Source Of Lead Research Articles

Potential sources of lead in children’s environments, Thimphu, Bhutan

Introduction: There is no level of lead in one’s blood that is known to be safe. Infants and children are exposed to lead through various sources in the environment. Lead-based paint, toys, play equipment, dust, and soil may all be potential sources of lead. Preventing lead exposure is essential to eliminate the permanent and life-long disability caused from lead poisoning. Previous work showed that 44% of children aged 2 - 60 months in a Bhutanese population have dangerously high (greater or equal to 5mg/dL) levels of lead. The sources of this lead toxicity, however, are unknown. This study was carried out to identify potential sources of lead in infants’ and children’s environments at health facilities, early childhood care and development and creche centers, public playgrounds, and schools in Thimphu Dzongkhag. Methods: An environmental survey using a portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) was conducted from May 2021 to April 2022 to identify potential sources of lead in the environment in and around Thimphu, Bhutan. Results: A total of 777 tests were done to identify excessive amounts of lead from various items, including: toys, playground equipment, furniture, paints, and soil. A total of 16 tests had excessive amounts of lead, of which 15 were detected from playground equipment at public playgrounds. The most common color with excessive lead was yellow. Conclusions: Excessive amounts of lead were found in playground equipment as a possible source of lead exposure in children.

Potential Health Risks of Lead Exposure from Early Life through Later Life: Implications for Public Health Education

Lead (Pb) exposure has been a serious environmental and public health problem throughout the world over the years. The major sources of lead in the past were paint and gasoline before they were phased out due to its toxicity. Meanwhile, people continue to be exposed to lead from time to time through many other sources such as water, food, soil and air. Lead exposure from these sources could have detrimental effects on human health, especially in children. UNICEF reported that approximately 800 million children have blood lead levels (BLLs) at or above 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) globally. This paper reports on the potential risks of lead exposure from early life through later life. The articles used in this study were searched from databases such as Springer, Science Direct, Hindawi, MDPI, Google Scholar, PubMed and other academic databases. The levels of lead exposure in low income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs) were reported, with the former being more affected. The intake of certain nutrients could play an essential role in reducing (e.g., calcium and iron) or increasing (e.g., high fat foods) lead absorption in children. Elevated blood lead levels may disturb the cells' biological metabolism by replacing beneficial ions in the body such as calcium, magnesium, iron and sodium. Once these ions are replaced by lead, they can lead to brain disorders, resulting in reduced IQ, learning difficulties, reduced attention span and some behavioral problems. Exposure to lead at an early age may lead to the development of more critical problems later in life. This is because exposure to this metal can be harmful even at low exposure levels and may have a lasting and irreversible effect on humans. Precautionary measures should be put in place to prevent future exposure. These will go a long way in safeguarding the health of everyone, most especially the young ones.

Anti-Salmonella activity on multidrug-resistant strains and cytotoxicity of extracts and constituents of Garcinia brevipedicellata and Garcinia epunctata

The morbidity of Salmonella infections remains high partly due to emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Garcinia species have demonstrated activity against a wide range of infectious organisms including bacteria. Two species, Garcinia brevipedicellata and G. epunctata were investigated for activity against MDR clinical isolates of Salmonella. Methanol extracts of the leaves of both plants were serially re-extracted using ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetone (Ace) and methanol (MeOH); and the three extracts tested for antibacterial activity by disc diffusion and microdilution methods, and cytotoxicity effects against monkey kidney epithelial (LLCMK2) cells. Five of eighteen pure compounds isolated, identified and tested for activity include β-sitosterol (1), stigmasterol (2), epunctosides A (3), B (4) from G. epunctata and brevipedicelone D (5) from G. brevipedicellata; among which three are new compounds (3, 4 and 5). The EtOAc extract of G. epunctata and brevipedicelone D (5), recorded maximum diameters of zones of inhibition of 18 and 17 mm respectively corresponding to moderate activity. All the four crude extracts recorded the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.125 µg/mL, corresponding to high activity against MDR Salmonella isolates and control strains. Brevipedicelone D (5) showed moderate activity with the lowest MIC of 16 µg/mL. All the crude extracts and compound 5 were not cytotoxic (CC50 = 250 - 809µg/mL). Low minimum bactericidal concentrations (≤ 2 mg/mL) were recorded against most bacteria strains which may indicate bactericidal activity. This is the first report of moderate to high activity against MDR Salmonella and no cytotoxicity of the leaves and pure compounds from G. brevipedicellata and G. epunctata; hence, the leaves should be further investigated as a potential alternative treatment for infections of these strains and source of an antibacterial natural product lead.

ADMET-Evaluation, Pharmacokinetics, Drug-likeness and Medicinal Chemistry of GCMS Identified Bioactive Compounds of Moringa oleifera Natural-Ripened-Dried Methanolic Pod Extract (MOMPE) as a Potential Source of Natural Drug Frontrunner for Next Generation

Over centuries, Moringa oleifera has been used as an integral part of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine, besides this miracle tree has a wide range of nutritional and bioactive compounds, including proteins, essential amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, phytosterols and others. The miracle tree is endowed with a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective activities. However, deeper dimensions of authentic data on plant based natural products in relation to drug discovery, pharmacokinetics properties of biomolecules is far lacking. ADMET prospecting is eventually expected to contribute to success of MO based lead candidates in drug design, development program besides saving time and money. This study is the first of its kind reporting summative ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicology) properties of all bioactive compounds Moringa oleifera methanolic pod extract (MOMPE) as a potential source of natural drug lead using Swiss ADME. A total of 12 compounds namely - 7-Octadecyne, 2-methyl- (C19H36); 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (C20H40O); 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (C20H40O); 6,9,12,15-Docosatetraenoic acid, me (C23H38O2); Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)- (C10H20O); 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (C20H40O); Palmitic acid vinyl ester (C18H34O2); .γ.-Tocopherol (C28H48O2); Vitamin E (C29H50O2); Cholesta-7,9(11)-dien-3-ol, 4,4-dim (C29H48O); γ.-Sitosterol (C29H50O); Stigmasta-5,24(28)-dien-3-ol, (3.β.,24Z)- (C29H48O). Most of the MOPBNPs are non-substrate for both P-gp (P-glycoprotein) and CYP (Cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes). All the compounds were evaluated for properties viz., GI absorption, BBB permeant, Pgp substrate, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 inhibitors, Lipinski, Ghose, Veber, Egan, Muegge, rule and Bioavailability Score to provide baseline information on PBNPs in MONRD pod.
 Keywords: PBNPs; NGDDT; ADMET; Moringa oleifera; Secondary Metabolites MONRD pod

LED near-eye holographic display with a large non-paraxial hologram generation.

In this paper, two solutions are proposed to improve the quality of a large image that is reconstructed in front of the observer in a near-eye holographic display. One of the proposed techniques, to the best of our knowledge, is the first wide-angle solution that successfully uses a non-coherent LED source. It is shown that the resulting image when employing these types of sources has less speckle noise but a resolution comparable to that obtained with coherent light. These results are explained by the developed theory, which also shows that the coherence effect is angle varying. Furthermore, for the used pupil forming display architecture, it is necessary to compute a large virtual nonparaxial hologram. We demonstrate that for this hologram there exists a small support region that has a frequency range capable of encoding information generated by a single point of the object. This small support region is beneficial since it enables to propose a wide-angle rigorous CGH computational method, which allows processing very dense cloud of points that represents three-dimensional objects. This is our second proposed key development. To determine the corresponding support region, the concept of local wavefront spatial curvature is introduced, which is proportional to the tangent line to the local spatial frequency of the spherical wavefront. The proposed analytical solution shows that the size of this area strongly depends on the transverse and longitudinal coordinate of the corresponding object point.

Optimized microwave assisted synthesis of La2(WO4)3:Tb3+ phosphors and analysis of photoluminescence behavior

NUV/blue LED excitable green emitting terbium doped lanthanum tungstate nanophosphors were successfully synthesized via optimized microwave assisted co–precipitation technique for the first time. Powder XRD analysis confirms that the nanophosphor have monoclinic structure and belongs to space group C2/c. FTIR spectrum identified the characteristic vibrational modes of tungstate group. The chemical composition of the sample was confirmed with the help of EDS technique. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) ascertained the outstanding thermal stability of the prepared sample. The strong and wide charge transfer band in the excitation spectrum clearly demonstrates the efficient energy transfer from the host matrix to the terbium ion. This broad band allows for NUV excitation, and the sharp peak at 487 nm indicates that blue LED sources can also be used for excitation. The presence of prominent peak at 543 nm in the emission spectrum, due to 5D4→7F5 transition irrespective of the excitation wavelength, uplifts terbium doped lanthanum tungstate to the group of excellent green emitting phosphors. Decay curves shows single exponential nature and fluorescence life time was obtained. The small value of decay time implies that the synthesized material is suitable for display applications. The calculated CIE chromaticity co–ordinates are close to green emitting phosphors. Thus, terbium doped lanthanum tungstate phosphors are potential phosphors with green emission for WLED applications.

Thermodynamic Study of Leaching Conditions of Galena with Citrate Ions and Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing Agent.

Galena is the most important mineral for lead production, as it is the main source of lead in the world. Currently, the concentrates of this mineral are mainly treated using pyrometallurgical methods, creating several environmental problems, such as the generation of toxic and greenhouse gases. In addition, these processes involve high energy consumption, which limits their applicability. Hydrometallurgical routes are proposed as alternative processes for obtaining some metals such as silver, copper, gold, etc. The drawback of these processes is that the minerals tend to be passive in aqueous media. To mitigate this issue, researchers have used extreme conditions of pressure and temperature (6 atm. and 155 °C) or the use of very corrosive conditions. In this sense, the use of complexing agents that dissolve the metals of interest has been proposed. Citrate ion is one of the most promising complexing agents for galena leaching, obtaining high percentages of dissolution in relatively short times. Unfortunately, there has not been enough investigation about the concentration optimization of the complexing in the pH range from 5 to 9. In this sense, thermodynamic diagrams, such as the Pourbaix diagrams, are very useful for this purpose. Therefore, in this work, the effects of pH and temperature on the leaching of galena in citrate ion solutions are studied thermodynamically and experimentally. The experimental work was carried out with pure galena samples with a particle size of +149 - 74 µm (-100 + 200 mesh). The results show that higher recoveries were obtained working at a pH of 8 and at temperatures of 30 and 40 °C. The thermodynamic and experimental data demonstrated that the existence of an optimal concentration of citrate ion, due the extraction of lead from galena, has a greater reaction rate at a relatively low initial concentration of 0.3 M. This is due the formation of the complex lead citrate 1 (Pb(cit)-).

Characterisation of Hamamatsu SiPM for cosmic muon veto detector at IICHEP

A test setup is built to characterise the SiPM and to measure muon detection efficiency of an extruded plastic scintillator detector. In the setup, light from the scintillator is readout by SiPMs using two embedded Wavelength Shifting Fibres (WLS) fibres. The SiPM was calibrated using LED source, but alternate calibration procedures using radio-active source as well as noise data were also established. The SiPM is studied at various over voltages (V ov ) and determined the operating V ov by optimising the muon detection efficiency and noise rate. The muon position along the length of the scintillator is measured using timing information from both sides of the fibres. Results from our characterisation studies of SiPM (2mm × 2mm, Model S1330-2050VE), e.g. after pulse, cross-talk, recovery time etc. will be discussed in this paper.

Enhanced thermal imaging to detect microvasculature during surgery: Real-time image acquisition

We are developing a new IR imaging technique, enhanced thermal imaging (ETI), that can delineate blood vessels embedded in water-rich tissue in real time. The technique is a combination of thermal IR imaging (8-10 μm) and selective heating of blood (∼0.5°C) relative to surrounding water-rich tissue using LED sources (530 nm) at low powers (irradiance <500 mW/cm2). Blood absorbs light strongly at these wavelengths, while absorption by soft tissues is lower. Illumination of tissue containing vessels with the LED heats the blood compared to surrounding tissue so that the vessels appear brighter in the thermal image. In previous work, we successfully highlighted vessels embedded in porcine heart tissue and the blood-rich vascular region that is routinely targeted for surgical excision around mammary tumor masses in a murine model. However, in this earlier work the IR images were recorded, and extensive post-acquisition processing was necessary to highlight the presence of the vascular structures. In this work, we describe recent progress in making ETI a real-time technique. A tissue model with simulated blood vessels and a porcine heart tissue model were both imaged with a FLIR thermal camera. Frame-to-frame temporal and spatial derivatives were calculated in real-time and then used to identify regions exhibiting rapid changes in temperature, thus highlighting the structure of blood-rich regions.

Blood lead monitoring in a former mining area in Euskirchen, Germany: results of a representative random sample in 3- to 17-year-old children and minors

Heavy metal residues in former mining areas can pose a burden to the local environment and population even decades after closure of the mining sites. In the North Rhine-Westphalian (Germany) communities of Mechernich and Kall, both parts of the district of Euskirchen, lead residues are a source of health concerns for local residents. A statistically representative collective of both communities depending on sex, age, and area of residence was created, mirroring the local underage population. The blood lead levels (BLL) of 182 children and minors in the two adjacent communities were assessed via ICP-MSMS. The results were compared to German lead reference values, valid for the general underage population. In total, 32 (17.6%) of the subjects investigated exceeded the according reference values of 15 µg/L and 20 µg/L, respectively, depending on sex and age, thus pointing out an additional lead burden affecting children in the area. Potential lead sources contributing to the BLL were evaluated using a questionnaire. Factors that showed significant impact on the BLL were, other than age, sex, height, and weight, the factors occupancy, time spend in the garden, garden hand-to-mouth contact, consumption frequency of homegrown products, and lifestyle factors. The data presented enable both residents and the local authorities to further reduce lead exposure and to take appropriate personal and public action.

Single-shot phase retrieval system using a deep UV LED source with visible light converter fluorescent glass

Single-shot phase retrieval system using a deep UV LED source with visible light converter fluorescent glass

Prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and risk factors among children living in Patna, Bihar, India 2020.

Childhood lead exposure remains a key health concern for officials worldwide, contributing some 600,000 new cases of intellectually disabled children annually. Most children affected by high exposure to lead live in low- and middle-income countries. The leaded gasoline phase out in India was completed in 2000. Yet, in 2020, an estimated 275 million children aged 0 to 9 years had blood lead levels (BLLs) ≥ 5 μg/dL known to adversely affect intelligence and behavior. Lead sources reported in India include spices, cookware, paint, traditional medicines and cosmetics, and lead-acid battery recycling and repair. However, their relative contribution has not been characterized. More than 200 lead pollution sites related to battery recycling and repair activities were identified in Bihar and Jharkhand, India. Ninety percent of the recycling sites had soil lead concentrations exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency's standards. We compared blood and environmental lead levels in two groups of children in Patna, Bihar. Households in proximity to battery recycling operations (Proximal n = 67) versus households distal to these operations (Distal n = 68). The average age of children was 40 months; 46% were female. Overall, the geometric mean (GM) BLL was 11.6 μg/dL. GM BLLs of children in Proximal and Distal households were not significantly different (10.2 μg/dL vs. 13.1 μg/dL respectively; p≤0.07). About 87% children, 56 Proximal and 62 Distal had BLLs ≥5 μg/dl. Lead concentrations in environmental samples were significantly higher in Proximal households (soil mean 9.8 vs. 1.6 μg/ft2; dust mean 52.9 vs. 29.9 μg/ft2 p<0.001; Proximal vs. Distal respectively) whereas concentrations in all spices were higher in Distal households (mean 46.8 vs 134.5 ppm p<0.001; Proximal vs. Distal respectively), and turmeric (mean 59.4 vs. 216.9 ppm Proximal vs. Distal respectively). In multivariate analyses for all children lead in spices and turmeric and number of rooms in the house were significant while for the Proximal group only lead in spices remained in the model. The predictive value of these models was poor. For the Distal group, a model with lead concentration in spices, turmeric and soil and number of rooms in the house was a much better fit. Of the 34 water samples collected, 7 were above the Indian standard of 10 ppb for lead in drinking water (2 in the Proximal area, 5 in the Distal area). Children in Patna, Bihar, India are exposed to multiple sources of lead, with lead levels in house dust and loose, locally sourced spices the most likely to increase blood lead levels. A holistic approach to blood lead testing and source identification and remediation are necessary to prevent lead exposure.

In vitro and in silico bioaccessibility of urban dusts contaminated by multiple legacy sources of lead (Pb)

Lead contamination from gasoline, paint, pesticides, and smelting have unique chemical structures. Recent investigations into Pb speciation in urban soils and dusts from multiple sources have revealed emerging forms which differ from the initial sources. This results from reactions with soil constituents leading to transformation to new forms for which the bioaccessibilities remain uninvestigated. We investigated the in vitro and in silico bioaccessibility of these emerging forms in three physiologically relevant milieux: artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF), simulated epithelial lung fluid (SELF), and simulated gastric fluid (SGF). Species were validated using extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Results highlight diverse bioaccessibilities which are form and compartmentally-dependent. In ALF the bioaccessibility trend was humate-bound Pb (86%)> hydrocerussite (79%) >Fe oxide-bound Pb (47%)> galena (10%)>pyromorphite (4%)> Mn oxide-bound Pb (2%). Humate-bound Pb, hydrocerussite, Fe and Mn oxide-bound Pb were 100% bioaccessible in SGF while pyromorphite and galena were 26%, and 8%, respectively. Bioaccessibility in SELF was very low (<1%) and significantly lower than ALF and SGF (p < 0.001). In silico bioaccessibilities modeled using equilibrium solubilities in extraction solutions were in good agreement with empirical measurements. These emerging forms of Pb have a wide range of bioaccessibilities that can influence their toxicity and impact on human health.

Enlarged Field of View in Spatially Modulated Selective Volume Illumination Microscopy.

Three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy is a key technology for inspecting biological samples, ranging from single cells to entire organisms. We recently proposed a novel approach called spatially modulated Selective Volume Illumination Microscopy (smSVIM) to suppress illumination artifacts and to reduce the required number of measurements using an LED source. Here, we discuss a new strategy based on smSVIM for imaging large transparent specimens or voluminous chemically cleared tissues. The strategy permits steady mounting of the sample, achieving uniform resolution over a large field of view thanks to the synchronized motion of the illumination lens and the camera rolling shutter. Aided by a tailored deconvolution method for image reconstruction, we demonstrate significant improvement of the resolution at different magnification using samples of varying sizes and spatial features.

Iron and lead in Notre-Dame de Paris: An interdisciplinary perspective

The construction of cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris sheds new light on the use of iron and lead in the building. It encourages one to question the evolution of practices related to these metals over the centuries. On the one hand, the restoration work has brought to light various armatures, chains and series of iron staples that were previously unknown, the study of which makes it possible to specify their role in the structure of the building, their chronology, but also their quality and origin. Research is also being carried out into the various uses of lead (roofing, decoration, sealing, etc.) and the practices of craftsmen at different times. The identification of the lead sources is carried out by means of elemental and isotopic analyses, making it possible to highlight recycling practices, as well as to trace the lead possible contribution to the pollution of the environment. An interdisciplinary research group on metal bringing together archaeologists, archaeometers, chemists, art historians and heritage specialists has been set up within Notre-Dame scientific research program to jointly address all these issues.

National-Scale Assessment of Environmental Justice Trends in Public School Proximity to Industrial Lead Sources.

Lead poisoning can severely affect neurological development in small children. Communities with environmental justice concerns often face higher levels of lead exposure via multiple routes of exposure. School-aged children can be exposed to lead at their schools through the deposition of lead emissions onto soil over time. Public school students' demographics in 'proximate schools;' those within 1.5 km of facilities with lead emissions were compared to other schools in their area. The average proximate emissions per student were calculated for different demographic groups in various geographic areas. Schools in combined statistical areas within 1.5 km of lead facilities were found to be composed of significantly more Black (22%) and Hispanic (30%) students than other schools in the area (17% and 26% respectively). Meanwhile, schools close to lead sources tended to have smaller proportions of white students (37% in 'proximate schools', but 47% overall. When average emissions around students were calculated for a handful of combined statistical areas, inequality in lead exposure could be seen in almost every geographic area, across income and racial lines. Students of color consistently faced the highest emissions in every area, though amounts, inequities, and at-risk populations differed throughout the different geographic areas. The unique history of each location regarding immigration, discrimination, zoning laws, urban sprawl, and industrial past can contribute to this variety in inequities. These findings are not only consistent with environmental justice trends but also highlight other vulnerabilities for students like age and food security.

Trends and Patterns in Industrial and Commercial Sources of Lead (Pb) in the US

Background and Aim Lead (Pb) exposures in the US have declined over the last 40 years due to phaseout of Pb in gasoline, residential paint, and plumbing. However, Pb still circulates in commerce (batteries, ammunition, glass, pigments, e-waste). While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tracks large industrial movements of Pb (&amp;#x3e;25,000lbs), modest Pb movements are not identified and may translate to substantial cumulative exposure and public health significance due to proximity to residences, schools, or places of work. This research aims to identify and evaluate trends in commercial sources of Pb in the US. Methods Peer-reviewed literature was used to identify relevant commercial sources of Pb and link to corresponding Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. Counts of each SIC code were calculated per census tract, using geolocations from Dun and Bradstreet (D&amp;#x26;B) from 1990-2018. Data capturing measurable Pb emissions (Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)) and area-level socioeconomic measures (CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index) were further linked by census tract. Data were analyzed using R and ArcGIS. Results A total of 31 unique SIC codes were identified, corresponding to &amp;#x3e;1,300 potential Pb-emitting businesses in 1,265 census tracts. The most common commercial businesses represented shooting ranges (n=838) and refuse systems (n=221). Preliminary analyses data indicate widespread current Pb-emitting industries are widespread but further socioeconomic and Pb-emission data will be analyzed. Preliminary data show a decline in some identified industries over time. Conclusions Preliminary results show the number of Pb-emitting industries has decreased over time in the US. However, certain geographic areas of the United States yield higher densities of Pb-emitting industries and commercial businesses, which could have a profound public health significance. The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Keywords: Lead (Pb) exposure, environmental justice

Fabrication and characterization of silver polycrystalline photocathode

Silver is considered the most noble metal after gold, which makes it a potential candidate for the metallic photocathode. In this article, we report on the fabrication of a polycrystalline silver photocathode by using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique. For the first time, silver photocathodes in both the reflection and transmission modes were fabricated on a super quartz (JGS1) substrate and characterized. The polycrystalline nature of the fabricated sample was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The work function of the fabricated photocathode was measured at around 4.73 eV using photoemission yield spectroscopy in the air (PYSA). Photocurrent measurement and quantum efficiency (Q.E.) calculations were performed using a picoammeter and a 250 nm high power ultraviolet (UV) LED source. Silver photocathode yielded a Q.E. of (8.77±0.90)×10−6 in reflection mode, and (1.20±0.12)×10−6 in transmission mode. After being exposed to air for up to 72 h, no sign of degradation in its photocurrent/Q.E. was observed. The silver photocathode thickness was estimated to be (138 ± 5) nm for the reflection mode and (35 ± 1) nm for the transmission mode. The developed photocathode will be ultimately used for the study of the proposed novel photodetector concept called silicon photomultiplier tube (SiPMT).

Nutritional Value of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Cultivated in the Northern Part of Bangladesh

Two varieties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) were used for the nutritional analysis. Water soluble protein contents of Red sweet potato were higher than that of White potato. In the case of starch, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugars of Red sweet potatoes were also higher than that of White sweet potatoes. The comparative amounts of minerals present in sweet potatoes were also studied. The calcium content of Red sweet potato was higher than that of White sweet potato. But potassium, Manganese, and Iron were slightly higher than that of Red sweet potatoes. The sweet potato was also a good source of Zinc, Lead, and Arsenic. The aim of the study comprises the determination of the nutritive value of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Keywords: sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas, cancer, inflammatory disease, macronutrients.

A design‐oriented approach for managing colored light sources in lighting design software

AbstractIn the last decade, the extensive introduction of LED lighting sources has brought elements of innovation to interior lighting design in terms of color. Besides the new tunable white LED source, lighting is no longer exclusively white; indeed, colored lighting has entered the design practice thanks to the positive effects on people's health and mood. Unfortunately, this element of lighting innovation, color, cannot be computed correctly in commercial lighting design software. These computations are based on the assumption that light is only white or defined in terms of RGB triplets in the relative digital color space of computer graphics, which does not have a physically correct relationship with the actual spectral power distribution (SPD) of luminaires. In this paper, attention is focused on a practical design‐oriented approach for describing luminaires in lighting design software that also considers the real SPD and the luminous intensity distribution. The focus is on information available to lighting designers who do not have a laboratory to measure light sources and luminaires. This information could be available in online datasheets or as a Cartesian graph from luminaires and light sources manufacturers. Following this approach, a set of functions is proposed that can be easily implemented in lighting design software to improve light sources' color management and allow lighting designers to add SPD data to luminaires.