Recentni klimatski trendovi i budući scenariji duž egipatske obale Sredozemlja

This paper analyses the present Egyptian Mediterranean coast (EMC) climate and the response of its climate variables to global changes. First, the accuracy of the ERA-Interim dataset (1979–2010) for the studied region is examined by comparing these data with available independent observations. Second, the qualities of six global climate models (gCMs), together with the ensemble mean of multiple model realisations of the A1B scenario, are examined by comparing these with the ERA-Interim dataset. Finally, gCM simulations are used to describe the uncertainties in future climate change along the EMC. The results indicate that the observations are in good agreement with the ERA-Interim data. The data for the EMC, 1979–2000, display a significant positive trend for 2-m air temperature together with significant negative trends for total precipitation and sea level pressure. The climate model that best de¬scribes the present EMC climate is the CgCM 3.1 model, which is used to describe the future climate of the study area. The CgCM 3.1 model indicates that the EMC area will experience significant warming, substantial droughts, and a weak decrease in sea level pressure in the end of the current century.Ovaj rad analizira sadašnju klimu mediteranskog obalnog područja Egipta (EMC) i odziv odgovarajućih klimatskih varijabli na globalne promjene. Ispitano je podudaranje ERA-Interim baze podataka za razdoblje 1979–2010 za promatrano područje s raspoloživim podacima neovisnih opažanja. Nadalje, usporedbom s ERA-Interim bazom podataka ispitana je pouzdanost šest globalnih klimatskih modela (GCM), zajedno sa srednjakom ansambla višestrukih modelskih realizacija A1B scenarija. Konačno, GCM simulacije su korištene za opisivanje nepouzdanosti u budućoj promjeni klime duž EMC-a. Rezultati pokazuju da se opažanja dobro slažu s ERA-Interim podacima. Podaci za EMC u razdoblju 1979–2010 ukazuju na signifikantni pozitivni trend temperature zraka na 2 m visine, koji je popraćen signifikantnim negativnim trendovima ukupne oborine i tlaka zraka na morskoj razini. Klimatski model koji najbolje opisuje sadašnju EMC klimu je CGCM 3.1, koji je upotrebljen za opisivanje buduće klime razmatranog područja. Model CGCM 3.1 ukazuje na to da EMC područje krajem ovog stoljeća očekuje signifikantno zatopljenje uz značajne suše i blago smanjenje tlaka zraka na razini mora

Recentni klimatski trendovi i budući scenariji duž egipatske obale Sredozemlja

This paper analyses the present Egyptian Mediterranean coast (EMC) climate and the response of its climate variables to global changes. First, the accuracy of the ERA-Interim dataset (1979–2010) for the studied region is examined by comparing these data with available independent observations. Second, the qualities of six global climate models (gCMs), together with the ensemble mean of multiple model realisations of the A1B scenario, are examined by comparing these with the ERA-Interim dataset. Finally, gCM simulations are used to describe the uncertainties in future climate change along the EMC. The results indicate that the observations are in good agreement with the ERA-Interim data. The data for the EMC, 1979–2000, display a significant positive trend for 2-m air temperature together with significant negative trends for total precipitation and sea level pressure. The climate model that best de¬scribes the present EMC climate is the CgCM 3.1 model, which is used to describe the future climate of the study area. The CgCM 3.1 model indicates that the EMC area will experience significant warming, substantial droughts, and a weak decrease in sea level pressure in the end of the current century.Ovaj rad analizira sadašnju klimu mediteranskog obalnog područja Egipta (EMC) i odziv odgovarajućih klimatskih varijabli na globalne promjene. Ispitano je podudaranje ERA-Interim baze podataka za razdoblje 1979–2010 za promatrano područje s raspoloživim podacima neovisnih opažanja. Nadalje, usporedbom s ERA-Interim bazom podataka ispitana je pouzdanost šest globalnih klimatskih modela (GCM), zajedno sa srednjakom ansambla višestrukih modelskih realizacija A1B scenarija. Konačno, GCM simulacije su korištene za opisivanje nepouzdanosti u budućoj promjeni klime duž EMC-a. Rezultati pokazuju da se opažanja dobro slažu s ERA-Interim podacima. Podaci za EMC u razdoblju 1979–2010 ukazuju na signifikantni pozitivni trend temperature zraka na 2 m visine, koji je popraćen signifikantnim negativnim trendovima ukupne oborine i tlaka zraka na morskoj razini. Klimatski model koji najbolje opisuje sadašnju EMC klimu je CGCM 3.1, koji je upotrebljen za opisivanje buduće klime razmatranog područja. Model CGCM 3.1 ukazuje na to da EMC područje krajem ovog stoljeća očekuje signifikantno zatopljenje uz značajne suše i blago smanjenje tlaka zraka na razini mora

Caracterización de endemismos mediterráneos en la flora egipcia

The Mediterranean Basin is the world’s second richest hotspot, and one of the most important locations on the planet for endemic taxa. However, there is no available up-to-date list of Mediterranean endemics. Available data are frequently insufficient or outdated. Therefore, this study aimed at delimiting the Mediterranean floristic region in Egypt, screening its Mediterranean endemics, and determining their habitats, life forms, flowering periods, dispersal types and phyto-geographical distribution. From a list of 275 Mediterranean endemic taxa in Egypt compiled from literature, this study reduced it to 57 taxa (including species, subspecies and varieties; 20.7%) belonging to 46 genera and 22 families. Fifteen major habitats harbored Mediterranean endemics in Egypt, with coastal dunes (17 taxa = 29.8%) and non-saline depressions (16 taxa = 28.1%) being the most represented. Moreover, the Mareotis (west) subsector was the richest (46 taxa = 80.7%). The largest number of taxa was recorded in North African sub-region (52 taxa = 91.2%), followed by Eastern (levant) sub-region (36 taxa = 63.2%). Therophytes were the most recorded life form, while ballochory was the most represented dispersal type. In conclusion, it is crucial to shed the light on Mediterranean endemics and provide an up-to-date documented database to help future management plan that support their conservation and sustainable use.La cuenca Mediterránea es el segundo hotspot más rico del mundo y uno de los lugares más importantes del planeta en taxones endémicos. Sin embargo, no existe una lista actualizada de taxones endémicos mediterráneos. Los datos disponibles son frecuentemente insuficientes o están desactualizados. Por tanto, nuestro objetivo fue delimitar la región florística mediterránea en Egipto, seleccionar sus plantas endémicas mediterráneas y determinar sus hábitats, formas de vida, periodos de floración, tipos de dispersión y distribución fitogeográfica. Partiendo de una lista preliminar de 275 taxones endémicos del Mediterráneo presentes en Egipto recopilada de la bibliografía, este estudio redujo ese número a 57 taxones (incluyendo especies, subespecies y variedades; 20.7%) pertenecientes a 46 géneros y 22 familias. Las plantas endémicas mediterráneas de Egipto viven en quince hábitats principales, siendo los más representativos las dunas costeras (17 taxones = 29.8%) y las depresiones no salinas (16 taxones = 28.1%). El subsector Mareotis (al oeste) fue el más rico (46 taxones = 80.7%), mientras que el mayor número de taxones se registró en la subregión del norte de África (52 taxones = 91.2%), seguida de la subregión del este (levante) (36 taxones = 63.2%). Los terófitos fueron la forma vital más registrada y la balocoria el tipo de dispersión más común. En conclusión, es crucial arrojar luz sobre las plantas endémicas del Mediterráneo y proporcionar una base de datos documentada y actualizada que ayude a planificar una gestión futura que promueva su conservación y uso sostenible

Non HLA genetic markers association with type-1 diabetes mellitus

The currently available data identified IDDM1 and IDDM2 as 2 susceptibility loci for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The major histocompatibility complex (MHC)/HLA region referred to as IDDM1 contains several 100 genes known to have a great influence on T1D risk. Within IDDM2, a minisatellite variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) locus in the insulin gene (INS) promoter region is likely to represent the etiologic polymorphism. The aim of the present work was to study the association between genotypes and susceptibility to T1D among Egyptian diabetic children and their family members. Twenty-five nuclear Egyptian families with 27 children having T1D, aged 3–14 years, their nondiabetic 44 sibs, aged 3–15 years and their parents were included in our study. All studied children were subjected to: detailed history and family pedigree. Thorough clinical examination and anthropometric measurements. Laboratory work up of diabetes including random blood sugar (RBS) and HbA1C. Molecular genetics of INS was studied in four steps; nucleic acid purification, amplification, sequencing and haplotyping using flanking single nucleotide  polymorphisms (SNPs) as surrogate markers for minisatellite alleles identification. Analysis of variant repeat distribution among Egyptian families combined with flanking haplotypes revealed that all our diabetic children had class I alleles of INS; 9 had class IC+, 9 had classID+ and 9 had class ID, while all non-diabetic family members had class III alleles of INS. Therefore the three class I alleles were considered to be equally predisposing to T1D, while class III alleles are dominantly protective. There was significant positive correlations between body massindex (BMI) and both HbA1C and AST liver enzyme among diabetic children with class IC+ but not other alleles; indicating that they need close monitoring of their diabetic control and liver functions beside following specific dietary regimens. It can be concluded that all class I alleles (IC+, ID+ and ID) are equally important susceptibility factors for T1D among Egyptian children, while class III alleles (IIIA and IIIB) are dominantlyprotective. It is concluded also that our diabetic children with class IC+ are an especially endangered subgroup of diabetics. Genotyping for INS-VNTR alleles is recommended for diabetic children as an important step of diagnostic and follow up regimens and for their non-diabetic familymembers for family counseling and early identification of potential diabetics. Further studies of INS-VNTR alleles and HLA haplotypes all over Egypt are recommended to define the Egyptian susceptibility loci for T1D and their relations to the clinical and laboratory findings as an importantnational programs

Characterization of Mediterranean endemics in the Egyptian flora

The Mediterranean Basin is the world’s second richest hotspot, and one of the most important locations on the planet for endemic taxa. However, there is no available up-to-date list of Mediterranean endemics. Available data are frequently insufficient or outdated. Therefore, this study aimed at delimiting the Mediterranean floristic region in Egypt, screening its Mediterranean endemics, and determining their habitats, life forms, flowering periods, dispersal types and phyto-geographical distribution. From a list of 275 Mediterranean endemic taxa in Egypt compiled from literature, this study reduced it to 57 taxa (including species, subspecies and varieties; 20.7%) belonging to 46 genera and 22 families. Fifteen major habitats harbored Mediterranean endemics in Egypt, with coastal dunes (17 taxa = 29.8%) and non-saline depressions (16 taxa = 28.1%) being the most represented. Moreover, the Mareotis (west) subsector was the richest (46 taxa = 80.7%). The largest number of taxa was recorded in North African sub-region (52 taxa = 91.2%), followed by Eastern (levant) sub-region (36 taxa = 63.2%). Therophytes were the most recorded life form, while ballochory was the most represented dispersal type. In conclusion, it is crucial to shed the light on Mediterranean endemics and provide an up-to-date documented database to help future management plan that support their conservation and sustainable use

Interactions of cage aquaculture in Nile Delta lakes: Insights from field data and models

In this paper, we present a cost-effective approach to the assessment of the impact of fish cage culture in transitional water bodies characterized by limited exchanges with the sea. The approach, previously applied to marine coastal areas, is based on two steps: (1) the application of a Lagrangian model, driven by purposely collected data concerning the local hydrodynamic, for an "a priori'' simulation of the dispersion of uneaten feed and fecal material from a cage; (2) the collection of a set of field data concerning both water column and sediment indicators, sensitive to the release of organic matter from a cage, along a transect: the latter is determined on the basis of the results provided by the dispersion model. The methodology was tested at a seabass/seabream farm located in a coastal lake on the Nile Delta, namely Lake Maryut. Model results indicated that the area impacted by the cage is relatively small, about 5 m from the edge of the cage: this finding was later corroborated by field observations. As far as the water column is concerned, Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen was found to be higher near the farm. The most sensitive sediment indicators were found to be surface sediment TOC, and benthic macrofauna abundances, which were, respectively, higher and lower in the proximity of the farm. These findings suggest that a cost-effective monitoring programme of the environmental impact of intensive aquaculture could be implemented in Egyptian coastal Lakes, thus providing a science-based support to the implementation of the ecosystem approach to aquaculture in these important ecosystems. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Inter-Annual Variability and Trends of Sea Level and Sea Surface Temperature in the Mediterranean Sea over the Last 25 Years

peer reviewedSea level and sea surface temperature inter-annual variability and trends in the Mediterranean Sea were investigated during the period 1993–2017. These were carried out using gridded absolute dynamic topography from satellite altimetry, tide gauge (TG) time series from 25 stations and gridded sea surface temperature (SST) from advanced very-high-resolution radiometer (AVHRR) data. The coastal TG data were used to verify the satellite derived sea level. Moreover, the contributions of atmospheric pressure and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) to sea level changes were also examined. The results revealed that the Mediterranean Sea exhibits inter-annual spatiotemporal coherent variability in both sea level and SST. The spatial variability in sea level is more significant over the Adriatic and Aegean Seas, most of the Levantine basin, and along the Tunisian shelf. Marked spatial variability in SST occurs over the central part of the Mediterranean Sea with maximum amplitude in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The highest temporal variability of sea level and SST was found in 2010 and 2003, respectively. The inter-annual variability of sea level and SST accounts for about 32% and 3% of the total variance of sea level and SST, respectively. An analysis of sea level anomaly reveled large negative values during the extended winter of 2011–2012, which may be attributed to the strong positive phase of NAO index. Satellite altimetry indicated a significant positive sea level trend of 2.7 ± 0.41 mm/year together with a significant warming of 0.036 ± 0.003 °C/year over the whole Mediterranean Sea for the period 1993–2017

Prediction Models Based on Soil Characteristics for Evaluation of the Accumulation Capacity of Nine Metals by Forage Sorghum Grown in Agricultural Soils Treated with Varying Amounts of Poultry Manure

Predictive models were generated to evaluate the degree to which nine metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were absorbed by the leaves, stems and roots of forage sorghum in growing media comprising soil admixed with poultry manure concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 g/kg. The data revealed that the greatest contents of the majority of the metals were evident in the roots rather than in the stems and leaves. A bioaccumulation factor (BAF)  1. Translocation factor values were < 1 for all metals with the exception of Co, Cr and Ni, which displayed values of 1.20, 1.67 and 1.35 for the leaves, and 1.12, 1.23 and 1.24, respectively, for the stems. The soil pH had a negative association with metal tissues in plant parts. A positive relationship was observed with respect to plant metal contents, electrical conductivity and organic matter quantity. The designed models exhibited a high standard of data precision; any variations between the predicted and experimentally observed contents for the nine metals in the three plant tissue components were nonsignificant. Thus, it was concluded that the presented predictive models constitute a pragmatic tool to establish the safety from risk to human well-being with respect to growing forage sorghum when cultivating media fortified with poultry manure.The authors extend their appreciation to the Deputyship for Research and Innovation, Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia for funding this research work through the project number IFP-KKU-2020/3.Peer reviewe

Ocean acidification research in the Mediterranean Sea : status, trends and next steps

Ocean acidification (OA) is a serious consequence of climate change with complex organism-to-ecosystem effects that have been observed through field observations but are mainly derived from experimental studies. Although OA trends and the resulting biological impacts are likely exacerbated in the semi-enclosed and highly populated Mediterranean Sea, some fundamental knowledge gaps still exist. These gaps are at tributed to both the uneven capacity for OA research that exists between Mediterranean countries, as well as to the subtle and long-term biological, physical and chemical interactions that define OA impacts. In this paper, we systematically analyzed the different aspects of OA research in the Mediterranean region based on two sources: the United Nation’s International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Ocean Acidification International Coordination Center (OA-ICC) database, and an extensive survey. Our analysis shows that 1) there is an uneven geographic capacity in OA research, and illustrates that both the Algero-Provencal and Ionian sub-basins are currently the least studied Mediterranean areas, 2) the carbonate system is still poorly quantified in coastal zones, and long-term time-series are still sparse across the Mediterranean Sea, which is a challenge for studying its variability and assessing coastal OA trends, 3) the most studied groups of organisms are autotrophs (algae, phanerogams, phytoplankton), mollusks, and corals, while microbes, small mollusks (mainly pteropods), and sponges are among the least studied, 4) there is an overall paucity in socio-economic, paleontological, and modeling studies in the Mediterranean Sea, and 5) in spite of general resource availability and the agreement for improved and coordinated OA governance, there is a lack of consistent OA policies in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to highlighting the current status, trends and gaps of OA research, this work also provides recommendations, based on both our literature assessment and a survey that targeted the Mediterranean OA scientific community. In light of the ongoing 2021-2030 United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, this work might provide a guideline to close gaps of knowledge in the Mediterranean OA research.peer-reviewe