Nocturnal Emissions Research Articles

Gay Dreams: Exploring the Relationship Between Sexual Orientation and Dream Content in Men.

Although numerous individual factors influencing dream content have been explored, research on the link between sexual orientation and dreaming remains limited. This study examined this relationship among 119 German-speaking men (mean age = 31.97 years), including 55homosexual and 64heterosexual participants. Participants completed a questionnaire on their waking life sexuality and dreams and provided two dream reports. Homosexual men reported more sexual partners in waking life and lower satisfaction with their sexual orientation compared to heterosexual men. No significant differences were found in dream recall frequency, emotional tone, nightmare frequency, or distress, though homosexual men reported more sexual dreams. Dream reports showed no significant differences in sexual interactions or the number of sexual partners between groups, but homosexual men's dreams featured a higher ratio of male to female characters and more romantic relationships with men. These findings partially align with the continuity hypothesis, suggesting that the dream content of homosexual men reflects their social interactions and romantic preferences. Overall, the study suggests that homosexual and heterosexual men share a similar dream pattern. The implications of these findings highlight the importance of considering sexual orientation in dream research to better understand the intersection of sexuality and unconscious processes.

Urban Lifewor(l)ds

This article focuses on narrative encounters between people, cities, and stories, and the narrative, material, and futuristic urban plotting. It explores how people engage with narrative heritage, its objects – not just neoliberal wet dreams and dystopias, but also speculative street theatre, participatory utopian fiction, orature, or lyrics – and the practices of co-writing, reading, and listening to ask, beyond Henri Lefebvre, not simply ‘who has the right to the city’, but who can narrate its shared pasts and futures, and how. In the paper, I treat stories and urban architecture as interwoven and co-constitutive modalities of heritage preservation, destruction, repair and futurescaping, drawing attention, after Don Mitchell and Sara Zawde, to the narrative affordances of built landscapes as ‘metaphors to live by’ and to the design-making force of narratives and words. The narrative heritages I center on are, therefore, not simply literary texts but diverse narrative acts, including narrators, different media, spaces, and situated rehearsals of public and collective sci-fi storytelling, writing, and listening for togetherness and less violent futures. The article meanders across several urban narrative situations: ‘Society of the Future’ showcases designed by students after dystopian novels and urbanscapes in Boston; speculative heritage live action role-play (LARP) in the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts, US; ‘wave writing’ experiments in Trondheim/Tråante, Norway; and Søstrene Suse’s Radiokino listening sessions in the footprints of Sámi Elsa Laula Renberg across Scandinavia. It concludes with a reflection on the archives of narrative ‘repair’ and urban otherworldliness as pedagogies of non-necrotic futuring.

Human-water interactions associated to cercarial emergence pattern and their influences on urinary schistosomiasis transmission in two endemic areas in Mali

BackgroundMali is known to be a schistosomiasis-endemic country with a limited supply of clean water. This has forced many communities to rely on open freshwater bodies for many human-water contact (HWC) activities. However, the relationship between contact with these water systems and the level of schistosome infection is currently receiving limited attention. This study assessed human-water interactions including cercarial emergence pattern and their influences on urinary schistosomiasis transmission in two communities in the Kayes district of Mali.MethodsWe carried out a parasitological study first in children in September 2021, then a cross-sectional study of quantitative observations of human-water contact activities in the population, and finally a study of snail infectivity at contact points in September 2022. The study took place in two communities, Fangouné Bamanan and Diakalèl in the Kayes region of western Mali. The chronobiological study focused on cercarial release from naturally infected snails. Released cercariae were molecularly genotyped by targeting the cox1 region, and the ITS and 18S ribosmal DNA gene (18S rDNA) regions of the DNA. Links between sociodemographic parameters, human water-contact points and hematuria were established using multivariate statistical analysis or the logistic regression model.ResultsThe main factor predisposing the 97 participants to water contact was domestic activity (62.9%). Of the 378 snails collected at 14 sampling sites, 27 (7.1%) excreted schistosome cercariae, with 15.0% (19/126) at Fangouné Bamanan and 3.3% (8/252) at Diakalel. The release of Schistosoma cercariae shows three different patterns in Fangouné Bamanan: (i) an early release peak (6:00–8:00 AM), (ii) a mid-day release peak (10:00 AM–12:00 PM) and (iii) a double peak: (6:00–8:00 AM) and (6:00–8:00 PM) cercariae release; and two release patterns in Diakalel: early release (6:00–8:00 AM) and (ii) mid-day release (12:00–2:00 PM). All cercariae released during early diurnal (6:00–8:00 AM) or nocturnal emission patterns (6:00–8:00 PM) were hybrids parasite having an cox1 S. bovis or S. curassoni associated with an ITS and 18S rDNA of S. haematobium while the cercariae released during diurnal, or mid-day patterns (8:00 AM–6:00 PM) were pure S. haematobium.ConclusionsOur study showed that domestic activity is the main source of exposure in the Kayes region. Two and three cercariae emission patterns were observed at Diakalel and Fangouné Bamanan respectively. These results suggest that the parasite adapts to the human-water contact period in order to increase its infectivity.Graphical

Nocturnal burst emissions of germacrene D from the open disk florets of pyrethrum flowers induce moths to oviposit on a nonhost and improve pollination success.

Recent studies show that nocturnal pollinators may be more important to ecosystem function and food production than is currently appreciated. Here, we describe an agricultural field study of pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) flower pollination. Pyrethrum is genetically self-incompatible and thus is reliant on pollinators for seed set. Our pollinator exclusion experiment showed that nocturnal insects, particularly moths, significantly contribute to seed set and quality. We discovered that the most abundant floral volatile, the sesquiterpene (-)-germacrene D (GD), is key in attracting the noctuid moths Peridroma saucia and Helicoverpa armigera. Germacrene D synthase (GDS) gene expression regulates the specific GD production and accumulation in flowers, which, in contrast to related species, lose the habit of closing at night. We did observe that female moths also oviposited on pyrethrum leaves and flower peduncles, but found that only a small fraction of those eggs hatched. Larvae were severely stunted in development, most likely due to the presence of pyrethrin defense compounds. This example of exploitative mutualism, which blocks the reproductive success of the moth pollinator and depends on nocturnal interactions, is placed into an ecological context to explain why it may have developed.

Qalaee (Stannum) metallic origin element, its chemical compounds, action, therapeutic uses, adverse effect and pharmacological activity studies: A Review

Qalaee is Unani name of tin (stannum), which is a metallic element, belongs to group 14 of periodic table. Atomic number of tin is 50 and its atomic mass is 119. Qalaee (Tin) consist two types of compounds, inorganic tin compounds and organic tin compounds. Several toxic and adverse effect studies of Qalaee (stannum) have been reported such as, Respiratory Effects, Gastrointestinal Effects, Haematological Effects, Renal Effects, Dermal Effects, Ocular Effects, Immunological and Lymph reticular Effects, Neurological Effects, Cardiovascular Effects, Body weight effect and reproductive effects. Some studies on different pharmacological activities of tin also reported like, antibacterial activity, anticancer activity and anti-parasitic activity. In traditional system of medicine Qalaee is used in the form of Kusta or Bhasm for various disorders such as spermatorrhoea, excessive nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation and Syphilis etc. Its important Unani formulation is Kusta qalaee. Keyword: Qalaee (Stannum), Action and Therapeutic use, adverse effect, Pharmacological action

Ethnomedicinal Plants of Betul District, Madhya Pradesh

The paper deals with ethnomedicinal information on 54 plant species (belonging to 33 families) collected from field survey amongst three tribes viz., Gond, Korku and Gaiki of Betul district, Madhya Pradesh. An analysis of data has indicated that eight plant species are employed as antidote to snake bite and scorpion sting, six to treat fever. five for rheumatism, four to treat cold, cough, skin diseases, as anthelmintic and tonic, and three for stomach diseases while two species to treat impotency, cuts, wounds and as diuretic. On the other hand, only single species has been referred for a number of other ailments like eye diseases, spermatorrhoea, spleen enlargement, tuberculosis, mouth sore, boil, asthma, liver disorder, toothache, bone fracture, abortifacient, antifertility, and in veterinary. Further, a comparison with the concerned literature has revealed that 23 ethnomedicinal uses of plants have not been reported earlier.

Space-based optical imaging of blue corona discharges on a cumulonimbus cloud top

The ILAN-ES (Imaging of Lightning And Nocturnal Emissions from Space) experiment was conducted in April 2022 as part of the Axiom company AX-1 private mission to the International Space Station, in the framework of Rakia, an Israeli set of experiments selected for flight by the Ramon Foundation and the Israeli Space Agency. The mission objective was to record transient luminous events from the Cupola window in the ISS, based on preliminary thunderstorm forecasts uploaded to the crew 24–36 h in advance. A Nikon D6 camera with a 50 mm lens was used, in a video mode of 60 fps. During the 12-day mission, 82 different targets were identified for the ISS, of which 20 were imaged by the astronauts, yielding a total harvest >80 TLEs: sprites, Elves and BLUEs (blue corona discharges). We report here on opportune nadir observation of a thunderstorm that produced multiple blue events near the Myanmar-Thailand border on April 21st, 2022, at 21:30 UT. The storm produced many visible blue discharges of varying sizes and durations, in diameters ranging from hundreds of meters to a few km2. The emissions were mostly in blue, however the brightest events had also a conspicuous broadband red component. We used meteorological and ENTLN lightning data to establish the relationship between lightning type and the observable properties of the blue corona discharges.

Bipolar I disorder and anxiety disorder with spontaneous ejaculations

Anxiety and ejaculation share similar sympathetic neuronal pathways and hence they may coincide. In this case report, we describe a 30-year-old male with ongoing perceptual disturbances and spontaneous ejaculations that occur without sexual arousal. The patient ultimately benefited from pharmacological therapy with risperidone.

Adolescents’ height and cognitive ability in China

Cognitive ability, as an early human capital, has always been an important research object in modern education and labor economics. Despite growing awareness of the importance of height in individual growth and development, there are few empirical studies on height and cognitive ability. Using the data from the China Education Panel Survey, this paper examined the impact of height on the cognitive ability of adolescents and explored the reasons behind the Chinese pursuit of height growth and the potential impact mechanism. In this paper, comprehensive analysis ability was taken as the representative of cognitive ability. The empirical results showed that height was positively correlated with cognitive ability. From the perspective of the influence mechanism, the hypothesis that height reflected self-esteem, health, non-cognitive ability, and other influences on cognitive ability was excluded. To correct the errors that endogenous problems may cause, we used the PSM method and “age at first menstruation " and “age at first wet dream” as instrumental variables to correct them. The results showed that height still affected cognitive ability, with taller people having higher cognitive ability.

Quantifying Spatial Heterogeneities of Surface Heat Budget and Methane Emissions over West-Siberian Peatland: Highlights from the Mukhrino 2022 Campaign

The study presents the first results from the multi-platform observational campaign carried out at the Mukhrino peatland in June 2022. The focus of the study is the quantification of spatial contrasts of the surface heat budget terms and methane emissions across the peatland, which arise due to the presence of microlandscape heterogeneities. It is found that surface temperature contrasts across the peatland exceeded 10 °C for clear-sky conditions both during day and night. Diurnal variation of surface temperature was strongest over ridges and drier hollows and was smallest over the waterlogged hollows and shallow lakes. This resulted in strong spatial variations of sensible heat flux (H) and Bowen ratio, while the latent heat varied much less. During the clear-sky days, H over ryam exceeded the one over the waterlogged hollow by more than a factor of two. The Bowen ratio amounted to about unity over ryam, which is similar to values over forests. Methane emissions estimated using the static-chamber method also strongly varied between various microlandscapes, being largest at a hollow within a ridge-hollow complex and smallest at a ridge. A strong nocturnal increase in methane mixing ratio was observed and was used in the framework of the atmospheric boundary layer budget method to estimate nocturnal methane emissions, which were found to be in the same order of magnitude as daytime emissions. Finally, the directions for further research are outlined, including the verification of flux-aggregation techniques, parameterizations of surface roughness and turbulent exchange, and land-surface model evaluation and development.

Epileptiform Discharges Presenting as Isolated Episodes of Semen Emission: A Case Report

Epilepsy is a multifaceted disorder, whose presentation varies from person to person. Semen leakage is observed in instances such as nocturnal emission (nightfall), prostatitis, nerve injury, side-effects of medications, and sexual arousal. The emission of semen as a manifestation of epilepsy is rare. The authors present the case of a 28-year-old male, married for the past two years, with complaints of involuntary passage of semen in sleep which began one month back. The frequency was 3-4 times a week. Following this event, the patient observed that he had a splitting headache that was generalised in nature which would persist for the next few hours and would not even subside after taking a painkiller like paracetamol. An Electroencephalogram (EEG) was advised, showing generalised slowing with increased frequency of delta waves, which were suspected to be characterising post-epileptic changes. The patient was started on Tab Lamotrigine 25 once at night, which was eventually up-titrated to 105 mg per day on a divided dosage. The patient is well maintained now for three months on this medication and no repeat episode of involuntary seminal discharge has occurred. So, while encountering such a presentation a diagnosis of underlying seizure activity should be kept in mind.

Clinical characteristics, allergic response to autologous semen, and desensitization in patients with postorgasmic illness syndrome.

Postorgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is rare and includes a cluster of physical and cognitive symptoms that occur after ejaculation. The pathogenesis and effective treatments remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize the symptomatology of POIS, study the allergic response of autologous semen in patients and controls, and evaluate the effects of desensitization therapy. The clinical characteristics of 24 Chinese patients with POIS were analyzed. Skin prick tests, intracutaneous tests, and specific IgE detection were performed with autologous semen. Five patients were desensitized via subcutaneous injections of autologous semen. Evaluated outcomes included the clinical features of POIS; scores of the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and visual analog scale (VAS) of symptoms; skin reactions; desensitization with diluted autologous seminal fluid; and the IgE reactivity patterns of immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in vitro. The most common symptom cluster was the general cluster, and the most prevalent symptoms were extreme fatigue and inattention. A total of 66.67% (14/21) of the patients had no symptoms or milder symptoms after nocturnal emission than after intercourse or masturbation. Of the patients, 87.5% (21/24) had psychiatric symptoms and 53.85% (7/13) had abnormal sex hormone levels. The SAS and SDS scores of the high and low VAS groups were significantly higher than those of the control group. Pearson analysis showed that the correlation coefficient between the SAS and VAS was 0.607 (P < .01) and that between the SDS and VAS was 0.490 (P < .05). The patients and healthy donors all had positive intracutaneous test results with their own semen, negative skin prick test results, and no IgE specific to autologous semen. Most patients (4/5) did not achieve ideal therapeutic effects with desensitization. Allergy is not the main pathogenesis of POIS, and desensitization with autologous semen is not effective for most patients. This project included the largest number of patients with POIS in China and assessed the allergic response to autologous semen and the effect of desensitization therapy. There is no objective method for evaluating the efficacy of desensitization with autologous semen. IgE-mediated semen allergy is not the main pathogenesis of POIS, and there is a positive chance that POIS is related to psychological factors. Most patients do not respond to desensitization with autologous semen, and POIS treatment should be individualized, especially in cases with uncertain causes.

Non-visual and alerting impact of light on the physiology of human body

The human body and brain are affected by light both visually and non-visually. Light has extraordinary impact on large group of physiological capabilities, and encompass neuroendocrine regulation, sleep, alertness, cognition, and ocular reflexes, as well as phase-shifting and synchronization of the circadian framework. The blue light exposure is significant for keeping living organisms, cognitive performance prosperity and sharpness. The human eyes may suffer from excessive exposure of the blue light. The lack of light has a negative impact on sleep quality and alertness as well as mood, seasonal affective disorder and neurocognitive cycles. Early morning exposure to strong light delays the peak of melatonin production and alters cortisol, GH, PRL, and nocturnal vasopressin emission. Metabolic capabilities including the reducing levels of glucose resistance and diminished insulin sensitivity are horribly affected by night light exposure. Type 2 diabetes risk increases in an old populace due to the elevation in night light exposure. Ladies presented to night-light moves had sporadic monthly cycles that were much of the time related to dysmenorrhea and metabolic disorder insulin obstruction and liberation of glucose digestion. Estrus cycles, ovulation, sperm production, implantation, and the development of pregnancy are also affected by the desynchronizing effect of altered light signals on the circadian peripheral clocks in female and male conceptive tissues. DNA is harmed directly by UVB radiation. The present effort is to investigate and summarize the non-visual and alerting effect of light on the physiology of the human body.

Parental knowledge and communication with their adolescent on sexual and reproductive health issues in Nepal.

Parental knowledge about sexual and reproductive health issues and adequate communication with their adolescent on these issues are crucial in promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Although there are evidence on adolescent perceptions of their sexual health issues, research on parental perspectives of adolescent sexual health and parent-adolescent communication about sexual health issues in Nepal remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess parental knowledge and communication practice about sexual and reproductive health with their adolescent children in Lalitpur Metropolitan City of Nepal. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2019 among randomly selected 308 parents of adolescents (aged 10-19 years) residing in Lalitpur Metropolitan City of Nepal. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires were conducted to collect the data. The collected data were entered into EpiData software v3.1, and data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows Version 21.0 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA). The statistical significance was considered at a p-value <0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 308 parents, one-third of parents were found to have correct knowledge about safe abortion, menstrual hygiene and management, modern contraceptives, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, wet dreams among male adolescents, abstaining from sexual intercourse during the fertile period, and the possibility of a male adolescent to impregnate a girl. In addition, only 40.9% of parents were found to have communicated with their adolescent children about sexual and reproductive health issues. Parents who have knowledge about puberty (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-3.9), belong to Bharamin/Chhetri ethnic group (aOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-2.2), self-employed (aOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3-4.0), having two or more adolescent children (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6), and whose adolescent children were staying in school hostel (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI:1.0-3.0) were more likely to have parental communication about sexual and reproductive health with their adolescent children. Most parents do not communicate with their adolescent children on sexual health topics, although they feel sexual health education is essential to adolescents. The majority of parents were found inadequately aware of adolescent sexual health issues. It is crucial to have contextual interventions that would encourage parent-adolescent communication on sexual health matters in an integrated way to promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

Observing lightning and transient luminous events from the international space station during ILAN-ES: An astronaut's perspective

The ILAN-ES (Imaging of Lightning And Nocturnal Emissions from Space) experiment was conducted by Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe in April 2022 as part of the Axiom Space company AX-1 private mission to the International Space Station, in the framework of Rakia, a set of experiments selected for flight by the Ramon Foundation and the Israeli Space Agency. The mission objective was to manually record lightning and transient luminous events from the Cupola window in the ISS, based on preliminary thunderstorm forecasts uploaded to the crew 24–36 h in advance. A Nikon D6 camera with a 50 mm lens was used, in a video mode of 60 frames per second. During the 15-day mission, 82 different targets were uploaded to the ISS of which 20 were imaged by the astronauts, yielding a total harvest of 45 TLEs: sprites, Elves and Blue Corona Discharges. The methodology and execution by the ISS astronauts are described and recommendation for future observations by on-board human-operated instruments on the ISS are given.

ErZhiFormula prevents UV-induced skin photoaging by Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling: An in vitro and in vivo studies.

ErZhiFormula (EZF) is a classical traditional Chinese medicinal formulation. It can be used to treat liver and kidney yin deficiency, dizziness, lumbar debility, insomnia, nocturnal emission, lower extremity weakness, and other aging-related diseases. However, the protective effect of EZF in skin photoaging and its potential mechanism has not been clarified. This study aims to explore the role of EZF in the skin photoaging mechanism induced by UV radiation. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) was used to identify the fingerprint of EZF. The mice were irradiated with UVA and UVB to establish the photoaging model in vivo. Human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) were irradiated with UVB to establish the photoaging model in vitro. The activity of cells was detected by CCK-8 and LDH kits, the level of reactive oxygen species was detected by DCF fluorescent probe, and the apoptosis was detected by PE annexin V and 7-Amino-Actinomycin (7-AAD) staining. Comet assay was used to detect cell DNA damage. The antioxidant enzyme levels in cell and mouse serum were detected by antioxidant kit, and Western blot was used to detect protein expression. We found that EZF contain many active ingredients, including salidroside, specnuezhenide, isoquercitrin, etc. EZF can improve the photoaging of HaCaT cells and mouse skin caused by UV radiation. The results of animal experiments are consistent with those of cell experiments. Combined with Western blot analysis, we found that EZF finally played an anti-skin photoaging role by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 pathway. EZF can protect skin from UV-induced photoaging by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signal pathway. EZF may become a traditional Chinese medicine with the potential to prevent skin photoaging.

(399) Effect of Bulbospongiosus Muscles Cutting with Frenular Delta Excision for Treatment Premature Ejaculation ( Alaa Aglan Operation)

Abstract Introduction Alaa aglan operation is a new procedure consists of two parts. First part is cutting bulbospongiosus muscles bilaterally, And 2nd part is cutting of elliptical part of frenular delta. it is the most sensitive area in penis and excision of its central part decreases penis sensitivity. The operation has it's own prediction test that allows us to know the expected time post operatively and if the operation is option or not. It is easy just spraying local anesthesia (procomail 10%®) at coronal ridge (inhibits glans-bulbospongiosus reflex) and at frenular delta (temporary excision) 30 minutes before having sex. The operation could be reversed by repairing the muscle again. Objective presentation of a simple, easy permanent solution for treatment of premature ejaculation with less side effects in comparison with all other treatments. Methods 1050 Cases were operated between 1/1/2015 and 3/10/2015 follow up was done at 1, 3,6,12 months intervals then yearly (5 years duration). 47 Cases didn't complete the 5 years duration but none of them have any complain. Results There are two types of patients: First type (non-psychic causes patients) the gained time was approximately as prediction test of each. Second type (secondary psychic or mixed causes patients) the results were much better than prediction tests after 3 months. The non- psychic premature ejaculation patients improved quickly. we calculate the time (IVEL) from the second intercourse as patient usually be congested unless he masturbated or had wet dreams so we avoid the 1st intercourse and calculate the time from 2nd time .clinically we noticed that all patients gets the final result after 1 month approximately from day of surgery. And the result still constant without change or with minimal positive change in few cases but in second type patients the results after 3 weeks resembles the prediction test results but improves gradually till the 3rd month with final constant result. Satisfaction was rate 99.6% this is due to prediction test application, in our early trials beyond this study Satisfaction rate was 71% (without prediction test). Side effects were minimal, No regression in results in any patient during the following up period. Only 4 patients were not satisfied although the operation was successful. 1st patient complained from neuroma due to adhesion (post operative), Adhesiolysis was done, total relief of pain reported by the patient immediately post operative, 2nd patient reported that the distance of expulsion of semen from penile orifice decreased in comparison to that before surgery. 3rd patient reported hematoma, Evacuation was done without complications. 4th patient reported that he lost the sensation of repetitive contraction of muscles at peno-scrotal area during ejaculation. Many patients reported absence or decrease in number of wet dreams post operative other side effects were minimal. Conclusions Alaa aglan operation is safe, Immediate, Curative technique for premature ejaculation provided that prediction test shows good response. Disclosure No

Extreme Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Control Daytime Oxidation and Quench Nocturnal Oxidation Chemistry in Delhi during Highly Polluted Episodes.

Delhi, India, suffers from periods of very poor air quality, but little is known about the chemical production of secondary pollutants in this highly polluted environment. During the postmonsoon period in 2018, extremely high nighttime concentrations of NOx (NO and NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were observed, with median NOx mixing ratios of ∼200 ppbV (maximum of ∼700 ppbV). A detailed chemical box model constrained to a comprehensive suite of speciated VOC and NOx measurements revealed very low nighttime concentrations of oxidants, NO3, O3, and OH, driven by high nighttime NO concentrations. This results in an atypical NO3 diel profile, not previously reported in other highly polluted urban environments, significantly perturbing nighttime radical oxidation chemistry. Low concentrations of oxidants and high nocturnal primary emissions coupled with a shallow boundary layer led to enhanced early morning photo-oxidation chemistry. This results in a temporal shift in peak O3 concentrations when compared to the premonsoon period (12:00 and 15:00 local time, respectively). This shift will likely have important implications on local air quality, and effective urban air quality management should consider the impacts of nighttime emission sources during the postmonsoon period.

Knowledge, and practices on sexual and reproductive health among youth trainees attached to youth training centers in Sri Lanka

BackgroundSexual and reproductive health is a major concern among adolescents and youth in Sri Lanka. The study was carried out to assess the knowledge, and practices of the youth trainees attached to youth training institutes in Sri Lanka.MethodologyA descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 425 youth trainees attached to youth training centers in Sri Lanka using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-21. Categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. A comparison of categorical variables was conducted using the Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test as applicable. The bivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the independent association of the selected demographic factors with youth trainees’ sexual and reproductive health knowledge.ResultsStudy group consisted of 51.8% (n = 220) males and 48.2% (n = 205) females with a mean age of 18.6 years (SD = 1.8). Youth trainees’ knowledge of the physiology of the reproductive tract was not at a satisfactory level, where Only 49% (n = 211) knew that nocturnal emission is normal in young men. The trainee’s knowledge of contraception was also at a poor level. Only 47.5% (n = 202) had ever heard of condoms, and 13.2% (n = 56) knew about the emergency contraceptive pill. Nearly 8% (n = 33) of the youth had engaged in sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime. Male gender (AOR = 2.3, p < 0.001), and age above 20 years (AOR = 1.9, P = 0.005) were positively associated with SRH knowledge.Conclusions and recommendationsKnowledge and practices on sexual and reproductive health among youth trainees were sub-standard. The study recommends strengthening sexual and reproductive health education at youth training centers.

Integration, qualification, and launch of the Mini-EUSO telescope on board the ISS

Mini-EUSO is a high-sensitivity imaging telescope that observes the Earth from the ISS in the near ultraviolet band (290 $$\div$$ 430 nm), through the nadir-facing, UV-transparent window in the Russian Zvezda module. The instrument, launched in 2019, has a field of view of 44 $$^{\circ }$$ , a spatial resolution on the Earth’s surface of 6.3 km and a temporal sampling rate of 2.5 microseconds. Thanks to its triggering and on-board processing, the telescope is capable of detecting UV emissions of cosmic, atmospheric, and terrestrial origin on different time scales, from a few microseconds up to tens of milliseconds. The optics is composed of two Fresnel lenses focusing light onto an array of 36 Hamamatsu Multi-Anode PhotoMultiplier Tubes, for a total of 2304 pixels. The telescope also contains two cameras in the near-infrared and visible, an 8-by-8 array of Silicon-PhotoMultipliers and a series of UV sensors to manage night-day transitions. The scientific objectives range from the observation of atmospheric phenomena [lightning, Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), ELVES], the study of meteoroids, the search of interstellar meteoroids and strange quark matter, mapping of the Earth’s nocturnal emissions in the ultraviolet range, and the search of cosmic rays with energy above 10 $$^{21}$$ eV. The instrument has been integrated and qualified in 2019, with the final tests in Baikonur prior to its launch. Operations involve periodic installation in the Zvezda module of the station with observations during the crew night time, with periodic downlink of data samples, with the full data being sent to the ground via pouches containing the data disks. Mission planning involves the selection of the optimal orbits to maximize the scientific return of the instrument. In this work, we will describe the various phases of construction, testing, and qualification prior to the launch and the in-flight operations of the instrument on board the ISS.