RESULTS: The results showed that suitable area for turmeric cultivation is declining in future scenario and this decline can be primarily attributed to fluctuations in temperature and an anticipated increase in rainfall in the year 2050. Notable changes in the spatial distribution of suitable areas over time were observed through the application of geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Importantly, as per the suitability criteria provided by ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ICAR-NBSS & LUP), all the districts in Kerala exhibited moderately suitable conditions for turmeric cultivation. With the GIS tools, the study identified highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable and not suitable areas of turmeric cultivation in Kerala. Presently 28% of area falls under highly suitable, 41% of area falls under moderately suitable and 11% falls under not suitable for turmeric cultivation. However, considering the projected scenarios for 2050 under the SSP framework, there will be a significant decrease in highly suitable area by 19% under SSP 5-8.5. This reduction in area will have an impact on the productivity of the crop as a result of changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.
CONCLUSION: The outcome of the present research suggests that the state of Kerala needs to implement suitable climate change adaptation and management strategies for sustaining the turmeric cultivation. Additionally, the present study includes a discussion on potential management strategies to address the challenges posed by changing climatic conditions for optimizing turmeric production in the region. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
RECENT FINDINGS: Studies on the application of green and blue infrastructures in UHI mitigation are still scant in Asia. Their cooling performance is greatly influenced by their types, size, geometry, surface roughness, spread (threshold distance), temporal scales, topography, pollution levels, prevailing climate, and assessment techniques. Distinct urban characteristics, climatic conditions, environmental risks, lack of awareness and expertise, lack of policy and government incentives, and limited scientific studies are the major challenges in their implementation of UHI mitigation in Asia. Although green and blue infrastructures are associated with urban cooling, more in-depth experimental work and multidisciplinary research collaboration are paramount to exploring its implementation potential in Asia and other countries that share similar urban and environmental characteristics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive analysis to assess the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases in our study area. To explore the relationship between temperature variables and COVID-19 transmission, we employed Pearson correlation analysis, examining the correlations between daily average, minimum, and maximum temperature data and the temporal distribution of COVID-19 cases as reported by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. This approach allowed us to comprehensively investigate the impact of weather on the transmission dynamics of COVID-19.
RESULTS: Our findings reveal a noteworthy correlation (p<0.05) between average and maximum temperatures and COVID-19 transmission, highlighting the influence of weather on disease dynamics. Notably, exceptions were observed in the Hulu Terengganu district, where fewer than 10 cases occurred in each sub-district throughout the study period, warranting special consideration.
CONCLUSION: In summary, our study highlights the significance of temperature in shaping COVID-19 transmission. This stresses the importance of including weather variables in pandemic strategies. We also suggest comparing various cities to broaden our understanding of how weather affects disease spread, aiding future public health efforts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a PO mill located in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. Thirty-one workers from the four workstations (sterilizer, boiler, oil, and engine rooms) were selected as the respondents in this study. Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer was used in this study to measure the environmental temperature (WBGTin). Body core temperature (BCT), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded both before and after working in order to assess the physiological effects of heat stress on workers. A set of questionnaires were used to determine sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents and their symptoms related to heat stress. Data were then analyzed using SPSS Ver28.
RESULTS: The WBGTin was found to be above the ACGIH threshold limit value of heat stress exposure in the engine room, sterilizer, and boiler workstations (>28.0°C). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the worker's BCT in these three workstations before and after work (p<0.05). Only the systolic BP and HR of those working at the boiler workstation showed significant difference between before and after work (p<0.05). The most typical symptoms that workers experience as a result of being exposed to heat at work include headache and fatigue. However, statistical analysis using Spearman Rho's test showed that there is no correlation between heat stress level with physiological changes and health-related symptoms among study respondents (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION: Results of the present study confirmed that workers in PO mill were exposed to high temperatures while at work. Although the evidence indicates the physiological parameters in general are not significantly affected while working, it also demonstrated that worker's body adapts and acclimates to the level of heat. Even so, precautions should still be taken to reduce future heat exposure. It is recommended that a physiological study be carried out that focuses on cognitive function impairment to support the evidence regarding the effects of heat stress on PO mill workers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed are to characterize Bi2O3 particles synthesized at 60, 90 and 120 °C via hydrothermal method and investigated cytotoxicity of cell viability assay, cell morphology analysis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay and expression of ER stress genes by real-time PCR.
RESULTS: Results indicated that the size of rod-shaped Bi2O3 particles increased with rising synthesizing temperatures. The cytotoxicity of Bi2O3 particles in Chang liver cells was size-dependent. Bigger-sized Bi2O3 particles resulted in lesser toxicity effects. mRNA expressions of GRP78 and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were down-regulated in all treated Chang liver cells due to the increasing size of Bi2O3 particles. Bi2O3 particles synthesized at 120 °C was found to be less toxic than iodine.
CONCLUSION: Data suggested that the response of Chang liver cells to Bi2O3 particle cytotoxicity has a significant relationship with its reaction temperatures. This outcome is important in hazard assessment of Bi2O3 particles as a new contrast media and provides better understanding in synthesizing control to enhance its biocompatibility.