High Consumption Rates Research Articles

Phenotypic evolution of agricultural crops

Abstract Food crops are a vital source of nutrition for humans and domestic animals, with an estimated 4 billion metric tons of food produced per year. Crops do not only provide yields, but their traits also play a significant role in regulating the ecosystem processes of croplands, affecting local biotas, water balance, nutrient and carbon cycling. Domestication has led to significant changes in crop traits, making it important to understand the recent evolution of crops and how they differ from wild plants. In this paper I review the evidence on how the ecological traits of herbaceous crops have evolved during and after domestication. Loss of seed dispersal mechanisms, increased plant and organ sizes, high rates of consumption by herbivores and fast decomposition of residues by decomposer microbes in the soil, all have evolved independently in domestication processes of different crops. I also point out types of traits for which we have not identified common responses to domestication, be it because domestication processes of the different crop species are disparate, or because of lack of strong evidence. Those traits include resource acquisition rates of leaves and roots, and whole‐plant growth rates. Then, I discuss research gaps in the field, including how to advance knowledge for those traits that show apparently idiosyncratic responses to domestication. Finally, I emphasize the importance of understanding the interactions of crops with other organisms and the environment to breed crops that deliver yield and other services required from croplands. To this end, I introduce an ideotype for sustainable agriculture, which might inspire the breeding of multipurpose herbaceous crops, in the same way than the ideotypes of the Green Revolution inspired the breeding of elite varieties to foster yields under conventional agriculture. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Investigation of Nitrate Contents of Some Vegetables and Cucurbits Offered in Zahedan Fruits and Vegetables Market, 2020

Background: Nitrate is an essential nutrient for the growth of plants. The presence of it in vegetables, water and other foods, is a serious threat for human health. Human body receives about 80% of nitrate from fruits and vegetables. The purpose was to determine the amount of nitrates in some vegetables and cucurbits (basil, mint, radish and tomato) that are sold in fruit and vegetable market of Zahedan city in 2020 year.
 Methods: Hundred and twenty samples were selected and their nitrate content were measured by HPLC method. The significance level was less than 5%.
 Results: Mean of nitrate in, tomato, mint, radish and basil were 20.55, 515.76, 585.73 and 591.7mg/kg respectively. The mean of nitrate in basil was slightly higher than the radish but difference wasn’t statistically significant. There was statistically significant difference among mean of nitrate in investigated vegetables (p value < 0.05). Mean of nitrate in basil was higher than others (p value < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed among mean of nitrate in vegetables namely tomato, mint, radish and basil in the investigated stalls (p value < 0.05).
 Conclusion: Amount of nitrate in samples were lower than the national standard limit that is not harmful for human health. It can be concluded that the vegetables sold in Zahedan city are good in terms of nitrate content and they don’t cause health problems. As high consumption rate of different type of vegetables by human and variation of their nitrate concentration, additional investigation and permanent control of their nitrate concentration is necessary.

Improved Fe(II) regeneration from actual ferric sludge using a biocathode with granular sludge

Ferric sludge pollution and unsustainable utilization of Fe(II) reagent were tough nuts to crack for homogeneous Fenton treatment. Previous Fe(II) regeneration methods are still limited by high reagent consumption or low regeneration rate. In this work, granular sludge was introduced into the biocathode of microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), to improve Fe(II)-regeneration rate from actual ferric sludge at near neutral pH. Wastewater constituents in the bioanode of dual-chamber MEC were used as the reducing power to regenerate Fe(II). In the flow-through biocathode, 175 ± 16 mg/L of dissolved Fe(II) was efficiently regenerated from actual ferric sludge. The regeneration rate of dissolved Fe(II) was 7.2 times higher than that of the previously reported biocathode. Besides, the actual and synthetic ferric sludge had a similar Fe(II) regeneration performance. Interestingly, recalcitrant organics and 20 mg/L NO3–N in ferric sludge were removed by 96% and 100% during Fe(II) regeneration. The biomass in the granular sludge biocathode was 12 times that of the control biocathode, in which Clostridium sensu stricto dominated. These findings provide insights and theoretical support for developing a viable biotechnology platform, to close the gap for the efficient and sustainable iron cycle.

Urban water health: A conceptual framework and assessment system

The quantitative evaluation of urban water health (UWH) is a crucial decision-making process in water management. Healthy water not only encompasses excellent water quality and a diverse ecology but also has other characteristics, such as the amount of water resources, supply-use-drainage problems, flooding, water cycle, and so on. This study proposes a theoretical framework and an indicator system for UWH that integrates ecosystem health and water cycle health. Subsequently, considering the time scale and regional characteristics, an objective evaluation model that combined the real coding accelerated genetic algorithm (RAGA) method and the projection pursuit (PP) method was applied to calculate indicator weights and thresholds for the urban water health index (UWHI). UWHI standard thresholds were calculated as (0.04, 0.87], (0.87, 1.80], (1.80, 2.73], (2.73, 3.50], and (3.50, 4.01] corresponding to the categories of Sick, Unhealthy, Subhealthy, Healthy, and Excellent, respectively. Using Chongqing as a case study, the results showed that the UWHI increased from 1.796 to 2.668 in 2011–2020, and the health level improved from Unhealthy to Subhealthy, approaching Healthy. For each subsystem, the results indicated that the health status of the water cycle was superior to that of the water ecosystem. Finally, a detailed analysis of the changes in the indicators identified important factors affecting water health. The results of this study revealed that the main weaknesses in Chongqing were severe soil erosion, large domestic water use, high water consumption rates, and unsatisfactory water functional areas and indicated key priorities on the path to future water management.

Environmental Impact of Cadmium in a Volcanic Archipelago: Research Challenges Related to a Natural Pollution Source

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal particularly susceptible to mobilization by anthropogenic and natural processes. The volcanic nature of oceanic islands in the Macaronesia geographical region such as the Azores archipelago, located near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, is reflected in deep-sea and shallow-water hydrothermal activities that release heavy metals such as Cd to seawater, affecting marine organisms and integrating food webs. In this paper, a thorough systematic review of all studies performed on coastal marine species in Macaronesia focusing on Cd was conducted, specifically considering the Azorean geological setting and socioeconomic context. Present results are compared and discussed with data from the Mediterranean, a region with apparent strong anthropogenic pollution. The Azorean marine species seem to be particularly strong Cd accumulators, displaying high levels that should be closely monitored, reflecting an important local natural source that should not be underestimated; especially considering the high consumption rates of some of these organisms, which may lead to a potential seafood safety issue. In light of these findings, the potential effects, impacts, and future research challenges are discussed, from an ecological and public health perspective.

Evaluation insight into Abu Zenima clay deposits as a prospective raw material source for ceramics industry: Remote Sensing and Characterization

The rapid development and mutations have heightened ceramic industrialization to supply the countries' requirements worldwide. Therefore, the continuous exploration for new reserves of possible ceramic-raw materials is needed to overwhelm the increased demand for ceramic industries. In this study, the suitability assessment of potential applications for Upper Cretaceous (Santonian) clay deposits at Abu Zenima area, as raw materials in ceramic industries, was extensively performed. Remote sensing data were employed to map the Kaolinite-bearing formation as well as determine the additional occurrences of clay reserves in the studied area. In this context, ten representative clayey materials from the Matulla Formation were sampled and examined for their mineralogical, geochemical, morphological, physical, thermal, and plasticity characteristics. The mineralogical and chemical compositions of starting clay materials were examined. The physicochemical surface properties of the studied clay were studied utilizing SEM–EDX and TEM. The particle-size analysis confirmed the adequate characteristics of samples for white ceramic stoneware and ceramic tiles manufacturing. The technological and suitability properties of investigated clay deposits proved the industrial appropriateness of Abu Zenima clay as a potential ceramic raw material for various ceramic products. The existence of high kaolin reserves in the studied area with reasonable quality and quantity has regional significance. It would significantly help reduce the manufacturing cost and overwhelm the high consumption rate. The ceramic manufacturers in the investigated areas are expected to bring steady producers into the industry in the long term to gain the advantage of low-cost raw materials, labor, and factory construction.

Increasing energy efficiency in Smart Building through Internet of Things retrofitting intervention

Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption in Europe, and 75% of them are energy inefficient. In this context, the opportunities enabled by improved management and conservation of energy in buildings are huge. There is a clear need to accelerate and finance building renovation investments and leverage smart, energy-efficient technologies if the EU wants to reach climate neutrality by 2050. IoT components enable new possibilities for improving efficiency in Smart Buildings, both in commercial and residential spaces. However, the literature misses some contributions aimed at evaluating the investment in IoT technologies used for improving the energy efficiency of a building used for different purposes. Thus, the objective of the present study is to provide an assessment of the main costs and benefits stemming from IoT technologies installation through retrofitting intervention and evaluate the sustainability of the investment. Data to feed the model were retrieved from academic literature and secondary sources. The results show that the investment can be recovered in the medium-short term. In particular, buildings with high consumption rates are the ones that benefit the most from this solution. The present study contributes to the academic literature by providing a model that considers a mixed building and multiple technologies at the same time. It also provides useful insights to whoever is interested in the application of IoT technologies to make a building smart, enabling the comprehension of necessary investment and economic returns.

Efficiency of round bale feeders: comparison of Tombstone versus Hay Saver.

Hay wastage when feeding round bales due to contamination, deterioration, and animal refusal can accrue large financial losses for farmers. The present study investigated the efficiency of the conventional Tombstone-style feeder system compared to the Hay Saver feeder system to reduce hay wastage in feeding round hay bales. Mares were distributed equally into two groups, Tombstone and Hay Saver, and fed six bales per group over 48 days. Hay wastage was collected daily, dried, and weighed, while the mares were weighed weekly. Overall, the Hay Saver feeder showed less hay wastage, higher mean mare weight, and higher consumption rate per horse. The results of this study indicated that the Hay Saver feeder system had higher efficiency compared to the Tombstone feeder system.

A study on the effect of material type, structure tightness and finishing process on the physical and thermo-physiological properties of sandwich terry socks for winter wear

Compared to other textiles, socks are made at the lowest cost and have the highest consumption rate, making them one of the least-lasting fabric goods in the clothing industry. Socks are available in a wide range of fibers blends, that is, cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefin, spandex, etc. As an element of footwear, socks act in tandem with the foot and shoe, influencing the temperature and moisture levels of the feet. The comfort of clothing next to the skin in terms of temperature and moisture is gaining more and more attention. Pilling is a serious issue with wool items, and less pilling is required since it negatively impacts the esthetic, comfort, and longevity of the fabric. This research has investigated socks pilling tendency and thermo-physiological comfort properties, that is, air permeability and thermal resistance made by wool/polypropylene blend yarn. Three different combinations of wool/polypropylene yarns on the main and platting side of the socks were used at two different tightness levels. Polyurethane finish has been applied to check the socks’ behavior after the finish application. Statistical analysis showed that finished samples knitted with wool/polypropylene as a main yarn offer the best results against the pilling test while sample code ANL, an unfinished sample, offers the best results regarding air permeability, thermal resistance, and overall moisture management capacity.

The interplay of larval age and particle size regulates micro-polystyrene biodegradation and development of Tenebrio molitor L.

Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments from 1 μm to 5 mm, are widespread globally, even in remote environments. Due to their small sizes, they are easily ingested by organisms and contaminate the food chain. Recently, the biodegradation of some recalcitrant plastics by larva of Tenebrio molitor L. (mealworm) has been reported. However, the effects of microplastic feeding on them are limited. In our study, we selected rigid micro-polystyrene (MPS) as the model plastic to investigate the influences of particle size and larval age on plastic consumption and degradation, and the effects of microplastic feeding on the survival and development of mealworms at different larval ages. The smaller the microplastic fragment was, the more plastics the mealworms consumed, though there was a limit on particle size. Mealworms of three-month-old had the highest consumption rate. Both depolymerization and modification on the functional groups were only observed in frass excreted by three-month old mealworms. Additionally, mealworms cofed with wheat bran and MPS of this age had comparable mortality, larval growing curve and pupation distribution as the control group with wheat bran. Our results demonstrated that mealworms in this larval stage had the greatest resistance to high doses of microplastic feeding. We suggested that microplastic waste could be provided to three-month old mealworms as half replacement of bran diet to result in the greatest plastic consumption and degradation.

ОБ АНОМАЛЬНО ВЫСОКИХ СКОРОСТЯХ РАСХОДОВАНИЯ СВИНЦА В РЕАКЦИОННЫХ СМЕСЯХ, СОДЕРЖАЩИХ ЙОД, ПЕРОКСИД ВОДОРОДА ИЛИ ОБА ОКИСЛИТЕЛЯ ОДНОВРЕМЕННО

It has been established that the reason for abnormally high rates of lead consumption in the metal-iodine-hydrogen peroxide-acid-organic solvent system is direct competitive oxidation of metal with hydrogen peroxide by the interaction with iodine. The kinetics of such an interaction in the absence and in the presence of other metals was studied. It is shown that other metals are consumed much more slowly under such conditions, that is not competitive with their interaction with iodine, on the one hand, and on the other hand, their products noticeably inhibit the direct interaction of lead with hydrogen peroxide.

The consumption of fish by the riverine population of the lower Solimões River, Amazonas, Brazil.

The riverine population of the Amazon Basin are among the largest consumers of fish in the world, but the consumption patterns could be regionally distinct. Moreover, their total fish catches are not fully known. The objective of this work was to estimate the per capita fish consumption of the riverine people that inhabit the Paciência Island (Iranduba, Amazonas), where there is a fishing agreement in force. A total of 273 questionnaires were applied during the first two weeks of each month between April 2021 and March 2022. The sample unit was the residences. The questionnaire contained questions about the species captured and their quantities. Consumption was calculated by dividing the average monthly capture with the average number of residents per household interviewed, which was multiplied by the number of questionnaires applied. Thirty groups of consumed fish species belonging to 17 families and 5 orders were recorded. The total catch was 3,388.35 kg and the highest monthly catch was 602.60 kg during the falling-water season in October. Daily per capita fish consumption averaged 66.13 ± 29.21 g/day, with a peak of 116.45 g/day during the falling-water season in August. The high fish consumption rate highlighted the importance of fisheries management to food security and the maintenance of the community's lifestyle.

On the way to building a theory of media education: a systemic approach

Questions regarding the construction of the theory of media education in the context of the systemic approach are considered. The extreme relevance and priority of media education in the world and in Ukraine are determined: the exponential growth of information in modern world, when information appears as a universal and fundamental category, as well as high rates of consumption of media products, extreme saturation of human society with various means of mass information, which leads to actualization spiritual and ideological component of the influence of the media on human consciousness, including with a manipulative purpose; there is a growing need to spread the science of media in the scientific and educational sphere; the incredibly high rates of development of modern technologies and expansion of media production reveal the phenomenon of " half-life of the competences of a modern specialist". Under such conditions, the development of the theory of media education is of considerable importance, which is considered in the context of such theories as critical-formative, media-needing, semiotic, cultural-aesthetic, injection, endocrine, and practical. To achieve the goal of our research, we have used the philosophical principle of the unity of light, being methodological basis for the study of media phenomena, the method of theoretical analysis of the problem field of our research, the general systems theory which made it possible to generalize and deepen some theoretical and methodological aspects of media education, to fill them with new content. In the context of the general systems theory, the authors built a model of a school as a social institution, a model of a person as a subject of psychology, the psychological structure of a personality in accordance with the general systems theory, which made it possible to carry out a systemic correlation of theories of media education and some pedagogical phenomena.

NATURAL CONVECTIVE MHD MASS TRANSFER FLOW PAST AN INFINITE VERTICAL POROUS PLATE EMBEDDED IN A POROUS MEDIUM WITH THERMAL DIFFUSION AND CHEMICAL REACTION

The intent of this current exploration is to examine the natural convective magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) mass transfer flow past an infinite vertical porous plate implanted in a porous medium with thermal diffusion and chemical reaction. An analytical solution for momentum, energy, and concentration equations is achieved by implementing the perturbation method. A uniform magnetic field is installed orthogonally with the plate and the fluid undergoes a normal suction velocity with the consideration that heat flux at the plate is constant. In contemplation of recording the influence of different nondimensional parameters and deliberating the flow characteristics, the computational aftermath for fluid velocity, temperature, and species concentration is portrayed graphically. Investigations divulge the fact that the increase in thermal diffusivity causes hefty falls in the temperature field and improves the concentration of the fluid. Again it is also noted that the fluid velocity and species concentration dwindle as a result of a high rate of consumption of species. The solutions obtained in this study are attained asymptotically.

EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDY ON PATIENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL

This epidemiological study analyzed mental health in the Northeast region of Brazil from 2011 to 2021. The results reveal complex intersections of socioeconomic, cultural, demographic, and gender factors significantly impacting the prevalence and causes of mental disorders. The use of psychoactive substances emerged as the leading cause of death, especially among men, highlighting a gap in public policies to mitigate high consumption rates. The relationship between low education and mental morbidity, coupled with economic factors, deepens the understanding of regional disparities. A significant gap was observed in promoting accessibility to mental health services for men, reflecting cultural and social influences inhibiting help-seeking. The age between 50 and 59 stood out as a critical period, with 90.54% of deaths related to mental disorders due to psychoactive substance use. Deficiencies in the mental health system, such as inadequate resource distribution, indicate an urgent need for more inclusive and gender-sensitive policies to effectively address the challenges faced by the Northeastern population.

EPIDEMIOLOGIC STUDY ON PATIENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL

This epidemiological study analyzed mental health in the Northeast region of Brazil from 2011 to 2021. The results reveal complex intersections of socioeconomic, cultural, demographic, and gender factors significantly impacting the prevalence and causes of mental disorders. The use of psychoactive substances emerged as the leading cause of death, especially among men, highlighting a gap in public policies to mitigate high consumption rates. The relationship between low education and mental morbidity, coupled with economic factors, deepens the understanding of regional disparities. A significant gap was observed in promoting accessibility to mental health services for men, reflecting cultural and social influences inhibiting help-seeking. The age between 50 and 59 stood out as a critical period, with 90.54% of deaths related to mental disorders due to psychoactive substance use. Deficiencies in the mental health system, such as inadequate resource distribution, indicate an urgent need for more inclusive and gender-sensitive policies to effectively address the challenges faced by the Northeastern population.

The 3Rs(Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) of Waste Management – An effective and Sustainable Approach for Managing Municipal Solid Waste in Developing Countries

As the population of the world increases, more and more places are becoming urbanized; production and consumption rates are on a speedy rise. The inevitable consequence of high consumption rate around the world is the high volume of solid waste generated, thus, there is urgent need to properly manage generated wastes. The developing countries are at high risk of environmental degradation because of the way their solid waste is been handled due to lack of waste management infrastructures, policy framework and orientation.This research is based on a comprehensive review of relevant scholarly written literatures for an in-depth understanding of the concept of waste, it sources, composition, treatment, disposal, and general management of MSW (municipal solid waste) in places around the world. In a more specific way by answering the WH(What and how) question on common and everyday items used and easily dispose of by individual. With the approach and framework brought forward by this study, it aims to meet economic and environmental obligations of the ecosystem.

Synthesis, Characterization of Bio-based Polyol and Assess the Effectiveness of Bio-based Polyurethane Direct-to-metal Coating System

Crude oil is neither a long-lasting energy source nor a raw material source, has a high consumption rate relative to a low regeneration rate and creates massive environmental disorders. Polyurethane is well known and is the most popular film forming material in the coating industry because of its better performance. A coconut oil-based polyol (biobased polyol) was synthesized and acid value, viscosity, reaction water release, oil length, FTIR spectrum, differential scanning calorimetry and colourimetric index were assessed during the synthesis. A series of pigmented wet paint samples were prepared by bio-based polyol and the optimum paint sample was selected among them based on drying time, pencil hardness, dry film thickness, cross hatch test and cylindrical mandrel blending. Two wet PU paint samples, representing commercially available crude oil-based polyols, were prepared to compare in the same aspects with a PU paint sample made with a bio-based polyol (BBP). According to the results, it was proven that bio-based PU paint showed equal magnitudes in film flexibility due to the cylindrical mandrel bending test, film hardness due to the pencil hardness test, substrate adhesion due to the crosshatch test and impact resistance. In some properties, bio-based PU exceeded at least one crude oil-based PU such as gloss, hard drying time and density. Meanwhile, bio-based PU systems must be improved in viscosity and water resistance to compete with artificial PU systems.

The effect of dyeing duration and fixative on the final results of textile dyeing using purple sweet potato peel

The fashion industry is one of the creative sectors that has significantly impacted Indonesia's economic growth. During this pandemic, the Ministry of Industry held a training program to spur the competitiveness and productivity of the textile and textile product (TPT) industry so that they can continue to run their businesses amid the pressure of the Covid-19 pandemic impact. The industries must be more innovative to be competitive in domestic and foreign markets. In this study, purple sweet potato peel was applied as a textile coloring pigment, considering its novelty and innovation value. It is expected to be an innovation in Indonesian creative industry products. So far, in the realm of textiles and fashion, purple sweet potato peel has been used as a natural textile dye, but it is less popular than other natural dyes. In addition, in Indonesia, purple sweet potato is a plant that grows throughout the year, with high quantity production and consumption rates, so that the waste of it can be used as a natural textile dye. To optimize the use of purple sweet potato peel, this study analyzes the effect of indicators on the dyeing process: the dyeing duration and the fixative used

Development of NDIR CO2 Gas Sensing System Based on U-Shaped Optical Cavity

In this paper, a proposed carbon dioxide Gas Sensing System of high precision, rapid reaction, compact size and low power consumption rate is presented based on the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) measurement. This system used to determine CO2 gas concentration in air; it consists of the single broadband light source, U-shape tube optical path cavity as gas cell, thermopile detector, and microcontroller circuit. This study investigates the efficiency of the U-tube optical path cavity at CO2 gas concentrations ranging from (0-5000) ppm. The obtained results show that it has the better thermal response compare to the linear tube and exhibits high sensitivity by change the transmitted light intensity into analog voltage. The proposed system design can be used as an environmental monitoring sensor.