Abstract. The hydrographic data of 61 years were used to study the regular formation of the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) and their evaluation in the South Eastern Mediterranean Sea in front of the northern Egyptian waters. The area of study lies between [31][32][33] o N and 25-34 o E. Time distribution of SSTA values display both positive and negative cycles. The periods of these cycles fluctuated between 8 and 15 years. These cycles are nearly associated with the 11 year cycle of sun-spots activities. Normal SSTA band occupies only 21.41%, while the positive and negative bands occupy 32.90% and 45.69%. Active zones and periods were determined from the zonal and time distribution of the mean positive, negative and amplitude of SSTA in the study period for each 1 o x1 o grid. The active period of the year is from June to August. The coastal areas are more active especially in the positive and amplitude bands due to the Interannual variations in coastal heating and cooling. The anticyclonic gyre areas are more active especially in the negative band due to Interannual variations in gyre strength.

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Cappelletto et al.This paper presents major gaps and challenges for implementing the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021)(2022)(2023)(2024)(2025)(2026)(2027)(2028)(2029)(2030) in the Mediterranean region. The authors make recommendations on the scientific knowledge needs and codesign actions identified during two consultations, part of the Decade preparatory-phase, framing them in the Mediterranean Sea's unique environmental and socio-economic perspectives. According to the 'Mediterranean State of the Environment and Development Report 2020' by the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan and despite notable progress, the Mediterranean region is not on track to achieve and fully implement the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030. Key factors are the cumulative effect of multiple human-induced pressures that threaten the ecosystem resources and services in the global change scenario. The basin, identified as a climate change vulnerability hotspot, is exposed to pollution and rising impacts of climate change. This affects mainly the coastal zones, at increasing risk of extreme events and their negative effects of unsustainable management of key economic assets. Transitioning to a sustainable blue economy is the key for the marine environment's health and the nourishment of future generations. This challenging context, offering the opportunity of enhancing the knowledge to define science-based measures as well as narrowing the gaps between the Northen and Southern shores, calls for a joint (re)action. The paper reviews the state of the art of Mediterranean Sea science knowledge, sets of trends, capacity development needs, specific challenges, and recommendations for each Decade's societal outcome. In the conclusions, the proposal for a Mediterranean regional programme in the framework of the Ocean Decade is addressed. The core objective relies on integrating and improving the existing ocean-knowledge, Ocean Literacy, and ocean observing capacities building on international cooperation to reach the "Mediterranean Sea that we want".

Accessibility to parks and open spaces plays an important role in the urban quality of life. Public parks play a vital role that affects all members of society regardless of their social ranking. Accessibility (visitation) to parks and recreational areas has increased significantly all over the world. This scenario to some extent is the same in Hail city, where the area allocated for parks and open spaces is very small. Parks in Hail are still suffering from many planning and design aspects that discourage people from frequent visitations. This study, therefore, aims to address this phenomenon by examining the area allocated for parks and park attributes. The study’s data are collected from the relevant literature regarding parks and their attributes. An assessment tool is designed and utilized to evaluate parks in Hail. Google maps software was used to measure the areas of neighborhoods and parks in addition to park distribution. This study shows that the areas allocated for parks are far below WHO requirements, and park attributes do not fully meet all visitors’ requirements.

BackgroundHigh self-esteem can help people with disabilities overcome barriers and improve their mental health and well-being. This study sought to examine self-esteem levels among Saudis with physical disabilities based on socio-economic factors. It also aimed to determine the minimum weekly duration of physical activity performed by participants and examine its effects, along with those of other socio-economic factors, on participants’ self-esteem.MethodsA participant sample (N = 582) consisting of Saudi individuals aged 33.78 ± 9.81 years with physical disabilities (males, n = 289; females, n = 293) was recruited to participate in this study. Levels of self-esteem were measured using the Arabic version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.ResultsCompared to women, men demonstrated significantly higher levels of overall self-esteem, positive feelings, and negative feelings (p < 0.01). The respondents’ average levels of overall self-esteem (p < 0.001), positive feelings (p < 0.01), and negative feelings (p < 0.001) also varied by type of physical disability. Wheelchair-using participants had the highest values for self-esteem and positive feelings; cane-using participants or those who did not use mobility aids had the lowest values. Weighted least squares regression showed that weekly physical activity was the factor that most affected self-esteem (β = 0.002), followed by education level (β = 0.115), then type of mobility device used (β = −0.07).ConclusionIncreased weekly physical activity, higher education levels, and the use of mobility aids were the factors likely to improve the self-esteem of Saudis with physical disabilities.