Industrial Belt Research Articles

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ADVANCED LAND USE/LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION ALGORITHMS USING SENTINEL-2 DATA

Abstract. Land Use/ Land Cover (LU/LC) is a major driving phenomenon of distributed ecosystems and its functioning. Interpretation of remote sensor data acquired from satellites requires enhancement through classification in order to attain better results. Classification of satellite products provides detailed information about the existing landscape that can also be analyzed on temporal basis. Image processing techniques acts as a platform for analysis of raw data using supervised and unsupervised classification algorithms. Classification comprises two broad ranges in which, the analyst specifies the classes by defining the training sites called supervised classification where as automatically clustering of pixels to the defined number of classes namely the unsupervised classification. This study attempts to perform the LU/LC classification for Paonta Sahib region of Himachal Pradesh which is a major industrial belt. The data obtained from Sentinel 2A, from which the stacked bands of 10 m resolution are only used. Various classification algorithms such as Minimum Distance, Maximum Likelihood, Parallelepiped and Support Vector Machine (SVM) of supervised classifiers and ISO Data, K-Means of unsupervised classifiers are applied. Using the applied classification results, accuracy assessment is estimated and compared. Of these applied methods, the classification method, maximum likelihood provides highest accuracy and is considered to be the best for LU/LC classification using Sentinel-2A data.

Biosorption of Cadmium by Filamentous Fungi Isolated from Coastal Water and Sediments.

The use of microorganisms in decontaminating the environment encumbered with heavy metal pollutants through biosorption is considered as a good option for bioremediation. This study was conducted to isolate Cadmium (Cd) tolerant fungi from coastal waters and sediments, compare their biosorption capabilities, and identify the isolates with the highest Cd uptake. Water and sediment samples were collected near the effluent sites of industrial belt in Ibo, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. Potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates containing Cd (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) were used to isolate Cd tolerant fungi from the samples. The distinct colonies that grew on the highest Cd concentration (100 ppm) were then isolated into pure cultures. The pure cultures of Cd tolerant fungi served as a source of inocula for in vitro biosorption assay using Cd dissolved in potato dextrose broth (PDB) as the substrate. Cd tolerant fungal isolates with the highest Cd uptake were finally identified up to the lowest possible taxon based on their colonial and microscopic characteristics. Most filamentous fungal colonies have grown most at the lower Cd concentrations and least at the higher concentrations. From the characteristics of the fungal growth on the plate with the highest Cd concentration, eight distinct colonies from both sediment and water samples were isolated into pure cultures. Among the eight fungal isolates, only three had significant Cd biosorption efficiency, these were fungal isolate 3 (13.87 %), fungal isolate 6 (11.46 %), and fungal isolate 4 (10.71 %). Two of them (fungal isolates 3 and 4) belong to genus Aspergillus while the other (fungal isolate 6) is a species of Penicillium. The results of this study showed that Cd tolerant fungi with biosorption capacity could be isolated from coastal water and sediments in the vicinity of areas suspected of heavy metal contamination.

Dewatering of pulp and paper mill biosludge and primary sludge

Dewatering and handling of pulp and paper mill sludge is challenging and often comprises more than half of the overall wastewater treatment costs at a mill. Primary sludge is usually more dewaterable than biosludge (waste activated sludge), and the ratio between both types of sludge largely determines the dewaterability of the sludge mix. This study has quantified the benefits of adding primary sludge to biosludge to enhance the dewaterability in terms of cake solids and filtrate/pressate solids content. Furthermore, the effects of the particle size distribution and the monovalent to divalent cation ratio of the various types of sludge were investigated. Biosludge and three types of primary sludge from a Canadian pulp and paper mill were mixed at various ratios and tested for dewaterability using a Crown Press®, a bench-scale device which simulates industrial belt press dewatering. Results show that after addition of primary sludge at up to 40% mass proportion (dry solids basis) the dewatered cake solids content increased substantially, from 10.4% to 18.7–19.9%, depending on the type of primary sludge added. Further addition of primary sludge led to comparably only small improvements. Primary sludge addition also resulted in decreased total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations in the combined gravity filtrate / Crown Press pressate. Primary sludge content of only 10% in the sludge mix was sufficient to decrease the TSS concentration from 1.8 g/L to 0.2 – 0.4 g/L. The study shows that only less than half of the sludge mix needs to consist of primary sludge, in order to achieve adequate dewaterability. This opens up the possibility of retaining more primary fiber within the pulping process, without compromising downstream sludge dewatering.

Occurrence, distribution and behavior of emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in a Mediterranean wetland protected area

The analysis of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) in the different environmental compartments of a characteristic coastal wetland, the Albufera Natural Park (Valencia, Spain), is required for understanding the transport, accumulation and fate of these pollutants in an area under high anthropogenic pressure. Samples included 13 wastewater treatment plant influents, 13 effluents, 12 surface water, 19 sediment samples and 10 fish individuals from the Albufera Natural Park and the surrounding area. Tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were at the highest concentrations in water, 330.2 ng L−1 and 47.8 ng L−1, respectively. In fish and sediment PFOS was also the most detected while perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was in all types of water. Higher levels of target compounds (mainly PFASs) in wastewater effluents compared to influent suggested both, formation from precursors during treatment and poor removal efficiency. Mean levels of PFOS in water and fish were higher than the environmental quality standards (EQS) established by the European Union Directive 2013/39/EU. The influence of the metropolitan area of Valencia and its surrounding industrial belt could explain the significantly higher levels reported in the northern part (influenced by the Turia River).

"Compatible" workers, a compound fracture in the automobile industry: intensification of labor and the health implications

Today's intensification of labor is part of the industrial transformations under way in Brazil since the 1990s, involving changes in the social production of auto workers' strain and epidemiological profile. Accident- and disease-related absenteeism is an important indicator of auto workers' strain, with relevance to the health field. The study aims to analyze the intensification of labor and its health implications from the perspective of the health-disease process, based on workers' perceptions at an automobile assembly plant in the ABC Industrial Belt of São Paulo. Workers were asked about the obstacles to returning to work following work-related accidents or diseases (commonly referred to as "compatible" workers). We conducted six visits to the plant and 20 interviews with assembly line workers. Data were collected from March 2010 to November 2014. The results depict the social figure of the "compatible" worker, a "compound fracture" in the production process, expressed as the intensification of labor, characterized by an intense work pace, denser work, extended workdays, and heavy stress, while simultaneously pointing to a trend toward laying off "compatible" workers. The study contributes to the search for knowledge on the intensification of labor and its health implications. We hope to have produced backing for further research on determination of the health-disease process, based on the incorporation of workers' experience.

Environmental impact on the onset of hypertension-induced end-stage renal disease

ABSTRACTThis study intends to assess the impact of environmental factors on the onset of hypertension-induced end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to compare the level of oxidative stress with nonhypertensive diabetic ESRD.ESRD patients were evaluated along with healthy controls through questionnaire for demographic, nutritional and lifestyle variables. Oxidants were measured along with antioxidants. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were applied to analyze association of studied variables with oxidants and antioxidants.Most of the hypertensive nephrosclerotic patients were residing in locality that was either closer to industrial belt or polluting water bodies, belonging to low socioeconomic status that invariably affected their lifestyle and nutritional status. Hypertensive ESRD patients showed more pronounced oxidative stress than diabetic ESRD. Several of the studied variables were significantly associated with oxidants and antioxidants.Demographic, nutritional and lifestyle variables appeared to have suggestive effect on the onset of hypertensive nephrosclerosis.

A DETAILED STUDY OF THE PERFORMANCE AND OPTIMAL CHOICE OF ABRASIVE FOR WET GRINDING OF HIGH-ALLOYED STEELS

In the pipe-rolling shop, on the site of preparation of mandrels and disc saws were the centerless turning and grinding complex VT-8 «Hetran» for repair of mandrels are used, studies have been conducted to test experienced grinding belts. The choice was based on a comparative analysis of the work of experienced grinding belts with usual industrial grinding belts. The resistance of grinding belts for one mandrel is calculated. A positive result (economic effect) was obtained by using experienced grinding belts.

Characterising Conveyor Belt System Usage from Drive Motor Power Consumption and Rotational Speed: A Feasibility Study

Conveyor belt systems comprise a fundamental means of transferring bulk materials throughout industry. Typically, they are subjected to very high levels of utilisation and, because of their criticality to process flow, high reliability is demanded. Currently preventative approaches to the maintenance of conveyor systems are implemented in the majority of applications, in which time-based intervention intervals are applied. The effectiveness of time-based intervals can be limited, as their premise is based upon an assumption that asset condition is solely a function of operating time. In practice degradation of systems is primarily a function of usage, affected by intensity as well as duration of operation. Consequentially, this paper aims to investigate the feasibility of inferring the usage of a conveyor belt system from observation of changes in drive motor electrical power consumption and speed, to support improvements in maintenance effectiveness.First, an industrial conveyor belt system is instrumented, and a range of test scenarios are designed such that the responses of parameters to various system usage patterns can be characterised. Through inspection of these responses it is found that the monitored parameters do show sensitivity to changes in operational conditions such as utilisation, inclination and loading events, and it is therefore feasible to infer conveyor belt system usage from motor power consumption and speed only. Next, a series of proxies for describing system usage are then proposed, as a means of transforming raw parameters into usage profiles. Finally, the technical challenges facing an industrial implementation of the proposed approach are discussed, and consideration given to how usage information may provide value to operators outside of maintenance.

Women’s Studies in Praxis: Dr Neera Desai’s Contribution towards Developmental Work for Rural Women in Udwada, South Gujarat

Dr Neera Desai personified combination of both theory and praxis in women’s studies that sees itself as an academic discipline to improve women’s status through knowledge construction, teaching and training, documentation, research, and action. She founded Centre for Rural Development (CRD) in SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai to take the learning of women’s studies to transform women’s reality through feminist activism. CRD began its work among rural women in Udwada village of Paradi Taluka in Valsad District of Gujarat by baseline survey to identify the needs of the community. Economic programmes were initiated along with consciousness raising on reasons of subordinate status of women. Involvement of women’s rights activists and women’s studies scholars ensured dialogues on vision, mission, goals, objectives methods of mobilisation and issues to be taken up by the CRD. The interface between macroeconomic changes in the post reform period after 1991. The new industrial belt established in South Gujarat took away young women as industrial workers. In 2013, the SNDTWU authorities decided to give away the CRD to a corporate house to administer as a Corporate Social Responsibility. Nevertheless, women workers and office bearers of the CRD, mentored by Neeraben continue to be active in the development sector as trainers, CBOs, consultants, researchers, writers, elected women representatives in local self-government bodies, social workers in CSR activities and continue to uphold the ethos of CRD. Now they talk in terms of gender sensitisation, practical and strategic gender needs, gender planning and gender budgeting.

Rolling mills of West Bengal, India: present scenario and scope for improvement

3. Results The workplace conditions are poor with bad housekeeping. The raw materials and the finished goods are not properly stored. Due to this, the probability of accidents is high. The questionnaire analysis revealed that 66% of the workers met some kinds of accidents in the past 12 months. The workers do not use standard personal protective equipments (PPEs) which also augments their vulnerability to accidents. The most frequently occurring (61%) injury was burn, followed by cuts (55%) in various body parts. The mean age of the workers is 36.4 ± 7.7 years. On an average the workers have a working experience of 16.0 ± 7.3 years. The workers work for eight hours daily with one break. The ART score was found to be 54, which indicate that this is a highly repetitive job and further investigation is required urgently. 88% of the workers reported as having pain symptoms in at least one of the body part in past 12 months. Most of the respondents reported to suffer from pain in the lower back (58%), followed by forearm (54%), knee (48%), neck (42%) and shoulder (39%). The mean physical composite score and the mental composite score of the workers was found to be less than 50 (below average). 4. Discussion This paper presented the current situation of the rolling mills of the industrial belt situated in West Bengal, India. The strengths of these rolling mills are low investment, easy availability of raw materials and acceptability of the finished goods. The health and safety aspects of the workers are poor. The prevalence of MSDs is high among the workers of these mills. There are scopes for ergonomic improvements. Addressing work organization factors may improve the productivity of the factories and thus improve the condition of the workers. The paper also states some of the ergonomic recommendation that can be applied to improve the safety and workplace condition of these rolling mills. Ergonomic modification of the workplace can aid in reducing the chances of developing musculoskeletal disorder. Proper PPEs can be provided to the workers to safeguard them against the workplace hazards. The workers need to be trained and made aware about the need of the PPEs and when and how to use it.

Environmental Noise Impact and Vehicular Traffic Study for National Highway in Industrial Belt of Allahabad District

Environmental Noise Impact and Vehicular Traffic Study for National Highway in Industrial Belt of Allahabad District

Quality characterization and pollution source identification of surface water using multivariate statistical techniques, Nalagarh Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

Sirsa River flows through the central part of the Nalagarh valley, belongs to the rapid industrial belt of Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh (BBN). The appraisal of surface water quality to ascertain its utility in such ecologically sensitive areas is need of the hour. The present study envisages the application of multivariate analysis, water utility class and conventional graphical representation to reveal the hidden factor responsible for deterioration of water quality and determine the hydrochemical facies and its evolution processes of water types in Nalagarh valley, India. The quality assessment is made by estimating pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, major ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3− and PO43−), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total coliform (TC) to determine its suitability for drinking and domestic purposes. The parameters like pH, TDS, TH, Ca2+, HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3− are within the desirable limit as per Bureau of Indian Standards (Indian Standard Drinking Water Specification (Second Edition) IS:10500. Indian Standard Institute, New Delhi, pp 1–18, 2012). Mg2+, Na+ and K+ ions for pre monsoon and EC during pre and post monsoon at few sites and approx 40% samples of BOD and TC for both seasons exceeds the permissible limits indicate organic contamination from human activities. Water quality classification for designated use indicates that maximum surface water samples are not suitable for drinking water source without conventional treatment. The result of piper trillinear and Chadha’s diagram classified majority of surface water samples for both seasons fall in the fields of Ca2+–Mg2+–HCO3− water type indicating temporary hardness. PCA and CA reveal that the surface water chemistry is influenced by natural factors such as weathering of minerals, ion exchange processes and anthropogenic factors. Thus, the present paper illustrates the importance of multivariate techniques for reliable quality characterization of surface water quality to develop effective pollution reduction strategies and maintain a fine balance between the industrialization and ecological integrity.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Contaminated Site: Case study of Rania Industrial Belt, Kanpur

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Contaminated Site: Case study of Rania Industrial Belt, Kanpur

Online Continuous Measurement of the Operating Deflection Shape of Power Transmission Belts Through Electrostatic Charge Sensing

The measurement of the operating deflection shape (ODS) of power transmission belts is of great importance for the fault diagnosis and prognosis of industrial belt drive systems. This paper presents a novel method based on an electrostatic sensor array to measure the ODS of a belt moving both axially and transversely. The electrostatic sensor integrates a charge amplifier that converts the induced charge on a strip-shaped electrode into a voltage signal. Finite-element simulations are performed to study the sensing characteristics of the sensor and the results reveal that the sensor can respond to vibration displacement. Construction of the ODS is achieved in the frequency domain using the ODS frequency response function. Comparative experimental studies with a high-accuracy laser displacement sensor were conducted on a purpose-built test rig and the results show that the vibration frequencies and their relative magnitudes obtained from both sensors agree well with each other. Experiments conducted over a range of belt axial speeds show that the belt vibrates at frequencies that are well separated and identifiable using a peak picking method. The measured ODSs of the first three vibration modes illustrate that the vibration displacement is larger in the middle of the belt span than at both ends and that the phase shift relative to the reference sensor at each measurement point increases monotonically along the belt running direction. The belt axial speed determines the vibration frequencies and displacement, which reaches the maximum amplitude around the natural frequency of the belt.

Agglomeration patterns in a long narrow economy of a new economic geography model: Analogy to a racetrack economy

AbstractThe mechanism of self‐organization of agglomerations in a long narrow economy of a new economic geography model is elucidated by a theoretical comparative study with a racetrack economy. Computational bifurcation theory is used to systematically obtain the equilibria of these economies. A chain of spatially repeated core–periphery patterns à la Christaller and Lösch emerges when agglomeration forces are large. Peripheral zones are enlarged recurrently to engender an agglomeration shadow en route to an atomic mono‐center. A megalopolis with two core places connected by an industrial belt emerges when agglomeration forces are small.

Demographic Characteristics of Industrial Part of Burdwan District of West Bengal: A Geo-Spatial Analysis

The present study highlights the major characteristics of population and its impact on socio-economic condition of Industrial part of Burdwan district. Western part of the Burdwan district is highlighted as industrial belt and fully characterised by industrial phenomena. Population of the region is not only increasing considerably, but also shifting radically with respect to its composition and distribution. More than 80% people of study area are confined to urban area, where in Burdwan district it constitutes only 39%. Census of India reveals that the district of Burdwan has population density of 1099 persons/Km2, while in the industrial part of the district it records 1797 persons/Km2 (2011). The picture of sex ratio in the study area is quite inferior, because sex ratio in industrial part of Burdwan district is only 924, whereas in the whole district it is 945. Low sex ratio is a common picture of an industrial and urbanised area specially in a developing country like India. The 2011 census of India has presented that the study area has gained high literacy rate. The share of agricultural workers in the total workforce declined from 13.5% in 2001 to 11% in 2011. Decline in the part of agricultural workers in the region's entire workforce-consecrated that industrial composition of the area has extended a threshold point where the industrial and service sectors are about to take over the agricultural sector.

Analysis of copper tolerant rhizobacteria from the industrial belt of Gujarat, western India for plant growth promotion in metal polluted agriculture soils

Agricultural sites irrigated for long term with water polluted by industrial effluents containing heavy metals might adversely affect the soil microbial communities and crop yield. Hence it is important to study rhizobacterial communities and their metal tolerance in such affected agricultural fields to restore soil fertility and ecosystem. Present work deals with the study of rhizobacterial communities from plants grown in copper (Cu) contaminated agricultural fields along the industrial zone of Gujarat, India and are compared with communities from a Cu mine site. Microbial communities from rhizosphere soil samples varied in the magnitude of their Cu tolerance index indicating differences in long term pollution effects. Culture dependent denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (CD-DGGE) of bacterial communities revealed the diverse composition at the sampling sites and a reduced total diversity due to Cu toxicity. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene diversity of Cu tolerant rhizobacteria revealed the predominance of Enterobacter spp. and Pseudomonas spp. under Cu stress conditions. Cu tolerant bacterial isolates that were able to promote growth of mung bean plants in vitro under Cu stress were obtained from these samples. Cu tolerant rhizobacterium P36 identified as Enterobacter sp. exhibited multiple plant growth promoting traits and significantly alleviated Cu toxicity to mung bean plants by reducing the accumulation of Cu in plant roots and promoted the plant growth in CuSO4 amended soils.

Groundwater quality assessment in emerging industrial cluster of alluvial aquifer near Jaipur, India

Groundwater is the major source of drinking water on the earth’s surface. The threat to groundwater contamination is increasing day by day due to rapid increase in industrialization and urbanization. The present study aims at assessing the groundwater quality contamination threat around industrial cluster at Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) in Jaipur district of Rajasthan, India. The cluster does not have common effluent treatment plant, and very few units have their effluent treatment plants. Groundwater samples were collected around the industrial cluster and its vicinity and analyzed for major cations, anions and trace elements. The water quality data indicate that total dissolved solids exceed the drinking water standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards in few samples, and trace elements of health significance are not detected in any sample. The soil analysis indicates that only the top surface near the point of disposal of the treated effluent is affected. In view of the thick alluvium of 60–80 m and the water table above 30 m, the effluents are retarded significantly before reaching the water table. The sodium adsorption ratio of water samples indicates its suitability for irrigation and falls in the category of fairly suitable to excellent. Piper plot reveals that dominant cations are Na+, K++ and Mg++ and dominant anions are \({\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }\) and \({\text{CO}}_{3}^{ - }\). The Gibbs plot indicates that rock–water interactions influence the groundwater quality. The study reveals that the groundwater quality from most of the sources meets the requirements of drinking water standards, and there is enough environmental space available for the expansion of industrial belt in this RIICO hub.

Assessment of micronutrients contamination in soil around different industrial belt of Gujarat

A preliminary survey work was taken up during the year 2014-2015. Assessment of micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) contamination in soil around industrial areas of Gujarat like, Vapi, Ankleshwar and Sachin. Concentration levels of the micronutrient were determined using Perkin-Elmer Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, (ICP-MS). the result showed that the concentrations of analyzed micronutrient range from Fe content 13.6 to 29.5 mg/kg with mean value of 21.6 mg/kg, Mn content 10.3 to 21.2 mg/kg, Mn value of 14.2, Zn content 2.4 to 8.2 with mean value of 5.5 mg/kg and Cu content 2.1 to 5.6 mg/kg with mean value of 3.8 mg/kg in fields situated within the 2 km area of Ankleshwar, Sachin and Vapi GIDC. While, Fe content in fields situated in outside Fe content 13.2 to 26.0 mg/kg with mean value of and 19.6 mg/kg. Mn content 7.2 to 20.4 mg/kg mean value of 12.0 mg/kg, respectively. Zn content 2.1 to 8.6 mg/kg with mean value of 4.6 and Cu content 3.0 to 5.3 mg/kg mean value of 3.2 mg/kg. Hence the agriculture soil situated within 2 km and out-side 2 km area of Ankleshwar, Sachin and Vapi GIDC industrial area of Gujarat, dose not indicated any micronutrient contaminant regarding industrial areas it all were found below maximum permissible limit in soil.

Sofrimento e trabalho na cidade em marcha forçada

Resumo Para a história da cidade no século XX, os trabalhadores metalúrgicos e os motoboys são uma voz arquetípica que retrata a mentalidade de uma época. A cidade vista sob a ótica desses dois grupos profissionais revela a brutalidade do processo de aceleração do tempo social. Assim, neste escrito, as memórias de metalúrgicos do ABC paulista de meados do século XX e os relatos orais de motoboys da Região Metropolitana de Campinas, coletados em duas pesquisas distintas, enlaçam-se em um processo de “escovação da história do sistema de circulação da cidade a contrapelo”.