Estimation of Atmospheric Turbidity Parameters in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

This study estimated the levels of atmospheric turbidity in Ile-Ife, a tropical location in the Southwest of Nigeria, from November, 2017 to March, 2019. This was with the aim to quantify the degree of atmospheric cleanliness of the study location. The methods of estimation used are: the Angstrom turbidity parameters (α and β), Linke turbidity factor (TL) and horizontal visibility (VH). The values of α and β range between 0.6 and 1.4; 0.10 and 0.91 respectively. The values obtained for TL varied between 1 and 7 while visibility values ranged between 2 and 14 km. Maximum values of β and TL (corresponding to low values of VH) were obtained in the dry season (particularly in the months of January and February) while the lowest values of the same methods of estimation (corresponding to high values of VH) were recorded in the wet season (specifically in August and September). The elevated turbidity observed in the dry season was linked to episodes of Harmattan dust storms usually experienced at the study location. The study concluded that a polluted atmosphere dominates the study location especially in the dry season as indicated by the different atmospheric turbidity parameters.

Aerosol Optical Depths during Two Harmattan Seasons in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Aim: To quantify the atmospheric aerosol loading in order to predict the severity and accompanying consequences of aerosols at a tropical location in Ile-Ife, southwest Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between November 2017 and March 2019. Methodology: Daily measurements of Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) at about the local noon (12:30 pm–1:30 pm) for two consecutive Harmattan seasons (November 2017–March 2018; and November 2018 – March 2019) were carried out at three different wavelengths, 465 nm, 540 nm and 619 nm using a manually operated hand-held sun photometer (model Calitoo). Results: The mean values of AOD were 0.98, 0.87 and 0.83 in the 465 nm, 540 nm and 619 nm wavelengths respectively for November 2017 – March 2018; and 0.94, 0.83 and 0.78 in the 465 nm, 540 nm and 619 nm wavelengths respectively for November 2018 – March 2019. The values assume high levels of haziness at the study location. Intense Harmattan dust storm was experienced on some typical days with AOD values > 2. The resulting elevated level of atmospheric haziness led to visibility deterioration and visibility values greatly reduced to 1 km on such days. December, January and February months were the peak of the Harmattan. The distribution of the particle size indicated that the dominated aerosol is the coarse mode Harmattan dust during the period of study. Conclusion: The study location experiences a polluted atmosphere during the Harmattan season.

Non-Motorized Transportation Analysis of Traffic Density, Pollution Using Regression Anova Analysis

Planners are now trying to provide greener travel solutions to reduce fiscal, social, and environmental issues. This research, therefore, seeks to find significant reasons for urban transport to enhance the use of alternative transportation modes. This report seeks to establish the connection between influential metrics for urban mobility and regular travel trips from different parts of the world. Deployment of excellent non-motorized transport facilities for Walking and cycling is a good way to encourage the use of bicycles, thereby increasing the physical fitness of end-users. Past studies were thoroughly reviewed and found to be applicable for analysis and application in the real world. Anova's regression analysis is distinguished by a more comprehensive interpretation of the findings. At Rajkamal Intersection, Amravati district, Maharashtra the traffic volume counts were carried out. It is the focus of the transport congestion, which leads to a polluted atmosphere due to prolonged duration at the signals. In this research, it can be seen that with the use of Motorized transport the traffic density & air pollution will increase with time, and with the increase in the use of Non-Motorized transport, the traffic density decreases also the air pollution is at a steady pace. The current study shows the necessity, favourable conditions, and economic benefits of non-motorized sustainable traffic, in the Indian condition.

Modelled impacts of a potential light emitting diode lighting system conversion and the influence of an extremely polluted atmosphere in Mexico City

Currently, many cities worldwide are changing current existing and mostly outdated lighting situation systems from inefficient lamps to light emitting diodes (LEDs). Providing the opportunity of energy savings, they can help in preventing influences to the night sky and furthermore issues for human health, wildlife and environment. This work simulates a potential LED conversion for the megacity of Mexico City and investigates impacts to conservation areas. Modelled for the whole visible spectrum, the analysis places special focus on the effects of applying various colour temperatures. Additionally, a highly polluted atmosphere was included as theoretical model, something applying to megacities in particular, to see impacts on skyglow of such an environmental contingency. In general, results show that the night sky brightness increases significantly with increasing colour temperature of LEDs if the lumen output is kept constant. It is shown that a potential conversion requires a thorough adjustment, otherwise negative impacts on environment and health might rise. Furthermore, an increased aerosol optical thickness ends in producing more diffuse light, identifying a major concern for the environment. The results obtained in this paper may be a strong motivation to ascertain measurements conducted in other large urban areas correlated to the computational results presented here.

ISSUES OF WOMEN HEALTH IN NON-MUSLIM COMMUNITY OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN: A QUALITATIVE SURVEY

Background: The women from non-Muslim community of Karachi have to face several issues regarding their health. The objective of this study was to find out the issues regarding the women health in non-Muslim community of Karachi and to provide suggestions in this context.Materials Methods: This qualitative survey was conducted at Pakistan Study Center, University of Karachi, Pakistan from July 2011 to December 2011. Eleven Non-Muslim populated areas of Karachi were selected. The primary data was collected through structured interview schedule, including 15 open ended questions. One doctor from each cluster of the eleven minority populations was interviewed. The responses were noted on a notebook. The theme was to understand the health issues faced by women around fourteen concepts; provision of food to boys and girls, health of girls before marriage, health of girls after marriage, side effects of early age marriages, women’s health during pregnancy, role of midwife, presence of non-qualified practitioners, problems during maternity, concept of family planning, health facility during emergency, weight of children at the time of birth, mother feed for the children, role of dirty and polluted atmosphere, and diseases due to reserved professions. Results: There was a lack of awareness in the non-Muslim families of Karachi regarding provision of equal food to their children on the basis of sex. The physical health of girls before marriage was not good in these families. After marriage they are also at risk of mental illness due to poverty, illiteracy, uncomfortable residential units and having limited access to the lady doctors. The overcrowded houses and polluted atmosphere also affects badly their physical health.Conclusion: The non-Muslim women are deprived from health facilities due to socio-economic problems. It is the dire need to provide health education to the non-Muslim women in their settlements. Moreover, Health care facilities may be provided by establishing Basic Health Units, Rural Health Centers, Maternal Child Health centers in these areas as per population density.