Arid Desert Environment Research Articles

Multi-objective optimization of switchable suspended particle device vacuum glazing for comfort and energy efficiency in school typologies under hot climate

This study focuses on the multi-objective optimization of a switchable Suspended Particle Device (SPD) vacuum glazing system to reduce energy use while ensuring thermal and visual comfort in schools located in arid desert environments. A detailed synergy analysis was performed on a representative floor from three school classroom typologies, comparing suspended particle device vacuum glazing in its OFF and ON states against conventional double-glazing with air gaps windows. This analysis employed an advanced simulation framework integrating Rhino-Grasshopper with Open Studio Model, Colibri 2.0, and Design Explorer2 software to evaluate energy consumption, Adaptive Comfort Percentage (ACP), and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). Thermal comfort varied across typologies and orientations, with the atrium with skylight typology frequently meeting or approaching the 80 % Adaptive Comfort Percentage benchmark. However, the southern and eastern classrooms in the enclosed atrium with clerestory typology did not exceed a 39 % adaptive comfort percentage. The comprehensive parametric and multi-objective optimization simulation revealed that suspended particle device vacuum glazing in its 'OFF' state did not fulfill the UDI300lux–1000lux criteria across all typologies, even with maximal Window to Wall Ratio (WWR) and skylight ratio (SR). However, the enclosed atrium with clerestory, integrating SPD vacuum glazing with a 40 % Window to Wall Ratio configuration, emerged as particularly effective in achieving optimal useful daylight illuminance distribution, minimizing energy consumption, and ensuring satisfactory adaptive comfort percentage across various orientations. These findings underscore the potential of multi-objective optimization of suspended particle device vacuum glazing, combined with strategic Window to Wall Ratio adjustments, as a viable alternative to traditional glazing systems in hot desert climates. The adaptability of suspended particle device vacuum glazing highlights its significant potential for achieving thermal comfort, enhancing sustainable architectural design, and improving energy efficiency in educational buildings within extreme climate zones.

On-demand high-resolution areal scouting via unmanned aerial vehicles enables sustainable near-surface geoscience data acquisition

An accurate data acquisition plan is critical for near-surface geoscience investigations. Detailed understanding of the terrain and land cover of the survey area is essential to designing a data acquisition layout that efficiently meets the objective while mapping potential obstacles. Using satellite-based data is the most affordable and straightforward method to obtain this information. However, near-surface geoscience investigations demand a higher-resolution map than commonly available satellite imagery to design a detailed acquisition plan. This paper presents a concept that utilizes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to successfully and sustainably perform on-demand high-resolution areal scouting to aid near-surface geoscience data acquisition campaigns and seismic drone deployment. We share the results of two field trial cases where the presented concept was evaluated. Case A is a 16 km2 extensive outcrop investigation in an arid desert environment. The initial satellite-based acquisition plan was changed considerably when UAV data sets became available. This led to an approximately 60% improvement in data productivity and efficiency, effectively reducing the carbon footprint of conventional scouting operations. Case B utilizes high-resolution areal scouting to determine the safe landing zone for autonomous seismic drone swarms to further support sustainable geophysical data acquisition. The UAV data enable seismic drone swarms to land optimally on preprogrammed landing points while navigating subsatellite-resolution obstacles. These two successful cases suggest that analogous productivity and efficiency improvements may be achieved in industrial-scale land seismic data acquisition planning that utilizes the UAV data set.

Salinity affects microbial function genes related to nutrient cycling in arid regions.

Salinization damages soil system health and influences microbial communities structure and function. The response of microbial functions involved in the nutrient cycle to soil salinization is a valuable scientific question. However, our knowledge of the microbial metabolism functions in salinized soil and their response to salinity in arid desert environments is inadequate. Here, we applied metagenomics technology to investigate the response of microbial carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) cycling and the key genes to salinity, and discuss the effects of edaphic variables on microbial functions. We found that carbon fixation dominated the carbon cycle. Nitrogen fixation, denitrification, assimilatory nitrate reduction (ANRA), and nitrogen degradation were commonly identified as the most abundant processes in the nitrogen cycle. Organic phosphorus dissolution and phosphorus absorption/transport were the most enriched P metabolic functions, while sulfur metabolism was dominated by assimilatory sulfate reduction (ASR), organic sulfur transformation, and linkages between inorganic and organic sulfur transformation. Increasing salinity inhibited carbon degradation, nitrogen fixation, nitrogen degradation, anammox, ANRA, phosphorus absorption and transport, and the majority of processes in sulfur metabolism. However, some of the metabolic pathway and key genes showed a positive response to salinization, such as carbon fixation (facA, pccA, korAB), denitrification (narG, nirK, norBC, nosZ), ANRA (nasA, nirA), and organic phosphorus dissolution processes (pstABCS, phnCD, ugpAB). High salinity reduced the network complexity in the soil communities. Even so, the saline microbial community presented highly cooperative interactions. The soil water content had significantly correlations with C metabolic genes. The SOC, N, and P contents were significantly correlated with C, N, P, and S network complexity and functional genes. AP, NH4+, and NO3- directly promote carbon fixation, denitrification, nitrogen degradation, organic P solubilization and mineralization, P uptake and transport, ASR, and organic sulfur transformation processes. Soil salinity in arid region inhibited multiple metabolic functions, but prompted the function of carbon fixation, denitrification, ANRA, and organic phosphorus dissolution. Soil salinity was the most important factor driving microbial functions, and nutrient availability also played important roles in regulating nutrient cycling.

Adaptation and study protocol for harvest for health together Arizona: A mentored community garden intervention for survivors of cancer

BackgroundCurrent health behavior recommendations for skin cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship are the same for survivors of other cancers; they include eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and minimizing ultraviolet (U.V.) exposure. Few interventions exist to support health behaviors beyond U.V. exposure. We adapted Harvest for Health, a home-based mentored gardening intervention for cancer survivors, for implementation in Arizona as a community-based intervention. MethodsStakeholder-informed adaptations for Harvest for Health Together Arizona (H4H2-AZ) included updating intervention materials to be relevant to the arid desert environment, emphasizing the importance of sun safety in cancer survivorship, and shifting from a home-based to a community-based delivery model. Participants will be enrolled in cohorts aligned with growing seasons (e.g., spring, monsoon, fall) and matched to an individual 30 ft2 community garden plot for two growing seasons (6 months). Original intervention components retained are: 1) Master Gardeners deliver the intervention providing one-to-one mentorship and 2) gardening materials and supplies provided. This pilot six-month single-arm intervention will determine feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of an evidence-based adapted mentored community gardening intervention for survivors of skin cancer as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes are to explore the effects on cancer preventive health behaviors and health-related quality of life. DiscussionThis pilot single-arm intervention will determine feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of an evidence-based adapted mentored community gardening intervention for survivors of skin cancer. If successful, the intervention could be widely implemented throughout existing Master Gardener programs and community garden networks for survivors of other cancers. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05648604. Trial registered on December 13, 2022.

Temporal and spatial dynamics and functional metabolism of dark septate endophytes of Gymnocarpos przewalskii Maxim. in Northwest Desert, China

In extreme habitats, plants can survive mutually with their beneficial colony partners. How dark septate endophytes (DSE) assist the relict plant Gymnocarpos przewalskii survive in extremely desert environment and maintain the stability of the ecosystem remains unclear. Studying distribution, seasonal changes and functional physiological responses of DSE colonized in roots of G. przewalskii can help understand symbiosis mechanism of these endophytes associated to relict plants in extremely arid desert environments. DSE colonization, species diversity and soil properties of G. przewalskii were measured in Anxi and Minqin sites, Northwest China in July, September and December 2019. Subsequently, the functional metabolism of DSE strain was measured, and the response of DSE strain to drought stress was performed in vitro. DSE hyphal colonization (23.3 % - 39.2 %) and DSE isolation frequency (6.0 % - 27.6 %) varied sharply among seasons and sites. Soil alkaline phosphatase, nitrate nitrogen and total phosphorus were main factors affecting the DSE composition. Twenty-six DSE isolates produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the medium, while 50 % of DSE showed a potential for IAA production in L-tryptophan-dependent. Additionally, the composition of functional metabolites of DSE strains varied greatly with different drought levels and DSE isolates, which may indirectly reflect the complementarity between different strains in helping hosts cope with drought stress. This study confirmed the temporal and spatial dynamics and growth-promoting and drought-tolerant potential of DSE community in desert environment, and provided a new perspective for exploring the survival strategy and vegetation protection of desert relict plants.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Carbon Fixation Pathway in Photosynthetic Organisms of Pugionium cornutum (L.) under Drought Stress

In recent years, the problem of crop yield reduction caused by drought has become increasingly serious in countries around the world. China, in particular, is facing a pressing issue of water resource scarcity that is limiting agricultural production and food security. To address this, studying the drought resistance of plants is crucial to understanding the limitations of cultivated plants in dealing with drought. It can also contribute to an improvement in plant drought resistance theory and provide a theoretical foundation for sustainable agricultural development. In this study, we used Pugionium corntum (L.) Gaertn. as the experimental material and analyzed the transcriptome data of P. corntum under drought stress using high-throughput Illumina sequencing technology. Under the simulated drought environment, we compared P. corntum with the control and observed that the number of differentially expressed genes involved in the carbon fixation pathway in photosynthetic organisms was 14 and 30 under moderate and severe drought stress, respectively. Our findings revealed the presence of genes related to the C4 cycle pathway in P. corntum, which effectively explains its adaptation mechanism to arid desert environments. This adaptation mechanism alleviates the negative impact of drought on photosynthesis in seedlings.

Geography and past climate changes have shaped the evolution of a widespread lizard in arid Central Asia

The complex orogenic history and structure of Central Asia, coupled with Pleistocene glacial cycles have generated its stepwise aridification. Such events would have significantly influenced the evolution of many mid-latitude species in arid Central Asia (ACA). In this study, we employed two mitochondrial genes (CO1 and ND2) and genome-wide SNPs, coupled with ecological niche modeling, to investigate the lineage diversification and historical demography within a widespread lizard Phrynocephalus helioscopus, and their associations with geography and past climate change. We obtained the mtDNA dataset for 300 individuals from 96 localities within the known range of the lizard, among which 51 individuals from 27 localities were selected for generating the SNP dataset via the genotyping-by-sequencing approach. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated mtDNA dataset revealed eight geographically correlated lineages that diverged by 4.21–10.41% for the CO1 gene, which were estimated to have coalesced ∼4.47 million years ago. However, we observed mito-nuclear discordance pattern regarding the population of Clade V (P. helioscopus sergeevi) from Tajikistan. Ancestral area estimations suggested that P. helioscopus originated from the Fergana Valley and then dispersed into the adjacent areas in ACA along with a history of multiple allopatric divergence processes, suggesting that Fergana may have been the cradle of diversification of P. helioscopus. The intensification of aridification across Central Asia during the Late Pliocene may have facilitated the rapid radiation of this arid-adapted lizard throughout this vast territory. Subsequently, the geological events (e.g., uplift of the Hissar-Alay, transgressions of the Caspian Sea) and geographic barriers (e.g., Amu Darya River, Zeravshan River) during the Pleistocene triggered the progressive diversification of P. helioscopus. Interestingly, Clade VIII (P. helioscopus varius) experienced rapid population growth coupled with range expansion while Clade IV (P. helioscopus cameranoi) underwent drastic population expansion associated with range contraction during the Last Glacial Maximum. In Clade IV, but not in Clade VIII, environmental turnover contributes more to mitochondrial genetic distinctiveness than geographic distance. Overall, the SNP dataset demonstrates that geographic distance plays a greater role than environmental distance. Both the mtDNA dataset and the SNP dataset suggest local-scale genetic differentiation in Clade IV and Clade VIII, revealing potential geographic barriers in the Ili River Valley and the Junggar Basin, respectively. Twenty-seven outlier SNPs associated with environmental factors (precipitation and temperature) were identified, which supports the signature of local adaptation to the arid desert environment. Finally, our finding suggests taxonomic implications, such as support for full species status for P. saidalievi (Clade II) and P. meridionalis (Clade I). Future analyses based on further evidence and increased taxon and geographic sampling should be carried out to corroborate our findings.

The Influence of Induced Drought Stress on Germination of Cenchrus ciliaris L. and Cenchrus setigerus Vahl.: Implications for Rangeland Restoration in the Arid Desert Environment of Kuwait

Drought impacts in arid desert ecosystems can result in decreased ecosystem productivity and biodiversity. Implementation of restoration projects in arid desert environments is largely dependent on water availability and soil moisture condition. This study investigated the influence of induced drought stress by using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) solution on germination viz. Cenchrus ciliaris and Cenchrus setigerus as the important rangeland species. The water stress potential treatments were 0 (control), –0.5 MPa, –1.0 MPa, –1.5 MPa, and –2.0 MPa. The extent of seed germination was severely affected by decreased water stress potential. As drought increased, the percentage of germination decreased in both Cenchrus’ species. The water deficit at –0.5 MPa showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the final germination percentage in the case of C. setigerus and C. ciliaris by 65% and 42.5%, respectively. At –1.0 MPa to –1.5 MPa, changes in intermediate germination were observed in C. ciliaris (from 35% to 17.5%, respectively) and C. setigerus (from 22.5% to 11.25% respectively). Higher levels of water stress (–2.0 MPa) prevented the survival of both species. Understanding the germination strategies of native desert plant species associated with drought stress and identifying favorable conditions during the germination process can be useful for restoration practices and rangeland management actions to improve desert ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.

Culturable bacteria diversity in stem liquid and resina from Populus euphratica and screening of plant growth-promoting bacteria

BackgroundPopulus euphratica Olivier is a kind of tree capable of growing in extremely arid desert and semi-desert environments. In this study, a culture-dependent method was used to analyze the bacterial diversity of stem liquid of P. euphratica and resina of P. euphratica, and to further evaluate plant growth promoting (PGP) activity.ResultsA total of 434 bacteria were isolated from stem fluid and resina of P. euphratica in Ebinur Lake Wetland Nature Reserve and Mulei Primitive forest. The results of taxonomic composition analysis shows that Gammaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria_c are the three dominant groups in all the communities, and the representative genera are Bacillus, Nesterenkonia and Halomonas. The diversity analysis shows that the culturable bacterial community diversity of P. euphratica in Ebinur Lake Wetland Nature Reserve is higher than that in Mulei Primitive forest, and the bacterial community diversity of P. euphratica stem fluid is higher than that of resina. According to PGP activity evaluation, 158 functional bacteria with plant growth promoting potential were screened. Among them, 61 strains havephosphorus solubilizing abilities, 80 strains have potassium solubilizing abilities, 32 strains have nitrogen fixation abilities, and 151 strains have iron ammonia salt utilization abilities. The germination rate, plant height, and dry weight of the maize seedlings treated with strains BB33-1, TC10 and RC6 are significantly higher than those of the control group.ConclusionIn this study, a large number of culturable bacteria were isolated from P. euphratica, which provides new functional bacteria sources for promoting plant growth.

Phytoremediation Potential and Physiological Mechanisms Underlying Metallic Extraction of Suaeda glauca, Artemisia desertorum, and Atriplex canescens

Mining activities have led to serious environmental (soil erosion, degradation of vegetation, and groundwater contamination) and human health (musculoskeletal problems, diarrheal conditions, and chronic diseases) issues at desert mining areas in northwest China. Native plant species grown naturally in desert regions show a unique tolerance to arid and semiarid conditions and are potential candidates for soil phytoremediation. Here, an ex situ experiment involving pot planting of seedlings of three native plant species (Suaeda glauca, Artemisia desertorum, and Atriplex canescens) was designed to explore their phytoremediation potential and the underlying physiological mechanism. For Zn and Cu, the three plants were all with a biological accumulation coefficient (BAC) greater than 1. For Cd, Ni, and Pb, Atriplex canescens had the highest bioaccumulation concentrations (521.52, 862.23, and 1734.59 mg/kg), with BAC values (1.06, 1.30, 1.25) greater than 1, which indicates that Atriplex canescens could be a broad-spectrum metal extraction plant. Physiological analysis (antioxidation, extracellular secretions, photosynthesis, and hydraulics) showed that the three desert plants exploited their unique strategy to protect against the stress of complex metals in soils. Moreover, the second growing period was the main heavy metal accumulation and extraction stage concomitant with highest water use efficiency (iWUE). Taken together, the three desert plants exhibited the potent heavy metal extraction ability and physiological and ecological adaptability to a harsh polluted environment in arid desert areas, providing potential resources for the bioremediation of metal-contaminated soils in an arid and semiarid desert environment.

Surface atmospheric electric field variability at a desert site

Measurements of atmospheric electrical variables in arid desert environments provide a route to assessing dust charging, which affects dust lofting; satellite remote sensing of dust particles; long range transport of elevated dust layers; and may also influence rain droplet size. This paper analyses a new dataset of atmospheric electric field (or Potential Gradient, PG) measurements from an arid site, at Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to investigate the influence of local meteorological and dust processes on the PG, and assess whether global atmospheric electric signals are detectable. With no data selection applied, the diurnal PG variation has a single maximum around 14UT (18LT), which is likely to be associated with the sea breeze, present on 77% of days in the central UAE. Despite the abundance of apparently fine days meteorologically, conventional atmospheric electricity fair weather selection criteria are not effective at removing all locally generated PG variability. Even applying much stricter selection criteria (10 m wind speed(U10 )between 1 and 5 m/s, visual range >25 km, and no present weather), a diurnal variation in PG with a single maximum at 07UT (11LT) remains, likely due to local convection at sunrise. Although the stricter criteria can remove the sea breeze effect – associated with a visual range change - the PG measurements remain dominated by local meteorological and dust processes. This obscures the usual behaviour of the Global Electric Circuit. Exceptionally large PG values (∼kV/m, even for U10 < 8 m/s when no dust events are detectable visually) indicate that such desert regions can be a highly electrified environment, at least during daytime and during the summer convective months. The regular generation of highly charged dust observed is relevant to evaluating charge effects on large range transport of dust, preferential scavenging of charged dust by water droplets and obtaining accurate satellite retrievals of dust concentration.

Expression Regulation of Water Reabsorption Genes and Transcription Factors in the Kidneys of Lepus yarkandensis.

Lepus yarkandensis is a desert-dwelling animal that has various adaptations to cope with drought. The kidney maintains water and acid-base balance mainly through the vasopressin-regulated water reabsorption pathway and proximal tubular bicarbonate reabsorption pathway. In this study, we compared the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and transcription factors in the kidneys of L. yarkandensis and Oryctolagus cuniculus to explore the relationship between the DEGs in kidneys and the animals’ adaptations. Transcriptome sequencing data were used to predict the differentially-expressed water reabsorption genes and their transcription factors. Quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were used to detect and verify the expression of DEGs in the kidney at mRNA and protein levels. Transcriptome analysis of the kidney of L. yarkandensis and O. cuniculus showed that 6,610 genes were up-regulated and 5,727 genes down-regulated in data shared by both species. According to the data, 232 transcription factors and their corresponding target genes were predicted, from which genes and transcription factors related to renal water reabsorption were screened. Quantitative RT-PCR results showed AQP1, AQP2, ADCY3, HIF1A, CREB3, and NFATc1 had higher expression in the L. yarkandensis kidney; in comparison, FXYD2 mRNA expression levels were lower. In western blotting, transcription factors HIF1A, NFATc1, NF-κB1, and critical genes ADCY3, ATPA1, and SLC4A4, were highly expressed in the kidneys of L. yarkandensis. Immunohistochemical results showed that the ADCY3 protein was in the basolateral membrane of the collecting duct, the ATP1A1 protein was in the basolateral membrane and medulla of proximal tubules, and the SLC4A4 protein was in the basolateral membrane of proximal tubules. According to these results can be inferred that HIF1A, NFATc1, and NF-κB1 play a certain role in regulating the expression of genes related to water reabsorption in the kidney of L. yarkandensis, thus improving the water reclamation efficiency of L. yarkandensis, so as to adapt to the arid desert environment.

Identifying and estimating the sources of river flow in the cold arid desert environment of Upper Indus River Basin (UIRB), western Himalayas

A reliable water supply in different Himalayan River basins is increasingly important for domestic, agriculture, and hydropower generation. These water resources are under serious threat due to climate change, with the potential to alter the economic stability of 237 million people living in the Indus River Basin alone. In the present study, we used new stable water isotope data set to identify and estimate the different sources of streamflow and their controlling factors in the Upper Indus River Basin (UIRB), India. The data set presented wide spatial and temporal variability without the distinct isotopic signature of various sources of river flow. However, variable but distinct signatures of sources of river/stream flow exist at the sub-basin or catchment scale. These variabilities are ascribed to changing physiographical, meteorological, and local climatic conditions. Further, the distinct microclimatic conditions including altitudinal variability, aspect slope, etc. govern the spatio-temporal variability of sources and streamflow, hence different lapse rates at sub-basin/catchment scale. The study suggested that the contribution of snowmelt and glacier melt to river flow varies spatially and temporally. The Bayesian mixing model results suggested that snowmelt contribution is higher in Indus (63 ± 1.2%) and Shyok (58 ± 1.7%) while as, glacier melt contribution is higher in Nubra 64 ± 2.3% and Suru 60 ± 2.7% sub-basins/catchments. The groundwater contribution (baseflow) sustains and regulates the flow in rivers/streams during winter and spring, which is very vital for the local water supply. The study suggests that the spatially diverse rugged topography and microclimate in UIRB dominantly control the differential contribution from various sources of river flow. The warming climate, which has resulted in a decrease in solid precipitation, continuous glacier mass loss, early melting of snow cover, etc., would have an inconsistent impact on the perennial flow of rivers with the potential to alter the economic and political stability in the region.

Relationship of root dark septate endophytes and soil factors to plant species and seasonal variation in extremely arid desert in Northwest China

Investigations on host affiliations, seasonal variation and physiological response to drought tolerance of dark septate endophytes (DSE) in extremely arid desert environments can help explain the adaptive mechanisms of these endophytes in desert ecosystems. The colonization and species diversity of DSE and the soil factors in the rhizospheres of five desert shrubs were therefore determined in Anxi extremely arid environment in Northwest China in July, September and December 2020. Subsequently, six DSE strains were selected to test the growth and metabolic response of DSE strains to drought stress in vitro. The sampled plants and seasons significantly influenced the morphology, colonization and species diversity of DSE. Of the 15 DSE species isolated in the roots of these plants, Triangularia allahabadensis was reported in desert ecosystems for the first time. DSE colonization was predominately affected by season and soil factors, while species composition was more corresponded to plant species. The composition of metabolites of DSE strains varied significantly due to levels of drought stress and DSE identity, which indirectly reflected the difference of their traits to respond to drought stress. This study confirmed the establishment of relationship between DSE and roots of xerophytic plants, and proved the drought tolerance of DSE in vitro, providing insight into the application of DSE to assist desert plants to resist drought.

X-ray Microspectroscopy and Ptychography on Nanoscale Structures in Rock Varnish

X-ray microspectroscopy is a powerful analytical method in geoscientific and environmental research as it provides a unique combination of nanoscale imaging with high spectroscopic sensitivity at relatively low beam-related sample damage. In this study, “classical” scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy (STXM) with X-ray absorption spectroscopy and the recently established soft X-ray ptychography are applied to the analysis of selected rock varnish samples from urban and arid desert environments. X-ray ptychography enhances the spatial resolution relative to STXM by up to 1 order of magnitude. With its high chemical sensitivity, it can resolve nanoscale differences in valence states of the key varnish elements manganese (Mn) and iron. Our results emphasize the complex nanoarchitecture of rock varnish as well as the diverse mineralogy of the Mn oxy–hydroxide matrix and its embedded dust grains. In contrast to the fast-growing urban varnish, the slow-growing arid desert varnish revealed a remarkable nanoscale stratification of alternating Mn valence states, providing hints on the layer-wise and still enigmatic growth process.

Research on the Effects of Occupational Stress and the DRD2 Gene on the Psychological Health of Workers in the Xinjiang Desert Oil Field.

Background: This study investigated the relationship between occupational stress and the mental health of people working in oil fields in the arid desert environment of Xinjiang, and revealed the causal relationship between occupational stress and psychological disorders, while furthermore exploring the relationship between psychological disorders and genetic levels.Methods: The participants of this study included oil field company workers from the Xinjiang Petroleum Administration of Karamay City, Xinjiang, who underwent occupational health examinations. The Occupational Stress Inventory Revised Edition (OSI-R) was used to measure the occupational stress of the oil workers. The mental health status of oil workers was evaluated using the Symptoms Checklist-90.Results: Occupational tasks: The total scores of the personal strain and mental health questionnaires were positively correlated with somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, terror, paranoia, and psychosis (P < 0.05). Individual coping resources and the mental health total score was negatively correlated with somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, hostility, terror, paranoia, and psychosis. The following factors were identified as mental health risk factors: female gender; age 45 and above (relative to ≤30 years old); high scores on the personal strain questionnaire; occupational stress; external effort; internal investment; and high effort-low return. The following factors were identified as protective factors for mental health: Han nationality; oil transportation (relative to drilling); individual resilience; and work returns. In respect to the abnormal psychological group and the normal psychological group, statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies at the rs1800497 locus (P < 0.05). The depression and paranoia scores observed between different genotype groups at the rs1800497 locus were statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusions: This study shows that occupational stress and the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene have an impact on the mental health of oil field workers in the arid desert environment of Xinjiang. Effort-reward imbalance and occupational stress were identified as risk factors for mental health, while rewards for work were protective factors. Higher levels of occupational stress may lead to depression and other psychological disorders, adversely affecting mental health. In oil field operators in the arid desert environment of Xinjiang, the AA genotype of the DRD2 gene in the rs1800497 locus was identified as a genotype specific to susceptibility to mental health problems, and a correlation was found between the A allele and an increased risk of psychological problems. Therefore, it is necessary to devise relevant measures to alleviate occupational stress among oil workers and increase their job rewards, so as to improve their mental health.

Effect of dung, ash and runoff water on wheat and barley grain sizes and stable isotope ratios: Experimental studies in ancient desert agriculture (Negev, Israel)

Archaeological excavations in the central Negev desert in terraced wadi fields at Horvat Haluqim revealed remains of two ancient fertilizers: charred plant ash and animal dung. Average annual rainfall in the area is 94 mm. Runoff rainwater from natural hillside catchments, captured by terrace walls, augmented soil moisture in valleys to enable agriculture. Some terraced fields are farmed by Bedouin, who grow wheat and barley. Using these cereal varieties, we conducted novel investigations in this arid desert environment about the effect of plant ash, sheep dung and runoff water on grain sizes, δ13C, Δ13C, and δ15N. Our study included both controlled pot experiments and traditional runoff farming by Bedouin. The pots were filled with local desert loess soil to investigate the effect of four different fertilizer treatments – (1) “None” for baseline data, (2) “Ash”, (3) “Dung”, (4) “Ash & Dung combined” – on the above cereal varieties. The largest cereal grains were produced by treatment 4 (ash & dung), which is a remarkable result, because it independently corroborates the archaeological findings. The pots received equal amounts of tap water, totalling 240 mm for barley and 325 mm for wheat. The Δ13C values of cereal grains in the pot experiments ranged from 15.62 to 17.47‰. Concerning δ15N, sheep dung produced a small increase, as compared to the baseline data, but plant ash fertilizer caused a decrease. Ash and dung together (treatment 4) yielded variable δ15N results. Stable isotopes of the same cereal varieties were also studied in the context of traditional runoff farming by Bedouin in terraced wadi fields in the area. Runoff water reception by terraced fields is by nature highly variable. A negative correlation was found between δ13C of cereal grains and runoff soil moisture. The Δ13C values ranged from 12.59 to 17.44‰. Concerning δ15N, cereal grains from the drier fields had comparatively high values, while the wetter fields yielded the two lowest δ15N values. Nevertheless, other δ15N values from wetter fields were quite high, indicating the effect of additional factors besides runoff water. Though the Bedouin do not add fertilizers to the terraced fields, their sheep and goats graze the cereal stubble after the harvest. This leads to a spatially random and spotty distribution of manure, which may explain the diverging δ15N values.

Optimization and performance enhancement of concentrating solar power in a hot and arid desert environment

The Concentrating Solar Power - Parabolic Trough (CSP-PT) technology with dry-cooled condenser system is an alternative option for arid climate locations such as Kuwait. In this work, the performance of various CSP-PT design configurations is evaluated, including 19 configurations that have been reported in the literature as being optimal. These have optimal Solar Multiple (SM) values based on the lowest Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE).Furthermore, an evaluation of CSP-PT with Thermal Energy Storage (TES), including wind power potential, is performed. It is revealed that coinciding peaks of electrical load, solar, and wind resources promote co-generation from CSP-PT/TES and wind power with significant benefits. Also, the wind speed is found to be at maximum levels at high altitudes in the early daytime and late nighttime. Whereas in the afternoon, it reaches maximum values at low altitudes. The calculated wind shear exponent is between 0.14-0.18 and showing a cyclic behavior. Such findings promote mega-scale wind power generation.From the techno-economic assessment, it is concluded that the SM value for optimal CSP-PT/TES configuration increases with an increasing number of full load hours of storage (NhTES). In addition, the NhTES has significant effects on the annual energy generation, capacity factor, and LCOE. However, the impact of NhTES on the annual overall plant efficiency is insignificant. Furthermore, the optimal SM and lowest LCOE values are determined. Also, the periods of 24 h continuous electricity generation from CSP-PT/TES without fossil backup have been identified.

Architecture for Smart Irrigation System using Internet of Things

The UAE fruits and vegetables market is expected to reach 6,376.9 million, with a CAGR of 9.34% during the forecast period (2019-2024) (Hashim et. al, 2019). The UAE is located in an arid desert environment characterized by its low rainfall rates and lack of freshwater resources such as rivers and lakes. The economic and population growth in the country in the past years have led to increasing the demand of domestic, industrial and agricultural sectors for groundwater resources therefore these resources began to decline sharply. The aim of current project is to present a system for innovative and smart agriculture. Thus, the researcher would like to provide a solution that can provide appropriate quantity of water and other nutrients to improve agriculture sector. The system designed monitors the sensor data, like moisture, humidity, temperature and ultrasonic The idea uses various types of sensors and IoT based techniques to accomplish the current aim. It will help in producing the crops that are healthier with less or no chemicals. The system is helpful to the society of UAE. It will also help to save environment by avoiding groundwater pollution. The feedback provided by the system will improve the implementation of the farming process.”

Heterocarpy diversifies diaspore propagation of the desert shrub Ammopiptanthus mongolicus

AbstractIn the desert, plant diaspore spreading usually relies on both external vectors, such as wind, and internal factors, such as diaspore shape. Ammopiptanthus mongolicus is a heterocarpous shrub species in the cold desert in northwest China. Mature pods may have dehisced or not yet dehisced when abscising, and the dehiscent pods may be twisted or flattened. The propagation distances of diaspores might vary due to differences in their buoyancies in upward air and ground friction according to pod shape. The wind tunnel experiments were conducted to measure the horizontal displacement upon fruit dropping (D1) and the wind‐blown distance traveled by a fallen pod (D2) of A. mongolicus. A generalized linear mixed model and generalized linear model were used to test the effects of pod shape, release height, wind speed and ground substrate type on the spread distance of pods. D1 is jointly determined by the effects of release height and pod shape. Wind speed, pod shape and ground substrate type together affect D2. A twisted pod has higher dispersibility than a flat pod, and dehiscent pods spread further than indehiscent ones. The positive correlation of D1 and D2 indicates that the difference in pod shape additively broadens the range of seed‐spreading distance. Differential seed‐spreading properties could be adaptively advantageous to disperse the risks associated with diasporic dissemination compared with the maintenance of a single optimal dissemination characteristic. Thus, heterodiaspory is an advantageous adaptive characteristic for seed spreading in the windy, arid and harsh desert environment.