Removal of Copper from Aqueous Solution Using Orange Pell, Sawdust and Bagasse

Orange peel, sawdust and bagasse have been used as adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solution. The effects of contact time, pH, concentration, dose and ionic strength on the removal of Cu(II) have been studied. Moreover, treated sawdust has been used as an adsorbent for the same. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of the adsorbents for Cu(II) was obtained by Langmuir isotherm. The ionic strength effect on the removal of Cu(II) from its aqueous solution indicated that the removal followed ion-exchange mechanism

Physarum-Inspired Bicycle Lane Network Design in a Congested Megacity

Improvement of mobility, especially environment-friendly green mobility, is challenging in existing megacities due to road network complexity and space constraints. Endorsing the bicycle lane network (BLN) in congested megacities is a promising option to foster green mobility. This research presents a novel bioinspired network design method that considers various constraints and preferences related to the megacity for designing an optimal BLN. The proposed method is inspired by natural Physarum polycephalum, a brainless, multi-headed single-celled organism, which is capable of developing a reticulated network of complex foraging behaviors in pursuit of food. The mathematical model of Physarum foraging behavior is adapted to maneuver various BLN constraints in megacity contexts in designing the optimal BLN. The Physarum-inspired BLN method is applied to two case studies on the megacity Dhaka for designing BLNs: the first one covers congested central city area, and the second one covers a broader area that includes major locations of the city. The obtained BLNs were evaluated comparing their available routes between different locations with the existing vehicle routes of the city in terms of distance and required travel times in different time periods, and the BLN routes were found to be suitable alternatives for avoiding congested main roads. The expected travel time using BLNs is shorter than other transport (e.g., car and public bus); additionally, at glance, the average travel speed on BLNs is almost double that of public buses in peak hours. Finally, the designed BLNs are promising for environment-friendly and healthy mobility

Clinical presentation of hypothyroidism: a study of 50 cases

Background: When the thyroid gland does not produce and release enough thyroid hormone into your circulation, it is known as hypothyroidism. Your metabolism becomes slower as a result. Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, can make you feel exhausted, put-on weight, and have trouble with cold weather. In utero, throughout infancy, during youth, or even during maturity, it may begin to develop. The frequency of unanticipated overt hypothyroidism varies from 1 to 18 cases per thousand persons when accompanied by biochemical and clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. The aim of the study was to observe the various clinical presentations of hypothyroidismMethods: This cross-sectional observational case-based study was conducted at the institute of nuclear medicine, Dhaka medical college hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study duration was 6 months, from January 2005 to July 2005. A total of 50 patients attended at the study place during the study period who were biochemically hypothyroid were included in the study.Results: The age range of the patients was 13 months to 54 years with a mean age of 29.5 years in this series. The majority of the patients were between 20 to 49 years of age. Female comprises 80.0% in comparison to 20.0% of male cases of hypothyroidism. Spontaneous primary (idiopathic) hypothyroidism (90.0%), post-radioiodine therapy, and post-ablative hypothyroidism were the most important causes of hypothyroidism in this series. Most typical symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism were found in this study. The most common symptoms were generalized weakness, lethargy, slowness of activities, impairment of memory, loss of scalp hair, somnolence, dry skin, puffiness of the face, constipation, weight gain, hoarseness of voice, swelling of the body, decreased sweating and paraesthesia. Cases of idiopathic hypothyroidism and other types had similar symptoms. The mean duration of symptoms before medical consultation was 2.9 years. Dry and coarse skin topped the list of physical findings and was present in 60.0% of the cases. Other findings in order of frequency include goiter (56.0%), puffiness of the face (38.0%), cold and thick skin (44.0%), thick tongue (24.0%), peripheral edema (24.0%), Anemia (20.0%), pallor of the face (12.0%), bradycardia (08.0%), thick lips (4.0%), ascites (2.0%) and pericardial effusion (2.0%).Conclusions: Although in the present series a limited number of patients were included, it encompassed varieties of cases. Moreover, an attempt was made to evaluate the common presentation, age incidence, sex distribution, and laboratory status of hypothyroidism in our country, giving more emphasis on clinical findings

Tuberose Sticks as an Adsorbent in the Removal of Methylene Bluefrom Aqueous Solution

Abstract The use of low-cost and ecofriendly adsorbents has been investigated as an ideal alternative to the current expensive methods of removing dyes from wastewater. Methylene Blue was used as model compound. The effects of contact time, initial dye concentration (20, 30, 40, 50 mg/L), pH and adsorbent dosages have been studied at 25 °C. The equilibrium time was found to be 30 min for all the dye concentrations. A maximum removal of 80% was obtained at pH 11.0 for an adsorbent dose 50 mg/50 mL of 40 mg/L dye concentration. Adsorption increased with increase in pH. Maximum desorption of 50% was achieved in water medium at pH 2.0.

Post-Harvest Processing, Packaging and Inspection of Frozen Shrimp: A Practical Guide

The book is a practical guide for the various steps in the post-harvest technology of frozen shrimps. Shrimps are one of the most common and popular types of seafood consumed globally. The book discusses some of the most sought-after shrimps such as Penaeus monodon, P. vannamei, and Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Good-quality shrimp is a prerequisite for the seafood business as it is used for human consumption. Lack of proper knowledge in raw materials handling and post-harvest processing is the main obstacle in quality shrimp production. Complex business policy, commitment break in both parties (buyers and sellers), competition with other seafood-producing countries, and fluctuation of currency in international seafood market are the factors affecting international seafood business. This book closes this gap in literature and facilitates the production of excellent-quality exportable frozen shrimp through informed practices from experts. The book includes information about packaging of frozen shrimp, inspection, and shipment. It also compiles different mathematical calculations which are in practiced in the processing industries. The book is essential reading for professionals in the shrimp producing and processing industries. It is also useful for researchers in fisheries science, aquaculture, food technology, and food microbiology

The Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium - A protocol for building a national environmental exposure data platform for integrated analyses of urban form and health

Background: Multiple external environmental exposures related to residential location and urban form including, air pollutants, noise, greenness, and walkability have been linked to health impacts or benefits. The Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (CANUE) was established to facilitate the linkage of extensive geospatial exposure data to existing Canadian cohorts and administrative health data holdings. We hypothesize that this linkage will enable investigators to test a variety of their own hypotheses related to the interdependent associations of built environment features with diverse health outcomes encompassed by the cohorts and administrative data. Methods: We developed a protocol for compiling measures of built environment features that quantify exposure; vary spatially on the urban and suburban scale; and can be modified through changes in policy or individual behaviour to benefit health. These measures fall into six domains: air quality, noise, greenness, weather/climate, and transportation and neighbourhood factors; and will be indexed to six-digit postal codes to facilitate merging with health databases. Initial efforts focus on existing data and include estimates of air pollutants, greenness, temperature extremes, and neighbourhood walkability and socioeconomic characteristics. Key gaps will be addressed for noise exposure, with a new national model being developed, and for transportation-related exposures, with detailed estimates of truck volumes and diesel emissions now underway in selected cities. Improvements to existing exposure estimates are planned, primarily by increasing temporal and/or spatial resolution given new satellite-based sensors and more detailed national air quality modelling. Novel metrics are also planned for walkability and food environments, green space access and function and life-long climate-related exposures based on local climate zones. Critical challenges exist, for example, the quantity and quality of input data to many of the models and metrics has changed over time, making it difficult to develop and validate historical exposures. Discussion: CANUE represents a unique effort to coordinate and leverage substantial research investments and will enable a more focused effort on filling gaps in exposure information, improving the range of exposures quantified, their precision and mechanistic relevance to health. Epidemiological studies may be better able to explore the common theme of urban form and health in an integrated manner, ultimately contributing new knowledge informing policies that enhance healthy urban living

Green synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles using green coffee beans extract

Abstract A green synthetic process based on plant sources could be an alternative option to conventional chemical one to synthesize nanostructured bismuth. This study explored a facile and green synthetic protocol for synthesizing bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) in an aqueous solution employing green coffee bean extract as a key reducing and capping agent. Several techniques, including X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, have been used to characterize the resultant product. The outcomes show that crystalline BiNPs are successfully produced using the green synthesis method based on plant sources. The obtained BiNPs have a spherical shape, a diameter ranges of 20 to 40 nm, and are stabilized by phytochemicals. The purpose of the current study is to ascertain the potential impact of plant sources on the environmentally friendly synthesis of BiNPs

Selective Extraction of Co(II) in the Presence of Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Using Salting-out Phase Separation Method

Extraction of Co(II) in the presence of Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) has been studied using the mixture of 2-propanol with water upon the addition of CaCl2 in the concentration range of 3.0 – 5.0 mol dm-3 (M). Co(II) was extracted selectively to the extent of 80% into the 2-propanol phase at 5.0 M CaCl2. The percent of extraction of other transition metal ions, for example Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) was much lower than that of Co(II), but they were stripped in the aqueous phase upon addition of CaCl2. Therefore, selective extraction of Co(II) from these metal ions was attained by using the mixture of water and 2-propanol. Co(II) was extracted as CoCl42- from the aqueous phase into the 2-propanol phase through the formation of ion pair, Ca2+ - CoCl42-. A mechanism is proposed to explain the extraction