Standard Authority Research Articles

Quality assessment of commercially refined sunflower oil found in the market of Pokhara, Nepal

Sunflower oil is widely used for home cooking and the food industry. Food safety concerns are always there while consuming oil daily, so people want their purchased and consumed oil to be safe. The main aim of the research is to demonstrate and compare the data of different parameters obtained from laboratory experiments following the standard methods suggested by FSSAI-2016 (Food Safety and Standard Authority of India), A.O.A.C. (Association of Analytical Chemists) and the standard values given by D.F.T.Q.C. (Department of Food Technology and Quality Control), Nepal in 2075 B.S for edibleness of sunflower oil. Here, we show the standard methods to test the different parameters, i.e., moisture content, acid value, density, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, and unsaponifiable matter of edible sunflower oil. The dataset of preliminary and physiochemical analysis were within the limits of D.F.T.Q.C. standards for edible and refined sunflower oil, where moisture content was 0.05±0.01, refractive index was 1.4676±5.7735E-05, peroxide value was 2.65±0.098, acid value was 0.071±0.0026, iodine value was 128.02±0.007, saponification value was 189.92±1.094 and unsaponifiable matter was 2.53±0.7. This study concludes that all the selected samples of sunflower oils are in the permissible range according to the D.F.T.Q.C. directory (2075). It indicated that selected sunflower oil types have regulatory standards for public consumption concerning health risks under study from the Pokhara market.

Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of a Herbal Dentifrice Formulated with Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg): An In Vitro Study

Aim: Dental plaque is the primary etiological factor of two of the most commonly encountered global oral health problems; dental caries and periodontal disease. The toothbrush-dentifrice combination is an essential aid in preventing them. There are several commercial chemical toothpastes available, but as of late herbal toothpastes have become more popular amongst people. Thus, the aim of this study was to formulate a novel herbal dentifrice with Myristica fragrans (Houtt.) (nutmeg), and compare its physicochemical properties with a commercially available herbal dentifrice without nutmeg. Material and method: A pilot study was conducted wherein the toothpaste was formulated under sterile conditions using various concentrations of nutmeg, tulsi leaves powder and clove powder as the main herbal ingredients. All herbal ingredients were 100% organic and certified by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). Its properties were compared and evaluated with a commercial herbal toothpaste and the most optimum formulation was then selected to be a part of the study. The properties evaluated were organoleptic parameters (colour, texture, appearance, taste, odour), pH, foamability, abrasiveness, gritty matter, homogeneity, stability and spreadability. Results: The results revealed that in comparison to the commercial herbal toothpaste, the formulated herbal toothpaste with nutmeg exhibited improved foaming ability, abrasivity, spreadability; and comparable texture, consistency, colour, gritty matter, homogeneity and stability properties. However, it had less favourable odour and taste. Conclusion: The overall results of the research provide convincing evidence of the satisfactory physicochemical properties of the nutmeg toothpaste. However, further research is warranted to test other significant properties of the toothpaste.

Pakistan Halal Standards for Food: An Analysis of Juristic Opinions on Sea Creatures

The question of Halal and Haram has been very important and of major concern in all religions. Islam has emphasized on it and has laid down the stress on adopting Halal and prohibiting from Haram. In the contemporary age which is of standardization and processing, the standardization of foods on the basis of Halal and haram is also adopted by Muslim and non-Muslim countries. In Pakistan Halal certification for food is also working and Malaysian Halal authorities has a key role in establishing the HALAL authority. Before the establishment of Pakistan Halal authority, Malaysian authorities has also issued HALAL certificates to many food companies of the Pakistan as Engro, Rafhan and Shan Foods on the basis of MS 1500 (Malaysian Halal standard for Food). In Pakistan the working on Halal standards started somewhat late in 2016 by the name of Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority with the help of JAKIM (Halal Standard institution of Malaysia). Pakistan Halal authority issues Halal certificate with to food companies and food items by the title of PS 3733. This authority has defined hierarchy of official’s food scientists, Muslim Jurists and others to issue HALAL certificates without any hurdle and transparently. This article provides an insight into the background of establishment of HALAL authority in Pakistan, procedure of providing HALAL certification and others.

Drinking Water Quality Assessment of Springs in Gokand Valley District Buner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Background: The quality of spring water in Gokand Valley, District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, is a matter of public health importance due to its use as a primary source of drinking water. This study was initiated in response to concerns about potential environmental and anthropogenic contaminations that could affect the water quality. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the drinking water quality from six different springs in Gokand Valley, assessing their compliance with the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). Methods: Conducted from October 2019 to October 2020, the study involved the collection and subsequent chemical analysis of water samples from six springs in the valley. The parameters analyzed included Total Hardness as CaCO₃, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Chloride as Cl, Sulphate as SO₄, pH, Sodium as Na, Nitrite as NO₂, Total Alkalinity as CaCO₃, Calcium as CaCO₃, Magnesium as MgCO₃, Potassium as K, and Conductivity. Results: The results indicated a variation in water quality across the springs. Total Hardness as CaCO₃ ranged from 96.45 mg/L to 286.36 mg/L, and TDS values varied between 132.33 mg/L and 367.33 mg/L. Chloride levels were found to be between 5.36 mg/L and 14.28 mg/L. Sulphate concentrations ranged from 9.54 mg/L to 17.96 mg/L. The pH levels of all samples were close to neutral, ranging from 6.98 to 7.30. Sodium levels varied from 5.67 mg/L to 17.47 mg/L. Nitrite was not detected in any of the samples. Total Alkalinity as CaCO₃ ranged from 93.66 mg/L to 240.39 mg/L, Calcium as CaCO₃ from 53.73 mg/L to 200.68 mg/L, Magnesium as MgCO₃ from 41.42 mg/L to 109.40 mg/L, Potassium as K from 1.30 mg/L to 3.50 mg/L, and Conductivity values varied from 210.00 µS/cm to 596.67 µS/cm. Conclusion: The study concludes that the water from the six springs in Gokand Valley generally meets the WHO and PSQCA standards for drinking water. This finding underscores the importance of these natural springs as a viable source of potable water for the local population. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure sustained water quality in the face of potential environmental changes and anthropogenic activities.

Production of Biodiesel from Nonedible Parkia biglobosa Oil under Acidic Condition.

In this study, biodiesel was produced from Parkia biglobosa oil via optimization of transesterification reaction conditions, (methanol to oil ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time) under sulphuric acid catalyst (H2SO4). The oil was first extracted from Parkia biglobosa seeds using the Soxhlet extraction method. The physicochemical properties of the biodiesel were analysed and then compared to international standards. Subsequently, the oil was then used to produce biodiesel at optimized transesterification reaction conditions. The free fatty acid (FFA) content of the oil was 1.61% w/w, while the saponification value (mgKOH/g) was 191.65. The maximum yield (percentage weight) of the biodiesel produced was 93.4% at the maximum transesterification conditions of methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 6 : 1, sulphuric acid catalyst amount of 3 wt%, reaction temperature of 65°C, and reaction time of 1.5 h. The biodiesel produced was within the limits of international standards as per the specification by ASTM D6751 (American standard), EN 14241 (European standard), and Ghana Standard Authority. It was therefore recommended that biodiesel from Parkia biglobosa seed oil under acidic catalytic condition is a potential new substitute for petroleum diesel for commercialization purposes.

Incidences of aflatoxin contaminations in ingredients, feed and products of poultry from two regions in Ghana

Commercial poultry feed required for proper growth of birds and egg production contains essential nutrients with maize as key component. Inadequately dried maize is prone to aflatoxin contamination and therefore when used in feed formulation for poultry may compromise the safety of the feeds and poultry products. This study investigated the levels of aflatoxins in feed ingredients, feed and poultry products sampled from Eastern and Greater -Accra regions of Ghana. The aflatoxin levels of B1, B2, G1, and G2 were determined using a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methodology. Main feed ingredients used were fishmeal, cotton seed cake, soya meal, rice, wheat and maize bran as well as maize grains. There was correlation between the level of aflatoxins and moisture content in poultry feed ingredients. All the poultry feeds (100 %) analysed showed the presence of aflatoxins with total aflatoxins recorded ranging from 5.32 to 29.88 μg/kg. Maize samples of the poultry feeds, from all two regions, revealed maize to be a major contributor to the overall total aflatoxin contents found in the feed. Five (5) out of ten (10) communities investigated in the two (2) regions where the poultry feeds were examined recorded total aflatoxin levels in maize above the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) specification of 20 μg/kg. Aflatoxins G1 and G2 were not detected in all samples of chicken meat and eggs. Total aflatoxin levels recorded for all chicken meat and eggs were below GSA specification of 5 μg/kg; implying that these products were safe for consumption.

Impact of Seasonal Variations (Aflatoxin M1 & Heavy metals) on Quality of Marketed Milk

This study thoroughly examined the safety and quality of commercially accessible milk in light of the growing concerns about food safety and its effects on public health. Objective: To monitor the amount of aflatoxin and heavy metals found in commercially available milk from different cities in central Punjab, Pakistan. Method: The collection of milk samples was done from three major cities in central Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, and Jhang, to measure the contamination of Aflatoxin M1 and heavy metals from 2018-2019. Results: The maximum concentration of AFM1 (0.38-1.65µg/L) was observed in the semi-flush season from Lahore, followed by Faisalabad (0.37-1.63 µg/L) and Jhang (0.35-1.62µg/L) whereas, the minimum concentration of AFM1 (0.15-0.46µg/L) was observed during the lean season in the milk samples procured from Jhang, followed by Faisalabad (0.17-0.47µg/L) and Lahore (0.18-0.49µg/L). The levels of lead and cadmium in milk samples fluctuated seasonally, with Lahore having the highest contamination (Pb: 0.062ng/L, cadmium: 0.037ng/L), followed by Faisalabad and Jhang. Milk sample %ages exceeded the national and international aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) maximum residual limits (MRL). Conclusion: All milk samples from different milking seasons were above the EU's maximum residual level of 0.05µg/L. They were still within the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority's (10µg/L) recommended range.

Intellectual property rights (IPR): An overview

Ideas, advancements, and inventiveness that are based on the public's desire to provide the status of the property are all regarded to be subject to intellectual property rights (IPR). This includes works of creativity, literature, and innovations, and it also includes trade names, symbols, and various other characteristics. Intellectual property rights, like other kinds of property rights, exist. They allow owners of patents, trademarks, and works protected by copyright to profit from their own labor or investment in a creation. Intellectual property rights safeguard mental works such as innovations, literary or artistic creations, images, symbols, and furthermore. Intellectual property laws ensure that you profit from what you have created regardless of whether you develop a product, write a book, or discover an innovative medication. Intellectual property protection may take several forms, including trademark rights, copyright, and patent.Intellectual property is required for better identification, planning, marketing, and safeguarding of inventions or creative works. Every industry should have its own IPR rules, manner of leadership, plans, and so on, according to its field of specialization. These rights are outlined in Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which declares that everyone has the right to profit from the preservation of their moral and financial interests as an outcome of the development of scientific, literary, or artistic work. The phrase "intellectual property" first appeared in the nineteenth century, but it was not broadly acknowledged in the majority of the world's legal systems until the late twentieth century. It is a certification and standard authority for product accreditation and identification in a large market.

De-novo exposure assessment of heavy metals in commercially important fresh and dried seafood: Safe for human consumption

The heavy metals (HMs) in seafood are alarming due to their biomagnification in the food chain. The concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, and Ni in both fresh and dried fish were quantified, and the potential exposure and safe intake levels for human consumption were assessed by the European Commission (EC) and the Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). HMs concentrations ranged from 0.003 mg/kg (Cr) to 2.08 mg/kg for (As) and 0.007 mg/kg (Hg) to 2.76 mg/kg (As). Cd, Hg, and Pb levels in fresh and dried fish were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the EC and FSSAI, which were 0.1 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. Cr and As concentrations were also below the MRLs of 12 mg/kg and 76 mg/kg for aquatic products specified by FSSAI. The concentration of HMs in fresh and dried fish was found in the order of As > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Hg and As > Cd > Cr > Ni > Pb > Hg, while the fresh and dried fishes contained HMs in the following order: E. areolatus > S. longiceps > L.lentjen > S. barracuda > E. affinis > S. javus and DA > DS > DR > DB > DSF. The metal pollution index (MPI) validates seafood is HMs free, while the single (Pi) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (Pnw) indicate that concentrations of Cd and As in fresh and dried fish have exceeded the threshold value. The target hazard quotient (THQ<1), hazard index (HI < 1), and target cancer risk (TCR<10−4) indicate that there are no non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks through the consumption of seafood and seafood products collected from the Tuticorin coast and marketed at the domestic and international levels. The preliminary findings emphasize the importance of formulating domestic legislation/government initiatives to promote seafood and its consumption. The attainment of this objective shall be facilitated by examining the levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in seafood and evaluating its potential risk to consumers.

The Unusual Story of the Pocket Veto Case, 1926–1929 by Jonathan Lurie

This meticulously researched and engaging book unravels the complex skein of cases in which the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal courts have interpreted the scope of the so-called “pocket veto,” which permits the president to disapprove a bill by not signing it or by returning it when Congress is not in session. Lurie uses these cases as a prism through which to explore “ongoing legal issues concerning separation of powers—a never-ending source of constitutional friction” (151–152). The book’s title is unduly modest because nearly one-third of the book explores cases between 1936 and 1987.Lurie focuses on Okanogan Tribe et al. v. United States (1929), in which the Court held that a bill does not become law if a president is unable to return it to Congress because Congress is not in session, even if a Congress has not permanently adjourned. Although the Court’s decision addressed only the pocket-veto issue, the case itself involved claims against the federal government for more than $13 million by six indigenous tribes in the Northwest. After Congress voted by acclamation in 1926 to authorize the tribes to sue the government in the U.S. Court of Claims, the ever-frugal President Coolidge exercised his pocket veto to kill the legislation. The attorney for the tribes, William S. Lewis, contended that the bill had become law because there had been no final adjournment of Congress. Lewis insisted that it was unfair to allow the president to veto legislation in a way that prevented Congress from overturning his veto, an argument echoed in an amicus brief by Rep. Hatton W. Sumners, the powerful chair of the House Judiciary Committee. In his decision for the Court, Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes relied heavily upon precedent; presidents since James Madison in 1812 had killed legislation by refusing to sign it during intra-session recesses. One of Lurie’s themes is the broader question of the extent to which courts should elevate precedent at the relative expense of an analysis of the text and structure of the Constitution and consideration of public policy.Lurie also provides a detailed account of a later decision, Wright v. United States (1938), in which the Supreme Court modified Okanogan Tribe by holding that the president cannot kill a bill during a congressional recess if the house in which the bill originated has appointed an officer to receive his veto message. He carries the story forward into the 1970s and 1980s, when lower-court decisions further delineated the circumstances under which presidents could issue pocket vetoes.In telling his story, Lurie deftly leads readers through mazes of primary sources—including committee hearings, motions before various courts, hearings, re-hearings, briefs, memoranda, and judicial decisions—which culminated in various judicial decisions, particularly Okanogan Tribe. Even though the Court never adjudicated the claims of the tribes, the book provides an interesting and extended discussion of their grievances and laments the irony that these grievances ultimately were never addressed, much less remedied, in the morass of litigation about the pocket veto.To place the pocket veto cases in context, Lurie also provides a comprehensive history, almost a book within a book, about the creation of the Court of Claims, which was designed to replace haphazard congressional review of claims against the federal government. Lurie explores the Court’s formation in 1855 and the subsequent expansion of its jurisdiction, including 1881 legislation permitting it to adjudicate claims by indigenous tribes if Congress authorized such litigation.Lurie’s book is particularly important because Okanogan Tribe and other pocket veto cases have received virtually no other attention from scholars. This crisp, concise, and comprehensive book should become the standard authority for any historical study of the pocket veto. It also makes a significant contribution to the literature about the separation of powers.

Optimisation of the reaction conditions for biodiesel from Parkia biglobosa oil via transesterification with heterogeneous clay base catalyst

Transesterification reaction of Parkia biglobosa oil (0.61% w/w free fatty acid and 191.65 (mgKOH/g) saponification value) with methanol to biodiesel using heterogeneous bi-functional Clay-Na2CO3 catalyst was carried out. The bi-functional heterogeneous clay base catalyst was prepared using incipient impregnation method. Following grinding and sieving, the raw clay mineral was soaked in 9 ml Na2CO3 overnight. It was subsequently dried at 120 °C for 12 h and finally calcined at 450 °C for 4 h. The properties of the prepared catalyst was then studied using FTIR, SEM, UV Spectrum, EDS and XRD. The optimum conditions for the transesterification reaction include 12:1 molar ratio of methanol to oil, 2 wt% concentrations of catalyst, reaction temperature of 60 °C and 1.5 h of reaction. The maximum yield obtained under conditions was 94.7%. With the exception of the oxidative stability wahich was higher than the recommended standard by American and European Union, all the other properties of the biodiesel were within the limits of American Standard (ASTM D6751), European Standard (EN 14,241) and Ghana Standard Authority. The catalyst could be cheap with superior activity for which reason it could be a potential candidate for producing biodiesel from new non-edible Parkia biglobosa oil. The application of the biodiesel produced from Parkia biglobosa will help improve the lubrication properties of diesel fuel blend which will subsequently help reduce engine wear in diesel engines since biodiesel is a good lubricant.

Evaluation of the suitability of integrated bone char- and biochar-treated groundwater for drinking using single-factor, Nemerow, and heavy metal pollution indexes.

The treatment of contaminated groundwater using integrated bone char and biochar beds has been studied. The bone char and biochar were made in a locally built double-barrel retort utilising cow bones, coconut husks, bamboo, neem trees, and palm kernel shells at 450°C and were graded into 0.05- and 0.315-mm sizes. Eight groundwater treatment experiments (BF2-BF9) were performed in columns with bed heights of 8.5-16.5cm to remove nutrients, heavy metals, microorganisms, and interfering ions from groundwater using bone char, biochar, and a combination of bone and biochar. The water samples were analysed for twenty-one water quality parameters including pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity, turbidity, fluoride, chloride, sodium, and potassium. The rest were total coliforms, faecal coliforms, total heterotrophic bacteria, Escherichia coli, manganese, and total iron. The effectiveness of the treatment processes was assessed using the Ghana standard authority and the World Health Organisation's recommended values for drinking water quality. The results were shared using a simplified single-factor index, Nemerow's pollution index, and a heavy metal pollution index with decision-makers as a technology for groundwater treatment in rural communities in Africa. Bone char was more effective in removing total heterotrophic bacteria than any of the other treatment agents tested. This is because of its compact nature and small particle size. The quality of water treated by BF3, BF5, BF6, BF7, BF8, and BF9 was fit for drinking based on the single-factor and heavy-metal pollution evaluation because they have the lowest level of pollution. However, Nemerow pollution analysis found only BF5 to be the most suitable for public use.

A Critical Review of Developers’ Decision Criteria for Brownfield Regeneration: Development of the BRIC Index

The complexity of processes and constraints associated with redevelopment of brownfield lands calls for provision of relevant, adequate, sufficient, up-to-date, and easily accessible information on brownfield lands to enable developers make an informed decision when navigating the hurdles of brownfield redevelopment. Furthermore, the various obstacles and barriers that developers encounter during decision making for brownfield redevelopment has continued to contribute to the limited uptake of brownfield lands in England by developers for redevelopment and regeneration. This study was conducted to explore the factors that developers consider when redeveloping brownfield lands and to present a decision criterion that will support brownfield site selection and subsequent regeneration. A mixed methodology using qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted to investigate the factors, criteria, and information that developers consider when making decisions for brownfield redevelopment. Data collection was carried out using a literature review and interviews with brownfield experts. Using a purposeful sampling approach, a total of 11 brownfield stakeholders, which cut across key experts involved in brownfield redevelopment within the Black Country region of England, was interviewed. Each expert interviewed holds a stakeholder critical role in regulatory organisations and construction industry organisations, including local authorities, geo-environmental organisations, land remediators and consultants, housing developers, etc. A comparative analysis of evidence obtained from developer interview responses, the literature review, and the brownfield register showed that 57% of factors, criteria, and information such as cost/capital expenses, funding, contamination level, infrastructure, water risk, neighbours, connectivity (digital, energy networks/grid), and access and transport, which developers require for decision making relating to redevelopment of brownfield sites, are not available on a standard local authority’s brownfield land register. To address the identified information gaps, this study developed “The BRIC Index”, a decision-making tool that incorporates a GIS-based system to facilitate screening of brownfield sites based on specified criteria and to help identify risks, contamination, and remediation costs of brownfield development. The effectiveness of the BRIC Index was validated through successful usage for site selection by various SMEs in the Black Country.

Quality Assessment of Fried Oils from Different Street Food Vendors and Restaurants in Different Areas of Gilgit, Pakistan

The study was designed to estimate the quality of the frying oils used in northern areas of Pakistan. A cross-sectional analysis was performed to investigate the behavior and common practices of street food vendors (SFVs) regarding oil selection, food preparation, and awareness of rancid oil on human health. Seventy-Eight (78) commercial fried oil samples were evaluated based on the free fatty acid (FFAs), peroxide value (PV), moisture contents (MC), total polar matter (TPM), color, and iodine value (IV). The analysis showed that FFAs, PV, TPM, color, and IV significantly deviated from standard values provided by Pakistan Standard Quality Control Authority, (PSQCA) Pakistan. The SFVs used low-quality oil because of low price and ease of availability over quality, frying oil was changed infrequently and blended with new oil. Furthermore, the majority of SFVs were unaware of the hazards of rancid oil to human health, food handling practices were unsanitary, and cleaning methods were ineffective. Quality control, legislation, and SFVs safety and hygiene training are the most critical requirements to improve the overall quality of fried street foods in Gilgit, Pakistan.

Investigating the standard sizes of steel reinforcement used in the Ghanaian industry

The study aimed to explore and determine whether the steel reinforcement bars manufactured and used in Ghana meet the standard sizes. The research adopted a positivist philosophy and a market survey approach. The various organizations manufacturing and supplying steel reinforcement were purposively selected and visited, and the different steel reinforcement bars were measured against the standard sizes. When the measured sizes were compared to the standard sizes, the results revealed that all the mild steel reinforcement bars measured did not meet the required standard sizes. The results showed that all the high tensile steel reinforcement bars met the necessary standard sizes in the Ghanaian construction market. The research empirically demonstrated that non-standard steel reinforcement bar sizes impact most project outcomes. The regulatory authority (National Standard Authority) must ensure that both manufactured and imported steel reinforcement bars meet the standard sizes on the construction market in Ghana to keep the project under control and enable the structure to achieve its maximum strength.

Evaluating the Physico-chemical Properties of Forest Honey

Honey is a widely consumed functional food which has a valued place in traditional medicine. The purpose of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties of honey which was collected from the forest regions of Bastar division. Physico-chemical parameters include moisture, ash, pH, free acidity, electrical conductivity and sugar content which were determined by following the Food Safety Standard Authority of India and International Honey Commission methods. Each honey is unique on the basis of chemistry, quantity and combination of the various components that attributes towards its quality. The control and characterization of quality are of great importance and interest in apiculture. The present study analyzed the quality parameters of honeys from different tribal farmers and market under Bastar division and compared the results with the quality criteria laid by Food Safety Standard Authority of India and Codex Standard. Processing was noted to have detrimental effect on several quality parameters of honeys; in spite of which it was remarkably within the critical limits. The moisture values of all honey samples analyzed were above 20%. The free acidity was above 0.15% in 17 out of 18 samples (94.44%) collected tribal farmers, while 1 out of 18 collected honey samples (5.56%) showed lower values than 0.15%. In this study, 2 out of 18 honey samples (11.11%) from Bastar forest region had soluble solids content below 80 Brix. In terms of HMF, only 1 out of 18 honey samples (5.55%) exceeded 80 mg/kg, which is the maximum content of HMF set in standards. The values of some physicochemical parameters (free acidity, HMF, and soluble solids) of local and imported honey samples are not within the quality limits set in legislation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the properties of fresh honey produced in Bastar forest region and the stability of honey during prolonged storage.

Food literacy & food labeling laws-a legal analysis of India's food policy.

Aggressively marketed, cheaper and more easily available pre-packaged foods, often considered as foods high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) is finding a growing preference amongst consumers in India. These HFSS foods are the major causes of heart and other non-communicable diseases worldwide. To prevent or control further widespread of NCDs, Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued numerous food and packaging laws and acts to control their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import so that a safe and wholesome food is available to the consumers. The Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL), proposed by FSSAI in 2019, is a key strategy to alert and educate consumers in making an informed choice. This article aims to enlist and describe various food and labeling laws and acts enacted in India since the last two decades and identify that what type of label would be best suited to India.

Social pathologies of informational privacy

Social pathologies of informational privacy

GIS-based assessment of selective heavy metals and stable carbon isotopes in groundwater of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan

This study applied a nuclear technique in conjunction with a classical monitoring tool to characterize the origin, fate, and behavior of metal pollutants in groundwater of Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metropolitans, which are also known as the “twin cities.” In total, 122 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed in accordance with standard methods. GIS and multivariate statistical analysis were employed for the groundwater vulnerability assessment and source apportionment. The results of the aesthetic parameters indicated that the majority of groundwater sources were tested and were colorless, odorless and tasteless in the “twin cities.” In addition, the findings of this study indicated that the concentration of pH, phosphates, copper, manganese, and zinc were within the drinking water standards in the “twin cities” as stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) at all sampling points in the study area. The groundwater quality was found unsuitable for consumption due to elevated levels of electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids at 9.83% and 4.09% of samples, respectively. The contents of arsenic and fluoride were well within the allowable range at almost all points except at one location. However, iron and lead contents were above permissible limits. A statistical analysis revealed that trace metals originated from both geogenic and anthropogenic sources such as enhanced rock-water interaction, over abstraction, evaporation enrichment, improper waste disposal, discarded batteries, cross contamination of water supply and sewerage lines, active recharge from Lie drain, and domestic, industrial, and agricultural effluents. The computed water quality index (WQI) based on heavy metals elucidated that groundwater quality was poor in most of the study area due to elevated electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, lead, iron, arsenic, and fluoride values. A highly depleted isotopic composition of 13C provides clues about the aquifer’s vulnerability from miscellaneous sources such as domestic, urban, construction, and agricultural sites and the dissolution of carbonate minerals. This study clearly indicates that a rapidly growing population, unplanned urbanization, industrialization, improper waste disposal, over abstraction, and a lack of water abstraction policies are significantly contributing toward the impairment of groundwater quality in the study area. The study strongly emphasized the need to regulate groundwater abstraction by improving water treatment and the supply system for the provision of safe water to the urban populace. These results will help in designing remedial strategies for improving water quality in the “twin cities.”

An Appraisal of Key Soap on Tensile Strength in Three Washing Cycles of Selected Printex Fabrics in Ghana

The tensile strength is an imperative properties and essential indications consumers’ look out for in purchasing a quality fabric. The objective of this study was to examine key soap on tensile strength in three washing cycles of selected Printex fabrics in Ghana. Quantitatively, the study adopted both experimental and factorial research designs. Materials for the study consisted of three fabrics with black prints and white as base colour were purchased from the market. These three fabrics had the same designs but two had different fabric finishes and the third one had no finish (plain, embossed and plisse). Six yards each of the Printex black and white fabrics with embossed, plisse and a third one which did not have any special fabric finish were used for the study. Key soap purchased from the Ghanaian market, and standard soap from Ghana Standard Authority was used for the study. Purposive and simple random techniques were used to select materials for the study. The main research instrument for the testing tensile strength was Universal tensile testing machine. Data were analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis formulated to guide the study. The study revealed that continuous washing had degrading effects on the tensile strength. The implication is that continuous washing weakens the internal strengths of fabrics which cause them to fail or weakens their resistance to stress test. The study also found that continuous washing had degrading effects on the tensile strength of the selected fabrics. It is recommended that the Ghana Standards Authority should encourage soap producers to get their chemical compositions as close to those of the standardised soap as possible.