High Population Density Research Articles

Hydraulic Design Concept of 6.60MLD Water Treatment Plant

Abstract: The design and construction of a 6.6 million liters per day (MLD) water treatment plant (WTP) in Belpada Village, Odisha, aim to meet the increasing water demand while ensuring public health through effective water treatment processes. The plant, which sources raw water from the Tel River, follows a well-structured treatment process that includes aeration, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. This journal outlines the hydraulic design, treatment schemes, and structural components of the WTP. Design calculations, based on CPHEEO standards, are also discussed, focusing on the hydraulic detention times, surface loading, filtration rates, and sludge management techniques.The design of water treatment plants (WTPs) plays a crucial role in delivering safe drinking water, especially in areas with high population density and industrial growth. The 6.6 MLD WTP designed for Belpada Village in Balangir District draws water from Tel River and utilizes a cascade aeration system for the removal of contaminants. This paper discusses the hydraulic and process design, focusing on flow rates, detention times, and surface loading parameters that meet the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO) standards.

Quantifying the relative importance of agricultural land use as a predictor of catchment nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations

Agriculture is a major source of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in freshwater ecosystems, and different management strategies exist to reduce farmland nutrient losses and thus mitigate freshwater eutrophication. The importance of agricultural sources of N and P as drivers of water quality is known to vary spatially, but quantification of the relative importance of the nutrient sources shaping this variability remains challenging, especially with reference to inputs from waste water treatment works. Addressing this knowledge gap is key for targeting management strategies to where they are likely to have the greatest effect. To advance our understanding in this area, this study assesses the impact of population density as a driver of the relative importance of agricultural land use for predicting mean Total Oxidised Nitrogen (TON) and Reactive Phosphorus (RP) concentrations in rivers in England, using two different data-driven, statistical approaches: a generalised linear model and random forest. Our results show that agricultural N and P sources dominate in catchments with low population density, where stream water concentrations are lower and waste water treatment works are numerous, but smaller in terms of the population equivalent served. Agricultural N and P sources are not important predictors of N and P in catchments with high population density, where contributions from waste water treatment works dominate. These results require cautious interpretation, as model validation outcomes show that high TON and RP concentrations are consistently underpredicted. Altogether, our results suggest that the relative contribution of agricultural sources may be overestimated in densely populated catchments, relative to point sources from waste water treatment works, and that management strategies to reduce the contribution of agriculture to N and P in rivers may be better targeted towards catchments with lower population density, as this is where agricultural land use is the primary source of N and P.

Utilizing Digital Mapping Technologies to Analyze the Characteristics of the Population of Ramadi City: Patterns and Trends

This study aims to employ digital mapping technologies to analyze the characteristics of the population of Ramadi city. Demographic data were collected from official sources and analyzed using digital mapping tools to provide a comprehensive overview of population distribution, population density, and growth rates in the city. The population of Ramadi city in 2022 was approximately 25,770, with the Othman bin Affan district being the most populous, with 31,703 residents. Population distribution was represented using dot maps to illustrate the numerical distribution of the population across different neighborhoods. The population density in the city was 55.3 persons per hectare, with Al-Khansaa district having the highest population density at 210.1 persons per hectare. Population density was represented using choropleth maps to highlight differences between neighborhoods. The population growth rate was 3.1% for the city of Ramadi. The western neighborhoods of the city, which experienced the highest growth rates of 8% and 7.5%, were the main destination for internal migration from other neighborhoods, significantly affecting population distribution and density. The study concluded that the use of digital mapping technologies provides effective tools for analyzing and interpreting demographic patterns, contributing to improved urban planning and equitable distribution of services across neighborhoods.

Sex-Specific Associations between Social Behavior, Its Predictability, and Fitness in a Wild Lizard.

AbstractSocial environments impose a number of constraints on individuals' behavior. These constraints have been hypothesized to generate behavioral variation among individuals, social responsiveness, and within-individual behavioral consistency (also termed "predictability"). In particular, the social niche specialization hypothesis posits that higher levels of competition associated with higher population density should increase among-individual behavioral variation and individual predictability as a way to reduce conflicts. Being predictable should hence have fitness benefits in group-living animals. However, to date empirical studies of the fitness consequences of behavioral predictability remain scarce. In this study, we investigated the associations between social behavior, its predictability, and fitness in the eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii), a wild gregarious lizard. Since this species is sexually dimorphic, we examined these patterns both between sexes and among individuals. Although females were more sociable than males, there was no evidence for sex differences in among-individual variation or predictability. However, females exhibited positive associations between social behavior, its predictability, and survival, while males exhibited only a positive association between mean social behavior and fitness. These findings hence partly support predictions from the social niche specialization hypothesis and suggest that the function of social predictability may be sex dependent.

Online Utilization of the Nominal Group Technique to Gather Consensus Opinion Across Geographically Disparate Locations

Introduction: The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured focus group that gathers opinion and generates consensus from groups on topics of interest. Previous studies using online NGTs (ONGTs) in health have been conducted in regions of high population density and internet connectivity. This activity aimed to determine the feasibility and utility of ONGTs in gathering opinion and reaching consensus on curriculum topics for a continuing research education program for health professionals dispersed across various locations in Southern Queensland. Methods: Fifteen clinical education academics from a range of health professions participated in 1-hour ONGT sessions from 2 University Department of Rural Health sites or their home offices. The traditional NGT was adapted for online use, using two free online platforms (Zoom for videoconferencing and Wooclap for voting and response collation). Results: The chosen platforms were effective in presenting ONGTs, allowing active and effective contributions to research topic ideas from all participants, including those with low internet connectivity. Silent generation enabled sharing, open discussion, and clarification of generated ideas. Wooclap was effective in reviewing and voting on generated responses and providing real-time feedback on voting outcomes. Outcomes were consistent with group consensus and useful in prioritizing research training topics. Discussion: The modified ONGT is effective in gathering opinion and gaining consensus from a geographically dispersed health workforce with varied levels of internet connectivity and experience with online platforms. It represents a cost-effective and time-effective alternative to face-to-face NGTs that is less likely to be affected by workforce disruptions.

Prediction of Forest-Fire Occurrence in Eastern China Utilizing Deep Learning and Spatial Analysis

Forest fires are a major natural calamity that inflict substantial harm on forest resources and the socio-economic landscape. The eastern region of China is particularly susceptible to frequent forest fires, characterized by high population density and vibrant economic activities. Precise forecasting in this area is essential for devising effective prevention strategies. This research utilizes a blend of kernel density analysis, autocorrelation analysis, and the standard deviation ellipse method, augmented by geographic information systems (GISs) and deep-learning techniques, to develop an accurate prediction system for forest-fire occurrences. The deep-learning model incorporates data on meteorological conditions, topography, vegetation, infrastructure, and socio-cultural factors to produce monthly forecasts and assessments. This approach enables the identification of spatial patterns and temporal trends in fire occurrences, enhancing both the precision and breadth of the predictions. The results show that global and local autocorrelation analyses reveal high-incidence areas mainly concentrated in Guangdong, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces, with cities like Jiangmen exhibiting distinct concentration characteristics and a varied spatial distribution of fire occurrences. Kernel density analysis further pinpoints high-density fire zones primarily in Meizhou, Qingyuan, and Jiangmen in Guangdong Province, and Dongfang City in Hainan Province. Standard deviation ellipse and centroid shift analysis indicate a significant northward shift in the fire-occurrence centroid over the past 20 years, with an expanding spatial distribution range, decreasing flattening, and relatively stable fire-occurrence direction. The model performs effectively on the validation set, achieving an accuracy of 80.6%, an F1 score of 81.6%, and an AUC of 88.2%, demonstrating its practical applicability. Moreover, monthly fire zoning analysis reveals that high-incidence areas in spring and winter are mainly concentrated in Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Hainan, while autumn shows widespread medium-incidence areas, and summer presents lower fire occurrences in most regions. These findings illustrate the influence of seasonal climate variations on fire occurrences and highlight the necessity for enhanced fire monitoring and prevention measures tailored to different seasons.

Plant-Parasitic Nematode Genera Associated with Date Palm in Central Iraq

A survey of plant-parasitic nematode genera associated with roots of mature date palm trees was conducted in central Iraq to study the occurrence, population density and geographical distribution. This study in Baghdad, Babil, Diyala, Karbela, Najaf, and Wasit governorates was conducted from 2019 to 2023, during the months from October to April. A total of 150 soil and root samples were gathered from 46 fields, and plant parasitic nematodes were extracted and morphologically identified to genus level. Eleven genera of plant parasitic nematodes were detected in the declining order of frequency: Tylenchorhynchus spp. (20%) in Baghdad, Babil, Diyala, Karbala, and Najaf; Meloidogyne spp., (17.3%) in Baghdad, Babil, Diyala, Najaf, and Wasit; Paratylenchus spp. (16%) in Diyala and Najaf; Helicotylenchus spp. (12%) in Baghdad, Diyala, Najaf, and Wasit; Tylenchus spp. (12%) in Baghdad, Babil, Diyala, Najaf, and Wasit; Aphelenchoides spp. (6.7%) in Babil, Diyala, Karbala, and Wasit; Pratylenchus spp. (4%) in Baghdad, Diyala, Najaf, and Wasit; Ditylenchus spp. (3.3%) in Babil and Najaf; Hoplolaimus spp. (1.3%) in Diyala; and Heterodera spp. and Scutellonema spp. (0.7% each) in Diyala. Population density was low in Baghdad. High population density was recorded for Meloidogyne spp., (37625 J2 /1000 cm3 soil) and lowest population density occurred with Paratylenchus spp. (20 nematodes /1000 cm3 soil) in Diyala (Al-Jadidah). This appears to be the first report of occurrences of plant-parasitic nematodes of date palm in central Iraq.

Community Asset Density and Past-Year Mental Health Symptoms Among Youths

ImportanceMany youths experience mental health challenges. Identifying which neighborhood and community factors may influence mental health may guide health policy and practice.ObjectiveTo explore associations between community assets (eg, schools, parks, libraries, and barbershops) and past-year mental health symptoms among youths.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study leveraged 3 datasets, which were linked by 26 zip codes: the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center, the Child Opportunity Index 2.0 database, and the Allegheny County Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The YRBS was administered during the study period in 2018 to youths across 13 high schools in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; the study dates were from October 15 to October 19, 2018. Dates of analysis were from August 1, 2023, to July 15, 2024.ExposuresAsset density in each zip code across 8 asset categories (transportation, education, parks and recreation, faith-based entities, health services, food resources, personal care services, and social infrastructure) was calculated.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe main outcomes were mental health measures included in the past 12 months, which comprised feelings of hopelessness (feeing so sad or hopeless that you stopped doing activities), nonsuicidal self-injury (hurt yourself on purpose without wanting to die), and suicidal ideation (seriously considered attempting suicide). All were operationalized to any or none. Data were analyzed using multivariable generalized linear mixed models and were adjusted for age, sex assigned at birth, race and ethnicity, and identification as sexually or gender diverse.ResultsAmong 6306 students who were eligible for the YRBS based on their enrollment in participating high schools, 4487 students completed surveys, and 2162 were included in the analytic sample (mean [SD] age, 15.8 [1.2] years; 1245 [57.6%] were assigned female sex at birth). Over one-third of the participants (811 [37.5%]) reported past-year feelings of hopelessness; 587 (27.2%), past-year nonsuicidal self-injury; and 450 (20.8%), past-year suicidal ideation. High total asset population density (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.85 [95% CI, 0.75-0.97]; P = .01), as well as population density of transportation assets (AOR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.66-0.90]; P < .001), educational resources (AOR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.67-0.92]; P = .002), and health services (AOR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.60-0.91]; P = .006), were associated with lower odds of past-year hopelessness after adjusting for covariates. There were no correlations between asset density, Child Opportunity Index, and other mental health measures.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that access to certain community assets was associated with lower odds of feelings of hopelessness among youths. Ongoing work is needed to characterize other forms of social and cultural capital, which may mitigate negative mental health outcomes among adolescent youths.

A Case Study on Children’s Accessibility in Urban Parks in Changsha City, China: Developing an Improved 2SFCA Method

As countries develop, the challenge of providing access to the outdoors and nature increases. Consequently, recent environmental justice research has focused on measuring children’s access to parks. The results of these analyses better reflect differences in accessibility, but there are discrepancies between different accessibility models. This study aims to explore child-friendly accessibility measures and proposes a supply–demand-improved two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method for estimating urban park accessibility based on children’s needs. The application of this improved 2SFCA method in Changsha City successfully identified areas with unequal park accessibility, offering valuable insights for urban planners, that can be used to promote equitable access to green spaces for all residents, especially children. The results demonstrate that park accessibility in Changsha City exhibits significant differences across various areas, with the lowest accessibility in the western part of Furong District, the northwestern part of Yuhua District, and the southern part of Tianxin District; while the highest accessibility is found in Yuelu District. The limited green space in the central business district of Changsha City, coupled with high population density, indicates a tension between green space planning and population density in the city’s central area. The study proposes that the primary challenge in current green space planning in Changsha is the rational allocation of green spaces to meet the needs of high-density populations within limited urban space. It provides a comprehensive and realistic perspective for understanding the accessibility and availability of green spaces for children, which can help urban planners develop effective policies to support children’s outdoor mobility, while considering equity.

Flash Floods Hazard to the Settlement Network versus Land Use Planning (Lublin Upland, East Poland)

There has been an increase in the frequency of hazards associated with meteorological and hydrological phenomena. One of them is flash floods occurring episodically in areas of concentrated runoff—valleys without permanent drainage. In the opinion of residents and local authorities, these are potentially safe areas—they are not threatened by floods and are therefore often occupied by buildings. The importance of addressing flash floods in land use planning is essential for sustainable development and disaster risk reduction. The objective of this research was to assess the level of the hazard and to evaluate its presence in land use planning activities. This manuscript fills a research gap, as to date flash flood threats have not been analyzed for individual buildings located in catchments of dry valleys in temperate climates. More than 12,000 first-order catchments were analyzed. The study covered an upland area located in East Poland, which is characterized by high population density and dispersed rural settlement. Within the 10 municipalities, buildings located on potential episodic runoff lines were identified. Qualitative assessment was applied to ascertain the susceptibility of catchments to flash floods. Such criteria as slopes, size, shape of the catchment area, and land cover, among others, were used. Between 10 and 20% of the buildings were located on episodic runoff lines, and about 900 sub-catchments were highly or very highly susceptible to flash floods. The way to reduce the negative effects of these phenomena is to undertake proper land use planning based on knowledge of geohazards, including flash floods. However, an analysis of available planning documents shows that phenomena of this type are not completely taken into account in spatial management processes.

Mobility and persistence of pesticides and emerging contaminants in age-dated and redox-classified groundwater under a range of land use types

Understanding groundwater contamination patterns is hampered by the heterogeneous groundwater age and redox status over the depth range typically sampled for identifying pesticides and emerging contaminants threats. This study explores depth patterns of groundwater age and redox status across various land use types, unraveling spatial and temporal trends of pesticides and emerging contaminants using data from groundwater quality monitoring in the south of the Netherlands. The Netherlands is an ideal testing ground due to its high population density and widespread groundwater contamination from multiple sources. 146 multi-level observation wells were age-dated using 3H/3He, and contaminant concentrations were analyzed based on recharge year, land use type, and redox conditions, mitigating uncertainties from spatial and depth-dependent variations in both groundwater age and redox status. Redox-recharge year diagrams were developed to visually evaluate contaminant patterns in relation to these factors and to assess concentration patterns in relation to contamination history. Most detections of pesticides, metabolites, and emerging contaminants occurred in the youngest recharge periods (2000–2010 and 2010–2020) and in agricultural areas. However, certain contaminants, including BAM, desphenyl-chloridazon, short-chain PFCAs, PFOA, and EDTA, were consistently found in older water and Fe- or SO4-reduced conditions, indicating their mobility and persistence in the regional groundwater system. Comparing the presence of contaminants in specific redox classes and recharge periods with known application or leaching history provides insights into retardation (e.g., PFOS) and degradation (e.g., 2-hydroxy-atrazine, benzotriazole), explaining lower detection frequencies in earlier recharge periods. Identifying recharge years from age-dated groundwater helps relate contaminants to farmland application or river water recharge periods, revealing leaching history and contamination origins. The presented framework has the potential to enhance the interpretation of large groundwater datasets from dedicated, short-screened observation wells, such as those from the Danish GRUMO network, the Dutch monitoring networks, and parts of the US National Water Quality Program.

Morph-linked variation in female pheromone signalling and male response in a polymorphic moth.

Understanding the maintenance of genetic variation in reproductive strategies and polymorphisms in the wild requires a comprehensive examination of the complex interactions between genetic basis, behaviour and environmental factors. We tested the association between three colour genotypes and variation in female pheromone signalling and male antennal morphology in the wood tiger moth (Arctia plantaginis). These moths have genetically determined white (WW, Wy) and yellow (yy) hindwings that are linked to mating success and fitness, with heterozygotes (Wy) having an advantage. We hypothesized that attractiveness and reproductive success are correlated, with Wy females being more attractive than the other two genotypes which could contribute to maintaining the polymorphism. Female attractiveness was tested by baiting traps with females of the three colour genotypes both in low- (i.e. field set-up) and in high-population density (i.e. large enclosure set-up). Male's ability to reach females was correlated to their own colour genotype and antennal morphology (length, area and lamellae count). Contrary to our prediction, morph-related reproductive success and attractiveness were not correlated. Heavier Wy females attracted a lower proportion of males compared to WW and yy females. Specifically, an increase in weight corresponded to a decreased Wy but increased yy female attractiveness. yy females were generally more attractive than others likely due to earlier pheromone release. In males, lamellae count and genetic colour morph were linked to the male's ability to locate females. Furthermore, male traits affected their ability to reach females in a context-specific way. Males with denser antennae (i.e. higher lamellae count) and white males reached the females faster than yellows in the enclosure, while yellow males located females faster than whites in the field. Our results indicate that higher yy female attractiveness was likely affected by the combined effect of early pheromone release, female weight and higher population density. Males' searching success was affected by morph-specific behavioural strategies and local population density. Ultimately, the combined effect of genotype-related pheromone signalling strategies of females together with environment-dependent male behaviour affect male response and potentially contribute to maintaining variation in fitness-related traits.

Legacy sources determine current water quality: Nitrogen and phosphorus in streams of Australia, China, Sweden and USA

Waterborne nutrient loads to downstream ecosystems integrate contributions from both active and legacy sources. Effective mitigation of nutrient pollution and eutrophication around the world requires distinction of these, largely unknown, relative load contributions. Here, the active and legacy contributions to nitrogen and phosphorus loads are distinguished in numerous streams and associated hydrological catchments of Australia, China, Sweden, and USA. The legacy contributions overshadow the active ones in all countries during 2005–2020. China and USA, with higher population densities and related overall human-activity levels, also have substantial active contributions. The median values of legacy concentration contributions of total nitrogen range from 321 (in Sweden) to 1850 μg/L (in USA); whereas the active contributions range from 2.2 (in Australia) to 315 μg/L (in USA). In China, nitrogen data are available only for ammonia, with median concentration contributions of 294 μg/L for legacy and 352 μg/L for active sources. For total phosphorus, the median values of legacy concentration contributions range from 28.8 (in Sweden) to 270 μg/L (in USA), while the active ones range from 0.1 (in Australia) to 67.3 μg/L (in USA). For relatively fast mitigation responses, China and USA need to mitigate their current nutrient emissions, while Australia and Sweden need a shift in mitigation focus to targeting their dominant legacy source contributions. The data-driven method testing in this study supports the used source distinction-attribution approach. This enables consistent source identification and tailoring of targeted measures for effective nutrient load mitigation in various regional contexts.

The capacity of primary school inclusive teachers meets the requirements of the 2018 general education program

The profession of integration teaching is currently receiving considerable attention. The competency framework for teachers is assessed based on the 2018 General Education Program (GEP), which emphasizes the development of students' personal competencies and sets new competency requirements for teachers. This program provides detailed guidelines for teaching and learning in the modern era. The objective of this study is to evaluate the extent to which teachers' training and teaching competencies align with the 2018 GEP. The present study surveyed 611 primary school integration teachers across 32 schools serving disabled students in five provinces and cities within Vietnam. In this study, an assessment of teachers' competencies in various aspects of education and teaching was conducted. The results revealed high levels of proficiency among teachers in assessing and nurturing students' qualities and competencies, as well as in devising pedagogical strategies to enhance students' inherent capabilities. The limited language proficiency, particularly in local and foreign languages, has significant implications for ethnic minority students, who rely on native language instruction for effective learning. This limitation hinders the implementation of the 2018 GEP, especially in regions with a high density of ethnic minority populations. Additionally, teachers showed proficiency in creating safe and culturally educational environments and establishing relationships among students, teachers, and parents. Nevertheless, collaboration with families and communities to achieve educational goals exhibited lower competency levels. Furthermore, teachers demonstrated capabilities in researching and updating subject knowledge, along with supporting colleagues in developing professional competencies. The study also explored stakeholders' perceptions regarding educational practices, indicating varying levels of correctness in responses. This study significantly contributes to the evaluation of current primary school teacher competencies and offers valuable data for school managers, administrators, and teachers to gain a more holistic understanding of this matter.

Causes of Pediatric Deaths in Lusaka, Zambia: A Quantitative Geographic Information Systems Approach.

While childhood mortality has been declining in Zambia, it remains high at 58 per 1000 live births. Importantly, many leading causes of mortality in Zambia are preventable. This study was conducted to identify clusters of childhood mortality, causes of death of recently deceased children, barriers to care, and risk factors for mortality in Lusaka, Zambia. This study was conducted as a prospective cohort study. Family members or lawfully authorized representatives (LARs) were interviewed when they came to pick up death certificates for recently deceased children from Lusaka Children's Hospital. Each interview included a verbal autopsy, determination of the child's location of residence, and collection of demographic information. Demographic data was also collected from a healthy control group. Quantitative Geographic Information Systems was used to visualize mortality and evaluate for clustering. Leading primary causes of death included malnutrition (21%), complications of chronic illnesses (16%), and central nervous system infections (13%), while the leading barriers to care were cost (58%) and difficulties with travel (53%). Compared to controls, recently deceased children came from families with significantly lower incomes (1905 Kwacha vs. 2412 Kwacha, p = 0.03) and were significantly more likely to have a history of malnutrition (16.7% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.005). Mortality was clustered in two high-population density, low-income neighborhoods in Lusaka. Systems to reduce financial barriers to care and improve access to transportation could reduce childhood mortality in Lusaka. The aforementioned neighborhoods are ideal locations for public health interventions or improved healthcare services.

Comparative study of reservoir operations using TLBO, PSO and DE optimization techniques: an experiment on the Hirakud reservoir, Odisha, India

ABSTRACT With the enduring progression of high population density, social economy and requirements of water supply, irrigation and hydropower, the water resource scarcity problem has been exacerbated in Odisha. Hence, the judicial operation of the Hirakud reservoir, which is considered the lifeline of Odisha, has become appreciably essential. Among various optimization techniques, metaheuristic algorithms are advanced techniques which can be applied for the optimal operation of a water reservoir. In this work, three metaheuristic algorithm-based optimization techniques, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Differential Evolution (DE) and Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithms, are applied for optimal water management of the Hirakud reservoir. From the result, it was found that the efficiency of TLBO for irrigation release during the non-monsoon period was 99.45% compared with PSO with an efficiency of 97.3% and DE with an efficiency of 95.6%. The efficiency of TLBO for hydropower generation was 99.6%, whereas for PSO it was 98.8% and for DE it was 98.5%. It is found from the above experiment that TLBO showed a better performance than PSO and DE optimization techniques for the water management of the Hirakud reservoir. These metaheuristic techniques will provide suitable guidance for reservoir operations at times when the presence of experts is a must but they may not be available.

The first detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the wastewater of Bucharest, Romania

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been previously used as a tool for pathogen identification within communities. After the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) outbreak, in 2020, Daughton proposed the implementation of a wastewater surveillance strategy that could determine the incidence of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) nationally. Individuals in various stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including presymptomatic, asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, can be identified as carriers of the virus in their urine, saliva, stool and other bodily secretions. Studies using this method were conducted to monitor the prevalence of the virus in high-density populations, such as cities but also in smaller communities, such as schools and college campuses. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of wastewater surveillance in Bucharest, Romania, and wastewater samples were collected weekly from seven locations between July and September 2023. RNA (ribonucleic acid) extraction, followed by dPCR (digital polymerase chain reaction) analysis, was performed to detect viral genetic material. Additionally, NGS (next generation sequencing) technology was used to identify the circulating variants within the wastewater of Bucharest, Romania. Preliminary results indicate the successful detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater, providing valuable insights into the circulation of the virus within the community.

Strategies and Techniques for Enhancing Fish Health and Averting Disease Outbreaks in Aquaculture Settings through the Use of Vaccination: A Review

The fastest–growing animal food-producing agricultural sector in the world is aquaculture, which accounts for almost half of the world’s food fish production.However, the expansion of high-density fish populations also brings forth a challenge–the rapid transmission and spread of infectious agents including several viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases. Expansion and successful development of sustainable aquaculture practice and increasing production largely depends upon the prevention and control of outbreaks of several emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases which can result in economic loss, food safety hazards, and environmental hazards. Vaccination strategies have become highly effective and economical in protecting the health of fish and other aquaculture organisms from various infectious diseases such as edwardsiellosis, motile aeromonas septicemia (MAS), Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) disease, infectious salmon anemia (ISA), vibriosis, and white spot disease etc. An ideal vaccine is expected to be safe, effective, economical, and easily administered. Most of the available fish vaccines are empirically designed vaccines based on inactivated or live attenuated bacterin vaccines. Novel advances in the fields of immunology, biotechnology, and molecular biology have led to the development in designing novel and effective fish vaccines and the improvement of the existing vaccines to provide sufficient immune protection against diseases. This review investigates the currently available fish vaccines for use in finfish aquaculture against different infectious diseases different mode of vaccine administration with addressing pros and cons in detail. The information was collected from different secondary sources, and then compiled systematically.

Spatial and seasonal variations of atmospheric microplastics in high and low population density areas at the intersection of tropical and subtropical regions

There is limited information regarding spatial and seasonal variations of atmospheric microplastics (MPs) and factors influencing MPs at the intersection of tropical and subtropical regions. A one-year study was conducted at sites in a high-population-density village (HPDV) and a low-population-density village (LPDV) in Taiwan to investigate the characteristics and influencing factors of airborne MPs. The predominant shapes, sizes, and polymer compositions of MPs were fragments, 3 to 25 and 26–50 μm, and polyamide at both sites. Seasonal variation in MP morphologies was not significant. Average MP concentrations were 2.20 ± 2.97 particles/m3 and 1.92 ± 2.35 particles/m3 at the HPDV and LPDV sites, respectively, and did not differ significantly. Higher concentrations and smaller sizes of MPs were found during the summer at both sites, while the predominant wind direction was southerly or southwesterly. In samples with temperatures exceeding 25 °C, the temperature was positively associated with MP concentrations at both the HPDV and LPDV sites. These results reflect that temperature influences the variations in the concentrations and sizes of MPs at our study site. Future research should consider the adverse risks of MP inhalation during the hot season. Moreover, when sites with different population densities and levels of human activity are closed, MP concentrations will not differ significantly between these areas since airflow can transport these particles from high-population-density areas into low-population-density areas in a short time.

Juvenile responses to immune challenges are not carried through to subsequent life stages in an insect

Environmental variability can significantly impact individual survival and reproduction. Meanwhile, high population densities can lead to resource scarcity and increased exposure to parasites and pathogens. Studies with insects can offer valuable insights into eco-immunology, allowing us to explore the connections between these variables. Here we use the moth Anticarsia gemmatalis to examine how increases in population density and immunological challenge during the larval stage shape its investment in immune defence and reproduction. Larvae reared at a high population density exhibited greater lytic activity against bacteria compared to those reared at low density, whilst bacterial challenge (i.e. bacteria-immersed needles) also increased lytic activity. There was no interaction between the variables population density and bacterial challenge, indicating that these are independent. Surprisingly, neither increase in lytic activity carried through to activity in prepupal haemolymph. Rearing of larvae at a high density delayed pupation and decreased pupal weight. The immunological stimulus did not significantly influence pupal development. Lower population density as a larva resulted in greater adult weight, but did not significantly influence lytic activity in the eggs or the number of eggs laid. Negative correlations were found between lytic activity in the eggs and the number of eggs, as well as between adult weight and the number of eggs. Overall, this study demonstrates that high population density and immune challenge trigger increased lytic activity in caterpillars, but this effect is transient, not persisting into later stages. The trade-offs observed, such as delayed pupation and reduced prepupal weights under high density, suggest a balancing act between immune investment and developmental aspects. The findings hint at a short-term adaptive response rather than a sustained strategy. The implications of delayed pupation and smaller adult moths could influence the moth's life history strategy, impacting its role in the ecosystem. Further research tracking larval immune investment and subsequent reproductive success will unveil the evolutionary dynamics of this relationship in changing environments.