Local Drainage Research Articles

Atypical venous drainage system and distinct vascular characteristics in pediatric intracerebral hemorrhage caused by multiple micro arteriovenous malformations.

Hemorrhagic brain micro-arteriovenous malformations (micro-AVMs) are considered to constitute a relatively significant portion of pediatric AVMs, though they are often associated with a low bleeding rate, as seen in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, which frequently involves multiple micro-AVMs. We present a rare case of a 10-year-old girl with multiple hemorrhagic micro-AVMs. Intraoperative findings during the emergency operation for hematoma evacuation and post-operative superselective angiography highlighted the unique angioarchitecture of three micro-AVMs (two lesions in the superficial areas and one lesion in the deep-seated area) and the atypical bleeding source due to the complex congestive venous drainage system. One micro-AVM was successfully occluded by a transarterial emboliozation, and remaining two micro-AVMs underwent gamma knife irradiation as a salvage therapy. Superselective angiography is crucial for detecting micro-AVMs, offering detailed insights into small, localized abnormal vascular drainage systems, and guiding therapeutic strategy. Additionally, micro-AVM-associated unique vascular hypersensitivity, such as vasospasm, requires careful consideration, as invasive procedures may significantly alter the visibility of the entire micro-AVM network.

Building a resilient North Jakarta: Integrating social preferences for effective adaptation and mitigation strategy in the climate change era

Abstract The northern part of Jakarta, Indonesia, has been grappling with recurring floods due to climate change, affecting residents’ lives and livelihoods. Sea level rise, land subsidence, and increased precipitation increase the risk of river flooding. While the government has implemented physical flood mitigation measures, these alone are insufficient due to climate uncertainty. This 2017 study assesses socio-cultural risks in northern Jakarta and community preferences for climate change adaptation strategies. The study was conducted in 2017 and the study’s insights remain relevant to contributed as one of the scientific basis for the statutory planning of Jakarta to build the social resilience. Employing qualitative approaches, it collected data at mezzo and micro levels. Findings show that households adopt various private and public mitigation-adaptation measures. Most prefer elevating household items to higher ground (62.9%), while 44% favor maintaining the local drainage system and improving pumping facilities. However, 62% resist relocating to vertical houses, fearing job loss or increased expenses. Only 13% express willingness to relocate voluntarily for more comfortable housing. This resistance stems from the apprehension that such relocation might negatively impact their overall welfare, either by jeopardizing their employment opportunities or by increasing their monthly expenditures.

EVALUATING WASTEWATER TREATMENT EFFICIENCY OF MEDICAL CENTERS IN BINH DUONG PROVINCE

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the wastewater management system implemented at a medical center located within the Bau Bang Industrial Park in Binh Duong province, Vietnam. With a staff of 166 and 60 beds, the facility operates in accordance with TCVN 4470:2012 General Hospital design standards, serving a diverse range of water demands including domestic, medical, and auxiliary requirements. The wastewater management system is meticulously designed to handle both rainwater and wastewater separately. Rainwater is efficiently collected through surface and roof drainage networks, while domestic and medical wastewater undergo discrete collection processes. The medical center's wastewater treatment facility, operating at a capacity of 100 m³/day, employs a multistage treatment process to ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards (QCVN 28:2010/BTNMT, column B, K = 1). This process includes preliminary treatment, anaerobic and aerobic biological treatment, membrane filtration, and disinfection. The facility consistently meets quality parameters outlined in QCVN 28:2010/BTNMT, exhibiting effective removal rates for organic pollutants, suspended solids, ammonia, phosphates, and pathogens. Furthermore, the medical center demonstrates commendable environmental stewardship through its stormwater drainage infrastructure, which integrates seamlessly with the local drainage network, safeguarding against environmental contamination. Overall, the wastewater management practices at the medical center exemplify best practices in environmental management within the healthcare sector. This study provides valuable insights into the design, implementation, and performance evaluation of wastewater treatment systems in industrial settings, contributing to the global discourse on sustainable wastewater management practices.

Towards a Community-Based Framework for Flood Risk Management in Woodlands Park, Gweru

AbstractUrban flood risks in Zimbabwe emanate from the twin challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change. Most urban settlements have become increasingly anchorages, which require increased adaptation through the sustainable management of urban storm water. Building on the Woodlands Park case in Gweru, this paper locates the problem of recurrent floods to the impasse between residents and council authorities on the one hand, and climatic risks reinforcing underlying rapid urbanisation challenges on the other hand. The purpose of the study was to gather the views of residents and their role in seeking solutions to the storm water management challenges. Utilising a mixed methodology, insights were drawn from field observations and purposive selection of 50 household representatives, triangulated with the views of officials from Gweru City Council (GCC). Data were obtained through in-depth interviews using semi-structured questions and analysed using thematic content analysis where participants’ views were grouped into themes according to their resemblance. By utilising Vensim PLE 7.3 Software, we applied systems thinking theory to reveal the interconnectedness of the factors leading to heightened storm water challenges. The findings showed that Woodlands Park lacks proper drainage installations that meet the standards of GCC. Some residents use personal resources to make storm drains on their yards but with differing structural dimensions. The local drainage system gets choked by silt and illegally dumped litter. Municipal authorities do not undertake routine annual drain reticulation operations, exposing houses to flooding. We argue that municipal authorities, land developers and the residents have not equitably collated their efforts to create bargained storm water management initiatives. The study proposes a community-based, low-cost flood resilience framework that engages residents with technical guidance from municipal staff.

Impacts of forest canopy heterogeneity on plot-scale hydrometeorological variables - Insights from an experiment in the humid boreal forest with the Canadian Land Surface Scheme

High latitude regions, including the circumpolar boreal biome, are experiencing important changes in the availability of usable surface water because of climate change. In this context, an adequate representation of the land-atmosphere interaction is critical to ensure optimal management of current and future water resources, forest management, and climate prediction. However, the task is particularly intricate in high-latitude boreal forest, as land surface model faces several challenges due to the unique environmental conditions and ecological characteristics. The objective of this study is to quantify the impact of forest landscape heterogeneity, specifically stand leaf-area index (LAI), soil texture, and drainage regime, on surface water and energy balance in a small boreal high-latitude sub-catchment. To this end, hydrometeorological conditions at seventeen 20×20 m plots in a 1-km2 boreal forest sub-basin are simulated using the Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS), a land surface model, at the point scale. The subplot-scale soil texture, drainage regime, and vegetation characteristics and type are based as closely as possible on field measurements and observations for the 17 plots. The model-driven experiment comprises two sets of simulations using CLASS, each employing the same model setup and run for the 17 experimental plots. The main set employs meteorological forcing from a local micrometeorological tower within the sub-basin to investigate the plot-to-plot variability of albedo, energy fluxes, and soil state variables. A second set of simulations is conducted using meteorological forcing from the ERA5-Land reanalysis, which spans from 1986 to 2022. This data provides a longer time series, enabling a more accurate representation of the interannual climatic variability in the sub-basin. The results of the main and secondary sets of CLASS simulations are used to assess the plot-to-plot and temporal variability of several key hydrometeorological variables by calculating a monthly spread. In brief, the following conclusions and broader implications can be drawn from the findings: i) The simulated total annual evapotranspiration remains relatively uniform between plots despite notable variation in its partitioning from plot to plot. ii) In the presence of a full snowpack, the albedo exhibits substantial heterogeneity at the subplot scale, linked to the canopy's LAI. iii) Local soil properties, drainage regime, and vegetation structure and type exhibit substantial influence on the plot-to-plot variability in soil water content. iv) When parameterized with localized observations and measurements, CLASS can represent and be responsive to the complex dynamics of energy and water fluxes at the plot scale within the heterogeneous surface of boreal forests.

Effectiveness of Dry Needling versus Cupping Therapy for Pain in Piriformis Syndrome

Background: Piriformis syndrome is characterized by discomfort in the buttocks and throughout the course of the sciatic nerve. Dry needling modulates pain perception, disrupts pain signaling pathways, and induces local tissue responses. Cupping therapy facilitates localized blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and tissue oxygenation to alleviate muscular tension and improve circulation. Both interventions have shown promise in improving symptoms of piriformis syndrome. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dry needling versus cupping therapy in managing piriformis pain syndrome. Methods: This experimental study was conducted at Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Teaching and Research Hospital, Lahore, from October 2023 to May 2024. Eighty participants diagnosed with piriformis syndrome, aged between 18 and 65 years, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A (dry needling) and Group B (cupping therapy). Exclusion criteria included pregnancy and previous surgical interventions for piriformis syndrome. Both groups received their respective treatments three times a week for six weeks. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), disability was assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and quality of life was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with paired sample t-tests used for within-group comparisons and independent sample t-tests for between-group comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: In the dry needling group, the mean VAS score decreased from 6.216 ± 1.931 to 3.432 ± 0.987 (p < 0.001), while the cupping therapy group saw a reduction from 6.108 ± 2.195 to 4.189 ± 1.697 (p < 0.001). The mean ODI score in the dry needling group decreased from 27.432 ± 7.617 to 10.054 ± 3.036 (p < 0.001), and in the cupping therapy group from 26.270 ± 7.209 to 12.918 ± 7.495 (p < 0.001). Quality of life scores improved significantly in both groups, with the dry needling group showing a mean reduction from 12.702 ± 3.673 to 7.270 ± 1.627 (p < 0.001), and the cupping therapy group from 13.027 ± 3.523 to 8.270 ± 1.609 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both dry needling and cupping therapy are effective interventions for managing piriformis pain syndrome, with dry needling showing greater improvements in pain reduction, disability reduction, and quality of life. These findings support the use of dry needling as a preferred therapeutic option for piriformis syndrome.

Distinguishing the contributions of different smelting emissions to the spatial risk footprints of toxic elements in soil using PMF, Bayesian isotope mixing models, and distance-based regression

Toxic element pollution of soils emanating from smelting operations is an escalating global concern due to its severe impact on ecosystems and human health. In this study, soil samples were collected and analyzed to quantify the risk contributions and delineate the spatial risk footprints from smelting emissions for 8 toxic elements. A comprehensive health risk contribution and delineation framework was utilized, consisting of Positive matrix factorization (PMF), spatial interpolation, an advanced Bayesian isotope mixing model via Mixing Stable Isotope Analysis in R (MixSIAR), and distance-based regression. The results showed that the mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn exceeded the background levels, indicating substantial contamination. Three sources were identified using the PMF model and confirmed by spatial interpolation and MixSIAR, with contributions ranked as follows: industrial wastewater discharge and slag runoff from the smelter site (48.9 %) > natural geogenic inputs from soil parent materials (26.7 %) > atmospheric deposition of dust particles from smelting operations (24.5 %). Among the identified sources, smelter runoff posed the most significant risk, accounting for 97.9 % of the non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) and 59.9 % of the carcinogenic risk (CR). Runoff also drove NCR and CR exceedances at 7.8 % and 4.7 % of sites near the smelter, respectively. However, atmospheric deposition from smelting emissions affected soils across a larger 0.8 km radius. Although it posed lower risks, contributing just 1.1 % to NCR and 22.6 % to CR due to the limited elevation of toxic elements, deposition reached more distant soils. Spatial interpolation and distance-based regression delineated high NCR and CR exposure hotspots within 1.4 km for runoff and 0.8 km for deposition, with exponentially diminishing risks at further distances. These findings highlight the need for pathway-specific interventions that prioritize localized wastewater containment and drainage controls near the smelter while implementing broader regional air pollution mitigation measures.

Improving quality of life after breast cancer: a comparison of two microsurgical treatment options for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL)

PurposeVascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) entails the autologous relocation of lymph nodes to a lymphedematous region of the body, whereas lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) creates a direct bypass between the lymphatic and venous system. Both techniques are meant to lastingly bolster the local lymphatic drainage capacity. This study compared safety and effectiveness of VLNT and LVA in patients with chronic breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from our encrypted database composed of patients with chronic BCRL who were treated with either VLNT or LVA and had a minimum follow-up of two years. Patient-specific variables analyzed included pre- and postoperative arm circumferences, lymphedema stages and postoperative complications.ResultsA total of 105 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 96 patients demonstrated a complete follow-up period of two years. The VLNT group displayed larger preoperative circumferential measurements, evident in both in the isolated examination of the affected arm, as well as when adjusted for the contralateral unaffected arm. Significant reduction in arm volume was achieved by both groups. However, VLNT demonstrated superior relative reduction rates than LVA, neutralizing any significant arm size disparities after 24 months. Surgery duration was slightly longer for VLNT than LVA. Postoperative complications, predominantly minor, were exclusively observed in the VLNT group.ConclusionsBoth VLNT and LVA offer significant improvement for patients suffering from chronic BCRL. VLNT shows an even greater potential for improvement in more severe cases of BCRL, but involves a higher risk for (mostly minor) complications.

Simulation of the use of rainwater in two schools in the public municipal education network in Aracaju-SE

With an increasing frequency periods of intense water scarcity are recorded in various parts of the planet. A measure that can be very efficient, is using rainwater, preserving potable water for use where it is needed, and contributing to the fight against urban floods. Considering the foregoing, this article aims to capture’s simulation and use of rainwater in two schools of the public municipal education network of Aracaju-SE, through the estimation of non-potable demand, estimation of the catchable volume, verification of the attendance of the estimated non-potable use and the impact of this action on the urban drainage system. Based on the roof area and the average’s data of precipitation, the volume of water captured by the roof was calculated, and finally, a demand for non-potable use was estimated, verifying if this demand is attended, in addition, the impact generated on the local urban drainage system was analyzed. The results indicate that: a) The Oviedo Teixeira School had an average demand of 258 m³, an average catchable volume of 326 m³ and an average reduction of 66% in the volume thrown into the drainage; b) The Anísio Teixeira School had an average demand of 60 m³, an average catchable volume of 140 m³, and an average reduction of 53% in the volume thrown into drainage. It is concluded that rainwater totally meets the estimated demand and rainwater harvesting positively impact on the drainage system, if used on a large scale.

Diagnosis of multiple tuberculous muscle abscesses in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus by metagenomic next-generation sequencing- a case report and literature review

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of muscular tuberculosis (TB) without coexistent active skeletal involvement is often challenging because the disease is very rare and its clinical manifestation is nonspecific and misleading. To raise the awareness and emphasize early diagnosis of muscular TB, we present a case of multiple tuberculous muscle abscesses in a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) female, but without pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), in order to increase awareness of and stress the need of early detection of muscular TB.Case presentationA 44-year-old woman with a 6-year history of SLE who had been treated with methylprednisolone for a long time complained of erythema on her trunk and extremities for five months, along with edema and myalgia for two months, and fever for one month. The patient was first misdiagnosed as SLE overlap dermatomyositis. However, an ultrasound-guided drainage of muscle abscesses revealed positive acid-fast staining combined with positive deoxyribonucleic acid fragment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). The patient was cured and released following standard anti-tuberculosis medication, local puncture drainage, and an intravitreal injection of streptomycin. Literature search found only 19 cases of tuberculous muscle abscesses occurring in the extremities reported from 1999 to 2023.ConclusionsExtrapulmonary TB with predominantly muscle involvement is rare and with no specific clinical presentation. Muscular tuberculosis may be disdiagnosed for dermatomyositis due to the high muscle enzyme levels, delaying diagnosis and treatment. mNGS technology is helpful in the early and rapid diagnosis of muscular TB. On the basis of traditional anti-tuberculosis treatment, an ultrasound-guided percutaneous puncture drainage and intracavitary injection of streptomycin for the treatment of tuberculous muscle abscess is easy to operate, safe and effective, which is worthy of clinical popularization and application.

Mouse kidney transplantation model: Three novel methods.

The mouse kidney transplantation model presents challenges in terms of surgical difficulty and low success rate, making it difficult to master. This study aims to provide a crucial model for transplantation immunology research by modifying and developing novel techniques for mouse kidney transplantation. A total of 57 pairs of mice were used to establish and compare the modified and innovative surgical techniques for mouse kidney transplantation. Three different surgical models were established, including the abdominal suture technique for orthotopic kidney transplantation, the abdominal cuff technique for orthotopic kidney transplantation, and the cervical cuff technique for ectopic kidney transplantation. BALB/c or C57BL/6 male mice, aged 8 to 12 weeks and weighed 20 to 25 g with specified pathogen free-grade were served as the donor mice or the recipient mice. The surgical technique characteristics, key surgical times, complications, and pathological examination in the early postoperative period were summarized and compared. Three different surgical models of mouse kidney transplantation were successfully established. The comparison of warm ischemic time for the 3 groups of mice showed no statistical significance (P=0.510 4). The abdominal suture group had the shortest total operation time of the donor compared with the abdominal cuff group and the cervical cuff group [(18.3±3.6) min vs (26.2±4.7) min and (22.8±2.5) min; both P<0.000 1]. There was a significant difference in cold ischemia time among the 3 groups (all P<0.000 1), with (60.8±4.1) min in the cervical cuff group, (43.3±5.0) min in the abdominal suture group, and (88.8±6.7) min in the abdominal cuff group. Due to different anastomosis methods, the cervical cuff group had the shortest time [(17.6±2.7) min], whereas the abdominal cuff group had the longest time [(38.8±5.4) min]. The total operation time for the recipients showed significant differences (P<0.000 1), with the abdominal suture group having the shortest time [(44.0±6.9) min], followed by the cervical cuff group [(64.1±5.2) min], and the abdominal cuff group [(80.0±6.0) min] being the longest. In the 32 mice of the abdominal suture group, there were 6 with intraoperative bleeding, including 1 arterial intimal injury bleeding and 5 with bleeding after vessel opening. Six mice had ureteral complications, including ureteral bladder anastomotic stenosis, necrosis, and renal pelvis dilation. Two mice had postoperative abdominal infections. In the abdominal cuff group, there was no intraoperative bleeding, but 6 mice showed mild arterial stenosis and 5 showed venous stenosis, 4 arterial injury, 4 arterial thrombosis, and 2 ureteral complications. No postoperative infections occurred in the mice. In the cervical cuff group, no intraoperative bleeding, arterial intimal injury, arterial/venous stenosis, or thrombosis were found in 13 mice. Five mice had ureteral complications, including ureteral necrosis and infection, which were the main complications in the cervical cuff group. The renal function in mice of the 3 groups remained stable 7 days after surgery. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining showed no significant differences in terms of acute rejection among the 3 surgical methods (all P>0.05). All 3 surgical methods are able to successfully establish mouse kidney transplantation models, with no significant differences observed in the short-term graft survival and acute rejection. The modified abdominal suture technique and abdominal cuff technique have their respective advantages in research applications. The novel cervical cuff technique for ectopic kidney transplantation model is relatively simple to be prepared and causes less trauma to the mice, providing more options for studies involving xenotransplantation, secondary transplantation, and local lymphatic drainage. However, the difficulty in harvesting the donor kidney and the high incidence of ureteral infections need further validation in long-term survival. This study holds important reference value for choosing the type of mouse kidney transplantation model for different research needs.

Rh’ne River Challenges: Local Dam Drainage, Global Impact

This article undertakes a critical examination of the Verbois Dam’s flush-drains on the Rhone River, assessing the feasibility, desirability, and rationale behind their potential removal as a key strategy for sustainable development. The study delves deeply into the long-term environmental, social, and economic repercussions associated with modifying sediment management practices. Originating from the discussions held at the 2006 Rhone Congress in Geneva, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical, technical, and human dimensions of this complex local issue. It emphasizes the necessity of strengthening Franco-Swiss cross-border cooperation and argues for the expansion of the ‘Rhone Plan, a sustainable development initiative’ beyond its French inception. The proposed extension aims to cover the entire span of the Rhone River, from Gletsch in Switzerland to its Mediterranean terminus, thereby fostering a more holistic and sustainable approach to river management.

Can local drain flow measurements be utilized to improve catchment scale modelling?

Tile drains constitute a shortcut from agricultural fields to surface water systems, significantly altering the transport pathways and fate of nitrate during transport. A correct representation of tile drainage flow is thus crucial for estimating nitrate load at the catchment scale and to identify optimal locations for N-mitigation measures. Drainage is a local process, controlled by local properties and drain configurations, which are rarely known for individual fields, making drainage flow and transport a challenging task in catchment scale models. This study tests the potential for improving drainage flow dynamics at catchment scale, by utilising local drainage flow measurements in a spatial calibration scheme. A distributed hydrological model, MIKE SHE, for the agricultural-dominated Norsminde catchment (145 km2) in Denmark, was calibrated using spatially distributed surrogate parameters (pilot points) to represent heterogeneity in the soil (top 3 m) and the deeper geology below 3 m. The model was calibrated using hydraulic heads, stream discharge, and measured drainage flow from eight drain catchments. Drain measurements were very important in guiding the calibration of top 3 m and subsurface pilot points located in the drainage fields, showing that drain flow hold information on both local (shallow) and regional (deeper) flow patterns. Contrarily, pilot points located outside the drained fields were mainly sensitive to the hydraulic head measurements and the summer water balance of the stream discharge on a catchment scale. Consequently, incorporation of the drain data improved local performance, but did not improve the parameterization and drain description of the entire catchment. Exploitation of the drain flow information is thus difficult beyond the drain catchments, and other approaches are needed to extrapolate and exploit the local data.

PRINCIPLES OF CALCULATIONS AND ARRANGEMENT OF LOCAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS IN PRIVATE BUILDING TERRITORIES

Abnormally heavy rains in the first two spring months of 2023 revealed the unpreparedness and lack of protection of many settlements in the Kyiv region from excessive moisture and inundation. Among them, is Novi Petrivtsi village, where the natural conditions for surface runoff and precipitation infiltration (lack of visible surface slopes and poorly permeable cover sediments) are unfavourable and significantly complicated by buildings, and a network of highways. The long-term retention of water on the surface, the rise of groundwater levels, and the layered structure of the upper part of the geological section provide grounds for the use of combined local drainage systems with compliance with drainage standards of at least 3,0 m. Since the high density of buildings often does not allow for contour drainage around residential buildings, it is necessary to lay single-line horizontal drainage to a greater depth than for a conventional contour drainage of 3,5 meters or more. However, the lack of roadside ditches and other water intakes and means of orderly drainage do not allow homestead drainage systems to work as efficiently as possible. This requires the creation of an orderly system of water intakes (trenches and closed collectors) on the scale of the village. Foreign experience convinces that the rational planning of such systems is possible under the conditions of establishing the character of rainfall distribution with a resolution of 1–5 minutes in time and a step of 500 m across the area. Meteorological radar is used to record radar images of rain and study its intensity. An effective solution to the water drainage problem is impossible without detailed engineering and geological investigations. Due to them, litho-facies inhomogeneities in the aeration zone and water-saturated stratum, which lead to the retention and support of groundwater, were discovered in the local area. Taking into account the spatial boundaries of these engineering and geological elements allow drainage more efficiently. Drainage capacity is substantiated by forecasts of changes in the maximum amount of precipitation per day and two days in a row. Due calculating the drainage capacity, it should be taken into account that the maximum amount of precipitation in the future period will have a guarantee of 0,5-2,0% less than the actual maximum values. In the calculation part, the main attention is paid to the selection of equations for determining the width of influence of a single horizontal drain. Five formulas have been selected that can be used to solve similar problems. The time of onset of the established mode of operation of a single drain was calculated. Future research should focus on the collection of high-resolution rainfall and local urban runoff data, as well as the implementation of urban drainage models.

Groundwater quality index development using the ANN model of Delhi Metropolitan City, India.

Groundwater is widely recognized as a vital source of fresh drinking water worldwide. However, the rapid, unregulated population growth and increased industrialization, coupled with a rise in human activities, have significantly harmed the quality of groundwater. Changes in the local topography and drainage systems in an area have negative impacts on both the quality and quantity of groundwater. This underscores the critical need to assess the susceptibility of groundwater to pollution and implement measures to mitigate these risks. The water quality index (WQI) is an approach that simulates the water quality at peculiar locations for a particular period of time. The artificial neural network (ANN) model approach is such an idealistic methodology that can be utilized for WQI development and provides better results for specific locations in optimum time. Therefore, the goal of the current study is to provide a unique way for using artificial neural networks (ANN) to characterize the groundwater quality of Delhi Metropolitan City, India. In order to make the water fit for residential and drinking use, the research also pinpoints the geographical variability and spots where the contaminated region has to be sufficiently cleaned. A minimum WQI of 41.51 was obtained at the Jagatpur location while a maximum value of 779.01 was at the Peeragarhi location. During the training phase, the results obtained using the ANN model were highly favorable, demonstrating a strong association with an R-value of 98.10%, thus highlighting the program's exceptional efficiency. However, in accordance with the correlation regression findings, the prediction outcomes of the ANN model in testing are observed to be an R-value of 99.99-100%. This study confirms the promise and advantages of employing advanced artificial intelligence in managing groundwater quality in the studied area.

Numerical Simulation of Seepage Surface and Analysis of Phreatic Line Control from a Fine-Grained Tailings High Stacked Dam under Complicated Geography Conditions

Background: It is adverse for the safety of a tailings dam to use fine-grained tailings as the materials for a high tailings dam because of the low penetration coefficient, the slow consolidating velocity, and the bad physical mechanical property. Furthermore, with the influence of complicated geography conditions, the phreatic line will be increased enormously when encountering special conditions, which directly affect the safe operation of the tailings dam. Methods: In this study, based on the engineering, geological, and hydrogeological conditions and survey results of a tailings dam, a 210 m fine-grained tailings dam located in three gullies was selected and used to simulate the three-dimensional seepage field of a tailings dam under a steady saturated state by using the finite element software MIDAS GTS. The permeability coefficient was inverted, the seepage field of the project under different working conditions was simulated, and the position of the phreatic line was obtained. The controlled position of phreatic lines was determined by combining the seepage field with the stability requirements. Results: Back analysis could accurately reflect the actual permeability coefficient of each partition of tailings dams. Due to the multiple areas of seepage accumulation, large valley corners, and narrowing of the dam axis, the phreatic line of the shoulder region was elevated by 2~3 m compared to the surrounding area and was thereby the most critical region of the tailings dam seepage control. The stability requirements and minimum controlled position of the phreatic line requirements could be met when the controlled position of the phreatic line was 23 m. Conclusion: This study revealed the key areas and reasons why the tailings dam’s phreatic line is prone to be uplifted under complicated geography conditions. It was very critical to control the local phreatic line by adopting local horizontal seepage drainage measures or radiation wells in the key areas of the tailings dam to ensure the safety of the tailings dam. In addition to strengthening the daily monitoring of the key areas and the exfiltration facilities of the tailings dam, it is recommended to carry out determination tests of the permeability coefficient and particle size at regular intervals. The findings could provide countermeasures for seepage control.

The mid‐latitude hydrolaccolith of the Spanish Central System (Southern Europe): A top‐to‐bottom integration of geomatic, geophysical and sedimentary datasets for characterising a singular periglacial landform

AbstractPermafrost study in the Spanish Central System (~41°N) has remained elusive in past decades. Although numerous periglacial features have been described, none has yielded conclusive information about the existence/distribution of permafrost across these mountains. This work focuses on integrating light detection and ranging and unmanned aerial vehicle data with geophysical methods and sedimentary records, along with preliminary thermal information, for the comprehensive study of a frost mound. The singularity of this feature resides in its location, currently dominated by a seasonal frost regime, and its size reaching 59 m long, 22.5 m wide and 4 m high, representing the largest landform of this type in Iberia. From top‐to‐bottom, the internal structure comprises three resistivity units (G1, G2 and G3). The most superficial unit (G1) consists of a sequence of burial soils alternating with sand and silts, with pebbles and gravel at the bottom, followed by a high porous layer that belongs to a landslide deposit (G2), likely composed of gravel and pebbles laying over unit G3 (bedrock). Calibrated 14C ages suggest this landform formed at least ~4300 years ago during the mid‐Holocene. Finally, the preliminary surface thermal map indicates the presence of sectors affected by strong thermal gradients likely driven by water table variations. Our results conclude that the dynamics are primarily controlled by the seasonal frost regime influencing local subsurface drainage, which allows us to classify this landform as a hydrodynamic pingo‐like structure. We also demonstrate that our approach is suitable for assessing the evolution of this type of periglacial landform. Implementing long‐lasting annual monitoring programmes would help to understand local periglacial dynamics better.

Comparison of clinical and microbiological characteristics of community-acquired hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Invasive infection caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (HvKP) has been reported worldwide. Most of the patients are community population, related to diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic liver disease and other basic diseases, which prone to systemic migratory infection. In this study, we collected 377 patients with community acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess in our hospital from January 2013 to December 2018, 65.8% of whom were male, and 49.6% had DM. Patients with DM are prone to eye and central nervous system (CNS) infection, which need continuous local abscess drainage during treatment. Among them, patients with poor blood glucose control have a higher rate of blood stream infections (BSI). 219 strains of HvKP were obtained, with K1/K2 Serotype accounted for 81.7%. The incidence of BSI in K2 patients was higher than that in K1 patients. The PCR results indicate that the carrying rate of virulence genes (rmpA、areo、kfu、allS、iroN、magA、uge、wcaG) in K1/K2 type strains is significantly higher than that in non K1/K2 type strains. ST23 and ST65 are the most common multilocus sequence typing (MLST), which belong to K1 and K2 Serotype respectively. All of HvKP strains showed high sensitivity to commonly used clinical antibiotics other than ampicillin, with 54.3% of the strains exhibiting high viscosity characteristics. Meanwhile, 35 classic Klebsiella pneumoniae (cKP) strains were collected, and their serum typing is mainly non K1/K2. The carrying rate of virulence genes and viscosity degree in HvKP are significantly higher than those in cKP. Primary liver abscess caused by HvKP is prone to multiple tissue and organ infections, but it shows higher sensitivity to most commonly used antibiotics in clinical practice except for ampicillin. After effective treatment, the overall prognosis of patients is better. This study analyzes the pathogenic characteristics of HvKP and elaborates on the clinical characteristics of patients, which can provide reference for clinical and scientific research work.

Dispersion effects in porous medium gravity currents experiencing local drainage

We develop a theoretical model to study (dense) two-dimensional gravity current flow in a laterally extensive porous medium experiencing leakage through a discrete fissure situated along this boundary at some finite distance from the injection point. Our model, which derives from the depth-averaged mass and buoyancy equations in conjunction with Darcy's law, considers dispersive mixing between the gravity current and the surrounding ambient by allowing two different gravity current phases. Thus do we define a bulk phase consisting of fluid whose density is close to that of the source fluid and a dispersed phase consisting of fluid whose density is close to that of the ambient. We characterize the degree of dispersion by estimating, as a function of time, the buoyancy of the dispersed phase and the separation distance between the bulk nose and the dispersed nose. On this basis, it can be shown that the amount of dispersion depends on the flow conditions upstream of the fissure, the fissure permeability and the vertical and horizontal extents of the fissure. We also show that dispersion is larger when the gravity current propagates along an inclined barrier rather than along a horizontal barrier. Model predictions are fitted against numerical simulations. The simulations in question are performed using COMSOL and consider different inclination angles and fissure and upstream flow conditions. Our study is motivated by processes related to underground $\mathrm {H}_2$ storage e.g. an irrecoverable loss of $\mathrm {H}_2$ when it is injected into the cushion gas saturating an otherwise depleted natural gas reservoir.

Watershed-scale provenance heterogeneity within Eocene nonmarine basin fill: Southern Greater Green River Basin, western USA

Weathering, erosion, and sediment transport in modern landscapes may be investigated via direct observation of attributes such as elevation, relief, bedrock lithology, climate, drainage organization, watershed extent, and others. Studies of ancient landscape evolution lack this synoptic perspective, however, and instead must rely more heavily on downstream records of fluvial deposits. Provenance analysis based on detrital grain ages has greatly enhanced the utility of such records but has often focused broadly on regional to continental scales. This approach may overlook important details of localized watersheds, which could lead to significant misinterpretation of past sediment dispersal patterns. The present study, therefore, explores the impact of geographic and stratigraphic sampling density on detrital zircon provenance, based on a high-density investigation of U-Pb ages (N = 23, n = 4905) obtained from a narrow chronostratigraphic range (∼2 m.y.) within a relatively small (∼25,000 km2) area of an Eocene nonmarine sedimentary basin. Based on multi-dimensional scaling and DZmix modeling, these strata comprise seven distinct, approximately isochronous detrital zircon (DZ) chronofacies, defined as “. . . a group of sedimentary rocks that contains a specified suite of detrital zircon age populations” (Lawton et al., 2010). Four of these DZ chronofacies reflect long-distance transport from extrabasinal source areas. DZ chronofacies CO-1 and CO-2 are interpreted to derive from a primary sediment source in central Colorado (USA), corroborating previously proposed long-distance sediment transport via the Aspen paleoriver. DZ chronofacies ID-1 and ID-2 are interpreted to have been delivered to the basin from central Idaho by the Idaho paleoriver. In contrast, DZ chronofacies UT-1 and UT-2 are interpreted to reflect local drainage from the Uinta Uplift south of the basin, and DZ chronofacies WY-1 is interpreted to have been sourced from the Rawlins, Granite, and Sierra Madre uplifts to the north and east via the Toya Puki paleoriver. Lateral transitions between different DZ chronofacies in some cases occur over distances as little as 5 km, implying that depositional systems carrying sand from disparate watersheds directly competed to fill available basin accommodation. The results of this study reveal a high degree of complexity of Eocene rivers that converged on the Greater Green River Basin, indicating that their deposits contain a rich record of fine-scale landscape evolution across much of the Laramide foreland and Cordilleran orogen. These results illustrate the need for adequate sample density when assessing basin-scale provenance and offer a cautionary consideration for researchers using sandstone (and incorporated authigenic cement) in other nonmarine basins as the basis for paleoaltimetry or detrital thermochronology studies.