Barrier knock-down weir as an alternative technology for irrigation

Sand bags are one of the technologies still widely used to elevate water level. The sand bags are arranged in order to dam the river flow and to irrigate agricultural land, especially during the dry season. In line with its utilization, water supply of this technology is still less effective, thus, alternative technology is needed. This study aimed to test Barrier Knock-Down as an alternative technology that can be assembled and stored. This study was a quantitative research conducted by testing the prototypes. The tests were carried out using a monitor instrument Diver, piezometer. The tests of comparison were conducted in 4 types: Type 1, it was an L shape filled with sand+water; Type 2 was I shape filled with sand+water; Type 3 was an I shape filled with water; Type 4 was in an L shape filled with water. From the results of the study, type 1 is the best method for weir irrigation technology because of its ability to resist vertical and horizontal force than other types. Type 1-an L shape filled with sand+water with the value of safety factor rolling stability 5,28 and shear stability 2,23. Experiment result a stable elevation value in weir, did not experience a shift.

AVALIAÇÃO DAS CONSEQUÊNCIAS DO GALGAMENTO COSTEIRO DE 10/11 DE DEZEMBRO DE 2013 NA FRENTE URBANA DO CONCE-LHO DE SANTA CRUZ, ILHA DA MADEIRA

The expansion and consolidation of urban areas along the coast lead to the exposure of a large number of anthropic elements to sea storm events. It is with the aim of identifying and classifying the consequences of coastal overtopping that we analyse the recent storm surge of 10/11 December of 2013 which affected the urban coastal fringe of the city of Santa Cruz, on the south coast of Madeira Island. Therefore, the atmospheric conditions of wind intensity and atmospheric pressure are analysed and is characterised the direction of the waves and their maximum height, as well as the tide variation. After the oceanographic and meteorological characterization, it´s identified and evaluated the structural damage on the coastal zone and classified the functional consequences on the port structures affected by overtopping. The quantitative analysis of atmospheric and oceanographic data supports that this overtopping is a green water type resulting from an extratropical storm arising from the rapid reduction of atmospheric pressure and an average wind velocity of 30 km/h, affecting approximately 1600 meters of the coastal area of Santa Cruz. The qualitative analysis of the consequences shows that the port structures suffered severe to catastrophic consequences and dysfunction of their normal activities. The most affected areas are at the extremes of the urban front, registering reduced to insignificant consequences, in the intermediate area. Thus, it shows areas of greatest exposure, and areas that had presented seriously to severe damages, which can be highlighted in future episodes.

Characteristic Evaluation of Various Formulations of Anti-Aging Cream from Carotenoid Extract of Bacterial Symbiont Virgibacillus salarius Strain 19.PP.Sc1.6

Premature aging can be triggered by free radicals from UV rays, since exposure to these rays can cause the skin to experience oxidative stress. Oxidative stress induces intracellular DNA damage, protein denaturation, and lipid peroxidation that lead to cell death. However, cell death can be prevented with antioxidants such as carotenoids, which are among the potential natural compounds for its treatment. Sources of carotenoids include microbial symbionts associated with Sinularia sp., one of which is the bacterium Virgibacillus salarius strain 19.PP.Sc1.6, a carotenoid-producing bacteria. This study aims to explore the utilization of carotenoids from the bacterium V. salarius strain 19.PP.Sc1.6 for the preparation of anti-aging creams. Furthermore, the method employed three formulations (vs, ow, and wo) containing different types of cream tested for stability, and antioxidant and sunscreen abilities. The results obtained established that the carotenoid extract from V. salarius strain 19.PP.Sc1.6 was more stable in the cream vs. the oil-in-water type cream with an anionic emulsifier.

Hydrogeochemical Investigation of Elevated Arsenic Based on Entropy Modeling, in the Aquifers of District Sanghar, Sindh, Pakistan

Arsenic (As) contamination in drinking groundwater is a common environmental problem in Pakistan. Therefore, sixty-one groundwater samples were collected from various groundwater sources in District Sanghar, Sindh province, Pakistan, to understand the geochemical behavior of elevated As in groundwater. Statistical summary showed the cations and anions abundance in decreasing order of Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3−. Arsenic was found with low to high concentration levels ranging from 5 µg to 25 µg/L with a mean value of 12.9 µg/L. A major water type of groundwater samples was mixed with NaCl and CaHCO3 type, interpreting the hydrochemical behavior of rock–water interaction. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed the mixed anthropogenic and natural sources of contamination in the study area. Moreover, rock weathering and exchange of ions controlled the hydrochemistry. Chloro-alkaline indices revealed the dominance of the reverse ion exchange mechanism in the region. The entropy water quality index (EWQI) exposed that 17 samples represent poor water, and 11 samples are not suitable for drinking.

Heatwaves and Health Risks in the Northern Part of Senegal: Analysing the Distribution of Temperature Related Diseases and Associated Risk Factors

Backgrond: The Sahelian zone of Senegal is marked by heatwave events due to temperatures increase especially in 2013 exceeding 45 ° C with an impact on morbidity and mortality rise. In order to document health impacts of recurrent extreme temperatures in this part of the country, a study was carried out combining heatwaves detection, occurrence of climate-sensitive diseases and risk factors for exposure. Methods To do this, a set of climatic (temperatures) and health (morbidity, mortality) data were collected for April, May and June season from 2009 to 2019. These data were complemented by surveys on exposure risk factors of 1246 households. Statistical methods were used to carry out univariate and bivariate analyzes while cartographic techniques allowed visualization of the main climatic and health indicators. Results The results show an increase in temperatures compared to seasonal normal for the 1971-2000 reference period with threshold exceedances of the 90th percentiles (42°C) for the maxima and (27°C) the minima and higher temperatures during the months of May and June. From health perspective, it was noted an increase in cases of consultation on health facilities as well as a rise in declared morbidity by households especially in the departments of Kanel (17.7%), Ranérou (16.1%), Matam (13.7%) and Bakel (13.7%). The heatwaves of May 2013 were also associated with cases of death with a reported mortality (observed by medical staff) of 12.4% unevenly distributed according to the departments with a higher number of deaths in Matam (25, 2%) and in Bakel (23.5%) than in Podor (8.4%) and Kanel (0.8%). The morbidity and mortality distribution according to gender shows that women (57%) were more affected than men (43%). These health risks have been associated with a number of factors including age, access to drinkable water, type of fuel, type of housing and construction materials, existence of fan, an air conditioner, health antecedents, etc. Conclusion The heatwaves recurrence has led to an upsurge in certain diseases sensitive to rising temperatures, which is increasingly a public health issue in the Sahelian zone of Senegal.

Phytochemical and Antibacterial Analysis of the Formulated Cream of Black Cumin Honey

This study reports the bioactive compound of black cumin honey and investigates the antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. HPLC and GC-MS methods were used to analyze the bioactive compounds of the black cumin honey. The formulated cream of black cumin honey was prepared in an oil-in-water type cream with various concentrations of 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% (w/w). Antibacterial effects against Propionibacterium acnes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were examined by the disc diffusion method. Physical stability of formulated cream included organoleptic, homogeneity, and pH measurement test. The result of GC-MS analysis of black cumin honey showed 25 compounds: organic fatty acids, saccharides, and amino acid. HPLC analysis of flavonoid content showed quercetin as the bioactive compound at a concentration of 0.223 mg/g. Disc diffusion analysis showed great inhibitory potential against P. acnes and P. aeruginosa in 30% concentration with d = 11.2 mm and 10.8 mm, respectively. It can be concluded that the formulated cream of black cumin honey showed a great potential application as antibacterial agents of P. acnes and P. aeruginosa.

Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Selected Springs Water in Aqra Area, Duhok Governorate, Northern Iraq

Fifteen spring water samples were collected from the study area, to identify its quality, as well as the prevailing water type in it. samples were analyzed to determine the concentrations of main cations Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+, and anions HCO3-, SO42-, Cl- and NO3-, as well as investigating the physio-chemical properties represented by Hydrogen Number, Electrical Conductivity, and Total Dissolved Solids. Piper classification demonstrated that all samples are of type normal earth alkaline water with prevailing bicarbonate with a percentage of 79.9% of all the samples, except for SP4, SP9, and SP11, which characterized with normal alkaline water with prevailing bicarbonate and sulfate or chloride with a percentage of 19.9%. The results of the analysis showed a prevalence of calcium ions over the rest of the cations followed by Mg2+, Na+, and K+, and a prevalence of HCO3- ion over the rest of the anions followed by NO3-, Cl-, and SO42-. The water quality index showed that all samples are categorized within the excellent type for drinking, with a range of 3.14-29.94. In addition, several classifications used (Eaton, 1950, Turgeon, 2000 and Don, 1995) demonstrated that the water is of excellent type to use for irrigation with Na%=2.51, Sodium Adsorption Ratio=0.08, and RSC=-1.65. Using Wilcox Diagram for irrigation water; show that all samples are within the domain of the excellent water for irrigation.

Shallow Groundwater Quality Assessment and Its Suitability Analysis for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes

For shallow groundwater, hydrogeochemical processes and quality assessment must be addressed because shallow groundwater is freely available in many parts of the globe. Due to recent anthropogenic activities and environmental changes in Sakrand, Sindh, Pakistan, the groundwater is extremely vulnerable. To provide safe drinking and agricultural water, hydrogeochemical analysis is required. Ninety-five groundwater samples were analyzed using agricultural and drinking indices to determine the hydrogeochemical parameters using multivariate analysis such as Pearson correlations, principal component cluster analysis, as well as Piper diagrams and Gibbs plot for drinking and agricultural indices. An abundance of ions was observed through the statistical summary; however, cations and anions were recorded in the orders Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > NO3− > F−. The hydrogeochemical process used to quantify the major reactions occurring in the groundwater system showed rock dominance; the Piper diagrams evaluated the water type. A mixed pattern of calcium, magnesium, and chloride ions (Ca2+−Mg2+−Cl− type) was observed. Additionally, the ion exchange method showed an excess of bicarbonate ions due to carbonic acid weathering. The water quality index (WQI) resulted 32.6% of groundwater being unsuitable for human consumption; however, the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram showed 60% of samples fall in the irrigable category and the Wilcox diagram depicted 5% of samples lying in the unsuitable region. Most of the water samples were suitable for drinking; only a few samples were unsafe for drinking purposes for children due to the high hazard index. High salinity meant some samples were unsuitable for irrigation.

Review of the Hydrogeological Controls on Coalbed Methane (CBM) and Development Trends

Hydrogeological conditions can control the generation, preservation, enrichment, and production of coalbed methane (CBM) in the field; however, research on these impacts is insufficient, resulting in the limitation of the development of coalbed methane. This paper summarizes the current research status and development trends of the effect of hydrogeology on CBM using methods such as mathematical statistics, literature analysis, well logging, and hydrochemical analysis. The results indicate that it is beneficial for the generation of secondary biogenic gases in low-rank coal seams under the situations like active hydrodynamic conditions with a salinity less than 1000 mg/L, a pH range from 5.9 to 8.8, or a range of oxidation-reduction potential from -540 mV to -590 mV. The abnormally high temperature due to the magmatic-hydrothermal fluids accelerates the metamorphism of coal rocks, leading to the promotion of the generation of thermogenic gases. When the coalbed structural conditions of one area are similar to the depositional conditions in that area, the CBM is accumulated if the conditions of that area meet the following criteria: the water type is NaHCO3, the salinity is greater than 1500 mg/L, the desulfurization coefficient is less than 1, and the sodium-chloride coefficient is less than 10. The stable isotope analysis of CBM well-produced water shows that the δD values in the groundwater shift to the left of the global meteoric water line, indicating that the produced water comes from atmospheric precipitation. In the CBM enrichment zone, the area with a relatively high salinity and a low sodium-chloride coefficient is the high-production area. Based on our study, three high CBM-production patterns are summarized: coalbed structure-hydraulic trapping, fold limb-fracture development, and syncline core-water stagnation. Additionally, four development trends of the control of hydrogeology on CBM are proposed: transformation from qualitative evaluation to quantitative evaluation, from a singular evaluation standard to multiple evaluation standards, from static evaluation to dynamic evaluation, and from pure theoretical research to theoretical guidance on production practices.