Highest Monthly Research Articles

Assessment of Wind Energy in the Ali Al-Gharbi Region

Assessment of wind resources is an important issue in the wind industry. This study aims to assess wind energy in southern Iraq, especially in the Ali Al-Gharbi region. It includes field data for the wind speed at two altitudes (30 and 50m) in 2017, using the Weibull Distribution, wind power density and wind energy density equations. The probability density distribution of mean wind speed and daily, monthly, and seasonal wind speeds were calculated. The monthly mean wind power density and wind energy density at heights (30 and 50m) were estimated. The suitable wind turbine in this study area was the Unison U50. The capacity factor was assessed. The results showed a northwesterly prevailing wind speed direction in the study area. Mean wind speed increases during day hours and decreases during night hours throughout the four seasons. The highest monthly mean wind speed is in May and June. The highest seasonal mean wind speed is in spring and summer, while the lowest is in winter and autumn. The highest monthly mean of wind power density and wind energy density were in June, while the lowest values were in February. The highest monthly values of wind power, wind energy, and capacity factor were (5851.11kW, 4212802.15kW.h, 78%) respectively, while the lowest monthly values were (1080.43kW, 777913.34kW.h, 14%), respectively.

Impact of Climate Change on Distribution of Endemic Plant Section Tuberculata (Camellia L.) in China: MaxEnt Model-Based Projection.

Sect. Tuberculata, as one of the endemic plant groups in China, belongs to the genus Camellia of the Theaceae family and possesses significant economic and ecological value. Nevertheless, the characteristics of habitat distribution and the major eco-environmental variables affecting its suitability are poorly understood. In this study, using 65 occurrence records, along with 60 environmental factors, historical, present and future suitable habitats were estimated using MaxEnt modeling, and the important environmental variables affecting the geographical distribution of sect. Tuberculata were analyzed. The results indicate that the size of the its potential habitat area in the current climate was 1.05 × 105 km2, and the highly suitable habitats were located in Guizhou, central-southern Sichuan, the Wuling Mountains in Chongqing, the Panjiang Basin, and southwestern Hunan. The highest probability of presence for it occurs at mean diurnal range (bio2) ≤ 7.83 °C, basic saturation (s_bs) ≤ 53.36%, temperature annual range (bio7) ≤ 27.49 °C, -7.75 °C < mean temperature of driest quarter (bio9) < 7.75 °C, annual UV-B seasonality (uvb2) ≤ 1.31 × 105 W/m2, and mean UV-B of highest month (uvb3) ≤ 5089.61 W/m2. In particular, bio2 is its most important environmental factor. During the historical period, the potential habitat area for sect. Tuberculata was severely fragmented; in contrast, the current period has a more concentrated habitat area. In the three future periods, the potential habitat area will change by varying degrees, depending on the aggressiveness of emissions reductions, and the increase in the potential habitat area was the largest in the SSP2.6 (Low-concentration greenhouse gas emissions) scenario. Although the SSP8.5 (High-concentration greenhouse gas emissions) scenario indicated an expansion in its habitat in the short term, its growth and development would be adversely affected in the long term. In the centroid analysis, the centroid of its potential habitat will shift from lower to higher latitudes in the northwest direction. The findings of our study will aid efforts to uncover its originsand geographic differentiation, conservation of unique germplasms, and forestry development and utilization.

Predicting the Potential Distribution of the Endangered Pyrethrum tatsienense in China Using an Optimized Maxent Model Under Climate Change Scenarios.

Climate change can significantly impact the ecological suitability and diversity of species. Pyrethrum tatsienense, a critically endangered species in China, requires a thorough understanding of its habitat distribution and the environmental factors that affect it in the context of climate change. The Maxent algorithm was used to examine the key factors influencing the distribution of P. tatsienense in China, using data from 127 species occurrences and environmental variables from the Last Interglacial (LIG), Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), Mid-Holocene (MH), current, and future scenarios. The Maxent model was optimized utilizing the R package ENMeval, providing the most accurate predictions for suitable habitats across various scenarios. Results show that suitable regions for P. tatsienense encompass approximately 15.02% (14.42 × 105 km2) of China, predominantly on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The mean UV-B of the highest month (UVB3: 39.7%), elevation (elev: 28.7%), and the warmest season of precipitation (Bio18: 17.4%) are the major limiting factors for suitable habitat. The optimal species distribution ranges are identified as > 7500 J m-2 day-1 for UVB3, 2700-5600 m for elev, and 150-480 mm for Bio18. Predictions for the historical climate indicate the presence of refugia at the junction of Sichuan, Tibet, and Qinghai. The MH predictions show an increase in climatic suitability for P. tatsienense compared to the LIG and LGM, with an expansion of suitable areas westward. Future climate change scenarios indicate that the potential suitable habitat for P. tatsienense is expected to increase with increasing radiative forcing, with higher latitude regions becoming new marginally suitable habitats. However, predicted environmental changes in western Tibet may drive the loss of highly suitable habitats in the future. These findings enhance our understanding of how environmental factors impact the habitat suitability of P. tatsienense and provide valuable insights for developing effective management and conservation strategies for this important species.

Interannual and seasonal variability of the air–sea CO2 exchange at Utö in the coastal region of the Baltic Sea

Abstract. Oceans alleviate the accumulation of atmospheric CO2 by absorbing approximately a quarter of all anthropogenic emissions. In the deep oceans, carbon uptake is dominated by aquatic phase chemistry, whereas in biologically active coastal seas the marine ecosystem and biogeochemistry play an important role in the carbon uptake. Coastal seas are hotspots of organic and inorganic matter transport between the land and the oceans, and thus they are important for the marine carbon cycling. In this study, we investigate the net air–sea CO2 exchange at the Utö Atmospheric and Marine Research Station, located at the southern edge of the Archipelago Sea within the Baltic Sea, using the data collected during 2017–2021. The air–sea fluxes of CO2 were measured using the eddy covariance technique, supported by the flux parameterization based on the pCO2 and wind speed measurements. During the spring–summer months (April–August), the sea was gaining carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, with the highest monthly sink fluxes typically occurring in May, being −0.26 µmol m−2 s−1 on average. The sea was releasing the CO2 to the atmosphere in September–March, and the highest source fluxes were typically observed in September, being 0.42 µmol m−2 s−1 on average. On an annual basis, the study region was found to be a net source of atmospheric CO2, and on average, the annual net exchange was 27.1 gC m−1 yr−1, which is comparable to the exchange observed in the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic Sea. The annual net air–sea CO2 exchanges varied between 18.2 (2018) and 39.1 gC m−1 yr−1 (2017). During the coldest year, 2017, the spring–summer sink fluxes remained low compared to the other years, as a result of relatively high seawater pCO2 in summer, which never fell below 220 µatm during that year. The spring–summer phytoplankton blooms of 2017 were weak, possibly due to the cloudy summer and deeply mixed surface layer, which restrained the photosynthetic fixation of dissolved inorganic carbon in the surface waters. The algal blooms in spring–summer 2018 and the consequent pCO2 drawdown were strong, fueled by high pre-spring nutrient concentrations. The systematic positive annual CO2 balances suggest that our coastal study site is affected by carbon flows originating from elsewhere, possibly as organic carbon, which is remineralized and released to the atmosphere as CO2. This coastal source of CO2 fueled by the organic matter originating probably from land ecosystems stresses the importance of understanding the carbon cycling in the land–sea continuum.

Extrapolating Sentinel Surveillance Information to Estimate National COVID Hospital Admission Rates: A Bayesian Modeling Approach.

The COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET) was established in March 2020 to monitor trends in hospitalizations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-NET is a geographically diverse population-based surveillance system for laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated hospitalizations with a combined catchment area covering approximately 10% of the US population. Data collected in COVID-NET includes monthly counts of hospitalizations for persons with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who reside within the defined catchment area. A Bayesian modeling approach is proposed to estimate US national COVID-associated hospital admission rates based on information reported in the COVID-NET system. A key component of the approach is the ability to estimate uncertainty resulting from extrapolation of hospitalization rates observed within COVID-NET to the US population. In addition, the proposed model enables estimation of other contributors to uncertainty including temporal dependence among reported COVID-NET admission counts, the impact of unmeasured site-specific factors, and the frequency and accuracy of testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on the proposed model, an estimated 6.3 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 5.4-7.3 million) COVID-19-associated hospital admissions occurred in the United States from September 2020 through December 2023. Between April 2020 and December 2023, model-based monthly admission rate estimates ranged from a minimum of 1 per 10,000 population (95% UI 0.7-1.2) in June of 2023 to a highest monthly level of 16 per 10,000 (95% UI 13-19) in January 2022.

NON-TIMBER FOREST AS AN ALTERNATIVE ECONOMIC SURVIVAL FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY IN TERENGGANU, MALAYSIA: A CASE STUDY OF RATTAN

Rattan holds significant prominence as a non-timber forest product, primarily distributed and extensively traded within the Southeast Asian region. This research aims to examine the role of rattan as non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and to explore the significant economic value of rattan, in providing economic sustenance for the Orang Asli communities. The study is a case study with a mix method approach where 95 Orang Asli respondents from Kampung Sungai Berua, Hulu Terengganu, Malaysia participated. The collected data was analyzed by economic value analysis. The study found that the economic value of rattan is RM34224 per year where the highest monthly income earned by the Orang Asli is RM600 and the lowest is RM70 for each type of rattans. The Orang Asli community rely on rattan for a variety of purposes, which include selling them as raw materials, or personal use for craftsmanship, cultural practices, and the production of tools and equipment. As such, this study emphasizes the necessity of striking a balance between economic, ecological, and cultural considerations in harnessing the potential of rattan and other NTFPs to support the livelihoods and cultural heritage of Orang Asli communities.

Ongoing transmission of onchocerciasis in the Pru District of Ghana after two decades of mass drug administration with ivermectin and comparative identification of members of the Simulium damnosum complex using cytological and morphological techniques

Background Human onchocerciasis remains a public health problem in Ghana. Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin (IVM) has reduced disease morbidity and prevalence, but the transmission of onchocerciasis remains ongoing in several endemic foci. We investigated parasite transmission in some endemic communities in Ghana that had received > 18 rounds of annual MDA with IVM and determined the species composition of black fly (Simulium damnosum) vectors in these areas.MethodsAdult female black flies were collected using human landing catches and identified as either forest or savanna species using morpho-taxonomic keys. The adult flies underwent dissection to determine their parity and detect any O. volvulus larvae, followed by the calculation of entomological indices. Simulium damnosum s.l. larvae were collected and preserved in freshly prepared Carnoy’s fixative and were later used for cytotaxonomic studies.ResultsA total of 9,983 adult flies were caught: 6,569 and 3,414 in the rainy and dry seasons respectively. Black fly biting activities over the study period showed bimodal or trimodal patterns. The highest monthly biting rate (MBR) of 10,578.75 bites/person/month was recorded in July in Beposo, while the highest monthly transmission potential of 100.69 infective bites/person/month was recorded in Asubende in August. Morphological analysis of 2,032 flies showed that 99.8% (2,028) of the flies were savanna species, with only 4 (0.2%) adult flies being of the forest species. Cytogenetic studies on 114 black fly larvae revealed three cytospecies (Simulium damnosum s.s., S. sirbanum and S. sanctipauli) in the study area.ConclusionsThe present studies confirmed an ongoing transmission of onchocerciasis in the study communities except Abua-1. It also provides further information on biting behaviors and onchocerciasis transmission indices in the study communities. Further, our data confirmed the savanna species (S. damnosum s.s. and S. sirbanum) of the S.damnosum s.l. to be the major vectors of onchocerciasis in the study areas, with only an occasional influx of forest cytotypes.Graphical

Prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis in Cattle Slaughtered in Kastamonu Slaughterhouse and Its Importance in Turkish Economy

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in cattle slaughtered in the slaughterhouse of Kastamonu Municipality, where cattle breeding is common and to determine the economic loss in the country's economy due to this disease. A total of 5511 bovine livers were examined postmortem for CE between January and December 2021. Of the 5511 cattle, 3872 are male and 1639 are female. In the postmortem examination, the livers of the animals were examined and the number of animals with CE was calculated to be 524 and the preva-lence of the disease was 9.51%. In animals, the highest monthly prevalence was observed in July with 14.85% and the lowest prevalence in December with 3.94%. CE was the lowest with 4.94% in winter and the highest with 13.68% in summer. CE was found to be the lowest in male animals with 4.44% in winter and the highest prevalence in summer with 12.70%. The prevalence of the disease in female animals was 6.79% in winter and 21.32% in summer. Livers with CE were destroyed regardless of infection intensity. As a result of this study, with the destruction of 524 livers, 136240 TL (13859 USD) was lost to the Turkish economy. It has been stated that CE is common in Kastamonu as in Turkey and causes great economic losses.

Comparison of four ventilation tubes commonly used in the pediatric population: A retrospective cohort study.

To assess differences in otorrhea, tympanic membrane perforation, and time to extrusion in children receiving one of four commonly used, short-term ventilation tubes for the first time. Retrospective chart review of 2 years of postoperative follow-up to analyze patient outcomes after insertion of either a Paparella type-I Activent, Armstrong Beveled, Modified Armstrong, or Armstrong Microgel ventilation tube. Incidence of complications was determined by reviewing provider notes. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine odds ratios of complications among the four tube types. A total of 387 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 2.4 years and 35.9% were female. Armstrong beveled tubes had the highest odds of otorrhea. Paparella type-I tube had the shortest time to extrusion of about 9 months, while Armstrong Beveled had the longest, at almost 19 months. When evaluating episodes of otorrhea each child experienced on average, per month, Armstrong beveled tubes had the highest monthly rate of otorrhea and Paparella type-I the least. No significant differences were found regarding tympanic membrane perforation. This retrospective chart review showed that no tube was clinically superior across all complications. The findings from this study may give otolaryngologists an opportunity to consider choosing a specific type of tube according to the clinical situation. The large variations in extrusion times should be considered in terms of patient age, seasonality, and desired duration of tube placement. 4.

Measuring solar radiation and spatio-temporal distribution in different street network direction through solar trajectories and street view images

Under the dual pressures of rapid urbanization and global warming, the management of solar radiation has become an urgent issue to address. In this context, the potential regulatory role of urban street networks on solar radiation has garnered widespread attention. However, existing research lacks an understanding of the impact of street direction. By utilising street view data and solar trajectory simulation technology, it becomes possible to facilitate the revelation of spatiotemporal differences in solar radiation across streets with different direction. The results show that solar radiation is generally lower on north–south streets than on east–west streets. In terms of spatial differences, the average solar radiation in the fifth ring of Beijing is 25.38% higher than that in the second ring. Temporally, the average solar radiation in August, the highest month, is 15.98% greater than in October, the lowest month. Additionally, solar radiation on east–west street direction shows more intense variations in summer. A periodic variation in solar radiation was also discovered in relation to street angles, with different frequencies and amplitudes at 30° and 180°. This study is the first to focus on the directional attributes of roads at an urban scale. By utilising 100,000 street view images, it calculates and analyses the spatiotemporal distribution of solar radiation in Beijing during summer across different direction. The findings provide new insights into the relationship between the distribution of solar radiation and the morphology of urban roads.

Refugee and immigrants’ food consumption, housing and sociodemographic characteristics in southern Brazil

ObjectiveTo describe the food consumption of immigrants and refugees in a city in southern Brazil and evaluate the associations with sociodemographic and housing characteristics.MethodThis is a cross-sectional study with users of an association specialized in assisting refugees and immigrants in Porto Alegre-RS. Individuals aged 18 or over of both sexes with an understanding of Portuguese were included. An online questionnaire with sociodemographic, housing, and food characteristics was available to service users, and data analysis was performed using SPSS, considering p < 0.05.ResultsThe study included 68 individuals, predominantly women (76.5%) with a mean age of 34.39 (± 8.9) years and mainly from Venezuela. The food group most frequently consumed daily was the cereal group. Groups such as legumes and vegetables, meat and eggs, biscuits, and cold meats presented a higher weekly consumption frequency. Fruit, Brazil nuts and walnuts, dairy products, regular soda, ready-made desserts, frozen ready-made meals, and fried foods had the highest monthly consumption. There was an association between the consumption of fried foods and sex, cereal consumption and self-declared color, the consumption of biscuits, chocolate drinks, schooling, and cold meats consumption and age.ConclusionIn this study we observed that men consumed more fried foods than women and low education level was associated with the frequent consumption of biscuits, chocolate drinks, ham, salami or mortadella and ready-made meals. This study allowed us to investigate the profile and diet of people among refugees and immigrants in the South of Brazil since most of the data on food consumption of this type of population are from the North, and these regions are different in relation to socioeconomic characteristics. It is essential to become aware of the health and food situation of this population group to assist in the acculturation process and ensure adequate reception.

Analyzing groundwater storage anomalies in data‐scarce areas of Ethiopia's Rift Valley Basin using artificial neural network

AbstractGroundwater storage anomalies (GWSA) study requires the use of hydro‐climatic models coupled with Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment climate (GRACE) and GRACE Follow‐On (GRACE‐FO) Terrestrial Water Storage experiments. Understanding groundwater storage anomalies in the research area is difficult due to the restricted hydro‐meteorological data availability, especially, groundwater levels, changes in groundwater storage, and budgetary and technical constraints. No such investigation of GWS anomalies prior to this study in this Basin was conducted. The research focuses on GWSA investigations in the basin employing Global Land Data Assimilation Systems and Artificial Neural Networks‐Back Propagation Algorithm techniques are required. The ultimate objective of this study was to reduce the GRACE GWS from 1° to 0.25° and close the discontinuity between GRACE/GRACE‐FO observations. The results illustrated that GRACE/GRACE‐FO GWS throughout the basin were overall declining. The GWS anomaly significantly decreased between 2011 and 2013, with the highest monthly depletion in March 2011 (−158 mm). In contrast, from mid‐June to mid‐October, the maximum positive value varied from 20.80 mm in the southernmost basin to 39.49 mm in the central‐southeastern basin. The basin's eastern, central‐southeastern, northern, and southern areas displayed positive monthly GWS trends. The entire dry season has been influenced by negative anomalies. Hence, the identification of GWS variations and a comprehensive understanding of their effects provided valuable scientific insights. Identifying and analyzing anomalies in groundwater storage (GWS) can provide valuable information. This data can be efficiently used to develop appropriate regulatory frameworks, which may contribute to the long‐term viability of the availability of groundwater.

Design analysis of a wave energy converter for hydrogen generation near shoreline of Black Sea

The generation of electricity from waves has attracted a lot of attention from researchers lately. Despite the vastness and accessibility of wave energy across the majority of the planet, there is a dearth of literature on the production of electricity and hydrogen from wave power. In this paper, a comprehensive simulation related to hydrogen production with an oscillating wave surge converter (OWSC) system was employed for the Black Sea region. The simulations were performed by means of Homer-Pro software and the data were provided thanks to European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) as well as a novel web-based tool with regards to wave resources. Initial results of web-based tool showed that the hydrogen generation was directly impacted by considerable wave height and wave energy period. As a result, it may change based on the days and months. May had the lowest monthly energy production (3 MWh), while December had the highest monthly energy production (27 MWh). Moreover, the electrolyzers with different efficiencies were investigated with Homer-Pro. The electrolyzer with an efficiency of 85% at 100 kW produced 3301 kg annually, whereas the electrolyzers with 90% and 95% efficiency at 100 kW produced 3419 kg annually and 3422 kg annually, respectively. Apart from those findings, when more efficient electrolyzers were employed in the system, both the capital and replacement costs dropped at the same time.

Price Dynamics of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) in India

The development of society depends on several core elements, including food, livelihood, nutritional security, and healthcare. To gain insight into the dynamics and volatility of prices of top crops, a study was conducted analysing wholesale monthly price data for selected states and all of India from January 2005 to December 2021. Various methodologies such as the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), seasonality index, Cuddy Della Valle Index, rescaled range analysis, and ARCH-GARCH model were utilized to achieve the research objectives. According to the study, West Bengal had major crop price fluctuations with tomatoes being costly from July to November, onions from August to January, and potatoes from July to December. Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Punjab experienced the highest monthly price instability for tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. Additionally, the prices of TOP crops were more unpredictable than cereals and pulses. The price series of potatoes had long-term memory detection, and onions had the highest price volatility among TOP crops. According to the study, in order to tackle the price variability of TOP crops, it is necessary to enhance price stabilization measures. By implementing integrated policies, a stable pricing system can be established for top crops, which will not only safeguard the interests of consumers but also ensure food and economic security for farmers.

Temporal-Spatial Variations Analysis of Surface Temperature in Kalimantan Region for The Period of 2010 - 2020

Surface temperature information is important to study because it affects other climate parameters and has an impact on various sectors. This study aims to analyze the temporal and spatial variations of maximum surface temperature on Kalimantan Region during the period 2010 to 2020. The data used is Surface Maximum Temperature (SMT) in the form of a 0.5o x 0.5o grid from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) NOAA PCL. The results of the temporal analysis showed that the highest monthly SMT values occurred in May (32.00o C) and September (31.75o C). While the lowest monthly SMT values were found in January (30.88o C) and July (31.40o C). The results of the annual SMT trend analysis show that the surface temperature in the Kalimantan Region has increased at an average rate of 0.03°C per year. This value is higher than the increase in global surface temperature (~0.02°C per year). Based on the results of spatial analysis, it was known that the distribution of SMT on Kalimantan Region tends to be stable in the range of 25o C to 35o C throughout the year. Spatial analysis of SMT in 2011 showed that low values (25o - 31o C) dominated South Kalimantan Province , while high values (33°C - 35°C) dominated West Kalimantan Province. The results of the 2019 SMT spatial analysis revealed a similar pattern to 2011. However, there was a significant increase in temperature compared to 2011, especially in the high SMT values observed in West Kalimantan and East Kalimantan Provinces.

Phenotyping and Genotyping of Saprolegnia parasitica isolated from Diwaniyah River-Iraq

The current study included a study of the spread of Saprolegnia parasitica in the water of the Diwaniyah River, water samples were collected for three months from the Al-Furat Bridge area for three months August, September, and October, isolation was done by bait method. After that, diagnosis was made by the traditional method adopted to explain the appearance and was supported by molecular diagnosis by PCR. The results showed that the fungus S.parasitica was present in varying numbers and percentages according to the months of the study, the numbers increased with decreasing temperatures, as they were month of October was the highest month in terms of the number of isolates, as it reached 10, representing a percentage of 46%, while the month of September had 8 isolates, a percentage of 36%, and the month of August. It was the lowest, as it was 4, with a rate of 18%. The molecular study appeared that the diagnosis of all isolates was identical to the traditional diagnosis, which relies on the appearance of the fungus in plates and under an optical microscope, where the bands were at 568 bp.

Seasonal variations of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its markers using big-data of health check-ups.

It is crucial to understand the seasonal variation of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) for the detection and management of MetS. Previous studies have demonstrated the seasonal variations in MetS prevalence and its markers, but their methods are not robust. To clarify the concrete seasonal variations in the MetS prevalence and its markers, we utilized a powerful method called Seasonal Trend Decomposition Procedure based on LOESS (STL) and a big dataset of health checkups. A total of 1,819,214 records of health checkups (759,839 records for men and 1,059,375 records for women) between April 2012 and December 2017 were included in this study. We examined the seasonal variations in the MetS prevalence and its markers using 5 years and 9 months health checkup data and STL analysis. MetS markers consisted of waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG). We found that the MetS prevalence was high in winter and somewhat high in August. Among men, MetS prevalence was 2.64 ± 0.42 (mean ± SD) % higher in the highest month (January) than in the lowest month (June). Among women, MetS prevalence was 0.53 ± 0.24% higher in the highest month (January) than in the lowest month (June). Additionally, SBP, DBP, and HDL-C exhibited simple variations, being higher in winter and lower in summer, while WC, TG, and FPG displayed more complex variations. This finding, complex seasonal variations of MetS prevalence, WC, TG, and FPG, could not be derived from previous studies using just the mean values in spring, summer, autumn and winter or the cosinor analysis. More attention should be paid to factors affecting seasonal variations of central obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.

FOREST LITTER PRODUCTION VARIES WITH SEASON AND ELEVATION GRADIENT IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; Forest litterfall is a fundamental process of ecosystem nutrient cycling, also, it is a source of energy for the development and propagation of wildfire. Understanding the temporal dynamics of litter production and storage is critical for sustainable management and conservation of forest ecosystems. &lt;strong&gt;Objective. &lt;/strong&gt;To quantify&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;the monthly production and storage of forest litter in an elevation gradient. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; We selected forest sites at three elevations: 670, 775, and 1010 masl, corresponding to pine, oak, and tropical lowland forest ecosystems in Nambiyugua hill, Chiapas, Mexico. Sixteen sampling sites with a radius of 11.28 m were established for tree measurements, and 48 litter traps of 0.50 m&lt;sup&gt;2 &lt;/sup&gt;were installed to collect monthly litterfall for a year. To sample ground litter eight 30 by 30 cm&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; quadrats were used in each site. The fallen woody material was measured with the planar intersection method. Litter samples were oven-dried at 60 °C for 72 h and separated into leaves and other plant parts. One-way ANOVA was used to test the significant differences between forests.&lt;strong&gt; Results.&lt;/strong&gt; The highest total loads of litter and fallen woody material were obtained in the pine forests of upper elevation with 29.01 t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;. The highest litter production was obtained in January and April, with a mean of 1.34 ± 0.19 and 0.74 ± 0.13 t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; respectively in pine forests. In the oak forest, the highest production occurred in March, with 1.08 ± 0.25 t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;; while the lowland forest reached the highest production in January with 0.85 ± 0.26 t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, with a decreasing trend in June. &lt;strong&gt;Implications.&lt;/strong&gt; Understanding the seasonal variability in litter production and forest fuel loads is crucial for forest productivity, carbon sequestration, and wildfire prevention &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions.&lt;/strong&gt; The production of forest fuels was different among the ecosystems representing the elevation gradients. The highest monthly production of litter was registered during the January-May period for the pine and oak ecosystems but in November - January in tropical lowland forests.&lt;/p&gt;

Decreasing trend in SO2 concentrations over Durban: 2004 - 2014

The climatology of ambient SO2 air pollution was investigated in Durban, South Africa using data collected by seven air quality monitoring stations (Ferndale, Grosvenor, Jacobs, Wentworth, Settlers School, Southern Works and Prospecton) operated by eThekwini municipality (2004–2014, 2018-2019). These sites constitute a mix of urban and industrial locations. Yearly average trends indicated that no site exceeded the yearly average national guideline (19ppbv) 2004-2014, 2018-2019. Southern Works, Wentworth and Jacobs, recorded highest yearly averages, a consequence of situation within Durban South Industrial Basin (DSIB) while Ferndale recorded lowest yearly averages, a reflection of location in an urban environment. Results of linear fitting to yearly average data (2004-2014) indicated negative trends (all sites). The largest trend was recorded at Jacobs (-0.48ppbv yr-1) and smallest trends observed at Prospecton (-0.12ppbv yr-1), Ferndale (-0.084ppbv yr-1) and Grosvenor (-0.024ppbv yr-1). Using these linear trends, projected SO2 levels were calculated and compared to actual data where it existed (2019 - Wentworth, Settlers, Prospecton), (2018, 2019 Southern Works). Comparison of actual with projected data indicated that except for Prospecton, projected yearly averages are lower than actual yearly averages for these sites. The largest difference between projected and actual data occurred for Southern Works in 2019 (4.10 ppbv). Monthly averages displayed periodic behaviour with maxima recorded in winter and minima in summer. Highest monthly averages were consistently recorded at Wentworth, Jacobs or Southern Works. Maximum monthly average (2004- 2019) was reported at Jacobs, June 2009 (21.71± 2.82ppbv) while minimum monthly average (2004–2019) was reported at Ferndale, December 2012 (0.32±0.04ppbv). Previous Durban SO2 studies are considerably older or of shorter duration than the analysis presented here and are limited as they principally focus on yearly average trends. The determination of SO2 levels over additional averaging periods (monthly average, seasonal variation, seasonal average) coupled with a larger data set and the comparison across sites (industrial vs urban) provides a more detailed exposure profile as experienced by individuals living and working in the eThekwini municipality and thereby expands on previous investigations.

Influence of Psycho Social Issues on Intentional Organophosphates Self-Poisoning among Persons Aged 15-30 Years in Kericho County, Kenya

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess factors influencing psychosocial issues on intentional organophosphate self-poisoning among persons aged 15-30 years in Kericho County, Kenya...&#x0D; Study Design: The study adopted prospective cross-sectional study design and purposive sampling technique.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in 3 level 4 health facilities (Kericho County Referral Hospital, Kapkatet Sub- County Hospital and Sigowet Sub- County Hospital) in Kericho County, Kenya. Which were systematically sampled base on the highest monthly workload one year prior to the study period. The Study was carried out between December 2021 and March 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: The study involved 100 participants ranging in age from 15 to 30 years old (88 males and 12 females). It was a study of all cases of intentional organophosphate self- poisoning, relied majorly on the diagnosis made by clinicians and doctors at emergency departments. Participants were chosen based on the presenting symptoms and history from the respondents. All respondents brought to hospital presenting to emergency department with a history of intentional organophosphate self- poisoning were recruited for the study depending on their eligibility where only respondents who were admitted and recovered after treatment were enrolled after signing or assenting to the consent voluntarily.&#x0D; Results: A sampled of 100 participants were eligible and managed to have 100% response rate. According to the findings of the study, there was a statistical relationship between the parameters since the chi square value were 0.001 which was less than the standard p value which is 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Bivariate analysis showed a strong positive correlation was found between self-poisoning and easy access to organophosphate (p&lt;0.05, r=0.631). There was a positive correlation between psychosocial issues organophosphate intentional self-poisoning. This indicated that mental disorders and physically disabled individuals tended to self-harm with organophosphate poisons.&#x0D; Conclusion: Train and employ more psychological counselors to be deployed to the villages and initiate psychiatric screening programmes to facilitate the counseling and screening of those who are at the risk of self-poisoning early enough. This is in commensurate with mental health amendment bill June 2022 which has been passed by senate to give way for county government to provide for prevention, care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness.