Changes In Quality Factors Research Articles

Performance analysis of groundwater quality index models for predicting water district in Tamil Nadu using regression techniques

The widespread utilization of groundwater in various sectors, including households for drinking purposes and the agricultural and industrial domains, has elevated its status as an indispensable and crucial natural resource. Groundwater has seen significant changes in both quantity and quality factors. Water Quality Index (WQI), which is dependent on a number of factors, is still a crucial gauge of water quality (WQ) and a key component of efficient water management. If there is an automated method for forecasting WQ, the administration will benefit. The main goal of this project is to develop a machine learning (ML) model to forecast the quality of groundwater in several areas of Tamil Nadu (TN), India. The available dataset encompasses comprehensive data groundwater attributes, encompassing parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca[Formula: see text], magnesium (Mg[Formula: see text], sodium (Na[Formula: see text], bicarbonate (HCO[Formula: see text], nitrate (NO[Formula: see text], sulfate (SO[Formula: see text], and chloride (Cl[Formula: see text]. In this study, various ML regression algorithms such as linear, least angle, random forest and support vector regressor models and their comparison with the ensemble model (EM) were depicted to predict WQI, and the results were evaluated using performance metrics. It is found that the EM has a lower RMSE in the order of [Formula: see text]. Further, the predicted WQI values are used to classify the districts of TN.

Effects of waterway regulation structures on the planktonic community in the upper Yangtze River

To investigate the effects of the waterway regulation structures on the hydraulic characteristics, water physicochemical factors, and the planktonic community in the upper Yangtze River, this study was conducted in August and September of 2022 on two ecological dikes in the Chongqing section of the upper Yangtze River: the longitudinal dike and the spur dike. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to explore the differences in planktonic community structures upstream and downstream of the waterway regulation structures during the dry season, as well as their main influencing factors. The results showed that the dissolved oxygen increased significantly, and the turbidity and flow rate decreased significantly in downstream of dikes. The spur dike exhibited more pronounced changes in water quality and hydrodynamic factors compared to the longitudinal dike. The diversity index of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fungi in the downstream of dikes were higher than those in the upstream, and the bacterial diversity index was higher than those of eukaryotes at each sampling site. The impact of the spur dike on the planktonic biodiversity index was greater than that of the longitudinal dike, as it alters flow velocity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. The major phyla of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacteria, including Cryptophyta (70.37–80.57 %), Mollusca (7.56–37.50 %), and Proteobacteria (48.53–55.92 %), had a higher relative abundance in upstream of dike, and their relative abundance in spur dike was higher than that in longitudinal dike. In contrast, the relative abundance of the major phylum of fungi, Ascomycota (37.15–56.85 %), showed an opposite trend in both dike-to-dike comparison and dike upstream-to-downstream comparison to the above three plankton. The analysis of the neutral community model indicated that the predominance of stochastic assembly processes in the planktonic community was higher in the longitudinal dike compared to the spur dike, and longitudinal dike demonstrated higher rates of planktonic migration and speciation compared to the spur dike. Flow rate, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity were the significance influencing factors on the planktonic community structure in the aquatic environment around dike. Differences in dike-related environmental factors result in greater interactions among prokaryotes in the spur dike, while eukaryotes exhibited a more complex network of relationships in the longitudinal dike. These findings can provide a theoretical basis for the protection of biodiversity and the construction of ecological waterways in the waterway regulation engineering area.

Evaluation of the influence of rice husk amendment on compost quality in the composting of sewage sludge

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of rice husk addition on compost quality and maturity in sewage sludge composting using a pilot scale aerated in-vessel reactor. During the composting process, changes in compost quality and physicochemical factors including pH, temperature, moisture content, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) were monitored. In the pile containing 25% rice husk, the lowest losses occurred with 52.49% for TOC and 23.24% for TN, while C/N ratio in the final compost was 18.82, achieving mature and quality compost. The moisture contents of the final composts were found as 50.72% in the control group while it was 31.73% and 28.18% in the reactors containing 10% and 25% rice husk, respectively. These results suggested that rice husk addition was beneficial for reducing moisture content and balancing the C/N ratio in sewage sludge composting.

Self-reported changes in sleep patterns and behavior in children and adolescents during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns worldwide forced children and adolescents to change and adapt their lives to an unprecedented situation. Using an online survey, we investigated whether they showed changes in sleep quality and other related factors due to this event. Between February 21st, 2021 and April 19th, 2021, a total of 2,290 Austrian children and adolescents (6–18 years) reported their sleep habits and quality of sleep as well as physical activity, daylight exposure and usage of media devices during and, retrospectively, before the pandemic. Results showed an overall delay of sleep and wake times. Almost twice as many respondents reported having sleeping problems during the pandemic as compared to before, with insomnia, nightmares and daytime sleepiness being the most prevalent problems. Furthermore, sleeping problems and poor quality of sleep correlated positively with COVID-19 related anxiety. Lastly, results showed a change from regular to irregular bedtimes during COVID-19, higher napping rates, a strong to very strong decrease in physical activity and daylight exposure, as well as a high to very high increase in media consumption. We conclude that the increase in sleeping problems in children and adolescent during COVID-19 is concerning. Thus, health promoting measures and programs should be implemented and enforced.

Biophysical Controls of Ecosystem‐Scale Methane Fluxes From a Subtropical Estuarine Mangrove: Multiscale, Nonlinearity, Asynchrony and Causality

AbstractMangroves are complex ecosystems subject to periodic and irregular changes in meteorology, tides, water quality and biological factors. Methane dynamics in mangroves and their dependence on biogeochemical controls across scales are poorly characterized using traditional parametric statistics. We measured the ecosystem‐scale methane flux (FCH4) using an eddy covariance system in a subtropical estuarine mangrove for two years. A combination of nonparametric statistical approaches, including singular spectrum analysis and information theory, was used to isolate multiscale FCH4 variations and explore their variability and dominant controls at different time scales. FCH4 exhibited the largest variability at the diel scale (57%), followed by seasonal (25%) and multiday (18%) scales. Mutual information metrics suggested that variation in FCH4 was dominantly coupled to plant activities through synchronous processes at the diel scale. Moreover, fluctuations in atmospheric turbulence and soil temperature dominated multiday variation in FCH4 through asynchronous processes. Seasonally, soil temperature and water salinity were dominant variables leading to changes in FCH4 with a time lag of 12 and 17 days, respectively. Weak links between FCH4 and tidal heights were found across all the studied time scales. Transfer entropy metrics indicated that a super typhoon event substantially weakened causal links between biophysical variables and FCH4 by causing severe defoliation and disturbing the soil microbial community. The typhoon also temporarily decoupled the causal link between FCH4 and temperature. These findings call for the inclusion of the properties of scale emergence, nonlinearity, asynchrony and causality for comprehensively understanding and accurately predicting the interactions between mangrove FCH4 and its biophysical controls.

Dynamics of self-regulatory processes in a lowland river due to seasonal changes in certain hydro-ecological and water quality factors

This study establishes an evaluable system of relationships among the hydromorphological and water quality factors of a temperate, lowland, regulated watercourse. The aim is to investigate the effects of the environmental factors that cause temporal changes in planktonic algal communities. Measured, real-time and modelled water quality and hydrological data sets were compared during the analysis. It is observed that the same factor can have both positive and negative effects in different periods. Different physiological and morphological characteristics determine environmental tolerance. Chlorophytes, which utilize the red light living in the upper layer, closely correlate with water mirror width (top width). Diatoms need dissolved and suspended silicon and are therefore related to the factors that cause sediment mixing and increased salinity (EC). Cyanobacteria and dinophytes are also able to utilize organic matter (mixotrophy and heterotrophic photosynthesis, respectively). They multiply easily when the organic nutrients that are abundant. In the absence of inorganic nitrogen compounds, cyanobacteria are preferred because of their ability to directly or indirectly take up the N2 molecule. Hydraulic changes have a significant impact on water quality and life processes, including biodiversity.

Disentangling the sources of sovereign rating adjustments: An examination of changes in rating policies following the GFC

This paper disentangles and quantifies the sources of sovereign rating adjustments issued by the main rating agencies (Fitch, Standard and Poor's and Moody's) because of the global financial and European sovereign debt crises. We use a methodology (Rating Adjustment Decomposition) that allows us to decompose and quantify the portion of the rating adjustments motivated by changes in economic, financial and institutional quality factors (Δeconomic situation) and by changes in CRAs’ rating policies (Δrating policy). A third component (misprediction) is considered as the measure relies on a set of prediction exercises. Using 3,581 sovereign ratings from 104 (developed and developing) countries, we document that a significant portion of the rating adjustments (downgrades and upgrades) is due to changes in rating policies. The impact of these policy changes and the resultant rating adjustments are heterogeneous across countries and asymmetric between downgrades and upgrades. Furthermore, with the exception of the GIPSI countries, changes on rating policies tend to be larger for developing than developed economies.

임금근로 장애인의 고용의 질 변화유형과 영향요인 연구

본 연구는 한국장애인고용공단의 장애인고용패널 5차(2012년)〜8차(2015년) 자료를 이용하여 임금근로 장애인 819명을 대상으로 고용의 질 변화유형을 확인하기 위해 잠재프로파일성장분석을 실시하였고, 예측변인을 파악하기 위해 이항로지스틱 회귀분석을 실시하였다. 분석 결과는 첫째, 적합도지수와 잠재계층 분류율에 따라 2개의 하위유형을 선택하였으며, 1유형은 ‘고용의 질 감소집단’, 2유형은 ‘고용의 질 증가집단’으로 명명하였다. 둘째, 각 유형별 예측변인을 파악하기 위해 이항로지스틱 회귀분석을 실시하였다. 고용의 질 감소집단을 준거집단으로 하여 고용의 질 증가집단과 비교하면 인구사회학적 요인으로는 성별은 남성일수록, 연령은 많을수록, 학력은 낮을수록 고용의 질 감소집단에 포함될 확률이 높았다. 장애 요인은 모두 유의미한 영향을 미치지 않았다. 직업능력요인으로는 대인관계 및 조직적응능력이 낮을수록, 영어능력이 낮을수록 감소집단에 포함될 확률이 높게 나타났다. 이를 바탕으로 본 연구의 함의와 제한점에 대한 후속연구 방향을 제시하였다.

Distribution of multi-virulence factors among Aeromonas spp. isolated from diseased Xiphophorus hellerii

Changes in water quality and environmental factors have been reported to play key roles on the health and disease susceptibility of the ornamental fish Xiphophorus hellerii (sword tail). This can further be decided by the natural distribution of pathogens with enhanced virulence properties in the aquatic system. As Aeromonas spp. are the major fish pathogens, a detailed analysis on its association with the disease of X.hellerii was conducted in the study. Here, bacterial isolation has been carried out from the surface, gill and intestine of diseased fish, and also from water samples. The twelve bacterial isolates obtained were identified biochemically and also by 16S rDNA sequence analysis as Aeromonas spp.. Among the various virulence properties screened by in vitro and PCR-based methods, most of the Aeromonas spp. were found to be positive for multiple virulence properties. Further disease challenge using the highly virulent Aeromonas veronii XhG1.2 in X. hellerii showed remarkable histopathological changes of the gill, liver, and intestine in the treated fish. This confirmed the hyper -pathogenic potential of XhG1.2 as the disease occurred within a short period of 24 h. The identification of broad range of virulence factors among the fish pathogenic bacterial isolates of aquatic environment indicates the need for periodic screening to predict the threat to aquatic life especially fish.

Surviving and Thriving in the Evolving Digital Age

In this celebratory 50th anniversary issue of The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems, I take a look back at IS research and its corresponding relationship with information technology. I argue that we have done well as a field as evaluated by changes in methodological quality, theorizing, citations, and impact factors. However, we are at a phase of transition as we evolve from an IT to a digital world. I describe the fundamental assumptions of the digital world and argue that our future phenomena are going to be far more unpredictable and dynamic and will require us to exhibit more flexibility in our research approach. We have to change gears to survive and thrive in the digital age.

Changes in marital quality over 6 years and its association with cardiovascular disease risk factors in men: findings from the ALSPAC prospective cohort study

BackgroundMarital relationship quality has been suggested to have independent effects on cardiovascular health outcomes. This study investigates the association between changes in marital relationship quality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk...

Vacuum frying of fish tofu and effect on oil quality usage life

AbstractAtmospheric frying (165 °C) and vacuum frying (120 °C at 21 kPa) conditions for the processing of fish tofu made from surimi were compared. The application of vacuum frying showed that it could be used to reduce the final oil content of the fish tofu. A high atmospheric frying temperature caused a high rate of increase of temperature toward the center of fried fish tofu and caused microstructure destruction. It could be a concern that changes to the moisture content was obstructed after 60 s. On the other hand, surface collapsing caused an increase of oil uptake because of adsorption into the damaged areas. The result could be due to a change in the structure that affected the oil adsorption of the fish tofu being fried. High temperature and oxidation caused dark coloration and affected the chemical properties of the frying oil. The b*, and ΔE values increased and a yellowing of the oil was observed as the number of frying batches increased. The PV and TBA indicated a high deterioration in the atmospheric frying oil quality. In contrast, the vacuum frying condition helped preserve the frying oil quality, while the light color of the product was maintained. The results supported the use of the vacuum frying process as a method for frying high quality fish tofu and conserving the quality of oil in the fish tofu.Practical applicationsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of vacuum frying on oil degradation when frying fish tofu made from surimi, or fish meats pastes. There are extensive reports on the benefits due to the vacuum frying process but until now it has not been reported how the vacuum frying process influences oil degradation of value‐added surimi. Thailand is one of the largest producers of surimi and fish tofu is one of the most popular export products. The process of frying under vacuum may be an alternative to replace the atmospheric frying of fish tofu and may result in long lifetime of frying oil. This study is a development together with entrepreneur to evaluate the benefits arising from the use of the vacuum frying process for the instant food from surimi. The result of the present study shows that a reduction in color and changes in oil quality factors were observed for the vacuum frying using the raw materials directly from the industry. The results of this study are beneficial for development into a test in large scale in the future. The quality of fish tofu improved using the new frying technique under vacuum and vacuum frying is an alternative frying method for conserving the quality of cooking oil.

THE EFFECT OF FOLIAR FERTILIZATION WITH POTASSIUM AND MAGNESIUM ON FRUIT QUALITY IN PLUMS (PRUNUS DOMESTICA L.): PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Experiments with foliar fertilization in plums have been performed in Western Norway. In one experiment possible effects of extra magnesium, potassium and the combination of both magnesium and potassium were compared to control trees given a standard foliar fertilization programme. In the other experiment the standard foliar fertilization programme was compared to control trees given soil fertilization only. Yield and fruit size as well as major fruit quality factors were registered. Leaves and fruit were analysed for major nutrients. No strong effects of foliar application with magnesium and potassium on fruit quality were observed. The treatments did not affect the content of major nutrients in leaves and fruit to such an extent that significant effects on fruit quality would be expected. The foliar fertilization programme tended to delayed maturation of the fruit as the fruit were greener and with less blush colour, firmer and had lower content of soluble solids and higher content of titratable acidity. The changes in separate quality factors were, however, not statistically significant. The foliar fertilized trees tended to have higher content of nitrogen in the leaves and lower content of the other major nutrients.

TRS-MEASUREMENTS AS A NONDESTRUCTIVE METHOD ASSESSING STAGE OF MATURITY AND RIPENING IN PLUM (PRUNUS DOMESTICA L.)

In plum fruit with dark red or blue blush colour covering the whole fruit, the change in ground colour from green to yellow during maturation and ripening is masked. Hence, the maturity stage is difficult to judge. Time-resolved reflectance spectroscopy (TRS) has been used as a nondestructive method to assess changes in important internal quality factors in 'Jubileum' plums (Prunus domestica L.). Absorption coefficients (μ a ) and scattering coefficients (μ s ) were measured at both 670 and 758 nm during 5 days of storage. The changes in soluble solids content, titratable acidity and firmness were as expected. No change in soluble solids content was observed, while the plums became less acid and softer during storage. The TRS-measurements of plums indicated that TRS could give interesting information on internal quality factors in plums as the absorption at 670 nm was closely related to firmness, TA and TSS at the time of picking. Absorption at 758 nm was more closely related to the quality parameters after storage. The study did not indicate that scattering could be used in assessing maturity stage in plum.

Characterization of Lipids and Their Oxidation Products in Baked or Fried Breaded Shrimp Products

Baking and frying are two common food preparation methods, but there is limited knowledge about the lipid oxidation events that occur in food products prepared in these ways. Two commercially available breaded shrimp products were examined using gas chromatography, for changes in cholesterol, phytosterols, and fatty acids as a result of baking and deep frying after separation into breading and shrimp components. Additionally, changes in oil quality factors were determined for the cooking oils used to prepare the fried products. Sterol concentrations changed in both shrimp products due to degradation. Oxidation products of cholesterol and fatty acids were found in the shrimp portions of both the baked and fried samples as well as the oils used for frying using gas chromatography in tandem with mass spectroscopy. Phytos- terol oxides were detected in the frying oils, but not in the baked or fried shrimp products. The frying oils showed some oxidative losses of phytosterols. This work demonstrated that measurable lipid oxidation occurred, even over the short time periods needed to prepare these products. This may have implications for human health effects.

Fruit quality changes during marketing of new plum cultivars (Prunus domestica L.)

Registrations of crop, fruit size and fruit flavour in the plum cultivar testing programmes in Norway indicated that Souffriau, Avalon, Reeves, Excalibur and Jubileum could be valuable cultivars in commercial plum production in Norway. Norwegian plums are aimed at the fresh fruit market; hence, shelf life of new cultivars is very important. In short-term storage experiments the cultivars were compared to the standard cultivar Victoria. No significant changes in the content of soluble solids during storage were found in the cultivars tested; however, titratable acidity decreased, and as a consequence, the soluble solids:titratable acidity ratio increased. Nevertheless, these changes did not make the fruit unacceptable to consumers. The most important quality factor limiting shelf life of the plum cultivars tested was softening. Based on postharvest changes in several quality factors and susceptibility to fungal decay, Reeves had longest shelf life, Avalon, Jubileum and Victoria medium, while Excalibur and Souffriau had rather short shelf life.

Egg Functionality and Quality During Long-Term Storage

Eggs are truly a functional food and the ability of the egg to contribute to food systems is important. The current study was undertaken to determine the changes in functional characteristics and quality factors of commercial shell eggs during 10 wk of 4°C storage. Commercially processed eggs were collected for three consecutive weeks (reps) from an in-line facility. Analyses were conducted the day after collection (0 wk) and each subsequent week. Total solids for the albumen, yolk and whole egg were determined. Functional properties were examined via preparation of angel food cakes, mayonnaise and sponge cakes. Color was also measured for both raw yolks and prepared mayonnaise. Albumen solids were fairly consistent during storage (12.2 to 12.6%). Whole egg solids remained constant. Yolk solids decreased throughout storage (48.2 to 43.2%). Angel food cake volume decreased as the egg aged. Sponge cake volumes were inconsistent throughout testing with no clearly apparent trends. Mayonnaise was tested immediately after preparation (fresh) and incubation at 50°C for 7 d. In both cases, the average force required to compress the mayonnaise decreased with egg age. Differences were detected for changes in color values (L*, a* and b*) for yolks over time, but these changes were not generally of a magnitude great enough to be seen by the human eye. Most of the measured parameters exhibited significant interactions for replicate and egg storage. These interactions show that variability exists within the testing methods and more objective methods for determining shell egg functionality need to be developed.

NITROGEN FERTILISER RATE AFFECTS THE N-FRACTIONS OF CELERY PETIOLES FOR THE FRESH PROCESSING INDUSTRY

The objective of this research was to study the effect of two N fertiliser rates on the protein, nitrate and ammonia contents of celery stalks used as raw material for the minimal fresh processing industry. Green celery plants ('Istar') were grown on an inert substrate in a plastic greenhouse where, after the first month, two treatments were applied: a control (NC) with the commonly applied N concentration and a 25% reduction in N concentration (RN). Remaining nutrients were kept at the same level for RN and CN. Plants were hand harvested and the following fractions were prepared: leaves, petioles, internal stalks and basal disc. Total-N, N-protein, N-nitrate and N-ammonia contents were analysed. The protein content of the petioles (fraction used by the industry for producing celery sticks) was not affected by the level of fertiliser. However, a positive correlation was found between the rate of N fertiliser and the nitrate and ammonia concentration. Since the ingestion of excessive amounts of nitrate can cause adverse effects on health, celery grown under 25% lower N supply could be considered safer from the nutritional point of view and, at the same time, with an adequate level of proteins. Organoleptic properties were not affected by the rate of fertiliser. No undesirable changes in quality factors (firmness, visual appearance, flavour) of interest for minimal fresh processing due to low N supply were found.

SCREEN-FILM AND DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY: Image Quality and Radiation Dose Considerations

Factors affecting image quality and patient dose in screen-film and digital mammography have been discussed. Some proposed parameters for judging image quality and breast exposure measurements and dose calculations relating to changes in image quality factors have been reviewed. It is important to remember that the goal in making a mammogram is to obtain as much diagnostic information as possible at the lowest dose compatible with that information. As noted previously, this necessitates compromises (i.e., an optimization of factors that affect image quality). These include beam quality, compression, imaging geometry, grids, receptor characteristics, processing of the film or digital image, and display and viewing conditions. If this is done correctly, a high-quality mammogram can be obtained at a reasonably low dose to the patient. The goal is not simply to use as low a dose as possible, because if this is done there is a large risk of degrading the performance of mammography in detecting or accurately characterizing small, node-negative cancers.

Quality of Minimally Processed Apple Slices from Selected Cultivars

ABSTRACTTwelve cultivars were prepared as slices and stored 12 days at 2°C. Changes in respiration and quality factors were compared. Initial respiration rates among cultivars varied from 3.5 mL CO2/kg/hr in Delicious to 7.6 mL CO2/kg/hr in Monroe and decreased rapidly during the first 3 days. Idared, McIntosh, Delicious, and Rome showed relatively low respiration throughout storage. Firmness of slices during storage decreased gradually for 7 days and more rapidly thereafter. Empire, Golden Delicious, and Idared apples showed minimum changes in firmness. Change in color of slices was rapid during the first 3 days. Cortland. Emuire. Golden Delicious. New York 674. and Delicious showed least browning. Titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, and weight changes during storage were small and varied by cultivar. NY674, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Empire, and Delicious showed more desirable attributes for minimal processing.