Calculation Of Index Research Articles

The trade of algae for human consumption: The common market competitiveness and impacts of the European Union legislation

The food chain has been confronting diverse limits and challenges. Indeed, the increase in level of environmental pollution, in resource scarcity, in biodiversity loss represents some limits, while guaranteeing the food security of a growing population and develop more sustainable production and consumption systems represents some challenges. In this context, including new foods within the European diet can be a sustainable strategy. With respect to the introduction of foods into the market that do not boast a history of safe consumption within the European Union has prompted regulatory interventions that have aimed to control the level of risk assessment of new products before granting permission for their marketing. This paper aimed in glimpsing the potential effect of this legislation on the trade flow of algae as a novel food, and in assessing the level of self-sufficiency and the comparative advantage of European Union countries. For this purpose, the calculation of specific indices allowed the track of the evolutionary trend of algae for human consumption trade flows, referred to the intra and extra European Union countries. Conclusively, the paper presents an interpretation of the relative trade structure, trade pattern and agri-food competitiveness referred to algae for human consumption while underling the limitation but also the benefit of the legislation intervention in this sector.

Image-Based Artificial Intelligence in Psoriasis Assessment: The Beginning of a New Diagnostic Era?

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, affects millions of people worldwide. It imposes a significant burden on patients' quality of life and healthcare systems, creating an urgent need for optimized diagnosis, treatment, and management. In recent years, image-based artificial intelligence (AI) applications have emerged as promising tools to assist physicians by offering improved accuracy and efficiency. In this review, we provide an overview of the current landscape of image-based AI applications in psoriasis. Emphasis is placed on machine learning (ML) algorithms, a key subset of AI, which enable automated pattern recognition for various tasks. Key AI applications in psoriasis include lesion detection and segmentation, differentiation from other skin conditions, subtype identification, automated area involvement, and severity scoring, as well as personalized treatment selection and response prediction. Furthermore, we discuss two commercially available systems that utilize standardized photo documentation, automated segmentation, and semi-automated Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) calculation for patient assessment and follow-up. Despite the promise of AI in this field, many challenges remain. These include the validation of current models, integration into clinical workflows, the current lack of diversity in training-set data, and the need for standardized imaging protocols. Addressing these issues is crucial for the successful implementation of AI technologies in clinical practice. Overall, we underscore the potential of AI to revolutionize psoriasis management, highlighting both the advancements and the hurdles that need to be overcome. As technology continues to evolve, AI is expected to significantly improve the accuracy, efficiency, and personalization of psoriasis treatment.

Is the golden ratio present in the coxal bone? An anatomical pilot study.

The coxal bone is crucial for movement, stability, and childbirth. Although most morphometric studies estimate gender and age, ratio, correlation and index calculations, there are no studies on the golden ratios in the coxal bone. Inspired by this idea, we investigated the presence of the golden ratio in the coxal bones. In this study, 95 adult dry coxal bones were measured using a digital caliper. Morphometric measurements were conducted based on 18 identified parameters. 12 of these parameters were related to the distances between two points in various parts of the bone. New ratios were determined with those measurements. In our study, we detected a constant coefficient between the following lengths: anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)- posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS)- posterior inferior iliac spine (PIIS), vertical and transverse diameters of the acetabulum (AC), ASIS-AC and AIIS-AC, PSIS-AC and PIIS-AC, ASIS-auricular surface and AIIS-auricular surface, ASIS-symphyseal surface and AIIS-symphyseal surface (respectively, 1.29, 1.05, 1.18, 2.32, 1.26, 1.32). In order to check the accuracy of this hypothesis, length of between AIIS-PIIS, transverse diameter of the acetabulum, length of between PIIS-AC, length of between AIIS-AC, shortest distance between AIIS-auricular surface, length of between AIIS-symphyseal surface were estimated with the help of new equations. We detected constant ratios between some lengths in the coxal bone. Estimated distances should be taken into account during surgical procedures to prevent complications. In this context, the constant ratios identified in our study will serve as a guide for surgeons.

Designing and psychometric evaluation of safe nursing care instrument in intensive care units

BackgroundProviding safe care in a sensitive and high-risk unit such as the ICU is one of the most crucial tasks for nurses. One way to establish the criteria for safe care is by creating a instrument to assess it. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of designing and psychometrically evaluating an instrument for safe nursing care in the ICU.MethodsThe current study employed a sequential-exploratory mixed-method approach with two qualitative and quantitative phases. Based on the results of qualitative phase and the literature review, the primary instrument was designed. In the quantitative phase, the designed instrument underwent psychometric evaluation. Face, content and construct validity were assessed. Face validity was assessed by 20 nurses, and content validity was assessed by 26 experts. In the construct validity stage, the sample size for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) included 300 nurses, and for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) included 200 nurses who work full-time in the ICUs of hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in western Iran. EFA sampling was conducted in three hospitals, encompassing six ICUs, while CFA sampling was carried out in two hospitals, covering four ICUs. Sampling was done using the convenience method. The reliability of the instrument was also assessed. Finally, the interpretability, feasibility, weighting, and scoring of the instrument were evaluated.ResultsThe qualitative phase identified three themes, including professional behavior (with categories: Implementation of policies, organizing communication, professional ethics), holistic care (with categories: systematic care, comprehensive care of all systems), and safety-oriented organization (with categories: human resource management and safe environment). The primary instrument was designed with 107 items rated on a five-point Likert scale. In the quantitative phase, the psychometrics of the instrument were conducted. First, the face and content validity were assessed, and the average scale content validity index (S-CVI) was 0.94. Then, a preliminary test was conducted to assess the initial reliability (α = 0.92) and the correlation of each item with the total score. After completing these steps, the number of items in the instrument was reduced to 52. The results of the EFA explained 58% of the total variance, with 4 factors identified: professional behavior by following guidelines, comprehensive care, accurate documentation, and pressure ulcer care. At the CFA stage, the results of the calculation of indices and goodness of fit showed that the model had a good fit. The reliability of the relative stability by examining the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the whole instrument in 20 samples was 0.92 with a confidence interval of 0.97 − 0.81. To measure absolute stability and determine the responsiveness of the instrument, the standard error of measurement (SEM) was 4.39 and the minimum detectable change (MDC) was 12.13.ConclusionThe instrument for safe nursing care in the ICU has favorable psychometric properties.

Evaluating Health Risks Associated With Fluoride and Nitrate Contaminants in Drinking Water to Residents Living in the Chikkaballapur Taluk of Karnataka, India

ABSTRACTAddressing fluoride and nitrate contamination in groundwater is crucial for safeguarding public health. Fluoride contamination in groundwater can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, along with potential neurotoxic effects. Nitrate contamination can lead to methemoglobinemia in infants and increase cancer risk due to the formation of nitrosamines. The major goal of this study was to examine groundwater quality in the Chickkaballapur urban (CBU) and Chikkaballapur rural (CBR) parts of the Chikkaballapur taluk (CBT), Karnataka, and to investigate the potential health hazards associated with the presence of fluoride and nitrate contaminants. Hazard quotient and total hazard index (THI) calculation methods, as suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, were used in the present study to evaluate non‐carcinogenic risks for individuals of various age categories, including men, women, and children (MWC). A total of 112 samples from rural areas and 41 samples from urban areas of Chikkaballapur taluk were collected during the post‐monsoon season. According to the study's findings, groundwater samples from CBU and CBR surpassed acceptable fluoride concentration limits by 41% and 40%, respectively, while samples from CBR exceeded acceptable nitrate limits by 17%, set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (1 mg/L for fluoride and 45 mg/L for nitrate). All CBU samples remained within the acceptable nitrate limits. The total non‐carcinogenic health risks for MWC ranged from 0.34 to 2.18, 0.40 to 2.58, and 0.46 to 2.95, respectively, for CBU, and from 0.16 to 6.51, 0.19 to 7.69, and 0.21 to 8.80, respectively, for CBR. Furthermore, a significant percentage of the groundwater samples that were collected in CBU (60.98%, 68.29%, and 75.61%) and CBR (48.21%, 62.50%, and 73.21%) exceeded the THI limit for MWC (THI = 1). Hence, based on the health risk assessment, it is evident that children in the study area have greater health risks than men and women.

Enhancing UAV-Based Precision Agriculture: A Deep Learning Approach to Targeted Maize Disease Management

Corn/maize is the third most globally produced crop, and there are over eighty diseases impacting it, creating significant concerns in the agricultural sector. As a result, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their ability to spray specifically diseased crops have become increasingly popular. When using UAVs, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calculations are frequently used to determine whether a crop should be sprayed with pesticides. However, NDVI alone is not a sufficient metric. NDVI indicates plant stress in general, which could be drought or poor soil quality, and this will not be addressed by pesticides. The solution is then to create a custom deep learning model that uses a sufficiently low NDVI value as a starting point. Once a low NDVI value is detected, the same near infrared imagery used to retrieve the NDVI calculations will be used in the model where object detection will be used to determine whether there are diseased lesions on the maize. Near infrared imagery has been proven to increase the detection of maize diseases, achieving a higher accuracy than RGB imagery. The model will mimic aspects of YOLOv10 to facilitate rapid detection times, providing the opportunity for real-time spraying. While scholars have modified YOLOv5 to achieve detection times as low as 0.064 s/sheet, a custom deep learning model used only on the contingency of low NDVI values is less computationally intensive and should then take less time overall. Finally, Keyhole Markup Language (KML) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be used to create an output map indicating where pesticides were sprayed. The research will reduce the number of false positive results, which will limit the quantity of pesticides used, consequently reducing financial costs and negative environmental impacts.

Research and Modification on the Park-Ang Damage Index for Railway Rectangular Piers

ABSTRACT This study addressed the issue of distortion in evaluating the seismic damage state of railway bridge piers using the original Park-Ang damage index. By constructing a parameterized co-simulation program with two finite element models, OpenSees and Abaqus, five sets of flexural failure and five sets of flexural-shear failure rectangular pier quasi-static test results were selected to validate the rationality of the calculation program. Four hundred and eighty parameterized calculations were conducted using this program. The combination coefficient β and critical damage index DI within the Park-Ang damage index were modified using nonlinear regression algorithm and convolutional neural network algorithm. The adaptability of the damage index calculation was ultimately verified through an engineering case study of a simply supported beam bridge. The research findings are as follows: 1) The main factor influencing β is the longitudinal reinforcement ratio, while the axial compression ratio, shear span ratio, volumetric stirrup ratio, aspect ratio, concrete strength, and steel strength are secondary parameters influencing β. 2) Compared to the nonlinear regression algorithm, the convolutional neural network algorithm can better establish a calculation model between pier structural parameters and β, clarifying their relationship. 3) It is recommended to use critical values of 0.11, 0.29, 0.49, and 1.00 for assessing pier damage as no, slight, moderate, severe, and collapse damage when using the damage index calculation model. 4) The Park-Ang index corrected by convolutional neural networks demonstrates improved accuracy and computational stability, making it suitable for practical assessment of seismic damage in bridge structures.

From Leaves to Reproductive Organs: Chemodiversity and Chemophenetics of Essential Oils as Important Tools to Evaluate Piper mollicomum Kunth Chemical Ecology Relevance in the Neotropics.

Piper mollicomum Kunth (Piperaceae) plays a vital role in the preservation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest by contributing to the regeneration of deforested areas. Recent scientific investigations have analyzed the chemical constituents and seasonal dynamics of essential oils (EO) from various Piper L. species, highlighting the need to elucidate their chemical-ecological interactions. This study aims to expand the chemical-ecological knowledge of this important taxon in neotropical forests, using P. mollicomum as a model. The methodologies employed include the collection of plant material, EO extraction by hydrodistillation, analysis of EO by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), recording the frequency of visits by potential pollinators and microclimatic variables, and by conducting calculations of chemodiversity and chemophenetic indices. Chemical analyses indicated that the diversity of EO and environmental factors are linked to the activities of potential pollinators. In the Tijuca Forest, P. mollicomum revealed significant interactions between its volatile constituents and microclimatic variables, showing that the chemodiversity of the leaves and reproductive organs correlates with pollinator visitation. Additionally, a notable difference in chemical evenness was observed between these vegetative structures. The chemophenetic indices by Ramos and Moreira also revealed correlations with chemical diversity.

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC GREEN SPACES IN AN URBAN SETTLEMENT

The article examines the current land use of green spaces as an integral part of the urban economy through the example of a city in central Ukraine, Kropyvnytskyi. It analyses the regulatory framework for the functioning of green spaces. The study also includes an analysis of the geospatial distribution of public green spaces and their structure by number and area in the regional centre. The authors estimate the green areas covered with tree plantations based on vegetative indicators using remote sensing data. The Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) allowed for clarifying the boundaries of green areas, their area, and the density of green mass of vegetation. This index helps to identify the spatial-temporal trends of vegetation, which are necessary to support scientific-grounded management decisions for city governance. The results of determining the NDVI are presented in the example of the park-monument of landscape art ‘Dendropark’. For vegetation in good condition, its value exceeds 0.7, corresponding to 58 % of the area. The Shannon Diversity Index has been used to assess the distribution of land use types in the green areas of general use. We identified six types of green area land use in Kropyvnytskyi city and performed the index calculations according to these types of land use. The calculation of the provision of public green spaces for city residents confirmed its low value compared to the standards. The research’s results determined that Kropyvnytskyi city needs to create new green zones, preserve existing ones, inventory, and develop a database of all green areas. Planting areas of new residential buildings and applying the experience of other countries to increase green areas due to alternative landscaping types (vertical landscaping, green roofs, and others) will allow for an expansion in the green areas of settlements, especially in large cities. The practical importance of the research results is their potential use for creating a strategy to develop and preserve green plantings in the city of Kropyvnytskyi for future years. Keywords: vegetation index, land use, diversity index, green areas, parks.

Optical Coherence Tomography of Van Der Waals Heterostructures Using Extreme Ultraviolet Light

AbstractNew experimental methods with high out‐of‐plane spatial sensitivity combined with ultrafast temporal resolution can revolutionize the understanding of charge‐ and heat‐transfer dynamics occurring at interfaces. In this work, a step forward is taken in this direction by applying coherence tomography with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light to different van der Waals heterostructures, which enables a 3D sample reconstruction with nanoscopic axial resolution. Furthermore, the measurements and, more in general, the approach is confirmed by ab initio calculations of the refractive index of layered materials that we compare to existing databases of empirical data. The EUV coherence tomography contrast is estimated in a broad spectral range (photon energy 65 –100 eV). This work sets the basis for the development of a new spectroscopy tool that, thanks to the temporal profile of EUV light sources and the high axial resolution of coherence tomography, can become the ideal probe of ultrafast processes occurring in van der Waals heterostructures and buried nanoscale opto‐electronic devices.

Comprehensive monitoring of contamination and ecological-health risk assessment of potentially harmful elements in surface water of Maroon-Jarahi sub-basin of the Persian Gulf, Iran.

The increase in heavy metal concentration in water bodies due to rapid industrial and socio-economic development significantly threatens ecological and human health. This study evaluated metal pollution and related risks to ecology and human health in the Maroon-Jarahi river sub-basin in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea basin, southwest Iran, using various indicators. A total of 70 water samples were taken from the sampling sites in the Maroon, Allah, and Jarahi sub-basins and analyzed for nine heavy metals. According to the results, the mean concentration of metals in the sampling locations across the entire sub-basin of Maroon-Jarahi was observed as follows Iron (528.22µg/L), zinc (292.62µg/L), manganese (56.47µg/L), copper (36.23µg/L), chromium (11.78µg/L), arsenic (7.09µg/L), lead (3.43µg/L), nickel (3.23µg/L), and cadmium (1.38µg/L). Most of the metals were detected at the highest concentration in the sub-basin of the Jarahi River. The Water Quality Index (WQI) index in the basin varied from 18.74 to 22.88, indicating well to excellent quality. However, the investigation of the pollution status at the monitoring stations, based on the classification of Degree of Contamination (CD) and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) indices, revealed that they are in the category of relatively high pollution (16 < CD < 32) to very high (32 ≤ CD), and in the low pollution category (HPI < 15) to high pollution (HPI < 30), respectively. According to the three sub-basins, the highest amount of WQI, HPI, and Cd was observed in the stations located in the sub-basins of the Jarahi River. The calculation of Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) also indicated that only 10% of the monitoring stations are in moderate pollution (10 < HEI < 20), while in other monitoring stations the HEI level is less than 10. The Potential ecological risk factors ( ) of an individual metal was obtained as follows: Cd (173.70) > As (131.99) > Zn (57.52) > Cu (55.39) > Ni (48.98) > Cr (21.57) > Pb (0.71), revealing that Cd and As are the main elements responsible for creating ecological risk in the studied area. The Maroon-Jarahi watershed included areas with ecological risks that ranged from low (PERI ≤ 150) to very high (PERI ≥ 600). HI and ILCR health indicators indicated that consumption and long-term contact with river water in the study area can cause potential risks to human health, especially children. Moreover, the findings, the highest level of pollution and health risk for both children and adults, considering both exposure routes, occurred in the Jarahi River sub-basin, suggesting that those who live in the vicinity of the Jarahi River are likely to face more adverse health effects. In addition, the findings of the evaluation of the relationship between land use patterns and water quality in the studied basin showed that agricultural lands acts as a main source of pollutants, but forest lands play an important role in the deposition of pollutants and the protection of water quality at the basin scale. In general, the results of pollution indicators, risk assessment, and statistical techniques suggest that the lower sub-basin, the Jarahi area, and the Shadegan wetland are the most polluted areas in the investigated sub-basin due to excessive discharge of agricultural runoff, industrialization, and rapid urbanization. Thus, special measures should be considered to reduce the risks of HMs pollution in the sub-basin of the Maroon-Jarahi watershed, especially its downstream and the impact of agricultural land use on water quality should be taken into consideration in basin management plans.

Cortical surface-based morphometry in cognitive impairment in sporadic cerebral small vessel disease

Background: Analysis of structural MR images plays a key role in assessing the underlying substrate of cognitive impairment (CI) in sporadic age-related cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), leading to up to 45% of all cases of dementia. The variety of MR-morphometry results in SVD requires extensive research and comparisons with clinical data. Aims: to assess the characteristics of brain atrophy in cognitive impairment in patients with SVD using surface-based morphometry (SBM). Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted assessing patients with SVD and CI of varying severity (subjective - subCI, moderate - MCI and dementia) and a group of volunteers matched by gender and age. MRI was performed with subsequent analysis of MRI signs of SVD and calculation of the general SVD index and processing of T1mpr images using the SBM method with general and regional quantitative assessment of the brain, including the thickness of the cerebral cortex. Results: the main group with SVD consisted of 173 patients, the control group included 47 healthy volunteers. As the severity of structural changes in the brain and the severity of CI increased, there was a significant (p0.05) decrease in the thickness of the cortex of certain regions according to a similar pattern: the cingulate gyri, mainly their posterior sections; medial and middle sections of the frontal lobes, various parts of the insular cortex, temporo-parietal areas (especially the supramarginal gyri). The volume of the brain itself (total volume, gray and white matter) in SVD had significant differences only with controls, but not between groups of patients with different severity of CI. The volume of white matter hyperintensities was significantly different between the groups with dementia and MCI, dementia and sub-CI (p 0.0001). Conclusions: The data obtained during the study confirm the secondary/mixed nature of atrophy in SVD. The wide variety of regions with significant thinning of the cortex limits the specification of the progression of CI in SVD based on their atrophy. This allows the quantitative measurement of the cortex to be used only as an auxiliary method in assessing the prediction of SVD progression.

Study of risk factors for insulin resistance in women with a burdened metabolic history

Insulin Resistance (IR) is a state of insufficient biological response of the body's cells to insulin, which leads to further disruption of carbohydrate metabolism and increased blood glucose levels. Early detection of IR risk factors improves the prognosis and prevention of severe metabolic syndrome, preservation and restoration of women's reproductive potential, and becomes the foundation for the health of the future generation. Aim of the study was the influence of potential risk factors on the development of latent IR manifestations 82 women of early reproductive age who signed an informed consent for the study were examined. A specially designed questionnaire was used for the study, and anthropometric parameters and laboratory data (including insulin, glucose tolerance test), and calculation of indices (HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) and Matsuda). According to the results of the study, in accordance with the indicators of Relative Risk (RR) and Odds Ratio (OR), we consider the following potential factors to be developmental bad habits (tobacco smoking regardless of the amount, regular alcohol abuse) (RR=1.299; p=0.00321), burdened hereditary history of cardiovascular diseases (essential hypertension, heart attacks and strokes) (RR=1.313; p=0.0041), type I and type II diabetes mellitus (RR=1.340; p=0.0038), obesity (RR=1.641; p=0.0043), thyroid diseases (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism) (RR=1.565; RR=1.565; p=0.00284) and adrenal (Itzen-Cushing's syndrome, adrenal cortex insufficiency) (RR=1.348; p=0.0025). The manifestations of IR should be skin rashes (OR=3.542; p=0.0033) and unwanted hair growth (OR=3.670; p=0.0029). Keywords: overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, vaginal microbiome, ovulation, infertility.

Risks of sanitation and water supply in Pontianak City poorer areas settlements

Abstract The availability of sufficient and safe drinking water is one of the criteria for a settlement to be declared as a poorer area. Areas declared as poorer areas by the city government have water supply problems that require intervention. The Sanitation Risk Index is calculated using a questionnaire on households regarding sanitation conditions and water supply. This research examines the relationship between the Sanitation Risk Index and its effect on water use, as well as the strategies implemented to reduce sanitation risks in water supply in poorer areas in Pontianak City, West Kalimantan. The city of Pontianak is located downstream of Kapuas River. Many settlements grow along riverbanks and require clean water and adequate sanitation facilities. This study began with an assessment of sanitation conditions and clean water supply with a sanitation risk assessment using a questionnaire in poorer areas. The results of the questionnaire led to calculation of the Sanitation Risk Index (IRS). Descriptive and statistical analyses show the relationship between IRS and water supply. In obtaining the water supply strategy carried out here, it was found that more than 50% of the population uses refillable water for drinking; however, rainwater and river water are still used by poorer area settlements for daily activities. The sanitation risk index was 350, indicating the influence of sanitation risk on the quality and supply of water in Pontianak City poorer area settlements. There are urgent problems that must be resolved in the clean water supply sector in the studied poorer areas.

Analisis Ketimpangan Wilayah Pantai Barat dan Pantai Timur Provinsi Sumatera Utara

Inequality between regional aspects is common in regional economic activities. This study is to measure the level of regional inequality, the relationship between economic growth, poverty, and the human development index on inequality, and analyze whether there is convergence in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region of North Sumatra Province. The study uses Williamson index calculations to measure gaps, panel data regression analysis and sigma convergence and beta convergence analysis. The results of the research show that the West Coast Region is indicated by a low level of inequality and the East Coast Region is indicated by a high level of inequality. Economic growth has a positive but not significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and a positive and significant impact on inequality in the East Coast Region. Poverty has a positive and significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region. The Human Development Index has a positive and significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region. Simultaneously, Economic Growth, Poverty and the Human Development Index have a positive and significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region. Sigma Convergence does not occur in the West Coast Region but occurs in the East Coast Region. Beta convergence occurs in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region.

Index calculation for Wiener-Hopf operators with slowly oscillating coefficients

Index calculation for Wiener-Hopf operators with slowly oscillating coefficients

Source identification of heavy metal contamination in beach sediments of the ancient city of Phaselis in Antalya/Türkiye

The ancient city of Phaselis, which is located along gravel, coarse sandy, and sandy beaches, is a popular area visited by thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year, and has been selected as the study area. Sediment samples collected from 57 different locations in the ancient city of Phaselis were analyzed using a X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, and the major, trace, and rare earth element contents of the samples were revealed. The heavy metals arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), stronsium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) were used in the pollution index calculations. Distribution maps revealed that heavy metal concentrations reached higher levels, especially in the eastern part of the study area. Therefore, it is recommended to plant rooted macrophytes that can absorb the heavy metals Cr and Ni and perform phytoremediation of the sediment in the region.

Pollution evaluation and health risks assessment of naturally occurring toxic metals in shallow groundwater: A study in southwestern tidal delta of Bangladesh

Groundwater is the main source of potable water in rural regions of Bangladesh. Still, contamination with potentially harmful metals due to natural processes and anthropogenic activities leads to various health impacts. The focus of this research was to determine the extent of metal contamination in shallow groundwater from three southwestern districts of Bangladesh and the health hazards associated with it. A comprehensive analysis of metal, including metalloid, copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), Manganese (Mn), and boron (B) was performed on a set of 51 samples. Groundwater samples were analyzed for contamination using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and a UV–VIS Spectrophotometer, with pollution levels assessed via indices like the Metal Evaluation Index, Nemerow Pollution Index, and Contamination Index. Human health risks were evaluated through Chronic Daily Intake, Hazard Quotient, and Hazard Index calculations following USEPA guidelines. The results indicate that arsenic levels exceeded 25 samples and manganese levels exceeded 34 samples in accordance with WHO drinking water standards. Boron (B) concentrations exceeded the threshold in seven samples, whereas Al, Cu, and Cr exceeded limits in only two samples. The metal evaluation index (MEI), Nemerow pollution index (NI), and degree of contamination (Cd) revealed moderate to severe contamination in groundwater and unsuitability for drinking purposes. Out of the 51 analyzed samples, 48 samples exhibited potential non-carcinogenic health risks for adults, while all samples exceeded the hazard index (HI) threshold value (01) for children. Concentrations of As and Mn were identified as the main contributing factors to the higher HI values in both adults and children. However, the concentrations of Cu, Al, Cr, and B in groundwater were not individually found to be as risky. This study provided valuable insights to conduct a future comprehensive investigation of the designated region to delineate safe and hazardous zones for the installation of shallow tubewells. Furthermore, there's a need to enhance public awareness regarding the long-term ramifications of consuming contaminated water.

Provenance, Intensity of Weathering, and Economic Potential of Placer-bearing Sediments on the Shelf off Quilon, Southwestern Coast, India

ABSTRACT In this study, the mineralogy and geochemistry of sediments of the continental shelf off Quilon, southwest coast, India is used as proxies to constrain their provenance, the intensity of weathering at source, and economic potential. The weathering index calculations were carried out on the sediments and the results showed that Chemical Alteration Index (CIA) (Average = 72.88), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW) (Average = 92.72), and Plagioclase Alteration Index (PIA) (Average = 89.74) are high, indicating moderate to intense source area weathering. High source area weathering is also supported by high Th/U ratio (Average = 5.68) which is above the average crustal Th/U ratio of 3.8. The sediments are first-cycle sediments derived from the nearby source area, as evidenced by the identification of unaltered heavy minerals and rock-forming minerals, along with a high Average Composition Variability Index (ICV) (Average = 1.20). The high K2O/Na2O ratios (Average = 3.88), and LREE/HREE ratios (Average = 20), plotting of samples in the felsic field of various binary plots (SiO2 vs. Al2O3/TiO2, Zr vs. TiO2, Ce vs. La/Yb and La/Th vs. Hf binary plots) and normalized REE patterns with LREE enrichment and negative Eu anomaly indicate the sediments were primarily derived from Khondalites of the Trivandrum block and were transported by the Kallada and Ithikkara rivers. Average Σ REE, Th, and U concentrations are 222 ppm, 15.2 ppm, and 2.58 ppm respectively in the bulk sediments. The heavy mineral separates showed significantly increased concentrations of Σ REE (Average = 3009 ppm), Th (Average = 478 ppm), and U (Average = 30 ppm) due to the presence of monazite. Due to high Σ REE, Th, and U concentrations in the sediments due to monazite, present study recommend for further exploration of these sediments, which could contribute significantly to the resource base of the nation.

Prenatal (Second Trimester and Third Trimester) and Postnatal (Third and Fourth Week After Birth) Developmental Radiological Investigation of Sheep Skulls.

The skull is a complex, vital structure made up of many bones. It has been observed that studies on skulls help to determine species and sex. In recent years, craniometric studies have been frequently used to determine morphometric features in animals. In our study, 150 skulls were studied, 50 from the second trimester (25 males and 25 females), 50 from the third trimester (25 males and 25 females), and 50 from the third and fourth week after birth (25 males and 25 females). The skulls were sectioned by computerised tomography and stored in DICOM format. From the images, nine different measurements and five index calculations were made. The similarities and differences between species were determined by ignoring sex differences. Correlation analyses were performed to compare measurement parameters between animal species. In addition, the results of statistical analyses between sexes were evaluated without species distinction. SL, CW and ICI parameters were highly statistically significant between measurements in the second trimester, third trimester and postnatal group (p < 0.01). In the third trimester, the EHC measurement parameter was found to be highly significant between males and female (p < 0.01). In Table5, the CL parameter was positively correlated with CW, IHC, EHC, ILC, ELC, FMW and FMH. There are very few studies on foetal development. It is predicted that the data obtained can be used in zoo-archaeology, anatomy, surgery and forensic medicine. In addition, radiographic determination of craniometric features will help in the treatment and prognosis of diseases.