Average Index Values Research Articles

Water quality and eutrophication status of the Zarivar Wetland (Iran)

Wetlands are critically impacted by a variety of pollutants, primarily due to their position at the terminus of both surface and subsurface water flows. This study aims to assess the eutrophication status of Zarivar Wetland, situated in Kurdistan Province, Iran. To evaluate the eutrophication levels, the research employed the Iranian Water Quality Index for Surface Water Resources-Conventional Parameters (IRWQISC) and the Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI) during two sampling periods in July and September 2021. The findings indicate that in July, the wetland exhibited an upper-mesotrophic condition, with an average Carlson index value of 52.2, while in September, it transitioned to both upper-mesotrophic and eutrophic conditions, reflected by an average Carlson index value of 60.17. The zoned map of the eutrophication index identified domestic sewage from Marivan city as a significant contributor to elevated eutrophication levels in the southeastern region. Additionally, runoff from irrigated agricultural lands, orchards, and domestic wastewater from surrounding villages contributed to heightened eutrophication in the northeastern and eastern areas of the wetland. A comparative analysis of water quality between July and September 2021 revealed IRWQISC values ranging from 3.57 to 9.72 in July and from 2.63 to 4.72 in September, categorizing them as relatively good and good, respectively. To safeguard Zarivar Wetland, it is recommended to implement measures that prevent livestock waste discharge into the wetland, manage urban and rural sewage systems, control agricultural runoff, and optimize fertilizer application practices.

Risk Assessment of Non-Point Source Pollution Based on the Minimum Cumulative Resistance Model: A Case Study of Shenyang, China

Urban non-point source (NPS) pollution is an important risk factor that leads to the deterioration of urban water quality, affects human health, and destroys the ecological balance of the water environment. Reasonable risk prevention and control of urban NPS pollution are conducive to reducing the cost of pollution management. Therefore, based on the theory of “source–sink” in landscape ecology, combined with the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, this study considered the influence of geographic-environment factors in Shenyang’s built-up area on pollutants in the process of entering the water body under the action of surface runoff, and evaluated its risk. The results indicated that the highest pollution loads are generated by road surfaces. High-density residential zones and industrial zones are the main sources of urban NPS pollution. Impervious surface ratios and patch density were the dominant environmental factors affecting pollutant transport, with contributions of 56% and 40%, respectively. The minimum cumulative resistance to urban NPS pollution transport is significantly and positively correlated with the distance from water bodies and roads. Higher risk areas are mainly concentrated in the center of built-up areas and roads near the Hun River. Green spaces, business zones, public service zones, development zones, and educational zones demonstrate the highest average risk index values, exceeding 29. In contrast, preservation zones showed the lowest risk index (7.3). Compared with the traditional risk index method, the method proposed in this study could accurately estimate the risk of urban NPS pollution and provide a new reference for risk assessments of urban NPS pollution.

Is there relationship between obesity and early postoperative survival after off-pump CABG?

The article studies and analyzes the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity in patients with coronary artery disease, as a leading medical and biological risk factor for the development of diseases of the circulatory system. The presence of obesity is associated with such concomitant diseases as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, type II diabetes. The relationship of excess body weight and obesity with 30-day postoperative mortality, age and gender of patients was analyzed. The body mass index was determined and its value was interpreted in relation to the presence of excess body weight and obesity. It was established that in the sample of patients with coronary heart disease, the average height was 172.3 cm, the average body weight was 81.9 kg; the average value of the body mass index is 29.7 (variations of the body mass index from 18.3 to 44.9). As a result of the analysis of the received data, a high prevalence of excess body weight (45.5%) and obesity (40.1%) among patients with coronary artery disease was found. It was found that among male patients, normal body weight (χ²=8.26; p=0.004) and excess body weight (χ²=66.25; p=0.0001) were significantly more common, compared to female patients. And obesity (χ²=42.49; p=0.0001) and severe obesity (III degree), (χ²=4.21; p=0.04) were significantly more common among female patients. It was found that patients with normal body weight were 3.1 years older, which is reliable relative to obese patients (χ²=25.83; p=0.0001). It was determined that the highest frequency of 30-day mortality was observed in patients with normal body weight (1.1%), while in obese patients the corresponding frequency was 0.6%. It was found that deceased patients with normal body weight were significantly older than deceased patients with obesity (χ²=13.63; p=0.0001) and deceased patients who had excess body weight (χ2=6.10; p=0.01). Keywords: ischemic heart disease, risk factors, clinical and anthropological studies, body mass index, early postoperative mortality.

Food and Feeding Habits of Osteochilus vittatus Valenciennes, 1842 and Barbodes binotatus Valenciennes, 1842, in Tamblingan Lake, Bali

Tamblingan Lake is the smallest lake in Bali and is inhabited by various species of fish, which are from the Cyprinidae family, namely bonylip barb and spotted barb. Information regarding the food and feeding habits of bonylip barb and spotted barb fish in Tamblingan Lake is unavailable. This study aims to determine and analyze the food and feeding habits of bonylip barb and spotted barb fish in Tamblingan Lake. Fish sampling was conducted from January to June 2019 in Tamblingan Lake using modified gill nets with a net size of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 cm. Fishing was carried out at five stations with water characteristics representing the condition of Tamblingan Lake. Bonylip barb fish obtained during the study comprised 216 individuals, while the Spotted barb had 180 individuals. The average value of the relative intestinal length of bonylip barb fish ranged from 4.34 to 5.53, while that of the spotted barb fish was 0.89 to 1.30. The average value of the gastric fullness index of film fish ranges from 1.34 to 4.77, while the spotted barb is 0.32 to 0.42. The total IRI value of bonylip barb fish food in Tamblingan Lake is 924.32, while the spotted barb is 1,232.62, with the highest IRI value in both species coming from plankton. Bonylip barb and spotted barb in Tamblingan Lake developed a generalist feeding strategy with plankton food groups (planktivorous). Information related to these fishes can be used to formulate fish resource management in Tamblingan Lake.

Photosynthetic response of Solidago gigantea Aition and Calamagrostis epigejos L. (Roth) to complex environmental stress on heavy metal contaminated sites

Studies of in situ plant response and adaptation to complex environmental stresses, are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of formation and functioning of ecosystems of anthropogenically transformed habitats. We study short- and long-term responses of photosynthetic apparatus (PSA) and anti-oxidant capacity to complex abiotic stresses of common plants Calamagrostis epigejos and Solidago gigantea in semi-natural (C) and heavy metal contaminated habitats (LZ). We found significant differences in leaf pigment content between both plant species growing on LZ plots and their respective C populations. The average values of leaf chlorophyll indexes were 27% lower in the LZ populations of both species and significantly lower in Sg plants in comparison to Ce ones. The average values of the anthocyanin index in CeLZ and SgLZ populations were significantly higher (by 18%) than in their respective controls. In both Ce and Sg plants occurring on LZ plots, the average leaf flavonol indexes were higher than on their controls by 31% and 15% and this index was significantly higher in SgLZ population than CeLZ and CeC plants (by 34% and 54%, respectively). Both Ce and Sg populations growing on LZ plots showed significantly lower photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) in comparison to controls. On the other hand, a significantly higher photosynthetic rate was detected in SgLZ than in CeLZ populations. The catalase activities were significantly higher than recorded in Sg than in Ce tissues, irrespective of the plot type. They were also higher in LZ populations than those in controls for both species. Moreover, the H2O2 content in Sg tissues was significantly higher than those in Ce. Hydrogen peroxide content in CeLZ and SgLZ were respectively 39% (non-significant) and 57% higher, compared to their controls. The reverse pattern was found in the case of MDA, whose concentration was significantly higher in the leaves of Ce population compared to the control population. The average MDA concentration in CeLZ populations was 17% higher than in the CeC. In the case of Sg no significant differences were found. Mechanisms of plant species adaptation to industrial areas are crucial for species selection and planning effective reclamation of them. The analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence induction curves as well as well as the results of JIP test revealed the decreased of Fj value despite positive ΔK–band in SgLZ and CeLZ plants suggesting the increased rate of electron transfer from QA to QB at the acceptor side of PSII, thus a high quantity of P680+ and/or effective quenching by exogenous molecules. The increase in the I–P part of the induction curve typically attributed to the reduction of electron transporters (ferredoxin, intermediary acceptors, and NADP) of the PSI acceptor side was observed in both SgC and SgLZ but not in CeLZ populations. These changes demonstrate species-specific effects on electron transport during the light phase of photosynthesis under complex environmental stress. Our results show that Sg and Ce individuals developed a range of structural and functional adaptations to protect PSA against complex environmental stresses (possible combination of heavy metals, water deficiency, temperature, nutrient deficiency and salinity). Both species from LZ plots could tolerate high levels of Cd, Zn and Pb in leaf tissues. Therefore they can be potential candidates for use in phytoremediation of HM contaminated areas. However, further long-term field and experimental research on plant traits response and adaptation to complex environmental stresses on industrial habitats are needed.

Study on the chemical composition of gluten-free cereal bars and application of the calculation method for assessing the glycemic index and glycemic load

When developing food products for children, along with the balanced composition in terms of macro- and micronutrients, the presence of biologically active minor components, a large role is played by the indicators of digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients. Glycemic index (GI), as well as glycemic load (GL), which represents the value of GI actual impact taking into account the portion of the product and the content of carbohydrates in it are such indicators. The aim of the study is to study the chemical composition of the gluten-free cereal bars “Morkovnyj” and “Yagodnyj” developed on the basis of expanded grain as well as to determine the GI and GL values. Standard methods were used to study the chemical composition, and a calculation method was used to assess the GI and GL, taking into account the content of essential nutrients in the product, as well as their ability to influence the GI values. It has been established that the protein content in the studied bars averages 5.4 g/100 g of product, and the dietary fiber content ranges from 10.2 g/100 g to 11.9 g/100 g, mainly represented by soluble dietary fiber, which accounts for up to 86.3 %. Carbohydrates are mainly represented by starch - an average of 65.9 % of the total content. The content of mono- and disaccharides averages 17.5 %, of which 50.5 % is glucose. Average glycemic index values of the developed bars are 63 and 64, average glycemic load values of a 30 g portion are 13.6 and 14.3, respectively, despite the fact that in their composition expanded grain accounts up to 62 %, and starch syrup up to 39.6 %. This is probably due to the presence of protein and dietary fiber sources in the recipe, which reduce the degree of absorption of carbohydrates, which is taken into account in the used method of calculating GI and GL. Thus, the obtained data indicate that the gluten-free cereal bars based on expanded grain for children nutrition, intended as a safe snack, are capable of sating the body quickly and for a relatively long time and restoring energy reserves. Adding mandatory labeling with GI and GN values will allow consumers to take a more informed approach to choosing food products, which is especially important for children with dietary restrictions.

Advanced integration of IoT and AI algorithms for comprehensive smart meter data analysis in smart grids

Abstract Smart grids utilize advanced communication, information, and control technologies to build a more friendly power supply system. However, the development of technology leads to the increasing complexity of smart meter (SM) data in the power grid, and analyzing SM data becomes difficult. Therefore, in order to realize the effective analysis and forecasting of users’ electricity consumption behavior, an SM data analysis technique integrating the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence is proposed, which contains three major techniques: meter reading systems, load clustering, and load forecasting, and at last the technique is validated. Finally, the technology is validated. The experimental results showed that the average value of the Davis-Balding index for the proposed method combining recursive graphs and convolutional autoencoders was 1.87, which was significantly lower than the average value of 2.35 for other methods. The average value of the Dunn index was 0.086, which was higher than the 0.065 for the comparison method. In the load forecasting model, the model that employs multi-task learning and a gated cycle unit demonstrates superior performance across all comparison schemes, with the lowest average absolute percentage error of 12.90%. This is significantly lower than the comparison model’s 15.35%, which highlights the enhanced efficacy of the proposed model. The study realizes the effective analysis and prediction of consumers’ electricity consumption behavior and provides new ideas and solutions for the optimization and management of smart grids.

Deadwood Diversity of Boreal and Sub-boreal Old-growth Forests in Southern Finland

In the last century, old-growth forests in boreal and sub-boreal zone have decreased, along with their contribution to biological diversity. In order to carry on management strategies aimed at maintaining deadwood diversity in old-growth forests, it is fundamental to identify simply and readily measurable indicators. This study investigated the deadwood diversity in four old-growth forests in southern Finland. Five indicators of deadwood diversity (deadwood amount and diversity by species, component, decay class, water reservoir in logs) were estimated and analysed. The results showed an average deadwood volume of approximately 85±28 m3·ha−1 diversified by decay class and component. Besides, the results showed average Shannon index values four the four old-growth forests equal to 0.488 for deadwood species diversity, 0.932 for component diversity, and 1.286 for decay class diversity. The set of deadwood diversity indicators used in this study successfully supported the analysis of deadwood diversity in boreal and sub-boreal old-growth forests.

Thermo-energetic performance of two dwellings during a heat wave in the Buenos Aires province, Argentina: On-site response assessment and adaptation strategies testing

This study evaluates the effects of heat waves on habitability conditions, energy consumption and cooling expenses through on-site measurements in two houses in Buenos Aires Province: an urban house located in La Plata, with low thermal quality of the envelope and two air conditioners; and a rural one in Brandsen, with an intermediate thermal quality of the envelope and one fan. Energy strategies were simulated on both houses that, simultaneously, allow the adaptation to heat waves and reduce, or generate the least possible, impact on electricity grids: a photovoltaic (PV) system and a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system. Both locations experienced similar average outdoor temperatures (∼28°C), but La Plata had fewer fluctuations due to heat accumulation in built surroundings. Indoor temperatures were comparable (∼29°C living spaces/∼27°C bedrooms), but the house in La Plata experienced lower thermal fluctuations due to its air-conditioning (ACs) and outdoor temperatures. Average heat index values were alike (∼30°C living spaces/∼29°C bedrooms). Although La Plata’s dwelling had ACs, results show the influence of envelope performance and nighttime ventilation in the Brandsen’s rural setting. Adaptation assessment revealed that PV and GSHP systems are adequate measures to face heat waves; however, they require important incentives to achieve massiveness.

The Relationship of Fish Functional Traits, Physicochemical Characteristics and Exotic Fish (Micropterus salmoides and Lepomis macrochirus)

An invasive species is defined as a biological species introduced, most often through human action, that causes direct harm, such as reducing or driving native species to extinction. This introduction can result in long-term changes to ecosystem structures and ultimately contribute to a decline in biodiversity within areas where it was not previously present. Thus, continuous monitoring and management are essential. This study examined the impact of two exotic species, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), on fish diversity in rivers across South Korea. Data from the “Stream Ecosystem Survey and Health Assessment” project, which was conducted along five major river basins between 2013 and 2021, were analyzed. The data were divided into three periods: 2013–2015, 2016–2018, and 2019–2021, covering a total of 960 sites. The results revealed that largemouth bass and bluegill were present at 360 sites (37.5%) from 2013 to 2015, 325 sites (33.9%) from 2016 to 2018, and 356 sites (37.1%) from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, when comparing sites where exotic fish were present with those where they were absent, the average number of native species was slightly higher in areas where these invasive species were present, yet the average Fish Assessment Index (FAI) value was lower. Statistically significant differences were observed in fish diversity, especially in trophic and tolerance traits. This study provides valuable insight into the impact of invasive species on South Korean river ecosystems and offers important information for developing future conservation and management strategies for biological resources.

STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS PLANKTON DI DANAU BATUR, KECAMATAN KINTAMANI, PROVINSI BALI

Plankton is the most important component of aquatic life and plays an important role in the food chain. Plankton is divided into two, namely animal plankton called zooplankton and plant plankton called phytoplankton. This research aims to determine the plankton community structure and water quality parameters in Lake Batur, Kintamani District, Bali Province. The research was conducted in January-March 2024 at Lake Batur. The research method used was a quantitative descriptive method. The sampling technique used was the purposive sampling method. The identification results show that there are 4 classes of phytoplankton, namely Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Chlorophyceae. The phytoplankton abundance value is in the range of 1.943-6.568 ind/L, the average diversity index value is 1.030, the average uniformity index value is 0.391, the average dominance index value is 0.461 so it is included in oligotrific and mesotrific waters. The results of zooplankton observations found 4 classes containing 5 genera, namely Branchiopoda, Ostracoda, Maxillopoda and Lobosea. The average value of zooplankton abundance ranges from 35-145 ind/L, the average value of the zooplankton diversity index is 1.388, the average value of the zooplankton uniformity index is 0.863, the average value of the zooplankton dominance index is 0.289, so it is included in the mesotrophic waters category. The results of observations of chemical and physical parameters obtained an average value of temperature of 27-28oC, brightness of 4-5 m, pH of 8.5, DO of 6.53-6.73 mg/L, nitrate of 0.41- 0.938 mg/L, and phosphate, namely 0.705-0.111 mg/L. The water quality conditions in Lake Batur show that the waters are still suitable for plankton growth. Keywords: Lake Batur; Water quality; Plankton Community Structure

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil-crop System in Different Ecological Regions of Ningxia

Heavy metals are characterized by toxicity，non-biodegradability，and accumulation in the food chain；hence，o the distribution of heavy metals in farmland soils and crop food safety have attracted much attention. A total of 1 274 soil samples and crop samples were collected from farmland in Ningxia from 2017 to 2021 and bioconcentration coefficients were used based on the analysis of the elemental contents of Zn，Cr，Ni，Cu，Pb，As，Cd，and Hg. The ecological risk index and correlation analysis were used to characterize the heavy metal content and health risk assessment of the soil-crop system in Ningxia. The results showed that the soils in the study area were alkaline and the mechanical composition was dominated by pulverized and sandy grains，with a relatively small content of clay grains. The heavy metal contents in the soils were in the following order：Zn>Cr>Ni>Cu>Pb>As>Cd> Hg. Except for that of Cu and Ni，the contents of other heavy metals in the soils of the northern region were higher than those of the central and southern regions. The ecological risk index of soil heavy metals was Hg>Cd>As>Cu>Pb>Ni>Cr>Zn and the proportion of points with low and medium ecological risk index levels was high（98.58%），indicating that the soil environment was generally good. The average content of the eight heavy metals in crops did not exceed the limit value，and the average health risk index value was <1. However， the health risk index（HRI）of As in individual crops existed at points >1 in all three sub-regions and individual points with high values of HRI（HRI>1）for Cu and Ni were observed in crops in the northern region and for Pb in the north and south of the country，which require further attention. From the bioconcentration factor，crops showed no accumulation effect （BCF<1）for heavy metals such as As，Cd，Cr，Cu，Ni，Pb，and Zn and although the average uptake of Hg by crops did not show accumulation，a total of 31 crops in the three ecological zones showed some accumulation（BCF>1），which also requires further monitoring. Analysis using the Mantel's test showed that except for As and Ni in crops，which had a weak correlation with Cu content in the soil（0.05>Mantel's P>0.01），the other heavy metals in crops did not have a significant correlation with the corresponding soil heavy metals （Mantel's P≥0.05），indicating that the heavy metal contents in crops were less affected by soil heavy metals. RDA analysis showed that the sand content had a strong positive correlation with the transfer coefficients of heavy metals such as Hg，Ni，Pb，and Cd，while the powder content showed a strong negative correlation；however，the transfer coefficients of Cu，Zn，As，and Cr were not much affected by the mechanical composition of soils，and the correlation between the soil organic matter content and the transfer coefficients of heavy metals was also small. In summary，the quality of the soil environment and crops in the study area is generally good；however，attention must still be paid to the areas with high heavy metal content or exceeding the standard value to strictly control the input of pollutants，and at the same time，establishing long-term monitoring of the quality status of soil and agricultural products in the crop production area is a necessary control initiative.

A novel methodology for assessing resources and environmental carrying capacity with emphasis on ecosystem services: A multi-disciplinary approach to sustainable urban planning

Due to increased human activities, urban areas face challenges in maintaining their environment and natural resources in support of development. As a result, it is necessary to plan according to the availability of resources and the state of the environment to achieve sustainable development. For this purpose, Carrying capacity (CC) can be used to assess the sustainability of cities as complex Social-Ecological Systems (SES). By emphasizing Ecosystem Services (ESs) and regional thresholds, this paper proposes a novel methodology to evaluate Urban Resources and Environmental Carrying Capacity (URECC). At first, an integrated simulation model is developed by combining an ecosystem services simulation model, a surface and ground water simulation model, a priority-based water allocating model, and a demands (i.e., water, food, and energy) estimation model. To evaluate URECC, various measurement indicators are developed and combined with a multi-stage decision-making (MSDM) method. Also, the decision-making sequences of management strategies and climate change scenarios are used to evaluate changes in the future. Based on the results, in the two base stages (2013–2016) and (2017–2020), without applying strategies, the average value of pressure-support, distance, and composite indices changed by +1.5%, −75.6%, and −66.7%, respectively, indicating a decrease in the CC. The future period (i.e., 2021–2040) was divided into four-year decision-making stages. According to the results, with the implementation of top sequences of strategies, the average values of pressure-support, distance, and composite indices would surpass those of maintaining the current trend by 49.4%, 123.5%, and 63.7%, respectively. In conclusion, management actions such as the development of semi-centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment networks, the simultaneous expansion of green space and built-up land, the implementation of artificial recharge, the improvement of irrigation efficiency, the management of urban water consumption, and the use of vegetation with low to medium water demands are effective for strengthening the URECC.

Does Targeting CPP at CPPopt Actually Improve Cerebrovascular Reactivity? A Secondary Analysis of the COGiTATE Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background The 'CPPopt-Guided Therapy: Assessment of Target Effectiveness' (COGiTATE) randomised controlled trial demonstrated the feasibility and safety of targeting an automated cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) tailored to optimize cerebrovascular autoregulation (CPPopt) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring intracranial pressure management. The average values of the autoregulation index known as the pressure reactivity index (PRx) were not different between the intervention (CPP target = CPPopt) and control (CPP target = 60–70 mmHg) groups of the trial. This secondary analysis was performed to investigate whether: (1) in the intervention group, PRx was closer to PRxopt (PRx at CPPopt) values, indicating a more preserved reactivity, as opposed to in the control group; (2) in the intervention group, patients experienced lower hourly PRx when CPP was close to the CPPopt-based target. Methods We analyzed data from the 28 and 32 patients randomized to the control and intervention groups of the COGiTATE study, respectively. We compared hourly averaged ΔPRx (PRx minus PRxopt, where PRxopt is PRx at CPPopt) between the two groups, focusing on periods of globally preserved/homogeneous autoregulation (negative PRxopt). For each patient in the intervention group, PRx values in periods when ΔCPP (CPP minus CPPopt target) was between −5 and + 5 mm Hg were compared to values in periods when ΔCPP was outside this range. Results The median ΔPRx was significantly lower in the intervention group for negative PRxopt (Mann–Whitney U-test, p &lt; 0.001). For each patient in this group, the median PRx was lower in periods when CPP was close to the CPPopt-based target (Wilcoxon test, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions Despite no statistically significant difference in the grand mean PRx, our results suggest that targeting CPPopt does provide a way of improving cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with TBI, offering a rational intervention for trials that address this issue. We also bring insight into aspects of the PRx/CPP relationship that should be considered for autoregulation-guided management for future clinical protocols and trials design.

Heavy Metals in Water and Sediments and Their Impact on Water Quality in Andean Micro-watersheds: A Study of the Colorado and Alajua Rivers in the Ambato River Watershed, Tungurahua, Ecuador

The present study aims to characterize the water and sediment quality of the Colorado and Alajua rivers within Ecuador’s Ambato River watershed, with a specific focus on the presence of heavy metals. Measurements were conducted at five sampling points along the upper and lower zones of each river, where both physicochemical and microbiological parameters, as well as concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediments, were analyzed. Most parameters exhibited statistically significant differences, as determined by the analysis of variance (ANOVA), between the values observed in the upper and lower zones of the micro-watersheds. Water quality in the mentioned rivers was assessed using specific water quality indices, WQI, namely the NSF-WQI and Dinius WQI. Additionally, the impact of heavy metal presence in the water and sediments was evaluated using the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI). While most parameters met the Ecuadorian quality standards for water sources intended for human consumption, concerns emerged regarding elevated levels of total and fecal coliforms along both rivers, which could limit the suitability of these rivers as a water source for human use and consumption. At various sampling points, water quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic life were not met for several heavy metals. For example, the Colorado River exhibited elevated levels of zinc (59-76 μg.L-1), copper (12-47 μg.L-1), lead (1.2-3.9 μg.L-1 ), iron (0.33-0.37 mg.L-1 ), and manganese (0.37-0.47 mg.L-1), while the Alajua River showed excess copper (11 μg.L-1), iron (0.61-0.72 mg.L-1), and manganese (0.62-0.98 mg.L-1). Geological factors likely contribute to the concentration of heavy metals in the upper segments of the rivers, while agricultural runoff may contribute to concentrations in the lower segments. Sediments exhibited higher average values of the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) (20.6-26.7) compared to water samples (13.9-15.4), indicating a potential accumulation of heavy metals in the river sediments. Overall, both rivers exhibited contamination levels ranging from regular to moderate, as indicated by the calculated average Water Quality Indices (WQI), with certain areas showing slight contamination or meeting acceptable standards. These results highlight the influence of anthropogenic activities on water quality, emphasizing the necessity of continuous monitoring to assess and control their impact.

Spray pyrolysis–derived V2O5 thin films as an alternative electrochromic layer for electrochromic devices

In this study, vanadium oxide films were produced in the vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) films phase as an alternative electrochromic layer for electrochromic devices by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique at 300°C. The V2O5 films were subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures (400°C–450°C–500°C) and the ellipsometric, structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of the films were investigated. The optical parameters of the V2O5 films were calculated by different theoretical methods and compared with the ellipsometric results. The average thickness and refractive index values are 172 nm and 2.29, respectively. The V2O5 films showed high optical absorbance in the visible region and bandgap energy values ranged from 2.10 to 2.44 eV. The resistivity and roughness of the films decreased. The average roughness was determined to be 45 nm on average. These results suggest that V2O5 phase films, whose physical properties are improved by annealing without phase change, can be considered as promising electrochromic layers for electrochromic devices applications.

Determination of pollution load and river water quality status using the pollution index method (case study: Way Sekampung Watershed, Lampung Province, Indonesia)

Abstract Way Sekampung watershed is a significant watershed from the Seputih Sekampung River in Lampung Province. Along the Way Sekampung watershed, there are several WTP intakes. However, the watershed is surrounded by rice field irrigation flows, domestic waste disposal, and tributary estuaries that can potentially reduce water quality values. This study aimed to identify water quality and calculate the water pollution load and the value of water quality status in the Way Sekampung watershed. The parameters tested include temperature, pH, TSS, BOD, DO, ammonia, and total coliform. In this study, the method used to identify water quality is the Pollution Index (IP) method, and for pollution loads, the APL and MPL methods are used. The research area is divided into four segments consisting of 4 water quality sampling points and 1 point source pollution load point. The results obtained parameters that do not meet the quality standards at all points are BOD, COD, and Total Coliform parameters. In calculating pollution load, three parameters are excessive: the Total Coliform parameter 36,295,776 kg/day, COD 738,555.84 kg/day, and BOD 216,691.2 kg/day. The water quality status of the Way Sekampung watershed, with an average total index value of 5.069, is categorized as moderately polluted.

Assessment of the dynamics of heavy metal contamination in the alluvial aquifer of the Drean plain, El Taref (North-Eastern Algeria) using GIS indices and water quality analysis

The study was conducted to assess the quality of shallow groundwater in the Drean plain, with a focus on the concentration of heavy metals. The indices employed included the water quality index (WQI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and metal index (MI). Spatial distribution maps of heavy metals, as well as pollution indices, were developed based on twenty samples. The physicochemical parameters, including T, pH, EC, DO, and TDS, were measured using standard techniques. Heavy metals, including iron (Fe), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd), were analysed through spectrophotometry. The average concentrations of Mn, Cr, Cd, and Pb exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards, with respective values of 0.16 mg/L, 0.06 mg/L, 0.28 mg/L, and 0.38 mg/L. According to the water quality index (WQI), which ranges from 21 to 800, approximately 50% of the water samples was classified as highly polluted and therefore not recommended for consumption. According to the metal index (MI), the average value is 6.77, with 80% classified as highly polluted. The average value of the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was 2201, indicating that the water in the plain is severely polluted for consumption, with 100% of the samples classified as unfit for consumption. The study underlines the urgency of reducing the health risks to the urban population and recommends continuous monitoring of the area to assess the evolution of the pollution.

Differences in The Effectiveness of Buerger Allen Exercise and Foot Exercises on Peripheral Perfusion in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus results in both microvascular and macrovascular complications due to inadequately managed glucose levels over an extended period. A notable complication is peripheral neuropathy, which arises from compromised peripheral circulation. Implementing Buerger Allen Exercises and Foot Exercises can enhance circulation and mitigate these complications, with effectiveness assessed using the ankle-brachial index. This study aims to evaluate the differential efficacy of Buerger Allen Exercises compared to Foot Exercises in improving peripheral perfusion among patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus affiliated with the Patrang Community Health Center. The research employs a quasi-experimental design featuring a pretest-posttest two-group format. The study sample consists of 30 respondents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The intervention, which included both Buerger Allen Exercises and Foot Exercises, was conducted once and lasted 20 minutes. The results indicate that the Buerger Allen Exercise group exhibited an average ankle-brachial index value of 0.992, while the Foot Exercise group yielded an average value of 0.900. The obtained p-value (0.004) was less than or equal to the alpha level of 0.005. Therefore, a statistically significant difference exists between the Buerger Allen Exercise intervention group and the Foot Exercise group. In conclusion, the Buerger Allen Exercise intervention is more effective than the Foot Exercise regimen in enhancing peripheral perfusion, as evidenced by the measured ankle-brachial index values.

Hydrochemical assessment of groundwater utilizing statistical analysis, integrated geochemical methods, and EWQI: a case study of Laiwu region, North China.

The investigation of groundwater quality and hydrochemical assessment holds immense significance in safeguarding and ensuring the rational utilization of groundwater resources. This study utilizes groundwater sampling and testing data from the Laiwu region (LWR), encompassing both dry and wet seasons, to delve into the hydrochemical characteristics, ion sources, and overall groundwater quality. The research findings indicate that the groundwater in LWR exhibits weak alkalinity, with the dominant ions being Ca2+ followed by Mg2+, Na+, and K+, and HCO3-, SO42-, NO3-, Cl-, and F-. The average total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations during the dry and wet seasons are recorded as 683mg/L and 679mg/L, respectively, classifying LWR's groundwater primarily as hard-fresh water. The spatial pattern of TDS concentration in LWR displays consistency throughout both the dry and wet seasons, with relatively low TDS levels observed in the northern and southeastern regions and higher concentrations in the lower reaches of the Dawen River and nearby Gangcheng. Predominantly, Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3- ions in groundwater originate from the dissolution of calcite and dolomite, with the hydrogeochemical process of carbonate rock weathering involving the presence of sulfuric acid. It is noteworthy that human activities significantly impact the chemical composition of groundwater in LWR. Notably, during the dry and wet seasons, the average concentration of NO3- in groundwater is 102.81 and 106.61mg/L respectively, and the analysis shows that agricultural practice is the main source. Furthermore, the calculated average values of the entropy water quality index (EWQI) during those seasons are 58.44 and 57.24, respectively. The EWQI shows good to moderate water quality in most areas, except for a few poor-quality spots in the west. It is worth mentioning that LWR's groundwater is deemed suitable for agricultural irrigation. These research findings provide valuable insights and serve as a significant reference for the rational development and sustainable utilization of groundwater resources in the LWR region.