts of garments and furnishing fabrics, almost entirely made of silk and embroidered or woven with metal thread. These are in remarkably good condition, which may be related to the archaeological environment, the quality of the silk yarns in the fragments, and the presence of metal threads and other metallic objects from the shipwreck. Surviving archaeological maritime silk textiles are extremely rare, which makes this a distinctive find posing challenges for selecting the most suitable conditions for exhibition and storage. Scientific research was carried out with the aim to evaluate the response of modern and archaeological silks to temperature, relative humidity, light and oxygen, in order to define the most suitable parameters for the long-term storage and exhibition of the collection. Artificially aged samples taken from one of the archaeological fragments were analysed at the visual, structural and molecular level by means of colour measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector (UHPLC-FLD). The results showed that light exposure, in combination with high temperatures, oxygen and moisture strongly affected the silk's structure and molecular composition. Limiting exposure to light and removing oxygen reduced this effect and increased life expectancy significantly. Therefore, the analytical results obtained were essential to defining a preliminary preservation strategy for the collection: while on display, anoxic conditions slow down degradation of the silk by a factor of 4–5, whereas in a in dark storage, a low RH is the most important factor, with anoxic conditions providing additional reduction of decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems in museums is to properly control important microclimate parameters; such systems, in fact, apart from ensuring the visitors' wellbeing, are requested to guarantee suitable indoor conditions for the proper conservation of the important cultural goods hosted by museums. Hence, in case of disservice, or interruption due to maintenance interventions, it is important to quantify the economic damage induced to exhibited and/or stored works of art (or even to the building museum itself). Accordingly, it is essential to guarantee the shortest possible period of disservice during which probable damages for the works of art could occur. Since curators are the most relevant subjects committed to properly run the museum, also for what concerns the indoor environmental conditions, the aim of this work is to propose two new comprehensive operative damage risk indicators to support curators in negotiating the stipulation of contracts with the external companies in charge of the management of the HVAC system, in order to preserve the works of art. Particularly, these indicators try to integrate, into the contracts, economic considerations related to the system's disservice period and/or planned interruptions. The feasibility of the proposed new indicators has been checked by means of an example application involving the "Museo Regionale" of Palermo (Italy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental reconstruction can benefit from the interpretation of the postmortem history of shell remains. The molluscan death assemblages obtained from grab samples at forty-nine sites in the Manzala lagoon, the largest lagoon in the Nile Delta, were analyzed to infer the taphonomic alteration. The preservation of shells at each site has been semi-quantitatively ranked based on the taphonomic features formed by encrustation, bioerosion, abrasion, dissolution, precipitation, fragmentation, discoloration, and loss of sheen (low, moderate, high). A significant difference has been observed between sites of low and high environmental stress. Water depth and substrate type (hydrodynamics) correlate significantly to the percent number of altered shells. The southern parts of the lagoon, which are characterized by lower water energy and higher rates of sedimentation, are highly polluted by heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn) and organic pollutants. The southern parts receive much sediment from the agricultural drains, which increases burial of shelly material and decreases their time on the TAZ. The northern parts of the lagoon have slower rates of sedimentation, so that the molluscan shells remain longer at the sediment-water interface (Taphonomic Active zone; TAZ), where fragmentation is enhanced by winnowing under higher water-energy. The long residence in the TAZ also favored both bioerosion (Trypanites and Oichnus) and encrustation by bryozoan colonies, polychaetes, and oysters. Therefore, the taphonomic processes have the potential to cause severe damage and taphonomic loss of shell materials. Chemical dissolution and precipitation of shell remains may be related to acidic pore water. Moreover, high alkalinities in the southern polluted parts may also reduce the dissolution in contrast to the acidic water in the northern parts of the lagoon. • Taphonomic damage of the molluscan shells was linked to hydrodynamics and porosity. • Heavy metal pollution has no marked effect on the taphonomic damage. • Alkalinity and high sedimentation rates significantly decrease the taphonomic damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine bivalves include economically highly important aquacultured species worldwide (oysters, mussels, clams, scallops). Although one third of production in Europe is represented by mussels (Mytilus edulis, M. galloprovincialis) a significant decline has been observed in the last two decades, whose causes are likely to be multifactorial, from the presence of pathogens to climate change, often exacerbated by local conditions, leading to mortality outbreaks. Knowledge of the composition of the microbial communities, together with their relationship with the host, represents a primary target for understanding bivalve health in different environmental conditions. The microbiome is strongly influenced by both local environmental factors and endogenous factors, such as the host immune status. However, information on the seasonal fluctuations of microbial communities in mussels, together with immune parameters, is still lacking. In the present work, M. galloprovincialis cultivated in north-western Italy (La Spezia) were sampled from February to November 2020 and hemolymph microbiome was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene, together with a set of immune biomarkers in hemocytes (lysosomal membrane stability-LMS, phagocytic activity, ROS production) and soluble lysozyme activity, and parameters of general health conditions (gametogenesis, survival in air). The results show that M. galloprovincialis hemolymph microbiota was characterized by the constant presence of 8 bacterial genera (Vibrio, Pseudoalteromonas, Tenacibaculum, Colwellia, Shewanella, Amphritea, and 2 from the Arcobacteracea family, Halarcobacter and Arcobacter-like). Seasonal changes in their relative abundance were observed, showing a distinct pattern in winter (February–November) and summer (July, September). Water temperature contributed to shaping the microbiota composition, in particular with regards to the abundance of Vibrios , Psychrilobacter and Photobacterium , Halarcobacter and Arcobacter-like , that was favored by higher temperatures. Seasonal variations of LMS and phagocytosis were also observed, indicating a reduced immunocompetence in winter, concomitant with general stressful conditions associated with spawning. In contrast, the main fluctuations in extracellular immune defences (ROS and lysozyme) were apparently independent of temperature or gametogenic stage. Overall, the results confirm the robustness of mussel immune system, at the same time underlying the potential susceptibility to disease at certain times of the year to additional stressful conditions (i.e. pathogen challenge, pollutant exposure, or further changes in water chemico-physical parameters). These data provide background information useful for monitoring local mussel farming and predicting potential impacts of changing environmental conditions. [Display omitted] • Study on Mytilus galloprovincialis from an aquaculture site in northwestern Italy. • First data on seasonal changes in hemolymph microbiota and host immune defences. • Increased Vibrio abundance with water T, lower immune defences in winter. • Background info on mussel health status in face of future environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmopara viticola (Peronosporales: Peronosporaceae) is a highly destructive disease that can cause very serious damage under favorable conditions. Cultural practices, disease-tolerant varieties, and phytosanitary treatments have been effective tools to control this disease. However, predictive models such as decision support systems (DSS) could help reduce the need for phytosanitary treatments. In this study, we aimed to develop, adjust, and validate a customized predictive model at the plot level, comparing it with the other three existing models (Milvit, VitiMeteo-Plasmopara, and Goidanich) in Mediterranean conditions. Downy mildew symptoms were observed in the field and predicted using the four mentioned models in eight plots during the 2018 and 2019 campaigns. All tested models predicted possible daily infection cycles, which were grouped into infection blocks every 5–7 days to validate predicted data with in-field observations. In Mediterranean conditions, Milvit and VitiMeteo-Plasmopara models provided both over-prediction and under-prediction infection blocks compared to field observations. However, the Goidanich model only provided over-prediction infection blocks with very few matches to field observations. The UR-model was successfully improved to adjust it to Mediterranean conditions, and it matched observed and predicted infection blocks in 56,25% of the plots and years. However, the UR-model was more accurate (75% matching) in humid years like 2018 than in dryer years like 2019 (37,5% matching), although in both cases it was the most accurate model to be used as a decision support system. • 1 customized model, and 3 existing ones, were tested in Mediterranean conditions. • Predicted infection cycles were grouped into infection blocks of 5–7 days. • Milvit and VitiMeteo models showed too many under-predictions and over-predictions. • Goidanich model showed 37,5% matching with in-field observations. • UR-model provided highest matching, 56,25%, with in-field observed symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoldering-to-flaming (StF) transition is an abrupt initiation of homogeneous gas-phase burning (i.e., flaming) preceded by heterogeneous solid-phase burning (i.e., smoldering), which can lead to fast spreading fires both in residential and wildland fires. Despite its hazard, StF transition remains difficult to predict because of its sensitive nature to external conditions, the inherent variability of porous biomass fuels, and a limited understanding of its dominating mechanisms. In this work, we apply a new experimental apparatus to investigate the limiting conditions of StF transition of uniform cellulose powders, at different oxidizer flow velocities (1.5–10.5 cm/s), oxygen concentrations (21, 19, 15, and 10%), and external heat fluxes (0–60 kW/m2). We find that the external heat flux required for StF transition increases as the O 2 concentration decreases from 21% to 10% at fixed flow velocities, agreeing with both phenomenological arguments and a simplified energy balance. However, for a fixed O 2 concentration, as the flow velocity increases, the required heat flux increases, due to the increased importance of convective heat losses. Furthermore, tests performed at 8% and 5% O 2 do not undergo transition even at higher heat fluxes up to a threshold oxygen concentration of 10%. Under low-velocity conditions (airflow <5 cm/s), smoldering may still co-exist with a discrete weak blue flame because oxygen can diffuse into reacting (smoldering) cellulose powder. An oxidizer flow velocity of 5 cm/s appears to be a limiting value for the StF transition, at least for the present experimental conditions. It was also found that increasing the density of cellulose powder required a lower external heat flux for StF transition. This work advances the fundamental understanding of the StF transition, and thus helps guide the prevention of extreme fire events. • A new experimental apparatus is used to study the smoldering-to-flaming (StF) transition. • A higher heat flux is needed for StF transition as flow velocity increases at fixed O 2 %. • A higher heat flux is needed for StF transition as O 2 % decreases at fixed flow velocities. • Limiting oxygen concentration of 10% and flow velocity of 5 cm/s have been found for StF transition. • As the fuel density decreases, higher heat flux is required for transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) on global tropical cyclone (TC) activity has been well documented in many earlier studies. However, no prior studies have focused specifically on the MJO's impacts on TCs in the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Therefore, the present study examines the impact of the MJO on BoB TC activity during the two peak TC periods i.e. April–June (AMJ) and October–December (OND) from 1974 to 2015. The MJO considerably modulates various measures of TC activity in the BoB, including the number of TCs, the number of TC days, accumulated cyclone energy, the power dissipation index, TC genesis location and TC tracks. TC activity is significantly enhanced (suppressed) over the BoB when the convectively active MJO phase is positioned over the eastern Indian Ocean and the Maritime Continent (the Western Hemisphere and Africa). Alterations in the TC genesis locations and their tracks are more pronounced in OND than in AMJ. These changes in TC characteristics are mainly attributed to MJO-driven modulations in large-scale environmental conditions such as deep convection, mid-tropospheric relative humidity, sea surface temperature, sea level pressure, lower- and upper-level winds and vertical wind shear. A comprehensive knowledge of the MJO-TC relationship may be beneficial for short-term predictions of TC activity in the BoB. • The MJO considerably modulates TC activity i.e. number of TCs, duration, ACE, PDI and their genesis locations and tracks. • Changes in TC characteristics are mainly attributed to MJO-driven modulations in large-scale environmental conditions over the BoB. • TC activity is significantly enhanced over the BoB when the convectively active MJO phase is positioned over the eastern Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During handling, storage and transportation of fresh horticultural produce such as pome fruit, packages are often stacked. The resistance of the package, particularly the bottom package to the weight on it is regarded as a measure of its compression strength. Over time, due to the load, the package losses its strength which results into collapse, consequently leading to damage of the packed produce. This time-dependent phenomenon is known as creep. A package should therefore be able to withstand the load on it over its life span. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the creep behaviour of three corrugated paperboard packages at two environmental conditions under constant load for a 12 h duration. The packages were two vented packages (Standard vent and Multi vent) and an unvented Control package. The environmental conditions used in the study were standard conditions (23 °C and 50% RH) and refrigerated conditions (2°C and 85% RH). The Bailey-Norton creep law and Power law models showed a good correlation with the experimental creep strain. Load and environmental conditions affected the creep of the packages. High load resulted in an increased creep rate. Refrigerated conditions increased the creep rate of the packages in comparison with the standard condition. Package configuration also had a significant effect on the creep rate. The unvented Control package had the lowest creep rate compared to the vented packages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene with atomic layer of sp2-hybridized carbon atoms in a hexagonal structure has attracted multidisciplinary attention since its discovery. Due to the inherent advantages of large specific surface area and abundant functional groups, its derivative graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials have achieved large-scale development in effective pollution treatment. In the past few years, novel GO-based nanomaterials through coupling with other nanomaterials have been synthesized with significant process and applied for efficient elimination of different kinds of pollutants. This paper aims to summarize recent research results on the excellent removal ability of GO-based nanomaterials for various heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. The synthesis, adsorption process characteristics and interaction mechanism of the adsorbent are emphasized and discussed. The effects of various environmental conditions are outlined. At last, a brief summary, perspective and outlook are presented. This review is intended to provide some thrilling information for the design and manufacture of GO-based nanomaterials for the elimination of heavy metal ions from wastewater in environmental pollution management. Image 1086 • Synthesis and surface modification of GO-based composites are reviewed. • Applications of different GO-based composites for metal ions elimination are reviewed. • Interaction mechanism of metal ions with GO-based composites is discussed. • Sorption capacities of metal ions on GO-based composites and other materials are compared. • Perspective of GO-based composites in pollution management is summarized. The synthesis of graphene oxide-based materials and their application in the efficient elimination of different metal ions are summarized and compared with other materials. The interaction mechanism is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Recreational ecosystem services (RES) assessment support ecosystem management. • The novel birdwatching potential index (BWaPz) gauges hotspot attractiveness status. • Non-parametric scale estimators support BWaPz robustness for distribution-free data. • Hybrid modelling framework (HMF) outputs estimate seasonal changes influencing BWaPz. • The integration of BWaPz in HMF was considered useful and generalizable to other RES. The ecosystem services approach represents an important and still evolving concept that has the potential to redefine perspectives in ecosystem management by linking different scientific areas within a common framework. Birdwatching is a recreational ecosystem service whose importance has grown in recent years, providing support for rural economies and community-based conservation. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive understanding of this ecosystem service dynamics under realistic scenarios of environmental change. We propose the birdwatching potential index, an original approach supported on non-parametric robust scale estimators to assess change in attractiveness of birdwatching hotspots. A demonstrative case study is described, integrating the index within a hybrid modelling framework and testing its performance in dissimilar dynamic scenarios. Contrasting environmental conditions resulted in divergences in the birdwatching potential index and concomitant recreational ecosystem services delivered. The framework simulations also provided information that was considered useful for guiding local conservation actions and management practices to upsurge birdwatchers' interest for a specific hotspot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Joints govern the behaviour of a timber structures. • Weathering of the joint generally caused a degeneration of the joint's performance. • Weathered joints with steel plates decreased their capacity by 31%. Timber-framed architecture is an important heritage common of many countries. However, this is being lost due to natural decay but also climatic changes and natural hazards. To preserve it, it is important to understand the influence of such actions. Timber joints significantly affect the mechanical performances of timber-framed buildings, being the weakest element. In this paper, results are presented from cyclic pull-out test conducted on traditional timber joints subjected to wind driven rain and flood, both unreinforced and retrofitted, and a comparison is made with those obtained from sound specimens. Wetting-drying cycles mainly influence the stiffness and dissipation capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• P were measured simultaneously during Fe sequential extraction. • Temporal-spatial trends of Fe and SEP recorded environmental conditions. • Fractionation trends of P were governed by Fe fractions in sediments. • It helps to update the knowledge of the regeneration and recycle of Fe and P. Phosphorus biogeochemical cycle presented a close coupling relationship with Fe cycle. In this work, the fractionation trends of phosphorus (P) associating with iron fractions were investigated using a sequential extraction procedure. The results showed that Fe prs (poorly reactive sheet silicate) presented as the dominant fraction of all extractable Fe fractions in surface and core sediments. The spatial and vertical distributions of magnetite (Fe mag), the environmental characteristics of Lake Daihai (DH) basin and the significant associations of Fe mag with Fe ox1 (easily reducible oxides) and Fe ox2 (reducible oxides) jointly suggested the multisource of Fe mag including terrigenous origins (workings of erosion and transport processes) and authigene formation (the transformation between magnetite and highly reactive fractions of iron induced by microbial effects). In DH surface sediments, although Fe ox1 and Fe ox2 were not the dominant Fe fractions, the simultaneous extractable P (SEP) associating with these two Fe fractions, namely P-NH 2 OH·HCl and P-Na 2 S 2 O 4 respectively, were the most abundant fractions of the total extractable P; Coupling with the ratio of (ΣFe)/w(ΣP) (54.8), it was convinced that P release was subject to Fe oxides/hydroxides, especially highly reactive Fe (Fe ox1 and Fe ox2), due to the SEP simultaneous extracted with these two Fe fractions accounted about 70% of the total extractable P. It was indicated that fractionation trends of P were associating with Fe fractions caused by the interface process of P on Fe oxides surface (amorphous iron oxide and hydration oxide). The trends of spatial and vertical distributions for Fe and SEP fractions archived in sediments well recorded and responded the environmental conditions in the drainage basin of DH. This work is very helpful to update the knowledge of the coupling cycle effects of Fe and P on lakes eutrophication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The flammability of combustible materials in spacecraft environments is of importance for fire safety applications because the environmental conditions can greatly differ from those on earth, and a fire in a spacecraft could be catastrophic. Moreover, experimental testing in spacecraft environments can be difficult and expensive, so using ground-based tests to inform microgravity tests is vital. Reducing buoyancy effects by decreasing ambient pressure is a possible approach to simulate a spacecraft environment on earth. The objective of this work is to study the effect of pressure on material flammability, and by comparison with microgravity data, determine the extent to which reducing pressure can be used to simulate reduced gravity. Specifically, this work studies the effect of pressure and microgravity on upward/concurrent flame spread rates and flame appearance of a burning thin composite fabric made of 75% cotton and 25% fiberglass (Sibal). Experiments in normal gravity were conducted using pressures ranging between 100 and 30 kPa and a forced flow velocity of 20 cm/s. Microgravity experiments were conducted during NASA's Spacecraft Fire Experiment (Saffire), on board of the Orbital Corporation Cygnus spacecraft at 100 kPa and an air flow velocity of 20 cm/s. Results show that reductions of ambient pressure slow the flame spread over the fabric. As pressure is reduced, flame intensity is also reduced. Comparison with the concurrent flame spread rates in microgravity show that similar flame spread rates are obtained at around 30 kPa. The normal gravity and microgravity data is correlated in terms of a mixed convection non-dimensional parameter that describes the heat transferred from the flame to the solid surface. The correlation provides information about the similitudes of the flame spread process in variable pressure and reduced gravity environments, providing guidance for potential on-earth testing for fire safety design in spacecraft and space habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Temperature thresholds restrict O. cf. ovata distribution range in Iberia. • Lisbon Bay is the current W Iberian northern distribution limit of O. cf. siamensis. • Positive SST anomalies favor the occurrence of Ostreopsis spp. in Lagos Bay. • Low sea state favor the occurrence of Ostreopsis spp. in Lagos Bay. The benthic genus Ostreopsis contains toxic-bloom forming species and is an important cause of concern in warm-temperate and tropical waters. On the coast of Portugal, NE Atlantic, the occurrence of Ostreopsis cf. siamensis and Ostreopsis cf. ovata has been reported since 2008 and 2011, respectively. This work aims to understand the favorable conditions for high concentrations of Ostreopsis cells in the plankton at two sites, Lagos and Lisbon Bays, located in the South and West coast of Portugal, respectively. This study is based on weekly Ostreopsis abundance data in the plankton, from 2011 to 2017, daily satellite and in situ sea surface temperature (SST), and meteorological and sea state parameters, namely wind stress and significant wave height. The molecular identification of local Ostreopsis spp. is also presented. The maximum cell densities occur between late-summer and autumn. The distribution range of Ostreopsis cf. ovata is restricted to the South coast, while Ostreopsis cf. siamensis has a wider distribution range, being also present on the West coast. In the study period, there was only one occurrence of Ostreopsis spp., in Lagos Bay, with concentrations within the alert phase of monitoring. In Lagos Bay, high Ostreopsis spp. concentrations were related with positive SST anomalies. These high concentrations were often recorded after a period of almost 2-weeks to more than 4-weeks of low sea state (<0.6 m), followed by short time events of onshore wind and moderate waves (0.6–1 m). The former conditions are interpreted as favoring bloom development on the substrate and the latter as causing the re-suspension of Ostreopsis cells in the water column. In Lisbon Bay, O. cf. siamensis occurred in the plankton in few occasions and no clear relation could be established with the studied environmental variables. It is here hypothesized that the recent records of O. cf. siamensis in Lisbon Bay may correspond to an early colonization stage of an invasion process. Knowledge gained on Ostreopsis dynamics along the Portuguese coast can be used for both the improvement of benthic harmful algal blooms (BHABs) monitoring in the region and as a basis to design forecasting models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Due to its longevity, radioisotope 129I is a health concern following potential releases in the environment which raises questions about residence and exposure times relevant for risk assessments. We determined 127I concentrations (as a surrogate for 129I) in a series of French forest soils (i.e. litters, humus and mineral soils) under different vegetation and climate conditions in order to identify the major processes affecting its accumulation and persistence in the soil column. The input fluxes linked to rainfall, throughfall and litterfall were also characterized. Main results obtained showed that: (i) rainfall iodine concentrations probably influenced those of litterfall through absorption by leaves/needles returning to the ground; (ii) throughfall was the major iodine input to soils (mean = 83%), compared to litterfall (mean = 17%); (iii) humus represented a temporary storage of iodine from atmospheric and biomass deposits; (iv) iodine concentrations in soils depended on both the iodine inputs and the soil's ability to retain iodine due to its organic matter, total iron and aluminium concentrations; (v) these soil properties were the main factors influencing the accumulation of iodine in the soil column, resulting in residence times of 419–1756 years; and (vi) the leaching of iodine-containing organic matter dissolved in soil solution may be an important source of labile organic iodine for groundwater and streams. Highlights • Measurement of I concentrations in French forest soils (litterfall, humus and soil). • Rainfall iodine concentrations probably influenced those of litterfall. • Throughfall was the major iodine input to soils compared to litterfall. • Major role of organic matter, iron and aluminium in iodine persistence in soils. • Concentrations of I in forest soils varied with vegetation and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Many factors can affect dry powder inhalers' (DPIs) aerosol emission and lung deposition. The fluctuation of environmental temperature and relative humidity (RH) that inhalers experience in realistic daily use has not been extensively evaluated. This work aimed to evaluate the delivered dose (DD) and aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) of tiotropium Handihaler DPI (H) after exposure to patients' real-life use environments. Methods Ethical approval was obtained to enrol adult patients already using H. Patients who gave written consent were given new H to use and HygroLog temperature and RH data loggers to keep in the vicinity of the given inhaler. The H and HygroLog were returned after 2 weeks. Patient recruitment was done during the summer (HS) and winter (HW). As control, other HC were stored as per the leaflet storage instructions. The Next Generation Impactor was used to evaluate the inhalers. Results The HC were stored under an average of 21.0 °C and 46.9% RH. The patients' HS and HW lived in an average (range) temperature (°C) 23.2 (18.3–38.2) and 17.8 (13.5–24.6), respectively, and RH 50.8% (24.3–65.3%) and 50.4% (30.6–72.4%), respectively. All H groups had comparable environments (p > 0.05). The HC, HS and HW gave similar tiotropium DD (μg) 7.60, 8.01 and 7.61, respectively (p > 0.05). Moreover, the fine particle dose μg (median diameter (μm)) were HC 2.41 (3.84), HS 2.55 (3.81) and HW 2.37 (3.83) (p > 0.05). Conclusions The aerosol emission behaviour of tiotropium Handihaler was tolerant to real-life retention environments of patients in Amman, Jordan. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding microbial diversity across different ecosystems is important for discerning the mechanisms shaping the microbial community assembly. However, knowledge on differentiations of microbial diversity in various habitats especially engineered systems remains very limited. A comprehensive comparison of microbial diversity across natural and engineered environments, namely heavy metal polluted farm soil, forest, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), anaerobic digesters (ADs) and the Caspian Sea sediments, was made base on a collection of 115 samples from seven published 16S rRNA gene datasets generated by high-throughput sequencing. In each sample, 16,590 and 19,771 qualified sequences were detected, and they were classified into 615 to 3,162 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The microbial communities in the engineered systems especially the AD showed relatively low alpha taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity. A total of 49 genera were present in more than 80% of the samples, accounting for 6.0% in population number and 25.6% in relative abundance (RA). The average abundance-weighted rRNA operon copy number of the communities from ADs and a food wastewater treatment plant (FW) was higher than that of others, suggesting that high loading rate of pollutants in ADs and FW resulted in relatively high abundance of r -strategists. Among 104 typical human bacterial pathogens (HBPs), 2 to 25 HBPs were detected in each sample, accounting for 0.05%–21.34% in RA. Mycobacterium phlei was widely present in 111 samples with an average RA of 0.12%. The number and RA of all the HBPs in each sample did not show an obvious ecosystem type related pattern. Results of detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and cluster analysis showed that the microbial communities clustered based on habitat types. The communities of WWTPs and soil were very similar, falling into one cluster. For any two communities from the datasets, 75.6% of their beta nearest taxon index (βNTI) values were higher than +2 or lower than −2, suggesting that environmental conditions played an important role in shaping the microbial community assembly. Temperature and geographic locations were effective factors among all factors considered in this study. • Microbial communities in engineered systems showed relatively low diversity. • Microbial communities clustered based on habitat type shown by statistical analyses. • Environmental selection is more important in shaping microbial community assembly. • Temperature and geographic locations were effective in shaping microbial structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • PE and SC increased Ca in lettuce leaves; however both treatments had opposite Tipburn incidence. • The effectiveness of shade cloth to avoid Tipburn had a strongly penalty in dry weight. • Shade cloth treatment improves Ca distribution towards leaf margins. • Ca fertilization had no effect on Tipburn development in any treatments. • Tipburn is a physiological disorder related with environmental conditions. Abstract Spring-summer production of lettuce under greenhouses is highly affected by Tipburn development, a physiological disorder attributed to localized calcium (Ca) deficiency. As Ca is distributed along the plant tissues together with the water flux, Tipburn development is related to environmental conditions. Until now, no growing condition that avoids this disorder, without an associated yield penalty, has been clearly identified. In this work we used shade cloth (SC) or polyethylene (PE) covers in a greenhouse to modify the growing environment of pot-grown lettuce and to examine the effect of these conditions on growth and Tipburn severity. Two levels of Ca in the soil were evaluated. PE generated a good environment for lettuce growth reflected in high dry mass. However, high Tipburn development occurred despite Ca concentration being higher than in leaves of control lettuces. SC generated a similar environment to control conditions but with a lower light intensity. Under this environment dry mass production was lower than in control plants and plants produced thin and elongated leaves. Under SC no Tipburn symptoms were registered irrespective of soil Ca level and leaf Ca content was higher than in control plants. Ca fertilization had no effect on Tipburn development in either of these treatments. These results reinforce the idea that Tipburn is a physiological disorder related to environmental conditions rather than Ca deficiencies. Results highlight that 1- the use of Polyethylene as SC increased Ca content in lettuce leaves in respect to control plants but both treatments had opposite Tipburn incidence; 2- SC significantly reduced dry weight of plants and improved Ca distribution towards leaf margins; and, 3- Ca fertilization had no effect on Tipburn development in any of the treatments. Overall these results reinforce the idea that Tipburn is a physiological disorder related to environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • In situ measures of fuel moisture exchange reveal complex responses to meteorology variables among dominant fuel types. • Pine and saw palmetto litter showed multiple lagged responses to precipitation, relative humidity, and net radiation. • Fine dead fuel moisture prediction for fire management cannot rely on current assumptions and simplified tools in humid forests. Abstract Fine dead fuel moisture has a major influence on wildland fire behavior yet the dynamics driving water exchange of fuel particles in forested environments remain poorly understood. Most fire behavior models rely on simple, stand-level fuel moisture estimates, ignoring potentially important variation occurring within fuelbeds that could influence fire behavior. This is especially true in surface fire regimes where variation in fine-scale fuel properties drive fire behavior and subsequent fire effects. Saw palmetto [ Serenoa repens (Bartr.) Small] dominated fuelbeds in the pine forests of the southeastern United States have high within stand variation in one of the most fire prone habitats in the world. Pine needles and palmetto fronds dominate the biomass of fine dead fuel types that produce extreme fire behavior. To assess predictors of fine dead fuel moisture, we analyzed fuel moisture dynamics of these two fine dead fuel types over a two-year period in conjunction with under- and overstory forest meteorological data. Using multiple models and time lag analysis of within-stand moisture dynamics, the results indicate that saw palmetto and pine dramatically differ in drying regimes, primarily resulting from different responses to cumulative rainfall, net radiation, and antecedent atmospheric moisture content. Despite being responsive to changes in relative humidity, saw palmetto was significantly dryer than pine under nearly all meteorological conditions, and it was capable of maintaining extremely low fuel moisture despite high relative humidity or rainfall. Our results point to the need to capture additional drivers of microclimatic variation to aid fire managers in accurately predicting within-stand fuel moisture and subsequent fire behavior. Improving the scientific community's understanding of variation in complex fuel beds is critical for effectively managing risk in fire prone ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems play an important role in the global carbon regulation. Despite increasing evidence for effects of biodiversity (species diversity, functional diversity and functional dominance), stand structural attributes, stand age and environmental conditions (climate and topography) on tree carbon storage, the relative importance of these drivers at large scale is poorly understood. It is also still unclear whether biodiversity effects on tree carbon storage work through niche complementarity (i.e. increased tree carbon storage due to interspecific resource partitioning) or through the mass-ratio effect (tree carbon storage regulated by dominant traits within communities). Here we analyze tree carbon storage and its drivers using data of 480 plots sampled across subtropical forests in China. We use multiple regression models to test the relative effects of biodiversity, stand structural attributes, stand age and environmental conditions on tree carbon storage, and use a partial least squares path model to test how these variables directly and/or indirectly affect tree carbon storage. Our results show that tree carbon storage is most strongly affected by stand age, followed by climate, biodiversity and stand structural attributes. Stand age and climate had both direct and indirect (through species diversity, functional dominance and stand structural attributes) effects. We find that tree carbon storage correlates with both species diversity and functional dominance after stand age and environmental drivers are accounted for. Our results suggest that niche complementarity and the mass-ratio effect, not necessarily mutually exclusive, both play a role in maintaining ecosystem functioning. Our results further indicate that biodiversity conservation might be an effective way for enhancing tree carbon storage in natural, species-rich forest ecosystems. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Biodiversity enhances tree carbon storage in subtropical forests. • Niche complementarity and mass-ratio effect both play a role in maintaining ecosystem functioning. • Stand age, stand structure and environmental conditions all affect tree carbon storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The Outer Sea is the main spawning zone for southern hake in winter. • The Inner Sea of Chiloé is the main spawning zone in the Inner Sea during spring. • Oceanographic conditions were different between the Outer and Inner Sea. • The Outer Sea oceanographic condition had important inter-annual variation. • Potential retention zones were identified in the Outer and Inner Sea. Abstract Merluccius australis , known as southern hake, is a demersal fish that inhabits waters off the southern tip of South America. The main spawning area has historically been located in the Outer Sea off northern Chilean Patagonia, where these fish aggregate to reproduce during austral winter. An alternative spawning ground has been reported to occur within the Inner Sea of Chiloé, where eggs of a few days old have been found. Neither the relative importance of this spawning zone nor the main environmental features that make it suitable for spawning have been assessed. We analyzed ichthyoplankton samples and hydrographic data from oceanographic cruises (2003–2015) carried out in austral winter and spring to characterize both spawning zones. Field data showed, on average, 30 and four times more southern hake eggs in the Outer Sea than in the Inner Sea for winter and spring, respectively. Accordingly, the species mainly spawns during winter in the Outer Sea but during spring in the Inner Sea. Potential retention zones were identified, and the spawning seasons for both areas were associated with local oceanographic processes that enhanced retention in nursery areas. The development of different main reproductive seasons in different zones is apparently linked to the inter-annual variability of environmental conditions in the main offshore spawning zone. In this case, secondary spawning in the Inner Sea could be part of a reproductive strategy to ensure offspring survival given unfavorable conditions in the Outer Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]