ABSTRACT Quantifying the impact of driving factors on crop water productivity (WP) is essential for efficient agricultural water use. To date, few studies have investigated the influence of management and environmental factors on sugarcane WP at the mill scale. This study aimed to assess the contributions of management practice factors, weather variables, and soil management zones (SMZs) on on-farm sugarcane WP in a single mill in the southern region of Brazil. An extensive on-farm database of commercial sugarcane field plots was used with a weather database to estimate evapotranspiration and water-limited potential yield (Yw). This was achieved by employing a crop sugarcane model to calculate actual water productivity (WPa) and attainable water productivity (WPw). The results demonstrated an inverse relationship between management practices and WPa, while harvest date and vinasse positively impacted on WPa. The Yw, actual yield (Ya), actual evapotranspiration (ETa) or crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and WPa varied according to the SMZ. The lowest WPa values were observed in the worst soils. The analysis revealed that weather variables collectively accounted for 46.2 % of WPa variability, management practice factors accounted for 40.5 %, and SMZs contributed 13.3 % of WPa variability. Despite weather variables being the primary source of WPa variability, management practice factors still played a key role in WPa variability. (WP use scale (SMZs onfarm farm Brazil waterlimited limited Yw. Yw . (Yw) (WPa WPw. WPw (WPw) Ya, Ya , (Ya) ETa (ETa ETc, ETc (ETc) SMZ soils 462 46 2 46. variability 405 40 5 40. 133 13 3 13. (Yw (WPw (Ya (ETc 4 1

Resumen Fusarium graminearum es una especie fúngica que afecta la calidad e inocuidad de la cebada cervecera, uno de los cereales más importantes a nivel mundial. Tanto el crecimiento fúngico como la producción de micotoxinas varían año a año y por la región de siembra, principalmente por las condiciones climáticas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la inci dencia de F. graminearum y la contaminación con Deoxinivalenol (DON) en 40 muestras de cebada cervecera de distintas localidades de Buenos Aires, Argentina, durante las tempo radas de cultivo 2017 y 2018. F. graminearum fue identificado en el 80% de las muestras. Se aisló en ocho de once localidades en la primera temporada de cultivo y en diez locali dades de la segunda temporada de cultivo, con una incidencia máxima similar (20% y 17% respectivamente). Por otro lado, todas las muestras estuvieron contaminadas con DON y el 75% excedieron los límites máximos establecidos por la Unión Europea (EC 1126/2007). El nivel de contaminación con DON fue significativamente mayor en la segunda temporada de cultivo, la cual fue más lluviosa y tuvo una temperatura media mayor (un promedio de 2,5ppm en 2017 y 3,75ppm en 2018). Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio muestran la necesidad de establecer regulaciones en Argentina sobre límites máximos para micotoxinas de Fusarium en cebada.

Abstract Fusarium graminearum is a fungal species affecting the quality and safety of malting barley grains, one of the most important cereals worldwide. Fungal growth and mycotoxin production vary among growing seasons and sowing locations, mainly due to weather conditions. This work aimed to assess the incidence of F. graminearum and the contami nation with Deoxynivalenol (DON) in 40 barley grain samples from different Buenos Aires, Argentina localities during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. F. graminearum was iden tified in 80% of the samples. It was isolated in eight of eleven localities in the first and ten in the second growing seasons, with a similar maximum incidence (20% and 17%, respec tively). On the other hand, all samples were contaminated with DON, and 75% exceeded the maximum limits established by The European Union (EC 1126/2007). The level of DON contamination was significantly higher in the second growing season, which was rainier and had a higher mean temperature (an average of 2.5 ppm in 2017 and 3.75 ppm in 2018). The results obtained in the present study show the need to establish regulations in Argentina on maximum limits of Fusarium mycotoxins in barley.

Resumo Fachadas com revestimento cerâmico são amplamente utilizadas em edifícios devido à sua durabilidade, resistência às intempéries e estética atraente. Ao longo do tempo, essas fachadas estão sujeitas a diversos fatores que podem causar anomalias, afetando sua aparência e desempenho. Diferentes graus de proteção e exposição a agentes de degradação, bem como a variabilidade da qualidade dos materiais e processos construtivos levam a uma degradação diferenciada ao longo da fachada. O objetivo da pesquisa é o estudo da variabilidade da degradação ao longo da fachada, como ela se apresenta e quais os principais fatores responsáveis. A pesquisa parte de uma base de dados, desenvolvida a partir de inspeções em edifícios de Brasília, empregando o Método de Mensuração da Degradação (MMD. As análises são baseadas em indicadores de degradação. Os resultados mostram que há variabilidade da degradação decorrente de inúmeras variáveis. Edifícios mais antigos possuem maiores extensões de degradação. Observa-se que há variabilidade da degradação entre os andares da fachada da edificação, principalmente em relação ao sexto andar e topo, mostrando que a posição na fachada é fator significativo para o processo de degradação. A identificação de causas de degradação e de pontos mais vulneráveis da fachada permite o desenvolvimento de estratégias de projeto e manutenção adequadas. durabilidade atraente tempo anomalias desempenho responsáveis dados Brasília MMD. MMD (MMD variáveis Observase Observa edificação topo adequadas

Abstract Ceramic coating finds are widely used in buildings due to their durability, weather resistance and attractive aesthetics. Over time, these facades are subject to various factors that can cause anomalies, affecting their appearance and performance. Different degrees of protection and exposure to degradation agents, as well as the variability in the quality of materials and construction processes lead to different degradation along the facade. The objective of the research is to study the variability of degradation along the facade, how it appears and which are the main factors responsible. The research is based on a database, developed from inspections of buildings in Brasília, using the Degradation Measurement Method (MMD. The analyzes are based on degradation indicators. The results show that there is variability in degradation resulting from numerous variables. Older buildings have greater extents of degradation. It is observed that there is variability in degradation between the floors of the building's facade, mainly in relation to the sixth floor and top, showing that the position on the facade is a significant factor in the degradation process. The identification of causes of degradation and the most vulnerable points of the facade allows the development of appropriate design and maintenance strategies. durability aesthetics time anomalies performance agents responsible database Brasília MMD. MMD (MMD indicators variables building s top process strategies

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar a eficácia da ferramenta CCWorldWeatherGen, considerando as mudanças climáticas na cidade de São Paulo. Para tanto, as variáveis temperatura do ar (bulbo seco), umidade relativa do ar, radiação solar global, e velocidade do vento do arquivo climático de referência, de 1954, e do arquivo climático gerado pelo CCWorldWeatherGen para 2020 (representa 2011 a 2040), foram comparadas com observações da Estação Meteorológica do Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas da Universidade de São Paulo, obtidas entre 2011 e 2023. A acurácia das variáveis dos arquivos climáticos foi avaliada por meio de cinco indicadores de erro. Os resultados da raiz do erro quadrático médio relativo (RRMSE) anual para a temperatura de bulbo seco do ar, umidade relativa do ar, radiação solar horizontal global, e velocidade do vento foram 17,04% (bom), 17,95% (bom), 31,57% (ruim) e 224,44% (ruim), respectivamente. A ferramenta CCWorldWeatherGen é adequada, especialmente por sua praticidade, para gerar futuros arquivos climáticos com informações completas. Mas seu uso demanda cautela porque as progressões dependem da consistência dos dados do arquivo climático utilizado como base. Paulo tanto seco, , seco) global referência 1954 202 representa 201 2040, 2040 2040) Astronomia 2023 RRMSE (RRMSE 1704 17 04 17,04 bom, bom (bom) 1795 95 17,95 3157 31 57 31,57 ruim (ruim 22444 224 44 224,44 ruim, respectivamente adequada praticidade completas base 195 20 204 170 1 0 17,0 (bom 179 9 17,9 315 3 5 31,5 2244 22 4 224,4 19 2 17, 31, 224,

Abstract This paper aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the CCWorldWeatherGen tool, focusing on climate change in São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil. For this, dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, global solar radiation, and wind speed data from the test reference year weather file (1954) and the CCWorldWeatherGen file for the 2020 period (representing the 2011-2040 period) were compared with observational data collected between 2011 and 2023 by the Meteorological Station of the Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics, and Atmospheric Sciences of the University of São Paulo. The accuracy of variables predicted using weather files was evaluated using five statistical measures of error. Annual relative root mean square error (RRMSE) values for dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, global solar radiation, and wind speed in the morphed weather file were 17.04% (good), 17.95% (good), 31.57% (poor), and 224.44% (poor), respectively. It is concluded that CCWorldWeatherGen is suitable for generating future weather files with complete information, mainly for its practicality. However, this approach requires caution, as sequences depend on the consistency of the weather file used as a basis. tool State Brazil drybulb dry bulb temperature humidity radiation 1954 (1954 202 representing 20112040 2040 2011-204 201 Astronomy Geophysics RRMSE (RRMSE 1704 17 04 17.04 good, good , (good) 1795 95 17.95 3157 31 57 31.57 poor, poor (poor) 22444 224 44 224.44 respectively information practicality However caution basis 195 (195 20 2011204 204 2011-20 170 1 0 17.0 (good 179 9 17.9 315 3 5 31.5 (poor 2244 22 4 224.4 19 (19 2 201120 2011-2 17. 31. 224. (1 20112 2011- (

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar e testar a associação entre preocupação e emoções negativas com as mudanças climáticas e os sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse em escolares do município de Rio Grande-RS, antes e após ocorrência do evento climático extremo de 2024. Trata-se de estudo quantitativo, com medidas antes e depois. O desfecho foi medido pelas questões “você se preocupa com as mudanças climáticas?” e “você tem emoções negativas em relação às mudanças climáticas ou pensamento e sensação de que coisas ruins podem acontecer com o planeta por causa das mudanças do clima?”. Análises bivariadas foram conduzidas pelos testes de McNemar e Wilcoxon e a ajustada por regressão linear com resultados apresentados em coeficiente beta e IC95%, a significância aceita foi 5%. Houve aumento da preocupação (p=0,004) e emoções negativas com o clima (p=0,019), sintomas de depressão (p=0,047), ansiedade (p=0,043) e estresse (p=0,010) do pré para o pós-evento. O escore de depressão aumentou significativamente naqueles que tinham preocupação com as mudanças climáticas antes e após evento (b=4.64, 95%CI=1.91; 7.38; p=0,006), assim como os de depressão e ansiedade naqueles com emoções negativas com o clima (b=5.11, 95%CI=1.59; 8.62; p=0,015; (b=4.43, 95%CI=1.28; 7.78; p=0,028, respectivamente). Conclui-se que os estudantes avaliados aumentaram sua preocupação e emoções negativas com o clima assim como pioraram a saúde mental após evento extremo.

The objective of this study was to verify and test the association between concern and negative emotions about climate change and depression, anxiety, and stress in students in Rio Grande, Brazil, before and after the 2024 extreme climate event. This is a quantitative study, with before and after measurements, with a single group. The questions measured the outcome: “Are you concerned about climate change?” and “Do you have negative emotions about climate change or thoughts and feelings that bad things could happen to the planet because of climate change?” The DASS-21 measured mental health. Adjusted analyses were conducted using linear regression, with results presented in beta coefficient and 95% CI. We observed an increasing concern (p=0.004) and negative emotions about the climate (p=0.019), depression (p=0.047), anxiety (p=0.043), and stress (p=0.010) symptoms from pre- to post-event. The depression score increased significantly in those who were concerned about climate change before and after the event (b=4.64, 95%CI=1.91; 7.38; p=0.006), as did depression and anxiety scores in those with negative emotions about the climate (b=5.11, 95%CI=1.59; 8.62; p=0.015; (b=4.43, 95%CI=1.28; 7.78; p=0.028, respectively). It is concluded that the students assessed increased their concern and negative emotions about the climate and deteriorated mental health after an extreme event.

Highest and percentile values determined for daily, hourly and 5-min rainfall data (July 1994 to June 2021) from 64 automatic weather stations across South Africa were used to define extreme hourly and 5-min rainfall intensity. Internationally, 99.9th and 99.99th percentiles are typically considered as thresholds for hourly and sub-hourly extreme rainfall when forecasting for disaster risk reduction assessments. In South Africa (SA), the average of the 99.9th percentile for hourly rainfall values is 29.9 mm/h. This represents a good indicator of extreme hourly rainfall in SA and is a useful threshold for forecasting flash floods. The average highest of the hourly rainfalls for SA, 53.9 mm/h, should be a good indicator of more extreme hourly rainfalls for the country. The average of the 99.99th percentile for 5-min rainfall values is 12.8 mm/5 min, which equates to 2.6 mm/min. Significantly, the 5-min rainfall data is used to establish South African categories based on rainfall intensity and total rainfall, whereby an event can be classified as a cloudburst, downpour or shower. Using the newly established local categories, the severe thunderstorm of 4 April 2000 at Hoedspruit that produced 132.2 mm in 25 min from an intensifying upper air trough system was classified as a cloudburst. Interestingly, the 66.2 mm recorded in 5 min during this event makes it the world record holder for all-time highest 5-min rainfall, passing the previous world 5-min rainfall record of 63.0 mm in 5 min recorded at Porto Bello, Panama, on 29 November 1911. Return periods of expected maximum daily, hourly and 5-min rainfall, based on yearly highest values, were also calculated for South Africa. This study presents expected maximums for 5-min rainfall in return periods of 10, 25, 50 and 100 years, a first for South Africa, which can inform strategies for disaster risk reduction.

Resumen El trabajo se apoya en las pruebas individuales del monitoreo ambulatorio de la presión arterial realizado a 5,089 cubanos adultos de ambos sexos, atendidos en la consulta de hipertensión arterial del Hospital Provincial Universitario Cardiocentro Ernesto “Che” Guevara de Villa Clara, entre los años 2012 y 2016, con el fin de estimar experimentalmente sus vulnerabilidades individuales y el peligro asociado a las condiciones meteorológicas influyentes durante las pruebas, para estimar el riesgo meteoro-trópico individual aplicando la metodología para el cálculo del riesgo de desastres, utilizada en los estudios cubanos de peligro, vulnerabilidad y riesgo. Las vulnerabilidades individuales se evaluaron mediante la relación entre los factores de riesgo no modificables de cada paciente y la ocurrencia de anomalías durante el monitoreo ambulatorio. De igual forma, la ocurrencia de estas anomalías se comparó con el comportamiento del estado del tiempo existente durante las pruebas, para definir el llamado “factor de impacto biotrópico” como índice del peligro asociado a cada elemento meteorológico. El estimado del riesgo meteoro-trópico individual se obtuvo como resultado del producto de las vulnerabilidades por los peligros individuales, siendo el riesgo promedio en los hombres un 15 % mayor que en las mujeres de la muestra y con máximos individuales muy altos en algunos individuos de ambos sexos. Los resultados son relevantes para la aplicación práctica de los pronósticos biometeorológicos en el sistema de salud pública del país.

Abstract The work is based on individual tests of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring carried out on 5,089 Cuban adults of both sexes, treated in the arterial hypertension consultation of the Provincial University Hospital Cardiocenter Ernesto “Che” Guevara of Villa Clara, between 2012 and 2016, in order to experimentally estimate their individual vulnerabilities and the danger associated with the meteorological conditions present during the tests. The estimation of the individual meteor-tropic risk was done applying the methodology for calculating disaster risk, used in Cuban studies of danger, vulnerability and risk. Individual vulnerabilities were assessed by the relationship between each patient's non-modifiable risk factors and the occurrence of anomalies during the ambulatory monitoring. Likewise, the occurrence of these anomalies was compared with the behavior of the existing weather conditions during the tests, to define the so-called “biotropic impact factor” as an index of the danger associated with each meteorological element. The evaluation of the individual meteor-tropic risk was reached, as a result of the product of the vulnerabilities and the individual hazards, being the average risk in men 15% higher than in the women of the sample and with very high individual maximums in some individuals of both sexes. The results are relevant for the practical application of biometeorological forecasts in the country's public health system.

Resumen: Este estudio se lleva a cabo para identificar los principales riesgos en los proyectos de construcción en Palestina desde la perspectiva de los contratistas. Una encuesta con cuestionario es la herramienta utilizada para lograr los objetivos del estudio. Se identificaron y clasificaron como factores externos e internos, 41 factores de riesgo críticos en los proyectos asociados con la duración del proyecto. Un mapa de riesgos para las causas investigadas se creó en base a su gravedad percibida y frecuencia de ocurrencia. Los hallazgos revelaron 29 causas en la zona roja del mapa de riesgos, 11 en la zona amarilla y 1 en la zona verde. Los factores de riesgo más graves son: pagos atrasados por parte del propietario, cierre por parte de las autoridades, mala supervisión del sitio, segmentación de las gobernaciones palestinas, pagos tardíos a subcontratistas, órdenes de cambio por ajustes frecuentes del propietario, falta de mano de obra calificada, fecha de finalización irrealista de los proyectos, condiciones climáticas y rehacer el trabajo debido a incumplimiento de los documentos del contrato.

Abstract: This study is conducted to identify the main risks in construction projects in Palestine from the contractors’ perspective. A questionnaire survey is the tool used to achieve the objectives of the study. 41 critical risk factors in projects associated with project duration were identified and classified as external and internal factors. The risk map for the investigated causes is created based on their perceived severity and frequency of occurrence. The findings revealed 29 causes in the red zone of the risk map, 11 in the yellow zone and 1 in the green zone. The top severe risk factors are: delayed payments by the owner, closure by the authorities, poor site supervision, segmentation of the Palestinian governorates, late payments to subcontractors, change orders by frequent adjustments of the owner, lack of qualified labors, unrealistic completion date of projects, weather conditions, and rework due to noncompliance with contract documents.

Verlorenvlei is a globally important RAMSAR wetland on the arid west coast of South Africa. A prolonged drought between 2016 and 2021 and increasing competition for water from the agricultural sector resulted in extremely low water levels. We used historical aerial and satellite imagery from 1942 and rainfall and water level data for the past 50 years, to assess habitat changes within the estuarine functional zone of the Verlorenvlei Estuarine Lake. Prior to the drought, lake water levels and water surface area remained stable (1113 ± 27 ha (SE)). Since then, there has been a 64% decrease in open water area, exposing 193 ha of sandbanks, of which 190.9 ha were hyper-sulfidic pyrite-rich. The water in the lower lake was hypersaline (>100), and in the middle, it was acidic (pH<3). The low water level plus sediment and nutrient input from surrounding agriculture resulted in a localised increase in reeds. Additional pressures, such as fires, have reduced the above-ground biomass of reeds and sedges, potentially altering surface morphology and reducing stored carbon. Despite flooding and filling up in June 2023, the lake remained in an acidic state (3.9-4.3). Similar low-lake level, hypersaline and acidic conditions are predicted to become more common under future climate change scenarios where aridity and extreme weather events are anticipated. Inflow of fresh water into the estuary and control of farming practices are required to keep the Verlorenvlei in a functional state, with long-term monitoring necessary to assess the ecological condition in response to restoration actions. SIGNIFICANCE: We assessed the habitat changes in Verlorenvlei, an estuarine lake on the arid west coast of South Africa. Estuarine lakes are scarce, and an extended drought greatly reduced the water surface area, exposing hyper-sulfidic pyrite-rich soils, leading to lake acidification and a negative response from biota. Competition for water from agribusiness and the burning of reeds are added pressures. Subsequent heavy rains have been slow to buffer lake acidity, and the impacts thereof serve as a warning for the management of similar ecosystems and their ecological water requirements, especially under climate change where extreme weather conditions, increased aridity and competition for water are realities.

There is growing recognition that climate change is a worldwide phenomenon with far-reaching effects and that it is linked to an increase in the frequency of extreme weather occurrences. In rural areas of most of the sub-Saharan countries and other developing countries in the world, the frequent occurrences of extreme weather events such as flooding, heat waves, and drought have significantly destroyed livelihood activities of poor communities. Unfavorable geographic characteristics, a lack of resources, and a higher reliance on climate-sensitive sources of income among many community members in poor nations all contribute to the impact. These include livelihood activities associated with land use and agricultural practices. Sadly, the population's capacity and incentive to stay in rural areas have been altered because of climate change and its detrimental impacts on agricultural output, income, and subsistence living; as a result, many rural dwellers are migrating to urban areas. Rural populations migrate to urban areas in search of economic opportunities to earn a living. It is evident that the expected opportunities in urban areas are not always available; thus, most of the rural migrants are stuck in informal settlements, shanty towns, and slums without access to services. Consequently, it is evident that climate change is somehow transferring poverty from rural to urban areas. This study adopted the push/pull theory as a theoretical framework to guide the discussion and analysis. Based on an extensive review of the existing literature using qualitative document analysis, the purpose of this article is to examine the role of climate change on rural-urban migration, which ultimately contributes to the increase in urban poverty. The article concludes by reviewing the current (limited) research on climate change and poverty and argues for a research agenda in the context of sub-Saharan Africa toward sustainable ways to respond to the challenges of climate-induced migration, urbanization, and poverty.

Resumo Os dragões são presenças frequentes nas antigas sagas nórdico-islandesas, compostas entre os séculos XIII e XV. Até ao presente, os locais associados aos dragões têm sido analisados sobretudo na perspetiva da sua relação com as dinâmicas centro/periferia e com as fronteiras do Outro Mundo. Uma menor atenção foi até agora votada aos ambientes físicos ocupados pelos dragões, tanto os por eles normalmente habitados como os por eles tornados inabitáveis. O habitat dos dragões abrange, na literatura islandesa medieval, uma grande variedade de paisagens naturais. Neste artigo, focar-nos-emos nas paisagens literárias (ocasionalmente reflectindo geografias reais familiares aos autores, dependendo do cenário evocado) que rodeiam os dragões nas sagas, atendendo em particular aos elementos topográficos, fenómenos meteorológicos, alturas do dia e estações do ano. O objectivo principal será definir as principais paisagens em que os dragões são encontrados e reflectir sobre as suas interações com o meio envolvente, alterando as paisagens, principalmente através de meios destrutivos e transformando-as em lugares não-partilhados. Como as descrições dos ambientes que envolvem os dragões são frequentemente parcas em detalhes, será realizado um estudo alargado do corpus de sagas com referências a dragões, procurando-se vocabulário relacionado com paisagens nas 55 ocorrências encontradas em 38 sagas e þættir (“contos, episódios”). Focar-me-ei nas “sagas lendárias” e nas “sagas de cavalaria”, dada a prevalência de material nestes subgéneros, mas também incluirei episódios das “sagas de Islandeses”, das “sagas de reis” e de outros textos que lhes são adjacentes.

Abstract Dragons are frequent presences in Old Norse-Icelandic sagas, composed between the 13th and 15th centuries. The locations where dragons appear have been so far observed mainly under the lens of their relation to centre/periphery dynamics and regarding the borders of the otherworldly. Less focus has been devoted to the physical environments that dragons occupy, whether the ones they habitually inhabit or the ones they turn uninhabitable. The habitat of dragons encompasses a variety of natural environments throughout Old Norse-Icelandic literature. In this article, we will focus on the literary landscapes (sometimes informed by real geographies familiar to the authors, depending on setting), which surround dragons in the sagas, namely topographical features, weather phenomena, times of day and seasons. The main goal will be to define which landscapes saga dragons are mainly found in, and reflect on how dragons interact with their surroundings, altering their landscapes, most often through destructive means and making spaces into non-shared zones. As descriptions of dragon surroundings are often scarce in detail, this study intends to take a broad-scope approach to the available corpus of sagas with dragons in them, combing 55 dragon occurrences across 38 sagas and þættir (“tales, episodes”) for landscape-oriented vocabulary. It will focus on “legendary sagas” and "chivalric sagas" due to prevalence of the material, but also include episodes from "sagas of Icelanders", "kings’ sagas" and other texts adjacent to those genres.

Abstract Introduction. Forage sweet sorghum plants (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) are characterized by tall height; however, this attribute and variable weather conditions favor the overturning of the plants and make the mechanized harvest of lots difficult for certified seed production, leading to the low availability of quality seed of this species. Objective. As an alternative to this problem, the effect of 3 growth retardants were tested. The production quality seed, growth parameters, plant settling, and seed yield were evaluated. Materials and methods. The research was carried out in 2 locations located in the warm upper Magdalena Valley and the dry Caribbean of Colombian. A complete block design was used, randomized with 3 repetitions and 6 treatments was used, consisting of the application of variable doses of ethephon, mepiquat chloride, and trinexapac-ethyl in 2 plant development stages (1 and 3). Results. In both environments, the application of trinexapac-ethyl at a rate of 200 g i.a.ha-1 had a greater effect on reduction of plant height and a reduction of 89.2 in the percentage of toppling compared to the control in the dry Caribbean Colombian location, which increased seed yield by approximately 3 times compared to the control in this locality and without significant differences compared to the control in the warm upper Magdalena valley location. Conclusion. The results of this evaluation allow us to conclude that the use of trinexapac-ethyl is an alternative for the production of quality sweet forage sorghum seed and to reduce plant height and in therefore plant overturning. The observed response was dependent of the type of growth retardant and edaphoclimatic conditions.

Resumen Introducción. Las plantas de sorgo dulce forrajero (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) se caracterizan por presentar un porte alto, sin embargo, este atributo, junto con las condiciones variables del clima, favorecen el volcamiento de las plantas y dificulta la cosecha mecanizada de los lotes de producción de semilla certificada, lo que conlleva a la baja disponibilidad de semilla de calidad de esta especie. Objetivo. Como alternativa a esta problemática, se probó el efecto de 3 retardantes de crecimiento sobre la producción de semilla de calidad en condiciones experimentales en campo. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron parámetros de crecimiento, volcamiento de las plantas y el rendimiento a semilla. La investigación se llevó a cabo en 2 localidades ubicadas en el valle cálido alto del Magdalena y el Caribe seco colombiano. Se empleó un diseño de bloques completos al azar con 3 repeticiones y 6 tratamientos, conformados por la aplicación de dosis variables de etefón, cloruro de mepiquat y trinexapac-etil, en 2 estados de desarrollo de la planta (1 y 3). Resultados. En los 2 ambientes, la aplicación de trinexapac-etil a razón de 200 g i.a.ha-1 tuvo un mayor efecto en la reducción de la altura de la planta y una reducción del 89,2 en el porcentaje de volcamiento respecto al testigo en la localidad del Caribe seco colombiano, lo que incrementó el rendimiento de semilla aproximadamente 3 veces respecto al testigo en esta localidad y sin diferencias significativas en comparación con el control en la localidad del Valle Cálido del alto del Magdalena. Conclusión. Los resultados de esta evaluación permiten concluir que el uso de trinexapac-etil es una alternativa para mejorar la producción de semilla de calidad de sorgo dulce forrajero al reducir el porte de las plantas y con ello el volcamiento. La respuesta es dependiente del tipo de retardante y las condiciones edafoclimáticas.

Abstract Unsupervised learning techniques are employed to study the relationship between atmospheric circulation and precipitation over Central America and its surrounding areas. Specifically, the clustering algorithm k-means++ is applied to three coarse-grained datasets from ERA-interim reanalysis that are the candidates for representing the atmospheric state vector, each candidate contains its full temporal variability. Datasets are composed of: a) wind fields at 925, 800 and 200 hPa, b) same as “a)” plus convective available potential energy and c) same as “a)” plus total column water vapor. Clustering metrics, namely the variance ratio criterion, the silhouette criterion and the mean squared error, are computed to quantify clustering quality. Clusters are interpreted as weather types, recurrent configurations of the atmospheric state vector associated with observable weather states. The correct number of clusters for each dataset is determined with a Monte Carlo test of normality, to assure cluster existence. The main objective is to obtain a set of weather types containing elements that characterize the transition from and to the rainy season over the Pacific side of Central America as well as other elements of the seasonal cycle of regional precipitation, such as the Mid-Summer Drought. Besides the statistical metrics, in order to select between candidate datasets and plausible number of clusters, focus is given to the temporal characteristics of the clusters. Existing literature does not provide a set of weather types suitable to analyze seasonal transitions and the differences in the mechanisms associated with rainfall maxima.

Resumen Técnicas de aprendizaje no supervisado se emplean para estudiar la relación entre la circulación atmosférica y la precipitación sobre América Central y sus áreas circundantes. Específicamente, el algoritmo de agrupamiento k-means++ se aplica a tres conjuntos de datos de baja resolución del reanálisis ERA interim, estos son candidatos a representar el vector de estado atmosférico y cada uno contiene su variabilidad temporal completa. Los conjuntos de datos probados son: a) campos de viento a 925, 800 y 200 hPa, b) lo mismo que “a)” más la energía potencial convectiva disponible y c) lo mismo que “a)” más el vapor de agua en la columna total. Se calculan métricas de agrupamiento, a saber, el criterio de relación de varianza, el criterio de silueta y el error cuadrático medio, para cuantificar la calidad del agrupamiento. Los grupos se interpretan como weather types, configuraciones recurrentes del vector de estado atmosférico asociadas con estados observables del tiempo atmosférico. El número correcto de grupos para cada conjunto de datos se determina con una prueba de normalidad de Monte Carlo para asegurar la existencia de grupos reales. El objetivo principal es obtener un conjunto de weather types que contengan elementos que caractericen la transición de y hacia la temporada de lluvias en la vertiente del Pacífico de América Central, así como otros elementos del ciclo estacional de precipitación regional, como las canículas. Además de las métricas estadísticas, para seleccionar entre conjuntos de datos y un número plausible de grupos, se presta atención a las características temporales de los grupos. La literatura existente no proporciona un conjunto de weather types adecuado para analizar transiciones estacionales y las diferencias en los mecanismos asociados con los máximos estacionales de lluvia.

ABSTRACT This article describes the esential characteristics of the 2022-2023 winter season in Cuba. To create it, the summaries provided by each Provincial Meteorological Center after the passage of the cold fronts through the provinces of the country were used. In addition, the documents of the General Weather made by the Forecast Center of the Institute of Meteorology were used, as well as chronological data of cold fronts from the archive also belongs to this center. The 2022-2023 winter season began on October 19, 2022, with the arrival in Cuba of the first cold front and extended until April 30, 2023, the day on which the FF No 15 and last of this winter season affected. It was classified as not very active in relation to the climatic value (19 FF per season), finding 10 cold fronts that were classified as classic, 2 revesinos and one secondary due to its type. Regarding intensity, 13 cold fronts were weak and 2 moderate, without presenting any strong cold front this season. In addition, only two of the season's cold fronts affected the entire national territory, with 60% of these winter systems dissipating in the central region.

RESUMEN En este artículo se describen las principales características de la temporada invernal 2022-2023 en Cuba. Para la conformación del mismo se utilizaron los resúmenes que cada Centro Meteorológico Provincial tras el paso de los frentes fríos por las provincias del país. Además, se utilizaron los Estados Generales del Tiempo realizados por el Centro de Pronósticos del Instituto de Meteorología, así como los datos cronológicos sobre los frentes fríos del archivo que también lleva a cabo este centro. La temporada invernal 2022-2023 se inició el día 19 de octubre de 2022, con la llegada a Cuba del primer frente frío y se extendió hasta el 30 de abril de 2023, día en que afectó el FF No. 15 y último de esta temporada invernal. La misma fue clasificada como poco activa con relación al valor climático (19 FF por temporada), encontrándose en ella 10 frente fríos que fueron clasificados como clásicos, 2 revesinos y uno secundario por su tipo. En cuanto a la intensidad, 13 frentes fríos fueron débiles y 2 moderados, sin presentarse ningún frente frío fuerte en esta temporada. Además, solo dos de los frentes fríos de la temporada afectaron todo el territorio nacional, encontrándose que el 60 % de estos sistemas invernales se disiparon en la región central.

The increased frequency of extreme weather events associated with climate change is a growing concern for road authorities, consultants, contractors and end users. Climate change adaptation is not yet incorporated into South Africa's transport design and planning. Current design methods for asphalt pavements include recently introduced performance-graded (PG) specifications for bitumen. Although the need exists to use future-projected temperature maps in the road industry, the hindrance to this adoption has been extracting the appropriate rising air temperatures from climate model projections. This study focuses on the integration of bias-adjusted historical and projected climate model temperature outputs between 1980 and 2060 to estimate changes in pavement temperatures throughout South Africa to inform a strategy for adaptive material selection. Differences in bitumen selection are observed for the PG 58 and PG 52 maximum temperature grade, and an introduction of PG 70 regions, as derived from climate model data in comparison with the SATS 3208 technical standard. The general trend is a gradual increase in maximum pavement design temperatures, mostly affecting the country's northern and central regions and corresponding road networks. This paper concludes that adjustments are required regarding climate projections for use in bituminous binder selection based on the current specification.