Abstract: Subterranean habitats in general and caves in particular harbour a unique set of organisms that are adapted to the dark and nutrient-limited environment. The high selection pressure and limited geneflow between semi-isolated caves have generally resulted in a high level of endemicity among the depauperate cave fauna. The cave fauna is vulnerable to a range of anthropogenic factors including mining and excessive usage as show caves. The awareness of the need for conservation of this unique habitats has been growing in recent years, but not uniformly. In this paper, we use Web of Science to look at how the research output in the ecology and conservation area in Southern Africa compares to the rest of the world. We find that while Africa as a whole has a disproportionality low publication rate, Southern Africa is relatively well represented, though driven exclusively by South Africa. However, unlike the development in the rest of the world the number of publications has not risen much in recent years and is mainly focussed on vertebrates. In this paper, we discuss the reason for this discrepancy and use well known show caves in the region as case-studies to identify research priorities and promote more awareness of the conservation need of caves in Southern Africa.

Abstract: Central aims of this project are to delineate and characterize the magma crystallization conditions associated with intra-plate volcanism after collision of the Lavarab Basaltic Lavas (LABL) in East of Iran. Their composition is more basic and includes two principal lithologies: alkali basalt and basanite, and subordinate trachy basalt. The Olivine chemistry indicates forsterite, chrysolite and hyalo-siderite compositions in the study rocks. Clinopyroxene chemistry has been used as the key component of LABL to investigate the nature of magma, tectonic setting, and physicochemical conditions of crystallization (T, P, fO2) in basic-intermediate Lavarab lavas. The clinopyroxenes of these rocks are diopside and augite and belong to peralkaline to subalkaline magmatic series of within plate alkali basalt and volcanic arc basalt settings. Temperature and pressure estimations based on different single clinopyroxene thermobarometers indicate temperatures of ≈1110 to ≈1260 ºC, at pressures of ≈0.05 to ≈1.35 GPa corresponding to pressures equivalent to the depths of ≈2 to ≈51 km for the crystallization of clinopyroxene under the high oxygen fugacity in the lower (>30 Km) to upper (>10 Km) continental crust. Temperature estimations based on olivine-liquid thermometry are calculated temperatures of ≈1380 to ≈1390 ºC for basanites and ≈1299 to ≈1336 ºC for alkali basalts at a constant pressure of 1.4 GPa. The chemical compositions of phenocrysts in the studied basaltic lavas reflect evidence of magma recharge through multi pulses of new magma injected into the existing reservoir prior to eruptions such as petrographic evidence (absorption and rounded-shape and patchy zoned in olivine crystals and sieve texture, absorption, and oscillatory zonation in clinopyroxene crystals) and the oscillatory changes of a crystal's composition from the core to rim in the microprobe data of a crystal.

Abstract: Analysis of noise production from wind turbines with relation to their ever increasing rotor diameter, hub height and the application of noise reducing measures, shows that noise reduction is not the goal, but a consequence of mechanical and operational limitations. In this paper a detailed analysis is made of a series of papers by a group of authors, who claim that the average increase of tip-related noise has lost its stable relationship with hub height and rotor diameter due to sound reducing measures, such as serrations. It will be shown that these claims are pure window dressing. Tip speed is limited by Leading Edge Erosion (LEE), after lightning the most devastating cause of wear on windturbines. And tip related noise constitutes the bulk of wind turbine noise, but is much less responsible for the excessive annoyance of wind turbine noise, compared to traffic noise. LF, Infrasound, amplitude modulation and tonal aspects of wind turbine noise are much more important in the determination of annoyance of the sound. Due to lacking regulations, proper instructions how to determine these aspects of wind turbine noise, there seems to be a vacuum with regard to enforcement of legal limits in most countries. This vacuum is mostly due to the abundance of early 1920s types of technology, legislation based on this technology. Nowadays, every smartphone is capable of doing a power Power Spectral Distribution (PSD) analysis. Inclusion of these low threshold, high prevalence measurements into determining annoyance and help enforcement seems far overdue.

Abstract: The objective is to show that the known features of global average sea-level over the last 120,000 years can be accounted for by eleven periodic functions associated with planetary orbits – the hypothesis. The method shows that proxy data for relative global average sea-level during the last glacial cycle, with errors measured in meters, and a modern sea-level reconstruction based on tide gauges, with errors measured in millimeters, are accurately fit using these periods and a single constant. The eleven periods, sine and cosine for each, and constant correspond to twenty-three functions. Reasons for including each period are provided. The fit predicts a maximum in global average sea-level on date 9,726 with elevation 12 meters above the 1930 level. Reasonable variations of the input data also predict a maximum in global average sea-level between years 9,726 and 12,605.

Abstract: Determining carbon sources and sinks is crucial for understanding the global carbon cycle; yet, the enigma of 'missing' sinks remains unresolved. Recent studies have proposed carbonate weathering as a potential carbon sink, underscoring the necessity to clarify its mechanisms. Previous investigations of carbonate weathering predominantly relied on soil profiles, which were limited by the scarcity of incipient weathering layers. To explore these incipient weathering processes, surface-weathered carbonate rocks were collected from dolomite lenses within the Neoproterozoic Liangjiehe Formation (Nanhua System) in Guizhou, China. The pristine dolomite displays δ¹³C values ranging from -5.26 to -3.35‰ and δ¹⁸O values from -13.79 to -12.83‰. These isotopic signatures suggest that the dolomite formed under high-latitude, cold climatic conditions prevalent during the Nanhua Period. Comprehensive petrographic and geochemical analyses of the surface-weathered dolomite rocks revealed two distinct stages of incipient weathering. In Stage I, there is a decrease in Rare Earth Elements (REEs) content, accompanied by the leaching of nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co). The δ¹³C values fluctuate between -7.61 and -2.52‰, while δ¹⁸O values range from -12.22 to -8.06‰. These observations indicate a weakly acidic microenvironment. In Stage II, there is an enrichment of manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn), with δ¹³C values extending from -16.56 to -12.43‰ and δ¹⁸O values from -8.46 to -7.03‰. These changes suggest a transition to a neutral or alkaline microenvironment, with the isotopic compositions of carbon and oxygen in the dolomite being influenced by atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and atmospheric precipitation. This study represents a pioneering investigation into the mineralogical and geochemical variations associated with the incipient weathering process of carbonates, indicating that surface-weathered carbonate rocks may serve as an underutilized archive for reconstructing the dynamics of incipient weathering.

Abstract: Land-use change driven by urbanization has led to considerable habitat degradation and biodiversity loss, underscoring the need for spatially explicit assessment tools. This study evaluates habitat quality and threat intensity in Gochang-gun, South Korea, by integrating a biotope map with the Habitat Quality module of the InVEST model. Land cover was classified using detailed biotope types, and sensitivity values were assigned to each based on their vulnerability to specific threats such as urban areas, roads, and agricultural activity. Spatial modeling revealed high habitat quality in forested and protected zones like Seonunsan Provincial Park and the Dongrim Reservoir, whereas urban and agricultural regions exhibited substantial degradation. Correlation analysis confirmed a significant inverse relationship between habitat quality and degradation, and scenario-based simulations identified urban development and roads as the most detrimental factors. The removal of these threats led to the largest improvements in overall habitat condition. These findings provide actionable insights for biodiversity conservation planning and highlight the utility of biotope maps as a data source for ecosystem service models. The study supports the application of spatial tools for prioritizing conservation zones and formulating nature-based strategies for sustainable land management.

Abstract: The growing environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics require the development of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable bioplastics, offer promising potential as eco-friendly substitutes due to their renewable origin and favorable degradation properties. This research investigates the use of synthetic condensate mimicking the liquid fraction from drying and shredding of household food waste as a viable substrate for PHA production using mixed microbial cultures. Two draw-fill reactors (DFRs) operated under different organic loading rates (2.0 ± 0.5 and 3.8 ± 0.6 g COD/L), maintaining a consistent carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to selectively enrich microorganisms capable of accumulating PHAs through alternating nutrient availability and deficiency. Both reactors achieved efficient organic pollutant removal (>95% soluble COD removal), stable biomass growth, and optimal pH levels. Notably, the reactor with the higher organic load (DFR-2) demonstrated a modest increase in PHA accumulation (19.05 ± 7.18%) compared to the lower-loaded reactor (DFR-1; 15.19 ± 6.00%), alongside significantly enhanced biomass productivity. Polymer characterization revealed the formation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), influenced by the substrate composition. Microbial community analysis showed an adaptive shift towards Proteobacteria dominance, signifying successful enrichment of effective PHA producers.

Abstract: Urban flooding in economically and environmentally vulnerable areas—such as alleyways, lowlands, and semi-basement residences—poses serious threats to lives and property. Existing flood detection research has largely relied on aerial or satellite-based distant-view imagery. While some studies have explored ground-level images, datasets specifically focused on flood-vulnerable areas remain scarce. To address this gap, we introduce AlleyFloodNet, a ground-level image dataset designed to support rapid and accurate flood classification in high-risk urban environments. The dataset reflects a variety of real-world conditions, enabling deep learning models to better recognize floods in complex urban settings. We fine-tuned classification models using AlleyFloodNet and compared their performance to models fine-tuned on FloodNet, a widely used UAV-based dataset. Results show that models trained on AlleyFloodNet significantly outperform those trained on FloodNet when applied to ground-level flood images. This demonstrates the importance of viewpoint-specific data in improving detection accuracy for localized flooding. By constructing a dataset tailored to economically and flood-vulnerable areas, this study contributes to the development of practical flood detection systems that aim to reduce disaster impacts and enhance protection for at-risk communities.

Abstract: Microorganisms play an essential role in the biogeochemical processes of macroalgal cultivation ecosystems by participating in a complex network of interactions, significantly influencing the growth and development of macroalgae. This study used bibliometric analysis and VOSviewer based on Web of Science data to provide an overview by tracing the developmental footprint of the technology. Countries, institutions, authors, keywords, and key phrases were tracked and mapped accordingly. From 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2023, 619 documents by 2,516 authors from 716 institutions in 51 countries were analyzed. Keyword co-occurrence network analysis revealed five main areas of research on microbes in macroalgal cultivation ecosystems: (1) identification of microbial species and functional genes, (2) biogeochemical cycling of carbon in microbial communities, (3) microbial influences on macroalgae growth and development, (4) bioactivities, and (5) studies based on database. Thematic evolution and map research emphasized the centrality of microbial diversity research in this direction. Over time, the research hotspots and the core scientific questions of the microorganisms in the macroalgal cultivation ecosystems have evolved from single-organism interactions to the complex dynamics of microbial communities. The application of high-throughput techniques had become a hotspot, and the adoption of systems biology approaches had further facilitated the integrated analysis of microbial community composition and function. Our results provide valuable guidance and information for future research.

Abstract: This study examines the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 in Santo Domingo by comparing data collected in 2019 and 2022. The research aims to identify temporal and spatial variations in particulate matter concentrations and to analyze the impact of meteorological and environmental variables on these concentrations. Methods include the collection of PM data at various urban sites and subsequent statistical analysis to assess the influence of factors like air temperature, wind speed, and aerosol optical depth (AOD). Results indicate significant fluctuations in PM levels, correlated with changes in meteorological conditions, seasonal variations, and urban activities. This study contributes to the understanding of air quality trends in Santo Domingo and provides insights into the efficacy of current environmental regulations and practices.

Abstract: One of the major contributors to water pollution is food dye colorants, which in spite of being utmost toxic and may be carcinogenic due to their aromatic ring structures, are used invariable in many countries. Hence, the removal of such toxic food colorants from main stream waters is a matter of utmost priority. In the present communication, the efficacy of gamma radiations in degrading these food colorants was tested where the gamma radiolytic degradation and consequent decolouration of food grade dye Erythrosine was carried out using 60Co as a source. The effects of irradiation on efficacy of discoloration, pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and conductance were also studied. The rate and extent of degradation was found to be the direct function of irradiated gamma dose. The degradation of the Erythrosine follows pseudo-first order kinetics. Moreover the effect of addition of certain additives on the fate of degradation was also undertaken and was found to have varied effects.

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the influence of recent climatic conditions and cultivar on the timing of key phenological stages in grapevines. For this purpose, five table grape varieties with different ripening periods, grown at the Murfatlar viticultural center and vineyard in Romania, were studied. This vineyard is challenged by current cli-matic changes. At the local level, data have been recorded showing constant climatic changes, with changing temperature and humidity regimes. These data will lead to management problems that other vineyards are already facing. The study covered the period from 2000 to 2019 and tracked the timing of the onset of vegetative phases, as recorded in the number of days from January 1 to that point, according to the BBCH phenological scale. The results showed that the length of the vegetation period depends not only on the variety but also on the viticultural year, due to annual climatic variability. Changes in the duration of the vegetative phases were evidenced, with a trend towards advancing ripening.

Abstract: Remote sensing observations of snow-covered areas (SCA) are important for monitoring and modeling energy balances, hydrologic processes, and climate change. For an agricultural field, we produced 15 snow cover maps from UAS imagery during a snowmelt period. SCA maps were used to characterize snow cover patterns, validate satellite snow cover products, translate satellite Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) to fractional SCA (fSCA), and downscale satellite SCA observations. Compared to manually delineated SCA, the UAS SCA accuracy was 85%, with shadows and ice causing misclassifications. During snowmelt, UAS-derived maps of bare ground patches exhibited self-similarity, behaving as fractal objects over scales from 0.01 to 100 m2. As a validation tool, the UAS-derived SCA showed that satellite observations accurately captured the fSCA evolution during snowmelt (R2 = 0.93-0.98). A random forest satellite downscaling model, trained using 20 m Sentinel-2 NDSI observations and 20 cm vegetation and terrain features, produced realistic (>90% accuracy), high-resolution SCA maps. Relative to traditional Sentinel-2 SCA, downscaling snow cover improved performance during periods of patchy snow cover and produced more realistic bare patches. UAS optical sensing demonstrates the potential uses for high resolution snow cover mapping and recommends future research avenues for using fine scale UAS SCA maps.

Abstract: Evaporative cooling system (ECSs) are energy-efficient and eco-friendly air-cooling technology that very effective in dry climates, and the conventional method which uses cellulosic pads is widely used. However, because of the accumulation of dust and salts, these pads have a tendency to degrade quickly. This study aimed to examine the viability of using volcanic stone (Scoria) as an innovative material for evaporative cooling pads. The experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel (0.4 m × 0.6 m) with different pad thicknesses (d = 10 cm and 15 cm), water addition rates (m_w =1.6, 2.4, and 4 kg.min^-1.m^-1), and air speeds (v = 0.75, 1.25, and 1.75 m. s^-1). The results show that the 10 cm thick pad consistently performed better than the 15 cm thick pad across all air speeds and water addition rates. The 10-cm-thick pad achieved the highest cooling efficiency of 82% at a water addition rate of 2.4 L.min^-1.m^-1 and an air speed of 1.75 m. s^-1. In contrast, the cooling efficiency for the 15-cm-thick pad was 64%, under the same conditions. The 10 cm thick pad showed higher water consumption, (1.8 to 2.8 kg·h⁻¹ compared to 1.0 and 2.4 kg·h⁻¹ for the 15 cm pad), as the ECS performance directly associated with the amount of water used. Higher airspeed led to a drop in pressure, which impacted fan performance. The pressure drops across the pads were between 10 and 13 Pa for an airspeed of 1.75 m·s⁻¹. These results suggest that volcanic stone (Scoria) pads can give an effective cooling performance similar to commercial cellulosic pads but have added benefits of durability, less maintenance, and biological degradation resistance. The non-evaporative medium, especially the 10 cm thick Scoria pad, could be a more viable medium for evaporative cooling applications in arid areas.

Abstract: This study investigated the diversity and ethnobotanical use values of trees outside forests on agricultural lands (TOF-AL) in the Mongala province, Democratic Republic of Congo. To achieve this, inventories of TOF-AL, linked to surveys on ethnobotanical use values, were conducted in 45 villages across the three territories of this province (Bongandanga, Bumba and Lisala). The results identified 136 TOF-AL species, revealing significant species richness and diversity variations across three territories. Bongandanga and Lisala exhibited higher species diversity compared to Bumba. Five dominant species (Petersianthus macrocarpus (P.Beauv.) Liben., Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw.) Warb., Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel., Erythrophleum suaveolens (Guill. & Perr.) Brenan., and Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan.) accounted for over 50% of the total tree abundance and were widely cited for their ethnobotanical significance. P. macrocarpus, E. suaveolens, and R. heudelotii were universally recognised by local populations for their diverse uses, including medicine, food, and trade. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed three distinct groups of preferred species based on their primary use values: (1) species valued for energy and construction, (2) species valued for crafts and trade, and (3) species valued for medicine, food, and trade. These results highlight the critical role of TOF-AL in supporting local livelihoods and underscores the importance of conserving these resources for sustainable agricultural landscapes.

Abstract: Investment in modern agricultural practices (MAP) is crucial for improving crop productivity and household food security in developing countries like Tanzania, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy. This study assesses the impact of improved maize seeds on productivity across Tanzania's agroecological zones using data from the Tanzanian National Panel Survey (NPS) Wave 5. A stochastic simulation model (a non-parametric model “MaizeSim”) was employed to account for the inherent variability and uncertainty considerations in maize yields, offering a more accurate representation of outcomes for both improved seed users and non-users. The results reveal that farmers who used improved seeds had a 33% probability of achieving yields above 2 t/ha, compared to only 11% for those using local varieties. Conversely, non-users faced a 65% probability of harvesting below 1 t/ha, while this probability dropped to 38% for improved seed users. Regionally, the highest productivity gains were observed in the Central, Southern Highlands, and Northern Highlands zones, whereas the Eastern Coastal, Southern, and Lake zones experienced minimal benefits. The findings underscore the critical importance of encouraging the adoption of improved seed varieties as a pathway to enhance maize productivity, particularly in regions with favorable agroecological conditions. The study provides valuable insights for the development of the Tanzanian Seed Sector Development Strategy 2030, advocating for policies that promote increased investment in improved maize seeds. The results suggest that sustained application of these seeds, alongside complementary interventions such as agronomic training and improved access to inputs, is essential for improving the productivity and food security of Tanzanian smallholder farmers. By addressing regional disparities and promoting tailored seed varieties, this strategy could significantly enhance the resilience and productivity of the country's maize sector.

Abstract: The evaluation of raindrop-size distribution (DSD) is a crucial subject in radar meteorology, as it determines the relationship between radar reflectivity (Z) and rainfall rate (R). The coefficients (a and b) of the Z-R relationship vary significantly due to several factors (e.g., climate and rainfall intensity), rendering the characterisation of local DSD essential for improving radar quantitative precipitation estimation. This study used a unique network of 21 disdrometers with high spatio-temporal resolution in Mexico City to investigate changes in the local drop size distribution (DSD) resulting from seasonal fluctuations, rain rates, and topographical regions (flat urban, and mountainous). The results indicate that the DSD modelling utilizing the normalized gamma distribution provides an adequate fit in Mexico City, regardless of geographical location and season. Regional variation in DSD's slope, shape, and parameters was detected in flat urban and mountainous areas, indicating that distinct precipitation mechanisms govern rainfall in each season. Severe rain intensities (R > 20 mm/h) exhibited a more uniform and flatter DSD shape, accompanied by increased dispersion of DSD parameter values among disdrometer locations, particularly for intensities exceeding R > 60 mm/h. The coefficients a and b of the Z-R relationship, exhibit significant geographic variability, dependent on the city's topographic gradient, underscoring the necessity for regionalisation of both coefficients within the metropolis.

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a major pollutant in aquatic ecosystems, primarily originating from industrial activities and plastic waste degradation. Understanding their transport dynamics is crucial for assessing environmental risks and developing mitigation strategies. This study employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to model the trajectory of MPs in section B of the Salado Estuary in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, using ANSYS FLUENT 2024 R2. The transient behavior of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) particles was analyzed using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) multiphase model, k-omega SST turbulence model, and Discrete Phase Model (DPM) under a continuous flow regime. Spherical PET particles (5 mm diameter, 1340 kg/m³ density) were introduced at water velocities of 0.5 m/s and 1.25 m/s. Density contour analysis facilitated the modeling of the air-water interface, while particle trajectory analysis revealed that at 0.5 m/s, particles traveled 18–22.5 meters before sedimentation, whereas at 1.25 m/s, they traveled 50–60 meters before reaching the bottom. These findings demonstrate that higher flow velocities enhance MP transport distances before deposition, emphasizing the role of hydrodynamics in microplastic dispersion. This study underscores the potential of CFD as a predictive tool for assessing MP behavior in aquatic environments, contributing to improved pollution control and remediation efforts.

Abstract: Urban environments are complex systems shaped by diverse factors such as land-use patterns and services structures, which constitute an important asset to urban living. The relatively high living standards and economic opportunities they bring about are frequently characterized as a centripetal factor attracting people to urban areas. However, the need for urban services and a diversity of land uses is increasing competition for land. Unequal land-use also makes it more difficult for poor residents to acquire essential services such as nutritious food sources, thereby aggravating health disparities. Lack of sufficient mobility and widespread urbanisation may also hinder inner-city inhabitants’ access to food. Therefore, understanding the current practice and policy regarding land-use and urban services structure and the intricate linkages between land-use and service allocation is key to addressing systemic health inequities affecting the urban poor. Furthermore, eliminating these gaps is critical to developing equitable urban environments that benefit everyone. Nonetheless, managing increasing competition for land-use and the supply of urban services while accounting for increasing population and diverse stakeholders’ interests requires efficient allocation and use of urban land. The review findings show a close relationship between urban planning and community well-being. For instance, it’s observed that because property developers in sub-Saharan Africa often fail to comply with statutory land-use planning requirements, cities in this region are associated with informal development and environmental deterioration. The review findings also suggest that efficient land-use may improve service accessibility and inhabitants’ health outcomes, indicating the need for policies that give integrated planning a top priority.

Abstract: The global conveyor belt market is experiencing increased costs and reduced quality due to the rising prices of raw materials, which make up a significant portion of production costs. This has led to the substitution of high-quality components with cheaper alternatives and extended supply chains, particularly after the relocation of production outside Europe. As a result, the reliability and durability of belts have declined, and the risk of delayed deliveries has increased. In this context, refurbishing high-quality belt cores on-site has become more appealing compared to the early replacement with new imports. Historically, Polish lignite mines reconditioned all dismantled belts due to import restrictions, but the absence of diagnostic tools led to inefficient timing for disassembly, either shortening belt life or rendering belts unfit for refurbishment. With the implementation of DiagBelt+ diagnostic system, belts are now assessed directly on conveyors, enhancing reconditioning success rates and enabling better decisions.