Data Mining Methods to Detect Airborne Pollen of Spring Flowering Arboreal Taxa

Variations in the airborne pollen load are among the current and expected impacts on plant pollination driven by climate change. Due to the potential risk for pollen-allergy sufferers, this study aimed to analyze the trends of the three most abundant spring-tree pollen types, Pinus, Platanus and Quercus, and to evaluate the possible influence of meteorological conditions. An aerobiological study was performed during the 1993–2020 period in the Ourense city (NW Spain) by means of a Hirst-type volumetric sampler. Meteorological data were obtained from the ‘Ourense’ meteorological station of METEOGALICIA. We found statistically significant trends for the Total Pollen in all cases. The positive slope values indicated an increase in pollen grains over the pollen season along the studied years, ranging from an increase of 107 to 442 pollen grains. The resulting C5.0 Decision Trees and Rule-Based Models coincided with the Spearman’s correlations since both statistical analyses showed a strong and positive influence of temperature and sunlight on pollen release and dispersal, as well as a negative influence of rainfall due to washout processes. Specifically, we found that slight rainfall and moderate temperatures promote the presence of Pinus pollen in the atmosphere and a marked effect of the daily thermal amplitude on the presence of high Platanus pollen levels. The percentage of successful predictions of the C5.0 models ranged between 62.23–74.28%. The analysis of long-term datasets of pollen and meteorological information provides valuable models that can be used as an indicator of potential allergy risk in the short term by feeding the obtained models with weather prognostics.

Application of Saliva Inhibition to Detect Underlying Alloantibodies in Bombay Blood Group

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The Bombay phenotype is a rare blood group determined by the absence of H antigens. Bombay individuals produce anti-H, a clinically significant antibody that react against all ABO blood group. Anti-H can mask underlying alloantibody during antibody investigation, a challenge in current transfusion practice. The aim of this article is to explore saliva inhibition, a novel method to detect underlying alloantibody in Bombay individuals. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> The case is a 93-year-old female transfused with pre-donated autologous blood for a surgery. We determined anti-H subclass and thermal amplitude, secretor status, and optimal ratio of saliva and Bombay plasma. Plasma samples containing anti-H were spiked with anti-Fy(a) to determine the effectiveness of saliva inhibition in uncovering underlying alloantibodies. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Anti-H was confirmed to be predominately IgM with broad thermal amplitude. Tube immediate spin (IS) showed stronger anti-H reactivity compared to column agglutination technology (CAT). Spiked anti-Fy(a) was successfully detected using saliva inhibition method. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Tube IS appears more sensitive to anti-H. Saliva inhibition appears to be a promising method to detect underlying alloantibody in the plasma of Bombay phenotype individuals.

Microclimatic Warming Leads to a Decrease in Species and Growth Form Diversity: Insights From a Tropical Alpine Grassland

Due to warming, changes in microclimatic temperatures have shifted plant community structure and dynamics in tundra and alpine regions. The directionality and magnitude of these changes are less known for tropical alpine ecosystems. To understand the likely trajectory of these shifts in the Andes, we conducted a warming experiment in the northern Andes—using open-top chambers (OTC). In this study, we ask (1) how do OTCs affect air and soil temperatures in microclimates of tropical alpine regions, year-round and during the dry season? (2) What are the effects of 7 years of warming on (a) the aboveground biomass (AGB) and (b) the plant taxonomic and growth form diversity? We installed five monitoring blocks in 2012 at ca. 4,200 m asl with 20 OTCs and 50 control plots randomly distributed within each block. We measured AGB, plant community diversity, and growth form diversity between 2014 and 2019. After 7 years of warming, we found significant increases in mean monthly (+0.24°C), daily (+0.16°C), and night air temperatures (+0.33°C) inside the OTCs, and the OTCs intensified microclimatic conditions during the dry season. Additionally, OTCs attenuated extreme temperatures—particularly in the soil—and the number of freezing events. AGB significantly increased in OTCs, and by 2019, it was 27% higher in OTCs than in control. These changes were driven mainly by a progressive increment of tussock grasses such as Calamagrostis intermedia, typical of lower elevations. The increase of tussocks led to a significant decrease in species diversity and evenness inside OTCs, but not in species richness after accounting by sampling time. Furthermore, cushions and herbs decreased inside OTCs. Our results show that experimental warming using OTCs in equatorial regions leads to decreased daily thermal amplitude and night temperatures rather than the level of increase in mean temperatures observed in temperate regions. The increase of tussocks and decrease in diversity of species and growth forms due to prolonged modifications in microclimatic temperature might be a step toward shrub-dominated ecosystems. Further research on this topic would help understand shifts in growth form dominance and the direction and rate of change of the system.

Studies of meteorological elements and climate change in the Uruçuí river basin/Brazil

The objective is to show the variability of meteorological elements in the hydrographic basin area of the hydrographic basin of the Uruçuí Preto River–PI/Brazil, aiming to contribute to sustainable development in the productive areas of agriculture, laser, and hydrology. The meteorological elements studied are air temperature and relative humidity and their fluctuations, thermal amplitude, wind (intensity and direction), total insolation, cloud cover, evaporation, evapotranspiration, and rainfall. The data were from the 1960-1990 series, acquired by the Superintendency of the Development of the Northeast and by the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company of Piauí. The maximum annual temperature is 32.1°C, its minimum 20.0°C, with an average annual temperature of 26.1°C. A climatic classification was used according to the KÖPPEN systems, where two climatic types are distinguished in the Uruçuí Preto/PI river basin, the Aw, tropical hot and humid, with rain in summer and dry in winter; Bsh, warm semi-arid, with summer rains and dry winter. The variation of the thermal amplitude is from 11.9 to 14.9ºC. The average relative humidity of the air was 47 to 79%; the average annual precipitation was 937.7 mm; it was observed that the annual march of relative humidity follows the annual distribution of precipitation because the precipitation was the feeding process from natural sources of water vapor and moisture. Total Sunstroke in the BHRUP area ranges from 2520 to 2750 hours. It is concluded that the maximum annual temperatures increased during the period, which can cause several socioeconomic problems, and human health.

Seasonality and weather dependance of Acinetobacter baumannii complex bloodstream infections in different climates in Brazil

Recent studies report seasonality in healthcare-associated infections, especially those caused by Acinetobacter baumannii complex. We conducted an ecologic study aimed at analyzing the impact of seasons, weather parameters and climate control on the incidence and carbapenem-resistance in A. baumannii complex bloodstream infections (ABBSI) in hospitals from regions with different climates in Brazil. We studied monthly incidence rates (years 2006–2015) of ABBSI from hospitals in cities from different macro-regions in Brazil: Fortaleza (Ceará State, Northeast region), Goiânia (Goiás State, Middle-west) and Botucatu (São Paulo State, Southeast). Box-Jenkins models were fitted to assess seasonality, and the impact of weather parameters was analyzed in Poisson Regression models. Separate analyses were performed for carbapenem-resistant versus carbapenem-susceptible isolates, as well as for infections occurring in climate-controlled intensive care units (ICUs) versus non-climate-controlled wards. Seasonality was identified for ABSSI ICUs in the Hospitals from Botucatu and Goiânia. In the Botucatu hospital, where there was overall seasonality for both resistance groups, as well as for wards without climate control. In that hospital, the overall incidence was associated with higher temperature (incidence rate ratio for each Celsius degree, 1.05; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.01–1.09; P = 0.006). Weather parameters were not associated with ABBSI in the hospitals from Goiânia and Fortaleza. In conclusion, seasonality was found in the hospitals with higher ABBSI incidence and located in regions with greater thermal amplitude. Strict temperature control may be a tool for prevention of A. baumanii infections in healthcare settings.

Responses of Withania frutescens (L.) Pauquy (Solanaceae) Growing in the Mediterranean Area to Changes in the Environmental Conditions: An Approach of Adaptation

BackgroundFlora growth is always influenced by the environmental conditions that surround the plant.The Objective of the StudyThe present research work was undertaken to study the response of Withania frutescens (L.) Pauquy to changes in the environmental conditions by investigating topographical, climatological, morphological, histological, and phytochemical aspects influencing the plant’s growth.Materials and MethodsThe topography of the study area was described using the Digital Terrain Model (DTM). The bioclimatic study was carried out using a climatological database (TerraClimate) used for an old period 1960–1970 (OP) and a new period 2000–2019 (NP). The histological study on stems, leaves, and roots was investigated according to protocols as described in the present study. The phytochemical analysis was assessed using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrophotometer after silylation.ResultsThe topographical study showed that the selected stations varied in terms of topographical characteristics. The average annual precipitation recorded for the study area was 624 mm/year, and the thermal amplitude was around 34.64°C. The morphometrical study revealed that the plant had changes in length and width from one zone to another. The histometrical study of organs showed changes in tissue structure over time and location. The phytochemical content in the studied plants was also found to vary over time and location.ConclusionBased on the obtained results, we could confirm that W. frutescens has developed alternate strategies to mitigate increasingly harsh environmental conditions.

Evapo-Transpiration calculated from the new regional climate projections data set DRIAS-2020 over France

&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;strong&gt;Evapo-Transpiration calculated from the new regional climate projections data set DRIAS-2020 over France&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Changes in climatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, relative humidity or solar radiation strongly affect the agricultural sector. Relevant indicators are strongly needed to quantify the expected impacts and implement adaptation measures. Information on the future trend of Evapo-Transpiration (ET) is one of the key issues in order to take up the water management challenge.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;In 2020, a new set of climate indicators based on regional climate projections corrected over France was produced and published on the French national climate service DRIAS (&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;www.drias-climat.fr&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;) and the associated report was published in January 2021. The latter portal provides climate information in a variety of graphical or numerical forms. The climate projections are based on the EURO-CORDEX ensemble and have been corrected using the ADAMONT method according to the SAFRAN reference data set.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;ET is calculated from this new data set with the aim of making it freely available on the DRIAS portal. Various calculation methods are used and compared. First, ET is calculated upstream and downstream of the ADAMONT method. Second, different calculation procedures are tested for the FAO recommended formula. One uses the average specific humidity instead of minimum and maximum of daily relative humidity which are not available in all selected models. ET is also calculated using the Hargreaves proxy for the visible radiation based on the square root of the maximum daily thermal amplitude multiplied by a coefficient. Three different values were tested for this coefficient&amp;#160;: 0.16, 0.175 and 0.19.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These various ET are then analyzed with a view to quantify the influence of the calculation method on the resulting estimated trends.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Authors&amp;#160;: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt;BERNUS S.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;1&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;, CORRE L.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;, DROUIN A.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;, SAAVEDRA&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span&gt; SORIANO G.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;3&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;, SIMON P.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;2&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;, PRATS&amp;#160;S.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;4&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;em&gt;1 &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;em&gt;M&amp;#233;t&amp;#233;o-France, Direction de la Climatologie et des Services Climatiques, Toulouse, France, [email protected]&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;2&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;em&gt;M&amp;#233;t&amp;#233;o-France, Direction de la Climatologie et des Services Climatiques, Toulouse, France, [email protected]&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;em&gt;3&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;#201;cole des Mines, Antibes, France, [email protected]&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;sup&gt;&lt;em&gt;4&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;em&gt;M&amp;#233;t&amp;#233;o-France, Direction des Services M&amp;#233;t&amp;#233;orologiques, Toulouse, Franc&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;e, [email protected]&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;References&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;#160;:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;FAO (1998). Crop evapotranspiration: Guidelines for computing crop water requirements. FAO Irrigation and drainage paper 56, Rome, Italy&lt;/p&gt;

Spatial distribution of Brazilian bovine taurine breeds associated with climatic, physical and socioeconomic variables

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial distribution of purebred Bos taurus taurus bovine breeds raised in Brazil in association with climatic, physical and socioeconomic variables. The breeds Aberdeen Angus, Ayrshire, Braford, Brangus, Charolais, Devon, Flemish, Hereford, Pinzgauer, Shorthorn and Simental were classified according to their aptitude (milk, meat or dual-purpose). They were spatialized according to their aptitude using state and municipal information. The milk breeds were found in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, while the dual-purpose breeds were found in Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul states and the beef breeds were concentrated in the southern region. Only the Aberdeen Angus meat breed showed higher dispersion in other regions. Meat and dual-purpose breeds tended to be raised in regions with lower maximum temperature, average temperature, thermal amplitude and temperature-humidity index. Dual-purpose breeds were found in municipalities with high humidity and altitude, but with a low gross domestic product, little technical guidance received from cooperatives and the government, low control of diseases and parasites, as well as low use of pasture rotation systems. The spatial distribution of Brazilian bovine taurine breeds, regardless of aptitude, was related to climatic, physical and socioeconomic factors.

Impact of Climate Change on Priority Plant Species Conservation in The Forests Under ONAB (the National Wood Office of Benin) Management

The sustainable conservation of forest resources in a context of climate change and population growth would be compromised in their current form of exploitation by rural communities. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of climate change on the dynamics of habitats favorable to species of conservation priority in the forests under ONAB management as these species are heavily used by the populations living along the shores of these forests. The study will consist of: Khaya senegalensis, Afzelia africana, Khaya grandifoliola, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Milicia excelsa, Albizia zygia, Vitex doniana, Antidesma laciniatum and Bombax costatum. Techniques based on the principle of maximum entropy (Maxent) combined with GIS were used to project the favorable habitats of these ten species under current and future climatic conditions (Horizon 2050). Species occurrence data were collected and combined with bioclimatic data derived from the Worldclim database and the edaphic (soil) variable. Two climate models were used for future projections (CNRM-CM5, HadGEM-ES models) under the IPCC A2 scenario, and the partial ROC approach was used for the evaluation of the predictions of ecological niche models. Variables such as cec2 (cation exchange capacity, horizon 5-15cm), bio17 (precipitation of the driest quarter), bio12 (annual precipitation), bio3 (isothermality), bio6 (minimum temperature of the coldest month) and bio7 (annual thermal amplitude) were found to be the most relevant respectively for the distribution of Khaya grandifoliola, Albizia zygia, Anogeissus leiocarpa, Antidesma laciniatum, Afzelia africana and Khaya senegalensis. Under current conditions, only 7% of the Beninese territory would be very favorable to the conservation of Khaya senegalensis and the CNRM-CM5 model predicts an increase of 27.5% and 13.2% respectively of these very favorable and moderately favorable areas by 2050 through conversion of unfavorable areas (7.4%). On the other hand, this model predicts an opposite trend at the level of Afzelia africana where it predicts a decrease of 8.1% and 1.8% respectively of the very favorable and moderately favorable areas and an increase of 5.1% of the unfavorable areas. Ecological niche modeling has basically revealed the conversion of some currently unfavorable habitats into very favorable habitats for conservation (this is the case of Khaya grandifoliola, Khaya senegalensis and Vitex doniana) and the extension of some habitats unfavorable to conservation (Anogeissus leiocarpa, Bombax costatum, and Pterocarpus erinaceus) by 2050. This study provides scientific support for planning and is a decision support tool for the conservation of these species at the socio-economic level.