bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive Transport Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of CO2–Rock–Brine Interactions at Ebeity Reservoir, West Kazakhstan
Authors: Seisenbayev Nurlan , Absalyamova Miriam , Alibekov Alisher , Lee Woojin
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the reactive transport modeling of CO2 injection into the Kazakhstan reservoir to identify mineralogical and porosity changes due to geochemical reactions. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was performed to test the effect of the surface area and gas impurity on the CO2 storage capability. Despite the current need to investigate carbon sequestration in Kazakhstan, a limited number of studies have been conducted in this field. The Ebeity oil reservoir sandstone formation in the Pre-Caspian Basin has been tested as a potential CO2 storage site. The 1D PHREEQC simulation results of 10,000 years suggest that reservoirs with a higher abundance of these secondary carbonates may be better suited for long-term CO2 sequestration. The concentration of Fe3+ fluctuated, influenced by magnetite and siderite dissolution, leading to ankerite precipitation at 20 and 40 m. The porosity increased from 15% to 18.2% at 1 m and 20 m, favoring a higher CO2 storage capacity, while at 40 m, it remained stable due to minor mineral alterations. A reduced surface area significantly limits the formation of dawsonite, a crucial secondary mineral for CO2 trapping. For instance, at λ = 0.001, dawsonite formation dropped to 6 mol/kgw compared to 24 mol/kgw at λ = 1. Overall, the results of this study can play an essential role in future geological analyses to develop CO2 storage in Kazakhstan for nearby reservoirs with similar geological characteristics.
Ensuring Sustainable Academic Development of L2 Postgraduate Students and MA Programs: Challenges and Support in Thesis Writing for L2 Chinese Postgraduate Students
Authors: Man Jing , Zhan Ju
Published: October 2023

This study, based on Activity Theory, investigated the challenges and support for L2 Chinese postgraduate students in their master’s degree (MA) thesis writing. The five participants, currently PhD candidates in applied linguistics, shared their experiences of MA thesis writing. The data include multiple drafts of theses and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis reveals that these participants went through four kinds of challenges: (1) selecting the research topic and theoretical basis; (2) meeting the high requirements of MA theses, using new research tools, and overcoming linguistic barriers; (3) writing the literature review; and (4) writing the discussion. The findings reveal the challenges were caused by four levels of inner contradictions in activity systems. The main support was provided by their supervisors, whose tailored help was more effective than the related courses they took. More sources of support came from their fellow students, the assessment panels of the research proposal, and the thesis defense. The analysis illustrated how these participants managed to receive support by interacting with the academic community. This study is expected to shed light on postgraduate education in general and the sustainable development of individual students and MA programs. Its implications may not only benefit Chinese L2 postgraduate students and their supervisors but also those in similar EFL contexts.
Uniqueness Results and Asymptotic Behaviour of Nonlinear Schrödinger–Kirchhoff Equations
Authors: Sun Dongdong
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we first study the uniqueness and symmetry of solution of nonlinear Schrödinger–Kirchhoff equations with constant coefficients. Then, we show the uniqueness of the solution of nonlinear Schrödinger–Kirchhoff equations with the polynomial potential. In the end, we investigate the asymptotic behaviour of the positive least energy solutions to nonlinear Schrödinger–Kirchhoff equations with vanishing potentials. The vanishing potential means that the zero set of the potential is non-empty. The uniqueness results of Schrödinger equations and the scaling technique are used in our proof. The elliptic estimates and energy analysis are applied in the proof of the asymptotic behaviour of the above Schrödinger–Kirchhoff-type equations.
Neuroimaging Scoring Tools to Differentiate Inflammatory Central Nervous System Small-Vessel Vasculitis: A Need for Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning?—A Scoping Review
Authors: Damer Alameen , Chaudry Emaan , Eftekhari Daniel , Benseler Susanne M. , Safi Frozan , Aviv Richard I. , Tyrrell Pascal N.
Published: October 2023

Neuroimaging has a key role in identifying small-vessel vasculitis from common diseases it mimics, such as multiple sclerosis. Oftentimes, a multitude of these conditions present similarly, and thus diagnosis is difficult. To date, there is no standardized method to differentiate between these diseases. This review identifies and presents existing scoring tools that could serve as a starting point for integrating artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) into the clinical decision-making process for these rare diseases. A scoping literature review of EMBASE and MEDLINE included 114 articles to evaluate what criteria exist to diagnose small-vessel vasculitis and common mimics. This paper presents the existing criteria of small-vessel vasculitis conditions and mimics them to guide the future integration of AI/ML algorithms to aid in diagnosing these conditions, which present similarly and non-specifically.
Exploring the Interplay between the Clinical and Presumed Effect of Botulinum Injections for Cervical Dystonia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hefter Harald , Samadzadeh Sara
Published: October 2023

Background: Repetitive intramuscular injections of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) are the treatment of choice in patients with cervical dystonia (CD). As soon as BoNT therapy is initiated, the natural course of CD cannot be observed anymore. Nevertheless, the present study focuses on the “presumed” course of disease severity under the assumption that no BoNT therapy had been performed. The “experienced” benefit is compared with the “presumed” worsening. Methods: Twenty-seven BoNT/A long-term-treated CD patients were recruited. They had to assess the remaining severity of CD in percent of its severity at the start of BoNT therapy (RS-%). Then, they had to draw the course of severity from the onset of symptoms to the start of BoNT/A therapy (CoDB graph), as well as the course of severity from the start of BoNT/A therapy until the day of recruitment (CoDA graph). Then, they were instructed to presume the development of CD severity from the day of the start of BoNT/A therapy until the day of recruitment under the assumption that no BoNT/A therapy had been performed, and to assess the maximal severity they could presume in percent of the severity at the start of BoNT therapy (IS-%). Then, they had to draw the “presumed” development of CD severity (CoDI graph). The “experienced” change in disease severity and the “presumed” change since the start of BoNT/A therapy were compared and correlated with a variety of demographical and treatment-related data, including the actual severity of CD at the day of recruitment, which was assessed using the TSUI score and the actual dose per session (ADOSE). Results: No CD patients expected an improvement without BoNT therapy. “Presumed” worsening ((IS-%)-100) was about 50% in the mean and did not correlate with the “experienced” benefit (100-(RS-%)). However, IS-% was significantly correlated with ATSUI and ADOSE. Conclusion: Obviously, CD patients have the opinion that their CD would have further progressed and worsened if no BoNT/A therapy had been performed. Thus, the total benefit of BoNT/A therapy for a patient with CD is a combination of the “experienced” benefit under BoNT/A therapy and the prevented worsening of CD that the patient expects to occur without BoNT/A therapy.
Impact of Endogenous Pneumococcal Hydrogen Peroxide on the Activity and Release of Pneumolysin
Authors: Bazant Jasmin , Ott Benjamin , Hudel Martina , Hain Torsten , Lucas Rudolf , Mraheil Mobarak Abu
Published: October 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. The pore-forming cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) pneumolysin (PLY) and the physiological metabolite hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can greatly increase the virulence of pneumococci. Although most studies have focused on the contribution of both virulence factors to the course of pneumococcal infection, it is unknown whether or how H2O2 can affect PLY activity. Of note, S. pneumoniae exploits endogenous H2O2 as an intracellular signalling molecule to modulate the activity of several proteins. Here, we demonstrate that H2O2 negatively affects the haemolytic activity of PLY in a concentration-dependent manner. Prevention of cysteine-dependent sulfenylation upon substitution of the unique and highly conserved cysteine residue to serine in PLY significantly reduces the toxin’s susceptibility to H2O2 treatment and completely abolishes the ability of DTT to activate PLY. We also detect a clear gradual correlation between endogenous H2O2 generation and PLY release, with decreased H2O2 production causing a decline in the release of PLY. Comparative transcriptome sequencing analysis of the wild-type S. pneumoniae strain and three mutants impaired in H2O2 production indicates enhanced expression of several genes involved in peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis and in the production of choline-binding proteins (CPBs). One explanation for the impact of H2O2 on PLY release is the observed upregulation of the PG bridge formation alanyltransferases MurM and MurN, which evidentially negatively affect the PLY release. Our findings shed light on the significance of endogenous pneumococcal H2O2 in controlling PLY activity and release.
Transcriptome Analysis of Deoxynivalenol (DON)-Induced Hepatic and Intestinal Toxicity in Zebrafish: Insights into Gene Expression and Potential Detoxification Pathways
Authors: Yao Feng , Zhao Miaomiao , Du Yaowen , Chang Guoli , Li Chuanpeng , Zhu Ruiyu , Cai Chenggang , Shao Suqing
Published: October 2023

The effects of deoxynivalenol (DON, 50 µg/mL) on the zebrafish liver and intestine were studied. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from mRNA and lncRNA were analyzed by RNA seq. Gene Ontology (GO) and signaling pathways were studied where the top 30 DEGs of each type of RNA were involved. The results showed there were 2325 up-regulated and 934 down-regulated DEGs of lncRNA in the intestinal tract, and 95 up-regulated genes and 211 down-regulated genes in the liver, respectively. GO functional annotation analysis showed that lncRNA was enriched in the biological processes, involving the RNA splicing, CSF1-CSF1R complexes, and MAP kinase activity. DEGs of lncRNA located in the KEGG signal pathways include the C-type lectin receptor signaling and the NOD-like receptor signaling pathways. Metabolism involves the biosynthesis of indole alkaloids, cancer pathways for human disease, MAPK and Rap1signaling pathways for environmental information processing, necroptosis and focal adhesion for cell processes. The mRNA gene expression analysis showed there were 1939 up-regulated, 1172 down-regulated genes and 866 up-regulated, 1211 down-regulated genes in the intestine and liver of zebrafish, respectively. This study provides transcriptome analysis and toxicological investigation of DON in the zebrafish liver and intestine, offering insights into gene expression patterns and potential detoxification pathways.
Phytotoxicity and Phytotoxic Substances in Calamus tenuis Roxb.
Authors: Rob Md. Mahfuzur , Hossen Kawsar , Ozaki Kaori , Teruya Toshiaki , Kato-Noguchi Hisashi
Published: October 2023

Calamus tenuis is a shrub species distributed across South Asia. It grows well in diversified habitats and tends to dominate plants in the surrounding environment. The phytotoxicity of C. tenuis and the action of its phytochemicals against other plant species could explain its dominant behavior. Compounds with phytotoxic activity are in high demand as prospective sources of ecofriendly bioherbicides. Therefore, we investigated the phytotoxicity of C. tenuis. Aqueous methanol extracts of this plant species significantly limited the growth of four test plant species, two monocots (barnyard grass and timothy), and two dicots (alfalfa and cress), in a dose- and species-dependent manner. Bio-directed chromatographic isolation of the C. tenuis extracts yielded two major active substances: a novel compound, calamulactone {(S)-methyl 8-(5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-yl) octanoate}, and 3-oxo-α-ionone. Both of the identified compounds exerted strong growth inhibitory effects on cress and timothy seedlings. The concentrations of 3-oxo-α-ionone and calamulactone required to limit the growth of the cress seedlings by 50% (I50) were 281.6–199.5 and 141.1–105.5 µM, respectively, indicating that the effect of calamulactone was stronger with lower I50 values. Similarly, the seedlings of timothy also showed a considerably higher sensitivity to calamulactone (I50: 40.5–84.4 µM) than to 3-oxo-α-ionone (I50: 107.8–144.7 µM). The findings indicated that the leaves of C. tenuis have marked growth-inhibitory potential, and could affect surrounding plants to exert dominance over the surrounding plant community. Moreover, the two identified phytotoxic substances might play a key role in the phytotoxicity of C. tenuis, and could be a template for bioherbicide development. This paper was the first to report calamulactone and its phytotoxicity.
Relationship between Duffy Genotype/Phenotype and Prevalence of Plasmodium vivax Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Picón-Jaimes Yelson Alejandro , Lozada-Martinez Ivan David , Orozco-Chinome Javier Esteban , Molina-Franky Jessica , Acevedo-Lopez Domenica , Acevedo-Lopez Nicole , Bolaño-Romero Maria Paz , Visconti-Lopez Fabriccio J. , Bonilla-Aldana D. Katterine , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: October 2023

The Duffy protein, a transmembrane molecule, functions as a receptor for various chemokines and facilitates attachment between the reticulocyte and the Plasmodium Duffy antigen-binding protein. Duffy expression correlates with the Duffy receptor gene for the chemokine, located on chromosome 1, and exhibits geographical variability worldwide. Traditionally, researchers have described the Duffy negative genotype as a protective factor against Plasmodium vivax infection. However, recent studies suggest that this microorganism’s evolution could potentially diminish this protective effect. Nevertheless, there is currently insufficient global data to demonstrate this phenomenon. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the Duffy genotype/phenotype and the prevalence of P. vivax infection. The protocol for the systematic review was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42022353427 and involved reviewing published studies from 2012 to 2022. The Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SciELO databases were consulted. Assessments of study quality were conducted using the STROBE and GRADE tools. A total of 34 studies were included, with Africa accounting for the majority of recorded studies. The results varied significantly regarding the relationship between the Duffy genotype/phenotype and P. vivax invasion. Some studies predominantly featured the negative Duffy genotype yet reported no malaria cases. Other studies identified minor percentages of infections. Conversely, certain studies observed a higher prevalence (99%) of Duffy-negative individuals infected with P. vivax. In conclusion, this systematic review found that the homozygous Duffy genotype positive for the A allele (FY*A/*A) is associated with a higher incidence of P. vivax infection. Furthermore, the negative Duffy genotype does not confer protection against vivax malaria.
Exploring the Potential of Cytomegalovirus-Based Vectors: A Review
Authors: Zeng Janine , Jaijyan Dabbu , Yang Shaomin , Pei Shaokai , Tang Qiyi , Zhu Hua
Published: October 2023

Viral vectors have emerged as powerful tools for delivering and expressing foreign genes, playing a pivotal role in gene therapy. Among these vectors, cytomegalovirus (CMV) stands out as a promising viral vector due to its distinctive attributes including large packaging capacity, ability to achieve superinfection, broad host range, capacity to induce CD8+ T cell responses, lack of integration into the host genome, and other qualities that make it an appealing vector candidate. Engineered attenuated CMV strains such as Towne and AD169 that have a ~15 kb genomic DNA deletion caused by virus passage guarantee human safety. CMV’s large genome enables the efficient incorporation of substantial foreign genes as demonstrated by CMV vector-based therapies for SIV, tuberculosis, cancer, malaria, aging, COVID-19, and more. CMV is capable of reinfecting hosts regardless of prior infection or immunity, making it highly suitable for multiple vector administrations. In addition to its broad cellular tropism and sustained high-level gene expression, CMV triggers robust, virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses, offering a significant advantage as a vaccine vector. To date, successful development and testing of murine CMV (MCMV) and rhesus CMV (RhCMV) vectors in animal models have demonstrated the efficacy of CMV-based vectors. These investigations have explored the potential of CMV vectors for vaccines against HIV, cancer, tuberculosis, malaria, and other infectious pathogens, as well as for other gene therapy applications. Moreover, the generation of single-cycle replication CMV vectors, produced by deleting essential genes, ensures robust safety in an immunocompromised population. The results of these studies emphasize CMV’s effectiveness as a gene delivery vehicle and shed light on the future applications of a CMV vector. While challenges such as production complexities and storage limitations need to be addressed, ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between animal models and human translation continue to fuel the optimism surrounding CMV-based vectors. This review will outline the properties of CMV vectors and discuss their future applications as well as possible limitations.
Effect of Immunocastration on Culled Sows—A Preliminary Study on Reproductive Tract, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality
Authors: Botelho-Fontela Sofia , Paixão Gustavo , Pereira-Pinto Ricardo , Vaz-Velho Manuela , Pires Maria dos Anjos , Payan-Carreira Rita , Patarata Luís , Lorenzo José , Silva António , Esteves Alexandra
Published: October 2023

The Bísaro pig is a Portuguese autochthonous breed greatly appreciated for its meat quality and is mainly reared outdoors. Immunocastration could be a solution to avoid undesirable pregnancies and boar taint in cull sows. The present study tested three immunocastration protocols (with Improvac®) according to their reproductive cycle. The first inoculation was performed two weeks after farrowing (IM1, n = 5), at the beginning of estrus (IM2, n = 5), and one week after the end of estrus (IM3, n = 5), followed by a second administration four weeks apart. A control group (C, n = 5) was also included in the same housing conditions. The sample collection included the reproductive tract for morphometric evaluation, neck fat for the quantification of boar taint compounds, and a portion of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum for meat quality trait assessment. The reproductive tracts from intact sows (C) were significantly heavier compared to the immunocastrated groups (p < 0.05) (1.403 kg C to 0.508 kg IM1, 0.590 kg IM2, and 0.599 kg IM3), suggesting the regression of the reproductive tract to nonstimulated conditions due to immunization against GnRH. The IM1 group exhibited significantly smaller reproductive tract measurements compared to group C for most of the evaluated segments (p < 0.05). No marked differences were observed in the meat quality traits. Therefore, immunocastration can be used in culling sows to avoid ovarian activity, and it is not detrimental to pork quality traits.
Divergent Geochemical Pathways of Carbonate Aquifer Evolution in a Classic Karst Terrain: (2) Groundwater Source Delineation Using Regional Water Chemistry Data
Authors: Burgess Sarah Asha , Branam Tracy D. , Florea Lee J.
Published: October 2023

Springs provide ideal monitoring points for groundwater chemistry, which are important for managing groundwater resources. The chemistry of these spring waters aggregate geochemical reactions along the flow path. In this paper, part two of a two-part investigation, 104 perennial springs in the classic karst landscape of the Mitchell Plateau, Indiana, USA were sampled at base flow. Many of these springs are historically important for domestic, agricultural, commercial, and recreational use. Multifactor analysis of field measurements, principal ions, and stable isotopes revealed five primary clusters of springs emerging from the Mitchell Aquifer. Two clusters represented earth-alkaline-type karst groundwater that were discriminated by temperature and inorganic carbon concentration. Two other clusters comprised mineralized alkaline-earth-type groundwater with excess alkalis and elevated sulfate. The fifth cluster appeared to be groundwater that included meteoric and mineralized sources. Using the longitudinal data over two years from part one of this investigation, two mixing lines were used to describe the data set. The mixing lines pointed to sources of sulfur in mineralized springs from deep brines and from evaporite dissolution. Collectively, these regional data allow for a better delineation of water types and differentiation between the Upper and Lower Mitchell Aquifer.
Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Water Using Laccase Immobilized on Orange Peels Waste-Derived Activated Carbon
Authors: Al-sareji Osamah J. , Abdulzahra Mohammed Alaa , Hussein Thaer Shafi , Shlakaa Ahmed S. , Karhib Mustafa M. , Meiczinger Mónika , Grmasha Ruqayah Ali , Al-Juboori Raed A. , Somogyi Viola , Domokos Endre , Idowu Ibijoke , Andredaki Manolia , Hashim Khalid S.
Published: October 2023

The ongoing discharge of containments into the environment has raised concerns about the potential harm they pose to various organisms. In the framework of eliminating pharmaceutical chemicals from aqueous solutions, enzymatic degradation by laccase is an environmentally friendly option. In this investigation, laccase immobilized on biochar derived from agricultural waste (orange peels, OPs) was used for the first time to remove carbamazepine and diclofenac from aqueous media. Different characterizations, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area (SBET), Boehm titration, proximate and ultimate analysis, as well as the point of zero-charge (pHPZC) analysis, were used in this study. The immobilization of laccase results in enhanced stability with respect to storage, temperature, and pH compared to laccase in its free form. The findings showed that the ideal conditions for immobilization were a pH of 4, a temperature of 30 °C, and a laccase concentration of 4.5 mg/mL. These parameters led to an immobilization yield of 63.40%. The stability of laccase immobilized on biochar derived from orange peels (LMOPs) was assessed over a period of 60 days, during which they preserved 60.2% and 47.3% of their initial activities when stored at temperatures of 25 °C and 4 °C, respectively. In contrast, free laccase exhibited lower stability, with only 33.6% and 15.4% of their initial activities maintained under the same storage conditions. Finally, the use of immobilized laccase proved to be effective in eliminating these pollutants in up to five cycles. Upon comparing the two systems, namely LMOPs and modified orange peels (MOPs), it becomes apparent that LMOPs exhibit an estimated 20% improvement in removal efficiency. These results affirmed the viability of activated carbon derived from OPs as a cost-effective option for immobilizing laccase. This approach could potentially be further scaled up to effectively eliminate organic pollutants from water sources.
Effects of Urbanization on Changes in Precipitation Extremes in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, China
Authors: Yang Fang , Wang Xinghan , Zhou Xiaoxue , Wang Qiang , Tan Xuezhi
Published: October 2023

Complex interaction between urbanization and climate change has been showing significant impacts on natural and human ecosystems. Increasing urban flooding and waterlogging are associated with urbanization. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) experiences a rapid and extensive urbanization, leading to intensified land use and cover changes. Concurrently, the frequent occurrence of extreme precipitation events pose great challenges of urban flood control and water resource management to GBA. This research statistically analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of precipitation extremes from 1979–2018 which relates to the urbanization in GBA using various statistical methods including the Mann-Kendall test, bivariate Moran’s test, and Spearman correlation analyses. The findings indicate that the impervious surface area in GBA exhibited a nonlinear growth trend from 1985–2018, particularly concentrated in the five major cities, i.e., Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Shenzhen, and Zhongshan. GBA urbanization can be categorized into three stages including Stage I (pre-1990, no urbanization), Stage II (1991–2009, rapid urbanization), and Stage III (2010–2018, slow urbanization). Compared to cities with low urbanization, the highly urbanized areas of GBA, including Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, and Dongguan, show statistically significant increases in precipitation extremes. The increasing trends of seven extreme precipitation indices show significant positive, spatiotemporal correlations with the change rate of urbanization in GBA. Moreover, the influence of urbanization on precipitation extremes in highly urbanized regions of the GBA is progressively strengthened along with urban development. During the stage of slow urbanization, urbanization contributes to 56.13% of increase in annual precipitation totals in GBA, and its contribution to increases in precipitation extremes ranges from 20–80%.
Phytoremediation of Cu and Mn from Industrially Polluted Soil: An Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Approach
Authors: Khan Sara , Dilawar Shabnam , Hassan Said , Ullah Amin , Yasmin Humaira , Ayaz Tehreem , Akhtar Fazlullah , Gaafar Abdel-Rhman Z. , Sekar Selvam , Butt Sadia
Published: October 2023

Water and soil polluted by heavy metals (HMs) are the primary problem due to rapidly increasing urbanization and industrialization. For the treatment of polluted soil, phytoremediation turns into a cost-effective and eco-friendly technique. The current research aimed to examine the load of pollution, specifically HMs, in sediment and wastewater (WW) of the GadoonAmazai Industrial Estate (GAIE), Pakistan and compare the ability of native grass species Cynodon dactylon and Digiteria sanguinalis for the phytoaccumulation of HMs. The industrially polluted soil was analysed for HMs using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and compared with healthy soil (irrigated by freshwater), which served as a control. The HM accumulation was considerably higher in the soil irrigated with WW than in control soil samples. The most substantial metal pollutant was manganese (Mn), which accumulated up to 2491.7 mg/kg in the WW irrigated soil. For assessing the bioremoval efficiency of grass species, pot experimentation was performed for 90 days. Soil samples and grasses were collected from the pots to examine the HM removal efficiency. A significant reduction was noted in physicochemical characteristics of the soil, such as electrical conductivity, total organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and saturation. The grasses removed up to 59.0% of the Cu and 59.9% of Mn from the soil. The highest bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) of Cu were observed for D. sanguinalis. While the highest BCF and TF of Mn were obtained for C. dactylon. The research showed that the grass significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced HM in soil samples. Moreover, the selected grasses found a higher capability to accumulate HM in the roots than in the shoot. The maximum Cu removal was obtained by D. sanguinalis and Mn by C. dactylon. The research study concluded that phytoremediation using D. sanguinalis and C. dactylon is an eco-friendly and cost-effective method that can be utilized for soil remediation.
Study of Nonstationary Flood Frequency Analysis in Songhua River Basin
Authors: Wang Yinan , Liu Mingyang , Xing Zhenxiang , Liu Haoqi , Song Jian , Hou Quanying , Xu Yuan
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to determine the influence of time and precipitation as covariates on the flood frequency distribution in the Songhua River tributaries under the nonstationarity assumption and to investigate the possibility of nonstationary models’ application in river management scope demarcation work. Nonstationary flood frequency analysis (NS-FFA) was conducted in three typical basins of the Songhua River (in Northeastern China) based on the generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS), and stationary flood frequency analysis was used as a comparison. Under the stationarity assumption, the Pearson type Ⅲ (P-Ⅲ) distribution is the main theoretical distribution for the flood extremum at hydrological stations, followed by a lognormal (LN) distribution. Under the nonstationarity assumption, when time is considered a covariate, the optimal theoretical distribution of the flood extremum is mainly LN (with 63.75%), followed by the Weibull distribution (with 18.75%). When precipitation is considered as a covariate, the optimal theoretical distribution of the flood extremum is mainly LN (with 57.5%). We attempted to apply several FFA methods to calculate the design frequency in this study, referring to the work requirements for river management scope demarcation in three typical basins, and came to the following conclusions. From the simulation results of the p = 10% flood at the export stations of typical basins, it can be seen that time-covariate NS-FFA obtained the best simulation results. Two cases of the simulation under the stationarity assumption are positive, which will lead to a high design scale. The time-covariate GAMLSS in NS-FFA has the advantages of higher calculation accuracy and simpler processes. To better balance construction costs and disaster protection requirements, NS-FFA can be used to determine the design scale of water conservation projects; additionally, it can be used to demarcate the scope of river management. The accuracy of GAMLSS for FFA is also influenced by the complexity of the terrain, with basins with relatively simple terrain having higher calculation accuracy.
An Integration of Geospatial Modelling and Machine Learning Techniques for Mapping Groundwater Potential Zones in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa
Authors: Shandu Irvin D. , Atif Iqra
Published: October 2023

Groundwater is an important element of the hydrological cycle and has increased in importance due to insufficient surface water supply. Mismanagement and population growth have been identified as the main drivers of water shortage in the continent. This study aimed to derive a groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) map for Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) District, South Africa using a geographical information system (GIS)-based analytic hierarchical process (AHP) and machine learning (ML) random forest (RF) algorithm. Various hydrological, topographical, remote sensing-based, and lithological factors were employed as groundwater-controlling factors, which included precipitation, land use and land cover, lineament density, topographic wetness index, drainage density, slope, lithology, and soil properties. These factors were weighted and scaled by the AHP technique and their influence on groundwater potential. A total of 1371 borehole samples were divided into 70:30 proportions for model training (960) and model validation (411). Borehole location training data with groundwater factors were incorporated into the RF algorithm to predict GWPM. The model output was validated by the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the models’ reliability was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) score. The resulting groundwater-potential maps were derived using a weighted overlay for AHP and RF models. GWPM computed using weighted overlay classified groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) as having low (2.64%), moderate (29.88%), high (59.62%) and very high (7.86%) groundwater potential, whereas GWPZs computed using RF classified GWPZs as having low (0.05%), moderate (31.00%), high (62.80%) and very high (6.16%) groundwater potential. The RF model showed superior performance in predicting GWPZs in Nelson Mandela Bay with an AUC score of 0.81 compared to AHP with an AUC score of 0.79. The results reveal that Nelson Mandela Bay has high groundwater potential, but there is a water supply shortage, partially caused by inadequate planning, management, and capacity in identifying potential groundwater zones.
New Representatives of the Class Ignavibacteria Inhabiting Subsurface Aquifers of Yessentuki Mineral Water Deposit
Authors: Podosokorskaya Olga A. , Elcheninov Alexander G. , Gavrilov Sergey N. , Petrova Nika F. , Klyukina Alexandra A. , Zavarzina Daria G. , Merkel Alexander Y.
Published: October 2023

The Yessentuki mineral water deposit (YMWD) is a well-known source of balneologically valuable drinking mineral water, but it has rarely been investigated in terms of the microbes inhabiting it. In this work, we have studied the microbial communities of the continuously operating production well 9, penetrating the Lower Cretaceous aquifer of the YMWD, and characterized, in detail, two novel representatives of class Ignavibacteria (Bacteroidota). One representative of the so-called XYB12-FULL-38-5 group within the family Melioribacteraceae has been isolated in pure culture, designated strain 09-Me, and physiologically characterized. It is a facultatively anaerobic thermotolerant microorganism capable of fermentation and respiration on simple and complex sugars (lichenan, xanthan gum, glucomannan, curdlan, pachyman). In addition to oxygen, ferric iron, arsenate, and elemental sulfur were also used as electron acceptors. Phylogenomic and physiological analyses reveal this novel isolate to represent a novel genus and species for which the name Stygiobacter electus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The second representative of the family Melioribacteraceae described here belonged to the so-called DSXH01 group, which comprises the dominant group (up to 28%) of the microbial community of well 9 water. The organism was characterized through the analysis of its genome, assembled from metagenome of well 9 (Ess09-04 MAG). Genes encoding enzymes of carbohydrate utilization and genes responsible for aerobic and anaerobic respiration have been identified in the genomes of both bacteria. The investigation of the environmental distribution of Stygiobacter genus-related bacteria and representatives of the lineage DSXH01 has shown that they all are typical inhabitants of the subsurface biosphere, and are often found in bioreactors. These data significantly expand our knowledge on the microbes of subsurface water basins and pave the way for future studies of the novel members of Ignavibacteria class.
Analysis of Debris Flow Damage Using High-Resolution Topographical Data
Authors: Oh Chaeyeon , Jun Kyewon
Published: October 2023

Mountain disasters, such as landslides and debris flows, are becoming more prevalent due to abnormal weather patterns. Debris flows, triggered by heavy rainfall, are causing escalating damage to residential areas and roads as they surge down mountain streams. In order to both mitigate this damage and comprehend the underlying causes of such mountain disasters, comprehensive field investigations were carried out in regions where debris flows had transpired. To establish spatial information for analyzing vulnerable areas, GIS data were employed. Additionally, precise measurements of the actual extent of debris flow in targeted zones were obtained through the utilization of terrestrial LiDAR scanning. Subsequently, the process of debris flow was replicated using FLO-2D, a numerical model designed for such scenarios. This simulation incorporated actual rainfall data that had precipitated debris flow incidents, as well as probability-based rainfall data corresponding to return periods of 30, 50, and 100 years. Key parameters, including flow depth, velocity, and diffusion area, were compared across different scenarios. The sedimentation area of the section where debris flow originated, as determined from terrestrial LiDAR scan data, was estimated to be approximately 21,300 square meters. The outcomes of the FLO-2D simulation revealed that the diffusion area for Case I was approximately 20,900 m2, while the simulated diffusion area for a 100-year return period was calculated to be 40,725 m2. Furthermore, flow depth, velocity and diffusion area exhibited a gradual incremental trend in simulation results.
Remediation of River Water Contaminated with Whey Using Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands with Ornamental Plants in a Tropical Environment
Authors: Mateo-Díaz Nicolás Francisco , Sandoval Herazo Luis Carlos , Zurita Florentina , Sandoval-Herazo Mayerlin , Nani Graciela , Fernández-Echeverría Eduardo , Fernández-Lambert Gregorio , Martínez-Reséndiz Georgina
Published: October 2023

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of horizontal subsurface flow-constructed wetlands (HSSFWs) planted with Hippeastrum striatum and Heliconia lastisphata for the treatment of contaminated river waters by wastewater from the dairy industry (WDI) and domestic wastewater in tropical climates over a study period of 136 days. Cell with a real volume of 780,000 mL and a flow rate of 1.805 mL s−1. The hydraulic retention time was determined to be 5 days. 12 individuals of Hippeastrum striatum were planted at a distance of 20 cm from each other in one cell, while in another cell, 12 individuals of Heliconia spp. were planted. An adaptation period was determined for both species. Subsequently, the experiment was started, and the elimination percentages obtained were as follows: COD: 67.94 ± 1.39%, 63.17 ± 2.63%; TSS: 56.49 ± 5.73%, 48.78 ± 5.87%; N-NH4: 51.06 ± 2.16%, 50.80 ± 1.91%; TN: 44.36 ± 5.73%, 30.59 ± 5.87%; TP: 47.00 ± 5.32%, 35.57 ± 4.06%; DO: 50.23 ± 1.61%, 47.74 ± 1.34%; and pH: 6.81 ± 0.07, 6.52 ± 0.1, for Heliconia lastisphata and Hippeastrum striatum, respectively. These results demonstrate that both macrophyte species can be used for the treatment of wastewater from the dairy industry using HSSFWs; cheese factories could be involved in the development of constructed wetland systems to reduce the environmental impact of the industry.
Sustainability of a Low-Cost Decentralized Treatment System for Wastewater Reuse: Resident Perception-Based Evaluation for Arid Regions
Authors: Alresheedi Mohammad T. , Haider Husnain , Albuaymi Abdulmohsen M. , AlSaleem Saleem S. , Shafiquzzaman Md. , Alharbi Abdulaziz , Ahsan Amimul
Published: October 2023

Small communities and most rural settlements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) store domestic wastewater in residential septic tanks and transport it to the nearest centralized wastewater treatment plant. Without a sanitary sewerage system, the residents encounter various socioeconomic and environmental challenges related to sewage collection vehicles, the production of objectionable gases, and leaking septic tanks. The present study developed a resident perception-based methodology to appraise the sustainability of a low-cost ceramic filter bioreactor-type decentralized wastewater treatment system (DWWTS) for a small community of 1300 residents (160 households) in Qassim (KSA). In addition to six demographic factors, nine indicators assessed residents’ perceptions about existing and proposed wastewater management systems. A hierarchical-based system of sub-indices evaluated the three dimensions of sustainability using four environmental, nine social, and three economic indicators. The indicators translated into dichotomous questions posed to 34 respondents in the study area. The statistical analysis assessed the association of responses with the willingness to accept (WTA) the proposed DWWTS. A subjective rating scheme translated the responses into performance scores, and a fuzzy-based method aggregated the scores into sub- and top-level indices. The top of the hierarchy showed a close agreement between the resident’s perception and DWWTS’ sustainability. The study found that residents’ knowledge about environment and resource conservation resulted in a moderately high willingness to reuse treated effluent and WTA the decentralized system. The study also showed that the economic viability of a DWWTS remained at a moderate performance level due to a low monthly waste disposal cost. The study’s findings present a high potential for sustainable community-maintained DWWTS initially supported by the government. The proposed approach facilitates decision-makers working in ministries concerning water resources, environmental protection, and agricultural production in evaluating the sustainability of DWWTS for small communities in arid regions.
Evolution of the Groundwater Flow System since the Last Glacial Maximum in the Aksu River Basin (Northwest China)
Authors: Su Hu , Deng Yinger , Nai Weihua , Zhang Rui , Huang Jihan , Li Pengjie , Yang Hongkun , Chen Lin , Wang Ning
Published: October 2023

Thoroughly investigating the evolution of groundwater circulation and its controlling mechanism in the Aksu River Basin, where human activities are intensifying and the groundwater environment is increasingly deteriorating, is highly urgent and important for promoting the theory, development and implementation of groundwater flow systems (GFSs) and protecting groundwater resources. Based on a detailed analysis of the sediment grain size distribution, chronology, electrofacies, glacial sedimentary sequence, palaeoclimate indicators and existing groundwater age, this paper systematically reconstructs the palaeosedimentary environment of the basin-scale aquifer system in the study area and scientifically reveals the evolutionary pattern and formation mechanism of the GFS. The results showed that the later period of the late Pleistocene experienced a rapid downcutting erosional event caused by tectonic uplift, and the sedimentary environment transitioned from a dry–cold deep downcutting environment in the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to a coarse-grained fast-filling fluvial facies sedimentary environment in the Last Glacial Deglaciation (LDP) as the temperature rose; then, it shifted to an environment of fine-grained stable alternating accumulation of fluvial facies and lacustrine facies that was dominated by the warm and arid conditions of the Holocene megathermal period (HMP); this process changed the previous river base level via erosion, glacier elongation or shortening and river level, thus resulting in a complex coupling relationship between the palaeosedimentary environment, palaeoclimate and basin GFS. Furthermore, the existing GFS pattern in the basin exhibits a vertically unconformable groundwater age distribution, which indicates that it is the outcome of the complex superposition of groundwater flow controlled by the palaeosedimentary environment in different periods. Therefore, neotectonic movement and climate fluctuation have jointly acted on the variation in the river level, resulting in the “seesaw” effect, thereby fundamentally controlling the strength of the driving force of groundwater and resulting in the gradual evolution of the GFS from the fully developed regional GFS pattern during the LGM to the current multihierarchy nested GFS pattern.
Investigation of the Internal Flow in a Francis Turbine for Comparing the Flow Noise of Different Operation Conditions
Authors: Zhang Tao , He Gensheng , Guang Weilong , Lu Jiahao , Song Xijie , Zhu Di , Wang Zhengwei
Published: October 2023

Francis turbines are commonly used for water energy utilization in medium- to high-head sections. The high head may cause strong flow-induced noise problems and adverse effects during operation. In order to explore the causes and specific locations of flow-induced noise, this study evaluated the flow-induced noise of a Francis turbine under different loads. By using computational fluid dynamics simulation methods and sound power level evaluation methods, flow-induced noise analysis could be performed based on turbulent flow simulations. By comparing experimental and simulated values, three different load conditions were selected located in the allowed, restricted, and prohibited regions. The results indicated that the flow state of the operating points in the allowed region was good and the flow-induced noise was low, except near the guide vane. The swirling flow in restricted and prohibited regions was strong; in particular, the flow-induced noise in the draft tube was relatively high. Overall, the local flow-induced noise of the runner blade inlet edge was the strongest, and the relationship between the flow-induced noise of the draft tube and the rotating flow was the strongest. The flow-induced noise near the guide vane was the most related to the opening angle, and the larger the opening angle, the greater the noise was. This study can assist in the diagnosis of Francis turbine noise problems and related low-noise design in engineering.
Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry of Saline Groundwater Seepage Zones in Wadi Bani Malik Basin, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Impacts on Soil and Water Resources
Authors: ElKashouty Mohamed , Khan Mohd Yawar Ali , Alharbi Khalid , Pande Chaitanya B. , Subyani Ali M. , Tian Fuqiang
Published: October 2023

The water seepage zone affects dryland salinity, soil sodicity, land degradation, waterlogging, and rainfall pollution. The priority in terms of the remediation measures was determining the cause of the seepages. Nine water and six soil samples were collected from the Al Tayseer area of the Wadi Bani Malik, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). The water samples were analyzed for major and toxic metals. For the soil samples, granulometric analysis and infiltration rate analysis were performed. The total dissolved solids (TDS) in water seepages ranged from 1880 to 54,499, whereas boron (B) and iron (Fe) values ranged from 1.9 to 38 mg/L and 0.02 and 0.47 mg/L, respectively. These concentrations were the same for the aquifer in Lake Al Misk, confirming that groundwater infiltration from the lake area was the main reason for the water seepage. The concentrations of silica (Si), aluminum (Al), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were low, indicating that there was no contamination. The nitrate (NO32−) value ranged from 2.2 to 35 mg/L, indicating agricultural wastewater contribution. According to the granulometric examination, most sediment was sand, followed by gravel, with few fine-grain particles. The infiltration rate ranged from 85 to 864 cm/d, indicating significant leakage. The percentage of ferrugination, ferromagnesian, OH-bearing, and carbonate (CO₃2−) minerals is determined by the 4/2, 5/6, and 6/7 band ratios.