East Mediterranean Region Research Articles

A Comprehensive Review of PM-Related Studies in Industrial Proximity: Insights from the East Mediterranean Middle East Region

A Comprehensive Review of PM-Related Studies in Industrial Proximity: Insights from the East Mediterranean Middle East Region

Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Boundary Delimitation: The Claims of the State of Palestine under UNCLOS

The 2015 accession of Palestine to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has implications for the rights and obligations of Eastern Mediterranean States. Palestine’s maritime entitlements under UNCLOS are almost two and a half times the land area of Gaza in the form of a territorial sea. Palestine’s maritime sovereign rights may extend up to 200 NM offshore Gaza within the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf with tremendous economic potential. This article examines Palestine maritime claims under UNCLOS and the corresponding delimitation process. It argues that the application of UNCLOS in the East Mediterranean region may contribute to an equitable settlement of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The effect of pollen origin (self- and cross-pollination) on seed production and viability in Ophrys (Orchidaceae)

ABSTRACT The pollination biology of the genus Ophrys has been extensively explored, primarily due to their utilisation of sexual deception to attract pollinators. Typically, members of this genus produce a low number of fruits per individual and are considered obligate crossers. However, instances of self-pollination in Ophrys are not uncommon, although the impact of pollen origin on seed production remains understudied. As a predominantly cross-pollinated genus we hypothesise that self-pollination in Ophrys has a negative effect on seed production. The results of the present work will support decision making for the conservation of the genus. We investigate the consequences of self- and cross-pollination on (a) empty seeds produced and (b) viability of sound seeds for three Ophrys species: Ophrys aesculapii, Ophrys ferrum-equinum, and Ophrys kotschyi native to the East Mediterranean region. Bagged individuals of these species were meticulously hand-pollinated with pollen sourced either from their own flowers or from neighbouring individuals. Significant differences were observed across all three species, both in terms of the number of empty seeds and the viability of the produced seeds, with significantly lower viability and higher number of empty seeds in seed collections from self-pollinated individuals. Despite being self-compatible, the three Ophrys species exhibited notable inbreeding depression, as evidenced by the outcomes of this study. Based on our results the implementation of controlled cross hand-pollination in wild population may contribute in the increase of the reproductive success of Ophrys spp. by increasing the quality and quantity of the produced seeds.

Carex distachya (Cyperaceae) with both subspecies in Europe

Carex distachya Desf. is a circum-Mediterranean species. Since 1985 two varieties have been distinguished, C. distachya var. distachya and C. distachya var. phyllostachioidea Ö.Nilsson. The former is widespread, while the latter is considered to be restricted to West Türkiye and the East Aegean Islands, but our research has revealed that C. distachya var. phyllostachioidea is much more widespread in the south-east of Europe, in Croatia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and mainland Greece. It seems to have been overlooked in these countries so far. As C. distachya var. phyllostachioidea occurs in the East Mediterranean region, we have therefore raised this taxon to subspecies level. Our research has also shown that the differences between the two subspecies are less clear than initially suggested. An upgraded key is therefore added.

Epidemiology, biosafety, and biosecurity of Avian Influenza: Insights from the East Mediterranean region.

The World Organization for Animal Health defines Avian Influenza Virus as a highly infectious disease caused by diverse subtypes that continue to evolve rapidly, impacting poultry species, pet birds, wild birds, non-human mammals, and occasionally humans. The effects of Avian influenza viruses have been recognised as a precursor for serious health concerns among affected birds, poultry, and human populations in the Middle East. Furthermore, low and high pathogenic avian influenza viruses lead to respiratory illness with varying severity, depending on the virus subtype (e.g., H5, H7, H9, etc.). Possible future outbreaks and endemics of newly emerging subtypes are expected to occur, as many studies have reported the emergence of novel mutations and viral subtypes. However, proper surveillance programs and biosecurity applications should be developed, and countries with incapacitated defences against such outbreaks should be encouraged to undergo complete reinstation and reinforcement in their health and research sectors. Public education regarding biosafety and virus prevention is necessary to ensure minimal spread of avian influenza endemic.

Enhancing Dairy Farm Welfare: A Holistic Examination of Technology Adoption and Economic Performance in Kahramanmaraş Province, Turkey

Technology and innovations have significant potential to enhance farm productivity, profitability, and economic sustainability. This study comprehensively investigates the relationship between technology adoption and economic performance within dairy farming. First, it seeks to clarify how socio-economic, information-seeking, behavioral factors and technical efficiency influence the level of technology adoption in dairy farms. It also compares the economic indicators of dairy farms depending on their technology adoption levels and evaluates whether technology adoption affects dairy farms’ technical, allocative, and economic efficiency. The data were collected from 188 dairy farmers in Kahramanmaraş Province in the East Mediterranean Region of Turkey in 2022. The results reveal that dairy farms’ technology adoption levels are influenced by income, household size, investment, ownership of cultured cattle breeds, Chamber of Agriculture membership, contact frequency with private veterinarians and other farmers, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and technical efficiency. Farms with high-level technology adoption demonstrate increased profitability and efficiency scores, highlighting the positive correlation between technology adoption and farm efficiency. Policymakers should focus on training and support programs for dairy farmers to optimize technology use and input management. They can also promote resource-efficient farming and provide financial incentives for sustainable practices and dairy technologies.

Factors Associated with Severe Malaria in Children Under Five Years of Age at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

Malaria continues to be a major public health problem. In 2013, about 198 million cases of malaria were reported globally with a percentage of 82% in the WHO African Region, 12% in South-East Asia region and 5% in the Eastern Mediterranean region, leading to 584,000 deaths worldwide, with 90% of the deaths occurring in African region, 7% in the South-East Asia region and 2% in East Mediterranean regions. Uganda has the sixth highest number of annual deaths from malaria in Africa, as well as some of the highest reported malaria transmission rates in the world. Malaria was one of the leading causes of ill health and deaths, with approximately 16 million cases and over 10,500 deaths reported in 2013. It remains one of the most important diseases in Uganda in terms of morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed at determining the factors associated with severe malaria in children less than five years admitted to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Of the 73 participants sampled, all participated in the study (100% response rate), with most of the children lying within age range of 2-3 years (38.4%), (n=28) the least number were in the age group of 0-1years and >3-4years of age that is 6.8 %. 57.5% of the patients with severe malaria were of male sex. Severe malaria was found to be more in second born children (43.8%). The highest number of patients with severe malaria had two siblings (39.7%), (n=29), with 53.4% (n=39) of the patients having onset of illness within two days from admission. Despite the effort put by the government on prevention of malaria there was a gap on utilization of mosquito nets and seeking health care within 24hours of onset of illness. Therefore, the health teams in the district and health workers in the hospital should sensitize people how to mosquito net as major preventive measure against malaria. Keywords: Malaria, Children, sub-Saharan Africa, Mosquito net, Health workers.

Changes in the weed flora of cotton fields in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkiye

Cotton is the most dominant field crop, especially in higher soil saline parts of the Eastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye. This study aims to determine the current statues of weed flora of cotton fields in the East Mediterranean region, to compare it with weed flora in 1991-1992 and to understand whether a weed flora shift has occurred in these fields. Eighty-two cotton fields were surveyed during the growing season (July and August) in 2018, and thirty-seven weed species distributed in 17 families were found in the survey fields, where 18, 23, 17, and 33 of them were recorded in the Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, Mersin, and Adana provinces, respectively. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the phytosociological composition of the cotton fields was significantly related to the P content of the soil, average temperature, and cumulative rainfall. The current weed survey also indicated that these fields were under the threat of some invasive alien plant species that had not been found in previous surveys, such as Ipomoea triloba L., Amaranthus palmeri L., and Cucumis melo var. agrestis Naudin. Although cotton fields in the region were reduced by two-thirds in 2018 compared to 1991-1992, weed richness increased. Weed flora shifts were influenced by crop, crop rotation, herbicide use, irrigation, and landscape factors of cotton fields in the East Mediterranean Region of Türkiye.

Recent Advances in Natural Deastringency and Genetic Improvement of Chinese PCNA Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is a worldwide fruit cultivated mainly in the East Asia, Mediterranean, Caucasus, Latin America, and Oceania regions. This fruit contains abundant proanthocyanidins (PAs, also called condensed tannins), whose biosynthesis is the main cause of fruit astringency. As the original centre and top producing country, China has discovered a unique type with desirable natural deastringency, the Chinese pollination-constant non-astringent (C-PCNA) persimmon. Studies have revealed that the C-PCNA trait is controlled by a single and dominant locus, which differs from that of another type, the Japanese PCNA type, with recessive loci. In the C-PCNA type, accumulating evidence has shown that the astringency removal process involves two pathways (“dilution effect” and “coagulation effect”). Moreover, molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) for the natural deastringency trait locus in C-PCNA has been used to test the non-astringency/astringency trait of hybrid offspring at the seedling stage. Importantly, persimmon can bear male flowers, female flowers, and perfect flowers, but sex-linked MAS has been developed for female-only persimmon. This sex-linked MAS, together with astringency-linked MAS and embryo rescue technology, may even shorten the conventional cross-breeding period of about 2–3 years. In addition, recently studies have established a stable genetic transformation system for persimmon transgenic improvement. Despite these efforts, how synthetic PAs and metabolism pathways lead to a deastringent trait remains unclear for persimmon. Thus, our review summarizes the latest research progress on the natural deastringency mechanism in C-PCNA, and we provide a new viewpoint for the genetic improvement of persimmon breeding in China.

Cupressus arizonica: an emerging aeroallergen for East Mediterranean children.

Cupressus sempervirens is a tree native to the Mediterranean region. We aimed to investigate the frequency of sensitization/allergy to Cupressus arizonica pollen, which is not native to Anatolia. Patients aged 5-18 years who underwent respiratory allergy screening in Türkiye's largest referral center over a 1-year period were reviewed retrospectively for a diagnostic study of Cupressus allergy. Of 246 patients, 207 (67.6% male) with a median age of 11.7 (IQR 9.2-15) years were found to be aeroallergen-sensitive and C. arizonica (32%) was the second most common sensitivity after grass pollen (83.6%). In the C. arizonica-sensitive subgroup, only 3% (2/67) were monosensitive, and grass (77.6%), cat (38.8%), and weeds (38.8%) were the most common co-sensitivities. Cup a 1 specific IgE (sIgE) was measured in 26 patients with C. arizonica sensitivity and all were found to be positive. A nasal allergen challenge (NAC) was performed for 44 of 67 patients with C. arizonica sensitivity, and 13 of 44 patients had a positive outcome (NAC+) at the highest two extract concentrations. The Cupressus wheal sizes and Cup a 1 sIgE levels of the NAC+ subgroup were higher than those of the NAC- subgroup but reached significance only for wheal size [6 (5-7.5) vs. 4.5 (4-6), p=0.004]. The NAC+ subgroup reported more frequent nasal discharge, congestion, and eye symptoms than the NAC- subgroup during the relevant pollen season. C. arizonica sensitivity has increased in the East Mediterranean region, similarly to North Mediterranean data, and this is associated with the presence of allergy both clinically and in laboratory findings. C. arizonica should be included in the aeroallergen screening panels of children from the East Mediterranean.

PB0233 Von Willebrand Disease in the East Mediterranean Region: Current Situation and Gaps

PB0233 Von Willebrand Disease in the East Mediterranean Region: Current Situation and Gaps

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Retama raetam (forssk) Leaves

Retama raetam is widespread in North Africa and considered to be a medicinal plant in folk treatment besides its importance as feed for livestock. It has been used as herbal remedy for healing several ailments like diarrhea, skin rash, sore throat, rheumatism, fever and injury sterilization. This study was conducted to estimate the medicinal and nutritional values of R. reatam plant by determining some essential contents, minerals, vitamin C and preliminary phytochemical compounds in its leaves. The primary analysis showed that the pH value of water extract was 7.18 ± 0.03 while the percentages of essential contents in leaves were 50.83 ± 1.04 crude fiber, 12.33 ± 0.76 crud lipids, 6.02 ± 0.01 crude protein, 5.00 ± 0.00 total ash content, 10.00 ± 0.00 ash soluble in water, 5.00 ± 0.00 ash insoluble in acid and 19.67 ± 0.58 moisture content. Primary tests of the crude aqueous extract revealed the presence of tannins , saponines, alkaloids flavonoids, glycosides, resins, terpenoids and steroids, while the ethanolic extract showed positive results for tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and steroids, but negative results for saponines and resins. The percentages of phytochemical compounds in the air dried leaves powder were 5.67 ± 0.58 tannins, 10.42 ± 0.72 saponines, 8.33 ± 0.76 alkaloids and 9.80 ± 1.13 flavonoids. The amounts of minerals and vitamins (mg/100) that were determined in the R. raetam dried leaves powder were 333.75 ± 1.77 potassium, 501.25 ± 1.77 sodium, 235.50 ± 6.36 magnesium, 500.00 ± 0.00 calcium and 35.33 ± 0.29 vitamin C. The obtained results prove the traditional medicinal use of R. raetam in North and East Mediterranean regions. In addition, knowing the amounts of the essential components and bioactive compounds may help in the preparation of the exact dosages for the treatment of diseases or for livestock feeding.

Relationships between black pine wood production (m3 per year) and some habitat factors in the East Mediterranean region

The present study aims to identify the relations between the wood production (m3 per year) of the black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold.) and its habitat characteristics in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. A total of 120 samplings with different aspects, site altitudes, and site classes were studied. In each sample area, at least 5 trees were designated, and soil samples were taken by excavating earth pits. Certain characteristics of the soil samples were identified in the laboratory environment. The relations between the dominant height values of the trees in the sample areas and soil, climate, and physiographic factors were analyzed using correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and artificial neural network methods. Significant relations between the wood production values of the trees in the sample areas and slope from physiographic habitat characteristics, average annual temperature from climate characteristics, and pH and total carbonate from soil characteristics were found. The wood production of black pine was explained by multiple regression analysis at a level of 22.4% and by artificial neural network method at 72%.

The Impact of Mega Expansion Projects on Container Terminal Competitiveness in The East Mediterranean Region.

The Impact of Mega Expansion Projects on Container Terminal Competitiveness in The East Mediterranean Region.

Disparities in access to COVID-19 vaccine in Verona, Italy: a cohort study using local health immunization data.

Migrant populations worldwide were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although substantial resources have been invested in scaling COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, globally vaccine rate and uptake remained low among migrants from across many countries. This study aimed to explore the country of birth as a factor influencing access to the COVID-19 vaccine. This retrospective cohort study included adults vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 receiving at least one dose in the Verona province between 27 December 2020 and 31 December 2021. Time-to-vaccination was estimated as the difference between the actual date of each person's first dose of COVID-19 vaccination and the date in which the local health authorities opened vaccination reservations for the corresponding age group. The birth country was classified based on both the World Health Organization regions and the World Bank country-level economic classification. Results were reported as the average marginal effect (AME) with corresponding 0.95 confidence intervals (CI). During the study period, 7,54,004 first doses were administered and 5,06,734 (F = 2,46,399, 48.6%) were included after applying the exclusion criteria, with a mean age of 51.2 years (SD 19.4). Migrants were 85,989 (17.0%, F = 40,277, 46.8%), with a mean age of 42.4 years (SD 13.3). The mean time-to-vaccination for the whole sample was 46.9 days (SD 45.9), 41.8 days (SD 43.5) in the Italian population, and 71.6 days (SD 49.1) in the migrant one (p < 0.001). The AME of the time-to-vaccination compared to the Italian population was higher by 27.6 [0.95 CI 25.4-29.8], 24.5 [0.95 CI 24.0-24.9], 30.5 [0.95 CI 30.1-31.0] and 7.3 [0.95 CI 6.2-8.3] days for migrants from low-, low-middle-, upper-middle- and high-income countries, respectively. Considering the WHO region, the AME of the time-to-vaccination compared to the Italian group was higher by 31.5 [0.95 CI 30.6-32.5], 31.1 [0.95 CI 30.6-31.5], and 29.2 [0.95 CI 28.5-29.9] days for migrants from African, European, and East-Mediterranean regions, respectively. Overall, time-to-vaccination decreased with increasing age (p < 0.001). Although both migrants and Italians mainly used hub centers (>90%), migrants also used pharmacies and local health units as alternative sites (2.9% and 1.5%, respectively), while Italians (3.3%) and migrants from the European region (4.2%) relied more on family doctors. The birth country of migrants influenced access to COVID-19 vaccine both in terms of time-to-vaccination and vaccination points used, especially for the LIC migrant group. Public health authorities should take socio-cultural and economic factors into consideration for tailored communication to people from migrant communities and for planning a mass vaccination campaign.

The three waves: Rethinking the structure of the first Upper Paleolithic in Western Eurasia.

The Neronian is a lithic tradition recognized in the Middle Rhône Valley of Mediterranean France now directly linked to Homo sapiens and securely dated to 54,000 years ago (ka), pushing back the arrival of modern humans in Europe by 10 ka. This incursion of modern humans into Neandertal territory and the relationships evoked between the Neronian and the Levantine Initial Upper Paleolithic (IUP) question the validity of concepts that define the first H. sapiens migrations and the very nature of the first Upper Paleolithic in western Eurasia. Direct comparative analyses between lithic technology from Grotte Mandrin and East Mediterranean archeological sequences, especially Ksar Akil, suggest that the three key phases of the earliest Levantine Upper Paleolithic have very precise technical and chronological counterparts in Western Europe, recognized from the Rhône Valley to Franco-Cantabria. These trans-Mediterranean technical connections suggest three distinct waves of H. sapiens expansion into Europe between 55-42 ka. These elements support an original thesis on the origin, structure, and evolution of the first moments of the Upper Paleolithic in Europe tracing parallel archaeological changes in the East Mediterranean region and Europe.

The possible region of the Late Miocene split of the sandfly subgenus Transphlebotomus Artemiev and the early late Neogene to late Quaternary dispersal of the ancestor of Phlebotomus mascittii Grassi

The distribution of the Mediterranean Transphlebotomus species shows a marked zoogeographical dichotomy in the sense that Phlebotomus mascittii has a wide range in Europe, and the other species are restricted to the East Mediterranean region. The study aimed to investigate how the Neogene to late Quaternary climatic-geographical alterations could influence the split of the sandfly subgenus Transphlebotomus and the speciation of Phlebotomus mascitti. For this purpose, the climatic suitability patterns of the species were modelled for seven Neogene and Quaternary periods and the divergence times of Transphlebotomus clades were estimated. The model results suggest that the common ancestor of the extant Mediterranean-European Transphlebotomus species could be adapted to the Late Miocene climate of Western and Central Europe. Phylogenetic results suggest that the speciation of Ph. mascittii started in the Tortonian period, plausibly related to the rise of the Dinaric land bridge. The Central and Eastern Paratethys Seas could have played an important role in the split of the ancestral Phlebotomus mascittii populations and other Transphlebotomus populations. These other species can be the descendants of ancient Transphlebotomus populations adapted to the hotter and drier climate of the areas south of the Central and Eastern Paratethys. Their divergence could be strongly linked to the formation of the Aegean trench and, later, the Messinian salinity crisis. The Pliocene climatic fluctuations could result in habitat loss of Transphlebotomus populations in Europe which was particularly significant during glacial maxima such as the Last Glacial Maximum.

Prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean region: A meta-analysis.

High prevalence of risk factors for pelvic floor disorders (PFD) in the Eastern Mediterranean may result in higher rates of prevalence of PFD in comparison to other regions. Despite individual studies, there are no clear statistics on the cumulative prevalence of PFDs in the East Mediterranean region. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PFDs in the Eastern Mediterranean region. A literature search without language restriction was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane database and Web of Science from 2016 to 01 June 2022. Cross-sectional and cohort studies that reported prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI), constipation, fecal incontinence (FI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women in the Eastern Mediterranean region were included. Study quality was assessed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Data were pooled and meta-analysed using a random effects model. CRD42021283127 RESULTS: The search yielded 390 articles, from which 12 studies containing 9905 patients were included. Five studies were high quality and seven were low quality. The prevalence of POP (12 studies, 9905 participants), UI (5 studies, 2340 participants), constipation (4 studies, 2045 participants) and FI (1 study, 166 participants) was 39% (95% CI 21-57; I2 99.8%), 48% (95% CI 16-80; I2 99.7%), 39% (CI 17-60; I2 99.1%) and 14% (95% CI 9-20) respectively. In meta-analysis pooling studies of mixed quality, a high prevalence of PFDs was seen in the Eastern Mediterranean region.PROSPERO No.: CRD42021283127.

Potential impact of climate change on shifting the calendar of rainfed crops produced in Jordan

Climate change alters the usual pattern of rainfall distribution and temperature in the East Mediterranean region. We investigated the impact of climate change on true season onset, and crop calendar for field crops grown in areas with Semi-Arid-Sub-Humid Mediterranean climate. Analysis showed a clear reduction of annual rainfall for the zone with rainfall more than 200 mm, and above 1°C rise in air temperature for all zones. Generally, the rainfall reduction occurred, in descending order, along the South-North direction. A new approach is proposed to identify the true season onset and the end of the effective rainy season. Shifting the true season onset consequently reduces the crop-growing season and hence the yield. Reducing annual rainfall and the length of effective rainfall season, rising air temperature, and the sharp increase in the number of heat waves will have profound negative impacts on both plant growth and yield.

Identification and apportionment of local and long-range sources of PM2.5 in two East-Mediterranean sites

The East Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region is a global climate hotspot that suffers from a lack of robust environmental data. This region, especially the Middle East, lacks source apportionment studies that help determine the different contributions of common regional airborne particulate matter sources. This work focuses on two sites in the East Mediterranean, that are, Zouk Mikael and Fiaa, Lebanon. The study shows the comprehensive chemical characterization of PM2.5 samples collected over almost one year at two sites, serving as the source apportionment model, positive matrix factorization. Different sources were identified due to the integration of organic markers such as biogenic emissions, cooking, biomass burning, and diesel generators. Crustal dust and ammonium sulfate sources were the major contributors to PM2.5 (43% and 46% at Zouk and Fiaa, respectively). Through cluster analysis, the former originated from the Arabian and Saharan Deserts, while the latter had different local and distant origins (industrial zones of Europe and Turkey), in addition to the contribution of Arabian and African countries to carbonaceous matter concentrations through refinery emissions. Meanwhile, local anthropogenic sources contributed to 36% at both sites, excluding ammonium sulfate. Traffic and industrial emissions, including energy production, contributed more to Zouk (27%) than Fiaa (13%). Site-specific sources were also identified, with open waste burning at Fiaa contributing 16% and diesel generators at Zouk contributing 5%. Biogenic emissions contributed to 9–13%. These results will be important to policymakers to improve air quality in the EMME region while considering the potency of the PM in a region where the world health organization guidelines cannot be reached.