In this study,we investigated the effects of major royal jelly proteins(MRJPs)on the estrogen,gut microbiota,and immunological responses in mice.Mice given 250 or 500 mg/kg,not 125 mg/kg of MRJPs,enhanced the prolifer...In this study,we investigated the effects of major royal jelly proteins(MRJPs)on the estrogen,gut microbiota,and immunological responses in mice.Mice given 250 or 500 mg/kg,not 125 mg/kg of MRJPs,enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes in response to mitogens.The splenocytes and mesenteric lymphocytes activated by T-cell mitogens(Con A and anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies)released high levels of IL-2 but low levels of IFN-γand IL-17A.The release of IL-4 was unaffected by MRJPs.Additionally,splenocytes and mesenteric lymphocytes activated by LPS were prevented by MRJPs at the same dose as that required for producing IL-1βand IL-6,two pro-inflammatory cytokines.The production of IL-1β,IL-6,and IFN-γwas negatively associated with estrogen levels,which were higher in the MRJP-treated animals than in the control group.Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that feeding mice 250 mg/kg of MRJPs maintained the stability of the natural intestinal microflora of mice.Additionally,the LEf Se analysis identified biomarkers in the MRJP-treated mice,including Prevotella,Bacillales,Enterobacteriales,Gammaproteobacteria,Candidatus_Arthromitus,and Shigella.Our results showed that MRJPs are important components of royal jelly that modulate host immunity and hormone levels and help maintain gut microbiota stability.展开更多
Suancai is a traditional fermented vegetable widely consumed in Northeast China.In this study,different prebiotics were used to improve the quality of suancai.Four prebiotics(inulin(INU),xylooligosaccharide(XO S),gala...Suancai is a traditional fermented vegetable widely consumed in Northeast China.In this study,different prebiotics were used to improve the quality of suancai.Four prebiotics(inulin(INU),xylooligosaccharide(XO S),galactooligosaccharide(GOS),and stachyose(STA))were shown to reduce the pH value and increase the content of total titratable acidity(TTA)in suancai,while the contents of most organic acids were also increased.The addition of prebiotics had significant effects on the bacterial microbiota during the suancai fermentation process.All prebiotics were shown to contribute to the growth of Lactobacillus.The suancai sample with fructooligosaccharides(FOS)had the highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus.Besides,INU and XOS could increase the abundance of Weissella.To evaluate the quality of suancai fermented with prebiotics,profiles of volatile flavor compounds(VOCs)and free amino acids(FAA)were analyzed.The prebiotics affected the VOCs and FAA profiles via transforming the bacterial microbiota.In addition,the addition of prebiotics also changed the taste profiles of the suancai samples.This study is among the first attempts to reveal the effects of different prebiotics on suancai fermentation,and the findings provide a foundation to develop new ways for improving the quality of suancai.展开更多
Integration of sensors with engineering thermoplastics allows to track their health and surrounding stimuli.As one of vital backbones to construct sensor systems,copper(Cu)is highly conductive and cost-effective,yet t...Integration of sensors with engineering thermoplastics allows to track their health and surrounding stimuli.As one of vital backbones to construct sensor systems,copper(Cu)is highly conductive and cost-effective,yet tends to easily oxidize during and after processing.Herein,an in-situ integrated sensor system on engineering thermoplastics via hybrid laser direct writing is proposed,which primarily consists of laser-passivated functional Cu interconnects and laser-induced carbon-based sensors.Through a one-step photothermal treatment,the resulting functional Cu interconnects after reductive sintering and passivation are capable of resisting long-term oxidation failure at high temperatures(up to 170℃)without additional encapsulations.Interfacing with signal processing units,such an all-in-one system is applied for long-term and real-time temperature monitoring.This integrated sensor system with facile laser manufacturing strategies holds potentials for health monitoring and fault diagnosis of advanced equipment such as aircrafts,automobiles,high-speed trains,and medical devices.展开更多
Bitterness,one of the 5“basic tastes”,is usually undesired by humans.However,abundant literature reported that bitter fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects due to their bitter contributors.This review...Bitterness,one of the 5“basic tastes”,is usually undesired by humans.However,abundant literature reported that bitter fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects due to their bitter contributors.This review provided an updated overview of the main bitter contributors of typical bitter fruits and vegetables and their health benefits.The main bitter contributors,including phenolics,terpenoids,alkaloids,amino acids,nucleosides and purines,were summarized.The bioactivities and wide range of beneficial effects of them on anti-cancers,anti-inflammations,anti-microbes,neuroprotection,inhibiting chronic and acute injury in organs,as well as regulating behavior performance and metabolism were reported.Furthermore,not only did the bitter taste receptors(taste receptor type 2 family,T2Rs)show taste effects,but extra-oral T2Rs could also be activated by binding with bitter components,regulating physiological activities via modulating hormone secretion,immunity,metabolism,and cell proliferation.This review provided a new perspective on exploring and explaining the nutrition of bitter foods,revealing the relationship between the functions of bitter contributors from food and T2Rs.Future trends may focus on revealing the possibility of T2Rs being targets for the treatment of diseases,exploring the mechanism of T2Rs mediating the bioactivities,and making bitter foods more acceptable without getting rid of bitter contributors.展开更多
Pineapple,a popular tropical fruit with diverse culinary and health applications,has gained significant attention due to its economic importance,health benefits,and scientific exploration.Abiotic stress has been shown to...Pineapple,a popular tropical fruit with diverse culinary and health applications,has gained significant attention due to its economic importance,health benefits,and scientific exploration.Abiotic stress has been shown to have detrimental effects on physiological aspects of pineapple,such as photosynthesis rate and internal browning.However,physical and physiological parameters are inadequate in providing accurate assessment,early detection,and enabling marker-assisted breeding for pineapple under abiotic stress.Genetic markers provide valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and stress tolerance,enabling the identification of key genes and pathways involved.The aim of this review was to discuss the potential of genetic markers as a reliable tool for studying abiotic stress in pineapple.It focuses on genes involved in stress response and their utility as genetic markers,while also discussing physiological changes.The responsiveness of several gene families,including CPK,CBL,CYS,Dof,TALE,SBP,WRKY,ZIP,R2R3-MYB,and DREB,to abiotic stress has been known before.Therefore,harnessing the potential of these genes can yield valuable insights for comprehending and effectively managing abiotic stress in pineapple.A comprehensive understanding of the genetic response to abiotic stress in pineapple is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and developing stress-resistant varieties.展开更多
In this study, a new method based on image processing was presented to count and discriminate paddy rice, even when they overlapped. This method was performed in three steps. In the first step, using a reference image...In this study, a new method based on image processing was presented to count and discriminate paddy rice, even when they overlapped. This method was performed in three steps. In the first step, using a reference image that excludes any overlapping paddy rice, the average area, standard deviation, and a threshold value for paddy rice were determined.展开更多
In vivo monitoring of animal physiological information plays a crucial role in promptly alerting humans to potential diseases in animals and aiding in the exploration of mechanisms underlying human diseases.Currently,...In vivo monitoring of animal physiological information plays a crucial role in promptly alerting humans to potential diseases in animals and aiding in the exploration of mechanisms underlying human diseases.Currently,implantable electrochemical microsensors have emerged as a prominent area of research.These microsensors not only fulfill the technical requirements for monitoring animal physiological information but also offer an ideal platform for integration.They have been extensively studied for their ability to monitor animal physiological information in a minimally invasive manner,characterized by their bloodless,painless features,and exceptional performance.The development of implantable electrochemical microsensors for in vivo monitoring of animal physiological information has witnessed significant scientific and technological advancements through dedicated efforts.This review commenced with a comprehensive discussion of the construction of microsensors,including the materials utilized and the methods employed for fabrication.Following this,we proceeded to explore the various implantation technologies employed for electrochemical microsensors.In addition,a comprehensive overview was provided of the various applications of implantable electrochemical microsensors,specifically in the monitoring of diseases and the investigation of disease mechanisms.Lastly,a concise conclusion was conducted on the recent advancements and significant obstacles pertaining to the practical implementation of implantable electrochemical microsensors.展开更多
The black chokeberry is rich in polyphenols,including flavonoids with anthocyanins,flavanols and lavonols as the main components and a variety of phenolic acids represented by chlorogenic acid.Because of these polyphe...The black chokeberry is rich in polyphenols,including flavonoids with anthocyanins,flavanols and lavonols as the main components and a variety of phenolic acids represented by chlorogenic acid.Because of these polyphenols,black chokeberry has the effect of preventing and adjuvant therapy diseases.This study summarized the current research results on the types and contents of functional components in black chokeberry,and analyzed their digestion,absorption and metabolism in human body.On this basis,the disease control functions that have been proved effective in clinical research were reviewed and analyzed.These studies showed that black chokeberry have good prevention and adjuvant therapy effects on hyperlipidemia,hypertension,diabetes and inflammation.Because there are different functional components in black chokeberry,its prevention and treatment of the same disease can come from multiple pathways,which provides a more reliable effectiveness for the disease control of different populations.展开更多
To adapt to the change of aquaculture workshop site,optimize the shape of aquaculture tanks and improve the utilization rate of breeding space,it is necessary to determine the appropriate length width ratio parameters...To adapt to the change of aquaculture workshop site,optimize the shape of aquaculture tanks and improve the utilization rate of breeding space,it is necessary to determine the appropriate length width ratio parameters of aquaculture tanks.In this paper,computational fluid dynamics(CFD)technology is adopted to study the flow field performance of aquaculture tanks with different L/B ratios(L:the length;B:the width,of aquaculture tank)and different jet direction conditions(lengthways jet and widthways jet).A three-dimensional numerical calculation model of turbulence in rounded rectangle aquaculture tanks in dual-diagonal-inlet layout was established.Jet directions are arranged lengthways and widthways,and the water flow velocity,resistance coefficient change,vorticity,etc.are analyzed under two working conditions.Results show that the flow field performance in aquaculture tank decreases with the increase of the L/B ratio.The flow field performed well when L/B was 1.0-1.3,sharply dropped at 1.4-1.6,and poor at 1.7-1.9.The results provided a theoretical basis for the design and optimization in flow field performance of the industrialized circulating aquaculture tanks.展开更多
The Ground Cover Rice Production System(GCRPS)has considerable potential for securing rice production in hilly areas.However,its impact on yields and nitrogen(N)fates remains uncertain under varying rainfall condition...The Ground Cover Rice Production System(GCRPS)has considerable potential for securing rice production in hilly areas.However,its impact on yields and nitrogen(N)fates remains uncertain under varying rainfall conditions.A two-year field experiment(2021–2022)was conducted in Ziyang,Sichuan Province,located in the hilly areas of Southwest China.The experiment included two cultivation methods:conventional flooding paddy(Paddy,W1)and GCRPS(W2).These methods were combined with three N management practices:N1(no-N fertilizer),N2(135 kg/hm^(2)urea as a base fertilizer in both W1 and W2),and N3(135 kg/hm^(2)urea with split application for W1 and 67.5 kg/hm^(2)urea and chicken manure separately for W2).The WHCNS(Soil Water Heat Carbon Nitrogen Simulator)model was calibrated and validated to simulate ponding water depth,soil water storage,soil mineral N content,leaf area index,aboveground dry matter,crop N uptake,and rice yield.Subsequently,this model was used to simulate the responses of rice yield and N fates to GCRPS under different types of precipitation years using meteorological data from 1980 to 2018.The results indicated that the WHCNS model performed well in simulating crop growth and N fates for both Paddy and GCRPS.Compared with Paddy,GCRPS reduced N leaching(35.1%–54.9%),ammonia volatilization(0.7%–13.6%),N runoff(71.1%–83.5%),denitrification(3.8%–6.7%),and total N loss(33.8%–56.9%)for all precipitation year types.However,GCRPS reduced crop N uptake and yield during wet years,while increasing crop N uptake and yield during dry and normal years.Fertilizer application reduced the stability and sustainability of rice yield in wet years,but increased the stability and sustainability of rice yield in dry and normal years.In conclusion,GCRPS is more suitable for normal and dry years in the study region,leading to increased rice yield and reduced N loss.展开更多
Anderson acceleration(AA)is an extrapolation technique designed to speed up fixed-point iterations.For optimization problems,we propose a novel algorithm by combining the AA with the energy adaptive gradient method(AE...Anderson acceleration(AA)is an extrapolation technique designed to speed up fixed-point iterations.For optimization problems,we propose a novel algorithm by combining the AA with the energy adaptive gradient method(AEGD)[arXiv:2010.05109].The feasibility of our algorithm is ensured in light of the convergence theory for AEGD,though it is not a fixed-point iteration.We provide rigorous convergence rates of AA for gradient descent(GD)by an acceleration factor of the gain at each implementation of AA-GD.Our experimental results show that the proposed AA-AEGD algorithm requires little tuning of hyperparameters and exhibits superior fast convergence.展开更多
In this paper,tannic acid(TA)and Fe~(3+)were added to form a layer of metal-polyphenol network structure on the surface of the nanoparticles which were fabricated by zein and carbon quantum dots(CQDs)encapsulating phl...In this paper,tannic acid(TA)and Fe~(3+)were added to form a layer of metal-polyphenol network structure on the surface of the nanoparticles which were fabricated by zein and carbon quantum dots(CQDs)encapsulating phlorotannins(PTN).pH-Responsive nanoparticles were prepared successfully(zein-PTN-CQDs-Fe-~Ⅲ).Further,the formation of composite nanoparticles was confirmed by a series of characterization methods.The zeta-potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data proved that electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding are dominant forces to form nanoparticles.The encapsulation efficiency(EE)revealed that metal-polyphenol network structure could improve the EE of PTN.Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry experiment indicated the thermal stability of zein-PTN-CQDs-Fe~Ⅲnanoparticles increased because of metal-polyphenol network structure.The pH-responsive nanoparticles greatly increased the release rate of active substances and achieved targeted release.展开更多
The escalating demand for energy coupled with environmental concerns necessitates exploring sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.The study explores the viability of using large ocean-based seaweeds as a source of ...The escalating demand for energy coupled with environmental concerns necessitates exploring sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.The study explores the viability of using large ocean-based seaweeds as a source of thirdgeneration biomass,specifically focusing on their conversion to biofuel via the process of pyrolysis.Sargassum plagiophyllum and Ulva lactuca represent prevalent forms of macroalgae,posing significant discharge challenges for coastal regions globally.However,the exploration of their potential for bio-oil generation via pyrolysis remains limited.This study investigates the pyrolysis process of S.plagiophyllum and U.lactuca for biofuel production,aiming to provide valuable insights into their utilization and optimization.Pyrolysis experiments were conducted within temperature ranges of 400°C to 600°C and durations of 10 to 50 min using a batch reactor.The chemical analysis of the synthesized bio-oil indicated it contains critical compounds such as organic acid derivatives,furans,nitrogenous aromatics,and aliphatic hydrocarbons.The effectiveness of converting the initial biomass into bio-oil is significantly influenced by the pace at which the biomass undergoes decomposition,underscoring the importance of comprehending the kinetic aspects of this conversion.By applying the Arrhenius formula,we calculated the activation energies and frequency factors,with the findings for S.plagiophyllum being 15.27 kJ/mol and 0.477 s^(-1),and for U.lactuca,the values were 43.17 kJ/mol and 0.351 s^(-1),correspondingly.These findings underscore the potential of brown and green macroalgae as sustainable sources for biofuel production via pyrolysis,offering insights for further optimization and valorization efforts in the quest for renewable energy solutions.展开更多
The presence of acidic soil in rural areas poses difficulties for agricultural production.One factor regulating soil pH is the overuse of inorganic fertilizer.The increased use of fertilizers in soybean production not...The presence of acidic soil in rural areas poses difficulties for agricultural production.One factor regulating soil pH is the overuse of inorganic fertilizer.The increased use of fertilizers in soybean production not only raises sustainability concerns but also contributes to soil acidity.Therefore,the use of organic fertilizer could offer a solution for addressing both issues related to soil acidity and sustainability.The purpose of this study was to investigate the manipulation of soil pH using organic fertilizer for soybean production under acidic stress.The planting medium,consisting of a mixture of topsoil,rice husk charcoal,and organic fertilizer(in a ratio of 2:1:1),was supplemented with 0.5 g of NPK fertilizer as a basal treatment in each planting medium.To regulate the soil acidity to pH 4,we added FeSO_(4) and allowed the mixture to incubate for 30 days.The results demonstrate that the application of three types of organic fertilizers chicken manure(P1),oil palm empty bunch fertilizer(P2),and vermicompost(P3)positively impacts the growth of three soybean varieties.The findings indicate that the application of P2 organic fertilizer can increase vegetative growth almost 50%in soybeans on acidic soil,including plant height,leaf count,and root length.Meanwhile,applying P3 organic fertilizer can boost reproductive growth responses in soybeans on acidic soil,such as pod number(from around 0-4 unit to 42-51 unit),grain number(from around 0-5 unit to 88-90 unit),and grain weight(from around 0-0.37 g to 12-25 g).Organic fertilizer has the potential to regulate soil pH,promoting higher yields of soybeans under acidic stress.展开更多
The earth-abundant and high-performance catalysts are crucial for commercial implementation of hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).Herein,a multifunctional site strategy to construct excellent HER catalysts by incorporat...The earth-abundant and high-performance catalysts are crucial for commercial implementation of hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).Herein,a multifunctional site strategy to construct excellent HER catalysts by incorporating iridium(Ir)ions on the atomic scale into orthorhombic-CoSe2(Ir-CoSe_(2))was reported.Outstanding hydrogen evolution activity in alkaline media such as a low overpotential of 48.7 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm^(-2)and better performance than commercial Pt/C catalysts at high current densities were found in the Ir-CoSe_(2) samples.In the experiments and theoretical calculations,it was revealed that Ir enabled CoSe_(2)to form multifunctional sites to synergistically catalyze alkaline HER by promoting the adsorption and dissociation of H_(2)O(Ir sites)and optimizing the binding energy for H^(*)on Co sites.It was noticeable that the electrolytic system comprising the Ir-CoSe_(2)electrode not only produced hydrogen efficiently via HER,but also degraded organic pollutants(Methylene blue).The cell voltage of the dual-function electrolytic system was 1.58 V at the benchmark current density of 50 mA cm^(-2),which was significantly lower than the conventional water splitting voltage.It was indicated that this method was a novel strategy for designing advanced HER electrocatalysts by constructing multifunctional catalytic sites for hydrogen production and organic degradation.展开更多
Aquaculture,as the fastest-growing food production sector in the world,is becoming an increasingly nonnegligible source of greenhouse gas emissions.Despite this,there has been limited research on nitrous oxide(N_(2)O)...Aquaculture,as the fastest-growing food production sector in the world,is becoming an increasingly nonnegligible source of greenhouse gas emissions.Despite this,there has been limited research on nitrous oxide(N_(2)O)emission from marine aquaculture in China,where more marine aquaculture occurs than anywhere else,globally.We estimated N_(2)O emissions(E)from marine mariculture of 10 fish and 6 crustacean species in China from 2003 to 2022 using production data from the China Fishery Statistical Yearbook(2004–2023),and data for feed conversion rates and types from the literature.From 2003,marine aquaculture production,the annual N_(2)O emissions(E_(A)),and the annual N_(2)O emissions per unit of aquaculture area(EI_(A))trend upward.The E_(A)of fish culture was lower than that of crustaceans,but the EI_(A)of fish culture was generally higher.Sea bass(0.308 Tg/a,in terms of N)and white shrimp(0.945 Tg/a,in terms of N)had the highest average E_(A)among fish and crustacean cultures,respectively.The highest average E_(A)from fish and crustacean were both Guangdong Province(fish:0.248 Tg,crustacean:0.547 Tg),and the highest sea area were both the South China Sea(fish:0.316 Tg,crustacean:1.082 Tg);the highest average EI_(A)for fish and crustacean were Tianjin City[35.40 t/(hm^(2)·a)]and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region[19.83 t/(hm^(2)·a)],respectively,and the highest sea areas were both the South China Sea(fish:0.316 Tg,crustacean:1.082 Tg).These analyses provide baseline data for a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for China,based on an interpretation of them,we provide recommendations for reducing N_(2)O emissions in marine fish and crustacean culture.展开更多
Machine learning(ML)algorithms are frequently used in landslide susceptibility modeling.Different data handling strategies may generate variations in landslide susceptibility modeling,even when using the same ML algor...Machine learning(ML)algorithms are frequently used in landslide susceptibility modeling.Different data handling strategies may generate variations in landslide susceptibility modeling,even when using the same ML algorithm.This research aims to compare the combinations of inventory data handling,cross validation(CV),and hyperparameter tuning strategies to generate landslide susceptibility maps.The results are expected to provide a general strategy for landslide susceptibility modeling using ML techniques.The authors employed eight landslide inventory data handling scenarios to convert a landslide polygon into a landslide point,i.e.,the landslide point is located on the toe(minimum height),on the scarp(maximum height),at the center of the landslide,randomly inside the polygon(1 point),randomly inside the polygon(3 points),randomly inside the polygon(5 points),randomly inside the polygon(10 points),and 15 m grid sampling.Random forest models using CV-nonspatial hyperparameter tuning,spatial CV-spatial hyperparameter tuning,and spatial CV-forward feature selection-no hyperparameter tuning were applied for each data handling strategy.The combination generated 24 random forest ML workflows,which are applied using a complete inventory of 743 landslides triggered by Tropical Cyclone Cempaka(2017)in Pacitan Regency,Indonesia,and 11 landslide controlling factors.The results show that grid sampling with spatial CV and spatial hyperparameter tuning is favorable because the strategy can minimize overfitting,generate a relatively high-performance predictive model,and reduce the appearance of susceptibility artifacts in the landslide area.Careful data inventory handling,CV,and hyperparameter tuning strategies should be considered in landslide susceptibility modeling to increase the applicability of landslide susceptibility maps in practical application.展开更多
Urban areas face significant challenges in maintaining water quality amidst increasing urbanization and changing climatic patterns. This study investigates the complex interplay between meteorological variables and wa...Urban areas face significant challenges in maintaining water quality amidst increasing urbanization and changing climatic patterns. This study investigates the complex interplay between meteorological variables and water quality parameters in Nairobi City, focusing on the impacts of rainfall and temperature on surface water quality. Data from multiple sources, including the Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, and the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal, were analyzed to assess the relationships between meteorological variables (rainfall and temperature) and water quality parameters (such as electroconductivity, biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, and pH). The analysis reveals varying impacts of rainfall and temperature on different water quality parameters. While parameters like iron and pH show strong relationships with both rainfall and temperature, others such as ammonia and nitrate exhibit moderate relationships. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of runoff, urbanization, and industrial activities on water quality, emphasizing the need for holistic management approaches. Recommendations encompass the establishment of annual publications on Nairobi River water quality, online accessibility of water quality data, development of hydrological models, spatial analysis, and fostering cross-disciplinary research collaborations. Implementing these recommendations can enhance water quality management practices, mitigate risks, and safeguard environmental integrity in Nairobi City.展开更多
A cement factory nearby communities raise pollution concerns. This study assessed air pollution levels for respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and heavy metals (lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium, zinc and cop...A cement factory nearby communities raise pollution concerns. This study assessed air pollution levels for respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and heavy metals (lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium, zinc and copper) adjacent to a cement factory in Ewekoro and neighbouring communities (Papalantoro, Lapeleko and Itori) in Ogun State, Nigeria. Respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and heavy metals were measured using an ARA N-FRM cassette sampler. Each location sampled was monitored for eight continuous hours daily for 12 days. The PM2.5, PM10 and heavy metals results were compared with different standards, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria’s National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). The PM levels fell within 11 - 19 μg/m3 of the air management level of CAAQS, which signifies continuous actions are needed to improve air quality in the areas monitored but below the NESREA standard. The mean Cd, Cr and Ni concentrations in the cement factory area and the impacted neighbourhoods are higher than the WHO/EU permissible limits, while Zn and Cu were below the WHO/EU permissible limit. A risk assessment hazard quotient (HQ) for Cr was above the WHO/EU safe level (=1) in adults and children throµgh ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact at all the monitoring sites. The HQ for Ni and Cd was higher than the safe level in the cement factory area and Papalantoro, while Zn was at safe levels.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U2004104)the Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(202300410080)+2 种基金the Key Project of Henan Education Committee(21A310005)the Internal Fund of Hebei University of Economics and Business(2020ZD10)the Postgraduate“Talent Program”of Henan University(SYL20060187 and SYL20060189)。
文摘In this study,we investigated the effects of major royal jelly proteins(MRJPs)on the estrogen,gut microbiota,and immunological responses in mice.Mice given 250 or 500 mg/kg,not 125 mg/kg of MRJPs,enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes in response to mitogens.The splenocytes and mesenteric lymphocytes activated by T-cell mitogens(Con A and anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies)released high levels of IL-2 but low levels of IFN-γand IL-17A.The release of IL-4 was unaffected by MRJPs.Additionally,splenocytes and mesenteric lymphocytes activated by LPS were prevented by MRJPs at the same dose as that required for producing IL-1βand IL-6,two pro-inflammatory cytokines.The production of IL-1β,IL-6,and IFN-γwas negatively associated with estrogen levels,which were higher in the MRJP-treated animals than in the control group.Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that feeding mice 250 mg/kg of MRJPs maintained the stability of the natural intestinal microflora of mice.Additionally,the LEf Se analysis identified biomarkers in the MRJP-treated mice,including Prevotella,Bacillales,Enterobacteriales,Gammaproteobacteria,Candidatus_Arthromitus,and Shigella.Our results showed that MRJPs are important components of royal jelly that modulate host immunity and hormone levels and help maintain gut microbiota stability.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (31901809)the Doctoral Research Start-up Fund of Dalian Polytechnic University (6102072007)。
文摘Suancai is a traditional fermented vegetable widely consumed in Northeast China.In this study,different prebiotics were used to improve the quality of suancai.Four prebiotics(inulin(INU),xylooligosaccharide(XO S),galactooligosaccharide(GOS),and stachyose(STA))were shown to reduce the pH value and increase the content of total titratable acidity(TTA)in suancai,while the contents of most organic acids were also increased.The addition of prebiotics had significant effects on the bacterial microbiota during the suancai fermentation process.All prebiotics were shown to contribute to the growth of Lactobacillus.The suancai sample with fructooligosaccharides(FOS)had the highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus.Besides,INU and XOS could increase the abundance of Weissella.To evaluate the quality of suancai fermented with prebiotics,profiles of volatile flavor compounds(VOCs)and free amino acids(FAA)were analyzed.The prebiotics affected the VOCs and FAA profiles via transforming the bacterial microbiota.In addition,the addition of prebiotics also changed the taste profiles of the suancai samples.This study is among the first attempts to reveal the effects of different prebiotics on suancai fermentation,and the findings provide a foundation to develop new ways for improving the quality of suancai.
基金STI 2030-Major Projects(2022ZD0208601)National Natural Science Foundation of China(52105593)+2 种基金Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LDQ24E050001)‘Pioneer’and‘Leading Goose’R&D Program of Zhejiang(2023C01051)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(226-2024-00085)。
文摘Integration of sensors with engineering thermoplastics allows to track their health and surrounding stimuli.As one of vital backbones to construct sensor systems,copper(Cu)is highly conductive and cost-effective,yet tends to easily oxidize during and after processing.Herein,an in-situ integrated sensor system on engineering thermoplastics via hybrid laser direct writing is proposed,which primarily consists of laser-passivated functional Cu interconnects and laser-induced carbon-based sensors.Through a one-step photothermal treatment,the resulting functional Cu interconnects after reductive sintering and passivation are capable of resisting long-term oxidation failure at high temperatures(up to 170℃)without additional encapsulations.Interfacing with signal processing units,such an all-in-one system is applied for long-term and real-time temperature monitoring.This integrated sensor system with facile laser manufacturing strategies holds potentials for health monitoring and fault diagnosis of advanced equipment such as aircrafts,automobiles,high-speed trains,and medical devices.
基金the financial support provided by“Pioneer”and“Leading Goose”R&D Program of Zhejiang(2022C020122022C02078)。
文摘Bitterness,one of the 5“basic tastes”,is usually undesired by humans.However,abundant literature reported that bitter fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects due to their bitter contributors.This review provided an updated overview of the main bitter contributors of typical bitter fruits and vegetables and their health benefits.The main bitter contributors,including phenolics,terpenoids,alkaloids,amino acids,nucleosides and purines,were summarized.The bioactivities and wide range of beneficial effects of them on anti-cancers,anti-inflammations,anti-microbes,neuroprotection,inhibiting chronic and acute injury in organs,as well as regulating behavior performance and metabolism were reported.Furthermore,not only did the bitter taste receptors(taste receptor type 2 family,T2Rs)show taste effects,but extra-oral T2Rs could also be activated by binding with bitter components,regulating physiological activities via modulating hormone secretion,immunity,metabolism,and cell proliferation.This review provided a new perspective on exploring and explaining the nutrition of bitter foods,revealing the relationship between the functions of bitter contributors from food and T2Rs.Future trends may focus on revealing the possibility of T2Rs being targets for the treatment of diseases,exploring the mechanism of T2Rs mediating the bioactivities,and making bitter foods more acceptable without getting rid of bitter contributors.
基金the Directorate General of Research and Development Strengthening and Ministries of Research,Technology and Higher Education of the Republic of Indonesia(009/SP2H/LT/DRPM/2019)for generousfinancial support our work.
文摘Pineapple,a popular tropical fruit with diverse culinary and health applications,has gained significant attention due to its economic importance,health benefits,and scientific exploration.Abiotic stress has been shown to have detrimental effects on physiological aspects of pineapple,such as photosynthesis rate and internal browning.However,physical and physiological parameters are inadequate in providing accurate assessment,early detection,and enabling marker-assisted breeding for pineapple under abiotic stress.Genetic markers provide valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and stress tolerance,enabling the identification of key genes and pathways involved.The aim of this review was to discuss the potential of genetic markers as a reliable tool for studying abiotic stress in pineapple.It focuses on genes involved in stress response and their utility as genetic markers,while also discussing physiological changes.The responsiveness of several gene families,including CPK,CBL,CYS,Dof,TALE,SBP,WRKY,ZIP,R2R3-MYB,and DREB,to abiotic stress has been known before.Therefore,harnessing the potential of these genes can yield valuable insights for comprehending and effectively managing abiotic stress in pineapple.A comprehensive understanding of the genetic response to abiotic stress in pineapple is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and developing stress-resistant varieties.
基金funded by the Research Deputy of Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Iran (Grant No.01-1396-02)。
文摘In this study, a new method based on image processing was presented to count and discriminate paddy rice, even when they overlapped. This method was performed in three steps. In the first step, using a reference image that excludes any overlapping paddy rice, the average area, standard deviation, and a threshold value for paddy rice were determined.
基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82302345).
文摘In vivo monitoring of animal physiological information plays a crucial role in promptly alerting humans to potential diseases in animals and aiding in the exploration of mechanisms underlying human diseases.Currently,implantable electrochemical microsensors have emerged as a prominent area of research.These microsensors not only fulfill the technical requirements for monitoring animal physiological information but also offer an ideal platform for integration.They have been extensively studied for their ability to monitor animal physiological information in a minimally invasive manner,characterized by their bloodless,painless features,and exceptional performance.The development of implantable electrochemical microsensors for in vivo monitoring of animal physiological information has witnessed significant scientific and technological advancements through dedicated efforts.This review commenced with a comprehensive discussion of the construction of microsensors,including the materials utilized and the methods employed for fabrication.Following this,we proceeded to explore the various implantation technologies employed for electrochemical microsensors.In addition,a comprehensive overview was provided of the various applications of implantable electrochemical microsensors,specifically in the monitoring of diseases and the investigation of disease mechanisms.Lastly,a concise conclusion was conducted on the recent advancements and significant obstacles pertaining to the practical implementation of implantable electrochemical microsensors.
基金supported by National Science Foundation of China (31972090)。
文摘The black chokeberry is rich in polyphenols,including flavonoids with anthocyanins,flavanols and lavonols as the main components and a variety of phenolic acids represented by chlorogenic acid.Because of these polyphenols,black chokeberry has the effect of preventing and adjuvant therapy diseases.This study summarized the current research results on the types and contents of functional components in black chokeberry,and analyzed their digestion,absorption and metabolism in human body.On this basis,the disease control functions that have been proved effective in clinical research were reviewed and analyzed.These studies showed that black chokeberry have good prevention and adjuvant therapy effects on hyperlipidemia,hypertension,diabetes and inflammation.Because there are different functional components in black chokeberry,its prevention and treatment of the same disease can come from multiple pathways,which provides a more reliable effectiveness for the disease control of different populations.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31872609)the Innovation Support Program for High-level Talents of Dalian City(No.2019RD12)+1 种基金the Key Research Project of Liaoning Provincial Department of Education in 2022(No.LJKZZ 20220091)the earmarked fund for CARS-49(CARS-49)。
文摘To adapt to the change of aquaculture workshop site,optimize the shape of aquaculture tanks and improve the utilization rate of breeding space,it is necessary to determine the appropriate length width ratio parameters of aquaculture tanks.In this paper,computational fluid dynamics(CFD)technology is adopted to study the flow field performance of aquaculture tanks with different L/B ratios(L:the length;B:the width,of aquaculture tank)and different jet direction conditions(lengthways jet and widthways jet).A three-dimensional numerical calculation model of turbulence in rounded rectangle aquaculture tanks in dual-diagonal-inlet layout was established.Jet directions are arranged lengthways and widthways,and the water flow velocity,resistance coefficient change,vorticity,etc.are analyzed under two working conditions.Results show that the flow field performance in aquaculture tank decreases with the increase of the L/B ratio.The flow field performed well when L/B was 1.0-1.3,sharply dropped at 1.4-1.6,and poor at 1.7-1.9.The results provided a theoretical basis for the design and optimization in flow field performance of the industrialized circulating aquaculture tanks.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.41977008)the 2115 Talent Development Program of China Agricultural University (Grant No.1191-00109011)。
文摘The Ground Cover Rice Production System(GCRPS)has considerable potential for securing rice production in hilly areas.However,its impact on yields and nitrogen(N)fates remains uncertain under varying rainfall conditions.A two-year field experiment(2021–2022)was conducted in Ziyang,Sichuan Province,located in the hilly areas of Southwest China.The experiment included two cultivation methods:conventional flooding paddy(Paddy,W1)and GCRPS(W2).These methods were combined with three N management practices:N1(no-N fertilizer),N2(135 kg/hm^(2)urea as a base fertilizer in both W1 and W2),and N3(135 kg/hm^(2)urea with split application for W1 and 67.5 kg/hm^(2)urea and chicken manure separately for W2).The WHCNS(Soil Water Heat Carbon Nitrogen Simulator)model was calibrated and validated to simulate ponding water depth,soil water storage,soil mineral N content,leaf area index,aboveground dry matter,crop N uptake,and rice yield.Subsequently,this model was used to simulate the responses of rice yield and N fates to GCRPS under different types of precipitation years using meteorological data from 1980 to 2018.The results indicated that the WHCNS model performed well in simulating crop growth and N fates for both Paddy and GCRPS.Compared with Paddy,GCRPS reduced N leaching(35.1%–54.9%),ammonia volatilization(0.7%–13.6%),N runoff(71.1%–83.5%),denitrification(3.8%–6.7%),and total N loss(33.8%–56.9%)for all precipitation year types.However,GCRPS reduced crop N uptake and yield during wet years,while increasing crop N uptake and yield during dry and normal years.Fertilizer application reduced the stability and sustainability of rice yield in wet years,but increased the stability and sustainability of rice yield in dry and normal years.In conclusion,GCRPS is more suitable for normal and dry years in the study region,leading to increased rice yield and reduced N loss.
基金partially supported by the National Science Foundation under(Grant DMS No.1812666)。
文摘Anderson acceleration(AA)is an extrapolation technique designed to speed up fixed-point iterations.For optimization problems,we propose a novel algorithm by combining the AA with the energy adaptive gradient method(AEGD)[arXiv:2010.05109].The feasibility of our algorithm is ensured in light of the convergence theory for AEGD,though it is not a fixed-point iteration.We provide rigorous convergence rates of AA for gradient descent(GD)by an acceleration factor of the gain at each implementation of AA-GD.Our experimental results show that the proposed AA-AEGD algorithm requires little tuning of hyperparameters and exhibits superior fast convergence.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFD0901106)the Wenzhou Major Science and Technology Project (ZN2021002)the Ningbo“3315 series program”for high-level talents (2020B-34-G)。
文摘In this paper,tannic acid(TA)and Fe~(3+)were added to form a layer of metal-polyphenol network structure on the surface of the nanoparticles which were fabricated by zein and carbon quantum dots(CQDs)encapsulating phlorotannins(PTN).pH-Responsive nanoparticles were prepared successfully(zein-PTN-CQDs-Fe-~Ⅲ).Further,the formation of composite nanoparticles was confirmed by a series of characterization methods.The zeta-potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data proved that electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding are dominant forces to form nanoparticles.The encapsulation efficiency(EE)revealed that metal-polyphenol network structure could improve the EE of PTN.Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry experiment indicated the thermal stability of zein-PTN-CQDs-Fe~Ⅲnanoparticles increased because of metal-polyphenol network structure.The pH-responsive nanoparticles greatly increased the release rate of active substances and achieved targeted release.
基金funded by LPDP through the International Research Collaboration–RISPRO Funding Program“RISPRO KI”(Grant Number RISPRO/KI/B1/KOM/12/11684/1/2020).
文摘The escalating demand for energy coupled with environmental concerns necessitates exploring sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.The study explores the viability of using large ocean-based seaweeds as a source of thirdgeneration biomass,specifically focusing on their conversion to biofuel via the process of pyrolysis.Sargassum plagiophyllum and Ulva lactuca represent prevalent forms of macroalgae,posing significant discharge challenges for coastal regions globally.However,the exploration of their potential for bio-oil generation via pyrolysis remains limited.This study investigates the pyrolysis process of S.plagiophyllum and U.lactuca for biofuel production,aiming to provide valuable insights into their utilization and optimization.Pyrolysis experiments were conducted within temperature ranges of 400°C to 600°C and durations of 10 to 50 min using a batch reactor.The chemical analysis of the synthesized bio-oil indicated it contains critical compounds such as organic acid derivatives,furans,nitrogenous aromatics,and aliphatic hydrocarbons.The effectiveness of converting the initial biomass into bio-oil is significantly influenced by the pace at which the biomass undergoes decomposition,underscoring the importance of comprehending the kinetic aspects of this conversion.By applying the Arrhenius formula,we calculated the activation energies and frequency factors,with the findings for S.plagiophyllum being 15.27 kJ/mol and 0.477 s^(-1),and for U.lactuca,the values were 43.17 kJ/mol and 0.351 s^(-1),correspondingly.These findings underscore the potential of brown and green macroalgae as sustainable sources for biofuel production via pyrolysis,offering insights for further optimization and valorization efforts in the quest for renewable energy solutions.
文摘The presence of acidic soil in rural areas poses difficulties for agricultural production.One factor regulating soil pH is the overuse of inorganic fertilizer.The increased use of fertilizers in soybean production not only raises sustainability concerns but also contributes to soil acidity.Therefore,the use of organic fertilizer could offer a solution for addressing both issues related to soil acidity and sustainability.The purpose of this study was to investigate the manipulation of soil pH using organic fertilizer for soybean production under acidic stress.The planting medium,consisting of a mixture of topsoil,rice husk charcoal,and organic fertilizer(in a ratio of 2:1:1),was supplemented with 0.5 g of NPK fertilizer as a basal treatment in each planting medium.To regulate the soil acidity to pH 4,we added FeSO_(4) and allowed the mixture to incubate for 30 days.The results demonstrate that the application of three types of organic fertilizers chicken manure(P1),oil palm empty bunch fertilizer(P2),and vermicompost(P3)positively impacts the growth of three soybean varieties.The findings indicate that the application of P2 organic fertilizer can increase vegetative growth almost 50%in soybeans on acidic soil,including plant height,leaf count,and root length.Meanwhile,applying P3 organic fertilizer can boost reproductive growth responses in soybeans on acidic soil,such as pod number(from around 0-4 unit to 42-51 unit),grain number(from around 0-5 unit to 88-90 unit),and grain weight(from around 0-0.37 g to 12-25 g).Organic fertilizer has the potential to regulate soil pH,promoting higher yields of soybeans under acidic stress.
基金the financial support of the Doctoral Research Initiation Foundation of Linyi University(LYDX2020BS016)the National Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2021QB208,ZR2022MB054)+4 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22305262)SIAT Innovation Program for Excellent Young Researchers(2022)Shenzhen Science and Technology Program Grant(RCJC20200714114435061,ZDSYS20220527171406014)the City University of Hong Kong Donation Research Grants(9220061 and 9229021)City University of Hong Kong Strategic Research Grant(SRG 7005505)。
文摘The earth-abundant and high-performance catalysts are crucial for commercial implementation of hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).Herein,a multifunctional site strategy to construct excellent HER catalysts by incorporating iridium(Ir)ions on the atomic scale into orthorhombic-CoSe2(Ir-CoSe_(2))was reported.Outstanding hydrogen evolution activity in alkaline media such as a low overpotential of 48.7 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm^(-2)and better performance than commercial Pt/C catalysts at high current densities were found in the Ir-CoSe_(2) samples.In the experiments and theoretical calculations,it was revealed that Ir enabled CoSe_(2)to form multifunctional sites to synergistically catalyze alkaline HER by promoting the adsorption and dissociation of H_(2)O(Ir sites)and optimizing the binding energy for H^(*)on Co sites.It was noticeable that the electrolytic system comprising the Ir-CoSe_(2)electrode not only produced hydrogen efficiently via HER,but also degraded organic pollutants(Methylene blue).The cell voltage of the dual-function electrolytic system was 1.58 V at the benchmark current density of 50 mA cm^(-2),which was significantly lower than the conventional water splitting voltage.It was indicated that this method was a novel strategy for designing advanced HER electrocatalysts by constructing multifunctional catalytic sites for hydrogen production and organic degradation.
基金The Basic Research Funding Projects of Liaoning Provincial Education Department unde contract No.JYTMS20230498the State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Coastal Ecosystem Open Project Fund of China unde contract No.202305+1 种基金the Research Foundation for Talented Scholars of Dalian Ocean University unde contract No.HDYJ202121the Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture(Dalian Ocean University)Ministry of Education Open Project Fund of China unde contract No.2021-MOEKLECA-KF-01。
文摘Aquaculture,as the fastest-growing food production sector in the world,is becoming an increasingly nonnegligible source of greenhouse gas emissions.Despite this,there has been limited research on nitrous oxide(N_(2)O)emission from marine aquaculture in China,where more marine aquaculture occurs than anywhere else,globally.We estimated N_(2)O emissions(E)from marine mariculture of 10 fish and 6 crustacean species in China from 2003 to 2022 using production data from the China Fishery Statistical Yearbook(2004–2023),and data for feed conversion rates and types from the literature.From 2003,marine aquaculture production,the annual N_(2)O emissions(E_(A)),and the annual N_(2)O emissions per unit of aquaculture area(EI_(A))trend upward.The E_(A)of fish culture was lower than that of crustaceans,but the EI_(A)of fish culture was generally higher.Sea bass(0.308 Tg/a,in terms of N)and white shrimp(0.945 Tg/a,in terms of N)had the highest average E_(A)among fish and crustacean cultures,respectively.The highest average E_(A)from fish and crustacean were both Guangdong Province(fish:0.248 Tg,crustacean:0.547 Tg),and the highest sea area were both the South China Sea(fish:0.316 Tg,crustacean:1.082 Tg);the highest average EI_(A)for fish and crustacean were Tianjin City[35.40 t/(hm^(2)·a)]and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region[19.83 t/(hm^(2)·a)],respectively,and the highest sea areas were both the South China Sea(fish:0.316 Tg,crustacean:1.082 Tg).These analyses provide baseline data for a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for China,based on an interpretation of them,we provide recommendations for reducing N_(2)O emissions in marine fish and crustacean culture.
文摘Machine learning(ML)algorithms are frequently used in landslide susceptibility modeling.Different data handling strategies may generate variations in landslide susceptibility modeling,even when using the same ML algorithm.This research aims to compare the combinations of inventory data handling,cross validation(CV),and hyperparameter tuning strategies to generate landslide susceptibility maps.The results are expected to provide a general strategy for landslide susceptibility modeling using ML techniques.The authors employed eight landslide inventory data handling scenarios to convert a landslide polygon into a landslide point,i.e.,the landslide point is located on the toe(minimum height),on the scarp(maximum height),at the center of the landslide,randomly inside the polygon(1 point),randomly inside the polygon(3 points),randomly inside the polygon(5 points),randomly inside the polygon(10 points),and 15 m grid sampling.Random forest models using CV-nonspatial hyperparameter tuning,spatial CV-spatial hyperparameter tuning,and spatial CV-forward feature selection-no hyperparameter tuning were applied for each data handling strategy.The combination generated 24 random forest ML workflows,which are applied using a complete inventory of 743 landslides triggered by Tropical Cyclone Cempaka(2017)in Pacitan Regency,Indonesia,and 11 landslide controlling factors.The results show that grid sampling with spatial CV and spatial hyperparameter tuning is favorable because the strategy can minimize overfitting,generate a relatively high-performance predictive model,and reduce the appearance of susceptibility artifacts in the landslide area.Careful data inventory handling,CV,and hyperparameter tuning strategies should be considered in landslide susceptibility modeling to increase the applicability of landslide susceptibility maps in practical application.
文摘Urban areas face significant challenges in maintaining water quality amidst increasing urbanization and changing climatic patterns. This study investigates the complex interplay between meteorological variables and water quality parameters in Nairobi City, focusing on the impacts of rainfall and temperature on surface water quality. Data from multiple sources, including the Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, and the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal, were analyzed to assess the relationships between meteorological variables (rainfall and temperature) and water quality parameters (such as electroconductivity, biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, and pH). The analysis reveals varying impacts of rainfall and temperature on different water quality parameters. While parameters like iron and pH show strong relationships with both rainfall and temperature, others such as ammonia and nitrate exhibit moderate relationships. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of runoff, urbanization, and industrial activities on water quality, emphasizing the need for holistic management approaches. Recommendations encompass the establishment of annual publications on Nairobi River water quality, online accessibility of water quality data, development of hydrological models, spatial analysis, and fostering cross-disciplinary research collaborations. Implementing these recommendations can enhance water quality management practices, mitigate risks, and safeguard environmental integrity in Nairobi City.
文摘A cement factory nearby communities raise pollution concerns. This study assessed air pollution levels for respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and heavy metals (lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium, zinc and copper) adjacent to a cement factory in Ewekoro and neighbouring communities (Papalantoro, Lapeleko and Itori) in Ogun State, Nigeria. Respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and heavy metals were measured using an ARA N-FRM cassette sampler. Each location sampled was monitored for eight continuous hours daily for 12 days. The PM2.5, PM10 and heavy metals results were compared with different standards, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria’s National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS). The PM levels fell within 11 - 19 μg/m3 of the air management level of CAAQS, which signifies continuous actions are needed to improve air quality in the areas monitored but below the NESREA standard. The mean Cd, Cr and Ni concentrations in the cement factory area and the impacted neighbourhoods are higher than the WHO/EU permissible limits, while Zn and Cu were below the WHO/EU permissible limit. A risk assessment hazard quotient (HQ) for Cr was above the WHO/EU safe level (=1) in adults and children throµgh ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact at all the monitoring sites. The HQ for Ni and Cd was higher than the safe level in the cement factory area and Papalantoro, while Zn was at safe levels.
