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Regional atmospheric environmental problems have become increasingly prominent due to continuous urbanization in China. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the California Puff (CALPUFF) air quality model was applied to analyze the spatial distribution and inter-city transport of primary and secondary PM2.5 concentrations from vehicles in the Guanzhong Plain (GZP) in January 2019. The results show that the secondary PM2.5 concentration emitted by vehicles was more easily dispersed than primary PM2.5. The maximum hourly average concentrations of primary PM2.5, secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA), and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) were about 18, 9, and 2 µg/m3, respectively. Exhaust emission and secondary NO3− were the main contributors to the total PM2.5 concentration from vehicles, accounting for about 52% and 32%, respectively. The maximum contribution of vehicle emissions to the ambient PM2.5 concentration was about 19%. Inter-city transport contributed about 33% of the total PM2.5 concentration from vehicles in cities in the GZP on average. Among the PM2.5 components transported in each city, SIA was the most abundant, followed by primary PM2.5, and SOA was the least. These findings will provide valuable insights for mitigating the regional PM2.5 pollution caused by near-surface sources in urban agglomerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary event has not only altered the genetic structure of human populations but also associated with social and cultural transformation. South Asian populations were the result of migration and admixture of genetically and culturally diverse groups. Most of the genetic studies pointed to large-scale admixture events between Ancestral North Indian (ANI) and Ancestral South Indian (ASI) groups, also additional layers of recent admixture. In the present study, we have analyzed 213 individuals inhabited in South-west coast India with traditional warriors and feudal lord status and historically associated with migratory events from North/North West India and possible admixture with West Eurasian populations, whose genetic links are still missing. Analysis of autosomal Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers suggests that these groups possibly derived their ancestry from some groups of North West India having additional Middle Eastern genetic components. Higher distribution of West Eurasian mitochondrial haplogroups also points to female-mediated admixture. Estimation of Effective Migration Surface (EEMS) analysis indicates Central India and Godavari basin as a crucial transition zone for population migration from North and North West India to South-west coastal India. Selection screen using 3 distinct outlier-based approaches revealed genetic signatures related to Immunity and protection from Viral infections. Thus, our study suggests that the South-west coastal groups with traditional warriors and feudal lords' status are of a distinct lineage compared to Dravidian and Gangetic plain Indo-Europeans and are remnants of very early migrations from North West India following the Godavari basin to Karnataka and Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huatabampo tradition was first defined by Gordon Ekholm, in 1938, and refers to those sites in the coastal plain in northern Sinaloa and southern Sonora lacking architecture but containing well-manufactured plain ceramics with complex shapes. Recent investigations in the region are helping to refine the chronology, geographical extension, cultural attributes, and ethnicity. With 20 radiocarbon dates, we can place this tradition as spanning from 200 BC to AD 1450. The maximum geographical extension ranges from the Middle Rio Yaqui in the north to the Rio San Lorenzo in Sinaloa. The associated sites of this complex are represented by dispersed houses, indicative of ranchería-type settlements, funerary mounds, shell middens, and petroglyph sites. At about AD 1150, Aztatlán pottery and other commodities from southern Sinaloa were incorporated mostly as mortuary offerings. We also provide evidence that the Huatabampo archaeological tradition is a local culture representing the occupation of the Cahitan-speaking groups, Yoremem/Mayos and Yoemem/Yaquis, of the coastal plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonate reservoirs are characterized by their complex depositional–diagenetic history and, consequently, intricate pore networks. In this study, pore types and reservoir zones of the Sarvak Formation, which is the second most important oil reservoir in Iran, are investigated by integrating core, thin-section, porosity–permeability, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) data. Depositional, diagenetic, and fracture pores are identified in macroscopic to microscopic scales. Frequency analysis of pore types revealed that diagenetic pores, including vuggy, moldic, intercrystalline, and fracture pores, formed the majority of pore spaces of the Sarvak Formation. They are dominantly recorded in the regressive systems tracts of both the Cenomanian and Turonian sequences, just below the paleoexposure surfaces. Away from the disconformities, there are two general trends regarding the pore-types distribution: (a) grain-supported facies of shoal and talus settings with dominant primary (depositional) pores including interparticle, intra-skeletal, and growth-framework pores, which are concentrated in the middle part of the formation, and (b) microporous mud-dominated facies with various types of primary and secondary pore types in the TSTs of third-order sequences, especially in the lower part of the Sarvak Formation. Stratigraphic modified Lorenz plot differentiated reservoir, speed, barrier, and baffle zones in this formation. Depositional–diagenetic characters, petrophysical properties, and dominant pore types are defined for each zone in a sequence stratigraphic framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalization of the grain size analyses of the basal Neopleistocene moraines from the sections of coastal outcrops and boreholes in the vast European Subarctic region of Russia and in more southern areas of the Timan–Pechora–Vychegda region showed that the moraines are typical mixed, almost unsorted rocks with similar contents of the gravel–sand, silt, and clay fractions, serving as one of the arguments in favor of their glacial genesis. Their grain size composition is related to the peculiarities of rocks in the glacier bed. It is formed during the crushing, abrasion, and mixing of the glacier-rafted, assimilated, and transported material during its transportation and deposition, which determines variability of the grain size composition of moraines. Consequently, the grain size composition of moraines in combination with other lithological data reflects the pathway and dynamics of the glacier movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature gradients in concrete pavements significantly affect fatigue damage accumulation, with high gradients having the potential to reduce performance under vehicle loads. While temperature profiles are non-linear throughout the depth, an equivalent linear temperature gradient (ELTG) accounts for the effect of temperature in pavement design. Critical ELTG values are difficult to predict because ELTG is affected by design parameters as well as climate conditions and varies diurnally and seasonally. To identify critical parameters which affect ELTG, a database of hourly temperature profiles was generated for a series of jointed plain concrete pavements (JPCP) throughout Pennsylvania. A stepwise regression model was developed with an R2 of 0.81 to determine maximum daily ELTG as a function of the design parameters and climate. This equation can assist engineers in making decisions on when superloads can be transported without significant damage or performing falling weight deflectometer testing will be most informative. Slab thickness, concrete albedo, and daily temperature range (DTR) were the most significant parameters that affected ELTG. A higher albedo showed an equivalent effect in reducing maximum ELTG as increasing the thickness of the slab. This finding can be used to reduce maximum gradients, which will increase the predicted service life of JPCPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large courtyard complexes in the pre-Qin times can be divided into two systems: the Xitu (northwest China) type and the Central Plains type. The former is characterized by the rammed earth construction and prevailed in the Loess Plateau; by contrast, the latter was well-known for the wattle-and-daub technology and widespread in the Central Plains and surrounding regions. The archaeological discoveries at Lushanmao suggest that the Xitu-type courtyard complexes were in use no later than the late Longshan period and lasted for nearly two thousand years. Both the two systems may have their origin in the late Yangshao period. The Xitu type indicates the influence of South China while the Central Plains type was formed due to a combination of the changes in climate, environment, and resources. Courtyard complexes underwent two major shifts during the early and late Western Zhou, suggesting the major changes in political strategies employed by the Zhou people to maintain their cultural traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the US Southern Great Plains (SGP) continues to undergo intensive energy development that could affect the region's Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), yet the species' population status there is unknown. During 2011–2020, we used satellite telemetry to assess annual survival rates and causes of mortality among 40 preadult (<3 yr of age) Golden Eagles in the SGP; 29 were monitored beginning at the late nestling stage and 11 immigrated into the SGP from western regions. For comparison we monitored 15 preadult Golden Eagles from nests in the Central Great Plains (CGP), where energy development was less extensive. We estimated survival rates by using a multi-state model in a Bayesian framework that accounted for probabilities of causes of death. Mean annual survival in the SGP during the preadult period was 0.060, versus 0.512 in the CGP and ∼0.7–0.9 reported elsewhere in the coterminous western USA. Mexican chicken bugs (Haematosiphon inodorus) were implicated in deaths of at least seven Golden Eagles during the ∼2-wk late nestling stage and in two deaths <3 mo after fledging. Energy infrastructure especially electrocutions accounted for 12 (57.1%) of 21 deaths of post-fledged preadults. Seven of 11 immigrant eagles died. Overall, probabilities of death of a Golden Eagle during the preadult period in the SGP due to Mexican chicken bugs and to electrocution were both 0.345. We estimated that the SGP population may be declining 9% annually due to poor recruitment; mitigation of underlying factors should be a priority for managing Golden Eagles in the western USA. Buena parte de las Grandes Llanuras del Sur (GLS) de EEUU continúan sometidas a un desarrollo energético intensivo que podría afectar a los individuos de Aquila chrysaetos de la región; sin embargo, el estado de la población de la especie en esta zona es desconocido. Durante 2011–2020, usamos telemetría satelital para evaluar las tasas de supervivencia anuales y las causas de mortalidad entre 40 águilas preadultas (<3 años de edad) de A. chrysaetos en las GLS; 29 fueron monitoreadas a partir de la etapa tardía de polluelo y 11 inmigraron desde regiones del oeste. Para hacer una comparación, monitoreamos 15 águilas preadultas de A. chrysaetos en nidos de las Grandes Llanuras Centrales (GLC), donde el desarrollo energético era menos extenso. Estimamos las tasas de supervivencia utilizando un modelo multi-estado en un marco de trabajo bayesiano que tuvo en cuenta las probabilidades de las causas de muerte. La supervivencia media anual en las GLS durante el periodo preadulto fue de 0.060, en comparación con 0.512 en las GLC y ∼0.7–0.9 en otras partes del oeste contiguo de EEUU. La chinche Haematosiphon inodorus estuvo implicada en la muerte de al menos siete águilas durante las últimas ∼2 semanas de la etapa tardía de polluelo y en dos muertes durante el inicio del postemplumamiento. La infraestructura energética, especialmente las electrocuciones, representaron 12 (57.1%) de las 21 muertes de preadultos después de emplumar. Siete de las 11 águilas inmigrantes murieron. En general, las probabilidades de muerte de un individuo de A. chrysaetos durante el período preadulto en las GLS debido a las chinches y a la electrocución fueron ambas de 0.345. Estimamos que la población de las GLS puede estar disminuyendo un 9% anual debido al bajo reclutamiento; la mitigación de los factores subyacentes debería ser una prioridad para la gestión de A. chrysaetos en el oeste de EEUU. [Traducción del equipo editorial] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an integrated workflow based on recent geoscience data is presented for assessing the reservoir characterization and structural interpretation of the Burgan formation, a highly productive formation in the Abadan plain, SW Iran. Utilizing newly acquired high-resolution SEM images, we evaluated the pore size, pore distribution, and pore aspect ratio of Burgan formation. The watershed segmentation algorithm is also capable of detecting throats and closed pores. The porosity fractions from SEM images are used for calibration of the porosity log at several well locations in order to perform petrophysical modeling. Due to the complexity of facies behavior in the study area, we utilized supervised Bayesian classifiers using P-wave velocity, density, and facies log data in order to incorporate spatial dependence into the model. The confusing matrix and machine learning metrics including Accuracy (97.01%), Precision (93.88%), F1 Score (94.16%), and False Positive Rate (2.52%), indicate that the classifier has been properly trained at well locations. A reasonable match is evident between the modeled petrophysical parameters and the true (core) porosity and water saturation at the location of the test well. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the validity of assumptions concerning the dominance of extensional structure in the Abadan plain by using interpreted seismic data. The presented workflow can be used to optimize drilling operations and reduce risks in similar geological settings in the studied formation. Highlights: • The vital pore properties have been evaluated using newly obtained SEM images. • Bayesian classification is a reliable classifier for complex facies modeling. • The dominant extensional structure can be observed in the Abadan plain. • The watershed segmentation algorithm can detect closed pores and throats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted at Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara, Kerala Agricultural University, to evaluate the hybrid vigor of 19 cashew hybrids developed during 2003. These hybrids selected from an initial evaluation trial, resulted from a cross between 11 parents. The hybrids were evaluated along with the parents for morphological, phenological and yield characters for two consecutive seasons. Poornima, the latest released variety of cashew, was used as check. The analysis of results based on mean values on various flowering parameters and yield parameters showed significant variations among the genotypes for all the characters. The highest nut weight and nut yield per tree was observed in the hybrid, H03-21/10. Hybrids, H03-97/2, H03-110/1, H03-36/8, H03-52/5 and H03-21/10 can be considered as high yielders (> 18 Kg/tree/year) with bold sized nuts (>10 g), premium quality kernels (>2.5 g) and high shelling percentage (> 28%). These hybrids also exhibited better heterosis in terms of nut weight and kernel weight. The five potential hybrids were identified for replicated yield trials for commercialization in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of ongoing global warming, understanding the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) dynamics is of great significance for predicting future climate changes. This study reconstructed the mid-Holocene precipitation variations on the basis of pollen data obtained from Taojiacun section in the Luoyang Basin within the Central Plains of China. Our research results show that the region experienced three dry intervals during the data-covering period (~ 8.08 to ~ 4.76 cal. kyr BP): ~8.08 to ~ 7.35, ~ 6.42 to ~ 5.59, and ~ 4.94 to ~ 4.76 cal. kyr BP. The intervened were two wet intervals: ~7.35 to ~ 6.42 and ~ 5.59 to ~ 4.94 cal. kyr BP. The chronological correspondence between drier (wetter) intervals in the Luoyang Basin and warmer (cooler) intervals in the western Tropical Pacific implies that the north-south shifts of the Western Pacific Subtropical High (WPSH), driven by the western Tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperature (SST), regulated the positions of the EASM-related rain-belt during the data-covering period. We compared the mean annual precipitation (Pann) sequence from Taojiacun section with those from the southern and northern neighboring areas. With a full consideration of chronological uncertainties and sampling resolution differences, it can be generalized that those drier (wetter) intervals in the Luoyang Basin within the Central Plains of China were broadly correspondent with those drier (wetter) intervals expressed in the sequences of the southern neighboring areas (i.e., the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River with an addition of the Huai River Basin). It means that the changes in precipitation in the Central Plains was most likely coincident with that in the southern neighboring areas during the data-covering period (~ 8.08 to ~ 4.76 cal. kyr BP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy is an important renewable energy source. Rotor main bearings are critical components of wind turbines since a faulty main bearing leads to downtime and high repair costs. Operational expenditures amount to 32% of wind energy costs. The use of plain bearings as main bearings can potentially reduce these costs. Plain bearings with segmented sliding elements can be repaired up-tower without dismantling the drivetrain, as damaged segments can be exchanged individually. One such segmented plain bearing design is the conical plain bearing design called FlexPad. For the FlexPad, proof of concept was achieved for the 1 MW range during previous studies. Modern wind turbines—especially for offshore deployment—have increased in size significantly compared with their predecessors. The goal of current studies is to transfer the FlexPad design towards a main bearing unit at a market relevant scale of 8.5 MW. In this work, the identified scaling challenges are presented. A FlexPad model scaled to the 8.5 MW range is presented to illustrate the challenges. The bearing load components, such as radial forces and torque, increase on different scales with increasing rotor size leading to changed load characteristics with increasing size. Increased rotor weight and bearing diameters result in an increase in the breakaway torque required to start turbine rotation. This breakaway torque can exceed the torque generated by the turbine at starting wind speeds. The generally increased loads necessitate stiffer sliding segments leading to the increased weight of the segments, which hampers the ability to easily exchange segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Once retracted, the citation count of a research paper might be intuitively expected to drop precipitously. Here, we assessed the post-retraction citation of life and medical sciences papers from two top-ranked, multidisciplinary journals Nature and Science, from 2010 to 2018. Post-retraction citations accounted for a staggering 47.7% and 40.9% of total citations (median values), respectively, of the papers included in our analysis. These numbers are comparable with those from two journals with lower impact factors, and with retracted papers from the physical sciences discipline. A more qualitative assessment of five papers from the two journals with a high percentage (>50%) of post-retraction citations, all of which are associated with misconduct, reveal different contributing reasons and factors. Retracted papers associated with highly publicized misconduct cases are more prone to being cited with the retraction status indicated, or projected negatively (such as in the context of research ethics and misconduct discussions), with the latter also indicated by cross-disciplinary citations by humanities and social sciences articles. Retracted papers that retained significant validity in their main findings/conclusions may receive a large number of neutral citations that are somewhat blind to the retraction. Retracted papers in popular subject areas with massive publication outputs, particularly secondary publications such as reviews, may also have a high background citation noise. Our findings add further insights to the nature of post-retraction citations beyond the plain notion that these are largely made through sheer ignorance or negligence by the citing authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate in detail the occurrence and evolution of ionospheric equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) during a moderate storm on 17 September 2021, using Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) observations and Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model‐eXtended (WACCM‐X) simulations. GOLD observations show that there were no EPBs on 16 September before the storm but EPBs occurred after the storm commencement on 17 September. The EPBs extended to ∼30° magnetic latitude. A diagnostic analysis of WACCM‐X simulations reveals that the rapid enhancement of prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs) after the sudden storm commencement is the main reason that triggered the occurrence of the EPBs. Further quantitative analysis shows that vertical plasma drifts, which are enhanced by the PPEF, played a dominant role in strengthening the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability, leading to the occurrence of the EPBs and the large latitudinal extension of the EPBs to ∼30° magnetic latitude during the night of 17 September. Plain Language Summary: Equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) are frequently observed in the equatorial region after sunset and have been the focus of ionospheric research. They are an important space weather phenomenon that often significantly impact trans‐ionospheric radio wave signals. During geomagnetic storms, the occurrence and evolution of EPBs are more complicated, and their physical mechanisms are worthy of further investigation. In this study, we used Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) observations and Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model‐eXtended (WACCM‐X) simulations to study the occurrence and evolution of EPBs during a moderate storm on 17 September 2021. GOLD observations show that EPBs occurred after the storm commencement on 17 September, whereas no EPBs were observed on 16 September. Additionally, these EPBs extend to ∼30° magnetic latitude. According to the WACCM‐X simulation analysis, the rapid enhancement of the prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs) after the sudden storm commencement resulted in a significant Rayleigh‐Taylor instability (RTI) on 17 September, triggering the occurrence of EPBs. Furthermore, quantitative analysis revealed that PPEF induces enhanced vertical plasma drifts, which are the main reason for the strengthening RTI and the large latitudinal extension of the EPBs on 17 September. Key Points: Equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) extended poleward to ∼30° magnetic latitude during a moderate storm on 17 September 2021Diagnostic analysis reveals that occurrence of EPBs was due to rapidly enhanced eastward prompt penetration electric field (PPEF) after the sudden storm commencementPPEF‐driven upward drifts are the main factor causing large Rayleigh‐Taylor instability, and thus the formation and large latitudinal extension of the EPBs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraq (00210889) is the property of Cambridge University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Zoologica Lilloana is the property of Fundacion Miguel Lillo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mountain birch (Betula pubescens subsp. tortuosa (Ledeb.) Nyman) is the only indigenous forest-forming tree species in Iceland, and conservation of the remaining native birch forests is a recognized priority. In the last 30 years, a glacial outwash plain at Skeiðarársandur, southeast Iceland, has been colonized by birch which has now been established on an area > 35 km2. Genotyping by sequencing was used to determine the origin of the birch plants in the new population by assessing the genetic variation of its first generation and assessing its relatedness with the three neighboring but geographically isolated woodlands/forests closest to the outwash plain (Núpsstaðarskógar, Bæjarstaðarskógur, and Skaftafellsheiði). In total, 135K single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained, and 26K SNPs with the lower allele frequency (MAF) > 5% in 20,562 contigs. The new population on Skeiðarársandur most likely originated from Bæjarstaðarskógur and has slightly less variation than the established forests. Comparisons of the three established forests show that the adjacent forest Bæjarstaðarskógur and Skaftafellsheiði are more similar to each other than to Núpsstaðarskógar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the escalating demand for renewable energy sources, vertical-axis wind turbines have emerged as a pivotal technical solution for addressing the challenge of clean energy supply in residential and urban areas. As a simple and feasible passive control method, the plain Gurney flap (PGF) is widely applied to improve turbine aerodynamic performance. In this paper, the influence of a novel serrated gurney flap (SGF) with different flap heights is studied on the NACA0021 airfoil by numerical simulations. The findings demonstrate that, compared with the PGF, the SGF reduces the trailing edge reverse vortices from a pair to a single vortex and possesses lower drag. When the flap height reaches 6% of the chord (6%c), the lift-to-drag ratio of SGF surpasses that of PGF. A turbine rotor is equipped with an SGF and a PGF to compare their performances. The result confirms the flap effect depending on the rotor's tip speed. At a low tip speed ratio (TSR), the PGF works better than the SGF. The SGF is preferred over the PGF for a higher tip speed ratio (TSR > 2.5). With the 6%c flap height, the performance of the SGF rotor surpasses the PGF by 13.9% at TSR = 2.62. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verum has been attested in declaratives, interrogatives, and imperatives. In this paper, we show that whether-exclamatives, a subtype of exclamatives, also qualify as a verum strategy, thus showing that the phenomenon ranges across all sentence moods. Motivation stems from the discourse properties of our data and the pragmatic contrast between whether-exclamatives and plain assertions. Furthermore, we argue that whether-exclamatives are illocutionarily defined as a coordination of assertion and excl, the illocutionary force of exclamatives. Assembling the formal tools for exclamatives, verum, and speech act coordination, we provide an analysis of verum in this complex hybrid speech act. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the distribution of phthalate esters (PAEs) in drinking water and their environmental risks in Chengdu Plain, the distribution of seven PAEs in 19 drinking water sources was analyzed by SPE-GC-MS, and their health risks and ecological risks were evaluated by risk entropy method. The results showed that the seven PAEs were detected in both dry and abundant water periods, with the detection rates ranging from 86.4% to 100%, and the concentration ranges from nd to 5.12 ng/L. The results of the health risk showed that the non-carcinogenic risk of the seven PAEs was less than 1, which indicated that the non-carcinogenic risk was in the acceptable range. Four site-specific carcinogenic risks were more than 10-6 for both adults and children but were much less than 10-4, which indicated that it might be possible to have a non-carcinogenic risk. The results of fish ecological risk showed that the risk entropy was greater than 1 at five sites, indicating that it has a non-negligible effect on fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of groundwater evapotranspiration and its subsequent recharge are fundamental aspects of the Earth's natural water cycle and have significant implications for the preservation and functionality of various forested ecosystems. This study presents a case analysis examining the recent fluctuations in groundwater levels and their replenishment in two wells situated at a designated forested experimental area and a control site. The magnitude and temporal fluctuations of groundwater recharge were examined through the utilisation of a novel adaptation of the traditional White method, which was specifically tailored to the local context. We also tested the sensitivity of the White method as an indicator of the system's behaviour because the signal has changed in relation to the access of the forests to groundwater under the conditions of regionally declining groundwater resources and a warming climate. The novelty of this approach is found in the examination of the temporal fluctuations in groundwater recharge, which are influenced by both a decrease in groundwater levels caused by forest evaporation in response to climate change and a regional reduction in groundwater supplies. As a result, the ongoing decrease in groundwater levels may have significant adverse effects on local forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of different mango varieties was conducted during 2019-20 and 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with four varieties, namely, Ambika, Pusa Arunima, Kesar, and Dashehari-51, each replicated three times. The plants were spaced at 4x4 m intervals. The results obtained demonstrated significant variations in various parameters, ranging from minimum to maximum values. The canopy spread ranged from 1.77 to 7.49 m, stem girth from 16.67 to 40 cm, number of fruits per plant from 21 to 118, fruit length from 92.04 to 123.28 mm, fruit width from 56.02 to 77.41 mm, and fruit weight from 202 to 591 g. However, the number of primary branches (2-3) and plant height (1.54-4.35 m) were found to be nonsignificant. Based on the morpho-economic traits, Pusa Arunima appeared to be a superior variety in terms of tree morpho-economic traits, while others were considered moderate. Considering the average number of fruits per plant and fruit weight (g) over a two-year period, Pusa Arunima clearly outperformed the other three varieties in terms of yield. Furthermore, Pusa Arunima, Kesar, and Ambika exhibited more marketable fruit traits. These findings emphasize the significant diversity among the examined mango cultivars. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and preserve these valuable genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing novel and commercially viable cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding groundwater resource dynamics is limited by the sparsity of observations of water levels, pumping rates, and hydraulic properties relative to their spatiotemporal heterogeneity. To address some of this complexity, we proposed a new highly parameterized linear inverse method to quantify water table change and groundwater depletion rate in unconfined aquifers that does not require initial or boundary conditions. The method requires linearization, and we tested the performance of six proposed water table functions with three coordinate systems with synthetic models, finding that water table functions by the dimensionless method achieve the lowest errors. Our inverted water table changes and depletion rates remained stable and accurate with head measurement error of 5%. However, inversions became less accurate when head observations contained large temporal gaps. Next, we applied the inversion for water table changes and depletion rates in the Texas High Plains Aquifer (HPA) and the HPA during 2000–2015. To address sparse water levels and uncertain hydraulic conductivity measurements, two modifications were made to improve data constraints for inversion: (a) calculating winter‐time water levels for wells with >1 head observation by linear interpolation and (b) using hydraulic conductivity geostatistical realizations. The inverted water table change and depletion rate expected mean values and uncertainties were reasonable compared to the known pumping records of the Texas HPA. With relatively minor data curation, the new inverse method can quantify spatiotemporally continuous water table change, depletion rates, and their uncertainty for heterogeneous aquifers with temporally sparse and noisy water level observations. Plain Language Summary: Groundwater pumping is causing shallow groundwater levels, or the water table, to lower in unsustainable ways. Because groundwater observations are typically sparse and uncertain, so we do not always know where water tables are dropping or how fast they drop. In this study, we introduced a new mathematical method of accurately estimating water table changes and the related losses in groundwater storage while not needing to know all of the uncertain properties of the ground. We tested this method for make‐up cases and cases of the High Plains Aquifer in the central United States. The results demonstrate that the method is both fast and accurate and can be applied for other aquifers. Key Points: New highly parameterized linear inverse method was developed for unconfined aquifers with unknown initial and boundary conditionsSynthetic and field inversions demonstrate accurate and reasonable results with spatiotemporally sparse and uncertain head observationsThe new inverse method yielded accurate water table change and depletion rates despite large uncertainty in hydraulic conductivity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-Introduction Selection and accuracy of appropriate zoning methods and preparation of maps corresponding to variation of groundwater qualitative characteristics depend upon the region's condition and the available statistics and data. The goal of this research is to determine the most appropriate method of interpolation and spatial analysis of qualitative components such as Cl, EC, SO4, SAR, TDS and TH of groundwater in Mashhad Plain. In this research, at first, the data of 177 wells were selected with respect to their dispersion and accuracy for two consecutive years (1392-1393); then controlling and reconstruction of data were performed. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed that the data were not normal and to normalize them their logarithm was obtained. Then using GS+software, the best variogram model was fitted to the spatial structure of data. The results show that for qualitative parameters, the exponential, Semi-variogram and linear models are the best semi variogram models. The precision of groundwater qualitative parameters in the three methods of Kriging, Cokriging and Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) was assessed and the precision rate results showed that Cokriging method has a higher precision and lower error. The spatial structure of studied characteristics follows the exponential, spHerical and linear model with an influence range of 9656 to 71100001m and the threshold range of 0.965 to 5.65, and the spatial dependency class was in the range of 0-0.87. Finally, the zoning maps of water qualitative parameters were prepared using GIS software. Due to population concentration in the southern parts and overuse of wells and recent droughts, the highest values of qualitative components belong to the south of the study area. According to the geological formations and the type of rocks in the northwest and southeast, the concentration of calcium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, as well as the percentage of evaporation and transpiration and temperature are more evident. 2- Methodology In this research, three methods of interpolation, namely, Weighted distance image, Kriging and Co-kriging are used to predict some quality indicators such as Na, TH, EC, SAR, CL, CA, Mg, and SO4 in 2013-2014. Data have been collected from 177 piezometric wells in the Mashhad Plain. In this study, after data normalization, parameters were interpolated using three geostatistical methods (ordinary kriging, co-kriging, and IDW). In order to evaluate the methods of interpolation, the mutual evaluation test was used. Then, based on the best method of mediation and the use of geographic information system, a map of some parameters and plain zoning maps were prepared. The purpose of this research was to determine the most appropriate interpolation method in order to investigate and spatially analyze the changes in some quality characteristics of underground water in Mashhad plain. After the appropriate model was fitted, according to CO/(CO+C) observations, the strength of the spatial structure in the quality components of the studied water is not very strong. For the zoning of the quality components, the Co-kriging method was introduced as a suitable method, and considering that correlation between different variables is used in this method. It can be said that there is a significant relationship between the components of groundwater (Zahtabian et al., 2019). The results of zoning the quality of the parameters showed two inappropriate ranges in the northwest and east of the region, which about 70% of the exploitation wells are located in these areas. Also, due to the recent droughts, the process of desertification will be accelerated in this region; therefore, more attention should be paid to the proper management of underground water in this region. 4- Discussion & Conclusions According to the obtained results, the best fitted model for CA and MG parameters is linear model; EC parameters are exponential model and NA parameters are Semi-variogram model. Regarding the spatial structure, parameters MG and TH have strong location continuity (less than 0.25) and parameters MG, NA, EC have weak continuity (more than 0.75). According to the obtained results, was used to estimate TH from anion, CL from TDS, anion from cation, CL from anion and vice versa and estimate CL from SAR. The results show that the concentration of calcium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, SAR, TH, PH is higher in the northwest and southeast, and as a result, the quality of water for various uses is lower, which is one of the possible reasons, in addition to the different formations of the earth. The geology and type of rocks (that is, the presence of gypsum materials and stones in the northwest and southeast parts or smaller amounts of these materials in the north, central and south parts (Owaisi, 2000)) can lead to higher temperature and drier environment which is the result of the higher rate of evaporation and transpiration as well as the type and density of land use (Laleh-Zari, 2019) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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"The American Steppes: The Unexpected Russian Roots of Great Plains Agriculture, 1870s-1930s" by David Moon explores the influence of Russian and Soviet agricultural and forestry practices on the American Midwest. Moon examines the transfer of knowledge, crops, and people between the Eurasian steppes and the American Great Plains, focusing on regions such as Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. The book highlights the contributions of various ethnic groups, including Ukrainians, Kazakhstanis, Russians, Germanic peoples, Mennonites, and Russian-Jewish immigrants. Moon argues that human choices, rather than environmental factors alone, played a significant role in the Russian influence on agriculture in the United States. The book also addresses settler colonialism, Indigenous knowledge, and the impact of farming practices on the land. Overall, "The American Steppes" offers a thought-provoking perspective on the under-explored topic of Russian influence in the American Midwest. [Extracted from the article]

In the article "Groundwater Citizenship: Well Owners, Environmentalism, and the Depletion of the High Plains Aquifer," Brock Ternes explores the role of well owners as environmental stewards and their significance in water conservation. Ternes conducted a survey of 850 people in Kansas, including both well owners and non-well owners, to investigate the impact of water sources on conservation practices. The research highlights the depletion of the High Plains Aquifer due to anthropogenic warming and overdrafting, and the need for policies that balance economic benefits with long-term conservation. Ternes argues that water consumption is influenced by factors beyond environmental attitudes, such as health, cleanliness, and social status. The study finds that well owners form a distinct social group and citizenry, exhibiting higher frequencies of water-saving practices and conservation-oriented beliefs. Ternes proposes policy recommendations, including groundwater taxes and increased citizen involvement in monitoring water use, to address depletion. The research aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural sociology and offers potential solutions for future conservation efforts. [Extracted from the article]

Messor is a diverse genus of Myrmicinae with 168 extant species and subspecies. In the Mediterranean, some of its taxa historically were classified as members of the Messor instabilis group (sensu Santschi), of which 19 are known from the eastern Mediterranean. Here, the Messor semirufus complex of the Balkan Peninsula that assembles a distinct subsection of members of the instabilis group is defined and treated. In total, five species are recorded, including three that are new. Messor atanassovii Atanassov, 1982 is redescribed and confirmed for Bulgaria (Thracian Plain, Struma, and Mesta Valley, Pirin Mt., and Eastern Rhodopi) and Greece (Epirus, Ionian Islands, Central and Eastern Macedonia, and Thraki). Three species are described as new to science: Messor danaes Salata, Georgiadis & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Cyclades: Serifos), Messor kardamenae Salata & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Dodecanese: Kos, Nisyros, Rhodes, and Tilos), and Messor veneris Salata, Georgiadis & Borowiec, sp. nov. (Cyclades: Milos). The fifth member of the complex, Messor creticus Borowiec & Salata, 2019, maintains its status of Cretan endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ChoiWith the rapid development of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence (AI), the requirement for sensing technologies for smart bearings has increased dramatically. The general bearing sensors can only recognize the basic information from temperature or vibration, far from satisfying the self-diagnosis and self-maintenance. Recently, self-powered sensing technologies based on triboelectric nanogenerators have paved a new route for fabricating smart bearings. In this study, the triboelectric principle is applied to a commercial metal-polymer plain bearing (MPPB) bearing, which can achieve self-sensing, self-diagnosis, and self-maintenance. The geometrical structure of the triboelectric MPPB (T-MPPB) is designed to balance the output efficiency and external load, and the super durability and load capability are verified. Besides, the mechanism behind the output change trend under boundary and hydrostatic fluid lubrication is revealed for the first time. Furthermore, the deep learning algorithm can classify the lubrication states with highly accurate performance. The proposed T-MPPB has the potential to achieve self-maintenance with the lubricating pump according to the lubrication condition classified by the AI. This research not only establishes the feasibility of designing self-powered smart MPPB but also demonstrates a way for identifying lubrication states, thus achieving self-diagnosis and self-maintenance ability by self-powered sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to carry out seismically induced landslide probabilistic hazard mapping for future seismic scenarios of Aba Prefecture and Chengdu Plain region, Sichuan Province, China. Nine earthquake events that occurred in the regions and neighboring areas are selected, which include a total of 251,260 landslide records. This work used 12 influencing factors including elevation, slope, aspect, relief, topographic wetness index (TWI), topographic position index (TPI), peak ground motion, distance to active faults, vegetation coverage, distance to roads, lithology, and annual rainfall to establish the LR model. Based on the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) method, the distribution of predicted seismic motion under four earthquake scenarios is calculated including frequent, occasional, rare, and very rare earthquake occurrence. Using the PGA distribution of the four scenarios as input peak ground motion parameters, we calculated the occurrence probability of coseismic landslides in the entire Aba Prefecture and Chengdu Plain region under the action of different ground motions. The result shows that the high-hazard areas are mainly concentrated in the Longmenshan fault zone, and the southern area of Kangding is also a potential high-hazard area for landsliding. Meanwhile, as the probability of exceedance decreases, the probability of corresponding earthquake-induced landslides hazard probability and the area of high-hazard regions also significantly increase. Especially, the Pengguan complex rock mass in the southwest of the Longmenshan fault zone is the potential high-hazard area for coseismic landslides. Highlights: Establishing a coseismic landslides evaluation model suitable for Aba Prefecture and Chengdu Plain region. Calculating the occurrence probability of coseismic landslides under different peak ground motions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant height, stem diameter, fresh weight, dry weight, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of five oat varieties introduced and planted in saline-alkali land of Songnen Plain after spring sowing were measured, and the correlation research was carried out to evaluate the production adaptability of different oat varieties in Songnen Plain. The results showed that the plant height, fresh weight and dry weight of Wild horse were 121 cm, 5 534 kg/hm² and 1 707 kg/hm², respectively. The RFV of Pak Yin NO. 2 was higher than those of other varieties, reaching 113. The study indicates that the yield of oat variety Wild horse is higher than that of other varieties, and the RFV value of Pak Yin NO.2 is better. These two varieties are more suitable for planting in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Food allocation among nestlings of altricial birds is crucial for understanding the evolution of parent–offspring conflicts within avian families. Empirical studies have yet to reach a consensus on whether parents or offspring determine the food distribution within the brood. In the case of the Plain Laughingthrush (Garrulax davidi), we explore the relationship between parental feeding strategies and nestling begging behaviors. Due to hatching asynchrony, larger nestlings often outcompete their smaller siblings for food, although they do not consistently exhibit higher begging intensity. Generally, nestlings with the highest begging intensity are more likely to be fed first, underscoring the importance of nestling begging in parental food allocation. However, if the initial food recipients are already satiated and do not immediately consume the food, parents reallocate it to other nestlings. This re-feeding tactic reduces the chance of early-hatched nestlings monopolizing food due to their larger size. Our research demonstrates that, while parental food allocation primarily depends on nestling begging intensity, the decision to re-feed hinges on whether the initial recipients promptly ingest the food. Investigation on food allocation among nestlings of altricial birds is crucial in understanding parent–offspring conflicts within avian families. However, there is no consensus in empirical studies regarding whether parents or offspring determine the food allocation pattern within a brood. In the Plain Laughingthrush (Garrulax davidi), we examine the relationship between parental feeding strategies and nestling begging behaviors. Due to hatching asynchrony, larger nestlings have a competitive advantage in food acquisition over their smaller brood-mates; nevertheless, if the initial food-receivers were already satiated and did not immediately consume the food, parents would retrieve the food and re-allocate it to another nestling. This re-feeding tactic employed by parents reduced the likelihood of early-hatched nestlings monopolizing the food solely due to their larger body size. Our findings indicate that parents primarily allocated food based on nestling begging intensity, while their re-feeding tactic is determined by whether the first food-receivers have consumed the food. To date, our research demonstrates that while parental food allocation primarily hinges on the begging intensity of the nestlings, the decision to re-feed is contingent upon whether the initial recipients of the food ingest it immediately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare efficacy of Dexamethasone and Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to Bupivacaine 0.25% versus Plain 0.25 % Bupivacaine in caudal block in paediatric patients undergoing infra umbilical surgery. Methods: Seventy-five Pediatric patients selected for infraumbilical surgery of either gender was classified into 3 groups of 25 each. In group I, the patients received inj Bupivacaine 0.25%: 1 ml/kg + 1 ml 0.9% normal saline. In group II, the patients received inj. Bupivacaine 0.25%: 1 ml/kg + inj Dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) making volume to 1 ml. In group III, the patients received inj Bupivacaine 0.25%: 1 ml/kg + inj Dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg) making volume to 1 ml. Parameters such as time of analgesia (min), Ramsay sedation score and the modified objective pain score (MOPS) and adverse effects were recorded. Results: The mean weight in group I was 22.5 kgs, in group II was 21.6 kgs and in group III patients was 20.2 kgs. The height was 90.1 cms, 84.5 cms and 85.6 cms in group I, II and group III respectively. The mean duration of analgesia was 321.4 minutes in group I, 485.2 minutes in group B and 464.2 minutes in group III. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). At 30 minutes, the mean MOPS was 3.2, 4.2 and 3.8 in group I, II and III respectively. At 1 hour, it was 4.1, 4.5 and 3.5, at 3 hours was 3.7, 3.2 and 3.1 and 6 hours was 3.3, 2.7 and 1.2 in group I, II and III respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean Ramsay sedation score was 3.9 in group I, 3 in group II and 3.4 in group III. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Among adverse events, bradycardia was seen in 1 in group I, 1 in group II and 3 in group III. Hypotension was 1 in group I, 2 each in group II and III. Vomiting was seen in 2 in group I, 1 in group II and 2 in group III. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Contrary to caudal local anaesthetic alone or in combination with dexamethasone, caudal dexmedetomidine is a superior adjuvant in extending postoperative analgesia. They both displayed similar adverse effect profiles, with the exception of bradycardia, which was somewhat more common with dexmedetomidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The climate effects of atmospheric aerosols remain highly uncertain. Part of the uncertainty arises from the fact that scattering and absorbing aerosols have distinct or even opposite effects. Thus their relative fraction is critical in determining the overall aerosol climate effect. This study combines observations and global model simulations to demonstrate that changes in the fraction of scattering and absorbing aerosols play an important role in driving the monsoon precipitation decrease over northern India since the 1980s, especially over the Gangetic Basin. Increased aerosol scattering, or decreased aerosol absorption, manifested as a significant increase of aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA), causes strong cooling in the upper atmosphere. This suppresses vertical convection and thus reduces precipitation. Further analysis of the Couple Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 multi-model-mean historical simulation shows that failing to capture the SSA increase over northern India is likely an important cause of the simulated precipitation trend bias in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Northern Dezful-Andimeshk Plain, the primary source of drinking water is groundwater, which has low quality in some places. Thus, groundwater quality in this area needs an accurate evaluation. In this research, the fuzzy and Schoeller deterministic method assessed the Northern Dezful-Andimeshk Plain drinking water, and the results of both methods were used to zone and compare the drinking quality of the plain groundwater in the Arc GIS environment. The deterministic method classifies drinking water quality from good to bad. According to this method, 56.81% of the total area of the plain has good quality, 20.83% of the total area is acceptable, 18.77% of the total area has inappropriate quality, and 3.57% of the total area has bad quality. However, in the fuzzy method, groundwater in 21.6% of the total area of the plain with a confidence percentage of 70% to 81% is desirable, in 75.23% of the total area of the plain with a confidence percentage of 32% to 70% is acceptable, and 3.69% of the total area of the plain with drinking confidence of 20% to 22% is nonacceptable. The results showed that the fuzzy method is better than the Schoeller deterministic method because it reduces uncertainties, increases accuracy in the evaluation, increases flexibility in the threshold limits of water quality parameters, and provides a quantitative and qualitative assessment of drinking water. Also the zoning map obtained from this method is more compatible with environmental and pollution realities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To grasp the characteristics of changes in regional soil available potassium（AK）content and its influencing factors, 184 points sampled during the second national soil survey in the 1980s and 176 points sampled during 2016—2017 were selected in the Chengdu Plain. The characteristics of soil available K content changes in the surface layer（0–20 cm）of agricultural land in the Chengdu Plain and its relationship with the transformation of agricultural land use mode and parent material type in the past 40 years were explored by general statistics and one-way analysis of variance（ANOVA）. The results showed that the available K content in the surface soil of agricultural land increased from 44.44 mg·kg-1 to 57.24 mg·kg-1 in the study area, and the increase was significant（28.80%, P<0.05）. Compared with the traditional rice-wheat/ oil rotation in the 1980s, the available K content of the topsoil of rice-vegetable and rice-wheat/ oil rotations increased by 103.83%（P<0.05）and 17.64%, respectively, while the available K in the surface soil of garden land decreased by 11.95%. In different parent material types, the available K content in the soil surface layer developed by gray-brown alluvium was the highest, at 82.08%（P<0.05）, followed by Pleistocene old alluvium（25.48%）and gray alluvium（9.82%）. Compared with the traditional rice-wheat/oil rotation, the increase in soil available K accumulation in gray-brown alluvial development under rice-vegetable rotation（135.96%, P< 0.05）was much higher than that of Pleistocene old alluvium（116.04%, P<0.05）and gray alluvium（79.30%, P<0.05）. Additionally, garden land only increased the available K accumulation in gray-brown alluvium and Pleistocene old alluvial soil, and reduced available K accumulation in gray alluvial soil. This shows that changes in farmland use mode change the characteristics of available K accumulation in the surface soil in the study area, but their influence on the accumulation depends on the type of parent material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of evolution has supposedly displaced human beings from their lofty positions as unique special creatures and placed them within a process of evolution where they are nothing more than a species that has evolved from primitive ones and will be eclipsed by more superior ones. In this article, I engage with Malik's book using a plain sense reading of Islamic scripture. I single out "human exceptionalism" as the optimum view that fits a plain sense reading of scripture as well as one that has the potential to pacify Muslim concerns about evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this report is to 1) to formally describe Austral and Subtropical Gyre Radiolaria recovered from ODP Hole 123-765C), 2) to compare them with published records of Southern Hemisphere "non-Tethyan" assemblages and 3) to discuss radiolarian paleobiogeography of the Southern Hemisphere and its implications for global climate change during the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition. The Tithonian to Aptian/early Albian radiolarian record recovered from Hole 765C, Cores -62R to -36R in the Argo Abyssal Plain (AAP) is unique in its density of well-preserved samples and in its faunal contents. Radiolaria recovered from claystones yielded the low diversity, ecologically tolerant "Crypto-Archaeo" Assemblage, (chiefly cryptocephalic and cryptothoracic nassellarians and Archeodictyomitra spp.) interpreted herein as originated in the Subtropical Gyre (STG). In contrast, assemblages extracted from radiolarite layers, interpreted as pelagic turbidites derived from the deeper Australian margin, are dominated by Austral taxa. Neotethyan taxa are very rare to absent before the late Hauterivian/Barremian, when they gradually gain in diversity and abundance. Described Austral and STG taxa include 10 families, of which Fusitanellidae n. fam. and Windaliinae n. subfam. are new. Of 18 genera 7 are new (Nodosphaera, Praewindalia, Pachycingula, Archaeotanella, Morchella, Fusitanella, Argofusus) and of 55 species 30 new ones are formally described and 14 new ones are left in open nomenclature. The southern hemisphere Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous radiolarian biogeography is defined from low- to high latitude: 1. the Neotethyan (NT) and 2. the Central Panthalassan (CP) realms, 3. Eastern Boundary Current (EBC) realm, 4. the Subtropical Gyre (STG) and the Austral (A) circum south-polar realm. Radiolarian biogeography and plate tectonic models support a scenario of palaeoceanographic and global climatic change during the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition related to progressive Pangea break-up with the following consequences: 1. an increased heat transfer to the Southern hemisphere which caused cooling of Neotethyan regions during the Late Tithonian dry event. 2. Anorthward shift of the southern summer Intertropical Convenience Zone reduced the Neotethyan monsoon area and allowed the establishment of a southern Neotethyan subtropical gyre documented by the "Crypo-Archaeo" Assemblage. 3. The south-polar West Wind Drift may have forced a circum Antarctic-Australian cold current through the epicontinental rift between India and Antarctica-Australia since the Berriasian (140 my), transporting Austral Radiolaria into the AAP where they accumulated in radiolarite layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find the spatial-temporal variation and development trends of ecological environment quality in Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration from 2000 to 2020, the Google Earth Engine(GEE)platform was used to optimize the reconstruction of MODIS images of Guanzhong Plain from June to September during 2000-2020, and remote sensing ecological index(RSEI)was constructed with greenness, humidity, temperature and dryness; the spatial-temporal variation of ecological environmental quality in the region were analyzed; a geodetector model was used to quantify the effects of ten environmental and human factors on the changes of RSEI, and a regression model was constructed by geographic weighted regression(GWR)to analyze the spatial differences of driving factors. The results show that from 2000 to 2020, the ecological environmental quality in Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration improves year by year; the average RSEI increases from 0.448 to 0.565, with a high distribution in the south and a low distribution in the north. The improved area of ecological environmental quality in Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration accounts for 70.8%, and the degraded area accounts for 22.9%; the improved area remarkably distributes in Qingyang city, Pingliang city and Tianshui city, and the degraded area mainly distributs in Xi'an city and its surrounding areas. The vegetation type has the greatest impact on the ecological and environmental quality of Guanzhong Plain, with an impact power of up to 0.46. During the study period, the overall ecological environmental quality in Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration improves with local deterioration in cities with intensive human activities and their surrounding areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been written of the events concerning the Egyptian, Mittanian, and Hittite presence in the northern Levant during the so-called ʿAmārna Period. Decades of work from excellent scholars have established that the Egyptians elected two cities to be their "capitals" in the region, centres from where they could establish their control over the territory of modern Lebanon: Ṣumur on the ʿAkkār Plain, and Kumidi in the Biqāʿ (Beqaa) Valley. Many points remain relatively unclear, such as the succession of events in the region, the developments of war, and the reasons why the Egyptians decided to create a second centre in Kumidi, when they already controlled Ṣumur. This paper reanalyses the data at our disposal and reconstructs the diachronic succession of events related to the two centres, arguing that Kumidi became an Egyptian centre only after Ṣumur had fallen prey to Abdi-Aširta of Amurru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is focused on the following research objectives: (1) characterization of the elements of physical-geographic similarity of the Oltenia Plain, (2) recording the evolution over time of temperature and precipitation parameters from the five meteorological stations located in the surveyed area (3) analysis of the index of desertification (De Martonne), and (4) investigating the distribution of vegetation (CLC), which may bring changes in the analysis of interval 1990-2018. The extreme meteorological phenomenon –desertification - for the Oltenia Plain was analysed in terms of time and space, through the calculation and statistical interpretation of the Martonne Index. In Oltenia Plain, there is an obvious altitudinal zoning of vegetation as result of the fact that the altitude increases from the south (about 18-50 m in the Danube Meadow) to the north (about 200 m in the Getic Piedmont), which means a decrease in temperatures in highlands, and, to a certain extent, an increase in the amounts of average annual precipitation in the meadow areas. The purpose of this research was the analysis of the vegetation's territorial distribution, taking into account the values, the “De Martonne” desertification? Index, the information presented in books and scientific articles, but also the Corine Land Cover statistical database (CLC 1990/2012- 2018). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was carried out in Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal during April to June of 2022 to find out the best cultivars of this region. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments each replicated thrice. The ten years old seven cultivars (Cricket Ball, PKM-1, PKM-2, PKM-3, CO-1, CO-2 and CO-3) are planted in a square system in a spacing of 5×5 m². The maximum fruit weight was found in CO-1 (73.86 g) and followed by CO-2 (73.53 g). The longest fruit length and dimension were observed from CO-2 (7.00 cm and 5.07 cm respectively). The maximum pulp contains in the cultivar is CO-2 (69.58 g) followed by CO-1 (68.96 g). The maximum value of TSS was found in CO-2 (25.17 °Brix) followed by Cricket Ball (21.22 °Brix) and CO-3 (20.28 oBrix). The lowest acidity was recorded in CO-2 (0.12%) followed by CO-3 (0.16%) and CO-1 (0.20%). The cultivar CO-2 registered the highest values of ascorbic acid (62.85 mg 100 g-1), total sugar (16.78%), non-reducing sugar (6.44%) and TSS: acid ratio (209.72). It can be concluded that CO-2 appeared to be the best variety based on the fruit's physical and quality attributes. As this experiment was carried out based on a limited number of varieties, more research was required on the existing germplasm of India. That might be supported in sapota's future production, processing, and marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]