"The angel within the devil": COVID-19 silver linings.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted every aspect of human existence in a variety of ways. However, depending on how we interpret the impact of the pandemic, we may either despair or embrace challenges with hope. Several empirical findings and expert opinions have highlighted the significant negative impact of COVID-19 on economy, health and wellbeing, education, ecosystem and governance around the world.

Influence of Southeast Asian Haze episodes on high PM concentrations across Brunei Darussalam.

Particulate matter (PM) is the key indicator of air quality index in Brunei Darussalam and the principal pollutant for haze related episodes in Southeast Asia. This study examined the temporal and spatial distribution of PM base on a long-term monitoring data (2009-2014) in order to identify the emission sources and favorable meteorological conditions for high PM concentrations across the country. PM concentrations measured at the various locations differ significantly but the general temporal characteristics show clear patterns of seasonal variations across the country with the highest concentrations recorded during the southwest monsoon.