Search Results (3,193)

Groundwater chemical composition often exhibits complex characteristics under the combined influence of anthropogenic activities and natural geological conditions. Accurately distinguishing between human-derived and naturally occurring constituents is crucial for formulating effective pollution control strategies and ensuring sustainable groundwater resource management. However, conventional hydrogeochemical analytical methods often face challenges in quantitatively differentiating these overlapping influences. In this study, 66 groundwater samples were collected from the midstream section of the Dawen River Basin, an area subject to significant anthropogenic pressure. An integrated approach combining hydrogeochemical analysis, Self-Organizing Map (SOM) clustering, and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) receptor modeling was employed to identify sources of chemical constituents and quantify the proportional contributions of various factors. The results indicate that: (1) The predominant groundwater types in the study area were Cl·SO₄·Ca. (2) SOM clustering classified the groundwater samples into five distinct groups, each reflecting a dominant influence: (i) natural geological processes—samples distributed within the central geological mining area; (ii) agricultural activities—samples located in intensively cultivated zones along both banks of the Dawen River; (iii) hydrogeochemical evolution—samples concentrated in areas with impermeable surfaces on the eastern and western sides of the study region; (iv) mining operations—samples predominantly found in industrial zones at the periphery; (v) domestic wastewater discharge—samples scattered relatively uniformly throughout the area. (3) PMF results demonstrated that natural geological conditions constituted the largest contribution (29.0%), followed by agricultural activities (26.8%), consistent with the region’s extensive farming practices. Additional contributions arose from water–rock interactions (23.9%), mining operations (13.6%), and domestic wastewater (6.7%). This study establishes a methodological framework for quantitatively assessing natural and anthropogenic impacts on groundwater quality, thereby providing a scientific basis for the development of protection measures and sustainable management strategies for regional groundwater resources. Full article

Background: Continuous insulin infusion protocols are essential for managing decompensated diabetic dogs, but comparative data between variable and fixed infusion rates are limited. Methods: This prospective observational study evaluated the glycemic response of 21 diabetic dogs treated with a fixed-dose continuous-rate infusion (CRI) of regular insulin at 0.05 IU/kg/h for 12 h. Capillary blood glucose was measured hourly. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Friedman test, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: A significant reduction in glucose concentration occurred during the first five hours of infusion (p < 0.0001), followed by a stabilization phase with no further significant changes. No differences in glycemic response were found by sex or breed. The protocol was well tolerated, with no hypoglycemic events observed. Conclusions: A fixed-dose CRI of 0.05 IU/kg/h offers a safe and effective option for acute glycemic control in diabetic dogs, including those with early ketoacidosis. The standardized approach simplifies management without compromising efficacy and supports its inclusion in emergency treatment protocols. Full article

This study investigates the use of wheat straw ash (WSA) as a sustainable supplementary cementitious material, focusing on its mechanical performance optimization and environmental implications. WSA (ASTM C618, Class F), produced via controlled calcination at 700 °C, was used to replace cement at 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10% by mass. The optimal performance was observed at 5% substitution, achieving a 90-day compressive strength of 48.42 MPa (+4.7%) and a 28-day flexural strength of 7.93 MPa (+6.6%). To contextualize these findings, a multi-technique analytical approach was employed, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). These methods confirmed that WSA enhances portlandite consumption through pozzolanic reactivity and improves matrix densification via secondary C-S-H gel formation. Additionally, satellite (Sentinel-5P) and ground-based measurements during a severe stubble fire event in Diyarbakir (20–24 June 2024) documented a fourfold increase in PM₁₀ concentrations (157 μg/m³ compared to the June average of ≈35 μg/m³), alongside 23% and 41% rises in NO₂ and SO₂ levels, respectively. These findings demonstrate that wheat straw ash utilization can mitigate agricultural waste burning, improve air quality, and reduce the carbon footprint of cement production. The study highlights WSA’s potential as a high-performance, eco-efficient construction material aligned with circular economy principles. Full article

Soil erosion is an increasingly severe problem and a global focus. As one of the countries facing relatively serious soil erosion, China encounters significant ecological challenges. This study focuses on the carbon sink benefits of comprehensive soil and water conservation management in the red soil erosion area of southern China, conducting an in-depth analysis using the Ziyang small watershed in Shangyou County, Jiangxi Province, as a typical case. Research methods involved constructing an integrated monitoring approach combining basic data, measured data, and remote sensing data. Changes in soil and vegetation carbon storage in the Ziyang small watershed across different years were determined by establishing a baseline scenario and applying inverse distance spatial interpolation, quadrat calculation, feature extraction, and screening. The results indicate that from 2002 to 2023, after 21 years of continuous implementation of various soil and water conservation measures under comprehensive watershed management, the carbon storage of the Ziyang small watershed increased significantly, yielding a net carbon sink of 54,537.28 tC. Tending and Management of Coniferous and Broad-leaved Mixed Forest, Low-efficiency Forest Improvement, and Thinning and Tending contributed substantially to the carbon sink, accounting for 72.72% collectively. Furthermore, the carbon sink capacity of the small watershed exhibited spatial variation influenced by management measures: areas with high carbon density were primarily concentrated within zones of Tending and Management of Coniferous and Broad-leaved Mixed Forest, while areas with low carbon density were mainly found within zones of Bamboo Forest Tending and Reclamation. The increase in watershed carbon storage was attributed to contributions from both vegetation and soil carbon pools. Comprehensive management of soil erosion demonstrates a significant carbon accumulation effect. The annual growth rate of vegetation carbon storage was higher than that of soil carbon storage, yet the proportion of soil carbon storage increased yearly. This study provides a theoretical basis and data foundation for the comprehensive management of soil and water conservation in small watersheds in the southern red soil erosion region of China and can offer technical and methodological support for other soil and water conservation carbon sink projects in this area. Full article

The primary aim of this study is to develop an effective decision-support system for managing crises related to the release of hazardous airborne substances. Such incidents, which can arise from industrial accidents or intentional releases, necessitate the rapid identification of contaminant sources to enable timely response measures. This work focuses on a novel approach that integrates a modified Sandpile model with advection and employs the (1 + 1)-Evolution Strategy to solve the inverse problem of source localization. The initial section of this paper reviews existing methods for simulating atmospheric dispersion and reconstructing source locations. In the following sections, we describe the architecture of the proposed system, the modeling assumptions, and the experimental framework. A key feature of the method presented here is its reliance solely on concentration measurements obtained from a distributed network of sensors, eliminating the need for prior knowledge of the source location, release time, or emission strength. The system was validated through a two-stage process using synthetic data generated by a Gaussian dispersion model. Preliminary experiments were conducted to support model calibration and refinement, followed by formal tests to evaluate localization accuracy and robustness. Each test case was completed in under 20 min on a standard laptop, demonstrating the algorithm’s high computational efficiency. The results confirm that the proposed (1 + 1)-ES Sandpile model can effectively reconstruct source parameters, staying within the resolution limits of the sensor grid. The system’s speed, simplicity, and reliance exclusively on sensor data make it a promising solution for real-time environmental monitoring and emergency response applications. Full article

Urban community gardens are valued for promoting sustainable food production, yet the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in city soils can present both ecological and public health risks. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the environmental and health risks of toxic heavy metals in community gardens soil contaminated by an industrial fire hazard in New Brunswick, Canada. Both top and subsoil soil samples were collected at Carleton community garden. The collected samples were examined for toxic heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Ecological risks were evaluated through the ecological risk factor and the potential ecological risk index, while human health risks were determined using a standard human health risk assessment approach. The mean concentration of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Sn exceeded permissible limits when compared to the Canadian soil quality guidelines and upper continental crust values. Findings from the ecological risk assessment showed that all metals were associated with low risk, except for nickel, which posed a high ecological risk across both soil layers. PERI results revealed a low overall ecological threat. The human health risk analysis indicated that children could face non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from As exposure, while adults were not at risk from any of the studied metals. These findings identify arsenic as the primary contaminant of concern, with children representing the most vulnerable population, emphasizing the necessity for targeted mitigation strategies and protective measures to reduce their exposure. The results of this study can inform interventions aimed at safeguarding both environmental and public health, while also raising awareness about the presence and risks of toxic heavy metals, ultimately contributing to the protection of human health and the broader ecosystem. Full article

Understanding the dose of ambient PM_2.5 inhaled by middle school students during active commuting between home and school is essential for optimizing their travel routes and reducing associated health risks. However, accurately modeling this remains challenging due to the difficulty of measuring ambient PM_2.5 concentrations along commuting routes at a population scale. In this study, we overcome this limitation by employing spatiotemporally dense observations of on-road ambient PM_2.5 concentrations collected through a massive mobile monitoring fleet consisting of around 200 continuously operating taxis installed with air quality monitoring instruments. Leveraging these rich on-road PM_2.5 observations combined with a GIS-terrain-based PM_2.5 dosage modeling approach, we (1) assess middle school students’ PM_2.5 dosages during morning (7:00 am–8:00 am) home–school walking commuting along the shortest-distance route; (2) examine the feasibility of identifying an alternative route for each student that minimizes PM_2.5 dosages during commuting; (3) investigate the trade-off between the relative reduction in PM_2.5 dosage and the relative increase in route length when opting for the alternative lowest-dosage route; and (4) examine whether exposure inequalities exist among students of different family socioeconomic statuses (SES) during their home–school commutes. The results show that (1) 18.8–57.6% of the students can reduce the dose of PM_2.5 by walking along an alternative lowest-dose route; (2) an alternative lowest-dose route could be found by walking along a parallel, less-polluted local road or walking on the less-trafficked side of the street; (3) seeking an alternative lowest-dose route offers a favorable trade-off between effectiveness and cost; and (4) exposure inequities do exist in a portion of students’ walking commutes and those students from higher-SES are more likely to experience higher exposure risks. The findings in our study could offer valuable insights into commuter exposure and inspire future research. Full article

Increased hepatic triacylglycerol (TG) storage in lipid droplets (LDs) is a hallmark of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Human carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) regulates TG storage and secretion in hepatocytes, but the mechanism remains to be elucidated. We performed studies in rat hepatoma McArdle RH7777 cells stably transfected with CES1 cDNA and in Ces1d-deficient mice using a variety of biochemical, pharmacological and cell biology approaches including the assessment of gene expression, confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, lipid synthesis measurements and quantitative mass spectrometry. CES1-expressing cells accrued more TG compared to cells lacking CES1 when incubated with oleic acid. CES1 increased the expression of Srebf1c, Nr1h3 and Nr1h2 encoding transcription factors (SREBP1c and LXRα and LXRβ, respectively) that regulate the expression of lipogenic genes. Additionally, CES1 increased the expression of Acsl1 encoding an enzyme catalyzing fatty acid activation and the expression of Dgat1 and Dgat2 encoding enzymes catalyzing TG synthesis. Treatment of CES1-expressing cells with PPARγ antagonist (GW9662), LXR antagonist (GSK2033) or CYP27A1 inhibitor Felodipine prevented CES1-mediated fatty acid esterification into TG. Ces1d-deficient mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) presented with decreased expression of Nr1h3, Nr1h2, Srebf1c and reduced hepatic TG content. Felodipine and GSK2033 treatment eliminated the differential effects on TG concentration between wild-type and Ces1d-deficient hepatocytes. The results suggest that CES1/Ces1d activates PPARγ, LXR and SREBP1c pathways, thereby increasing TG synthesis and LD storage by augmenting fatty acid esterification. Full article

This study investigates the combustion behavior of H₂–CH₄ mixtures with oxygen-enriched air, achieved through injecting ozone (O₃) into the air intake of the burner fan. The motivation for this approach lies in the high reactivity of hydrogen compared to methane, with the aim of promoting a more favorable oxidizing environment for overall combustion. The research combines theoretical analysis with experimental validation using a diffusion-type burner operating at a fuel flow rate of 1.2 Nm³/h. For this flow rate, the ozone injection led to an equivalent O₂ concentration of approximately 21.7%. At this enrichment level, flame temperature was calculated to increase by 70–90 °C. The burner was specifically designed for the diffusion combustion of H₂–CH₄ mixtures and features three fuel injection nozzles, each surrounded by five air inlets. Experiments employed premixed H₂-CH₄ gas cylinders (Linde) with hydrogen concentrations of 20% and 30%, respectively. The results confirmed slight combustion intensification due to elevated oxygen concentration, with no issues related to flame stability or pulsations observed. Core flame temperature and flue gas emissions, including CO₂, were measured. The results support the further development of this combustion technology by increasing the allowable oxygen concentration limit. Full article

We present a tunable diode-laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) system operating at 1.5711 µm for CO₂ gas concentration measurements. The system can operate in either a traditional direct-mode (dTDLAS) sawtooth wavelength scan or a recently demonstrated wavelength-toggled single laser differential-absorption lidar (WTSL-DIAL) mode using precompensated current pulses. The use of such precompensated pulses offsets the slow thermal constants of the diode laser, leading to fast toggling between ON and OFF-resonance wavelengths. A short measurement time is indeed pivotal for atmospheric sensing, where ambient factors, such as turbulence or mechanical vibrations, would otherwise deteriorate sensitivity, precision and accuracy. Having a system able to operate in both modes allows us to benchmark the novel experimental procedure against the well-established dTDLAS method. The theory behind the new WTSL-DIAL method is also expanded to include the periodicity of the current modulation, fundamental for the calculation of the OFF-resonance wavelength. A two-detector scheme is chosen to suppress the influence of laser intensity fluctuations in time (1/f noise), and its performance is eventually benchmarked against a one-detector approach. The main difference between dTDLAS and WTSL-DIAL, in terms of signal processing, lies in the fact that while the former requires time-consuming data processing, which limits the maximum update rate of the instrument, the latter allows for computationally simpler and faster concentration readings. To compare other performance metrics, the update rate was kept at 2 kHz for both methods. To analyze the dTDLAS data, a four-parameter Lorentzian fit was performed, where the fitting function comprised the six main neighboring absorption lines centered around 1.5711 µm. Similarly, the spectral overlap between the same lines was considered when analyzing the WTSL-DIAL data in real time. Our investigation shows that, for the studied time intervals, the WTSL-DIAL approach is 3.65 ± 0.04 times more precise; however, the dTDLAS-derived CO₂ concentration measurements are less subject to systematic errors, in particular pressure-induced ones. The experimental results are accompanied by a thorough explanation and discussion of the models used, as well as their advantages and limitations. Full article

Background: The demand for natural, minimally invasive teeth whitening solutions has led to interest in products using natural abrasives. Zirconium, known for its abrasive properties, has been suggested as a potential whitening agent, but its efficacy compared to traditional methods is underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating zirconium powder at various concentrations as a novel approach to tooth whitening while preserving the enamel surface. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted mandibular teeth (twenty anterior, twenty posterior) were allocated into four groups and brushed for 2 min with zirconia toothpaste at one of the four concentrations. Color parameters (CIE Lab*), ΔE, and WID were measured before and after brushing using a spectrophotometer; surface roughness was assessed with a profilometer. Data were analyzed with paired tests and ANOVA/Kruskal–Wallis (p < 0.05). Results: All groups showed detectable color change (ΔE > 1.2); several exceeded clinical acceptability (ΔE ≥ 2.7). WID increased in all groups, with the largest gains at 2% zirconia for posterior teeth (+31.58) and 1% or 5% for anterior teeth (+21.07, +21.19). Surface roughness decreased significantly at 0.5% (p ≈ 0.002) and increased at 5% (p ≈ 0.002); no significant change occurred at 1% and 2%. Conclusions: Zirconia toothpaste at 1–2% offers the best balance between whitening efficacy and enamel preservation, while 5% increases roughness and 0.5% produces smaller whitening results. Full article

Penicillin G (PEN) is a widely used antibiotic for treating microbial infections. However, its extensive use in veterinary medicine can lead to accumulation in animal-derived products, particularly milk and meat. This highlights the urgent need for rapid and sensitive antibiotic detection methods. In this study, we employed DNA aptamers for the detection of PEN and for the analysis of aptamer specificity using a combined approach based on quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). QCM-D measures changes in resonant frequency, Δf, and dissipation, ΔD, while LSPR monitors wavelength shifts in the extinction spectra corresponding to changes at the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Thiolated aptamers were chemisorbed onto the surface of AuNPs with a diameter of 80 nm. In the presence of PEN, a redshift in the extinction spectra and a decrease in resonant frequency were observed, accompanied by an increase in dissipation due to surface viscosity effects. Significant changes in both acoustic and LSPR signals were observed at PEN concentrations as low as 1 nM. The limits of detection (LOD) for PEN, determined by QCM-D (3.0 nM, or 1.05 ng/mL)) and LSPR (3.1 nM, or 1.09 ng/mL), were similar and both were lower than the maximum residue limit (MRL) for PEN established by the EU (4 ng/mL). Full article

Climate change is intensifying hydrological extremes, posing growing threats to the safety and operational reliability of embankment dams worldwide, particularly those in regions susceptible to heavy rainfall and flooding. This study evaluates the overtopping risk for Batu Dam, a critical flood mitigation and water supply structure near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under future climate scenarios, with the aim of informing risk-informed dam safety strategies. Using historical hydrological data (1975–2020) and downscaled climate projections from the CMIP5 database under three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5, RCP6.0, RCP8.5), we conducted flood routing simulations and probabilistic risk assessments employing the iPRESAS software. Our results demonstrate that the annual probability of overtopping increases substantially under higher-emission scenarios, reaching up to 0.08% by the late century under RCP8.5, driven by increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events. These projections highlight significant spillway capacity limitations and underscore the heightened risk of downstream consequences, including economic losses exceeding RM 200 million and potential loss of life surpassing 2900 individuals in worst-case scenarios. The findings confirm the urgent need for both structural adaptations, such as spillway expansion and crest elevation, and non-structural measures, including enhanced real-time monitoring and early warning systems. This integrated approach offers a robust and replicable framework for strengthening dam safety under evolving climate conditions. Full article

Addressing the planetary crisis associated with climate change, biodiversity loss, global pollution, and public health requires novel and holistic approaches. Here, we present the methodology and initial results of an experiment conducted in Rome within the framework of the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) project, Spoke 6. The major objective of this study was to outline the planetary health approach as a lens to assess urban health. This transdisciplinary case study explored the relationship between urban traffic-related external exposome and pro-oxidative responses in humans and plants. This methodology is based on the integration of atmospheric dynamics modeling, state-of-the-art aerosol measurements, biomonitoring in human cohorts, in vitro cellular assays, and the assessment of functional trait markers in urban trees. The results indicate that short-term exposure to urban aerosols, even at low concentrations, triggers rapid oxidative and inflammatory responses in bronchial epithelial cells, modulates gene and miRNA expression, alters gut microbiota diversity, and induces functional trait changes in urban trees. This study also highlights the feedback mechanisms between vegetation and atmospheric conditions, emphasizing the role of urban greenery in modulating microclimate and exposure. The methodology and initial results presented here will be further analyzed in future studies to explore proof of a cause–effect relationship between short-term exposure to traffic-related environmental stressors in urban areas and oxidative stress in humans and plants, with implications for chronic responses. In a highly urbanized world, this evidence could be pivotal in motivating the widespread implementation of planetary health approaches for assessing urban health. Full article

This study presents a holistic framework for adaptive thermal energy storage (A-TES) in solar-assisted systems. This framework aims to support a reliable industrial energy supply, particularly during periods of limited sunlight, while also facilitating industrial decarbonization. In previous studies, the focus was not on addressing the framework of the entire problem, but rather on specific parts of it. Therefore, the innovation in this study lies in bringing these aspects together within a unified framework through a data-driven approach that combines the analysis of efficiency, technology, environmental impact, sectoral applications, operational challenges, and policy into a comprehensive system. Sensible thermal energy storage with an adaptive approach can be utilized in numerous industries, particularly concentrated solar power plants, to optimize power dispatch, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce gas emissions. Simulation results indicate that stable regulations and flexible incentives have led to a 60% increase in solar installations, highlighting their significance in investment expansion within the renewable energy sector. Integrated measures among sectors have increased energy availability by 50% in rural regions, illustrating the need for partnerships in renewable energy projects. The full implementation of novel advanced energy management systems (AEMSs) in industrial heat processes has resulted in a 20% decrease in energy consumption and a 15% improvement in efficiency. Making the switch to open-source software has reduced software expenditure by 50% and increased productivity by 20%, demonstrating the strategic advantages of open-source solutions. The findings provide a foundation for future research by offering a framework to analyze a specific real-world industrial case. Full article