scholarly journals The Impact of the Quality of Tap Water and the Properties of Installation Materials on the Formation of Biofilms

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Papciak ◽  
Barbara Tchórzewska-Cieślak ◽  
Andżelika Domoń ◽  
Anna Wojtuś ◽  
Jakub Żywiec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tap Water ◽  
Galvanized Steel ◽  
Phosphorus Compounds ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Nickel Steel ◽  
Quantitative Analyses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

The article presents changes in the quality of tap water depending on time spent in installation and its impact on the creation of biofilms on various materials (polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chrome-nickel steel and galvanized steel). For the first time, quantitative analyses of biofilm were performed using methods such as: Adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) measurement, flow cytometry, heterotrophic plate count and using fractographical parameters. In the water, after leaving the experimental installation, the increase of turbidity, content of organic compounds, nitrites and nitrates was found, as well as the decrease in the content of chlorine compounds, dissolved oxygen and phosphorus compounds. There was an increase in the number of mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria. In addition, the presence of Escherichia coli was also found. The analysis of the quantitative determination of microorganisms in a biofilm indicates that galvanized steel is the most susceptible material for the adhesion of microorganisms. These results were also confirmed by the analysis of the biofilm morphology. The roughness profile, the thickness of the biofilm layer can be estimated at about 300 μm on galvanized steel.

Modelling of impact of temperature gradient on content of polymer ampoule during its forming

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (100) ◽  
pp. 12-19
Author(s):  
G.M. Koloskova ◽  
V.Yu. Koloskov
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Gradient ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Packaging Materials ◽  
Liquid Temperature ◽  
Liquid Products ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose: The aim of the represented study was to model the impact of temperature gradient on content of polymer ampoule during its forming. Design/methodology/approach: The model of polymer ampoules forming is built in SolidWorks software on the basis of finite element method. Using the developed model the study of temperature condition changes is carried out. Numerical modelling was carried out for two types of polymer packaging materials – polypropylene and polyvinylchloride – in similar conditions. Findings: During polymer ampoule forming the highest temperature of liquid is obtained at the bottom of it. The most effective packaging method is to form the ampoule from polypropylene by means of aluminium die. Investigation results have shown that the highest obtained liquid temperature has linear dependence from initial one. Linear coefficients of heating were evaluated for polypropylene (equal to 0.72) and polyvinylchloride (equal to 0.58). Practical implications: Decrease of initial liquid temperature value gives an opportunity to expand the range of products allowed to be packed in polymer ampoules in represented method. Safe conditions for packaging of liquid products in polymer ampoules are formulated, The results of the study may be used to improve the quality of liquid products packaging in polymer ampoules. Originality/value: For the first time the model was developed for determination of liquid heating degree during its packaging in polymer ampoules. The calculations of the temperature distribution are represented for polypropylene and polyvinylchloride ampoules forming by means of aluminium and ceramic dies. The results of the study may be of interest to specialists in the field of polymer packaging manufacturing for food or pharmaceutical industry.

Impact of Raw Materials and Processing Techniques on The Microbiological Quality of Egyptian Domiati Cheese

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Fresh Cheese ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Total Yeast

Domiati cheese is the most popular brand of cheese ripened in brine in the Middle East in terms of consumed quantities. This study was performed to investigate the impact of the microbiological quality of the used raw materials, the applied traditional processing techniques and ripening period on the quality and safety of the produced cheese. Three hundred random composite samples were collected from three factories at Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. Collected samples represent twenty-five each of: raw milk, table salt, calf rennet, microbial rennet, water, environmental air, whey, fresh cheese, ripened cheese & swabs from: worker hands; cheese molds and utensils; tanks. All samples were examined microbiologically for Standard Plate Count (SPC), coliforms count, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) count, total yeast & mould count, presence of E. coli, Salmonellae and Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes). The mean value of SPC, coliforms, S. aureus and total yeast & mould counts ranged from (79×102 CFU/m3 for air to 13×108 CFU/g for fresh cheese), (7×102 MPN/ cm2 for tank swabs to 80×106 MPN/ml for raw milk), (9×102 CFU/g for salt to 69×106 CFU/g for fresh cheese) and (2×102 CFU/cm2 for hand swabs to 60×104 CFU/g for fresh cheese), respectively. Whereas, E. coli, Salmonella and L. monocytogenes failed to be detected in all examined samples. There were significant differences in all determined microbiological parameters (p ≤0.05) between fresh and ripened cheese which may be attributed to different adverse conditions such as water activity, pH, salt content and temperature carried out to improve the quality of the product.

scholarly journals Endonasal endoscopic reoperation for residual or recurrent craniopharyngiomas

2017 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 418-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sivashanmugam Dhandapani ◽  
Harminder Singh ◽  
Hazem M. Negm ◽  
Salomon Cohen ◽  
Mark M. Souweidane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Visual Outcome ◽  
Extent Of Resection ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Medical College ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

OBJECTIVE Craniopharyngiomas can be difficult to remove completely based on their intimate relationship with surrounding visual and endocrine structures. Reoperations are not uncommon but have been associated with higher rates of complications and lower extents of resection. So radiation is often offered as an alternative to reoperation. The endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach has been used in recent years for craniopharyngiomas previously removed with craniotomy. The impact of this approach on reoperations has not been widely investigated. METHODS The authors reviewed a prospectively acquired database of endonasal endoscopic resections of craniopharyngiomas over 11 years at Weill Cornell Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, performed by the senior authors. Reoperations were separated from first operations. Pre- and postoperative visual and endocrine function, tumor size, body mass index (BMI), quality of life (QOL), extent of resection (EOR), impact of prior radiation, and complications were compared between groups. EOR was divided into gross-total resection (GTR, 100%), near-total resection (NTR, > 95%), and subtotal resection (STR, < 95%). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS Of the total 57 endonasal surgical procedures, 22 (39%) were reoperations. First-time operations and reoperations did not differ in tumor volume, radiological configuration, or patients' BMI. Hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus (DI) were more common before reoperations (82% and 55%, respectively) compared with first operations (60% and 8.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). For the 46 patients in whom GTR was intended, rates of GTR and GTR+NTR were not significantly different between first operations (90% and 97%, respectively) and reoperations (80% and 100%, respectively). For reoperations, prior radiation and larger tumor volume had lower rates of GTR. Vision improved equally in first operations (80%) compared with reoperations (73%). New anterior pituitary deficits were more common in first operations compared with reoperations (51% vs 23%, respectively; p = 0.08), while new DI was more common in reoperations compared with first-time operations (80% vs 47%, respectively; p = 0.08). Nonendocrine complications occurred in 2 (3.6%) first-time operations and no reoperations. Tumor regrowth occurred in 6 patients (11%) over a median follow-up of 46 months and was not different between first versus reoperations, but was associated with STR (33%) compared with GTR+NTR (4%; p = 0.02) and with not receiving radiation after STR (67% vs 22%; p = 0.08). The overall BMI increased significantly from 28.7 to 34.8 kg/m2 over 10 years. Six months after surgery, there was a significant improvement in QOL, which was similar between first-time operations and reoperations, and negatively correlated with STR. CONCLUSIONS Endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal reoperation results in similar EOR, visual outcome, and improvement in QOL as first-time operations, with no significant increase in complications. EOR is more impacted by tumor volume and prior radiation. Reoperations should be offered to patients with recurrent craniopharyngiomas and may be preferable to radiation in patients in whom GTR or NTR can be achieved.

Microbiological Quality of Commercial Tofu

1984 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. G. REHBERGER ◽  
L. A. WILSON ◽  
B. A. GLATZ
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Microbial Counts ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Microbial Groups ◽  
Yeasts And Molds ◽  
Processing Techniques

A study was done to investigate the microbiological quality of commercial tofu available in local retail outlets. A sampling method was first developed to obtain accurate and representative microbial counts of individual pieces of tofu. Plate count determination of total aerobic organisms, psychrotrophs, coliforms, sporeformers, yeasts and molds, and staphylococci were made on 60 tofu samples (representing three lots each of four different brands) obtained within 24 h after delivery to the retail store. In addition, for two brands that provided manufacturer's pull dates, the same microbial counts were obtained for samples stored in the laboratory at 10°C until the pull date. Of the tofu sampled immediately after purchase, 83% of the lots tested had total counts greater than 106 colony-forming units (CFU)/g and psychrotrophic counts greater than 104 CFU/g. In addition, 67% of the lots tested had confirmed coliform counts greater than 103 CFU/g. Very low levels (less than 10 CFU/g) of all other microbial groups tested for were found in the majority of lots. Samples held until the manufacturer's pull date contained higher total and psychrotrophic counts but lower or stable counts of other organisms compared with samples tested immediately after purchase. To improve the microbiological quality of tofu, processors need to reduce initial loads by improving sanitation and processing techniques, and retailers should provide more consistent and colder refrigerated storage.

scholarly journals Entrepreneurial Innovation: the European Union perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augustin Ignatov
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Business Innovation ◽  
The North ◽  
Quantitative Analyses ◽  
Entrepreneurial Innovation ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Entrepreneurship is the driving force of economic development and progress. A successful state, first of all, provides favourable conditions motivating the businesses to grow and flourish. Presently, the European Union is developing unevenly with multiple economic misbalances across the community, the West and the North being more competitive than the South and the East. The aim of the present research is to examine the framework of interdependence between the degree to which the governance quality and economic freedom in the European Union are supporting entrepreneurial activities and the performance of the community in terms of entrepreneurial innovation. The results reached through applying both qualitative and quantitative analyses show that the interdependence between entrepreneurial innovation and regulatory efficiency is strong for many of the European Union states which is determined by multiple factors including the institutional and economic ones. Also, the present paper underlines the importance of the proper regulatory framework for the efficient development of business innovation. The future research on this matter could consider in depth the impact of socio-cultural environment, its influence on the quality of governance and the impact of both upon the European entrepreneurial innovation.

scholarly journals Impact of hydromorphological pressures on the macrophytes bioindicators of the ecological water quality in Mediterranean rivers

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maissour Abdellah ◽  
Benamar Saad
Keyword(s):  
Reference Lists ◽  
Biotic Indices ◽  
Indicator Values ◽  
Mediterranean Rivers ◽  
Indicator Taxa ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Indicator Systems ◽  
Macrophyte Index

One of the important tools to evaluate the ecological quality of surface water is the Macrophytes indices based on the bioindication capacity of aquatic plants. In Mediterranean rivers (France, Spain, and Portugal), the development of some macrophytes indices like l’Indice Biologique Macrophytes Rivières (IBMR), the biological metric score (BMS), as well as the Fluvial Macrophyte Index (IMF) are founded on the determination of the indicator values of the floristic reference lists. The aim of this study was to test the impact of the eco-Mediterranean differences (from one country to another) on the indicator taxa by comparing the indicator values of the Euro‐ Mediterranean macrophyte indices. With this in mind, we explore the possibility of the introduction of the Euro‐Mediterranean macrophytes-based indices in Morocco (i.e. the hydrological basin of Sebou (HBS)) as a part of a preliminary attempt to develop the first Afro-Mediterranean macrophyte index. We confirm that the ecological amplitude and species optima vary between Mediterranean ecoregions, and indicator taxa differ between countries: There are medium to small correlations between Mediterranean indices: IBMR/BMS (p = 0.000, R2 = 0.57), IMF/BMS (p = 0.000, R2 = 0.34), and IBMR/IMF (p = 0.000, R2 = 0.30). Five species exhibit major differences in indicator values: Zannichelliapalustris and Potamogetonpectinatus have more eutrophic indicator values in France (IBMR) than in Spain (IMF). Potamogetonnodosus, Amblystegiumriparium and Lycopuseuropaeus have broader ecological amplitudes in Portugal (BMS) than in France (IBMR) and in Spain (IMF), where it is restricted to eutrophic conditions. Furthermore, the three indicator systems include different indicator-taxon numbers. The comparison of the HBS elaborated list with the Euro‐Mediterranean indices revealed the low level of common taxa approximately 6.76% of all indicator species used in the French index (IBMR), 10.48% in the Portuguese index (IMF) and 12.38% in the Spanish index (BMS). These results show the inadequacy of the trophic indices approach with the HBS conditions and thus the need for the development of an index based on biotic indices approach.

scholarly journals Ants' Notion of Zero through the Perception of the Absence of an Odor

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Marie-Claire Cammaerts ◽  
Roger Cammaerts
Keyword(s):  
Operant Conditioning ◽  
Basic Concept ◽  
Olfactory Conditioning ◽  
Pleasant Odor ◽  
Learning Score ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

Workers of the ant Myrmica sabuleti can acquire the notion of &lsquo;nothing&rsquo;, i.e. a basic concept of zero, through olfactory conditioning, the best when the odor is unpleasant (onion odor) and when the response to the absence of the odor is rewarded. With a pleasant odor (lavender, rosemary or vanilla odor), the ants learn best when the response to the odor is rewarded. To our knowledge this is the first time that olfactory operant conditioning is obtained in animals by rewarding their response to &lsquo;nothing&rsquo;. The present work also points out: - the impact of the kind and quality of the cue to be learned on the animals&rsquo; learning score, - the improvement of a given learning over successive similar learning experiments, - the obtaining of a better learning when the reward is associated with the animals&rsquo; preference.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Impact of Sewage Storage Ponds on the Water Environment in Surrounding Area

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Kairat Ospanov ◽  
Timur Rakhimov ◽  
Menlibai Myrzakhmetov ◽  
Dariusz Andraka
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Environment ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Groundwater Aquifer ◽  
Sewage Ponds ◽  
Basic Quality ◽  
The Impact

The paper presents the results of research on the environmental impact of sewage ponds serving the city of Kostanay (Kazakhstan). The scope of the research included the determination of basic quality parameters of raw and treated wastewater, an analysis of the chemical composition of groundwater in the vicinity of sewage ponds, and the analysis of the water quality of the Tobol River. The obtained results indicate that sewage from storage ponds, infiltrating into the ground, caused groundwater pollution in the area of about 100 km2 around the reservoirs. Due to the fact that the groundwater aquifer in the vicinity of sewage ponds feeds the Tobol River, it also affects water quality in the river, which does not meet the requirements for most of the analyzed parameters.

scholarly journals Sulfur dioxide layer height retrieval from Sentinel-5 Precursor/TROPOMI using FP_ILM

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 5503-5517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Hedelt ◽  
Dmitry S. Efremenko ◽  
Diego G. Loyola ◽  
Robert Spurr ◽  
Lieven Clarisse
Keyword(s):  
Sulfur Dioxide ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Critical Parameters ◽  
Layer Height ◽  
Learning Machine ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
Better Than

Abstract. The accurate determination of the location, height, and loading of sulfur dioxide (SO2) plumes emitted by volcanic eruptions is essential for aviation safety. The SO2 layer height is also one of the most critical parameters with respect to determining the impact on the climate. Retrievals of SO2 plume height have been carried out using satellite UV backscatter measurements, but, until now, such algorithms are very time-consuming. We have developed an extremely fast yet accurate SO2 layer height retrieval using the Full-Physics Inverse Learning Machine (FP_ILM) algorithm. This is the first time the algorithm has been applied to measurements from the TROPOMI instrument onboard the Sentinel-5 Precursor platform. In this paper, we demonstrate the ability of the FP_ILM algorithm to retrieve SO2 plume layer heights in near-real-time applications with an accuracy of better than 2 km for SO2 total columns larger than 20 DU. We present SO2 layer height results for the volcanic eruptions of Sinabung in February 2018, Sierra Negra in June 2018, and Raikoke in June 2019, observed by TROPOMI.

scholarly journals The impact of exploitation and environmental factors on the degradation of steel road safety equipment

2018 ◽  
Vol 231 ◽  
pp. 01012
Author(s):  
Joanna Kobus ◽  
Lech Kwiatkowski ◽  
Rafał Lutze
Keyword(s):  
Road Safety ◽  
Zinc Coating ◽  
Low Carbon Steel ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Galvanized Steel ◽  
Traffic Intensity ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Zinc Corrosion ◽  
The Impact

The work is aimed at determining the corrosivity of atmosphere in the vicinity of roads, taking into account the characteristics of local emission sources, including traffic intensity of vehicles along with climatic and exploitation factors. Determination of the corrosivity of atmosphere was carried out according to the procedures described in PN EN ISO standards. Samples for testing were made of low carbon steel DC05, zinc and hot dip galvanized steel. Samples were assembled at 19 sites in the close vicinity of roads and highways near the measurement points of vehicle traffic intensity. The mass loss of exposed samples was the basis for determination the atmosphere corrosivity at each of 19 test sites. Regarding steel, the corrosivity category of C4 was observed at 8/19 sites. Corrosion losses outside roads are 2-4 times lower and ranged within the categories of C2 and C3. Zinc corrosion losses classified to category C4 occurred at 2/19 stations. In the remaining ones they corresponded to category C3. In areas outside of roads, zinc corrosion losses are about 20-100% lower (C2). The first attempts to model the dependence of operating and environmental parameters on zinc and zinc coating corrosion losses indicate significant correlation between zinc and zinc coating corrosion losses as a function.

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