scholarly journals Microclimatic Conditions Mediate The Effect of Deadwood and Forest Characteristics On a Threatened Beetle Species, Tragosoma Depsarium

Author(s):  
Ly Lindman ◽  
Erik Öckinger ◽  
Thomas Ranius

Abstract While climate change has increased interest in the influence of microclimate on many organisms, species inhabiting deadwood have rarely been studied. Here we explore the relationships between characteristics of forest stands, deadwood and microclimate, and analyse how the microclimate inside deadwood affects the occurrence of wood-living organisms, exemplified by the red-listed beetle Tragosoma depsarium. Some of the measured deadwood and forest variables explain much of the variation in temperature, but little of humidity aspects of the microclimate within deadwood. Several variables known to influence habitat quality for deadwood-dependent species were found to correlate with microclimate viz.: warmer conditions in standing deadwood and open canopy than in downed logs and under a closed canopy; higher humidity and more stable daily temperatures in shaded habitats and in downed and large-diameter wood, than in sun-exposed locations and standing, small-diameter wood.T. depsarium occupancy and abundance were negatively correlated with daily temperature fluctuations, and positively related to spring and summer temperature and humidity. This can explain why the species occurred more frequently in deadwood items with characteristics associated with these microclimatic conditions, i.e. downed large-diameter logs occurring in open conditions. Since microclimatic conditions are important for T. depsarium and related to several habitat characteristics, we expect the effects of these characteristics to interact with each other, and for species’ habitat requirements to vary due to local and regional climate conditions, and to changes due to climate warming.

1995 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 1362-1366 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Huwe ◽  
E. H. Peterson

1. We visualized the central axons of 32 vestibular afferents from the posterior canal by extracellular application of horseradish peroxidase, reconstructed them in three dimensions, and quantified their morphology. Here we compare the descending limbs of central axons that differ in parent axon diameter. 2. The brain stem distribution of descending limb terminals (collaterals and associated varicosities) varies systematically with parent axon diameter. Large-diameter afferents concentrate their terminals in rostral regions of the medial/descending nuclei. As axon diameter decreases, there is a significant shift of terminal concentration toward the caudal vestibular complex and adjacent brain stem. 3. Rostral and caudal regions of the medial/descending nuclei have different labyrinthine, cerebellar, intrinsic, commissural, and spinal connections; they are believed to play different roles in head movement control. Our data help clarify the functions of large- and small-diameter afferents by showing that they contribute differentially to rostral and caudal vestibular complex.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Alexis Augusto Hernández-Mansilla ◽  
Francisco Estrada-Porrúa ◽  
Oscar Calderón-Bustamante ◽  
Graciela Lucía Binimelis de Raga

Current changes in climate conditions due to global warming affect the phenological behavior of economically important cultivable plant species, with consequences for the food security of many countries, particularly in small vulnerable islands. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal viability of Solanum tuberosum (L.) through the behavior of the Thermal Index of Biological Development (ITDB) of two cultivation areas in Cuba under different climate change scenarios. For the analysis, we elaborated bioclimatic scenarios by calculating the ITDB through a grounded and parameterized stochastic function based on the thermal values established for the phenological development of the species. We used the mean temperature values from the period 1980 to 2010 (historical reference period) of the Meteorological Stations: 78320 “Güira de Melena” and 78346 “Venezuela”, located at the western and central of Cuba respectively. We also used modeled data from RCP 2.6 scenarios; 4.5 and 8.5 from the PRECIS-CARIBE Regional Climate Model, which used global outputs from the ECHAM5 MCG for the period 2010 to 2100. As result, the scenarios showed that the annual average ITDB ranges from 0.7 to 0.8, which indicates that until 2010 there were temporary spaces with favorable thermal conditions for the species, but not for the period from 2010 to 2100 in RCP 4.5 and 8.5. In these scenarios, there was a progressive decrease in the indicator that warned of a marked loss of Viability of S. tuberosum, reduction of the time-space to cultivate this species (particularly the month of April is the most inappropriate for the ripening of the tuber). These results showed that Cuba requires the establishment of an adaptation program with adjustments in the sowing and production calendar, the use of short-cycle varieties of less than 120 days, the management of genotypes adaptable to high temperatures, and the application of “Agriculture Climate Smart”, to reduce risks in food safety.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1015
Author(s):  
Antonio Bulum ◽  
Gordana Ivanac ◽  
Eugen Divjak ◽  
Iva Biondić Špoljar ◽  
Martina Džoić Dominković ◽  
...  

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a type of ultrasound elastography with which the elastic properties of breast tissues can be quantitatively assessed. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of different regions of interest (ROI) and lesion size on the performance of SWE in differentiating malignant breast lesions. The study included 150 female patients with histopathologically confirmed malignant breast lesions. Minimal (Emin), mean (Emean), maximal (Emax) elastic modulus and elasticity ratio (e-ratio) values were measured using a circular ROI size of 2, 4 and 6 mm diameters and the lesions were divided into large (diameter ≥ 15 mm) and small (diameter < 15 mm). Highest Emin, Emean and e-ratio values and lowest variability were observed when using the 2 mm ROI. Emax values did not differ between different ROI sizes. Larger lesions had significantly higher Emean and Emax values, but there was no difference in e-ratio values between lesions of different sizes. In conclusion, when measuring the Emin, Emean and e-ratio of malignant breast lesions using SWE the smallest possible ROI size should be used regardless of lesion size. ROI size has no impact on Emax values while lesion size has no impact on e-ratio values.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4651
Author(s):  
Ming-Lun Alan Fong

The analysis of ventilation strategies is fundamentally affected by regional climate conditions and local cost databases, in terms of energy consumption, CO2 emission and cost-effective analysis. A systematic approach is covered in this paper to estimate a local economic and environmental impact on a medium-sized space located in two regions during supply-and-installation and operation phases. Three ventilation strategies, including mixing ventilation (MV), displacement ventilation (DV) and stratum ventilation (SV) were applied to medium-sized air-conditioned space with this approach. The trend of the results for three ventilation systems in the life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC) analysis is SV < DV < MV. The result of CO2 emission and regional LCC shows that SV is the lowest one in both regional studies. In comparison with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during 20 Service years, the case analysis demonstrates that the percentage differences in LCC analysis of MV, DV & SV in Guangdong are less than 20.5%, 19.4% and 18.82% respectively. Their CO2 emission of MV, DV and SV in Guangdong are more than HKSAR in 10.69%, 11.22% and 12.05%, respectively. The present study could provide information about regional effects in the LCA and LCC analysis of three ventilation strategies emissions, and thereby help set up models for decision-making on high efficiency and cost-effective ventilation strategy plans.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2109-2124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Baño-Medina ◽  
Rodrigo Manzanas ◽  
José Manuel Gutiérrez

Abstract. Deep learning techniques (in particular convolutional neural networks, CNNs) have recently emerged as a promising approach for statistical downscaling due to their ability to learn spatial features from huge spatiotemporal datasets. However, existing studies are based on complex models, applied to particular case studies and using simple validation frameworks, which makes a proper assessment of the (possible) added value offered by these techniques difficult. As a result, these models are usually seen as black boxes, generating distrust among the climate community, particularly in climate change applications. In this paper we undertake a comprehensive assessment of deep learning techniques for continental-scale statistical downscaling, building on the VALUE validation framework. In particular, different CNN models of increasing complexity are applied to downscale temperature and precipitation over Europe, comparing them with a few standard benchmark methods from VALUE (linear and generalized linear models) which have been traditionally used for this purpose. Besides analyzing the adequacy of different components and topologies, we also focus on their extrapolation capability, a critical point for their potential application in climate change studies. To do this, we use a warm test period as a surrogate for possible future climate conditions. Our results show that, while the added value of CNNs is mostly limited to the reproduction of extremes for temperature, these techniques do outperform the classic ones in the case of precipitation for most aspects considered. This overall good performance, together with the fact that they can be suitably applied to large regions (e.g., continents) without worrying about the spatial features being considered as predictors, can foster the use of statistical approaches in international initiatives such as Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX).


2013 ◽  
Vol 353-356 ◽  
pp. 459-462
Author(s):  
Ying Jie Zheng ◽  
Bin Fang ◽  
Lian Xiang Li

Pile tip absolute settlement curves and relative settlement curves of several working cases were analyzed. It is found that load-settlement curve characteristic related to the selection standard. The tip resistance initial stiffness of each case was analyzed. Results show that the small diameter pile has higher initial stiffness than large diameter pile, embedded depth has little influence on initial stiffness ratio, but increment of initial stiffness is linear with embedded depth growth.


2007 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. S. Takle ◽  
J. Roads ◽  
B. Rockel ◽  
W. J. Gutowski ◽  
R. W. Arritt ◽  
...  

A new approach, called transferability intercomparisons, is described for advancing both understanding and modeling of the global water cycle and energy budget. Under this approach, individual regional climate models perform simulations with all modeling parameters and parameterizations held constant over a specific period on several prescribed domains representing different climatic regions. The transferability framework goes beyond previous regional climate model intercomparisons to provide a global method for testing and improving model parameterizations by constraining the simulations within analyzed boundaries for several domains. Transferability intercomparisons expose the limits of our current regional modeling capacity by examining model accuracy on a wide range of climate conditions and realizations. Intercomparison of these individual model experiments provides a means for evaluating strengths and weaknesses of models outside their “home domains” (domain of development and testing). Reference sites that are conducting coordinated measurements under the continental-scale experiments under the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Hydrometeorology Panel provide data for evaluation of model abilities to simulate specific features of the water and energy cycles. A systematic intercomparison across models and domains more clearly exposes collective biases in the modeling process. By isolating particular regions and processes, regional model transferability intercomparisons can more effectively explore the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of predictability. A general improvement of model ability to simulate diverse climates will provide more confidence that models used for future climate scenarios might be able to simulate conditions on a particular domain that are beyond the range of previously observed climates.


Author(s):  
S.V. Emelina ◽  
◽  
V.M. Khan ◽  

The possibility of developing specialized seasonal forecasting within the framework of the North Eurasia Climate Centre is discussed. The purpose of these forecasts is to access the impacts of significant large-scale anomalies of meteorological elements on various economic sectors for the timely informing of government services and private businesses to select optimal strategies for planning preventive measures. A brief overview of the groups of climatic risks in the context of the impacts on the socio-economic sphere is given according to the Russian and foreign bibliographic sources. Examples of the activities of some Regional Climate Centers that produce forecast information with an assessment of possible impacts of weather and climate conditions at seasonal scales on various human activities are given. Keywords: climate services, regional climate forums, weather and climate risks, North Eurasia Climate Centre


Author(s):  
Ivo Machar ◽  
Marián Halás ◽  
Zdeněk Opršal

Regional climate changes impacts induce vegetation zones shift to higher altitudes in temperate landscape. This paper deals with applying of regional biogeography model of climate conditions for vegetation zones in Czechia to doctoral programme Regional Geography in Palacky University Olomouc. The model is based on general knowledge of landscape vegetation zonation. Climate data for model come from predicted validated climate database under RCP8.5 scenario since 2100. Ecological data are included in the Biogeography Register database (geobiocoenological data related to landscape for cadastral areas of the Czech Republic). Mathematical principles of modelling are based on set of software solutions with GIS. Students use the model in the frame of the course “Special Approaches to Landscape Research” not only for regional scenarios climate change impacts in landscape scale, but also for assessment of climate conditions for growing capability of agricultural crops or forest trees under climate change on regional level.


Author(s):  
E. Rehleckaya ◽  
A. Dymkov ◽  
L. Lazarets ◽  
A. Maltsev

Purpose: Install the influence of the «small diameter of the egg» on the living mass and the reproductive qualities of chickens of meat crosses and the quail of meat breeds.Materials and methods. The selection was carried out along egg production and mass of eggs and additionally on the average small diameter of 5 eggs by value of ≥0.5σ from the average for the herd, while the evaluation on the basis of the «small diameter of the egg» was carried out in chickens aged 238 days of life, quails — 70 days of life. Calculated the average for each female and the average for the herd. For further reproduction, chickens carrying eggs with a small egg diameter ≥0.5σ from the average for the herd. Studies were held in SibNIP on quail and on the courses.Results. In the initial period of the egg laying, the individual variability of the small diameter of the egg — more than 10% (in the future, the figure decreased). The close correlation rate of the small egg diameter in the first half of the egg laying with such at the end of the bird's operation period was revealed. It has been established that the large diameter of the egg has a positive reliable connection with a lively mass, but negative with egg production. The reliable correlation rate of the small diameter of the egg with a live weight at a 42-day age, as well as with the derivation of eggs. The inheritance coefficients of the small diameter of the egg are comparable to the inheritance coefficients of the mass of eggs and significantly exceed those for a large diameter of the egg. The selection according to the small diameter of the eggs by ≥0.5σ from the average for the herd led to the fact that the chickens of the experimental groups reliably exceeded the live weight in the SB level of 1.57%, in the line G8 — by 1.35%. The superiority of a lively mass of quail of experienced groups was more pronounced than that of the chickens: the Pharaoh breed — by 4.15%, the Texas white breed is 4.22%. In relation to the derivation of eggs, a similar trend was traced. The derivation of eggs in quails of experienced groups was more than 4.59–4.98%; Country, respectively, 4.57–5.22%. Egg production of females of comparable groups of both chickens and quail was almost on the same level, and the difference was unreliable.Conclusion. It was established that a new method of breeding the poultry of the meat direction of productivity allows without decreasing egg production to increase the living mass of chickens of meat crosses by 1.5%, rewinds of meat breeds — by 4%, the derivation of eggs, respectively, by 4–5%. The method is intended for early prediction of females productivity during breeding selection.


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