Cr Values Research Articles

Source identification and migration fate of heavy metals of soil-groundwater system in a thousand-year cultivation region.

Pollution of farmland by heavy metals threatens food security and human health. In addition, heavy metals in soil could infiltrate into groundwater to influence the water quality and safety of drinking water. However, the relationship between heavy metal pollution in soil and groundwater is still not clear. In this study, we investigated the soil and groundwater in the Guanzhong Plain region, which is a significant grain production base in China, and determined the spatial distributions, ecological risk, sources, and migration fates of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The results showed that the mean values (0-20cm) in the soil were 19.57mgkg-1 for As, 0.71mgkg-1 for Cd, 69.65mgkg-1 for Cr, 21.97mgkg-1 for Cu, 28.67mgkg-1 for Ni, 17.54mgkg-1 for Pb, and 73.77mgkg-1 for Zn, and the corresponding mean values in groundwater were 1.2, 0.04, 4.69, 0.15, 0.07, 0.3, and 3.6μg L-1, respectively. The mean values for As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn in soil exceeded the background values, and the mean values for As, Cd and Pb exceeded those in groundwater. Positive matrix factorization models identified five sources (fertilizers and organic fertilizers, natural sources, pesticides and herbicides, industrial activities, and sedimentation caused by transportation) for heavy metal pollution in soil and four sources (industry activity, atmospheric sedimentation caused by transportation, natural sources, and agriculture) for heavy metal pollution in groundwater. The soil particle composition and soil organic carbon content were important factors that affected the vertical distribution of heavy metals in the soil. The migration modes (convection and diffusion) were not found for all heavy metals. These results help to understand the relationships between heavy metals in soil and groundwater in farmland ecosystems regionally.

Isotopic variation of non-carbonaceous meteorites caused by dust leakage across the Jovian gap in the solar nebula

Abstract High-precision isotopic measurements of meteorites revealed that they are classified into non-carbonaceous (NC) and carbonaceous (CC) meteorites. One plausible scenario for achieving this grouping is the early formation of Jupiter, because massive planets can create gaps that suppress the mixing of dust across the gap in protoplanetary disks. However, the efficiency of this suppression by the gaps depends on dust size and the strength of turbulent diffusion, allowing some fraction of the dust particles to leak across the Jovian gap. In this study, we investigate how isotopic ratios of NC and CC meteorites are varied by the dust leaking across the Jovian gap in the solar nebula. To do this, we constructed a model to simulate the evolution of the dust size distribution and the $^{54}$Cr-isotopic anomaly $\varepsilon ^{54}$Cr in isotopically heterogeneous disks with Jupiter. Assuming that the parent bodies of NC and CC meteorites are formed in two dust-concentrated locations inside and outside Jupiter’s orbit, referred to as the NC reservoir and the CC reservoir, we derive the temporal variation of $\varepsilon ^{54}$Cr at the NC and CC reservoirs. Our results indicate that substantial contamination from CC materials occurs at the NC reservoir in the fiducial run. Nevertheless, the values of $\varepsilon ^{54}$Cr at the NC reservoir and the CC reservoir in the run are still consistent with those of NC and CC meteorites formed around $2\:$Myr after the formation of calcium–aluminum-rich inclusions (Sugiura & Fujiya 2014, Meteorit. Planet. Sci., 49, 772). Moreover, this dust leakage causes a positive correlation between the $\varepsilon ^{54}$Cr value of NC meteorites and the accretion ages of their parent bodies.

The Influence of Biochar on Heavy Metals Phytoaccumulation by Okra and Fluted Pumpkin Plants in Soil Contaminated With Petroleum Hydrocarbons

ABSTRACTThe study is aimed at assessing the impact of biochar on the phytoaccumulation of heavy metals by okra and fluted pumpkin plants in soil polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons, and its corresponding environmental and health‐related risks. A field experiment was conducted at the automobile workshop (commonly called mechanic village) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The field was divided into plots and three replicates. Maize stalk biochar (MSB) and nipa palm biochar (NPB) were treated differently in each plot at a rate of 20 t ha−1. Plots containing no biochar were used as controls. The soil samples were analyzed for petroleum hydrocarbon content (PHCt), selected heavy metals as well as some other soil physicochemical properties. Plant samples were only analyzed for heavy metal contents. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data generated. The PHCt and heavy metal content in the soil were compared with the target values set by the Department of Petroleum Resources of Nigeria whereas heavy metals in plants were compared with FAO/WHO guidelines. Okra and fluted pumpkin were evaluated for phytoaccumulating potential using bioaccumulation factor (BAF). Ecological risk assessment was done using a hazard quotient (HQ). The PHCt, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) were significantly decreased following the application of biochar. The NPB recorded the lowest values for PHCt (64.4 mg kg−1), lead (16.0 mg kg−1), and Ni (12.8 mg kg−1) contents while MSB had the lowest values for Cd (0.3 mg kg−1) and Cr (7.6 mg kg−1) contents. The HQ analysis showed that Cr (2.93 mg kg−1) and Pb (156.83 mg kg−1) posed a very high ecological risk to the local ecosystem. The phytoaccumulated heavy metals in plants were above the maximum allowable levels, except Ni where the content was below the maximum allowable levels. Fluted pumpkin had the highest BAF values for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni. Therefore, fluted pumpkin can be used as an efficient phytoremediator for soil contaminated with Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni.

Metabolic Profile of Cerebellum in Posterior Fossa Tumor Survivors: Correlation With Memory Impairment

AimsThe cerebellum is a key structure in working and procedural memory. The aim of the present prospective exploratory study was to investigate, the metabolic characteristics of the cerebellum in posterior fossa tumor (PFT) survivors using 3D proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (3D MRSI), to determine whether metabolites could be useful biomarkers of memory impairment. Materials and methodsSixty participants were included in the IMPALA study, divided into three groups: 22 irradiated PFT, 17 nonirradiated PFT, and 21 healthy controls matched with irradiated PFT for age, sex, and handedness. PFT survivors were treated at least 5 years ago, either by surgery or a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. All participants underwent working and procedural memory tests and multimodal MRI including a 3D MRSI sequence. N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and lactate (Lac) metabolite values were extracted from the cerebellum for comparisons between groups, correlations with neurocognitive test scores, and radiotherapy doses. ResultsMedian (range) age at neurocognitive tests was 18 (7–26) years. Median Cho, Cr, NAA, and Lac values, and the ratio of NAA to the sum of metabolites were significantly lower for PFT survivors than for healthy controls (p < 0.05). Scores on working and procedural memory tests were significantly lower for PFT survivors (p < 0.004) and correlated with median and maximum Cho and NAA values (0.28 <r < 0.49, p < 0.04). Except for creatine, the other metabolites were not significantly different between irradiated and nonirradiated survivors. MRSI values in the cerebellum were not correlated with either total dose or doses received by this structure. ConclusionResults revealed changes in cerebellar metabolic values in PFT survivors that were closely correlated with memory deficits, suggesting that some metabolites could be used as markers of cognitive decline, but this will require validation on a larger sample size.

Contaminant and Assessment of Heavy Metals in Maninjau Lake, West Sumatera, Indonesia

Purpose: Water is an important fundamental resource to support human, animal and plant life. Global reports highlight widespread contamination of water sources due to various human activities. The high level of anthropogenic activity in the Lake Maninjau area, both in agriculture, animal husbandry and settlements, has an impact on decreasing the quality of the lake as indicated by the quality of the sediment and lake water. The research aims to evaluate heavy metal concentrations in sediments and heavy metal processing strategies. Theoretical Framework: Lake Maninjau is one of the lakes in Indonesia that experiences pollution. Recently, this lake has become one of the priority lakes to reduce high levels of pollution (Ministry of the Environment, 2011). The source of Lake Maninjau pollution comes from floating net cages, agriculture, settlements and livestock. This is shown by the accumulation of heavy metals in waters and sediments which is important information for the survival of fish, humans, plants, microorganisms and other aquatic ecosystems (Wibowo et al. , 2022a). Method: The five distinct sample locations were chosen to represent various activities within the Maninjau Lake region, as outlined in Figure 1 and Table 1. Sediment was taken at the surface at a depth of 0-10 cm. samples were processed and analyzed at the P3IN soil science laboratory, Andalas University, as well as assessing sediment quality through Geoaccumulation (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), pollutant load index (PLI), contamination factor (CF), and potential ecological risk (PER) in five location of Lake Maninjau. Results and Discussion: The results of the research showed that Cu concentrations varied from 0.195 mg/kg to 0.290 mg/kg, with a moderate average of 0.246 mg/kg. Pb metal ranges between 0.325 mg/kg-0.412 mg/kg, with an average of 0.356 mg/kg. Cd metal 0.301 mg/kg- 0.365 mg/kg. The Igeo values for the metals Cr, Cd, Pb, and Cu at the five locations show Igeo &lt; 0, meaning they are not contaminated with heavy metals. The Potential Ecological Risk Index (PER) ranges from 14.8303-19.0094, which shows the low potential ecological risk related to heavy metal pollution Research Implications: It is hoped that this research can help stakeholders in managing the Maninjau Lake ecosystem against potential heavy metal contamination that threatens the lake ecosystem Originality/Value: The use of combination or hybrid technologies to treat heavy metals from wastewater is an effective solution, but it is important to carefully consider and mitigate potential negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Malondialdehyde and heavy metal contents in Piper betel: Possible risks of heavy metals in human health

The content of heavy metals in the food chain has grown due to human activities and rapid industrial growth. The accumulation of heavy metals in P. betel leaves and the related threat to human health were analyzed by using the AAS that was collected from eleven locations inside the city of Dhaka. High MDA contents indicated contamination in P. betel samples and can regulate biochemical activity by different potential toxic elements (PTEs). The P. betel samples revealed the highest mean concentrations of As (2.09 mg/kg), Pb (0.06 mg/kg), Mn (218 mg/kg), Ni (1.55 mg/kg), Cu (10 mg/kg), Zn (2.6 mg/kg), Cr (5.1 mg/kg), and Cd (0.003 mg/kg) and certain metal exceed the guideline value. Mn, Cr, and As mean values at the research sites are higher than the permitted concentration range. Among all metals, Mn was the most accumulated metal in leaves and enhanced hazard index (HI) and non-carcinogenic risk for children. Individual metal THQ values were all less than 1 (except Mn), indicating that consuming only one metal from betel samples would not pose a serious risk to one's health. However, HI value (> 1) indicates a possible non-carcinogenic health risk to urban city people, especially in children. The assessment revealed that the allowable range of Cr and As content in betel leaves may enhance the carcinogenic risk (CR). Among heavy metals, the CR value of Cr indicated an enhanced cancer risk in children at L3, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, and L11 sites. This study shows from a health perspective that people who eat contaminated betel leaves are continuously exposed to metal pollution, which can have both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic effects.

Establishment of a novel DNNSS-MOVES prediction model for carbon emissions of trucks driving on dirt roads

This study proposes a novel prediction model to accurately quantify the carbon emissions of the trucks driving on dirt roads based on the deep learning neural network for small sample (DNNSS) and the motor vehicle emission simulator (MOVES). The application range of the MOVES model was extended to the transportation of asphalt mixtures on the temporary road. The model correction method was also established based on the rolling resistance coefficient (CR) and the correction coefficient (μ). By comparing the measured fuel consumption of the truck with the carbon emissions calculated by the MOVES model, the values of CR × μ can be back-calculated. DNNSS was constructed for estimating the CR × μ. The Adaptive Moment Estimation (Adam) algorithm was used to dynamically adjust the learning rate and accelerate the convergence of the network; the Dropout function was used to alleviate overfitting; and the Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) function was used as the activation function to solve the gradient vanishing problem. The test results showed that the vehicle speed and load greatly influence the CR × μ. The DNNSS algorithm was better at predicting the CR × μ. The proposed DNNSS-MOVES model was more accurate than the conventional methods.

Environmental assessment of toxic heavy metals in bottom sediments of the Sharm Obhur, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The concentrations, spatial distributions, pollution level, and health risks of heavy metals in sediments of the Sharm Obhur, Northern Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were evaluated. Average concentrations were found to be: Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > As>Pb with the highest concentrations found near the head of the sharm, and decreasing towards the mouth. Environmental indices, together with the statistical analyses, showed that the sharm experiences a low to moderate degree of pollution. Sampling sites with heavy metal contamination are concentrated near the head and the southern coast of the sharm, where intensive human activities associated with a boat dock, construction, and recreation are common. The mean carcinogenic risk (CR) values of As, Cr and Ni are at permissible level suggesting unlikely adverse impacts of heavy metals on human health. Despite acceptable CR values; however, serious non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health threats from metals may yet be an issue particularly for sensitive populations such as children.

Spatial distribution, pollution level and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in urban street dust at neighbourhood scale

Urban street dust (UStD) is a vital issue for human health and is crucial for urban sustainability. This study aims to enhance the creation of safe, affordable, and resilient cities by examining environmental contamination and health risks in urban residential areas. Specifically, it investigates the concentrations and spatial distribution of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in UStD in Yenimahalle, Ankara. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cu in UStD were 97.98, 66.88, 55.22, 52.45, 38.37, and 3.81 mg/kg, respectively. The geoaccumulation pollution index (Igeo) values for these elements were: Cd (5.12), Ni (1.61), Cr (1.21), Pb (1.13), Cu (0.78), and Zn (0.24). These indices indicate that the area is moderately polluted with Cr, Pb, and Ni, uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Cu and Zn, and extremely polluted with Cd. The hazard index (HI) values for Cr, Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn were below the non-carcinogenic risk threshold for adults, indicating no significant risk. However, for children, the HI values for Pb, Ni, Cd, and Zn were 3.37, 1.80, 1.25, and 1.25, respectively, suggesting a higher risk. Carcinogenic risk (RI) of Cd, Ni, and Pb was significant for both children and adults, indicating that exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact is hazardous. The findings highlight the need for strategic mitigation measures for both natural and anthropogenic activities, providing essential insights for residents, policymakers, stakeholders, and urban planners.

Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals in Citrus Limetta & Citrus Sinensis Irrigated by Wastewater.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different irrigation sources on the levels of potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn) in the edibles of citrus fruits (Citrus sinensis and Citrus limetta). The samples of fruit, soil and water were collected from two locations (fresh water irrigated-FW I and sewage water irrigated-SW II) within the city of Sargodha. The samples utilized in the study for metal analysis were prepared utilizing the wet acid digestion method. Metal determination was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The potentially toxic metal values in the citrus samples ranged from 0.010 to 0.063, 0.015 to 0.293, 6.691 to 11.342 and 0.366 to 0.667mg/kg for Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn, respectively. Analysis of Citrus limetta and Citrus sinensis indicated that the highest concentration of Cr, Fe and Mn is observed at the sewage water irrigation site (SW-II), whilst the minimum levels of Cr, Fe and Mn were observed at the fresh water irrigation site (FW-I). The results show that the levels of these metals in soil and fruit samples meet the acceptable guidelines outlined by USEPA and WHO. It was found that the metal pollution constitutes a potential threat to human health due to the HRI values for Cd, Cr, and Fe being above 1, despite the DIM values being below 1. Regular monitoring of vegetables irrigated with wastewater is highly recommended in order to minimise health risks to individuals.

Determinan Financial Distress pada Perusahaan Sektor Healthcare

A company's financial condition is a crucial factor that determines the survival and growth of a company. Financial distress is a condition where a company is unable to meet its financial obligations on time, which often leads to bankruptcy. Early identification of the factors that influence financial distress becomes very important to prevent wider negative impacts, not only for the company itself but also for other stakeholders, including investors, employees, and business partners. This study aims to analyze the effect of profitability, liquidity, and firm size on financial distress in healthcare companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. This research uses a quantitative method. The research was conducted on Healthcare Companies Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018-2022, with the object of the research being healthcare companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018-2022. The results show that the significance value of ROA (0.047) is smaller than alpha (0.05), indicating that individually, the ROA variable has a significant effect on Financial Distress (FD). The significance value of CR (0.000) is much smaller than alpha (0.05), indicating that individually, the CR variable has a very significant effect on Financial Distress (FD). The significance value of FS (0.137) is greater than alpha (0.05), indicating that individually, the FS variable has no significant effect on Financial Distress (FD). Overall, the results show that the profitability (ROA) and liquidity (CR) variables have a significant effect on Financial Distress (FD), while the firm size (FS) variable has no significant effect

IDENTIFIKASI PROPERTI PSIKOMETRIK SKALA KONSTRUAL DIRI UNTUK MAHASISWA INTERNASIONAL DI INDONESIA

Self-construal is a state in which a person sees himself as a separate identity or as an identity that is more connected to others. Efforts to determine the validity and reliability of self-construal scale for international students in Indonesia are important to do, considering that self-construal is very influential on various psychological variables in international students. One of the most commonly used self-construal measures in different countries is the Self-Construal Scale (SCS) by Theodore M. Singelis (1994). This study aims to determine the psychometric properties of the SCS on international students in Indonesia. Based on the analysis of 100 collected data, it was found that the modified SCS meets content validity, construct validity, and reliability. The modified SCS met the four goodness of fit criteria with RMSEA = 0.075, SRMR = 0.074, and NFI = 0.90 and CFI = 0.95. Then, the reliability of the SCS is seen from the AVE value, which is 0.63 for the independent self-construal and 0.53 for the interdependent self-construal. Overall, the CR value reached 0.96 for independent self-construal and 0.93 for interdependent self-construal. It can be concluded that the SCS is valid and reliable for measuring self-construal among international students in Indonesia.

Intention to Quit Smoking Scale: Development and Validation

Smoking cessation efforts are made in many countries and the results of these efforts should be measured. Therefore, there is a need for a short, feasible and validated scale that can measure the intention to quit smoking. The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychometric properties of the “Intention to Quit Smoking Scale (IQSS)”. Validity and reliability properties of the scale were examined. A total of 497 people were included in the study. First, 20 candidate items were prepared based on literature review and expert opinions and the scale with candidate items were subjected to a pilot test. The dimensional structure was determined statistically using confirmatory factor analysis and confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach’s α coefficient, CR and AVE values were calculated to examine internal consistency, composite reliability and convergent validity. A scale with one factor consisting of eight items was obtained. The fit indices of the single factor structure were at an acceptable level (X2/df 1.77, GFI 0.94, AGFI 0.88, CFI 0.98, NFI 0.97, RMSEA 0.079). Cronbach's alpha for IQSS was 0.943. CR was 0.95 and AVE was 0.96. The test-retest consistency of the scale was high (r=0.856). Correlations with “Smoking Cessation Success Prediction Scale” and its sub-dimensions showed that the scale provided concurrent validity (r=0.669; 0.698; 0.721 respectively). The IQSS is a short, reliable and valid scale that can measure the intention to quit smoking at the time of measurement and it can be easily used in future studies.

Estimating baseline creatinine levels based on the kidney parenchymal volume.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnosis often lacks a baseline serum creatinine (Cr) value. Our study aimed to create a regression equation linking kidney morphology to function in kidney donors and chronic kidney disease patients. We also sought to estimate baseline Cr in minimal change disease (MCD) patients, a common AKI-predisposing condition. We analyzed 119 participants (mean age 60years, 50% male, 40% donors) with CT scans, dividing them into derivation and validation groups. An equation based on kidney parenchymal volume (PV) was developed in the derivation group and validated in the validation group. We estimated baseline Cr in 43 MCD patients (mean age 45years, 61% male) using the PV-based equation and compared with their 6month post-MCD onset Cr values. In the derivation group, the equation for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was: eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2) = 0.375 × PV (cm3) + (- 0.395) × age (years) + (- 2.93) × male sex + (- 13.3) × hypertension + (- 14.0) × diabetes + (- 0.210) × height (cm) + 82.0 (intercept). In the validation group, the eGFR and estimated Cr values correlated well with the measured values (r = 0.46, p = 0.01; r = 0.51, p = 0.004, respectively). In the MCD group, the baseline Cr values were significantly correlated with the estimated baseline Cr values (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), effectively diagnosing AKI (kappa = 0.76, p < 0.001). The PV-based regression equation established in this study holds promise for estimating baseline Cr values and diagnosing AKI in patients with MCD. Further validation in diverse AKI populations is warranted.

Effect of postpolymerization time and atmosphere on surface properties and biofilm formation in additively manufactured resins for definitive restorations

ObjectivesTo investigate how postpolymerization time (PPT) and atmosphere (PPA) influence the surface properties, protein adsorption, and microbial adhesion of two types of additively manufactured (AM) resins used for definitive restorations. MethodsTwo different types of commercially available AM resins for definitive restorations (UR and CR) were used to create disk-shaped specimens. These specimens were divided into eight groups based on resin type (UR and CR), PPT (standard or extended), and PPA (air or nitrogen). After postpolymerization, the surface roughness (Ra and Sa) and surface free energy (SFE) of all specimens were measured. The study also evaluated protein adsorption, microbial attachment, and cytotoxicity. A non-parametric factorial analysis of variance with post-hoc analyses was conducted, using a significance level (α) of 0.05. ResultsThe Ra and Sa values for CR were higher than those for UR, regardless of PPT or PPA (P < 0.05). For UR, SFE was higher with extended PPT compared to standard PPT. CR had higher SFE than UR under standard PPT. The interaction between PPT and PPA had a significant effect on protein adsorption (P < 0.05). When PPT was standard, nitrogen significantly increased protein adsorption compared to air. The interaction between resin type and PPA, and between resin type and PPT, significantly affected microbial adhesion (P < 0.05). The changes in PPT or PPA did not affect the cytotoxicity of either AM resin. ConclusionSurface properties, protein adsorption, and microbial attachment were influenced by the interactions among PPT, PPA, and resin type. These factors can have implications for resin-based definitive restorations. Clinical significancesClinicians should understand the impact of PPT and PPA on the surface properties of AM resins for definitive restorations, particularly regarding protein adsorption and microbial adhesion. Additionally, the type of AM resin (based on chemical composition) could affect its biological properties.

Decoding Wilson disease: a machine learning approach to predict neurological symptoms.

Wilson disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the ATP7B gene. Neurological symptoms are one of the most common symptoms of WD. This study aims to construct a model that can predict the occurrence of neurological symptoms by combining clinical multidimensional indicators with machine learning methods. The study population consisted of WD patients who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2021 to September 2023 and had a Leipzig score ≥ 4 points. Indicators such as general clinical information, imaging, blood and urine tests, and clinical scale measurements were collected from patients, and machine learning methods were employed to construct a prediction model for neurological symptoms. Additionally, the SHAP method was utilized to analyze clinical information to determine which indicators are associated with neurological symptoms. In this study, 185 patients with WD (of whom 163 had neurological symptoms) were analyzed. It was found that using the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) to predict achieved good performance, with an MCC value of 0.556, ACC value of 0.929, AUROC value of 0.835, and AUPRC value of 0.975. Brainstem damage, blood creatinine (Cr), age, indirect bilirubin (IBIL), and ceruloplasmin (CP) were the top five important predictors. Meanwhile, the presence of brainstem damage and the higher the values of Cr, Age, and IBIL, the more likely neurological symptoms were to occur, while the lower the CP value, the more likely neurological symptoms were to occur. To sum up, the prediction model constructed using machine learning methods to predict WD cirrhosis has high accuracy. The most important indicators in the prediction model were brainstem damage, Cr, age, IBIL, and CP. It provides assistance for clinical decision-making.

A meta-analysis and experimental survey of heavy metals pollution in agricultural soils

Heavy metal (HM) pollution in agricultural soils represents a hidden danger to food security worldwide. In this paper, the spatio-temporal trends of heavy metals from eight countries and 50 soil samples from agricultural farmland were evaluated through a combination of field surveys and meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive report on heavy metal pollution. The soil samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (Perkin Elmer Nixon 300Q). The contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI), and diagnostic tests on the extracted data were calculated. The results of the CF in the soils indicate extreme contamination for Cr, suggesting ecotoxicological effects, while the PLI values range from baseline to moderate pollution for Cd, Hg, Cu, Zn, and Ni, except for Cr, which shows very high pollution, suggesting that the soils have undergone some form of deterioration. The meta-analysis results of the 50 reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023 showed increasing trends for all the HMs. The weighted mean values of Cd, Cr, Hg, Cu, Zn, As, and Ni were in the range of 0.0-222.7, 0.08-289.2, 0.03-193, 2.94-198.1, 0.0-771.1, 0.0-231, and 1.71-99.75.6 mg/kg, respectively. The mean values of Cd, Hg, Zn and As exceeded two to three times the values of China National Environmental Monitoring Centre (CNEMC) European Union's most cited guideline (MEF), and the rock crust guideline. The results of the correlation matrix heatmap revealed a highly positive correlation between Cr and Ni (R2 = 0.66), suggesting that these elements have the same source and are likely prevalent in agricultural soils. The spatial origin of the publications reveals that 82% of the studies were from China followed by South Africa and Italy accounting for 4% respectively while Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Iran, and Turkey account for 2% each. The findings of this study have important implications for environmental regulation on agricultural food protection from heavy metal pollution. Unlike previous meta-analysis studies which often adopt a “silos” method, this study highlights a nexus approach that integrates both meta-analysis and experimental studies which could establish a more comprehensive understanding of heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils.

Banking Performance During the Global Financial Crisis: Empirical Evidence from Bangladesh

Purpose-The Russia-Ukraine conflict and 19 pandemics have severely damaged the world economy. Banking institutions are crucial to the functioning of any economy, and their financial standing is a vital indicator of the economy&amp;apos;s stability. Any major development, be it political or economic, has an impact on the banking industry. The dollar rate&amp;apos;s volatility and other issues hurt the GDP. Therefore, the study examines banking performance in vulnerable global situations before and during the pandemic. This study utilizes 7 years of panel data to analyze global financial crisis banking performance. Design/methodology- Eight ratios were used to compare the banks&amp;apos; profitability, efficiency, liquidity position, and default risk: return on asset, asset utilization ratio, operational efficiency ratio, debt to asset ratio, loan to deposit ratio, loan to asset ratio, credit risk, and bank size. The descriptive statistics show lower ROA and AUR values for banks, but a lower CR value suggests that pandemic-era borrowers will repay their loans on time. Findings – Due to their reliance on borrowed capital, banks may be more vulnerable to default and financial leverage since they lack the liquidity to meet unforeseen requirements for funds. This is indicated by the higher mean values of DAR, LDR, and LAR. Ratio analysis shows that pre-pandemic banks profited well throughout the pandemic. State-owned banks have a worse position in profitability, efficiency, and default risk but a better position in liquidity in both study periods. Conventional banks placed first in profitability, but Islamishariah-based banks placed first in efficiency, high liquidity risk, and low default risk. Originality –This study will help bank officials find the flaw and prevent it from improving financial performance and recovering from the global crisis. This may assist bank investors and depositors in choosing wisely.

Carcinogenic and Non-Carcinogenic Health Risk Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Water Sources of the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer in the El-Farafra Oasis (Egypt)

Expanding anthropogenic activities, globally and in Egypt, have increased concentrations of heavy metals in surface and ground waters. Contamination of drinking water may threaten public health. In the present study, the concentrations of 10 heavy metals were analyzed from natural springs (6) and drilled wells (10) in the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer of the El-Farafra Oasis and the White Desert National Park, Egypt. The average concentrations of heavy metals were in most cases below critical values of the WHO drinking water standard, except for Fe and Mn (average values were 495 and 107 µg·L−1, respectively). There is a surface circulation that develops within limestone (Post-Nubian Aquifer System—PNAS) and feeds the springs, while the water present in the wells (at least for the deeper ones) comes from the ferruginous sandstone (Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System—NSAS). This double circulation could account for the differences in the EC and TDS values (typical of a circulation in limestone-type aquifers for springs) and the Fe and Mn enrichment coming from the ferruginous sandstone of the NSAS. The average chronic daily intake (CDI) values for heavy metals in the study area are listed in decreasing order in the following: Fe &gt; Mn &gt; Zn &gt; Co &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; As &gt; Pb &gt; Co &gt; Cd. The total hazard quotient (HQtotal = HQoral + HQdermal) and Hazard Index (HI) values calculated for different heavy metals were well below the acceptable limit, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risks to the residents of both areas via oral and dermal absorption of drinking water. Furthermore, the results obtained for the total risk to human health showed that oral ingestion is the major pathway. Carcinogenic risk analysis indicated that the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) values for Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr were well below the acceptable limits.

Constant-strength inelastic displacement ratio spectra for assessment of superstructures in seismically isolated buildings

A reliable estimation of maximum displacement demands of seismically isolated inelastic superstructures is crucial for assessment of base-isolated buildings under beyond-design earthquakes. Constant-strength inelastic displacement ratio, CR, spectra, as applied in the performance-based seismic assessment procedure, can be used to estimate the inelastic displacement demands of structures. Currently, a suitable analytical expression of CR is lacking for base-isolated structures considering the influencing parameters comprehensively. This paper seeks to fill this gap. The constant-strength spectra are computed from nonlinear dynamic analyses of simplified two-degree-of-freedom models considering the inelastic behavior of the superstructure and isolator system, using a set of earthquake ground motions recorded on stiff soil sites. The effects of strength reduction factor of superstructure, superstructure elastic period, secondary stiffness ratio of superstructure, mass ratio, isolation period, normalized strength of isolation system and superstructure viscous damping on the mean and dispersion of CR are investigated. In particular, the effects of variations in earthquake intensity and isolator strength on CR are taken into account by the normalized strength of isolation system. Besides, limiting values of CR as the superstructure elastic period tends to zero or infinity are discussed and verified using the statistical values of CR. Finally, based on the trends of CR with respect to the design parameters of the superstructure and isolation system, and the boundary conditions to the CR formula, an analytical estimating equation with reasonable accuracy is developed to approximate the mean constant-strength inelastic displacement ratios during seismic assessment of base-isolated building structures built on stiff soil sites.