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Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play an important role in the production, and transmission of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as a convergence for human, animal, and environmental wastewater. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatio-temporal variation and influencing factors of ARB in different functional areas of the urban WWTP and the connecting rivers for 1-year monitoring using extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) as an indicator bacteria, and to study the transmission patterns of ARB in the aquatic environment. The results showed that ESBL-Ec isolates were identified from the WWTP (n = 219), including influent (n = 53), anaerobiotic tank (n = 40), aerobiotic tank (n = 36), activated sludge tank (n = 31), sludge thickner tank (n = 30), effluent (n = 16), and mudcake storage area (n = 13). The dehydration process can significantly remove the ESBL-Ec isolates; however, ESBL-Ec was still detected in samples collected from the effluent of the WWTP (37.0%). The detection rate of ESBL-Ec was significantly different across seasons (P < 0.05), and ambient temperature was negatively correlated with the detection rate of ESBL-Ec (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a high prevalence of ESBL-Ec isolates (29/187, 15.5%) was detected in samples collected from the river system. These findings emphasize that the high majority of ESBL-Ec in aquatic environments is alarming because it poses a significant threat to public health. Clonal transmission of ESBL-Ec isolates between the WWTP and rivers based on the spatio-temporal scale was observed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis, ST38 and ST69 ESBL-Ec clone were selected as prioritized isolates for antibiotic resistance monitoring in the aquatic environment. Further phylogenetic analysis showed human-associated (feces, blood) E. coli was the main source contributing to the presence of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments. Longitudinal and targeted monitoring of ESBL-Ec in WWTPs and the development of effective wastewater disinfection strategies before effluent discharge from WWTPs are urgently required, to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment. • Higher prevalence of ESBL-Ec was identified in samples collected in spring, winter. • Temperature and humidity were negatively correlated with prevalence of ESBL-Ec. • Clonal transmission of ESBL-Ec based on the spatio-temporal scale was confirmed. • ST38 and ST69 ESBL-Ec were prioritized for antibiotic resistance monitoring. • Human-associated E. coli was the main origin of ESBL-Ec in the WWTP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics have gained increasing attention as pharmaceuticals widely existing in human society. Under low temperature conditions, antibiotics tend to have higher environmental persistence, which poses a potential threat to ecological environment, but research on antibiotics in low-temperature basins is still lacking. Therefore, for investigating occurrence, spatio-temporal distributions, and ecological risks of antibiotics in a seasonal freeze-thaw basin, rivers in Tumen River basin were selected and sampled, including 25 samples during the river-freezing season and 27 samples during the non-freezing season. Overall, climate characteristics of different latitudes and renewal frequency of antibiotics are important factors that lead to diversity of antibiotics in basins. Eleven target antibiotics were detected and their average concentrations during the river-freezing season (0.83–27.5 ng L−1) were lower than that during the non-freezing season (2.80–45.30 ng L−1), severely impacted by river flow, ice sealed-melting, and local feeding practices. In addition, total antibiotic concentrations are usually highest in downstream areas of human settlements, receiving input from husbandry and sewage, respectively. Through ecological risk assessment, norfloxacin and amoxicillin posed high risks to algae, which were identified as high-risk pollutants in basin [Display omitted] • Distinguished the characteristics of antibiotics concentration in freezing-thaw basins. • River flow, ice sealed-melting, and local feeding practices affecting antibiotic temporal distribution. • Riverside human settlements affected antibiotic spatial distribution. • Amoxicillin and norfloxacin were identified as priority antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) have become prevalent in various environmental compartments, including air, water, and soil, attracting attention as significant pollutant parameters. This study investigated the prevalence of MP pollution in surface sediments along Istanbul's Marmara Sea, encompassing the megacity and the Bosphorus. A comprehensive sampling approach was employed, covering 43 stations across four seasons and depths ranging from 5 to 70 m. The objective was to assess the impact of terrestrial, social, and industrial activities on MPs. The average concentrations varied per season, with fall, winter, spring, and summer values recorded as 2000 ± 4100, 1600 ± 3900, 4300 ± 12,000, and 9500 ± 20,300 particles/kg-DW. The study identified river stations in the Golden Horn and sea discharge locations as hotspots for high concentrations. Notably, the dominant shape shifted from fibers in fall, winter, and spring to fragments during summer, coinciding with mucilage occurrences. The study identified 11 different polymers, with polyethylene (44 %) and polypropylene (31 %) being the most common. [Display omitted] • MPs presence in Istanbul coast sediments of Marmara Sea was investigated. • River, sea discharge, and pier stations had highest MPs in Marmara Sea sediments. • PE and PP comprised 75 % of MPs; fibers dominant in fall, winter, spring, while fragments prevail in summer. • The Marmara Sea in Istanbul serves as a hotspot for MPs, demanding targeted actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many organic chemicals are present in aquatic environments, but how to screen and prioritize these chemicals has always been a difficult task. Here we investigated organic chemicals in the West River Basin by using a developed non-target identification workflow. A total of 957 chemicals were tentatively identified, with 96 assigned as high confidence levels by matching with reference standards, MassBank spectral library, and using CompTox Chemistry Dashboard database as the compound library for MetFrag. More pesticides and their transformation products (e.g., metolachlor ESA, acetochlor ESA, deethylatrazine, and hydroxyatrazine) were detected in the wet season due to the increasing usage. High detection of pharmaceutical and personal care products and their transformation products in the tributaries was linked to rural farming and human activities. Irbesartan that is used to treat high blood pressure was recognized in the river and positive correlations between some detected chemicals and irbesartan were observed, indicating a domestic wastewater source. Ecological risks of the identified chemicals were calculated by toxicological prioritization ranking schemes, and 24 chemicals showed high ToxPi scores in the river. The results from this study show the presence of a large number of emerging organic chemicals in our waterways, and demonstrated conceptual schemes for integrating risk assessment into a non-target screening workflow. [Display omitted] • Water samples in the West River were screened for chemicals of emerging concern. • A total of 957 chemicals and transformation products were identified in the West River. • Pharmaceuticals were identified from domestic and animal wastewaters. • More pesticides and transformation products were found in the wet season. • Twenty-four chemicals showed high ToxPi scores in the river water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extinct fern genus Coniopteris Brongniart represents a common component of the Mesozoic dicksoniaceous ferns. New materials of Coniopteris preserved with both sterile and fertile pinnae, are described from the Middle Jurassic Haifanggou Formation in Beipiao of western Liaoning, Northeast China. Totally two species, i.e., C. burejensis and C. bella , were recognized. The gross morphology of the present specimens indicates that both the species were hemidimorphic in frond type. A detailed investigation on the in - situ spores of C. burejensis and C. bella shows that they are morphologically similar to the dispersed spores Deltoidospora perpusilla and D. cf. turgidorimasa , respectively. Additionally, based on available data on fossil records, the fossil diversity and spatio-temporal distribution pattern of Chinese Coniopteris are systematically reviewed and summarized. The results show that over sixty Coniopteris species have been recorded in China, ranging from the Early Jurassic to Early Cretaceous in time, and particularly flourished in two geological time intervals, i.e., the Middle Jurassic and the Early Cretaceous. Palaeogeographically, Coniopteris fossils were found throughout China in the Early Jurassic; and they mostly occurred in northern China during the Middle Jurassic; thereafter, they were restricted in northeastern China in the Early Cretaceous. • Both Coniopteris burejensis and C. bella have hemidimorphic fronds. • In-situ spores of C. burejensis and C. bella are morphologically described. • The spatio-temporal distribution Chinese Coniopteris is summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a soft-computing methodology to visibly explore the spatio-temporal groundwater variations of the Kuoping River basin in southern Taiwan. The self-organizing map (SOM) is implemented to investigate the interactive mechanism between surface water and groundwater over the river basin based on large high-dimensional data sets coupled with their occurrence times. We find that extracting the occurrence time from each 30-day moving average data set in the clustered neurons of the SOM is a crucial step to learn the spatio-temporal interaction between surface water and groundwater. We design 2-D Topological Bubble Map to summarize all the groundwater values of four aquifers in a neuron, which can visibly explore the major features of the groundwater in the vertical direction. The constructed SOM topological maps nicely display that: (1) the groundwater movement, in general, extends from the eastern area to the western, where groundwater in the eastern area can be easily recharged from precipitation in wet seasons and discharged into streams during dry seasons due to the high permeability in this area; (2) the water movements in the four aquifers of the study area are quite different, and the seasonal variations of groundwater in the second and third aquifers are larger than those of the others; and (3) the spatial distribution and seasonal variations of groundwater and surface water are comprehensively linked together over the constructed maps to present groundwater characteristics and the interrelation between groundwater and surface water. The proposed modeling methodology not only can classify the large complex high-dimensional data sets into visible topological maps to effectively facilitate the quantitative status of regional groundwater resources but can also provide useful elaboration for future groundwater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the heavy metal concentrations in soil-corn system, 30 pairs of soil (0–20 cm) and corn grain samples were collected from Baiyin City, China, a typical industrial oasis in Loess Plateau. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in agricultural soils from the Dongdagou and Xidagou stream valleys exceeded the soil background concentrations of Gansu Province, China. Correlation analysis showed that the correlation among the total Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in soils were significant at P < 0.01. Results showed that only a fraction of Cd and Pb in the corn grain samples exceeded the limits of eight elements in cereals, legume, tubes and its products and the maximum levels of contaminants in foods in China. The spatial distribution pattern of Cd in corn grains was highly similar to that in sampled soils. Correlation analysis revealed that the main source of Zn, Cd and Pb in corn grains was soils. Temporal distribution of heavy metals showed that heavy metal content in soils was still high, and the Cu, Cd, Pb content in corn grains showed a decreasing trend over 20 years. The values of pollution index (PI) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) indicated that the heavy metal pollution level was Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb, and Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb belong to safe to heavy pollution. The results of hazard quotient (HQ) indicated that there was no obvious adverse health effect for children and adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatio-temporal distribution of perchlorate in water sources around an ammonium perchlorate production unit and its toxicity response on a dominant aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata are reported in this study. Samples (n=453) from ground water (open well) and surface water sources within 5 km from the production unit over a period of 12 months (2014, June − 2015, May) were screened for ClO 4 − . During the period, ClO 4 − concentration in ground water samples close to the production unit increased to >40,000 μg/L, and ClO 4 − was detected at 1740 μg/L in well water 1.6 km away from the production unit. A community pond in the area also showed an increase in ClO 4 − level up to 29,000 μg/L. In all water sources, ClO 4 − level was maximum during the rainy season (July, monsoon). A natural degradation of ClO 4 − was not observed in the area as evident from its persistent level and spreading to more areas. H. verticillata , the dominant vegetation in the pond exhibited severe toxic response like massive decay and loss of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll and carotene due to ClO 4 − exposure. The plant accumulated ClO 4 − up to 60 ± 0.8 mg/kg wet weight with a Bio-Concentration Factor 2.06±0.005. This is the first report on spatio-temporal distribution of ClO 4 − at higher levels in a natural environment and its toxicity response to plants under natural condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, in the Mediterranean Sea has been reported since the Middle Ages (476-1453). Several studies have documented its presence in various areas of the basin, but no comprehensive review of the distribution and status of this species is available for the area. We compiled a total of 628 white shark records from 476 to 2015. Data suggests that the white shark is more common in the western Mediterranean Sea, especially in the Adriatic Sea and in the Sicilian Channel and is more frequently observed during summer months. However, analysis using night-time satellite imagery showed the existence of an anthropogenic bias in the distribution of white sharks. All size classes have been recorded in the region. However, the highest occurrence of young of the year has been recorded in the Sicilian Channel, in the Adriatic Sea and in the Aegean Sea, in summer, suggesting these areas might serve as nursery grounds. In the Mediterranean Sea, the white shark exhibits a broad diet. The most common prey found include small cetaceans ( Tursiops truncatus, Stenella coeruleoalba), tuna ( Thunnus spp.), swordfish ( Xiphias gladius) and loggerhead sea turtle ( Caretta caretta). A total of 53 white shark records refer to interactions between sharks and humans that resulted in a detrimental impact on humans, which include 42 bites and 11 reports of the presence of human remains in the stomach of captured animals. Analysis of the temporal variation in mean total lengths of white sharks found a decreasing trend from 1913 to 2012. The decreasing length of white sharks suggests this species might be declining in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatio-temporal modeling estimates a species distribution function that represents variation in population density over space and time. Recent studies show that the approach may precisely identify spatial hotspots in species distribution, but have not addressed whether seasonal hotspots are identifiable using commonly available fishery data. In this study, we analyzed the seasonal spatio-temporal distribution of pelagic sharks in the western and central North Pacific using fishery catch rates and a generalized linear mixed model with spatio-temporal effects. Different spatial distribution patterns were observed between two shark species. The hotspots of shortfin mako ( SFM) appeared in the vicinity of the coastal and offshore waters of Japan and the Kuroshio-Oyashio transition zone ( TZ), whereas the hotspots of blue shark ( BSH) were widely distributed in the areas from the TZ to the waters of the Emperor Seamount Chain. Shortfin mako distribution changes seasonally with clear north-south movement, which follows higher sea surface temperatures ( SST). However, preferred spring and summer water temperature was still colder than those in fall and winter, but not as cold as for BSH, which did not show seasonal north-south movement. BSH exhibits seasonal east-west movement apparently unrelated to temperature. The spatial fishing effort by season generally follows the seasonal movement of temperature possibly making SFM more vulnerable to the fishery than BSH. These findings could be used to reduce the capture risk of bycatch sharks and to better manage the spatial distribution of fishing for targeted sharks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As rare and threatened species, ecological information about common waterbirds is needed to assess priorities for wetland management. In this study, we attempt to provide information about the spatial ecology and wintering behaviour of one of the most common species of the coastal Mediterranean wetland complex of northeastern Algeria, the Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope. Over the three winters of the study the maximum number of recorded Eurasian Wigeon across all sites rose from 1,096 in 2010/11 to 1,397 in 2012/13. This represents a 27% increase over three years in the Guerbes-Sanhadja region. Among these wetland complex sites abundance varied markedly during the three wintering periods of study, being highest in Garaet Hadj-Tahar and Garaet Beni Mhamed (ranging from 300-700 individuals), and lowest in the remaining sites, which never exceeded 150 individuals. Bird abundance often peaked in January of each year and decreased as winter progressed. Wigeon have similar patterns of migration phenology among years at Garaet Hadj-Tahar and Garaet Beni Mhamed. At the remaining sites, they exhibited a different pattern. The multiple regression analysis for all seasons showed a marginally significant correlation between Wigeon abundance changes and three environmental variables of the wetland complex exclusively in the spring seasons (depth, vegetation and temporariness). A roosting area is identified as a functional role of the Guerbes-Sanhadja wetland complex for this anatid, since they spent all of the daytime sleeping, swimming (ranged from 30 to 40%), and resting (from 15 to 25%) in all winters. Despite their semi-permanent and unprotected status (apart from only three sites), these patched wetlands provide suitable conditions for this sensitive species, and therefore should receive the attention of wetland management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their significant impact on public health, waterborne pathogens, especially bacteria and viruses, are frequently monitored in surface water to assess microbial quality of water bodies. However, more than one billion people worldwide currently lack access to safe drinking water, and a diversity of waterborne outbreaks caused by pathogens is reported in nations at all levels of economic development. Spatio-temporal distribution of conventional pollutants and five pathogenic microorganisms were discussed for the Haihe River Basin. Land use and socio-economic assessments were coupled with comprehensive water quality monitoring. Physical, chemical, and biological parameters were measured at 20 different sites in the watershed for 1 year, including pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, ammonia-N, total and fecal coliforms, E. coli, and Enterococcus. The results highlighted the high spatio-temporal variability in pathogen distribution at watershed scale: high concentration of somatic coliphages and fecal indicator bacteria in March and December and their very low concentration in June and September. All pathogens were positively correlated to urban/rural residential/industrial land and negatively correlated to other four land use types. Microbial pollution was greatly correlated with population density, urbanization rate, and percentage of the tertiary industry in the gross domestic product. In the future, river microbial risk control strategy should focus more on the effective management of secondary effluent of wastewater treatment plant and land around rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, long-term data, statistical analysis, and spatial interpolation method were applied to the analyses of the spatial and temporal changes of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in Dianshan Lake. We also estimated the self-purification capability of TN and TP in Dianshan Lake. The results showed that interannual variability of the average concentration of TN in Dianshan Lake changed significantly, showing a characteristic increase before a decline, and the average concentration of TN showed an obvious downward trend, especially after 2007. Interannual variability of the average concentration of TP in Dianshan Lake fluctuated, and the average concentration of TP showed a downward trend after 2007. The seasonal variations of TN and TP in Dianshan Lake were similar. Higher TN concentration occurred in winter and spring, while higher TP concentration appeared in summer, autumn, and winter. The spatial distribution of TN and TP in Dianshan Lake were similar, showing a characteristic which decreased from north to south and west to east. The highest TN and TP values were mainly distributed in the inlet monitoring sites, while the lowest TP values were distributed in the outlet monitoring sites. The self-purification capability of TN and TP were about 2289.97 t/yr and 112.16 t/yr, which suggested a deterioration of natural water quality. Our research showed that Dianshan Lake was highly eutrophic and that water quality showed a substantial improvement from 1996 to 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the distribution of questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in suburban forest intensively visited by people. The local-scale observations conducted during a 4-year study at 99 plots (of 100 m 2 each) located throughout the entire area of a riparian urban forest, showed a high variation in the density of ticks from year to year. Although I. ricinus is generally permanent in the study area, spatial distribution of sample plots harbouring I. ricinus is variable, i.e. mainly random for adults and larvae, and random or clustered for nymphs. Among the most common plant species in the herb layer, there were not any species which had a statistically significant and constant impact on the occurrence of any of the development stages of I. ricinus. Also relations between the density of tick development stages and vegetation variables, including cover of the herb layer, total species number, species number of the herb layer, and percentage coverage of particular species, as well as ecological indices for light, soil moisture, reaction, and nutrients, did not show any constant and predictable pattern in subsequent years of the study. Only tree and shrub layers were found as variables positively affecting the density of ticks. Although small, suburban forests can be considered as tick-borne risk areas, it is impossible to determine in details areas of tick-borne risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the spatial and temporal dynamics of the copepod fauna in the estuary of the Caeté River, a highly dynamic environment characterized by a unique set of hydrological and hydrodynamic attributes. This ecosystem is part of the Amazon Coastal Zone ( ACZ), which sustains one of the world's largest continuous tracts of mangrove forest. In the present study, a predominance of high-energy conditions characterized by macrotides and strong tidal currents was observed throughout the year. Salinity (0.03 ± 0.05-40.00 ± 0.84) and temperatures (26.43 ± 0.10-30.08 ± 0.43 °C) were higher than during the rainy season at all sampling stations. The highest chl- a concentration (3.92 ± 1.47-17.63 ± 2.60 mg·m−3) was recorded at the most oligohaline (innermost) station during the rainy season, while no spatial or seasonal pattern was found in dissolved nutrient concentrations, except for phosphates, which exhibited the highest concentrations during the dry season. A total of 22 copepod taxa was identified, of which the most abundant were Oithona hebes, Oithona oswaldocruzi, Acartia tonsa, Paracalanus quasimodo, Euterpina acutifrons and Pseudodiaptomus marshi. Copepodites and nauplii were also recorded. Mean total copepod abundance varied from 710.73 ± 897 individuals (ind.)·m−3 at the inner station to 236,486 ± 398,360 ind.·m−3 near the mouth of the estuary (outermost station). The results reflected rainfall-influenced oscillations in hydrological variables, mainly salinity, which determined shifts in the distribution of copepods and their community structure within the study area. This pattern may be typical of estuaries in the ACZ with similar hydrodynamic and hydrological attributes that are not influenced by the Amazon River plume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of several industries in Zarand, a city in Southeastern Iran, caused challenges for the residents about air pollutants and associated health effects. In the present study, the concentration of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), spatio-temporal distribution and related health risks were evaluated. Passive samplers were used to collect 30 samples in the over the hot and cold periods in 2020. The ordinary Kriging method was used to predict the spatio-temporal distribution of BTEXs. Also, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the related carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of BTEX for adults. The ranking of mean concentration of overall toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, and benzene followed as 82.49 ± 26.86, 30.91 ± 14.04, 4.75 ± 3.28, and 0.91 ± 0.18 µg/m 3 , respectively. The mean value of lifetime carcinogenic risk (LTCR) for residents related to benzene was 7.52 × 10 - 6 , indicating a negligible carcinogenic risk for them. Furthermore, the ranking of non-carcinogenic risk calculated through hazard quotient (HQ) for investigated BTEX compounds followed as xylene > benzene > toluene > ethylbenzene over the hot period and xylene > toluene > ethylbenzene over the cold period which all points had HQ < 1. Additionally, according to the findings of the sensitivity analysis, the concentration of benzene was the main contributor in increasing the carcinogenic risk. According to our results, it can be stated that the existence of several industries in the study area could not possibly occur the significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to the adults residents in the study period. Human studies are recommended to determine definite results., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Marine spatial planning and ecological research call for high-resolution species distribution data. However, those data are still not available for most marine large vertebrates. The dynamic nature of oceanographic processes and the wide-ranging behavior of many marine vertebrates create further difficulties, as distribution data must incorporate both the spatial and temporal dimensions. Cetaceans play an essential role in structuring and maintaining marine ecosystems and face increasing threats from human activities. The Azores holds a high diversity of cetaceans but the information about spatial and temporal patterns of distribution for this marine megafauna group in the region is still very limited. To tackle this issue, we created monthly predictive cetacean distribution maps for spring and summer months, using data collected by the Azores Fisheries Observer Programme between 2004 and 2009. We then combined the individual predictive maps to obtain species richness maps for the same period. Our results reflect a great heterogeneity in distribution among species and within species among different months. This heterogeneity reflects a contrasting influence of oceanographic processes on the distribution of cetacean species. However, some persistent areas of increased species richness could also be identified from our results. We argue that policies aimed at effectively protecting cetaceans and their habitats must include the principle of dynamic ocean management coupled with other area-based management such as marine spatial planning.

This study evaluated the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology and diet of Menticirrhus americanus in Caraguatatuba Bay. Samples were taken monthly between August 2003 and October 2004, by trawling in two previously selected areas. The northern area is more exposed to wave activity and is influenced by a river, functioning as a small estuary. In contrast, the southern area is relatively sheltered from wave energy and influenced to a lesser degree by smaller rivers. The fishes' length was measured, and the sex and gonadal stage macroscopically identified. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months. The diet was identified and quantified. M. americanus occurred in equal proportions in the two study areas, being most abundant in April 2004, followed by December 2003 and January 2004. The population was dominated by small immature individuals. The few individuals in maturation or mature that were captured showed no seasonal pattern of distribution. This species had a varied diet, feeding on worms (nemerteans, sipunculans and echiurans), mollusks (bivalves and cephalopods), polychaetes, crustaceans and fish. The presence of intact nematodes in the intestine suggests that these are parasites. The results demonstrated that M. americanus has a homogeneous spatial and temporal distribution in Caraguatatuba Bay, being uniformly distributed between the south and north areas as well as across the months. This species can be considered a carnivorous predator, showing a preference for consuming benthic sandy-beach species such as glycerids and other polychaetes, crustaceans, and bivalve siphons.Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a distribuição espaço-temporal, biologia populacional e dieta de Menticirrhus americanus da baía de Caraguatatuba. Foram realizadas coletas mensais entre agosto de 2003 a outubro de 2004, utilizando redes de arrasto em duas áreas previamente selecionadas. A área norte é mais expostas à atividade de onda e é influenciada por um rio, constituindo um pequeno estuário. Por outro lado, a área sul é relativamente protegida da energia das ondas e sofre pouca influência dos rios. Os indivíduos coletados foram medidos e identificados macroscopicamente quanto ao sexo e o estádio gonadal. A abundância da espécie foi comparada entre as áreas e entre os meses de coleta. Para a dieta os itens alimentares encontrados foram identificados e quantificados. M. americanus apresentou proporções equivalentes nas duas áreas de estudo, sendo mais abundante em abril de 2004, seguido por dezembro de 2003 e janeiro de 2004. A população região é composta por indivíduos imaturos, e os poucos indivíduos maduros ou em maturação capturados não apresentaram padrão de distribuição ao longo do ano. A espécie mostrou uma dieta variada, alimentando-se de vermes (nemertideos, sipúnculos e equiúros), moluscos (bivalves e cefalópodes), poliquetas, crustáceos e peixes. A presença de nematóides intactos na porção do intestino sugere uma relação parasitária. Os resultados demonstraram que os indivíduos de Menticirrhus americanus estiveram uniformemente distribuídos nas áreas norte e sul e também ao longo do ano. A espécie pode ser considerada predadora e carnívora, mostrando preferência na alimentação por espécies bentônicas de fundos não consolidados, tais como geicerídeos e outros poliquetas, crustáceos e sifões de bivalves.

Ecosystems may reflect environmental changes in many respects, from the debilitation of individuals to alterations in community composition. Equally, population parameters may provide reliable indications of environmental changes. Members of the sciaenid fish genus Stellifer are usually very abundant where they occur, often with two or more species living in sympatry. Here, the population dynamics of three Stellifer species from southeastern Brazil were assessed. Sampling was carried out in shallow marine areas of Caraguatatuba Bay, from August 2003 to October 2004. The species evaluated were Stellifer rastrifer (n=3183), S. brasiliensis (n=357) and S. stellifer (n=116). The area under greater continental influence tended to support more, but smaller individuals. Size variations over time were similar among species and negatively correlated with Krel, which showed smooth fluctuations. The general length-frequency distribution was concentrated between 6.0 and 9.0 cm, and the great majority of females did not present mature gonads during the sampling period. The findings support the existence of a stratification by size for these species, indicating that the area is essential for the development of younger fish. Failure to consider these characteristics for the management of similar areas may have serious implications for these environments.Os ecossistemas podem refletir mudanças ambientais em muitos aspectos, desde o enfraquecimento dos indivíduos até alterações na composição da comunidade. Do mesmo modo, os parâmetros populacionais podem fornecer indicações confiáveis de mudanças ambientais. Sciaenídeos do gênero Stellifer são peixes geralmente muito abundantes e em suas populações é frequente a ocorrência de duas ou mais espécies simpátricas. No presente trabalho, a dinâmica populacional de três espécies de Stellifer do sudeste do Brasil foi avaliada. A amostragem ocorreu em águas rasas das zonas marinhas da Baía de Caraguatatuba, de agosto de 2003 a outubro de 2004. As espécies avaliadas foram Stellifer rastrifer (n = 3.183), S. brasiliensis (n = 357) e S. stellifer (n = 116). Os resultados mostraram que a área sob maior influência continental tende a suportar um número maior de indivíduos menores. Variações de tamanho ao longo do tempo foram semelhantes entre as espécies e negativamente correlacionadas com o Krel, que apresentou flutuações suaves. De modo geral a distribuição de freqüência de comprimento ficou concentrada entre 6,0 e 9,0 cm e para a grande maioria das fêmeas as gônadas se apresentaram imaturas durante o período avaliado. Os resultados suportam a existência de estratificação populacional por tamanho dentro destas espécies, indicando que a área é apropriada para o desenvolvimento de juvenis. A desconsideração de tais características pode acarretar sérias implicações para a gestão dessas áreas.

Aiming at the problem of unbalanced distribution and unreasonable scheduling in the process of sharing-bicycles operating, based on the data of sharing-bicycles riding record for ten regions in a city, spatio-temporal statistics, regression deduction analysis and swarm intelligence algorithm were synthetically applied to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics and the optimization of path scheduling based on ant colony algorithm of sharing-bicycles was studied. At the same time, a optimal allocation scheme of sharing-bicycles based on satisfaction degree was designed. Finally, a regressive model of the number of bikes and taxi passengers was established to discuss the influence of sharing-bicycles on the taxi market. The research resultshave important guiding significance for solving the problems existing in the process of running and improving the operational efficiency and management level of sharing-bicycles.

Subspecies is a debated taxonomic rank that, in some cases, could indicate that a speciation process is taking place. Studying the degree of co-occurrence among subspecies along environmental gradients may help to determine its taxonomic status. In this study, we explore the distribution of two subspecies of Canthon rutilans along spatio-temporal and temperature gradients in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil in order to reinforce their current subspecies status or to support their consideration as two different species. A yearly survey conducted along an elevational transect (from 250 m to 1630 m) shows that there is no spatio-temporal overlap between the two taxa. We collected 899 individuals of Canthon rutilans cyanescens and 29 individuals of Canthon rutilans rutilans. C. rutilans cyanescens can be found at 250 m (all year except in June), 430 m (August to April), and 840 m (September to April) in elevation, and when the air temperature oscillates from 15.3 °C to 24.0 °C. C. rutilans rutilans can be found at 1360 m (October to February), 1630 m (January) in elevation, and when the air temperature oscillates from 14.4 °C to 18.6 °C. Furthermore, local temperature data taken during the survey indicates that both subspecies also have a limited overlap in their thermal response curves. All these results suggest that these two taxa could be considered as two different species with dissimilar physiological and ecological requirements probably as a consequence of temperature-mediated divergent adaptation. Further molecular data can confirm or reject this supposition in the near future.

AIM: The purpose of this work was to determine genera diversity, structural attributes and distribution of the Hydrachnidia assemblages and their possible influences with certain abiotic parameters along the sub-basin of the Grande River, a 6th order stream in the province of San Luis; METHODS: four sampling sites (C1, E1, E2 and E3) were established in two different hydrological periods: high waters (HW) and low waters (LW). Twenty-four samples were obtained using Surber sampler, and the hydraulic, physical and chemical characterization of the sampling sites was carried out. Density (ind.m-2), genus richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Kownacki's dominance index were calculated; RESULTS: sixteen Hydrachnidia genera were observed. No significant differences were found between the abiotic parameters of each site. A positive correlation of Sperchon, Torrentícola and Neoatractides was observed in relation to flow and current velocity whereas Hygrobates showed a negative correlation. No significant differences were observed in Hydrachnidia abundances among the sites in HW and LW and between the pairs of each site in HW and LW. The genera with the highest densities were Hygrobates, Limnesia and Atractides, of which the first two were widely distributed. The rest only appeared sporadically. According to Kownacki's index Hygrobates and Limnesia were "dominant", Atractides were "subdominant" and the rest were "non dominant"; CONCLUSIONS: The found genera were distanced systematically and philogenetically. However, the specimens belonging to these genera exhibited very similar morphological characteristics, which were adaptations to rheophilous habitats. The representativity of Hygrobates and Limnesia might be due to the great abundance of their hosts and preys in the sub-basin. The decrease in the densities and the changes in the Hydrachnidia composition in E3 (post-dam site) might be explained by the biotic interactions previously mentioned.OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer a diversidade de gêneros, os atributos estruturais e a distribuição da comunidade de hidracáridos, como assim também a sua possível influência sobre certos parâmetros abióticos, na sub-bacia do Rio Grande, San Luis; MÉTODOS: estabeleceram-se quatro locais de amostragem (C1, E1, E2 e E3) em dois períodos hidrológicos: águas altas (AA) e águas baixas (AB). Obtiverem-se 24 amostras com rede Surber e se realizou a caracterização hidráulica, física e química dos locais de amostragem. Calculou-se a densidade (ind.m-2), a riqueza genérica e o índice da diversidade de Shannon-Wiener; RESULTADOS: registraram-se 16 gêneros de hidracáridos. Não houve diferenças significativas entre cada local com relação aos parâmetros abióticos. Observou-se uma correlação positiva entre Sperchon, Torrentícola e Neoatractides com relação ao fluxo e à corrente, ao passo que Hygrobates mostrou uma correlação negativa. Não houve diferenças significativas nas abundâncias absolutas de hidracáridos entre os locais em AA e AB nem entre os pares de cada local em AA e em AB. Os gêneros que apresentaram as maiores densidades foram Hygrobates, Limnesia e Atractides, dos quais os dois primeiros apresentaram-se mais amplamente distribuídos. Os demais gêneros somente apareceram esporádicamente. De acordo com o índice de Kownacki, Hygrobates e Limnesia foram "dominantes", Atractides foi "subdominante", e o resto foi "não-dominante"; CONCLUSÕES: os gêneros encontrados apresentaram-se distantes tanto filogenéticamente quanto sistemáticamente. Porém, os espécimes desses gêneros foram similares morfológicamente, apresentando características adaptativas à habitats teófilos. A representatividade de Hygrobates e Limnesia poderia se dever à grande abundância de seus hospedeiros e presas na sub-bacia. A diminuição na densidade e as mudanças na composição de hidracáridos em E3 (local após barragem) poderiam ser explicadas pelas interações abióticas antes mencionadas.

Detection of mental stress is an important research problem as it is essential for ensuring overall well-being of an individual. Recently, various physiological sensor signals are being used by researchers for the said purpose. In this study, we have used electrical brainwaves recorded using EEG device for detection of mental stress. Literature suggest that due to volume conduction effect of skull and underlying tissues, the recorded EEG signal is not a true representative of the actual changes in the brain responses that we intend to measure. To address this issue, instead of working with the direct features computed from the recorded signals, we have relied on spatio-temporal transition behavior of those features. It helps to reduce the limitations posed by the low cost devices. Towards that aim, we have used publicly available DASPS dataset containing EEG recordings of 23 participants while engaged in an exposure therapy (where a stressful situation was narrated by a trained psychologist followed by recall of situation by participants). We elaborated the process of calculating spatio-temporal transition of features in detail. Results suggest that our proposed spatio-temporal transition based feature is able to discriminate various levels of mental stress of an individual. It is observed that the maximum classification accuracy obtained is 83.8% for both binary and 4 class classifications. We compared the performance of our proposed approach with state-of-the-art results and observed that our proposed approach with proposed spatio-temporal transition based features performs well for classification of mental stress and outperforms approaches reported in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varroosis (caused by the Varroa destructor mite) is a key health issue for honey bees in North America. Because these mites can exist in reservoirs of feral honey bee colonies, eradication is impossible, and instead efforts are made to maintain mites below a critical threshold. Monitoring for Varroa mites within a population is key for allocating resources and targeting interventions but surveillance can be difficult and/or expensive. This project aims to reflect on the success of data dashboards developed throughout the 2019-coronavirus pandemic and showcase how these methods can improve surveillance of Varroa mite infestations in Ontario, Canada. Dashboards provide a consistent source of information and epidemiologic metrics through data visualizations, and mobilize data otherwise bound to tables and intermittent reports. In the present work, an interactive dashboard for the surveillance of Varroa mite infestations across the province is proposed. This dashboard was developed using routine ministry inspection data to depict the spatio-temporal distribution of mites across a five-year data collection period. Through interactive figures and plots, able to be disaggregated to a specific region and time frame, this dashboard will allow for members of the beekeeping community to monitor provincial mite levels throughout the season. Seven criteria found to be common across highly actionable COVID-19 dashboards were used in a beta testing stage of development to assess the quality of the dashboard, and critically reflect on its strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, future directions for surveillance dashboards are explored, including integration with citizen science data collection to develop a comprehensive province-wide surveillance system. The outcome of this project is a functional dashboard proof-of-concept for population-level monitoring of Varroa mites and a model for future tools designed for other species and diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought requires a multifaceted approach in order to better understand it. The study assessed the application of a combination of Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and human observation approaches to understand spatio-temporal dynamics of drought in Zvishavane District. A mixed methods research design supported by both qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted. GIS and remote sensing, questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions were adopted for data collection. ArcMap 10.5, Microsoft excel 2013 and SPI Generator software were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that human observation, VCI and SPI can detect the temporal distribution of severe-extreme droughts. Based on finding, SPI proved difficult to use for analyzing the spatial distribution of drought at district level where only one rain gauge exist for the district. Human perceptions and VCI were confirmed to be in agreement when detecting spatial distribution of severe-extreme droughts at district level. Findings showed that humans tend to forget or fail to notice the spatial and temporal distribution of moderate drought which VCI proved to be effective in detecting. A hybrid method of drought monitoring which incorporates remote sensing indices, meteorological indices and human perceptions is encouraged to ensure a comprehensive analysis of drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of surface water were collected seasonally along the 121 km long Giresun coastline to comparatively evaluate the source, distribution, and ecological risk of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The total PAHs levels, varied between 47.42 and 576.69 ng L−1 with the mean of 161.5 ng L−1, were consistent with seawater studies worldwide. Diagnosis rates evinced that PAHs in seawater along the Giresun coastline are primarily sourced from biomass, coal and petroleum combustion and petroleum at lesser extent. The three-ring PAHs (40.2 %) was proportionally high, followed by 2-ring PAHs (26.5 %). The toxicity equivalent quotient (TEQ) and risk quotients (RQ) were employed to assess ecological risk posed by PAHs in Giresun coastal seawater. As a result, the ecological risk in all seasons was at moderate to high risk level, except for autumn, which shows low to moderate risk according to TEQ. RQ values of ∑PAHs displayed low to moderate ecological risk. • 3-ring PAHs were dominant at a rate of 40.22 %. • Nap and Phe exhibited the highest concentrations in all seasons. • PAHs originate mostly from biomass, coal and oil combustion. • RQ values of ∑PAHs in water showed a low to moderate ecological risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disease anthrax occurs generally in herbivores and the causative organism ( Bacillus anthracis ) infects humans who come in contact with infected animals or their products . The persistence of anthrax spores for decades and its lethality contribute to its biowarfare potential. We conducted this systematic review along with risk mapping to investigate the spatio-temporal distribution, clinico-epidemiological, socio-behavioural and programmatic issues pertaining to anthrax in India over the last two decades. Peer reviewed quantitative and qualitative studies and grey literature comprising weekly reports of the 'Integrated Disease Surveillance Program' (IDSP), were accessed for extracting data. IDSP data were used for geo-referencing of the villages of anthrax cases; Pseudo-absence was generated to fit a Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) model to develop anthrax risk map. The case fatality rate of cutaneous anthrax ranged from 2% to 38%, while the gastrointestinal and inhalational types were 100% fatal. Our synthesis revealed that human anthrax outbreaks in India were clustered around the eastern coastal regions. The states of Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand reported maximum number of outbreaks. Odisha reported a maximum number of 439 human anthrax cases since 2009, of which Koraput district contributed to 200 cases (46%). While handling or consumption of infected animal product were proximal drivers of these events, poverty, lack of awareness, traditional beliefs and local practices served as facilitatory factors. Other structural determinants were wild life-livestock interface, historical forest loss, soil pH, soil-water balance, organic carbon content, temperature, rainfall and humidity. The programmatic issues identified through this review were lack of active surveillance, non-availability of diagnostic facility at the periphery, delayed reporting, absence of routine livestock vaccination and lack of adequate veterinary services. Interventions based on One-health approach in the country merit immediate policy and program attention; high risk zones for anthrax identified during present investigation, should be prioritized., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Objective: To establish a set of visualization systems suitable for displaying the transition of malnutrition status in different population across time and space in China., Methods: Based on the data characteristics of the four monitoring systems, including the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance, the China Health and Nutrition Survey, the Project of Children Nutrition Improvement in Poor Rural Regions, and the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students, to be merged and the requirements of this project, the client/server architecture(C/S architecture) application mode was adopted, the Visual Studio 2019 development tool set, Python 3.7-10 and C # 8.0 language programming were used for data integration, and a complete set of data preprocessing, data conversion and data integration calculation processes were established., Results: The malnutrition visualization system provided a visualization display system for the nutritional status of different populations under the multi database fusion index system based on the integrated malnutrition database. The system was able to not only modify, delete and update data, but query, display and analyze malnutrition conditions including growth retardation, low weight, emaciation, micronutrient deficiency, overweight, and obesity., Conclusion: Malnutrition visualization system dynamically presented the time series and spatial distribution of malnutrition among Chinese residents, and explored the regional characteristics and major challenges of nutrition problems in different periods.

In this study, we use factor analysis and spatial analysis to study the spatio-temporal distribution of daily precipitation on Jeju Island, which includes marine and mountainous areas. The precipitation time series from 82 weather stations were used to fill in missing and ungauged data for some periods at 38 stations, and then the daily spatial distribution was analyzed from 1992 to 2013. Factor analysis and multiple regression showed that the statistical characteristics of the extended data fit well to those of the observed time series. The point precipitation characteristics, such as the mean and standard deviation, show small differences between observed and extended data, and the relationships to elevation also have similar behavior for seasonal and annual precipitation. However, the spatial precipitation characteristics for observed and extended data show significant differences with respect to elevation because the data for high-elevation areas are mainly interpolated for the period 1992 to 2013. For annual and five-year moving-average spatial precipitation, the amount of precipitation shows seasonal and spatial variability. Annual spatial precipitation in high-elevation areas usually shows high variation over time. These results suggest the need to consider completing missing and ungauged data series for assessment the spatio-temporal variation of precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroclimatic variability is one of the main factors that drives inter-annual changes in fish migration patterns. This study analyses the relationship between climate-oceanographic factors and migration of the Atlantic pomfret ( Brama brama) in NE Atlantic waters. Geo-referenced catch data from logbooks of longliners operating in European Atlantic waters from 2002 to 2013 were linked to environmental indices at different temporal and spatial scales. Our results point to a strong influence of temperature at 200 m depth as the key factor along with the upwelling in the Galician ( NW Iberian) waters. However, sea surface temperature ( SST) indirectly affects the geographical display of Atlantic pomfret migration, and large migrations are observed in scenarios of high SSTs in the migratory area ( c. above 14.7°C). Migrations are constrained during years when temperatures are below this threshold. A longer time-series of annual landings (1950-2013) supports this evidence and highlights the significant influence of temperature at 200-m depth along with the landings of the previous year. Length frequency distributions suggest an increase in size between consecutive seasons supporting the hypothesis that migration is a feeding strategy and a return to tropical waters of origin for spawning. Our study shows that the temperature of intermediate waters is a key variable in determining the northward migration of the Atlantic pomfret whereas density-dependence and surface climatic conditions trigger secondary effects on the migration pattern of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 116 hauls were carried out, between August 2009 and April 2010, seasonally in the Gulf of Antalya, at six stations and six depth levels (25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200 m), using a commercial bottom trawl net and 1494 individuals of Serranus cabrilla (Linnaeus, 1758), 1022 individuals of Serranus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and 17 individuals of Serranus scriba (Linnaeus, 1758) were sampled. The present paper reports the spatio-temporal patterns of abundance and biomass of these three Serranus species. The frequency of occurrence was 70.69% for S. cabrilla, 68.97% for S. hepatus and 6.03% for S. scriba. The overall mean abundance and biomass were 221.11 ind./km² and 6.93 kg/km² for S. cabrilla; 163.47 ind./km² and 1.84 kg/km² for S. hepatus, and 3.10 ind./km² and 0.15 kg/km² for S. scriba. This study provides information on the spatio-temporal distribution of these species in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To analyse inner- and inter-annual changes, disaster events of 55 countries in Africa from 1990 to 2014 recorded in the International Disaster Database (EM-DAT) were recounted by year and month and were reorganised in five different regions. Thematic maps of flood disasters in Africa between 1990 and 2014 were drawn using ArcGIS 9.3 to research the spatial distribution patterns of average annual flood frequency, total deaths, total affected, and damage. There were eight natural and socio-economic indicators chosen to explore the main factors influencing the spatio-temporal distribution of flood disasters in Africa, including precipitation, ENSO, runoff, forest coverage rate, reservoir capacity, per capita GDP, population, and urbanisation rate. Studies show that seasonal changes of flood disasters in various regions of Africa, except North Africa, are closely related to precipitation. Annual flood frequencies, from 1990 to 2014, showed a fluctuating upward trend and were in good agreement with ENSO years. In terms of spatial distributions, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania in eastern Africa, Nigeria in western Africa, and Libya, and Sudan in northern Arica are flood-prone countries, and main factors influencing spatial disparities include runoff, per capita GDP, population, and urbanisation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]