bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological and Health Risks Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals and Metalloids Contaminants
Authors: Alsafran Mohammed , Usman Kamal , Al Jabri Hareb , Rizwan Muhammad
Published: October 2021

Potentially toxic environmental contaminants, including metals and metalloids, are commonly found in emerging economies. At high concentrations, elements such as As, Cr, and Ni can be hazardous and may lead to various health problems in humans, including cancer. The current study measured As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn concentrations in agricultural soils. Pollution levels and potential negative impacts on human and environmental health were determined using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard methodologies. According to the study’s findings, the studied element concentrations descended in the following order: Zn > Cr > V > Ni > As > Cu > Pb > Cd. Of these, As (27.6 mg/kg), Cr (85.7 mg/kg), Ni (61.9 mg/kg), and Zn (92.3 mg/kg) concentrations were higher than average world background levels. Each of these elements also had an enrichment factor (EF > 1), indicating their anthropogenic origin. The combined pollution load index (PLI > 1) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) range values of −0.2–2.5 further indicated that the soil was polluted up to 58%. However, the ecological risk factor (Er ≤ 40.6) and potential ecological risk index (PERI = 79.6) suggested low ecological risk. A human health risk evaluation showed that only As, with a hazard index (HI) of 1.3, posed a non-carcinogenic risk to infants. Additionally, As, Cr, and Ni, with total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values of 1.18 × 10−4 and 2.06 × 10−4 for adults and children, respectively, proved carcinogenic to both age groups. The elements’ carcinogenic risk (CR) potential descended in the following order: Ni > As > Cr. Additionally, for both adults and children, oral ingestion is the most likely exposure pathway. Our findings support the need for closer monitoring of potentially toxic metals and metalloids levels in cultivated soils and farm produce in Qatar.
Development of organic–inorganic Halide Perovskites (OHPs) based Memristors
Authors: Abdou Rana , alHor Mohamed , Ahmed Zubair , Althani Noora
Published: October 2021

Organic – inorganic halide perovskite (OHP) has drawn researchers’ attention working in the field of optoelectronics from last ten years due to its remarkable optical properties such as adjustable band gap, ambipolar charge transport, high optical absorption coefficients, and extended carrier diffusion lengths. OHP based memristors (memory + resistors) are a newly introduced passive two-terminal, nonlinear device used for information storage. In this work we have fabricated methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) crystals-based device from MAPbI3 crystals. The crystals have been developed by simple solution process-based method. Developed crystals have shown highly porous geometry and trap charges across these pores facilitates higher conductivity. The fabricated device exhibits ~2.7 milli second response recovery time, which enabled elevated speed and showed hysteresis in the I-V characteristics thus demonstrating superior storage capacities. Hence, the developed device has been potential tool for next-generation non-volatile memories.
Mercury levels in Tarmat Contaminated Beaches and its Marine Organisms living along the Qatari Coasts
Authors: Abouelezz Ahmed Helmy Hassan
Published: October 2021

One of the pollutants that affects the coastal environment of Qatar is the vast expanse of oil residue ‘tarmats’ deposited on its beaches. The current study is aimed at gauging the concentration levels of total mercury (THg) in tarmat contaminated sediments and test their presence in selected coastal species. Three biota classes (Gastropoda, Bivalvia, and Crustacea) have been found on the tarmat of Ras Rakan and Umm Tais islands. Layers of hard asphalt-like tarmats and sediments samples were collected from 34 sites, along the coast of Qatar. Moreover, the Biota Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) was calculated for THg through sentinel species. The mean concentrations of THg is 0.089 ± 0.02 μg.g-1. Compared to earlier studies, a relatively higher concentration of THg (0.463 μg.g-1) had been observed.
The Influence of Qatari Dust on the Element Composition of Marine Plankton
Authors: Yigiterhan Oguz , Al-Thani Jassem Abdulaziz , Dib Samah , Alsaadi Hamood Abdulla , Al-Ansari Ebrahim Mohd
Published: October 2021

The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Qatar is affected by extreme dust and extensive industrialization, making it an ideal location to examine influences of coastal processes on biological activity, which greatly affects marine biogeochemical cycling. In this study, the influence of dust on the trace element composition of plankton and how distance from shore effects elemental concentrations in marine plankton was investigated. Samples were collected using net tows with mesh sizes of 50 (bulkplankton) and 200 (zooplankton) mm size-fractions in 2012 and 2014 to examine temporal and spatial variabilities. The samples were strong acid digested and analyzed using ICP-OES. Trace metal clean techniques were used. The biogenic concentrations of trace metals were determined by correcting the bulk analyses for the lithogenic contribution using aluminum content of Qatari dust as a lithogenic tracer. The relative trace metal composition of plankton from EEZ of Qatar is Fe > Zn ≈ Cu > V ≈ Ni ≈ Cr ≈ As ≈ Mo > Cd ≈ Co. Small and large size planktonic compositions were similar, except for Ba, Mn, Pb, Mo which were higher in zooplankton than bulkplankton. It was not clear if the variability was due to differences in biology, proximity to the coast or interannual effects. The geochemical and statistical analysis suggested that the concentrations of Al, Fe, Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, Pb, Li in net-tow plankton samples were mostly of lithogenic (dust) and Cd, Cu, Mo, Zn, Ca are most likely of biogenic/anthropogenic origin. The excess concentrations relative to average dust from Qatar for most elements (except Cd) decreased with distance from shore. This may be due to contamination or uncertainties with the lithogenic correction or due to our sampling locations in a marginal sea, dominated by dust input. This is an aspect of this study that warrants more research.
Oil Spill Index (OSI) to Sentinel-2 Satellite Data: QU in International Contribution
Authors: Rajendran S , Fahad AS , Sadooni FN , Al-Kuwari HAS , Vethamony P , Anisimov O , Nasir S , Al-Khayat J , Govil H , Seegobin VO
Published: October 2021

An Oil Spill Index (OSI = (B3+B4)/B2) was developed and applied to Sentinel-2 optical satellite data of the European Space Agency (ESA) to map marine oil spills using spectral absorption characters of spectral bands of the Sentinel-2. The potential application of OSI and derived indices [i. (5+6)/7, (3+4)/2, (11+12)/8 and ii. 3/2, (3+4)/2, (6+7)/5] were demonstrated to the oil spills that occurred off Mauritius, Indian Ocean, on August 06, 2020, and Norilsk region, Russia on May 29, 2020, and the results were published in the peer-reviewed research journals. Recently (August 19, 2021), our methodology was recognized by the Sentinel-Hub (a repository of custom scripts) https://custom-scripts.sentinel-hub.com/sentinel-2/oil-spill-index/ for OSI calculation. We validated the remote sensing results with the drone images taken during the incident. Our OSI index is the first to be applied to Sentinel-2 optical data to map oil spills. We proved the potential of indices and the capability of Sentinel sensors to detect, map, monitor, and assess the oil spill, which can be used for emergency preparedness of oil spills.
Understanding the electrochemical performance of LiNi0. 5Mn1.5O4 coated with Yttria and distributed over graphene nanosheets as cathode in li-ion batteries
Authors: Tariq Hanan Abdurehman , Qureshi Zawar Alam , Abraham Jeffin James , Abdul Shakoor , Alqaradawi Siham , Kahraman Ramazan
Published: October 2021

LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 is a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries with a high-voltage spinel structure. A microwave-assisted chemical co-precipitation method was used to synthesize Y2O3 coated quasi-spheres of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4. The coating of Y2O3 and subsequent wrapping of quasi-spheres in graphene nanosheets does not alter the volume or promote the formation of unwanted phases. TGA analysis shows high thermal stability in the material. The material has an initial capacity of 133 mAh g−1 at C/10 with a retention of 98% after 100 cycles. In addition, cathode samples show a good capacity of 132 g−1 after 20 cycles at higher temperatures (55 °C). Oxide coatings protect the particles from ionic leaching but limit the electrical conductivity of the materials. However, graphene enhances the conductivity of the synthesized material and wraps active particles in a conductive channel. Due to the synergistic design of the material and the robust manufacturing technique, parasitic reactions are suppressed without affecting the electrical conductivity. To increase their cyclic performance, the suggested material synthesis approach may successfully be applied to various electrode materials.
The Efficacy of Two Household Cleaning and Disinfecting Agents on Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) and Faba bean (Vicia faba) Seed Germination
Authors: Abouelezz Ahmed Helmy Hassan , Ahmed Talaat
Published: October 2021

A germination test of Vicia faba and Lens culinaris seeds under the effect of bleach and vinegar was conducted for seven days, and the observations were recorded daily. The completely randomized design (CRD) was used to examine the germination with three replicates at the lab conditions. Six germination parameters were measured, including germination percentage (GP), germination index (GI), mean germination time (MGT), mean germination rate (MGR), vigour index (VI), plus the fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) of Vicia faba and Lens culinaris seeds. As a legume crop seeds model, the efficacy of four treatment levels from 0.005% to 0.5% of bleach and vinegar on the germination was tested. A chemical analysis was performed using the ion chromatography (IC) to evaluate the effect of chloride and acetate anions up-take on the seedling germination in addition to other essential nutrients. A significant inhibition in seedling growth was observed with increasing the treatment concentration. The maximum inhibition was recorded for both seeds at 0.5%, followed by 0.1% levels, while a positive effect was represented with the lower concentrations. The chemical analysis of the up-taking active ingredients was corroborated by the germination outputs.
Lithologic Characterization and Micropore Structures of Gas Shale Strata: An example from the Midra Shale of Western Qatar
Authors: Sadooni Fadhil N. , Al-Kuwari Hamad Al-Saad , Sakhaee-Pour Ahmad , Matter Wael S. , Gunawan Indra
Published: October 2021

Gas shale is the future hydrocarbon reservoir of Qatar. The Qatari geologic section has had important successions of gas shale at different geologic times including the Eocene Midra shale, the Cretaceous Ratawi and Nahr Umr, and the Paleozoic Qusaibah and Unayzah formations. Shale samples were collected from the outcrops of the Midra Shale in Dukhan and Umm Bab areas. Samples were subjected to geochemical analyses using XRD and RXF. Selected samples were examined under SEM and TEM microscopes. All the studied samples contain palygorskite as the main mineral and, in some cases, the only mineral present, as indicated by X-ray diffraction patterns. XRF analysis shows palygorskite range from ideal palygorskite (equal aluminum and magnesium content) to aluminous palygorskite where no magnesium is recorded. The most common other minor minerals are halite, quartz, calcite, and other clay minerals: illite, smectite and sepiolite. The palygorskite chain phyllo silicates results in a fibrous habit with channels running parallel to the fiber length. Images from Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) clearly show the presence of bundled lath-like crystals of palygorskite 5 to 20 nm in width and several micrometers in length. The Midra Shale was deposited in a shallow marine shelf that was subjected to clastic influx from the nearby land. Although, the Midra contains many elements that support deposition under marine conditions such as large foraminifera and shark teeth, the presence of fully developed shale horizons indicate a mixed marine-continental depositional setting. Most of the micropores are channels associated with the palygorskite laths as can be seen from the TEM images or some dissolution pores that resulted from halite and gypsum dissolution by meteoric water.
Feminization of Hawksbill Turtle hatchlings in the Twenty-first Century at an important Regional Nesting Aggregation
Authors: Chatting Mark , Hamza Shafeeq , Al-Khayat Jassim , Smyth David
Published: October 2021

Projected climate change is forecasted to have significant effects on biological systems worldwide. Marine turtles in particular may be vulnerable, as the sex of their offspring is determined by their incubating temperature. This study is aimed to estimate historical and forecast future, primary sex ratios of hawksbill turtle hatchlings, Eretmochelys imbricata, in Qatar. Incubation temperatures were measured over two nesting seasons. Climate data from same period was regressed with nest temperatures to estimate incubation temperatures and hatchling sex ratios for the site from 1993 to 2100. Historical climate data showed female-biased sex ratios of 73.2 ±12.1% from 1993 to 2017. Female biases from 2018 to 2100 averaged 85.7% ±6.7%. In addition, predicted female hatchling production was >90% from 2054. These results show that hawksbill primary sex ratios in Qatar are at risk of significant feminization by the year 2100.
Satellite Mapping and Stabilization of the Aeolian deposits of QAFCO site 5/6
Authors: Rajendran S , Sadooni FN , Zouari N , Dimassi SN , Al-Jabri A , Al-Kuwari Al-Saad H
Published: October 2021

Aeolian processes produce vast areas of sand and dunes in the arid region and need monitoring since they are encroaching land and degrading infrastructures. In this study, we used the satellite data of ASTER and mineral indices namely quartz index (QI) and carbonate index (CI), and identified and discriminated the sand deposits, dunes, and associated rock formations that occurred in and around the QAFCO site 5/6, Qatar. The mapping of the area using high spatial resolution WorldView-2 satellite data confirmed the presence of sand deposits, dunes, and sand encroachments in the site. Our field studies validated the satellite data results. The grain size analyses of samples showed that the deposits have predominantly sand grains (81.3 to 99.81 %). The XRD analyses of samples identified the presence of quartz, calcite, dolomite, albite, and halite minerals. These are confirmed by geochemical analyses, which showed the high concentration of SiO2, Al2O3, CaO, MgO, Na2O, CO3, SO4, Cl, and B. In addition, the study of sand stabilization by bacteria method to stop the erosion at selected places of the site showed the applicability of the technique. All results allowed us to assess the implications of the deposits and encroachments at the industry site.
Investigating the Concomitant Removal of Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals by highly adapted Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains
Authors: Aldisi Zulfa , Alghouti Mohammad , Zouari Nabil
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the concomitant removal of hydrocarbons and heavy metals by highly adapted Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains. In regions characterized by harsh conditions such as Qatar, the weathering processes would affect the content, status, and distribution of these contaminants. It was shown in the weathered soil from Dukhan oil wastes dumpsite that 14 heavy metals exceeded the EPA limits. Moreover, it was demonstrated that soil organics did not affect the distribution of the metals in the soil. However, most of the heavy metals were strongly bonded to the residual and the iron-manganese oxide fractions. Eighteen bacterial strains isolated from highly weathered oily soils were able to grow with heavy metal concentrations up to 3 mM and above for some. Seven selected strains (4 Bacillus and 3 Pseudomonas) showed the ability to remove almost 60 to 70% of most of the heavy metals when used at 1 mM. Moreover, they removed up to 75% of the diesel range organics. These results are of interest for selecting bacterial strains, which can overcome the toxicity of hydrocarbons and heavy metals and remove them concomitantly.
Microplastics in the Beach Sediments around the Ras Rakan Island, Qatar
Authors: Subramanian Veerasingam , Aboobacker V.M , Giraldes A.E. , Dib S , Al-Khayat Jassim , Vethamony P
Published: October 2021

The ubiquitous microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental issue in the marine environment. In this study, historical accumulation trends of MPs in the beach sediments around the Ras Rakan Island of Qatar have been established. The vertical distribution of MPs ranged from 0 to 665 particles/kg with maximum abundance at the surface layer (0–5 cm). Pellets were the dominant type of MPs in the surface sediments, whereas fibers were dominant in the bottom sediments. The polymer composition of MPs was identified using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene (EPS) were the abundant polymers present in the sediments. High MP concentrations were found in the western and northern parts of the island. The prevailing winds, waves, tides and currents are the forces responsible for the distribution and transport of MPs from the offshore to the island and further to vertical re-distribution as time progresses. The level of MP pollution along the Coast of Ras Rakan Island was higher than that found on the coast of mainland Qatar. This informs that remote islands should also be considered for MP pollution monitoring to assess the risk associated with MP on the biota.
Variability of Physical and Biogeochemical Parameters in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Qatar
Authors: Mohammed Aboobacker Valliyil , Rakib Fazle , Al-Ansari Ibrahim M.A.S. , Husrevoglu Yusuf Sinan , Yigiterhan Oguz , Al-Maslamani Ibrahim A.M.J. , Ponnumony Vethamony
Published: October 2021

The oceanographic data collected along a transect in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Qatar during late summer (September 2014) and winter (January 2015) have been analyzed to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of hydrography and biogeochemistry. The study reveals that stratification is dominant in the deep-water regions during September, with a vertical variation of around 9 °C from surface to bottom. However, the water column remains in homogeneity during January due to strong wind mixing and surface cooling. The dissolved oxygen (DO) in the upper layer of the EEZ is on a reasonable range in both the seasons, while they gradually decrease with respect to depth in the mid and bottom layers during January. This leads to hypoxic conditions in summer. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a ) is relatively high during summer in the offshore region, while that in the nearshore regions is very low. The variability in the physical and biogeochemical parameters has shown significant effects in primary productivity in the EEZ of Qatar.
Preliminary Investigation of Heavy Metals in Deposited Dust on Roadside Sidr Leaves
Authors: Al-Naimi Noora , Al-Saadi Hamood , Abou Elezz Ahmed , Al-Adba Maryam , Hassan Hassan
Published: October 2021

Urban pollution has different forms; one of them is air pollution by natural sources such as dust storms or by anthropogenic sources such as traffic, whereas both are considered among the most risky environmental problems especially when it reaches soil surface and is transported to plants and enters food chain. The current study aims to evaluate the heavy metals in dust, deposited on the leaves of the Sidr trees by roadsides as a first step in assessing the use of this plant as a bio-monitor of environmental pollution. The Sidr tree was chosen to evaluate the impact of pollution because it is very common in the region and among evergreen trees in the streets, gardens and residential areas of Doha. The study was carried out close to Qatar University campus in Doha city (traffic intersections and near construction activities) as well as from a farm (located far away from traffic) as a control sample. The concentrations of ten traffic-related metals namely iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), and mercury (Hg) were determined in the deposited dust on leaves using ICP-OES. In our preliminary findings, we found that the distribution of trace metals in leaf dust samples from our study is similar to those reported in an earlier study done in southwestern Iran.
Distribution, Characterization and Weathering of Tarmats along the West Coast of Qatar
Authors: Ponnumony Vethamony , Subramanian Veerasingam , Al-Khayat Jassim , V.M Aboobacker , Sadooni Fadhil , Al-Kuwari Hamad
Published: October 2021

Oil residue in the form of tarmat (TM) deposited on the coast of Arabian Gulf countries is a major environmental concern. In this study, the current TM pollution trend along the west coast of Qatar has been assessed and compared with historical deposition trend. The range of TM distribution is 0–104 g m-1 with an average value of 9.25 g m-1. Though the current TM level is thirty-fold lesser than that was found during 1993–1997 (average 290 g m-1), the distribution pattern is similar. The chemical composition and structural characterization of TMs were studied using an ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, which indicated the presence of higher aromatic compounds in the north (N) coast TMs than those found in the northwest (NW) and southwest (SW) coasts. TM of NW coast is highly weathered compared to those found in the N and SW coasts. We found that the ATR-FTIR spectroscopic method is a rapid approach to characterize and study the weathering of TMs without any tedious sample preparation or solvent extraction.
Towards Sustainable Management of Coastal and Offshore Islands in Arabian Gulf Typology: Sensitivity Analysis, Ecological Risk Assessment of Halul and Al-Alyia Islands
Authors: Elobaid Elnaim , Giraldes Bruno Welter , Al-Kuwari Hamad , Al-Khayat Jassim , Sadooni Fadhil , Elbary Ekhlas
Published: October 2021

The great majority of marine ecosystems in Qatar are in fast decline and nearing collapse, where most ecosystem has lost the biological and economic functionality. Aiming to support the decision makers in the management and restoration strategies for recovering the biological and economic functionality of the ecosystems/natural resources of Qatar, we conducted 1) a typology mapping of the main components of the ecosystem of two islands, 2) a sensitivity and vulnerability assessment according to the known guidelines and standards. Highlighting the potential ecological risk and required recommendations for sustainable management plans, within the frame of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). The Islands present different anthropogenic pressure. As expected, Al Alyia the coastal Island is under real risk, with critical areas of sensibility but still presenting a potential for recovering its economy and ecological functionality, highlighting the collapsed stage of the very sensitive coral reefs, the vulnerability of oyster beds and seagrass and the functionality of the mangrove (expanding) and Sabha with massive birds nesting. The offshore Island Halul presented in the typology mapping the coral reefs as the main ecosystem but with the presence of seagrass, algae bed, sandy beach, and Sabha. The coral reef still presents a certain functionality, with corals covering several hard substrates, however with high sensitivity and high vulnerability, especially the coral in the shallow areas with scattered colonies, and the vulnerable nesting of marine turtles on beaches. As the management, we recommend increasing the restoration effort of targeted ecosystems, mainly involving coral reefs for increasing the marine biodiversity in general and restoring the oyster beds for recovering the filtration service. Strategies must be made for recovering the ecosystems’ functionality and restore the productivity of the Qatari fishing stock. We recommend applying this mapping method and sensitivity classification for all marine areas around Qatar for supporting the management plans.
Detecting Organic Nitrogen with 1H-15N HMBC Spectra
Authors: Su Haw-Lih , Rajan Rajeesha , Hijji Yousef Mohammad , Ibrahim Mohammad Ibrahim Ahmad , Alsafran Mohammed Hussain S A
Published: October 2021

NMR spectroscopy has been the most important tool for organic chemistry research, providing detailed structure information. While 1H and 13C NMR spectra were frequently measured, 15N NMR spectra were relatively rare, even though nitrogen is commonly observed in organic molecules. This is due to the low gyromagnetic ratio and nature abundance. Usually 15N NMR spectra are observed when the sample is in very high concentration or the nitrogen is enriched with 15N isotope. HMBC is one of the 2D NMR techniques, measuring the through-bond correlations inside a molecule. 1H-15N HMBC actually collects a series of measurements of 1H NMR spectra with 15N information. Therefore, HMBC could get stronger signals than 15N signals and provide the opportunity for the indirect measurement of 15N signals.
A comparative study of Seagrasses Species in Regional Seas and QMZ
Authors: Abdelbary Ekhlas M.M. , AlAshwal Aisha
Published: October 2021

Seagrasses are flowering monocot green plants that have adapted to marine life, and remain completely immersed in seawater and are primary producers of food for numerous marine animals. Seagrasses are of worldwide distribution and it was earlier estimated that there are approximately 60-72 known species of seagrasses. It is now evident that the number of seagrasses species is almost 200, comprising 25 genera and 5 families, namely Cymodoceaceae, Hydrocharitaceae, Posidoniaceae, Zosteraceae and Ruppiaceae, covering a global area of 300,000-600,000 km2. It is also estimated that they have declined in area by 29%. The Western Indo-Pacific realm encompasses 13 species in two families; the Cymodoceacae with 4 genera and the Hydrocharitaceae with 3 genera. Twelve species extend into the Red Sea, 4 occur in the Arabian/Persian Gulf and 4 in the Arabian Sea. The total area of Qatar marine zone (EEZ) is approximately 35,000km2 and three species of seagrasses are known to occur in this zone. These are Halophila stipulacea, Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervisis, the most common one. It is established that seagrasses consolidate and stabilize bottom sediments, create and maintain good water quality (clarity), produce oxygen, provide food, nursery ground for many animals and have been proven to be very important in GHG emissions.
Coral Research and Nursery Farm Project
Authors: Range Pedro , Giraldes Bruno , Al-Khayat Jassim , Romeo Manuel M. , Chacko Nissy , Chatting Mark , Alashwal Aisha , Al-Omari Nagat , Sarhan Kholoud , Saliba Sally , Al-Mohannadi Hamad , Bashir Khalid , Mustafa Syed Faisal , Abdulla Maryam , Al-kuwari Hamad
Published: October 2021

In the framework of the Coral Management Plan for the North Field Expansion Project (NFE) and North Field Production Sustainability Project (NFPS), Qatargas has partnered with the Environmental Science Center (ESC) to develop the first land-based coral nursery in Qatar. This nursery plan includes the extraction of 1000 corals’ colonies from the NFPS and NFE pipeline corridors, north of Ras Laffan, and hence their transportation to the nursery facility, rehabilitation under controlled husbandry conditions, fragmentation, out-plantation to carefully selected recipient sites and long-term monitoring (up to 48 months). The first two batches of 200 corals were extracted in March and outplanted in April 2021. Results of the first two monitoring events, after 44 and 66 days, were quite encouraging for the seven coral genera tested. Attachment success was very high, with 92% to 97% of the outplanted fragments being detected during monitoring. No bleaching, disease or mortality was recorded so far. The coral propagation methods used in this project (i.e., fragmentation, husbandry and outplanting), although widely used, have been tested with a restricted number of branching coral species and usually in in-situ nurseries. Our project is among the first to apply this type of approach (land-based nursery) to reef restoration in the Arabian Gulf.
OCCIPITALISATION OF ATLAS VERTEBRA AND ITS CLINICAL FRAMES OF REFERENCE- AN ANALYSIS
Authors: P Neelima , R Ravi Sunder
Published: October 2021

Vertebral column is made of 33 vertebrae named as cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal vertebrae. Axial skeleton comprises of skull and vertebral column. 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves exit from the central nervous system which control the entire body. Malformations or fusion of vertebrae could be one of the etiologies of nerve compression syndromes. Vital structures emerge out through intervertebral foramina extending from cervical to coccygeal vertebrae. Occipitalisation of atlas, the first cervical vertebra is one of the emergencies leading to wide spectrum of presentations like chronic neck pain or foramen magnum syndrome or unconscious state due to compression of medulla oblongata. During routine examination of skull bones while teaching, one skull was found to exhibit assimilation of atlas. Photographs were captured and compared with normal skull. Thorough examination revealed incomplete occipitalisation of atlas. The anterior arch was completely fused but the posterior arch was bifid showing a split. The styloid process on right side seemed to be long and very close leading to compression of structures of styloid apparatus in addition. On observation, it was found to be a male skull. Fusion of vertebrae may be a congenital anomaly due to maldevelopment of somites in forming vertebrae. Skeletal element of caudal 4th occipital somite forms the occipital bone and when it is fused with the proximal 1st cervical somite leads to occipitalisation of atlas. Acquired conditions like atlantoaxial subluxation, chiari malformations or cervical vertebral fusion or foramen magnum abnormalities have been associated with assimilation of atlas. The present study reports occipitalisation of atlas which is incomplete with a bifid posterior arch. Prevalence of such anomalies may form the differential diagnosis of chronic headache or myelopathies.
Effect of Kandangan Pump House on Long Storage Diversi Gunungsari in Sememi
Authors: Kusriardi Retsadika , Prawito Adi , Hardaningrum Farida
Published: October 2021

The Surabaya City Government has built a box culvert in the Gunungsari Diversi channel for the Sememi segment to Banjar Sugihan and the Kandangan pump house. The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the operational impact of the Kandangan pump on the Sememi box culvert capacity.

Therefore, the Surabaya City Government built the Sememi box culvert as a long storage in the primary channel of the Gunungsari diversion in order to reduce inundation as well as function as a road that can overcome congestion in the area. The Surabaya City Government has also built a Kandangan pump house as an outlet rather than a long storage at the Gunungsari version. The reduction of inundation and congestion can increase the wheels of the economy which have a global impact on cities around Surabaya as well as a smoother access road for the people in West Surabaya to the middle of the city.
Ethnomedicinal Uses of Fabaceae Species for Respiratory Infections and Related Symptoms in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Sebua Silas Semenya    , Alfred Maroyi
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The present study investigated utilisation of Fabaceae species as herbal medicines for respiratory infections and related symptoms in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.Methods: Information on Fabaceae species used as herbal medicines against respiratory infections was gathered using semi-structured questionnaires during face-to-face interviews with 240 Pedi speaking traditional healers (THs) from May to July 2017. Voucher specimens of utilized plant species were collected and their identities and scientific names authenticated by a plant taxonomist at the University of Limpopo’s Larry Leach Herbarium.Results: Twenty-five plant species belonging to 16 genera were used by THs in treating 13 respiratory infections. Majority of the species (64.0%, n=16) were multi-used while 36.0% (n=9) treated a single condition each. Plants which showed the highest fidelity level (FL) scores included Acacia senegal (chronic cough=FL; 32.8, chest pain=FL; 32.8, tuberculosis=FL; 32.8), Dichrostachys cinerea (tuberculosis= FL; 100) and Acacia erioloba (pneumonia=FL; 92.7). These species were also characterized by high use value (UV) indices of 2.5, 0.82 and 0.58, respectively.Conclusion: Some of the plants recorded in this study are reported in literature to have potent biological activities against diverse pathogens which cause respiratory infections and perceived symptoms.
The Analysis of Protein Level and Amino Acid Profile in Eels (Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor) of Lake Poso
Authors: Jamaluddin  , Nur Atina  , Yonelian Yuyun
Published: October 2021

In this study used a sample of eel fish species Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor from Poso lake that has a high protein content and is a fish endemic to Central Sulawesi. These eels are consumed by the surrounding community of the lake, but the nutritional content remains unknown. The present research was aimed to determine the protein level and amino acid profile of Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor eels. The protein level testing used Kjeldahl method, and amino acid profile used High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The results demonstrate the protein level of the two samples Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard eels have a protein content of 41.84% and Anguilla bicoloreels at 33.75%. Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor eels contain 18 types of amino acid, comprised of 9 types of essential amino acids and 9 types of non-essential amino acids. Of the two samples of eel species Anguilla marmorata (Q.) Gaimard and Anguilla bicolor, have complete protein quality because it has all kinds of essential amino acids.
Study of Physical and Chemical and Biochemical Indicators Lamb
Authors: Abzhanova Sholpan  , Baibolova Lyazzat  , Dikhanbaeva Fatima  , Kizatova Maygul  , Mukhtarkhanova Rauan
Published: October 2021

The main sources of animal protein are meat, milk, eggs and fish. Meat and meat products contain half of the protein a person needs, as well as all the fats, carbohydrates, hormones and other biologically active substances necessary for his life. Meat is the optimal supplier of trace elements such as iron, zinc and selenium.The aim of the work is the need to conduct research on the development of promising methods for processing raw meat and expanding the range, preparing it for the manufacture of high-quality meat products.The presented article is aimed at the development of scientifically-based solutions necessary for the implementation of the technology for the production of combined products through a combination of meat and vegetable raw materials.
Medicinal Plants Used by the Inhabitants of Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Zingisa Thinyane  , Alfred Maroyi
Published: October 2021

Plant species used as herbal medicines play an important in the provision of primary healthcare in several rural communities. The current study was aimed at documenting medicinal plants used by the inhabitants of Alfred Nzo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Information on medicinal plants used for primary healthcare was collected through open-ended interviews with a sample of 124 participants selected via snowball-sampling technique between April 2017 and May 2018. A total of 34 plant species and one fungus species representing 20 families were used in the treatment of 13 different human diseases. The major diseases treated by the documented species included respiratory system, pain, sores and wounds, infections and infestations, digestive system, blood and cardiovascular system, fever and malaria, general ailments, reproductive system and sexual health and mental disorders. Popular herbal medicines with relative frequency citation (RFC) values exceeding 0.50 included Bulbine frutescens, Clivia miniata var. miniata, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Centella asiatica, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis, Leonotis leonurus, Agapanthus africanus and Datura stramonium. Such repository of medicinal plants and fungi reinforces the need for an evaluation of their biological activities as a basis for developing future medicines and pharmaceutical products.
Helichrysum nudifolium (L.) Less.: Review of its Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities
Authors: Alfred Maroyi
Published: October 2021

Helichrysum nudifolium is a valuable and well-known medicinal plant species in southern Africa. The current study critically reviewed the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of H. nudifolium. Information on medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of H. nudifolium was collected from multiple internet sources which included Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Science Direct, Web of Science, Pubmed, SciFinder and BMC. Additional information was gathered from pre-electronic sources such as journal articles, scientific reports, theses, books and book chapters obtained from the University library. This study showed that H. nudifolium is mainly used as ethnoveterinary medicine, as colic and herbal medicine for fever, headache, swellings, infertility, pregnancy and postpartum problems. Pharmacological research revealed that H. nudifolium extracts have antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anti-HIV, GABAA-benzodiazepine receptor-binding, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, antiprotozoal and cytotoxicity activities. There is need for experimental animal studies, randomized clinical trials and target-organ toxicity studies involving H. nudifolium crude extracts and compounds isolated from the species. Future should also focus on evaluation of pharmacological properties of compounds isolated from H. nudifolium.
Investigation of Air Pollution in Bursa City Centre
Authors: Özkayalar Emir , Dursun Şükrü , Toros Hüseyin
Published: October 2021

The part of the atmosphere in which people and other living things live, which is close to the earth; As clean air, nitrogen, oxygen and a small amount of it are made up of other gases. The distribution of these gases is a mixture
of 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and 1% other gas by volume. Other gases other than oxygen and nitrogen are gases such as argon, carbon dioxide, water vapor, helium, neon, hydrogen, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and ammonia.
Chemical substances that can be in gas, liquid or solid form that change this natural composition of air are called air pollutants. The increase in the number of pollutants in the atmosphere adversely affects the air quality and
creates air pollution. Air pollution is defined as the presence of solid, liquid and gaseous foreign materials in the atmosphere that may harm human health and the life of living things or prevent the use of material objects necessary
for their survival. Air pollution adversely affects the health of humans, animals and plants and destroys the metal, stone and wood parts of the buildings. Its effects span not only present but future generations as well. The aim
of the research is to evaluate the reasons causing the rapidly increasing air pollution problem in cities and the physical geography factors affecting air pollution; Bursa City is to examine the change of air quality over time.
First of all, by scanning the literature in the field of study, studies examining the air quality of the city were examined, and the air quality data of the City of Bursa were obtained through the National Air Quality Monitoring
Network of the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization system between 2019 and 2021. The data obtained were converted into tables and graphics using Microsoft Excel and distribution of pollution level were presented. While air
pollutant values are generally close to the limits, it has been observed that nitrogen oxides exceed the limits, especially in the Beyazit region.
Evaluation of Air Quality in 2020 in Ankara
Authors: Nur Tosun Hale , Dursun Sukru , Toros Hüseyin
Published: October 2021

In particular, annual amounts of pollutants released from artificial sources reach to millions of tons. These produce effects in varying degrees, depending on the area and quantities in which they are formed. The adverse health effects
of air pollution occur as a result of the inhalation of pollutants by humans as a direct exposure or the mixing of the pollutants accumulated from the air, soil, water, plants, animals and other environmental environments as an
indirect exposure. Especially air pollution in cities caused an increase in health problems. The change in the physical, chemical and biological properties of the air affects natural and artificial non-living beings as well as
living things. The change in the physical, chemical and biological properties of the air affects natural and artificial non-living beings as well as living things. Air pollution data are collected from 8 air quality station in
Ankara. Air pollution stations are located in Bahçelievler, Demetevler, Dikmen, Keçiören, Sıhhiye and Sincan districts throughout Ankara.
Gourimadi Archaeological Project. The results from the first excavation season
Authors: Tankosić Žarko , Mavridis Fanis , Zafeiriadis Paschalis , Psoma Aikaterini
Published: October 2021

The Norwegian Institute at Athens received a permit from the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports in 2018 to conduct a five-year excavation project at the site of Gourimadi in southern Euboea. The first field season, conducted in June 2018, lasted for four weeks during which two trenches were opened at the site and partially excavated by a Norwegian-Greek team of researchers and students. The aim of the project is to understand the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age in this part of the Aegean in the light of emerging regional maritime interaction networks and lasting settlement of the Cycladic islands. In addition, data collected from both the surface and excavation indicate that Gourimadi can contribute potentially crucial information needed for examining the Aegean prehistoric obsidian exchange and the introduction of metallurgy in the same region. Finally, the project is the first systematic (i.e. non-rescue) excavation of a prehistoric site in southern Euboea. The 2018 excavation confirmed our expectations about the importance of the site and has added to our understanding of prehistoric Euboea and the Aegean. The paper contains a brief preliminary but comprehensive report of the 2018 Gourimadi Archaeological Project results.
The Kalaureia Excavation Project. A preliminary report of the work carried out in Area L between 2015 and 2018
Authors: Bonnier Anton , Emanuelsson-Paulson Therese , Mylona Dimitra , Penttinen Arto
Published: October 2021

The report presents a summary and preliminary discussion on the work carried out by the Swedish Institute at ancient Kalaureia between 2015 and 2018 in Area L. The excavations were focused on this area with the hopes of gaining a better understanding of the settlement which was situated south of the Sanctuary of Poseidon in antiquity. The excavations show that a large building was constructed probably around the middle of the 4th century BC in the western part of Area L. The full outline and functional use of the building has not yet been fully established but the building seems to have been in use in several subsequent phases. The excavated remains further suggest that dining activities were carried out in the southern part of the building. A stone laid feature (Feature 3) excavated immediately to the east, together with charcoal deposits, also provide indications of cooking in the 3rd century BC at least. The feature was, however, covered by the 2nd century BC when a new wall was constructed which seems to connect the building with a broader structural complex to the south. During this period parts of Area L seem to have been used for olive oil production, identifiable through archaeobotanical remains, multiple pithoi, and a press installation excavated in the central part of Area L. In the Late Hellenistic to Early Roman phase (either in the 1st century BC or 1st century AD) much of the building complex was again covered by a new construction fill, raising the level of the building.
Some preliminary notes on the limited 2020 campaign of the Palamas Archaeological Project (PAP)
Authors: Vaïopoulou Maria , Rönnlund Robin , Tsiouka Fotini , Pitman Derek , Dandou Sotiria , Potter Rich , Klange Johan
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a short summary of archaeological operations carried out in 2020 in the area of the modern village of Vlochos on the western Thessalian plain, Greece, as part of the Palamas Archaeological Project (PAP). Initially, the project aimed to conduct a significant campaign of fieldwork during the 2020 season, but operations were severely scaled back by limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, only a small-scale campaign, aimed at method testing and exploratory investigation, could be carried out. Fieldwork included an evaluation of complimentary geophysical techniques, cleaning operations, and oral history enquiries. The work—despite its limitations—highlighted the value of using multiple geophysical techniques, as well as proving the importance of a systematic cleaning of the site. Overall, the first season of PAP highlighted the productivity of the research project and will act as a strong foundation for the forthcoming field seasons.
The key to Hermione? Notes on an inscribed monument
Authors: Wallensten Jenny
Published: October 2021

This article discusses an inscribed monument found during rescue excavations in the ancient city of Hermione. It provides an editio princeps for the one-word inscription and discusses the symbolism of its relief depiction of a temple key. The examination of the monument is followed by a discussion proposing a new perspective on how to approach the religious milieu of ancient Hermione.
Bulls and rams. The sacrifice to Erechtheus
Authors: Neils Jenifer
Published: October 2021

The earliest literary reference to animal sacrifice in Athens is the passage in Homer’s Iliad (2.550–551) that mentions Athenian youths propitiating their legendary king Erechtheus with bulls and rams. It is surprising that this passage has not been associated with the north frieze of the Parthenon, where twelve young men are leading four bovines and four sheep to sacrifice, in contrast with the ten cows on the south frieze which clearly represent the hecatomb for Athena Polias at the Panathenaia. While it is difficult to ascertain the sex of these eight animals, the horns and size of the sheep suggest that they are male. Given the prominence of the cult of the hero Erechtheus on the north side of the Acropolis, it is reasonable to identify these sacrificial animals as an offering to the pater patriae of the Athenians.