Average Sunshine Research Articles

Effect of meteorological factors on the activity of influenza in Chongqing, China, 2012-2019.

BackgroundThe effects of multiple meteorological factors on influenza activity remain unclear in Chongqing, the largest municipality in China. We aimed to fix this gap in this study.MethodsWeekly meteorological data and influenza surveillance data in Chongqing were collected from 2012 to 2019. Distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNMs) were conducted to estimate the effects of multiple meteorological factors on influenza activity.ResultsInverted J-shaped nonlinear associations between mean temperature, absolute humidity, wind speed, sunshine and influenza activity were found. The relative risks (RRs) of influenza activity increased as weekly average mean temperature fell below 18.18°C, average absolute humidity fell below 12.66 g/m3, average wind speed fell below 1.55 m/s and average sunshine fell below 2.36 hours. Taking the median values as the references, lower temperature, lower absolute humidity and windless could significantly increase the risks of influenza activity and last for 4 weeks. A J-shaped nonlinear association was observed between relative humidity and influenza activity; the risk of influenza activity increased with rising relative humidity with 78.26% as the break point. Taking the median value as the reference, high relative humidity could increase the risk of influenza activity and last for 3 weeks. In addition, we found the relationship between aggregate rainfall and influenza activity could be described with a U-shaped curve. Rainfall effect has significantly higher RR than rainless effect.ConclusionsOur study shows that multiple meteorological factors have strong associations with influenza activity in Chongqing, providing evidence for developing a meteorology-based early warning system for influenza to facilitate timely response to upsurge of influenza activity.

Solar energy and its estimated contribution to the energy demand of residential apartments in India through their envelopes: a technical and commercial approach

ABSTRACT On-site deployment of renewable energy capacities for buildings in the cities is a prerequisite for most of the building energy codes in India. As residential energy consumption increases at a rapid rate due to intensive electrification and increased affordability, it is appropriate to generate it on-site to decongest the grid. Solar PV is viewed as a clean option in India with average peak sunshine of 4–6 kWh/day (1kWh = 3.6 MJ). In urban areas, the envelopes of dense residential towers for both rooftop and façade are seen as viable options to generate electricity. This research explores the solar potential of residential envelopes to meet energy demand. Solar energy potential of residential envelopes was mapped on the roofs and façades through color solar insolation mapping in DIVA–for–Rhino, and the amount of solar PV energy that could be generated was calculated. This amount was matched with the energy demand of residential blocks obtained from a survey conducted by a published source. By investigating the techno-commercial potential of residential blocks in representative cities in each of India’s four climate zones, it was found that rooftop photovoltaics RTPV would contribute up to 65–100% of common facilities (lifts and lights) consumption for Ground+20 floors. Facade offset was above 100% for all the cities for south- and west-facing façades for Ground+20 floors for common facilities. The payback period for common services’ energy consumption was economically attractive with around 6–7 years for rooftop and façade PV, as they have higher electricity tariffs than the individual household consumption tariff rate. The novelty of this research was in identifying the façade PV potential for multistory residential buildings for each of India’s climates. The study’s findings illustrate that rooftop and building integrated photovoltaics enable residential buildings to move toward self-reliance with respect to their energy needs, thereby contributing to decreased carbon emissions. Green building consultants, developers, and consumers will view this research as a viable means to reduce carbon footprints of residential buildings.

Meteorological Factors and the Transmissibility of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Xiamen City, China.

Background: As an emerging infectious disease, the prevention and control of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) poses a significant challenge to the development of public health in China. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism of the seasonal transmission characteristics of HFMD and to reveal the correlation and potential path between key meteorological factors and the transmissibility of HFMD.Methods: Combined with daily meteorological data such as average temperature, average relative humidity, average wind velocity, amount of precipitation, average air pressure, evaporation capacity, and sunshine duration, a database of HFMD incidence and meteorological factors was established. Spearman rank correlation was used to calculate the correlation between the various meteorological factors and the incidence of HFMD. The effective reproduction number (Reff) of HFMD was used as an intermediate variable to further quantify the dynamic relationship between the average temperature and Reff.Results: A total of 43,659 cases of HFMD were reported in Xiamen from 2014 to 2018. There was a significantly positive correlation between the average temperature and the incidence of HFMD (r = 0.596, p < 0.001), and a significantly negative correlation between the average air pressure and the incidence of HFMD (r = −0.511, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the average wind velocity (r = 0.045, p > 0.05) or amount of precipitation (r = 0.043, p > 0.05) and incidence. There was a temperature threshold for HFMD's transmissibility. Owing to the seasonal transmission characteristics of HFMD in Xiamen, the temperature threshold of HFMD's transmissibility was 13.4–18.4°C and 14.5–29.3°C in spring and summer and in autumn and winter, respectively.Conclusions: HFMD's transmissibility may be affected by the average temperature; the temperature threshold range of transmissibility in autumn and winter is slightly wider than that in spring and summer. Based on our findings, we suggest that the relevant epidemic prevention departments should pay close attention to temperature changes in Xiamen to formulate timely prevention strategies before the arrival of the high-risk period.

Is the Frequency of Seborrheic Dermatitis Related to Climate Parameters?

Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) by months and seasons in Istanbul, Turkey, and to examine the relationships between SD frequency and meteorological data, such as average temperature (°C), average humidity (%), average sunshine duration, and solar radiation per months.Methods:The study was conducted at Dermatology Department of Haseki Training and Research Hospital. The data of all adult patients who applied to the dermatology outpatient clinic between June 2018 and May 2020 were obtained. Monthly average climate data values of Istanbul between the same period were requested from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Meteorology.Results:During the study period, SD was diagnosed in 5316 patients (5.9% of the outpatient clinic). Among these, 2721 (51.2%) were male, 2595 (48.8%) were female, and mean age was 35.9±15.1 years-old. With respect to monthly distributions, SD frequency was 7.3% in December, 7.1% in February, 6.7% in November, and 6.6% in January; whereas June (3.8%) and July (3.9%) represented the lowest proportion of patients. Frequency of SD was similar in the autumn and winter seasons, despite considerable difference in average temperature. The frequency of SD was found to be strongly and inversely correlated with temperature values (r=–0,646, p<0.001) and monthly maximum humidity value (r=–0.609, p=0.001), while it was also moderately correlated with solar radiation levels (r=–0.442, p=0.027). Minimum or average humidity values and sunshine durations (daily and monthly) were not associated with frequency of SD. Spearman’s Rho correlation was calculated to assess the directional relationships between continuous variables.Conclusion:Our study shows that environmental factors such as low temperature, low ultraviolet index, and low humidity are critical factors that increase the likelihood of SD development. These data support previous studies in terms of indicating that SD frequency might be increased in climate conditions favoring the growth of Malassezia species.

Assinatura Energética dos Manguezais no Domínio Costeiro Brasileiro

Esta pesquisa objetivou detalhar, a partir de uma visão sistêmica, o ecossistema manguezal na escala Brasil, baseando-se na escala de Unidades, e nas definições de ecossistema. A multiplicidade de fitofisionomias de mangues ao longo da costa brasileira requer conhecimentos específicos acerca dos agentes condicionantes que explicam tais configurações, assim buscou-se detalhar a assinatura energética da costa brasileira para melhor compreensão da dispersão, diversidade e zonação da vegetação de mangue. A base de dados foi secundária, coletados em artigos nacionais e internacionais, teses e dissertações e sites oficiais. Como resultados tem-se: 1- Foram identificadas nove Unidades Ambientais para o Domínio Costeiro brasileiro, com base em suas características gerais, onde estudo anterior estabelecia oito Unidades; 2- Os fluxogramas para cada Unidade foram elaborados a partir das energias subsidiárias, ou seja, insolação média anual; temperatura média anual; precipitação média anual; nutrientes; vazão média anual; amplitude média de maré, resultando assim em uma caracterização ambiental para cada Unidade. 3- Como resposta a Assinatura Energética de cada Unidade, foi possível identificar padrões de dispersão/ocorrência de espécies de mangue com ocorrência. 4- Para o Brasil o gênero de maior diversidade é Rhizophora, esse ocorre em toda a costa brasileira. Contudo, somente a Rhizophora mangle está presente desde a foz do Rio Oiapoque-AM até Santa Catarina. A R. racemosa e R. harrisonii se dispersam desde a Região Norte com seu limite sul no Delta do Rio Parnaíba-PI no Nordeste brasileiro. Energy Signature of Manguezals in the Brazilian Coastal Domain ABSTRACTThis research aimed to detail, from a systemic view, the mangrove ecosystem on the Brazil scale, based on the Units scale, and on the ecosystem definitions. The multiplicity of mangrove phytophysiognomies along the Brazilian coast requires specific knowledge about the conditioning agents that explain such configurations, so we sought to detail the energy signature of the Brazilian coast to better understand the dispersion, diversity and zoning of the mangrove vegetation. The database was secondary, collected in national and international articles, theses and dissertations and official websites. The results are: 1- Nine Environmental Units for the Brazilian Coastal Domain were identified, based on their general characteristics, where a previous study established eight Units; 2- The flowcharts for each Unit were prepared based on subsidiary energies, that is, average annual sunshine; annual average temperature; average annual precipitation; nutrients; average annual flow; average tidal range, thus resulting in an environmental characterization for each Unit. 3- In response to the Energy Signature of each Unit, it was possible to identify patterns of dispersion / occurrence of mangrove species with occurrence. 4- For Brazil, the most diverse genus is Rhizophora, which occurs throughout the Brazilian coast. However, only the Rhizophora mangle is present from the mouth of the Oiapoque-AM to Santa Catarina. R. racemosa and R. harrisonii are dispersed from the North Region with its southern limit in the Delta of the river Parnaíba-PI in the Northeast of Brazil.Keyworlds: structure and diversity; mangrove species; salt flats; stressor; subsidiary energy.

Study of stand-alone building heating system operating with renewable energy sources under moderate continental climate conditions

The climatic conditions in Moscow limit to a certain extent the utilization of renewable energy sources for heat supply. Long heating period, relatively low average daily sunshine hours during heating period, and low outside temperatures act as barriers to realising the full potential of renewable energy sources. The paper presents an evaluation of feasibility and effectiveness of using various renewable energy sources in the heat supply system of Block 23 of the National research university «MPEI». The system arrangement for heat supply of the building with renewable energy sources is described. Experimental data have been obtained on the basis of this system. The calculated time dependences of building heat consumption and heat pump system (HPS) outputs are given. In addition, for the air-source heat pump system, the dependence on the outdoor temperature is given. Values of HPS efficiency indices are also presented. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of air-source HPS and liquid-to-liquid HPS with a geothermal circuit in winter conditions is carried out.

Analysis of Eco-Tourism Climate Resources in Xingwen, China Based on the Comfort Index and the Negative Air (Oxygen) Ion

The present work investigates an analysis of Eco-Tourism Climate Resources in Xingwen, China based on the Comfort Index and Negative Air (Oxygen) Ion (“NAI” for short in this article) concentration. The daily temperature, precipitation, wind speed, sunshine hours, and relative humidity data of the Xingwen National Meteorological Station from 1999 to 2018, as well as the NAI data of Feiwu Cave station and Shoushan Lake station in Xingwen of 2018 were used in this study. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of basic meteorological elements, the index of climate comfort of human living environment and the NAI variation in Xingwen, the eco-tourism climate resources in this area were evaluated comprehensively. The results show that: The climate is mild, the precipitation is abundant and the seasonal variation trend of precipitation and heat is similar in the study area. The annual average temperature of this area is 17.8°C, the annual average precipitation is 1096 mm, the annual average precipitation days are 186 days, the annual average relative humidity is 81%, the annual average wind speed is 1.3 m/s, and the annual average sunshine hours are 999 h. The living environment comfort level reaches the “comfort” level for 6 months per year. In addition, the concentration of NAI in Xingwen remains at the highest level 7 throughout the year, and the rate of good air quality is extremely high. Overall, the study area has high-quality ecological climate resources that are conducive to the development of forest recuperation, leisure and vacation and other ecological tourism activities.

A relação entre o número de internações por doenças respiratórias e variáveis climáticas em Santa Maria – RS

The present study evaluated, through generalized linear models, the relationship between the number of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases and meteorological elements, in order to verify the regression model that best fits the data, as well as to predict the number of hospitalizations due to respiratory diseases. This is an ecological, descriptive study using secondary data, obtained from a public database. Data on respiratory diseases considered in the present study were obtained from the DATASUS website in the period from January 1998 to December 2014. The climate variables employed as explanatory variables for modeling the data were obtained from the INMET website, more specifically the Meteorological Database for Teaching and Research. From the realized evaluation, it was possible to conclude that the negative binomial regression model showed superiority in relation to the Poisson regression model, with the last regression model being the log linear negative binomial regression model. The results show a positive relationship between the variables considered in the municipality. There is an expected relative increase in the number of hospitalizations for respiratory diseases if average wind speed, total sunshine, relative humidity and season are observed.

Potential adaptation of Ginkgo biloba- comparative analysis of plants from China and Ukraine

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest relict plants in the existing seed plants. It is a historical heritage and living fossil. It is a world natural heritage unimaginable by human beings and a milestone in revealing nature's mysteries. The primary study areas with G. biloba plants are located in North-East Ukraine (Sumy region). A comparative analysis of the condition of seedlings in 2018 and 2019 was conducted. The plants were examined for the following morphological parameters: plant height, annual growth size, shoot diameter at the base, and the number of leaves. In two variants, about 100 plants were examined. The vitality analysis of seedlings with the establishment of their quality index is carried out. Studies of G. biloba leaves' morphological parameters from artificial plantations in Ukraine (Sumy) and natural plantations of China from the province were also carried out. Zhejiang province covers an area of 105,500 square kilometers and is located on the southeast coast of China. 118°01'-123°10'E bounds Zhejiang Province, 27°02'-31°11' N, east of the East China Sea, north of Shanghai, which is China's largest city, and Qiantang River is the largest river in Zhejiang. Its climate is Subtropical monsoon. The average annual rainfall is 980-2 000 mm, the average annual sunshine is 1710-2100 hours, and the average annual temperature is 15-18 °C. We selected three G. biloba groups for investigation and data collection. These three places are located west of Zhuji City, Zhejiang Province, about 5 kilometers apart. The G. biloba tree group in Guanshan, Lingshanwu, and Wuxie Village Zhejiang Province, China, were measured in 2019. The age of the trees ranges from 20 years to 500 years. The height is generally more than 15 meters, and the breast diameter is more than 20 cm. In order to ensure the randomness of the data, we choose a tree every 50 meters. Studies have shown a statistically significant difference between leaves from China and Ukraine. Simultaneously, the leaf blade's size was more extensive in the leaves of G. biloba from artificial plantations in Ukraine. Morphometric analysis of G. biloba plantations (Ukraine) showed statistically significant differences between plant morphological parameters in 2018 compared to 2019, which indicates the intensity of growth and the positive trends in plants' vegetative growth mass. Plant height increased from 26.68 ± 1.01 cm in 2018 to 40.07 ± 1.72 cm in 2019, the annual increase, respectively, from 10.34 ± 0.89 to 13.90 ± 0.92. Such an indicator as the shoot diameter at the base has tripled (from 0.42 ± 0.02 cm in 2018 to 1.41 ± 0.02 cm in 2019). Differences between all morphological parameters have high statistical reliability (from 0.01 to 0.001). The differences were confirmed by the results of vitality analysis, which showed an increase in plant quality and their transition from equilibrium in 2018 (Q = 0.300) to prosperous in 2019 (Q = 0.465), which indicates optimal growth conditions and confirms the possibility of growing G. biloba plantation method for obtaining medicinal raw materials in North-East Ukraine.

Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics of Reference Evapotranspiration in Shandong Province from 1980 to 2019

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is an important part of the water cycle and energy cycle during crop growth. Understanding the influencing factors and spatiotemporal variations of ET0 can guide regional water-saving irrigation and regulate agricultural production. Data for daily meteorological observations of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and sunshine hours from 38 surface meteorological stations were used to analyze the spatiotemporal variations and trends in Shandong Province from 1980 to 2019. (1) The ET0 from 1980 to 2019 was 1070.5 mm, and there was a significant downward trend in the climate tendency rate of −7.92/10 a. The climate of Shandong Province became warmer and drier. The average annual temperature showed a significant upward trend, while the average annual relative humidity and average annual sunshine hours showed significant downward trends. (2) The annual ET0 ratio in spring, summer, autumn, and winter was 29%, 40%, 21%, and 10%, respectively. (3) A change in Shandong Province’s interannual ET0 occurred in 2002, with a decrease of 130.74 mm since then. (4) The ET0 was positively correlated with temperature, wind speed, and sunshine hours and negatively correlated with relative humidity. This study provides a scientific basis for the regulation and control of agricultural production in Shandong Province.

A time-series analysis on the effects of climate on outpatient visits for psoriasis

Objective Through the relationship between climatic factors such as average temperature, relative humidity, sunshine duration and the number of outpatient visits of psoriasis patients, the influence of climatic factors on the pathogenesis of psoriasis was discussed. Methods We collected daily local outpatient visits' data for psoriasis from The Fifth People's Hospital of Hainan Province in Haikou, Hainan, from January 1 2016 to December 31 2018. Climatic factors, including average temperature, relative humidity, sunshine duration, during the same time were collected from Hainan Meteorological Bureau. Firstly, sequence diagrams were used to observe the average temperature, relative humidity and sunshine duration to determine the stationarity of sequence diagrams. Secondly, through the autocorrelation figure, partial autocorrelation, periodic correlation diagram was used to determine whether there is the correlation, and delay order number. The simple linear regression was carried out to determine the relationship between the various factors. Finally, the summation of time series analysis of the independent variable ARIMAX (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with an Independent variable) was used to fit the model and ultimately determine which climatic factors contribute to psoriasis. ARIMAX model parameters are calculated by auto-arima function in R language software. Results Weekly outpatient visits for psoriasis was correlated with the weekly average sunshine duration and the weekly average temperature, but not with humidity. There was a significant correlation between the weekly average temperature and the sunshine duration. The regression equation between them was as follows: Average temperature =183.427 + 0.159 23x duration of sunshine duration ( R 2 =0.512 4, P <0.001). Conclusions Changes in average temperature or sunshine duration can cause changes in the number of outpatient visits for psoriasis patients in Hainan province. These two climatic factors may be the influencing factors for the incidence of psoriasis patients in Hainan Province. 摘要：目的 通过平均气温、相对湿度和日照时长等气候因素与银屑病患者门诊就诊人数之间的联系, 探讨气候 因素对银屑病发病的影响。 方法 收集自2016年1月1日到2018年12月31日海南省第五人民医院银屑病患者门诊 每周的就诊人数。同时收集同一时间的气象资料 , 包括平均气温、相对湿度 、 日照时长等, 所有气候数据均来自海南省 气象局。首先通过时序图观察获知平均气温、相对湿度、日照时长的变化趋势, 初步确定时序图的平稳性, 再通过自相 关图、偏自相关相关图确定是否存在自相关性、周期性、以及延迟阶数, 并通过简单线性回归确定各因素之间的关系, 最后通过时间序列分析中带自变量的求和自回归移动平均模型（Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with an Independent variable, ARIMAX)来拟合模型, 最终确定哪些气候因素是银屑病发病的影响因素。ARIMAX模型参数通过R 语言软件中的自动定阶auto.arima函数来计算获得。 结果 每周银屑病就诊人数与周平均日照时长和周平均气温之间 存在相关性, 与相对湿度不存相关性;而周平均气温与周日照时长之间存在明显相关性, 两者间回归方程:平均气温= 183.427+0.159 23X周日照时长( R 2 =0.512 4, P <0.001)。 结论 平均气温或日照时长的变化可以引起海南省银屑病患者 门诊就诊人数的变化, 此两项气候因素可能是海南省银屑病患者发病的影响因素。

Sunshine environment in different forms of communities in Guiyang, China.

In this study, six different types of residential areas in Guiyang were selected as the research objects, including high-rise high-density, high-rise low-density, middle-rise high-density, middle-rise low-density, low-rise high-density and low-rise low-density. The indices of sunshine compliance rate and the building's sunshine hour ratio were constructed to compare and analyze sunshine environment across those six different residential areas. The factors influencing sunshine environment in different residential areas were studied. The results showed that the average sunshine compliance rates of the six types of residential areas were 36.9%, 61.9%, 20.6%, 69.6%, 26.5% and 45.0%, respectively. The average sunshine compliance rate of low-density residential areas was 2.25 times higher than that of high-density residential areas within the same type, among which the sunshine environment of low-density residential areas was better. The sunshine environment of different types of low-density residential areas was different. The sunshine hours for high-rise low-density and middle-rise low-density forms were concentrated in 5-6 hours, while the building's sunshine hour ratio was 0.24 and 0.32, respectively. The sunshine hours for low-rise low-density forms were mainly 6-7 hours, with a building's sunshine hour ratio of 0.28. Compared with other types of residential areas, the low-rise low-density type of sunlight environment was the best. The plot ratio was significantly positively correlated with the building's sunlight ratio of 0-1 h sunlight hours in the residential area.

Estimation of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations from water quality surrogates using machine learning in the Tri An Reservoir, Vietnam.

Surface water eutrophication due to excessive nutrients has become a major environmental problem around the world in the past few decades. Among these nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus are two of the most important harmful cyanobacterial bloom (HCB) drivers. A reliable prediction of these parameters, therefore, is necessary for the management of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The aim of this study is to test the suitability of the powerful machine learning (ML) algorithm, random forest (RF), to provide information on water quality parameters for the Tri An Reservoir (TAR). Three species of nitrogen and phosphorus, including nitrite (N-NO2-), nitrate (N-NO3-), and phosphate (P-PO43-), were empirically estimated using the field observation dataset (2009-2014) of six surrogates of total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). Field data measurement showed that water quality in the TAR was eutrophic with an up-trend of N-NO3- and P-PO43- during the study period. The RF regression model was reliable for N-NO2-, N-NO3-, and P-PO43- prediction with a high R2 of 0.812-0.844 for the training phase (2009-2012) and 0.888-0.903 for the validation phase (2013-2014). The results of land use and land cover change (LUCC) revealed that deforestation and shifting agriculture in the upper region of the basin were the major factors increasing nutrient loading in the TAR. Among the meteorological parameters, rainfall pattern was found to be one of the most influential factors in eutrophication, followed by average sunshine hour. Our results are expected to provide an advanced assessment tool for predicting nutrient loading and for giving an early warning of HCB in the TAR.

Sunshine-based Global Solar Radiation Modelling: Case Study of Putrajaya, Malaysia

Electricity demands are on the rise and with it, carbon dioxide emissions from many conventional power plants are increasing. In the efforts to mitigate such phenomena, the Malaysian government seeks to implement Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) projects. Early stage studies on Global Solar Radiation (GSR) have been carried out in several states in Malaysia including Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu. Afterward, data from the Malaysia Meteorological Department and the Malaysia National University have been used to estimate the monthly average daily global radiation in various locations in Malaysia. Putrajaya, a location which is implementing Malaysian Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV) is among the locations where a GSR study is currently absent. Conventional methods exist for GSR estimation with the aid of pyranometer. However, this method of GSR estimation is time consuming and not cost-effective practice. The main objective of this study is to estimate the GSR in Putrajaya. This is achieved in this study by utilizing sunshine-based data with calculated monthly average daily extraterrestrial radiation on a horizontal surface and monthly average maximum possible daily sunshine to plot a linearly fitted graph. Coefficients in the Angstrom-Prescott (A-P) model was generated from the plotted graph and was used for GSR estimation where a = 0.5 and b = 0.11. The mean percentage error (MPE) of the GSR estimation was found to be 3.4. Therefore, the estimation of GSR in Putrajaya have been successful for the first-time using sunshine-based data from dual locations method. The GSR estimation of Putrajaya in this study could benefit stakeholders in civil development sectors, policy and energy authorities.

A novel SNP of MYO1A gene associated with heat-tolerance in Chinese cattle

With the advent of global climate change, heat-tolerance is becoming more and more important to the sustainability of animal husbandry production systems. Previous studies have shown that MYO1A gene associated with pigmentation may be closely related to heat-tolerance in cattle. In this study, a novel missense mutation (NC_037332.1 g.56390345 A > G) was first detected in MYO1A in 891 individuals of 35 cattle breeds, which transformed the amino acid isoleucine into valine. The purpose of this study was to determine the allele frequencies distribution of this locus in Chinese indigenous cattle and to analyze the relationship between this locus and heat-tolerance. Further analysis showed that frequency of wild allele A decreased gradually from northern cattle to southern cattle, whereas frequency of mutant type allele G showed the opposite pattern, which was consistent with the distribution of various climatic conditions of China. Additionally, association analysis was carried out between genotypes and four climatic conditions (annual mean temperature (T), relative humidity (H), temperature-humidity index (THI) and average annual sunshine hours (100-cloudiness) (SR)). Analysis results showed that genotypes were significantly correlated with climatic conditions. Therefore, our results suggest that the novel SNP (rs209559414) is related to heat-tolerance trait of Chinese indigenous cattle.

Associated factors of screened myopia of junior middle school students in six provinces of China

Objective To understand the current situation and associated factors of myopia in junior middle school students, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of myopia in junior middle school students. Methods A total of 5 393 junior middle school students were selected from middle schools in Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Liaoning, Shandong, Shanxi provinces. The visual acuity of middle school students was examined, and the data of general population, economy, sociology and natural environment were obtained through statistical yearbook of each province. The influencing factors of myopia of middle school students were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression. Results The results of single factor analysis showed that the myopia rate of junior high school students was different by gender, grades, parents’ average wage, sunshine duration, temperature, altitude, longitude and latitude (χ 2 =47.76, 59.05, 10.79, 106.19, 53.56, 85.02, 76.23, 107.07, P <0.05). The results of multi factor analysis showed that gender, grade, average wage, temperature and latitude was positively associated with myopia vision; sunshine duration and longitude were negatively associated with the risk for myopia ( OR = 1.54, 1.34, 1.62, 7.58, 27.10, 0.42, 0.39, P <0.05). Conclusion The myopia of junior high school students is affected by a variety of factors, economic and social factors and natural environmental factors have an impact on the screening of sexual myopia in junior high school students. Economic and social factors and natural environmental factors should be taken into account in the formulation of myopia prevention and control measures. 【摘要】 目的 了解初中生筛査性近视的流行现状及其影响因素, 为初中生近视防控提供科学依据。 方法 在广东、广 西、贵州、辽宁、山东、山西等省份各选取 1 个地市, 每个地选取若干初中, 以抽到的班级全体学生作为本次调査对象, 共调 査学生 5 393 名。对抽中学生进行视力检査, 通过各省市统计年鉴获取一般人口经济社会学和自然环境指标数据, 通过单 因素分析和多因素Logistic回归分析初中生筛査性近视的影响因素。 结果 单因素分析结果显示, 不同性别、年级、家庭年 均收人、日照时长、气温、海拔髙度、经度、纬度初中生的筛査性近视率差异均有统计学意义 (χ 2 值分别为 47.76,59.05, 10.79, 106.19,53.56,85.02,76.23, 107.07, P 值均<0.05); 多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示, 性别、年级、家庭年均收人、气 温、纬度与学生筛査性近视呈正相关 ( OR 值分别为 1.54, 1.34, 1.62,7.58,27.10), 日照时长和经度与学生筛査性近视呈负 相关 ( OR 值分别为 0.42,0.39) ( P 值均<0.05)。 结论 初中生近视受多种因素影响, 经济社会因素和自然环境因素对初中 生筛査性近视有影响, 各地在制定近视防控措施时要兼顾经济社会因素和自然环境因素。

Epidemiology of tsutsugamushi disease and its relationship with meteorological factors in Xiamen city, China.

Tsutsugamushi disease (TD) is an acute infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological features of TD, investigate chigger mites and their hosts, and investigate the meteorological factors affecting TD incidence and the host of O. tsutsugamushi in Xiamen city, China. Data on reported TD cases were collected from 2006 to 2018. Spearman’s correlation test were used for identifying the relationship between meteorological factors and TD incidence and whether meteorological factors affect the host of O. tsutsugamushi. The incidence of reported TD increased gradually from 2006, reached a peak of 4.59 per 100,000 persons in 2014, and then decreased gradually. The TD incidence was seasonal, with epidemic periods occurred mainly in summer and autumn. Patients aged 40–60 years had the highest proportion of cases, accounting for 44.44% of the total cases. Farmers had the largest number of cases among all occupational groups. Rattus Norvegicus was the most common host, accounting for the largest proportion of rats (73.00%), and the highest rat density was observed in March and October every year. There were significant positive correlations between the number of reported cases and average temperature, sunshine duration, and rainfall as well as between rat density and average temperature. On phylogenetic analysis, 7 sequences of hosts and human TD cases obtained from health records demonstrated the highest similarities to the Kato, Karp, and Gilliam strains. No correlations were observed between rat density, and sunshine duration and rainfall. The transmission of TD in Xiamen city, China, was seasonal, and its incidence was affected by several meteorological factors including average temperature, sunshine duration, and rainfall. However, the host of O. tsutsugamushi was only affected by average temperature.

Picea species from humid continental and temperate marine climates perform better in monsoonal areas of middle latitudes of China

Picea spp. are a prominent component of the boreal, montane, and sub-alpine forests in the Northern Hemisphere, and have substantial economic importance due to their high quality fibre. However, performance and wood properties of the genus have not been systematically evaluated in China. This study aimed to examine genetic variations in growth traits, phenology, and wood properties of 17 Picea species, (three from North America, two from Europe, and 12 from China), in response to specific climate factors using a randomized complete block design in a monsoonal, middle latitude area of China. Results show that all growth traits and wood properties significantly varied among species (P < 0.00). Of the 17 species examined, P. abies and P. pungens were the tallest with heights of 2.5 and 1.9 m at 9 years old, respectively, 90% and 50% greater than the average heights. Branch length, number, and angles of both P. abies and P. pungens were greater than those of the other species. Heights of P. glauca and P. omorika were 20–33% greater than the average. Fast-growing species had high quantities of first lateral branches and large top whorl branch lengths. The taller species exhibited greater tracheid lengths and average tracheid lengths to radial central diameter ratios (TL/R_D2), but smaller cell wall thicknesses to tracheid radial lumen diameter ratios (WT/R_D1), which is favorable for pulp production. Correlation analysis revealed that height and ring width had significant positive correlations with latitude but strongly negative correlations with longitude. Height was positively correlated with average annual rainfalls, but negative correlations with average yearly sunshine. Due to the increased average annual sunshine at the China test site relative to the seed source, species such as P. abies, P. pungens, P. glauca, and P. omorika from wet, humid areas performed better than native species. Considering similar temperatures, precipitation may be the main factor affecting growth, which is beneficial for predicting the extent of spruce expansion. These results should encourage further testing and provide reference information for future exotic species studies in this part of China.

Prediction model for gray leaf spot disease of fodder Sorghum

Gray leaf spot (caused by Cercospora sorghi Ellis & Everh.) is one of the most destructive foliar disease in fodder sorghum. Prediction model for gray leaf spot disease in fodder sorghum was developed based on 10-year (2010–2019) disease and weather data. It can occur during week-29 (third week of July) to week-43 (last week of October) in a year. Gray leaf spot had very strong, significantly negative correlation (r) with weekly average temperature (r = − 0.77), while moderate correlation was found with weekly average relative humidity (r = − 0.41), rainy days (r = − 0.44), sunshine hours (r = 0.35) and wind speed (r = − 0.36). Rainfall (r = − 0.29) and evaporation (r = − 0.23) had low correlation with gray leaf spot severity. Prediction model was developed using multiple regression coupled with goodness of fit statistics using R2 and Akaike information criteria (AIC). The prediction model included weekly average temperature, relative humidity and rainy days as predictor variables with R2 and AIC value of 0.70 and 819.03 respectively. The model was validated using leave one out cross validation (LOOCV) strategy and difference between observed residual root mean square error (RMSE) and as predicted using LOOCV was taken as indicator of model accuracy. Residual RMSE was 12.05 while that predicted through LOOCV was 12.46, indicating that model will perform fairly well on an independent data set. This prediction model can be used for efficient prediction to manage gray leaf spot disease of fodder sorghum.

Age-Dependent and Seasonal Changes in Menstrual Cycle Length and Body Temperature Based on Big Data.

To evaluate the effects of age and season on menstrual cycle length and basal body temperature (BBT). We also examined the effects of climate on cycle length and BBT, taking into account Japanese geographic and social characteristics. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from 6 million menstrual cycles entered into a smartphone application from 310,000 females from 2016 to 2017. Only those who entered more than 10 cycles in 2 years were included. Generalized estimation equations were used to adjust for confounding factors and for within-person correlations of multiple records. Multiple regression analysis was conducted, with age, external average temperature, precipitation amount, and sunshine hours as confounding factors. The mean menstrual cycle length increased from age 15-23 years, subsequently decreased up to age 45 years, and then increased again. Average follicular phase body temperature showed no significant age-dependent changes, but luteal phase body temperature gradually increased up to 29 years and then stabilized and started to decrease after age 42 years. A significant association between external temperature and body temperature (follicular and luteal phase) was observed, though menstrual cycle length did not show such an association. These results, derived from data self-entered into a smartphone application, revealed underrecognized age-dependent and seasonal changes in menstrual cycle length and BBT, which will contribute to a better understanding of female reproductive health in the modern world.