The heat is on: Observations and trends of heat stress metrics during Florida summers

Extreme heat is annually the deadliest weather hazard in the U.S. and is strongly amplified by climate change. In Florida, summer heat waves have increased in frequency and duration, exacerbating negative human health impacts on a state with a substantial older population and industries (e.g., agriculture) that require frequent outdoor work. However, the combined impacts of temperature and humidity (heat stress) have not been previously investigated. For eight Florida cities, this study constructs summer climatologies and trend analyses (1950–2020) of two heat stress metrics: heat index (HI) and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). While both incorporate temperature and humidity, WBGT also includes wind and solar radiation, and is a more comprehensive measure of heat stress on the human body. With minor exceptions, results show increases in average summer daily maximum, mean, and minimum HI and WBGT throughout Florida. Daily minimum HI and WBGT exhibit statistically significant increases at all eight stations, emphasizing a hazardous rise in nighttime heat stress. Corresponding to other recent studies, HI and WBGT increases are largest in coastal subtropical locations in Central and South Florida (i.e., Daytona Beach, Tampa, Miami, Key West), but exhibit no conclusive relationship with urbanization changes. Finally, danger (103–124°F) HI and high (> 88°F) WBGT summer days exhibit significant frequency increases across the state. Especially at coastal locations in the Florida Peninsula and Keys, danger HI and high WBGT days now account for > 20% of total summer days, emphasizing a substantial escalation in heat stress, particularly since 2000.

Bacterial Metabolic Potential and Micro-Eukaryotes Enriched in Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Lesions

The epizootic disease outbreak known as stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is arguably the most devastating coral disease in recorded history. SCTLD emerged off the coast of South Florida in 2014 and has since moved into the Caribbean, resulting in coral mortality rates that have changed reef structure and function. Currently, the cause of SCTLD is unknown, but there is evidence from 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bacterial culture studies that the microbial community plays a role in the progression of SCTLD lesions. In this study, we applied shotgun metagenomics to characterize the potential function of bacteria, as well as the composition of the micro-eukaryotic community, associated with SCTLD lesions. We re-examined samples that were previously analyzed using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing from four coral species: Stephanocoenia intersepta, Diploria labyrinthiformis, Dichocoenia stokesii, and Meandrina meandrites. For each species, tissue from apparently healthy (AH) corals, and unaffected tissue (DU) and lesion tissue (DL) on diseased corals, were collected from sites within the epidemic zone of SCTLD in the Florida Keys. Within the micro-eukaryotic community, the taxa most prominently enriched in DL compared to AH and DU tissue were members of Ciliophora. We also found that DL samples were relatively more abundant in less energy-efficient pathways like the pentose phosphate pathways. While less energy-efficient processes were identified, there were also relatively higher abundances of nucleotide biosynthesis and peptidoglycan maturation pathways in diseased corals compared to AH, which suggests there was more bacteria growth in diseased colonies. In addition, we generated 16 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) belonging to the orders Pseudomonadales, Beggiatoales, Rhodobacterales, Rhizobiales, Rs-D84, Flavobacteriales, and Campylobacterales, and all MAGs were enriched in DL samples compared to AH samples. Across all MAGs there were antibiotic resistance genes that may have implications for the treatment of SCTLD with antibiotics. We also identified genes and pathways linked to virulence, such as nucleotide biosynthesis, succinate dehydrogenase, ureases, nickel/iron transporters, Type-1 secretion system, and metalloproteases. Some of these enzymes/pathways have been previously targeted in the treatment of other bacterial diseases and they may be of interest to mitigate SCTLD lesion progression.

Applied social sciences: concepts and perspectives

The book “Applied social sciences: concepts and perspectives vol.01, edited and published by South Florida Publishing, gathers ten chapters that approach themes of relevance in the context of education and are available in Spanish. The book will feature, a study on establishing the development of literary transcendentalism and how it manifests itself between the islands of Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico from the years 1927 to the mid-1950s. Literary transcendentalism was a manifestation that contemplated various ideologies and positions among our Caribbean islands. Another study that will be discussed is the explanation of basic personality traits in a case of homicide perpetrated by a subject who exercised professional activity in the elite military field (he was a sniper specialized in special missions abroad), what are the repercussions or consequences juridical-juridical that led to the crime of (civil) homicide perpetrated by him and sentence handed down to that effect. The third chapter presents a search for a model for the assessment of competencies in basic education through a case study at the Los Pinos de Algeciras school. We are in the middle of the infant school. A survey will also be presented in a global company, located in Brazil, on how it is facing knowledge management and its dissemination, through corporate tools and by managers. It also aims to research market tools that can improve this management and make companies move towards a future within the plan, without significant loss of their intellectual capital and embedded knowledge, among other works. Thus, we thank all authors for their commitment and dedication to their work and we hope to be able to contribute to the scientific community, in the dissemination of knowledge and in the advancement of science.

Basic Approach to Prevalence of Iron-Deficiency Anemia among Pregnant Women and Children in South Florida before 2003

Obviously iron deficiency is determined as the most prevalent nutritional problem in the world today. It is provoked by a lack of iron in the diet. In South Florida, since pregnant women tend to neglect prenatal care, the prevalence of anemia primarily occurs during the first and second trimesters of their pregnancy. Accordingly, medical studies show that premature deliveries, low birth weight, birth defects, infant mortality, etc. result from iron deficiency anemia. In this, birth defects are, however, considered as quite associated with folic acid deficiency anemia. That explains why, this paper also deals with the study published by the March of Dimes on folic acid and pregnancy. In addition, the paper approaches qualitatively the socioeconomic and sociocultural aspects of the disease according to eight (8) interviews conducted in Broward and Miami Date counties to highlight the existing preventive programs for vulnerable population such as women, infants and children in South Florida, USA.

Socio-cultural Conceptions and HIV-related TB among Haitian Immigrants in Broward County, Florida: A Brief Historical Insight, 1995-2002

This study deals with tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Broward County, South Florida. Theoretically, it demonstrates the existing co-infection between TB and HIV that provokes HIV-related TB or AIDS. Additionally, it indicates that AIDS is provoked by HIV co-infection with all opportunistic infections. Nine (9) qualitative interviews and one focus group conducted with 12 Haitian patients and TB control program workers at Fort Lauderdale Health Care Center allowed to understand the connection between TB and HIV, and the patients’ socio-cultural conceptions about HIV-related TB. Then, the study reveals that the prevalence of TB and HIV-related TB has every year a dramatic increase among foreign-born individuals including Haitian residents. To determine this prevalence, the Broward County Health Department charts of 778 reported TB and HIV co-infection cases for the last 6 years were analyzed along with the qualitative interviews. Finally, the study shows that the indicated prevalence is due to both Haitian immigrants’ socio-cultural conceptions and reactions vis-à-vis the TB screening, prevention measures, and treatment.

Socio-cultural Conceptions and HIV-related TB among Haitian Immigrants in Broward County, Florida: A Brief Historical Insight, 1995-2002

This study deals with tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Broward County, South Florida. Theoretically, it demonstrates the existing co-infection between TB and HIV that provokes HIV-related TB or AIDS. Additionally, it indicates that AIDS is provoked by HIV co-infection with all opportunistic infections. Nine (9) qualitative interviews and one focus group conducted with 12 Haitian patients and TB control program workers at Fort Lauderdale Health Care Center allowed to understand the connection between TB and HIV, and the patients’ socio-cultural conceptions about HIV-related TB. Then, the study reveals that the prevalence of TB and HIV-related TB has every year a dramatic increase among foreign-born individuals including Haitian residents. To determine this prevalence, the Broward County Health Department charts of 778 reported TB and HIV co-infection cases for the last 6 years were analyzed along with the qualitative interviews. Finally, the study shows that the indicated prevalence is due to both Haitian immigrants’ socio-cultural conceptions and reactions vis-à-vis the TB screening, prevention measures, and treatment.