Peak Of Season Research Articles

Biovectoring of plastic by white storks from a landfill to a complex of salt ponds and marshes

Research into plastic pollution has extensively focused on abiotic vectors, overlooking transport by animals. Opportunistic birds, such as white storks (Ciconia ciconia) often forage on landfills, where plastic abounds. We assess plastic loading by ingestion and regurgitation of landfill plastic in Cadiz Bay, a major stopover area for migratory white storks in south-west Spain. On average, we counted 599 storks per day moving between a landfill and a complex of salt ponds and marshes, where they regurgitated pellets that each contained a mean of 0.47 g of plastic debris, dominated by polyethylene. Modelling reliant on GPS tracking estimated that 99 kg and >2 million particles of plastic were biovectored into the wetland during 2022, with seasonal peaks that followed migration patterns. GPS data enabled the correction of field censuses and the identification of plastic deposition hotspots. This study highlights the important role that biovectoring plays in plastic transport into coastal wetlands.

Impact of customer environmental attitude-behavior gap

ABSTRACT This study investigates how the customer environmental attitude-behavior gap affects a hotel’s total carbon emissions and profits. Results indicate that this gap does not affect the emissions and profits in the peak season but does so in the off-season. It leads to hotel underpricing, thus resulting in occupancy increase, but emission increase and profit decrease. The negative impacts intensify if more customers promising support for emission reduction have the attitude-behavior gap. However, if more customers holding negative environmental attitudes change attitudes but still have this gap, the impacts of the gap on the emissions and profits vary with market situations.

Beyond common urban air quality assessment: Relationship between PM2.5 and black carbon during haze and non-haze periods in Bangkok

The atmospheric pollution burden in Bangkok, Thailand, is likely to be similar to that of other large urban agglomerations. Black carbon (BC) aerosol is one of the key components of PM2.5 (particulate matter with equivalent diameter ≤2.5 μm) pollutants; jointly they adversely affect humans and the environment. This study assessed the BC and PM2.5 ambient concentrations in Bangkok over nine months (November 1, 2020, to July 27, 2021), focusing on seasonal differences during the haze period (Hp; december 2020 to February 2021) and non-haze period (NHP; remaining months). PM2.5 data were measured optically, together with filter sampling of particles at heights of 30, 75, and 110 m above ground level (AGL). A thermal/optical carbon analysis method was used to determine the BC mass concentrations in the collected samples. The results showed that the vertically averaged BC concentration within PM2.5 increased more than 3-fold from 2.82 to 9.09 μg/m3 from the NHP to the HP. The vertical dependence of BC concentration was characterized by an increase in the height AGL in the NHP. In contrast, the opposite trend was observed for the HP. The average values of the PM2.5/BC ratio at all heights AGL showed a seasonal trend, with the BC mass concentration accounting for over 25% of PM2.5 concentration during the peak of the haze season.

Common Cold Coronaviruses Detection at an Academic Hospital Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background Community mitigation measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic altered the seasonality of some respiratory viruses, including the four common cold coronaviruses (CCCs). Since these measures have been relaxed, CCCs have resurged, but limited longitudinal data on CCCs circulation are available to interpret changes in prevalence during the pandemic. Therefore, we defined circulation of the four CCCs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nashville, TN, for insights into the impact of pandemic human coronavirus emergence and associated containment measures on CCCs infections in the general population. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of clinician-ordered respiratory virus panels from 01/01/2018 to 12/31/2022 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (Nashville, TN). The panels test for common respiratory pathogens, including CCCs (namely HCoV-229E, -NL63, -OC43, and -HKU1). Overall and age-specific detection frequencies for the four CCCs were analyzed. Multiple medical encounters for the same individual were included if they were >14 days apart. The beginning of the pandemic was marked by 04/01/2020, the first day Tennessee’s stay-at-home order was in effect. Results A total of 57,930 samples were tested, and 2,003 (3.5%) were CCC-positive. The most frequently detected CCC was OC43 (n=785; 39.2%), followed by HKU1 (n=510; 25.5%), NL63 (n=510; 25.5%), and 229E (n=237; 11.8%). Before the pandemic, CCCs peaked during winter months. This seasonality was disrupted during the pandemic; circulation virtually ceased in April 2020 and resumed in January 2021, peaking during the spring months of 2021 and 2022. Throughout the study duration, OC43 predominated each season except for the 2019–2020 winter months, when HKU1 was predominant (Figure 1). The seasonality of all four CCCs was generally consistent across age groups; however, 229E was uncommon in children 0–4 years. Figure 1. Detection frequency of the four common cold coronaviruses detected between January 2018 and December 2022 in Nashville, TN, by age group. The dashed line represents the first day Tennessee’s stay-at-home order was in effect. Conclusion The four CCCs circulated off-season in Nashville during the pandemic, exhibiting spring seasonal peaks in 2021 and 2022. Long-term monitoring of CCC circulation is required to determine whether the shift in seasonality becomes a permanent feature of CCC ecology. In addition, further studies are warranted to explain the varying predominance of HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1.

Future weakening of southeastern tropical Atlantic Ocean interannual sea surface temperature variability in a global climate model

AbstractFuture changes in the southeastern tropical Atlantic interannual sea surface temperature (SST) variability in response to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations are investigated utilizing the global climate model FOCI. In that model, the Coastal Angola Benguela Area (CABA) is among the regions of the tropical Atlantic that exhibits the largest surface warming. Under the worst-case scenario of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5-8.5 (SSP5-8.5), the SST variability in the CABA decreases by about 19% in 2070–2099 relative to 1981–2010 during the model’s peak interannual variability season May–June–July (MJJ). The weakening of the MJJ interannual temperature variability spans the upper 40 m of the ocean along the Angolan and Namibian coasts. The reduction in variability appears to be related to a diminished surface-layer temperature response to thermocline-depth variations, i.e., a weaker thermocline feedback, which is linked to changes in the mean vertical temperature gradient. Despite improvements made by embedding a high-resolution nest in the ocean a significant SST bias remains, which might have implications for the results.

Chikungunya in Zhejiang Province, Southeast China

BackgroundChikungunya is emerging and reemerging word-widely in the past decades. It is non-endemic in Zhejiang Province, Southeast China. Aedes albopictus, one of major vectors of chikungunya, is widely-distribution in Zhejiang, and autochthonous transmission is possible after introducing chikungunya virus. MethodsRetrospectively collected the epidemiological, clinical and genetic data of chikungunya and conducted the descriptive analysis and gene sequence analysis. ResultsFrom 2008 to 2022, 29 chikungunya cases, including 26 overseas imported and 3 local cases, were reported and no cases died of chikungunya. More than half of the imported cases (53.85%) were from Southeast Asia. Seasonal peak of the imported cases was noted between August and September, and 42.31% cases onset in those 2 months. Eight prefecture-level cities and 16 counties reported cases during the study period, with Jinghua (27.59%) and Hangzhou (24.14%) reporting the largest number of cases. The 3 local cases were all reported in Qujiang, Quzhou in 2017. For imported cases, the male-female gender ratio was 2.71:1, 20–30 years old cases (46.15%) and commercial service (42.31%) accounted for the highest proportion. Clinically, fever (100%), fatigue (94.44%), arthralgia (79.17%), headache (71.43%) and erythra (65.22%) were the most common reported symptoms. Eight whole-genome sequences were obtained and belonged to East/Central/South African (ECSA) or Asian genotype. ConclusionsWith the change of immigration policy, the surveillance of chikungunya should be strengthened and the ability of the case discovery and diagnosis should be improved in Zhejiang in the post-COVID-19 era.

Quantification of non-structural carbohydrates in different tissues of trees with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy: Is there a benefit from a fusion of near- and mid-infrared data?

Understanding the role of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in tree-level carbon cycling crucially depends on the availability of NSC data in a sufficient temporal resolution covering extreme conditions and seasonal peaks or declines. Chemical analytical methods should therefore get complemented by less extensive retrieval methods. To this end, we explored the potential of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for estimating NSC contents at a set of 180 samples taken from leaves, roots, stems and branches of different tree species in different biogeographic regions. Multiple randomized partitioning in calibration and validation data were performed with near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) as well as combined data. With derivative spectra, NIR markedly outperformed MIR data for NSC estimation; mean RMSE for outer validation samples equalled 2.58 (in % of dry matter) compared to 2.90, r2 was 0.64 compared to 0.52. We found complementary information related to NSC in both spectral domains, so that a combination with high-level data fusion (model averaging) increased accuracy (RMSE decreased to 2.19, r2 equalled 0.72). Spectral variable selection with the CARS algorithm further improved results slightly (RMSE = 1.97, r2 = 0.78). On the level of tissue types, we found a marked differentiation concerning the appropriateness of datasets and approaches. High-level data fusion was successful for leaves, NIR data (together with CARS) provided the best results for wooden tissues. This suggests further studies with a greater number of samples per tissue type but only for selected (main) tree species to finally judge the sensitivities of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIR, MIR) for NSC retrieval.

Monitoring within-patch, flying season population dynamics of an endangered mire-dwelling dragonfly, Petalura gigantea (Odonata: Petaluridae)

ABSTRACT Understanding within-patch seasonal demographics of patchily distributed odonates is fundamental to understanding aspects of their behaviour, ecology, and landscape-scale population dynamics. Such knowledge underpins effective conservation management and is dependent upon appropriate survey methods. The objective of this study was to understand the within-patch, flying season, population dynamics of imagos of the endangered mire-dwelling dragonfly, Petalura gigantea, using a modified Pollard Walk, a line transect survey technique. Relative abundance of imagos was monitored at nominally weekly intervals, by sex, across the duration of the flying season in six mire patches in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. There was a preponderance of adult males and a relatively consistent trend in changing relative abundance of adult males compared to females within mire habitat across all surveys, with a marked seasonal peak in male abundance, confirming that surviving adult females generally occupy non-mire habitat other than for reproduction. This study confirmed the utility of this technique to monitor changing relative abundance of adult males within mire patches across a flying season, and potentially, for comparison among years for a separate, longitudinal, landscape-scale study. Successful use of the technique is contingent upon a sound understanding of the species’ habitat preferences and behaviour, with caveats for survey timing and weather protocols, to satisfy minimum requirements for detectability, repeatability, and replicability. The technique could be used, with species- and habitat-specific modifications, for monitoring other patchily distributed odonates, including petalurids, and contribute to their improved conservation management.

Implementation of a satellite-based tool for the quantification of CH4 emissions over Europe (AUMIA v1.0) – Part 1: forward modelling evaluation against near-surface and satellite data

Abstract. Methane is the second-most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide and accounts for around 10 % of total European Union greenhouse gas emissions. Given that the atmospheric methane budget over a region depends on its terrestrial and aquatic methane sources, inverse modelling techniques appear as powerful tools for identifying critical areas that can later be submitted to emission mitigation strategies. In this regard, an inverse modelling system of methane emissions for Europe is being implemented based on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model: the Aarhus University Methane Inversion Algorithm (AUMIA) v1.0. The forward modelling component of AUMIA consists of the WRF model coupled to a multipurpose global database of methane anthropogenic emissions. To assure transport consistency during the inversion process, the backward modelling component will be based on the WRF model coupled to a Lagrangian particle dispersion module. A description of the modelling tools, input data sets, and 1-year forward modelling evaluation from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 is provided in this paper. The a posteriori methane emission estimates, including a more focused inverse modelling for Denmark, will be provided in a second paper. A good general agreement is found between the modelling results and observations based on the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) onboard the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite. Model–observation discrepancies for the summer peak season are in line with previous studies conducted over urban areas in central Europe, with relative differences between simulated concentrations and observational data in this study ranging from 1 % to 2 %. Domain-wide correlation coefficients and root-mean-square errors for summer months ranged from 0.4 to 0.5 and from 27 to 30 ppb, respectively. On the other hand, model–observation discrepancies for winter months show a significant overestimation of anthropogenic emissions over the study region, with relative differences ranging from 2 % to 3 %. Domain-wide correlation coefficients and root-mean-square errors in this case ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 and from 33 to 50 ppb, respectively, indicating that a more refined inverse analysis assessment will be required for this season. According to modelling results, the methane enhancement above the background concentrations came almost entirely from anthropogenic sources; however, these sources contributed with only up to 2 % to the methane total-column concentration. Contributions from natural sources (wetlands and termites) and biomass burning were not relevant during the study period. The results found in this study contribute with a new model evaluation of methane concentrations over Europe and demonstrate a huge potential for methane inverse modelling using improved TROPOMI products in large-scale applications.

Sustainable Multi-Objective Models for Waste-to-Energy and Waste Separation Site Selection

In the past, the Iranian government has excessively relied on fossil fuels, gas, and oil resources, leading to energy-related issues and increasing power outages in the provinces during peak seasons. One of the best opportunities for energy production in Iran is through the establishment of bio-methane and waste-based energy parks. This research aims to determine the optimal locations for waste sorting centers and the establishment of waste-to-energy plants. The coexistence and interaction of these two facilities will enhance system efficiency. To achieve this goal, two mathematical models, with three objectives, have been designed. The static allocation model assigns each industrial park to a waste sorting center, while the dynamic allocation model selects the shortest route from the industrial park to the waste-to-energy center. The first objective is to minimize establishment costs, while the second and third objectives aim to reduce the system’s waiting costs. Waiting for waste shipments leads to pollution, and the desirability and route length can increase the likelihood of organic pollution. Therefore, this research seeks to minimize these factors. The model results indicate that the sorting and energy production centers have been selected to incur the lowest establishment, transportation, and waiting costs. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis section of the model reveals the impact of coefficient changes on the model’s results.

Feeding habits and diet composition of Octopus cyanea (Gray, 1849) in Zanzibar waters, Tanzania

The octopus fishery in Zanzibar is an essential activity of coastal communities. To assist with developing fisheries management plans, baseline information on the feeding of Octopus cyanea (Gray, 1849) was collected in relation to sex and maturity stages. The feeding habits and diet composition of 543 O. cyanea were studied over a period of 12 months at Paje, Kizimkazi, Chwaka Bay and Nungwi. Samples at each site were collected on two days per month during spring tide. Digestive tract contents revealed that O. cyanea preyed on 36 species of crustaceans, molluscs and fishes, with crabs a major prey item. The number of prey species in a single stomach ranged from one to six. O. cyanea in Zanzibar is therefore a generalist predator with a mixed diet. The octopus gonadosomatic index (GSI) indicated a peak breeding season in June to October, which correlated with low prey consumption. Mature octopuses ingested a small amount of food from mainly small sessile prey. Females consumed less food than males of similar maturity stages, suggesting that they ate less or had higher digestion rates. The information is useful for developing fisheries management plans for the octopus fishery in Zanzibar.

Wild edible plants and their cultural significance among the Zhuang ethnic group in Fangchenggang, Guangxi, China

IntroductionFangchenggang is situated in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, renowned for its rich biodiversity and ethnically diverse population. The Zhuang people, constituting the largest minority group in the area, possess a wealth of traditional knowledge concerning wild edible plants (WEPs) owing to the region's favorable environment and dietary customs. With the rapid development of urbanization, tourism, and trade, the Zhuang people's food culture, including the consumption of wild edible plants, has become an attractive aspect of urban development. However, there is almost no comprehensive report available on WEPs consumed by the Zhuang people. The objectives of this study were to: (1) conduct a comprehensive ethnobotanical investigation of the WEPs among the Zhuang people in the region; (2) evaluate the cultural food significance index (CFSI) for the local communities; (3) summarize the cultural characteristics of the wild edible plants consumed, providing scientific support for the development of Fangchenggang as a sustainable and attractive tourism destination.MethodsEthnobotanical investigation including market surveys, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and participatory observations was conducted in Fangchenggang from January 2021 to March 2023. A total of 137 informants were selected using the snowball method. Information about WEPs, including vernacular names, food categories, parts used, mode of consumption, collecting season, and recipes, was collected and recorded. The CFSI (cultural food significance index) was calculated to identify the most culturally significant WEPs.ResultsA total of 163 species of wild edible plants consumed by the Zhuang people were identified, belonging to 67 families. The main categories of WEPs include wild vegetables (69) and tea substitutes (42). The most commonly consumed parts are fruits (37), followed by whole plants (33) and leaves (21), with herbaceous plants (74) being the most numerous. The availability of wild edible plants remains high throughout the year, with the peak seasons occurring in August and October, and significant abundance also noted in July and November. In the highly significant category (CFSI > 500), a total of 15 plant species were identified, which play a crucial role in the local diet. Additionally, 17 alien species have become part of the local consumption of wild plants, with 7 species listed as invasive alien species.Discussion and ConclusionsThis study documented 163 wild edible plant species and their associated traditional knowledge of the Zhuang people. The research identified culturally significant WEPs and analyzed their multiple uses. The historical development of wild plant consumption in Fangchenggang showed the strong influence of natural and social environments on the Zhuang ethnic group's dietary traditions. The WEPs are characterized by “sour food”, “fresh ingredients” and “cold dishes”, aligning with their health-oriented philosophy of “homology of medicine and food”. Future prospects encompass the cultivation of economically sustainable wild edible plants (WEPs), the preservation of their traits through cross-breeding, ensuring safe consumption through research and safety evaluations, and advocating for the preservation of WEPs' culinary culture to support tourism and sustainable urban development.

Spatial pattern of glacier mass balance sensitivity to atmospheric forcing in High Mountain Asia

Abstract The complex topography and size of High Mountain Asia (HMA) result in large differences in glacier mass-balance variability and climate sensitivity. Current understanding of these sensitivities is limited by simplifications in past studies’ model structure. This study overcomes this limitation by using a mass-balance model to investigate the climatic mass-balance variability and climate sensitivity of 16 glaciers covering major mountain ranges in HMA. Generally, glaciers in the southeast have higher mass turnover while glaciers at the margins of HMA show higher interannual mass-balance variability. All glaciers are most sensitive to temperature perturbations in summer. The climatic mass balance of 15 glaciers is most sensitive to precipitation perturbations in summer or spring and summer, even if the seasonal accumulation peak is not in summer. Only one glacier's mass balance (Chhota Shigri Glacier) is most sensitive to precipitation perturbations in winter. Glaciers with high mass turnover and high summer-precipitation ratio are more sensitive to temperature perturbations. Sensitivity experiments reveal that besides the non-linearity of mass-balance temperature sensitivity, mass-balance precipitation sensitivity is non-linear as well. Furthermore, resolving the diurnal cycle of albedo, (re)freezing and the differentiation between liquid and solid precipitation are important to assess climate sensitivity of glaciers in HMA.

THE EFFECTS OF SEASONALITY ON MICE TOURISM DEMAND IN JORDAN

Seasonal tourism is a set of influences that determines tourism demand, and it is defined as the movement of tourists caused by climate and institutional changes. Most tourist destinations in the world are affected by seasonal phenomena. Destinations with high seasonal variability often face various challenges, such as high costs, overcrowding, and inadequate infrastructure in peak seasons, while in low seasons, the challenges are low numbers of tourists, lack of services and job opportunities. Thus, the purpose of this article is to investigate how Jordan's MICE tourism demand is affected by seasonality. A quantitative research method was applied in this study by distributing a survey to 331 respondents among domestic and international tourists who visited Amman, stayed in a hotel at least one night and participated in meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) activities, using a non-probability sampling technique. Data was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 and Smart PLS software. The results of the study exhibited a significant and positive effect between two aspects of tourism seasonality (political and economic) and MICE tourism. The study indicates that MICE tourism is quite beneficial for the economy of a country to generate demand and to stimulate the tourism industry. MICE tourism that takes place should be systematically planned and developed, and should be established as tourist attractions, catalyst for further development, image builders and animators of the destination. Their success is mostly due to the backing of accommodations of a suitable caliber, the close coordination between travel agents, the accessibility of detailed information about events and related activities, and most crucially, effective marketing initiatives.

To what extent can the ozone valley over the Tibetan Plateau influence the East Asian summer precipitation?

The ozone valley over the Tibetan Plateau (OVTP) has experienced significant interannual variations during the past decades. Previous studies have primarily focused on the origins of OVTP rather than its climate impact. This study reveals that OVTP during its peak season (May–July) explains up to 15% of the summer precipitation variability in East Asia. The results suggest that the surface temperature (Ts) anomaly over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) acts as a link between OVTP and East Asian precipitation. Through the positive land-atmosphere feedback, the Ts anomaly over the TP is amplified. The anomalous Ts pattern persists into summer (June–August) due to the land memory effect and impacts the East Asian precipitation by modulating the local circulation. The Specified-Chemistry version of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model is employed to validate that MJJ OVTP results in a substantial increase of Ts over TP and induces an anomalous anti-cyclone centered over the Yangtze-Huaihe River Basin during summer. Consequently, negative precipitation anomalies are observed in the Yangtze River Basin, while positive precipitation anomalies occur in Southern China. The linear baroclinic model further demonstrates that the diabatic heating over the TP serves as the link between MJJ OVTP and East Asian summer precipitation patterns. Our analysis of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models reveals that a more accurate prediction of East Asian precipitation requires an improved understanding of the relationship between OVTP and TP Ts.

The South African Pollen Monitoring Network: Insights from 2years of national aerospora sampling (2019-2021).

Pollen monitoring has been discontinuously undertaken in South Africa, a country with high biodiversity, a seasonal rainfall gradient, and nine biomes from arid to subtropical. The South African Pollen Monitoring Network was set up in 2019 to conduct the first long-term national aerospora monitoring across multiple biomes, providing weekly reports to allergy sufferers and healthcare providers. Daily airborne pollen concentrations were measured from August 2019 to August 2021 in seven cities across South Africa. Updated pollen calendars were created for the major pollen types (>3%), the average Annual Pollen Index over 12 months was calculated, and the results were compared to available historical data. The main pollen types were from exotic vegetation. The most abundant taxa were Poaceae, Cupressaceae, Moraceae and Buddleja. The pollen season start, peak and end varied widely according to the biome and suite of pollen taxa. The main tree season started in the last week of August, peaked in September and ended in early December. Grass seasons followed rainfall patterns: September-January and January-April for summer and winter rainfall areas, respectively. Major urban centres, for example, Johannesburg and Pretoria in the same biome with similar rainfall, showed substantive differences in pollen taxa and abundance. Some major differences in pollen spectra were detected compared with historical data. However, we are cognisant that we are describing only 2years of data that may be skewed by short-term weather patterns. Differences in pollen spectra and concentrations were noted across biomes and between geographically close urban centres. Comparison with historical data suggests pollen spectra and seasons may be changing due to anthropogenic climate change and landscaping. These data stress the importance of regional and continuous pollen monitoring for informed care of pollinosis.

Reproductive biology of endemic sailfin silversides fish Telmatherina antoniae Kottelat, 1991 in Matano Lake, South Sulawesi

Sailfin silversides (Telmatherina antoniae) is an endemic species from Matano Lake, South Sulawesi. This study aims to learn about sailfin silversides’ reproductive aspects including sex ratio, length at first maturity, gonad maturity stage, gonad maturity index, fecundity, and egg diameter. Fish samples were taken using multifilament nets from March 2018 until February 2019. A total of 1,792 individuals fish comprises 922 males and 870 females were captured during the study period. The sex ratio was found in a balanced condition with 1.06:1. Length at first maturity for males and females were 48.08-57.73 mm and 56.78-68.55 mm, respectively. Based on sailfin silversides’ gonad maturity stage and maturity index are thought to be year-round spawning with a peak spawning season around March. The reproductive potential of sailfin silversides fish is estimated to be 179–1,690 eggs. Based on the egg diameter distribution, the sailfin silversides fish is classified as a partial spawner.

Projecting Future Energy Production from Operating Wind Farms in North America. Part III: Variability

Abstract Daily expected wind power production from operating wind farms across North America are used to evaluate capacity factors (CF) computed using simulation output from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and to condition statistical models linking atmospheric conditions to electricity production. In Parts I and II of this work, we focus on making projections of annual energy production and the occurrence of electrical production drought. Here, we extend evaluation of the CF projections for sites in the Northeast, Midwest, southern Great Plains (SGP), and southwest U.S. coast (SWC) using statewide wind-generated electricity supply to the grid. We then quantify changes in the time scales of CF variability and the seasonality. Currently, wind-generated electricity is lowest in summer in each region except SWC, which causes a substantial mismatch with electricity demand. While electricity of residential heating may shift demand, research presented here suggests that summertime CF are likely to decline, potentially exacerbating the offset between seasonal peak power production and current load. The reduction in summertime CF is manifest for all regions except the SGP and appears to be linked to a reduction in synoptic-scale variability. Using fulfillment of 50% and 90% of annual energy production to quantify interannual variability, it is shown that wind power production exhibits higher (earlier fulfillment) or lower (later fulfillment) production for periods of over 10–30 years as a result of the action of internal climate modes. Significance Statement Electrical power system reassessment and redesign may be needed to aid efficient increased use of variable renewables in the generation of electricity. Currently wind-generated electricity in many regions of North America exhibits a minimum in summertime and hence is not well synchronized with electricity demand, which tends to be maximized in summer. Future projections indicate evidence of reductions in wind power during summer that would amplify this offset. However, electrification of heating may lead to increased wintertime demand, which would lead to greater synchronization.

Work–Family Conflict: Understanding Workplace Relationships for Collegiate Athletic Trainers

Role congruence has been suggested to be a facilitator for work–life balance for the athletic trainer, but to date, it has only been superficially explored. Conceptually, role congruence is based on relationships and roles within the organization; thus, the purpose of the study was to further investigate professional relationships between coaches and athletic trainers related to work–life balance. To accomplish this, 28 credentialed athletic trainers were interviewed via the Zoom platform. Three identifiable themes were found within the data. The first them role congruence reduces stress for the athletic trainer and was supported by two themes: (a) role congruence facilitates a positive work environment and (b) incongruence facilitates a stressful work environment. The second theme, peak season expectations and job demands limit work–life balance, was defined by (a) hours worked, (b) coaches’ expectations, and (c) sport is demanding, which impacts work–life balance.

A Study on the Adaptation Strategies Followed by the Dryland Farmers during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract: The inadequate planning and preparation by governments before the sudden imposition of lockdowns to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic have inflicted a severe blow to India's economy, causing immense hardships, particularly to the working people and the informal rural economy. The peak of the Rabi crop harvesting season in March 2020 coincided with the nationwide lockdown, leading to significant losses for farmers in the north-western regions. The rural areas, heavily reliant on agriculture and allied sectors, faced disruptions in input availability, labor movement, and supply chains, impacting the livelihoods of nearly 50% of the workforce. This study focuses on the adaptation strategies employed by dryland farmers in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka during the pandemic. The research explores various dimensions, including health and psychological adaptations, farming practices, financial adjustments, and marketing strategies. The findings reveal that farmers, facing dual challenges of health and economic crises, resorted to diverse adaptation measures to mitigate the impact. At the individual level, farmers prioritized precautionary measures, government regulations, and engaging in productive work to cope with anxiety. Families emphasized maintaining hygiene, avoiding discussions about the pandemic at home, and sharing financial difficulties equally. At the village level, preventive measures, social distancing in markets and agricultural operations, and making masks compulsory were widely adopted. In terms of farming adaptations, farmers faced disruptions in the availability of quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to increased expenditures. Financial adaptations included increased borrowing from financial institutions and private money lenders, utilization of long-term savings, and involving family members in agricultural activities to reduce costs. Marketing strategies saw a shift towards selling to retailers and exploring mobile agricultural marketing, while some farmers faced challenges due to low prices and transportation issues. Despite the immense challenges, farmers exhibited resilience by implementing various adaptation strategies to protect themselves and their farming activities. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the pandemic on Indian farmers, addressing research questions related to adaptation strategies at different levels.