scholarly journals Microbial Quality Assessment and Efficacy of Low-Cost Disinfectants on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Collected from Urban Areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1325
Author(s):  
Md. Mafizur Rahman ◽  
Md. Obyedul Kalam Azad ◽  
Jasim Uddain ◽  
Md. Adnan ◽  
Md. Chayan Ali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Salt Water ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Load Reduction ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
Total Fungi ◽  
Pointed Gourd

This study aimed to examine the total viable bacteria (TVBC); total coliform (TCC); fecal coliform (TFC); pathogenic Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and total fungi (TF); and the effect of different low-cost disinfectants (sterile water, salt water, blanched, and vinegar) in decontamination of 12 types of fruit and 10 types of vegetables. In fruit samples, the lowest TVBC was enumerated at 3.18 ± 0.27 log CFU/g in Indian gooseberry and the highest at 6.47 ± 0.68 log CFU/g in guava. Staphylococci (2.04 ± 0.53–5.10 ± 0.02 log CFU/g), Pseudomonas (1.88 ± 0.03–5.38 ± 0.08 log CFU/g), and total fungi (2.60 ± 0.18–7.50 ± 0.15 log CFU/g) were found in all fruit samples; however, no Salmonella was detected in fruit samples. Similarly, the lowest TVBC recorded 5.67± 0.49 log CFU/g in cucumber and the highest 7.37 ± 0.06 log CFU/g in yard long bean. The Staphylococci (3.48 ± 0.13–4.81 ± 0.16 log CFU/g), Pseudomonas (3.57± 0.21– 4.75 ± 0.23 log CFU/g), TCC (1.85 ± 1.11–56.50 ± 37.14 MPN/g), TFC (1.76 ± 0.87– 3.78 ± 3.76 MPN/g), and TF (3.79 ± 0.18–4.40 ± 0.38 log CFU/g) were recorded in all vegetables samples, but no Salmonella was detected in yard long bean, pointed gourd, carrot, tomato, cucumber, or brinjal. However, vinegar showed the highest microbial load reduction of selected fruit and vegetables among the different treatments. With vinegar treatment, the highest reduction of TVBC (1.61-log) and TF (2.54-log) was observed for fruits, and TVBC (2.31-log) and TF (2.41-log) for vegetables. All the disinfectant treatments resulted in significant (p < 0.01) bacterial load reduction compared to control for the studied fruits and vegetable samples.

scholarly journals MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION OF SELECTED FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES SOLD IN HAWASSA, CAPITAL CITY OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beyene Dobo
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
And Staphylococcus Aureus

For good health, including fresh fruits and vegetables in our daily diet is very important. Fresh fruits and vegetables are highly perishable and affected by different microbial contaminants from production up to consumption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the important microbial spectrum of selected fruits and vegetables and their management from Hawassa town markets. A total of 27 fruit and 9 vegetable samples were analyzed for pathogens from their surface wash. The mean aerobic mesophillic count (AMC) ranged from 2.04x10-7cfu/ml to 4.2x10-6cfu/ml from the surface wash and the total coliform count (TC) ranged from 2.50LTBccfu/ml x10-7 to 1.5x10-6cfu/ml. Fecal coliform ranged from 3.2x10-6 to 0 cfu/ml and the range for Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were 1.8x10-6 to 0 cfu/ml and 2.50LTBcx10-7 to 0 cfu/ml respectively. Mold and yeast count ranged from 7.6x10-6 to 0.2x10-4 from the fruit surface wash. There was statistically significant difference regarding to AMC and TC between markets in between banana and orange samples and they were detected in all fruit samples. From the 36 samples E. coli and molds and yeast were found in all fruit samples, and Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus were detected in 89% fruit samples in each. Activities during harvesting, transportation, storage and marketing conditions favored contamination of most commonly used fruits banana and orange. Besides, poor hygiene of the venders, using microbial unsafe containers, poor handling practice and poor environmental conditions such as sanitarily unsafe marketing environment were identified to be another sources of contamination. Hence, for safe and clean supply of fruits, community members working with the fruits must be trained on the ways by which fruits can be contaminated and the safe methods of harvesting, transportation, storage and vending the fruits.

scholarly journals Microbial load reduction using modified Solar Conduction Dryer with composite filters

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Jadhav ◽  
S. Ashokkumar ◽  
N. Nagwekar
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Microbial Reduction ◽  
Ash Content ◽  
Microbial Load ◽  
Drying Methods ◽  
Load Reduction ◽  
Microbial Counts ◽  
Beet Root ◽  
Quality Retention

The present work studies the microbial load reduction in sapota and beet root by three different drying methods i.e. Open Sun Drying (OSD), Solar Conduction Drying (SCD) and a modified SCD with filters (SCDF). Parameters analyzed were water activity, moisture content, drying kinetics, Total Viable Counts, Total Fungal Counts and ash content. It was found that the samples dried in SCDF showed least microbial counts, faster drying times and lower ash content as comparison to OSD. This study shows that SCD and its modification provide a better alternative for low cost drying of fruits and vegetables for quality retention. Keywords: Microbial reduction; SCD Filters; Sapota; Beetroot 

Tenants' Satisfaction in High Residential Building

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
UMMU SHOLEHAH MOHD NOR
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Real Estate Market ◽  
The Real Estate ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
Residential Living ◽  
Medium Cost

High residential living in Malaysia has not been widely given a significant emphasises in literature despite its increasing scale and significance in the real estate market. The significance of high rise is mainly due the increasing rate of migration from rural to urban. It is estimated a total of 77.2 percent of the Malaysian population lived in urban areas in 2020. Approximately, 30 percent of this urban population lives in strata housing. These percentages are predicted to continue to increase in the future. The emergence of high residential building has been argued as confronting various problems which has considerable impact on this life style. Satisfaction is an important outcome of living in one’s dwelling, although it is not the only consideration. High residential building in Malaysia encountered numerous problems in term of management aspects, legislation aspects, and residents’ satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tenants’ satisfaction living in high residential buildings in Klang Valley. The questionnaires survey is conducted amongst 276 tenants at low cost and medium cost HRB using random sampling in HRB located at areas under jurisdiction Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA), Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) and Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ). The result from this study shows that tenant in medium cost residential building are more satisfied in term of facilities and management as compared to tenants in low cost residential building. Tenants also not disclosed to the existing act and procedure related to high residential building. In conclusion, this study suggested the Local Authority to emphasise the role of tenant. These recommendation hopefully will increase the level of satisfaction amongst the residents in HRB.

Understanding the Role of Chlorine and Ozone to Control Postharvest Diseases in Fruit and Vegetables: A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-461
Author(s):  
Gabriela M. Baia ◽  
Otniel Freitas-Silva ◽  
Murillo F. Junior
Keyword(s):  
Chlorine Dioxide ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Postharvest Diseases ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
By Products

Fruits and vegetables are foods that come into contact with various types of microorganisms from planting to their consumption. A lack or poor sanitation of these products after harvest can cause high losses due to deterioration and/ or pathogenic microorganisms. There are practically no post-harvest fungicides or bactericides with a broad spectrum of action that have no toxic residual effects and are safe. However, to minimize such problems, the use of sanitizers is an efficient device against these microorganisms. Chlorine is the most prevalent sanitizing agent because of its broad spectrum, low cost and well-established practices. However, the inevitable formation of disinfection by-products, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), is considered one of the main threats to food safety. Alternative sanitizers, such as chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and ozone, are becoming popular as a substitute for traditional post-harvest treatments. Thus, this review addresses the use of chlorine, chlorine dioxide and ozone emphasizing aspects, such as usage, safe application, spectrum of action and legislation. In order to ensure the quality and safety of final products, the adoption of well-prepared sanitation and sanitation programs for post-harvest fruits and vegetables is essential.

scholarly journals Understanding Spatial Variability of NO2 in Urban Areas Using Spatial Modelling and Data Fusion Approaches

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Said Munir ◽  
Martin Mayfield ◽  
Daniel Coca
Keyword(s):  
Data Fusion ◽  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Dispersion Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Spatial Modelling ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The City

Small-scale spatial variability in NO2 concentrations is analysed with the help of pollution maps. Maps of NO2 estimated by the Airviro dispersion model and land use regression (LUR) model are fused with measured NO2 concentrations from low-cost sensors (LCS), reference sensors and diffusion tubes. In this study, geostatistical universal kriging was employed for fusing (integrating) model estimations with measured NO2 concentrations. The results showed that the data fusion approach was capable of estimating realistic NO2 concentration maps that inherited spatial patterns of the pollutant from the model estimations and adjusted the modelled values using the measured concentrations. Maps produced by the fusion of NO2-LCS with NO2-LUR produced better results, with r-value 0.96 and RMSE 9.09. Data fusion adds value to both measured and estimated concentrations: the measured data are improved by predicting spatiotemporal gaps, whereas the modelled data are improved by constraining them with observed data. Hotspots of NO2 were shown in the city centre, eastern parts of the city towards the motorway (M1) and on some major roads. Air quality standards were exceeded at several locations in Sheffield, where annual mean NO2 levels were higher than 40 µg/m3. Road traffic was considered to be the dominant emission source of NO2 in Sheffield.

scholarly journals Assessment of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis Bacterial Load in Infected Walnut Fruits by Quantitative PCR

Plant Disease ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 103 (10) ◽  
pp. 2577-2586
Author(s):  
Leonor Martins ◽  
Camila Fernandes ◽  
Pedro Albuquerque ◽  
Fernando Tavares
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Juglans Regia ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Etiologic Agent ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Rapid Diagnostics ◽  
In Planta ◽  
Chromosomal Dna ◽  
Fruit Samples ◽  
Xanthomonas Arboricola

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis is the etiologic agent of important walnut (Juglans regia L.) diseases, causing severe fruit drop and high economic losses in walnut production regions. Rapid diagnostics and knowledge of bacterial virulence fitness are key to hinder disease progression and apply timely phytosanitary measures. This work describes an X. arboricola pv. juglandis-specific real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) using X. arboricola pv. juglandis-specific DNA markers to quantify the bacterial load in infected walnut plant tissues. Method validation was achieved using calibration curves obtained with serial dilutions of X. arboricola pv. juglandis chromosomal DNA and standard curves obtained from walnut samples spiked with X. arboricola pv. juglandis cells. High correlations (R2 > 0.990 and > 0.995) and low limits of detection (35 chromosomes/qPCR reaction and 2.7 CFU/qPCR reaction) were obtained for both markers considering the calibration and standard curves, respectively. Assessment of qPCR repeatability, reproducibility, and specificity allowed us to demonstrate the reliability and consistency of the method. Furthermore, in planta quantification of X. arboricola pv. juglandis bacterial load using infected walnut fruit samples showed a higher detection resolution compared with standard PCR detection. By allowing quantification of virulence fitness of distinct X. arboricola pv. juglandis strains in planta, the proposed qPCR method may contribute to assertive risk assessment of walnut diseases caused by X. arboricola pv. juglandis and ultimately help to improve phytosanitary practices.

scholarly journals Multidisciplinary Approach to Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 615-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás Reinert ◽  
Susana Ramalho ◽  
Rodrigo Gonçalves ◽  
Carlos Barrios ◽  
Marcia Graudenz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Endocrine Therapy ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Hormone Receptor ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Locally Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) tumors represent the most common form of this disease, with more than 70% of breast cancers expressing these receptors. Response and benefit to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) varies according to HR expression, with lower responses in luminal tumors as compared with hormone receptor-negative (HR-) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) tumors. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) is an option for selected patients with HR+ locally advanced breast cancer. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy has a favorable toxicity profile, and is associated with benefits such as having low cost and being more easily available even for cancer care professionals outside major urban areas or tertiary centers. These factors are particularly relevant, as 70% of breast cancer deaths occur in women from low-income and middle-income countries. Additionally, NET is being increasingly explored, not simply to allow for less extensive surgery, but also as a scientific tool, with the use of biomarkers to predict outcomes in adjuvant trials and for the individual patient. This review details the current and most relevant evidence about NET for breast cancer as well as the future directions of this field.

scholarly journals Use of ceramic pot filter (CPF) technology under pressure in an in-line pumping system

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 843-852
Author(s):  
Travis D. Gardner ◽  
Joe D. Guggenberger
Keyword(s):  
Water Treatment ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Water Production ◽  
Pumping System ◽  
Point Of Use ◽  
Logarithmic Reduction

Abstract Ceramic pot filters (CPFs) are an effective point of use water treatment device in developing nations due to their low cost and effectiveness. CPFs are gravity fed, typically making water production a major limiting factor to a CPF's lifetime and acceptability. Directly connecting CPFs to in-line pumping systems or systems with an elevated storage tank would allow filter usage for constant water treatment at increased pressures, increasing the quantity of treated water. Ceramic disks were manufactured for testing in a specially designed housing apparatus. Filters of varying thicknesses and clay to sawdust mass ratios were manufactured to fit tightly. Flowrate and microbiological removal efficacy (logarithmic reduction value (LRV)) were determined over the testing period at various pressures. Flowrate values ranged from 2.44 to 9.04 L per hour, significantly higher than traditional CPF technology. LRVs ranged from 1.1 to 2.0, lower than traditional CPF technology but still effective at removing most Escherichia coli and total coliform bacteria. Filters proved effective at removing total and fecal coliforms at pressures less than 70 kilopascals. The optimum filter had a thickness of 3.2 cm and clay to sawdust ratio of 6:1 by mass. Filters proved to be ineffective if flowrates were above 5 L/h.

New Results of Using the Light Trap for Collecting Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) in the Urban Environment (on the Example of Saratov)

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-78
Author(s):  
A.S. Sazhnev ◽  
◽  
V.V. Anikin ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Harmonia Axyridis ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Light Traps ◽  
Adventitious Species ◽  
First Time ◽  
Stegobium Paniceum

The article presents the results of research of the using light traps (luminescent lamp Actinic 6W) for collecting Coleoptera in the Saratov city. Entomological material was collected by the second author in the period from 1.06 to 2.10.2019. In 2019, 52 species of Coleoptera of 22 families from different ecological groups were recorded. A relatively high proportion of adventitious species remains in 17.3– 30.7% of the presented fauna was presented. For two years the 14 species of alien and cryptogenic Coleoptera species were observed, that is 24.5% of the adventive fauna of the Saratov Province. Among invasive species Attagenus smirnovi, Stegobium paniceum, Atomaria lewisi, Harmonia axyridis, Gnatocerus cornutus, and Orchestes steppensis were record for the first time in 2019. It to use bringing on light as one of the available and low-cost ways to identify alien and cryptogenic organisms in urban areas is recommended.

Perceived neighborhood food access is associated with consumption of animal-flesh food, fruits and vegetables among mothers and young children in peri-urban Cambodia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Minh-Cam Duong ◽  
Hung Nguyen-Viet ◽  
Delia Grace ◽  
Chhay Ty ◽  
Huy Sokchea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Phnom Penh ◽  
Consumption Frequency ◽  
Future Work

Abstract Objective: To examine whether mothers’ perceived neighborhood food access is associated with their own and their young children’s consumption of animal-flesh food, fruits and vegetables in peri-urban areas of Cambodia. Design: A cross-sectional survey measured food consumption frequency and perceived neighborhood food access, the latter including six dimensions of food availability, affordability, convenience, quality, safety and desirability. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between food access and food consumption. Setting: Peri-urban districts of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia Participants: 198 mothers of children between 6 to 24 months old. Results: Over 25% of the mothers and 40% of the children had low consumption (< once a day) of either animal-flesh food or fruits and vegetables. Compared with perceived high food access, perceived low food access was associated with an adjusted 5.6-fold and 4.3-fold greater odds of low animal-flesh food consumption among mothers (95% CI 2.54, 12.46) and children (95% CI 2.20, 8.60) respectively. Similarly, relative to perceived high access, perceived low food access was associated with 7.6-times and 5.1-times higher adjusted odds of low fruits and vegetables consumption among mothers (95% CI 3.22, 18.02) and children (95% CI 2.69, 9.83) respectively. Conclusions: Mothers’ perceived neighborhood food access was an important predictor of their own and their young children’s nutrient-rich food consumption in peri-urban Cambodia. Future work is needed to confirm our findings in other urban settings and examine the role of neighborhood food environment on the consumption of both nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor food.

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