Abstract: Some of the main problems man contends with are the quantity (source and amount) and quality of water in Nigeria. Scarcity leads to water being obtained from various sources and microbiological contamination of the water may thus occur between the collection point and the point of usage. This study thus aims to assess the general and microbiological quality of domestic water sources and household stored water used within selected areas in Ile-Ife, South-Western part of Nigeria for microbial contaminants. Physicochemical and microbiological examination were carried out on 45 source and stored water samples collected from well and spring in three different local government areas i.e. Ife east, Ife-south and Ife-north. Physicochemical analysis included pH value, temperature, total dissolved solid, dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand. Microbiology involved most probable number analysis, total coliform, heterotrophic plate, faecal coliform and streptococcus count.
The result of the physicochemical analysis of samples showed anomalies compared to acceptable standards with the pH value of 7.20-8.60 for stored and 6.50-7.80 for source samples. The total dissolved solids (TDS of stored 20-70mg/L, source 352-691mg/L), dissolved oxygen (DO of stored 1.60-9.60mg/L, source 1.60-4.80mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD stored 0.80-3.60mg/L, source 0.60-5.40mg/L). General microbiological quality indicated that both stored and source samples with the exception of a sample were not within acceptable range as indicated by analysis of the MPN/100ml which ranges between (stored 290-1100mg/L, source 9-1100mg/L). Apart from high counts, most samples did not meet the World Health Organization standard for drinking water with the presence of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi such as Salmonella and Aspergillus spp. To annul these constraints, standard treatment methods should be adopted to make water free from contaminants. This will help identify common and likely water related infection origin within the communities and thus help guide in terms of interventions required to prevent the general populace from such infections.
Abstract: Pervious concrete is a green alternative to conventional pavements with minimal fine aggregate and a high void content. Pervious concrete allows water to infiltrate through the pavement, thereby reducing the runoff and the requirement for stormwater management systems.
Seashell By-Products (SBP) are produced in an important quantity in France and are considered as waste. This work investigated to use SBP in pervious concrete and produce an even more environmentally friendly product, Pervious Concrete Pavers.
The research methodology involved substituting the coarse aggregate in the previous concrete mix design with 20%, 40% and 60% SBP. The testing showed that pervious concrete containing less than 40% SBP had strengths, permeability and void content which are comparable to the pervious concrete containing with only natural aggregate. The samples that contained 40% SBP or higher had a significant loss in strength and an increase in permeability and a void content from the control mix pervious concrete. On the basis of the results in this research, it was found that the natural aggregate can be substituted by SBP without affecting the delicate balance of a pervious concrete mix. Additional, it is recommended that the optimum replacement percentage for SBP in pervious concrete is 40 % direct replacement of natural coarse aggregate while maintaining the structural performance and drainage capabilities of the pervious concrete.
Abstract: Background and objectives: Most of the agricultural products are processed by blanching. Blanching can increase antioxidant activity in white saffron products. The objective of this research were to determine antioxidant activity, to identify, and to measure changes in phenolic substances of fresh and blanched white saffron rhizomes (Curcuma mangga Val.). Methods: White saffron rhizomes were peeled, washed and blanched in boiling water containing 0% or 0.05% citric acid solution for 5 and 10 minutes. Samples were extracted using methanol, rotaevaporated, and freezedried. Dried extract was determined antioxidant activity by DPPH method, identified and quantified for the phenolic substances by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) equipped with coloumn C18 and Photodiode-array detector (PAD). Result: This research showed that the quantity of the 6 phenolic substances identified in blanched white saffron in citric acid solution increased significantly compared to that of the non-blanched. Blanching white saffron in 0.05% citric acid media for 5 minutes increased its antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content. Conclusions: The identified phenolic substances of white saffron were Gallic Acid (GA), Catechin (C), Epicatechin (EC), Epigallocatechin (EGC), Epigallocatechingallat (EGCG) and Gallocatechingallat (GCG). The blanched white saffron contained C and EGCG significantly higher than that of fresh rhizomes.
Abstract: Considering the increasing need of biofuels in Europe and the legislative requirements of the European Union it is needed to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions of biofuels life cycle. In this article a carbon footprint analysis to quantify these gases emitted during production and use of Romanian rapeseed oil (RO) and biodiesel from rapeseed oil (RME) was conducted. The functional unit was considered the LHV of diesel oil of 42.8 MJ·kg-1 corresponding to 1.15kg. of RO and 1.10 kg. of RME. When the 3 fuels were compared, the results show important benefits when using rapeseed oil or biodiesel instead of diesel. The most impacting stage in terms of GHG emissions is the use of the fuels. In this stage, rapeseed oil registers a total quantity of 3,229 kg CO2eq.·FU-1 and biodiesel register a total quantity of 3,088 kg CO2eq.·FU-1 while mineral diesel registers a total quantity of 3,156 kg CO2eq.·FU-1 emitted in the air. Taking into account that rape plant absorbed during growth stage the same quantity of CO2 as emitted into atmosphere during usage stage of the fuel, when compared the three fuels, rapeseed oil and biodiesel obtain obvious benefits against fossil diesel. Results show that by substituting diesel with RO a total quantity of 5,663 kg. CO2eq.·FU-1 would be saved while using biodiesel a total quantity of 5,570 kg. CO2eq.·FU-1 can be saved.
Abstract: There has been studied the distribution character of potato stem nematode (Ditylenchus destructor Thorne, 1945) on the potato fields in four municipalities (Tsalka, Bolnisi, Marneuli, Gardabani) of Kvemo Kartli (Eastern Georgia).
As a result of scientific research there is stated the extensiveness of pathogens invasion, accompanying composition of fauna species, environmental groups of populations and quantity.
During the research process in the studied ecosystems there were registered 160 forms of free-living and Phyto-parasitic nematodes, from which 118 forms are determined as species and 42 as genus.
It was found that in almost the entire studied ecosystem there is dominated pathogenic nematodes Ditylenchus destructor. The large number of exemplars (almost uncountable) was found in tubers material of Bolnisi and Gardabani.
Abstract: This study focused on the estimation of carbon released to the atmosphere from dry dipterocarp forest (DDF) fires in Thailand. Laboratory experiments were conducted using a cone calorimeter to simulate the DDF fires. The leaf litter collected from DDF in western Thailand was used as biomass fuel. Three different masses of leaf litter were employed, 7g, 10g and 13g, to estimate the carbon released from this type of vegetation fire to the atmosphere. The chemical analysis of the leaf litter showed that the carbon content in the experimental biomass fuel was 46.0±0.1%. From the experiments, it was found that more than 95% of the carbon input was converted to carbon released to the atmosphere, while less than 5% were left in the form of residues, and returned to soil. From the study, the carbon released amounted 440.213±2.243 g/kgdry biomass, and the carbon retained in the residues was 19.786±2.243 g/kgdry biomass. The quantity of biomass fuel consumed to produce 1 g of carbon released was 2.27±0.01gkgdry biomass. Using these experimental data of carbon produced by the DDF fires, it was estimated that this type of fires in 2009 contributed to 4.659 tonnes of carbon released to the atmosphere, and 0.229 tonnes of carbon in the residues to be returned to soil in Thailand.
Abstract: Absorption spectra of infra-red (IR) radiation of the
disperse water medium absorbing the most important greenhouse
gases: CO2 , N2O , CH4 , C2H2 , C2H6 have been calculated by
the molecular dynamics method. Loss of the absorbing ability at the
formation of clusters due to a reduction of the number of centers
interacting with IR radiation, results in an anti-greenhouse effect.
Absorption of O3 molecules by the (H2O)50 cluster is investigated
at its interaction with Cl- ions. The splitting of ozone molecule on
atoms near to cluster surface was observed. Interaction of water
cluster with Cl- ions causes the increase of integrated intensity of
emission spectra of IR radiation, and also essential reduction of the
similar characteristic of Raman spectrum. Relative integrated
intensity of absorption of IR radiation for small water clusters was
designed. Dependences of the quantity of weight on altitude for
vapor of monomers, clusters, droplets, crystals and mass of all
moisture were determined. The anti-greenhouse effect of clusters was
defined as the difference of increases of average global temperature
of the Earth, caused by absorption of IR radiation by free water
molecules forming clusters, and absorption of clusters themselves.
The greenhouse effect caused by clusters makes 0.53 K, and the antigreenhouse
one is equal to 1.14 K. The increase of concentration of
CO2 in the atmosphere does not always correlate with the
amplification of greenhouse effect.
Abstract: Urbanization has been found to impact stormwater
runoff quantity and quality. A study catchment with mixed land use,
residential and industrial were investigated and the water quality
discharged from the catchment were sampled and tested for four
basic water quality parameters; BOD5, NH3-N, NO3-N and P. One
dry weather flow and several stormwater runoff were sampled.
Results were compared to the USEPA stormwater quality benchmark
values and the Interim National Water Quality Standards for
Malaysia (INWQS). The concentration of the parameters was found
to vary significantly between storms and the pollutant of concern was
found to be NO3-N.
Abstract: The equilibrium process of plasma nitrogen species by
chemical kinetic reactions along various pressures is successfully
investigated. The equilibrium process is required in industrial
application to obtain the stable condition when heating up the
material for having homogenous reaction. Nitrogen species densities
is modeled by a continuity equation and extended Arrhenius form.
These equations are used to integrate the change of density over the
time. The integration is to acquire density and the reaction rate of
each reaction where temperature and time dependence are imposed.
A comparison is made with global model within pressure range of 1-
100mTorr and the temperature of electron is set to be higher than
other nitrogen species. The results shows that the chemical kinetic
model only agrees for high pressure because of no power imposed;
while the global model considers the external power along the
pressure range then the electron and nitrogen species give highly
quantity densities by factor of 3 to 5.
Abstract: Paleoclimate was reconstructed by the clay mineral
assemblages of shale units of Pabdeh (Paleocene- Oligocene), Gurpi
(Upper Cretaceous), Kazhdumi (Albian-Cenomanian) and Gadvan
(Aptian-Neocomian) formations in the Bangestan anticline. To
compare with clay minerals assemblages in these formations,
selected samples also taken from available formations in drilled wells
in Ahvaz, Marun, Karanj, and Parsi oil fields. Collected samples
prepared using standard clay mineral methodology. They were
treated as normal, glycolated and heated oriented glass slides. Their
identification was made on X-Ray diffractographs. Illite % varies
from 8 to 36. Illite quantity increased from Pabdeh to Gurpi
Formation. This may be due to dominant dry climate. Kaolinite is in
range of 12-49%. Its variation style in different formations could be a
marker of climate changes from wet to dry which is supported by the
lithological changes. Chlorite (4-28%) can also be detected in those
samples without any kaolinite. Mixed layer minerals as the mixture
of illite-chlorite and illite-vermiculite-montmorillonite are varied
from 6 to 36%, decreased during Kazhdumi deposition from the base
to the top. This result may be according to decreasing of illite
leaching process. Vermiculite was also determined in very less
quantity and found in those units without kaolinite. Montmorillonite
varies from 8 to 43%, and its presence is due to terrestrial
depositional condition. Stratigraphical documents is also supported
this idea that clay mineral distribution is a function of the climate
changes. It seems, thus, the present results can be indicated a possible
procedure for ancient climate changes evaluation.
Abstract: Fishing has always been an essential component of
the Polynesians- life. Fishhooks, mostly in pearl shell, found during
archaeological excavations are the artifacts related to this activity the
most numerous. Thanks to them, we try to reconstruct the ancient
techniques of resources exploitation, inside the lagoons and offshore.
They can also be used as chronological and cultural indicators. The
shapes and dimensions of these artifacts allow comparisons and
classifications used in both functional approach and chrono-cultural
perspective. Hence it is very important for the ethno-archaeologists
to dispose of reliable methods and standardized measurement of
these artifacts. Such a reliable objective and standardized method
have been previously proposed. But this method cannot be envisaged
manually because of the very important time required to measure
each fishhook manually and the quantity of fishhooks to measure
(many hundreds). We propose in this paper a detailed acquisition
protocol of fishhooks and an automation of every step of this method.
We also provide some experimental results obtained on the fishhooks
coming from three archaeological excavations sites.
Abstract: This paper investigates the effects of lubrication on
the quantity of heat emission of two spur gear. System with and
without lubrication effected on the quantity of heat induced on the
gear box (oil - bearings – gears). Both of lubrication and speed of
motor are affected on the performance of gears. Research investigated
the lubrication on the system with and without loading as well as the
wear of gears and bearing's conditions. Gear box investigated
includes the motor, pump, two spur gears, two shafts; speed change
used pulleys and belts. Load used equal one weight ones of gear.
Lubrication mechanism used jet system (upper and lower jet). Gear
box we used system of jet lubrication is perpendicular direction of
the contact line between two teeth. Results appeared in this work that
the lubrication is the vital parameter which is affected on the
performance and durability of gears and bearings. In macroscopic
observation, we noted that damage of bearings happened during the
absence of lubrication as well as abrasive of wear of teeth. Higher
speed of motor without lubrication increased the noise, but in the
presence of lubrication was decreased.
Abstract: This paper deals with infinite time horizon fuzzy Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) models for deteriorating items with
stock dependent demand rate and nonlinear holding costs by taking deterioration rate θ0 as a triangular fuzzy number (θ0 −δ 1, θ0, θ0 +δ 2), where 1 2 0 0
Abstract: The objective of this study is to present the test
results of variable air volume (VAV) air conditioning system
optimized by two objective genetic algorithm (GA). The objective
functions are energy savings and thermal comfort. The optimal set
points for fuzzy logic controller (FLC) are the supply air temperature
(Ts), the supply duct static pressure (Ps), the chilled water
temperature (Tw), and zone temperature (Tz) that is taken as the
problem variables. Supply airflow rate and chilled water flow rate are
considered to be the constraints. The optimal set point values are
obtained from GA process and assigned into fuzzy logic controller
(FLC) in order to conserve energy and maintain thermal comfort in
real time VAV air conditioning system. A VAV air conditioning
system with FLC installed in a software laboratory has been taken for
the purpose of energy analysis. The total energy saving obtained in
VAV GA optimization system with FLC compared with constant air
volume (CAV) system is expected to achieve 31.5%. The optimal
duct static pressure obtained through Genetic fuzzy methodology
attributes to better air distribution by delivering the optimal quantity
of supply air to the conditioned space. This combination enhanced
the advantages of uniform air distribution, thermal comfort and
improved energy savings potential.
Abstract: Cattle manure and mineral fertilizers are two source
of Nitrogen, which can affect the growth and quantity of potato. In
this research the effects of the use of cattle manure (5, 10, 15 and 20
ton ha-1), Nitrogen fertilizer (50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1) and their
interaction on potato growth were evaluated during field
experiments in 2008 with the help of Randomized Complete Block
(RCB) with the factorial arrangement of three experimental
replications in Iran. At the 75 th day after emergence, dry weight of
Shoots, leaf area index (LAI) and plant height were recorded. Results
showed that, dry weight of Shoots, LAI and plant height increased
linearly and very significantly in response to the application of
manure and Nitrogen fertilizer. While the interaction between
manure and Nitrogen fertilizer just on the LAI and plant height was
significant, somehow the maximum amount of plant height( 73 cm)
was obtained by using 150 kg Nitrogen + 15 tons of manure per
hectare, and maximum LAI ( 5.36) was obtained by using 150 kg
Nitrogen + 20 tons of manure per hectare. Also in this experiment
maximum tuber yield (36.8 tons ha-1) was obtained by the utilization
of 150 kg Nitrogen per hectare + 20 tons manure.
Abstract: The cuticular hydrocarbons of Pamphagus elephas
(Orthoptera: Pamphagidae) has been analysed by gas
chromatography and by combined gas chromatograph-mass
spectrometry. The following hydrocarbon classes have been
identified in insect cuticular hydrocarbons are: n-alkanes and
methylalkanes comprising Monomethyl-, dimethyl-and
trimethylalkanes. Sexual dimorphism is observed in long chain
alkanes (C24-C36) present on male and female. The cuticulars
hydrocarbons of P.elephas ranged from 24 to 36 carbons and
incluted n-alkanes, Dimethylalkanes and Trimethylalkanes. nalkanes
represented by (C24-C36,72,7% on male and 79,2% on
female), internally branched Monomethylalkanes identified were
(C25, C30-C32,C35-C37;11% on male and 9,4% on female),
Dimethylalkanes detected are (C31-C32, C36; 2,2% on male and
2,06% on female) and Trimethylalkanes detected are (C32, C36;
3,1% on male and 4, 97 on female). Larvae male and female (stage
7) showed the same quality of n-alkanes observed in adults.
However a difference quantity is noted.
Abstract: Bio-electrical responses obtained from freshwater
sediments by employing microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology were
investigated in this experimental study. During the electricity
generation, organic matter in the sediment was microbially oxidized
under anaerobic conditions with an electrode serving as a terminal
electron acceptor. It was found that the sediment organic matter
(SOM) associated with electrochemically-active electrodes became
more humified, aromatic, and polydispersed, and had a higher average
molecular weight, together with the decrease in the quantity of SOM.
The alteration of characteristics of the SOM was analogous to that
commonly observed in the early stage of SOM diagenetic process (i.e.,
humification). These findings including an elevation of the sediment
redox potential present a possibility of the MFC technology as a new
soil/sediment remediation technique based on its potential benefits:
non-destructive electricity generation and bioremediation.
Abstract: Aluminum salt that is generally presents as a solid
phase in the water purification sludge (WPS) can be dissolved,
recovering a liquid phase, by adding strong acid to the sludge solution.
According to the reaction kinetics, when reactant is in the form of
small particles with a large specific surface area, or when the reaction
temperature is high, the quantity of dissolved aluminum salt or
reaction rate, respectively are high. Therefore, in this investigation,
water purification sludge (WPS) solution was treated with ultrasonic
waves to break down the sludge, and different acids (1 N HCl and 1 N
H2SO4) were used to acidify it. Acid dosages that yielded the solution
pH of less than two were used. The results thus obtained indicate that
the quantity of dissolved aluminum in H2SO4-acidified solution
exceeded that in HCl-acidified solution. Additionally, ultrasonic
treatment increased the rate of dissolution of aluminum and the
amount dissolved. The quantity of aluminum dissolved at 60℃ was 1.5
to 2.0 times higher than that at 25℃.
Abstract: Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) technique
obtained a significant attention in machining processes to reduce
environmental loads caused by usage of conventional cutting fluids.
Recently nanofluids are finding an extensive application in the field
of mechanical engineering because of their superior lubrication and
heat dissipation characteristics. This paper investigates the use of a
nanofluid under MQL mode to improve grinding characteristics of
Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Taguchi-s experimental design technique has been
used in the present investigation and a second order model has been
established to predict grinding forces and surface roughness.
Different concentrations of water based Al2O3 nanofluids were
applied in the grinding operation through MQL setup developed in
house and the results have been compared with those of conventional
coolant and pure water. Experimental results showed that grinding
forces reduced significantly when nano cutting fluid was used even at
low concentration of the nano particles and surface finish has been
found to improve with higher concentration of the nano particles.
Abstract: The neural stimulation has been gaining much interest in neuromodulation research and clinical trials. For efficiency, there is a need for variable electrical stimulation such as current and voltage stimuli as well as wireless framework. In this regard, we develop the wireless neural stimulator capable of voltage and current stimuli. The system consists of ZigBee which is a wireless communication module and stimulus generator. The stimulus generator with 8-bits resolution enable both mono-polar and bi-polar waveform in voltage (-3.3~3.3V) and current(-330~330µA) stimulus mode which is controllable. The experimental results suggest that the proposed neural stimulator can play a role as an effective approach for neuromodulation.