Healthy Environment Research Articles

PSVI-6 Metabolic potential of three novel rumen bacterial species from sheep characterized by utilizing a metagenomic-based approach

Abstract The sheep rumen microbiome contains a vast wealth of known and unknown members, whose metabolic processes impact nutrient acquisition as well as gut and overall health of the animal. Based on previous research from our group on investigating the impact of a change in diet on the composition of the rumen microbiome in lambs, further insights into the metabolic functions of novel bacterial species represented by three Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were pursued. The rumen fluid samples with the greatest abundance of OTUs RA1-01223, RA1-00032, and RA1-04216 were, respectively, used as representatives for metagenomic investigations to assemble the genomes of their corresponding bacterial species. Purified microbial genomic DNA was used as a template for ‘shotgun’ sequencing with an Illumina Miseq (2 x 250) platform. Raw datasets were filtered for quality then used for contig assembly with an in-house developed set of Perl scripts, generating 64 contigs for RA1-01223 [combined total length: 2,046,349 base pairs (bp)], 118 contigs for RA1-00032 (combined total length: 3,704,255 bp), and 119 contigs for RA1-04216 (combined total length: 8,884,743 bp). After building, coding sequences were identified and annotated using RAST, with metabolic pathways of predicted enzymes constructed for each OTU of interest using KEGG pathways as a model reference. Annotated coding sequences were also screened by blastp to assign contig sets to each OTU based on their respective taxonomic affiliation; both OTU RA1-01223 and OTU RA1-00032 were found to be most closely related to Ruminococcus bili (94.8% and 86.8%, respectively), while RA1-04216 was affiliated to Succinivibrio dextrinsolvens (96.9%). As RA1-01223 and RA1-00032 were found to possess enzymes responsible for lactate metabolism, they could potentially affect susceptibility to acidosis by acting as modulators of ruminal pH or by producing lactate from starch degradation. Distinguishing features between these two OTUS included the pathway for vitamin B5 synthesis, using uracil or L-aspartate as precursors (RA1-01223), and the ability to produce ethanol as an end product of ruminal fermentation (RA1-00032). Distinguishing metabolic activities of interest for RA1-04216 included synthesis of chorismate and prephenate, which are precursors for tryptophan and phenylalanine, respectively. Together, these results contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic roles of individual microorganisms in the rumen, providing information that is crucial for creating a healthy and proactive environment that benefits the host.

IoT ENBALED SMART AQUARIUM FOR MONITORING THROUGH SENSORS

The development of an IoT-enabled smart aquarium system offering real-time monitoring and automated control of crucial environmental parameters. The core of the system lies in the ESP8266 microcontroller, facilitating seamless internet connectivity and data processing. Water quality assessment is achieved through a turbidity sensor, detecting suspended particles indicative of potential pollution. Environmental conditions are monitored using a DHT11 sensor, providing data on both temperature and humidity – essential factors for maintaining a healthy habitat for specific fish species. For automated lighting control mimicking natural day/night cycles and preventing excessive algae growth, a Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR) is implemented. The LDR adjusts aquarium lighting based on ambient light levels. Finally, a relay module controls the operation of a water pump, ensuring optimal water circulation and distribution of nutrients throughout the aquarium. While an I2C LCD connected to an Arduino Nano provides local data visualization within the aquarium setup, the ESP8266 transmits sensor readings to a user-friendly platform accessible remotely through a mobile application or web interface. This allows for convenient real-time monitoring of water quality, temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions. The system can be further programmed to generate alerts when critical parameters deviate from the ideal range, enabling proactive user intervention to maintain a healthy environment. This project demonstrates the potential of IoT technology to create a more automated, efficient, and user-friendly system for maintaining a thriving aquatic ecosystem. KEYWORDS: IoT (Internet of Things), Smart Aquarium, ESP8266, Turbidity Sensor, DHT11 Sensor, LDR(Light-Dependent Resistor), Relay Module, Water Pump, I2C LCD, Arduino Nano, Real-Time Monitoring, Automated Control, Remote Access, Mobile Application, Web Interface, Water Quality, Temperature, Humidity, Light Control, Aquatic Environment.

Utilidad de los parásitos en el monitoreo ambiental

Air, water, and soil pollution represent a threat for the ecosystem and human health. To preserve a healthy environment, it is necessary to implement conservation strategies and carry out continuous ecosystem monitoring. Parasites, used as bioindi-cators, can help with this task. These organisms are key components of biodiversity, and their presence, absence, and diversity provide information about the health status of the ecosystems. Additionally, some of these organisms can be useful for detecting conta-minants in the environment, as they can accumulate high concentrations of chemical pollutants.

Addressing Environmental Factors for SDG 3-Health and Wellbeing: Perceived Stress, Sleep Quality, and Coping among Medical Students in Pakistan

The objective of this study was to investigate the interplay between perceived stress, sleep quality, and coping mechanisms among medical students, with a view to understand their implications for Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) - "Good Health and Well-being," and considering environmental factors. Conducted as a cross-sectional study and 300 medical university students (152 men, 148 women), aged 18 to 25 years (mean age = 22.73, SD = 1.78), were selected using stratified random sampling based on their academic year. The study employed the Perceived Stress Scale, General Sleep Scale, and Brief COPE to assess the study variables. The results revealed gender differences in coping strategies, with female students exhibiting higher scores in avoidant and emotion-focused coping, while male students leaned towards problem-focused coping. Notably, perceived stress and avoidant coping emerged as significant predictors of poor sleep quality (p<.05) among the participants. This study found significant relationship among use of green spaces, stress, sleep quality, and coping strategies among medical students, aligning with SDG 3's objective of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. Furthermore, while the study did not directly address environmental factors, it indirectly emphasizes the importance of creating conducive environments for health and well-being. Environmental considerations such as access to green spaces and a healthy physical environment can influence individuals' stress levels and sleep quality, contributing to holistic health outcomes. Given these findings, the study recommends that counseling centers in universities develop strategies for managing students' stress and sleep quality, while promoting healthy coping skills. By addressing these factors comprehensively, universities can contribute to enhancing students' psychological well-being and advancing progress towards SDG 3 and create sustainable and healthy environments, as outlined in SDG 13 (Climate Action), to complement initiatives focused on fostering sustainable environments conducive to health and well-being.

The SDGs Provide Limited Evidence That Environmental Policies Are Delivering Multiple Ecological and Social Benefits

AbstractThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming for global targets by 2030, are tracked by a monitoring framework comprising 231 environmental, social, and economic indicators. The framework provides data to assess whether, across countries, environmental policies are: (a) Addressing environmental pressures, (b) Linked to environmental improvements, and (c) Linked with social benefits delivered by healthy environments. While several studies have analyzed the implementation and impacts of the SDGs, there remains a critical research gap in assessing the linkage between environmental policies and their potential to deliver multiple ecological and social benefits. This study examines the efficacy of environmental policies and their implications for global environmental health and social wellbeing. We use a generalized linear modeling approach to test for correlations between SDG indicators. We show that some environmental policies, particularly protected areas and sustainable forest certification, are linked with environmental improvements, mainly in forest and water ecosystems. However, we find no evidence that environmental improvements are linked with positive social impacts. Finally, environmental pressures, including freshwater withdrawal, domestic material consumption, and tourism, are linked with environmental degradation. Environmental policy responses are generally increasing across countries. Despite this, the state of the environment globally continues to decline. Governments must focus on understanding why environmental policies have not been sufficient to reverse environmental decline, particularly concerning the pressures that continue to degrade the environment. To better track progress toward sustainable development, we recommend that the SDG monitoring framework is supplemented with additional indicators on the state of the environment.

Solar adsorption cooling system operating by activated–carbon–ethanol bed

One efficient way to convert small thermally energized into effective cooling is through adsorption cooling technology, which increases energy efficiency and reduces environmental pollution.  This study's primary goal is to hypothetically examine the thermal coefficient of performing the solar adsorptive refrigerator machine operated with an activating carbon/Ethanol operating dual. The impact of different operating situations and design factors on the machine's performance is inspected and evaluated. The present double-bed solar energy adsorptive-cooler unit is modeled by thermodynamic methodology.  Then, it was analyzed to evaluate its effectiveness work under Baghdad climate conditions. For the current study, the two-bed solar adsorption cooling unit with 0.5 kW capacity input heat 11893 that operates at 5 °C for the evaporator and 45 °C for the condenser is presented. The Engineering-Equation-Solver (EES) simulation program was created and used to solve the modeling equations that predict the optimal cycle performance and evaluate the optimum reasonable values of the operation parameters of the proposed system. The pressure range for the refrigeration cycle is 2.408 kPa for the evaporation state and 23.14 kPa for the condensation state. The findings demonstrate that an optimum coefficient of performance (COP) is 0.702 at 95 °C, a 20% performance increase, which generates 39.4 of cooling water. It produced 1 kg of chilled water for 2.463 kg of activated carbon at a temperature of 5°C. The improved solar-powered adsorption systems and refrigeration technologies are appealing substitutes that can satisfy energy demands in addition to meeting needs for cooling, ice production, air conditioning, and refrigeration preservation and safeguarding of the environment with Iraq's climate conditions.

Impact of Social Media Engagement on Perceptions of Social Capital

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore the impact of social media engagement on perceptions of social capital. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impact of social media engagement on perceptions of social capital. Preliminary empirical review revealed that active participation on social media platforms positively influenced individuals' sense of trust, reciprocity, and belonging. However, the depth of online relationships varied, with some interactions fostering meaningful connections while others remained superficial. Individual factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and cultural background influenced the relationship between social media engagement and social capital perceptions. The study highlighted the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop tailored interventions for maximizing the positive effects of social media on social capital perceptions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Capital theory, Uses and Gratification theory and Social Identity theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of social media engagement on perceptions of social capital. The study provided valuable recommendations that contributed to theory, practice, and policy. It enhanced theoretical frameworks by elucidating the mechanisms through which social media engagement influences perceptions of social capital. Practical implications were identified, emphasizing the importance of strategic content creation and authentic engagement for individuals and organizations. Policy recommendations highlighted the need for regulations promoting digital literacy and online safety to foster a healthy online environment conducive to social capital formation. Future research avenues were also suggested, including longitudinal studies and comparative analyses across demographic groups and cultural contexts. Overall, the study's findings offered insights that could inform strategies for enhancing social capital in the digital age.

Setting standards for a healthy work environment.

Setting standards for a healthy work environment.

Assessing the Efficiency of Municipal Infrastructure - Case study in Vaaniyambadi Municipality, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract: This document discusses the evaluation of infrastructure facilities in Vaniyambadi, with the aim of improving the quality of life by addressing the issues and suggesting ways to enhance these facilities. The study focuses on physical infrastructure, including water supply, sewage and drainage, solid waste management, and electricity supply. It highlights the need for alternate water sources, additional pumping stations, and proper distribution of overhead water tanks to ensure equal access to water. It also emphasizes the importance of covering open drains, installing sewage treatment plants, and raising awareness about proper waste management to create a cleaner and healthier environment. Furthermore, the document addresses social infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities and educational institutions. It suggests improvements such as increasing the number of beds and water supply in government hospitals, enhancing security systems in schools, and promoting collaboration between the community and municipal workers to maintain cleanliness. The document concludes by emphasizing the significance of infrastructure in driving economic and social development and the need for continuous improvement and modernization. Keywords: Municipal infrastructure, Physical infrastructure, Social infrastructure, Solid waste management , water supply

Smart Automated Liquid Sprinkler Robot Integrating IoT and Deep Learning for Precision Crop Management

Abstract: The Smart Automated Liquid Sprinkler (SALS) is a groundbreaking solution aimed at revolutionizing traditional watering systems through the integration of IoT technology. Its development addresses pressing challenges such as water scarcity and labor-intensive maintenance in outdoor environments. SALS combines advanced sensors to monitor humidity and weather conditions in real-time, ensuring precise watering tailored to the specific needs of plants while minimizing manual intervention. Furthermore, it incorporates obstacle detection and avoidance features, enhancing its efficiency and durability by mitigating the risk of accidents. By integrating deep learning models for rainfall prediction, SALS optimizes water usage preemptively, adjusting watering schedules to environmental conditions. Offering independent operation and a modular design, SALS provides flexibility to users, catering to gardens of all sizes and promoting greener and healthier environments. The longterm savings from reduced water consumption and labor costs make SALS a wise investment for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities, heralding a new era of efficiency and sustainability in outdoor maintenance

Climate Justice Campaign with Theme-Based Learning Approach to Achieve SDGs on Climate Action

Community service activities are a mandatory responsibility for university lecturers as part of the Tri Dharma. This research aimed to investigate attitudes and behaviors towards environmental conservation and analyze the impact of theme-based learning on children in Sei Tuan Village, contributing to broader community-level efforts to protect and preserve the environment. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving both qualitative and quantitative paradigms to collect and analyze data from 13 children residing in Sei Tuan Village, Deli Serdang Regency. A Pre-Test – Treatment – Post-Test methodology and observations were utilized in conducting the research. The results revealed that 85% of children in Sei Tuan Village demonstrated proficiency in distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy environments. Additionally, all individuals exhibited concern for the environment, including methods of preservation and the benefits of a pristine environment. Notably, 77% of students received comprehensive instruction on categorizing trash into organic, inorganic, and hazardous types. Moreover, 88.5% of individuals articulated positive effects resulting from nurturing environmental affection. Theme-based learning was found to enhance children's recognition of environmental and climate change issues, sparking their interest in learning, particularly in applying basic English vocabulary to care for and protect the environment.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Beef Cattle Farming through the Implementation of Animal Welfare Principles, as Part of Sustainable Rural Area Development

The beef cattle farming industry is facing a dual challenge - the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change and the imperative to enhance the daily weight gain of cattle to meet growing global demand for meat. The integration of animal welfare principles stands out as a crucial and multifaceted solution that not only mitigates greenhouse gas emissions but also improves the daily weight gain of beef cattle. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of animal welfare guidelines plays a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By providing cattle with appropriate nutrition, minimizing stress, and ensuring a healthy and stress-free environment, the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, can be significantly lowered. This approach is not just ecologically responsible; it is essential for meeting international climate commitments and preserving the health of the planet's ecosystems. In addition to its environmental benefits, the integration of animal welfare practices has a profound economic impact. Healthy and content cattle are more likely to exhibit efficient digestion and increased feed utilization, leading to higher daily weight gains. This directly improves the productivity and profitability of beef cattle farming operations. Furthermore, the production of higher-quality meat from well-cared-for animals can drive market demand and revenue, strengthening the industry's economic viability.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management in Hong Kong: The Way Forward

There has been an increasing awareness of indoor air quality (IAQ) management in green building designs, driven by the need to mitigate potential health risks and create sustainable and healthy indoor environments. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the critical role of ventilation and IAQ in reducing the risk of indoor airborne transmission. Governments and organisations worldwide have responded to this growing concern by implementing ventilation requirements and updating IAQ standards and guidelines. In the case of Hong Kong, a developed and densely populated city characterised by high-rise buildings, this study aims to provide a strategic framework for non-governmental agencies to address IAQ issues effectively. A comprehensive review of policies, regulations, and guidelines by international bodies and individual governments, along with an examination of the current IAQ management scheme in Hong Kong, has been conducted. Drawing inspiration from successful IAQ management strategies, the study aims to identify insights and potential pathways for the city’s future development of IAQ management strategies. Overall, this research highlights the importance of proactive IAQ management for buildings and offers a roadmap for Hong Kong’s pursuit of healthier indoor environments.

Stress Detection for Employee’s using Image Processing and Text Mining

The major goal of this study is to use vivid Machine Learning and Image Processing methods to identify stress in the human body. Our system is an upgraded version of previous stress detection systems that did not include live detection or personal counselling, but this system includes live detection and periodic analysis of employees, as well as detecting physical and mental stress levels in them and providing proper stress management remedies via a survey form. Our method is primarily focused on stress management and creating a healthy and spontaneous work environment for workers in order to get the most out of them during working hours

A Jurisprudential Conclusion of New Criteria Regarding the Recognition of the Existence of Family Life and Relationships between Parents and Children Resulting from Surrogacy

Article 8, paragraph 1 of the European Convention enshrines the right to respect for private life, the right to respect for family life, home and correspondence. As it is always seeking to provide solutions to new social realities, the ECHR created an evolutionary interpretation of the notion of private life that also included (in addition to the rights to the person's physical and mental identity, marital status, health and so on) aspects regarding the abortion, the homosexuality and the trans-sexuality, as well as those related to the impact of technical progress (the interception of telephone conversations, the access to databases and so forth). Also through the jurisprudence, the content of the right expanded, leading to the recognition of the right to one's own image and the right to a healthy environment.

Investigating the Impact of Combined Daylight and Electric Light on Human Perception of Indoor Spaces

People spend more than 90% of their time indoors, and, as such, improving indoor lighting quality can enhance their quality of life by positively influencing both physiological and psychological aspects. Numerous studies suggest that perceptions of a space vary depending on a number of lighting attributes present. Significant effort has been made across various fields to identify the spatial lighting conditions and attributes that impact human perception, although we lack studies that explore the impact of these conditions in tandem. This paper investigates how interior lighting conditions influence human impressions of room ambiance. The study examines 16 different interior scenes, considering factors such as sky condition (sunny vs. overcast), shading blinds position (open vs. closed), presence or absence of electric light (on vs. off), and Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) (2700 K, 4000 K, and 6500 K). The evaluation is conducted within an office environment at Carnegie Mellon University, using a combination of objective lighting metrics and subjective assessments. In total, 26 participants, consisting of 11 females, 14 males, and one undisclosed, aged between 18 and 50, evaluated the office ambiance under various lighting conditions using semantic differential scales. The analysis showed that the variation of blinds and CCT levels significantly influenced the participants’ impression of light. The study also identified statistically significant interactions between “blinds and CCT” and “blinds and sky” conditions, highlighting the combined influence of these variables on shaping indoor light impressions. This research offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of different lighting factors in shaping human perceptions, and underscores the importance of optimizing indoor lighting conditions for creating healthy and sustainable indoor environments.

Facile green synthesis of α-Bi2O3 nanoparticles: Its photocatalytic and electrochemical sensing of lead and ascorbic acid

In the field of industrial waste treatment, there is a growing need for innovative approaches to combat environmental issues effectively. In this study, bismuth oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a cost-effective and environmentally friendly green combustion method. Following synthesis, standard characterization techniques were employed to reveal the properties of the α-Bi2O3 nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated an average crystalline size of ∼29.5 nm, while scanning electron microscopy provided insights into their morphology. Evaluation of the photo-catalytic degradation efficiency of α-Bi2O3 nanoparticles using methylene blue dye as the test substrate showed promising results, with efficiencies of 83 %, 89 %, and 91 % achieved under varying conditions of dye concentration, catalyst load, and pH. Furthermore, electrochemical analyses were conducted using lead nitrate and ascorbic acid, exploring concentrations ranging from 0.1 mM to 0.6 mM. Through cyclic voltammograms and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the specific capacitance of the electrode and the sensing capabilities of the nanoparticles were examined. These comprehensive analyses not only highlighted the photo-catalytic capabilities of α-Bi2O3 nanoparticles but also demonstrated their potential in electrochemical applications, indicating their versatility in addressing diverse environmental challenges. The meticulous exploration and characterization efforts aim to advance sustainable waste treatment methods, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT BUILDING MATERIALS FOR ENHANCEMENT OF BUILDING COMFORT

As people spend more time indoors, the need for buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also comfortable and healthy has become more critical. The objective of this project is to compare the performance of different building materials in enhancing the building comfort by monitoring the temperature levels of three different rooms on an hourly basis. In order to achieve this objective, a sensor was designed and installed in each room to record the temperature readings. The data collected by the sensors was then analyzed and compared to determine the effect of different building materials on the indoor environment. The experiment was conducted over a period of 21 days and the data was collected for each hour of the day. The results of the study indicated that the choice of building material has a significant impact on the indoor environment, with some materials performing better than others in terms of maintaining comfortable temperature levels do. The data collected was then presented in graphical form to facilitate easy comparison of the performance of different building materials. Overall, the findings of this study can be used to inform decisions about the choice of building materials for different construction projects in order to optimize the building comfort and ensure a healthy indoor environment. Keyword- Temperature measurement device, Enhancement of building comfort, Three Different Building Materials clay burnt Brick masonry, Stone Masonry and AAC Block

Community empowerment efforts in improving environmental health

Community empowerment efforts are a crucial strategy in improving environmental health in the midst of global challenges such as pollution, climate change, and ecosystem damage. Methods such as education, training, active participation, and collaboration between related parties, communities can gain the knowledge, skills, and awareness needed to maintain a healthy environment. The results of these empowerment activities include increased community participation in environmental decision-making, behavior change towards sustainable practices, development of environmentally friendly communities, and broader collaboration in solving environmental problems. In conclusion, community empowerment efforts not only provide benefits in improving environmental health, but also strengthen community capacity in contributing to overall sustainable development. Synergy between various parties is the key to achieving significant and sustainable changes in maintaining environmental health for a sustainable future.

Individual and family factors correlated with children’s fruit consumption

BackgroundFruits are essential for health, yet their consumption in children is inadequate, with unclear influencing factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among students in grades 3–12 in Beijing, China, from September 2020 to June 2021. Fruit consumption in children was surveyed using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Additionally, children’s food and nutrition literacy and family food environments were assessed using the “Food and Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire for Chinese School-age Children” and the “Family Food Environment Questionnaire for Chinese School-age Children,” respectively.ResultsOut of 10,000 participating children, 62.5% consumed fruit daily, with a lower frequency among boys (59.3%) compared to girls (65.8%), and among senior students (48.6%) compared to junior (63.6%) and primary students (71.2%). Fruit consumption was positively associated with other healthy foods (vegetables, whole grains, etc.) and negatively with unhealthy foods (sugared soft drinks). Children with higher food and nutrition literacy consumed fruits daily more frequently (82.4% vs. 59.9%, ORs = 2.438, 95%CI: 2.072–2.868). A significant positive correlation was found between children’s fruit consumption and a healthy family food environment (66.4% vs. 50.2%, OR = 1.507, 95%CI: 1.363–1.667).ConclusionThe results indicate that individual food and nutrition literacy and family food environment are key positive predictors of children’s fruit consumption. Future interventions should focus on educating children and encouraging parents to foster supportive family environments.