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  1. Fulltext Climate change and its impact on public health – a review of the global environment
    Ambu, Stephen
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2012;6(10):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Climate change is a product of human actions. The extreme events such as flash floods, droughts, heat waves, earthquakes, volcano eruptions and tsunamis seen in the world today are the result of indiscriminate human intrusion into the environment. Vulnerable countries and populations are the most affected by these climatic events. This places a burden on the resources of these countries. The Kyoto Protocol is a milestone in environmental management and the impetus created by it must be maintained by carrying out the much needed research into appropriate mitigating measures that will alleviate the climate
    change impact globally. A paradigm shift is needed in addressing the associated risks on human health to assess socioeconomic determinants and the related impacts on disease burden. Some wealthy nations emphasize economic benefits and downplay sustainability goals, health and equality. However the rising cost of energy is beginning to influence their outlook towards this issue. The implications on economics, human health and wellbeing are implicit. In order to strike a balance between disadvantaged and privileged nations, many
    international agencies are spearheading various research agenda to improve adaptation programmes on effects of changing climatic conditions on health. Malaysia too has such programmes initiated under its 5-year development plans.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate Change
  2. Future climate change impact assessment of watershed scale hydrologic processes in Peninsular Malaysia by a regional climate model coupled with a physically-based hydrology modelo
    Amin MZM, Shaaban AJ, Ercan A, Ishida K, Kavvas ML, Chen ZQ, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2017 Jan 01;575:12-22.
    PMID: 27723460 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.009
    Impacts of climate change on the hydrologic processes under future climate change conditions were assessed over Muda and Dungun watersheds of Peninsular Malaysia by means of a coupled regional climate and physically-based hydrology model utilizing an ensemble of future climate change projections. An ensemble of 15 different future climate realizations from coarse resolution global climate models' (GCMs) projections for the 21st century was dynamically downscaled to 6km resolution over Peninsular Malaysia by a regional climate model, which was then coupled with the watershed hydrology model WEHY through the atmospheric boundary layer over Muda and Dungun watersheds. Hydrologic simulations were carried out at hourly increments and at hillslope-scale in order to assess the impacts of climate change on the water balances and flooding conditions in the 21st century. The coupled regional climate and hydrology model was simulated for a duration of 90years for each of the 15 realizations. It is demonstrated that the increase in mean monthly flows due to the impact of expected climate change during 2040-2100 is statistically significant from April to May and from July to October at Muda watershed. Also, the increase in mean monthly flows is shown to be significant in November during 2030-2070 and from November to December during 2070-2100 at Dungun watershed. In other words, the impact of the expected climate change will be significant during the northeast and southwest monsoon seasons at Muda watershed and during the northeast monsoon season at Dungun watershed. Furthermore, the flood frequency analyses for both watersheds indicated an overall increasing trend in the second half of the 21st century.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate Change
  3. Fulltext Importance of indigenous knowledge in flood risk reduction: a review
    Amos Danladi, Ho, Chin Siong, Ling, Gabriel Hoh Teck
    Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2018;11(1):7-16.
    MyJurnal
    Interest in Indigenous Knowledge (IK) system has been particularly highlighted in
    flood disasters, due to the likely increase of flood events resulting from
    anthropogenic climate change through heavy precipitation, increased catchment
    wetness, and sea level rise. Therefore, bringing IK of flood risk reduction into focus
    and context to deepen the understanding of how people manage their own changing
    circumstances can bring more pertinent information about flood risk reduction. This
    paper reviews the significance of IK in flood risk reduction. Specifically, the paper
    discusses IK flood forecasting, early warning signs, adaptation and coping strategies
    in flood risk reduction around the world. The Methodological approach employed for
    this paper is the review of existing literature on IK in flood Disaster Risk Reduction
    (DRR), and then a summary of the outcomes of the studies reviewed was discussed.
    However, it was deduced from the review undertaken, the need for an intensive
    empirical study to be conducted to explore how efficient these strategies or
    techniques are, in relation to flood risk reduction, which this paper strongly
    recommends for further investigation. Additionally, the paper concludes by
    emphasizing that although the IK of flood risk reduction is embedded in varied
    regions around the globe, still there is a need for further study to be carried out in
    order to unveil why the similarities and variations in flood risk reduction
    practices/strategies between regions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate Change
  4. Disease, race, and empire
    Anderson W
    Bull Hist Med, 1996;70(1):62-7.
    PMID: 8850070
    Matched MeSH terms: Tropical Climate
  5. Fulltext Medical graduates’ perception on the quality of clinical education
    Anisa Ahmad, Nurhanis Syazni Roslan, Jamilah Al-Muhammady Mohammad, Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff
    Education in Medicine Journal, 2015;7(4):52-59.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Clinical educators around the globe agreed that an optimal educational climate is a vital aspect for effective learning to take place. This study was conducted to evaluate the perceptions of graduates toward the quality of clinical education climate in USM medical school. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a cohort of USM medical graduates. Questionnaires were administered to the graduates to measure their perception on four aspects of clinical education climate that include structure of clinical rotation, clinical teaching and learning activities, quality of lecturers and end clinical rotation assessment across 13 clinical rotations. The graduates were requested to respond to seven-Likert scale ranging from 1(poor) to 7(excellent). Scores of equal to or more than 5 was considered as positive areas, scores of between 4 and 5 were considered as areas for improvement, and scores less than 4 were considered as areas of concern. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 105 (96.3%) graduates responded to the questionnaire. Results showed only the paediatric rotation obtained positive ratings on all areas of the clinical rotation structure. With regards to teaching and learning activities, the graduates scored most of the clinical rotations between 4 and 5. With regards to the quality of lecturers, most of the clinical rotations obtained score more than 5. Most of the areas related to the end-of-assessment of clinical rotation obtained score more than 5 except for the feedback adequacy, indicating inadequacy of feedback they received. Conclusion: USM medical graduates positively perceived the quality of lecturers during clinical training, however several areas of clinical education related to clinical rotation structure, clinical teaching and learning activities, and feedback practice were perceived by them as areas for improvement. Medical schools should introduce strategic measures to address the concerns raised by the graduates to ensure the best clinical learning experience are provided to the current and future medical students.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate
  6. Synergism: biocontrol agents and biostimulants in reducing abiotic and biotic stresses in crop
    Anuar MSK, Hashim AM, Ho CL, Wong MY, Sundram S, Saidi NB, et al.
    World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2023 Mar 19;39(5):123.
    PMID: 36934342 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03579-3
    In today's fast-shifting climate change scenario, crops are exposed to environmental pressures, abiotic and biotic stress. Hence, these will affect the production of agricultural products and give rise to a worldwide economic crisis. The increase in world population has exacerbated the situation with increasing food demand. The use of chemical agents is no longer recommended due to adverse effects towards the environment and health. Biocontrol agents (BCAs) and biostimulants, are feasible options for dealing with yield losses induced by plant stresses, which are becoming more intense due to climate change. BCAs and biostimulants have been recommended due to their dual action in reducing both stresses simultaneously. Although protection against biotic stresses falls outside the generally accepted definition of biostimulant, some microbial and non-microbial biostimulants possess the biocontrol function, which helps reduce biotic pressure on crops. The application of synergisms using BCAs and biostimulants to control crop stresses is rarely explored. Currently, a combined application using both agents offer a great alternative to increase the yield and growth of crops while managing stresses. This article provides an overview of crop stresses and plant stress responses, a general knowledge on synergism, mathematical modelling used for synergy evaluation and type of in vitro and in vivo synergy testing, as well as the application of synergism using BCAs and biostimulants in reducing crop stresses. This review will facilitate an understanding of the combined effect of both agents on improving crop yield and growth and reducing stress while also providing an eco-friendly alternative to agroecosystems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate Change
  7. Fulltext Critical period of weed control in aerobic rice
    Anwar MP, Juraimi AS, Samedani B, Puteh A, Man A
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:603043.
    PMID: 22778701 DOI: 10.1100/2012/603043
    Critical period of weed control is the foundation of integrated weed management and, hence, can be considered the first step to design weed control strategy. To determine critical period of weed control of aerobic rice, field trials were conducted during 2010/2011 at Universiti Putra Malaysia. A quantitative series of treatments comprising two components, (a) increasing duration of weed interference and (b) increasing length of weed-free period, were imposed. Critical period was determined through Logistic and Gompertz equations. Critical period varied between seasons; in main season, it started earlier and lasted longer, as compared to off-season. The onset of the critical period was found relatively stable between seasons, while the end was more variable. Critical period was determined as 7-49 days after seeding in off-season and 7-53 days in main season to achieve 95% of weed-free yield, and 23-40 days in off-season and 21-43 days in main season to achieve 90% of weed-free yield. Since 5% yield loss level is not practical from economic view point, a 10% yield loss may be considered excellent from economic view point. Therefore, aerobic rice should be kept weed-free during 21-43 days for better yield and higher economic return.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate*
  8. Developing global climate anomalies suggest potential disease risks for 2006-2007
    Anyamba A, Chretien JP, Small J, Tucker CJ, Linthicum KJ
    Int J Health Geogr, 2006 Dec 28;5:60.
    PMID: 17194307
    BACKGROUND: El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) related climate anomalies have been shown to have an impact on infectious disease outbreaks. The Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA/CPC) has recently issued an unscheduled El Niño advisory, indicating that warmer than normal sea surface temperatures across the equatorial eastern Pacific may have pronounced impacts on global tropical precipitation patterns extending into the northern hemisphere particularly over North America. Building evidence of the links between ENSO driven climate anomalies and infectious diseases, particularly those transmitted by insects, can allow us to provide improved long range forecasts of an epidemic or epizootic. We describe developing climate anomalies that suggest potential disease risks using satellite generated data.

    RESULTS: Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the equatorial east Pacific ocean have anomalously increased significantly during July - October 2006 indicating the typical development of El Niño conditions. The persistence of these conditions will lead to extremes in global-scale climate anomalies as has been observed during similar conditions in the past. Positive Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) anomalies, indicative of severe drought conditions, have been observed across all of Indonesia, Malaysia and most of the Philippines, which are usually the first areas to experience ENSO-related impacts. This dryness can be expected to continue, on average, for the remainder of 2006 continuing into the early part of 2007. During the period November 2006 - January 2007 climate forecasts indicate that there is a high probability for above normal rainfall in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Islands, the Korean Peninsula, the U.S. Gulf Coast and Florida, northern South America and equatorial east Africa. Taking into consideration current observations and climate forecast information, indications are that the following regions are at increased risk for disease outbreaks: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and most of the southeast Asia Islands for increased dengue fever transmission and increased respiratory illness; Coastal Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia for increased risk of malaria; Bangladesh and coastal India for elevated risk of cholera; East Africa for increased risk of a Rift Valley fever outbreak and elevated malaria; southwest USA for increased risk for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and plague; southern California for increased West Nile virus transmission; and northeast Brazil for increased dengue fever and respiratory illness.

    CONCLUSION: The current development of El Niño conditions has significant implications for global public health. Extremes in climate events with above normal rainfall and flooding in some regions and extended drought periods in other regions will occur. Forecasting disease is critical for timely and efficient planning of operational control programs. In this paper we describe developing global climate anomalies that suggest potential disease risks that will give decision makers additional tools to make rational judgments concerning implementation of disease prevention and mitigation strategies.

    Matched MeSH terms: Climate*
  9. Plant-soil-microbe interactions in maintaining ecosystem stability and coordinated turnover under changing environmental conditions
    Aqeel M, Ran J, Hu W, Irshad MK, Dong L, Akram MA, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Mar;318:137924.
    PMID: 36682633 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137924
    Ecosystem functions directly depend upon biophysical as well as biogeochemical reactions occurring at the soil-microbe-plant interface. Environment is considered as a major driver of any ecosystem and for the distributions of living organisms. Any changes in climate may potentially alter the composition of communities i.e., plants, soil microbes and the interactions between them. Since the impacts of global climate change are not short-term, it is indispensable to appraise its effects on different life forms including soil-microbe-plant interactions. This article highlights the crucial role that microbial communities play in interacting with plants under environmental disturbances, especially thermal and water stress. We reviewed that in response to the environmental changes, actions and reactions of plants and microbes vary markedly within an ecosystem. Changes in environment and climate like warming, CO2 elevation, and moisture deficiency impact plant and microbial performance, their diversity and ultimately community structure. Plant and soil feedbacks also affect interacting species and modify community composition. The interactive relationship between plants and soil microbes is critically important for structuring terrestrial ecosystems. The anticipated climate change is aggravating the living conditions for soil microbes and plants. The environmental insecurity and complications are not short-term and limited to any particular type of organism. We have appraised effects of climate change on the soil inhabiting microbes and plants in a broader prospect. This article highlights the unique qualities of tripartite interaction between plant-soil-microbe under climate change.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate Change
  10. Fulltext Crown damage and the mortality of tropical trees
    Arellano G, Medina NG, Tan S, Mohamad M, Davies SJ
    New Phytol, 2019 01;221(1):169-179.
    PMID: 30067290 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15381
    What causes individual tree death in tropical forests remains a major gap in our understanding of the biology of tropical trees and leads to significant uncertainty in predicting global carbon cycle dynamics. We measured individual characteristics (diameter at breast height, wood density, growth rate, crown illumination and crown form) and environmental conditions (soil fertility and habitat suitability) for 26 425 trees ≥ 10 cm diameter at breast height belonging to 416 species in a 52-ha plot in Lambir Hills National Park, Malaysia. We used structural equation models to investigate the relationships among the different factors and tree mortality. Crown form (a proxy for mechanical damage and other stresses) and prior growth were the two most important factors related to mortality. The effect of all variables on mortality (except habitat suitability) was substantially greater than expected by chance. Tree death is the result of interactions between factors, including direct and indirect effects. Crown form/damage and prior growth mediated most of the effect of tree size, wood density, fertility and habitat suitability on mortality. Large-scale assessment of crown form or status may result in improved prediction of individual tree death at the landscape scale.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tropical Climate
  11. Exposure to air pollution zones in a tropical city
    Armstrong RW
    Geogr Med, 1984;14:49-64.
    PMID: 6207076
    Matched MeSH terms: Tropical Climate
  12. Fulltext The Impact of Heatwaves on Mortality and Morbidity and the Associated Vulnerability Factors: A Systematic Review
    Arsad FS, Hod R, Ahmad N, Ismail R, Mohamed N, Baharom M, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Dec 06;19(23).
    PMID: 36498428 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316356
    BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the current impacts of extreme temperature and heatwaves on human health in terms of both mortality and morbidity. This systematic review analyzed the impact of heatwaves on mortality, morbidity, and the associated vulnerability factors, focusing on the sensitivity component.

    METHODS: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 flow checklist. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, PubMed) were searched for articles published from 2012 to 2022. Those eligible were evaluated using the Navigation Guide Systematic Review framework.

    RESULTS: A total of 32 articles were included in the systematic review. Heatwave events increased mortality and morbidity incidence. Sociodemographic (elderly, children, male, female, low socioeconomic, low education), medical conditions (cardiopulmonary diseases, renal disease, diabetes, mental disease), and rural areas were crucial vulnerability factors.

    CONCLUSIONS: While mortality and morbidity are critical aspects for measuring the impact of heatwaves on human health, the sensitivity in the context of sociodemographic, medical conditions, and locality posed a higher vulnerability to certain groups. Therefore, further research on climate change and health impacts on vulnerability may help stakeholders strategize effective plans to reduce the effect of heatwaves.

    Matched MeSH terms: Climate Change*
  13. Role of trees in climate change and their authentication through scanning electron microscopy
    Arshad S, Ahmad M, Saboor A, Ibrahim FH, Mustafa MRU, Zafar M, et al.
    Microsc Res Tech, 2019 Feb;82(2):92-100.
    PMID: 30511479 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23106
    Climate change is the most realistic theory of this era. Sudden and drastic changes are happening on the earth and the survival of mankind is becoming questionable in the future. The plants play the key role in controlling the climate change. The study emphasizes on role of trees in the cop up or damaging the climate of this earth, whether they are medicinal trees or economically important trees. Due to the overgrazing and intense deforestation the climate is being affected hazardously. The global warming phenomenon is occurring due to the less availability of trees and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In total 20 plants were collected from across the Pakistan on the basis of their abundance and their key roles. Out of which seeds of eight plants were scanned through scanning electron microscope for correct authentication and importance of these medicinally important trees in mitigating the climate change. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The role of forest sector in the climate's change mitigation. Medicinally and economically important tree species across Pakistan. By using SEM, Ultra seed sculpturing features as an authentication tool. To formulate some policies to stop or control deforestation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate Change*
  14. The plight and promise of mental health providers in the face of a warming planet: perspectives and experiences from the Philippines
    Aruta JJBR, Salcedo SS, Guilaran J, Guinto RR
    Int Rev Psychiatry, 2022 08;34(5):530-533.
    PMID: 36165758 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2123701
    A growing body of research shows the inimical impact of climate change on people's mental health. However, attention to mental health providers at the frontlines is rather sparse, especially in climate-vulnerable countries. This commentary aims to present the perspectives and experiences of mental health providers within the context of climate change in the Philippines. Specifically, this paper explicates the challenges faced by mental health providers in trying to address the increasing climate-related distress experienced by many Filipinos and the recent progress in promoting climate change and mental health nexus in the country. The recommendations offered in this commentary will hopefully provide the basis for a more comprehensive mental health framework that incorporates climate change and supports mental health providers in their pursuit to preserve Filipino mental health on a warming planet.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate Change
  15. Nocardiopsis deserti sp. nov., isolated from a high altitude Atacama Desert soil
    Asem MD, Salam N, Idris H, Zhang XT, Bull AT, Li WJ, et al.
    Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 2020 May;70(5):3210-3218.
    PMID: 32320378 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.004158
    The taxonomic status of a Nocardiopsis strain, designated H13T, isolated from a high altitude Atacama Desert soil, was established by using a polyphasic approach. The strain was found to have chemotaxonomic, cultural and morphological characteristics consistent with its classification within the genus Nocardiopsis and formed a well-supported clade in the Nocardiopsis phylogenomic tree together with the type strains of Nocardiopsis alborubida, Nocardiopsis dassonvillei and Nocardiopsis synnematoformans. Strain H13T was distinguished from its closest relatives by low average nucleotide identity (93.2-94.9 %) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (52.5-62.4 %) values calculated from draft genome assemblies and by a range of phenotypic properties. On the basis of these results, it is proposed that the isolate be assigned to the genus Nocardiopsis as Nocardiopsis deserti sp. nov. with isolate H13T (=CGMCC 4.7585T=KCTC 49249T) as the type strain.
    Matched MeSH terms: Desert Climate*
  16. Fulltext Comparative analysis of Mafriwal (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) and Kedah Kelantan (Bos indicus) sperm proteome identifies sperm proteins potentially responsible for higher fertility in a tropical climate
    Ashrafzadeh A, Nathan S, Karsani SA
    Int J Mol Sci, 2013;14(8):15860-77.
    PMID: 23903046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140815860
    The fertility of zebu cattle (Bos indicus) is higher than that of the European purebred (Bos taurus) and crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) cattle in tropical areas. To identify proteins related to the higher thermo-tolerance and fertility of Zebu cattle, this study was undertaken to identify differences in sperm proteome between the high fertile Malaysian indigenous zebu cattle (Kedah Kelantan) and the sub-fertile crossbred cattle (Mafriwal). Frozen semen from three high performance bulls from each breed were processed to obtain live and pure sperm. Sperm proteins were then extracted, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis performed to compare proteome profiles. Gel image analysis identified protein spots of interest which were then identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry quadrupole time-of-flight (LC MS/MS Q-TOF). STRING network analysis predicted interactions between at least 20 of the identified proteins. Among the identified proteins, a number of motility and energy related proteins were present in greater abundance in Kedah Kelantan. Sperm motility evaluation by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) confirmed significantly higher motility in Kedah Kelantan. While results from this study do identify proteins that may be responsible for the higher fertility of Kedah Kelantan, functional characterization of these proteins is warranted to reinforce our understanding of their roles in sperm fertility.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tropical Climate
  17. Termites mitigate the effects of drought in tropical rainforest
    Ashton LA, Griffiths HM, Parr CL, Evans TA, Didham RK, Hasan F, et al.
    Science, 2019 01 11;363(6423):174-177.
    PMID: 30630931 DOI: 10.1126/science.aau9565
    Termites perform key ecological functions in tropical ecosystems, are strongly affected by variation in rainfall, and respond negatively to habitat disturbance. However, it is not known how the projected increase in frequency and severity of droughts in tropical rainforests will alter termite communities and the maintenance of ecosystem processes. Using a large-scale termite suppression experiment, we found that termite activity and abundance increased during drought in a Bornean forest. This increase resulted in accelerated litter decomposition, elevated soil moisture, greater soil nutrient heterogeneity, and higher seedling survival rates during the extreme El Niño drought of 2015-2016. Our work shows how an invertebrate group enhances ecosystem resistance to drought, providing evidence that the dual stressors of climate change and anthropogenic shifts in biotic communities will have various negative consequences for the maintenance of rainforest ecosystems.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tropical Climate; Climate Change
  18. Fulltext Utilization of Bracing Arms as Additional Reinforcement in Pultruded Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Cross-Arms: Creep Experimental and Numerical Analyses
    Asyraf MRM, Ishak MR, Sapuan SM, Yidris N
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Feb 19;13(4).
    PMID: 33669491 DOI: 10.3390/polym13040620
    The application of pultruded glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites (PGFRPCs) as a replacement for conventional wooden cross-arms in transmission towers is relatively new. Although numerous studies have conducted creep tests on coupon-scale PGFRPC cross-arms, none had performed creep analyses on full-scale PGFRPC cross-arms under actual working load conditions. Thus, this work proposed to study the influence of an additional bracing system on the creep responses of PGFRPC cross-arms in a 132 kV transmission tower. The creep behaviors and responses of the main members in current and braced PGFRPC cross-arm designs were compared and evaluated in a transmission tower under actual working conditions. These PGFRPC cross-arms were subjected to actual working loads mimicking the actual weight of electrical cables and insulators for a duration of 1000 h. The cross-arms were installed on a custom test rig in an open area to simulate the actual environment of tropical climate conditions. Further creep analysis was performed by using Findley and Burger models on the basis of experimental data to link instantaneous and extended (transient and viscoelastic) creep strains. The addition of braced arms to the structure reduced the total strain of a cross-arm's main member beams and improved elastic and viscous moduli. The addition of bracing arms improved the structural integrity and stiffness of the cross-arm structure. The findings of this study suggested that the use of a bracing system in cross-arm structures could prolong the structures' service life and subsequently reduce maintenance effort and cost for long-term applications in transmission towers.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tropical Climate
  19. Fulltext Marine electrical imaging reveals novel freshwater transport mechanism in Hawai'i
    Attias E, Thomas D, Sherman D, Ismail K, Constable S
    Sci Adv, 2020 Nov;6(48).
    PMID: 33239299 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd4866
    Conventional hydrogeologic framework models used to compute ocean island sustainable yields and aquifer storage neglect the complexity of the nearshore and offshore submarine environment. However, the onshore aquifer at the island of Hawai'i exhibits a notable volumetric discrepancy between high-elevation freshwater recharge and coastal discharge. In this study, we present a novel transport mechanism of freshwater moving from onshore to offshore through a multilayer formation of water-saturated layered basalts with interbedded low-permeability layers of ash/soil. Marine electromagnetic imaging reveals ∼35 km of laterally continuous resistive layers that extend to at least 4 km from west of Hawai'i's coastline, containing about 3.5 km3 of freshened water. We propose that this newly found transport mechanism of fresh groundwater may be the governing mechanism in other volcanic islands. In such a scenario, volcanic islands worldwide can use these renewable offshore reservoirs, considered more resilient to climate change-driven droughts, as new water resources.
    Matched MeSH terms: Climate Change
  20. Individual non-essential amino acids fortification of a low-protein diet for broilers under the hot and humid tropical climate
    Awad EA, Zulkifli I, Soleimani AF, Loh TC
    Poult Sci, 2015 Nov;94(11):2772-7.
    PMID: 26371331 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev258
    A study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding low-protein diets fortified with individual non-essential amino acids (NEAA) on growth performance, serum metabolites (uric acid, UA; triglycerides, TG; total protein, TP; and albumin, Alb), organ weight, breast yield, and abdominal fat weight in broiler chicks raised under the hot and humid tropical climate. Eight isocaloric (3,017 kcal/kg) experimental diets were formulated and fed to male broiler chicks from d 1-21 as follows: 1) 22.2% crude protein (CP) (positive control; PC); 2) 16.2% CP + mixture essential amino acids (EAA) to meet or exceed the National Research Council (1994) recommendations (negative control; NC); 3) NC + glycine (Gly) to equal the total glycine + serine level in the PC; diets 4 through 7 were obtained by supplementing NC diet with individual glutamic acid, proline, alanine, or aspartic acid (Glu, Pro, Ala, or Asp, respectively); 8) NC + NEAA (Gly + Glu + Pro + Ala + Asp) to equal the total level of these NEAA in the PC. Fortifying NC diet with mixture NEAA resulted in a similar growth performance as PC. However, fortification of low-CP diet with individual NEAA failed to improve body weight (BW) (P < 0.0001), feed intake (FI) (P = 0.0001), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P = 0.0001). Serum uric acid (UA) was lower (P = 0.0356) in NC birds and NC diet supplemented with individual NEAA birds, whereas serum triglyceride (TG) (P = 0.007) and relative weight of abdominal fat (P = 0.001) were higher in these birds. In conclusion, no single NEAA fortification may compensate the depressed growth performance attributed to a low-CP diet. However, fortification with Gly may improve FCR. There is a possibility that broilers raised under the hot and humid climate require higher Gly fortification than the level used in this study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Tropical Climate*
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