scholarly journals The Influence of Weather Conditions and Local Climate on Particulate Matter (PM10) Concentration in Metropolitan Area of Iasi, Romania

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucian Sfîcă ◽  
Iulian Iordache ◽  
Pavel Ichim ◽  
Alina Leahu ◽  
Marius-Mihai Cazacu ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of the weather conditions and local climate on the temporal and spatial variability of particulate matters (PM 10) in Iași city which is facing major pollution problems in the recent years. Daily data from 4 monitoring stations of Environmental Protection Agency-Iași–for main weather parameters and particulate matters – and the temperature from an inner temperature and relative humidity observation network inside the city were used for a three year study (2013-2015). Linear correlation, composite analysis and multiple regression are the main statistical methods applied in the analysis. In brief, the most important meteorological parameters enhancing air pollution in Iași seem to be represented by thermal inversions developing in the region strongly related to local climate conditions. The Pearson correlation coefficient (stronger than -0.40) between PM10 and thermal gradient, the difference in the PM10 concentration exceeding 20 μg/m3 between strong thermal inversions and unstable conditions and the leading role of thermal gradients in multiple regression are the main indicators of the great role of thermal inversion in generating and sustaining pollution conditions in this area. The maximum concentrations of PM10 occur in May and March, gathering more than 30% of the days for the entire year. Complementary studies were taken into account in order to analyse the aerosol optical properties retrieved from Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET-NASA).

2021 ◽  
Vol 958 (1) ◽  
pp. 012025
Author(s):  
R Tawegoum

Abstract Predicting hourly potential evapotranspiration is particularly important in constrained horticultural nurseries. This paper presents a three-step-ahead predictor of potential evapotranspiration for horticultural nurseries under unsettled weather conditions or climate sensor failure. The Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average model based on climate data was used to derive a predictor using data generated according to prior knowledge of the system behavior; the aim of the predictor was to compensate for missing data that are usually not considered in standard forecasting approaches. The generated data also offer the opportunity to capture variations of the model parameters due to abrupt changes in local climate conditions. A recursive algorithm was used to estimate parameter variation, and the Kalman filter to model the state of the system. The simulations for steady-state weather and unsettled weather conditions showed that the predictor could forecast potential evapotranspiration more accurately than the standard approach did. These results are encouraging within the context of predictive irrigation scheduling in nurseries.


Author(s):  
Fateme-Sadat HOSSEINI ◽  
Farahnaz FARNIA ◽  
Saeed VAZIRI

Introduction: Depression is one of the most important health problems in nurses. Despite the obvious protective role of some human abilities against psychological problems, there is limited information about the predictive role of self-compassion and resilience with depression in nurses. The purpose of present study was to determine the relationship of self-compassion and resilience with nurses’ depression. Method: This descriptive correlational study was conducted on170 nurses working in Yazd Afshar Hospital selected by convenience sampling method. Data collection tool was a questionnaire, including demographic characteristics, Beck Depression, Neff Self-compassion, and Connor and Davidson resilience completed through self-report. The data were analyzed by SPSS using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Results: Most of the subjects were female (62.35%) and had bachelor’s degree. Mean ± standard deviation of depression, self- compassion, and resilience scores were72/17 ±28/8; 65/31±46/1; 65/33 ±06/1, respectively. There was a significant relationship between depression and self-compassion, as well as depression and resilience. Furthermore, multiple regression analyses showed that self-compassion and resilience can predict depression (R=0.627). Conclusion: The results indicated the importance and protective role of self-compassion and resilience against depression in nurses. Therefore, designing counseling systems and self-compassion and resilience educational programs are recommended to reduce the problems caused by the stressful conditions of the profession.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Bernard Dubos ◽  
Marcel de Raïssac

In Ecuador, oil palm plantations from the Quinindé-Quevedo region are subject to El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) with a preponderance of La Niña weather conditions. With more than 2,000 mm, the total annual rainfall is theoretically non-limiting but, with only 1,000 h, the total annual sunshine is well below the 1,800 h minimum recommended. Starting in the 1970s, the frequent occurrence of frond yellowing symptoms in the region became a recurrent worry for growers, convinced that they were facing the expression of a mineral deficiency. In this study, we used experimental results to examine the actual role of mineral nutrition in yellowing manifestation. We described the effects of two El Niño events (1982/1983 and 1997/1998) on climate variables and analysed their putative consequences on palm physiological functioning that could explain the observed foliage recovery. Our analysis led us to conclude that a direct mineral deficiency was not involved, as the soil reserves for the main nutrients were not to blame. We rejected the most frequently proposed hypothesis, whereby yellowing is caused by magnesium deficiency. Our study revealed the key role played by nitrogen, the best indicator of yellowing. Variations in N status appear to be linked to the same factors that determine the symptoms and we opted for the hypothesis of physiological disruption generated by low solar radiation levels under normal conditions. The study also reveals the need to consider specific optimum contents for N and Mg and to adjust fertilizer recommendations to local climate conditions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dayong Zhang ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Qiang Ji ◽  
Shunsuke Managi

Abstract Societies adapt to climate variation and develop unique cultures that lead to distinctive economic behaviors across different regions. To estimate the climate-economic link and test the hypothetical role of culture, this paper uses a nationwide survey at the household level in China, together with historical temperature data at the prefectural city level for empirical analysis. The results show the significant role of local climate variation on consumption, savings, and investment decisions by households. Harsh weather conditions are associated with lower consumption, lower income, and higher savings. It is also associated with a lower probability of purchasing risky financial assets. Using a sample of migrating families, we find strong evidence that culture is an important channel in the climate-economic relationship. Additional support for this view is found through the ‘catching up with the Joneses’ effect documented in the economics literature. Overall, this research provides an alternative perspective for understanding the long-run behavioral impact of climate change.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Grundstein ◽  
Yuri Hosokawa ◽  
Douglas J. Casa

Context:  Weather-based activity modification in athletics is an important way to minimize heat illnesses. However, many commonly used heat-safety guidelines include a uniform set of heat-stress thresholds that do not account for geographic differences in acclimatization. Objective:  To determine if heat-related fatalities among American football players occurred on days with unusually stressful weather conditions based on the local climate and to assess the need for regional heat-safety guidelines. Design:  Cross-sectional study. Setting:  Data from incidents of fatal exertional heat stroke (EHS) in American football players were obtained from the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research and the Korey Stringer Institute. Patients or Other Participants:  Sixty-one American football players at all levels of competition with fatal EHSs from 1980 to 2014. Main Outcome Measure(s):  We used the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and a z-score WBGT standardized to local climate conditions from 1991 to 2010 to assess the absolute and relative magnitudes of heat stress, respectively. Results:  We observed a poleward decrease in exposure WBGTs during fatal EHSs. In milder climates, 80% of cases occurred at above-average WBGTs, and 50% occurred at WBGTs greater than 1 standard deviation from the long-term mean; however, in hotter climates, half of the cases occurred at near average or below average WBGTs. Conclusions:  The combination of lower exposure WBGTs and frequent extreme climatic values in milder climates during fatal EHSs indicates the need for regional activity-modification guidelines with lower, climatically appropriate weather-based thresholds. Established activity-modification guidelines, such as those from the American College of Sports Medicine, work well in the hotter climates, such as the southern United States, where hot and humid weather conditions are common.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-139
Author(s):  
Majid Farahian ◽  
Farshad Parhamnia

Research on teacher collaboration emphasizes the key role of collaborative culture for teachers’ functioning; however, there is little empirical evidence to investigate its relationship with knowledge sharing among university ESP teachers. In the present study, the relationship between EFL teachers’ collaborative climate and knowledge sharing was sought. The data were collected through two surveys of 328 Iranian ESP teachers. A Pearson correlation was carried out to investigate the relationship between the two variables of the study. A multiple regression analysis was also run to examine if ESP teachers’ collaborative climate predicts their knowledge sharing. A follow-up interview with 13 ESP teachers was conducted to consolidate the findings and explore the contribution of teachers’ collaborative climate to their knowledge sharing. The Pearson correlation coefficient test demonstrated a significant positive correlation for four measures (organizational culture, the head of department, teachers’ attitude, workgroup support), and the collaborative climate. The results of the multiple regression also indicated that four subscales of collaborative climate were the predictors of ESP teachers’ attitude towards knowledge sharing. Analysis of the interview data, on the other hand, indicated how teachers’ collaborative climate contributes to their knowledge sharing through one of the four main sources, namely helpful atmosphere, encouragement received from the heads of departments, the expectation of reward, and work group support. In line with these findings, several practical recommendations were offered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Baker ◽  
Wenchang Yang ◽  
Gabriel A. Vecchi ◽  
C. Jessica E. Metcalf ◽  
Bryan T. Grenfell

AbstractHigh susceptibility has limited the role of climate in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to date. However, understanding a possible future effect of climate, as susceptibility declines and the northern-hemisphere winter approaches, is an important open question. Here we use an epidemiological model, constrained by observations, to assess the sensitivity of future SARS-CoV-2 disease trajectories to local climate conditions. We find this sensitivity depends on both the susceptibility of the population and the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in reducing transmission. Assuming high susceptibility, more stringent NPIs may be required to minimize outbreak risk in the winter months. Our results suggest that the strength of NPIs remain the greatest determinant of future pre-vaccination outbreak size. While we find a small role for meteorological forecasts in projecting outbreak severity, reducing uncertainty in epidemiological parameters will likely have a more substantial impact on generating accurate predictions.


Author(s):  
Rachel E. Baker ◽  
Wenchang Yang ◽  
Gabriel A. Vecchi ◽  
C. Jessica E. Metcalf ◽  
Bryan T Grenfell

High susceptibility has limited the role of the climate in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to date. However, understanding a possible future effect of climate, as susceptibility declines and the northern-hemisphere winter approaches, is an important open question. Here we use an epidemiological model, constrained by observations, to assess the sensitivity of future SARS-CoV-2 disease trajectories to local climate conditions. We find this sensitivity depends on both the susceptibility of the population and the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical controls (NPIs) in reducing transmission. Assuming high susceptibility, more stringent NPIs may be required to minimize outbreak risk in the winter months. Our results imply a role for meteorological forecasts in projecting outbreak severity, however, reducing uncertainty in epidemiological parameters will likely have a greater impact on generating accurate predictions and reflects the strong leverage of NPIs on future outbreak severity.


2019 ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
Н. В. Фрадкіна

The purpose and tasks of the work are to analyze the contemporary Ukrainian mass culture in terms of its value and humanistic components, as well as the importance of cultural studies and Ukrainian studies in educational disciplines for the formation of a holistic worldview of modern youth.Analysis of research and publications. Scientists repeatedly turned to the problems of the role of spirituality in the formation of society and its culture. This problem is highlighted in the publications by O. Losev, V. Lytvyn, D. Likhachev, S. Avierintsev, M. Zakovych, I. Stepanenko and E. Kostyshyn.Experts see the main negative impact of mass culture on the quality approach, which determines mass culture through the market, because mass culture, from our point of view, is everything that is sold and used in mass demand.One of the most interesting studies on this issue was the work by the representatives of Frankfurt School M. Horkheimer and T. Adorno «Dialectics of Enlightenment» (1947), devoted to a detailed analysis of mass culture. Propaganda at all socio-cultural levels in the form is similar in both totalitarian and democratic countries. It is connected, according to the authors, with the direction of European enlightenment. The tendency to unify people is a manifestation of the influence of mass culture, from cinema to pop. Mass culture is a phenomenon whose existence is associated with commerce (accumulation in any form – this is the main feature of education), in general, the fact that it exists in this form is related to the direction of the history of civilization.Modern mass culture, with its externally attractive and easily assimilated ideas and symbols, appealing to the trends of modern fashion, becomes a standard of prestigious consumption, does not require intense reflection, allows you to relax, distract, not teach, but entertains, preaches hedonism as the main spiritual value. And as a consequence, there are socio-cultural risks: an active rejection of other people, which leads to the formation of indifference; cruelty as a character trait; increase of violent and mercenary crime; increase in the number of alcohol and drug addicts; anti-patriotism; indifference to the values of the family and as a result of social orphanhood and prostitution.Conclusions, perspectives of research. Thus, we can conclude that modern Ukrainian education is predominantly formed by the values of mass culture. Namely, according to the «Dialectic» by Horkheimer and Adorno, «semi-enlightenment becomes an objective spirit» of our modern society.It is concluded that only high-quality education can create the opposite of the onset of mass culture and the destruction of spirituality in our society. It is proved that only by realizing the importance of cultivating disciplines in the educational process and the spiritual upbringing of the nation, through educational reforms, humanitarian knowledge will gradually return to student audiences.Formation of youth occurs under the influence of social environment, culture, education and self-education. The optimal combination of these factors determines both the process of socialization itself and how successful it will be. In this context, one can see the leading role of education and upbringing. It turns out that the main task of modern education is to spread its influence on the development of spiritual culture of the individual, which eventually becomes a solid foundation for the formation of the individual. Such a subject requires both philosophical and humanitarian approaches in further integrated interdisciplinary research, since the availability of such research will provide the theoretical foundation for truly modern educational and personal development.


1991 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
MADELEINE LY-TIO-FANE

SUMMARY The recent extensive literature on exploration and the resulting scientific advances has failed to highlight the contribution of Austrian enterprise to the study of natural history. The leading role of Joseph II among the neutral powers which assumed the carrying trade of the belligerents during the American War of Independence, furthered the development of collections for the Schönbrunn Park and Gardens which had been set up on scientific principles by his parents. On the conclusion of peace, Joseph entrusted to Professor Maerter a world-encompassing mission in the course of which the Chief Gardener Franz Boos and his assistant Georg Scholl travelled to South Africa to collect plants and animals. Boos pursued the mission to Isle de France and Bourbon (Mauritius and Reunion), conveyed by the then unknown Nicolas Baudin. He worked at the Jardin du Roi, Pamplemousses, with Nicolas Cere, or at Palma with Joseph Francois Charpentier de Cossigny. The linkage of Austrian and French horticultural expertise created a situation fraught with opportunities which were to lead Baudin to the forefront of exploration and scientific research as the century closed in the upheaval of the Revolutionary Wars.


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