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This pioneering study utilizes Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) and Picosecond Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Ps-LIBS) to quantify heavy metal contents in samples of Lactuca sativa L. and Trifolium alexandrinum L. collected from Banha and Giza, Egypt for the first time. In order to enhance the performance of Ps-LIBS, laser parameters were carefully optimized. Expressly, laser energy was set to 100 ± 5% J/cm², pulse duration was calibrated to 170 picoseconds, and 1064 nm Nd: YAG pulses were employed. This optimization facilitated the creation of linear LIBS calibration curves, a crucial element in ensuring precise elemental quantification and bolstering the overall analytical reliability. The assessment of pollution indices revealed concerningly high levels of copper, nickel, and cadmium consistently across all study sites. Lactuca sativa L. and Trifolium alexandrinum L. also demonstrated multiple metals' bioaccumulation factors (>1), further underscoring the potential health risks associated with copper, nickel, and cadmium contents. Given these findings, it is imperative to recommend constructing a dedicated wastewater treatment facility to address Al Mansouria village's environmental challenges in the Giza governorate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years there has been a significant change in fire safety design and management. As the possibility of safe escape is the most crucial aspect of a building's fire safety features, the understanding of human behaviour under fire conditions is important for a successful evacuation. Previous research studies have developed models, prototypes, and serious games that help engineers/architects to design or firefighters to improve design so that the building facilitates a smooth evacuation process. Although these studies have looked into human behaviour, perceptions of important stakeholders (such as occupants, structural engineers, fire engineers, facility managers) are still not understood. These perceptions are important for the appropriate application of technology for evacuation. The broader research effort, of which this paper is part, stems from the premise that bespoke evacuation instructions can be sent directly to evacuees' smartphones. Information from a BIM model with the aid of sensors can be used to customise these evacuation instructions. The prospect of information being delivered to occupants during a fire emergency is still at its premature phase and more research is needed. Twenty-three interviews were conducted with occupants who currently live in high-rise residential buildings in Egypt and the United Kingdom to understand their views of using smartphones to assist during fire evacuations. The sampling strategy targeted occupants who currently live in high-rise residential buildings but have not necessarily experienced a fire evacuation. The research clearly shows the importance of smartphones during evacuation and the role they can play in assisting occupants to find the fastest and safest egress route. The interview findings will assist in future research to develop an evacuation framework system that could be implemented for high-rise residential buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Juniperus phoenicea L. is listed as threatened tree by IUCN Red List. In Egypt, J. phoenicea L. is the only conifer tree that is restricted to the three mountains of northern Sinai: Gabal El-Halal, Gabal El-Maghara and Gabal Yelleq. As a Mediterranean relict it has been included in a national list as target for conservation and management. To provide baseline information for the development of a conservation strategy, the present study aims at comparing the isolated populations of J. phoenicea and their associated plant composition and diversity at the three mountains. The application of TWINSPAN and DCA analysis techniques has resulted in identifying of four vegetation types associated with juniper, and each could be related to a specific geomorphologic habitat on a topographic gradient. Chiliadenus montanus and Zygophyllum dumosum characterized the slopes of smooth-faced rock outcrops in Wadi Abu Seyal (at 350–470m altitude of Gabal El-Halal), Deverra tortuosa, Ephedra aphylla and Gymnocarpos decander inhabited together with the target species the soil pockets of north-facing slope in Neqeb Abu Hamam (at 600–700m altitude of Gabal El-Halal), Stachys aegyptiaca and Moricandia nitens characterized the juniper occurrences in the runnels of Wadi Arar (at 450–560m altitude of Gabal El-Maghara), and Artemisia herba-alba, Atriplex halimus and Reaumuria hirtella represent the stands on slope runnels (at 900–960m) of Gabal Yelleq. The two vegetation types recognized at Gabal El-Halal had, on average, the highest species diversity, juniper density and cover. Juniper shows generally poor conditions of vitality at higher elevation (600–960m) with a higher proportions of old and recent dead trees, and with the predominance of male individuals, as compared with the populations of Gabal El-Maghara and Gabal Yelleq. In contrast, the juniper populations at lower elevation (350–470m) of Gabal El-Halal proved to be in best condition with mostly living foliage and reproductive branches. The differences in rock types and elevation among the three mountains reflect serious limitation on recruitment of J. phoenicea due to moisture availability. The results of this study showed that J. phoenicea is an endangered species and its conservation in northern Sinai mountains is a priority. For a successful conservation of this community it is highly recommended to preserve in particular the suitable habitats at Gabal El-Halal, but also the other stands merit conservation measures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study investigated the impact of cumulative irrigation with wastewater on the soil properties and, its health hazards on the consumers of cabbage plants at south Cairo Province, Egypt. Irrigation water, soil and cabbage plants were sample d from two polluted and other two unpolluted farms. The physicochemical properties of water and soil were analyzed and the growth parameters, as well as nutrients and heavy metals concentration in cabbage were investigated. In addition, the daily intake of metals (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) were estimated. Wastewater posed a decrease in the availability of N, P and K, but increases heavy metals in the soil solution. Cabbage stem and root lengths as well as the number of leaves and biomass were greatly reduced in the polluted farms. In addition, the photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates and proteins were decreased under pollution stress. The concentration of most investigated metals in the leaves and roots were increased with translocation factor greater than one for Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Fe, and Co. The study revealed that the HRI exceeded one for Pb and Cd in polluted and unpolluted plants; and Fe in polluted ones. Irrigation with wastewater is not suitable for cabbage as it has health risks on humans due to accumulation of heavy metals. It worth noting that, the high ability of cabbage plants to accumulate Pb and Cd from both polluted and unpolluted soils should be taken into consideration when consuming this plant.