RCM modeling of bubble injections into the inner magnetosphere: geosynchronous orbit and the ionospheric responses

Introduction: Accurate characterization of the plasma sheet source population in the ring current region and its outer boundary at geosynchronous orbit is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the Earth’s magnetosphere. The interaction between the ring current and plasma populations from the ionosphere is a focus of extensive research.Methods: We used the Rice Convection Model (RCM) to simulate the transient meso-scale injections of fast flows or plasma sheet bubbles from the outer boundary into the inner magnetosphere and the associated impacts on the ionosphere. We compared our simulation results of the average properties of bulk plasma access to geosynchronous orbit to a number of empirical models. We also examined the role of plasma sheet bubbles in forming field-aligned currents (FACs).Results: Our modeling results show that impulsive plasma sheet injections dramatically alter the average distribution of FACs in the ionosphere. We found both quantitative and qualitative agreements and disagreements when comparing our simulation results to empirical models. Furthermore, we demonstrated that several discrete auroral structures can be identified in the nightside ionosphere in accordance with theupward FACs.Discussion: The significance of plasma sheet bubbles in modifying the averageplasma properties at geosynchronous orbit and FACs in the ionosphere is highlighted by oursimulation findings, offering novel understandings into the dynamics of Earth's magnetosphere,and emphasizing the necessity for further research in this field

Air- and Dust-Borne Fungi in Indoor and Outdoor Home of Allergic Patients in a Dust-Storm-Affected Area

Despite the recent increases in fungi-induced allergic diseases there is no report yet in the region of the Persian Gulf on concentration levels of fungi in relationship with health state. Therefore, our aim was to measure fungi prevalence as well as to evaluate the relationships between air- and dust-borne fungal genera and allergic diseases. A matched case-control study was carried out including 45 allergic cases and 45 age- and gendermatched controls for each individual. Indoor and outdoor dust and indoor air samples were collected from participant homes during May to October 2015. A Quick Take 30 Pump and sterile wet swab were used to determine fungal types and their amounts in the air (CFU/m3) and dust (CFU/100 cm2) samples, respectively. A significant reverse association was found between indoor dust-borne Alternaria and asthma (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02–0.86). Contrarily, increased levels of indoor airborne Aspegillus fumigatus (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 0.37–10.55) and Alternaria (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 0.34–25.83) were correlated with asthma development. Also, correlation analysis showed a significant relation between indoor air-borne Penicillium levels and reactivity to skin prick test in asthmatic patients (p = 0.04). Our findings support the notion that fungal exposures can either cause or prevent the development of allergic diseases. Accordingly, appropriate measures should be taken for a better management of fungi-induced allergic disease