Search

• Multi-point monitoring based on FBG sensor arrays has been proposed and implemented. • Evolution process of clay layer weakening has been detected and demonstrated. • Survival rate of FBG is illustrated and suggestions to ensure which is also provided. A large area of thick unconsolidated stratum layer overlying the coal seam of eastern China, which brought the regional disaster prevention issue under the circumstance of unconsolidated layer settlement triggered by mining activities. In this paper, the multi-point monitoring system based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors array was implemented into the deep unconsolidated layer to realize a long-term ground monitoring, which investigated the compression process of ground rock layers at different burial depths and revealed the mechanical weakening characteristics of clay. The deformation characteristics of the aquifers were analyzed, including a sand layer, gravel layer, and clay water barrier, as well as the weakening characteristics of the clay layer aquifer. The monitoring results of the FBG sensing system show that unconsolidated layer settlement usually occurs in thick and stable aquifers and adjacent clay layers, and the peripheral part of the deep clay layer in contact with the aquifer will become a weakened zone. The clay layer at such locations should also be a key monitoring layer with increasing depth. The survival rate of FBG sensors were discussed to propose the suggestions of system installation. These findings could provide important guidance for predicting the unconsolidated layer settlement process and for the timely implementation of governance measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) is an emblematic endangered species and regarded as a national treasure, toxoplasmosis is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease for wild animals. Little is known about the prevalence of antibodies to this parasite in Père David's deer. In this study, sera from 43 wild Père David's deer, from Dafeng nature reserve China were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by MAT. The investigation showed that antibodies to toxoplasma were detected in 8 of 43 (18.60%, 95% CI 6.97–30.24) samples. Seroprevalence ranged from 15.00% to 21.74% between the different genders, but the difference was not significant according to SPSS analysis (P > 0.05). This report of seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in Père David's deer provides basic data of T. gondii infection data, which is important for controlling and preventing toxoplasmosis in Père David's deer. • Firstly reported T. gondii infection in the Père David's deer in Dafeng reserve. • The prevalence of T. gondii in serum samples from Père David's deer was 18.6%. • This result is an alert about the potential risk in Père David's deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]