Southeastern Region Research Articles

Micro– and mesoplastic pollution in the surface water and nekton from the eastern Indian ocean: Spatiotemporal variation, correlation and risk assessment

The pollution of micro– and mesoplastic (MMP) in the Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) remains poorly understood. The present study revealed that MMP abundance in nekton from EIO in 2022 (mean: 2.30 ± 0.39 items individual−1 and 1.81 ± 0.54 items g−1) was significantly higher than that in 2021 (mean: 1.60 ± 0.22 items individual−1 and 0.80 ± 0.13 items g−1). In contrast, MMP abundance in surface water varied insignificantly between 2021 (mean: 0.04 ± 0.01 items m−3) and 2022 (mean: 0.05 ± 0.02 items m−3). The rise in predominant polymers—polypropylene (PP), rayon (RA), and polyester (PES)—in nekton from 2021 to 2022 may suggest increased pollution from face masks and home textiles along coastal regions. Notable spatial variation in PP and RA between the northeastern and southeastern regions was observed only in nekton, suggesting they are better indicators of MMP spatiotemporal variation than surface water. Shadow driftfish ingested more MMPs than purpleback flying squid and mackerel scad, likely due to its deeper habitat. By simultaneously considering color, composition, and shape, integrated MMP analysis showed insignificant correlation between MMP pollution in surface water and nekton, suggesting that nekton may ingest MMPs through multiple pathways beyond surface water. Risk indices for surface water and nekton reached moderate to upper levels globally, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring in the EIO. Epoxy resin, rubber, and PP + acrylic were identified as the most hazardous polymers, providing a valuable basis for developing effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution.

Multimethod Analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution and Source Apportionment in a Southeastern Chinese Region

Excessive levels of heavy metals in soil can significantly impact human health and ecological safety. Evaluating heavy metal pollution and identifying its sources are crucial for environmental management. This study investigates the status of heavy metal pollution in a southeastern region of China and aims to identify its sources using data from the first national soil pollution survey, which includes 282 sampling points. Indicators such as the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), the potential ecological risk index (RI), the hazard index (HI), and the total lifetime cancer risk (TLCR) were utilized to assess contamination levels. Geographic information systems (GIS), positive matrix factorization (PMF) receptor modeling, cluster analysis (ClusA) and human health risk assessments were integrated to analyze the sources of heavy metals. The results indicate that agricultural pollution sources have a minor impact on overall heavy metal contamination, with low ecological risk levels in the eastern and western regions. In contrast, the central region exhibited moderate risk, with areas of extremely high risk distributed across the central-west and central-south regions. PMF analysis identified pollution sources including natural origins, coal combustion, industrial emissions, and traffic, with contributions of 17.62%, 18.50%, 28.35%, and 35.56%, respectively. Overall, the carcinogenic risk in the study area is not high. Targeted recommendations were made in response to the pollution situation in the study area. This research enhances our understanding of heavy metal pollution in the soil of the study area and provides a reference for pollution source delineation in other regions.

Racial Discrimination and Mental Health: Analyzing the Impact of Discrimination, Stress, Depressive Symptoms and Self-Esteem on Anxiety Experiences

ABSTRACT Background Existing research demonstrates that racial inequity influences mental health outcomes. However, few studies simultaneously analyze the multiple factors influencing racial disparities regarding these outcomes. Our study addresses this gap by analyzing the impact of discrimination, stress, self-esteem, racial identity, depressive symptoms, and demographic factors on anxiety symptoms. Methods Participants were adults recruited from a primary care clinic in the Southeastern region of the United States. We utilized a stratified random sampling strategy to select 383 participants. Participants completed a survey designed to assess levels of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, self-esteem, racial identity, experiences with discrimination, and demographic information. A hierarchical regression analyzed which factors most impact symptoms of anxiety. Results Of the 363 participants in our study, the majority were female (71.3%), 57% were White identifying, 43% were Black identifying, and the average age was 54.4 (SD = 12.3). Model 4 accounted for 58% of the variance of anxiety symptoms and included a combination of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, self-esteem, experiences of everyday discrimination, and interaction terms. Within this model, perceived stress (t = 3.81, p < .01), experiences of everyday discrimination, (t = 2.33, p < .01), and income (t = -1.96, p < .01) were significantly associated with increased anxiety. Conclusions and implications Multiple contextual factors influence the relationship between race and anxiety. In particular, anxiety increases with lower rates of self-esteem and income. Conversely, anxiety increases with higher rates of stress, discrimination, and depressive symptoms. Social workers should consider each of these factors when treating patients presenting with symptoms of anxiety.

Mortality from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Brazil-Historical Series.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a relatively prevalent disease, primarily of a genetic etiology, affecting both sexes and characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy. However, limitations within healthcare systems, socioracial factors, and the issue of underdiagnosis hinder accurate mortality assessments in our region. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the mortality trends associated with HCM in Brazil from 2010 to 2020, with a focus on socioracial factors and healthcare disparities. This ecological, time-series study employed a quantitative approach based on secondary data from the Mortality System (SIM) developed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Mortality incidence and trend analyses were conducted using the average annual percent change (AAPC) and the annual percent change (APC). The results indicated a predominance of HCM-related deaths among white males aged 40 years and older. Additionally, an increasing trend in HCM-related mortality was observed among white and brown males and females aged 40 years and above from 2010 to 2018. Throughout the entire period covered in the study, the incidence of deaths due to HCM increased by 18.3% and 69.8% in the northeastern and southeastern regions. The findings suggest that health system managers should consider addressing the factors influencing HCM mortality and encourage the development and implementation of clinical protocols across healthcare institutions nationwide. Such protocols are recommended to facilitate early diagnosis and establish effective treatment strategies, ultimately aiming to improve the survival rates and quality of life for individuals affected by HCM.

Serological and Molecular Investigation of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Chickens from Robe Town, Southeastern Ethiopia.

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is responsible for avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), a highly contagious acute respiratory disease affecting chickens. However, there is limited information on ILTV and its distribution in Ethiopia, particularly in the southeastern region. The aim of this study was to establish the serological prevalence and molecular evidence in commercial and backyard chickens from Robe town, Southeastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and June 2022, collecting 240 serum samples from randomly selected chickens belonging to eight kebeles (farms) using systematic random sampling. ILTV-specific antibodies were detected using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). From 240 serum samples, 26.7% were positive for ILTV antibodies. Logistic regression analysis identified the type of poultry farm (backyard) and the introduction of chickens from other farms as potential risk factors associated with ILTV exposure. Tracheal tissue and oropharyngeal and tracheal swabs were collected from suspected chickens for isolation and molecular detection. A total of six samples were successfully isolated in embryonated eggs (40%), with four of them verified with a specific PCR. These findings documented the presence of ILTV in the study area, which needs further insight to fully understand the actual spread of ILTV and quantify the damage caused to the poultry sector.

Хлібозаготівельні кампанії у південно-східних областях України як форма терору проти селянства регіону

The topic of the Famine of 1932–1933 was and remains sensitive for Ukrainian society. The 90th anniversary of this tragedy coincided with no less tragic events caused by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. In both cases, we are dealing with an attempt to destroy the Ukrainian people, destroy their state, reshape culture, annex memory. Each of these efforts of the totalitarian regime can be considered both individually and comprehensively, through the prism of the use of special mechanisms of terror. The Soviet Union was the state that, from the first days of its existence, turned terror into a tool for “working” with society. It was he who was used by the Bolshevik regime to “solve” the national question. In parallel with the promotion of the idea of internationalism, the Soviet government embodied, initiated and intensified the class struggle. Its scale was fully felt by the Ukrainians, who in the 1930s became hostages of an artificially created famine. However, the proposed article offers an analysis not of famine as such, but of the preconditions that led to it through total bread harvesting campaigns. The focus is on highlighting their scale in the region, the population of which, a priori, could not become hostage to hunger, due to the agrarian potential of the southeastern regions of the Ukrainian SSR. Based on statistical data obtained from a large number of archival documents, the article demonstrates the evolution of state policy in relation to the implementation of grain procurement campaigns. On the example of government decisions, the expansion of the scale of bread procurement and their forcing at the highest state level is demonstrated. Therefore, the author draws attention to the occurrence of a food collapse among the million population of the region, for which the actions of the state authorities were a priori incomprehensible. Along with this, the formation of the personnel policy in the Ukrainian SSR to ensure and support the grain procurement terror is not left out of the author’s attention. Thus, according to the article, specific persons delegated by the state government were behind the bread procurement terror in the South-Eastern regions of Ukraine. And this is only once again confirming that mass grain procurement campaigns in the Ukrainian SSR were clearly directed, coordinated and were a manifestation of the concentrated rejection of the Ukrainian factor by the Soviet Bolshevik system. Keywords: bread procurement campaigns, South-Eastern regions of Ukraine, soviet terror, Ukrainian SSR, the Holodomor of 1932–1933, Ukrainian peasantry.

Response of tidal dynamics and shear fronts to topographic changes in the Yellow River Delta

In recent years, the position of the Yellow River Estuary (YRE) entrance has changed frequently, and human activities such as land reclamation have contributed to the transformation of the deltaic topography. These combined factors have resulted in altered hydrodynamics and tidal shear fronts (TSFs) in the surrounding sea area. However, there are few studies on the characteristics of the TSFs before and after diversion, so this paper establishes a hydrodynamic model based on the Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM) for the years 2005, 2014, and 2020 and analyzes the characteristics of the changes in the tidal currents and the TSFs before and after diversion and the long-term evolution trends. The results reveal that the M2 amphidromic point near the YRE shifted eastward by 4.9 km from 2005 to 2014 and migrated southeastward by 6.8 km between 2014 and 2020. Additionally, significant changes were observed in the maximum and residual currents within the active mouth (AM), the old Qing 8 (Q8) channel, the old QingShuiGou (QSG) channel, and the southeastern region. Notably, the residual currents exhibit vertical fronts with substantial current velocity differences across the slopes. After the diversion of the YRE, the northern TSFs disappeared. The TSFs in the AM gradually shifted landward, while the TSFs in the southeastern region shifted offshore. In the vertical direction, the frontal centerlines of the TSFs gradually moved offshore from top to bottom. The intensity of the TSFs at the same latitude was positively correlated with the offshore distance. Generally, steeper slopes were associated with larger bottom stress gradients, which in turn corresponded to stronger TSFs.

Evaluating health risks of PM2.5-bound heavy elements in Faridabad, Haryana (India): an industrial perspective.

The present study isfocused on investigating the heavy/toxic metals (Al, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu, As,Mn, and Zn) of PM2.5 and assessing their associated human health risks. During the study period (July 2022 to July 2023), the PM2.5 samples were collected from two distinct sites in Faridabad (92 samples from site 1 and 85 samples from site 2). In this study, the US EPA's Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) was followed to evaluate the human health risk associated with PM2.5-bound heavy elements. The annual average of PM2.5 concentrations was 108 ± 16µgm⁻3 at site 1 and 154 ± 11µgm⁻3 at site 2, approximately three to fourtimes higher than the national ambient air quality standards (annual, 40µgm-3). The analysis of enrichment factors (EFs) for the elements Cr, As, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Ni indicates that the heavy elements associated with PM2.5 primarily originate from anthropogenic sources. The application of the conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF) model for Faridabad revealed local pollution sources contributing to elevated mass concentrations at the receptor site from the southern (S), northwestern (NW), northeastern (NE), southwestern (SW), and southeastern (SE) regions. Furthermore, positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis identified the predominant sources of PM2.5-bound heavy elements as industrial emissions (41%), vehicular emissions (34%), and combustion processes (25%). After a thorough assessment of health hazards, Cr appeared as a significant carcinogenic risk factor. Children with elevated hazard quotient (HQ) values for Mn and Cr indicated non-carcinogenic health problems. Ultimately, this analysis reinforces the necessity for rigorous monitoring and intervention to safeguard public health from the potentially harmful effects of heavy elements.

Identification and mapping of objects targeted for surveillance and their role as risk factors for brucellosis in livestock farms in Kazakhstan.

Objects for Targeted Surveillance (OTS) are infrastructure entities that can be considered as focal points and conduits for transmitting infectious animal diseases, necessitating ongoing epidemiological surveillance. These entities encompass slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, animal markets, burial sites, veterinary laboratories, etc. Currently, in Kazakhstan, a funded research project is underway to establish a Geographic Information System (GIS) database of OTSs and investigate their role in the emergence and dissemination of infectious livestock diseases. This initial investigation examined the correlation between brucellosis outbreaks in cattle and small ruminant farms in the southeastern region of Kazakhstan and the presence of OTSs categorized as "slaughterhouses," "cattle markets," and "meat processing plants. The study area (namely Qyzylorda, Turkestan, Zhambyl, Almaty, Zhetysu, Abay and East Kazakhstan oblasts), characterized by the highest livestock density in the country, covers 335 slaughterhouses (with varying levels of biosecurity), 45 livestock markets and 15 meat processing plants. Between 2020 and 2023, 338 cases of brucellosis were reported from livestock farms in this region. The findings of the regression model reveal a statistically significant (p<0.05) positive association between the incidence of brucellosis cases and the number of OTSs in the region. Conversely, meat processing plants and livestock markets did not exhibit a significant influence on the prevalence of brucellosis cases. These results corroborate the hypothesis of an elevated risk of brucellosis transmission in regions with slaughterhouses, likely attributable to increased animal movements within and across regions, interactions with vehicles and contact with slaughterhouse staff. These outcomes mark a pivotal advancement in the national agricultural development agenda. The research will be extended to encompass the entire country, compiling a comprehensive OTS database.

Application of the NRCS-curve number method in humid tropical basins of southeastern Nigeria: a statistical analysis

In the south-eastern region of Nigeria, the application of rainfall (P) and runoff (Q) data directly into the Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve Number (NRCS-CN) method hasn’t been thoroughly studied. This research aimed to determine representative values of the initial abstraction ratio (λ) and corresponding curve number (CN), fit the P and Q data using theoretical probability distributions, and establish confidence intervals for CN. The least squares minimization method and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were employed on data from 129 sub-basins across 4 major basins. Findings revealed optimal initial abstraction ratio (λopt) = 0.24 and optimal CN (CNopt) = 80, with rainfall best fitted by Gamma, runoff by Weibull, and CN by Normal distributions. However, the study was limited to the available 8-year record period with 96 storm events. The 96 storm events over an 8-year period may seem limited for a humid tropical region, the available data were the most comprehensive and reliable dataset for this study area. Additional data collection over a longer time frame could enhance future studies. The localized CN value and associated confidence intervals can enhance runoff prediction accuracy for flood mitigation and water resources management in this humid tropical region, though further validation is recommended.

Effect of Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems on Soil Properties and Microbial Diversity in Soybean Production

Integrated crop and livestock systems (ICLSs) have been considered an important management-based decision to improve soil health by carbon sequestration. A two-year study (2019–2021) at CPBES in Newton, MS, was conducted to evaluate the effect of an ICLS on soil microbial diversity in the southeastern region of the USA, representing agroclimatic conditions that are warm and humid. Amplicons targeting bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS2 regions were sequenced. Taxonomic assignment and characterization of microbial diversity were performed using QIIME2®. Soil fungal diversity pattern showed significant difference (alpha diversity, p = 0.031 in 2020 and beta diversity, p = 0.037 in 2021). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in bacterial diversity. However, there were several beneficial bacterial phyla, such as Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, and fungal phyla such as Ascomycota, which were dominant in both years and did not show significant differences due to cover crop treatments. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) and Mantel test showed significant influence on fungal diversity due to carbon (rm = 0.2581, p = 0.022), nitrogen (rm = 0.2921, p = 0.0165), and electrical conductivity (rm = 0.1836, p = 0.0583) in 2021, and on bacterial diversity due to EE-GRSP (rm = 0.22, p = 0.02) in 2020. However, the results showed that there were no significant differences between the cover crop treatments that were consistent over a two-year study period. However, the mix of different cover crops such as oats (Avena sativa L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and tillage radish (Raphanus sativus L.) demonstrated higher positive correlation and lower negative correlation with different bacterial and fungal phyla. Long term study of ICLS is suggested to understand the shift in microbiome that would help in understanding the role of cover crops and grazing in improving crop production sustainably.

Spatial Patterns and Influencing Factors of People’s Commune Sites: A Case Study of Henan Province, China

The people’s commune was a social practice for achieving a communist society after the establishment of New China, but they were dismantled in the early 1980s, along with their legacy. This paper analyzes people’s commune sites, offering guidance for their protection and development. This study used the historical place names of the communes recorded in the Overview of People’s Commune, compiled a comprehensive database of people’s commune sites, and mathematically analyzed the quantity and type of communes. The spatial pattern of people’s commune sites was described via average nearest neighbors, spatial variability, kernel density analysis, and spatial correlation. Moreover, the driving mechanism was measured using the geodetector model. The survey results revealed 327 points related to people’s communes, which were categorized into three main types: agriculture-oriented, industry-oriented, and integrated. Agriculture-oriented communes are the most significant type of people’s commune, accounting for 87.0%. Communes in the northern region of Henan Province are more densely clustered, whereas those in the southeastern region are less concentrated. Moreover, precipitation is the most critical factor affecting the spatial pattern of people’s commune sites, followed by railroad accessibility. A comprehensive literature analysis revealed that water conservancy projects limited the development of communes during the people’s commune period. This paper analyzes the spatial distribution patterns of the sites that have existed historically according to historical gazetteers, revealing the factors that influenced the development of this particular political system. It enriches the spatial scope of the study of people’s communes and provides theoretical references for the future preservation of communal heritage from the perspective of regional heritage.

Exploring geothermal energy prospects through radioelement enrichment zones in Gabal Abu Hashim area in southeastern Aswan by geophysical and remote sensing data integration

Alteration zones in the Eastern Desert are promising for minerals and geological resources exploration. Remote sensing and geophysical techniques offer cost-effective tools for identifying new exploration sites. Additionally, their use in mapping potential alteration zones is crucial for enhancing exploration. Geophysical and remote sensing data are integrated to perform a comprehensive study of minerals alteration associated with radioactive materials under controlling geological structures. This study aims to explore the associated radiogenic heat and geothermal energy to expand the geothermal resources assessments. The study utilizes Spectral Angle Mapper classification, band algebra, principal component analysis (PCA), surface lineament density, and decorrelation stretch techniques and Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to enhance the mapping of mineralized alterations in the study area. It uses VNIR-SWIR ASTER data to identify hydrothermal alteration minerals and dominant alteration zones, also Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) offers two adjacent thermal bands, benefiting land surface temperature (LST) radiation from space in the Gabal Abu Hashim area. The area contains minerals alteration indicators like chlorite, alunite, illite, kaolinite, sericite, with less abundant ferrous minerals and epidote. Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry (AGRS) was used to identify naturally occurring radioactive anomalous zones, including potassium (K), equivalent uranium (eU), and equivalent thorium (eTh), to estimate the radiogenic heat production (RHP) in selected areas of the study area. The examination of AGRS data indicated that the studied region has radioelement concentrations ranging from 2.8 to 148 ppm, 18 to 144 ppm, and 0.004 to 9% of (eU), (eTh), and (K), respectively, indicating the existence of various rock types. The Radioelements Composite Image (RCI) successfully highlighted the radioelements enriched zones associated with younger granite, older granite, and metamorphic rocks, particularly those with extensive hydrothermal alteration. The results successfully discriminated alteration zones associated with radioelements K, U, and Th potential parts in the regional shear oblique zone. The weighted overlay GIS model was used to produce the alteration zones potentiality map, and to identify five zones of significant variations in heat production across different geological formations. The northern and southeastern regions demonstrate high alterations and land surface temperature corresponding to areas of high fault density and shear zones. The results of this study reveal that the proposed methods of remote sensing and AGRS data are effective in detecting areas rich in K, eU, and eTh in alteration zones associated with high radiogenic heat production in younger granite, older granite, and metamorphic rocks.

Chemical composition, multiple sources, and health risks of PM2.5: A case study in Linyi, China's plate and logistics capital

Elucidating the chemical composition, sources, and health risks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is crucial for effectively preventing and controlling air pollution. This study collected PM2.5 samples in Linyi from November 10, 2021, to October 15, 2022, spanning the period of the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The analysis focused on seasonal variations in the chemical composition of PM2.5, including water-soluble ions, inorganic elements, and carbonaceous aerosols. Results from the random forest model indicated that control measures during the Olympics and Paralympics reduced PM2.5 concentrations by 21.5% in Linyi. Organic matter was the dominant component of PM2.5, followed by NO3−, SO42−, and NH4+. Among secondary inorganic ions, SO42− exhibited the highest concentration in summer, while NO3− and NH4+ showed the lowest concentrations. The inorganic elements S, K, Fe, and Si had high mean annual concentrations, underscoring the need for targeted control measures for plate production, bulk coal burning, and biomass combustion in Linyi. The organic carbon (OC) to elemental carbon ratio (17.7–20.5) in Linyi was high, highlighting the importance of addressing secondary OC pollution. According to the positive matrix factorization model, coal burning, and the secondary formation processes of sulfate and nitrate were the dominant sources of PM2.5. Backward air mass trajectories revealed substantial contributions from the southeastern, local, and southwestern regions of Linyi. This suggests the need for enhanced regional joint prevention and control efforts between Linyi and neighboring cities, such as Rizhao and Jining in Shandong Province, as well as northern cities in Jiangsu Province. The highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks (CRs) were associated with As. coal burning posed significant noncarcinogenic risks and a moderate CR, contributing 41.7% and 44.0% of the total health risk, respectively. These findings are crucial for developing effective air pollution prevention and control strategies.

Morphology and Climatology of Nighttime Periodic Ionospheric TEC Disturbances Associated With MSTIDs Over China

AbstractIn this study, the morphology and climatology of the nighttime periodic disturbances associated with medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) are investigated over the entire China sector from January 2014 to August 2017, using data from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) receivers. Firstly, a comparative case analysis of propagation characteristics reveals the complexity and day‐to‐day variations of nighttime MSTID activity. The main statistical findings indicate that these periodic disturbances predominantly occur during the summer months, with a higher occurrence rate during solar minimum. In summer, the disturbances occur more frequently in regions with lower latitudes (20–35°N) and tend to exhibit an extended duration. In the meantime, some disturbances are also detected at much lower latitudes (&lt;20°N), with noticeable longitudinal differences. Additionally, there are two peaks in the geographic distribution of disturbances, located in the sector of 90–100°E and 105–125°E at lower latitudes, respectively. The distinct spatiotemporal evolution patterns of the two peak disturbance regions suggest that their formation mechanisms should be different. The disturbances in the eastern region exhibit similarities with electrified MSTIDs, which are closely related to Perkins instability, whereas the western disturbance region does not display apparent movement, but exhibits a higher occurrence rate and longer durations, which may be attributed to the frequent upward propagation of GWs in the southeastern region of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau.

The Impact of Innovative Technological Practices for Gifted Children's Education on Support Classroom Teachers' Attitudes and Opinions towards Technology Use

The aim of this study is to determine how innovative practices aimed at meeting the educational needs of gifted children, taught during activities, influence the attitudes and opinions of resource room teachers towards the use of technology in education. This study, conducted with 30 teachers working in the Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia Regions, employed a mixed-methods approach and included various activities such as animations, augmented reality, educational games, and STEAM. Data were collected through the attitude scale and diaries towards the use of technology in education. The results indicate that teachers' attitudes towards technology use did not differ by gender and that innovative applications were beneficial for all teachers. However, deficiencies were observed in teachers' ability to adapt to technologies related to coding, engineering, and STEAM. To address these deficiencies and keep technological knowledge and skills up to date, it is recommended to organize regular professional development programs and seminars.

Unlocking the Potential of the Elderly Population in Serbia: A Modeling Study on Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors.

Background/Objectives: A properly functioning musculoskeletal system is imperative for human well-being at every stage of life, including at an older age. This study's aim was to assess the relationship between sociodemographic and physical functioning variables and the presence of individual musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), MSD comorbidity, and multimorbidity, as well as to determine factors that are independent predictors of the presence of MSDs in people over 65 years old. Methods: This population-based study included 3701 participants aged 65 years and older. Data on individual MSDs addressed cervical and lumbosacral spine regions and degenerative joint disease (arthrosis). The subjects were categorized into four groups: those without any diseases; those with one MSD; those with two MSDs (comorbidities); and those with three MSDs (multimorbidities). The sociodemographic and physical functioning variables were analyzed. Results: Females were more likely to have MSDs (two: OR 1.95 and three: OR 2.25) than men. Elderly people aged 75 and above were 1.49 times more likely to have three MSDs. Elderly people with elementary school education were more likely to have MSDs (two: OR 1.34 and three: OR 2.06) than those with high school/university education. The low-income population was 2.47 times more likely to have three MSDs. Individuals with partial activity limitations because of health problems had greater chances of having one, two, or three MSDs (OR 1.60, 1.59, and 1.94, respectively), and elderly individuals with severe limitations had an OR of 1.43, 2.17, and 4.12, respectively. Individuals with some/many difficulties in walking up or down 12 steps were more likely to have MSDs (two: OR 2.26 and three: OR 2.28). Conclusions: The significant predictors of experiencing a single MSD, MSD comorbidity, or MSD multimorbidity include residing in the Serbian capital city and having limitations in activities due to health problems. A significant predictor of having a single MSD or MSD comorbidity is residing in the northern region of Serbia. A significant predictor of MSD comorbidity is residing in the southeastern region of Serbia. Significant predictors of MSD comorbidity or MSD multimorbidity include female gender, an elementary school educational level, and experiencing difficulty in walking up or down 12 steps. Significant predictors of MSD multimorbidity are being 75 years of age and above and having a lower income.

Climate change impact assessment of variations in temperature trends across India: a case study

ABSTRACT Extreme weather events are becoming more severe and frequent worldwide. This study employs the Mann–Kendall test and Thein-Sen estimator for analysing the mean temperature trend in India’s four densely populated metropolitan cities of New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai under representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. The trend reveals rising temperatures across four Indian regions with the change being more dominant under RCP 8.5 scenario. By the end of the twenty-first century, RCP 4.5 and 8.5 anticipate a significant rise in mean temperature of 6.0°C and 9.0°C in the Western Himalayas, 5.0°C and 7.5°C in East India and 4.0°C and 7.0°C in the Thar Desert’s south-eastern region. Spatio-temporal variation also indicated the influence of heat waves across different regions of India in the late twenty-first century. There should be relevant long-term and short-term policies to mitigate the effect of climate change and optimise the mortality rate caused by heat stress.

Evolving epidemiology, clinical features, and genotyping of dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh, 2000-2024: a systematic review.

The 2023 dengue outbreak has proven that dengue is not only an endemic disease but also an emerging health threat in Bangladesh. Integrated studies on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, seasonality, and genotype of dengue are limited. This study was conducted to determine recent trends in the molecular epidemiology, clinical features, and seasonality of dengue outbreaks. We analyzed data from 41 original studies, extracting epidemiological information from all 41 articles, clinical symptoms from 30 articles, and genotypic diversity from 11 articles. The study adhered to the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement and Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. A total of 565,438 dengue cases and 2,587 fatalities were documented from January 2000 to March 2024. Notably, 60% of cases during the 2019 and 2023 outbreaks were reported in regions previously considered non-endemic. Fatalities were more frequent among women (70%). The majority of the studies (95-100%) used the NS1Ag test, followed by IgG or IgM and RT-PCR tests. New hotspots of dengue transmission were identified in the southern (Khulna, 10.8% and Barishal, 11.8%) and southeastern (Chattogram, 13.8%) regions of Bangladesh. Serotyping was conducted on 92.4% (1,456 of 1,575) of isolates between 2012 and 2023. Of the four serotypes, DENV3 was the most prevalent (57%), followed by DENV2 (30%), DENV1 (11%), and DENV4 (<1%). Genotype DENV3-I (43 of 59 isolates) was the most prevalent, followed by DENV3-II (8 of 59). The highest frequency of dengue cases was observed in August (26.3%), followed by September (22.5%), October (20.2%), and November (13.08%). Fever (90.51, 95% CI 85-100%) was the most prevalent symptom, followed by headache (57.98, 95% CI 12-100%), vomiting (51.16, 95% CI 23-91%), abdominal pain (34.12, 95% CI 12-85%), and myalgia (25.53, 95% CI 13-85%), respectively. This study provides integrated insights into the molecular epidemiology, clinical features, seasonality, and transmission of dengue in Bangladesh and highlights research gaps for future studies.

Herbicide options for control of yellow and knotroot foxtail for possible use in turfgrass

Abstract Yellow and knotroot foxtail are two common weed species infesting turfgrass and pastures in the southeastern region of the United States. Yellow and knotroot foxtail share morphological similarities and are frequently misidentified by weed managers, thus leading to confusion in the herbicide selection. Greenhouse research was conducted to evaluate the response of yellow and knotroot foxtail to several turfgrass herbicides: pinoxaden (35 and 70 g ai ha-1), sethoxydim (316 and 520 g ai ha-1), thiencarbazone+dicamba+iodosulfuron (230 g ai ha-1), nicosulfuron+rimsulfuron (562.8 g ai ha-1), metribuzin (395 g ha-1), sulfentrazone (330 g ai ha-1), sulfentrazone+imazethapyr (504 g ai hai-1), imazaquin (550 g ai ha-1). All treatments controlled yellow foxtail &gt;87% with more than 90% reduction of the biomass. By comparison, only sulfentrazone alone controlled knotroot foxtail 90% and completely reduced above-ground biomass. Sethoxydim (520 g ai ha-1), metribuzin, and imazaquin controlled knotroot foxtail &gt;70% at 28 DAA. In a rate response evaluation, non-linear regression showed yellow foxtail was approximately eight times more susceptible to pinoxaden and two times more susceptible to sethoxydim than knotroot foxtail based on log (WR50) values, which were 50% reduction in fresh weight. Our research indicates that knotroot foxtail is more difficult to control across a range of herbicides making differentiation of these two species important before herbicides are applied.