Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of insulin resistance during pregnancy and is linked to adverse outcomes for both mothers and offspring. Maternal risks include an increased prevalen...Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of insulin resistance during pregnancy and is linked to adverse outcomes for both mothers and offspring. Maternal risks include an increased prevalence of pre-eclampsia, cesarean delivery, and the development of type 2 diabetes within five to ten years post-delivery. For offspring, exposure to elevated maternal glucose levels is associated with macrosomia. A significant challenge in evaluating the prevalence of GDM in Puerto Rico is the lack of recent research quantifying this condition in pregnant women living in Puerto Rico. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus from 2016 to 2021 by analyzing data collected by Puerto Rico’s Department of Health. Methods: We obtained publicly accessible data from the Division of Children, Mothers, and Adolescents from Puerto Rico’s Department of Health to estimate the prevalence of GDM across the island. Additionally, we correlated the prevalence with socioeconomic, educational, and demographic variables using beta regression models to assess their significance. Results: The prevalence of GDM ranged from 3.2% to 4.5% for the six years studied, with an average prevalence of 3.68%. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between maternal age and educational level. Higher educational attainment was associated with a reduced risk of GDM, while increasing maternal age was linked to a higher prevalence of the condition. Conclusion: This statistical analysis provides evidence of a steady increase in the prevalence of GDM in Puerto Rico from 2016 to 2021, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and specific interventions to mitigate risk factors.展开更多
Introduction: Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are prevalent benign tumors affecting up to 70% of reproductive-age women in the United States, significantly impacting productivity and quality of life. Despite their co...Introduction: Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are prevalent benign tumors affecting up to 70% of reproductive-age women in the United States, significantly impacting productivity and quality of life. Despite their commonality, the epidemiology and clinical patterns of leiomyomas in Puerto Rico remain inadequately researched. Methods: This study conducted a secondary data analysis using clinical, menstrual cycle characteristics, and demographic data from self-administered questionnaires of women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for endometriosis in Puerto Rico. Chi-square tests and t-tests analyzed categorical and continuous variables, respectively (p Results: Among 1,610 endometriosis cases, 312 included uterine fibroids. Prevalence estimates were 10.3% (40 years). Primiparous women averaged 22.14 years, with 40.71% having 2 - 3 pregnancies and 26.28% experiencing miscarriages. Symptoms included infertility (29.5%), dyspareunia (40.7%), severe pain (50%), and dysmenorrhea (75.6%). Comorbidities included ovarian cysts (52.2%) and abnormal uterine bleeding (37.8%). Conclusions: Advanced age, parity, and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension were prevalent in our cohort. Understanding the epidemiological profile of women living in Puerto Rico with uterine fibroids is crucial for improving diagnostic awareness and enhancing patient care.展开更多
AIM:To determine the prevalence of refractive error in 5-to 17-year-old schoolchildren in Puerto Rico.METHODS:A quantitative descriptive study of 2867 children aged 5 to 17y from all seven educational regions of Puert...AIM:To determine the prevalence of refractive error in 5-to 17-year-old schoolchildren in Puerto Rico.METHODS:A quantitative descriptive study of 2867 children aged 5 to 17y from all seven educational regions of Puerto Rico was conducted from 2016–2019.Refractive error was determined via static and subjective refraction.Children with distance acuity≤20/40 or near visual acuity≤20/32 had a cycloplegic refraction.Data analysis included descriptive statistics,correlation coefficient,Kruskal-Wallis,Chi-square,and t test calculations.RESULTS:Twenty percent of the children had a spherical equivalent refractive error≤-0.50 D,3.2%had a spherical equivalent≥+2.00 D,and 10.4%had astigmatism≥1 D.There was a statistically(but non-clinically)significant myopic change in spherical equivalent refractive error with age(P<0.001).The prevalence of myopia increased with age(P<0.001)but not hyperopia(P=0.59)or astigmatism(P=0.51).Males had a significantly higher hyperopic spherical equivalent than females(P<0.001).Females had a higher prevalence of myopia(P<0.001)than males,but there was no difference in the hyperopia(P=0.74)or astigmatism prevalence(P=0.87).CONCLUSION:The prevalence of a spherical equivalent equal to or less than-0.50 D(myopia,20.7%)is one of the highest among similar-aged children worldwide.Further studies should explore the rate of myopia progression in children in Puerto Rico.Individual children must be monitored to examine the need for treatment of myopia progression.展开更多
The North Coast karst aquifer system of Puerto Rico, the most productive aquifer of the island, is a vital water source for drinking water and local ecosystems. High freshwater demands alter the coastal groundwater sy...The North Coast karst aquifer system of Puerto Rico, the most productive aquifer of the island, is a vital water source for drinking water and local ecosystems. High freshwater demands alter the coastal groundwater system that impacts both human populations and coastal ecosystems of the island. To predict how this system might respond to rainfall events and high pumping demands, we used the equivalent porous medium (EPM) technique to develop a three-dimensional groundwater flow model to estimate hydrogeological parameters and assess groundwater resources in the Manatí-Vega Baja karst aquifer. The approach is based on the hypothesis that the simplified EPM approach will reproduce groundwater hydrodynamics in this complex karst environment. The steady-state model was calibrated with trial and error and parameter estimation methods using an observed groundwater table of 1995 (r = 0.86, p < 0.0001, n = 39). The large-scale simulation suggested that groundwater flow roughly follows the elevation slope (i.e. south to north). Calibrated hydraulic conductivities range from 0.5 to 86 m/d, whereas the hydro-geologic data strongly suggest higher permeability in the middle karst section of the study area. The transient model adequately estimates the observed groundwater fluctuations in response to rainfall events from 1980 until 2014. The transient results indicate that the conceptual model accuracy is more acceptable with a mean error (ME) of -0.132 m, mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.542 m and root mean square (RMSE) error of 0.365 m. The results of water budget simulation show that the total recharge satisfies the total groundwater withdrawal rate in the past, but continuous closure of more contaminated wells causes groundwater levels to increase in the future. The results indicate that the assumption of applicability of EPM approach is sustained and supported by measured data in the study area. Taking future water demands into account, this model could be applied further to predict the changes of groundwater levels and mass balance under different exploitation scenarios.展开更多
The COVID-19 pandemic has completely disrupted and possibly permanently changed the way humans travel.In Puerto Rico,major travel restrictions to the island have persisted at different levels since March 2020,which he...The COVID-19 pandemic has completely disrupted and possibly permanently changed the way humans travel.In Puerto Rico,major travel restrictions to the island have persisted at different levels since March 2020,which heavily influenced residents’travel behaviors.However,it remains unclear about how big the impact is and how inequitable it might be.The goal of this study is to evaluate COVID-19’s impacts on Puerto Rican’s travel behaviors by analyzing travel flows from Puerto Rico to the contiguous US with a modified gravity model.The roles of socioeconomic factors regarding the Puerto Rican travelers and COVID-19 factors regarding the destination US states have been assessed.COVID-19 was a strong deterring factor of travel at the beginning of the pandemic and also in the winter of 2020,but it did not keep Puerto Ricans from traveling during the summer 2020 when most travel restrictions were lifted.We found that the elderly population of Puerto Rico,despite being more vulnerable to COVID-19,were much more likely to travel during the pandemic.We also found that,during the holiday season in 2020,some socioeconomically disadvantaged populations were more likely to be traveling,a direct contradiction to their travel flows the year prior.These findings shed light on about how disproportionately affected populations behavior changed from pre-pandemic to after the pandemic started.With the continuance of the pandemic,this information is extremely valuable for future planning with respect to emergency management,travel regulation,and social benefit.展开更多
Maintaining the water quality of lakes and reservoirs is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an initiative promoted by the United Nations, including anthropogenic and natural factors that may influenc...Maintaining the water quality of lakes and reservoirs is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an initiative promoted by the United Nations, including anthropogenic and natural factors that may influence water quality. The water reservoirs of Puerto Rico were built in watersheds to provide runoff control and for primary uses. The Cerrillos Reservoir is one of the largest water reservoirs in southern Puerto Rico, and is used as a source of potable water and for recreational activities. After hurricane Maria, in September 2017, many communities were without public water service and have obtained their drinking water from local rivers or their tributaries, without filtration or purification treatment. This research explored the physical-chemical parameters of Cerrillos Reservoir’s surface water from May 2018 to January 2019. The objective of the present study is to assess seasonal variations in surface water quality with respect to physical (temperature, turbidity, and conductivity), chemical (nutrient concentrations: (Phosphorus (P) (Soluble Reactive Phosphorus, phosphate, or orthophosphate) and Nitrogen (N) (nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia)), pH, and dissolved oxygen), and biological (total coliforms and <em>Escherichia coli</em>) parameters. Results suggest that Cerrillos Reservoir did not exceed the parameters of temperature, turbidity, conductivity, pH and DO, established by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER). The reservoir showed a stable trophic state in relation to inorganic phosphorus and nitrogen as N and P concentrations did not increase sufficiently to disrupt this ecosystem. However, total coliforms exceeded the maximum parameter (23 MPN/100mL - 994 MPN/100mL) established for the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and are likely to be the results of the disruption caused by hurricane Maria.展开更多
This article analyzes the perceptions of Puerto Rican citizens of global climate change (GCC) before and after an extreme weather event, specifically Hurricane Maria (HM). The purpose of the current article is to eval...This article analyzes the perceptions of Puerto Rican citizens of global climate change (GCC) before and after an extreme weather event, specifically Hurricane Maria (HM). The purpose of the current article is to evaluate Puerto Ricans’ perceptions of the impact of extreme meteorological phenomena and of GCC before and after HM. This tropical cyclone entered the island as a category IV hurricane on September 17, 2017, causing enormous destruction, loss of life, and economic damage. In this study, two data samples were collected before and after HM struck Puerto Rico (PR) (the second sample was collected approximately six months after the hurricane). Surveyed citizens with general knowledge of GCC increased from 43% to 62%, which the researchers consider a small increase, considering the severe destruction caused by HM. This study also found that Puerto Ricans trust non-profit institutions and the scientific community more than state authorities. Furthermore, 85% of citizens believe that public policies on GCC should be directed by the state (federal, state, and municipal governments);this did not change after HM. In addition, this study found that the poor response of the federal and state governments to the destruction caused by HM increased citizens’ trust in the scientific community.展开更多
Passive sampling for the monitoring of organic pollutants (PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs) in ambient air has received increased attention in the last two decades. However, the accuracy of the concentration of organics obtained wi...Passive sampling for the monitoring of organic pollutants (PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs) in ambient air has received increased attention in the last two decades. However, the accuracy of the concentration of organics obtained with passive samplers under varying environmental conditions is a subject of controversy. In this study, effect of ambient temperature on passive samplers was evaluated by using three different sampler configurations. Additionally, passive samplers with polyurethane disks (PUF) were applied throughout the Island for the determination of the airborne concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The passive samplers were deployed in seven municipalities for three-month periods in two different sampling campaigns, representing hurricane and non-hurricane seasons. Here we present preliminary results obtained from those sampling campaigns. The total concentrations of 15 PAHs varied from 3.1 to 19.6 and from 5.5 to 38.5 ng/m3 for hurricane and non-hurricane seasons, respectively. Hurricane and non-hurricane season concentrations of PAH were significantly different for the samples taken in the northern municipalities of the Island. However, there was no significant difference in PAH concentrations between the hurricane and non-hurricane seasons for the southern sites. Increased rainfall and high-relative humidity during the hurricane season had an influence on the concentrations of PAHs derived by the passive PUF sampler.展开更多
Transformations in the use of urban space in contemporary cities have common features and projects in the global era take similar themes, such as requalifications of port areas and waterfronts. The main objective of t...Transformations in the use of urban space in contemporary cities have common features and projects in the global era take similar themes, such as requalifications of port areas and waterfronts. The main objective of this paper is to revisit the process of urban transformation and valorization of the port areas of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, completed in 1990 and 2015, respectively. It recapitulates their historical processes from decay to recovery as tourist zones, following the implementation of the ＂Strategic Plan of Antiguo Puerto Madero＂, from 1990, in Buenos Aires, and of ＂Urban Operation Porto Maravilha＂, from 2009, in Rio de Janeiro. While planning and strategies differ as they sought distinct locations in different times, they were similar in attracting massive investment from the real estate market. Therefore, consequences of the projects for the cities and the local population are a more important issue than formal results achieved.展开更多
The US Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is comprised of 143 islands, atolls, cays, and islets. Of the 143 localities, only 3 islands are inhabited: The mainland (often referenced as Puerto Rico), Culebra, and Vieques. To p...The US Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is comprised of 143 islands, atolls, cays, and islets. Of the 143 localities, only 3 islands are inhabited: The mainland (often referenced as Puerto Rico), Culebra, and Vieques. To properly analyze the water supply quality, the mainland will be the focal point for examining environmental and social injustices. Puerto Rico is a racially diverse but ethnically homogenous territory, with most of the commonwealth living below the poverty level. Access to clean water sources is always tenuous in Puerto Rico. Over 70 percent of the island is served by water, violating US health standards. However, the recent hurricanes made the situation even more detrimental. According to data reported between January 2015 and March 2018 by the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), 97 percent of the population of Puerto Rico utilizes a common drinking water system with one or more recent violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act for its testing requirements for lead and copper levels. The amounts found were far higher than any US state, meaning that virtually everyone on the island gets water from systems that violated testing or reporting requirements. In this study, we have collected and analyzed the levels of trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), copper, lead, and total organic compounds (TOCs) in drinking water providing systems in Puerto Rico and compared them with the recommended levels of contaminants provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. Many of these reported contaminants can have serious and detrimental health effects after prolonged exposure to higher concentrations of the contaminants found in the drinking water sources of Puerto Rico.展开更多
Young women are an important target group in microbicide research, yet little is known about why they participate and stay in microbicide trials. Our study examined motivations for participating in a Phase I microbici...Young women are an important target group in microbicide research, yet little is known about why they participate and stay in microbicide trials. Our study examined motivations for participating in a Phase I microbicide trial among 61 women ages 18 - 24 years in the continental USA and Puerto Rico. We also examined their perspectives on study participation. Participants underwent a semi-structured in-depth interview in which they were asked about factors that motivated enrollment and their experiences while participating. They also completed a Web-based Computer Assisted Self Interview in which they were asked to rate study burden (1 = low to 4 = high). Factors that motivated enrollment were altruism (29%), compensation (17%), a combination of altruism and compensation (37%) and free medical exams (17%). Factors that encouraged participants to stay in the study were study staff (95%), confirmation of good health (41%), and the opportunity to learn about their bodies (17%). Mean ratings of study burden ranged from 1.83 (having to travel to site) to 2.41 (colposcopy), indicating that participants were not highly bothered by visits or procedures. Although Phase I trials require invasive procedures, participants were not highly bothered by them and recognized them as necessary. Good relationships with staff and clear information about how procedures contribute to study goals may encourage participants to remain in trials. Young women may be motivated to enter microbicide trials by stressing the role they will play in discovering better HIV-prevention methods and highlighting the comprehensive preventive exams they will receive.展开更多
Objective:To determine the presence of consistent spatial or temporal patterns to the abundance of Pyrodinium bahamense(P.bahamense)in Mosquito Bay,Vieques,Puerto Rico.Methods:Measurements of dissolved oxygen,pH,salin...Objective:To determine the presence of consistent spatial or temporal patterns to the abundance of Pyrodinium bahamense(P.bahamense)in Mosquito Bay,Vieques,Puerto Rico.Methods:Measurements of dissolved oxygen,pH,salinity,water temperature,tide level,wind speed,and density counts of P.bahamense were taken at six sites in the bay over approximately one year.The data were analyzed statistically to determine if spatial or temporal patterns were present.Results:There were statistically significant patterns of P.bahamense seasonally,which was similar to other studies done in other subtropical locations with phytoplankton.Also,trends were seen that rain events caused short-term increases in abundance and shallow areas of the bay had lower abundance than that of deeper areas.The average number of organisms from 736 samples was 26.8 per mL.The average water temperature was 29.0℃,the average salinity was 36.8 ppt,the average pH was 8.11,and the average dissolved oxygen level was 4.27 mg/L.Conclusions:The abundance of P.bahamense varies seasonally over shorter time periods.The abundance also varies over a few meters in small coastal bays.This information indicates that economically important bioluminescent bays are vulnerable to changes in freshwater input,water temperature,water circulation patterns and possibly the nutrient inputs from the land surrounding such bays.展开更多
Objective:To determine the burrow morphology of Cardisoma guanhumi and to determine if a battery-powered fiber optic camera could be used to investigate these burrows.Methods:A portable fiber optic camera was used to ...Objective:To determine the burrow morphology of Cardisoma guanhumi and to determine if a battery-powered fiber optic camera could be used to investigate these burrows.Methods:A portable fiber optic camera was used to investigate 116 active burrows.All burrows were categorized according to shape.The diameter of each burrow was also recorded and biomass calculations were completed at each study site.Results:Analysis showed that different study sites were more likely to have particular burrow shapes than expected.Three main types of burrows were classified as horizontal slide,short and shallow,and inverted-S.A Pearson Chi-square analysis revealed that burrow shape was not equally distributed across study sites(χ^(2)=61.05,df=18,P<0.0001).Biomass calculations showed that different sized animals inhabited different study sites(ANOVA;df=7,MS=158.3,F=13.9,P<0.0001).The fiber optic camera was useful in determining burrow morphology and occupancy non-destructively.Conclusions:As the locations of juvenile individuals of this species are poorly known,and the species is both ecologically and economically important where it occurs,a greater understanding of burrow morphology and size segregation may help agencies be responsible for managing this natural resource to do so effectively.展开更多
In tropical streams, freshwater shrimp are essential to preserve the structure and function of lotic ecosystems. Shredder shrimp play a fundamental role in organic matter decomposition because these feed on detritus. ...In tropical streams, freshwater shrimp are essential to preserve the structure and function of lotic ecosystems. Shredder shrimp play a fundamental role in organic matter decomposition because these feed on detritus. In addition, they are especially important organisms as they connect all trophic levels at food webs. In natural environments, decaying leaf material may accumulate contaminants, including insecticides and herbicides. At these, shredder shrimp can be exposed to these contaminants through ingestion of leaf litter material. The objectives of this study were to evaluate if the shredder shrimp Xiphocaris elongata display a preference for feeding on different plant species and leaf size areas while also assessing their consumption of leaves contaminated with pesticides. We also evaluated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity as a possible biomarker of pesticide contamination using an immunofluorescence and microscopy imaging approach. Our results revealed that the leaf area and plant species more appropriate for future toxicological studies is Spathodea campanulata leaves, with a leaf area of 0.65 cm<sup>2</sup>. This study also showed that sublethal concentrations of malathion and permethrin in leaves seem to have a significant effect on the ingestion rates of X. elongata, which suggests that the presence of these contaminants influenced feeding behavior. Immunofluorescence in cephalothorax ganglia showed a decline in AChE activity when the sublethal dose of malathion and permethrin increased. The observed results suggest that AChE activity can be used as a biomarker to detect and assess permethrin and malathion exposure on shredder shrimp.展开更多
文摘Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of insulin resistance during pregnancy and is linked to adverse outcomes for both mothers and offspring. Maternal risks include an increased prevalence of pre-eclampsia, cesarean delivery, and the development of type 2 diabetes within five to ten years post-delivery. For offspring, exposure to elevated maternal glucose levels is associated with macrosomia. A significant challenge in evaluating the prevalence of GDM in Puerto Rico is the lack of recent research quantifying this condition in pregnant women living in Puerto Rico. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus from 2016 to 2021 by analyzing data collected by Puerto Rico’s Department of Health. Methods: We obtained publicly accessible data from the Division of Children, Mothers, and Adolescents from Puerto Rico’s Department of Health to estimate the prevalence of GDM across the island. Additionally, we correlated the prevalence with socioeconomic, educational, and demographic variables using beta regression models to assess their significance. Results: The prevalence of GDM ranged from 3.2% to 4.5% for the six years studied, with an average prevalence of 3.68%. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between maternal age and educational level. Higher educational attainment was associated with a reduced risk of GDM, while increasing maternal age was linked to a higher prevalence of the condition. Conclusion: This statistical analysis provides evidence of a steady increase in the prevalence of GDM in Puerto Rico from 2016 to 2021, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and specific interventions to mitigate risk factors.
文摘Introduction: Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are prevalent benign tumors affecting up to 70% of reproductive-age women in the United States, significantly impacting productivity and quality of life. Despite their commonality, the epidemiology and clinical patterns of leiomyomas in Puerto Rico remain inadequately researched. Methods: This study conducted a secondary data analysis using clinical, menstrual cycle characteristics, and demographic data from self-administered questionnaires of women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for endometriosis in Puerto Rico. Chi-square tests and t-tests analyzed categorical and continuous variables, respectively (p Results: Among 1,610 endometriosis cases, 312 included uterine fibroids. Prevalence estimates were 10.3% (40 years). Primiparous women averaged 22.14 years, with 40.71% having 2 - 3 pregnancies and 26.28% experiencing miscarriages. Symptoms included infertility (29.5%), dyspareunia (40.7%), severe pain (50%), and dysmenorrhea (75.6%). Comorbidities included ovarian cysts (52.2%) and abnormal uterine bleeding (37.8%). Conclusions: Advanced age, parity, and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension were prevalent in our cohort. Understanding the epidemiological profile of women living in Puerto Rico with uterine fibroids is crucial for improving diagnostic awareness and enhancing patient care.
基金Supported by the Lions Clubs International Foundation(No.SF1757/UND)。
文摘AIM:To determine the prevalence of refractive error in 5-to 17-year-old schoolchildren in Puerto Rico.METHODS:A quantitative descriptive study of 2867 children aged 5 to 17y from all seven educational regions of Puerto Rico was conducted from 2016–2019.Refractive error was determined via static and subjective refraction.Children with distance acuity≤20/40 or near visual acuity≤20/32 had a cycloplegic refraction.Data analysis included descriptive statistics,correlation coefficient,Kruskal-Wallis,Chi-square,and t test calculations.RESULTS:Twenty percent of the children had a spherical equivalent refractive error≤-0.50 D,3.2%had a spherical equivalent≥+2.00 D,and 10.4%had astigmatism≥1 D.There was a statistically(but non-clinically)significant myopic change in spherical equivalent refractive error with age(P<0.001).The prevalence of myopia increased with age(P<0.001)but not hyperopia(P=0.59)or astigmatism(P=0.51).Males had a significantly higher hyperopic spherical equivalent than females(P<0.001).Females had a higher prevalence of myopia(P<0.001)than males,but there was no difference in the hyperopia(P=0.74)or astigmatism prevalence(P=0.87).CONCLUSION:The prevalence of a spherical equivalent equal to or less than-0.50 D(myopia,20.7%)is one of the highest among similar-aged children worldwide.Further studies should explore the rate of myopia progression in children in Puerto Rico.Individual children must be monitored to examine the need for treatment of myopia progression.
文摘The North Coast karst aquifer system of Puerto Rico, the most productive aquifer of the island, is a vital water source for drinking water and local ecosystems. High freshwater demands alter the coastal groundwater system that impacts both human populations and coastal ecosystems of the island. To predict how this system might respond to rainfall events and high pumping demands, we used the equivalent porous medium (EPM) technique to develop a three-dimensional groundwater flow model to estimate hydrogeological parameters and assess groundwater resources in the Manatí-Vega Baja karst aquifer. The approach is based on the hypothesis that the simplified EPM approach will reproduce groundwater hydrodynamics in this complex karst environment. The steady-state model was calibrated with trial and error and parameter estimation methods using an observed groundwater table of 1995 (r = 0.86, p < 0.0001, n = 39). The large-scale simulation suggested that groundwater flow roughly follows the elevation slope (i.e. south to north). Calibrated hydraulic conductivities range from 0.5 to 86 m/d, whereas the hydro-geologic data strongly suggest higher permeability in the middle karst section of the study area. The transient model adequately estimates the observed groundwater fluctuations in response to rainfall events from 1980 until 2014. The transient results indicate that the conceptual model accuracy is more acceptable with a mean error (ME) of -0.132 m, mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.542 m and root mean square (RMSE) error of 0.365 m. The results of water budget simulation show that the total recharge satisfies the total groundwater withdrawal rate in the past, but continuous closure of more contaminated wells causes groundwater levels to increase in the future. The results indicate that the assumption of applicability of EPM approach is sustained and supported by measured data in the study area. Taking future water demands into account, this model could be applied further to predict the changes of groundwater levels and mass balance under different exploitation scenarios.
文摘The COVID-19 pandemic has completely disrupted and possibly permanently changed the way humans travel.In Puerto Rico,major travel restrictions to the island have persisted at different levels since March 2020,which heavily influenced residents’travel behaviors.However,it remains unclear about how big the impact is and how inequitable it might be.The goal of this study is to evaluate COVID-19’s impacts on Puerto Rican’s travel behaviors by analyzing travel flows from Puerto Rico to the contiguous US with a modified gravity model.The roles of socioeconomic factors regarding the Puerto Rican travelers and COVID-19 factors regarding the destination US states have been assessed.COVID-19 was a strong deterring factor of travel at the beginning of the pandemic and also in the winter of 2020,but it did not keep Puerto Ricans from traveling during the summer 2020 when most travel restrictions were lifted.We found that the elderly population of Puerto Rico,despite being more vulnerable to COVID-19,were much more likely to travel during the pandemic.We also found that,during the holiday season in 2020,some socioeconomically disadvantaged populations were more likely to be traveling,a direct contradiction to their travel flows the year prior.These findings shed light on about how disproportionately affected populations behavior changed from pre-pandemic to after the pandemic started.With the continuance of the pandemic,this information is extremely valuable for future planning with respect to emergency management,travel regulation,and social benefit.
文摘Maintaining the water quality of lakes and reservoirs is part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an initiative promoted by the United Nations, including anthropogenic and natural factors that may influence water quality. The water reservoirs of Puerto Rico were built in watersheds to provide runoff control and for primary uses. The Cerrillos Reservoir is one of the largest water reservoirs in southern Puerto Rico, and is used as a source of potable water and for recreational activities. After hurricane Maria, in September 2017, many communities were without public water service and have obtained their drinking water from local rivers or their tributaries, without filtration or purification treatment. This research explored the physical-chemical parameters of Cerrillos Reservoir’s surface water from May 2018 to January 2019. The objective of the present study is to assess seasonal variations in surface water quality with respect to physical (temperature, turbidity, and conductivity), chemical (nutrient concentrations: (Phosphorus (P) (Soluble Reactive Phosphorus, phosphate, or orthophosphate) and Nitrogen (N) (nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia)), pH, and dissolved oxygen), and biological (total coliforms and <em>Escherichia coli</em>) parameters. Results suggest that Cerrillos Reservoir did not exceed the parameters of temperature, turbidity, conductivity, pH and DO, established by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (PRDNER). The reservoir showed a stable trophic state in relation to inorganic phosphorus and nitrogen as N and P concentrations did not increase sufficiently to disrupt this ecosystem. However, total coliforms exceeded the maximum parameter (23 MPN/100mL - 994 MPN/100mL) established for the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and are likely to be the results of the disruption caused by hurricane Maria.
文摘This article analyzes the perceptions of Puerto Rican citizens of global climate change (GCC) before and after an extreme weather event, specifically Hurricane Maria (HM). The purpose of the current article is to evaluate Puerto Ricans’ perceptions of the impact of extreme meteorological phenomena and of GCC before and after HM. This tropical cyclone entered the island as a category IV hurricane on September 17, 2017, causing enormous destruction, loss of life, and economic damage. In this study, two data samples were collected before and after HM struck Puerto Rico (PR) (the second sample was collected approximately six months after the hurricane). Surveyed citizens with general knowledge of GCC increased from 43% to 62%, which the researchers consider a small increase, considering the severe destruction caused by HM. This study also found that Puerto Ricans trust non-profit institutions and the scientific community more than state authorities. Furthermore, 85% of citizens believe that public policies on GCC should be directed by the state (federal, state, and municipal governments);this did not change after HM. In addition, this study found that the poor response of the federal and state governments to the destruction caused by HM increased citizens’ trust in the scientific community.
文摘Passive sampling for the monitoring of organic pollutants (PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs) in ambient air has received increased attention in the last two decades. However, the accuracy of the concentration of organics obtained with passive samplers under varying environmental conditions is a subject of controversy. In this study, effect of ambient temperature on passive samplers was evaluated by using three different sampler configurations. Additionally, passive samplers with polyurethane disks (PUF) were applied throughout the Island for the determination of the airborne concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The passive samplers were deployed in seven municipalities for three-month periods in two different sampling campaigns, representing hurricane and non-hurricane seasons. Here we present preliminary results obtained from those sampling campaigns. The total concentrations of 15 PAHs varied from 3.1 to 19.6 and from 5.5 to 38.5 ng/m3 for hurricane and non-hurricane seasons, respectively. Hurricane and non-hurricane season concentrations of PAH were significantly different for the samples taken in the northern municipalities of the Island. However, there was no significant difference in PAH concentrations between the hurricane and non-hurricane seasons for the southern sites. Increased rainfall and high-relative humidity during the hurricane season had an influence on the concentrations of PAHs derived by the passive PUF sampler.
文摘Transformations in the use of urban space in contemporary cities have common features and projects in the global era take similar themes, such as requalifications of port areas and waterfronts. The main objective of this paper is to revisit the process of urban transformation and valorization of the port areas of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, completed in 1990 and 2015, respectively. It recapitulates their historical processes from decay to recovery as tourist zones, following the implementation of the ＂Strategic Plan of Antiguo Puerto Madero＂, from 1990, in Buenos Aires, and of ＂Urban Operation Porto Maravilha＂, from 2009, in Rio de Janeiro. While planning and strategies differ as they sought distinct locations in different times, they were similar in attracting massive investment from the real estate market. Therefore, consequences of the projects for the cities and the local population are a more important issue than formal results achieved.
文摘The US Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is comprised of 143 islands, atolls, cays, and islets. Of the 143 localities, only 3 islands are inhabited: The mainland (often referenced as Puerto Rico), Culebra, and Vieques. To properly analyze the water supply quality, the mainland will be the focal point for examining environmental and social injustices. Puerto Rico is a racially diverse but ethnically homogenous territory, with most of the commonwealth living below the poverty level. Access to clean water sources is always tenuous in Puerto Rico. Over 70 percent of the island is served by water, violating US health standards. However, the recent hurricanes made the situation even more detrimental. According to data reported between January 2015 and March 2018 by the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), 97 percent of the population of Puerto Rico utilizes a common drinking water system with one or more recent violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act for its testing requirements for lead and copper levels. The amounts found were far higher than any US state, meaning that virtually everyone on the island gets water from systems that violated testing or reporting requirements. In this study, we have collected and analyzed the levels of trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), copper, lead, and total organic compounds (TOCs) in drinking water providing systems in Puerto Rico and compared them with the recommended levels of contaminants provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. Many of these reported contaminants can have serious and detrimental health effects after prolonged exposure to higher concentrations of the contaminants found in the drinking water sources of Puerto Rico.
基金the US National Institutes of Health (NIH)CONRAD and Starpharma Pty Ltd+1 种基金the Microbicide Tri- als Network (MTN-004, Ian McGowan, PI) the Ado- lescent Trials Network (ATN-062, Alex Carballo-Diéguez, PI)
文摘Young women are an important target group in microbicide research, yet little is known about why they participate and stay in microbicide trials. Our study examined motivations for participating in a Phase I microbicide trial among 61 women ages 18 - 24 years in the continental USA and Puerto Rico. We also examined their perspectives on study participation. Participants underwent a semi-structured in-depth interview in which they were asked about factors that motivated enrollment and their experiences while participating. They also completed a Web-based Computer Assisted Self Interview in which they were asked to rate study burden (1 = low to 4 = high). Factors that motivated enrollment were altruism (29%), compensation (17%), a combination of altruism and compensation (37%) and free medical exams (17%). Factors that encouraged participants to stay in the study were study staff (95%), confirmation of good health (41%), and the opportunity to learn about their bodies (17%). Mean ratings of study burden ranged from 1.83 (having to travel to site) to 2.41 (colposcopy), indicating that participants were not highly bothered by visits or procedures. Although Phase I trials require invasive procedures, participants were not highly bothered by them and recognized them as necessary. Good relationships with staff and clear information about how procedures contribute to study goals may encourage participants to remain in trials. Young women may be motivated to enter microbicide trials by stressing the role they will play in discovering better HIV-prevention methods and highlighting the comprehensive preventive exams they will receive.
基金Supported by a grant from the University of Nebraska Research Services Council(2003-18).
文摘Objective:To determine the presence of consistent spatial or temporal patterns to the abundance of Pyrodinium bahamense(P.bahamense)in Mosquito Bay,Vieques,Puerto Rico.Methods:Measurements of dissolved oxygen,pH,salinity,water temperature,tide level,wind speed,and density counts of P.bahamense were taken at six sites in the bay over approximately one year.The data were analyzed statistically to determine if spatial or temporal patterns were present.Results:There were statistically significant patterns of P.bahamense seasonally,which was similar to other studies done in other subtropical locations with phytoplankton.Also,trends were seen that rain events caused short-term increases in abundance and shallow areas of the bay had lower abundance than that of deeper areas.The average number of organisms from 736 samples was 26.8 per mL.The average water temperature was 29.0℃,the average salinity was 36.8 ppt,the average pH was 8.11,and the average dissolved oxygen level was 4.27 mg/L.Conclusions:The abundance of P.bahamense varies seasonally over shorter time periods.The abundance also varies over a few meters in small coastal bays.This information indicates that economically important bioluminescent bays are vulnerable to changes in freshwater input,water temperature,water circulation patterns and possibly the nutrient inputs from the land surrounding such bays.
文摘Objective:To determine the burrow morphology of Cardisoma guanhumi and to determine if a battery-powered fiber optic camera could be used to investigate these burrows.Methods:A portable fiber optic camera was used to investigate 116 active burrows.All burrows were categorized according to shape.The diameter of each burrow was also recorded and biomass calculations were completed at each study site.Results:Analysis showed that different study sites were more likely to have particular burrow shapes than expected.Three main types of burrows were classified as horizontal slide,short and shallow,and inverted-S.A Pearson Chi-square analysis revealed that burrow shape was not equally distributed across study sites(χ^(2)=61.05,df=18,P<0.0001).Biomass calculations showed that different sized animals inhabited different study sites(ANOVA;df=7,MS=158.3,F=13.9,P<0.0001).The fiber optic camera was useful in determining burrow morphology and occupancy non-destructively.Conclusions:As the locations of juvenile individuals of this species are poorly known,and the species is both ecologically and economically important where it occurs,a greater understanding of burrow morphology and size segregation may help agencies be responsible for managing this natural resource to do so effectively.
文摘In tropical streams, freshwater shrimp are essential to preserve the structure and function of lotic ecosystems. Shredder shrimp play a fundamental role in organic matter decomposition because these feed on detritus. In addition, they are especially important organisms as they connect all trophic levels at food webs. In natural environments, decaying leaf material may accumulate contaminants, including insecticides and herbicides. At these, shredder shrimp can be exposed to these contaminants through ingestion of leaf litter material. The objectives of this study were to evaluate if the shredder shrimp Xiphocaris elongata display a preference for feeding on different plant species and leaf size areas while also assessing their consumption of leaves contaminated with pesticides. We also evaluated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity as a possible biomarker of pesticide contamination using an immunofluorescence and microscopy imaging approach. Our results revealed that the leaf area and plant species more appropriate for future toxicological studies is Spathodea campanulata leaves, with a leaf area of 0.65 cm<sup>2</sup>. This study also showed that sublethal concentrations of malathion and permethrin in leaves seem to have a significant effect on the ingestion rates of X. elongata, which suggests that the presence of these contaminants influenced feeding behavior. Immunofluorescence in cephalothorax ganglia showed a decline in AChE activity when the sublethal dose of malathion and permethrin increased. The observed results suggest that AChE activity can be used as a biomarker to detect and assess permethrin and malathion exposure on shredder shrimp.
