Tardigrades Research Articles

Mapping and Delineation of Hard Rock Aquifers in Parts of the South-western Nigeria Basement Complex Using Integrated Geophysical Techniques

Abstract: An integrated geophysical survey involving three different techniques; namely, VLF-EM, Seismic Refraction and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) has been carried out in parts of Eruwa, Ibarapa East LGA, Oyo State with a view of determining the structural characteristics of the subsurface geology and identifying suitable sites where viable borehole could be sited to reduce the problem associated with acute shortage of groundwater in the area. The area lies within the crystalline basement rock terrain of South-Western Nigeria and bounded by Latitude 7° 32' 59"N and Longitude 3° 25' 59"E. The VES results reveal that the area is made up of four major lithologic layers with the topmost layer being majorly laterites, the second layer being sandy clay, the third is weathered basement, while the fourth layer is fractured basement. The aquifer in the study area is mostly confined with curve responses of HA- and HKH-types. The 2-D pseudosection also showed that the fresh basement is very extensive laterally with undulating topography. The result of VLF-EM revealed high-amplitude anomalies. These anomalies are indicative of high conductive zones within the basement bedrock of the study area. The results of the seismic inversion reveals three lithologic layers; namely, the topmost layer / topsoil which is sandy (moderately loose) with an average velocity of 500 m/s, the middle layer can be sandy clay/laterite/caked clay with an average velocity of 1,149.33 m/s and the third layer can be said to be the beginning of the weathered/fresh basement with a velocity of 2,719 m/s. In conclusion, the three geophysical techniques have shown that the area is a hard-rock terrain with complicated geology with aquifers confined and the water bearing formation with low total longitudinal conductance. Keywords: Basement terrain, Granitic masses, Aquifer, Topography, Curve types.

Two cases of intestinal obstruction due to ingestion of water beads

Water beads are small, colorful toys that swell over the time in water. We report 2 cases of intestinal obstruction by unwitnessed ingestion of water beads. The diagnosis of each case was made by exploratory laparoscopy or comprehensive ultrasonography. The water beads were removed surgically in both cases. Since their ingestion can cause intestinal obstruction, water beads should not be allowed as toys for children.

Enhanced photocatalytic property of visible light responsive cotton fabric functionalized by NiCrFe layered double hydroxide for rapid sterilization and degradation

Environmental microbial contamination caused by air and water borne transmission of pathogenic microorganisms has attracted public concerns. Herein, we fabricated NiCrFe layered double hydroxide (NiCrFe-LDH) decorated self-disinfecting fabric with surface superhydrophilicity for visible-light-driven photocatalytic sterilization. NiCrFe-LDH nanosheets were in-situ growth on woven cotton fabric (WCF) via hydrothermal strategy. In which, Fe3+ partially substituted Cr3+ in binary NiCr-LDH to form ternary NiCrFe-LDH. The NiCrFe-LDH functionalized fabric (NiCrFe-LDH/WCF) exhibited 100% (6 log units) inactivation of typical Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria in water and on fabric surface under visible light with remarkable stability, reusability and biocompatibility. Moreover, the recovered NiCrFe-LDH/WCF exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation efficiency for antibiotics. The photocatalytic sterilization and degradation performances of NiCrFe-LDH/WCF were significantly improved compared to NiCr-LDH/WCF. The enhanced photocatalysis mechanism was investigated in terms of optical property, reactive oxygen species, charge separation efficiency and energy band structure. The partial substitution of Fe3+ enhanced the light adsorption capacity, narrowed the bandgap and improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. The visible light responsive NiCrFe-LDH/WCF has great potential for effective inactivation of environmental pathogenic microorganisms and treatment of organic contaminants in water. It also has potential application in the production of new generation of textile in medical care industry.

How can the geometry of a rough surface affect its wettability? - A coarse-grained simulation analysis

Governing the physical and chemical characteristics of contact area among solid substrate and liquid droplets is a widely used strategy to fabricate superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic surfaces.While both surface morphology and surface free energy of a solid substrate conclude its wettability, designing the surface with right topology has reserved immense focus by researchers in last few decades. In the pursuit to achieve such goals of immaculate surfaces, some intriguing question need to be answered, for instance, what will happen if one takes same material for the solid substrate but having different morphological features? Irrespective of chemical nature, how the physical appearance of a rough surface controls the wettability? To unravel these questions, we examine the wettability of different surrogate models using coarse-grain (CG) simulations. Interesting results were obtained for apparent contact angles on varying the morphology of a particular surface with different geometrical shapes. Different surface geometries such as square, nail, solid sphere, hollow sphere, rod, and hollow sphere of hydrophobic (poly(dimethylsiloxane)) (PDMS) and hydrophilic (poly (vinyl alcohol)) (PVA) polymers were created. In hydrophobic case, the square followed by nail shape corrugated surface demonstrated least wettability by restricting the penetration of water beads inside the grooves. Whereas, for hydrophilic case, the shell shaped surface showed excellent wetting condition due to maximum availability of unoccupied volume. It was concluded from the present study that hollow cylinder and square shaped corrugated surface could be respectively used to obtain the maximum and the least surface wettability possible. This investigation, through the evolved understanding of the role of surface geometry at the nano level could guide researchers and materials scientists to develop effective materials with desired wetting conditions.

Photocatalytic disinfection of multidrug resistant staphylococcus haemolyticus and Escherichia coli using visible-LED: A photochemical approach to curb nosocomial infection

Undeniably, emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in water borne bacteria is the cataclysmic threat to global public health and may plunge the human civilization back to pre-antibiotic era. With limited technologies proven effective against MDR bacteria, there is an irrefutable need to demonstrate alternative and cost effective water disinfection strategies. In the present study, we have scrutinized the effectivity of Zinc Oxide–Kaolinite nanocomposites (ZnO–K),coated on sodium alginate beads (ZnO/K@alginate) for photocatalytic disinfection (PCD) of multi drug resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Escherichia coli under visible-light emitting diode (LED). Under the same operational conditions, ZnO–K​ NC is found to have better efficiency than other photocatalysts [ZnO nanoparticles (NP)’s, Kaolinite, TiO 2 -Degussa P25] and traditional disinfection techniques (chlorination, hydrogen peroxide treatment, iodination, UV-C treatment). Impairment of bacterial cell membrane is supported by observation of lipid peroxidation and leakage of intracellular components to the reaction system. Additionally, fluoresces and electron microscopy established the detrimental effects on membrane integrity. Experimental evidences suggested that the hydrogen peroxide could be the principal reactive oxygen species involved in the PCD of the targeted bacteria. X-ray diffraction and atomic absorption spectroscopy indicated that ZnO/K@alginate beads could be reused for three consecutive cycles which suggests that the process may be explored for real world application to restrict the spread of nosocomial infection.

Oil sorption properties of cotton comber noil/recycled polyester blended needle punched nonwoven fabrics- An optimization study

Oil spill pollution is a constant threat to the environment nowadays. The treatment of an oil spill remains a challenge to environmental scientists. Among the various cleanup methods available, the use of sorbents for oil spill cleanups is a popular approach. In this work, an attempt has been made to produce cotton comber noil /recycled polyester needle punched nonwoven fabrics for the oil spill clean-up process. Box–Behnken experimental design is used to optimise the parameters such as cotton comber noil /recycled polyester blend proportion, needle punching density and areal density for maximum oil sorption capacity. At 70:30 cotton comber noil /recycled polyester blend proportion, 64.94 needle punching density and 100 GSM, maximum oil sorption was achieved. The maximum oil sorption achieved in the case of crude oil and vegetable oil is 45.90 g/g and 32.30 g/g respectively. The cotton comber noil/recycled polyester needle punched nonwoven fabric showed a stable water bead morphology with a static contact angle of 133.6. The present work indicates that the cotton comber noil/recycled polyester needle punched nonwoven fabric (70/30) is a potential sustainable product for oil spill removal applications.

Cross-linked anion-exchange membrane with side-chain grafted multi-cationic spacer for electrodialysis: Imparting dual anti-fouling and anti-bacterial characteristics

Polyimide (SPI) was functionalized using dianhydride with a high electron density in the carbonyl carbon atoms, and on active-sites (2,4,6-tris(dimethylaminomethyl) phenol: TAP) multi-cationic groups were grafted. Further, we fabricated multi-cationic cross-linked anion-exchange membrane (AEM) with tuneable polymer design by varying number of carbon chain in cross-linker spacer. CrQSPI@3 AEM with C3 spacer, exhibited 2.85 meq/g ion-exchange capacity, 21.4% water uptake, 20.7% swelling ratio, 13.87 × 10–2 S/cm membrane conductivity, and assessed as optimized membrane for further experimental analysis. Architectural strategy including cross-linking, and side chain grafting of multi-cationic groups provides fine control over properties, stabilities, hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics, anti-fouling and anti-bacterial nature. Anti-fouling nature of CrQSPI@3 AEM were gaged by impedance spectroscopy, chronopotentiometry, and electrodialysis experiments, while anti-bacterial nature was studied against water borne Escherichia coli (E. coli). High electro-dialytic performance of CrQSPI@3 AEM (current efficiency: 97.4%, and energy consumption: 0.92 kW h/kg of NaCl removed) along with better stabilities, anti-fouling and anti-bacterial properties, revealed its suitability for water desalination and other diversified electrochemical applications. Described method provides facile membrane fabrication with superior performance to obtain deep in-sight understanding of structural features.

Role of chemical composition of drinking water in human health of the community

Drinking water that is secure to drink is a basic human need that should be met by every-one. Waterborne disease prevention and control begin with ensuring the safety of drinking water. The present study was designed to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of ground water in 20 different localities of Tehsil Taunsa DG Khan, Punjab Pakistan. For this purpose, ground water samples were collected from Mangrotha, Sokar, BastiBuzdar, KotQaisrani, JhokeBodo, Litra, Vehova, Bohar, MakwalKalan, Bindi, Dona, NariJanubi, TibbiQaisrani, Morejhangi, Babbi, Nutkani, JaluWali, Lakhani, Kotani and Chulani were physico-chemically (Turbidity, Odor, Color, TDS, HCO3, Alkalinity, Ca, CO3, Cl, EC, Fl, Hardness, Mg, SO4, pH, Na and K) characterized. The results revealed a significant increase in physical and chemical counts. Among Chemical parameters, the concentration of Alkalinity was in range of 205 mg/L to 235 mg/L, the concentration of Calcium was in range of 60 mg/L to 112 mg/L, the concentration of carbonates only in one location (BastiBuzdar) was slightly high 64 mg/L, the value of Electrical Conductivity was in range of 1230 µS/cm to 1260 µS/cm, the concentration of hardness varies between 145 mg/L to 550 mg/L. The levels of all other parameters were within WHO's acceptable ranges. A survey was also done to assess the impact of drinking water on city inhabitants' fitness. Globally, 780 million people, and 100 million people in Pakistan are exposed to insecure water sources. To estimate the health threat of infected water, a total of 160 residents interviewed. The information acquired from this field work will reveal a high prevalence of suspected water borne diseases like diarrhea, nausea & vomiting, gastrointestinal issues, Skin Rash, Skin irritation, Diabetes, Neural diseases, Renal dysfunction, Cholera, malaria, prolonged fever, Cancer, Hepatitis and jaundice. To resolve water and environmental problems, consciousness and regular monitoring programs of water organization and safe removal of waste was proposed. As a result, in all of the research areas, a well-organized waste disposal and management system is required. To make sure that the water is suitable for human consumption, regular drinking water quality assessments of the resource, main allotment tanks, distribution systems and pipes should be used.

Coarse-Grained Model Incorporating Short- and Long-Range Effective Potentials for the Fast Simulation of Micelle Formation in Solutions of Ionic Surfactants.

A coarse-grained model comprising short- and long-range effective potentials, parametrized with the iterative Boltzmann inversion (IBI) method, is presented for capturing micelle formation in aqueous solutions of ionic surfactants using as a model system sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). In the coarse-grained (CG) model, each SDS molecule is represented as a sequence of four beads while each water molecule is modeled as a single bead. The proposed CG scheme involves ten potential energy functions: four of them describe bonded interactions and control the distribution functions of intramolecular degrees of freedom (bond lengths, valence angles, and dihedrals) along an SDS molecule while the other six account for intermolecular interactions between pairs of SDS and water beads and control the radial distribution functions. The nonbonded effective potentials between coarse-grained SDS molecules extend up to about 12 nm and capture structural and morphological features of the micellar solution both at short and long distances. The long-range component of these potentials, in particular, captures correlations between surfactant molecules belonging to different micelles and is essential to describe ordering associated with micelle formation. A new strategy is introduced for determining the effective potentials through IBI by using information (target distribution functions) extracted from independent atomistic simulations of a micellar reference system (a salt-free SDS solution at total surfactant concentration cT equal to 103 mM, temperature T equal to 300 K, and pressure P equal to 1 atm) obtained through a multiscale approach described in an earlier study. It employs several optimization steps for bonded and nonbonded interactions and a gradual parametrization of the short- and long-range components of the latter, followed by reparametrization of the bonded ones. The proposed CG model can reproduce remarkably accurately the microstructure and morphology of the reference system within only a few hours of computational time. It is therefore very promising for future studies of structural and morphological behavior of various liquid surfactant formulations.

Hydrogeophysical Investigation of Aquifer Layers in Nkporo, Ohafia Local Government Area

Drilling a borehole in Nkporo area of Ohafia in Abia state without proper investigation may lead to wasting resources if water bearing formation is not achieved. This is because borehole drilling is very expensive. It is therefore necessary to carry out proper hydro-geophysical investigation in order to identify a good aquifer before borehole drilling. Electrical resistivity method has been chosen for the investigation of the water bearing formation. The use of Schlumberger array (Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)) method of electrical resistivity was chosen based on the geology of the study area. This method was chosen because not only will it delineate the layers of the near surface aquifer but will also determine the thickness and depth to the aquifer. Five (5) vertical electrical soundings data were obtained from five (5) locations in the community using the Schlumberger array method. The investigations reveal that the area is mostly underlain shale. The formations are poor in aquifer materials. Borehole therefore, in the area should be drilled deep to depths ranging between 700 – 900m into sandstone as revealed in VES 3 and VES 4.

Ecotechnology of isoprene in curing or preventing diseases in fisheries as environmental biomolecules

At this digital era author finds that digitally in aquatic and terrestrial environments Total Dissolved Solids, TDS and Cation Exchange Capacity, CEC both have significant roles in in fisheries and mankind having negative correlated with growth and fecundity. This present communication stated that Isoprene the smallest unit of Fatty acid and esteem hygienic bio-molecule synthesis as well may negatively correlated with CEC and TDS. Isoprene has got immense antivirus roles in all kinds of fisheries and mankind, hence environmentally can take important role in synthesising Fatty-acid based on environments. Fish fatty acids and phospholipids has very high demand owing to immunity reasons for fish itself and other animals. Often found that Fatty-acid bio-molecules can be treated as antivirus bio-molecules for fisheries and every mankind. Basic unit of fatty acid synthesis is called Isoprene synthesise by plankton population and this nano-particle prevails more in upper surfaces of aquatic environments in tropical fisheries hence all top feeders species namely Crocodile Fish, Catla catla, Tilapia spp, Puntius spp etc. remain diseases less by virtue of Isoprene bio-molecules present in aquatic environment of tropical climates. Although we may know that fatty bio-molecules may be either environmental Isoprene, Isoprenoids etc, else synthesised within fish species as phospholipids, or else accumulated as feed supplementation to the species in semi-natural fisheries. In second and third instances extraction of fatty-acids bio-molecules from fish species may possible scientifically without absolute fish-catch and every non-fish eater communities may get happier to get fatty-acids from fisheries as valued medicines including anti-virus roles. Ecotechnology reveals naturally prevailing of germs, pathogens or viruses proportionate to the environmental nitrogen sources, and negatively proportionate with simple hydrocarbon, Isoprene found in a research studies of molecular biology and Ayurveda. Ecotechnology relations may say that germs, pathogens naturally can be controlled or prevented. Pathogens prevail more when environmentally available nitrate become more and fats or Isoprene or else hydrocarbon compounds when lesser. Reversed pathogenic control or prevention may be possible when situation become reversed as well viz. germs, pathogens can be restricted when environmental available nitrate become less and fats or Isoprene or else hydrocarbon compounds when prevail more in the environment. All we may know pathogens can be soil, air or may be water-borne in fisheries water borne pathogens exampled with Coliform bacteria is described. This stated phenomena of more the pathogens in the environment with available nitrogen may found true in every environments namely soil, air as well. Also Isoprene and simple hydrocarbon can prevail in all the same stated environments.

Sewage Treatment of Self Sustainable E-Toilets Using Bio-Digester Method

Abstract: Public sanitation is a cause of concern due to lack of hygienic sanitation infrastructure in the city. The effective use of information, communication and other engineering technologies has led to solve the major inherent issues of public sanitation such as lack of cleanliness and lack of adequate manpower support to manage the units. Electronic toilets have identified that the above issues are prevailing universally and this has a direct bearing on the health of communities. Hence E-toilet concentrates on the following areas where the outcomes shall be in the favour of providing sustainable solutions for above three critical issues. Design of the research is to develop sustainable solutions for the above cited areas, so that it can be used effectively in households, slums or in urban/semi urban locations and cities benefits the city dwellers and the large floating populations. E-toilet are easily adaptable and customizable to the demand of the respective communities. It focuses on a cost efficiency and sustainability. E-toilets provide sanitation that ensures a clean and hygienic environment while recovering recyclable components in a budget friendly (economic) way. To further consolidate, E-toilets focuses on Cleanliness, conversation, cost efficiency, modularity and Universality in our research output. This also covers the advantages of E-toilets in its effectiveness to reduce open defecation, minimizing the pollution and water borne diseases, and improvements in aesthetic value. The study involves the comparative analysis between E-toilet and Conventional toilet.

Assessment of drinking water quality in government schools in Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India

Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the quality of drinking water in hysical, chemical and bacterial aspects in government schools of Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: The water samples appearance, colour, odour, turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, nitrate, chloride, fluoride, sulfate, phosphate and coliform bacteria were analysed using standard methods used by American Public Health Association and compared with standards of World Health Organization. Results: Of the 20 physico-chemical and microbiological parameters studied only three parameters which include a physical total dissolved solids 1148mg/l and two chemical parameters total hardness 558mg/l and chloride 366mg/l of school no.3 were above the guideline value of WHO. Conclusion: To recapitulate, in addition, these three parameters were based on taste consideration rather than health. There is no coliform bacteria were found in the drinking water. All the seven drinking water sampled at the government schools were safe during the study. Continuous monitoring of drinking water in all the schools is proposed to avoid undesirable water borne diseases and maintaining students’ health.

Identifying water sources, quality of drinking water, implications and prevalence of Gastrointestinal problems and its associated risk factors in rural area of India: A Community Based Cross-Sectional and Observational Study

Background: Water is the most common and essential resources on earth and there are no creatures without it in globe. The quality of drinking water is finding out from its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. In this study, we have to identify water sources, quality of drinking water, its implications and the prevalence of selected water borne disease in the study rural area of South India. Materials and Methods: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional and Observational Study of two villages namely Villipakkam and Puthirankottai was conducted with a sample of 1517 individuals were interviewed with a pre-tested pre-designed questionnaire. Results: In our study, we surveyed two villages with a total of 1517 study participants, of which 797 (52.5%) were females. Overall, 58 (11.8%) of the households had gastrointestinal (GI) problems in the last 3 months. 64.4% were consuming non-chlorinated water and 53.3% of household members didn’t consume boiled water. 68.7% didn’t had toilet facility. Variables like educational status, occupational status, boiling of drinking water, washing hands before eating, using pipe water for drinking purpose showed statistically significant association with people those who were affected by GI problem with p<0.05. The mean pH level was found as 7.14 ± 0.43 (6.50 – 7.65). Conclusion: From our study findings, we have concluded that half of the households were only used the pipe water for drinking purpose, weren’t consumed chlorinated water, didn’t drink hot water and didn’t have latrine facilities and awareness is needed to the community. Keywords: water quality, prevalence, rural population, water quality, water borne diseases, community-based study

Improving water vapor barrier of cellulose based food packaging using double layer coatings and cellulose nanofibers

Paper based packaging has the potential to replace many plastic-based systems if the required barrier properties can be obtained. Water borne barrier coatings have the potential to generate good barrier layers, but their performance is often less than expected. Recent work has shown improved performance of these coatings when applied on paper that has a cellulose nanofiber layer.Here, papers with a cellulose nanofiber layer were coated with barrier coatings at different coat weights applied as single-layers, as double-layers, and single-layers pressed together in a hot press in order to generate a packaging system that has good barrier properties. The performance of double-layer samples resulted in moisture transmission rates that were 40–70 % of the value of the single-layer systems. Surprisingly, the hot-pressing of two dry layers showed no advantage compared to the single-layer system. A barrier pigment added to one formulation improved the performance further and followed the same trends. Three dimensional models of diffusion through layers that have defects help explain the results. The work shows a potential path to produce paper-based packaging that has both good oxygen and water vapor barrier properties.

Antibiogram profiles and virulence factors associated with water-borne gram-negative bacteria from Ogbese river, Edo State, Nigeria

Surface waters such as flowing rivers, fresh water lakes and hand dug wells are the major sources of water for most rural dwellers in Nigeria. These are often consumed without testing their potability. This study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of surface water sampled from five (5) sampling locations on Ogbese river in Ogbese and Olumoye towns, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. Water samples were collected in duplicates from the sampling locations during the months of June 2018 to February 2019. Bacteriological analysis of the water samples was conducted using the membrane filtration technique and isolates identified by standard cultural and genomic procedures. Disc diffusion technique was utilized to determine the antibiotic sensitivity profiles of the identified bacteria. Other microbiological analysis which comprised of screening for enterotoxin production, invasiveness, hemolysin production and serum resistance, which are all virulence factors were performed using relevant methods. The total heterotrophic bacterial count varied from 1.0 ± 32.0 ×104𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙 and 1.0 ±0.12 ×104𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙 to 9.7 ± 2.23 ×104𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙. The total coliform count ranged from 0.1 ± 0.02 ×102𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙 to 5.5 ± 0.05 ×102𝑐𝑓𝑢/𝑚𝑙. The observed differences between the mean heterotrophic bacterial and coliform counts recorded for Ogbese and Olumoye sampling points was significant (P< 0.05). The identified bacterial isolates included; Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella enterica, Vibrio cholerae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Both E. coli (60.0%) and E. cloacae (60.0%) were the most frequently isolated water borne isolates cultured from Ogbese sampling point. All E. coli and S. enterica isolates exhibited sensitivity towards ciprofloxacin and streptomycin. All S. flexneri isolates were invasive and serum resistant. There is an urgent need by relevant Governmental and Non –Governmental agencies to conduct advocacy programs targeted at these communities on the necessity of treating and disinfecting abstracted water sourced directly from the water body prior to drinking.

Evidence of geoelectrical resistivity values on groundwater conditions in Wadi El Natrun and its vicinities, West Delta, Egypt (cases studies)

Recently, Wadi El Natrun and its surroundings have witnessed intensive investments in land reclamation, including the arbitrary drilling of hundreds of groundwater wells. Currently, serious hydrogeological and environmental problems have been addressed, such as groundwater quality degradation and water head drop. Electrical resistivity measurements were performed at six locations across the study area to assess its ability to reveal the heterogeneous subsurface stratigraphic and hydrogeological setting of groundwater aquifer(s). The geoelectrical results successfully reflect the current vulnerable hydrogeological setting of the study sites. The current study highlights the current practice in which farmers rely on isolated 1-dimensional vertical electrical sounding (1D VES), which is not the only exploration tool for such electrically conductive stratigraphic succession. One of the main findings is addressing the advantage of applying 2-dimensional electrical resistivity imaging (2D ERI), where it offers a more robust view of both vertical and lateral variation of the investigated subsurface section (Case 3). On the other hand, the Geographic Information System (GIS) could mirror the present groundwater potentiality status, where both GIS analysis and resistivity results coincide, and where the good potentiality zone is restricted to the west and southwest directions of the study area (area of interest (aoi)), where the resistivity values of water bearing are relatively high and lie on the main drainage (Cases 2, 5, and 6). On the contrary, poor potentiality zones are deemed because of their proximity to tiny attributers, and are characterized by low resistivity values (Cases 1, 3 & 4), Finally, the current research study demonstrates the significance of combining morphometrical analysis with geophysics techniques for such environmental problems, where groundwater is primarily controlled by geomorphological features and geological conditions, including lithology and geological structures.

Comparison of Single-Shot and Two-Shot Deep Neural Network Models for Whitefly Detection in IoT Web Application

In this study, we have compared YOLOv4, a single-shot detector to Faster-RCNN, a two-shot detector to detect and classify whiteflies on yellow-sticky tape (YST). An IoT remote whitefly monitoring station was developed and placed in a whitefly rearing room. Images of whiteflies attracted to the trap were recorded 2× per day. A total of 120 whitefly images were labeled using labeling software and split into a training and testing dataset, and 18 additional yellow-stick tape images were labeled with false positives to increase the model accuracy from remote whitefly monitors in the field that created false positives due to water beads and reflective light on the tape after rain. The two-shot detection model has two stages: region proposal and then classification of those regions and refinement of the location prediction. Single-shot detection skips the region proposal stage and yields final localization and content prediction at once. Because of this difference, YOLOv4 is faster but less accurate than Faster-RCNN. From the results of our study, it is clear that Faster-RCNN (precision—95.08%, F-1 Score—0.96, recall—98.69%) achieved a higher level of performance than YOLOv4 (precision—71.77%, F-1 score—0.83, recall—73.31%), and will be adopted for further development of the monitoring station.

Water Balance Evaluation for Flood Risk Reduction in the Yala River Basin, Western Kenya

The Yala River Basin (YRB) in Western region of Kenya has in the past experienced climate and weather extreme events that include floods. Floods have triggered loss of lives, destruction of property, outbreak of water borne diseases and siltation of arable land. This study utilized the Nedbør-Afstrømnings-Model (NAM) hydrologic model (available in the NAM Module of the MIKE 11 hydrodynamic model) on the Yala River Basin (YRB) to generate flood flows for water balance evaluation. The study utilized satellite imagery data for the period 1984-2010 sourced from the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development, rainfall (1980-2012) and river discharge (1947-2012) data sets from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), respectively. Data quality control was statistically checked before sensitivity analysis, calibration, validation, and simulation of the flood flows. Daily water balance estimates for the Yala River Basin (YRB) over the period 1980-2010 were developed using the NAM hydrologic model. The results indicate that the mapped flood area extent varied by a value of 34.23 km2 over the period 1980-2010. The Yala River Basin (YRB) indicated an estimated inflow value of 4,814.72 MCM and outflow value of 4,578.23 MCM, with a coefficient of determination of 0.867. The difference between the inflow and outflow values was 236.49 MCM, that formed the flood flow or the water balance. This study concluded that the water balance value of 236.49 MCM was responsible for the floods recorded in the Yala River Basin (YRB) for the period 1980-2010, and it should be taken care of through flood risk reduction initiatives.

Bacteriological composition of groundwater and its role in human health

Drinking water that is secure to drink is a basic human need that should be met by everyone. Waterborne disease prevention and control begin with ensuring the safety of drinking water. The present study was designed to evaluate the bacteriological quality of ground water in twenty different localities of Tehsil Taunsa DG Khan, Punjab Pakistan. For this purpose, ground water samples were collected from Mangrotha, Sokar, BastiBuzdar, KotQaisrani, JhokeBodo, Litra, Vehova, Bohar, MakwalKalan, Bindi, Dona, NariJanubi, TibbiQaisrani, Morejhangi, Babbi, Nutkani, JaluWali, Lakhani, Kotani and Chulani and bacteriologically characterized. The results revealed a significant increase in bacterial counts. Bacterial infections such as Fecal Coliforms and E.Coli had extraordinarily high concentrations, ranging from 25 CFU/mL to 50 CFU/mL and 2.5 CFU/mL to 3.5 CFU/mL, respectively. The levels of all other parameters were within WHO’s acceptable ranges. A survey was also done to assess the impact of drinking water on city inhabitants' fitness. Globally, 780 million people, and 100 million people in Pakistan are exposed to insecure water sources. To estimate the health threat of infected water, a total of 160 residents interviewed. The information acquired from this field work will reveal a high prevalence of suspected water borne diseases like diarrhea, nausea & vomiting, gastrointestinal issues, Skin Rash, Skin irritation, Diabetes, Neural diseases, Renal dysfunction, Cholera, malaria, prolonged fever, Cancer, Hepatitis and jaundice. To resolve water and environmental problems, consciousness and regular monitoring programs of water organization and safe removal of waste was proposed. As a result, in all of the research areas, a well-organized waste disposal and management system is required. To make sure that the water is suitable for human consumption, regular drinking water quality assessments of the resource, main allotment tanks, distribution systems and pipes should be used.