Regional Variations Research Articles

Assessment of the applicability of atmospheric correction algorithms for Type I and Type II water bodies based on in-situ data - a case study using sentinel data

ABSTRACT The application of remote sensing technology in the retrieval of marine biophysical and physical parameters is becoming increasingly widespread. Accurate atmospheric correction is an essential prerequisite for subsequent retrieval of biophysical and physical parameters of water bodies. However, different atmospheric correction algorithms exhibit significant regional applicability variations across various water body types, requiring researchers to select suitable atmospheric correction algorithms for their study areas. In this study, utilizing Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 satellite data sources, global publicly available datasets, and in-situ synchronous measured reflectance data for Type I and Type II water bodies, we evaluated the accuracy of atmospheric correction using three types of algorithms based on radiative transfer, dark spectrum fitting, and neural networks. We analysed the sources of algorithm errors and their applicability from both algorithm principles and water body properties, providing criteria for selecting suitable atmospheric correction algorithms for different characteristic water bodies and proposing recommendations for improving correction accuracy.

Peripheral Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness and Retinal Microvasculature in Myopia Using Wide-Field Swept-Source OCT.

This study aims to investigate the impact of axial elongation on ganglion cell complex thickness (GCCT) and retinal capillary density (CD) using wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 506 eyes. Fovea-centered scans were obtained to assess the subregional GCCT and capillary density across the whole retina, the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP) among three groups: normal control, high myopia (HM) eyes with axial length < 28mm, and HM eyes with axial length > 28mm. Regional variations (central vs. peripheral, quadrants difference [superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal]) were analyzed. In HM eyes with axial length > 28mm, GCCT and retinal CD exhibit a general decline in most regions (P < 0.05). In HM eyes with axial length < 28mm, significant reductions were observed specifically in peripheral regions, as in the GCCT beyond the 3 × 3mm2 area and CD in the 9-12mm whole retina, 9-12mm superior SCP, and 6-12mm DCP (P < 0.05). Maximum GCCT and retinal CD reduction with axial elongation was observed in subregions beyond 6 × 6 mm2. GCCT beyond the 3 × 3 mm2 area and peripheral retinal CD beyond the 6 × 6 mm2 area were more susceptible to axial elongation and are thereby deserving of particular attention. It is necessary to evaluate different regions during the clinical assessment of the effect of myopia on the fundus and pay close attention to the peripheral retina.

Global, regional, and national burden of female cancers in women of child-bearing age, 1990–2021: analysis of data from the global burden of disease study 2021

The global status of women's health is underestimated, particularly the burden on women of child-bearing age (WCBA). We aim to investigate the pattern and trend of female cancers among WCBA from 1990 to2021. We retrieved data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 on the incidence and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of four major female cancers (breast, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancer) among WCBA (15-49 years) in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) in the age-standardised incidence and DALY rates of female cancers, by age and socio-demographic index (SDI), were calculated to quantify the temporal trends. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between age-standardised rates and SDI. In 2021, an estimated 1,013,475 new cases of overall female cancers were reported globally, with a significant increase in age-standardised incidence rate (EAPC 0.16%), and a decrease in age-standardised DALY rate (-0.73%) from 1990 to 2021. Annual increase trends of age-standardised incidence rate were observed in all cancers, except for that in cervical cancer. Contrary, the age-standardised DALY rate decreased in all cancers. Breast and cervical cancers were prevalent among WCBA worldwide, followed by ovarian and uterine cancers, with regional disparities in the burden of four female cancers. In addition, the age-standardised incidence rates of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers basically showed a consistent upward trend with increasing SDI, while both the age-standardised incidence and DALY rates in cervical cancer exhibited downward trends with SDI. Age-specific rates of female cancers increased with age in 2021, with the most significant changes observed in younger age groups, except for uterine cancer. The rising global incidence of female cancers, coupled with regional variations in DALYs, underscores the urgent need for innovative prevention and healthcare strategies to mitigate the burden among WCBA worldwide. This study was supported by the Science Foundation for Young Scholars of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (NO. 2022QN44 and NO. 2022QN18); the Key R&D Projects of Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology (NO. 2023YFS0196); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82303701).

Atrial fibrillation fact sheet in Korea 2024: part 2—stroke prevention in Korean patients with atrial fibrillation

ObjectiveAtrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of thromboembolic events, making oral anticoagulants (OACs) essential for high-risk patients. This fact sheet provides nationwide statistics on AF management for stroke prevention in Korea. We aimed to evaluate current anticoagulation treatment trends and strategies in Korea.MethodThe Korean national health claims database from the National Health Insurance Service was used. AF patients aged ≥ 18 years from 2013 to 2022 were included. OAC use, including warfarin and non-vitamin K antagonist OACs (NOACs), was tracked through prescription data. The rates of OAC use were calculated based on continued use, considering prescription dates and amounts. For patients with multiple encounters, the last encounter was used for analysis.ResultsDuring the study, 20.4% of strokes were accompanied by AF, with AF diagnosed within 6 months before or after the stroke. The number of patients diagnosed with AF after a stroke increased from 4893 in 2013 to 6978 in 2022. Among newly diagnosed AF patients requiring OACs, 51% were not prescribed OACs within 6 months. OAC treatment rates for high-risk AF patients increased from 44.6% in 2013 to 77.5% in 2022, with NOAC prescriptions rising significantly after 2015. Regional variations in OAC prescription rates were observed, with lower rates in suburban/rural areas than in urban regions (76.0% vs. 79.6%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsConsiderable strokes could have been prevented with earlier AF detection and OAC treatment through more intensive electrocardiogram screening.

A multivariate statistical approach to wrinkling detection in composites.

Non-destructive inspection using ultrasound in materials such as carbon-fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) is challenging as the ultrasonic wave will scatter from each ply in the structure of the component. This may be improved by using image processing algorithms such as the total focusing method (TFM), however the high level of backscattering within the sample is very likely to obscure a signal arising from a flaw. Detection of wrinkling, or out-of-plane fibre waviness, is especially difficult to automate as no additional scattering is produced (as might be the case with delaminations). Instead, wrinkling changes how a signal is scattered due to the physical displacement of ply layers from their expected location. In this paper, we propose a method of detecting wrinkling by examining the regional variations in image intensity, which are expected to be highly correlated between similar ply layers in the structure. By characterising the 2-dimensional spatial autocorrelation of an area surrounding a given location in the image of pristine components, the distribution of acceptable values is estimated. Wrinkling is observed to correspond with a significant deviation from this distribution, which is readily detected. A comparison is made with an alternative image processing approach identified from the literature, finding that the proposed method has equivalent performance for large wrinkling amplitudes, and better performance for low wrinkling amplitudes.

Regional heterogeneity in the membrane properties of mouse striatal neurons

The cytoarchitecture of the striatum is remarkably homogeneous, in contrast to the regional variation in striatal functions. Whether differences in the intrinsic membrane properties of striatal neurons contribute to regional heterogeneity has not been addressed systematically. We made recordings throughout the young adult mouse striatum under identical conditions, with synaptic input blocked, from four major striatal neuron types, namely, the two subtypes of spiny projection neurons (SPNs), cholinergic interneurons (ChIs), and fast-spiking GABAergic interneurons (FSIs), sampling at least 100 cells per cell type. Regional variation manifested across all cell types. All cell types in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell had higher input impedance and increased excitability. Cells in the NAc core were differentiated from the caudate-putamen (CPu) for both SPN subtypes by smaller action potentials and increased excitability. Similarity between the two SPN subtypes showed regional variation, differing more in the NAc than in the CPu. So, in the Str, both the intrinsic properties of interneurons and projection neurons are regionally heterogeneous, with the greatest difference between the NAc and CPu; greater excitability of NAc shell neurons may make the region more susceptible to activity-dependent plasticity.

Temporal trends and regional variations in operative vaginal deliveries in Japan: A national representative cohort study.

To analyze temporal trends and regional variations in operative vaginal delivery (OVD) in Japan. Using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan from 2014 to 2021, we identified the numbers of vacuum and forceps deliveries. We analyzed annual totals and proportions of OVDs and calculated the mean age of women undergoing these deliveries. We also predicted trends in OVD for the next 20 years and compared geographical differences in the proportions of forceps deliveries among OVDs. During the observation period, out of 7 368 814 total births, 8.4% were through OVD, including 7.6% by vacuum and 0.8% by forceps. Both delivery methods showed an increasing trend from 2014 to 2021: vacuum deliveries rose from 7.0% to 8.7%, and forceps deliveries increased from 0.6% to 1.0%. Notably, the proportion of forceps deliveries in OVD increased from 8.1% to 10.5%. The mean age was higher for forceps deliveries than vacuum deliveries. According to our predictions, vacuum deliveries may continue to increase, but forceps deliveries may stabilize. The proportion of forceps deliveries among OVDs ranged from 0% to 38% across Japanese prefectures. This study shows an increase in the use of OVD in Japan from 2014 to 2021. There are large regional differences in the choice between vacuum and forceps deliveries. These findings can help us understand the practice of OVD in Japan.

Plasticity of leaf functional traits and growth responses to disturbance among cutting cultivars of Cryptomeria japonica in southern Japan

ABSTRACT Cryptomeria japonica (Thunb. ex L. f.) D. Don is the most major plantation species in Japan, and cultivars have been developed and planted under variable environmental conditions across the country. Productivity of clonal plantations is influenced by the ability of the genotype to acclimate to edaphic- and geographic-scale variation in environmental conditions and disturbance regimes. Because all individuals are genetically identical in a clonal plantation, the trait differences among individuals represent phenotypic plasticity. Here, we investigated how phenotypic plasticity and response to disturbance vary among cutting cultivars of C. japonica. We compared tree height, leaf morphology, nitrogen content, and frequency/intensity of growth-release observed in tree rings after thinning and disturbance among six cutting cultivars in 45-year-old provenance trials in south-western Japan. Nitrogen use efficiency was higher in the site where maximum tree height (H max) was taller, while shoot mass per area (SMA) was larger in the site where H max was shorter. Cultivars that grew well had high leaf nitrogen content (N G) and showed more efficient nitrogen use with high nitrogen-resorption efficiency (NRE). Yabukuguri, an intermediate-growth cultivar, was characterized by large SMA and greater plasticity in SMA and tree height in response to topographical and regional variation, as well as greater intensity of growth-release in tree-ring series indicating growth resilience following disturbance. Our results provide guidelines for selecting cultivars with high acclimation potential and resilience to environmental perturbation, which is important for sustaining plantation forests in uncertain environmental conditions expected by future climate change.

Phleum pratense-pollen adaptive variations and pollen microbiome investigation under different climatic regions and prospects of allergenicity.

Phleum pratense is an allergenic grass that pollinates in spring in Pakistan. Databases Allergenonline.org and Allergen.org record ten P. pratense allergens and their isoforms. Phl P 1, Phlp 5, and Phl p 11 are major P. pratense-pollen allergens with demonstrated basophil activity and skin test reactivity. Little is known about P. pratense pollen adaptive variations in different climatic regions and pollen-associated microbial diversity. In this study, we collected P. pratense-pollen and soils in the spring season 2022. Samples were collected from three climatic regions in Pakistan (R1, R2 and R3) with differences in mean monthly air temperature, mean monthly precipitation and elevation. The morphology of pollen was observed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), biochemical fingerprint analysis, and composition of pollen were investigated by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The pollen-associated bacterial populations were identified through a Biolog GEN III microplate system. The pollen water-soluble proteins were isolated and stabilized in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and tested for allergenicity responses through dot blots and western blots analysis. The morphology study found difference in pollen biochemical composition. Biolog identified Brevibacterium epidermidis and Pantoea agglomerans from P. pratense pollen. Protein extract quantification and sodium dodecyl sulfate-poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel found decreased protein expression in R1 region pollen compared to R2 and R3 region pollen. Allergenicity studies found differential expression of beta-expansin and profilin allergens in pollen obtained from the three regions. Beta-expansin and profilin were suppressed in R1 pollen and expressed in compared to R2 and R3 pollen. This is the first study to identify B. epidermidis and P. agglomerans growth on P. pratense pollen. Variable allergen expression in P. pratense pollen has also been observed in different regions. Soil pH, an increase in mean monthly temperature and a decrease in mean monthly precipitation correlated with pollen biochemical composition, and reduced beta-expansin and profilin expression involved in pollen growth and development. The findings of this research are unique, which enhances basic knowledge and understanding of P. pratense-pollen associated microbiota and climate change impacts on the pollen allergen expression.

A dual summit of power? Career movements and multilevel circulation in the Spanish executive elite

ABSTRACT Drawing from the literature on political ambition, this article examines whether politicians holding executive offices exhibit similar patterns of movement between different levels of government as parliamentary elites. It also tests the influence of various institutional and political variables typical of federal systems. Focusing on Spain, the study classifies career movements based on the initial position and the direction of advancement, analyzing their variations depending on the availability, accessibility, and attractiveness of the structure of opportunities. The article particularly aims to elucidate why certain regions are more advantaged to provide decision-makers with more opportunities to circulate across political layers. Our sample includes cabinet members (prime ministers and ministers) and regional chief executives in Spanish regions from 1980 to 2021. The findings suggest that the status of regions, the availability of parliamentary seats, and the regional party system, among other factors, contribute to understanding regional variations in opportunities for executive level-hoppers.

The Effects of Self-regulated Learning Interventions on Primary and Secondary Students Reading Performance: A Meta-analysis

This meta-analysis examines the effects of self-regulated learning (SRL) interventions on reading performance among primary and secondary students from 2001 to 2021. Analyzing 22 studies with 28 effect sizes and involving 2735 participants, the findings indicate that SRL interventions have a moderate positive effect on reading performance (Hedges g = 0.48). Metacognitive strategies, especially monitoring interventions, were found to be particularly effective. The study highlights significant regional variations, with Western regions showing lower effect sizes compared to regions like Taiwan, Indonesia, Turkey, and Israel. Additionally, the study explored various SRL sub-strategies and found that monitoring, planning, and evaluation were the most beneficial for reading performance, while motivational and cognitive strategies had lesser impacts. The results underscore the importance of tailored metacognitive interventions in improving reading outcomes and provide valuable insights for future research on SRL strategies. Despite potential publication bias, the study confirms the overall effectiveness of SRL interventions in enhancing students' reading performance, offering a comprehensive understanding of their impact across different contexts.

Insights into the real-world practice of vascular access care pathways in Italy: data from a national survey.

International guidelines issued recommendations for vascular access (VA) care for hemodialysis, but there are no registry data regarding this topic in Italy. A survey consisting of 17 items was sent to all Italian dialysis wards, via the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN) website, from April to June 2021.The items were defined,discussedand approved by experts in vascular access management within the Italian Society of Nephrology. A total of 124 dialysis units answered, accounting for 14% of all dialysis units. The survey thus encompasses all regions within the country, with some regional variations in terms of adherence. One hundred twenty-four facilities provided data, regarding 12,276 patients: 61% had an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), 34% had a central venous catheter (CVC), and 5% had an arteriovenous graft (AVG). Among them, two-thirds of the facilitiesreported having a vascular access care pathway, formally standardized in 79% of cases. Forty-six % of centers had a fully equipped vascular access care pathway, encompassing preoperative mapping (80%), vascular access setup (71%), arteriovenous fistula maturation monitoring (76%), first-level (80%) and second-level (78%) monitoring, and surgical and/or endovascular treatment of complications (66%). Vascular access monitoring was computerized in 39% of facilities. First-level monitoring (physical examination) was primarily done by nurses in two-thirds of facilities. Of note, 45% of centers had nurses who were skilled in ultrasound-guided cannulation. Quite surprisingly, facilities with less than 100 patients had a greater prevalence of arteriovenous fistulas than those with more than 100 patients (p = 0.0023). A protocolled vascular access care pathway was associated with a higher likelihood of having an arteriovenous fistula (70% AVF vs 42,1% CVC; p = 0.04). The presence in the facilityof interventional nephrologists or nurses with ultrasound-guided cannulation skills significantly reduced the prevalence of central venous catheters. These survey data further strengthen the need for formal and shared vascular access monitoring protocols.

Enhancing Hydrological Variable Prediction through Multitask LSTM Models

Deep learning models possess the capacity to accurately forecast various hydrological variables, encompassing flow, temperature, and runoff, notably leveraging Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to exhibit exceptional performance in capturing long-term dynamics. Nonetheless, these deep learning models often fixate solely on singular predictive tasks, thus overlooking the interdependencies among variables within the hydrological cycle. To address this gap, our study introduces a model that amalgamates Multitask Learning (MTL) and LSTM, harnessing inter-variable information to achieve high-precision forecasting across multiple tasks. We evaluate our proposed model on the global ERA5-Land dataset and juxtapose the results against those of a single-task model predicting a sole variable. Furthermore, experiments explore the impact of task weight allocation on the performance of multitask learning. The results indicate that when there is positive transfer among variables, multitask learning aids in enhancing predictive performance. When jointly forecasting first-layer soil moisture (SM1) and evapotranspiration (ET), the Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) increases by 19.6% and 4.1%, respectively, compared to the single-task baseline model; Kling–Gupta Efficiency (KGE) improves by 8.4% and 6.1%. Additionally, the model exhibits greater forecast stability when confronted with extreme data variations in tropical monsoon regions (AM). In conclusion, our study substantiates the applicability of multitask learning in the realm of hydrological variable prediction.

Evaluating the Socio-Economic Effects of Fly Ash and Agricultural Waste on the Construction Sector

The building industry significantly impacts environmental degradation due to its reliance on conventional materials such as cement and concrete, which are associated with high carbon emissions and substantial energy consumption. This study explores the socio-economic impacts of substituting fly ash and agricultural waste for traditional construction materials. A comprehensive review of 50 peer-reviewed papers, industry reports, and online sources reveals that these alternative materials offer considerable benefits. Cost savings average between 15% and 20%, driven by reduced material costs and lower disposal requirements. Environmentally, using fly ash and agricultural waste significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, with fly ash cutting emissions by approximately 25% and agricultural waste by about 20%, primarily due to decreased energy consumption. Furthermore, technical assessments show that these materials enhance the strength and durability of concrete, meeting or exceeding conventional standards. The study also highlights broader socio-economic advantages, including support for rural economies through new markets for agricultural by-products and job creation in recycling and construction sectors. These findings suggest integrating fly ash and agricultural waste into construction practices can positively impact economic growth and environmental sustainability. However, the study acknowledges limitations such as reliance on secondary data and potential geographic biases. Future research should prioritize original data collection, long-term performance assessments, and investigation of regional material-use variations. This study underscores the practical and environmental benefits of incorporating these sustainable materials, contributing to a more eco-friendly construction industry.

A study to assess the knowledge and practice regarding sanitation and hygiene among women living in selected areas of Dhaka city

Background: Access to improved sanitation and hygiene is one of the prime concerns around the globe. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and practice regarding sanitation and hygiene among women living in selected areas of Dhaka city. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban slums of Vellore using the systematic random sampling method. Data was analyzed using frequency and WASH scoring. Further bi-variate and multivariate analyses was done using chi-square test and logistic regression. A total number of 140 households were surveyed using a semi-structured, pilot-tested questionnaire. Results: The 230 participants, with a mean age of 43.2 years, who were mostly from nuclear families (72.6%) and had monthly family incomes of at least 20,000 BDT, were included in the study. The 37% of respondents had hygienic sanitation facilities, while 42% of respondents had access to Kacha latrines. 69% of the participants used sandals while defecating, and 64% washed their hands with water and soap or ash. A significant association between WASH practices and household members with less than five members and upper middle SES group was found by multivariate logistic regression analysis, with a significance level of less than 0.01. Conclusions: Since good hygiene will stop the spread of infectious diseases, knowledge and practice of proper personal hygiene and sanitation are essential in day-to-day living. Comprehensive knowledge, more awareness programs, and subsidy policies should be implemented in order to improve sanitation and reduce the burden of transmissible diseases while taking into account regional variations in hygiene practice.

An Empirical Analysis of Avoidable Medicare Payments and Medicare Payment Variations

This study investigates the determinants of average Medicare payments, focusing on the impact of secondary diagnoses, demographic factors, and regional disparities. Our model reveals that major complications and comorbidities (MCCs) significantly increase average Medicare payments compared to less severe complications (CCs), with coefficients of 7674.13 and 1542.67, respectively. Higher percentages of the elderly living in poverty correlate with increased payments, highlighting the influence of social determinants on healthcare costs. Demographic analysis shows that counties with higher populations of Black, Hispanic, Asian, or other races receive higher Medicare payments, indicating potential racial disparities in healthcare access and quality. Political affiliation also plays a role, with Democrat-voting counties incurring higher Medicare costs. Surprisingly, larger populations served correlate with decreased payments, possibly due to cost-containment programs like Medicare’s Competitive Bidding. State-level analysis reveals significant regional variations, with states like Oregon and Wyoming showing higher payments, while Mississippi and Georgia have the lowest. Our findings underscore the complexity of Medicare funding and the need for targeted policy interventions to address health disparities and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.

Microbiome Analysis Revealed the Effects of Environmental Factors on the Presence of Toxigenic Fungi and Toxin Production in Rice Grains

Fungal contamination in rice and mycotoxins present significant challenges to both rice quality and food safety. However, there is a dearth of comprehensive research on the compositional and structural changes within fungal colonies in rice, particularly in typical rice-producing regions, as well as their underlying influencing factors. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of fungal taxa in rice grains was conducted using amplicon sequencing and bioinformatics methods on 99 rice samples collected in three major rice-producing regions in China: Northeast Plain (NP), Yangtze River Basin (YR), and Southeast Coastal Area (SC). A total of 6,019,722 fungal ITS sequences were obtained with an average sequence length of 235 base pairs, and effective ASVs (2014) accounted for approximately 97.58% of the total ASVs (2064). The fungal community diversity in rice grains exhibited significant variations across the three regions, with deterministic processes playing a predominant role in shaping the ecological dynamics of fungal taxa. Among the core microbiota (92 shared ASVs), the first five species (Alternaria, Fusarium, Curvularia, Epicoccum, and Ustilaginoidea) accounting for a proportion greater than 5% had been reported as potential pathogens for plants. Geographical variations in fungal community composition were evident, with a significantly higher number of shared populations observed between YR and CS regions compared to those in the NP region. Nutrient elements and climatic conditions were the internal and external driving factors of rice fungal community composition. Additionally, notable regional variations in fungal functionality were observed. The findings have significant implications for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the distribution patterns of fungal communities in the major rice-producing regions in China. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into controlling key influencing factors to effectively reduce the occurrence of toxin-producing fungi and mitigate the associated risks related to mycotoxin contamination, thereby contributing to improved risk management and assessment.

ANALYSES OF EUROPEAN TERMINAL AERODROME WEATHER FORECASTS IN 2022 AND 2023

Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) are essential components of aviation meteorology, providing critical information for flight safety and operational decision-making. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of TAF for European airports during the years 2022 and 2023, leveraging Python functions accessible via a dedicated GitHub repository. The complexity inherent in TAF, characterized by diverse change groups, header formats, and regional variations, presents challenges for accurate interpretation. The analysis focuses on key parameters within TAF, including the count of corrected messages and the frequency and types of change groups. The count of corrected messages serves as a metric for evaluating the quality of service provided, while the examination of change group utilization reveals distinct patterns and tendencies specific to each airport. The findings underscore the significance of regional regulations, meteorologist decision-making, and adherence to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards in shaping TAF. The GitHub repository and associated Python functions presented in this study provide valuable resources for meteorologists, researchers, and aviation personnel to conduct in-depth analyses and derive insights from TAF. Ultimately, this study identifies local differences and inconsistencies in the publication of TAF, laying the groundwork for enhancing their consistency and uniformity.

Decoding air passenger flows: Identifying the role of network autocorrelation in air travel

With the rapid expansion of the global aviation industry, especially in the Eurasian continent, understanding the factors driving interregional air passenger flow is of increasing importance. While most existing studies emphasize node-level and edge-level influencing factors such as economic scale, population size, and geographic distance, they often neglect the pivotal variable of network autocorrelation. This research is the first to introduce network autocorrelation within the Eurasian context and systematically analyze it using the Eigenvector Spatial Filtering Negative Binomial Gravity Model. Our findings highlight: (1) A significant network autocorrelation in the Eurasian continental aviation network. The eigenvector spatial filtering negative binomial regression model effectively captures this autocorrelation, considerably reducing model estimation bias. Specifically, the leading 3.28% of eigenvectors capture a high degree of this network autocorrelation. (2) The presence of network autocorrelation introduces estimation biases in related variables, resulting in underestimations of economic size, population size, visa restriction, and international trade, while overestimating cultural and institutional differences, geographical distance, colonial relationship. (3) Various factors affect the Eurasian continental sub-region's air passenger flows differently, indicating regional variations. This study takes a step towards improving our understanding of network autocorrelation in air passenger flows research.

Evaluating the utility of weather generators in crop simulation models for in-season yield forecasting

CONTEXTCrop yield forecasting is crucial for ensuring food security and adapting to the impacts of climate change, as it provides early insights into potential harvest outcomes and helps farmers and policymakers make informed decisions in the face of changing environmental conditions. The accuracy of the crop model–based yield forecasting frameworks is affected by the uncertainty in future weather data, which is often substituted with synthetic weather realizations generated by stochastic weather generators. OBJECTIVEThis study aims to assess the performance of three recent stochastic weather generators—Global Weather Generator (GWGEN), WeatherGEN, and R Multi-Sites Autoregressive Weather GENerator (RMAWGEN) — in producing synthetic weather realizations that accurately represent regional climate variations and their impact on winter wheat yield forecasting. METHODSWe utilized historical weather data from Daymet, an interpolation of daily meteorological observations that produces gridded datasets with a spatial resolution of 1 km. This data was used both as an input for the weather generators and for evaluating the performance of the generated weather realizations. Furthermore, the weather realizations generated by these weather generators across multiple winter wheat field sites in Kansas were employed in the calibrated Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) crop model to assess the potential impact of variations in weather generators on the accuracy of crop yield forecasts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSRMAWGEN and WeatherGEN excelled in accurately simulating rainy days and precipitation amounts, with WeatherGEN particularly effective in wet months and RMAWGEN performing best in dry months, showcased their proficiency in diverse weather conditions. RMAWGEN consistently showed lowest error across all variables, including precipitation, solar radiation, and both maximum and minimum temperatures. Except for GWGEN, both RMAWGEN and WeatherGEN demonstrate good agreement with Daymet in replicating spatial variability patterns. RMAWGEN notably outperformed other weather generators, particularly during the forecasting period. Consequently, it showed superior capabilities in forecasting crop yields closely matching the simulated results with Daymet data. SIGNIFICANCEThe findings of this study are crucial for selecting accurate weather data estimates for crop yield forecasting. Utilizing alternative sources such as ensembles of multiple weather generators or outputs from sub-seasonal multi-model forecast systems may further enhance the accuracy of crop yield forecasts.