Classification of Water Turbidity and Depth of Secchi Disk using Convolutional Neural Network

Among the important parameters in water quality, are the amount of turbidity and the depth of light penetration in water. One common way to determine water turbidity is to use a Secchi disk, but this method is time-consuming and expensive, so an alternative method should be considered. Deep learning methods can play an important role in this field. The purpose of this study was to classify water quality based on turbidity and Secchi disk depth using a convolutional neural network method implemented in a Python programming environment. For this purpose, a simulated reservoir was used in the laboratory and the turbidity was increased step by step by increasing the clay in the reservoir water. Simultaneously with measuring the depth of the Secchi disk and water turbidity, the samples were imaged. These images were given to the convolutional neural network together with the obtained data. The results showed that the convolutional neural network with 300 epochs, can estimate the water quality class with 95% accuracy and 93% kappa statistic, and it has only a 5% error rate

Removal of Arsenic (III, V) from aqueous solution by nanoscale zero-valent iron stabilized with starch and carboxymethyl cellulose

In this work, synthetic nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) stabilized with two polymers, Starch and Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were examined and compared for their ability in removing As (III) and As (V) from aqueous solutions as the most promising iron nanoparticles form for arsenic removal. Batch operations were conducted with different process parameters such as contact time, nanoparticles concentration, initial arsenic concentration and pH. Results revealed that starch stabilized particles (S-nZVI) presented an outstanding ability to remove both arsenate and arsenite and displayed ~ 36.5% greater removal for As (V) and 30% for As (III) in comparison with CMC-stabilized nanoparticles (C-nZVI). However, from the particle stabilization viewpoint, there is a clear trade off to choosing the best stabilized nanoparticles form. Removal efficiency was enhanced with increasing the contact time and iron loading but reduced with increasing initial As (III, V) concentrations and pH. Almost complete removal of arsenic (up to 500 μg/L) was achieved in just 5 min when the S-nZVI mass concentration was 0.3 g/L and initial solution pH of 7 ± 0.1. The maximum removal efficiency of both arsenic species was obtained at pH = 5 ± 0.1 and starched nanoparticles was effective in slightly acidic and natural pH values. The adsorption kinetics fitted well with pseudo-second-order model and the adsorption data obeyed the Langmuir equation with a maximum adsorption capacity of 14 mg/g for arsenic (V), and 12.2 mg/g for arsenic (III). It could be concluded that starch stabilized Fe(0) nanoparticles showed remarkable potential for As (III, V) removal from aqueous solution e.g. contaminated water

Arsenic Exposure, Dermatological Lesions, Hypertension, and Chromosomal Abnormalities among People in a Rural Community of Northwest Iran

Chronic exposure to arsenic compounds is one of the major public-health problems in many developing and some developed countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to arsenic on dermatological lesions, hypertension, and chromosomal abnormalities among people in a community in the northwest of Iran. The occurrence of dermatological lesions, hypertension, and chromosomal abnormalities was investigated in two groups: Ghopuz village, including 101 subjects with chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking-water and Mayan village, including 107 subjects with no exposure. Daily/yearly absorbed amounts of arsenic were calculated for all subjects. Cumulative arsenic index for each individual was then estimated on the basis of age, water consumption, and location of residence. Arsenic concentration in drinking-water sources in Ghopuz and Mayan villages was 1031±1103 μg/L and non-detectable respectively. The mean systolic blood pressure in the exposure group [n=137, 95% confidence interval (CI 132–142)] was significantly higher than that in the control group (n=107, 95% CI 99.9–114). A similar significant difference was observed for diastolic blood pressure (exposed: n=82, 95% CI 79–85 vs non-exposed: n=71, 95% CI 66–75). The incidence of hyperkeratosis was 34 times higher among the exposure group compared to the control subjects [odds ratio (OR)=34, p<0.001)]. A significant difference was also observed in the occurrence of skin-pigmentation between the two groups (OR=2.4, p<0.007). Location and severity of the pigmentations were statistically different between the two groups. Twenty-five percent of the subjects in the exposure group showed chromosomal abnormalities (p=0.05). Arsenic exposure was a serious health problem in the region. More studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects and dose-response relationship of arsenic in the region and similar areas. Wide-ranging monitoring programmes for drinking-water sources should be implemented by public-health authorities

Exercise increases markers of spermatogenesis in rats selectively bred for low running capacity

The oxidative stress effect of exercise training on testis function is under debate. In the present study we used a unique rat model system developed by artificial selection for low and high intrinsic running capacity (LCR and HCR, respectively) to evaluate the effects of exercise training on apoptosis and spermatogenesis in testis. Twenty-four 13-month-old male rats were assigned to four groups: control LCR (LCR-C), trained LCR (LCR-T), control HCR (HCR-C), and trained HCR (HCR-T). Ten key proteins connecting aerobic exercise capacity and general testes function were assessed, including those that are vital for mitochondrial biogenesis. The VO2 max of LCR-C group was about 30% lower than that of HCR-C rats, and the SIRT1 levels were also significantly lower than HCR-C. Twelve weeks of training significantly increased maximal oxygen consumption in LCR by nearly 40% whereas HCR remained unchanged. LCR-T had significantly higher levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1alpha), decreased levels of reactive oxygen species and increased acetylated p53 compared to LCR-C, while training produced no significant changes for these measures in HCR rats. BAX and Blc-2 were not different among all four groups. The levels of outer dense fibers -1 (Odf-1), a marker of spermatogenesis, increased in LCR-T rats, but decreased in HCR-TR rats. Moreover, exercise training increased the levels of lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC) only in LCR rats. These data suggest that rats with low inborn exercise capacity can increase whole body oxygen consumption and running exercise capacity with endurance training and, in turn, increase spermatogenesis function via reduction in ROS and heightened activity of p53 in testes

Investigating the Nexus of Energy and Carbon Footprint in a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant with Activated Sludge Process (Conventional)

In Iran, little attention has been paied to the nexus of energy and carbon footprint in wastewater treatment plants. The main goal of the current research is to investigate this issue in a municipal wastewater treatment plant with a conventional activated sludge (conventional). While studying the quantity and quality of wastewater, direct and indirect emissions were calculated based on the operation of the treatment plant and the amount of electricity consumption using emission coefficients. An average of 6,192,000 m3 of wastewater is treated annually in this treatment plant. The average BOD5 and COD removed are 274.6 and 467.9 mg/L, respectively. On average, 0.3623 ± 0.081 kWh/m3 of energy is consumed for treated wastewater, which is equivalent to 2241.5 MWh per year. As much as 94.6% of energy is consumed by pumps and surface aerators. Considering BOD removed, the direct greenhouse gas emissions are on average 2338.2 tCO2e/year and the indirect emissions due to electricity consumption are 2603 to 4665 tCO2e/year. Old design and lack of up-to-date equipment are factors that increase energy consumption and carbon footprint emission. The low tariff of electricity in the wastewater treatment plant (agricultural tariff) has made the issue of saving energy consumption less of a priority. It is necessary to pay attention to the reduction of electricity consumption, especially in the reactive mode, with the necessary modifications. It seems essential to conduct an energy audit in the existing treatment plants and pay attention to the nexus between energy and carbon footprint

Effects of Face-To-Face and Online Training on Self-Care of Middle-Aged and Elderly People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND: Self-care training is one of the strategies used to control diabetes. There is some ambiguity about the appropriate method for educating middle-aged and older adults about self-care. AIM: This study aimed to compare the effects of face-to-face and online training on self-care levels in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a randomised clinical trial, 84 middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes who had been referred to the Diabetes Clinic of Esfarayen in Iran, were evaluated. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into two groups. Diabetes self-care education (DSCE) was provided using a face-to-face training method in one group and using online training method in the other group. The summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA) questionnaire was completed at baseline and 1 month after training. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of self-care scores before and 1 month after training were 43.16 ± 14.94 and 65.76 ± 10.65 in the face-to-face training group, and 37 ± 10.75 and 56.82 ± 12.06 in the online training group, respectively. The differences in the self-care scores were significant both before and after the intervention in the two groups (p &lt; 0.05). Although the difference was greater in the face-to-face training group than in the online training group, it was not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both face-to-face and online training had a similar effect on the self-care levels in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, both training methods could be used as effective techniques to meet the needs and educational requirements of middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes

Sulfur dioxide emissions in Iran and environmental impacts of sulfur recovery plant in Tabriz Oil Refinery

Background: Combustion of fossil fuels contributes to sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. To deal with this issue, the government of Iran has appointed the oil refineries to upgrade their installations and produce high quality fuels. Thus, this study investigated the status of SO2 emissions in Iran and the capability of advanced technologies to control SO2 emissions. Methods: The status of SO2 emissions was reviewed and discussed through national online reports. Meanwhile, the environmental impacts of sulfur recovery and tail gas treatment (TGT) plant (STP) were assessed by applying rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) for implementation and nonimplementation alternatives in Tabriz Oil Refinery Company (TORC). Results: SO2 emissions have been increased by 2.1 times during 2004-2014 in Iran. Power plants and transportation play a significant role in this regard and overall contribute 82% of emissions. Among the other fossil fuels, fuel oil and gasoil account for 95% of SO2 emissions. Based on the environmental impact assessments (EIAs), sulfur recovery management and enhancing sulfur removal efficiency from flue gas up to 99.9% are two main positive environmental aspects of STP project that would enable TORC to prevent 87 600 tons of SO2 emissions, annually. Nevertheless, flue gas and sour gas streams which have been determined as probable pollution sources of process, should be managed through proper monitoring framework. Conclusion: The increasing trend of SO2 emissions and significant role of fuel oil and gasoil has required Iranian oil refineries to enhance the quality of fuels by employing clean and cost-effective technologies. Keywords: Air pollution, Fossil fuels, Oil and gas industry, Environmental assessment, Tabri

The Comparison between Acute Effect of Citrullin Malate Different Doses on Aerobic and Anaerobic Power as Well as Lactate and Blood Urea Level in Young Soccer Players

Background: It has been suggested that citrulline malate (CM) is one of the effective supplements to improve exercise performance and fatigue resistance. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of consumption of CM at various doses on aerobic power, anaerobic power, as well as plasma levels of lactate and urea in young soccer players. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, performed at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2018), through targeted sampling, 40 trained young soccer players with were selectively classified into 4 homogenized groups based on their Vo2max value including low dose (LD) (4g), medium dose (MD) (8g), high dose (HD) (12g), and sugar solution control (C). The supplements were taken slowly within 15 minutes 1 hour prior to the tests. Then, the yoyo recovery test-level 1 and the Repeated-Sprint Ability (RSA) were used to evaluate their aerobic and anaerobic capacity, respectively. Blood biomarkers were also measured in the first 10 seconds after RSA test. Further, one-way ANOVA test was employed for data analysis. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The results showed that among the groups, the higher and lower values belonged to (respectively) Vo2max in HD and LD (51.13±6.22, 47.62±4.16), for RSA in HD and MD (34.11±6.34, 30.11±5.6), for urea in HD and LD (4.64±1.3, 4.16±1.46) and for lactate in C and MD (107.27±5.08, 103.66±7.34) groups (mean±S.D), respectively. There was no significant association between the groups for VO2 max value, RSA records as well as plasma levels of urea and lactate in response to taking different doses of CM (Pvalue&gt;0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated that acute supplementation of CM at different doses did not affect aerobic and anaerobic power, or blood levels of lactate and urea

Multi-Criteria Evaluation of the Vulnerability of the Urban Water Supply Network Against Biological Attacks

The water supply network is one of the most critical infrastructures of human societies, which could cause illness or death in many consumers due to its expanding nature. Water pollution is one of the ways of spreading biological pollutants among the population, which is known as bioterrorism today. Biological contamination usually occurs with the use of pathogens and biotoxins. Therefore, recognizing the vulnerable stages of the water supply network against various pollutants is of particular importance. In this research, in the first stage, a selection of five pathogens (Bacillus anthracis, Cryptosporidiosis, Francisella tularensis, Vibrio cholerae, Shigella) that are more likely to pollute water sources have been made. Thus, employing each component of the water supply system (including raw water source (dam)), Raw water storage tank, water treatment plant, treated water transmission line, treated water tanks, and distribution network (30 scenarios) were defined. In the next step, using multi-criteria group decision-making and employing three main criteria (vulnerability of each water supply stage, the amount of contaminant damage power, the amount of contaminant risk in each of the water supply stages) and their sub-criteria, the weight of each criterion was determined from the perspective of decision-makers by utilizing GFDM software. After analyzing the scenarios, the risk level of each scenario was ranked. Scenario 26 created the most risk, which consists of introducing the pathogen Bacillus anthracis into the distribution network. The entry of contamination into the distribution network due to high availability and lack of subsequent treatment steps, as well as the slight chance of preventing the contaminant from reaching consumers, can cause many diseases and deaths. Furthermore, it has a high resistance against chloride and is stable in water, so the entry of this contaminant into the distribution network can be dangerous. Considering the existing conditions, recognizing and calculating the risk of different scenarios can lead to readiness and increase the speed of action in response to possible biological attacks

The Comparison between Acute Effect of Citrullin Malate Different Doses on Aerobic and Anaerobic Power as Well as Lactate and Blood Urea Level in Young Soccer Players

Background: It has been suggested that citrulline malate (CM) is one of the effective supplements to improve exercise performance and fatigue resistance. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of consumption of CM at various doses on aerobic power, anaerobic power, as well as plasma levels of lactate and urea in young soccer players. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, performed at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2018), through targeted sampling, 40 trained young soccer players with were selectively classified into 4 homogenized groups based on their Vo2max value including low dose (LD) (4g), medium dose (MD) (8g), high dose (HD) (12g), and sugar solution control (C). The supplements were taken slowly within 15 minutes 1 hour prior to the tests. Then, the yoyo recovery test-level 1 and the Repeated-Sprint Ability (RSA) were used to evaluate their aerobic and anaerobic capacity, respectively. Blood biomarkers were also measured in the first 10 seconds after RSA test. Further, one-way ANOVA test was employed for data analysis. Significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The results showed that among the groups, the higher and lower values belonged to (respectively) Vo2max in HD and LD (51.13±6.22, 47.62±4.16), for RSA in HD and MD (34.11±6.34, 30.11±5.6), for urea in HD and LD (4.64±1.3, 4.16±1.46) and for lactate in C and MD (107.27±5.08, 103.66±7.34) groups (mean±S.D), respectively. There was no significant association between the groups for VO2 max value, RSA records as well as plasma levels of urea and lactate in response to taking different doses of CM (Pvalue&gt;0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated that acute supplementation of CM at different doses did not affect aerobic and anaerobic power, or blood levels of lactate and urea