Tardigrades Research Articles

Explosive volcanism in Noctis Fossae on Mars

Based on theoretical considerations, basaltic volcanism of explosive character should be common on Mars. Although the record of explosive volcanic fields on Mars continues to grow, many unexplored volcanic fields remain. In this research, we identified a group of 25 volcanic cones and associated lava flows emplaced in the Noctis Fossae region on Mars. To analyze this volcanic field, we used images from the Context Camera (CTX) and High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). We interpreted those volcanic cones and their geological history by (1) analyzing their spatial distribution, (2) determining the morphometric parameters, (3) measuring orientations of their summit alignments, and (4) dating these cones along with surrounding lava flows. The identified cones are characterized by various states of preservation from almost fully eroded vent relicts to well-preserved edifices of conical shapes accompanied by short-distance lava flows. Morphological data suggest that the whole set of identified cones likely represent explosive scoria cones. Using the crater count dating method coupled with the structural relationship between the lava flows and volcanic cones, we found that the southern and central cones likely formed >300 Ma, while the northernmost cones between 200 and 50 Ma. These results suggest long-lived volcanism in the studied area active until the latest Amazonian period. In addition, to the present state of knowledge, these cones represent the youngest explosive volcanism in Tharsis and support other findings of young explosive-origin features on Mars. This might shed new light on the magmatic plumbing system of the Tharsis region, although magma sources from Syria Planum, or less likely Valles Marineris, are not excluded. Such magmas of explosive nature are probably rich in volatiles, which might derive from water and/or hydroxyl bearing minerals' or subsurface permafrost deposits. In addition, these magmas might be associated with intensive hydrothermal activity in the region.

Hydrological and Environmental Study on Surface Water Characterization in a Locality in North Eastern India

Rapid industrialization, road cutting, excavation and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture practices are causing varied pollution in aquatic environment, leading to deterioration of water quality and depletion of aquatic biota. Due to use of this contaminated water, human population suffers from various water borne diseases. It is therefore necessary to check water quality at a regular interval of time to determine whether it is good for consumption or other purpose such as irrigation, industrialization etc. In this study paper, hydrological and environmental characterization of surface water was done by different water quality parameters conducted in water samples at Kamle District of Arunachal Pradesh, India, reported for both pre- and post-monsoon periods. The physical and chemical water parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids, nitrate, and phosphate were analyzed and are studied. Water quality index was then determined by using National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) method. Based on these data, the surface water from different sources is classified as unacceptable, poor, medium, good and excellent.

Health risk attributed to poor microbial quality of drinking water from rural area of Peshawar, Pakistan

Waterborne diseases caused by potentially fatal microorganism is a major public health concern and impart severe health consequences in form of morbidity while severe cases lead to mortality. The current study aims to determine the microbiological quality of drinking water from the rural area of Peshawar Pakistan. A total of 600 samples were collected from budhni, chamkani and muslim town in 2018. This cross-sectional was approved by the National Institute of health and management sciences Peshawar. A sterile water container was used for a sample collection from both tap water and hand pump by adapting standard microbiological practices. Out of 600 samples, 275 (45.7%) samples were positive for potential microorganisms including Salmonella (15%), Shagella (32.8%), and E. coli (11.7%) respectively. A significant number of growth of Shigella, Salmonella and E. coli from a source of hand pump were observed in comparison to tap water. The presence of potential fatal microorganisms indicates poor quality of drinking water in the study setting which impart severe health consequences. Public health measures are required for reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases in such areas. Keywords: Contamination; Drinking water; Public health; Water borne diseases http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100141

Landward zones of mangroves are sinks for both land and water borne anthropogenic debris

The hotspots for mangrove diversity and plastic emissions from rivers overlap in Asia, however very few studies have investigated anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) pollution in these threatened coastal ecosystems. Despite Hong Kong's position at the mouth of the Pearl River, a major source of mismanaged waste in Asia, the mangroves in Hong Kong have never been extensively surveyed for AMD. Here we assessed the patterns of AMD abundance within 18 mangrove forests across Hong Kong surveying both their landward and seaward zones. We recorded and categorised, according to their material and potential uses, both the amount of debris items and area they covered, to better quantify its potential impact on the mangroves. Across Hong Kong mangroves, the average abundance of debris was 1.45 ± 0.38 (SE) items m−2, with an average coverage of 6.05 ± 1.59%. Plastic formed a high proportion of AMD accounting for 70.31% by number of items and 49.71% by area covered, followed by glass/ceramics and wood/bamboo. Disposable food packaging, fishing gear and industrial and construction related waste were the major sources of AMD we documented. On average, we recorded about six times more debris items m−2 at the landward sites than at the seaward one, but these abundances varied between the East and the West coastlines of Hong Kong. Our data confirms the hypothesis that landward areas of mangrove forests act as traps and retain marine borne debris, but they also suggest that direct dumping of waste from the land could represent a serious impact for these forests placed in between the land and the sea. More research is needed to ascertain the impact of land disposed debris on mangrove degradation, and this study strongly advocates for a cultural shift about the perception of these forests by the public.

Evaluation of the bioactive compounds of Vernonia amygdalina Delile extracts and their antibacterial potentials on water-related bacteria

BackgroundThis study focused on the evaluation of the bioactive compounds of Vernonia amygdalina Del. leaf extracts and their antibacterial potential on some water-related bacterial isolates. The bacterial isolates were confirmed using standard microbiological test. The leaves of V. amygdalina were subjected to extraction using the Maceration method with water and ethanol as the extraction solvents. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) was carried out on extracts. Antibacterial susceptibility test of V. amygdalina extracts on isolates was carried out.ResultsAqueous extract of V. amygdalina had a higher percentage yield (11.89%) than the ethanol extract (5.37%). The GC–MS carried out revealed the presence of butanoic acid, squalene, palmitaldehyde, octadecanoic acid, Z-hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, oxirane, tetradecyl, 3- methyl-2-phenylindole, n-heneicosane, phytol, methyl-2-O-benzyl-d-arabinofuranoside, cholest-5-en-3-ol acetate; with hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester and 1,1-diethoxy-3methylbutane having the highest percentage composition of 24.37% and 13.42% in aqueous and ethanol extract, respectively, aqueous extract highly inhibited Escherichia coli with an inhibition zone of 10.333 ± 0.882 and 36.667 ± 0.882 for 25 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml, respectively, while the ethanol extracts inhibited most of the isolates with an inhibition range of 7.000 ± 1.155 to 30.333 ± 0.882. The minimum inhibitory concentration for both extracts on the isolates varies from 25 to 50 mg/ml.ConclusionsThe ethanol extract of V. amygdalina had a higher inhibitory activity on the bacterial isolates than water. These findings indicate the potential of ethanol extract of V. amygdalina leaf in the treatment of water borne infections.

The influence of pigment modulus on failure resistance of paper barrier coatings

Abstract Pigments are often used in water borne barrier coatings but tend to make the coatings prone to failure. The pigment properties effects on this issue is lacking in literature. In this work, coatings that used pigments with different moduli but with similar size and aspect ratio were characterized in terms of water vapor resistance before and after folding. Coatings with talc had better water vapor resistance than coatings with similar sized kaolin. Talc also limited the degradation of barrier properties when folded. Coatings with metalized poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes had better failure resistance than coatings with similarly sized rigid mica. Both results are likely caused by the ability of the low modulus pigment to deform and allow for strain to occur in the pigment as well as the latex phase. Styrene-butadiene (SB) and natural rubber (NR) latex coatings had a better failure resistance than styrene-acrylate (SA) latex, which is likely due to their low glass transition temperatures and high strain-to-failure values. However, coatings with high amounts of SB or NR latex may lead to blocking issues in production. Adding kaolin into SA and SB latex mixtures resulted in improved water vapor barrier property and failure resistance.

HEALTH AND HYGIENE RELATED PROBLEMS AMONG SLUM WOMEN

Slums are the areas of substandard housing conditions within a city .The United Nations defines the slum as ... a building, group of buildings or area characterized by overcrowding, deterioration, unsanitary conditions or absence of facilities or amenities which, because of these conditions or any of them in danger, the health, the safety or morals of its inhabitants or the community. Various terms such as 'blighted area', 'deteriorated areas', ' marginal areas', 'transitional areas', 'substandard settlement', 'provisional settlement', 'squatter settlement', 'overnight settlement', 'urban villages' etc. are very loosely used to denote slums. It has been found by number of researchers that due to poor economic and educational status, awareness regarding health and hygiene is found to be very poor among slum dwellers. Slums are very prone to unhygienic and unhealthy conditions because of their socio-ecological settings. Slum areas have been the breeding grounds of epidemics such as cholera, jaundice, hepatic disorder. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis, chest disease like asthma, lung cancer due to excessive use of tobacco, alcohol and spirit are very common. Abject poverty, social and economic deprivations, lack of essential food and nutrients and the unhygienic and contaminated water force them to live on the mercy of nature than on human resources. The water borne diseases like amoebiasis, helmenthiasis, diarrhoea, dysentery, viral hepatitis, and typhoid are very much common among them. Eighty to ninety percent of the slum inhabitants have no access to human waste disposal facilities. These conditions render the surroundings polluted and un conducive for human habitation resulting in environmental degradation. These slum dwellers are also not aware of small family norms. The size of their family is very large. Child marriages are prevalent among them. In spite of hard work by the women in slum, their condition is very bad. They have very low literacy rate and their economic condition is also not good. Most of the slum women get married at the age of 13 to 15 years. But the condition of unmarried girls is also far from satisfactory. They are treated as an unpaid worker who helps in cooking food, cleaning utensils and looking up their young brothers and sisters when the parents go to their work. Socially, these women's are very much deprived and engaged in anti-social work and are the easy victim of unhealthy physical as well as social environment.

Petrophysical Analysis of ‘Bright’ Field, Onshore Niger Delta

Petrophysical analysis is key to the success of any oil exploration and exploitation work and this task requires evaluation of the reservoir parameters in order to enhance accurate estimation of the volume of oil in place. This research work involves the use of suite of well logs from 4-wells to carry out the petrophysical analysis of ‘Bright’ Field Niger Delta. The approach used includes lithology identification, reservoir delineation and estimation of reservoir parameters. Two sand bodies were mapped across the entire field showing their geometry and lateral continuity, gamma ray and resistivity logs were used to delineate the reservoirs prior to correlation and relevant equations were used to estimate the reservoir parameters. The result of the petrophysical analysis showed variations in the reservoir parameters within the two correlated sand bodies with high hydrocabon saturation in sand 1 well 1 while the remaining wells within the correlated wells are water bearing. The porosity values range from 0.19 to 0.32, volume of shale from 0.15 to 0.40, water saturation from 0.20 to 0.92 for the sand bodies.

A novel water borne green textile polyurethane dispersions finishes from cotton (Gossypium arboreum) seed oil based polyol used in modification of cellulosic fabrics

Now in these days the major challenges in the polymer industry is to evolve sustainable and renewable substitutes to petroleum-based raw resources. Keeping in view of the current challenges a novel series of water-borne polyurethane dispersions were prepared from the renewable resource cottonseed oil-based polyol by varying the polyol contents concerning the 1,4-butanediol. The polyol was prepared by epoxidation and ring-opening procedure and further reacted with the isophorone diisocyanate, dimethylol propionic acid, and 1,4-butanediol to form the final polyurethane dispersions. The FTIR technique was used to confirm the anticipated structure of cotton seed oil-based polyol and final polyurethane dispersions. Different textile tests such as anti-pilling and colorfastness properties were carried out onto the plain weave fabrics of poly/cotton after applying the synthesized dispersions by pad-dry-cure processes. Significant improvement in anti-pilling behavior was shown by the white grade (4), dyed (4), and printed (4/5) fabrics from the untreated fabrics (1/2), (1/2), and (2), respectively. However, colorfastness properties of all the treated fabrics also showed the remarkable enhancement in rating as compared to the untreated fabrics such as colorfastness to rubbing of the dyed fabric improved to grade (3/4) and (4/5) from the untreated fabrics (2) and (3) for wet and dry rubbing. The results revealed that the bio-based polyol in the polyurethane backbone has significantly improved the fabric properties and has applications for better textile performance for polyester/cotton textiles to substitute the petroleum raw material-based finishes.

Application of square array configuration and electrical resistivity tomography for characterization of the recharge area of a karst aquifer: A case study from Menekşe karst plateau (Kocaeli, Turkey)

Groundwater recharge characteristics of a karst plateau which plays an important role in the recharge of a regionally important highly productive karst aquifer was revealed by combined application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Square Array Configuration methods. A forward model of targeted karst features and geological structures constructed prior to ERT survey enabled a more comprehensive and more reliable interpretation of the real data. The transition between the anomalies resulted from different structures were sharp and the artifacts were distinct in the inverted sections of the synthetic data whereas a smoother transition was observed between different types of anomalies in the real data and the artifacts were harder to be distinguished from the anomalies related to the real subsurface structures. The air-filled karst shafts and caves inside the Triassic aged marbles resulted in high resistivity anomalies approximately between 3000 and 6000 Ωm. On the other hand, clay rich soil zones and water bearing fissure networks led to low resistivity anomalies ranged between 100 and 400 Ωm. ERT survey detected various well karstified fast recharge zones and indicated that the network of karstified zones dipped through northeast (NE). The method also pointed out that nonkarstified fissure networks and thick layers (10–15 m) of clay rich soil zones leading to a lagged recharge existed some regions in the plateau. Square Array Configuration survey signified that dominant fracture zones existed in SW-NE and NW-SE directions and indicated that the faults and fractures in the region (SE-NW and SW-NE oriented) extended deep inside the karst aquifer. Overall evaluation of ERT and Square Array Configuration results enabled the determination of fast and slow recharge zone distribution throughout the karst plateau and thus, distinguished the highly sensitive regions in karst plateau for groundwater contamination. Finally, this study showed that combined application of Square Array Configuration and ERT surveys could successivley characterize groundwater recharge in a complex karst terrain and could constitute a supportive method for revealing the spatial vulnerability differences of a karst region to groundwater contamination.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE): A curse for people living in Uttar Pradesh, India

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) follows due to viral infection that directly affects brain leading to coma and finally death. JE which finally leads to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) have been creating devastation in eastern Uttar Pradesh for decades. The Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh is the epicenter of encephalitis induced deaths and the disease mostly affect its rural areas. However, Maharajgang, Sant Kabir Nagar, Basti, Kushinagar, Siddharth Nagar, Deoria and Mau are the most affected districts in the state. Independent figures put the toll around 50,000 as many kids die without reaching hospital. Every year, in rainy season the condition is worst for children in Uttar Pradesh. The Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is generally spread by mosquitoes, specifically those of the genus Culex. Pigs and wild birds serve as reservoir for the JEV. Encephalitis can be air or water borne, the result of a mosquito bite or spread by ticks. The initial symptoms are fever, cold or headache. However, it becomes life threatening only when it crosses the blood and brain barrier. There is no full cure of the disease; however, it can only be treated by vaccination to some extent. Prevention includes control of the vector mosquitoes of JEV by fogging with ultra-low levels of insecticides and by raising the immunity in children by vaccination. There are three types of vaccines has been used in large scale. In India, the JE vaccination was launched during 2006. Recently Shri Yogi Adityanath (Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh) government has launched a massive encephalitis vaccination program during 2017-18 which is a positive hopeful step towards saving the lives of several innocent people of our country.

Prevalence of Gastroenteritis Among Children Under Five Years of Age at a District Hospital

Introduction: Gastroenteritis is a devastating disease particularly in children less than five year of age globally. In 1825, for the first time the term gastroenteritis was used to describe this symptom. Study design: A hospital-based descriptive study conducted among children less than five years of age. Setting: District teaching Hospital. The study was conducted during one Month, from February to march, 2017. Objectives: To study Prevalence of Gastroenteritis disease among children under 5 years of age, identify the prevalence rate and other risk factors associated with the disease. Material & Methods: The sample of the population covered all children under 5 years admitted the hospital during the specified period. (n = 50 child).Data were collected using a scientifically constructed Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the computer soft-ware program (SPSS). Results: The study revealed that gender distribution indicated that gastroenteritis was more prevalent in male children than in female children. Also the study revealed that gastroenteritis was higher among families who have lower income 150 SDG (66.0%) and there was relationship between the family income and gastroenteritis. Conclusion: The study concluded that gastroenteritis was more prevalent in male children than in female children. And also low socio economic status, and sanitation practices and low parental education leads to gastroenteritis (GE) among children less than five years of age admitted to Ibrahim Malik teaching hospital in Khartoum state. Recommendations: Study recommends that Ministry of Health should implement health education program and training for raising knowledge and awareness of gastroenteritis among mothers, the department of health should improve the quality of water to avoid water borne disease that leads to gastroenteritis.

Low cost and eco‐friendly polymeric matrix prepared by physical cross‐linking as potential potassium nitrate release system

AbstractChitosan‐poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blends were used to form spherical polymeric networks using sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) as an ionic cross‐linker. Ionotropic gelation and neutralization of protonated chitosan induced the formation of beads after contacting the polymeric droplets with a STPP aqueous solution. Morphology, structural characteristics and thermal stability of beads were elucidated using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The water swelling kinetics and the capacity of KNO3 loading of beads as well as the release process of the loaded salt were also studied. It was found that beads exhibited an equilibrium swelling ratio in the range of 324%–361%. PVA addition improved the economic viability of the polymeric matrix without compromising the formation of the beads. The cross‐linking time and the composition of the polymeric hydrogel did not significantly modify the cross‐linking degree and the fertilizer loading capability. Release experiments were performed submerging loaded beads in distilled water. After 10 days of continuous release, the cumulative concentration in the release medium reached near 100% of the initially loaded salt. Loaded beads are environmental‐friendly and could be useful in agricultural applications as controlled‐release fertilizers.

Hydro-Geoelectrical Study for Groundwater Potential of Lassa And Environs, North Eastern Nigeria

Twenty-two Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) were carried out to evaluate groundwater potential and aquifer protective capacity of the overburden units using Schlumberger configuration. It was observed that H-curve is the dominant curve type in the study area. The Geo-electro stratigraphic section revealed that the geologic sequence beneath the study area is composed of topsoil, highly weather basement, partly fractured basement and fresh basement. The first layer has an average thickness and resistivity of 1 m and 130 Ωm, respectively. The second layer has an average thickness of 14 m and an average resistivity of 53 Ωm. The third layer is partly fracture basement with an average resistivity of 747 Ωm while at some VES point represents fresh basement. The highly weathered basement and partly fracture basement layer make up the water bearing formation of the area. Dar-Zarrouk parameter revealed that the area under study has protective capacity range from weak to good capacity of the overburden material. Areas that are classified as poor and weak are indicative areas are thus vulnerable to infiltration of leachate and other surface contaminations. The groundwater potential of the area ranges from low to moderate potential; the moderate zone constitutes 86% while the low potential constitutes 14% of the study area. The transverse resistance within the study area ranges from 119.6 to 6983.7 ohms-m2 with an average value of 1024.59 ohms-m2. Hydraulic conductivity values determined from geoelectrical technique range from 3.05 to 38.04 m/day with an average value of 14.86 m/day.

Effectiveness of Near Peer Learning on Knowledge and Habit Making Regarding Prevention of Water Borne Diseases among Primary School Children – A Pilot Study

Near peer learning is an educational practice in which children interact with their peers or friends attain educational objectives. In simpler terms children involved in this type of learning are seniors and juniors of the same school or college. Learners are more comfortable and relaxed, and ready to learn when teacher is their peer, whom they know and understand. At the same time, it develops communication skill, leadership skills and confidence of public dealings in the teacher peer. In recent days, near peer teaching and learning becoming popular as learning methodology in schools and colleges. It involves students exposed to similar circumstances, from same educational programme, but at different levels. Research question of the study is ‘Is Near Peer learning effective on improving knowledge and habit making regarding prevention of waterborne diseases among primary school children?’
 This study was carried out systematically to assess the effectiveness of structured Near Peer learning, where a senior student teaches regarding prevention of waterborne diseases to junior students. Here the subject selected for structured near peer learning is “prevention of waterborne diseases”. Elder children of age group 13-14 years taught their near peers of age group 9-10 years, regarding prevention of waterborne diseases with special attention on improving personal hygiene and hand hygiene. The researcher assessed the effectiveness of structured Near peer learning regarding prevention of water borne diseases, in increasing the knowledge and improving the habits related to Personal hygiene and Hand washing, among primary school children. An evaluative research approach with one group pre test post test design was adopted. In the study, 4 students of 13-14 years age group were selected and researcher taught them regarding prevention of waterborne diseases. 40 primary school children of age group 9-12 years, constituting both boys and girls were also selected through convenient sampling technique. Then one elder child taught 10 younger children regarding same. Pretest and post test done. The questionnaire used were, demographic proforma, knowledge questionnaire, and checklist. Mean pretest was 9.925 and mean post test knowledge was 15.6
 Mean pretest for practice was 33.5 and mean post test for practice was 42.07. Hand washing mean pretest practice score was 7.075 and post test was 10.095. There was significant association between pre test scores regarding knowledge and practice and education of child, occupation of father and age of child. P_value<0.005.

Serum levels of macro minerals (trace elements) in some local fresh water fishes during breeding period

The role of macro minerals (trace mineral elements) in biological systems has been described in several animals. However, the knowledge in fish is mainly limited to iron, copper, manganese, zinc and selenium as components of body fluids, cofactors in enzymatic raactions, structural units of non- enzymatic macromolecules, etc. Investigations in fish are comparatively complicated as both dietary intake and water borne mineral uptake have to be considered in deterging the mineral budgets. The importance of trace minerals as essential ingredients in diets, although in small quantities, is also evident in fish. Serum levels of some important macro minerals such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca),phosphorous and magnesium (Mg) have been studied in four freshwater fishes collected from a local market as these fishes are edible fishes and are extensively purchased by the local public in the Kalaburagi city. These minerals play significant role in accumulation of nutrients, osmoregulation, homeostasis and other physiological activities of the fish particularly during breeding period. The blood serum level of these macro minerals determined in four local fresh water fishes are, Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhana mrigala and Pangusius becocurti. The results of macro mineral concentration level were compared among them and it is indicated that there is difference. The serum sodium level in all the four types of fishes is at higher level in comparison to other minerals. The variation and the order of concentration of minerals in all four types of fishes found to be as: sodium> potassium> phosphorous> calcium> magnesium. The aquatic body in which these fishes are harbored has required mineral concentration needed for various physiological activities in the process of nutritional absorption, osmoregulation and homeostatic mechanisms. Hence, the levels of blood serum macro minerals found in these fishes are though lesser during breeding period in the present study are considered to be in normal levels as reported in other fishes.

Estimation of Dar-Zarrouk parameters and delineation of groundwater potential zones in Karlahi, part of Adamawa Massif, Northeastern Nigeria

Karlahi is largely underlain by granites and migmatites gneiss of the Adamawa Massif. The area lies west of Benue Trough and east of Cameroon volcanic line. The aim of this paper is to determine hydraulic properties of water bearing layer using parameters derived from Dar-Zarrouk equation and characterized them into groundwater potential zones. The resistivity values of the weathered and slightly weathered layers which make up the water bearing layers were added and an average was taken and used as the resistivity of the water bearing formation in computation of Dar-Zarrouk parameters in Karlahi area. The values of resistivity of water bearing formation ranged from 18 to 4963 Ωm with an average resistivity value of 549 Ωm and the thickness of the water bearing formation ranges from 21 to 32 m with an average thickness of 24.5 m. Conductivity values range from 0.000201 to 0.05509 (σ) while the longitudinal conductance range from 0.00483 to 1.2363 Ω-1, the transverse resistance ranges from 407 to 123504.3 Ωm2. The hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity values range from 0.14 to 25.87 m/day and 3.28 to 580.4 m2/day respectively. The longitudinal conductance values in Karlahi area revealed poor to good with an average longitudinal conductance value that is moderate. High transverse resistance values are located in the central and southern part of Karlahi area while low values are located in the eastern part. The spatial distribution map of transmissivity in the area revealed moderate to high transmissivity values in the north central part and a negligible to low transmissivity in southern part, extreme northeastern part. The groundwater potential map of Karlahi area shows negligible to weak potential groundwater zones in SW and SE, moderate potential in the central to northern part of Karlahi area.

Prediction of the Water-Bearing Capacity of Coal Strata by Using the Macro and Micro Pore Structure Parameters of Aquifers

Accurate prediction of the water-bearing capacity of aquifers is crucial for protecting the surface ecological environment and ensuring safety during coal mining. In this study, a macro–micro combination was used to investigate the water-bearing capacity of bedrock aquifers. At the micro-level, the micro pore parameters of various sandstones were determined through cast sheeting. At the macro-level, the porosity and water absorption rate of various sandstones were determined experimentally. After that, a new index weighting method was proposed to comprehensively evaluate the water-bearing capacity index of sandstone. According to this method, the water-bearing capacity of aquifers in the Guojiahe coalmine were evaluated. The research results revealed that the water-bearing capacity of sandstone was mainly related to its pore connectivity, and the water-bearing capacity of sandstone in the Luo’he and Zhi’luo formation was considerably greater than that in the Yan’an formation. The water bearing capacity of strata in the eastern part of the mining area is lower than that in the western part of the mining area. The research results can provide considerable money savings for coal mining and protect the ecological environment and groundwater resources in the region.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic potential of Morinda tinctoria Roxb. leaf extract succeeding cadmium exposure in Asian catfish, Pangasius sutchi

The present study investigated the protective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Morinda tinctoria. Roxb (MEMT) (200 mg/kg) via feed in supplementation with standard compound silymarin (400 mg/kg). M. tinctoria (Roxb.) belonging to Rubiaceae, is an evergreen shrub indigenous to unfarmed lands of tropical countries. It is considered as an essential traditional medicine attributing for the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The enhancements of antioxidant and antigenotoxic status in different tissues of cadmium (Cd) intoxicated Pangasius sutchi were evaluated by using various antioxidant assays (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation) in addition to micronuclei (MN), binuclei (BN) and comet assay. The cadmium toxicated fish showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) activities in liver, gills, muscle and kidney whereas significant (p < 0.001) decline were observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) contents in all fish tissues. The results also revealed that, Cd exposure induced the formation of genotoxic endpoints like MN, BN, notched nuclei, kidney shaped nuclei and DNA damage in the fish erythrocytes. Maximum of 26.8% MN frequencies and maximum of 66.74% tail DNA damage were observed on the 7th day of Cd exposure. A time-dependent significant increase (p < 0.001) in the frequencies of MN, BN and tail DNA damage were observed in all treated groups against the control which started to decline from 14th day onwards. There was a decline in the LPO content, frequencies of MN, BN and percentage of tail DNA in contrast to significant elevation in SOD and CAT content in all tissues due to the combined treatment of M. tinctoria feed and water borne Cd exposure. It can be concluded from our observations that, supplementation of M. tinctoria leaf extract through feed alone produced enhanced antioxidant and antigenotoxic status in cadmium treated fish by diminishing oxidative stress and genotoxicity effects in a time dependent manner.

Experimental Investigation on the Wind-driven Runback Motion of Water Droplets over Solid Surfaces with Different Wettabilities

Aircraft icing is widely recognized as one of the most serious weather hazards to flight safety. Specially designed hydro-/ice-phobic coatings are currently undergoing development for aircraft icing mitigation. It was found that hydro-/icephobic coatings would delay the ice accretion iover airframe surfaces so that the impacted supercooled water droplets could be blown away by the airflow from the airframe surface before being frozen into ice. It is of fundamental importance to understand the wind-driven runback behavior of water droplets over surfaces treated with different coatings, since the corresponding knowledge would be very helpful and essential to develop more efficient anti-/de-icing systems for aircraft icing protection. With the rapid development of surface engineering, a series of specially designed surface coatings succeed in icing mitigation using airflow to remove the remained water. While various hydro-/ice-phobic coatings/surfaces have been developed in recent years, the “state-of-the-art” icephobic coatings/surfaces can be generally divided into three categories, i.e., 1). Lotus-leaf-inspired superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) with micro-/nano-scale surface textures to achieve very high contact angles (typically &gt; 150°); 2). Pitcherplant-inspired slippery liquid infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) with a layer of liquid lubricant (which is immiscible with water) being sandwiched between ice and solid substrate materials; and 3). Icephobic elastic materials/surfaces with deformable structures/surfaces. SHS has a water droplet contact angle (CA) larger than 150° and a sliding angle (SA) less than 10° . SHS always has a hierarchical structure which is similar to the lotus leaf, and water droplets on SHS appear as water beads which can easily roll off the surface by wind or gravity before frozen. Another strategy to reduce ice adhesion strength to a solid surface is to use a layer of liquid lubricant, which is immiscible with water, between ice and the solid surface. The use of such lubricated surfaces was investigated as early as 1960s, and has gained increasing attentions again recently with the introduction of a concept called Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces (SLIPS). SLIPS concept is inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher plants, which have evolved highly slippery, liquidinfused micro-textured rim to capture insects. SLIPS surfaces were not only found to be able to suppress ice/frost accretion by effectively removing condensed moisture even in high humidity conditions, but also exhibit at least an order of magnitude lower ice adhesion than most SHS coatings. More recently, elastic materials/surfaces, such as Polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS in short, which would be structurally deformed/altered dynamically upon applying extra mechanical stress, have also been suggested for icing mitigation. Elastic materials display ultra-low adhesion to ice due to their low work of adhesion and liquidlike deformability, while maintaining good mechanical durability due to their solid-like rigidity. It is found that water droplets would not only be more readily rebounding away from the surface after impingement, but also be able to roll away before frozen due to the hydrophobicity of PDMS. Considering the differences in wettabilities and mechanisms of water repellency, it is necessary to have a systematic understanding of how efficient the surfaces are when the aerodynamic force is applied to remove the adhered water droplets. In the present study, a comprehensive experimental campaign was conducted to characterize the transient runback behaviors of wind-driven water droplets over the surfaces of test plates coated with different hydro-/icephobic coatings (i.e., SHS, SLIPS and PDMS). A high-resolution Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system was used to achieve quantitative measurements of the velocity field of the airflow around the wind-driven water droplets on the test surfaces with different wettabilities. With the detailed PIV measurements of the airflow field around the runback water droplets and the droplet profiles, the aerodynamic forces and the adhesion forces acting on the water droplets were estimated. While Fig. 1 shows the experimental setup used in the present study, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 given some of the typical measurement results. More measurement results and comprehensive analysis and discussions will be provided in the full version of this research paper.