Abstract: In countries such as Italy, there is a notable skewing of the population pyramid toward older age groups and individuals with chronic health conditions. This demographic shift is anticipated to result in increased social costs. It would be advantageous to enhance the physiological conditions and socialization opportunities for the elderly, as this may lead to improved overall well-being and a reduction in healthcare expenditures. It can be reasonably argued that there is a substantial potential for the ecosystem services provided by forest and woodland ecosystems to benefit this particularly vulnerable population. Due to its distinctive territorial configuration, Italy presents a multitude of opportunities for implementing restoration policies. A crucial step is to evaluate the actual welfare benefits that natural areas can offer. To this end, an experimental campaign was conducted in the Parma area of northern Italy, which aimed to assess the positive impact of ecosystem services in comparison to urban environments. The results of this study lend support to the notion that policies which encourage the temporary residency of the elderly in forested and wooded areas may facilitate physiological recovery.

Abstract: Month-long and seasonally persistent apparent tilts in atmospheric radar scatterers have been measured with a network of 6 windprofiler radars over a periods of two and more years. The method used employs cross-correlations between vertical winds and horizontal winds measured with the radars. It is shown that large-scale apparent tilts which persisted for many weeks and months were not uncommon at many sites, with typical tilts varying from horizontal to 2o from horizontal. The azimuthal and zenithal alignment of the tilts depend on local orography as well as local seasonal atmospheric conditions. It is demonstrated that these apparent tilts are not true large-scale phenomena, but rather are a manifestation of coordinated motions within turbulent radar-scattering structures at scales of a few metres and tens of metres, with these structures themselves being defined by larger-scale and longer-term physical processes. Implications for interpretation of the nature of turbulent eddies, the accuracy of vertical wind measurements, and the nature of layering and scattering in the real atmosphere, are discussed. For the first time, a method which allows accurate measurement of the mean off-horizontal alignment of anisotropic turbulent eddies is introduced.

Abstract: What are the shapes of diversity with respect the shapes of the city? How those shapes can inform about the ecological fitness and guide the enhancement of a city? Can we detect sentinels for the ''wing of change''? Eco-climatically sensitive species carry information of envionmental change in their distribution, fitness, and preferential gradients of the habitat suitability that is largely linked to the hydrological stress. Conversely, environmental features outside of these species' niche convey information of potential extreme climate to mitigate. Here we propose a model, as a proof of concept and paradigm, to extract the multivariable functional networks and their attraction basins carrying the signature of compounding hydroclimatic pressure on species fitness. Specifically, we consider butterflies and their habitat suitability (HS) to infer maximum suitability gradients that are meaningful of potential species flows with the least resistance within an ecosystem and sentinels of climate stress. These flows are compared to the distribution of urban parks to identify their ecological attractiveness for species, observed and potential connectivity, and park potential to reduce hydroclimatic impacts. Results are shown for the city of Shenzhen that is one the most quickly developing and green cities per population size worldwide. Ecoflow networks are much more extended, scale-free, and clustering for low HS gradient areas populated by large reservoirs that act as sources of ecological corridors ''draining'' into urban parks. Parks have higher HS and gradients, and small-world connectivity that does not overlap with hydrological networks. We find diverging patterns of abundance and diversity increasing and decreasing with HS where the latter is largely determined by temperature and precipitation of the coldest quarter, and seasonality, which are critical fetaures of the hydrologic cycle that is worrisomely changing worldwide. Interestingly a U-shape pattern is found between abudance and diversity, similarly to the one in natural ecosystems. Additionally, both abundance and diversity are mildly associated with park area according to a power function, unrelated to longitude but related to the degree of urbanization/park centrality (due to isolation in rich parks) counterintuitively. Ecological patterns such as the Preston plot and abundance rank can reflect the stationarity of ecological communities (and their divergence) but cannot be informative about the community connectivity and fitness. The maximum HS gradients are meaningful of potential species flows and eco-change. Those, within their attraction basins, can inform about the collective function of ecological communities, like parks in cities. More importantly, flows as distributed stress-response of species are the blueprint for the design of ecotone networks along hydrologic corridors, regulating temperature and evapotranspiration, connecting communities and mitigating climate-driven eco-shifts locally and butterfly effects at larger scales.

Abstract: Ginkgo biloba, a "living fossil" with immense medicinal and conservation value, is a nationally first-class protected wild plant. However, many Ginkgo populations are under threat from habitat destruction, human exploitation, and over-harvesting, which has limited their numbers and range. Using an optimized MaxEnt model in R, this study analyzed Ginkgo distribution points and 22 ecological factors in China to explore the key environmental factors affecting its geographical distribution. The study also predicted the spatial distribution patterns and centroid changes of potential suitable areas under three different carbon emission pathways: current conditions, 2021-2040 (2030s), 2041-2060 (2050s), and 2061-2080 (2070s). The findings are as follows: (1) The optimal model parameter combination (RM = 3.2, FC = LPH) resulted in the lowest complexity and overfitting, while achieving very high prediction accuracy. (2) The key environmental factors influencing Ginkgo growth include precipitation in the driest month (20–175 mm), minimum temperature in the coldest month (-4 to 3°C), precipitation in the hottest quarter (450–2500 mm), and a temperature seasonal variation deviation greater than 580. (3) Under the three future climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585), the potential suitable habitat area for Ginkgo biloba in China is expected to increase, with the distribution range migrating to higher latitudes. This study is highly significant for the ecological protection of Ginkgo, aiding in the rational planning of potential suitable areas, enhancing the monitoring of key conservation areas, and developing effective protection strategies in a timely manner.

Abstract: Nanomaterials used can significantly improve the analytical performance of optical sensors to environmental pollutants. Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) exhibits some unique physicochemical properties such as strong light-matter interaction, bandgap tunability, and high carrier mobility, which are beneficial for constructing flexible optoelectronic devices. In this Review, the principle and classification of 2D MoS2-based photodetectors (PDs) are introduced, followed by a discussion about the physicochemical properties of 2D MoS2, as well as structure-property relationships of 2D MoS2-based photoactive materials for PDs to understand the modulation strategies for enhancing the photodetection performance. Furthermore, we discuss significant advances in the surface modification and functionalization of 2D MoS2 for developing high-performance PDs, particularly focusing on synthesis pathways, modification strategies, and underlying physiochemical mechanisms for enhanced photodetection capabilities. Finally, conclusions and research perspectives on resolving significant bottlenecks or remaining challenges are offered based on recent developments in 2D MoS2-based PDs.

Abstract: Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and Willow (Salix spp.) are promising bioenergy crops due to their high biomass yields and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. This study applies the MiscanFor/ SalixFor models to assess the sustainability of these crops under current and future climate scenarios, focusing on biomass productivity, carbon intensity (CI), and energy use efficiency (EUE). Under present conditions, both crops show high productivity in tropical and subtropical regions, with Miscanthus generally outperforming Willow. Productivity declines in less favourable climates, emphasizing the crops' sensitivity to environmental factors at the regional scale. The average productivity for Miscanthus and Willow was 19.9 t/ha and 10.4 t/ha, respectively. Future climate scenarios (A1F1 and B1) project significant shifts, with northern and central regions becoming more viable for cultivation due to warmer temperatures and extended growing seasons. However, southern and arid regions may experience reduced productivity, reflecting the uneven impacts of climate change. Miscanthus and Willow are predicted to show productivity declines of 15% and 8%, and 12% and 7% under A1F1 and B1, respectively. CI analysis reveals substantial spatial variability, with higher values in industrialized and temperate regions due to intensive agricultural practices. Future scenarios indicate increased CI in northern latitudes due to intensified land use, while certain Southern Hemisphere regions may stabilize or reduce CI through mitigation strategies. Under climate change, CI for Miscanthus is projected to increase by over 100%, while Willow shows increase of 64% and 57% for A1F1and B1, respectively. EUE patterns suggest that both crops perform optimally in tropical and subtropical climates. Miscanthus shows a slight advantage in EUE, though Willow demonstrates greater adaptability in temperate regions. Climate change is expected to reduce EUE for Miscanthus by 10% and 7%, and for Willow by 9% and 6%. This study underscores the need for region-specific strategies to optimize the sustainability of bioenergy crops under changing climate conditions.

Abstract: Muscle element fingerprint is a comprehensive reflection of the accumulated transformation of elements from different sources in muscles, and has habitat indicator functions such as stability and representativeness. Leiocassis longirostris (Ll), Coilia mystus (Cm) and Collichthys lucidus (Cl) are important fishery species in the Yangtze River Estuary with different ecological habits. In this study, the element fingerprint of three fish species (Ll, Cm, Cl) and two environmental media of water (W) and sediment (S) were analyzed. According to the PERMANOVA, significant differences (p

Abstract:

With predicted increase in the intervals between rainfall events becoming more apparent, little is known about how short-term (few weeks) drought events influence plant growth and nitrogen (N) uptake after rewetting, and how this legacy effect is modulated by drought intensity and soil amendment. Methods: Soil (50% water holding capacity, WHC) unamended or amended with faba bean residue (C/N 9) was planted with wheat for two weeks. Thereafter, drought was imposed by reducing soil water content to 10% (DEFICIT) or 30% (MILD) WHC and maintained for two weeks (days 0 to 14). Thereafter, soils (deficit and mild) were rewetted to 50% WHC and maintained at this water content for additional two weeks. Control soils were maintained at 50% WHC (OPTIMAL) throughout the experiment. Results: At the end of the dry period, shoot dry weight was about 60% lower in DEFICIT than OPTIMAL. Contrarily, soil available N was higher in DEFICIT (16.65-41.72 mg kg^-1) than OPTIMAL (4.57-26.42 mg kg^-1). While MBN did not differ with amendment, it was about 80% lower in DEFICIT than OPTIMAL without amendment. During the two-weeks after rewetting (days 15 to 28), shoot dry weight, N concentration and available N changed little without amendment. But in the amended soil particularly in DEFICIT treatments, shoot dry weight nearly doubled, shoot N concentration increased by about 40%, plant N uptake increased by about 70%, and MBN decreased by about 40%. However, shoot dry weight and plant N uptake were still lower than the OPTIMAL. Conclusion: The reduced plant growth, shoot N concentration and plant N uptake induced by a short period of drying (<30% WHC) is not compensated by increased growth and N uptake after rewetting.

Abstract: The NIEP (National Institute of Earth Physics) monitors and analyzes seismicity in Romania. Over time, the monitoring stations equipped with seismic equipment have become multifunctional with new devices for measuring gas emissions, the magnetic field, the telluric field, solar radiation, etc. This made it possible to introduce a seismic forecasting system, which is intended to extend the alert time of the warning system based solely on seismic data. The realization of an OEF (Operational Earthquake Forecasting) aims to extend the warning time from 25-30 seconds before an earthquake manifests its effects with a magnitude of more than 4.8R to several hours or even days. The AFROS project (PCE119/4.01.2021) introduced fundamental research studies in the development of the OEF system. The results are now public in the form of real-time analysis of radon and CO2 emissions on the page http://afros.infp.ro/AFROS.php?link=dategeofizice. The monitored area is Vrancea because it generates the most destructive earthquakes in Romania, with effects in neighboring countries (Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Moldova). The structure of the monitoring network and the methods used can be adapted to other seismic zones depending on their particularities. The data acquisition includes analog signals (e.g., magnetic field, well temperature), digital data (e.g., radon, CO2, well water level), and from other sources (e.g., VLF receivers, Kp geomagnetic factor from NOAA). All data ends up in a database that can be accessed through an API and the result will be in JSON format (https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/28kv3gsgcz/2). The methods used include the detection of events by exceeding certain thresholds, STA/LTA type data analysis, and analysis of seismic bulletins (parameters a, b from the Gutenberg Richter law). In each case, the application of these methods involves particularities that make the monitoring network a novelty in activities of this type. The experimental results indicate the possibility of using the parameter b from the Gutenberg Richter law and the emission of gases in the real-time seismic forecast. This was known from previous analyses carried out on data series on the periods in which earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 4.5R occurred. The novelty is that currently this is done continuously and the results are public.

Abstract: The Little Roaring Brook, a tributary of Roaring Brook in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, flows through densely populated towns before joining the Lackawanna River, which eventually empties into Delaware Bay—a vital hub for the U.S. seafood industry. Waterways are instrumental in transporting and dispersing chemical compounds and other pollutants worldwide, including harmful substances generated by human and industrial activities. These pollutants travel from their sources to distant areas through processes like evaporation and rainfall, reaching regions where they were never directly used. In February 2024, a malfunction during the reconstruction of a dam in Lackawanna County caused a sediment release that accumulated 2 to 3 feet deep in downstream areas, including sections of Roaring Brook and the Lackawanna River. Built in 1886, the dam had accumulated sediment in its reservoir over many years, and the surrounding watershed includes major roadways that can release toxic pollutants. Additional significant pollution sources near these streams, such as an industrial and municipal waste landfill, an automotive salvage yard, and an artillery manufacturing plant, are rarely assessed by independent parties. This study seeks to quantify heavy metal contamination in sediments near these potential pollution sources. The primary sources of pollution examined include the landfill, the salvage yard, the sediment release from the dam reconstruction, the manufacturing plant, and road-related runoff. Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to analyze sediment samples from Roaring Brook and Little Roaring Brook, revealing elevated levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) at sites near these pollution sources. These levels were compared to the 2013 revision of the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ) Sediment Quality Guidelines. The sample immediately downstream from the landfill showed the highest concentration of Pb at 104.85 mg/kg, while the highest Cd concentration of 0.504 mg/kg was found just downstream of the automotive recycling center. Sediments from Roaring Brook, downstream of the sediment release, also showed elevated levels of Pb (80.34 mg/kg) and Cd (0.466 mg/kg), compared to the upstream concentrations of 64.46 mg/kg for Pb and 0.154 mg/kg for Cd. The lowest concentrations of Pb and Cd were found in the upstream samples from Little Roaring Brook, with 50.53 mg/kg of Pb and 0.146 mg/kg of Cd. According to the ANZECC/ARMCANZ Sediment Quality Guidelines, all Pb concentrations exceeded the 50 mg/kg threshold, above which further investigation is recommended. While Cd concentrations were all below the 1.5 mg/kg threshold, analysis of matrix-spiked samples indicated that the actual levels of Pb and Cd may be higher than initially determined due to the effects of sediment particle size. Roaring Brook and Little Roaring Brook are infrequently assessed for pollutants, underscoring the need for more research to establish a clearer understanding of the pollution sources in the area. This study provides an initial, independent assessment of heavy metal contamination in these streams, highlighting the need for further analysis of other potential pollutants and their ecological and public health impacts.