Evaluating aerial pollution using rainwater chemistry for sustainable environmental development

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 713-739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abiodun Adegunwa ◽  
Festus Mayowa Adebiyi ◽  
Olabode Asubiojo
Keyword(s):  
Rainy Season ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Sea Salt ◽  
Total Alkalinity ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Environmental Development ◽  
Rainwater Quality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to use rainwater quality parameters as indicators of pollution to assess the level of aerial pollution for sustainable environmental development. Design/methodology/approach Rainwaters were collected in open spaces within commercial, industrial and residential areas in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria during onset, peak and late rainy season. Values of NO3−, NH4+, Cl−, SO42−, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, total acidity and total alkalinity were determined using certified wet chemistry procedures, whereas those of Ca2+, Na+, K+ and Mg2+ were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Findings Overall results showed that the concentrations of the physical parameters, anions and cations, were comparatively higher at the onset of the rainy period than the latter periods, indicating washout of the pollutants as the rainy season progressed. Results of Pearson correlation matrix and Cluster analysis results showed that many of the parameters have similar source(s). Analysis of variance and t-test results indicated significant difference between the concentrations of the analyzed parameters at different rainy periods, whereas ratio values of sea salt fraction were higher than non-sea salt fraction for all species, depicting anthropogenic influences. Originality/value From the findings, the study concluded that the quality of the rainwaters was substandard due elevated levels of most of the analyzed quality parameters; this method proved to be economical, effective and simple compared to the conventional methods; it also proved rainwater quality to be a reliable pointer of aerial pollution and the concept can be used to assess the pollution level of areas of similar settings.

Challenges and potential solutions to utilization of carrot rejects and waste in food processing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gagan Jyot Kaur ◽  
Valerie Orsat ◽  
Ashutosh Singh
Keyword(s):  
Food Processing ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Processing Unit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Processing Level ◽  
Significant Difference

PurposeOf the global carrot production, 20–30% is outgraded as carrot rejects and waste (CRW) at the primary processing level, which is partially used toward animal feed and the remaining ends in the landfills. This study was undertaken to identify the hurdles and seek potential solutions for using CRW in food processing.Design/methodology/approachCRW were procured from the processing unit in Ontario, Canada, as (1) outgraded carrots (OGCs) and (2) processed discards (PDs). The physical parameters of CRW, imperfections responsible for their separation from the graded carrots and shelf-life studies were recorded.FindingsA significant difference with p ≤ 0.05 was recorded for both the physical parameters and the nature of imperfections in CRW. Discolored carrots (42.37 ± 3.59%) and the presence of vertical splits (52.71 ± 3.18%) were among the top defects in the OGCs. In contrast, the presence of broken tips (54.83 ± 2.52%) and vertical splits (40.56 ± 2.65%) were among the primary cause for the generation of PDs. In total, five percent of CRW were initially infected, which later increased to 30% during the seven days storage period.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the study was that only two varieties of carrots were considered and these were procured from one processor (the authors’ industry partner) at different time intervals of the year. Microbiological analysis could not be completed and reported due to prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation but is included for future studies.Practical implicationsDevelopment of specialized post-harvest packaging and handling protocols and separation of infected fragments are essential before suggesting the use of CRW in food processing.Originality/valueNumerous studies report on the post-harvest management and processing of graded carrots, but limited to no studies are published on the usage of CRW in food processing.

scholarly journals Aspects of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Bodna River in Kwali Area Council Abuja, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 87-95
Author(s):  
B M Sani ◽  
S A Okunsebor ◽  
A H Banyigyi
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Physicochemical Parameters ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Total Dissolved Solid

In this study, the Bodna River was analyzed for some physicochemical parameters. The main aim of the study was to determine the effect of human activities on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the river, and to enhance systemable usage for conservation and management. The water quality parameters examined were Temperature, pH, Transparency, Salinity, Total dissolved solids (TDS), Dissolved oxygen (DO) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) for the four sampling stations from May 2018 to April 2019. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the pH values of the river ranging between (7.16 to 7.20) in all the sampling stations. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed significance differences (p<0.05) in other parameters across the months. The result showed that air temperature ranged from 32.10±0.73 to 36.15±0.17 oc, water temperature from 30.20±0.94 to 34.30±0.22oc, transparency ranged from 5.9±0.61cm to 18.7±6.17cm, Salinity varied 2.08±0.06 to 3.15±0.50 mg/l. Total dissolved solid (TDS) was between 33.50±7.91 and 83.85±21.06mg/l. Dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged from 6.23±0.05 to 8.28±0.10 mg/l and Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 40.00±4.32 to 87.25±19.97ꭒ/s. The parameters were correlated within the stations. The results from the study showed that most of the physicochemical parameters were within the accepted values for consumption, biodiversity, productivity, domestic usage and are below pollution level.

Incubation Temperature Influences the Duration of Egg Hatching and Early Development in the Boreal Digging Frog, Kaloula Borealis

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. ACCEPTED
Author(s):  
Rho-Jeong Rae
Keyword(s):  
Water Temperature ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Incubation Temperature ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Early Life Stages ◽  
Egg Hatching ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hatching Rates

This study investigated the boreal digging frog, Kaloula borealis, to determine the egg hatching period and whether the hatching period is affected by incubation temperature. The results of this study showed that all the eggs hatched within 48 h after spawning, with 28.1% (±10.8, n=52) hatching within 24 h and 99.9% (±0.23, n=49) within 48 h after spawning. A significant difference was noted in the mean hatching proportion of tadpoles at different water temperatures. The mean hatching rates between 15 and 24 h after spawning was higher at a water temperature of 21.1 (±0.2) °C than at 24.1 (±0.2) °C. These results suggest that incubation temperature affected the early life stages of the boreal digging frog, since they spawn in ponds or puddles that form during the rainy season.

The Status of Noise Pollution in the Major Traffic Intersections of Khulna Metropolitan City in Bangladesh and its Possible Effect on Noise-Exposed People

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliza Sultana ◽  
Ashok Kumar Paul ◽  
Meher Un Nessa
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Metropolitan City ◽  
Mixed Area ◽  
Commercial Area ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Traffic Intersections ◽  
The Status

This study was conducted in the Khulna metropolitan city to determine the status of noise pollution at major traffic intersections and assess the possible effect of noise on regular noise afflicted people. For this research, five busiest roadways and traffic intersections; two mixed zone and three commercial zones were selected purposively and 'ST-8850 Sound Level Meter' was used to record the noise pressure level. Average noise pressure level and some noise parameters (Leq, L10, L50, L90, and Lnp) were measured at different shifts in each location both on working days and holidays. The result evidently specified that noise level in all major traffic circles of Khulna metropolitan city was much higher than the recommended threshold of acceptable noise level set by the Department of Environment (DOE) of Bangladesh. It was observed that the mixed area (Sonadanga, Gollamari) tends to have a higher average noise level than those of the commercial area (Shibbari, Notunrasta, Dakbangla). The noise pollution level (Lnp) in mixed areas varied from 92.77 dB (A) to 104.74 dB(A) on working days and 86.9 dB(A) to 105.5 dB(A) on holidays. On working days, the highest Leq was observed 92.65 ± 4.15 dB(A) in Sonadanga (mixed area), whereas the lowest was 85.13 ± 2.83 dB(A) in Dakbangla (commercial area). However, on holidays the highest level of Leq was found 90.41 ± 2.25 dB(A) in Sonadanga, while the lowest levels were 80.43 ± 3.20 dB(A) in Dakbangla. One-way ANOVA with LSD post-hoc test results illustrated that on working days there was a significant difference between the noise pollution levels (NPL) in different shifts of day time (F = 8.412, p < .05). The respondents of the study area addressed that they were the most affected by annoyance (70%), headache (62%), and hearing loss (46%) due to regular exposure to the traffic noise. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance awareness regarding the cause and effect of noise pollution among the noise producers and oppressed people. Subsequently, administrative measures have to take to attenuate noise pollution and indemnify the quality health of the citizens.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial metastatic melanoma: a 6-year experience

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 494-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Gonzalez-martinez ◽  
Laura Hernandez ◽  
Lucia Zamorano ◽  
Andrew Sloan ◽  
Kenneth Levin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Tumor Control ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of stereotactic radiosurgery for intracranial metastatic melanoma and to identify prognostic factors related to tumor control and survival that might be helpful in determining appropriate therapy. Methods. Twenty-four patients with intracranial metastases (115 lesions) metastatic from melanoma underwent radiosurgery. In 14 patients (58.3%) whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was performed, and in 12 (50%) chemotherapy was conducted before radiosurgery. The median tumor volume was 4 cm3 (range 1–15 cm3). The mean dose was 16.4 Gy (range 13–20 Gy) prescribed to the 50% isodose at the tumor margin. All cases were categorized according to the Recursive Partitioning Analysis classification for brain metastases. Univariate and multivariate analyses of survival were performed to determine significant prognostic factors affecting survival. The mean survival was 5.5 months after radiosurgery. The analyses revealed no difference in terms of survival between patients who underwent WBRT or chemotherapy and those who did not. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in mean survival was observed between patients receiving immunotherapy or those with a Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score of greater than 90. Conclusions. The treatment with systemic immunotherapy and a KPS score greater than 90 were factors associated with a better prognosis. Radiosurgery for melanoma-related brain metastases appears to be an effective treatment associated with few complications.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors from lung cancer: a comparison between small cell and non—small cell carcinoma

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 484-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toru Serizawa ◽  
Junichi Ono ◽  
Toshihiko Iichi ◽  
Shinji Matsuda ◽  
Makoto Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Brain Tumors ◽  
Gamma Knife ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Metastatic Brain Tumors ◽  
Cell Lung Carcinoma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) for the treatment of metastatic brain tumors from lung cancer, with particular reference to small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) compared with non-SCLC (NSCLC). Methods. Two hundred forty-five consecutive patients meeting the following five criteria were evaluated in this study: 1) no prior brain tumor treatment; 2) 25 or fewer lesions; 3) a maximum of three tumors with a diameter of 20 mm or larger; 4) no surgically inaccessible tumor 30 mm or greater in diameter; and 5) more than 3 months of life expectancy. According to the same treatment protocol, large tumors (≥ 30 mm) were surgically removed and the other small lesions (< 30 mm) were treated with GKS. New lesions were treated with repeated GKS. Chemotherapy was administered, according to the primary physician's protocol, as aggressively as possible. Progression-free, overall, neurological, qualitative, and new lesion—free survival were calculated with the Kaplan—Meier method and were compared in the SCLC and NSCLC groups by using the log-rank test. The poor prognostic factors for each type of survival were also analyzed with the Cox proportional hazard model. Conclusions. Tumor control rate at 1 year was 94.5% in the SCLC group and 98% in the NSCLC group. The median survival time was 9.1 months in the SCLC group and 8.6 months in the NSCLC group. The 1-year survival rates in the SCLC group were 86.5% for neurological survival and 68.9% for qualitative survival; those in the NSCLC group were 87.9% for neurological and 78.9% for qualitative survival. The estimated median interval to emergence of a new lesion was 6.9 months in the SCLC group and 9.8 months in the NSCLC group. There was no significant difference between the two groups for any type of survival; this finding was verified by multivariate analysis. The results of this study suggest that GKS appears to be as effective in treating brain metastases from SCLC as for those from NSCLC.

Residents’ perception towards tourism impacts in Kashmir

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asif Hamid Charag ◽  
Asif Iqbal Fazili ◽  
Irfan Bashir
Keyword(s):  
Planning Process ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Cultural Economic ◽  
Tourism Impacts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
City Tourism ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the residents’ perception towards environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts of tourism development in Kashmir. Design/methodology/approach The research instrument containing 27 items pertaining to six variables is adopted from the literature. A mix-method survey approach is used to solicit residents’ perceptions regarding environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts of the current level of tourism development. A total of 326 useful responses were subjected to descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis using SPSS (Version 22.0). Findings In general, the negative and positive impacts of tourism development are well perceived by the residents. The results indicate that the residents display positive perception regarding economic impacts, however, social and environmental impacts are negatively perceived. Furthermore, barring level of education, the study found no significant difference in the residents’ perception towards tourism impacts (environmental, social, cultural, economic, quality of life and cost of living). Research limitations/implications The paper identifies perceived impacts and issues of tourism development thereby, proposing possible mitigating measures. Also, the study identifies the need to develop a comprehensive policy framework addressing the issues related to the resident’s negative feelings towards tourism impacts. Further, the study envisages the need for engaging residents in developing a progressive and participatory planning process for future tourism activities in the area. Social implications The study offers critical social implications for city tourism development. It suggests a community-based approach should be adopted to sensitize residents about the positive benefits of tourism. Originality/value The study is a novel attempt concerning residents’ residents perceptual differences towards tourism impacts. Furthermore, this study investigated socio-cultural impacts of tourism under two separate categories for better understanding. in doing so, this study provides finer understanding of perception of residents towards tourism impacts in Indian context. The findings of the study will prove critical for different stakeholders in developing future tourism framework and policies in the region.

scholarly journals Utility of the optical quality analysis system for decision-making in Nd: YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in patients with light posterior capsule opacity

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Lu ◽  
Weijie Zhu ◽  
Yu Fan ◽  
Dong Shi ◽  
Liwei Ma
Keyword(s):  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Optical Quality ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Posterior Capsule ◽  
Clinical Trial Registry ◽  
Posterior Capsulotomy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
Scattering Index

Abstract Background A prospective cohort study was performed to evaluate whether the Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS) can serve as a valuable additional indicator for appropriate posterior capsulotomy referral. Methods One hundred and five eyes from 96 patients undergoing capsulotomy were divided into precapsulotomy logMAR CDVA ≤0.1 group and logMAR CDVA > 0.1 group. CDVA, and the Visual Function 14 index (VF-14) score were estimated before and 1 month after capsulotomy. The objective scattering index (OSI) value was measured by using the OQAS. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) severity was assessed with Evaluation of PCO 2000 (EPCO 2000) software. Results In logMAR CDVA > 0.1 group, the correlations of OSI, logMAR CDVA, EPCO score and VF-14 score were very strong preoperatively. In logMAR CDVA ≤0.1 group, preoperatively, OSI was correlated with logMAR CDVA (r = 0.451), EPCO score (r = 0.789), and VF-14 score (r = 0.852). LogMAR CDVA has weak correlation with VF-14 score (r = − 0.384) and EPCO score (r = 0.566). VF-14 score was correlated with EPCO score (r = − 0.669). In the logMAR CDVA ≤0.1 group, there was no significant difference in logMAR CDVA between precapsulotomy and postcapsulotomy (P > 0.05). In the two groups, all the other optical quality parameters were significantly improved after capsulotomy (P < 0.05). In logMAR CDVA > 0.1 group, the area under the curve of the ROC of the OSI was 0.996 (P = 0.000). In logMAR CDVA ≤0.1 group, the area under the curve of the ROC of the OSI was 0.943 (P = 0.000). Conclusions The OSI was useful for evaluating of PCO and prediction of beneficial capsulotomy. Especially for patients with slight PCO and better visual acuity, OSI is more valuable than CDVA and completely objective examination. Trial registration The study protocol was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Register: ChiCTR1800018842 (Registered Date: October 13th, 2018).

scholarly journals Evaluation of Minimum Preparation Sampling Strategies for Sugarcane Quality Prediction by vis-NIR Spectroscopy

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2195
Author(s):  
Lucas de Paula Corrêdo ◽  
Leonardo Felipe Maldaner ◽  
Helizani Couto Bazame ◽  
José Paulo Molin
Keyword(s):  
Sample Preparation ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Spectral Response ◽  
Nir Spectroscopy ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Sample Type ◽  
Sampling Strategies ◽  
Significant Difference

Proximal sensing for assessing sugarcane quality information during harvest can be affected by various factors, including the type of sample preparation. The objective of this study was to determine the best sugarcane sample type and analyze the spectral response for the prediction of quality parameters of sugarcane from visible and near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy. The sampling and spectral data acquisition were performed during the analysis of samples by conventional methods in a sugar mill laboratory. Samples of billets were collected and four modes of scanning and sample preparation were evaluated: outer-surface (‘skin’) (SS), cross-sectional scanning (CSS), defibrated cane (DF), and raw juice (RJ) to analyze the parameters soluble solids content (Brix), saccharose (Pol), fibre, pol of cane and total recoverable sugars (TRS). Predictive models based on Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) were built with the vis-NIR spectral measurements. There was no significant difference (p-value > 0.05) between the accuracy SS and CSS samples compared to DF and RJ samples for all prediction models. However, DF samples presented the best predictive performance values for the main sugarcane quality parameters, and required only minimal sample preparation. The results contribute to advancing the development of on-board quality monitoring in sugarcane, indicating better sampling strategies.

How label and nutritional claims affect consumers’ acceptance, buying intention and quality perception toward a beverage made from cashew nut

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 1243-1251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Cabral Rebouças ◽  
Maria do Carmo Passos Rodrigues ◽  
Silvia Maria de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
New Product ◽  
Quality Attributes ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cashew Nut ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perception Of Quality ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Mango Juice ◽  
Hedonic Scale

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of the front of a package label and the nutritional claims linked to it over consumers’ expectations as to acceptance, purchase attitude and perception of quality characteristics of a new functional beverage made from cashew nut milk and added with mango juice and prebiotic substances. Design/methodology/approach Three versions of the front label were developed, which differed just by the type of nutritional claim presented (“0 per cent lactose and 0 per cent cholesterol; 0 per cent lactose, 0 per cent cholesterol and source of fibers, 0 per cent lactose, 0 per cent cholesterol and antioxidants”) and were evaluated in two phases, expectation and informed. For the evaluation, consumers used a multi-attribute scale, the nine-point hedonic scale and a nine-point semi-structured buying attitude scale. Findings The labels created a positive expectation on the consumers regarding the quality attributes, overall impression (mean = 6.0 “Like slightly”) and buying attitude (mean = 6.0 “Would probably buy”). After tasting the beverage associated with labels (informed phase), consumers kept a positive evaluation. The t-test performed between the pair of means of both phases showed that there has not been a significant difference regarding the quality attributes (p > 0.05), special, attractive, nutritive, healthy and buying attitude (Label 1, p = 0.26; Label 2, p = 0.18; Label 3, p = 0.26) in all labels. Originality/value The authors evaluated how the influence of label and nutritional claims in regards to a new product, a beverage made from cashew nut, affects its acceptance, buying attitude and characteristics of quality. Until this moment, there are no studies that evaluate how external attributes affect the acceptance of this beverage totally unique in the Brazilian market.

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