Search Results (61)

In Romania, groundwater is an important source of drinking water, especially in rural areas. This study investigated the concentrations of organophosphorus, carbamate, and triazine pesticides (OPs) along with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in groundwater samples collected from the Titu-Sarata Plain. Sensitive analytical techniques were employed, including Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Q Exactive™ HF Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap™ Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography coupled with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Environmental and human health risks were assessed in the case of pesticides that exceeded the maximum allowed concentration. The environmental risk assessment (ERA) revealed significant risks associated with Phosdrin, Phorate, and pp’DDE. Additionally, particular concerns arose from the presence of Aldrin and Dieldrin, which pose a high carcinogenic risk, especially through groundwater consumption in agricultural areas. The results of this research highlight the need for the implementation of a continuous quality monitoring program for groundwater in the agricultural regions that were studied. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global health concern, responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality. In recent years, as our understanding of the multifaceted nature of CVDs has increased, it has become increasingly evident that traditional risk factors alone do not account for the entirety of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Environmental toxins, a heterogeneous group of substances ubiquitous in our surroundings, have now entered the spotlight as offenders in the development and progression of CVDs. Environmental toxins include heavy metals, air pollutants, pesticides, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, among others. Upon exposure, they can elicit oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to detoxify and repair the resulting damage. Oxidative stress triggers a cascade of events, including inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, and vascular remodeling, which can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular pathologies. This article delves into the molecular mechanisms underpinning oxidative stress-mediated cardiovascular damage induced by environmental toxins, emphasizing the role of specific toxins in this process. Further research is necessary to understand how individual susceptibility and genotype influence the impact of environmental toxins on oxidative stress and the risk of CVD. Full article

While urban greening is an effective adaptation strategy for building resilient cities, socioeconomic factors and individual perceptions of urban parks play a significant role in enhancing their safety and inclusiveness. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a widely recognized approach for enhancing safety in urban public spaces. However, existing research has largely overlooked the impact of socioeconomic factors and interpersonal needs on shaping perceptions of safety. Baitashan Park is Located in Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China. It is an iconic urban park with significant cultural and recreational value. Despite the park’s popularity, it faces challenges such as uneven accessibility, maintenance discrepancies, and perceived safety concerns, especially among users from the lower socioeconomic status (SES) group. This study examines how SES and interpersonal needs affect the relationship between CPTED principles and perceived safety. Our findings reveal that interpersonal needs significantly mediate the impact of CPTED on perceived safety, with SES playing a moderating role in both the direct and indirect effects. Specifically, the influence of CPTED on perceived safety through interpersonal needs is more pronounced for individuals with higher SES, while the direct effect of CPTED on perceived safety is also stronger for users with higher SES. These results suggest that the effectiveness of CPTED principles can be enhanced by considering the interplay between socioeconomic status and interpersonal dynamics. This study underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to urban park design, integrating environmental, social, and economic factors to promote safety, inclusivity, and well-being for all park users. Full article

This study employed the Allium cepa bioassay to evaluate the toxic effects of contaminants in the Yucatan aquifer. Seven monitoring wells were studied during September and October 2021. Nutrient concentrations showed significant variation between sites, with samples closer to the coast (P3 and P7) presenting higher ammonia and phosphate concentrations. The pesticides found at the highest concentration were δ-HCH and chlorpyrifos, with 141.44 and 175.92 ng/L, respectively. Heptachlor and aldrin were present in sites P4oct and P2sept. Interestingly, DDT values were highly correlated with caffeine concentrations. The PAHs acenaphthylene and the sum of B(k)fluoranthene and B(b)fluoranthene presented the highest prevalence. B(k)fluoranthene and B(b)fluoranthene were the PAHs found at the highest concentration. The results of the A. cepa bioassay indicated no nuclear abnormalities. The study also found no statistical differences in the mitotic index, root length, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and inhibition of B-esterases between sites and controls. In summary, the wells sampled in the present study had low concentrations of contaminants that can be used as a proxy of anthropogenic discharges; the lack of effect in the biomarkers used at organism, cellular, and biochemical levels indicated no toxic effect on A. cepa roots. Full article

A comparative study of the performance of a communication system for IoT applications is presented. The experiment is based on the bit error rate, which is obtained by varying the distance between two transceiver modules, each attached to a microcontroller Arduino Uno. Four scenarios are considered for our experimentation. Each scenario is mainly characterized by interchanging radiator elements which are attached to the transceiver modules. For this, two antennas are designed and implemented: a modified shape-optimized Landstorfer Yagi-Uda antenna and a printed turnstile antenna. The measurements show good agreement, with simulations having gain values of about 9 dBi and 3 dBi for the quasi Yagi-Uda structure and the turnstile antenna, respectively. System performance tests are conducted to compare the performance of the commercial solution at various distances to custom-designed antennas. These tests aim to evaluate the improvement achieved using a new set of antennas. The key to this solution is the use of a high-directivity antenna for data transmission and a circular polarized omnidirectional antenna for reception, which shows an improvement of around 60% in terms of the bit error rate during data transmission compared to the pair of commercial antennas included in the RF module. Full article

The Santiago-Guadalajara River Basin (SGRB), located in western Mexico, is one of the most polluted rivers in the country. A pesticide monitoring program was carried out from January 2022 to September 2022, during which time water samples collected at 25 sites in the main stem and tributaries revealed the presence of 13 of the 24 pesticides analyzed, including α-BHC, β-BHC, γ-BHC (Lindane), γ-Chlordane, Hexachlorobenzene, Heptachlor, Aldrin, α-Endosulfan, DDT, -4,4, Methoxychlor, Chlorpyrifos-methyl, Endosulfan sulfate, and Dicofol. A high level of correlation was found between the identified pesticides, which could mean that several of these pesticides reached a stable level within the monitored water bodies. Most of the identified pesticides are classified as high environmental risk according to the Stockholm Convention because of their persistence and high degree of toxicity to the environment and human health. A Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) was applied to identify the streams considered to be of concern due to the presence of pesticides exceeding the threshold limits established by national and international guidelines. Performing a calculation for the entire Santiago-Guadalajara River Basin, the PTI reached a value of 0.833, which, according to the criteria of this method, classifies it as a “Moderate” level of risk for aquatic life. Increased regulatory and surveillance measures by state and federal authorities are required to prevent the use of these pesticides, which have been restricted globally. Full article

The extensive use of pesticides has led to the contamination of natural resources, sometimes causing significant and irreversible damage to the environment and human health. Even though the use of many pesticides is banned, these compounds are still being found in rivers worldwide. In this review, 205 documents have been selected to provide an overview of pesticide contamination in rivers over the last 10 years (2014–2024). After these documents were examined, information of 47 river systems was organized according to the types of pesticides most frequently detected, including organochloride, organophosphorus, and pyrethroid compounds. A total of 156 compounds were classified, showing that 46% of these rivers contain organochlorine compounds, while 40% exhibit organophosphorus pesticides. Aldrin, hexachlorocyclohexane, and endosulfan were the predominant organochlorine pesticides with concentration values between 0.4 and 37 × 10⁵ ng L⁻¹. Chlorpyrifos, malathion, and diazinon were the main organophosphorus pesticides with concentrations between 1 and 11 × 10⁵ ng L⁻¹. Comparing the pesticide concentrations with standard guidelines, we found that the Ganga River in India (90 ng L⁻¹), the Owan and Okura Rivers in Nigeria (210 and 9 × 10³ ng L⁻¹), and the Dong Nai River in Vietnam (68 ng L⁻¹) exceed the permissible levels of aldrin (30 ng L⁻¹). Full article

This study addresses the impact of urban parks on the self-rated health of office workers under 40, a demographic experiencing significant increases in depressive symptoms during the pandemic. This study in Baise City, China, aims to fill this gap by exploring the relationships between landscape quality, leisure time spent in parks, place attachment, and self-rated health among 411 office workers aged 18 to 40. Structural equation modeling was used to assess these relationships, and multigroup analysis (MGA) in SmartPLS evaluated differences between subgroups. The findings reveal a strong link between urban park landscape quality and leisure time spent in parks, place attachment, and self-rated health. Although the old-fashioned park showed lower overall performance in the study variables compared to the modern park, it had a stronger relationship between landscape quality and place attachment. Leisure time spent in parks did not directly impact self-rated health but was mediated by place attachment. MGA results indicated that while leisure time in parks positively affected self-rated health for single participants, it had a negative effect for married participants. These results underscore the importance of tailoring urban park design and management to accommodate the varying needs of different demographics. This research provides new insights into enhancing office workers’ self-rated health through environmental design and supports the objectives of the Healthy China strategy and Sustainable Development Goal 11. Full article

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) are used as cleaner fish in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture as one of multiple control measures against salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). Numerous studies have documented weight as an important factor for characterising the cleaning efficacy of individual lumpfish. Hence, the efficacy of lumpfish in fish farms depends on the size at stocking and the weight development over time. Here, we aimed to quantify how weight developed over time for lumpfish deployed in salmon farming sea cages in Norway through modelling the daily growth rate. We found that the coefficient of variation for lumpfish weight increased over time, implying that the standard deviation increased more than the expected weight. The data thus showed heterogeneous growth for lumpfish in salmon farming cages, where some individuals exhibited no apparent growth, and others significant proliferation. We found that the daily growth rate was best described as bell-shaped functions of weight and temperature, consistent with a sigmoid-shaped growth curve and an optimal temperature around 10 °C. These results allow for more realistic modelling of the efficacy of lumpfish in controlling salmon lice in fish farms, as one can combine estimates of weight-dependent cleaning efficacy with weight development over time. Full article

A 2018 report from the Water Quality for Human Consumption Vigilance Information System (SISÁGUA, Brazil) showed the presence of 27 pesticides in Brazilian drinking water, of which 11 have carcinogenic potential. We assessed the data for 27 municipalities in Paraná state southwest, a rural landscape with high cancer rates. We selected data from the carcinogenic potential of 11 pesticides provided by international agencies (alachlor, aldrin-diheldrin, atrazine, chlordane, DDT, diuron, glyphosate, lindane, mancozeb, molinate, and trifluralin) and estimated the number of cancer cases attributable to drinking water contamination by pesticides. Also, we correlated such findings with incidence and mortality cancer rates for ten topographies obtained from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) database. A total of 9 cities were selected, corresponding to about 81,000 people. All towns had all pesticides quantified in the drinking water. About ten cancer cases were attributed to drinking water contamination by pesticides in 2014–2017, mainly linked to diuron and mancozeb. Concerning the consolidated incidence of cancer cases reported by the INCA, significant correlations were found regarding aldrin-diheldrin, alachlor, and atrazine for breast cancer, atrazine for prostate cancer, and mancozeb and diuron for colon cancer, among others. Regarding the consolidated mortality rates, some correlations were found between DDT and trifluralin for the breast, DDT and lindane for the prostate, and glyphosate for lung cancer. Moderate correlations were found between the estimated and consolidated cancer cases for several topographies. Our findings highlight the correlation between drinking water contamination in Paraná state southwest and its increased incidence of cancers with poor prognosis. Full article

Background: Menstrual blood (MB) is a convenient specimen type that can be self-collected easily and non-invasively by women. This study assessed the potential application of MB as a diagnostic specimen to detect genital tract infections (GTIs) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in women. Method: Genomic DNA was extracted from MB samples. Pacific Bioscience (Pacbio) 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) high-fidelity (HiFi) long-read sequencing and HPV PCR were performed. Results: MB samples were collected from women with a pathological diagnosis of CIN1, CIN2, CIN3 or HPV infection. The sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of high-risk HPV detection using MB were found to be 66.7%. A shift in vaginal flora and a significant depletion in Lactobacillus spp. in the vaginal microbiota communities were observed in the MB samples using 16S rDNA sequencing. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that MB is a proper diagnostic specimen of consideration for non-invasive detection of HPV DNA and genotyping using PCR and the diagnosis of GTIs using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). MB testing is suitable for all women who menstruate and this study has opened up the possibility of the use of MB as a diagnostic specimen to maintain women’s health. Full article

Metagenomic sequencing has emerged as a transformative tool in infectious disease diagnosis, offering a comprehensive and unbiased approach to pathogen detection. Leveraging international standards and guidelines is essential for ensuring the quality and reliability of metagenomic sequencing in clinical practice. This review explores the implications of international standards and guidelines for the application of metagenomic sequencing in infectious disease diagnosis. By adhering to established standards, such as those outlined by regulatory bodies and expert consensus, healthcare providers can enhance the accuracy and clinical utility of metagenomic sequencing. The integration of international standards and guidelines into metagenomic sequencing workflows can streamline diagnostic processes, improve pathogen identification, and optimize patient care. Strategies in implementing these standards for infectious disease diagnosis using metagenomic sequencing are discussed, highlighting the importance of standardized approaches in advancing precision infectious disease diagnosis initiatives. Full article

The valorization of lignocellulosic biomass by-products holds significant economic and ecological potential, considering their global overproduction. This paper introduces the fabrication of a novel wheat-straw-based hydrogel and a new microcellulose-based hydrogel through 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy (TEMPO) oxidation. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was employed for the detection of carboxyl groups, neutralization titration was conducted using a conductivity meter, viscosity analysis was performed using a rheometer, and transmittance analysis was carried out using a spectrophotometer. Two novel hydrogels based on TEMPO oxidation have been developed. Among them, the bio-based hydrogel derived from oxidized wheat straw exhibited exceptional printability and injectability. We found that the oxidation degree of microcellulose reached 56–69%, and the oxidation degree of wheat straw reached 56–63%. The cross-linking of 4% oxidized wheat straw and calcium chloride was completed in 400 seconds, and the viscosity exceeded 100,000 Pa·s. In summary, we have successfully created low-cost hydrogels through the modification of wheat straw and microcellulose, transforming lignocellulosic biomass by-products into a sustainable source of polymers. This paper verifies the future applicability of biomass materials in 3D printing. Full article

Contemporary urban development places a critical emphasis on pedestrian environments, especially in historic cities like George Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia. Although survey questionnaires effectively captured public perceptions of issues such as poor road connectivity, weak accessibility, crime and safety concerns in George Town, they fell short in providing a comprehensive understanding of the root causes. This study leverages space syntax theory to model and analyze George Town’s unique pedestrian landscape, aiming to identify strategies for improving pedestrian networks in historical urban landscapes. Space syntax theory, known for revealing structural issues within urban contexts, is applied after a thorough examination of George Town’s urban layout, climate, architectural features, and development policies. George Town employs an informal grid layout widely utilized in British colonial port cities to enhance overall efficiency. The predominant architectural form is the shophouse, which is characterized by a ground level designed for pedestrian movement known as the “five-foot way” and adapted to Malaysia’s climate. Various axis drawing methods for the unique five-foot way under different circumstances are considered. The George Town special area plan (SAP) emphasizing heritage preservation guides development policies, thus requiring an inclusive approach to pedestrian environments. This enhances the practical significance of the current study, with the eastern and northern coastal areas serving as crucial focal points for investigation. This approach results in a comprehensive spatial model that captures the essence of George Town’s pedestrian landscape. Evaluation using space syntax indicators such as connectivity, integration, intelligibility, and choice reveals issues like poor overall network connectivity, inadequate access to key attractions, suboptimal integration, concentrated pedestrian flows, and significant safety concerns, which are exacerbated by limited infrastructure on certain two-way roads and a lack of zebra crossings. The practical implications of this study include recommendations for enhancing pedestrian spaces along identified roads and strategically installing zebra-crossings. This research is significant for its focus on a historical city in a Southeast Asian developing country, deeply integrating local environmental characteristics and providing insights into urban planning and optimization, thereby serving as a reference for similar cities. Full article

An improved ring resonator structure consisting of a capacitive coupling fixture is presented. Dielectric characterization is carried out using a fitting method that allows for comparison between measured and simulated results by setting a coupling level of about −4 dB and an unloaded quality factor of about 54. The key factor in this approach is the coupled energy, which permits measurements to be made well above the noise threshold. Furthermore, when applied within a frequency range, the dielectric dispersion can be studied as well. As proof-of-concept fixtures, five structures for the L-band at resonance frequencies of 1 GHz, 1.25 GHz, 1.5 GHz, 1.75 GHz, and 2 GHz are designed, manufactured, and measured. The method applied in this study provides good results as verified by error calculations. Full article