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The western coastal area of Alexandria City, Egypt, faces significant environmental challenges due to heavy metal (HM) contamination in beach sediments, driven by intensive urbanization, tourism, commercial harbors, and industrial activities. Therefore, this study focuses on geochemically assessing HM levels in sediment samples from 28 sites and employed various descriptive and multivariate statistical approaches, pollution indices, and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) to identify pollution hotspots, define contamination grades, and assess the quality of beach sediments. The average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 25.7, 30, 2.2, 7.5, 2.9, and 8.0 times, respectively, compared to the geochemical background (carbonate sedimentary rocks). et al.-Hanuvil Beach, relatively elevated contents of these metals were recorded. In addition, samples showed Zn levels higher than the corresponding probable effect concentration (PEC) and effect range medium (ERM) values, suggesting adverse impacts on biota. The principal component (PC) analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of Cd, Co, and Pb in PC1, the mixed origin of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn in PC2, and the natural source of Fe in PC3. According to the applied single pollution indices, HM contamination grades were ranked in ascending order of Mn < Fe < Cr < Cd < Cu < Pb < Zn < Co. In conclusion, the HMs (Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Pb, and Cr) in the study area are anthropogenic, attributed mainly to untreated discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater and solid wastes, atmospheric deposition of air pollutants, and tourism activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El Qaa plain is one of the promising areas for agriculture projects, owing to its soil and groundwater resources. So, 14 groundwater samples were collected, chemically analyzed, hydrochemical (ratios, models and plots) and GIS techniques were applied, to evaluate the factors governing this water chemistry and suitability for irrigation. The results indicated the expansion of the agricultural area 8 times in the last 2 decades. The water can be divided into two groups; (A) freshwater (TDS ≤ 1000) in the eastern part of the study area within the clastic weathered basement rocks part of the aquifer, and (B) saline water (TDS > 1000) in the western part within the carbonates and evaporites rich sediments and close to the Gulf of Suez. The deduced factors controlling groundwater chemistry were precipitation, evaporites dissolution, seawater intrusion and ion exchange process. The calculated sodium absorption ratio (SAR) was < 10 indicating the good quality of this water for irrigation without sodicity hazard. Water of Group (A) (electric conductivity < 2250µS/cm) can be used safely for irrigation without any impact of salinity on all types of soil and plants. Group (B) water (electric conductivity > 2250µS/cm) has salinity hazard and can be used for irrigation on well-permeable soils and salt-tolerant plants. The concentrations of the studied potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were within the permissible limit for irrigation. Expansion in agricultural activities has adverse impact on groundwater quality. So, eco-friendly fertilizers should be applied in this promising area with the application of hydrologic pumping advises to safe aquifer quality from the degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This short communication explores the urban geology sub-field, which emerges as a crucial discipline to address the dynamic interaction between human activities, geological processes, and environmental sustainability. It aims to guide land use planning, assess and mitigate the impacts of urbanization on natural resources, evaluate geological hazards, address geoenvironmental problems, and enhance public awareness. The correspondence also touched upon urban geochemistry, a relatively nascent interdisciplinary sub-field, elucidating its role in studying trace element characteristics, human activities' impacts on the environmental quality, and the influence on biogeochemical cycles. Despite its significance, urban geology faces underappreciation and challenges, particularly in African megacities. Inadequate funding, data collection difficulties, and a lack of awareness hinder its promotion. Therefore, we advocate for increasing the collaboration between academic institutions, research centers, and governmental authorities to overcome these barriers and promote multidisciplinary research projects for a holistic understanding of the complexities of the urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Candida species are the fourth most common etiological agents of late-onset infection in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Objectives: From November 2023 to February 2024, we investigated the association of mycotic pneumonia with septicemia in 60 neonates, and their roles of mycotic pneumonia in the morbidity and mortality of neonates in two NICUs in the Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children. Methods: All infants in this study had been diagnosed with septicemia and treated with empirical antimicrobial therapy. An early morning nasogastric tube (NG-tube) was used to collect swallowed sputum by suction for culture and sensitivity testing. Results: The average white blood count for the neonates was 8547 ± 5884.5 cells/mm². The mean C-reactive protein was 39.3 ± 26 mg/l, the mean serum albumin was 2.9 ± 0.2 g/dl and the positive bacterial blood culture was 28 (46.7 %). 9 (15 %) neonates died during the study period. The NG-tube culture identified fungal growth in all samples. Of these, 49 (81.6 %) were identified as Candida albicans, 6 (10 %) as Candida tropicalis, and 5 (8.3 %) as Cryptococcus laurentii. The bacterial culture results from the NG-tube samples identified 13 (21.6 %) patients with gram-positive bacteria and 47 (78.3 %) with gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: We found a prevalence of Candida spp. among neonates in addition to microbial oxygen tube contamination, indicating a biosafety breach in the neonatal unit. Mycotic infection requires global attention as a probable cause of respiratory failure in neonatal septicemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in effect between static bicycle interval training and calorie restriction diet with static bicycle interval training without diet. Static bike interval training is the independent variable, diet is the moderator variable, and lipid profile is the dependent variable. The research method applied in this study is a true experiment with a pretest-posttest research design with a control group design. Participants in this study were determined by non-probability techniques with purposive sampling, namely dyslipidemia patients consisting of 30 people divided into two groups. The first group received static bicycle interval training treatment and a calorie restriction diet called the experimental group, while the second group only received static bicycle interval training treatment called the control group. instruments in this study through laboratory tests to measure HDL, LDL, Triglyceride, and Total Cholesterol levels. The data analysis technique used the Independent Sample Test. The findings in the study were that static bicycle interval training and calorie restriction diet had a more significant effect in optimizing LDL, Triglyceride, and Total Cholesterol levels sig value (2-tailed) 0.025 <0.05). There was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group on HDL levels (2-tailed) value of 0.127 > 0.05).There is a significant difference in LDL levels between the experimental and control groups, as indicated by the sig (2-tailed) value of 0.00 < 0.05). In conclusion; static bike interval training accompanied by a calorie restriction diet is recommended to be applied by people with dyslipidemia in optimizing lipid profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze a novel multigeneration system which uses the PTC and the PVT solar collectors as the energy sources. The main productions of this system is power, hot water, cooling, hydrogen and freshwater. The introduced system included the Rankine cycle, the double effect organic refrigeration system, the PEM electrolyzer and the RO desalination unit. The EES software was used to analyse energy, exergy, thermoeconomics and a range of parameters. As the results show, the highest amount of exergy destruction is associated with the PTC collector, ORC cycle and PEM electrolyzer, according to the exergy destruction analysis of the main cycles. The rise in the collector area, solar radiation and ORC turbine inlet temperature leads to higher levels of hydrogen and freshwater production. Moreover, investigating different working fluids in the ORC cycle proves that R141b shows the best performance from point of view of hydrogen and freshwater production rates. Furthermore, 33.49% and 13.31% are found for the energetic and the exergetic performance of the system, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around the world, groundwater supply is critical for vital needs such as drinking and irrigation. This work investigates groundwater in the carbonate aquifer of the Middle Miocene in the east El Minia area, Egypt. In this regard, thirty-two groundwater samples were collected. The water samples were analyzed for Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, CO2−, HCO3−, Fe, Mn, Cd, As, Cr, Cu, and Pb. Groundwater has been evaluated using two methods, which are water quality index (WQI) and health risk assessment (HRA). The predominant groundwater is soft water, and the samples range in salinity from fresh to slightly salty. The groundwater mostly falls into the alkaline water type. All the groundwater samples under study are deemed low quality for human consumption due to water contamination. Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, and Pb have high HQnc values, which can result in non-carcinogenic health issues in adults, while Mn, Cu, and Pb can give rise to non-carcinogenic health issues in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic emissions, overpopulation, and poor urban planning have degraded the environmental quality of the Greater Cairo megacity. As road dust is considered the main sink of pollutants in urban environments, thirty road dust samples from six major roads were collected. ICP-OES was used to analyze the samples in order to determine the contamination grade using the pollution indices, decipher metal sources and geochemical associations using multivariate analysis, and evaluate the ecological and human health risks. The average contents of heavy metals were arranged in decreasing order: Fe (1181.12), Zn (201.36), Pb (66.10), Ni (32.42), Cu (26.07), Cr (26.00), Co (14.78), As (2.76), and Hg (0.93) mg/kg. The spatial pattern showed that new urban communities exhibited lower contamination levels compared to unplanned old districts, especially for traffic elements (Pb, Zn, and Cu). The highest Igeo mean value was observed for Hg (3.34) followed by Zn (1.34), Pb (1.24), Ni (0.10), As (− 0.19), Co (− 0.24), Cu (− 0.73), and Cr (− 1.05). Additionally, CF values indicated very high contamination levels for Pb and Zn, whereas the highest PLI value was observed at Ramses Street. All EF values were higher than 1.5, indicating the anthropogenic enrichment of metals. RI values classified Cairo as a region with considerable ecological risk, observing that Hg was the main contributor. Correlation analysis and PCA showed that Pb and Zn originated from vehicle exhaust, Hg, Cu, and As from domestic and industrial activities, and Fe and Co from natural origin. Cr and Ni exhibited potential carcinogenic risks for children through ingestion; conversely, the non-carcinogenic risks were within safe levels. As a result, the use of clean energy is recommended to mitigate the accumulation of heavy metals in road dust and to improve the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) becomes a major threat to the validity of that water for drinking and agriculture and hence human life. The current study aims to evaluate the carbonate aquifer groundwater PTE content, sources, and impact on water quality. To achieve this goal, drilling cutoff of two wells and 30 groundwater samples were collected and chemically analyzed. The groundwater has TDS values ranged from 271.2 to 971.8 mg/l. Freshwater recharge process led to the continuous freshening of the aquifer and enhanced the forward ion exchange reactions. Carbonate and evaporate mineral dissolution/precipitation processes are the main controller of groundwater chemistry. Cd and As represented the most hazardous elements in these rocks followed by Pb. The presence of high concentrations of PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in water-bearing carbonate rocks has led to detritus of water quality and its unsuitability for drinking owing to the occurrence of these harmful elements in water. Even though the high concentrations of PTEs in the studied water, these elements occurred in low mobility and toxicity species: Fe(OH)3, Mn2+, (HAsO4)−2, Cd2+, Cr2O3, Cu2O, CuO, and PbCO3. This reflects the importance of studying element species rather than total concentration. Even though the unsuitability of this water for drinking owing to high concentrations of some PTEs, all of the samples were found to be suitable for irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soon for the security of phosphorus world supply, which comes primarily from non-renewable sources, the moderate carbonate phosphates will need further geochemical multidiscipline investigations to participate in the phosphorous supply chains necessary to increase human productivity. Dolomitic phosphates represented the main carbonate phosphate rocks of the Upper Member of Duwi Formation, at Um Queih Mine, South-Western Quseir, that phosphate can be classified as intermediate grade phosphate ore. It was enriched in V, Ni, Mo, U, Cu, Cr, Cd, Co as well as Zn and their ratios indicated that the deposition occurred in anoxic environment (reducing conditions). Mineralogical investigations indicated that the studied phosphorites are composed of two main mineral phases; fluorapatite and non-phosphatic minerals (dolomite, calcite, pyrite, gypsum, and quartz). The petrographic examination revealed that these phosphorites are composed of phosphatic lithoclasts, phosphatic bioclasts, opaques, and quartz grains embedded in a cryptocrystalline phosphatic matrix. The parent rocks of the studied phosphorites represented by basaltic mafic provenance were affected by low chemical weathering and deposited under marine anoxic environment. The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics indicated that the studied phosphorites deposited in marine anoxic condition. The weathering of these rocks can be harmful to the surrounding environment owing to its content of pyrite and potentially toxic elements (PTEs), the EF (enrichment factor) gives extremely high enriched with Mo, Cd, and Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of pharmacists was emphasized in the battle against highly spreading and infectious diseases like human Monkeypox (hMPV). Aim: Assess the hMPV knowledge of the community, clinical pharmacists, and general practitioners (GPs) and raise their awareness about hMPV. Methods: A web-based questionnaire was distributed randomly to Egyptian community pharmacists, clinical pharmacists, and GPs from all governorates. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: one for demographic information and the other for hMPV knowledge (nature of the disease, incubation period, transmission, symptoms, Prophylaxis, Prevention, and management). The evidence-based answers were provided after completing the submission. Data were descriptively analyzed using IBM SPSS software. Results: From a total of 753 respondents, only 710 participants were included in the final data analysis. The % of respondents who presented good total knowledge scores about hMPV was comparable between study groups (P = 0.826). There were no differences between groups identifying different disease clinical characteristics (P = 0.689) and hMPV management (P = 0.324). Community pharmacists had better knowledge scores than GPs in the prevention and prophylaxis domain (P = 0.037). Conclusion: Pharmacists and GPs have good and similar knowledge levels of hMPV. However, a gap exists in recognizing the right hMPV incubation period, prophylaxis, and omitting antibiotics from hMPV management. Pharmacists and GPs are the frontline health care providers (HCPs), so they would require more knowledge enhancement about such contagious diseases to offer the best possible patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wadi Abu Subeira area contains many farms and houses and is one of the promising areas for iron mining. Therefore, 21 surface soil samples were collected and investigated for toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, and As) using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) to establish a geochemical baseline for these metals during pre-mining conditions. To decipher the sources of these metals and their interrelationships, multivariate statistical analysis was applied, while to evaluate the degree of pollution and potential environmental risks the environmental indices were used. Abundances of Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, and As fluctuated from 17.72 to 0.06, 47.12 to 10.86, 47.88 to 9.25, 45.04 to 6.23, 51.93 to 17.82, 10.55 to 1.24, and 7.04 to 1.66 mg/kg, respectively, displaying a declining trend of Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > As > Co > Pb. Additionally, the mean concentrations of all studied metals were found to be significantly lower than the selected international reference standards. Pearson correlation coefficient, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis revealed two geogenic geochemical associations for the studied toxic elements: (1) Zn-As-Ni-Cr-Cu-Co; and (2) Pb. Negative Igeo values were observed for all metals, which showed that the samples were uncontaminated and can be considered a geochemical baseline for the study area. Moreover, all CF values were lower than or close to 1, suggesting low contamination levels from all studied metals and supporting the association with natural geological processes. Similarly, Er and RI values of all metals were below 40 and 150, respectively, indicating a low-risk environment. Ultimately, the obtained levels of the studied metals can be used as a geochemical baseline for tracking the future changes in their accumulations in soil sediments considering the current assessment of the area as an environmentally safe area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polarization reconfigurable dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is proposed for X-band applications. The antenna provides circularly polarized (CP) or linearly polarized (LP) radiations at the same frequency band. Altering the states of two PIN diode switches offers a choice of one of three polarization options: (i) LP radiation; (ii) left-hand CP (LHCP) radiation; (iii) right-hand CP (RHCP) radiation. The simulations and measurements are in close agreement, indicating that the LHCP and RHCP radiations have reconfigurable polarization traits with a 21.3% impedance bandwidth ranging from 9.6 to 11.9 GHz and a 3.4% for the LP radiation that extends from 10.2 to 10.5 GHz. There is simultaneously a maximum gain of 6.9 dBic with a circa 4% axial ratio (AR) bandwidth for the LHCP and RHCP radiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Siwa Oasis is of great historical, environmental, and scientific importance, as it contains unique archeological and geological features. Groundwater is the main source of freshwater in that oasis. The carbonate aquifer groundwater, used for irrigation, was sampled to evaluate factors controlling quality changes spatially and temporally by applying hydrochemical and statistical analyses. The salinity of the aquifer varied spatially from 1367 to 8645 mg/l based on one hydrogeological condition, with the highest TDS (> 5432.5 mg/l, 25% of samples) at the central part of the study area. Temporally, the salinity changed slightly from 3754.3 mg/l (in 2014) to 4222.4 mg/l (in 2020). The cession of illegal wells, pumping control, and excavation of formed salts have a noticeable impact on salinity (mediate the increase in salinity) and ions. However, about 61% of the studied samples can be considered unsuitable for irrigation owing to salinity and can harm plant yield. The heavy metals studied (Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb), except Cd, were within the permissible limit for irrigation water. Finally, it is proposed to construct desalination stations to enhance water quality for irrigation in the study area and set up many companies for salt extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater salinization is a global problem accounting for 11–30% of the world's irrigated areas. Luxor region in Upper Egypt is one of such areas affected by salinity. Multivariate statistics indicate that groundwater is affected by intermixed processes; mineralization (salinization), fertilization, domestic wastes, and meteoric recharge. Temporal change in salinity and hydrochemical facies during 1997–2017 revealed aquifer salinization, due to the dissolution of salts from overlain saline soil and marine deposits underneath as well as up-coning of deep saline water. Increasing salinity over time was statistically documented, exhibited temporally high significant differences (P < 0.05), where salinization consumed a quarter of the aquifer during 20 years. Evolution of water facies from less mineralized Ca–Cl, Mg–Cl to highly mineralized Na–Cl species explains the salinization process over time. Elevated content of Na and Cl is associated with the dissolution of marine sediments and saltwater intrusion. The shift from silicate weathering into evaporation dominance confirmed the saltwater intrusion. As a result, groundwater has a high degree of salinity, is not suitable for domestic and other uses. On other hand, fertilization and domestic sewage are probably responsible for the high NO3− and Cd content. Over 80% of Cd exists in mobile species facilitates Cd-plant uptake indicating an alarming environmental situation. Cd mobility is closely related to elevated salinity and chlorinity, allowing competition with major ions and forming of soluble complexes. The present approach will improve the uncertainties of environmental interpretation, as an initial step for aquifers management in reclaimed lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is an important source for domestic and irrigation purposes in Asyut area. Water quality varied widely due to complex geochemical processes and pollution sources. Understanding the processes controlling groundwater chemistry is necessary to overcome related problems. Multivariate statistics revealed that groundwater is affected by anthropogenic recharge (agricultural/organic pollution), mineralization, and redox processes. Contributions from natural vs. anthropogenic sources explain the variance in hydrochemical data. Shallow wells are relatively higher in bicarbonate content due to oxidation of organic pollutants. Shallow wells anomaly high with iron and organically polluted are most probably owing to pipe corrosion in residential areas. N fertilization impact on natural weathering has been demonstrated. Groundwater is getting more mineralized toward desert fringes due to lithological and hydrogeological characteristics under unconfined conditions. Evaporation factor enhances groundwater salinity under aridity. Fe and Mn contents are relatively higher as the redox potential is getting more reducing. The current study will help in building suitable management plan to protect the aquifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An old collection of brachyuran specimens from the Iraqi coast, collected in the last century, was examined. This resulted in four new records from the northwest Persian-Arabian Gulf that could be recognized: the podotreme Lauridromia dehaani (Rathbun, 1923), and the heterotremes Dorippoides nudipes Manning & Holthuis, 1986, Enoplolambrus carenatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1834), and Charybdis (Archias) longicollis Leene, 1938. Lauridromia dehaani is the first record of this species from the northwest of the Persian-Arabian Gulf (Iraq and Kuwait), the other species are widely distributed around the Gulf. The specimens were photographed and diagnosed, and the new records are reported in the present study. Résumé: Une collection ancienne de spécimens de Brachyoures de la côte iraquienne, collectée au siècle dernier, a été examinée. Quatre nouvelles espèces ont ainsi été reconnues du golfe Arabo-Persique nord occidental : le podotrème Lauridromia dehaani (Rathbun, 1923), et les hétérotrèmes Dorippoides nudipes Manning & Holthuis, 1986, Enoplolambrus carenatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1834), et Charybdis (Archias) longicollis Leene, 1938. Lauridromia dehaani est le premier signalement de cette espèce du Nord-Ouest du golfe Arabo-Persique (Iraq et Koweit), les autres espèces sont largement réparties autour du Golfe. Les spécimens ont été photographiés et leurs diagnoses établies et les nouvelles citations sont données dans la présente étude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An old collection of brachyuran specimens from the Iraqi coast, collected in the last century, was examined. This resulted in four new records from the northwest Persian-Arabian Gulf that could be recognized: the podotreme Lauridromia dehaani (Rathbun, 1923), and the heterotremes Dorippoides nudipes Manning & Holthuis, 1986, Enoplolambrus carenatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1834), and Charybdis (Archias) longicollis Leene, 1938. Lauridromia dehaani is the first record of this species from the northwest of the Persian-Arabian Gulf (Iraq and Kuwait), the other species are widely distributed around the Gulf. The specimens were photographed and diagnosed, and the new records are reported in the present study. Résumé: Une collection ancienne de spécimens de Brachyoures de la côte iraquienne, collectée au siècle dernier, a été examinée. Quatre nouvelles espèces ont ainsi été reconnues du golfe Arabo-Persique nord occidental : le podotrème Lauridromia dehaani (Rathbun, 1923), et les hétérotrèmes Dorippoides nudipes Manning & Holthuis, 1986, Enoplolambrus carenatus (H. Milne Edwards, 1834), et Charybdis (Archias) longicollis Leene, 1938. Lauridromia dehaani est le premier signalement de cette espèce du Nord-Ouest du golfe Arabo-Persique (Iraq et Koweit), les autres espèces sont largement réparties autour du Golfe. Les spécimens ont été photographiés et leurs diagnoses établies et les nouvelles citations sont données dans la présente étude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater represents the primary source of freshwater for more than 35% of world people, and its contamination became a worldwide challenge. Egypt is suffering from water quantity and quality, especially in desert areas. El Obour city and environs Northeast Cairo face waterlogging owing to the elevated-shallow groundwater table. In the present research work, the water quality of the shallow groundwater aquifer was studied. The remediation efficiency of polluted water using photocatalytic treatment technique in the presence of modified nano-titania and solar radiation has also been investigated. Twenty-eight representative samples have been collected from different locations, and their microbial, physical, and chemical characteristics were determined. The average contents of Pb (214.96 µg/L), As (1517 µg/L), Cd (8.79 µg/L), total bacterial count (2.22 × 105 CFU/ml), and bacterial indicators (MPN-index/100 ml): total coliform (497.4), fecal coliform (358.3), and fecal streptococci (115.9) were higher than WHO permissible limits for drinking water, possibly due to higher industrialization, agricultural, and urbanization rates. The organic pollutants reached critical concentrations (chemical oxygen demand up to 960.8 mg O2/L). Most of the studied samples contained acceptable concentrations of the major ions, (e.g., K+, Mg2+, HCO3−), for drinking and irrigation purposes. The statistical analyses (e.g., principal component analysis and cluster analysis) pointed out the control of water–rock interaction and anthropogenic activities in water composition. The hydrochemical data show that most of the water samples (96.4%) are Na2SO4 and NaHCO3 type, indicating its meteoric origin. The contamination with human and animal fecal substances, NO3¯, and NH4+ was identified in all samples, which pointed out the control of anthropogenic activities in water pollution. The photocatalytic technique efficiently eliminated more than 82–95% of organic contents and microbial pollutants, respectively, but it was inefficient in reducing heavy metal levels. According to the current results, shallow groundwater injection into the deep aquifer must be constrained and reusable after treatment. Finally, more studies are imperative to disseminate the applied treatment techniques to elude bacteria and organic pollutants from water at a pilot scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The River Nile is the primary source of freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes in Egypt. Thus, the water quality in this river concerns the health of local inhabitants. The present study reveals seasonal variations of various physicochemical and heavy metals parameters and microbial load of water at 15 sites from Qena to Sohag cities, Egypt. The water is fresh with TDS ≤ 270 and 410 mg L−1 in summer and winter, respectively. Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn concentrations were within drinking water specification in both seasons except Cr and Cd in summer. Viable numbers of total coliform, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococci were recorded in both seasons with fecal streptococci's disappearing in winter. The concentrations of salts and ions in winter were higher than summer due to decreased water quantity and flow rate in this season. On the other hand, heavy metals and bacteria were higher in summer owing to the rain and weathering of upstream rocks and increasing of human activities during the summer. The calculated water quality index (WQI) depicted that the chemical quality of water was poor for drinking and treatment, especially biological treatment, which is required before the water is supplied for drinking. Human health risk assessment factors such as probable daily intake, hazard quotient, and carcinogenic risk indicated high risks of Cr, Cd, and Ni for adults and children in both seasons. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks are mainly posed by Cr. The WQI values for the other water uses indicated the marginal quality for aquatic life, fair for irrigation, and fair in summer to good in winter for livestock consumption. The irrigation water quality parameters indicated that the water could be used to irrigate all soils and crops except the hazard of biological contamination. The water–rock interaction controls water chemistry besides the contribution of human activities. The agricultural, industrial, and municipal wastewaters were the main contributors to water pollution and should be treated before discharge into the Nile River. Source and drinking water should be monitored continuously to prevent related human waterborne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been adjudicating several cases concerning the delimitation of borders across some boundary rivers. They included the ICJ, PCA, ICSID and World Bank, as well as the UNGA, the UNSC, EU and AU. The purpose for this commentary is to start a debate on whether the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) can and should play a mediation role in the attempts to resolve the growing number of international water disputes, and if so, how would the IWRA play such a role. As mentioned above, the institutions selected for resolution of some of the international water disputes varied, and included the ICJ, PCA, ICSID and World Bank and its role in selecting the neutral expert. [Extracted from the article]

Nile Delta represents 63% of Egypt's fertile agricultural land. Unfortunately, food chain contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) was recorded along Cairo- Alexandria Highway within Nile Delta. This paper aims to identify pollution sources of PTEs (Cd, Pb, Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Mn), using multivariate statistics. Generally, the studied soil is alkaline loam with about 3.69% CaCO3 and 1.97% organic matter. Pollution levels varied widely from uncontaminated to highly contaminated soil. Cd, Pb, Co, and Ni showed spatial variability, relatively high enrichment, reflecting their anthropogenic sources. Mn and Cr show more uniform distribution, reflecting their natural source from the geologic parent material of Egyptian soil. Surprisingly, no significant road traffic impact was observed at the sampling sites. Multivariate analysis indicates P-fertilizer is the main pollution source rather than traffic in roadside soils. The prevailing of fertilizers as a pollution source may be referred to the expansion in the use of unleaded fuel and the continuous increase in the annual fertilization rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and economic power delivery through HVAC transmission system over long distance is a great challenge due to its physical and operational constraints. HVDC systems are preferable for long-distance transmission due to the technical and economic superiority over HVAC systems. This paper further efforts supporting long-distance power transmission using bipolar HVDC system based on current source converter technology. In this regard, a novel control circuit for converters at both sides of the proposed system is presented. Then using E-HVAC system along with proposed HVDC system, a composite E-HVAC and HVDC model is presented where a transmission line in E-HVAC system is replaced by HVDC system. This composite E-HVAC and HVDC system covers the limitations of both systems when operating separately. Finally, the power upgradation and stability of composite E-HVAC and HVDC system and its behavior under transient instability is studied, and the results illustrate the effectiveness of proposed model under normal and abnormal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous urbanization and industrialization in many parts of the Assiut City have led to the incidence of elevated concentrations of heavy metal (HM) in soil, surface water, and groundwater. Nine HMs (As, Mn, Pb, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, and Cu) were investigated in 35 drinking water samples in Assiut City and its villages. In this study, the HMs are higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for drinking water and so were not acceptable. The chronic daily intake (CDIingestion) values of these metals appeared according to the order of As > Mn > Pb> Fe > Cr > Ni > Zn > Cd > Cu. The rating of human health hazard by using the hazard quotient (HQ) values had desirable limits, represented to be non-carcinogenic to humans by oral intake and dermal surface assimilation of water. In addition, the HIdermal values are almost negligible compared with those of HIingestion, reflecting the great concern of ingestion pathway than other exposure pathways, where the HI of all metals by ingestion is more than 200 times higher dermal contact. The results of carcinogenic risk for Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were less than the acceptable limit (10−6), while Co is not detected in all samples. Regarding the target cancer rate (TCR), 91.62% of carcinogenic values are probably attributed to As, which is classified as a human carcinogen followed by Ni (with TCR of 5.43%), Cr (2.81%), Cd (0.13%), and Pb (0.01%), while other HMs as Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn have no carcinogenic adverse health effect. Using this study as a database for the groundwater-drinking and surface standards should be revised for different countries to show the intake rates of other water resources. Government should pay attention to improve the water quality of Assiut City and its vicinities by reducing the causes of drinking water contamination with HMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization and the obligation against causing significant harm has been the most challenging issue in the long history of the evolution of international water law. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the genesis of the debate on the relationship between the two concepts, present the opposing positions of the different riparians thereon, and clarify how the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses has resolved this matter and rendered the two concepts reconcilable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of renewable energy resources and distributed energy systems herald a new set of challenges of power quality, efficient distribution, and stability in the power system. Furthermore, the power electronic converters integration has been increased in interfacing alternate energy systems and industries with the transmission and distribution grids. Owing to the intermittency of renewable energy resources and the application of power electronic converters the power distribution faces peculiar challenges. The dead-time effects are among the main challenges, which leads to the distortion of third harmonics, phase angle, torque pulsation, and induction motor current, causing severe quality problems for power delivery. To tackle these problems, this paper proposes a novel dead time compensation technique for improving the power quality parameters and improving the efficiency of power converters. The proposed model is simulated in MATLAB and the parametric equations are plotted against the corresponding parametric values. Furthermore, by implementing the proposed strategy, significant improvements are attained in the torque pulsation, speed, and total harmonic distortion of the induction motor. The comparisons are drawn between with and without dead time compensation technique, the former shows significant improvements in all aspects of the power quality parameters and power converters efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial variation of hydrochemical groundwater parameters indicates that the chemistry is ruled by complex process interactions (mixing of natural and anthropogenic processes). For this approach, analysis of 32 groundwater wells was conducted. Anthropogenic-influenced surface recharge and geogenic processes such as silicate weathering and redox process are identified by multivariate statistics, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). Surface water recharge tops the list of factors affecting groundwater chemistry in the Sohag area. The main recharging sources are leaching of salts of overlain soils and irrigation canals associated with anthropogenic impacts such as domestic sewage and agricultural nutrients. The excess of SO42− and HCO3− relative to Ca2+ in the semiconfined shallow aquifer at the floodplain can be attributed to the anthropogenic influence, infiltrated irrigation water and wastewater. On the other hand, in deep wells at the desert fringes, the deficiency of SO42− relative to Ca2+ concentration (however the dissolution of gypsum modeled by MINTEQ) is evidence on sulfides precipitation under reducing conditions as confirmed by the PCA analysis. Ion exchange on clay is another possible reason responsible for the deficiency of Ca2+ + Mg2+/SO42− + HCO3− relative to Na+/Cl− in semiconfined aquifer. Different water types (Na–Cl, Ca–Cl, Mg-–Cl and Na–HCO3) indicate different ion exchange processes formed due to varying contacts between freshwater and saline water. Excessive Mn/Fe ratio is attributed to fertilization and redox processes. Results enable the spatial separation of wells under semiconfined hydraulic conditions recharged by infiltrated irrigation water, from those under unconfined conditions recharged by seepage water leaching salty soils. Accordingly, different water types and values of salinity are complex and could be identified and spatially separated using AqQa and statistical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the effects of ageing on the tensile properties and fracture behaviour of an epoxy filled with inorganic fillers having different reactivity to water, such as fly ash, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and Portland cement. CaCO3 is insoluble in water, whereas fly ash and cement are reactive to water; however, fly ash is less reactive than cement. The water absorption, tensile properties, and mode-I fracture toughness of the epoxy containing 7 wt% of filler were compared after ageing the composites in distilled water at 50 °C. Gravimetric analyses showed that compared to neat epoxy, CaCO3 slightly decreased the equilibrium water uptake of the filled epoxy, whereas fly ash and cement increased the equilibrium water uptake. Compared to the other fillers, the tensile strength of CaCO3-filled epoxy was inferior in both dry and wet conditions. However, in dry condition, the elastic modulus of CaCO3-filled epoxy was slightly higher. Overall, the fly ash-filled epoxy showed better tensile and fracture properties in both dry and wet conditions although it absorbed more water than the other fillers did. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that crack deflection played a dominant role in the toughening of filled epoxies in both dry and wet conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) is a worldwide concern because of their health impact. Determination of their concentrations and potential human health risks in surface water and groundwater in the southern El-Minya Governorate, Egypt, is the main aim of this study. Fifty-five samples were collected, 30 surface water samples and 25 groundwater samples. The samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry to determine Cd and Pb contents. Their levels in surface water and groundwater exceeded the maximum allowable level for drinking water set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The hazard quotient showed that the surface water and groundwater may pose a health risk to residents, especially to children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collection of shallow groundwater and injecting it into the underline Miocene aquifer is a great environmental problem on the groundwater resources at El Obour city and environs. The present research work aims to investigate this water quality and validity of photocatalytic treatment of polluted water using nano-titania in presence of solar radiation. Twenty-eight representative samples were collected from various locations and their physical, chemical and microbial characteristics were determined. Bacteria analysis has been investigated for the presence of total bacterial count and indicator bacteria include total coliform, fecal coliform and fecal streptococci. The heavy metal analysis shows that more than 85% of the samples could be used for drinking in comparison with WHO specification for drinking water. The main pollutants in these samples are Cd and Pb. All the studied samples contain a viable count of heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform, fecal coliform and fecal streptococci, indicating the contamination with human and animal fecal material. The high number of indicator microorganism counts observed reflected the poor quality of water. The photocatalytic technique shows high efficiency towards the removal of more than 95% and 82% of microbial pollutants and organic residuals; respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution with Cd and Pb has worldwide concern because of their health impact. Evaluation of their concentrations and potential human health risks of surface and groundwater south El-Minya Governorate, Egypt is the main aim of the study. Fifty-five samples were collected; 30 samples surface water and 25 samples groundwater. The samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) to determine Cd and Pb contents. The heavy metals levels in both of surface and groundwater exceeded the maximum allowable level for drinking water which set by WHO. The hazard quotient and hazard index showed that groundwater may pose a health risk to residents, especially the children, primarily due to the high Cd content. In addition, there might be some concern for adverse Carcinogenic health effects. The pollution returns to human activities. The water can be recommended for irrigation not for drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Marsh Bulletin is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Iraqi Journal of Aquaculture is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ras Gharib area received heavy rainfall during October 26-27, 2016. This abnormal quantity of rainfall led to flash flooding in the area and consequentially to death of tens of people as well as damage to infrastructures and properties. The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model V002 are used with data resolution 30 m. Data of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission detected that precipitation near Ras Gharib was about 10 mm/day. Hydrological and surface analyses are generated using GIS tools. Some important morphometric analyses are calculated for basins description. The intensity and distribution of flood destruction in the study area were controlled by the geologic, geomorphologic characteristics of the study area. Also, huge amount of precipitation in short time and uncontrolled and unplanned development increase the impact of the flood. The results indicate the presence of two basins in the study area characterized by the possibility of flooding. Accordingly, establishing flood channel, of about 38 km long, is vital to protect the city from flood hazards in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Ethiopia started constructing in 2011, presented major challenges to the notion of existing rights and uses of the Nile waters asserted by Egypt and Sudan. Through an incremental approach based on gaining time, Ethiopia succeeded in making the GERD a reality, bolstered four years later, in 2015, by the signature by the three countries of two instruments: the Declaration of Principles and the Khartoum Document. The article traces and follows the developments regarding the GERD since 2011, and the escalation of the dispute thereon with Egypt and Sudan, discusses the two instruments, and analyzes the new legal order emanating therefrom. It concludes with an examination of the opportunities forgone as a result of the riparians’ unilateral development plans, and those to be gained through cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To assess the roadside soils contamination with Pb, Cd, and Zn, 34 soil samples were collected along Alexandria-Marsa Matruh highway, Egypt, and analyzed by using the atomic absorption. The contamination with these metals was evaluated by applying index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), the single ecological risk index (Ei), and the potential ecological risk index (PERI). The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn were 38.2, 2.3, and 43.4 μg/g, respectively. Igeo indicates the pollution of soil with Pb and Cd as opposed to Zn. Ei shows that the roadside soils had low risk from Pb and Zn and had considerable to high risk from Cd. Most of the samples (62%) present low PERI risk associated with metal exposure and the rest of the samples (38%) are of moderate PERI. The bioavailable fraction (EDTA-Extract) was 72.5 and 37.5% for Pb and Cd contents, respectively. These results indicate the remarkable effect of vehicular and agricultural activities on Pb and Cd contents in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations Watercourses Convention entered into force on 17 August 2014, following a long and complex journey that dates back to 1970 when the UN referred the matter to its legal arm, the International Law Commission. This article follows the Convention through that long and turbulent road, examines its main provisions and analyses the reasons for the delay of its entry into force. It concludes by answering the question of why entry into force of the Convention should indeed matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outcomes in stem cell transplantation (SCT) are modeled using probability theory. However, the clinical course following SCT appears to demonstrate many characteristics of dynamical systems, especially when outcomes are considered in the context of immune reconstitution. Dynamical systems tend to evolve over time according to mathematically determined rules. Characteristically, the future states of the system are predicated on the states preceding them, and there is sensitivity to initial conditions. In SCT, the interaction between donor T cells and the recipient may be considered as such a system in which, graft source, conditioning, and early immunosuppression profoundly influence immune reconstitution over time. This eventually determines clinical outcomes, either the emergence of tolerance or the development of graft versus host disease. In this paper, parallels between SCT and dynamical systems are explored and a conceptual framework for developing mathematical models to understand disparate transplant outcomes is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of the human right to water can be traced to the Mar del Plata water conference that took place in Argentina in 1977. A quarter of a century later, the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) gave a major boost to the concept by recognizing it in a separate comment. This was further strengthened by two resolutions by the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council – both adding the right to sanitation. This article discusses the evolution of the right and the challenges facing its implementation, and addresses the question of whether this obligation is indeed deliverable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-directional re-flooding of the wetlands in southern Iraq, which were extensively drained during the 1990s, started in 2003. The change in species composition and abundance of rotifer and cladoceran communities together with their abiotic environment were studied for 15 months in the re-flooded wetlands. The re-flooded wetlands were characterized by higher salinity than typical freshwater inland marshes, and some rotifer and cladoceran species were characteristic of the saline, post-re-flooding environment. The changes in species composition and abundance of rotifers were mostly seasonal, demonstrated by the cyclic changes in principal component analysis and their positive relationships to water temperature. Al-Huwaiza Marsh is distinguished from the other two marshes (Central and Al-Hammar Marshes) and is characterized by relatively lower and stable salinity, close to neutral pH, near or above saturation DO, and lower SO4−2. These characteristics might explain the differences in recovery processes of zooplankton communities among the three marshes. The Jaccard's similarity index forCladocerarevealed similarity between the two stations of each marsh (in terms of maximum densities recorded); however, this was not mirrored byRotifera. Al-Huwaiza Marsh stations were very similar to each other, whereas the Al-Hammar and Central Marshes had one station of each very similar to the other station of the other marsh.CladoceraandRotiferaare predominantly freshwater species;Rotiferais more sensitive to water quality changes, particularly salinity, than theCladocera. The observed seasonal cycles of zooplankton communities might suggest that the system was stabilizing during the study period. However, water supply shortages since 2008 continue to threaten the wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disputes between Egypt and Sudan on the one hand and the Nile upper riparians on the other hand have dominated the Nile Basin for the last half-century. Nevertheless, there have been attempts at cooperation, and they culminated in the establishment of the Nile Basin Initiative and negotiation of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). Ironically, the CFA resulted in solidification of the areas of differences and the emergence of the upper riparians as a power to be reckoned with. This article discusses the areas of difference over the CFA and analyzes its current status and the prospects for cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It is well known that liver is an endocrine as well as exocrine gland; it also synthesizes, accumulates, detoxifies and transports certain substances. Melatonin is the principle hormone of the pineal gland, which is mainly secreted at night and it is definitely documented to regulate the physiology of all tissues and cells keeping their normality. Objective This work is designed to study the effect of continuous darkness on hepatic tissues. Methods Adult Wister albino rats were kept in complete 24 hours darkness for successive 4 periods. Rats were divided into 16 groups. Group II, III, IV and V were left in continuous darkness for 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, respectively. Group I†, Group I††, Group I†††, and Group I†††† were the control groups for group II, III, IV and V correspondingly. After the last day of the dark period for each group, the animals were dissected under effect of anesthesia. The liver was weighed and right lobe of liver was processed for study its histopathology. Results The results showed no important histopathological effect on short and medium periods, while on long periods; there was histopathological changes represented by clear lobulation and inflammatory cell infiltrations. Conclusion Continuous darkness affects the hepatic tissues of rats depending on the length of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]