Decrease In Water Consumption Research Articles

Investigation of a method to decrease water consumption and enhance productivity in wet cooling towers using dynamic time-related modeling for industrial experimental applications

Investigation of a method to decrease water consumption and enhance productivity in wet cooling towers using dynamic time-related modeling for industrial experimental applications

Effects of Acetaminophen and Vitamin C Combination on Clinical Vital Signs and Behavioral Traits of Heat-Stressed Dairy Buffalo

Background: Heat stress (HS) presents significant challenges to water buffalo breeding, particularly in harsh environments like southern Iraq. HS adversely impacts physiological and behavioral aspects in dairy buffaloes, leading to economic losses in productivity and welfare. Interventions such as acetaminophen and vitamin C supplementation have been suggested to alleviate HS impacts due to their anti-stress and anti-inflammatory characteristics.Methods: This study was conducted in Al-Chibayish Marshes southern Iraq and aimed to evaluate the effects of acetaminophen and vitamin C combination (AVC) on heat-stressed dairy buffalo. Sixteen lactating buffaloes were divided into four treatments. One treatment received regular water (control), while other treatments were given water mixed with AVC at a dose of 500g/1000 liters for 3, 5, and 7 consecutive days per week, respectively, over 30 days. Environmental (temperature, humidity, and THI) and physiological data (body temperature, respiration rate, and pulse rate) were recorded daily, while feed and water consumption were recorded weekly.Results: Buffaloes experienced significant HS, with temperatures reaching up to 53.2°C and corresponding THI values ranging from 88.05 to 99.31. AVC administration for 5 consecutive days led to increased feed intake by 1.15 kg daily per treatment and decreased water consumption by 16.43 liters daily per treatment compared to the control. Additionally, rectal temperature, respiration rate, and heart rate showed progressive improvement during the second and third weeks, with the most notable improvement observed in the fourth week of the study. These improvements in vital signs and behavioral traits indicate the ability of AVC to improve thermoregulation and reduce heat stress impact.Conclusion: The investigation highlights the potential of AVC supplementation showing a promise in alleviating HS effects on dairy buffaloes by positively influencing physiological and behavioral parameters. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize supplementation strategies for enhancing buffalo welfare and productivity under heat stress.Keywords: Acetaminophen; Vitamin C; Physiological; Behavioral; Heat stress; Buffalo

Assessing the impacts of climate change on water resource management and crop patterns in Eastern Iran

Rapid population growth and climate change are poised to significantly impact water resources and agriculture. Consequently, it becomes imperative to delve into the repercussions of climate change on agriculture and natural resources in developing nations. In this research, an economic–hydrological model was employed to assess the influence of climate change on water management and cropping patterns in the Eastern border catchment of Iran. The climatic data used in this study, spanning the years 1997–2022, encompassed daily rainfall and temperature records from the Khorasan and Sistan & Balouchestan meteorological organization, as well as the Iranian Statistical Center. Monthly water discharge data were obtained from the Khorasan and Sistan & Balouchestan regional water authority, while information on crop levels and agricultural inputs was collected from the Khorasan and Sistan & Balouchestan agricultural jihad organization. The findings reveal that areas dedicated to cultivating high-yield crops experienced a decrease when associated with high water consumption, whereas the cultivation areas of high-yield crops expanded when water consumption was reduced. The implementation of modern irrigation methods, such as pressurized irrigation, not only conserves valuable water resources but also enhances efficiency, ultimately resulting in decreased water consumption and increased production. Consequently, the provision of enhanced training programs aimed at educating farmers about these practices and facilitating their adoption can play a pivotal role in adapting to and mitigating the challenges posed by climate change.

Water consumption and biodiversity: Responses to global emergency events

Given that it was a once-in-a-century emergency event, the confinement measures related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused diverse disruptions and changes in life and work patterns. These changes significantly affected water consumption both during and after the pandemic, with direct and indirect consequences on biodiversity. However, there has been a lack of holistic evaluation of these responses. Here, we propose a novel framework to study the impacts of this unique global emergency event by embedding an environmentally extended supply-constrained global multi-regional input-output model (MRIO) into the drivers-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework. This framework allowed us to develop scenarios related to COVID-19 confinement measures to quantify country-sector-specific changes in freshwater consumption and the associated changes in biodiversity for the period of 2020–2025. The results suggest progressively diminishing impacts due to the implementation of COVID-19 vaccines and the socio-economic system’s self-adjustment to the new normal. In 2020, the confinement measures were estimated to decrease global water consumption by about 5.7% on average across all scenarios when compared with the baseline level with no confinement measures. Further, such a decrease is estimated to lead to a reduction of around 5% in the related pressure on biodiversity. Given the interdependencies and interactions across global supply chains, even those countries and sectors that were not directly affected by the COVID-19 shocks experienced significant impacts: Our results indicate that the supply chain propagations contributed to 79% of the total estimated decrease in water consumption and 84% of the reduction in biodiversity loss on average. Our study demonstrates that the MRIO-enhanced DSPIR framework can help quantify resource pressures and the resultant environmental impacts across supply chains when facing a global emergency event. Further, we recommend the development of more locally based water conservation measures—to mitigate the effects of trade disruptions—and the explicit inclusion of water resources in post-pandemic recovery schemes. In addition, innovations that help conserve natural resources are essential for maintaining environmental gains in the post-pandemic world.

Double-decker cage reduces mount frequency and ejaculation latency, resulting in reduced weight loss in male rats after mating behavior.

Rats were the first mammals to be domesticated for scientific research, and abundant physiological data are available on them. Rats are expected to continue to play an important role as experimental animals, especially with advancements such as CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Environmental enrichment aims to promote species-specific behaviors and psychological well-being. In the present study, we designed a double-decker (DD) cage, which utilizes two stacked plastic cages for rat enrichment, and investigated the influence of housing in the DD cage on rat mating behavior. The results indicated that mount frequency, total mount counts, and total ejaculation latency were significantly lower in the DD cages than in the single-decker (SD) cages. Notably, in the DD cages, the body weight loss of male rats after mating behavior was lower than that observed in the SD cage. Water consumption per day during mating behavior was also significantly lower in the DD cages, although no significant differences were observed in daily food intake during mating behavior. In addition, reproductive performance, including pregnancy rate and birth rate, did not change in the DD cages. In summary, our study demonstrated that DD cages reduce mount frequency and ejaculation latency during rat mating, resulting in decreased water consumption and weight loss in male rats. Therefore, housing in DD cages may serve as a beneficial enrichment for rats.

A novel eco–friendly solid–state degumming method for extraction of hemp fibers

Hemp represents a valuable resource of natural fibers on account of its environment favorable characteristics and excellent fiber quality. To fabricate hemp fibers, the traditional alkaline boiling degumming is used in the industry, which consumes a lot of water and generates a substantial amount of wastewater. In the present study, a novel eco–friendly solid–state degumming method was developed by using ethanolamine (ETA). The ETA degumming exhibited a high lignin removal rate (87.5%) at a high solid loading (30%), decreasing water consumption by 33.3%. Moreover, the ETA solution was readily reused up to five times without purification. The degummed hemp fibers possessed commendable fitness (4.2 dtex) and breaking strength (3.75 cN/dtex) without change of the crystalline cellulose structure. Besides, the lignin in wastewater was confirmed to be aminated, which is beneficial to the potential valorization of the by–product. Thus, the solid–state ETA degumming method holds significant potential for the fabrication of hemp fibers.

Evaluating Smart Greenhouse Viability Through Engineering Design and Software Cost Modelling

Introducing smart greenhouse technology in tropical agricultural in Indonesia has the potential to bring about substantial advantages, such as higher crop yields, decreased water consumption, and enhanced food security. Nevertheless, the feasibility of this technology must be evaluated before it can be widely adopted. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the viability of smart greenhouse technology in using the engineering economics and software cost estimation model (SCEM), consider the fixed and variable cost for operational, and effort for developing the supporting modules. The findings of this study suggest that the investment in Smart Greenhouse technology is economically viable and financially justified. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 11% exceeds the 10% discount rate, Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.16 signifies that the discounted value of benefits surpasses costs over the project lifetime, with the economics return 16% higher than the break-even level. The Smart Greenhouse investment will become profitable after five years, with positive returns above the minimum threshold. The SCEM analysis shows that the software development workload is significant for some modules, such as Smart Agri Engrow and Smart Agri Nutrigrow. These software cost estimates can now be used for budgeting, planning, and assessing the feasibility of the Smart Greenhouse technology implementation.

Effect of Water Stress and Levels of Bio-Organic Fertilizers on Water Productivity and Potato Solanum tuberosum L. Yield

A field experiment was conducted at the University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya in the spring season of 2021 for the potato crop under the influence of organic biofertilizers and water stress. Three levels of bio-organic fertilizers were used 0 (OM0), 1 (OM1) and 1.5 (OM2) ton ha-1 and three levels of irrigation 30 (I-30), 50 (I-50) and 75 (I-75) % water depletion were available to evaluate the role of bio-organic fertilizer and water stress in production functions and water use efficiency. I-30 treatment showed the highest water consumption ranging between 468 and 486 mm season-1 and decreased to 355-436 mm with water stress treatments I-75. The values of water consumption varied according to the levels of bio-organic fertilizer. The percentage of decrease in water consumption was 1.49 and 3.66% at low stress and reached 6.37% at high stress (I-75) compared to OM0. Both treatments I-30 and I-50 gave the same yield. Bio-organic fertilization led to an increase in the average yield of tubers 32.8 and 41.9% for both OM1 and OM2 compared to OM0. The production functions indicate that the yield increases by 0.057 ton ha-1 mm-1 of added water, and the water depth must be greater than 64.2 mm to obtain a yield that is 1.96 ton ha-1 more (significant limit) than the treatments in the experiment (1.96=0.057(Irr.). )-1.70). Fertilizer levels are higher than 1.9 ton ha-1 to obtain a higher yield of tubers by 26.29 tons/ha and the efficiency of water use is nil according to the water use function when the water consumption is higher than 692.7 mm. The response factor decreased when adding bio-organic fertilizer compared to OM0, which means that plants were not affected significantly under water stress conditions.

Potential challenges for the restoration of Biscayne Bay (Florida, USA) in the face of climate change effects revealed with predictive models

Estuaries and coastal areas worldwide are rapidly changing, especially those adjacent to urban centers. Physical and ecological stresses are exacerbated by climate change (CC) and sea level rise (SLR). In this research, a salinity transport model for Biscayne Bay is presented. The model is used to estimate salinity under various scenarios of altered precipitation, increased salinity/temperature, and SLR. The simulated scenarios (based on prior studies and existing literature) assumed increases of 1.5 °C in temperature, and 0.6 PSU in ocean salinity. Current precipitation was varied from −10% to +10%. SLR varied from +0.46 m to +2.18 m. The highest increase in bay salinity (worst-case scenario) occurred for 10% decrease in precipitation, and +2.18 m SLR. The lowest increase in salinity (mildest scenario) occurred for 10% increase in precipitation, and +0.46 m SLR. In the mildest scenario, a 50% increase in baseline freshwater inputs is needed to maintain currently observed Bay salinities. For the worst scenario, a 300% freshwater increase would be required. Current Everglades Restoration plans to restore the Bay salinity to “natural” conditions must consider the potential CC-induced effects simulated in this research. Present efforts may not be sufficient to even maintain current salinity conditions in Biscayne Bay. Increasing urban vegetation (urban greening), artificial groundwater recharge with treated wastewater, and decreasing water consumption, are proposed as management measures for reinforcing current and future restoration efforts.

Sex differences in binge alcohol drinking and the behavioral consequences of protracted abstinence in C57BL/6J mice.

Binge alcohol drinking is a risk factor linked to numerous disease states including alcohol use disorder (AUD). While men binge drink more alcohol than women, this demographic gap is quickly shrinking, and preclinical studies demonstrate that females consistently consume more alcohol than males. Further, women are at increased risk for the co-expression of AUD with neuropsychiatric diseases such as anxiety and mood disorders. However, little is understood about chronic voluntary alcohol drinking and its long-term effects on behavior. Here, we sought to characterize sex differences in chronic binge drinking and the effects of protracted alcohol abstinence on anxiety- and affective-related behaviors in males and females. We assessed binge alcohol drinking patterns in male and female C57BL/6J mice using a modified Drinking in the Dark (DID) paradigm in which mice received home cage access to one bottle of 10% or 20% alcohol (EtOH) or water for 2h per day on Days 1-3 and to two bottles (EtOH/H2O + H2O) for 24h on Day 4 for 8 weekly cycles. Mice were then tested for the effects of protracted abstinence on avoidance, affective, and compulsive behaviors. Female mice consumed more alcohol than males consistently across cycles of DID and at 2, 4, and 24-h timepoints within the day, with a more robust sex difference for 20% than 10% EtOH. Females also consumed more water than males, an effect that emerged at the later time points; this water consumption bias diminished when alcohol was available. Further, while increased alcohol consumption was correlated with decreased water consumption in males, there was no relationship between these two measures in females. Alcohol preference was higher in 10% vs. 20% EtOH for both sexes. During protracted abstinence following chronic binge drinking, mice displayed decreased avoidance behavior (elevated plus maze, open field, novelty suppressed feeding) and increased compulsive behavior (marble burying) that was especially robust in females. There was no effect of alcohol history on stress coping and negative affective behaviors (sucrose preference, forced swim test, tail suspension) in either sex. Female mice engaged in higher volume binge drinking than their male counterparts. Although females also consumed more water than males, their higher alcohol consumption was not driven by increased total fluid intake. Further, the effects of protracted abstinence following chronic binge drinking was driven by behavioral disinhibition that was more pronounced in females. Given the reciprocal relationship between risk-taking and alcohol use in neuropsychiatric disease states, these results have implications for sex-dependent alcohol drinking patterns and their long-term negative neuropsychiatric/physiological health outcomes in humans.

Experimental study on fiber reinforced concrete using PVA fiber and glass powder

Right now, the construction business is experiencing significant upheaval. A number of materials are being tried to increase the quality, strength, standard, and overall durability of building work. Based on this knowledge, concrete strength augmentation studies are carried out. Despite certain modifications in the amount of M20-grade concrete, some percentile adjustments have revealed considerable differences in the strength of the concrete. Glass powder has replaced 15% of the aggregate's total weight. Plastiser is also used to boost strength while decreasing water consumption. A variety of tests, including impact testing, water absorption, and sieve analysis, are used. In this case, the critical component, PVA fibre, was employed to test the workability of the concrete in its presence. The inclusion of extra PVA fibre in 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% amounts greatly increases the strength of the concrete block. Furthermore, the fibre component of PVA assists in the prevention of block crack development. The results of the trials show that the addition of glass powder to concrete increases the strength of the block. Furthermore, the inclusion of PVA fibre in concrete postpones its early collapse. The wider fissures caused by traditional procedures are fully reduced by introducing PVA into the concrete block. At the end, positive results are obtained.

Brycon amazonicus larviculture cannibalism is reduced in biofloc systems

This study evaluated matrinxã Brycon amazonicus larviculture performance at different total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations in a biofloc technology (BFT) system, for 5 and 10 days. Larvae 24 h after hatching were used at a stocking density of 10 larvae L−1 for 10 days in four treatments: clear water (CW – control, 100% water renewal per day and no bioflocs), and three TSS concentrations in BFT systems: Low BFT (BFTL) - up to 200 mg L−1, Medium BFT (BFTM) - 200 to 350 mg L−1 and High BFT (BFTH) - 350 to 500 mg L−1. The matrinxã larvae were fed artemia nauplii until the 5th day and artemia nauplii plus mash feed containing 55% crude protein from the 6th to the 10 th day. Water quality, performance, morphology, and type II cannibalism (complete larvae ingestion) (n = 30) were evaluated after 5 and 10 days. Water quality, although altered, remained within the appropriate matrinxã limits in all treatments, with about a 90% water consumption decrease observed in the BFT systems. The BFT treatments resulted in larval survival increases of over 170% compared to the CW group, at 5 (p < 0.05) and 10 (p < 0.05) days of rearing, with CW = 31.4 and 17.9%; BFTL = 81.5 and 39.4%; BFTM = 88.9 and 59.9% and BFTH = 87 and 53.5% respectively. Larvae growth (p < 0.05) and morphological development (p < 0.05) at 5 days were lower in the BFTH treatment, due to the presence of more developed cannibalistic larvae compared to the other treatments, evidencing greater predation capacity. Cannibalism was observed after 5 and 10 days in all treatments, except for the BFTH group at 5 days and BFTM group at 10 days, proving the influence of high TSS levels and, consequently, turbidity, in reducing this behavior. The findings reported herein indicate matrinxã larviculture BFT system efficiency and suggest the use of TSS concentrations between 200 and 350 mg L−1 as an alternative to reduce cannibal behavior and increase matrinxã productivity, in addition to maintaining good quality and reducing water use.

Estimation of Electrical Energy Consumption in Irrigated Rice Crops in Southern Brazil

On average, 70% of the world’s freshwater is used in agriculture, with farmers transitioning to electrical irrigation systems to increase productivity, reduce climate uncertainties, and decrease water consumption. In Brazil, where agriculture is a significant part of the economy, this transition has reached record levels over the last decade, further increasing the impact of energy consumption. This paper presents a methodology that utilizes the U-Net model to detect flooded rice fields using Sentinel-2 satellite images and estimates the electrical energy consumption required to pump water for this irrigation. The proposed approach involves grouping the detected flooded areas using k-means clustering with the electricity customers’ geographical coordinates, provided by the Power Distribution Company. The methodology was evaluated in a dataset of satellite images from southern Brazil, and the results demonstrate the potential of using U-Net models to identify rice fields. Furthermore, comparing the estimated electrical energy consumption required for irrigation in each cluster with the billed energy values provides valuable insights into the sustainable management of rice production systems and the electricity grid, helping to identify non-technical losses and improve irrigation efficiency.

Fast in the pandemic, durable after droughts, inequal during economic downturn. A 20 year multi-dimensional retrospective analysis of water demand change in Southern California

Determining changes in water consumption behavior due to recurring external stressors (e.g. droughts and socio-economic fluctuations) and previously unseen shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic can support future demand-side management (DSM) programs and identifying vulnerable social groups. Yet, most studies analyzing external drivers of water consumption change are noncomparative as they examine only one stressor at the time, mainly droughts. Here we develop a multi-dimensional retrospective analysis (MDRA) to quantify residential water consumption changes in Southern California over the last two decades under compound hydroclimatic, economic, and pandemic stressors. We then uncover what socio-economic groups relate to predominant behavioral changes under each stressor. We observe a long-lasting decreasing water consumption trend for more than 76% of the analyzed households. Socio-economically vulnerable households were more likely to reduce water consumption during the economic and pandemic stressors. Differently, affluent neighborhoods tended to increase water consumption during or after droughts and the pandemic. Our MDRA supports utilities and policy makers to discern the impacts of different stressors on water demand and helps to identify social and economic sensitivities across a service area to develop adaptive DSMs and assistance programs.

Adapting to Climate Change with Opuntia.

Adapting our food production chain and increasing the flora and fauna's livelihood in climate change-affected areas using Opuntia is not only theoretical but already exists in practice in many places. This cactus grows in unsuitable soil for most species as it is adapted to arid and semi-arid soils and hot weather. In these regions, Opuntia protects from erosion and contributes to soil health. The usage of this plant as fodder is also discussed, with immense potential in substituting a part of livestock's diet and even increasing the quality of the animal's by-products and decreasing water consumption. This would result in a feed that is low-cost and has a lower environmental impact. It is to be noted that Opuntia has a high potential as an invasive species, with caution always being recommended when dealing with this specie. The high content of specific compounds, such as proline, indicaxanthin, and betanin, found in Opuntia ficus-indica, influence the plant's adaptation to unfavourable conditions. This collective evidence depicts Opuntia as a crop that can battle climate change and ensure food security.

Effects of macro-plastics on soil hydrothermal environment, cotton yield, and fiber quality under mulched drip irrigation in the arid region of Northwest China

ContextResidual plastic pollution in terrestrial soils has emerged as a globally significant environmental challenge on a global scale, particularly in agricultural systems. Within extensive areas of plastic film-covered agriculture, the presence of residual macro-plastic debris (> 0.5 cm) has resulted in immeasurable losses to soil quality and crop production. ObjectiveTo date, there is a lack of research investigating the potential impact of plastic mulching film residues on soil properties, crop yield, and the quality of cotton fiber. MethodsIn this study, a field experiment was conducted for the first time to assess the effects of different amounts of residual plastic film (RPF) on soil hydrothermal characteristics, cotton growth, and fiber quality in drip-irrigated cotton fields. The experiment encompassed six amounts: RPF0 (0 kg ha−1), RPF5 (146.18 kg ha−1), RPF10 (228.03 kg ha−1), RPF15 (309.88 kg ha−1), RPF20 (391.73 kg ha−1), and RPF25 (473.58 kg ha−1). The trial spanned the period from 2020 to 2021. ResultsThe elevation in the amount of RPF had a positive impact on irrigation water storage in the soil and resulted in decreased water consumption by cotton plants. Concurrently, it led to an increase in the average soil temperature and the accumulated active temperature in the 0–25 cm soil layer. However, there was a notable rise in the interannual levels of nitrate nitrogen in the soil with the augmentation of RPF. In addition, the abundance of macro-plastic debris in the soil correspondingly suppressed cotton fiber quality. To ascertain the effect of plastic film residue on soil properties, cotton economic benefits, and fiber quality, a structural equation model was developed. ConclusionsIt is imperative to promptly adopt environmentally friendly agricultural mulch materials in order to minimize the input of macro-plastic debris and enhance the recycling of native soil plastic film residues.

CARDIORENAL DYSFUNCTION IN MICE SUBMITTED TO AORTIC STENOSIS AND TREATED WITH SODIUM OXALATE

Objective: The transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model mimics cardiac hypertrophy (CH) caused by hypertension. The model of kidney injury by consumption of soluble sodium oxalate (SO) in the feed also mimics lesions similar to hypertension. Our objective is to test the hypothesis that mice submitted to TAC and gavage with SO will represent an effective model of cardiorenal dysfunction. Design and method: Forty male C57BL mice were randomized into 4 groups: sham-operated animals that received gavage for 15 days with water or sodium oxalate (SO) and animals that received TAC and gavage also for 15 days with water or SO. In the fourth and eighth weeks, an echocardiogram was evaluated. Metabolic cage, direct hemodynamic recording, and histological analysis were performed in the eighth week. Data were analyzed using 1-2 way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's posthoc, considering significant differences for p&lt;0.05. Results: The TAC+SO group showed increased serum urea (SHAM:37.85±3 vs. TAC+SO:49.9±2.6mg/dL, p = 0.02) and, compared to the SHAM+SO group, a decrease in water consumption and water balance. The TAC+SO group had the highest systolic (SHAM:122.4±5.2 vs. TAC+SO:160±5.2mmHg, p&lt;0.01), diastolic (SHAM:78.9±5.4 vs. TAC+SO:105±5mmHg, p&lt;0.01) and mean pressure (SHAM:100.6±5 vs. TAC+SO:132±4.8mmHg, p&lt;0.01) values. Compared to the SHAM+SO and the SHAM, TAC+SO showed increased double product (DP) (SHAM:64.6 ± 4.7 vs. SHAM+SO:62.7±3.3 vs. TAC+SO:96.6±5.2, p&lt;0.01). The TAC group had the highest weight of corrected ventricles (SHAM:6.73 ± 0.1 vs.TAC:10±0.6mg/mm, p&lt;0.01), and the TAC+SO group had the highest pulmonary congestion index. The SHAM+SO group showed increased autonomic modulation and HR variability, while the TAC+SO group showed an important reduction. TAC animals had the highest mean BP variability. The reflex tachycardia of the TAC, SHAM+SO and TAC+SO groups was very reduced, and only the TAC+SO group had a reduction in the alpha index. Conclusions: TAC surgery caused CH, reduction in reflex tachycardia, and changes in autonomic modulation. Gavage with SO for 15 days promoted primary renal injury, and separately it was able to increase autonomic modulation. TAC surgery associated with SO gavage caused greater cardiac and renal dysfunction.

Prospects of the use of high-tension fiber concrete as the basis for the formation of protective shelters and fortification structures during the russian-ukrainian war

This article analyzes the current state of protective shelters and fortification structures, foresees the modern possibilities of using fastening and basalt-type structures to increase the stability of concrete fortifications both during the construction of buildings for the protection of the civilian population, and for the creation of dugouts, fortifications and fire structures for the protection of personnel in accordance.&#x0D; Studies of the physical and mechanical properties of fiber concrete modified with plasticizers and active mineral additives using basalt and polypropylene fibers have shown that their introduction has a positive effect on the strength characteristics of concrete. The compressive strength of fiber concrete at day 28 increases from 61.4 to 77.0 and 96.2 MPa, respectively, and the flexural strength from 7.4 to 12.7 and 13.8 MPa, respectively.&#x0D; For the production of reinforced concrete protective materials, it is more effective to create hybrid high-strength concrete using fibers of different nature, followed by the formation of a reinforced concrete slab of the appropriate size. At the same time, the standard provides for the manufacture of prefabricated reinforced concrete elements of fortification structures and platoon support points of wall panels of the SP-1, SP-2 type and floor slabs PP-1 with a thickness of at least 300 mm from heavy concrete of strength class C32/40 with the use of plasticizers and active chemical additives.&#x0D; However, when using the obtained hybrid fiber concrete with strength class C50/60 and using a reinforcing mesh according to the calculated data, it is possible to reduce the effective thickness of the fiber concrete slab to 27.5 cm installation of fortification.&#x0D; The use of a reinforcing mesh in a complex with basalt fiber provides increased resistance of fiber concrete to the action of a high-speed impact due to an increase in the density of the cementing matrix as a result of a decrease in water consumption, as well as due to spatial three-dimensional reinforcement with dispersed basalt fiber. As a result of the mutual combination of the strength characteristics of the concrete matrix at the micro- and macro-levels in hybrid fiber concrete, it is possible to reduce the thickness of reinforced concrete elements and reduce the weight of the protective structure while meeting the requirements of the standards for such fortifications. An increase in the strength of cement stone occurs due to a decrease in the concentration of stresses in places of local stresses and a redistribution of energy throughout the volume of the material.&#x0D; The conducted studies of modern hybrid high-strength concrete with basalt fiber create new opportunities for the creation of protective concrete fortifications and fortification structures.

Integrating Remote Sensing Techniques and Meteorological Data to Assess the Ideal Irrigation System Performance Scenarios for Improving Crop Productivity

To increase agricultural productivity and ensure food security, it is important to understand the reasons for variations in irrigation over time. However, researchers often avoid investigating water productivity due to data availability challenges. This study aimed to assess the performance of the irrigation system for winter wheat crops using a high-resolution satellite, Sentinel 2 A/B, combined with meteorological data and Google Earth Engine (GEE)-based remote sensing techniques. The study area is located north of Erbil city in the Kurdistan region of Iraq (KRI) and consists of 143 farmer-owned center pivots. This study also aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal variation of key variables (Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Precipitation (mm), Evapotranspiration (ETo), Crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and Irrigation (Hours), during the wheat-growing winter season in the drought year 2021 to understand the reasons for the variance in field performance. The finding revealed that water usage fluctuated significantly across the seasons, while yield gradually increased from the 2021 winter season. In addition, the study revealed a notable correlation between soil moisture based on the (NDMI) and vegetation cover based on the (NDVI), and the increase in yield productivity and reduction in the yield gap, specifically during the middle of the growing season (March and April). Integrating remote sensing with meteorological data in supplementary irrigation systems can improve agriculture and water resource management by boosting yields, improving crop quality, decreasing water consumption, and minimizing environmental impacts. This innovative technique can potentially enhance food security and promote environmental sustainability.

Alternate-day fasting induces metabolic and morphofunctional changes in the gastrointestinal tract of male rats.

Alternate-day fasting (ADF) is a nutritional intervention with modulatory and overall protective effects, but its role in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ADF on the metabolic patterns and morphofunctional motility of the GI tract in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were allocated into groups: control for 15 days (CON 15, n=8), control for 30 days (CON 30, n=8), ADF for 15 days (ADF 15, n=8), and ADF for 30 days (ADF 30, n=8). Blood glucose, body weight, and food and water consumption were measured. Frequency and amplitude of gastric contractions as well as gastric emptying time, small intestinal transit time, and cecum arrival time were measured. Intestinal histomorphometric, relative weight of organs, lipidogram, and leptin levels were also evaluated. ADF decreased water consumption and food consumption. The weight gain decreased; however, the relative kidney weight increased. ADF triggered an increase in the amplitude of gastric contractions and accelerated gastric emptying. However, small intestinal transit time was delayed in both ADF groups. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased, whereas villus height, depth of the crypts and thickness of the circular, and longitudinal muscular layers of intestine increased after ADF. In conclusion, our results showed ADF exert an effect on both metabolism and GI motility and impacts on overall digestive functions.