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Sahu SK, Mishra M, Mishra A, Mangaraj P, Beig G. Quantification and assessment of hazardous mercury emission from industrial process and other unattended sectors in India: A step towards mitigation. J Hazard Mater 2024; 470:134103. [PMID: 38554513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Hazardous pollutants like Mercury (Hg) have emerged as a pressing challenge in recent times where the expanding industrial sector is regarded as the major source in developing country India. In this study, we are trying to identify all possible industrial sectors at district level to quantify Hg emission load across India for the year 2019 using IPCC methodology where the country-specific technological emission factors are used. We have included 5 major sectors out of which emission from coal combustion in thermal power plants accounts for 186.5 t/yr of Hg emission followed by non-ferrous metal production (88.3 t/yr), captive power plants (65.5 t/yr) and fly ash generation from various manufacturing industries (45.9 t/yr). A total of 459.4 t/yr of Hg is released into the ecosystem in 2019 with an uncertainty of ± 48%. This study also estimated that about 233 million people living in and around 10 km periphery of major industrial zones with as many as 17 million people residing near the 10 major hotspots are susceptible to hazardous Hg emissions directly or indirectly. This information would be quite useful in formulating future Hg emission control strategies in India. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: Present study is the first-of-its-kind quantification of Hg emission load from the Industrial process and many unattended sectors over India, which will not only give an insight into potential hotspots regions across the country but also assess the population exposed to it. It will provide aid in tracking the mercury burden to match the international conventions. The findings suggest that about 233 million people are likely to be exposed to hazardous Hg emissions. It will also enlighten the government, policymakers, stakeholders and people about their mercury footprint and envision protecting the biomes and formulating future control strategies in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroj Kumar Sahu
- Dept. of Environmental Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, India.
| | | | - Ashirbad Mishra
- Dept. of Environmental Science, Berhampur University, Berhampur, India
| | - Poonam Mangaraj
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN), Kyoto, Japan
| | - Gufran Beig
- National Institute of Advanced Studies, IISc-Campus, Bangalore, India
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Radke S, Finley E. Industrial and Agricultural Toxicants. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2024; 40:167-178. [PMID: 37968203 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of several agricultural and industrial toxicants that are most likely to be encountered by horses. Overviews include brief backgrounds of the agents in question, potential sources of intoxication, mechanisms of action, clinical signs, lesions, diagnostic considerations, and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Radke
- Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, 1850 Christensen Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Emily Finley
- Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, 1850 Christensen Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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de Lira-Quezada CE, González-Díaz SN, Cotera-de Lira AG, Macouzet-Sánchez C, Acuña-Ortega N, Guzman-Avilán RI, Macías-Weinmann A. The association of air pollution in respiratory allergy: Its impact in an industrial city. World Allergy Organ J 2024; 17:100867. [PMID: 38370131 PMCID: PMC10869943 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma and allergic diseases have increased in recent decades and are more common in industrialized countries. Industrial areas with a considerably high number of inhabitants and vehicles can favor the presence of serious air pollution and therefore the appearance and exacerbation of respiratory allergy symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between exposure to environmental pollutants with exacerbation of respiratory allergy. Methods A total of 240 subjects above 6 years old who lived in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, with diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and/or asthma, were included. The subject's address was registered in the database and the rhinitis control assessment test (RCAT) and the asthma control test (ACT) were applied. Environmental data were obtained from the Environmental Monitoring System (SIMA) of Nuevo León. Geolocation of industries and avenues in proximity of subject's addresses and SIMA stations were obtained through geographic information systems using ArcGis software. Results The relation between pollutants and subjects' RCAT, ACT, and spirometry results in the 14 stations was established. PM10 and forced vital capacity (FVC) had an r = 0.074 with p = 0.005, PM10 and absolute FEV1/FVC ratio presented an r = -0.102 with a p = 0.000; The distance found to be associated with a worsening of respiratory symptoms was living 165 m from a main road or 241 m from an industrial establishment. Conclusions Exposure to pollutants present in the environment are factors associated with increased symptoms in subjects with respiratory allergies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Elizabeth de Lira-Quezada
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Faculty of Medicine and Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Regional Center of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Gonzalitos y Madero s/n Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo León, CP 64460, Mexico
| | - Sandra Nora González-Díaz
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Faculty of Medicine and Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Regional Center of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Gonzalitos y Madero s/n Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo León, CP 64460, Mexico
| | | | - Carlos Macouzet-Sánchez
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Faculty of Medicine and Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Regional Center of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Gonzalitos y Madero s/n Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo León, CP 64460, Mexico
| | - Natalhie Acuña-Ortega
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Faculty of Medicine and Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Regional Center of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Gonzalitos y Madero s/n Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo León, CP 64460, Mexico
| | - Rosa Ivett Guzman-Avilán
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Faculty of Medicine and Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Regional Center of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Gonzalitos y Madero s/n Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo León, CP 64460, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Macías-Weinmann
- Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Faculty of Medicine and Hospital Universitario "Dr. José Eleuterio González", Regional Center of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Gonzalitos y Madero s/n Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo León, CP 64460, Mexico
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Sosa EM, Woods S, Powers BS, Bailey M, Benedict T, O'Brien E, Smith A. Assessing the impact of industrial glove use on perceived hand dexterity, function, and strength. Appl Ergon 2024; 114:104134. [PMID: 37716081 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Prevention of musculoskeletal occupational hazards is an important topic in extractive industries. This study quantifies the impact of three styles of industrial metacarpal gloves on dexterity, gripping, pinching, and torquing tasks. Results indicated that wearing metacarpal gloves duplicated the time to complete a dexterity task from an average of 57 s for bare hands to 127 s for gloved hands. The highest drop in gripping force occurred while wearing a thicker glove, while gloves with thinner palmar sides produced smaller but similar force reductions of around 6%. The highest pinching force was obtained while wearing the thinnest glove, with a rise of 15%. Self-perception of exertion while wearing gloves varied between genders. Given that dexterity, grip, and pinch strength outcomes varied based on glove materials, the authors propose a new hand safety concept model to promote a multi-factorial approach to balance the risks and benefits of prospective personal protective equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo M Sosa
- Statler College of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
| | - SueAnn Woods
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - B Seth Powers
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Madison Bailey
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Taryn Benedict
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Emily O'Brien
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Aaron Smith
- School of Medicine, Division of Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
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Shah A, Ali B, Wahab F, Ullah I, Amesho KTT, Shafiq M. Entropy-based grid approach for handling outliers: a case study to environmental monitoring data. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:125138-125157. [PMID: 37306879 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26780-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Grid-based approaches render an efficient framework for data clustering in the presence of incomplete, inexplicit, and uncertain data. This paper proposes an entropy-based grid approach (EGO) for outlier detection in clustered data. The given hard clusters obtained from a hard clustering algorithm, EGO uses entropy on the dataset as a whole or on an individual cluster to detect outliers. EGO works in two steps: explicit outlier detection and implicit outlier detection. Explicit outlier detection is concerned with those data points that are isolated in the grid cells. They are either far from the dense region or maybe a nearby isolated data point and therefore declared as an explicit outlier. Implicit outlier detection is associated with the detection of outliers that are perplexedly deviated from the normal pattern. The determination of such outliers is achieved using entropy change of the dataset or a specific cluster for each deviation. The elbow based on the trade-off between entropy and object geometries optimizes the outlier detection process. Experimental results on CHAMELEON datasets and other similar datasets suggested that the proposed approach(es) detect the outliers more precisely and extend the capability of outliers detection to an additional 4.5% to 8.6%. Moreover, the resultant clusters became more precise and compact when the entropy-based gridding approach is applied on top of hard clustering algorithms. The performance of the proposed algorithms is compared with well-known outlier detection algorithms, including DBSCAN, HDBSCAN, RE3WC, LOF, LoOP, ABOD, CBLOF and HBOS. Finally, a case study for detecting outliers in environmental data has been carried out using the proposed approach and results are generated on our synthetically prepared datasets. The performance shows that the proposed approach may be an industrial-oriented solution to outlier detection in environmental monitoring data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Shah
- National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Bahar Ali
- National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Wahab
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Northeastern University Shenyang, Shenyang, China
| | - Inam Ullah
- BK21 Chungbuk Information Technology Education and Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Kassian T T Amesho
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
- Center for Emerging Contaminants Research, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
- Tshwane School for Business and Society, Faculty of Management of Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centre for Environmental Studies, The International University of Management, Main Campus, Dorado Park Ext 1, Windhoek, Namibia
- Regent Business School, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Destinies Biomass Energy and Farming Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 7387, Swakopmund, Namibia
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Cyberspace Institute of Advanced Technology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
- Shenyang Normal University, Shenyang, China.
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Moore B, He C, Knight E, Mueller JF, Tscharke B. Bisphenols and phthalates in Australian wastewater: A statistical approach for estimating contributions from diffuse and point sources. Water Res 2023; 246:120680. [PMID: 37801981 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Chemicals associated with plastics, such as bisphenols and phthalates, enter sewerage from both diffuse (domestic/commercial) and point (industrial) sources. In this study, we aimed to devise a conservative, statistical baseline to estimate contributions from these source types when sampling of specific sources is not possible. Population-normalised mass loads of two bisphenols and nine phthalates were estimated in wastewater samples from 22 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in 2019. Two multiday (10 and 7 day) pools were created for each STP. Baseline (diffuse) release thresholds were set at the mean of the first quartile (Q1) plus 10 times the standard deviation (STDV) of this quartile [Q1 mean + (10 x STDV)], with contributions over this considered to come from point sources. Chemicals with at least one population-normalised mass load more than three times their baseline were classified as point-source dominant and the remaining as diffuse-source dominant. Eleven of the twelve chemicals examined were detected above limits of quantification in all wastewater samples. Bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP) and di-methyl phthalate (DMP) were classified as point-source dominant chemicals. The total annual mass loads entering STPs across Australia were estimated to be 4.2 tonnes/year from diffuse sources and 4.5 tonnes/year from point sources for bisphenols, and 47 tonnes/year from diffuse sources and 5.9 tonnes/year from point sources for phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Moore
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4102 Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Chang He
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4102 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Emma Knight
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4102 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4102 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Benjamin Tscharke
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4102 Brisbane, Australia
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Nelson D, Choi Y, Sadeghi B, Yeganeh AK, Ghahremanloo M, Park J. A comprehensive approach combining positive matrix factorization modeling, meteorology, and machine learning for source apportionment of surface ozone precursors: Underlying factors contributing to ozone formation in Houston, Texas. Environ Pollut 2023; 334:122223. [PMID: 37481031 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Ozone concentrations in Houston, Texas, are among the highest in the United States, posing significant risks to human health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various emissions sources and meteorological factors on ozone formation in Houston from 2017 to 2021 using a comprehensive PMF-SHAP approach. First, we distinguished the unique sources of VOCs in each area and identified differences in the local chemistry that affect ozone production. At the urban station, the primary sources were n_decane, biogenic/industrial/fuel evaporation, oil and gas flaring/production, industrial emissions/evaporation, and ethylene/propylene/aromatics. At the industrial site, the main sources were industrial emissions/evaporation, fuel evaporation, vehicle-related sources, oil and gas flaring/production, biogenic, aromatic, and ethylene and propylene. And then, we performed SHAP analysis to determine the importance and impact of each emissions factor and meteorological variables. Shortwave radiation (SHAP values are ∼5.74 and ∼6.3 for Milby Park and Lynchburg, respectively) and humidity (∼4.87 and ∼4.71, respectively) were the most important variables for both sites. For the urban station, the most important emissions sources were n_decane (∼2.96), industrial emissions/evaporation (∼1.89), and ethylene/propylene/aromatics (∼1.57), while for the industrial site, they were oil and gas flaring/production (∼1.38), ethylene/propylene (∼1.26), and industrial emissions/evaporation (∼0.95). NOx had a negative impact on ozone production at the urban station due to the NOx-rich chemical regime, whereas NOx had positive impacts at the industrial site. The study's findings suggest that the PMF-SHAP approach is efficient, inexpensive, and can be applied to other similar applications to identify factors contributing to ozone-exceedance events. The study's results can be used to develop more effective air quality management strategies for Houston and other cities with high levels of ozone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney Nelson
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science, University of Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yunsoo Choi
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science, University of Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Bavand Sadeghi
- Air Resources Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, College Park, MD, 20740, USA; Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | | | - Masoud Ghahremanloo
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science, University of Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jincheol Park
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science, University of Houston, Texas, USA
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Kumar Sishu N, Das U, Immanuel Selvaraj C. Indian jujube a potential fruit tree to improve the livelihood. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103769. [PMID: 37609543 PMCID: PMC10440574 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Indian Jujube, also known as Ber or Ziziphus Mauritiana Lam., is a fruit-bearing tree endemic to South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The tree belongs to the buckthorn family and is known for its fruit, a tiny, round, or oblong-shaped drupe roughly the size of a cherry or a small plum. Indian Jujube has been growing for thousands of years. It is a popular fruit throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. Despite the fruit's delicious flavour and health benefits, it is also known for its therapeutic value. Many studies have suggested that various components of ber trees, such as fruit, seed leaves, roots, and flowers, include bioactive substances that demonstrate the potential for antioxidant activity and have anticancer, antibacterial, and antidiabetic effects. Due to the crop's minimal management requirements, it may slow down climate change and the threat of extreme soil and weather conditions, such as drought resistance, strong winds, erosion, high salt, and floods. The main objectives of the current systematic review are to understand Ber's chemical compositions, health benefits, culinary uses, major nutraceutical features, and its function in fostering livelihoods and climatic tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayan Kumar Sishu
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Utpal Das
- VIT School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chinnadurai Immanuel Selvaraj
- VIT School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
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Thompson D, Nagel J, Gasteau D, Manohar S. Laser-induced ultrasound transmitters for large-volume ultrasound tomography. Photoacoustics 2022; 25:100312. [PMID: 34868873 PMCID: PMC8626690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2021.100312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We present a protocol for the design, fabrication and characterisation of laser-induced ultrasound transmitters with a specific, user-defined frequency response for the purpose of ultrasound tomography of large-volume biomedical samples. Using an analytic solution to the photoacoustic equation and measurements of the optical and acoustic properties of the materials used in the transmitters, we arrive at a required mixture of carbon black and polydimethylsiloxane to achieve the desired frequency response. After an in-depth explanation of the fabrication and characterisation approaches we show the performance of the fabricated transmitter, which has a centre frequency of 0.9 MHz, 200% bandwidth and 45.8 ∘ opening angle, multi-kPa pressures over a large depth range in water.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Thompson
- Correspondence to: University of Twente, Technical Medical centre, Enschede, Netherlands.
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Wismann ST, Larsen KE, Mortensen PM. Electrical Reverse Shift: Sustainable CO2 Valorization for Industrial Scale. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202109696. [PMID: 34931745 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202109696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Utilization of CO 2 is a requirement for a sustainable production of carbon-based chemicals. Reverse water-gas-shift (RWGS) can valorize CO 2 by reaction with hydrogen to produce a synthesis gas compatible with existing industrial infrastructure. Fully electrified reverse water-gas-shift (eRWGS™) was achieved using integrated ohmic heating and a nickel type catalyst at industrially relevant conditions. Using a feed of H 2 :CO 2 in a ratio of 2.25 at 10 barg, utilizing high temperature operation at 1050°C allowed for production of a synthesis gas with a H 2 /CO ratio of 2.0 and no detectable methane, ideal for production of sustainable fuel by e.g. the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Facilitating RWGS through CH 4 as intermediate was found superior to the selective RWGS route, due to higher activity and suppression of carbon formation. The eRWGS™ catalyst is found to provide a preferential emissions free route for production of synthesis gas for any relevant H 2 /CO ratio, enabling production of sustainable carbon-based chemicals from CO 2 and renewable electricity with high hydrogen and carbon efficiency.
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Shawahna R, Zyoud A, Naseef O, Muwafi K, Matar A. Salivary Lead Levels among Workers in Different Industrial Areas in the West Bank of Palestine: a Cross-Sectional Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:4410-4417. [PMID: 33394307 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02567-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Saliva is a biofluid that can easily be obtained and used for biomonitoring lead levels in occupationally and environmentally exposed individuals. The aims of this study were to determine salivary lead levels among workers in different industrial areas in the West Bank of Palestine and investigate the association between sociodemographic and occupational characteristics of the workers and their salivary lead levels. Salivary samples were obtained from workers in different industrial areas in metal-free polyethylene tubes. The samples were analyzed for their lead contents using a pre-validated inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric method. A total of 97 salivary samples were analyzed. The median salivary lead level was 1.84 μg/dL an IQR of 5.04 μg/dL. Salivary lead levels were significantly higher in workers who were 40 years and older (p value = 0.031), had 3 children or more (p value = 0.048), worked in repair workshops (p value = 0.012), worked in industrial areas for 20 years or more (p value = 0.048), did not consume fruits on regular basis (p value = 0.031), and smoked for 30 years or more (p value = 0.013). Multiple linear regression showed that smoking of 30 years old or more was a significant (p value < 0.001) predictor of higher salivary lead levels. Salivary lead levels among workers from different industrial areas of the West Bank were comparable to those occupationally exposed to lead in more industrialized and urbanized areas of the world. Smoking was a predictor of higher salivary lead levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, New Campus, Building: 19, Office: 1340, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine.
- An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Ahed Zyoud
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Omar Naseef
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Kamil Muwafi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Abdullah Matar
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Adebayo EA, Azeez MA, Alao MB, Oke AM, Aina DA. Fungi as veritable tool in current advances in nanobiotechnology. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08480. [PMID: 34901509 PMCID: PMC8640478 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi have great prospects for synthesis, applications and developing new products in nanotechnology. In recent times, fungi use in nanotechnology is gaining more attention because of the ecological friendly state of their metabolite-mediated nanoparticles, their safety, amenability and applications in diverse fields. The diversity of the metabolites such as enzymes, polysaccharide, polypeptide, protein and other macro-molecules has made fungi a veritable tool for nanoparticles synthesis. Mechanism of fungal nano-biosynthesis from the molecular perspective has been extensively studied through various investigations on its green synthesized metal nanoparticles. Fungal nanobiotechnology has been applied in agricultural, medical and industrial sectors for goods and services improvement and delivery to mankind. Agriculturally, it has found applications in plant disease management and production of environmentally friendly, non-toxic insecticides, fungicides to enhance agricultural production in general. Medically, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, especially of microbial origin have been improved with fungal nanoparticles through more efficient drug delivery systems with great benefits to pharmaceutical industries. This review therefore explored fungal nanobiotechnology; mechanism of synthesis, characterization and potential applications in various fields of human endeavours for goods and services delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah A. Adebayo
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
- LAUTECH Nanotechnology Research Group, Nigeria
| | - Musibau A. Azeez
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
- LAUTECH Nanotechnology Research Group, Nigeria
| | - Micheal B. Alao
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Abel M. Oke
- Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Daniel A. Aina
- Department of Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
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13
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Ali S, Paul Peter A, Chew KW, Munawaroh HSH, Show PL. Resource recovery from industrial effluents through the cultivation of microalgae: A review. Bioresour Technol 2021; 337:125461. [PMID: 34198241 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Industrial effluents such as pharmaceutical residues, pesticides, dyes, and metal processes holds abundant value-added products (VAPs), where its recovery has become essential. The purpose of such recovery is for sustainable treatment, which is an approach that considers the economic, social, and environmental aspects. Microalgae with its potential in the recovery process from effluents, can reduce energy usage of waste management strategies and regenerate nutrients such as carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Microalgae cultures offer the use of inorganic materials by microalgae for their growth and the help of bacteria to produce biomass, thus, resulting in the absence of secondary emissions due to its ability to eliminate volatile organic compounds. Moreover, recovered bioactive compounds are transformed into bioethanol, bio-fertilizers, biopolymer, health supplements and animal feed. Therefore, it is significant to focus on an economical and efficient utilization of microalgae in recovering nutrients that can be further used in various commercial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Ali
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Angela Paul Peter
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Kit Wayne Chew
- School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Jalan Sunsuria, Bandar Sunsuria, 43900 Sepang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, China
| | - Heli Siti Halimatul Munawaroh
- Study Program of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
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14
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Navarrete-Bolaños JL, Serrato-Joya O, Chávez-Mireles H, Vicente-Magueyal FJ, Jiménez-Islas H. A validated strategy to design efficient fermentation- industrial processes: agave spirit production. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2021; 44:2245-2255. [PMID: 34156516 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-021-02600-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
An industrial process is profitable when its individual unit operations are efficient and thus, this work shows a guideline for designing efficient fermentation-industrial processes for agave distilled production based on a sequential approach of optimization, beginning in the laboratory and followed by the adjustment of the variable values using the evolutionary operation method for successful process scaling. The results at the laboratory showed that a starter inoculum containing a 5 × 106 cells/mL mixture of Kluyveromyces marxianus, Clavispora lusitaniae, and Kluyveromyces marxianus var. drosophilarum strains in a bioreactor containing agave syrup with 120 g/L fermented sugar, processed at a constant temperature of 33 °C and 1.0 VVM aeration for 1.6 h, led to a fermented product with a 4.18% (v/v) alcohol content after 72 h of processing time. The scale-up process results showed that the best operating conditions at the pilot-plant level were a temperature of 35 °C and aeration at 1.0 VVM for 1.2 h, which led to a fermented product with a 4.22% (v/v) total alcohol content after 72 h of processing time. These represent similar performance values for both production processes, but each one worked with their specific values of process variables, which demonstrates that each level of production had its own specific values for process variables. The volatile compound analysis shows that both distilled products contained a similar profile of volatile components that provide fruity and ethereal aromatic notes pleasant to the palate. Therefore, the process design for agave spirit production at the semi-industrial level was successfully achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Navarrete-Bolaños
- Depto. Ing. Bioquímica-Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Tecnológico Nacional de México en Celaya, Antonio García Cubas 600 esq. Av, Tecnológico, Celaya, Gto, México.
| | - O Serrato-Joya
- Depto. Ing. Bioquímica-Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Tecnológico Nacional de México en Celaya, Antonio García Cubas 600 esq. Av, Tecnológico, Celaya, Gto, México
| | - H Chávez-Mireles
- Depto. Ing. Bioquímica-Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Tecnológico Nacional de México en Celaya, Antonio García Cubas 600 esq. Av, Tecnológico, Celaya, Gto, México
| | - F J Vicente-Magueyal
- Depto. Ing. Bioquímica-Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Tecnológico Nacional de México en Celaya, Antonio García Cubas 600 esq. Av, Tecnológico, Celaya, Gto, México
| | - H Jiménez-Islas
- Depto. Ing. Bioquímica-Ciencias de la Ingeniería, Tecnológico Nacional de México en Celaya, Antonio García Cubas 600 esq. Av, Tecnológico, Celaya, Gto, México
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15
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Sami SA, Marma KKS, Chakraborty A, Singha T, Rakib A, Uddin MG, Hossain MK, Uddin SMN. A comprehensive review on global contributions and recognition of pharmacy professionals amidst COVID-19 pandemic: moving from present to future. Futur J Pharm Sci 2021; 7:119. [PMID: 34150911 PMCID: PMC8195448 DOI: 10.1186/s43094-021-00273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19, a respiratory tract infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a burning question worldwide as it gives rise to a pandemic situation. No specific medications are still recommended for COVID-19; however, healthcare support is crucial for ameliorating the disease condition. Pharmacists are the frontline fighters who are responsible for providing healthcare support to the COVID-19 infected patients around the world. This review endeavored to briefly rationalize the contributions of several pharmacy professionals in diverse fields along with their collaborative efforts and dedication regarding their limitations during the COVID-19 situation and view the prospects of pharmaceutical care services in the post-pandemic period. MAIN BODY OF THE ABSTRACT Online databases were utilized to search for scholarly articles and organizational websites, to sum up the information about the contemporary and expanded role of pharmacists. Key articles were retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases using terms: "COVID-19," "novel coronavirus," "community," "industrial," "hospital," "clinical," "recognition," "obstacles," "collaboration," "SARS-CoV-2," "healthcare," and "outbreak" in combination with "pharmacist." The articles were included from the inception of the pandemic to January 25, 2021. The current review found pharmacist's global contributions and involvements with other professionals to provide healthcare services amidst COVID-19. This included testing of suspects, providing medical information, psycho-social support, debunking myths, mitigating drug shortage events, telemedicine, e-prescription, infection control, and controlling the drug supply chain. In many countries, pharmacists' activities were much appreciated but in some countries, they were not properly acknowledged for their contributions amidst COVID-19 outbreak. They played additional roles such as participating in the antimicrobial stewardship team, improving value-added services, conducting clinical data analysis to suppress the outspread of the SARS-CoV-2. SHORT CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic while the whole world is fighting against an invisible virus, the pharmacists are the earnest hero to serve their responsibilities along with additional activities. They need to be prepared and collaborate with other healthcare professionals further to meet the challenges of post-pandemic circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Ahmed Sami
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Kay Kay Shain Marma
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Agnila Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Tandra Singha
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Rakib
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | - Md. Giash Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
| | | | - S. M. Naim Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh
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16
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Ubando AT, Africa ADM, Maniquiz-Redillas MC, Culaba AB, Chen WH, Chang JS. Microalgal biosorption of heavy metals: A comprehensive bibliometric review. J Hazard Mater 2021; 402:123431. [PMID: 32745872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals in the effluents released from industrial establishments pose risks to the environment and society. Prevalent organisms such as microalgae in industrial wastes can thrive in this harmful environment. The connection of the metal-binding proteins of the microalgal cell wall to the metal ions of the heavy metals enables microalgae as an ideal medium for biosorption. The current literature lacks the review of various microalgae used as biosorption of heavy metals from industrial effluents. This work aims to comprehensively review the literature on the use of microalgae as a biosorption for heavy metals. The study summarizes the application of different microalgae for heavy metals removal by identifying the various factors affecting the biosorption performance. Approaches to quantifying the heavy metals concentration are outlined. The methods of microalgae to generate biocompounds to enable biosorption of heavy metals are itemized. The study also aims to identify the materials produced by microalgae to facilitate biosorption. The industrial sectors with the potential benefit from the adoption of microalgal biosorption of heavy metals are recognized. Moreover, the current challenges and future perspectives of microalgal biosorption are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristotle T Ubando
- Mechanical Engineering Department, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922, Manila, Philippines; Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922, Manila, Philippines
| | - Aaron Don M Africa
- Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922, Manila, Philippines; Electronics and Communication Engineering Department, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922, Manila, Philippines
| | - Marla C Maniquiz-Redillas
- Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922, Manila, Philippines; Civil Engineering Department, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922, Manila, Philippines
| | - Alvin B Culaba
- Mechanical Engineering Department, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922, Manila, Philippines; Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research, De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 0922, Manila, Philippines
| | - Wei-Hsin Chen
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 411, Taiwan.
| | - Jo-Shu Chang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, Tunghai University, Taichung 407, Taiwan; Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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17
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Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may further promote the development of Industry 4.0 leading to the fifth industrial revolution (Society 5.0). Industry 4.0 technology such as Big Data (BD) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) may lead to a personalized system of healthcare in Pakistan. The final bridge between humans and machines is Society 5.0, also known as the super-smart society that employs AI in healthcare manufacturing and logistics. In this communication, we review various Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0 technologies including robotics and AI being inspected to control the rate of transmission of COVID-19 globally. We demonstrate the applicability of advanced information technologies including AI, BD, and Information of Technology (IoT) to healthcare. Lastly, we discuss the evolution of Industry 4.0 to Society 5.0 given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the technological strategies being considered and employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zouina Sarfraz
- Zouina Sarfraz, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Azza Sarfraz
- Azza Sarfraz, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi Pakistan
| | | | - Ramsha Akhund
- Ramsha Akhund, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi Pakistan
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18
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Nazir H, Muthuswamy N, Louis C, Jose S, Prakash J, Buan MEM, Flox C, Chavan S, Shi X, Kauranen P, Kallio T, Maia G, Tammeveski K, Lymperopoulos N, Carcadea E, Veziroglu E, Iranzo A, M Kannan A. Is the H 2 economy realizable in the foreseeable future? Part III: H 2 usage technologies, applications, and challenges and opportunities. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2020; 45:28217-28239. [PMID: 32863546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.03.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Energy enthusiasts in developed countries explore sustainable and efficient pathways for accomplishing zero carbon footprint through the H2 economy. The major objective of the H2 economy review series is to bring out the status, major issues, and opportunities associated with the key components such as H2 production, storage, transportation, distribution, and applications in various energy sectors. Specifically, Part I discussed H2 production methods including the futuristic ones such as photoelectrochemical for small, medium, and large-scale applications, while Part II dealt with the challenges and developments in H2 storage, transportation, and distribution with national and international initiatives. Part III of the H2 economy review discusses the developments and challenges in the areas of H2 application in chemical/metallurgical industries, combustion, and fuel cells. Currently, the majority of H2 is being utilized by a few chemical industries with >60% in the oil refineries sector, by producing grey H2 by steam methane reforming on a large scale. In addition, the review also presents the challenges in various technologies for establishing greener and sustainable H2 society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nazir
- US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Navaneethan Muthuswamy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sem Sælands Vei 4, N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Cindrella Louis
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, 620015, TN, India
| | - Sujin Jose
- School of Physics, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai 625021, TN, India
| | - Jyoti Prakash
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
| | - Marthe E M Buan
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Cristina Flox
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Sai Chavan
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
| | - Xuan Shi
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
| | - Pertti Kauranen
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Tanja Kallio
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Gilberto Maia
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul, University City, Senador Filinto Müller Avenue No. 1555, 79074-460, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Kaido Tammeveski
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nikolaos Lymperopoulos
- Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, Avenue de La Toison D'Or 56-60, B-1060, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elena Carcadea
- National Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, National R&D Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies - ICSI, 4 Uzinei Street, Ramnicu Valcea, 240050, Romania
| | - Emre Veziroglu
- International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, International Association for Hydrogen Energy, USA
| | - Alfredo Iranzo
- School of Engineering, Universidad de Sevilla, Camino de Los Descubrimientos, S/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Arunachala M Kannan
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
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19
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Nazir H, Muthuswamy N, Louis C, Jose S, Prakash J, Buan MEM, Flox C, Chavan S, Shi X, Kauranen P, Kallio T, Maia G, Tammeveski K, Lymperopoulos N, Carcadea E, Veziroglu E, Iranzo A, M Kannan A. Is the H 2 economy realizable in the foreseeable future? Part III: H 2 usage technologies, applications, and challenges and opportunities. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2020; 45:28217-28239. [PMID: 32863546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.05.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Energy enthusiasts in developed countries explore sustainable and efficient pathways for accomplishing zero carbon footprint through the H2 economy. The major objective of the H2 economy review series is to bring out the status, major issues, and opportunities associated with the key components such as H2 production, storage, transportation, distribution, and applications in various energy sectors. Specifically, Part I discussed H2 production methods including the futuristic ones such as photoelectrochemical for small, medium, and large-scale applications, while Part II dealt with the challenges and developments in H2 storage, transportation, and distribution with national and international initiatives. Part III of the H2 economy review discusses the developments and challenges in the areas of H2 application in chemical/metallurgical industries, combustion, and fuel cells. Currently, the majority of H2 is being utilized by a few chemical industries with >60% in the oil refineries sector, by producing grey H2 by steam methane reforming on a large scale. In addition, the review also presents the challenges in various technologies for establishing greener and sustainable H2 society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nazir
- US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Navaneethan Muthuswamy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sem Sælands Vei 4, N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Cindrella Louis
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, 620015, TN, India
| | - Sujin Jose
- School of Physics, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai 625021, TN, India
| | - Jyoti Prakash
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
| | - Marthe E M Buan
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Cristina Flox
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Sai Chavan
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
| | - Xuan Shi
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
| | - Pertti Kauranen
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Tanja Kallio
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Gilberto Maia
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul, University City, Senador Filinto Müller Avenue No. 1555, 79074-460, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Kaido Tammeveski
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nikolaos Lymperopoulos
- Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, Avenue de La Toison D'Or 56-60, B-1060, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elena Carcadea
- National Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, National R&D Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies - ICSI, 4 Uzinei Street, Ramnicu Valcea, 240050, Romania
| | - Emre Veziroglu
- International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, International Association for Hydrogen Energy, USA
| | - Alfredo Iranzo
- School of Engineering, Universidad de Sevilla, Camino de Los Descubrimientos, S/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Arunachala M Kannan
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
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20
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Nazir H, Muthuswamy N, Louis C, Jose S, Prakash J, Buan MEM, Flox C, Chavan S, Shi X, Kauranen P, Kallio T, Maia G, Tammeveski K, Lymperopoulos N, Carcadea E, Veziroglu E, Iranzo A, M Kannan A. Is the H 2 economy realizable in the foreseeable future? Part III: H 2 usage technologies, applications, and challenges and opportunities. Int J Hydrogen Energy 2020; 45:28217-28239. [PMID: 32863546 PMCID: PMC7442163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.07.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Energy enthusiasts in developed countries explore sustainable and efficient pathways for accomplishing zero carbon footprint through the H2 economy. The major objective of the H2 economy review series is to bring out the status, major issues, and opportunities associated with the key components such as H2 production, storage, transportation, distribution, and applications in various energy sectors. Specifically, Part I discussed H2 production methods including the futuristic ones such as photoelectrochemical for small, medium, and large-scale applications, while Part II dealt with the challenges and developments in H2 storage, transportation, and distribution with national and international initiatives. Part III of the H2 economy review discusses the developments and challenges in the areas of H2 application in chemical/metallurgical industries, combustion, and fuel cells. Currently, the majority of H2 is being utilized by a few chemical industries with >60% in the oil refineries sector, by producing grey H2 by steam methane reforming on a large scale. In addition, the review also presents the challenges in various technologies for establishing greener and sustainable H2 society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nazir
- US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Navaneethan Muthuswamy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Sem Sælands Vei 4, N-7491, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Cindrella Louis
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, 620015, TN, India
| | - Sujin Jose
- School of Physics, Madurai Kamaraj University, Palkalai Nagar, Madurai 625021, TN, India
| | - Jyoti Prakash
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
| | - Marthe E M Buan
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Cristina Flox
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Sai Chavan
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
| | - Xuan Shi
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
| | - Pertti Kauranen
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Tanja Kallio
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, FI-00076, Espoo, Finland
| | - Gilberto Maia
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul, University City, Senador Filinto Müller Avenue No. 1555, 79074-460, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Kaido Tammeveski
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nikolaos Lymperopoulos
- Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, Avenue de La Toison D'Or 56-60, B-1060, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elena Carcadea
- National Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, National R&D Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies - ICSI, 4 Uzinei Street, Ramnicu Valcea, 240050, Romania
| | - Emre Veziroglu
- International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, International Association for Hydrogen Energy, USA
| | - Alfredo Iranzo
- School of Engineering, Universidad de Sevilla, Camino de Los Descubrimientos, S/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Arunachala M Kannan
- The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, 85212, USA
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21
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Abstract
Livestock can be exposed to a wide variety of commercial or industrial chemicals that have variable toxicity. Adverse effects can be due to acute or chronic illnesses and deaths or due to contamination of meat or milk intended for human consumption. A diagnosis can be challenging in the absence of a known exposure. It is critical that a complete evaluation be conducted and appropriate samples be collected for possible analysis. Appropriate experts and regulatory agencies should be consulted as soon as possible to avoid potential contaminated animal products reaching consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Poppenga
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine, 620 West Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Stephen B Hooser
- Toxicology Section, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 406 South University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Aminiyan MM, Aminiyan FM. Comprehensive integrated index-based geochemistry and hydrochemical analyses of groundwater resources for multiple consumptions under coastal conditions. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2020; 27:21386-21406. [PMID: 32277420 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to assess the quality of groundwater in the Guilan aquifer, a principal aquifer in the north of Iran, for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. In this regard, groundwater samples have taken from a database provided by the Water Resources Authority of Guilan Province, Iran's Ministry of Energy. The studied four main regions of this aquifer were Talesh, Astaneh, Lahijan, and Foomenat. Achieved results were compared with the maximum permissible limit values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) water standards for drinking and agricultural purposes, respectively. Moreover, evaluation of water suitability for industrial application was determined. According to the different indices, groundwater quality is suitable for irrigation purposes in all studied areas. A Piper diagram illustrated that the most dominant water type was Ca-HCO3 in the all studied areas. This result also is consistent with results from the analysis of mineral saturation index. Accordingly, the result of water quality index (WQI) revealed that the groundwater in the Guilan aquifer could categorize from excellent to poor quality classes. However, the majority of water samples in Astaneh region mostly fall into the poor water class. The calculation of corrosiveness and scaling indices as Ryznar stability index (RSI) illustrated that a large number of the samples could be classified into aggressive and very aggressive categories. The results additionally showed that tendency to form scale based on Puckorius scaling index (PSI) was observed in some groundwater samples. Overall, the status of groundwater quality in Talesh region was noteworthy better than the other studied regions, while Astaneh region is more vulnerable with elevated contents of ions and physicochemical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Mirzaei Aminiyan
- Department of Soil Science Engineering, Agriculture and Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Soil Science, Agriculture and Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farzad Mirzaei Aminiyan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Vali-e-Asr Rafsanjan University, Rafsanjan, Iran
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Balgobin A, Ramroop Singh N. Source apportionment and seasonal cancer risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of sediments in a multi-use coastal environment containing a Ramsar wetland, for a Caribbean island. Sci Total Environ 2019; 664:474-486. [PMID: 30759411 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Although polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic pollutants for which some are known carcinogens, there is limited information on the cancer risk such substances pose to the population via marine sediments, despite a significant part of the world's food supply being derived from the coastal environment. This study was conducted in a heavily industrialized and urbanized coastal area, in Trinidad. PAHs were quantified in sediments during the dry and wet seasons and were observed to be significantly higher in the wet season compared to the dry season. Also emerging from this study is that PAH levels were lower, in the areas where natural gas is the dominant energy source for industries, compared with those areas where crude oil-based fossil fuel is predominantly used. Perylene levels were demonstrated to be of biogenic origin near the protected wetland area. It was observed that nearshore sediment PAHs concentrations were higher than offshore levels. The sources of PAHs, identified by Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) in the marine sediments, were vehicular combustion of gasoline and diesel, biomass burning, industrial combustion and oil spills. The mean Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risks (ILCR) due to fish consumption from this region during the dry and wet seasons was >1 × 10-4, indicating a high cancer risk to the human population. The annual non-cancer risk (HQ) was high >1 at the 90th percentile level with an adverse risk to about 14% of the population. These results can be utilized for developing an effective environmental management policy for coastal areas in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean region, given that much of the islands' populations depend on the coastal regions for seafood. In addition, these results may assist in boosting current efforts of policymakers, towards phasing out crude oil-based fossil fuels for cleaner energy sources, such as compressed natural gas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Balgobin
- Center for Maritime and Ocean Studies, Chaguaramas Campus, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - Natasha Ramroop Singh
- Biomedical Engineering Unit, O'Meara Campus, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
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Williams M, Kookana RS, Mehta A, Yadav SK, Tailor BL, Maheshwari B. Emerging contaminants in a river receiving untreated wastewater from an Indian urban centre. Sci Total Environ 2019; 647:1256-1265. [PMID: 30180334 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Research over the last decade on emerging trace organic contaminants in aquatic systems has largely focused on sources such as treated wastewaters in high income countries, with relatively few studies relating to wastewater sources of these contaminants in low and middle income countries. We undertook a longitudinal survey of the Ahar River for a number of emerging organic contaminants (including pharmaceuticals, hormones, personal care products and industrial chemicals) which flows through the city of Udaipur, India. Udaipur is a city of approximately 450,000 people with no wastewater treatment occurring at the time of this survey. We found the concentrations of many of the contaminants within the river water were similar to those commonly reported in untreated wastewater in high income countries. For example, concentrations of pharmaceuticals, such as carbamazepine, antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ranged up to 1900 ng/L. Other organic contaminants, such as steroid estrogens (up to 124 ng/L), steroid androgens (up to 1560 ng/L), benzotriazoles (up to 11 μg/L), DEET (up to 390 ng/L), BPA (up to 300 ng/L) and caffeine (up to 37.5 μg/L), were all similar to previously reported concentrations in wastewaters in high income countries. An assessment of the population densities in the watersheds feeding into the river showed increasing population density of a watershed led to a corresponding downstream increase in the concentrations of the organic contaminants, with quantifiable concentrations still present up to 10 km downstream of the areas directly adjacent to the highest population densities. Overall, this study highlights how a relatively clean river can be contaminated by untreated wastewater released from an urban centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Williams
- CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag no 2, Glen Osmond 5064, Australia.
| | - Rai S Kookana
- CSIRO Land and Water, Locked Bag no 2, Glen Osmond 5064, Australia
| | - Anil Mehta
- Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic, Udaipur, India
| | - S K Yadav
- Wolkem India Limited, Udaipur, India
| | - B L Tailor
- ICAR-NBBS & LUP, Regional Centre, Udaipur, India
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25
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Laverty G, Belaid L, Coulter C, Porter S. Development of a teaching model to advance skills in industrial pharmaceutical formulation and regulatory aspects. Curr Pharm Teach Learn 2018; 10:1419-1428. [PMID: 30527372 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To design and critically evaluate a laboratory-scale pharmaceutical formulation practical that enables pharmaceutical science students to develop work-based skills relating to industrial pharmacy such as problem solving, pharmaceutical calculations, research, legal checking, communication, practical aptitude, handling of medicinal products, record keeping, and ability to interpret, analyze and report data. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING Nine laboratory practical sessions were designed whereby students formulated a range of dosage forms and conducted corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs) exercises. A master batch formula outlined the specifications for each product and a practical sheet was provided for the students to record their activities. Student evaluation of the exercise was performed via a self-administered 17-item questionnaire in the final week. FINDINGS Twenty-four students completed the workshops over two year groups (2015 year group n = 11, 2016 year group n = 13). The mean score across both groups was 15.6 out of 20. DISCUSSION The questionnaire had a 100% response rate and the majority of students agreed that the classes were a useful teaching method and that they fostered key skills required for pharmaceutical formulation and regulation. SUMMARY Laboratory classes effectively delivered course content relating to industrial-based pharmaceutical formulation and helped to develop relevant skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garry Laverty
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, County Antrim BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland.
| | - Luc Belaid
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, County Antrim BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland.
| | - Cathy Coulter
- Norbrook Laboratories, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, Co. Down BT35 6QQ, Northern Ireland.
| | - Simon Porter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, County Antrim BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland.
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Bertelli CM, Robinson MT, Mendzil AF, Pratt LR, Unsworth RKF. Finding some seagrass optimism in Wales, the case of Zostera noltii. Mar Pollut Bull 2018; 134:216-222. [PMID: 28847630 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
There exists limited understanding of the long-term dynamics of the seagrass Zostera noltii and how this is influenced by anthropogenic pressures. Milford Haven is a heavily industrialised estuary and also one of the important sites for Zostera sp. in the UK. In this study we examine all available long-term spatial variability and abundance data of Zostera noltii within Milford Haven using historic datasets. Results show that Z. noltii in all sites have shown meadow expansion when compared to the first obtainable records. Little change in abundance over the past 10-15years for the two sites confirms certain seagrass populations to be robust and thriving. We hypothesise that these populations are showing a level of resilience to the high nutrient levels, disturbance and high turbidity present within the water column of the Haven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara M Bertelli
- Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK.
| | - Max T Robinson
- Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Anouska F Mendzil
- Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
| | - Laura R Pratt
- Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3BA, Wales, UK
| | - Richard K F Unsworth
- Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK
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27
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Tomás-Cortázar J, Plaza-Vinuesa L, de Las Rivas B, Lavín JL, Barriales D, Abecia L, Mancheño JM, Aransay AM, Muñoz R, Anguita J, Rodríguez H. Identification of a highly active tannase enzyme from the oral pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. polymorphum. Microb Cell Fact 2018; 17:33. [PMID: 29482557 PMCID: PMC5828091 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-018-0880-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tannases are tannin-degrading enzymes that have been described in fungi and bacteria as an adaptative mechanism to overcome the stress conditions associated with the presence of these phenolic compounds. RESULTS We have identified and expressed in E. coli a tannase from the oral microbiota member Fusobacterium nucleatum subs. polymorphum (TanBFnp). TanBFnp is the first tannase identified in an oral pathogen. Sequence analyses revealed that it is closely related to other bacterial tannases. The enzyme exhibits biochemical properties that make it an interesting target for industrial use. TanBFnp has one of the highest specific activities of all bacterial tannases described to date and shows optimal biochemical properties such as a high thermal stability: the enzyme keeps 100% of its activity after prolonged incubations at different temperatures up to 45 °C. TanBFnp also shows a wide temperature range of activity, maintaining above 80% of its maximum activity between 22 and 55 °C. The use of a panel of 27 esters of phenolic acids demonstrated activity of TanBFnp only against esters of gallic and protocatechuic acid, including tannic acid, gallocatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate. Overall, TanBFnp possesses biochemical properties that make the enzyme potentially useful in biotechnological applications. CONCLUSIONS We have identified and characterized a metabolic enzyme from the oral pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. polymorphum. The biochemical properties of TanBFnp suggest that it has a major role in the breakdown of complex food tannins during oral processing. Our results also provide some clues regarding its possible participation on bacterial survival in the oral cavity. Furthermore, the characteristics of this enzyme make it of potential interest for industrial use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Plaza-Vinuesa
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Bacteriana, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos y Nutrición (ICTAN)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Blanca de Las Rivas
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Bacteriana, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos y Nutrición (ICTAN)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Lavín
- Genome Analysis Platform, CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Diego Barriales
- Macrophage and Tick Vaccine Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Leticia Abecia
- Macrophage and Tick Vaccine Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - José Miguel Mancheño
- Departamento de Cristalografía y Biología Estructural, Instituto de Química-Física "Rocasolano" (IQFR-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana M Aransay
- Genome Analysis Platform, CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Bacteriana, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos y Nutrición (ICTAN)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Anguita
- Macrophage and Tick Vaccine Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain. .,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain.
| | - Héctor Rodríguez
- Macrophage and Tick Vaccine Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.
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Abstract
This essay considers the representation of women's work and disability in British coalfields literature in the period 1880-1950. Industrial settings are a rich source for literature concerned with bodily health, injury and disability and offer insights into the gendering of the working body whether male or female. Situating this largely realist body of novels, stories and plays in its historical context, this article will focus on intersections between work, class and gender. It shows how the vital, but unpaid, work of women in domestic labour was depicted as an extension of the industrial machine, which had clear consequences in terms of high mortality and morbidity rates amongst women.
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29
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Boulet M, Ghafoori E, Jorgensen BS, Smith LDG. Behaviour change: Trialling a novel approach to reduce industrial stormwater pollution. J Environ Manage 2017; 204:272-281. [PMID: 28898748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The evidence base for the performance and effectiveness of non-structural measures to manage stormwater pollution in industrial areas is relatively underdeveloped, despite their increased use in practice. This study aims to advance stormwater management practice and research by presenting a detailed case study of the development, implementation and evaluation of a targeted behaviour change trial that engaged small to medium industrial businesses in stormwater pollution prevention. Utilising a combination of different behaviour change strategies - including capacity building, social norms and commitment - a number of preventative stormwater pollution behaviours were changed in participating businesses. Our study provides a practice model for tackling stormwater pollution from a behavioural perspective that can be further developed by both practitioners and researchers to create effective and long-lasting change.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Boulet
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia.
| | - E Ghafoori
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
| | - B S Jorgensen
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
| | - L D G Smith
- BehaviourWorks Australia, Monash Sustainable Development Institute, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
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Prieto-Parra L, Yohannessen K, Brea C, Vidal D, Ubilla CA, Ruiz-Rudolph P. Air pollution, PM 2.5 composition, source factors, and respiratory symptoms in asthmatic and nonasthmatic children in Santiago, Chile. Environ Int 2017; 101:190-200. [PMID: 28202226 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the association of respiratory symptoms and medication use and exposure to various air pollutants, PM2.5 components, and source factors in a panel of asthmatic and nonasthmatic children in Santiago, Chile. To this end, 174 children (90 asthmatics and 84 nonasthmatics) were followed throughout the winter months of 2010 and 2011. During the study period, children filled out daily diaries to record respiratory symptoms and medication use. Air pollution data were obtained from government central site measurements and a PM2.5 characterization campaign. PM2.5 source factors were obtained using positive matrix factorization (PMF). Associations of symptoms and exposure to pollutants and source-factor daily scores were modeled separately for asthmatic and nonasthmatic children using mixed logistic regression models with random intercepts, controlling for weather, day of the week, year, and viral outbreaks. Overall, high concentrations of air pollutants and PM2.5 components were observed. Six source factors were identified by PMF (motor vehicles, marine aerosol, copper smelter, secondary sulfates, wood burning, and soil dust). Overall, single pollutant models showed significant and strong associations between 7-day exposures for several criteria pollutants (PM2.5, NO2, O3), PM2.5 components (OC, K, S, Se, V), and source factors (secondary sulfate) and coughing, wheezing and three other respiratory symptoms in both in asthmatic and nonasthmatic children. No associations were found for use of rescue inhalers in asthmatics. Two-pollutant models showed that several associations remained significant after including PM2.5, and other criteria pollutants, in the models, particularly components and source factors associated with industrial sources. In conclusion, exposure to air pollutants, especially PM2.5, NO2, and O3, were found to exacerbate respiratory symptoms in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic children. Some of the results suggest that PM2.5 components associated with a secondary sulfate source may have a greater impact on some symptoms than PM2.5. In general, the results of this study show important associations at concentrations close or below current air quality standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Prieto-Parra
- Programa de Magister en Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Poblacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karla Yohannessen
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil Norte, Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Programa de Salud Ambiental, Instituto de Salud Poblacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia Brea
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil Norte, Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniella Vidal
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil Norte, Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos A Ubilla
- Departamento de Pediatría y Cirugía Infantil Norte, Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Ruiz-Rudolph
- Programa de Salud Ambiental, Instituto de Salud Poblacional, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Abstract
Corticosteroids are products of high industrial and commercial importance. There are dozens of different synthesis published for all of them. Some are coming from academia and some from industry. Here, industrial processes for the synthesis of prednisone, prednisolone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, and methylprednisolone are described. The starting material is diosgenin and the desired molecules are reached due to a good combination of chemistry and biotechnology that was developed along the second part of the twentieth century.
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Shah PC, Panchasara AK, Barvaliya MJ, Tripathi CB. A Study of Assessing Errors and Completeness of Research Application Forms Submitted to Instituitional Ethics Committee (IEC) of a Tertiary Care Hospital. J Clin Diagn Res 2016; 10:FC10-FC12. [PMID: 27790458 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2016/18393.8488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Application form of research work is an essential requirement which is required to be submitted along with the research proposal to the Ethics Committee (EC). AIM To check the completeness and to find the errors in application forms submitted to the EC of a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS The application forms of research projects submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India from January 2014 to June 2015 were analysed for completeness and errors, with respect to the following - type of study, information about study investigators, sample size, study participants, title of the studies, signatures of all investigators, regulatory approval, recruitment procedure, compensation to study participants, informed consent process, information about sponsor, declaration of conflict of interest, plans for storage and maintenance of data, patient information sheet, informed consent forms and study related documents. RESULTS Total 100 application forms were analysed. Among them, 98 were academic and 2 were industrial studies. Majority of academic studies were of basic science type. In 63.26% studies, type of study was not mentioned in title. Age group of subjects was not mentioned in 8.16% application forms. In 34.6% informed consent, benefits of the study were not mentioned. Signature of investigators/co-investigators/Head of the Department was missing in 3.06% cases. CONCLUSION Our study recommends that the efficiency and speed of review will increase if investigator will increase vigilance regarding filling of application forms. Regular meetings will be helpful to solve the problems related to content of application forms. The uniformity in functioning of EC can be achieved if common application form for all ECs is there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pruthak C Shah
- Student, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College , Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Ashwin K Panchasara
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, GMERS Medical College , Sola, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Manish J Barvaliya
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College , Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
| | - C B Tripathi
- Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College , Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
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Ongey EL, Neubauer P. Lanthipeptides: chemical synthesis versus in vivo biosynthesis as tools for pharmaceutical production. Microb Cell Fact 2016; 15:97. [PMID: 27267232 PMCID: PMC4897893 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-016-0502-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lanthipeptides (also called lantibiotics for those with antibacterial activities) are ribosomally synthesized post-translationally modified peptides having thioether cross-linked amino acids, lanthionines, as a structural element. Lanthipeptides have conceivable potentials to be used as therapeutics, however, the lack of stable, high-yield, well-characterized processes for their sustainable production limit their availability for clinical studies and further pharmaceutical commercialization. Though many reviews have discussed the various techniques that are currently employed to produce lanthipeptides, a direct comparison between these methods to assess industrial applicability has not yet been described. In this review we provide a synoptic comparison of research efforts on total synthesis and in vivo biosynthesis aimed at fostering lanthipeptides production. We further examine current applications and propose measures to enhance product yields. Owing to their elaborate chemical structures, chemical synthesis of these biomolecules is economically less feasible for large-scale applications, and hence biological production seems to be the only realistic alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Legala Ongey
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Ackerstraße 76, ACK24, 13355, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Peter Neubauer
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Ackerstraße 76, ACK24, 13355, Berlin, Germany
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34
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Chau JY, Sukala W, Fedel K, Do A, Engelen L, Kingham M, Sainsbury A, Bauman AE. More standing and just as productive: Effects of a sit-stand desk intervention on call center workers' sitting, standing, and productivity at work in the Opt to Stand pilot study. Prev Med Rep 2016; 3:68-74. [PMID: 26844191 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of sit-stand desks on workers' objectively and subjectively assessed sitting, physical activity, and productivity. This quasi-experimental study involved one intervention group (n = 16) and one comparison group (n = 15). Participants were call center employees from two job-matched teams at a large telecommunications company in Sydney, Australia (45% female, 33 ± 11 years old). Intervention participants received a sit-stand desk, brief training, and daily e-mail reminders to stand up more frequently for the first 2 weeks post-installation. Control participants carried out their usual work duties at seated desks. Primary outcomes were workday sitting and physical activity assessed using ActivPAL or ActiGraph devices and self-report questionnaires. Productivity outcomes were company-specific objective metrics (e.g., hold time, talking time, absenteeism) and subjective measures. Measurements were taken at baseline, 1, 4, and 19 weeks post-installation. Intervention participants increased standing time after 1 week (+ 73 min/workday (95% CI: 22, 123)) and 4 weeks (+ 96 min/workday (95% CI: 41, 150)) post-intervention, while control group showed no changes. Between-group differences in standing time at one and 4 weeks were + 78 (95% CI: 9, 147) and + 95 min/workday (95% CI: 15, 174), respectively. Sitting time in the intervention group changed by − 64 (95% CI: − 125, − 2), − 76 (95% CI: − 142, − 11), and − 100 min/workday (95% CI: − 172, − 29) at 1, 4, and 19 weeks post-installation, respectively, while the control group showed no changes. No changes were observed in productivity outcomes from baseline to follow-up in either group. Sit-stand desks can increase standing time at work in call center workers without reducing productivity. Few workplace sitting interventions have involved objective productivity outcomes. This sit-stand desk intervention increased standing time in call center workers (73–90 min/workday). Sitting time decreased in the intervention group (64–100 min/workday). Using sit-stand desks at work did not change call center workers’ productivity (e.g., talking time, hold time).
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Megnanou RM, Niamke S. Improving the optimized shea butter quality: a great potential of utilization for common consumers and industrials. Springerplus 2015; 4:667. [PMID: 26558170 PMCID: PMC4631807 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1454-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Industrials interest in fats as raw material, resides in their exceptional quality and potentialities of exploitation in several fields. This study aimed to exalt the optimized shea butter quality and present its wide potentialities of utilization. Hence, the characteristics of beige and yellow optimized shea butters were determined. Both samples recorded very weak acid (0.280 ± 0.001 and 0.140 ± 0.001 mgKOH/g) and peroxide (0.960 ± 0.001 and 1.010 ± 0.001 mEgO2/kg) indexes, when the iodine indexes (52.64 ± 0.20 and 53.06 ± 0.20 gI2/100 g) and the unsaponifiable matters (17.61 ± 0.01 and 17.27 ± 0.01 %) were considerable. The refractive indexes (1.454 ± 0.00 and 1.453 ± 0.00) and the pH (6.50 ± 0.30 and 6.78 ± 0.30) were statistically similar; but the specific gravity (0.915 ± 0.01–0.79 ± 0.01 and 0.94 ± 0.01–0.83 ± 0.01) and the viscosity (90.41 ± 0.20–20.02 ± 0.20 and 125.37 ± 0.20–23.55 ± 0.20 MPas) differed and decreased exponentially with the temperature increasing (35–65 °C), except for the specific gravity of the yellow butter which decreased linearly. The UV–Vis spectrum showed a high peak at 300 nm and a rapid decrease from 300 to 500 nm when the near infra-red one, revealed peaks at 450, 1200, 1400, 1725 and 2150 nm for all the samples. The chromatographic profile identified palmitic (16.42 and 26.36 %), stearic (32.39 and 36.36 %), oleic (38.12 and 29.09 %), linoleic (9.72 and 5.92 %) and arachidic (1.84 and 1.59 %) acids, and also exaltolide compound (1.51 and 0.68 %). The samples also contained essential minerals (Calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, etc.) carotene (550 ± 50 and 544 ± 50 ppm), vitamins A (0.065 ± 0.001 and 0.032 ± 0.001 µg/g) and E (2992.09 ± 1.90 and 3788.44 ± 1.90 ppm) in relatively important amounts; neither microbiological germs nor heavy were detected. All these valorizing characteristics would confer to the optimized shea butters good aptitude for exportation and exploitation in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose-Monde Megnanou
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologies, UFR Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Sébastien Niamke
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologies, UFR Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 22 BP 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d'Ivoire
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Augusto S, Pinho P, Santos A, Botelho MJ, Palma-Oliveira J, Branquinho C. Declining trends of PCDD/Fs in lichens over a decade in a Mediterranean area with multiple pollution sources. Sci Total Environ 2015; 508:95-100. [PMID: 25459753 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Lichens are one of the most useful environmental biomonitors, due to their ability to clearly reflect atmospheric deposition of pollutants. Dioxin and furan (PCDD/F) emissions have been reported to be decreasing in North European countries as a consequence of European regulations. This reduction has been perceptible across several environmental matrices, but it hasn't yet been shown in lichens as typical biomonitors of atmospheric pollution. In this work we compared concentrations of PCDD/Fs in two lichen species collected in a Mediterranean area with mixed land-uses, encompassing urban, industrial and natural areas, in 2009 and 2011 with the ones obtained in the same species collected in the same region in 2000. We found that PCDD/F concentrations in both lichen species have decreased approximately 70% since 2000 whereas industrial emissions have only decreased 25% for the same period. This substantial greater reduction observed in lichens may be due to several causes; after excluding fires as a possible explanation, we point out that possible causes could not only be the overall decrease in industrial emissions but also other causes such as traffic reduction and/or increase efficiency in the use of fuels. Capsule: PCDD/F concentrations in lichens have decreased 70% over the last decade, whereas industrial emissions have only decreased 25%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Augusto
- CE3C-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; TECNATOX Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, C/ Països Catalans, n° 26, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
| | - Pedro Pinho
- CE3C-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Natural Resources and the Environment, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa (CERENA-IST-UL), Portugal.
| | - Artur Santos
- CE3C-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | | | - José Palma-Oliveira
- Secil Companhia Geral de Cal e Cimento, Lisboa, Portugal; FP-University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Branquinho
- CE3C-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, Piso 5, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Stromsoe N, Marx SK, McGowan HA, Callow N, Heijnis H, Zawadzki A. A landscape-scale approach to examining the fate of atmospherically derived industrial metals in the surficial environment. Sci Total Environ 2015; 505:962-980. [PMID: 25461097 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.10.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Industrial metals are now ubiquitous within the atmosphere and their deposition represents a potential source of contamination to surficial environments. Few studies, however, have examined the environmental fate of atmospheric industrial metals within different surface environments. In this study, patterns of accumulation of atmospherically transported industrial metals were investigated within the surface environments of the Snowy Mountains, Australia. Metals, including Pb, Sb, Cr and Mo, were enriched in aerosols collected in the Snowy Mountains by 3.5-50 times pre-industrial concentrations. In sedimentary environments (soils, lakes and reservoirs) metals showed varying degrees of enrichment. Differences were attributed to the relative degree of atmospheric input, metal sensitivity to enrichment, catchment area and metal behaviour following deposition. In settings where atmospheric deposition dominated (ombrotrophic peat mires in the upper parts of catchments), metal enrichment patterns most closely resembled those in collected aerosols. However, even in these environments significant dilution (by 5-7 times) occurred. The most sensitive industrial metals (those with the lowest natural concentration; Cd, Ag, Sb and Mo) were enriched throughout the studied environments. However, in alpine tarn-lakes no other metals were enriched, due to the dilution of pollutant-metals by catchment derived sediment. In reservoirs, which were located lower within catchments, industrial metals exhibited more complex patterns. Particle reactive metals (e.g. Pb) displayed little enrichment, implying that they were retained up catchment, whereas more soluble metals (e.g., Cu and Zn) showed evidence of concentration. These same metals (Cu and Zn) were depleted in soils, implying that they are preferentially transported through catchments. Enrichment of other metals (e.g. Cd) varied between reservoirs as a function of contributing catchment area. Overall this study showed that the fate of atmospherically derived metals is complex, and depends upon metal behaviour and geomorphic processes operating at landscape scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Stromsoe
- Climate Research Group, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Samuel K Marx
- GeoQuEST Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia; Wollongong Isotope Geochronology Laboratory, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Hamish A McGowan
- Climate Research Group, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nikolaus Callow
- Environmental Dynamics and Ecohydrology, School of Earth and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Henk Heijnis
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234, Australia
| | - Atun Zawadzki
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234, Australia
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Yin YJ, Tian ZM, Tang W, Li L, Song LY, McElmurry SP. Production and characterization of high efficiency bioflocculant isolated from Klebsiella sp. ZZ-3. Bioresour Technol 2014; 171:336-342. [PMID: 25218206 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2014.08.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a new bioflocculant (ZZ-3) is isolated and evaluated. This novel flocculant was derived Klebsiella, which was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as well as biochemical and physiological analyses. The composition of ZZ-3 was found to be 84.6% polysaccharides and 6.1% protein. More specifically, the amount (moles) of the polysaccharides rhamnose, mannose, and galactose were found to be 6.48, 2.47, and 1.74 greater than glucose, respectively. Results show ZZ-3 has a relatively high molecular weight (603-1820 kDa) and contains many functional groups (hydroxyl, amide, carboxyl, and methoxyl) that likely contribute to flocculation. The results of microscopic observation, zeta potential measurements, and ZZ-3 bioflocculant structure suggested that bridging was the main mechanism for flocculation with kaolin. Based on a high flocculation efficiency, thermal stability, pH tolerance and the ability to flocculate without additional cations, ZZ-3 shows potential for industrial application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jie Yin
- Environmental Microbiology and Ecology Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
| | - Zun-Ming Tian
- Shanghai Information Center for Life Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Wei Tang
- Environmental Microbiology and Ecology Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Environmental Microbiology and Ecology Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China
| | - Li-Yan Song
- Environmental Microbiology and Ecology Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China; Key Laboratory of Reservoir Aquatic Environment, Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing 400714, PR China.
| | - Shawn P McElmurry
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Shao X, Huang B, Zhao Y, Sun W, Gu Z, Qian W. Impacts of human activities and sampling strategies on soil heavy metal distribution in a rapidly developing region of China. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2014; 104:1-8. [PMID: 24632116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of industrial and agricultural activities on soil Cd, Hg, Pb, and Cu in Zhangjiagang City, a rapidly developing region in China, were evaluated using two sampling strategies. The soil Cu, Cd, and Pb concentrations near industrial locations were greater than those measured away from industrial locations. The converse was true for Hg. The top enrichment factor (TEF) values, calculated as the ratio of metal concentrations between the topsoil and subsoil, were greater near industrial location than away from industrial locations and were further related to the industry type. Thus, the TEF is an effective index to distinguish sources of toxic elements not only between anthropogenic and geogenic but also among different industry types. Target soil sampling near industrial locations resulted in a greater estimation in high levels of soil heavy metals. This study revealed that the soil heavy metal contamination was primarily limited to local areas near industrial locations, despite rapid development over the last 20 years. The prevention and remediation of the soil heavy metal pollution should focus on these high-risk areas in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexin Shao
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Fuyang 311400, China; Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Biao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Yongcun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Weixia Sun
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhiquan Gu
- Service Station for Soil and Fertilizer, Agricultural Bureau of Zhangjiagang City, Zhangjiagang 215600, China
| | - Weifei Qian
- Service Station for Soil and Fertilizer, Agricultural Bureau of Zhangjiagang City, Zhangjiagang 215600, China
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Alyemeni MN, Almohisen IAA. Traffic and industrial activities around Riyadh cause the accumulation of heavy metals in legumes: A case study. Saudi J Biol Sci 2014; 21:167-72. [PMID: 24600310 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of the continuously increasing anthropogenic activities around Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the accumulation of heavy metals in leguminous crops. This study determined whether four legume crops, Pisum sativum L., Vicia faba L., Glycine max and Vigna sinensis, could accumulate the heavy metals Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in their leaves, pods and grains during the summer when grown under conditions with ambient air pollution from heavy traffic and industrial activities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The effect of the air pollution was examined by quantifying the protein and trace element Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn concentrations in the leaves, pods and grains of the four plant species. Analysis of the results indicated that air pollution significantly increased the heavy metal concentrations in the leaves, pods and grains. Toxic concentrations of the heavy metals were found in the plants grown at L3, L4 and L5. In conclusion, the air pollution increases as the traffic, industrial activities and population density increase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ibrahem A A Almohisen
- Shaqra University, College of Science and Humantarion Studies, Qwaieah 11971, Saudi Arabia
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Kim YH, Kim KH, Ma CJ, Shon ZH, Park CG, Song SK, Ro CU, Brown RJC. An investigation into the relationship between the major chemical components of particulate matter in urban air. Chemosphere 2014; 95:387-394. [PMID: 24134889 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) generally comprises such chemical components as inorganic ions, organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and metals. In terms of environmental studies, these major chemical components of particulate matter (MCP) are important in understanding PM distribution, behaviors and source apportionment. In this study, the MCP fractions of total suspended particles (TSP) were measured at an urban residential area in Seoul, Korea from February to December in 2009. The behavior of each individual MCP was studied in order to explain their relationship to environmental conditions and sources. The MCP measured during this study period was able to account between 54% (spring) to 67% (fall) of total TSP composition. During the study period, it was found that the TSP sampled comprised mostly: anions, OC, cations, EC, and metals in decreasing order of abundance. Although such relative ordering seems to remain fairly constant over time, the relative balance of this relationship may be altered by variations in environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Environment & Energy, Sejong University, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea
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Rosen MA. Assessing global resource utilization efficiency in the industrial sector. Sci Total Environ 2013; 461-462:804-807. [PMID: 23235273 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.11.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Designing efficient energy systems, which also meet economic, environmental and other objectives and constraints, is a significant challenge. In a world with finite natural resources and large energy demands, it is important to understand not just actual efficiencies, but also limits to efficiency, as the latter identify margins for efficiency improvement. Energy analysis alone is inadequate, e.g., it yields energy efficiencies that do not provide limits to efficiency. To obtain meaningful and useful efficiencies for energy systems, and to clarify losses, exergy analysis is a beneficial and useful tool. Here, the global industrial sector and industries within it are assessed by using energy and exergy methods. The objective is to improve the understanding of the efficiency of global resource use in the industrial sector and, with this information, to facilitate the development, prioritization and ultimate implementation of rational improvement options. Global energy and exergy flow diagrams for the industrial sector are developed and overall efficiencies for the global industrial sector evaluated as 51% based on energy and 30% based on exergy. Consequently, exergy analysis indicates a less efficient picture of energy use in the global industrial sector than does energy analysis. A larger margin for improvement exists from an exergy perspective, compared to the overly optimistic margin indicated by energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Rosen
- Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1H 7K4.
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Khosravi AR, Rowzati M, Gharipour M, Fesharaki MG, Shirani S, Shahrokhi S, Jozan M, Khosravi E, Khosravi Z, Sarrafzadegan N. Hypertension control in industrial employees: findings from SHIMSCO study. ARYA Atheroscler 2012. [PMID: 23205054 PMCID: PMC3413089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension prevention and control are among the most important public health priorities. We evaluated the impacts of a workplace intervention project "Stop Hypertension in Mobarakeh Steel Company" (SHIMSCO) on controlling hypertension in industrial workers. METHODS The study was carried out in Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan among 7286 male workers and employees. All individuals were evaluated for the presence of hypertension (HTN). According to examinations, 500 subjects with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg, and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or those using antihypertensive medications were confirmed to have HTN and thus included in this study. They were questioned for sociodemographic characteristics, past medical history and medication use. They received an educational program including healthy lifestyle and self-care recommendations of HTN management and control as well as training for accurate blood pressure measurement and home monitoring for two years. SBP, DBP, weight, height and routine lab tests were measured for all hypertensive subjects before and after the interventions. Paired t-test, generalized estimation equation (GEE) and ordinary linear regression (OLR) were used for statistical analysis in SPSS. RESULTS The comparison of SBP and DBP before and after the educational program showed significant reductions in both parameters (-7.97 ± 14.72 and -2.66 ± 9.96 mmHg, respectively). However, a greater decrease was detected in case of DBP. GEE showed SBP and DBP to decrease about -0.115 and -0.054 mmHg/month. OLR also revealed reductions of 4.88 and 2.57 mmHg respectively in SBP and DBP upon adding each antihypertensive drug. CONCLUSION SHIMSCO, a 3-year interventional project in workplaces, was effective in reducing SBP and DBP among hypertensive employees and workers. We conclude that implementing simple educational programs in worksites can improve the management and control of hypertension and perhaps other chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Reza Khosravi
- Associate Professor, Hypertension Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rowzati
- General Practitioner, Worksite Follow-up Unit, Occupational Health Center, Mobarakeh Steel Company, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojgan Gharipour
- PhD Student, Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institue, Iran
| | - Mohammad Gholami Fesharaki
- PhD Student, Department of Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Shirani
- Associate Professor, Hypertension Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Shahrokhi
- Community Medicine Specialist, Hypertension Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Jozan
- Hypertension Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elham Khosravi
- BSc, Hypertension Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Khosravi
- Medical Student, Hypertension Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nizal Sarrafzadegan
- Professor, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran,Correspondence To: Nizal Sarrafzadegan,
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Omoti AE, Edema OT, Akinsola FB, Aigbotsua P. Non-traumatic Ocular Findings in Industrial Technical Workers in Delta State, Nigeria. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2009; 16:25-8. [PMID: 20142956 PMCID: PMC2813575 DOI: 10.4103/0974-9233.48864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the pattern of non-traumatic ocular disorders in industrial technical workers in the Delta state, Nigeria. METHODS A cross-sectional study of the pattern of non-traumatic ocular disorders among industrial technical workers in 3 factories in Ughelli North local Government Area of Delta state, Nigeria was conducted between February, 2002 and May, 2002. In addition to the demographic, the workers were studied for the presence of any non-trauma related ocular findings. Visual acuity of these workers was obtained as well as ocular examination was performed by using the Snellen's chart, pen torch, ophthalmoscope, Perkins hand-held tonometer, Ishihara plates. Patients were refracted if their visual acuity was less than normal. RESULTS Five hundred technical workers were screened that included 200 (40%) from the construction industry, 180 (36%) from the rubber factory and 120(24%) from the oil mill. All the workers studied were males. Ocular disorders were seen in 664 (66.4%) of the eyes. The most common ocular disorders were pingueculum 215 (21.5%), presbyopia 97 (9.7%), refractive error 94 (9.4%), pterygium 86 (8.6%) and chronic conjunctivitis 45 (4.5%). None of the workers was blind from non-traumatic causes. Only 36 (7.2%) workers wore any protective eye devices at work. CONCLUSION Non-traumatic ocular disorders are common in the industrialized technical workers in the Delta state of Nigeria. The use of protective eye devices is low in these workers and suggests that measures to implement ocular safety should be undertaken in these industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. E. Omoti
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
| | - O. T. Edema
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
| | - F. B. Akinsola
- From the Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | - P. Aigbotsua
- From the Department of central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
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