The role of meteorological factors in determining the annual variation ofAlternaria andCladosporium spores in the atmosphere of Palencia, 1990–1992

A study was made of the daily content ofAlternaria andCladosporium spores in the atmosphere in Palencia city (Spain) for three consecutive years 1990–1992.Alternaria andCladosporium represented 55% of the total identified spores, presenting an annual distributional pattern of which the maximum values were reached in summer. Multiple regression analyses showed a positive correlation between minimum temperature andCladosporium spore concentrations, while forAlternaria there was a positive correlation with maximum temperature and a negative correlation with precipitation. Duncan's multiple range test among means ofAlternaria data indicated that winds coming from a northeasterly direction were associated with significantly higher concentrations the spores.     

A three year (1993–1995) calendar of pollen and Alternaria mould in the atmosphere of south western Sydney

The relevance of allergy skin prick testing in the diagnosis and treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis and pollen asthma can usefully be interpreted in relation to the timing and duration of seasonal symptoms and the presence of pollen and mould spores in the air. This calendar has been constructed from three years continuous observations of pollen and Alternaria mould spore counts between January 1993 and December 1995, using a Burkard 7‐day volumetric spore trap. Of the total airborne pollen, tree pollen comprises 65%, weeds and herbs 11% and grasses 18%. Unidentified pollen, “other”; group, accounts for 6% of the total airborne pollen. The most numerous of the tree pollen is that of the introduced trees cypress (Cupressus spp.) and privet (Ligustrum spp.). Grass pollen is seen in small numbers throughout the winter but shows a rapid increase in spring to peak in mid to late November. Weeds pollinate from early spring through to summer. Alternaria mould, which is a risk factor for childhood asthma, occurs mainly in late spring and summer but is present in small numbers intermittently throughout winter.     

Occurrence of airborne Cladosporium and Alternaria spores in Southern and Central Poland in 1995–1996

The concentration of airborne spores of Cladosporium and Alternaria has been investigated at five monitoring stations situated in cities from the foot of the Tatra Mountains to central Poland along a south-north transect (Zakopane, Kraków, Ostrowiec witokrzyski, Warszawa, Pozna) i.e. from a height of 900 m to 80 m above sea level. The aerobiological monitoring of fungal spores was performed by means of five Burkard volumetric spore traps.Cladosporium spores were dominant at all the stations. The highest Cladosporium and Alternaria spore concentrations were observed at all the sites in July and August, except at Warszawa in both years and at Pozna in 1995 where the maximum of Cladosporium spores occurred in June and July, and at Ostrowiec witokrzyski in 1995 where the maximum was found in July, August and September.Fungal spore concentrations in Zakopane and Kraków were significantly lower than those in Ostrowiec witokrzyski, Warszawa and Pozna and periods of abundant Cladosporium spore occurrence were different in these two groups of monitoring stations.     

Spatial and seasonal distribution of the tuna catch on floating objects in the eastern pacific ocean during 1992–1993

An analysis of the catch associated with floating objects by the Mexican tuna purse‐seine fleet in the eastern Pacific Ocean during 1992–1993 was made to determine the spatial and seasonal distribution. The information used was generated by observers of the Programa Nacional de Aprovechamiento del Atun y Protección a los Delfines (PNAAPD). There was no clear seasonal and spatial distribution of floating objects examined in this study, however there were areas where floating objects were more common; the mouth of the Gulf of California, waters offshore Peru, and in oceanic waters. The largest catch of yellowfin tuna was offshore of Peru in winter. Two areas with largest (length) yellowfin tuna were the mouth of the Gulf of California and offshore Peru. For skipjack tuna, the largest catch was offshore Peru in winter, but the largest skipjack were caught between 120° and 130°W along 10°N in spring. The largest yellowfin tuna were captured by sets on bamboo, fish aggregating devices (FADs), planks and boards, and logs (trees or parts). The largest skipjack were captured by sets on dead whales, kelp paddies, planks and boards, and pallets and crates. Most of the sets were made during the early hours of the day but an important number of log sets were made in the early afternoon. For the period analyzed, floating objects were more frequent during fall and winter with the area offshore of Peru the most important.     

Can Saturniidae moths be bioindicators? Spatial and temporal distribution in the Brazilian savannah

Some moths species are considered good indicators of habitat quality because they are very responsive to human disturbance, vegetation type, and successional processes. However, Saturniidae moths have not yet been considered as indicators of environmental quality. Little is known on the distribution of moth species in different vegetation types and the moths’ seasonal variations in the Brazilian savannah. Therefore, this study aims to describe the spatial distribution and temporal patterns of moths belonging to the Saturniidae family in two vegetation types—Cerrado sensu stricto on rocky outcrops and semi-deciduous forest—in both the rainy and dry seasons. It addresses the influence of the climatic seasons and vegetation types on abundance, richness, and species composition to describe the temporal and spatial distribution patterns and the relationship between the ecological aspects and the life history of these moths. This study was conducted in the Cerrado phytogeographical domain, in Pireneus State Park, Goiás, Brazil. The results revealed that most Saturniidae species sampled are present during the rainy season and typically found in forest habitats. Furthermore, a clear positive connection was found between the abundance pattern and rainfall seasonality and humid habitats; this is apparently related to the physiological tolerance of these moths, due to rudimentary mouthparts during their adulthood. Thus, rainfall and a forest habitat are important to and fundamental requirements for the persistence of the Saturniidae species in the Cerrado domain. Based on the results of this study, we suggest the use of saturniid species as indicators of changes in vegetation and climatic conditions.     

Selected airborne allergenic fungal spores and meteorological factors in Szczecin,Poland, 2004–2006

Airborne fungal spore concentrations in Szczecin, Poland, were studied between 2004 and 2006 with the objective of determining a seasonal variation in the concentrations of selected fungal spore types in relation to meteorological parameters. The presence of spores of five taxa, namely, Cladosporium, Ganoderma, Alternaria, Leptosphaeria and Didymella, was recorded using a volumetric method (Hirst type). Fungal spores were present in the air in large numbers during the summer, with the highest concentrations recorded mainly in June, July and August. The peak concentrations of two of the studied spore types, Ganoderma and Alternaria, occurred in August, while the concentrations of Cladosporium, Leptosphaeria and Didymella spores were the highest in July. Multiple regression analysis was performed for three fungal seasons—2004, 2005 and 2006. Spore concentration was found to be positively correlated with the minimum temperature. For some spore types, there was also a significant correlation between concentrations, relative humidity and rain.     

Spatial–temporal distribution of rainfall erosivity,erosivity density and correlation with El Niño–Southern Oscillation in the Huaihe River Basin,China

Rainfall erosivity (RE) is the ability of rainfall to cause soil or regolith erosion. Understanding the spatial distribution and temporal trends of RE is critical for assessing soil erosion risk and improving upon soil conservation planning. The aim of this paper is to study the temporal and spatial changes in RE in the Huaihe River Basin, China. This will be based on daily precipitation data from 67 meteorological stations in the Huaihe River Basin for the period 1971 to 2016. The assessment of the resulting RE values involved inverse distance-weighted (IDW) interpolation, Sen's slope estimation, and the Mann-Kendall nonparametric test. In addition, the possible influence of the El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on RE in the Huaihe River Basin will be examined by the use of Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT) and Wavelet Coherence (WTC), where the relationship between RE and the multivariate ENSO index (MEI) are analyzed. The results showed that the spatial distribution of RE is characterized by it increasing from west to east and north to south. In most areas, the annual RE has increased slightly, while this upward trend in the southeastern part of the study area was more significant. The rainfall erosivity of rainstorms (RE-SM) in the Huaihe River Basin played a leading role in the annual RE, and 97% of the stations displayed the order of importance of the different categories of rainfall as rainfall erosivity of rainstorms (RE-SM) > rainfall erosivity of heavy rain (RE-HR) > rainfall erosivity of moderate rain (RE-MR). Over monthly time scales, the RE was the highest in July, while it was lowest in December, with the monthly differences being apparent. The RE in the Huaihe River Basin were relatively large during non-El Niño/La Niña periods and relatively small during El Niño/La Niña periods. Finally, correlations between RE and the MEI in various parts of the basin showed different characteristics over time and space, with both displaying similarities and differences.     

Where and why? Bees,snail shells and climate: Distribution of Rhodanthidium (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in the Iberian Peninsula

Species distribution patterns are widely studied through species distribution models (SDMs), focusing mostly on climatic variables. Joint species distribution models (JSDMs) allow inferring if other factors (biotic interactions, shared phylogenetic history or other unmeasured variables) can also have an influence on species distribution. We identified current distributional areas and optimal suitability areas of three species of the solitary snail‐shell bee Rhodanthidium (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), and their host gastropod species in the Iberian Peninsula. We undertook SDMs using Maxent software, based on presence points and climatic variables. We also undertook JSDMs for the bees and the snails to infer if co‐occurrence could be a result of biotic interactions. We found that the three bee species: (1) use at least five different species of Mediterranean snails; (2) use empty shells not only for nesting but also for sheltering when there is adverse weather and during the night; (3) have their most suitable areas in the eastern and southern Iberian Peninsula, mostly on limestone areas; and (4) have their optimal range under Mediterranean climatic values for the studied variables. There is positive co‐occurrence of Rhodanthidium with the gastropod species, especially with the snail Sphincterochila candidissima. The contribution of the environmental component to the co‐occurrence is less than that of the residual component in those cases, suggesting that: (i) the use of biotic resources (between Rhodanthidium and the gastropod species); (ii) shared phylogenetic history (between R. septemdentatum and R. sticticum); or (iii) unmeasured variables are largely responsible for co‐occurrence.     

Seasonal pattern of Alternaria airborne spores in Santiago de Chile,Chile (2005–2015 period): first Alternaria spore calendar

Since Alternaria is an important aeroallergen in temperate areas of the world, this study was undertaken in order to provide the first results obtained about the seasonal regimen of Alternaria airborne spores in the atmosphere of Santiago de Chile (Chile), for a period of 10 years (2005–2015), which has led to the construction of the first calendar for the city. Furthermore, the periods of maximum presence of these particles in the air were determined together with those days in which the threshold levels set up for the development of clinical symptoms were reached and/or surpassed. The annual spore integral varied between 4077 spores/m³ registered in 2013–2014 and 6824 spores/m³ in 2010–2011, with a main spore season from mid-winter (mid-July/mid-August) to the end of the autumn (June). Daily peaks were mainly detected in spring or autumn seasons but even in winter, although without surpassing 65 spores/m³ in any case.

     

Spatial–temporal patterns of methane dynamics in Lake Taihu

Many European lakes are monitored according to the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), with focus on phytoplankton biomass and species composition. However, the low-frequency WFD monitoring may miss short-term phytoplankton changes. This is an important issue because short-term extreme meteorological events (heat waves and heavy rain) are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity with climate change. We used records from Lake Mondsee (Austria) from 2009 to 2015 to test if a reduction from monthly to seasonal sampling affected the average annual phytoplankton biovolume. Furthermore, we combined inverted light microscopy, FlowCAM and flow cytometry to estimate the effect of sampling during extreme events on average phytoplankton biovolume. Relative to monthly sampling, seasonal sampling significantly overestimated phytoplankton biomass. A heat wave in 2015 and two episodes of heavy rain in 2015 and 2016 caused species-specific changes; biovolumes of chlorophytes and the filamentous cyanobacterium Planktothrix rubescens (De Candolle ex Gomont) Anagnostidis & Komárek increased significantly during the heat wave. Using live material with FlowCAM and flow cytometry, we detected small and fragile cells and colonies that were either ignored or underrepresented by analysing fixed samples with light microscopy. We suggest a modified sampling and analysis strategy to capture short-term changes within the phytoplankton community.     

Aerobiological survey of Alnus pollen in Ourense (N.W. Iberian Peninsula), 1993–2000

Alnus pollen is one of the major components of the aeropalynological spectra during winters in Ourense, with maximum values registered in January and February. This work analyses the intra- and interannual variations within the period 1993–2000, when a volumetric Hirst spore-trap (LANZONI VPPS 2000) was in continuous operation. Statistically significant differences between periods 1996/97 (with a few rainy days), 1998/99, and all the others were observed. The relationships between atmosphere pollen content and the most important meteorological parameters within the same period were studied by means of correlation analysis. Temperature was the most important factor explaining the presence of Alnus pollen in the air. A Scheffe's test was carried out before the correlation analysis to establish years corresponding to the same statistical population. The results obtained from both tests were used for a regression analysis to establish the prediction patterns for this taxon. Even when a negative correlation coefficient was presented, the influence of this parameter did not decline. Previous temperatures in the main pollination period, however, were a determinant factor predicting the onset and intensity of Alnus flowering.     

Spatial analysis of the distribution of leprosy in the State of Ceará, Northeast Brazil

The aim of this study was to describe spatial patterns of the distribution of leprosy and to investigate spatial clustering of incidence rates in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil. The average incidence rate of leprosy for the period of 1991 to 1999 was calculated for each municipality of Ceará. Maps were used to describe the spatial distribution of the disease, and spatial statistics were applied to explore large- and small-scale variations of incidence rates. Three regions were identified in which the incidence of leprosy was particularly high. A spatial gradient in the incidence rates was identified, with a tendency of high rates to be concentrated on the North-South axis in the middle region of the state. Moran's I statistic indicated that a significant spatial autocorrelation also existed. The spatial distribution of leprosy in Ceará is heterogeneous. The reasons for spatial clustering of disease rates are not known, but might be related to an heterogeneous distribution of other factors such as crowding, social inequality, and environmental characteristics which by themselves determine the transmission of Mycobacterium leprae.     

Spatial–temporal patterns of flowering asynchrony and pollinator fidelity in hybridizing species of Narcissus

Speciation requires the evolution of reproductive barriers to achieve isolation between species. In this paper, we examine the role of two major pre-zygotic barriers in reducing the chance of F₁ hybrid formation between two pairs of Narcissus species. Field experiments were performed over 5?years in eight natural populations to determine whether flowering phenology and pollinator fidelity could act as reproductive isolation barriers in Narcissus. Our results show that reproductive isolation due to flowering phenology is highly variable and asymmetric. In some populations, pollinator fidelity was so strong that the quantification of reproductive isolation was complete and a strong negative correlation was found between the strength of this barrier and the abundance of hybrids. Nevertheless, the degree of pollinator fidelity was quite variable among populations indicating that reproductive isolation varies geographically but very consistent across years indicating that plant-pollinator interactions are well established. In fact, the finding that hybrid formation between these species occurs only in sites where pollinator fidelity is incomplete suggests that hybrid formation also varies geographically and that divergent evolutionary outcomes may occur in different sympatric populations of Narcissus.     

Mollusc communities along upstream–downstream gradients in small coastal basins of the south-western Iberian Peninsula

Freshwater mollusc communities readily respond to various human-induced stressors, and thus are appropriate models for studying the effects of such stressors on the structure and dynamics of stream macroinvertebrate communities. This paper examined the distribution of freshwater molluscs in 35 stream reaches of 18 small coastal basins in the south-western Iberian Peninsula. Using several multivariate techniques, I showed that mollusc distribution mainly responded to gradients in drainage area, water availability, pollution and salinity. Upstream and downstream communities were clearly differentiated, with the former dominated by freshwater species (Bithynia tentaculata, Galba truncatula, Radix balthica, Ancylus fluviatilis and Planorbarius metidjensis) and the latter by species typical of brackish waters (Peringia ulvae and Myosotella myosotis). There was a clear decrease in species richness from upper to lower reaches. The conservation of mollusc communities of these small basins requires a deeper understanding of their ecological requirements, effective control of urban discharges and an analysis of their interaction with invasive species.     

Spatial and temporal variations of oligochaetes of the Ivinhema River and Patos Lake in the Upper Paraná River Basin,Brazil

The composition and spatial and temporal variation of oligochaete community were analyzed in Patos Lake and Ivinhema River, a tributary of the Paraná River Brazil, during the period March 1993 to February 1994. Lentic and lotic environments were studied, with the objective of analyzing species association and temporal changes in the function of the abiotic variables at nine sites studied. Seventeen species of oligochaetes were identified. Oligochaete association was analyzed by Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and abiotic variables, by Principal Components Analysis (PCA). This method showed that Aulodrilus pigueti predominated in Patos Lake, probably because it has adapted to mud with high organic matter in low currents. Brinkhurstia americanus predominated at the right bank of the Ivinhema River while Paranadrilus descolei predominated at the left bank. Temporal variation of organism density was influenced by hydrological cycle, and spatial variation was determined by grain size and quantities of organic matter in the sediments.     

Spatial distribution of microalgae in marine systems: A reaction–diffusion model

In this paper, we have proposed a reaction–diffusion system of partial differential equations which model the plankton-nutrient interaction mediated by a toxin-determined functional response. It has been established that microalgae, a clean and green source of energy, can be potentially used for carbon capture and sequestration. The common biofuels (bio-diesel and ethanol) are efficiently extracted from microalgae of different shapes and sizes. A spatio-temporal model has been presented to guide exploration and harvesting of microalgae (e.g., dinoflagellates, cilliates, chlorella, etc.). The spatial distribution of the phytoplankton (microalgae) is determined by growth pattern of the biotic subsystem (phytoplankton and zooplankton); e.g., whether it is oscillatory or aperiodic. The model incorporates a toxin-determined functional response of the zooplankton, which can be parametrized for specific phytoplankton–zooplankton combinations in different aquatic bodies such as ponds, seas, and oceans. The present model does not take into account higher zooplankton’s role in maintaining the core subsystem. The temporal model is analytically investigated in terms of the existence criteria and stability analysis (both linear and nonlinear) of the possible equilibria and the spatio-temporal model is studied in terms of global stability, Turing instability and existence of Hopf-bifurcation which help us to explore the dynamical behavior of the spatial model system. Numerical simulations are carried out to support the obtained theoretical results. Simulation experiments and computed densities thereof (equal densities are codes by same color) suggest that the spatial distribution of microalgae is complex; e.g., spatial density of microalgae varies chaotically for certain parameter sets. Harvesting schedule can be designed based on information thus derived. It should be implemented carefully in case the spatial density distribution is chaotic.The sustainability of the marine system for future use has been the prime concern. Parameters of harvesting strategy (time, intensity and technology) are determined in such a way that exploitation causes minimal damage to the environment and the yield of the harvest is maximal. Future studies would consider larger carnivorous fishes (e.g., Squids, Dolphins) on system’s dynamics. The effect of oceanic noise and colloidal swarming of zooplankton in the presence of bacteria will also be incorporated.     

Spatial and temporal variability of saphrophytic bacteria in the surface waters of Paranaguá and Antonina Bays,Paraná, Brazil

Spatial and temporal variability in the concentration of saprophytic bacteria was investigated in surface waters of Paranaguá and Antonina bays.Seven points along a profile from the entrance of Paranaguá Bay to the innermost part of Antonina Bay, were sampled monthly from November 1985 to November 1986. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and precipitation data were also measured.ZoBell 2216E culture medium was utilized with freshwater and 32% salinity water.Principal component analysis of biotic and abiotic data showed a gradient from the innermost bay to the baymouth bar with an increase in bacteria concentration at Antonina Bay. Significant variation was not observed among sampling stations at Paranaguá Bay, except for February 1986 when there was a homogeneous increase of bacteria throughout both bays in association with an increase in temperature and precipitation. There was also no strong variation of saprophyte numbers at sampling locations near Paranaguá city, despite domestic and harbour waste input.We conclude that the outer region of the estuary is highly influenced by the adjacent ocean and that the inner part has typical estuarine characteristics. The region may be considered little polluted.     

Neanderthal mobility and technological change in the northeastern of the Iberian Peninsula: The patterns of chert exploitation at the Abric Romaní rock-shelter

Understanding the changes in the technological organization of prehistoric hunter–gatherers is important to research into hominin foraging activities. During the Middle Paleolithic, the coexistence or the replacement between Levallois and discoid technologies has frequently been recorded, but there is still no clear understanding of the reasons for their alternating and fragmented use in the archaeological record. This paper aims to contribute with new data to the current debate, by exploring the chert assemblages from levels O and M of the Abric Romaní rock-shelter. The results reveal that the change from Levallois in level O to discoid in level M is accompanied by the use of different axes of mobility, a reduction in the foraging radius and a more careful management of raw materials. A cross comparison with other archaeological evidences indicates the general pattern in the Northeast of the Iberian Peninsula during the late Middle Paleolithic, in which the use of Levallois technology is associated with chert and high mobility patterns whereas discoid technology is more closely linked to the use of local raw materials and a lower degree of mobility. The modifications to the mountainous environments and to the distribution of preferred prey animals may have influenced the Neanderthals’ mobility patterns and contributed to modifying their technical behaviours in order to obtain better foraging incomes.