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Soil moisture (SM) is an important parameter in all environments because it affects the relationship between the land surface and atmospheric processes. Therefore, finding products that can accurately measure SM is critical to improving drought management. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy of satellite data from SM produced by the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS), focusing on the Huaihe and Heihe River basins in China, as both are prone to drought. To verify the accuracy of the daily surface data SM, measurements were obtained from 34 meteorological stations between January and December 2016. In addition, CLDAS measurement data were collected at a depth of 10 cm and 40 cm and compared with observed soil moisture measurements (OBS SM). The results show that the agreement of CLDAS SM with OBS was R > 0.66 at 10 cm and R > 0.47 at 40 cm in the Huaihe River Basin. R > 0.63 at 10 cm and R > 0.44 at 40 cm was observed in Heihe River Basin.

ABSTRACT. Fecal sludge can be treated by conventional treatment such as pond stabilization which is commonly used to reduce organic concentrations. However, nutrients such as NH3 are still widely measured in the effluent. One of the sewerage treatments in the city of Jakarta, for example, experienced this condition. This study aims to design an appropriate technology to increase the efficiency of nutrient ammonia and total suspended solid (TSS) removal at Duri X IPLT. The unit added in the selected effluent treatment is Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). Design considerations are the characteristics of activated carbon, operating conditions (discharge and contact time), and operating mode (fixed-, expanded-, or fluidized-bed, pumped, or gravity flow). The Carbon Usage Rate for removing ammonia and TSS is 1.384 g/L and 0.378 g/L, respectively. Maintenance is required so that the granular activated carbon (GAC) unit can continue operating and functioning properly. Blockages in carbon transport pipes can occur in many pipes. This can occur due to a too-small pipe, a short bend radius of the pipe, a lack of speed, and a lack of cleaning of the pipe. The eroded pipe is also a common problem that often occurs in unlined mild steel and fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), usually in sharp bends. Keywords: Sewerage, ammonia, TSS, design, GAC

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kesulitan siswa dalam memecahkan soal cerita pada materi sistem persamaan linear dua variabel (SPLDV). Penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Indikator kesulitan dalam penelitian ini berdasarkan teori Cooney yang terdiri dari kesulitan dalam memahami konsep, kesulitan dalam menerapkan prinsip dan kesulitan dalam memecahkan masalah verbal. Validator soal penelitian ini yaitu dua dosen dari Pendidikan Matematika Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta dan satu guru Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP). Subjek pada penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VIII MTs Sudirman Ngargoyoso tahun ajaran 2021/2022. Subjek yang dipaparkan dalam penelitian ini adalah 3 siswa berdasarkan salah satu dari kategori subjek berkemampuan tinggi, subjek berkemampuan sedang dan subjek berkemampuan rendah. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah subjek kemampuan tinggi mengalami kesulitan dalam menerapkan prinsip, sedangkan siswa dengan kemampuan sedang dan rendah mengalami kesulitan menerapkan prinsip dan memecahkan masalah verbal.

The presence of antibiotics in the wastewater is a growing concern, as they tend to bioaccumulate and are increasing the resistance of bacteria. This study investigates the microbial degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in water using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium). This research aims to degrade the ciprofloxacin antibiotic, which is creating multiple problems in the environment and wastewater. Bacterial strains were isolated from wastewater and sludge samples, and their identities were confirmed through 16S rRNA sequencing. The degradation potential was assessed using a shake flask method under varying conditions, including different antibiotic concentrations, temperatures, pH levels, and inoculum densities. E. coli effectively degraded CIP, achieving 90% degradation at 50 mg/L in 18 days, in optimal conditions like a temperature of 37 °C, a pH of 6.5, and an inoculum concentration of 10−8 CFU/mL. However, at higher concentrations (150 mg/L), degradation decreased. Similarly, E. faecium showed a maximum degradation rate of 100% at 50 mg/L of CIP in 18 days, with optimal degradation occurring at 40 °C, a pH of 6.5, and an inoculum density of 10−8 CFU/mL. This study underscores the effectiveness of selected microbial strains in bioremediation processes, highlighting their potential application in mitigating antibiotic pollution in aquatic environments. This is the preliminary study to explore the potential of isolated bacteria to degrade CIP, and their degradation ability can be utilized to develop a CIP-contaminated wastewater treatment plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: As global poultry production expands to meet rising demand, the susceptibility of birds to heat stress has increased owing to advancements in chicken genetics and global warming. This review explores the significant impact of heat stress on poultry gut health by altered gut permeability and microbiota. Heat stress is characterised by prolonged exposure to elevated ambient temperatures, triggering thermoregulatory processes in poultry, which can lead to adverse effects such as respiratory alkalosis and bone degeneration. These physiological disruptions compromise homoeostasis, suppress intestinal immunity and digestive functions and cause gastrointestinal inflammation, thereby affecting the growth, productivity and overall well-being of poultry. Various strategies, including housing modifications, genetic selection, food manipulation and the use of feed additives, such as bioactive chemicals, prebiotics, organic acids, medicinal plants and probiotics, have been employed to mitigate these effects. This review emphasises the role of feed additives in supporting poultry gut health, thereby enhancing animal welfare, productivity and sustainability in the face of climate change. Future research avenues are suggested to improve our understanding and development of effective nutritional strategies to combat heat stress in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the knowledge and the risk perception regarding dengue fever among the educated population along with their behaviors towards prevention in the backdrop of rising cases of dengue at the national level. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Departments of Electrical, Software Engineering, Computer Sciences and Geophysics of Bahria University, Karachi Campus, Pakistan, from October 2021 to March 2022. Methods: With an observational analytical study design, 333 students were recruited through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The socio-demographic traits and general information about dengue fever spread and prevention were presented in frequencies and percentages while dengue fever knowledge, risk perception, and behavior of respondents were compared using a chi-square test with the significance level set at 0.05. Results: It was found that 79.8% of the students recognized that transmission of dengue is through mosquitoes, whereas only 17.4% identified the correct species of dengue infection. Twenty-two percent knew that dengue is a viral illness. Sixty-eight percent marked contaminated water as a mosquito breeding site, while 52.8% believed it to be trash/garbage. Eighty-nine, sixty-nine and fifty-two percent reported the use of window screens, bed nets/mesh, and insect repellents as protective measures, respectively. Fifty-seven percent of participants considered dengue a fatal illness. Eighty-eight and seventy-five percent recognized dengue as a preventable and curable disease, respectively. Conclusion: Educated participants in this study were misapprehensive that they had satisfactory knowledge, risk perception, and behavior toward dengue fever. Very few had the correct knowledge regarding transmission mode and spread and protective and preventive strategies. Information regarding transmission mode and spread, as well as protective and preventive strategies, were insufficient. How to cite this: Qureshi FM, Bari SF, Wazir SM, Wazir M, Zehra S, Khalid A. Dengue Fever Perception and Knowledge for Endemicity Control among University Students of Karachi Life and Science. 2024; 5(1): 75-82. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.373

This study aims to build a web-based geographic information system for food material and foodstuffs UMKMs in Makassar City to disseminate geographic information that can be accessed anytime and from anywhere. The system is designed using a sequential waterfall method. Data sourced from the Makassar City Cooperatives and UKMs Office, field surveys, and interviews with UMKM owners. This system were developed to assist the government in providing information to the public about the location and distribution of UMKMs and other related information in dealing with the new normal, because it can visualize the distribution in Makassar City well. The system has been successfully developed through public testing, the average values ​​of which are user objectives (4.18), information quality (4.13), and System Quality (4.12).

Small scale business / Usaha Skala Kecil (USK) X currently does not have a batik wastewater treatment unit. This condition causes the possibility of contamination to water bodies. USK X wastewater treatment applications' planning needs to be carried out sustainably, namely by reusing water. The process units needed in this planning are the sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and constructed wetlands. The effluent of textile wastewater with this system for parameters BOD, COD, TSS, sulfide, total oil & fat, and color were 0.13 mg/L; 106.5 mg/L; 2.4 mg/L; 0.036 mg/L; 0.07 mg/L; and 90.67 PtCo, respectively. The dimensions of the SBR unit required are 0.75 x 0.6 x 1 m. Modification of the SBR unit uses an ozone generator to produce ozone gas which functions as oxidation of organic pollutants and colors in batik waste. After processing in the SBR unit, it is carried out using a constructed wetland with 2.56 m2.

Increased traffic volumes worldwide have resulted in an increased number of road accident injuries and mortalities. This global phenomenon motivated the United Nations (UN) to initiate a decade-long global road safety plan in 2010. In response, Saudi Arabia concurrently initiated a comprehensive road safety program, supported by detailed and comprehensive road safety data for the Eastern Province (EP) of Saudi Arabia. The contributed EP-Traffic-Mortality-and-Policy-Interventions Dataset provides multidimensional road safety data for 2010–2020 via two primary and five secondary data subsets. The first primary subset provides road accident mortality data. The five secondary data subsets reflect road accident mortalities at different time scales and administrative (provincial or governorate) levels. The second primary subset provides details of traffic safety policy interventions implemented during the same period. Researchers and policymakers can use this comprehensive dataset to study accident mortality patterns across various geospatial and time scales and analyze the effectiveness of policies intended to mitigate road accident mortalities.

Abstract\nNOVELTY STATEMENTUrbanization and industrialization are exponentially deteriorating air quality, ecosystems, and human health. Phytoremediation is cost cost-effective, sustainable, and nature-based solution against air pollution. This study is designed to evaluate four species, Chlorophytum comosum, Rhapis excelsa, Spathiphyllum wallisii, and Ficus benjamina for their phytoremediation potential. The experimental setup consisted of a sealed chamber to place potted plants and equipment, it was also connected to the vehicular exhaust pipe. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index was highest for F. benjamina (12.19) and lowest for Rhapis excels (8.58). C. comosum has the highest VOC removal efficiency (90%, 0.172 ppm h−1). NOx remediation was highest by F. benjamina with 0.057 ppm h−1 (77%) removal efficiency. SOx and CO were remediated more efficiently by C. comosum, as 89%, (0.18 ppm h−1) and 80% (0.23 ppm h−1), respectively. R. excelsa reduced a higher concentration of NH3 (77%, 0.06 ppm h−1) compared to other species. R. excelsa and S. wallisii may serve as bio-indicator species. These findings provide a sustainable, natural, economical, and eco-friendly way to mitigate air pollution. F. benjamina and C. comosum are suitable species for urban landscapes, green spaces, urban plantations, and green walls to curb air pollutants due to traffic and industries.Based on the air pollution tolerance index, this study concludes that Rhapis excels (APTI = 8.58) can be used as a bio-indicator species for pollution monitoring and evaluation. Whereas, Ficus benjamina (APTI = 12.2) and Chlorophytum comosum (APTI = 10.3) are the best options for urban landscapes, green belts, or green walls for air pollution combat and mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water lily aphid, Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae, is the only known aphid that can live in both terrestrial and aquatic conditions. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of R. nymphaeae was generated using Illumina sequencing technology. The typical circular DNA mitochondrial genome of R. nymphaeae is 15,772 bp in length, with a high A+T content (84.34%). It contains 37 coding genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transport RNAs, and two ribosomal RNAs) and two non-coding regions (one control region and one repeat region). Enc-plot, PR2-bias, and neutrality plot analysis indicated that the codon usage of the protein-coding genes is mainly affected by natural selection. The evolution rate analysis (the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous, Ka/Ks) indicated that all the PCGs in R. nymphaeae are under a strong purifying selection. The control region has conserved structure elements, and two types of tandem repeat units exist. The length and sequence of the aphid-unique repeat region has high similarity with closely related species. Phylogenetic analyses determined by both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference support the monophyly of Aphidinae, Aphidini, Aphidina, and Rhopalosiphina. However, the monophyly of the genera in Rhopalosiphina, such as Rhopalosiphum, is still not resolved. This study may help us to understand the phylogenetic relationship of aphids, and much more aphid data are needed in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jijal Complex is considered one of the largest Neo-Tethyan remnants in the intra-oceanic Cretaceous–Palaeogene Kohistan Arc of Pakistan. This complex largely consists of gabbros, peridotites, and chromitites. Previous studies documented the genesis of gabbros and chromitites in detail; however, detailed geochemistry and magma genesis were lacking. In this investigation, we present whole-rock geochemical and platinum group elements (PGEs) data of Jijal peridotites (dunites and harzburgites). The objectives of this study are to elucidate magmatic processes and tectonic regimes involved in the formation of peridotites, factors influencing the concentration and dispersion of PGEs in them, and their tectonic evolution. The investigated peridotite samples are depleted in magmaphile major elements (Al2O3: 0.23–0.57, TiO2: 0.01–0.04, and CaO: 0.08–0.69 wt%), relative to the primitive mantle values, reflecting melt-rock interaction during their magmatic evolution. In addition, rare-earth element (REE) contents in harzburgites are relatively higher compared to the dunites; however, both rock types exhibit depletion with respect to the chondrite-normalized values. The obvious negative anomalies of Nb, Zr, and enriched LREE and large ion lithophiles collectively substantiate their association with depleted arc-type mantle components, metasomatism, and melt/fluid-rock reactions after partial melting episodes. Bulk-rock and geochemical modelling of PGEs data of the peridotites suggest their shallow depth spinel-bearing depleted heterogeneous mantle source and generation from refractory mantle residuum along with boninitic signatures in a supra-subduction zone (SSZ). The PGE's geochemistry additionally reveals that partial melting, fractionation, metasomatism, and sulphur under-saturation were the key factors that controlled the concentration and distribution of PGEs in the studied rocks. The boninitic features of the Jijal peridotites are equated with intraoceanic fore-arc followed by subduction initiation, and melt-rock reactions in a hydrated forearc mantle, indicating robust evidence of mantle depletion and pervasive refertilisation in an embryonic Neo-Tethyan arc system. Tectonically, the investigated rocks encapsulate vestiges of the Cretaceous Tethyan Ocean and record multifaceted history from boninitic to slab-proximal island arc affinity in compliance with an intraoceanic SSZ fore-arc regime coherent with the subduction inception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]