Seasonal Patterns of Injury Characteristics Among Farmers and Ranchers in the U.S. Central States.

OBJECTIVE: In high-risk agricultural environments, tasks, weather, and work conditions vary throughout the year. Also, injuries peak during certain periods. The primary objective of this study was to examine operator- and farm-level characteristics as risk factors for injuries within each of the four seasons. The secondary objective was to examine seasonal differences in the incident location and primary cause of these injuries. METHOD: We analyzed data from the 2018 and 2020 Farm and Ranch Health and Safety Surveys (FRHSS), conducted in seven U.S. states by the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH), which were collected using a stratified random sampling approach to ensure representativeness. The survey data were merged with operation-level data from the Farm Market iD database. We employed Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to examine the association of seasonal injuries with individual and operation-level characteristics. The chi-square test of independence was used to assess the association between injury incident location and season, as well as injury cause and season. Pairwise Z-tests of proportions were conducted to evaluate the differences in the proportions of injuries due to specific combinations of injury location and cause across each pair of seasons. RESULTS: Surveys conducted in 2018 and 2020 yielded a combined response rate of 15.9%, with 5,428 responses and 7,915 unique operators. Of these, 903 operators reported at least one injury during the past 12 months. Seasonally, most injuries occurred in spring (34.2%), followed by summer (24.7%). Male operators had higher injury odds in the spring (adjusted OR = 1.42) and summer (aOR = 2.41). Those managing both a farm and a ranch reported increased injury risks in winter (aOR = 1.73) and spring (aOR = 1.48). Operators in cow-calf operations faced higher springtime injury risks (aOR = 1.45). High stress and exhaustion were consistent risk factors across all seasons. The highest proportion of injury incidents occurred in the farmyard (43.6%), and livestock were the most common cause of injury (24.9%). CONCLUSION: Results highlight the need for season-specific prevention and intervention strategies, considering farmers' and ranchers' risk characteristics, injury locations, and causes. These findings can inform targeted measures for high-risk populations at optimal times and locations.

Seasonal environmental factors drive microbial community succession and flavor quality during acetic acid fermentation of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar.

This study investigated the impact of seasonal environmental factors on microorganisms and flavor compounds during acetic acid fermentation (AAF) of Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (ZAV). Environmental factors were monitored throughout the fermentation process, which spanned multiple seasons. Methods such as headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and high-throughput sequencing were employed to examine how these environmental factors influenced the flavor profile and microbial community of ZAV. The findings suggested that ZAV brewed in autumn had the strongest flavor and sweetness. The key microorganisms responsible for the flavor of ZAV included Lactobacillus acetotolerans, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus fermentum, Acetobacter pasteurianus. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that room temperature had a significant impact on the composition of the microbial community, along with other key seasonal environmental factors like total acid, pH, reducing sugar, and humidity. These results provide a theoretical foundation for regulating core microorganisms and environmental factors during fermentation, enhancing ZAV quality.

Chronobiological variation in takotsubo syndrome: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) might exhibit particular chronobiological patterns in its onset, characterized by variations according to time of the day, day of the week, and month of the year. The aim of this study was to fully explore the temporal patterns (circadian, weekly and seasonal) in the onset of TTS. A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature were conducted for studies (2006-2024) reporting the temporal patterns (circadian, weekly and/or seasonal) in the onset of TTS. Among the 4257 studies retrieved, 20 (including 64,567 subjects) fulfilled all eligibility criteria. Data were aggregated used random effects model as pooled risk ratio and the attributable risk (AR). The proportion analysis (including 8 studies; n=853) showed a decreasing pattern of the pooled rates of TTS shifting from the morning to the night (pooled TTS rates: 34.0%; 32.1%; 21.7%; 12.7% in the morning, afternoon, evening and night, respectively). The same pattern was observed stratifying by type of preceding stressful factor or event, considering physical stressors (pooled rates in the morning and night: 37.6% and 9.8%, respectively), and also in case no event could be identified. The pooled rates of TTS onset peaked on Monday and Tuesday (17.3% and 18.4% respectively), then declined during the week, reaching the lowest rates on Friday and Saturday (10.6% and 10.8%, respectively), with no sex differences. TTS onset reached the highest values on summer, and the lowest in winter (27.9% versus 21.7% in summer and winter, respectively). The TTS morning peak based analyses (∼33% of all the registered events) account for a RR of 1.46 (95% CI: 1.38-1.54), the week-based for a RR of 1.26 (1.16-1.35), the season-based for a RR of 1.04 (1.04-1.05). TTS onset exhibits specific chronobiological patterns, characterized by a peak during the morning hours, and on Monday and Tuesday. Differing from other cardiovascular emergencies TTS was more frequent during summer. Further studies are needed to fully understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in order to tailor relative management and preventive strategies.

Divergent responses of woody plant leaf and root non-structural carbohydrates to nitrogen addition in China: Seasonal variations and ecological implications.

Plant non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), which largely comprise starch and soluble sugars, are essential energy reserves to support plant growth and physiological functions. While it is known that increasing global deposition of nitrogen (N) affects plant concentration of NSCs, quantification of seasonal responses and drivers of woody species leaf and root NSCs to N addition at larger spatial scales remains lacking. Here, we systematically analyzed data from 53 field experiments distributed across China, comprising 1202 observations, to test for effects of N addition on woody plant leaf and root NSCs across and within growing and non-growing seasons. We found (1) no overall effects of N addition on the concentrations of leaf and root NSCs, soluble sugars or starch during the growing season or the non-growing season for leaves. However, N addition decreased root NSC and starch concentrations by 13.8 % and 39.0 %, respectively, and increased soluble sugars concentration by 15.0 % during the non-growing season. (2) Shifts in leaf NSC concentration under N addition were driven by responses by soluble sugars in both seasons, while shifts in root NSC were driven by soluble sugars in the non-growing season and starch and soluble sugars in the growing season. (3) Relationships between N, carbon, and phosphorus stoichiometry with leaf and root NSCs indicated effects of N addition on woody plant NSCs allocation through impacts on plant photosynthesis, respiration, and growth. (4) Effects of N addition on leaf and root NSCs varied with plant functional types, where effects were more pronounced in roots than in leaves during the non-growing season. Overall, our results reveal divergent responses of woody plant leaf and root NSCs to N addition within non-growing season and highlight the role of ecological stoichiometry and plant functional types in woody plant allocation patterns of NSCs in response to ongoing N deposition under global change.

An Observational Longitudinal Study on Seasonal Variations in Tourette Syndrome: Evidence for a Role of Ambient Temperature in Tic Exacerbation.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a high-incidence neurobehavioral disorder that generally begins in childhood. Several factors play a role in its etiology, including genetic influence and auto-immune activation by streptococcal infections. In general, symptoms subside after the end of adolescence, but, in a significant number of patients, they remain in adulthood. In this study, we evaluated temporal variations in the two core clinical features of TS including tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. An observational longitudinal study lasting 15 months (2017-2019) was conducted on a cohort of 24 people recruited in Milan (Italy) who were diagnosed with a subtype of TS known as obsessive-compulsive tic disorder. Inclusion criteria included a global score of the Yale global tic severity scale (Y-GTSS) > 50, a Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) global score > 15, and TS onset at least one year prior. Y-GTSS and Y-BOCS data were acquired at six time points, together with local environmental data. Tics, but not OCD symptoms, were found to be more severe in spring and summer compared with winter and autumn (p < 0.001). Changes in tics displayed an appreciable oscillation pattern in the same subject and also a clear synchrony among different subjects, indicating an external orchestrating factor. Ambient temperature showed a significant correlation with Y-GTSS measurements (p < 0.001). We argue that the increase in tics observed during hot seasons can be related to increasing ambient temperature. We believe that our results can shed light on the seasonal dynamics of TS symptomatology and provide clues for preventing their worsening over the year.

Sources, fate and influencing factors of nitrate in farmland drainage ditches of the irrigation area.

Global irrigation areas face the contradictory challenges of controlling nitrate inputs and ensuring food-safe production. To prevent and control nitrate pollution in irrigation areas, the study using the Yellow River basin (Ningxia section) of China as a case study, employed nitrogen and oxygen dual isotope tracing and extensive field investigations to analyze the sources, fate, and influencing factors of nitrate in agricultural drainage ditches. The results of source tracing of nitrate showed that annual proportions of nitrate sources entering the Yellow River in the ditches are as follows: for manure & sewage, fertilizer, and natural sources, the ratios are 33%, 35%, and 32% overall. The results of nitrate fate showed that nitrates derived from nitrate fertilizer exhibit a lower residual rate in drainage ditches (ecological ditches) compared to ammonium fertilizer, which can undergo self-ecological restoration within one year. The results of influencing factors showed that crops with high water and nutrient requirements, such as vegetables, the nitrate pollution and environmental harm resulting from "exploitative cultivation" are five times more than normal cultivation practices in dryland and paddy fields, especially winter irrigation without crop interception exacerbates the leaching of nitrate from the soil. Therefore, nitrate management in irrigation areas should focus on preventing and controlling "exploitative cultivation" and losses during winter irrigation, while appropriately adjusting the application ratio of ammonium nitrogen fertilizers. The results of the study can guide strategies to mitigate nitrate pollution in irrigated areas such as livestock farming, fertilizer application, irrigation management, ditch optimization, and crop cultivation.

Seasonality and sun exposure in incidence of major depression, bipolar disorder, and first-time use of antidepressant medication.

INTRODUCTION: Seasonality in depressive and bipolar disorders, are recognized in the ICD-10/11 and DSM-5 diagnostic systems. The existence of a seasonal pattern of hospital diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder and prescription of antidepressant medications has not been evaluated in the Danish population. METHODS: We retrieved date and year for all first-time hospital contacts with depression or bipolar disorder between 1999 and 2019, registered in the Danish National Patient Registry. Depression was defined using the ICD-10 F32-F33 codes, and for bipolar disorder the F30 or F31 codes. Date and year of all first-time purchases of antidepressant medications with ATC codes (N06A) between 1999 and 2021 were retrieved from the Danish National Prescription Registry, containing information on all prescribed drugs dispensed at pharmacies since 1995. Data on sunlight hours from 2012 to 2021 were retrieved from the Danish Metrological Institute. RESULTS: Incidences of hospital diagnoses as well as purchases of medication varied with month and season. The monthly variations were larger for antidepressant medication and smallest for bipolar disorder. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that number of first-time diagnoses of depression or bipolar disorder did not correlate with season. For antidepressant medication the number of first-time prescriptions was significantly lower in summer compared to the winter season. CONCLUSION: This study found a seasonal variation of first-time prescriptions of antidepressant medication. We did not find a seasonal variation in first-time hospital diagnoses. Further research looking into depression severity, polarity of bipolar illness episodes, lag-time for sunlight exposure, and specific parts of the yearly photoperiods should be conducted.

Injection of antioxidant trace minerals/vitamins into peripartum crossbred cows improves the nutritional and immunological properties of colostrum/milk and the health of their calves under heat stress conditions.

Multimineral and vitamin injections can provide better nutrient availability at the cellular level, which is essential for mitigating transition period stress and improving the wellbeing and productivity of dairy cows. The present study was conducted to assess the colostrum quality and calf health after intramuscular injection of multi-minerals (MM) and multi-vitamins (MV) to peripartum cows during winter (THI = 58 to 66) and summer (THI = 78 to 82) months. In each season, twenty-four pregnant crossbred Karan Fries cows were grouped into four, each consisting of six cows. Group I, referred to as the Control, received solely the basal diet, without any additional supplements. Groups II, III, and IV were administered additional MM (T1), MV (T2), and a combined MM and MV (T3) along with their basal diet, starting 30 days before calving and continuing for 30 days after calving. Blood samples were collected from the calves, while colostrum/milk samples were obtained from the cows on days 1, 3, 7, and 15 after calving. The somatic cell counts (SCC) in the milk were determined using a cell counter. Cortisol, IgG, IGF1 and total immunoglobulins (TIG) in whey and plasma from cow colostrum/milk or calf blood samples were estimated by ELISA. Cows that calved in the summer exhibited notably reduced levels (P < 0.05) of IgG, milk, and plasma IGF1, along with lower calf body weights, in comparison to those calving in the winter season. Furthermore, the summer months saw significant increases (P < 0.05) in plasma and milk cortisol levels, as well as total somatic cell counts (SCC) in both colostrum and milk samples. Maximum beneficial effect was observed in T3 group. Results indicate that injections to peripartum cows could be an important strategy for improving colostrum quality and calf health during the summer seasons.

Variability in the Timing of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Epidemics in Guatemala, 2008-2018.

BACKGROUND: The description of local seasonality patterns in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence is important to guide the timing of administration of RSV immunization products. METHODS: We characterized RSV seasonality in Guatemala using the moving epidemic method (MEM) with absolute counts of RSV-associated acute respiratory infections (ARI) from hospital surveillance in Santa Rosa and Quetzaltenango departments of Guatemala. RESULTS: From Week 17 of 2008 through Week 16 of 2018, 8487 ARI cases tested positive for RSV by rRT-PCR. Season onsets varied up to 5 months; early seasons starting in late May to early August and finishing in September to November were most common, but late seasons starting in October to November and finishing in March to April were also observed. Both epidemic patterns had similar durations ranging from 4 to 6 months. Epidemic thresholds (the levels of virus activity that signal the onset and end of a seasonal epidemic) calculated prospectively using previous seasons' data captured between 70% and 99% of annual RSV detections. Onset weeks differed by 2-10 weeks, and offset weeks differed by 2-16 weeks between the two surveillance sites. CONCLUSIONS: Variability in the timing of seasonal RSV epidemics in Guatemala demonstrates the difficulty in precisely predicting the timing of seasonal RSV epidemics based on onset weeks from past seasons and suggests that maximal reduction in RSV disease burden would be achieved through year-round vaccination and immunoprophylaxis administration to at-risk infants.

Seasonal variations and social disparities in asthma hospitalizations and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to asthma exacerbating triggers may be dependent on the season and an individual's social factors and subsequent means to avoid triggers. We assessed for seasonal variations and differential outcomes based on race and income in admissions for asthma in a United States nationwide assessment. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed adult hospitalizations for asthma 2016-2019 using the National Inpatient Sample. Hospitalizations were categorized by season: winter (December-February), spring (March-May), summer (June-August), fall (September-November). Multivariable linear and logistic regression were used to assess associations between season, race, income quartile (determined by the median income within a patient's ZIP code), and outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 423,140 admissions with a mean age of 51 years, and 73% of the cohort being female and 56% non-white. Admissions peaked during winter (124, 145) and were lowest in summer (80,525). Intubation rates were increased in summer compared to winter (2.73 vs 1.93%, aOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04-1.37) as were rates of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) (7.92 vs 7.06%, aOR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00-1.17). Compared to white patients, intubation (2.53 vs 1.87%, absolute difference 0.66%, aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.29) and NIPPV (9.95 vs 5.45%, absolute difference 4.5%, aOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.57-1.82) were increased in Black patients. No significant associations between income and clinical outcomes were found. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma admission peak during winter, while summer admissions and non-white race are associated with higher rates of NIPPV and intubation. Public health initiatives and strategically timed outpatient visits could combat seasonal variation and social disparities in asthma outcomes.

Preliminary assessment of microplastic in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere region of mangrove at four locations along Karachi coast, Pakistan.

Mangrove ecosystem faces significant threats from the various pollutants including microplastic (MPs). The aim of this study was to assess variations in MP distribution in mangrove sediments of rhizosphere (R) and non-rhizosphere (NR) regions. A total of 14,960 MP particles were identified from Sandspit backwater (SS-1 & SS-2) and Creek areas (PQ & KC). Notably, the NR showed higher MP counts (7848) compared to the R region (7112). Analysis revealed variations in MP types, with beads being predominant in both R and NR, followed by film, fiber, and fragments. KC exhibited highest MP contamination, followed by PQ, SS-2, and SS-1. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene in sediments samples. This first detailed report on MP in mangrove sediments and other limited studies from Pakistan establishes the widespread distribution of MPs in the coastal area and provide a baseline for further elaboration in future.

The HANTS-fitted RSEI constructed in the vegetation growing season reveals the spatiotemporal patterns of ecological quality.

Yuxi, located in China's central plateau of Yunnan, is grappling with ecological and environmental challenges as it continues to develop its economy. While ecological quality assessment serves as the foundation for ecological protection, it is pivotal to have reliable and long-term methods for assessing the ecological status to support informed decision-making in ecological protection. Reliable and long-term methods for assessing ecological status in order to facilitate informed decision-making in ecological protection are applied. This study utilized Landsat data to reconstruct four indices (greenness, wetness, dryness, and heat) during the vegetation growth in Yuxi from 2000 to 2020 that employs Harmonic Analysis of Time Series (HANTS) method. Subsequently, the annual Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) was computed by using the reconstructed indices to evaluate ecological quality in Yuxi. Additionally, spatiotemporal patterns and determinants of Yuxi's ecological quality are unveiled through Sen's slope estimator and Mann-Kendall test (Sen + MK) trend analysis, spatial auto-correlation analysis, and geographical detectors applied to year-by-year RSEI data. The findings in the paper indicate that the accuracy of the RSEI is significantly influenced by the vegetation season, suggesting that constructing the RSEI model with data from the vegetation growth season is crucial. Moreover, the HANTS optimization method effectively enhances the ecological indices used in the RSEI model, leading to smoother and more continuous filling of missing data. The difference between the reconstructed RSEI and the original RSEI falls within the range of - 0.15 to 0.15. Yuxi has an average RSEI of 0.54 to emphasis a moderate level of comprehensive ecological quality. Compared with river valley plains, the ecological quality of mountainous areas is higher, and the ecological quality of Yuxi presents a distinct center-edge pattern. From 2000 to 2020, Yuxi's ecological quality exhibited fluctuations, with a slight overall improvement. Land use patterns, particularly in forestry land and impervious surfaces, are identified as the main drivers of these changes. The research offers valuable insights for scientific decision-making related to sustainable development and ecological protection.

Food consumption patterns, seasonal dietary diversity, and factors affecting food intake in rural Eastern Uganda: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study.

This mixed-methods cross-sectional study examines food consumption patterns, dietary diversity, and factors affecting food intake and malnutrition in the rural Mbale District in Eastern Uganda, during both wet and dry seasons. Participants (n = 100; 66% females) completed a food frequency questionnaire identifying foods and beverages consumed in the preceding 12 months. Individual interviews (n = 8) were conducted with key workers. Analysis of seventeen food items revealed seasonal variations in carbohydrate and protein sources. During the dry season, staples like matooke (mashed boiled plantains) and sweet and Irish potatoes were affected, while protein-rich foods such as beans and groundnuts saw increased consumption in the wet season. Fruit and vegetable intake also rose during the wet season. The main causes of malnutrition that emerged from the interviews were the lack of knowledge about food and nutrition, financial struggles, climate impact, and cultural beliefs. The last theme covered strategies to combat malnutrition. Although carbohydrate intake remains consistent throughout seasons due to reliance on posho (maize flour porridge) and cassava, variations in the number of meals and protein sources, particularly beans and groundnuts, were observed. Both of these, being the primary protein sources in rural households' diets, are highly susceptible to climate fluctuations. This may pose significant implications for food security, as heightened climate instability may impede their production. Solutions to combat malnutrition discussed by the interviewees include education, employment, family planning, and healthcare improvements. Professionals emphasise the need for comprehensive approaches to address these complex issues. In addition, data on food consumption during the dry and wet seasons should be collected as a difference in food consumption during the seasons may become more prominent with the need to implement tailored interventions.

Seasonal variations in admissions for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in the Northeast and the Midwest regions of the United States.

Background: Previous studies conflict on whether seasonal variability exists in atrial fibrillation (AF) admissions, and contemporary studies are lacking. Methods: We identified admissions for AF or atrial flutter in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the US from the National Inpatient Database for 2016 to 2020, grouped them into the four seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter), and compared the number of admissions. Subgroup analyses were performed stratified to sex, age, race, AF alone, and geographical regions. Results: A total of 955,320 admissions for AF or atrial flutter occurred. The number of admissions was highest during winter (243,990, 25.5% of the total), followed by fall (239,250, 25.0% of the total), summer (236,910, 24.8% of the total), and spring (235,170, 24.6% of the total). The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). An increasing trend in the number of admissions was observed from March to February of the next year (P trend <0.001). Admissions were most common in the winter and least common in the spring in subgroups of both sexes, age ≥65 years, Whites, non-Whites, AF alone, Northeast region, and Midwest region. Conclusion: Contemporary analysis of a national database demonstrates seasonal variability in the number of admissions for AF, with a slight increase observed during the winter.

Seasonal toxicity of urban road dust in runoff process-studies in Poland.

Urban road dust (URD) is one of the most important non-point sources of pollution in agglomerations. The aim of this study was to assess the seasonal toxic effects of URD runoff in two regions of Poland. The concentrations of elements in URD and leachate were studied. The impact of pollutants in URD runoff on water organisms was evaluated using Daphtoxkit F and Rotoxkit F (LC50). The acute toxicity tests for crustaceans and rotifers were selected as the response of these taxa reflects the impact on zooplankton, a key component of aquatic ecosystem and the basis of most food webs. The concentrations of elements were found to vary depending on the site, although URD samples collected in Katowice agglomeration (Upper Silesia) had higher values of elements (Mn, Cu, Zn, As) compared to Wroclaw (Lower Silesia). The concentrations of Mn, Zn, As, Cr, and Mg in water-soluble fraction of URD were higher in summer and winter in the Upper Silesia region due to rainwater runoff resulting from traffic, industries, post-industrial waste, and the presence of old heating systems. When comparing the content of elements in the water-soluble fraction between seasons, Zn, As, Cr, and Al concentrations were slightly higher in winter. The highest mortality of Daphnia magna and Brachiouns calyciflorus was observed in URD from both agglomerations in winter. However, the mortality is likely due to the concentration of elements or/and the coexistence of an unknown compound or a synergistic effect of the studied elements. This study highlights the alarming seasonal sources of elements in URD runoff, which will directly enter the food chain and affect the entire ecosystem, and human health.

Effects of seasonal precipitation regimes on microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activity during shrub foliar litter decomposition in a subtropical forest.

Elucidating the mechanisms underlying microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activity responses to the seasonal precipitation regime during foliar litter decomposition is highly important for understanding the material cycle of forest ecosystems in the context of global climate change; however, the specific underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Hence, a precipitation manipulation experiment involving a control (CK) and treatments with decreased precipitation in the dry season and extremely increased precipitation in the wet season (IE) and decreased precipitation in the dry season and proportionally increased precipitation in the wet season (IP) was conducted in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in China from October 2020 to October 2021. The moisture, microbial biomass, and extracellular enzyme activities of foliar litter from two dominant shrub species, Phyllostachys violascens and Alangium chinense, were measured at six stages during the dry and wet seasons. The results showed that (1) both IE and IP significantly decreased the microbial biomass carbon and microbial biomass nitrogen content and the activities of ß-1,4-glucosidase, ß-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase, acid phosphatase and cellulase in the dry season, while the opposite effects were observed in the wet season. (2) Compared with those of IE, the effects of IP on foliar litter microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activity were more significant. (3) The results from the partial least squares model indicated that extracellular enzyme activity during foliar litter decomposition was strongly controlled by the foliar litter water content, microbial biomass nitrogen, the ratio of total carbon to total phosphorus, foliar litter total carbon, and foliar litter total nitrogen. These results provide an important theoretical basis for elucidating the microbial mechanisms driving litter decomposition in a subtropical forest under global climate change scenarios.

The mechanism of microbial structure and flavor characteristics in Qing-Jiang-flavor Jiupei regulated by different fermentation seasons.

The physicochemical characteristics of Jiupei are crucial in regulating the metabolism of microbial communities and the flavor profile of Baijiu during the fermentation process. This study systematically monitored the physicochemical characteristics of Qing-Jiang-flavor Baijiu Jiupei (QJFJ) and analyzed its microbial community structure and flavor compounds. Results indicated that dominant bacteria were significantly enriched in Summer- and Autumn-Jiupei (Spring: Summer: Autumn: Winter = 1.00: 1.40: 1.29: 1.21), while dominant fungi were significantly enriched in Spring- and Autumn-Jiupei (Spring: Summer: Autumn: Winter = 1.45: 1.00: 1.35: 1.31). Sequentially, reducing sugars (day 0), temperature (day 5 - day 10), moisture (day 15), and acidity (day 20 - day 25) in Jiupei affected the succession pattern of the microbial community, regulating the abundance of Saccharomyces, Staphylococcus, Cyberlindnera, and Lactobacillus, individually. Alcohol and acid compounds are considered seasonal differential compounds in QJFJ. This study will provide a theoretical basis for Baijiu production across different seasons.

Home range of three turtle species in Central Yucatan. A comparative study.

Home range is a fundamental characteristic of an animal natural history. The study of home range provides information on the sites where organisms forage for food, find shelter, or locate mates. Home range size and shape can change throughout the lifespan of an organism, during the year, or across seasons, driven by resource availability and the basic needs for each organism. For freshwater and semi-aquatic turtles, home range is greatly affected by water availability, humidity, and temperature throughout the year, nevertheless demographic factors such age and sex are also important determinants of home range size. In this study we estimated home range and dispersal movements for Kinosternon creaseri, Terrapene yucatana, and Rhinoclemmys areolata in a semi-tropical dry forest in central Yucatán. For a two-year period, turtles were surveyed using hoop traps and visual encounters. Twenty-one individuals (5-8 per species) were equipped with radio transmitters to track them across the landscape. Distances between relocations and home range were compared across species seasons, sex, and interactions of these variables. Monthly average movements were positively correlated with rain in the three species studied. Home range of R. areolata was larger than those of K. creaseri and T. yucatana. Home range of the three studied species were larger during the wet season. Home range overlap index within same species individuals was higher during the rainy than dry season, but overall overlap is low between and within species.

Selection of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) mutants with respect to seasonal variation of summer and spring using discriminant function analysis.

The current study was carried out at Nuclear Institute of Agriculture, Tandojam to assess ten mungbean mutants together with one check cultivar in two separate cropping seasons. The findings revealed that all mutants, with the exception of the branches per plant, had significantly different examined traits. By characterizing ten variables, including plant height (cm), number of branches/plant, number of seeds per pod, grain yield per plot (g/plot), grain weight per plant, pod length (cm), pods per plant, days to flowering, above ground biological weight per plot (g/plot) and days to maturity, the results could considerably differentiate between low and high producing mutants. Discriminant analysis was used to choose high-yielding genotypes. The discriminant score demonstrated a significant canonical correlation of 0.994** and could account for 98.8 % of differences in mungbean production. According to the results of discriminant function analysis, the most significant features are pod length, days to flowering, plant height and above ground biological weight. The highest discriminant scores were displayed by the genotypes AEM66, AEM27, AEM25 and AEM14, identified as high yielding mutants. The low yielding mungbean mutants, designated Viz, AEM20, AEM30, AEM35, AEM-96, AEM29, AEM40 and AEM32 are those that exhibit the lowest values of the discriminant score. Mungbean cultivation is more successful in the summer than it is in the spring.