Swimming Pool Research Articles

Sustainable Water Use Practices: Behavior and Knowledge Awareness of Applied Science Private University-Students

Jordan is facing a significant challenge with its water resources. Conserving water has become an urgent need. This study aims to provide new evidence on the behavior and knowledge awareness of water conservation for Applied Science Private University ASU students and how it affects water-saving behaviors. This study was applied to a stratified random sample from the ASU that included 134 students. A special questionnaire was distributed to the study sample, including the various study variables: gender, age, place of residence, and income. The questionnaire also included questions about behavior and knowledge awareness toward water conservation conviction about the reality of the water scarcity problem. Students showed good knowledge of sustainable Jordanian water sources and realized the limitations of these resources. ASU students practice water-saving behaviors in households, gardening, and swimming pools. They also adopt tools and practices to save water in their communities. This was evidenced by their concern about purchasing water-saving tools and interacting with posts related to water conservation on various social media platforms. Results showed that ASU students are concerned about water-saving education. The results revealed no significant differences in behavior and knowledge awareness towards water conservation attributed to gender, age, and level of study for father and mother, faculty, governorates, and average family income. The implementation of water waste reduction measures is expected to save about 10 million cubic meters of water, thereby improving water services for the people of Jordan, and contributing to strengthening resilience to climate change. Moreover, the project will contribute to reducing electricity consumption.

Supporting Infants' Motor Development through Water Activities: A Preliminary Case-Control Study.

The first twelve months of an infant's life are the most dynamic time in the development of motor activities. Water activities can positively stimulate the motor skills, visual perception, and cognitive abilities of infants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the motor development of infants aged 3-12 months participating in water activities. Participants in the study included 43 infants aged 3-12 months who attended water activities classes at Warsaw City swimming pools (n = 21) and infants not attending any classes (n = 22). Two methods of assessing motor development were used in the study: the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Early Motor Development Questionnaire (EMQ). The raw scores of the AIMS test and the EMQ questionnaire were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) in both groups between the first and second examinations. In contrast, there was a statistically significant improvement in motor development measured by AIMS and expressed in percentiles (p = 0.002) and in percentiles for Polish children (p = 0.030) in the water group. The age-independent total score of the EMQ before and after the intervention did not change significantly (p = 0.149). The water environment has the potential to support the motor development of infants aged 3-12 months.

On-site extraction of benzophenones from swimming pool water using hybrid tapes based on the integration of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance microparticles and an outer magnetic nanometric domain

An on-site extraction device is presented consisting of scotch tape modified with concentric domains of micrometric hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) particles surrounded by a ring of nanometric magnetic ones. On the one hand, HLB microparticles are readily available at the surface of the tape, exposed to interact with the target analytes, being responsible for the extraction capacity of the sorptive phase. On the other hand, the presence of magnetic nanoparticles enables the attachment of the modified tape onto a metallic screw via a magnet, which is then coupled to a wireless drill, enabling the stirring of the microextraction device. Both are simply fixed to the cost-effective, flexible, and versatile support, i.e., scotch tape, owing to their adhesive properties. The microextraction device has been applied to the determination of six benzophenones in swimming pool water samples. The variables that may affect the extraction process have been evaluated. Under the optimum conditions and using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry as the instrumental technique, the method provided a limit of detection of 0.03 µg L−1. The intra-day precision, evaluated at three different concentration levels and expressed as relative standard deviation, was lower than 10%, which also comprises the variability within single-use sorptive tapes. The accuracy, calculated with spiked samples and expressed as relative recovery, ranged from 71 to 138%. The method was applied to the analysis of swimming pool water, revealing the presence of such compounds.Graphical

The complicated relationship between asthma and swimming

Introduction: Apart from pharmacological treatment, non-pharmacological strategies including physical activity play a significant role in the management of asthma. The aim of this paper is to examine various topics related to swimming and asthma. They include the detailed effect of swimming on asthma control,the potential role of swimming in early childhood asthma development, exercise induced asthma in swimmers as well as the relationship between asthma and cold water swimming. Review methods: This article is based on the literature found in the PubMed Database from the period of 1971-2024 with the use of keywords such as “asthma”, “swimming”, “cold water swimming”, “exercise induced asthma”, “childhood asthma” Description of the state of knowledge: Swimming is a safe form of physical activity for asthma patients.Swimming training enhances aerobic capacity, reduces exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and improves lung function in both pediatric and adult patients. However, there is a concern regarding indoor swimming pools that chlorine can potentially induce airway inflammation. There is research suggesting that early life swimming pool exposure may contribute to the asthma development in atopic children. There is some premise to the thought that cold water swimming may help alleviate asthma symptoms, but it also carries many risks.Swimming is a major cause of exercise induced asthma in professional athletes. Conclusions: Alongside appropriate pharmacological treatment, swimming is a valuable strategy in asthma management in both pediatric and adult asthma patients. The risks of chlorinating pools are still not known to outweigh the benefits of swimming for asthmatics. Further research should be carried out on safety of early swimming in atopic children. Cold water swimming should also be evaluated in terms of safety and potential benefits for asthma patients.

The contribution of stakeholder engagement to cultural significance assessment: the case of values-based conservation management planning for the Ocean Swimming Pool, Portugal

IntroductionValues-based approaches are among the best practices for management and conservation planning. However, cultural significance assessments (of the attributes and values of cultural heritage) have generally been performed by experts (top-down) instead of including expert and nonexpert communities (top-down and bottom-up).ObjectivesThis paper presents a multitechnique approach in which different strategies are applied to assess the perceptions of cultural significance held by several actors (users, managers, staff, experts, children, students, virtual community) within the framework of the Keeping It Modern Grant awarded by the Getty Foundation (2020–2023) for the Ocean Swimming Pool (1960–1966) designed by Álvaro Siza in Matosinhos, Portugal.MethodInterviews, surveys, social media analysis, and workshops with children, students, and experts were adopted for the method, and, whenever possible, the ‘Imagine Ballarat’ Love, Change and Imagine questions were utilised as a resourceful instrument for assessing the significance attributed by multiple stakeholders.ResultsBased on the results, stakeholders’ opinions and values regarding the heritage site could be compared, which revealed the relationship between the values and the groups of actors, thereby deepening the complexity of heritage sites as National Monuments.ConclusionBy using this integrated perspective, we could define the cultural significance of a modern heritage site through an inclusive methodology while also establishing the grounds for conservation policies within a more broadly participative management of change.

Изучение эффективности использования кормовой добавки «Файбрамакс Плюс» в рационе стербела

A study of the feed additive “Faybramax Plus”, which is a metabiotic for the management of fish autoflora and comprehensive prevention of bacterial infections, was conducted on sterbel yearlings with an initial weight of 130 g. The experience takes place in swimming pools. The water supply in the pools was carried out from a well. The conditions of detention corresponded to the technology of fish farming. The duration of the experiment was 60 days. The number of fish in the group was 150. The control group 1 received a full-fledged combo feed; group 2 was given a full-fledged compound feed + 0.3% of the feed additive “Faybramax Plus”; Group 3 consumed full-fledged compound feed + 0.6% of the feed additive “Faybramax Plus”; group 4 was fed full-fledged compound feed + 1.0% of the feed additive “Faybramax Plus”. It was found that when using the studied feed additive, the live weight of fish in the experimental groups increased by 1.9–6.0% at the end of cultivation. The protein content in the body of sterbel was higher compared to the control by 1.8–7.5%. The cost of the resulting products (increase) compared with the control, it decreased by 4.87–13.78% per group. Profit when using the feed additive “Faybramax Plus” increased by 345.11–1,068.23 rubles per group. The level of profitability increased by 2.71–7.66% per group compared to the control. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that the use of the feed additive “Faybramax Plus” produced by the company SYMBIO is most effective in a percentage ratio of 0.6% by weight of feed, as a result of which the level of profitability increases by 7.66%.

Water Quality Assessment of Outdoor Public Swimming Pools in Ovia North East, Edo State, Nigeria

Poor water quality management practices of public swimming pools have raised concerns about the health safety of these recreational facilities. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and bacteriological quality of four (4) outdoor swimming pools in Ovia North East, Local Council of Edo State, Nigeria. Results of physicochemical analysis showed that water temperature (25.75 - 26.38°C), pH (3.78 - 6.1), electrical conductivity (37.5 - 72.5 mg/L), total dissolved solids (14.58 - 38.43mg/L), turbidity (0.75 - 4NTU), dissolve oxygen (6.03 - 7.43mg/L), residual chlorine (0.03 - 0.13mg/L), alkalinity( 7 - 26.5mg/L), hardness (6 - 36mg/L), were within the World Health Organisation and Environmental Protection Agency stipulated maximum permissible limit for recreational waters except for pH and residual chlorine levels. The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in all the studied pools – total bacteria count (1 – 3 cfu/100mL), total coliform count (1 – 5 cfu/100 mL) and E. coli count (1 – 2 cfu/100 mL) predisposes the users of these facilities to microbial infection. The findings demonstrated that the swimming pools did not meet the required standards, particularly in terms of pH levels, residual chlorine, and microbial parameters. There is a need for ongoing monitoring of swimming pool water quality, improving bathers’ hygienic practices, raising awareness about the associated risks, and providing training for governmental inspectors

Nitrosamine formation driven by electrochemical chlorination of urine-containing source waters: Effects of operational conditions

We investigated the formation of nitrosamines from urine during electrochemical chlorination (EC) using dimensionally stable anodes. Short-term electrolysis (< 1 h) of urine at 25 mA cm−2 generated seven nitrosamines (0.1–7.4 µg L−1), where N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosomethylethylamine, and N-nitrosodiethylamine were predominant with concentrations ranging from 1.2 to 7.4 µg L−1. Mechanistic studies showed that the formation kinetics of nitrosamines was influenced by urine aging and composition, with fresh urine generating the highest levels (0.9–5.8 µg L−1) compared with aged, centrifuged, or filtered urine (0.2–4.1 µg L−1). Concurrently, studies on urine pretreatment through filtration and centrifugation underscored the significance of nitrogenous metabolites (such as protein-like products and urinary amino acids) and particle-associated humic fractions in nitrosamine formation during EC of urine. This finding was confirmed through chromatographic and spectroscopic studies utilizing LCOCD, Raman spectra, and 3DEEM fluorescence spectra. Parametric studies demonstrated that the ultimate [nitrosamines] increased at a pH range of 4.5–6.2, and with increasing [bromide], [ammonium], and current density. Conversely, sulfate and carbonate ions inhibited nitrosamine formation. Moreover, the implications of EC in urine-containing source waters were evaluated. The results indicate that regardless of the urine source (individual volunteers, septic tank, swimming pool, untreated municipal wastewater), high levels of nitrosamines (0.1–17.6 µg L−1) were generated, surpassing the potable reuse guideline of 10 ng L−1. Overall, this study provides insights to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nitrosamine formation and optimize the operating conditions. Such insights facilitate suppressing the generation of nitrosamine byproducts during electrochemical treatment of urine-containing wastewater.

Inexperienced water users can “Float to Live” in realistic open water conditions

BackgroundThe RNLI “Float to Live” campaign is based on research conducted in indoor pools with experienced open water swimmers. Study 1 investigated whether the RNLI “Float to Live” guidance would enable less experienced individuals to float in realistic open water conditions. Study 2 examined the separate effects of practice and coaching on floating competence.MethodsStudy 1: Inexperienced water users conducted floats in either still, open fresh (n = 22) or open sea water (n = 13), followed by moving sea (n = 6) or fresh water (n = 5). Participants undertook three 2-min floats in still water wearing swimwear and one clothed float: 1) naïve; 2) following RNLI “Float to live” messaging; 3) individual float coaching; 4) simulated fall wearing summer clothing. In moving sea water, participants undertook two floats equivalent to Floats 3 and 4. In moving fresh water, participants undertook 3 floats: 1) naïve; 2) following “defensive floating” coaching; 3) simulated fall wearing summer clothing. Study 2: Two groups matched for skinfold thickness undertook three 2-min floats in a flume wearing swimwear. PRAC group (n = 12): 1) naïve; 2) following float practice; 3) float coaching; COACH group (n = 11) coaching followed by practice. Floating difficulty, confidence, competence, “efficiency” and perceived exertion were analysed using either a Friedman test or mixed model ANOVA.ResultsIn both fresh water and sea water, participants’ floating competence and confidence increased after viewing the RNLI messaging, it was further improved with individualised float coaching. The additional helpful instructions included: 1) “head back with ears submerged”; 2) “relax”; 3) “breathe normally”; 4) “it is OK if your legs sink”; 5) an accurate description of sculling for “active” floaters that needed it; 6) spread arms and legs for stability. The simulated fall with clothing did not impair floating competence. No difference in floating competence was seen between PRAC and COACH, though confidence may be increased sooner in COACH.ConclusionsThe RNLI float advice can be applied in realistic open water settings by less experienced water users. Additional content could be included to make the messaging even more effective.

Angry back.

A healthy 16-year-old boy presented with a rash and painful back. This occurred minutes after an acrobatic act in the swimming pool where he landed flat on his back. The lesions were painful. He was diagnosed with pressure urticaria.

STUDY OF RISK AND RETURN OF MUTUAL FUNDS

There are many avenues in financial market. An Investor can invest in Bank deposit, corporate debenture and bonds which has law risk with low return. He may also Investor in stock of company which has high risk with hight return. Investors look for safer investment avenues and want to maximize their returns in according to their risk. Whereas people also tries to invest money as early as possible so that the money will grow accordingly in his lifetime. Choose a good investing option is very critical because a balance is required to be maintained between the risks and returns involved in investment. Return is inspiring force and principal reward in the investment process. One of the essential, reason because ofwhich one needs to invest fairly is to meet the cost of inflation. Inflation is the rate at which the cost of living increases at that time. A mutual fund is an expertly overseen company of collective investments that swimming pools money from numerous buyers and puts it in stocks, bonds, momentary money market instruments, as nicely as distinct securities. Mutual money is emerging as helpful instrument for a large scope of speculators, from people looking to put some thing aside for retirement to subtle socialites concentrated on defending their belongings and businesspeople to make wealth. Mutual Fund is a trust that pools the reserve funds of various buyers who share a typical financial objective. Anyone with an investible overflow of as little as two or three thousand rupees can put resources into mutual fund devices as indicated by means of their expressed objective and strategy. Mutual Fund Company pools money from a gathering of individuals with normal hypothesis targets to buy securities, for example, stocks, bonds, money market instruments, a mixture of these instruments, or significantly unique belongings so as to acquire the reward of enhancement and expertly oversaw container of protections at a reasonably ease. In a mutual fund, the fund manager, who is likewise excellent as the portfolio manager, trades the funds underlying securities, acknowledging capital positive factors or losses, and gathers the dividend or hobby income. The income are passed alongside to the investors. The charge of a share of the mutual fund, acknowledged as the net asset value (NAV), which is determined on day through day base, in mild of the absolute estimation of the mutual fund divided by the extent of high-quality shares presently issued.

Risk Factors Associated with Urothelial Bladder Cancer.

Urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) is the most frequent histologic form of bladder cancer, constituting 90% of the cases. It is important to know the risk factors of UBC to avoid them and to decrease its recurrence after treatment. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the risk factors associated with UBC incidence. A comprehensive literature search from 2012 to 2024 was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline with potential keywords such as "bladder cancer", "urothelial bladder cancer", "incidence of urothelial bladder cancer worldwide", "mortality rate of bladder cancer", "incidence according to gender", "treatment for bladder cancer", and "risk factors of bladder cancer". Smoking tobacco was comprehended to be the major risk factor for UBC. Smoke from tobacco products contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aromatic amines such as 4-aminobiphenyl, which are known to cause UBC. Smoking-related bladder cancer mortality ranks just second to smoking-related lung cancer mortality. For non-smokers, pollution became a major risk factor associated with UBC. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are linked to many cancers, especially to UBC. Indoor and outdoor pollution generates VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and PAHs. Small-particle matter < 2.5 is linked to UBC and lung cancers. Drinking chlorinated water is linked to UBC. Also, swimming in chlorinated pools that produce trihalomethanes increases the risk of many cancers, and especially of bladder cancer. Occupational exposure to carcinogens, specifically aromatic amines, is a significant UBC risk factor. It has been estimated that approximately 20% of all UBCs may be linked to this type of exposure, primarily in industrial settings that treat dye, paint, petroleum chemicals, and metal. The other risk factors included genetics, diet, and medical conditions. Alcohol, consumption of processed meat and whole milk, and higher intakes of selenium and vitamins A and E also contribute to the development of UBC. Further, chemotherapeutic agents, oral hypoglycemic drugs, and radiation therapy are positively associated with UBC. The significance of the initial prevention of UBC must be emphasized, and especially programs for quitting cigarettes should be encouraged and supported. However, smoking is not the only risk factor for UBC. For non-smokers, other risk factors should be investigated. Air and water pollution are linked to UBC. Indoor and outdoor pollution should be more controlled. Patients and people should be informed of the risk of drinking chlorinated water and swimming in chlorinated pools.

Workload and spirometry associated with untethered swimming in horses

BackgroundSwimming has been used empirically for rehabilitation and conditioning of horses. However, due to challenges imposed by recording physiological parameters in water, the intensity of free swimming effort is unknown.ObjectivesMeasure the physiological workload associated with untethered swimming in horses.Five fit Arabian endurance horses were assessed while swimming in a 100 m-long indoor pool. Horses were equipped with a modified ergospirometry facemask to measure oxygen consumption (V̇O2) and ventilatory parameters (inspired/expired volumes, VI, VE; peak inspiratory/expiratory flows, PkVI, PkVE; respiratory frequency, Rf; minute ventilation, VE; inspiratory/expiratory durations and ratios, tI, tE, tI/ttot, tE/ttot); and an underwater electrocardiogram that recorded heart rate (HR). Postexercise venous blood lactate and ammonia concentrations were measured. Data are reported as median (interquartile ranges).ResultsHorses showed bradypnea (12 breaths/min (10–16)) for the first 30 s of swimming. V̇O2 during swimming was 43.2 ml/(kg.min) (36.0–56.6). Ventilatory parameters were: VI = 16.7 L (15.3–21.8), VE = 14.7 L (12.4–18.9), PkVI = 47.8 L/s (45.8–56.5), PkVE = 55.8 L/s (38.3–72.5), Rf = 31.4 breaths/min (20.0–33.8), VE = 522.9 L/min (414.7–580.0), tI = 0.5 s (0.5–0.6), tE = 1.2 s (1.1–1.6), tI/ttot = 0.3 (0.2–0.4), tE/ttot = 0.7 (0.6–0.8). Expiratory flow tracings showed marked oscillations that coincided with a vibrating expiratory sound. HR was 178.0 bpm (148.5–182.0), lactate = 1.5 mmol/L (1.0–1.9) and ammonia = 41.0 µmol/L (36.5–43.5).ConclusionsFree (untethered) swimming represents a submaximal, primarily aerobic exercise in horses. The breathing pattern during swimming is unique, with a relatively longer apneic period at the beginning of the exercise and an inspiratory time less than half that of expiration.

Aerobic Exercise in the Aquatic Environment Suppresses the Plasma Renin Activity in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

To compare the acute effects of aquatic walking/running versus dry-land walking/running on blood glucose and plasma renin activity (PRA) in individuals with type 2 diabetes, participants with type 2 diabetes performed deep-water or dry-land walking and/or running sessions in a swimming pool or on an athletics track, respectively. Both sessions comprised seven blocks of 3 min at 85-90% of the heart rate deflection point (HRDP), interspersed with 2 min at <85% HRDP, totaling 35 min, with a 48 h interval between sessions. PRA and blood glucose were assessed before and immediately after the sessions. Generalized estimation equations were used to verify the session effects, with the Bonferroni post hoc test, considering the significance level as 0.05. Twelve individuals (53.2 ± 8.9 years) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for 6.3 ± 6.34 years participated in the study. A reduction in PRA was found only after the aquatic session (-7.75 ng/mL/h; -69%; p: 0.034), while both aquatic and dry-land sessions similarly reduced the blood glucose levels (aquatic: -38 mg/dL, -21%; dry-land: -26 mg/dL, -14%; time effect, p = 0.007). Despite yielding similar glycemic reductions as dry-land walking/running, aquatic walking/running led to an expressive decrease in PRA among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Epithelial barrier theory in the context of nutrition and environmental exposure in athletes.

Exposure to toxic substances, introduced into our daily lives during industrialization and modernization, can disrupt the epithelial barriers in the skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems, leading to microbial dysbiosis and inflammation. Athletes and physically active individuals are at increased risk of exposure to agents that damage the epithelial barriers and microbiome, and their extreme physical exercise exerts stress on many organs, resulting in tissue damage and inflammation. Epithelial barrier-damaging substances include surfactants and enzymes in cleaning products, laundry and dishwasher detergents, chlorine in swimming pools, microplastics, air pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and diesel exhaust. Athletes' high-calorie diet often relies on processed foods that may contain food emulsifiers and other additives that may cause epithelial barrier dysfunction and microbial dysbiosis. The type of the material used in the sport equipment and clothing and their extensive exposure may increase the inflammatory effects. Excessive travel-related stress, sleep disturbances and different food and microbe exposure may represent additional factors. Here, we review the detrimental impact of toxic agents on epithelial barriers and microbiome; bring a new perspective on the factors affecting the health and performance of athletes and physically active individuals.

Joint venture offer: should Agastya accept or decline?

Learning outcomes This case study is designed to enable students to understand the demand for flexible containment products in India, understand the need for a joint venture (JV) with an international company, assess Agastya Inventions Private Limited’s (AIPL) cost and benefits of acceptance of the JV offer, evaluate the growth possibilities in the Indian biogas sector, and conduct the valuation of AIPL for its better positioning during the JV deal. Case overview/synopsis The case study is about the dilemma faced by Prantik Sinha, co-founder and director of Indian company AIPL, to accept or decline a JV offer from a French industrial conglomerate Serge Ferrari Group SA (SFG). AIPL is a leading manufacturer and trader of biogas storage tanks, water storage tanks, airlifting bags, floating boom barriers, trash floating boom barriers and inflatable swimming pools. The company adopts business-to-business and direct-to-customer business models. It develops products as per clients’ specifications and their exact requirements. In 2022, SFG proposed collaborating with AIPL to market its biogas digesters in India and abroad. As per the partnership deal, AIPL needed to split its biogas digester portfolio and sell it to the proposed JV for a specific one-time value. Sinha believed that the JV was an opportunity to scale the business globally and would likely shape the company’s future. However, he was in a quandary about making a final decision on accepting the JV offer because biogas digesters remained the company’s highest revenue-generating product portfolio. It was against this backdrop, what would Sinha do to accomplish his business objective and protect the interest of the company? The case study highlights Sinha’s commitment to nurture and expand AIPL’s business in India and beyond. It provides ample scope for students to analyze the pros and cons of AIPL’s JV initiative with SFG and suggest whether the company can leverage this offer for business growth. Complexity academic level This case study is meant for MBA-level students as part of their strategic management and financial management curriculum. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 1: Accounting and finance

Neurodevelopmental toxicity of a ubiquitous disinfection by-product, bromoacetic acid, in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Disinfection of public drinking water and swimming pools is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases, but it can produce harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs), increasing the risk of various diseases for those frequently exposed to such environments. Bromoacetic acid (BAA) is a ubiquitous DBP, with toxicity studies primarily focused on its in vitro cytotoxicity, and insufficient research on its neurodevelopmental toxicity. Utilizing zebrafish as a model organism, this study comprehensively explored BAA’s toxic effects and uncovered the molecular mechanisms through neurobehavioral analysis, in vivo two-photon imaging, transcriptomic sequencing, pharmacological intervention and molecular biological detection. Results demonstrated BAA induced significant changes on various indicators in the early development of zebrafish. Furthermore, BAA disrupted behavioral patterns in zebrafish larvae across locomotion activity, light-dark stimulation, and vibration stimulation paradigms. Subsequent investigation focused on larvae revealed BAA inhibited neuronal development, activated neuroinflammatory responses, and altered vascular morphology. Transcriptomic analysis revealed BAA-stressed zebrafish exhibited downregulation of visual transduction-related genes and activation of ferroptosis and cellular apoptosis. Neurobehavioral disorders were recovered by inhibiting ferroptosis and apoptosis. This study elucidates the neurodevelopmental toxicity associated with BAA, which is crucial for understanding health risks of DBPs and for the development of more effective detection methods and regulatory strategies.

Prediction of waves in tanks excited by ship motion and moving walls with a three-dimensional fully linear finite difference approach

Mitigation of waves in shipboard swimming pools excited by ship motions is a topic of current interest that has not yet been extensively investigated. Various damping mechanisms have been applied to mitigate waves excited in tanks, such as porous baffles or different types of internal baffles. However, most of these devices are installed in LNG tanks to prevent serious sloshing effects. Furthermore, these are passive devices and, hence, unable to control wave-induced excitations. Our focus was on the validation and verification of the three-dimensional (3D) fully linear Finite Difference Method (FDM) based on the previously developed method of Qi et al. (2024) for predicting waves in a transversely placed swimming pool excited by ship motions and piston-type actuators. We validated our FDM approach against comparative Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations as well as experimental model test measurements. The CFD tools solved the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, relied on an appropriate turbulence model and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to capture the free surface of the liquid in the model tank, and employed the overset technique to specify the motions of the active actuators. Our FDM considered ship-induced roll excitations as well as simultaneous roll and sway excitations, albeit only at frequencies outside the range of the pool's resonance frequency. For these periods, our approach accurately predicted not only the mitigated waves in the pool, but also the optimum amplitude of the actuators needed to mitigate such waves. Our FDM can be applied to obtain a preview of excited waves under various conditions, leveraging its principal advantage of extreme computational efficiency.© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of pathogenicity and antifungal resistance of frequently occurred Aspergillus and Fusarium species in swimming pools in selected hotels in Ekiti state

Background: Swimming pools have been reported as critical fungal reservoirs. This study was designed to investigate fungal populations in swimming pools as well as detect the presence of virulence factors in the recovered isolates. Methods: Estimation of the mycobiota in the swimming pools sampled was done and isolates recovered were identified using colonial, morphology and molecular methods. Also, virulence factors: lipase, keratinase, laccase, hydrophobicity and biofilm formation were also determined using standard methods while antifungal susceptibility was done using clinically approved methods. Also, the presence of metalloprotease and protease gene was detected using PCR. Results: Out of the 75 samples, 47 showed fungal growth, with an isolation rate of 25.5%, 34.0%, and 40.4% from the surface, bottom, and edges of the pools respectively. Six fungi species were isolated viz: Candida tropicalis, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium verticilloides. C. tropicalis had the highest isolation rate at 41.7%. The fungi possessed virulence factors, with keratinase and lipase being the most common. All isolates were resistant to itraconazole, while none were resistant to fluconazole. The metalloprotease gene was detected in A. flavus, F. verticilliodes, and F. oxysporum. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the fungi recovered from the swimming pool possessed virulence factors that can enhance their infectivity.

A Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Several therapies have been developed to reduce cognitive decline associated with aging. Aquatic exercises, which are widely used to enhance functional capacity, may play a role in stimulating cognitive functions. This study investigated the effects of a 3-month aquatic exercise program on cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. In this prospective, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 31 participants were allocated to either the experimental (aquatic exercises) or control (no-exercise) group. The intervention program consisted of exercises conducted twice a week in a 1.2 m deep indoor pool. The main outcome measures were cognitive functions, assessed using Raven's Progressive Matrices test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of the exercise program. The effect sizes (η2p) were reported when a level of significance was achieved (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the participants who underwent aquatic exercises showed positive outcomes in Raven's Progressive Matrices test (p = 0.046; η2p = 0.131) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.589). Complementary analyses of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test indicated that the benefits of the aquatic exercise were observed in terms of the number of trials (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.478), number of errors (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.458), and number of non-perseverative errors (p = 0.001, η2p = 0.302). The results indicate that a period of three months of aquatic exercise was beneficial for stimulating specific aspects of the cognitive function of community-dwelling older individuals. Aquatic exercise should be prescribed to this population.