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Minerals are essential for ruminants affecting significantly the production of grazing livestock. Iron level in forages, soil, and blood plasma of the small ruminants (goat and sheep) was investigated in three districts of Punjab. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentration of iron in collected samples. The results revealed that the mean Fe concentrations in soil of districts Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakhar were significantly varied and ranged from 21.85 to 23.78, 28.45 to 31.2, and 18.079 to 24.33 mg/kg, respectively. The Fe level in soil of Mianwali significantly varied and was higher than Sargodha and Bhakkar. The mean Fe concentration in forages which were used for feeding purpose were significantly varied and found between 10.95-14.49, 23.63-25.65, and 6.616-9.45 mg/kg for Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakhar, respectively. The mean Fe concentrations in blood plasma of goat which consumed the contaminated forages were 8.5026-11.763 mg/L in district Sargodha, 19.77-20.19 mg/L in Mianwali, and 5.508-5.858mg/L in Bhakkar. In blood plasma of sheep, the residual levels of Fe in districts Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakhar were ranged from 9.987 to 12.455, 15.8 to 19.785, and 3.425 to 6.383 mg/L, respectively. This study provides the data of metals effected by different sites and also their mobility from low to higher trophic level which enables us to study the iron toxicity in different trophic levels, and we recommend different safe limits and treatment in case of low and high metal profile.

The integration of geophysical techniques with hydrological investigation is frequently used for solving different geological and environmental problems including groundwater quality and exploration and seismic vulnerability assessment. In this research, the shallow geophysical techniques comprising of electrical resistivity profiling, vertical electrical sounding, and ground magnetic were used to identify the contaminated areas lying in the upstream and downstream of Almisk Lake in Jeddah. The chemical analyses of water samples collected from the wells located in the downstream and upstream areas were used to support these results as an increase in the total dissolved solids (TDS) shows a decrease in the resistivity value. The results of geophysical techniques and hydrochemical analyses show that the TDS values are significantly higher in the upstream area of dam than those of the downstream, which suggests that the contaminating source is lying in the upstream of the reservoir. Moreover, the dam was not completely successful to block the contamination because of improper base. The hydrochemical analysis and geophysical results clearly indicate that the groundwater is not suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes.

Air pollution is very important issue now-a-days. This has affected the components of environment to a great extent. Organisms like animals, plants and human beings are forced to live in such polluted environments. One of the pollution sources to the environment is vehicular traffic which has toxic effect on the roadside plants. In this study, roadside forages, soil and buffalo blood were studied to estimate the level of heavy metal pollution, iron in particular, in Sargodha from six chosen sites at perimeter of major roads. Collected samples were processed and digested for quantification of iron by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Soil and buffalo samples from the site V showed high concentration of iron, whereas in forage, samples collected from site IV had greatest iron concentration. The bio concentration factor found for forage-soil was highest in the samples collected from site IV. On the other hand, bio-concentration factor for blood-forage and pollution load index was found highest in the samples collected from site V. Correlation for soil-forage and blood-forage was found negatively non-significant. The daily intake of metals for iron was found highest for site IV. The Health risk index was highest for the samples collected from site VI.

Presence of hazardous minerals in three major components (soil, forage and buffalo serum) was evaluated for determining extent of metal contamination in Sargodha, Pakistan. Ten soil and forage samples for each season were taken from ten randomly selected sites. 30 grazing buffaloes of �niliravi� breed (calves, non-lactating and lactating) were also sampled randomly from these sites for collection of serum. Heavy metal quantification via atomic absorption spectrophotometry was carried out for selenium, molybdenum and arsenic. Non-significant but positive correlation was found for selenium (Se) concentrations in soil, forage and serum and molybdenum (Mo) concentrations in soil and serum. Negative correlation (p]0.05) was obtained for Mo level between forage-serum and soil-forage which was indicative of molybdenum deficiency in the soil. The results suggested that the heavy metals remained below maximum permissible levels and were non-toxic for the ruminants of the study area.

The groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) mapping is fundamental target in urbanization and socio-economic development as well as environmental protection of an area. The delineation of fresh groundwater and saline water boundaries is a very crucial in water scarcity areas. Conventionally, geophysical survey is conducted for this objective, which is expensive and time consuming. Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan – a part of the Potwar Plateau – belongs to water scare area where sustainable supply of fresh water is very challenging. Remote Sensing (RS)/GIS techniques are applied for GWPZ in the study area comprised of 6,000 km2. Geology, land use/ land cover (LULC), slope, lineament density, geomorphology, rainfall, drainage density, soil type thematic maps were prepared using geological information, rainfall data and Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM DEM). The analytical hierarchical process (AHP) multi-decision making analysis indicate that the weights of multiple parameters influence the GWPZ vary from 0.36–0.02 with LULC receives maximum weightage and soil type with minimum weightage. Based on these thematic maps GWPZ map was prepared and the whole area under investigation was classified into five groundwater potential zones ranging from very poor to very good. The study reveals about 50% of the entire total surface territory having good to very good potential for groundwater prospecting and around 20% area falls in poor to very poor zone. Due to the distribution of surficial, stream deposits and agricultural area with water penetration capacity, the very good GWPZ are dominating in the south and northwestern areas in the research region.

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common surgical problem requiring hospitalization in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. The first UK lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) management guidelines were published in 2019 by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG). We aimed to evaluate self-reported adherence to BSG clinical guidance (CG) within the UK and Ireland.A Questionnaire was designed based on LGIB BSG CG 2019 using Google Forms (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA). This was distributed to surgical consultants and senior surgical practitioners (specialists, Trust grade registrars, and specialist registrars) across different centers in the UK and Ireland over four weeks (13th March to 5th April 2021). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).A total of 64 responses were recorded from 18 different centers in the UK and Ireland. The ratio of consultants and registrars was almost the same (34:30, 53.1%:46.9%). The majority of respondents were from colorectal surgery (65.6%, n=42) followed by general surgeons (23.4%, n=15). A total of 41 respondents (64.1%) admitted that BSG CG 2019 were practically applicable at their center. Approximately 75% of respondents did not use or were unaware of the Shock index or Oakland score to stratify patients. That translated into 59% opting to admit patients with a minor bleed. Around 36% wanted to perform a CT angiogram for a stable major bleed, while 37% were unaware of the interventional radiology (IR) referral pathway.There is patchy adherence to the guidelines leading to significant variations in LGIB management practice and avoidable admissions.

Seismogenic source models are unavoidable and a crucial element in seismic hazard studies. A seismogenic source model for Red sea and surrounding areas was constructed. The source model was built up taking into consideration various scientific data sources and logical opinions. A comprehensive model for Red sea and coastal regions of western Saudi Arabia was generated. This model is based on regional geological and tectonic studies, already published seismogenic source models, historical seismicity, recent seismicity, and finally adding up gravity and magnetic studies to construct the final layout of our model. The evaluation of the resources available led to a conclusion for dividing the study area into 23 seismogenic source zones.

Patients’ satisfaction reporting is important for assessing the quality of care in surgical practice. Post-discharge questionnaire reporting is considered best practice; however, the logistics of this method remains problematic. To examine patient satisfaction response rates prior to and following discharge from the hospital in a general surgery department. Two patient groups were examined: group 1—questionnaires were completed by patients prior to discharge; and group 2—questionnaires were posted to patients following discharge and were advised to return the questionnaire in a given time frame. The questionnaire design was based on the WHO strategy on measuring responsiveness guidelines tailored to a population of surgical patients. Four hundred and fifty patients were examined [group 1 (N = 150); group 2 (N = 300)]). Results from pre- and post-discharge questionnaires were similar in almost all parameters. The response rate dropped significantly in group 2, and the cost was also significantly higher. There were no significant differences in reporting between pre- and post-discharge questionnaire responses. As pre-discharge reporting is more efficient, less costly and has a higher response rate, this should be considered the preferred practice in patient satisfaction assessments.

Background Delayed diagnosis, unnecessary hospital admissions and extended length of stay are the problems associated with inappropriate access to radiological investigations. The acute surgical assessment unit (ASAU) in Limerick has two dedicated ultrasound scan (USS) slots daily to overcome this problem. The aim of the current study was to investigate the clinical impact on patient care and the cost-effectiveness of such an ASAU USS access. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent USS investigation in the ASAU between May and September 2017 was conducted. Demographic, referral source, presenting complaint, and clinical outcome data were obtained from the ASAU Log. USS data was obtained from the National Integrated Medical System (NIMIS). The Integrated Patient Management System (IPMS) and Therefore Case Manager, Therefore 2014(12.0.2) was utilized to check for any discharged ASAU patient re-presenting to the emergency department (ED) within 30 days. Results A total of 102 patients underwent USS investigation during the study period. The most common presenting complaint was epigastric or right upper quadrant pain (55.8%). Eighty-six patients underwent USS on the same day and the majority (51%) were discharged home with appropriate outpatient follow-up. Approximately 26,000 Euros were saved over four months. Post-discharge ED visits in the ASAU discharged group was zero in the 30 days. Conclusion The ASAU USS dedicated slots in University Hospital Limerick has had a significant positive impact on patient diagnostics, surgical admissions rates and streamlining resource allocation. Having dedicated slots for radiological investigations in the ASAU should become standard of care across all healthcare jurisdictions.

Saudi Arabia is mainly characterized by desert landform with arid climate with severe scarcity of water. Groundwater is generally present within alluvial aquifers. In Saudi Arabia, treated and untreated sewage water is generally disposed of in the alluvial aquifers comprising of gravelly and sandy sediments. The disposal of treated and untreated water into alluvial aquifers is changing the groundwater quality of these aquifers to varying extent that rendered it unfit for drinking and irrigation purposes. It is not clear how much change in the groundwater quality takes place as a result of this disposal. This research compares the quality of treated and untreated sewage wastewater to determine its suitability for agriculture purpose. In total thirty three samples were collected from two different sites of Jeddah including 19 samples from Al Misk Lake (untreated sewage) and 14 samples from Wadi Fatima (treated sewage). T test indicates that the concentration of all major ions in treated and untreated sewage wastewater is significantly different (p

The Es1 sandstone is a fruitful hydrocarbon zone of Eocene Shahejie Formation. Therefore, the present study comprises the subsurface facies analysis established on the description of seven wells. Methods include core observation, thin section petrography, scanning electron microscope (SEM), cathodoluminescence (CL), and X-ray diffraction to evaluate the microfacies, lithofacies, and rock characteristics. Two microfacies of lithofacies have been established as sandstone microfacies and mudstone microfacies on the basis of grain size. Among them, sandstone is further divided into four sub-microfacies on the basis of microscopic studies, rock fragments and mineral composition, which are arkose sandstone, lithic arkose, feldspathic litharenite, and litharenite. These microfacies consisting quartz, feldspar as abundant detrital grains followed by rock fragments and micas, whereas calcite, ferro-calcite, quartz overgrowth, and clay are the main cement. The Es1 sandstone consists of good primary porosity and permeability as well as good secondary porosity caused by fracturing and dissolution of unstable minerals that enhance the reservoir quality. Whereas cementation and compaction reduce the reservoir characteristics. Studied formation divided into five lithofacies including conglomerate sandstone lithofacies, medium to coarse-grain sandstone lithofacies, fine sandstone lithofacies, siltstone lithofacies, and mudstone lithofacies. Core observation, sedimentary structures, facies sequences of the well log, and sedimentary composition reveal that Es1 deposited into the lacustrine delta fan depositional environment. Rock grain size indicates that Es1 contains mixtures of grains including pebbles, sand-size as well as minor silt and clay size. Grain size varies from conglomerate to clay size. The Es1 sandstone was deposited in braided river (conglomerates sandstone), channel bar, lacustrine, fluvial channel (massive bedding, cross-bedding, and graded bedding sandstone), deltaic, and flood-plain (siltstone and mudstone) sedimentary environment. It is concluded that higher transport energies in channels deposited coarse-grain sediments in shallowest part of the lake setting. However, the energy decreases towards greater depth which deposited mudstone in central part of the lake.

Upper Cretaceous Kawagarh Formation is well exposed in the Attock Hazara Fold and Thrust Belt (AHFTB) and shows significant lateral and vertical variations in lithology. The present work deals with the sedimentological studies of marl and marly limestone sequence of Kawagarh Formation exposed at the Bagh Neelab, Ghariala north and Sojhanda villages in Northern Kalachitta Range. Detailed petrographic studies of marly limestone and hard marl substrate show that planktons and oysters are the main skeletal constituents of studied samples and clay and detrital quartz mainly composed the non skeletal fraction. X-Ray diffraction analyses of selected marl samples confirm the petrographic data. On the basis of skeletal and non skeletal content, two microfacies—marl microfacies and Planktonic microfacies are constructed. The faunal content, their paleoecology and detrital content of microfacies suggest that marl and marly limestone sequence of Kawagarh Formation was deposited over the mid and outer ramp settings.

The Northern segment of Pakistan, especially Balakot city is affected up to large extent by the landslides. Tectonically, it lies in the proximity of Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis and other two active regional faults: Main Boundary and Hazara Frontal Thrusts that traversing right through the Balakot town. This study focuses on the evaluation of slopes near Balakot town in static and pseudo-static condition. A geological map is produced at 1:24,000 scale to separate various rock and soil units. During reconnaissance study, two slopes were selected which seem prone to sliding. The procured data on condition of natural slope, properties of material entailed, structural setting, and vegetation cover distribution was gathered. Discontinuity Surveys of slopes were carried out to collect discontinuity parameters. Kinematic analyses were performed on DIPS v. 7.0 to assess mode of failures based on joints data. Limit equilibrium analyses were carried out at Slide v. 7.0 to check factor of safety at different conditions. The study concluded that the slopes were affected by the plane, wedge and toppling failures, while although in seismically active zone, circular failure is not likely.

Pre-Cambrian to Paleocene age sedimentary rocks predominantly characterize the fold and thrust belt of eastern Hazara division. The Hazara Slate Formation is the oldest rock unit which represents the Precambrian sequence. The Permian and Triassic sequences are missing. The Jurassic sequence comprises Samana Suk Formation whereas the Cretaceous exposed is Chichali and Lumshiwal formations. The Eocene sequence consists of Nammal and Sakessar formations. The structural fabric of the area is mainly attributed to a series of northwest trending parallel to en echelon anticlines and synclines. Most of these folds are found to be asymmetric and are Northwest facing. Several thrust faults verging both to the north have been mapped that generally dissect the forelimbs of the anticlinal structures. But the following study going to be focus on surface structural features as well as subsurface projections of folds and faults. Study of such structural features has get prime importance in economic geology such as petroleum geology, mining geology and engineering geology. In our study area subsurface projection of folds and faults along the structural transects of the area suggests that these structures have formed as a result of shortening associated with ramping from a regional basal decollement. All the structures clearly demonstrate that the eastern Hazara area has been subjected to compressional deformation/stresses oriented northeast southwest. The repetition of rock units indicates, folding in the area and thrusting of Pre-Cambrian Hazara Formation over younger Paleocene Lockhart Formation, evidence of thrust fault. There are unconformable contacts between Hazara and Samana Suk, Chichali and Lumshiwal, Kawagarh and Hangu and Lockhart formations indicate fluctuation in the environment of deposition. The Bagnotar Fault, Dhamtaur syncline and Thai anticline are the major structural features identified and reported in the study area.

In the present study, the outcome of sewage, canal, and ground water on the chromium (Cr) concentration in corn and ultimately in chicken body parts was reported. To evaluate Cr level, atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer AA 6300, Shimadzu Japan) was used. The highest level of Cr in grains (0.50 ± 0.05 mg/kg), shoots (0.90 ± 0.01 mg/kg), and roots (1.01 ± 0.02 mg/kg) were noticed in the Sadaf variety watered with canal water. The least concentration of Cr was recorded in grains (0.07 ± 0.01 mg/kg), shoots (0.59 ± 0.01 mg/kg), and roots (0.71 ± 0.01 mg/kg) of Pearl variety irrigated with ground water. The maximum concentration of chromium in the blood (1.68 ± 0.02 mg/kg) and bones (1.26 ± 0.24 mg/kg) was observed in chicks fed on Millet Research Institute (MMRI) grains reared with the sewage water. The lowest concentration was observed in the blood (1.60 ± 0.04 mg/kg) and in bone (0.80 ± 0.01 mg/kg) of the chicks fed Pearl variety grains reared with canal water. In the second experiment, the maximum content of Cr was determined in the blood (0.74 ± 0.04 mg/kg) and bones (1.76 ± 0.02 ppm) of chicks consuming Sadaf variety grains reared with canal water and the least concentration in the blood (0.26 ± 0.03 mg/kg) and bones (1.64 ± 0.01 mg/kg) was determined on the consumption of the Pearl variety grains reared with ground water. A similar trend was observed in other body organs. It was concluded that polluted water causes higher accumulation levels of Cr in plant parts and even in animals' body parts after the utilization of such plants.

In current study an attempt is carried out by filling missing data of geopotiential height over Pakistan and identifying the optimum method for interpolation. In last thirteen years geopotential height values over were missing over Pakistan. These gaps are tried to be filled by interpolation Techniques. The techniques for interpolations included Bilinear interpolations [BI], Nearest Neighbor [NN], Natural [NI] and Inverse distance weighting [IDW]. These imputations were judged on the basis of performance parameters which include Root Mean Square Error [RMSE], Mean Absolute Error [MAE], Correlation Coefficient [Corr] and Coefficient of Determination [R2]. The NN and IDW interpolation Imputations were not precise and accurate. The Natural Neighbors and Bilinear interpolations immaculately fitted to the data set. A good correlation was found for Natural Neighbor interpolation imputations and perfectly fit to the surface of geopotential height. The root mean square error [maximum and minimum] values were ranges from ±5.10 to ±2.28 m respectively. However mean absolute error was near to 1. The validation of imputation revealed that NN interpolation produced more accurate results than BI. It can be concluded that Natural Interpolation was the best suited interpolation technique for filling missing data sets from AQUA satellite for geopotential height.

Multichannel analysis of surface waves is a noninvasive technique for subsurface shear wave velocity imagining. This method is one of the most effective geophysical tools for geotechnical investigations. In this paper, we present multichannel surface wave data acquisition in a non-conventional manner in alluvium deposits. Fixed receiver and multi-source offset geometry were applied to obtain field data. The data processing comprised of generating CMP cross-correlated traces and then inversion to obtain dispersion curves. The inversion of dispersion curves is achieved by employing a genetic algorithm to obtain subsurface shear wave velocity. Finally, the one-dimensional shear wave models are obtained. The multi-source offset data acquisition with fixed receiver geometry technique in combination with CMP cross-correlation gathers for data processing worked in a quite efficient way to obtain subsurface shear wave model.

The relative humidity in the atmosphere captured by AQUA satellite contains missing matrices. In order to fill such missing values four very popular imputation techniques: Bilinear, Inverse Distance Weighting, Natural Neighbor and Nearest Interpolations were tested. Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Coefficient of Determination (R2) and Correlation Coefficient (Corr), were used to check the accuracy of these interpolations. It was found that the Inverse Distance Weighting and Nearest Interpolation were proved not to be suited. Natural interpolation gave accurate results than the aforementioned two interpolations. Missing values of relative humidity were accurately refilled with Bilinear Interpolation. This interpolation produced RMSE of ±0.543 for relative humidity over 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500 hPa while for 600, 700, 850 and 925 hPa RMSE remainnear to 1. A perfect fit to the surface and very strong correlation (value near to 0.99) was found between actual and imputed relative humidity data through Bilinear Interpolation. Therefore it was concluded that the Bilinear Interpolation is the most accurate and best imputation for missing values of relative humidity form 100 to 1000 hPa levels.

This paper follows a deductive approach for the assessment of squeezing potential along 2.84-km-long headrace tunnel situated in Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. The assessment was made with the combination of empirical, semi-analytical and analytical approaches followed by a numerical simulation. The rock masses along the tunnel were classified as poor-quality rock using tunneling quality index (Q system) and geological strength index (GSI) based on the discontinuity survey data. Two sections of 200 m stretch of the tunnel were identified to be affected by squeezing based on empirical and semi-analytical approaches available in the literature. The detailed analyses of these sections were carried out by an analytical approach such as convergence confinement method (CCM) after Carranza-Torres and Fairhurst, while RS2 (rock and soil 2D) was utilized for numerical modeling. Apart from these sections, a non-squeezing section was also analyzed by employing empirical and semi-analytical approaches available in the literature, as a representative for the whole non-squeezing length of the tunnel. The squeezing prediction criteria showed minor squeezing for tunnel section 0 + 600 m to 0 + 800 m. Detailed squeezing analysis was executed for three sections analytically and support pressure was also estimated using CCM and RS2 modeling. Both analytical and numerical approaches, considering the rock mass to be an elastic material, gave identical results, that is, about 0.5% convergence. While considering the rock mass as a plastic material, both analytical method and RS2 gave higher value of convergence.

The Acute Surgical Assessment Unit (ASAU) in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has provided a solution to overcrowding and long waiting times since centralization of emergency services to UHL. Recognising the importance of its evolving role, the ASAU in UHL has recently undergone a major revamp to ease the pressure in the overcrowded emergency department (ED). This included a new purpose state-of-the-art-built unit and equipment, improved staffing levels and use of a Kaizen Lean system to identify key area of delays and inefficiency with subsequent implementation of suggestions derived after Kaizen Lean. Patient satisfaction reporting was analysed in the older building and subsequently in the new site post Kaizen Lean to complete a closed-loop audit. The aim of the study was to examine patient satisfaction response rates with the ASAU prior to and following Kaizen Lean implementation and transfer to a new purpose-built unit. The survey comprised of two phases. In phase 1, 100 questionnaires were distributed to patients in ASAU (older building, pre-Kaizen Lean). In phase 2, the survey was repeated (100 patients) after Kaizen Lean implementation and transfer to the new state-of-the-art unit. Questionnaire design was based on WHO strategy on responsiveness measurement guidelines and was tailored to a population of surgical patients. Results were analysed using IBM SPSS, version 21 and Excel 2013. Two hundred questionnaires were analysed. Implementation of suggestions derived post Kaizen Lean translated into improved resource usage with reduced waiting time to be seen by nurses and doctors. Patients had better awareness about their treatment plan and planned next steps in the management. Satisfaction across different domains, perceptions of privacy and overall treatment were also improved. A Kaizen Lean approach improved the transition of an ASAU to a new purpose-built unit and further improved overall patient satisfaction with services of the ASAU.

Utilization of high-performance and highly reactive sustainable materials in concrete are gaining popularity nowadays for the development of strong, durable and sustainable infrastructures. Therefore, current study focuses on viable use of highly reactive silica extracted from rice husk ash (RHA) for the production of high-performance sustainable cement mortar. Mortar containing various percentages of extracted micro-silica (EMS) as a partial substitute of cement (5%, 15%, and 25%) were cast to test fresh as well as hardened properties, and compare its results to that of control mortar. Test results showed that the standard consistency increased with increasing percentage of EMS, whereas, a delay in the setting time was observed. The compressive and flexural strengths of all mortar mixes containing EMS were improved with aging and an effective role played by EMS in mitigating the expansion caused by the alkali–silica reaction was observed. However, a slight reduction of strength at later ages was observed in mortar having 25% EMS. At relatively low addition of EMS (5% and 15%), micro- and pore structural investigations revealed the formation of improved high-density C-S-H phases, which aid the formation of refined and homogenous microstructures. The agglomeration was observed through micro- and pore structural investigations in high dosage EMS mortars that occurred due to the oversaturation and poor dispersion, which consequently affected the hydration products and increased the porosity of the paste matrix. The current findings suggest that the reactive silica resource extracted from RHA can be used as a potential revenue stream in concrete industry for the development of high-performance and sustainable cement mortar.

Coal is the vital source of energy in world and is a burnable brownish black or black sedimentary rock contemporary in the rock strata in form of layers; thickness of layers may vary. It is available in all over the world in large quantities and can be extracted to be utilized as energy-producing source to fulfill the energy demand. There are two modes of mining: (a) surface or open pit mining and (b) underground mining. The method of excavation adopted depends on a number of factors including depth of deposition and inclination angle of the coal seam. The workers involved in this operation are prone to more risk than the workers who are involved in other operations. Miners face numerous problems in the process of underground coal extraction such as high temperature, humidity, coal and silica dusts, harmful gases, the rock stresses, and the disturbance due to extraction that causes failures. These problems cause injuries, multifatalities, and major asset losses until precautions are taken to control these problems. Coal mine failures are affected by various factors such as geological and structural parameters. The in situ conditions of the rocks in the coal mines are disturbed due to excavation and extraction of coal. In order to stabilize the roof as well as walls of the coal mines, different techniques are used. The most common techniques of supports in coal mines include can support, pump-able roof support, cluster prop, timber support, prop, shotcrete, wire mash, and rock bolts.

Levels of Mo, As, Se, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb were determined in a vegetable commonly consumed in Pakistan. Samples were collected from three different sites (Ratokala, Phularwan, and Mailowal) supplied with three different water sources. Mo and Pb in water and Mo and As in C. sativum were higher than the suggested standards at the international level. Lower bioconcentration factor and pollution load index were seen at Site-I than at other sites. A positive association was found between the rhizosphere metals and those of the vegetable at all three sites. Enrichment factor at three sites ranged from 0.28 to 10.39. The highest value of daily intake of metals was found for Fe (0.245 mg/kg/day) and of the health risk index for As (70.41) at the wastewater inundated site. It is inferred that uptake of Mo, As, Cu, Ni, and Pb through C. sativum represents a high health danger to the individuals using this vegetable.

The present research was conducted in district Jhang, Pakistan, to evaluate the concentration of metals/metalloids in soil and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) irrigated with domestic wastewater. Data revealed that the levels of metals and metalloids in soil samples from two different sites were below the safe limits except Cd, whereas, in the vegetable, the concentrations of As, Se, Ni, Mo, Pb, Mn, and Cu were above the safe limits. The levels of 12 metals and metalloids in the soil were ranged between 0.14 to 22.76 mg/kg at site-I and 0.16 to 22.13 mg/kg at site-II. The levels of these metals in the vegetable were found 0.35 to 61.13 mg/kg at site-I and 0.31 to 53.63 mg/kg at site-II. The transfer factor at both sites was highest for As and Co. The pollution load index recorded for Se, Cu, Cd, Mo, Pb, and Co was greater than 1. The daily intake of As, Mn, and Mo was above the oral reference dose, which reflects that the intake of pumpkin is not safe for the inhabitants of the selected sites. The contr...

Recent studies report incidence of colorectal (CRC) in younger adults (50 years old) is increasing, and these patients are more likely to present with advanced disease. We performed a population-based analysis of these trends in an Irish population.A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients with histologically confirmed CRC in Ireland, using data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) [1994-2012, inclusive]. Trends in age-adjusted CRC incidence and stage at presentation were tabulated. Total and average age-adjusted annual percentage change (APC) in CRC rates were calculated using regression analysis, with age adjusted to the European standard population for trend analysis.A total of 39,528 cases were included. Throughout the entire study period the most common age of presentation was 70-79 years (32.5%, n = 12 829) with Stage II (27.5%, n = 10 851) CRC. Overall, an increase in incidence of CRC of 2.1% was observed. A significantly increased incidence in patients aged 20-29 years (APC = 9.17%; total change = 4.2%; p = 0.003) was identified from 1994 to 2012. Overall, in patients50 years, the incidence of stage I colorectal cancer at presentation significantly reduced from 23.5% to 11.6% (p = 0.01). This was associated with a significant parallel rise in stage IV disease (11%-23%, p = 0.02) in this age group.Increasing incidence of CRC in younger patient groups is observed in an Irish population, with an increase in advanced staged disease at presentation seen. Further studies should focus on identifying causality for this trend and identify potential targets for prevention going forward.

Rock physics is a significant tool to describe lithologic characteristics of subsurface rock units. In the present study, seismic lines have been used to depict lithologic characteristics of Khewra Sandstone. Interval velocity was used to calculate elastic parameters. The study revealed that Vp/Vs ratio contour values indicate mixing of shale content increases and overall lithology is not clean sandstone. Bulk density indicates water saturation. Bulk modulus values and shear modulus range below typical sandstones.

In the present study, levels of trace metals in two commonly consumed vegetables (Spinacia oleracea and Brassica campestris) were assessed. Both vegetables are cultivated in a semi-arid area which receives effluents from various sources. Leafy parts and tender stems are used for human consumption as well as for farm animals as a source of nourishment. However, the aim of the present study was to appraise the concentrations of trace metals in different tissues of both vegetables at the time of harvesting when they become accessible to the humans. The analysis showed that mean trace metal levels in the stem of S. oleracea showed the highest bioconcentration of Zn (25.43 mg kg−1), while in the stem (28.56 mg kg−1) and roots (22.40 mg kg−1), Fe level was the highest. In case of B. campestris, Fe level was highest (18.45 mg kg−1) in the stems. Copper (Cu) has the highest bioconcentration factor values (BF = 1.030) in the stem of B. campestris, whereas Mn (BF = 0.010) was the least accumulated element in the leaves and roots of B. campestris. Collectively, bioconcentration of trace metals in plant tissues exceeded the standard values set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency. So, the vegetables cultivated in effluent-impacted areas may stance a potential public health risk for end-consumers.