Impaired Quality Research Articles

Influence of Anthropogenic and Climatic Factors on the Dynamics of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in an Urbanized River Basin

The management of and reduction in ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total phosphorus (TP) in the water environment are crucial for protecting water quality amid rapid urbanization and population growth in highly industrialized regions. Specifically, in the Xiangjiang River Basin, the development of the Chang–Zhu–Tan urban agglomeration resulted in the deterioration of river water quality in the past, where ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total phosphorus (TP) were the dominant pollutants. This study aims to assess the influence of anthropogenic and climatic factors on the dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus in an urbanized river basin in the middle Xiangjiang River Basin, China, from 2016 to 2020. This study examines NH3-N and TP trends and their influencing factors across six tributaries, as well as how their concentrations have changed in response to urbanization and wastewater treatment management. The results reveal that average NH3-N and TP concentrations decreased from 2016 to 2020 in the urbanized river system. NH3-N and TP concentrations exhibited positive correlations with the proportion of cropland and negative correlations with population number, percentages of urban lands, and forests. In contrast, the influence of precipitation and streamflow on NH3-N and TP concentrations was relatively weak. Consequently, agricultural activity was the primary contributing factor to NH3-N and TP concentrations. Our study also suggests that the government’s newly implemented water protection regulations can effectively control pollutant levels in urbanized river basins.

Patients’ Acceptance of Psoriasis Depends on Disease Severity, Itch Intensity, and the Patients’ Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder affecting over 60 million people worldwide, with both physical and psychological impacts due to the visible lesions and associated somatic symptoms. This study aimed to assess disease acceptance among psoriasis patients and to explore its correlation with disease severity, itch intensity, and quality of life (QoL) Methods: The study included 166 psoriasis patients, comprising 101 men and 65 women, all with a disease duration of at least one year. Clinical and psychological aspects of psoriasis were comprehensively assessed using various standardized tools, along with a demographic questionnaire. Results: The study found that psoriasis patients had a mean illness acceptance score of 25.1 points, with most respondents (44%) exhibiting a moderate level of acceptance. A high level of acceptance was observed in 28% of participants, while an equal proportion of patients (28%) demonstrating low acceptance, with no significant gender-based differences. Acceptance was negatively correlated with disease severity (PASI score), quality of life impairment (DLQI), and itch intensity (NRS), indicating that lower acceptance was linked to more severe symptoms. Additionally, a slight negative correlation was observed between acceptance and disease duration, while acceptance levels were unaffected by factors such as education, relationship status, or age of disease onset. Conclusions: A comprehensive approach to psoriasis treatment should address not only the physical aspects but also the psychological challenges faced by patients, with a particular focus on improving disease acceptance as a coping strategy. Reducing itch intensity may contribute to better disease acceptance.

Falling Sperm Counts in the Past 40 Years among Western Men: A Review Article

Background: Recently so many studies have documented a concerning decline in semen quality among men in Western countries over the past few decades. This decline, characterized by reduced sperm concentration, motility and morphology, has been linked to a range of potential factors. Lifestyle changes, such as increased obesity rates, sedentary lifestyle and exposure to environmental pollutants are believed to contribute significantly. Additionally, factors such as poor diet, high levels of stress and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemical may also play a role. This deterioration in semen quality raises a concern about male infertility. The purpose of this review is to address the main disorders of semen quality, its aetiologies and steps which are essential to overcome the issues. Further research is crucial to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of low quality semen on the reproductive health. J Com Med Col Teachers Asso July 2024; 28(2): 96-99

Addition of Carrot Juice (Daucus carota) to the Shelf Life and Organoleptic of Turkey Meatballs

Turkey is a type of poultry with characteristics and tastes similar to chicken meat, so turkey has the potential to be a raw material for meatballs. Carrots are also a source of natural antioxidants, the use of carrots so far has only been for vegetables and juice. Utilization in a fresh state has limitations because fresh carrots are prone to deterioration in quality. This study aims to determine the effect of adding carrot juice on the shelf life and organoleptic of turkey meatballs. This research was conducted in April 2024 at the Production Laboratory, Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. The design used in this study was RAL (Completely Randomized Design) with 4 treatments, namely P0 = 0 ml, P1 = 50 ml, P2 = 100 ml, P3 = 150 ml and 5 replications. The parameters used were shelf life and organoleptic color, taste, texture and aroma. The results of this study indicate that the addition of carrot juice can extend the shelf life of turkey meatballs. The best shelf life is in P3 with the addition of 150 ml of carrot juice with a shelf life of 5 days and the lowest shelf life is 1 day

МОДЕЛЬ УПРАВЛІННЯ ЯКІСТЮ ТЕХНІЧНОЇ ПІДГОТОВКИ ВИГОТОВЛЕННЯ КОРПУСІВ БПЛА

Nowadays, the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) outside of serial production is an urgent task. There is a need for the manufacture of such devices of various schemes, sizes and intended purpose. Aircraft-type UAVs (monoplanes and biplanes) are more difficult to manufacture. As a rule, they are single-use devices. Therefore, such devices should have a simple design, be light enough, have minimal radio visibility and a number of other properties that are necessary for conventional flying apparatus. Composites (glass and carbon plastics) are materials that largely meet the specified requirements. But for these materials, it is necessary to use special structural and manufacturing solutions (SMS) during the technical preparation of their production (TPP) (production of aerodynamic surfaces, assembly and joining of parts, aggregates into a structure). Quite a lot of such solutions are known, but their optimal selection and combination of individual SMS in the UAV depends significantly on the purpose of the UAV, the volume of production, production conditions and, in general, on the production goals.The purpose of this work is to develop a mathematical model for quality management of technical preparation for the production of UAVs. It is the quality of the technical preparation of the production that determines the quality of the manufactured products and the effect of the production itself.The work gives a general diagram of UAV manufacturing processes. The inextricable connection between the design and technological parts of technical training was noted. The multi-iteration process of developing optimal production processes, which depend on its various goals, is shown. The systematicity, compactness, and reasonableness of the solutions are determined by taking into account many properties of technical processes and the conditions of their implementation. The consideration of possibilities in computer-aided design is sufficiently substantiated. For its implementation, a complex model of quality management of technical training is required. The qualitative approach to model synthesis meets the conditions of complexity and reasonableness.As an example of multi-variability, the SMS of the manufacture of the wing (bearing surfaces) and their connection with the fuselage is considered.The original feature of the proposed mat model is the use as a control parameter of the weighting factor of one or another property of the SMS, which depends on the set goal.The mechanism of distortion of given aerodynamic shapes of bearing surfaces, which are made of polymer composites, when they are supported by various structural elements (spars, stringer frames, fittings) is described. Such residual deformations lead to deterioration of aerodynamic quality and strength.The scientific novelty of the work consists in the synthesis of a mat model of quality management of technical preparation for the manufacture of UAVs. The practical value of the work is determined by the given number of examples of SMS variants of different levels.

Assessing groundwater quality in northern Algeria using geochemical and index approaches

This study aims to enhance understanding of the hydrogeochemical behavior of the aquifer by utilizing a water quality index in conjunction with hydrogeochemical analysis. The focus is on identifying the factors that control its chemical composition and influence its suitability for domestic use. Water samples were collected from twenty boreholes and analyzed for major ions, pH, and electrical conductivity during the dry and wet seasons. During the wet season, the water quality index indicated generally good chemical quality, with an average score of 96.12. This was categorized as Excellent (5%), Good (55%), and Poor (40%). In contrast, the dry season showed a slight deterioration in water quality, with an average score of 102.57, reflecting a distribution of Excellent (10%), Good (35%), and Poor (55%). Boreholes located in the western and central parts of the aquifer exhibited better chemical quality compared to those in the eastern part, which are considered unsuitable for human consumption due to their poor quality. The mineralization process is primarily attributed to the dissolution of dolomitic and evaporitic formations, resulting in various chemical facies. The dominant facies identified were calcium and magnesium bicarbonate (85%), followed by sodium bicarbonate (7.5%), calcium sulfate (5%), and sodium chloride (2.5%). This study underscores the critical need for sustainable management practices to protect groundwater quality in the Mitidja plain amid ongoing environmental challenges. Addressing these issues is essential for ensuring safe drinking water availability for local communities.

A Potential Technology for Improving the Quality of Lake Water Environments in Cold Zones: A Case Study from Lake Hulun, China

Lakes in cold zones have common characteristics of long frozen periods and fragile water ecosystems. More and more lakes in cold zones have been experiencing water quality deterioration due to eutrophication with climate change and human activities. Lake Hulun is located in the cold zone of northern China, in which Cyanobacterial blooms frequently occur. The excessive nutrient input with inflowing river water and the change in lake hydrodynamic condition might be the main factors affecting this. To obtain a better understanding of the effects, the input loads of nutrients from the inflowing rivers were analyzed. A field test of freezing concentration combined with microbial activity regulation was carried out at a river–lake confluence. The results showed the following: (1) Lake Hulun receives a large amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from river runoff every year, and the water quality of these river is inferior Grade V, which greatly increases the difficulty in ecological purification of cold zone lakes. (2) The microbial activity control technology has a high purification rate for water during the unfrozen period. The order of purification rates for each hydrochemical index was TP > TN > COD > NH4+-N, and the purification rates of TN and COD were between 35% and 36%. Compared with the water before purification, the water quality grade improved from Grade V to Grade III. (3) The composite technology of freezing concentration–microbial activity regulation has a general water purification rate during the frozen period. Under the low-temperature condition, the TN and COD nutrient fluxes in the water were reduced by 9.38% and 9.36%, respectively. After purification, the water quality grade of the ice body was above Grade II, and the water under the ice layer was above Grade IV, which was one grade higher than the water quality grade of the original lake water. This water treatment and purification process is a green, low-energy consumption, and low-cost technology. This study can provide reference for the integration and demonstration of lake water ecological governance and water resources security technology in cold and arid regions. It is beneficial to the sustainable development of the lake.

Alleviative Effects of Glutenin Macropolymer on the Quality Deterioration of Steamed Stuffed Bun During Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Alleviative Effects of Glutenin Macropolymer on the Quality Deterioration of Steamed Stuffed Bun During Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Comprehensive Analysis of Taxi Service Distribution, Demand Hot spots, and Air Pollution Impact: A GIS and Big Data Approach

As urban transportation demand increases, optimizing taxi services is critical for improving traffic flow and reducing environmental impact. This study investigates the spatial distribution of taxi services, demand hotspots, and their relation to air pollution using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), big data, and land use analysis. After collecting and processing taxi GPS data, we identified high-demand areas such as airports and commercial centers. We then overlaid this data with air pollution monitoring information to analyze potential correlations. The analysis revealed significant overlaps between regions of frequent taxi operation and elevated pollution levels. Using spatio-temporal models, we predicted demand patterns across different periods and explored the connection between land use (commercial, residential, and industrial zones) and traffic congestion. The results show that taxi services contribute significantly to air quality deterioration in densely populated and commercially active areas. These findings suggest that optimized taxi dispatch and fleet redistribution strategies could not only enhance operational efficiency but also alleviate air pollution in urban centers. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and taxi companies to develop data-driven approaches to urban transportation management, reducing air pollution while improving service efficiency.

Evaluation of the Immunological and Hematological parameters of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Iraqi Women

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease involving several systems, mainly affects young adult women, and causes a significant deterioration in quality of life. Different environmental aspects are known to facilitate the development of lupus in predisposed individuals. Hemoglobin concentration (HB), granulocyte level, hemoglobin level, saturation (ESR), and platelets (PLT) were among the clinical blood indicators that were found to be associated with the beginning of SLE in adults and teenagers. Blood PLT levels in both SLE patients were significantly lower than in the G1 control group (P< 0.001). When compared to the control group, G1, the two SLE patient groups (G2 & G3) had noticeably higher ESRs (P < 0.01). The study employed many immunological markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), antinuclear antibody (ANA), Anti-double stranded DNA (Anti-dsDNA), complement components C3 and C4 levels. Serum CRP levels were significantly higher in G2 and G3 SLE patients (P<0.001) than in the G1 control group. Research revealed that two SLE patient groups (G2 & G3) had blood levels of ANA and Anti-double stranded DNA (Anti-dsDNA) that were considerably higher than those of the control group (G1).

Quality Of Life and Functional Impairment in Adults withOcdReview Of Literature

Quality Of Life and Functional Impairment in Adults withOcdReview Of Literature

Neuropsychological Effects of the Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Caregivers: The “ACQUA” (Alzheimer–COVID QUArantine Questionnaire) Study

Background: The lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, imposed in many countries in 2021, led to social isolation and the interruption of many activities that were useful in stimulating cognition. The impact of these changes has been particularly severe in older subjects with cognitive impairment. Methods: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of lockdown on Alzheimer’s disease patients (in cognition, behavior, and autonomy) and on their caregivers (in emotions, burden, and quality of life). We created a questionnaire and performed an extensive semi-structured telephone interview with each caregiver. The main outcomes were (1) changes in cognitive and behavioral symptoms and autonomy levels in the patients and (2) effects on caregivers’ emotions, burden, and quality of life. Results: The lockdown severely impaired patients’ cognition and independence and worsened behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. These effects contributed to increasing caregivers’ burden and stress levels, with a significant perceived deterioration in quality of life among caregivers with higher education levels (p = 0.047). Conclusions: This study might contribute to our understanding of the impact of lockdown on Alzheimer’s disease patients and their caregivers, to guide future public health interventions aimed at preventing and/or reducing the consequences of similar extraordinary events in frail subjects.

Multi-omics revealed that DCP1A and SPDL1 determine embryogenesis defects in postovulatory ageing oocytes.

Growing evidence indicates that the deterioration of egg quality caused by postovulatory ageing significantly hampers embryonic development. However, the molecular mechanisms by which postovulatory ageing leads to a decline in oocyte quality have not been fully characterized. In this study, we observed an accelerated decay of maternal mRNAs through RNA-seq analyses in postovulatory-aged (PostOA) oocytes. We noted that these downregulated mRNAs should be degraded during the 2-cell stage. Proteomic analyses revealed that the degradation of maternal mRNAs is associated with the accumulation of DCP1A. The injection of exogenous Dcp1a mRNA or siRNA into MII stage oocytes proved that DCP1A could accelerate the degradation of maternal mRNAs. Additionally, we also found that SPDL1 is crucial for maintaining spindle/chromosome structure and chromosome euploidy in PostOA oocytes. Spdl1-mRNA injection remarkably recovered the meiotic defects in PostOA oocytes. Collectively, our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying postovulatory ageing.

Groundwater Quality of the Lower Rio Bravo Aquifer in the Northern Zone of Tamaulipas

Objective: The main objective is to evaluate the quality of groundwater used by the population of the ejidos of Reynosa, Tamaulipas. These wells are used for domestic consumption in rural households and for irrigation of sorghum crops in rainfed agriculture systems. Theoretical Framework: Water supply sources in the northern region of Tamaulipas are experiencing a progressive depletion due to the scarcity of rainfall and the high temperatures characteristic of the region. This challenge is compounded by population growth, which has increased the demand for water. One possible solution to this problem is the exploitation of groundwater resources. However, monitoring activities on the quality of this resource are sporadic, with records dating back to 2006, and in the municipalities of Reynosa and Río Bravo there is almost no culture within the framework of good management practices for sustainable development in the use of groundwater in the lower Río Bravo basin. Method: The approach for the analysis of water quality is carried out in wells located in the northern region of the municipalities of Reynosa and Río Bravo, Tamaulipas, through the linkage with the president of Rural Development District 156 to take samples in wells that are mostly used to supply water to crops and, in some cases, for cleaning activities in farms. Specifically, a detailed physicochemical analysis of the water resource is carried out with the purpose of issuing an opinion on its quality, which will make it possible to determine its potential uses and establish guidelines for sustainable and adequate management in its exploitation. Results and Discussion: In the northern region of the state of Tamaulipas, the use of land for agriculture and the exploitation of the oil industry has been constantly punished. It is a latent fact that agricultural activity represents a significant risk of salinization and groundwater contamination due to the intensive use of agrochemicals. This risk is exacerbated by urban growth, which contributes to water resource contamination through industrial discharges and bacteriological contamination from inadequate wastewater management in population centers. These activities are the main sources of deterioration of groundwater quality and have worsened over time. In addition, the geological context of the region, characterized by stratigraphic formations with natural salinity, further contributes to the complexity of this problem. Research Implications: The results obtained in the development of the project highlight the need for continuous monitoring of economic activities and population growth in the region, to avoid contamination of the aquifer to such levels that for a possible use, specific techniques would have to be implemented that would increase the cost of the water resource, as well as its disposal. Originality/Value: The study of water quality in the aquifer of Río Bravo in the northern region of Mexico represents a considerable challenge, since it is an area affected by problems of insecurity, which makes sampling difficult. However, safe and reliable access to farms and ranches in the area was possible with the cooperation of their owners. This made it possible to carry out adequate sampling and obtain accurate in situ parameters, guaranteeing the veracity of the data obtained.

Quality of Life of Hospitalized Patients with Hematological Diseases

Hematological diseases have a wide age range of disease onset, repeated hospitalizations, long periods of treatments and hospitalization, special hospitalization conditions, isolation that lead to restrictions to their social life and impaired quality of life. The hospital is the place where patients, families, nurses and doctors come together for a common purpose, the restoration of the patient’s health. Ensuring a quality of life in the hospital environment requires the participation of all the healthcare team and building a “healing environment”. Nursing priorities for improving the quality of life in the hospital include ensuring comfort, psychosocial support, providing palliative and patient centered care and patient centered environment. A patient centered environment responds holistically to the needs of its users, including accessibility, safety, privacy and dignity, comfort and wellbeing, personal choice and control. The inclusion of arts, music, exercise and festivities improve quality of life during hospitalization. Family members also are welcomed to stay and care for the patients during long periods of hospitalization. Patients hospitalized for hematological diseases are a unique population with complex needs. So, research, innovation, and initiatives are needed to incorporate new methods to improve their quality of life during hospitalization.

English

Paddy residues burning is a common practice in the sub-continent to manage paddy waste,which results in deterioration of air quality in the surrounding areas and causes smog issue. In situ decomposition could be a viable option to manage this problem. About thirteen (13) cellulose degrading bacterial strains were selected and further screened based on various enzymatic activities. Finally, two strains (GW7 and HA 121) with highest enzymatic potential were selected for optimization of factors to enhance cellulase production. The selected bacterial strain GW7 was found positive for urease, protease, catalase, phosphates and cellulase activity. While HA121 strain was positive for urease, protease, phosphatase and cellulase enzymes. The strains GW7 and HA121 exhibited maximum cellulose activity of 23 U mL-1 and 19 U mL-1, respectively, at optimized conditions. The optimal conditions for GW7 were temperature 35°C, pH 8, 1.5% glucose and 0.5% urea concentration. However, for HA121 the highest cellulase activity was attained when 1% glucose and 0.5% urea as co-inducers were used at a temperature of 35 °C and pH 8 where cellulase enzyme production was found to be 19 U mL-1. The optimization of cellulolytic bacterial cultures for enhanced cellulase production has established its potential utilization for field application.

The influences of X-rays irradiation on sensory attributes and physicochemical properties of shiitake mushrooms during storage

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) are edible mushrooms with unique flavor and high nutritional value that are is highly perishable and prone to rapid quality deterioration post-harvest. This research evaluated the efficiency of X-rays irradiation to maintain the sensory attributes and physicochemical properties of shiitake mushrooms. Changes in postharvest quality were monitored in irradiated (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kGy) mushrooms stored for 35 days. Results indicated that X-rays irradiation effectively mitigated the deterioration in appearance, color and texture of shiitake mushrooms during storage. Electronic nose (E-nose) assay revealed that 0.5 kGy X-rays delayed the aroma fading of shiitake mushrooms while higher doses of X-rays treatment changed the odor profile. After X-rays treatment, the microorganism growth was inhibited, the electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation were alleviated, and the contents of soluble proteins, reducing sugars, ascorbic acid (AA), and total phenols (TP) were maintained. Notably, 0.5 kGy X-rays irradiation performed superior efficacy in maintaining sensory scores and tissue structure. The study suggests that 0.5 kGy X-rays irradiation can be used as shiitake mushrooms preservation method to retain the perceptual attributes and protect against spoilage.

Undesirable volatile compound analysis in infant formula based on nutritional analysis, GC-MS, and recombination/omission experiments methods

Infant formula (IF), rich in essential nutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids crucial for infant growth, is susceptible to quality deterioration due to fatty acid oxidation. This study aimed to analyze nutritional changes and off-flavors in commercially available one-stage IFs. Specifically, the study assessed the content of protein, lipid, and lactose. Headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) was then used to analyze volatile compounds. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), the four samples can be distinctly separated. Odor activity values (OAVs) and variable importance in projection (VIP) were calculated to identify key odorant components. Subsequent recombinant/omission experiments confirmed pentanal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, hexanal, (E)-2-nonenal, and 1-penten-3-one as key contributors to off-flavors in IF. These findings provide a scientific basis for preventing the formation of undesirable flavors and preserving the nutritional integrity of one-stage IF during commercialization.

Nitric oxide fumigation maintains cantaloupe fruit quality by regulating the production of reactive oxygen species

Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) is a major crop cultivated in Northwest China. However, with the extension of storage periods, cantaloupes are increasingly prone to post-ripening senescence, quality deterioration, rot, and other phenomena, which in turn seriously limit shelf life. During postharvest storage, the quality of cantaloupes is affected by a large increase in ROS in the fruit. Herein, the effects of exogenous NO fumigation treatment on the quality of Xizhoumi NO.17 cantaloupe were investigated, with a focus on ROS generation and removal. NO fumigation treatment effectively reduced the rate of cantaloupe decay, inhibited fruit water loss and better maintained fruit firmness and relative conductivity. NO treatment induced O2·– and H2O2 production during early storage (within 24 h), whereas their accumulation decreased during later storage. NOX activity and expression of related genes in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group during the early storage but lower during later storage. NO fumigation also induced the antioxidant capacity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems in cantaloupe and helped to inhibit the accumulation of ROS. Taken together, NO fumigation triggers H2O2 production via the NOX/SOD system, activating the antioxidant response of cantaloupe to overcome excessive ROS production in the late stage of storage, thus maintaining fruit quality.

Phenolic acid compounds isolated from Zanthoxylum armatum inhibit gray mold by disrupting cellular structures, affecting energy metabolism, and inducing oxidative stress of Botrytis cinerea

Botrytis cinerea is a phytopathogenic fungus that utilizes multiple infection pathways and is known for causing gray mold on crops. This fungal infection results in the deterioration of crop quality and substantial economic losses. ZH-5, a phenolic acid compound derived from the methanol extract of the twigs of Zanthoxylum armatum DC., exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth, spore germination, and germ tube elongation of B. cinerea in in vivo experiments. The EC50 of ZH-5 was determined to be 58.96 mg L−1, which surpassed the effectiveness of commonly used carbendazim and was comparable to the plant-derived pesticide eugenol. Our study focused on investigating the mechanisms underlying the antifungal activity of ZH-5. Our findings have demonstrated that ZH-5 has the ability to disrupt the integrity of cellular structures, including mitochondria. This disruption affects energy metabolism and induces oxidative stress, ultimately ZH-5 might be interfere with cellular activity or inhibit growth. In summary, we reported that ZH-5 demonstrated efficacy as a plant-derived compound against B. cinerea, making it a potentially valuable environmentally-friendly chemical agent for the management of gray mold.