bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of helicity and fire–atmosphere turbulent energy transport in potential wildfire behaviour
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Katurji Marwan , Zawar-Reza Peyman , Strand Tara
Published: January 2023

Background Understanding near-surface fire–atmosphere interactions at turbulence scale is fundamental for predicting fire spread behaviour. Aims This study aims to investigate the fire–atmosphere interaction and the accompanying energy transport processes within the convective boundary layer. Methods Three groups of large eddy simulations representing common ranges of convective boundary layer conditions and fire intensities were used to examine how ambient buoyancy-induced atmospheric turbulence impacts fire region energy transport. Key results In a relatively weak convective boundary layer, the fire-induced buoyancy force could impose substantial changes to the near-surface atmospheric turbulence and cause an anticorrelation of the helicity between the ambient atmosphere and the fire-induced flow. Fire-induced impact became much smaller in a stronger convective environment, with ambient atmospheric flow maintaining coherent structures across the fire heating region. A high-efficiency heat transport zone above the fire line was found in all fire cases. The work also found counter-gradient transport zones of both momentum and heat in fire cases in the weak convective boundary layer group. Conclusions We conclude that fire region energy transport can be affected by convective boundary layer conditions. Implications Ambient atmospheric turbulence can impact fire behaviour through the energy transport process. The counter-gradient transport might also indicate the existence of strong buoyancy-induced mixing processes.
Bird community structure and habitat association in Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Ashanti Region (Ghana)
Authors: Nsor Collins Ayine , Dei Nana Afua Ankomah , Nkrumah John Mensah , Acolatse Rockson , Danquah Emmanuel
Published: January 2023

Context Globally, an estimated 1.3% of the bird species have gone extinct over the past millennia, largely owing to habitat loss. Aims This study investigated bird–habitat associations and assemblages in the Owabi Ramsar wetland. Methods The study was conducted over 5 months (May–September 2019) in four habitat types (agricultural land, built-up, forest reserve, and open-water area). Data were collected in 84 plots across four habitats (i.e. built-up area = 25, forest reserve = 25, agricultural land = 25 and open-water area = 9 plots), using a point-count technique. The Gambin model, non-metric multidimensional scaling, Chao-1, and Hill numbers models were used to evaluate differences in bird diversity and composition among the habitat types. Key results In all, 1260 individual birds, belonging to 81 species, were encountered. Many of the species occurred in the forest habitat (n = 46, 56.8%. Species from the agricultural land (n = 37) and built-up (n = 30) were mainly habitat generalists that used these two habitats as their shared feeding station. Bird–habitat specialisation grouping equally showed the forest specialists to be the highest (n = 23, 38.4%), whereas the open water had the least number of habitat specialisation associations (e.g. white-faced whistling duck, n = 20, 24.7%). Five species were widely distributed in all four habitats (e.g. bronze-mannikins and white-throated bee-eaters), indicating their broad habitat preferences and ability to adapt to varied conditions. The forest reserve tended to be the most diverse, which was likely mediated by factors such as nesting microhabitats, varied food availability, and human-led activities. Conclusions This study highlighted bird dietary structure and associated habitat type and bird-habitat specialisation in four different land-use types at Owabi Ramsar wetland. Implications Given the increasing level of disturbance, there is the likelihood that the population of forest-dependent and open water-dependent birds will be lost or will have to change or modify their behaviour to be similar to that of open-tolerant or open-country birds if managers of the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary fail to implement the recommended management interventions highlighted.
‘It’s a people problem, not a goat problem.’ Mitigating human–mountain goat interactions in a Canadian Provincial Park
Authors: Vayro Josie V. , Vandermale Emalee A. , Mason Courtney W.
Published: January 2023

Context Wildlife viewing is a primary reason people visit parks and protected areas. However, high rates of visitation increase the potential for interactions between humans and wildlife. This close proximity of humans and wildlife can lead to habituation to human presence and pose a threat to both animals and humans. Aims We describe human–mountain goat interactions in Cathedral Provincial Park (CPP), in British Columbia (BC), Canada, and examine management and mitigation strategies to reduce these interactions. Methods This project was a collaboration with BC Parks. We used community-based participatory research methodologies, conducting interviews and surveys from July 2020 to November 2021 with park visitors, staff, and researchers. Key results Most respondents encountered mountain goats in the park and understood the park’s messaging; however, not all respondents took the necessary steps to reduce encounters. We recommend further education efforts focused on formal staff training and improved infrastructure in the park. Conclusions Our results can be used to inform management decisions related to human–wildlife interactions, primarily in parks and protected areas. On a proximate level, we suggest further educational efforts and improved infrastructure in the park to help overcome perceived lack of action by some participants. Ultimately, there is a need to incorporate human aspects of human–wildlife interactions into management decisions aimed at addressing potential and existing problems. Implications Using a multitude of approaches to management, informed by biological, social, and cultural knowledge, can improve responses and mitigation strategies in human–wildlife interactions. Collaboration among different stakeholders allows for the exchange of ideas and innovations that can contribute to positive movement towards coexistence of humans and wildlife in parks and recreational areas.
Nonquantal transmission at the vestibular hair cell–calyx synapse: K
LV
currents modulate fast electrical and slow K
+
potentials
Authors: Govindaraju Aravind Chenrayan , Quraishi Imran H. , Lysakowski Anna , Eatock Ruth Anne , Raphael Robert M.
Published: January 2023

Vestibular hair cells transmit information about head position and motion across synapses to primary afferent neurons. At some of these synapses, the afferent neuron envelopes the hair cell, forming an enlarged synaptic terminal called a calyx. The vestibular hair cell–calyx synapse supports a mysterious form of electrical transmission that does not involve gap junctions, termed nonquantal transmission (NQT). The NQT mechanism is thought to involve the flow of ions from the presynaptic hair cell to the postsynaptic calyx through low-voltage-activated channels driven by changes in cleft [K
+
] as K
+
exits the hair cell. However, this hypothesis has not been tested with a quantitative model and the possible role of an electrical potential in the cleft has remained speculative. Here, we present a computational model that captures experimental observations of NQT and identifies features that support the existence of an electrical potential (
ϕ
) in the synaptic cleft. We show that changes in cleft
ϕ
reduce transmission latency and illustrate the relative contributions of both cleft [K
+
] and
ϕ
to the gain and phase of NQT. We further demonstrate that the magnitude and speed of NQT depend on calyx morphology and that increasing calyx height reduces action potential latency in the calyx afferent. These predictions are consistent with the idea that the calyx evolved to enhance NQT and speed up vestibular signals that drive neural circuits controlling gaze, balance, and orientation.
AIM2 sensors mediate immunity to
Plasmodium
infection in hepatocytes
Authors: Marques-da-Silva Camila , Poudel Barun , Baptista Rodrigo P. , Peissig Kristen , Hancox Lisa S. , Shiau Justine C. , Pewe Lecia L. , Shears Melanie J. , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi , Sinnis Photini , Kyle Dennis E. , Gurung Prajwal , Harty John T. , Kurup Samarchith P.
Published: January 2023

Malaria, caused by
Plasmodium
parasites is a severe disease affecting millions of people around the world.
Plasmodium
undergoes obligatory development and replication in the hepatocytes, before initiating the life-threatening blood-stage of malaria. Although the natural immune responses impeding
Plasmodium
infection and development in the liver are key to controlling clinical malaria and transmission, those remain relatively unknown. Here we demonstrate that the DNA of
Plasmodium
parasites is sensed by cytosolic AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) receptors in the infected hepatocytes, resulting in Caspase-1 activation. Remarkably, Caspase-1 was observed to undergo unconventional proteolytic processing in hepatocytes, resulting in the activation of the membrane pore-forming protein, Gasdermin D, but not inflammasome-associated proinflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, this resulted in the elimination of
Plasmodium
-infected hepatocytes and the control of malaria infection in the liver. Our study uncovers a pathway of natural immunity critical for the control of malaria in the liver.
Burkitt lymphoma risk shows geographic and temporal associations with
Plasmodium falciparum
infections in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya
Authors: Broen Kelly , Dickens Joey , Trangucci Rob , Ogwang Martin D. , Tenge Constance N. , Masalu Nestory , Reynolds Steven J. , Kawira Esther , Kerchan Patrick , Were Pamela A. , Kuremu Robert T. , Wekesa Walter N. , Kinyera Tobias , Otim Isaac , Legason Ismail D. , Nabalende Hadija , Buller Ian D. , Ayers Leona W. , Bhatia Kishor , Biggar Robert J. , Goedert James J. , Wilson Mark L. , Mbulaiteye Sam M. , Zelner Jon
Published: January 2023

Endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) is a pediatric cancer coendemic with malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting an etiological link between them. However, previous cross-sectional studies of limited geographic areas have not found a convincing association. We used spatially detailed data from the Epidemiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors (EMBLEM) study to assess this relationship. EMBLEM is a case–control study of eBL from 2010 through 2016 in six regions of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. To measure the intensity of exposure to the malaria parasite,
Plasmodium falciparum
, among children in these regions, we used high-resolution spatial data from the Malaria Atlas Project to estimate the annual number of
P. falciparum
infections from 2000 through 2016 for each of 49 districts within the study region. Cumulative
P. falciparum
exposure, calculated as the sum of annual infections by birth cohort, varied widely, with a median of 47 estimated infections per child by age 10, ranging from 4 to 315 infections. eBL incidence increased 39% for each 100 additional lifetime
P. falciparum
infections (95% CI: 6.10 to 81.04%) with the risk peaking among children aged 5 to 11 and declining thereafter. Alternative models using estimated annual
P. falciparum
infections 0 to 10 y before eBL onset were inconclusive, suggesting that eBL risk is a function of cumulative rather than recent cross-sectional exposure. Our findings provide population-level evidence that eBL is a phenotype related to heavy lifetime exposure to
P. falciparum
malaria and support emphasizing the link between malaria and eBL.
A bioengineered probiotic for the oral delivery of a peptide Kv1.3 channel blocker to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Zhu Duolong , Ortiz-Velez Laura C. , Perry Jacob L. , Pennington Michael W. , Hyser Joseph M. , Britton Robert A. , Beeton Christine
Published: January 2023

Engineered microbes for the delivery of biologics are a promising avenue for the treatment of various conditions such as chronic inflammatory disorders and metabolic disease. In this study, we developed a genetically engineered probiotic delivery system that delivers a peptide to the intestinal tract with high efficacy. We constructed an inducible system in the probiotic
Lactobacillus reuteri
to secrete the Kv1.3 potassium blocker ShK-235 (LrS235). We show that LrS235 culture supernatants block Kv1.3 currents and preferentially inhibit human T effector memory (T
EM
) lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. A single oral gavage of healthy rats with LrS235 resulted in sufficient functional ShK-235 in the circulation to reduce inflammation in a delayed-type hypersensitivity model of atopic dermatitis mediated by T
EM
cells. Furthermore, the daily oral gavage of LrS235 dramatically reduced clinical signs of disease and joint inflammation in rats with a model of rheumatoid arthritis without eliciting immunogenicity against ShK-235. This work demonstrates the efficacy of using the probiotic
L. reuteri
as a novel oral delivery platform for the peptide ShK-235 and provides an efficacious strategy to deliver other biologics with great translational potential.
Warming-induced tree growth may help offset increasing disturbance across the Canadian boreal forest
Authors: Wang Jiejie , Taylor Anthony R. , D’Orangeville Loïc
Published: January 2023

Large projected increases in forest disturbance pose a major threat to future wood fiber supply and carbon sequestration in the cold-limited, Canadian boreal forest ecosystem. Given the large sensitivity of tree growth to temperature, warming-induced increases in forest productivity have the potential to reduce these threats, but research efforts to date have yielded contradictory results attributed to limited data availability, methodological biases, and regional variability in forest dynamics. Here, we apply a machine learning algorithm to an unprecedented network of over 1 million tree growth records (1958 to 2018) from 20,089 permanent sample plots distributed across both Canada and the United States, spanning a 16.5 °C climatic gradient. Fitted models were then used to project the near-term (2050 s time period) growth of the six most abundant tree species in the Canadian boreal forest. Our results reveal a large, positive effect of increasing thermal energy on tree growth for most of the target species, leading to 20.5 to 22.7% projected gains in growth with climate change under RCP 4.5 and 8.5. The magnitude of these gains, which peak in the colder and wetter regions of the boreal forest, suggests that warming-induced growth increases should no longer be considered marginal but may in fact significantly offset some of the negative impacts of projected increases in drought and wildfire on wood supply and carbon sequestration and have major implications on ecological forecasts and the global economy.
Holocene variations in Lake Titicaca water level and their implications for sociopolitical developments in the central Andes
Authors: Guédron Stéphane , Delaere Christophe , Fritz Sherilyn. C. , Tolu Julie , Sabatier Pierre , Devel Anne-Lise , Heredia Carlos , Vérin Claire , Alves Eduardo Q. , Baker Paul A.
Published: January 2023

Holocene climate in the high tropical Andes was characterized by both gradual and abrupt changes, which disrupted the hydrological cycle and impacted landscapes and societies. High-resolution paleoenvironmental records are essential to contextualize archaeological data and to evaluate the sociopolitical response of ancient societies to environmental variability. Middle-to-Late Holocene water levels in Lake Titicaca were reevaluated through a transfer function model based on measurements of organic carbon stable isotopes, combined with high-resolution profiles of other geochemical variables and paleoshoreline indicators. Our reconstruction indicates that following a prolonged low stand during the Middle Holocene (4000 to 2400 BCE), lake level rose rapidly ~15 m by 1800 BCE, and then increased another 3 to 6 m in a series of steps, attaining the highest values after ~1600 CE. The largest lake-level increases coincided with major sociopolitical changes reported by archaeologists. In particular, at the end of the Formative Period (500 CE), a major lake-level rise inundated large shoreline areas and forced populations to migrate to higher elevation, likely contributing to the emergence of the Tiwanaku culture.
Antibiotic perseverance increases the risk of resistance development
Authors: Brandis Gerrit , Larsson Jimmy , Elf Johan
Published: January 2023

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections poses a global threat. Antibiotic resistance development is generally studied in batch cultures which conceals the heterogeneity in cellular responses. Using single-cell imaging, we studied the growth response of
Escherichia coli
to sub-inhibitory and inhibitory concentrations of nine antibiotics. We found that the heterogeneity in growth increases more than what is expected from growth rate reduction for three out of the nine antibiotics tested. For two antibiotics (rifampicin and nitrofurantoin), we found that sub-populations were able to maintain growth at lethal antibiotic concentrations for up to 10 generations. This perseverance of growth increased the population size and led to an up to 40-fold increase in the frequency of antibiotic resistance mutations in gram-negative and gram-positive species. We conclude that antibiotic perseverance is a common phenomenon that has the potential to impact antibiotic resistance development across pathogenic bacteria.
Biocultural vulnerability exposes threats of culturally important species
Authors: Reyes-García Victoria , Cámara-Leret Rodrigo , Halpern Benjamin S. , O’Hara Casey , Renard Delphine , Zafra-Calvo Noelia , Díaz Sandra
Published: January 2023

There are growing calls for conservation frameworks that, rather than breaking the relations between people and other parts of nature, capture place-based relationships that have supported social–ecological systems over the long term. Biocultural approaches propose actions based on biological conservation priorities and cultural values aligned with local priorities, but mechanisms that allow their global uptake are missing. We propose a framework to globally assess the biocultural status of specific components of nature that matter to people and apply it to culturally important species (CIS). Drawing on a literature review and a survey, we identified 385 wild species, mostly plants, which are culturally important. CIS predominate among Indigenous peoples (57%) and ethnic groups (21%). CIS have a larger proportion of Data-Deficient species (41%) than the full set of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) species (12%), underscoring the disregard of cultural considerations in biological research. Combining information on CIS biological conservation status (IUCN threatened status) and cultural status (language vitality), we found that more CIS are culturally Vulnerable or Endangered than they are biologically and that there is a higher share of bioculturally Endangered or Vulnerable CIS than of either biologically or culturally Endangered CIS measured separately. Bioculturally Endangered or Vulnerable CIS are particularly predominant among Indigenous peoples, arguably because of the high levels of cultural loss among them. The deliberate connection between biological and cultural values, as developed in our “biocultural status” metric, provides an actionable way to guide decisions and operationalize global actions oriented to enhance place-based practices with demonstrated long-term sustainability.
Thioredoxin-interacting protein is essential for memory T cell formation via the regulation of the redox metabolism
Authors: Kokubo Kota , Hirahara Kiyoshi , Kiuchi Masahiro , Tsuji Kaori , Shimada Yuki , Sonobe Yuri , Shinmi Rie , Hishiya Takahisa , Iwamura Chiaki , Onodera Atsushi , Nakayama Toshinori
Published: January 2023

CD4
+
memory T cells are central to long-lasting protective immunity and are involved in shaping the pathophysiology of chronic inflammation. While metabolic reprogramming is critical for the generation of memory T cells, the mechanisms controlling the redox metabolism in memory T cell formation remain unclear. We found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism changed dramatically in T helper-2 (Th2) cells during the contraction phase in the process of memory T cell formation. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip), a regulator of oxidoreductase, regulated apoptosis by scavenging ROS via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)–biliverdin reductase B (Blvrb) pathway. Txnip regulated the pathology of chronic airway inflammation in the lung by controlling the generation of allergen-specific pathogenic memory Th2 cells in vivo. Thus, the Txnip–Nrf2–Blvrb axis directs ROS metabolic reprogramming in Th2 cells and is a potential therapeutic target for intractable chronic inflammatory diseases.
Phase-space distributions of Bose–Einstein condensates in an optical lattice: optimal shaping and reconstruction
Authors: Dupont N , Arrouas F , Gabardos L , Ombredane N , Billy J , Peaudecerf B , Sugny D , Guéry-Odelin D
Published: January 2023

We apply quantum optimal control to shape the phase-space distribution of Bose–Einstein condensates in a one-dimensional optical lattice. By a time-dependent modulation of the lattice position, determined from optimal control theory, we prepare, in the phase space of each lattice site, translated and squeezed Gaussian states, and superpositions of Gaussian states. Complete reconstruction of these non-trivial states is performed through a maximum likelihood state tomography. As a practical application of our method to quantum simulations, we initialize the atomic wavefunction in an optimal Floquet-state superposition to enhance dynamical tunneling signals.
Numerical Studies of Magnetic Reconnection and Heating Mechanisms for the Ellerman Bomb
Authors: Liu Mingyu , Ni Lei , Cheng Guan-Chong , Ziegler Udo , Lin Jun
Published: January 2023

An Ellerman Bomb (EB) is a kind of small scale reconnection event, which is ubiquitously formed in the upper photosphere or the lower chromosphere. The low temperature (<10,000 K) and high density (∼1019–1022) plasma there makes the magnetic reconnection process strongly influenced by partially ionized effects and radiative cooling. This work studies the high β magnetic reconnection near the solar temperature minimum region based on high-resolution 2.5D magnetohydrodynamics simulations. The time-dependent ionization degree of hydrogen and helium are included to realize more realistic diffusivities, viscosity and radiative cooling in simulations. Numerical results show that the reconnection rate is smaller than 0.01 and decreases with time during the early quasi-steady stage, then sharply increases to a value above 0.05 in the later stage as the plasmoid instability takes place. Both the large value of η
en (magnetic diffusion caused by the electron-neutral collision) and the plasmoid instability contribute to the fast magnetic reconnection in the EB-like event. The interactions and coalescence of plasmoids strongly enhance the local compression heating effect, which becomes the dominant mechanism for heating in EBs after plasmoid instability appears. However, the Joule heating contributed by η
en can play a major role to heat plasmas when the magnetic reconnection in EBs is during the quasi-steady stage with smaller temperature increases. The results also show that the radiative cooling effect suppresses the temperature increase to a reasonable range, and increases the reconnection rate and generation of thermal energy.
Optical Spectroscopy of Classical Be Stars in Old Open Clusters
Authors: Kashyap Jagadeesh Madhu , Mathew Blesson , Paul K. T. , Banerjee Gourav , Bhattacharyya Suman , Anusha R. , Kumar S. Pramod
Published: January 2023

We performed the optical spectroscopy of 16 classical Be stars in 11 open clusters older than 100 Myr. Ours is the first spectroscopic study of classical Be stars in open clusters older than 100 Myr. We found that the Hα emission strength of most of the stars is less than 40 Å, in agreement with previous studies. Our analysis further suggests that one of the stars, [KW97] 35–12, might be a weak Hα emitter in nature, showing Hα equivalent width of −0.5 Å. Interestingly, we also found that the newly detected classical Be star LS III +47 37b might be a component of the possible visual binary system LS III +47 37, where the other companion is also a classical Be star. Hence, the present study indicates the possible detection of a binary Be system. Moreover, it is observed that all 16 stars exhibit a lesser number of emission lines compared to classical Be stars younger than 100 Myr. Furthermore, the spectral type distribution analysis of B-type and classical Be stars for the selected clusters points out that the existence of CBe stars can depend on the spectral type distribution of B-type stars present in these clusters.
Investigation of Traffic Classification Applied to an Astronomical Data Transmission Network of the XAO Using Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Hai-Long , Wang Na , Ye Xin-Chen , Wang Wan-Qiong , Li Jia , Zhang Meng , Zhang Ya-Zhou , Du Xu
Published: January 2023

A telecommunication network used for the transmission of astronomical observation data, telescope remote control and other astronomical research purposes is a critical infrastructure. The monitoring and analysis of network traffic, which help improve the network performance and the utilization of network resources, are a challenging task. The accurate identification of the astronomical data traffic will effectively improve transmission efficiency. In this paper, a classification method applied to types of traffic containing astronomical data using deep learning is proposed. The advantages of a convolutional neural network model in image classification are exploited to classify types of traffic containing astronomical data. The objective is to identify the mixed traffic in the network and accurately identify types of traffic containing astronomical data. The effectiveness of the model in improving classification accuracy is also discussed. Actual traffic data captured by Tcpdump and Wireshark are tested, and the experimental results indicate that the proposed method can accurately classify types of traffic containing astronomical data.
Formation and Destiny of White Dwarf and Be Star Binaries
Authors: Zhu Chun-Hua , Lü Guo-Liang , Lu Xi-Zhen , He Jie
Published: January 2023

The binary systems consisting of a Be star and a white dwarf (BeWDs) are very interesting. They can originate from the binaries composed of a Be star and a subdwarf O or B star (BesdOBs), and they can merge into red giants via luminous red nova or can evolve into double WD potentially detected by the LISA mission. Using the method of population synthesis, we investigate the formation and the destiny of BeWDs, and discuss the effects of the metallicity (Z) and the common envelope evolution parameters. We find that BesdOBs are significant progenitors of BeWDs. About 30% (Z = 0.0001)−50% (Z = 0.02) of BeWDs come from BesdOBs. About 60% (Z = 0.0001) −70% (Z = 0.02) of BeWDs turn into red giants via a merger between a WD and a non-degenerated star. About 30% (Z = 0.0001) −40% (Z = 0.02) of BeWDs evolve into double WDs which are potential gravitational waves of the LISA mission at a frequency band between about 3 × 10−3 and 3 × 10−2 Hz. The common envelope evolution parameter introduces an uncertainty with a factor of about 1.3 on BeWD populations in our simulations.
Canonical description of quantum dynamics*
Authors: Bojowald Martin
Published: January 2023

Some of the important non-classical aspects of quantum mechanics can be described in more intuitive terms if they are reformulated in a geometrical picture based on an extension of the classical phase space. This contribution presents various phase-space properties of moments describing a quantum state and its dynamics. An example of a geometrical reformulation of a non-classical quantum effect is given by an equivalence between conditions imposed by uncertainty relations and centrifugal barriers, respectively.
On locally conformally cosymplectic Hamiltonian dynamics and Hamilton–Jacobi theory
Authors: Ateşli Begüm , Esen Oğul , de León Manuel , Sardón Cristina
Published: January 2023

Cosymplectic geometry has been proven to be a very useful geometric background to describe time-dependent Hamiltonian dynamics. In this work, we address the globalization problem of locally cosymplectic Hamiltonian dynamics that failed to be globally defined. We investigate both the geometry of locally conformally cosymplectic (LCC) manifolds and the Hamiltonian dynamics constructed on such LCC manifolds. Further, we provide a geometric Hamilton–Jacobi theory on this geometric framework.
Effect of different surface irrigation systems and organic fertilization on water productivity of maize yield.
Authors: Alkarawi Hassan H , Obaid Ghassan J , Ghani Abdulsattar H A
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to assess the performance and the effects of different surface irrigation systems, growth, and yield of maize crops in the irrigation district of Babil Iraq. Field experiments were conducted in the autumn of 2020 to manage five surfaces irrigation systems Besides, two irrigation intervals (5 and 8 days) and two levels of organic fertilizers (humic acid) (0 OM0 and 20 OM1 kg ha-1). The experiment was a Split Split Block Design with three replications. The results indicated that the actual water consumption use (ETa) varied with irrigation systems. ETa reached 688, 673 mm season-1 for BSI treatment and decreased to 293, 275 mm season-1 for APFIRB under irrigation intervals 5 days and OM0, OM1 treatments respectively. Organic fertilizer reduced the amount of ETa by 4 and 2.5% compared to control in 5 and 8 days irrigation intervals, respectively. The mean grain yield reached 7149.9 kg ha-1 for OM1, while organic humic acid application improved the grain yield by 7.95% compared to OM0. Meanwhile that the no significant differences in corn grain yield with irrigation systems.
Simulation of Rainfall-Runoff in the Diyala River Basin in Iraq using Hydrological Model by HMS with remote sensing, Geo-HMS and ArcGIS
Authors: Alrammahi Faris Sahib , Ahmed Hamdan Ahmed Naseh
Published: January 2023

In Iraq, the Diyala River (DR) occasionally experiences both droughts and floods. The DR is supplying the amount of water to Tigris River at the south of Baghdad. Estimation of runoff from precipitation is very important because of its impact on decision-making in water resources management. The conceptual and distributed hydrological model was adopted and by HEC-HMS, Geo-HMS, and GIS software, remote digital elevation models were processed. The sensitivity, calibration, and validation were made through the period 2017-2021. The estimated CN values were from 60 to 100 with distributed related ratios between 0.6% to 52.8%. The differences between the observed and estimated inlet discharge of Hemrin Dam were for (+0.1 to -0.2) % with some more at peak discharge point. The HEC-HMS, using data from NASA and FAO, was acceptable model. The results with an accuracy of 95%, which is indicated by the value of R2 and PBIAS indicators.
Binary exchange of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium in calcareous soils in Kurdistan region of Iraq
Authors: Al–Obaidi M A J , Syan C M H
Published: January 2023

The objective of this research was to look into the binary exchange in four calcareous soils. The ion adsorption was carried by Batch equilibrium method used to saturate the soil samples with sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium ions, separately, to get Sodium–Soil, Potassium–Soil, Calcium–Soil and Magnesium–Soil. The mean Kd (L kg–1) scores in various binary systems were arranged as follows: Calcium – Magnesium (18. 7) > Magnesium– Sodium(18.66) >Magnesium – Calcium (17.69) > Calcium – Sodium (15.59) > Magnesium – Potassium (14.31) > Calcium – Potassium (14.26) > Potassium – Sodium (6.5) >Potassium – Magnesium (6.32) > Potassium – Calcium (5.83) > Sodium – Magnesium (4.09) > Sodium – Calcium (4.01) > Sodium – Potassium (3.38).The average values of vanselow selectivity coefficients in different binary exchange systems of cation followed this order: Sodium – Potassium (9.88) > Sodium – Calcium (8.42) > Sodium – Magnesium (8.31) > Potassium – Sodium (5.92) > Potassium – Calcium (5.55) > Potassium – Magnesium (5.34) > Calcium – Potassium (3.17) > Magnesium – Potassium (3.07) > Calcium – Sodium (2.93) > Magnesium – Calcium (2.39) > Calcium – Magnesium (2.17)> Magnesium – Sodium (1.99).
Reducing The Soil Erosion by Improving Infiltration Rate of Sprinkler Irrigation Under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Sulaiman A. H. , Khalaf A. A.
Published: January 2023

The soil under arid and semi-arid conditions is subject to erosion by irrigation. Polyacrylamide (PAM) significantly reduces erosion from irrigation. The PAM applied with sprinklers will provide erosion control and benefit the water infiltration rate, Soil was sieved by (6.2 mm) and placed in (0.75 * 0.60 * 0.15 m) steel boxes, a slope gradient of (6%), a median drop size of (1.2) mm was sprayed by a hanging oscillating nozzle on a height of (3 m). It used (0, 3, and 6 kg ha-1) PAM sprayed by (80 mmh-1) of water intensity for irrigation, followed by the two other-only irrigations. At (PAM=0) runoff mm, soil loss kgha-1 decreased (40%, 73.15%) respectively in the wheat straw treatments compared with bare flumes, in the time infiltration rate mmh-1 increased by (24.52% )in the same condition, It was shown that a significant difference between the mean of runoff at W. straw and bare treatment at (P <0.05), also a runoff was highly significantly affected (P >0.01) by using (PAM), the result shown that there was a nonlinear relationship between soil loss and runoff. with a coefficient of determination R2=0.95. The costs of (polyacrylamide), are between (40-50 $ ha-1) it depending on the type and the company, W. straw residue can be obtained cheaply after the domestic harvesting season.
Boron adsorption kinetics in some Gypsiferous soils
Authors: Dahash Al-Doury Hamza Ayad , Al-Obaidi Basim Shakir
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper was to study the kinetics of Boron adsorption by using kinetics concepts and different concentrations of Boron. A number of laboratory experiments were conducted on three samples of gypsum soils which were taken from some fields of Tikrit University and Al-Alam city. The soil samples contained different concentrations of gypsum low and medium with concentration of (62) g.kg-1 and (134) gm.kg-1 respectively from the College of Agriculture’s field at the University of Tikrit, and the third was high with a concentration of (241) gm.kg-1 from the Al-Alam city. Some physical and chemical properties of the soil samples were measured. The experiment included taking un-stimulated samples using plastic tubes and from sampling sites to obtain natural soil models, adding different concentrations of Boron to the soil and using kinetics equations to describe the adsorption of Boron. The most accurate description of Boron adsorption was the (Elovich equation). The treatment (0 mgB.L-1) gave a coefficient of determination of (0.9757) (0.9591) (0.9621) and a standard error of (1.605) (1.307) (1.429) for gypsum soils (low, medium and high) respectively. The treatment (20 mgB.L-1) gave a coefficient of determination (0.9671) (0.983) (0.9874) and a standard error of (9.011) (9.583) (8.804) for gypsum soils (low, medium and high) respectively.
Easy Equation for Estimating Seepage Discharge through Earth Dams Based on Impermeable Foundation
Authors: Abd Raghad Saud , Irzooki Raad Hoobi , Al-Obaidi Ahmed A.
Published: January 2023

The goal of this work was to develop an easy and reliable equation for calculating seepage discharge through homogeneous earthen dams that operate with toe drains. For this purpose, many data were generated using (SEEP/W) program depending on the geometrical variables that affect this seepage, such as dam height (h), upstream water depth (H), dam top width (b), upstream and downstream slopes, and base length of toe drain. The seepage discharge quantity for 728 cases was determined using three different values for each of the aforementioned geometric variables. A straightforward and precise equation was created for computing the discharge via a homogeneous earth dam with chimney drain system using the dimensional analysis method and SPSS software, with an (R2) coefficient of 0.986. Then the dimensional analysis was applied to this information. A simple and accurate equation was obtained to calculate the discharge through a homogenous earth dam with a toe drain system with a coefficient (R2) of 0.986. The results indicated that the seepage discharge increases with an increase in the upstream water depth, the toe drain’s base length, and the angle of the upstream and downstream slopes, while it decreases with an increase in the dam top width.

Additionally, utilizing the produced data, the artificial neural network model (ANN) was implemented. The results of this model revealed varying percentages of importance for the independent geometrical variables on the seepage quantity, where the upstream water depth (H) has the most important and amounted to 66.9%, while the upstream slope was the least important, where the importance percentage for this factor was 0.7%. The (ANN) model and predicted empirical equation results show excellent agreement when compared.
Climate change impact on water resources of Iraq (a review of literature)
Authors: Al-Maliki Laheab A , Al-Mamoori Sohaib K , Al-Ansari Nadhir , El-Tawel Khaled , Comair Fadi G.
Published: January 2023

Maintaining natural processes and supporting social and economic growth depend heavily on water supplies. However, Future climate is predicted to bring higher temperatures, which will increase evapotranspiration; lower precipitation totals; and changes in the seasonal pattern of precipitation. Iraq is more vulnerable to climate change than other nations due to the underdeveloped and fragile water management systems there, as well as the country’s desert and warmer environment and increasing sensitivity to extreme weather events. The present work aims to analyse the literature dealing with climate change’s effects on water resources in Iraq. The Scopus database was searched using the keywords (Iraq, models of climate change, and water resources). Most models study the effect of high temperatures and evaporation on water resources using different tools, the most important of which are SWAT, LARS-WG, and HEC-HM. The analysis of previous studies shows that the results of all the literature concordant that Iraq is on the verge of severe water scarcity due to high temperatures and the resulting decrease in rainfall, increase in evaporation, decrease in vegetation cover and increase in desertification.
Climate Change and the Need for Future Research
Authors: Adamo Nasrat , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Sissakian Varoujan
Published: January 2023

Climate Changes have impacted our planet since the beginning of time. These were manifested by cyclic Ice Ages and Warm Periods ever since. The changes were caused by natural forcing such as, continental drift, plate tectonics, major volcanic eruptions, and internal dynamics of earth and oceans interactions with the atmosphere. The present warm period, the “Holocene Epoch”, is not different from other such periods except for the sharp global warming which began at the onset of the industrial revolution. This was proven by scientific research to be due to anthropogenic drives, i.e., increased fossil fuel burning and increased Co2 and other Green House Gases (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere. These gases trap the sun radiation reflected from earth surface and result in higher earth temperature. The steep rate of rise in temperature trend since 1960s is directly linked to the use of much more fossil fuels in power production and transportation. This has led to more research to quantify the changes and their impacts on the environment and humans. This paper gives a brief history of the scientific research carried out hitherto and policy suggestions made so far to combat the negative impacts of the increasing global warming of the world. Needed future scientific research in this field is outlined, while at the same time suggesting the needs of Iraq of such research. This includes among other things, forming a regional scientific panel for the Middle East countries (ME. IPCC) for carrying out research on regional level, fostering research on national level, encouraging academics for climate change-oriented research and providing the necessary funds and facilities for such research.
Improving Groundwater Quality by Electromagnetic Polarization
Authors: Mahdi Mohammed Jameel , Ibrahem Aldoury Muzher Mahdi , Ismaeal Nizar N.
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study is to contribute to easy access to soft water, improve some of their properties, and try to find an inexpensive economic method. The research lies in two parts, the first part included a stage of design calculations for the electromagnetic water treatment device. The stage of designing laboratory experiments according to the Box-Wilson statistical method, after determining the independent approved variables. The second part, laboratory work included two stages, namely, the stages of operating the device and examining it within the specific operational conditions of the experiments, and the other area is conducting the necessary tests on the water sample. Two programs were used SPSS programme and MATLAB programme. The results showed an improvement in the concentration of the total hardness, with a rate ranging from 14% to 35%, magnetic flux intensity ranging from 0.5 to 1.1 Tesla, an exposure time of ranged from 17 to 48.5 seconds, and the equation for these experiments was found. Multiple tests were conducted to find out the concentration of total dissolved solids, which recorded an insignificant decrease from 2% to 4%, and therefore their results were not significant. Research benefits by avoiding the use of economically costly chemicals (Alum) that are dangerous to the environment and humans.
Determination of Environmental Factors on some Water and Sediments Quality Parameters of Eastern Al-Hammar Marsh
Authors: Wahaab Hdeel R , Sultan Maitham A , Shams Aldeen Shrooq S
Published: January 2023

The research aims to identify the most important environmental factors that affect some of the water quality and sediment characteristics of the Eastern Al-Hammar marsh by evaluating their concentrations and comparing them with national and international limits. Water samples and sediments were collected from different sites of Al-Mashab Marsh within the Eastern Al-Hammar marsh during the winter and summer seasons of 2019. The sample sites included some sites affected by the oil activities within the marsh boundaries, and water samples from the Al-Badaa channel, which produces drinking water for Al-Basra Governorate. The field measurements included measurement of the (Temp., pH, TDS, EC, S%, Turb.), while the laboratory measurements included (TSS, COD, OC), and measuring of the concentrations of the heavy elements in water and sediments marsh such as (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mg, Cd, Ni).

The results showed that the water marsh is alkaline (pH more than 7) and has EC; TDS, and salinity that exceed the permissible limits, which indicates it’s unfit for human consumption. Also, this study showed a definite increase in all the measured physical variables in the summer season as a result of the impact of climate changes and the quality of the Main Outfall Drain (MOD) water which supplier some areas of marshes, in addition to the effect of oil installations discharges. The concentrations of heavy elements were within the permissible limits in the water, except for Pb and Cr elements were their increased concentrations in the water are due to the wastewater quality effect of the oil installations that discharge to the marshes, and the impact of human activities and the MOD water quality. The current study indicated evident seasonal changes in heavy element concentrations between the summer and winter seasons. There were high concentrations of heavy elements in the marsh water in the winter (February) compared with the summer season (August) due to the increased activities and works of oil installations in the study area, and rainwater. The concentrations of heavy elements in marsh sediments were higher than the permissible limits, and this means they are contaminated by these measured elements due to what is added to it from the neighboring areas, specifically the nearby oil installation discharges, and also the impact of human activities and the MOD water quality.
Integrating GIS techniques and lab analyses to assess the effect of sediments on the physical and chemical properties of soil and water in Um Naaj marsh, southern Iraq
Authors: Sahar Awad A , Kareem Hashim H. , Jasim Ammar A
Published: January 2023

A study for the evaluation of some physical and chemical properties of soil and water of certain sites in southern Iraqi marsh called Umm Naaj, a part of Al-Hawizeh Marsh, has been carried out using the integration between fieldwork, lab analyses, and GIS techniques. Sixteen water and soil samples were collected, then transferred to the lab. In the lab, some chemical properties of water samples were determined, while soil samples are subjected to some chemical and physical analysis. IDW method in GIS software had been utilized for interpolation of spatial distribution of chemical and physical properties of soil and water through the study area. Results of analysis and interpolation maps showed that the clay fraction was the dominant in soil samples, followed by silt and sand. Regarding chemical properties, all soil samples are an alkaline reaction. The percent of minerals for silt fraction indicate that calcite was the dominant mineral followed by quartz and illite. The x-ray diffraction analysis results indicated the presence of regular Mica-Smectite mixed layer mineral. The interpolation maps indicated that there is an effect of sediments on some properties in different levels where some properties were highly affected and some moderately and some have no effect on soil and water quality.
Validity of Primary Treated Wastewater for Irrigation and Assessment of their Potential Health Risk
Authors: Umer Mustafa Ismail
Published: January 2023

Samples of raw waste water is taken from the municipal sewer of Sumail district in Iraqi Kurdistan region and submitted to primary treatment by aeration to evaluate their validity for irrigation and potential health risks associated with this treated wastewater, Result revealed, (BOD) is improved by mechanical aeration, (COD) the aeration is not enough to bring it to safe ranges. Ammonia NH4reduced by aeration from 24 to 18 mg/L as it converted to nitrite and nitrate by nitrifying bacteria in two-week period. the aeration removed about 2 third of TSS, TDS increase electrical conductivity of the water. TDS is reduced from 567 to 142 mg/l by aerating the water for 2 weeks. The content of heavy metal in all studied plants in almost cases are more than those irrigated by tap fresh drinking water. the content of essential micronutrients Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn in this study were elevated by treated wastewater, but all remain within the permissible limit in plant. Target hazard quotient (THQ) for cadmium in wheat is > 1 and the risks of cancer appearance in children is very high. Whereas the lead is worse than cadmium for children and the all studied plants has (THQ) >1 and associated with cancer risk in children if has been irrigated with wastewater or even treated wastewater.