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This study examines the effects of environmental conditions on venom production in four prevalent scorpion species in Morocco: Androctonus amoreuxi, Androctonus mauretanicus, Buthus mardochei, and Scorpio maurus. The research focuses on how climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, and diet-specifically mealworm consumption-affect physical parameters including size and weight, and ultimately venom yield. We conducted a comprehensive investigation involving the capture, acclimatization, and systematic venom extraction from 480 scorpions. Our findings indicate considerable variations in venom volumes, with Scorpio maurus showing a reduced yield compared to Androctonus amoreuxi. Key determinants of venom production were identified as humidity and dietary intake, pointing to significant implications for interspecific diversity and acclimatization processes. These insights have crucial implications for medical and pharmaceutical applications, emphasizing the need for species-specific husbandry protocols to optimize venom extraction for therapeutic use., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Malaria remains an important public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Rwanda, where malaria ranks among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, disease transmission is influenced by climatic factors. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the link between climate change and malaria dynamics, which hinders the development of effective national malaria response strategies. Addressing this critical gap, this study analyses how climatic factors influence malaria transmission across Rwanda, thereby informing tailored interventions and enhancing disease management frameworks., Methods: The study analysed the potential impact of temperature and cumulative rainfall on malaria incidence in Rwanda from 2012 to 2021 using meteorological data from the Rwanda Meteorological Agency and malaria case records from the Rwanda Health Management and Information System. The analysis was performed in two stages. First, district-specific generalized linear models with a quasi-Poisson distribution were applied, which were enhanced by distributed lag non-linear models to explore non-linear and lagged effects. Second, random effects multivariate meta-analysis was employed to pool the estimates and to refine them through best linear unbiased predictions., Results: A 1-month lag with specific temperature and rainfall thresholds influenced malaria incidence across Rwanda. Average temperature of 18.5 °C was associated with higher malaria risk, while temperature above 23.9 °C reduced the risk. Rainfall demonstrated a dual effect on malaria risk: conditions of low (below 73 mm per month) and high (above 223 mm per month) precipitation correlated with lower risk, while moderate rainfall (87 to 223 mm per month) correlated with higher risk. Seasonal patterns showed increased malaria risk during the major rainy season, while the short dry season presented lower risk., Conclusion: The study underscores the influence of temperature and rainfall on malaria transmission in Rwanda and calls for tailored interventions that are specific to location and season. The findings are crucial for informing policy that enhance preparedness and contribute to malaria elimination efforts. Future research should explore additional ecological and socioeconomic factors and their differential contribution to malaria transmission., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Although viral acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are a major public health problem in tropical low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and there is growing evidence showing their relationship with meteorological parameters, studies performed in these countries are scarce. In an analytical cross-sectional study, we determined which of the main meteorological parameters (temperature, absolute humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and solar radiation) predicted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in a population of hospitalized children with ALRI during a 5-year period, from January 2009 to December 2013. Out of a total of 4559 children included in the study (mean age 9·2 ± 8·5 months), 2953 (64·8%) presented RSV infection during the 3-month period from March to May. In the multivariate analysis, after controlling for absolute humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, temperature [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 2·25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·11-4·53, P = 0·024], and rainfall (IRR 1·01, 95% CI 1·00-1·02, P = 0·044) were independently associated with the monthly number of RSV infections. In conclusion, in Bogota, the capital of a tropical LMIC lying slightly above the equator, RSV activity peaks in the 3-month period from March to May, the main rainy period of the year in the city. In addition, rainfall and temperature are the two most important meteorological parameters that are independently associated with RSV activity in hospitalized children with ALRI in the city.

This study aimed to determine which meteorological conditions are associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) isolates in a population of children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in Bogota, Colombia. In an analytical cross-sectional study, links were examined between the number of monthly RSV infections and monthly average climatic variation (temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed, solar radiation) between 1 January 2010 and 30 April 2011 in a population of hospitalized children aged <3 years with ALRI caused by RSV. Out of a total of 1548 children included in the study (mean age 9·2 ± 8·5 months), 1194 (77·1%) presented RSV infection during the 3-month period from March to May. In the multivariate analysis, after controlling for wind speed, relative humidity, and solar radiation, monthly average temperature [incident rate ratio (IRR) 3·14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·56-6·30, P = 0·001] and rainfall (IRR 1·008, 95% CI 1·00-1·01, P = 0·048) were independently associated with the monthly number of RSV infections. In conclusion, in Bogota, a tropical Latin American city, average temperature and rainfall are the meteorological variables most strongly associated with RSV isolation in children hospitalized with ALRI in the city.

Background: An understanding of the factors that affect the abundance of Anopheline species provides an opportunity to better understand the dynamics of malaria transmission in different regions. Chabahar, located south east of Iran, is the most malarious region in the country., Objective: The main aim of this study was to quantify the spatiotemporal Anopheles population dynamics, response to climatic conditions in Chabahar., Methods: Satellite-based and land-based climatic data were used as explanatory variables. Monthly caught mosquitoes in 6 village sites of Chabahar were used as dependent variable. The spatiotemporal associations were first investigated by inspection of scatter plots and single variable regression analysis. A multivariate linear regression model was developed to reveal the association between environmental variables and the monthly mosquito abundance at a 95% confidence level (P ≤ 0.5)., Findings: Results indicated that Anopheles mosquitoes can be found all year in Chabahar with 2 significant seasonal peaks from March to June (primary peak) and September to November (secondary peak). Results of the present study showed that 0.77 of yearly mosquito abundance emerges in the thermal range of 24°C to 30°C and the humidity range of 0.70 to 0.80 in Chabahar., Conclusion: According to the developed multivariate linear model, 0.88 of temporal variance of mosquito abundance, nighttime land surface temperature, and relative humidity of 15 Universal Time Coordinated (18.30 Iran) are the main drivers of mosquito population dynamics in Chabahar., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Field peas are one of the most common crops and are grown in various climatic zones. However, the productivity of this crop can be largely limited by climatic factors. This study investigated the influence of climatic factors on pea grain yield in the semi-arid conditions of the Rostov region of Russia in 2008–2020. To quantify climatic factors, agro-climatic variables were used, such as total temperatures below the minimum temperature, the number of days with temperatures below the minimum temperature, total temperatures above the critical temperature, the number of days with temperatures above the critical temperature, and the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient. Agro-climatic variables were calculated using daily climatic variables, such as maximum and minimum temperatures, relative air humidity, and precipitation during pea growing season (April–June). The yield of the pea varied from 90 to 250 kg/ha. In general, the productivity of peas is negatively affected by high temperatures and low humidification level. The yield is negatively correlated with accumulative temperatures above the critical temperature and the number of days with temperatures above the critical temperature and positively correlated with the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient and the precipitation in all analyzed areas. The influence of the accumulative temperatures above the critical temperature is the most significant. It explains between 6.6% and 78.9% of the interannual variability of the pea yield. The increase in accumulative temperatures above the critical threshold by every 1 °C will contribute to a decrease in pea grain yield by an average of 0.150 kg/ha. The maximum temperatures in May and June (the period of flowering–grain filling) have the most negative impact on the yield. A 1 °C increase in the average maximum temperature during this period will contribute to a decrease in pea yield by an average of 19.175 kg/ha. The influence of total precipitation during the growing season explains between 12.3% and 50.0% of the variability. The 1 mm decrease in the total precipitation for the growing season will lead to a decrease in pea yields by an average of 0.736 kg/ha. The results of this study can be applied to regional yield forecasting, as well as predicting the impact of climate variability on the grain yield of pea crops in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To the modern-day conservationist, knowledge on giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) movement patterns is crucial for the effective management of this increasingly threatened species. The aim of this study was to determine the seasonal distances travelled by giraffes in a highly seasonal semi-arid savanna area and to investigate how specific climatic factors influence their spatial distribution. Distributed over the 95,537-ha reserve, we selected eight adult female giraffes that were equipped with radio transmitter collars using geographical positioning system devices to investigate their movement patterns over a 21-month period in the Kalahari region of South Africa. Climatic data were collected using three weather stations at different locations in the study area. Giraffes moved significantly longer distances and for longer hours during the cool, dry season compared to other seasons. Both temperature and rainfall had statistically significant effects on distances travelled. The giraffes moved significantly longer distances with higher rainfall and temperature. They also moved significantly further during the middle of the day in all seasons, except winter. The reasons for these movement patterns are discussed with special emphasis on the influence of climatic factors on resource availability in a highly seasonal environment with periods of low resource availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is a plant in Europe that occupies an important place in the structure of cultivated plants. The main use of barley is for brewing beer. Even in Kosovo, the main part of barley production is used in the beer industry. The beer industry in Kosovo produces beer prepared from barley; it is liked by the consumer, not only in Kosovo but also in Albania. Our brewing industry mainly uses locally grown barley. Our farmers have planted the traditional cultivars of barley but, recently and in the future, new cultivars have been introduced and introduced, preferring those that give high yields but also with good chemical and technological indicators. Our study aimed to determine the influence of climatic (temperature and humidity) and soil factors on the yield and quality of barley production in both areas of its cultivation. The presence of mineral elements in the soil are necessary for barley such as: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and climatic factors for the production of beer barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee arabica species have already been affected by climate change, with socioeconomic implications. Smallholder farmers have encountered and will continue to confront issues in maintaining their coffee plants' productivity. This study aimed to determine which bio-climatic characteristics are most beneficial to coffee production in current and future climate change scenarios. The responses of coffee distribution to climatic conditions were studied under the current, moderate representative concentration (RCP4.5), and worst representative concentration (RCP8.5) pathways using a bioclimatic modelling approach or the Maxent model. Multiple regression models (path and response optimizers) were used to parameterize and optimize the logistic outputs of plant distribution. Results showed that climatic factors such as total precipitation, precipitation seasonality, and mean temperature are the most important climatic factors in determining the success of C. arabica farming. Under the current conditions, total precipitation significantly benefits C. arabica whereas precipitation seasonality significantly affects it (P < 0.001). In the current condition, coffee responded neither negatively nor positively to the mean temperature, but positively in RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. It would also respond positively to increased total precipitation under RCP4.5 but negatively to rising precipitation under the RCP8.5. The average five top-optimal multiple responses of C. arabica were 75.8, 77, and 70% for the present, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively. The positive response of C. arabica to bioclimatic variables in the RCP4.5 scenario is projected to be much bigger than in the present and RCP4.5 scenarios (P < 0.001). As precipitation and temperature-related variables increase, the cultivation of C. arabica will increase by 1.2% under RCP4.5 but decrease by 5.6% under RCP8.5. A limited number of models and environmental factors were used in this study, suggesting that intensive research into other environmental aspects is needed using different models.

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Abstract Background Environmental factors play a central role in seasonal epidemics. SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain has shown a heterogeneous geographical pattern This study aimed to assess the influence of several climatic factors on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-19 among the Spanish Autonomous Communities (AA.CC.). Methods Data on coronavirus infectivity and severity of COVID-19 disease, as well as the climatic variables were obtained from official sources (Ministry of Health and Spanish Meteorological Agency, respectively). To assess the possible influence of climate on the development of the disease, data on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) were collected during the months before the start of the pandemic. To analyze its influence on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, data on UVR, temperature, and humidity were obtained from the months of highest contagiousness to the peak of the pandemic. Results From October 2019 to January 2020, mean UVR was significantly related not only to SARS-CoV-2 infection (cumulative incidence -previous 14 days- × 105 habitants, rho = − 0.0,666; p = 0.009), but also with COVID-19 severity, assessed as hospital admissions (rho = − 0.626; p = 0.017) and ICU admissions (rho = − 0.565; p = 0.035). Besides, temperature (February: rho = − 0.832; p

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) as a vector-borne disease, is an endemic in the northwest and south of Iran and sporadic in other areas in the country. This study was performed to investigate the Granger causality analysis of the impacts of climatic factors on VL in northwestern Iran throughout the period from 1995 to 2019. In a longitudinal study, the epidemiological data of patients suffering from VL were collected from the health centers and hospitals in Meshkinshahr County, Ardabil province, between 1995 and 2019. Moreover, the environmental and climatic data of each location, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, the number of frost and warm days in the year, were obtained from the meteorological center of the county and put into the Excel software. The incidence rate of VL was modeled by time series analysis and to compare its relationship with other time series covariates, the Granger causality analysis was used. The results of Granger causality analysis showed that some climatic variables including daily mean temperature, absolute minimum temperature, maximum and minimum temperature and maximum humidity were the main factors affecting the prevalence of VL in northwestern Iran. The findings greatly demonstrated that the potential of Granger causality in epidemiologic status of VL in northwestern Iran. Moreover, the results suggest that in addition to patient-related and biological factors, environmental and climatic factors such as temperature and humidity also play a major role in completing the transmittance cycle of VL in an endemic focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environmental factors play a central role in seasonal epidemics. SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain has shown a heterogeneous geographical pattern This study aimed to assess the influence of several climatic factors on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-19 among the Spanish Autonomous Communities (AA.CC.).Methods: Data on coronavirus infectivity and severity of COVID-19 disease, as well as the climatic variables were obtained from official sources (Ministry of Health and Spanish Meteorological Agency, respectively). To assess the possible influence of climate on the development of the disease, data on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) were collected during the months before the start of the pandemic. To analyze its influence on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, data on UVR, temperature, and humidity were obtained from the months of highest contagiousness to the peak of the pandemic.Results: From October 2019 to January 2020, mean UVR was significantly related not only to SARS-CoV-2 infection (cumulative incidence -previous 14 days- × 105 habitants, rho = - 0.0,666; p = 0.009), but also with COVID-19 severity, assessed as hospital admissions (rho = - 0.626; p = 0.017) and ICU admissions (rho = - 0.565; p = 0.035). Besides, temperature (February: rho = - 0.832; p < 0.001 and March: rho = - 0.904; p < 0.001), was the main climatic factor responsible for the infectivity of the coronavirus and directly contributed to a different spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the Spanish regions.Conclusions: Climatic factors may partially explain the differences in COVID-19 incidence and severity across the different Spanish regions. The knowledge of these factors could help to develop preventive and public health actions against upcoming outbreaks of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dengue is arthropod-borne disease and one of major causes of morbidity and fatality in the Western Pacific Region. Climate is considered one of the main factors for dengue transmission. Objective of the study is to determine correlations between climatic factors and dengue, using reported cases in Southern Lam Dong Province, Vietnam, 2007-2017 and to validate the predictive model for number of dengue cases in 2017 using data from 2007 to 2016. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective quantitative study. Spearman's Rank test was used to examine the correlation between each climatic factor and dengue reported cases. Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models using the training data set from 2007 to 2016, correlative factors of dengue cases, the Bayes Information Criterion (BIC) and improved Box-Jenkins models, were applied to predict dengue cases during 2017. There is a wide range of potential confounders for annual dengue epidemics such as mosquito ecology, population density, population immunity and dengue cycle. Amongst these factors, population density was forced into the predictive model. Data analysis was done using Excel and SPSS version 16. Result: There were significant correlations between dengue cases and climatic factors, consisting of minimum temperature (r = 0.384, p < 0.01) and relative humidity (r = 0.372, p < 0.01). The SARIMA (1,2,1) x (1,1,1)12 model at lag one month was the best fitted model for predicting dengue cases. Conclusion: Predicted cases from time series model would be imperative for controlling and preventing the occurrence of dengue epidemics in the community. This study used secondary data, so it was difficult to control the occurrence of missing data point. Climatic and nonclimate factors should be considered in predictive models for dengue epidemiology in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatically factors has been affecting the agricultural sector in the world. Wheat production is one of them. It is an important crop because it is used basic food by many people. For this reason, climatic factors affecting yield need to be analyzed well. The aim of this research is to determine the long-term effect of temperature and precipitation on yield in Turkey. Provinces are divided into two groups as drought (60 provinces) and non-drought (15 provinces). Panel Unit Root Test, Panel Cointegration Analysis, and Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) analysis were performed using the panel data set. The results have shown that climatic factors have long-term effects on yield. For this reason, it is considered important to reduce the risks of using the appropriate varieties according to temperature and precipitation conditions. On the other hand, as a policy of the country, actions to make a positive contribution to the climate change process should be regulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air quality depends on the type and size of industrial activities, traffic intensity, municipal and industrial waste management etc. In addition, air quality in urban areas depends by the green areas management, population density, climatic conditions and geographic. This paper study the correlations between the most important meteorological factors, humidity, temperature, wind and benzene accidental pollution, with influence on pollutant dispersion (related to 2008). The correlation were performed by taken in to considerations the accidental benzene pollution recorded in 2008 in Bacau City and meteorological factor recorded at the regional meteorological station.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the monthly variation in the airborne (1→3)-β-D-glucan level throughout one year and its relationship with climatic factors (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, hours of daylight, cloud cover, and pollen counts).MethodsA total of 106 samples were collected using a two-stage cyclone sampler at five outdoor sampling locations (on top of 5 university buildings). The kinetic limulus amebocyte lysate assay was used to obtain (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels.ResultsAirborne (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels were significantly higher in the spring, particularly in April, and temperature was significantly related to (1→3)-β-D-glucan levels (r =0.339, p

Plumage coloration in birds can be of major importance to mate selection, social signaling, or predator avoidance. Variations in plumage coloration related to sex, age class, or seasons have been widely studied, but the effect of other factors such as climate is less known. In this study, we examine how carotenoid-based plumage coloration and sexual dichromatism of the Hawai'i 'Amakihi ( Chlorodrepanis virens) varies with rainfall and temperature on Hawai'i Island. We also examined whether Hawai'i 'Amakihi plumage coloration patterns follow Gloger's rule, which states that animals in wetter climates have darker coloration. Hawai'i 'Amakihi were mist-netted and banded at 12 sites representing six major climatic zones on Hawai'i Island. Feather samples were collected from two body regions: the breast and rump. Using spectrophotometry, we recorded coloration using measures of hue, saturation, and brightness. We conducted sex determination by polymerase chain reaction to confirm the sex of birds sampled. We found that the plumage coloration of Hawai'i 'Amakihi varied with both temperature and rainfall. 'Amakihi plumage's brightness showed a quadratic relationship with rainfall, contrary to Gloger's rule, and decreased with temperature. Saturation depended on the interaction between temperature and rainfall. Increases in rainfall also increased saturation in warm areas, while they reduced saturation when the temperature was low. Finally, we found chromatic differences among sexes, but sexual dichromatism was not affected by the climatic conditions. This study provides evidence that rainfall and temperature play an important role in determining the plumage traits of Hawai'i 'Amakihi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The linear increment of Sphagnum fuscum and S. magellanicum in ombrotrophic mires of Western Siberia has been measured during two years over a transect about 2500 km long extending from forest-steppe to forest-tundra. Along the latitudinal gradient, the increment of both species has proved to be correlated with annual average air temperature and, in S. magellanicum, also with annual precipitation. The determinants of their growth differ between the southern, central, and northern parts of the study region. At the regional level, the annual and summer precipitation plays a more important role than the average air temperature. The increment of S. fuscum in the southern part is positively correlated with the amount of precipitation and negatively correlated with summer temperature, whereas the situation in the central part is inverse. In S. magellanicum, the linear increment is directly dependent on the annual average temperature and annual and summer precipitation in the south and on the annual and summer precipitation in the north of Western Siberia. The dynamics of linear growth of both species in bog pine forests during the growing season are similar: its rate is the highest in June, when the linear increment of S. fuscum and S. magellanicum amounts to 60 and 85% of the annual total, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air quality depends on the type and size of industrial activities, traffic intensity, municipal and industrial waste management etc. In addition, air quality in urban areas depends by the green areas management, population density, climatic conditions and geographic. This paper study the correlations between the most important meteorological factors, humidity, temperature, wind and benzene accidental pollution, with influence on pollutant dispersion (related to 2008). The correlation were performed by taken in to considerations the accidental benzene pollution recorded in 2008 in Bacau City and meteorological factor recorded at the regional meteorological station. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steindachneridion parahybae is an endemic catfish to the Paraiba do Sul river basin classified as critically endangered. Little is known about the reproductive management of this species in captivity, adopting for this practice empirical measures. The objectives were to: (1) determine suitable Accumulated Thermal Units (ATUs) at the moment of ovulation in January 2011 and 2012; (2) follow initial larvae rearing in 180, 240 and 300 degree-hours. Nine selected females were divided into three experimental groups of three specimens each (replications), distributed at pre-established times: 140, 160, 180, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280 and 300 degree-hours. The females were induced with two doses of 0.5 and 5.0 mg kg of dry carp pituitary, respectively, at an interval of 12 h. The extruded oocytes were kept at average water temperature of 22.35 ± 0.53 °C (2011) and 21.88 ± 0.15 °C (2012). Fertilization and hatching rates were: 84.22 and 71.33 % at 174.2 ATUs in 2011, and 55.58 % and 36.13 % at 251.0 ATUs in 2012. In January 2012, 900 larvae were distributed in three replications (triplicate) consisting of 100 larvae each and were fed: 120 (second day), 300 (third-fourth day), 600 (fifth-eighth day), and 1,200 Artemia salina nauplii per larva (ninth-15th day), six times a day. The larvae exhibited mean weight of 523.67 ± 54.42, 496.67 ± 61.98 and 475.00 ± 22.83 mg, length of 17.75 ± 0.57, 17.58 ± 0.51 and 17.45 ± 0.25 cm and survival of 63.95 ± 24.50, 71.71 ± 6.61 and 79.65 ± 0.82 %, when hatched in 180, 240 and 300 ATUs, respectively. The larvae body parameters did not show significant differences at these degree-hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the quantitative effects of climatic factors (cold and hot events represented by cooling and heating degree days, wind speed, precipitation and sunshine duration) on electricity consumptions in the four sectors of China and draw the curves of temperature sensitivity of each sector. The results of impacts of climatic factors demonstrate that the household sector and the tertiary industry are more sensitive to the hot and cold events than the primary and the secondary industry; the stimulation of the cold pressure on the electricity use of the household sector, the secondary and the tertiary industry is approximately 1/2 of that of the same degree of the hot event; under the condition of temperatures rise, the saved amount of electricity is not sufficient to offset the incremental electricity consumption for each sector; the impact on the secondary industrial relative amount is minimum but absolute amount is highest while that of primary industry is opposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence of Campylobacter infection exhibits a strong seasonal component and regional variations in temperate climate zones. Forecasting the risk of infection regionally may provide clues to identify sources of transmission affected by temperature and precipitation. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess temporal patterns and differences in campylobacteriosis risk among nine climatic divisions of Georgia, USA, (2) compare univariate forecasting models that analyze campylobacteriosis risk over time with those that incorporate temperature and/or precipitation, and (3) investigate alternatives to supposedly random walk series and non-random occurrences that could be outliers. Temporal patterns of campylobacteriosis risk in Georgia were visually and statistically assessed. Univariate and multivariable forecasting models were used to predict the risk of campylobacteriosis and the coefficient of determination ( R) was used for evaluating training (1999-2007) and holdout (2008) samples. Statistical control charting and rolling holdout periods were investigated to better understand the effect of outliers and improve forecasts. State and division level campylobacteriosis risk exhibited seasonal patterns with peaks occurring between June and August, and there were significant associations between campylobacteriosis risk, precipitation, and temperature. State and combined division forecasts were better than divisions alone, and models that included climate variables were comparable to univariate models. While rolling holdout techniques did not improve predictive ability, control charting identified high-risk time periods that require further investigation. These findings are important in (1) determining how climatic factors affect environmental sources and reservoirs of Campylobacter spp. and (2) identifying regional spikes in the risk of human Campylobacter infection and their underlying causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although some authors have suggested that there is some seasonal periodicity of hemoptysis, or relation to respiratory tract infections, the association of influenza or climatic parameters with hemoptysis has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to describe the relationship between influenza and climatic parameters with severe hemoptysis that required bronchial artery embolization (BAE). METHODS: All consecutive subjects with at least one episode of hemoptysis that required BAE during a 5-y period were included. We applied a general multivariable additive seemingly causal model corresponding to a lagged variable autoregressive model with the exogenous variables as monthly mean temperature, lagged monthly mean temperature (1), and monthly mean influenza activity, and the number of embolizations as the endogenous variable. RESULTS: We found a significant association between severe hemoptysis requiring BAE and low monthly mean temperature and influenza activity. Other climatic factors, such as atmospheric pressure, rainfall, relative humidity, or wind speed, failed to show significant association with the occurrence of life-threatening hemoptysis. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong long running relationship between severe hemoptysis and low monthly mean temperature. A weaker association of hemoptysis with influenza activity was also found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air quality in urban areas mostly depends on the type and size of industrial activities, traffic intensity, municipal and industrial waste management. In addition to these factors, air quality in urban areas also depends on the size and quality of green areas, population density, geographic and climatic conditions. This paper reveals the correlations between air quality aspects in Bacau City, Romania (related to 2011) and the most representative climatic factors that influence the pollutant dispersion. The correlation was made based on data resulted from the analysis of ammonia (NH3) concentrations and their variations in the case of accidental pollutions caused by an important chemical plant located in the south-east of Bacau City, Romania [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the early stages of an invasion by an exotic species, there are diverse environmental and genetic factors that limit its expansion. Ailanthus altissima is a tree from China and northern Vietnam which has become an invasive species in numerous ecosystems around the word. Our objective was to identify the relative effect of both genetic and environmental factors and how they interact with the emergence and early establishment of this invasive tree under Mediterranean conditions. To achieve this, seed germination and early establishment from different maternal sources were analyzed under contrasted environmental conditions in a series of experiments, using both laboratory and field approaches. Seed germination and early survival were affected by environmental factors such as habitat-type, the percentage of bare soil and climatic conditions (rainfall pulses), although the influence of these factors changed depending on the maternal source. Our study reveals that the genetic component affected not only the performance of A. altissima, it also modulated its response to environmental factors, which seemed to be the main drivers of germination and early establishment for this species. Our results highlight the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors when studying plant invasion risk and success, and may be helpful in predicting and reducing the spread of this species in Mediterranean ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the temporal variation of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and its relationship with climatic factors in the Changbai Mountain Natural Reserve (CMNR) during 2000-2009. The results showed as follows. The average NDVI values increased at a rate of 0.0024 year. The increase rate differed with vegetation types, such as 0.0034 year for forest and 0.0017 year for tundra. Trend analyses revealed a consistent NDVI increase at the start and end of the growing season but little variation or decrease observed in July during the study period. The NDVI in CMNR showed a stronger correlation with temperature than with precipitation, especially in spring and autumn. A stronger correlation was observed between NDVI and temperature in the tundra zone (2,000-2,600m) than in the coniferous forest (1,100-1,700m) and Korean pine-broadleaved mixed forest (700-1,100m) zones. The results indicate that vegetation at higher elevations is more sensitive to temperature change. NDVI variation had a strong correlation with temperature change (r=0.7311, p≪0.01) but less significant correlation with precipitation change. The result indicates that temperature can serve as a main indicator of vegetation sensitivity in the CMNR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and human development are altering aquatic thermal regimes, highlighting the need to understand how fish fitness may be impacted across a generational boundary. We reviewed experimental temperature studies investigating the links between parents and progeny, asking questions regarding the taxa studied, broodfish used, offspring traits examined, experimental durations and research motivations. We identified forty-one peer-reviewed articles examining the effects of pre-spawning adult temperature holding on offspring. These studies showed a strong focus on the order Salmoniformes (46% of studies) and aquaculturally driven research (66%). The use of wild broodfish was rare (12%) and the majority of experiments (83%) did not examine offspring consequences beyond hatch. We also identified 56 articles investigating how incubation temperature and parental influences affect embryonic and larval development. We demonstrate that these studies are not common in comparison to the majority of incubation thermal experiments that do not employ controlled parental breeding designs. However, 52 out of 56 studies we reviewed reported maternal, paternal or family identity influenced offspring responses to temperature. In characterizing these studies, Salmoniformes were the most studied order (52%), wild broodfish were more commonly used (55%), aquaculture motivations were less evident (23%), and few studies investigated offspring performance or traits beyond endogenous yolk stages. Overall, we suggest it is beneficial to experimentally examine temperature with consideration to parent-progeny relationships. To broaden our current understanding of intergenerational temperature effects, we recommend an increased focus on wild populations, offspring physiological and performance measures, later offspring development stages, and expanding research in non-salmonid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the organic substances contained in the chemical composition of grape wine utmost importance for assessing the quality is given by the sugars and the organic acids. Sugar content in grapes is influenced by several factors, such as biological characteristics of varieties and growing environment. Among endogenous factors, the temperature influences most the grape sugar content, which is correlated positively or negatively with acidity. Thus the four varieties of wine under study, (Pinot noir, Fetească neagră, Fetească albă and Muscat Ottonel), grown in three areas, with very different environment conditions (Timişoara, Iaşi and Cluj-Napoca), were found positive correlations between the amount of carbohydrates accumulated, titratable acidity and temperature. The varieties have accumulated more carbohydrates in Timişoara (Pinot noir 240g / l) and the fewest in Cluj-N (Fetească albă 181 g / l). One can observe a negative relationship between sugar and acid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using -24‰ and -14‰ as the endpoints of stable carbon isotopic composition of total organic carbon (δ13 CTOC) of surface soil under pure C3 and C4 vegetation, and surface soil δ13 CTOC data from eastern China, Australia and the Great Plains of North America, we estimate the relative abundance of C3/C4 plants (i.e., the ratio of C3 or C4 biomass to local primary production) in modern vegetation for each region. The relative abundance of modern C3/C4 vegetation from each region is compared to the corresponding climatic parameters (mean annual temperature and precipitation) to explore the relationship between relative C4 abundance and climate. The results indicate that temperature controls the growth of C4 plants. However, even where temperature is high enough for the growth of C4 plants, they will only dominate the landscape when precipitation declines as temperatures increase. Our results are consistent with those of other investigations of the geographic distribution of modern C4 plant species. Therefore, our results provide an important reference for interpretation of past C3/C4 relative abundance records in these three regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fruit flies associated with mango trees were monitored in two orchards in Benin using traps baited with methyl eugenol, terpinyl acetate and Torula during 2005–2006. Population fluctuations were analysed with respect to environmental factors including air temperature, relative humidity and rainfall in relation to different mango cultivars. Mangoes were sampled every two weeks during the two crop years, to assess the damage caused by these quarantine pests on ten main cultivars. Three native species of Ceratitis and a recently described new exotic species, Bactrocera invadens made up the complex of economically significant fruit flies associated with the mango tree in Borgou. Ceratitis species occurred during the dry season and the main species, Ceratitis cosyra, reached a peak at the end of the dry season. B. invadens populations were scarce during the dry season, but increased steadily from the end of April to reach a peak at the end of June during the rainy season. Regression analyses indicated that minimum–maximum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were the major climatic factors influencing fly populations. Daily rainfall was the factor showing the strongest positive correlation with B. invadens populations. Host plant was another essential factor influencing the population fluctuations. Trapping and rearing data indicated that Ceratitis quinaria and Ceratitis silvestrii, were abundant only in the dry season, causing damage only to early cultivars. C. cosyra, also common during the dry season, attacked both early cultivars or mid season cultivars. A consistent population increase of B. invadens in the early rainy season caused considerable damage to mid season and late cultivars. The seasonal increase of the B. invadens population coincided with the fruiting period of the main mango cultivars in this Northern Guinean savannah, but mango availability influenced the population of this new invasive species only when the rains had arrived. Mean damage on mangoes for the two seasons and two studied orchards increased from 17% in early April to 73% at mid June. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, the temperature, precipitation and groundwater level variations and changing patterns with varied time scales are presented for Taipei metropolitan area which consists of the capital city with neighboring counties. Along with the continuous city expansion during the past decades, global warming and heat island effect have generated perceivable negative impacts on environmental and reflect on the climatic and hydrological parameters. In addition to accelerating climate warming, hydrological extremity becomes more evident during the past decades and greatly elevates the risks of drought and floods in the study area. These observations in the Taipei metropolitan area support the common hypothesis that climate variability would increase as climate warms. The air temperature records, in conjunction with hydrological data, provide useful and invaluable information for the ongoing study of subsurface environmental changes resulting from nature and anthropogenic influences in Taipei metropolitan area. The continuing climatic warming and hydrological extremity would create observable impacts on the subsurface environment of Taipei metropolitan area and need to pursue in a fast and efficient pace. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although many studies indicate a relation between global warming and variation in spatial and temporal butterfly distribution, detailed studies are lacking on the importance of local climatic factors on butterfly community composition. We studied the relation between climatic factors and seasonality on butterfly community composition in a Mediterranean climate-type region. The butterfly diversity measures were mainly affected by maximum daily radiation, minimum daily relative humidity, and temperature variables. We suggest extending butterfly monitoring at Long Term Ecological Research stations in Israel, which will allow separating the effect of climatic changes and/or change in local factors on butterfly community composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological studies on the buprestid beetle Capnodis tenebrionis (Linnaeus, 1767) were carried out in the laboratory and the field. In particular, attention focussed on the effects of seven different temperatures at different times during the day on the movement and feeding activity of this beetle. Field experiments in an apricot orchard recorded the flight activity of C. tenebrionis, with particular reference to the effect of temperature and wind. The experiments highlighted the marked response of movement, feeding and flight activity to increase in temperature. The optimal temperature for feeding, movement and flight was 30°C and above with negative effects occurring at 45°C. Flight generally occurred in the middle of the day. Wind had a negative effect on flight activity. Wind speeds in excess of 4 m/s prevented the insect from taking off. The spread of this phytophagous beetle from one orchard to another is unquestionably influenced by the daily activity and flight behaviour of the adult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study verified regional differences in the stem form of Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc. (red pine) and identified the relationship between stem form and climatic factors in the central region of the Korean peninsula. Regional differences in stem form index at tree base (butt) and top stem section were found. Compared to the stem form in the eastern uplands, the stem form in the western lowlands could be characterized by a more conical butt section and more cylindrical middle and upper section. Through geostatistical analysis of kriging and spatial regression, several climatic factors proved to exert a meaningful influence on stem taper form. On the stem form at the butt section, the precipitation during the late growing season exerts statistically significant effects. High precipitation during the growing season in the western lowland and coastal region causes the stem form at the butt section to be more tapered. On the stem form at the middle and upper section, temperature and precipitation during the growing season, and wind during the late growing season have statistically meaningful influences. High temperature, precipitation, and wind during the growing season in the western lowland and coastal region jointly influence the stem form at the middle and upper sections which result in more cylindrical profiles. This study can be considered an initial investigation into the factors controlling stem form variability in the central region of the Korean peninsula. The results can be used to develop more accurate regional stem taper models needed for reasonable management of red pine stands in different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of P. foveata in soil and tuber samples from field experiments often increased significantly as the harvest season progressed and temperatures fell. Mean levels of tuber and soil infestation were significantly higher in irrigated rows compared with those artificially sheltered from precipitation, both at normal and late harvest dates. Soil infestation was most frequently detected within 10 cm of the parent tuber. No pycnidia were visible on the haulm, and very few latently infected stem segments and leaves were detected using various methods. In three out of four years, the incidence of P. foveata in tubers after wounding was reduced by washing them gently in tap water immediately after harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]