Main Source Research Articles

Quantifying source contributions to ambient NH3 using Geo-AI with time lag and parcel tracking functions

Ambient ammonia (NH3) plays an important compound in forming particulate matters (PMs), and therefore, it is crucial to comprehend NH3′s properties in order to better reduce PMs. However, it is not easy to achieve this goal due to the limited range/real-time NH3 data monitored by the air quality stations. While there were other studies to predict NH3 and its source apportionment, this manuscript provides a novel method (i.e., GEO-AI)) to look into NH3 predictions and their contribution sources. This study represents a pioneering effort in the application of a novel geospatial-artificial intelligence (Geo-AI) base model with parcel tracking functions. This innovative approach seamlessly integrates various machine learning algorithms and geographic predictor variables to estimate NH3 concentrations, marking the first instance of such a comprehensive methodology. The Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) was used to further analyze source contribution of NH3 with domain knowledge. From 2016 to 2018, Taichung's hourly average NH3 values were predicted with total variance up to 96%. SHAP values revealed that waterbody, traffic and agriculture emissions were the most significant factors to affect NH3 concentrations in Taichung among all the characteristics. Our methodology is a vital first step for shaping future policies and regulations and is adaptable to regions with limited monitoring sites.

State estimation of a novel brake-by-wire system based on cascade observer

Pressure regulation is the primary function of the brake-by-wire (BBW) system, and its prerequisite is the precise pressure acquisition. In autonomous vehicles(AVs), a higher fail-safe level is required that a backup pressure source is available when the main pressure source fails. So the use of pressure sensors, like the existing method, for pressure regulation will increase the cost of BBW systems in AVs. To meet the requirement of brake redundancy and the cost limit, a novel BBW system with a redundant pressure supply unit is designed and its electro-mechanical-hydraulic model is analyzed in this research. A time-domain observer (TDO) of motor speed is designed based on the periodic characteristics of motor current to get more system information. Next, the robust observer of pressure is proposed based on the existing current sensor and the derived motor speed. Its computational burden is reduced by calculating the matrices offline. The estimator developed in this paper is verified in typical pressure regulation conditions. Experimental results show that the estimation error of the motor speed is within 3% and has the potential to be improved, and the error of pressure is within 0.1 MPa, and the observer exhibits enough robustness under different initial condition perturbations.

Forecasting of Brazilian CO2 emissions from nonlinear models: a review

Brazil is a developing country that emits high amounts of CO2 and, in order to comply with the Paris Agreement, it has committed to reducing 43% of its emissions by 2030 in relation to 2005. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to understand which variables contribute with these emissions and develop Energy Policies that reduce them without harming the country's energy generation, which is fundamental to its development. To understand the main factors that affect Brazilian CO2 emissions and predict their trend in the coming years, mathematical modeling has been used as a tool. This article provides a synthesis of the literature, presenting the main methods used to predict Brazilian CO2 emissions, as well as the variables with the greatest influence on them. From this review, it is concluded that non-linear mathematical models, such as Artificial Neural Networks and Gray Model, are more accurate in their predictions compared to linear models. Furthermore, variables such as economic growth and a country's energy consumption have a great influence on CO2 emissions, especially when fossil fuels are the main energy source.

Irrigation water quality in the Tocantina region of the state of Maranhão, Brazil

The population of planet earth is growing every day and, with it, so is the demand for food, energy and fibre. Current FAO estimates suggest that there will be 9.7 billion people by 2050 and 10.9 billion by 2100. Every country in the world is looking internally and externally for solutions to meet this growing demand, and the solutions vary according to their productive, economic and environmental conditions. In Brazil, irrigated agriculture is one of the main strategies for guaranteeing the expansion of agriculture and increasing food production, requiring the consumption of large volumes of good quality water. In view of the above, this study aimed to determine the quality of irrigation water from the main supply sources used in irrigated agricultural crops located in the Tocantina Region of the state of Maranhão. To this end, the parameters pH, electrical conductivity, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen were assessed. Of the 10 collection points, only three were outside the pH standards, point P02, P03 and P04. With regard to electrical conductivity (EC), only point P04 showed EC outside the standards. Within the criteria mentioned in the results, only one collection point had a C3 classification (water with high salinity), point P04 had an average EC of 835 µcm-1, which restricts its use in irrigated agriculture.

Detection and long-term quantification of methane emissions from an active landfill

Abstract. Landfills are a significant source of fugitive methane (CH4) emissions, which should be precisely and regularly monitored to reduce and mitigate net greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we present long-term, in situ, near-surface, mobile atmospheric CH4 mole fraction measurements (complemented by meteorological measurements from a fixed station) from 21 campaigns that cover approximately 4 years from September 2016 to December 2020. These campaigns were utilized to regularly quantify the total CH4 emissions from an active landfill in France. We use a simple atmospheric inversion approach based on a Gaussian plume dispersion model to derive CH4 emissions. Together with the measurements near the soil surface, mainly dedicated to the identification of sources within the landfill, measurements of CH4 made on the landfill perimeter (near-field) helped us to identify the main emission areas and to provide some qualitative insights about the rank of their contributions to total emissions from the landfill. The two main area sources correspond, respectively, to a covered waste sector with infrastructure with sporadic leakages (such as wells, tanks, pipes, etc.) and to the last active sector receiving waste during most of the measurement campaigns. However, we hardly managed to extract a signal representative of the overall landfill emissions from the near-field measurements, which limited our ability to derive robust estimates of the emissions when assimilating them in the atmospheric inversions. The analysis shows that the inversions based on the measurements from a remote road further away from the landfill (far-field) yielded reliable estimates of the total emissions but provided less information on the spatial variability of emissions within the landfill. This demonstrates the complementarity between the near- and far-field measurements. According to these inversions, the total CH4 emissions have a large temporal variability and range from ∼ 0.4 to ∼ 7 t CH4 d−1, with an average value of ∼ 2.1 t CH4 d−1. We find a weak negative correlation between these estimates of the CH4 emissions and atmospheric pressure for the active landfill. However, this weak emission–pressure relationship is based on a relatively small sample of reliable emission estimates with large sampling gaps. More frequent robust estimations are required to better understand this relationship for an active landfill.

Oxidative Dissolution Mechanisms of Pyrite {100} and {210} Faces: An Atomic Study

ABSTRACT The oxidative dissolution of pyrite discharging into tailing pond as gangue minerals attracts intensive interesting as this forms the main source of acid mine drainage. However, the related dissolution mechanisms on the individual crystal faces of pyrite particles remain unclear. In this study, the oxidative dissolution mechanisms of pyrite {100} and {210} faces under acidic and neutral conditions were investigated. The results indicated that the dissolution rate of pyrite correlates positively to the reactivity of pyrite face. The reactivity of {210} was higher than that of {100}, mainly due to the geometric arrangements of the atoms. In addition, the oxidative dissolution on pyrite faces follows the chemical reaction model. Further density functional theoretical (DFT) calculation indicated that {210} face showed obvious Fe-S breakage and S-S formation while {100} face only showed slight atoms movement during relaxation process. Moreover, a higher conductivity and electron transfer ability of {210} faces than that of {100} face was found base on scanning electrochemical microscopy. This study therefore provides new insights into oxidative dissolution of pyrite crystal faces at an atomic level.

Analyzing regional disparities and spatial distribution dynamics of energy consumption levels in China

This article uses the Dagum Gini coefficient and kernel density estimation to analyze the regional differences and distribution dynamics of energy consumption and applies the coefficient of variation with a static panel model to test its σ-convergence and β-convergence characteristics. The study finds noticeable differences in energy consumption intensity among provinces and regions, and the main source of regional differences is inter-regional differences. In contrast, the contribution of intra-regional differences and hypervariable intensity is smaller and more similar. Specifically, the absolute difference in the eastern region experienced a first decline, then a rise, and finally a slight decline; the absolute difference in the central region had a more significant overall fluctuation and a declining trend in the later period, and the absolute difference in the western region tended to narrow. No polarization trend was observed during the sample period in the eastern, central, and western regions. Not only σ-convergence but also absolute β-convergence and conditional β-convergence exist in the whole country and the eastern, central, and western regions. Therefore, it provides a factual basis for deepening the perception of the spatial pattern and regional disparity of energy utilization levels in China and has policy implications for promoting inter-regional and intra-regional coordinated development.

Potential pathogenic microorganisms in rural wastewater treatment process: Succession characteristics, concentration variation, source exploration, and risk assessment

Pathogenic microorganisms can cause infection, sepsis, and other diseases in humans. Although municipal wastewater plants are important sources and sinks for potential pathogenic microorganisms, data on rural wastewater treatment processes are limited. The proximity of rural wastewater facilities to human settlements and the trend toward wastewater resourcing could pose risks to humans. Here, a typical village in southern China was selected to analyze potential pathogenic microorganisms in wastewater, sewage sludge, and aerosols during the collection, treatment, and discharge of domestic wastewater. The succession characteristics and concentration variations of potential pathogenic microorganisms throughout the wastewater treatment process were identified using high-throughput sequencing and culture methods. Bacteria-associated health risks in facility aerosols were estimated based on average daily dose rates from inhalation and dermal exposure. Lower amounts of pathogenic bacteria and pathogenic fungi were detected in the effluent of the 1-ton treatment scale and the 10-ton treatment scale facilities, compared to those in the influent. Pathogen effluent concentrations were significantly lower than influent concentrations after treatment in rural wastewater facilities. 16 and 29 potential pathogenic bacteria and fungi were detected in aerosols from wastewater treatment facilities, respectively. Furthermore, the potential pathogen concentrations were higher than those in the background air. Aerobic units are the main source of pathogen emissions from aerosols. There were 42 potential pathogenic bacteria and 34 potential pathogenic fungi in the sewage sludge. Biochemical units were the main source of potential pathogens in sewage sludge, and more potential airborne pathogens originated from wastewater. In rural wastewater resourcing processes with greater pollutant exposure, the effluent of rural wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs), downstream rivers, and facility aerosols, could be important potential sources of microbial risk. Inhalation is the main pathway of human exposure to airborne bacteria. Therefore, more attention should be focused on microbiological risk in rural wastewater treatment processes.

Risk assessment and pollution loads of potentially toxic elements in water of four rivers flowing into the Mediterranean Sea

One of the main sources of metal accumulation in the marine environment is transport by rivers. Using data from 2014 to 2017 for various stations, this study analysed the distribution of potential toxic element (PTE) concentrations in surface waters, the pollution loads and the water quality index of the large rivers flowing into the Mediterranean Sea (Manavgat, Göksu, Seyhan and Ceyhan). 13 different elements (As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe,Pb, Li, Mn, Ni, Se, Zn, Al) were determined within the scope of the study. While the estimation of risk assessments for both adults and children via dermal and ingestion pathways using the United States Environmental Agency (USEPA) formulas. Pollution indexes such as Chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated. Additionally, water quality index (WQI), pollution load ındex (PLI) and contamination factors (CF) were also determined. Since it is a detailed monitoring study of three years, all findings are evaluated using average values for each river. The highest mean PTE concentrations across all rivers were found at stations S4 (Seyhan), S1 and M1 (Manavgat) with Ni (0.1895) > Se (0.0618) > Al (0.0598), respectively. The values of PLI were found to be generally high (3−6) and very high (>6) in all studied rivers. Additionally, these rivers are subject to significant contamination with Pb, as CF>5, indicating very high levels of contamination, was found as a minimum of 166 for Pb in all rivers. Considering all risk assessments, it is concluded that children are more sensitive to ingestion and dermal exposure pathways than adults, and their carcinogenic risk is 4.5 times greater than adults. Besides, according to the statistical analysis, the strong and weak correlation of Al with other elements indicates that the source of the pollution is natural and anthropogenic processes, respectively.

Spatial and temporal variations in the pollution status and sources of mercury in the Jiaozhou bay

In the past few decades, mercury (Hg) discharged into the coastal bays of China has significantly increased; however, long-term trends regarding the pollution status and sources of Hg in these bays have yet to be clear. Focusing on this issue, surface sediments and core sediments were collected in the Jiaozhou Bay (JZB), a typical bay highly affected by human activities in China, to analyze the concentrations and stable isotopic composition of Hg. Total mercury (THg) concentrations in surface sediment varied from 7 to 163 ng/g, with higher levels located in the eastern JZB, possibly attributed to intensive industrial and population density. THg in sediment cores 14 and 20 displayed fluctuating increasing trends from 1936 to 2019, reflecting the deterioration of Hg pollution. In contrast, THg in sediment core 28 near the river mouth exhibited a declining trend, possibly due to the river dam construction. Using a stable isotope mixing model, contributions of various sources (atmospheric, riverine, and industrial emissions) to Hg in the JZB were estimated. The results showed that industrial emissions were the main source (over 50%) of mercury in the JZB in 2019. Sediment cores recorded an increase in industrial Hg due to early industrialization and Reform and Opening-up before 2000. In addition, sediment core 20 demonstrated a rise in the percentage of riverine Hg due to land reclamation at the bay's mouth during 2000–2007.

Distribution, sources and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils under different landform conditions of Taiyuan, China

Public concern about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is rising due to their potential carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects. This study assessed PAHs in Taiyuan City’s plain and mountain soil, investigating concentrations, distribution, sources, and carcinogenic risk. Σ21PAHs concentrations in plain topsoil ranged from 133.2 to 6,410.6 ng/g (mean 1,444.7 ng/g), and in mountain soil from 66.5 to 2,250.2 ng/g (mean 585.5 ng/g). Approximately 55.1% of plain and 19.0% of mountain soil samples had contamination levels exceeding 600 ng/g. In plain soil, 4-ring and 5-ring PAHs dominated, while 2-ring and 3-ring PAHs were prevalent in mountain soil. Polluted areas in Taiyuan were primarily centered in the central-north, with higher content closer to industrial or business districts. PAH isomer ratios and principal component analysis/multiple linear regression (PCA/MLR) indicated coal combustion as the main PAH source, followed by coke production, vehicle emissions, and biomass combustion. Incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) showed Taiyuan’s PAH-related cancer risks were generally low, though heavily contaminated areas exhibited moderate risks. Plain regions had three times higher cancer risk than mountains, with children facing higher risk than adults. These findings highlight the need to consider PAH pollution while enhancing urban environmental quality.

Predicting soil erosion and sediment delivery in large, data‐sparse, mountainous basins

AbstractIntense hydroelectric exploitation requires information on sediment flux to prevent the potential siltation of cascade reservoirs. As the main sediment source for the Yangtze River, the lower Jinsha River Basin (LJRB) lacks data on its sediment budget, which urges a thorough investigation to provide reliable estimates. This paper proposed a modelling framework to study soil erosion, sediment delivery, and sediment yield in this critical area with an emphasis on analyzing the underlying controls. Over the past 50 years, basin average erosion rates decreased from 26.5 to 23.7 t ha−1 a−1, with erosion hotspots (>50 t ha−1 a−1) comprising only 21.1% of the basin area but contributing 69.5% of the gross erosion. Local steepness and sparse landcover conditions were found to be directly responsible for high erosions, rather than precipitation or soils. With a dimensionality reduction strategy to remove redundant factors, the optimal variables for modelling sediment delivery ratio (SDR) were identified as Specific Catchment Area, Maximum Elevation, and Drainage Area. These three variables all had a positive correlation with SDR, and the established model can explain 86% of the SDR variation. Further modelling revealed regionalised SDRs ranging from 0.07 to 0.38 for 39 subbasins, about 30% of which were no less than 0.35. Regionalised specific sediment yield (SSY) ranged from 1.3 to 16.9 t ha−1 a−1 with 38% of the high SSYs (above 8 t ha−1 a−1) concentrating in the reservoir area from Wudongde to Xiluodu that poses siltation risks. This study addressed the scarcity of sediment budget knowledge in the LJRB, and the coupled model of erosion and sediment delivery has been validated with satisfactory predictions. Therefore, the modelling framework proposed may be adopted to diverse river basins for its low parameter requirements and solid modelling performance.

Dataset Analysis and Feature Characteristics to Predict Rice Production based on eXtreme Gradient Boosting

Rice plays a vital role as the main food source for almost half of the global population, contributing more than 21% of the total calories humans need. Production predictions are important for determining import-export policies. This research proposes the XGBoost method to predict rice harvests globally using FAO and World Bank datasets. Feature analysis, removal of duplicate data, and parameter tuning were carried out to support the performance of the XGBoost method. The results showed excellent performance based on which reached 0.99. Evaluation of model performance using metrics such as MSE, and MAE measured by k-fold validation show that XGBoost has a high ability to predict crop yields accurately compared to other regression methods such as Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boost (GB), Bagging Regressor (BR) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN). Apart from that, an ablation study was also carried out by comparing the performance of each model with various features and state-of-the-art. The results prove the superiority of the proposed XGBoost method. Where results are consistent, and performance is better, this model can effectively support agricultural sustainability, especially rice production.

Investigation of changes in the fine structure of sorghum starch in the baijiu fermentation process

In fermentation to produce the alcoholic liquor baijiu, sorghum starch is the main carbohydrate source, being hydrolyzed and converted into ethanol and aromatics. The mechanisms of starch hydrolysis which affect fermentation quality and efficiency are not fully understood. To investigate this, three sorghum varieties were used as fermentation material, with two fermentation methods. Changes in the amounts of various components and in starch molecular structure in lees (sediment) during fermentation were investigated. The lees from waxy sorghum had higher fermentation rates and saccharification power than those from normal sorghum in the early stage of fermentation, but decreased below those of normal sorghum in the end stage of fermentation, due to increased accumulation of acid, which inhibited enzyme activities, and even stopped fermentation. The chain-length distributions of both amylopectin and amylose in the lees did not show significant changes with fermentation, showing that starch in sorghum grain cannot be hydrolyzed directly, but only by hydrolysis of starch leached from the grain into the water; this is in accord with data from electron micrographs indicating that starch hydrolysis happened in the leachate rather than in the lees. This information can help manufacturers fine-tune their processes to improve production processes and product.

Self-medication with antibiotics in Georgian population.

Background: Self-medication with antibiotics is a global phenomenon and a potential contributor to human pathogen resistance to antibiotics. It involves obtaining medication without a prescription, taking medicines based on the advice of friends and relatives, or previous treatment experience. Self-medication is common in both developed and developing countries; however, the prevalence of self-medication is higher in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of antimicrobial self-medication in Georgia and its potential to influence the overall situation regarding antimicrobial consumption in the country. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a random sampling method and developed a self-administered questionnaire to collect the data. The survey was conducted via the Internet using the Google Forms platform. Results: The overall number of respondents was 742 adults living in Georgia. The results showed that 23.8% (n = 177) of adults had consumed antibiotics without a doctor's prescription, and 12.7% (n = 94) confirmed the use of antibiotics by their own decision to treat minor family members. The total prevalence of self-medication was 32.6%. The data analysis revealed a correlation between factor F1 ("personal experience") and gender (p = 0.042, F = 2.6), and between age and factor F2 ("lack of trust in medical practitioners") (p = 0.047, F = 2.691). The correlation was stronger among young adults (aged 18-24) and senior adults (aged 60+). The correlation between the level of education and factor F2 was stronger (p = 0.00; F1 = 7.9) than with factor F1 (p = 0.04; F = 2.2). Conclusion: Self-medication is prevalent in Georgia; pharmacies are the main sources of antimicrobials. No correlation was found between factor F2, pertaining to "lack of trust in medical practitioners" and gender, between age and factor F1, linked to "personal experience." The study uncovered a lack of knowledge about self-medication with antibiotics and emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns and implementing effective interventions to regulate the sales of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.

Institutional work as response to institutional complexities in hybrid elite sport and sport for all organizations

ABSTRACT Research question This study aimed to examine how actors across different organizational levels respond to institutional complexity when facilitating elite sport and sport for all. By applying institutional work to understand responses to institutional complexity better, we examined the individual actors’ organizational roles and why and how they transformed the complexity in performing day-to-day work. Research methods Data were collected in a bottom-up approach using qualitative focus groups and in-depth interviews. 149 representatives within Norwegian sport organizations contributed to the study, including coaches, club managers, directors, managers in national sport organizations, and the president of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) Results and findings Institutional complexity is differently characterized at the different organizational levels. One common issue across levels is that the institutional complexity of sport for all and elite sport is seen as challenging, especially in the local sport clubs where institutional logics turn into day-to-day activity. The main source of the challenge is unifying the youth players and practitioners’ different skills and ambitions, which propagates upwards in the organization. How actors respond to complexity varies within the organizational levels and the different sports. Tensions stemming from complexity are often neglected by the political argument of ‘the trickle down and up effects’, which to a considerable extent lacks empirical evidence. Implications We recommend local sport managers prioritize expectation management to counteract a conflict of interests between institutional logics. It is necessary that national governing bodies better align their policies with the interest and organizational capacity of local clubs.

TaLBD41 interacts with TaNAC2 to regulate nitrogen uptake and metabolism in response to nitrate availability.

Nitrate is the main source of nitrogen (N) available to plants and also is a signal that triggers complex regulation of transcriptional networks to modulate a wide variety of physiological and developmental responses in plants. How plants adapt to soil nitrate fluctuations is a complex process involving a fine-tuned response to nitrate provision and N starvation, the molecular mechanisms of which remain largely uncharted. Here, we report that the wheat transcription factor TaLBD41 interacts with the nitrate-inducible transcription factor TaNAC2 and is repressed by nitrate provision. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and dual-luciferase system show that the TaLBD41-NAC2 interaction confers homeostatic coordination of nitrate uptake, reduction, and assimilation by competitively binding to TaNRT2.1, TaNR1.2, and TaNADH-GOGAT. Knockdown of TaLBD41 expression enhances N uptake and assimilation, increases spike number, grain yield, and nitrogen harvest index under different N supply conditions. We also identified an elite haplotype of TaLBD41-2B associated with increased spike number and grain yield. Our study uncovers a novel mechanism underlying the interaction between two transcription factors in mediating wheat adaptation to nitrate availability by antagonistically regulating nitrate uptake and assimilation, providing a potential target for designing varieties with efficient N use in wheat (Triticum aestivum).

Iodide, iodate & dissolved organic iodine in the temperate coastal ocean

The surface ocean is the main source of iodine to the atmosphere, where it plays a crucial role including in the catalytic removal of tropospheric ozone. The availability of surface oceanic iodine is governed by its biogeochemical cycling, the controls of which are poorly constrained. Here we show a near two-year time series of the primary iodine species, iodide, iodate and dissolved organic iodine (DOI) in inner shelf marine surface waters of the Western English Channel (UK). The median ± standard deviation concentrations between November 2019 and September 2021 (n=76) were: iodide 88 ± 17 nM (range 61-149 nM), iodate 293 ± 28 nM (198-382 nM), DOI 16 ± 16 nM (<0.12-75 nM) and total dissolved iodine (dIT) 399 ± 30 nM (314-477 nM). Though lower than inorganic iodine ion concentrations, DOI was a persistent and non-negligible component of dIT, which is consistent with previous studies in coastal waters. Over the time series, dIT was not conserved and the missing pool of iodine accounted for ~6% of the observed concentration suggesting complex mechanisms governing dIT removal and renewal. The contribution of excess iodine (I*) sourced from the coastal margin towards dIT was generally low (3 ± 29 nM) but exceptional events influenced dIT concentrations by up to ±100 nM. The seasonal variability in iodine speciation was asynchronous with the observed phytoplankton primary productivity. Nevertheless, iodate reduction began as light levels and then biomass increased in spring and iodide attained its peak concentration in mid to late autumn during post-bloom conditions. Dissolved organic iodine was present, but variable, throughout the year. During winter, iodate concentrations increased due to the advection of North Atlantic surface waters. The timing of changes in iodine speciation and the magnitude of I* subsumed by seawater processes supports the paradigm that transformations between iodine species are biologically mediated, though not directly linked.

Knowledge, awareness and decision making of population visiting north indian institute towards dental implant as a treatment modality: a cross-sectional study.

The knowledge and awareness surrounding dental implants have significantly increased over the years, driven by advancements in technology, improved educational resources, and increased accessibility to dental care. Despite their widespread use, it is essential to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among patients regarding dental implants. The purpose of the present study is to measure the knowledge, awareness and decision making in dental implant therapy in North Indian population. An analytical closed ended questionnaire based study. A cross-sectional well structured questionnaire survey was conducted amongst 300 out patients randomly either by interview or Google form to assess the knowledge and awareness about dental implant as a treatment modality. There were seven questions which were close ended multiple choice type concerning patient knowledge and 10 questions for assessing awareness and decision making towards dental implants. Date was collected and descriptive analysis was done. 43.67 % of population was either well informed or moderately informed about replacement of missing teeth. For replacement of missing tooth, most of them (83 %) had the knowledge of dental implant therapy. Dentist was the main source of information about implants. 90.67 % studied population believed that implants provide better treatment because of increased chewing efficiency of implants as compared to removable partial dentures or fixed partial dentures. 86.67 % patients thought that implantologist is better qualified that general dental surgeon. 94 % patients were keen to know more about implants. There is non-significant difference in knowledge and awareness as well as decision making for males and females (p<0.05). People have partial knowledge about dental implants and there is need of spreading awareness about implant therapy in the region. Dentist plays a crucial role for dissemination of knowledge. Cost is a constraining factor for this implant therapy to be chosen as a treatment modality.

Taxonomy of subfamily Tenebrioninae (Latreille, 1802) and Pimeliinae (Latreille, 1802) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) with new record from Sindh, Pakistan.

Background: Darkling beetles widely existed in Pakistan and caused economic damage to the number of agricultural crops. In the processing, manufacturing, distribution, and retail segments, these pests pose a food safety risk for adulterating items produced or stored. Still nothing exists on the said subject; therefore, the present study was planned. This study was conducted to investigate the distribution, diversity, and taxonomic status of two sub-families of Tenebrionidae which has significant impact on crops. Methods: Species of subfamily Tenebrioninae and Pimeliinae were collected from the different parts of lower Sindh with the help of pitfall trap, light trap, and hand-picking methods during 2018 to 2020. The main sources of collection for these species were the soil surface of different farms, under the rocked and mountain areas, the storages area/godown and the soil surface of Jungle area. Result: During the present study 486 specimens of Tenebrionidae were accumulated and sorted out into two subfamilies: Pimeliinae which consisted of Pimelia capito, and Trachyderma phalistinia species and Tenebrioninae which consisted of Uloma Simplex and Alphitobius diaperus species. However, Pimelia capito (Krynicky 1832) and Trachyderma phalistinia (Reiche and Saulcy, 1857) were recorded as new record for the first time from Sindh province. It was also noticed that many of the larger species are flightless and not capable of high flight. i.e., Ulomo simplex. But this behavior is under observation and needs more research on this expect in future.