This paper is aimed at proposing a method for the first-time to calculate the resistance-to-ground of a GEM-encased vertical-rod buried in a homogeneous high resistivity soil. The calculation method is based on the current sphere simulation technique along with the concept of images. The current discharged from the rod into the surrounding GEM is simulated by current spheres, whose diameter is the same as that of the rod. The current through the interface separating the GEM from soil is simulated by two sets of equal number of current spheres. Satisfaction of Dirichlet boundary condition at boundary points on the rod surface and normal current-density continuity along with potential equality boundary conditions at boundary points on the interface formulates a set of equations, whose solution determines the currents of simulation-spheres. The sum of sphere-currents simulating the rod is the current discharged from rod for evaluating ground resistance. The calculated ground resistance after nine weeks for a rod encased in GEM of resistivity $3.39\Omega .m$ and soil with resistivity $1678\Omega .m$ records a $47.86\%$ reduction compared to the resistance without GEM. On the other hand, the COMSOL and the experiment predict $44.61\%$ and $49.75\%$ reduction in the ground resistance, respectively.

Introduction: 

Tick-borne diseases represent a major threat to both animal and human health globally. This study explores the prevalence of tick infestation and associated piroplasm infections specifically Theileria and Babesia species in cattle, in addition to evaluating the acaricidal effectiveness of Chrysanthemum extract (Dendranthema grandiflora) and neem oil emulsion (Azadirachta indica). 

Methods: 

Among 130 cattle examined, 61 were infested with ticks and subsequently screened for piroplasm infections. Molecular analysis identified infections caused by Theileria annulata and Babesia bigemina. 

Results: 

A strong association was found between tick infestation and Babesia species, while T. annulata infection showed a slight correlation. Hemolymph examination confirmed the critical role of ticks in the life cycle of piroplasm infection. Chrysanthemum extract and neem oil were tested for their acaricidal properties against adult ticks (Rhipicephalus annulatus). Chrysanthemum extract (0.5 mg/mL) caused tick mortality within 24 h. However, neem oil induced rapid and significant tick mortality at (20 mg/L) and (15 mg/L), achieving 100% mortality within the same time frame. Both treatments demonstrated high effectiveness, with results indicating strong dose-and time-dependent effects compared to controls. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed extensive morphological damage to treated ticks. This damage included destruction of the hypostome, loss of surface striations, wrinkling with pore formation, and cracking following exposure to neem oil and Chrysanthemum extract. 

Discussion: 

These findings highlight the potential of D. grandiflora extract and neem oil emulsion as effective natural acaricides for controlling tick infestations and reducing tick-borne diseases.

The Sustainable Development Strategy of Egypt Vision 2030 depends on the understanding of groundwater resources and thus requiring a more accurate quantification of groundwater reserves.
The horizontal expansion in the desert fringes around the Nile Valley is a key strategy for agricultural and urban development projects that necessitate, in some cases, a sole dependency on groundwater resources. The study area is located in the southern Western Desert and focuses on the areas proximal to the Nile Valley. The area is promising for future development projects and contains new reclaimed areas under the ongoing mega-projects. The Objective of this study is to better understand the recharge from the deep Nubian Aquifer System to the shallow aquifers via connectivity process. Shallow aquifers, economically, mean low cost well installations and low-cost extraction of groundwater. This study integrates remote sensing data, borehole data, geophysical techniques and stable isotopic analyses. Large-scale remote sensing data with aeromagnetic analyses enable the mapping of both shallow and deep faults and thus facilitating the structural connectivity between the deep and shallow aquifers and controlling the flow dynamics. Depth-to-basement map was constructed using aeromagnetic data and deep boreholes to deduce the thickness of the water-bearing formations which affects the connectivity process. Stable isotopic analyses for groundwater samples revealed the mixing between the aquifers and the contribution ratio from the Nubian aquifer to the shallow ones. These isotopic analyses were supported by the values of the total dissolved solids in the groundwater samples. The results of this study reveal that the southern and middle parts of the study area receive significant recharge from the deep Nubian Aquifer towards the shallow Aquifers. In contrast, these shallow aquifers in the northern part of the study area don’t receive significant recharge from the Nubian Aquifer and depend mainly on the Nile River. We constructed a tentative map for the feasible areas based on recharge from the deep Nubian Aquifer System to the shallow aquifers. These areas are represented on one hundred thousand feddans in west KomOmbo which is included in the 1.5 million feddans project, and this gives a positive indication for this area. This project also can be expanded by fifteen and twenty thousand feddans in West Qena and West Sohag respectively. This map can be presented to beneficiaries and Stakeholders to set up priorities for groundwater well exploitation needed for economic planning.