■ FLOW WITH PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROCESSES—MICROSCOPIC STUDY

This paper describes the results of microscopic study on fluid flows through porous media.The oil-water two-phase flow,the oil-air-water tri-phase flow.the Foam-surfactant-oil-water-air multi-phase flow,the microemulsion-oil-water multi-phase flow and flow with neutralization reaction are introduced.The micromodels,the technology of fabricating micromodels and the method of their application are also described.

Physico-Chemical Analysis of Soils Used for Pineapple Cultivation in the Sub-Prefectures of Maferinyah and Friguiagbé (Prefectures of Forécariah and Kindia) Republic of Guinea

Over the years, pineapple production in the Republic of Guinea has become less competitive in the West African sub-region, with a world ranking of 144th. It is therefore only natural to review certain parameters in order to improve this ranking. To do this, certain physico-chemical parameters of soil samples from Friguiagbé and Maferinyah (in the Kindia and Forécariah prefectures) were taken and analysed using the following techniques: Pipette de Robinson, Anne, Bray II, Kapen HICDVITZ, Mc. Lead (1982). The analytical results show that the soils at Friguiagbé in Kindia and Maferinyah in Forécariah are acidic, with pH values of 4.4 and 4.7 (fields I and II) and 4.8 and 4.7 (fields I and II) respectively. The soils have a silty-sandy texture. This study could therefore serve as a guide for the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Guinea.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Properties of a Food Broth Based on Nere (Parkia biglobosa)

Purpose: Diet and eating habits are major risk factors for the health and the development of disease, such as, for example, metabolic disorder leading to cardiovascular pathology and cancer, decreased immunity exposing to infections. This study of the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of a soumara-based food broth was carried out with the aim of promoting the consumption of organic broth made from nere seeds (soumara). That is to alleviate certain metabolic diseases, which is a matter of food safety, and also to limit the risk for the health about the consumption of some cooking stocks on the market. Methods: Several natural ingredients such as nere seeds (soumara), ginger, black pepper, parsley and garlic were used to create a nere-based stock. All these ingredients were freeze-dried and the powder obtained was used to make the broth, regarding their physical and chemical properties. Results: The broth had a good protein content of 17.41 ± 0.367 g/100g, a lipid content of 16.80 ± 0.08 g/100g and a fiber content of 8.66 ± 0.04 g/100g. In terms of nutritional values, the broth showed good levels of calcium 184.21 ± 0.09 mg/100g, potassium 50.04 ± 1.45 mg/100g and iron and zinc. In terms of antioxidant activity, the broth also showed good antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Regarding the properties of our food broth, whose composition is based on natural ingredients, could be recommended for consumption and, its properties, could play an important role in preventing and combating certain metabolic diseases.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Soils from Diguel and Koudalwa Tchad,and Phytoremediation Potentials of Acasia and Kinkeliba Plants in Removing Cr and Cu from These Soils

The aim of this study to investigate the physico-chemical properties of soils from Diguel and Koudalwa Tchad,and phytoremediation potentials of acasia and kinkeliba plants in removing Cr and Cu from these soils.Soil was sampled from the tannery plant in Diguel and agricultural land around crude oil activities in Koudalwa.Soils were characterized by the following properties:pH,(Electrical Conductivity),TDS(Total Dissolved Solids),salinity,bulk density,OM(Organic Matter),nitrate,phosphate,clay,silt,sand,and textural class.The acasia and kinkeliba plants were used to decontaminate Cu and Cr from sample soils for 30 days period.The bulk density of all the soil samples from Kouldawa was higher compared to Diguil,ranging from 1.421 to 1.64 g/cm^(3)compared to 1.21 to 1.51 g/cm^(3)for Diguel.Most of the soils in Kouldawa are mineral soils,while those of Diguel are mostly mineral soil with some organics.Diguel soils are richer in nitrate(577.9 to 2,687.32 mg/kg in Diguel and 33.64 to 197.64 mg/kg in Kouldawa)and phosphate than soils from Kouldawa.Soils from the studied areas are not saline except for a subsurface soil in Diguel(salinity,4.21;EC,4.280 dS/m;TDS,3,040 mg/L).The highest amount of Cr and Cu removed by acasia is 78%and 53.12%compared to 73.8%and 52.21%by kinkeliba.Diguel soil can be very suitable for agriculture and Kouldawa soils for construction.Acasia and kinkeliba can be effectively used to decontaminate the studied soils from heavy metal pollution.

Assessment of Groundwater Physico-Chemical Quality in the Ouémé Delta (Southern-Benin)

Groundwater resources are the main sources of water used to supply drinking water to the population of the Ouémé Delta via the Continental Terminal aquifer. Urbanization, population growth, and agricultural and industrial activities have resulted in a deterioration in the quality of these resources. To assess the quality of the delta’s groundwater and its suitability for human consumption and irrigation, a total of fourteen (14) physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in some forty existing water points between September 2020 and March 2021, using standard water analysis techniques. The values obtained were compared with the potability standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Republic of Benin and were subjected to statistical analysis (principal component analysis (PCA)). In addition, methods for determining the suitability of water for irrigation were used. The results showed that the waters are acidic to slightly neutral and influenced by ambient temperature. In addition, the waters are moderately mineralized, with conductivities (24 - 1205 μS/cm) in line with WHO standards. A comparison of the analytical results of the WHO (2017) and Benin (2001) standards indicates that the majority of the waters studied are of good quality for all the chemical parameters considered. Nevertheless, some samples show levels of nitrates (21%), potassium (14% to 16%), calcium (13%), ammonium (12%), nitrites (8%) and bicarbonates (10%) over their respective standards. The Wilcox and Riverside diagrams indicate that the majority of waters (90%) have excellent suitability for irrigation and no negative effect on soil fertilization.

Physico-Chemical and Structural Assessment of Akono Riparian Forest Watershed, Tributary of the Nyong Basin (Centre-Cameroon) at Different Stages of Degradation

Freshwater bodies are natural resources that should be exploited to the fullest, while maintaining the sustainability of ecosystems and ecosystem services which they support. Riparian forests are more important as they contain rivers which are vital sources of fresh water for local populations. However, the quality and quantity of water issued from the watershed depend on the structural state of these forests. The aim of this work was to assess the physico-chemical and structural state of the Akono gallery forest. To achieve this, fieldwork consisted of selecting six major streams of the watershed including Ndjolong, Menyeng adzap, Emomodo, Mvila, Negbe and Ossoé kobok. On each of these, two stations, one intact and one degraded, were marked by transects. The method involved measuring Hydrometric parameters (depth, length, width) of the stream and Physico-chemical parameters of water in the streams while dendrometric parameters were measured along 100 m-transects laid using the point-centred quarter method modified for water bodies to collect tree, shrub and palm variables such as trunk diameter, crown diameter and height. Macrophytes and species identification were carried out using standard botanical procedures. Results showed that, the majority of physico-chemical parameters measured differed significantly between intact and degraded stations (P Pentachletra mancrophylla, whereas on degraded sites, this index was low and characterized by the relative dominance of species Piptadeniastrum africanum. Sorensen’s index (0.56) and CFA showed that the different stands were homogeneous. We can affirm that the riparian forests of Akono watershed are towards a state of stability notwithstanding the perpetuation of anthropological actions.

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Some Honeys from the Savannah-Gallery Forest Complex and Primary Forest in Gabon

Honey harvesting throughout beekeeping is a technology recently introduced in Gabon comparing to the other African countries well known in international honey trade. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the knowledge of the quality of multi-flower honeys from the savannah-gallery forest complex and primary forest not well documented in Gabon. Physical and chemical parameters of different honeys were analyzed using the official methods of analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The results of physico-chemical analysis show variations in pH (3.4 to 3.9), free acidity (37.12 to 76.65 meq∙kg−1), water content (17.49% to 21.21%), electrical conductivity (0.64 to 1.24 mS∙cm−1), density (1.02 to 1.03) and total sugar content (77% to 82%). These variations were significantly different (p < 0.05) between certain honeys, but independent of the type of ecosystem considered. The pH values confirmed the botanical origin of the five honeys. The physico-chemical parameters of the honeys show significant correlations (p < 0.05). Moisture content is negatively correlated with conductivity (r = −0.628), pH (r = −0.631), density (r = −0.552) and total sugar content (r = −0.890). Conductivity is positively correlated with free acidity (r = 0.688) and total sugar content (r = 0.776), and negatively correlated with water content (r = −0.628). All honeys were in line with Codex Alimentarius standards, except for 3 types of honey (M1, M2 and M4) for free acidity and electrical conductivity, showing possible fermentation of these honeys.

Dendritic spine degeneration:a primary mechanism in the aging process

Recent reports suggest that aging is not solely a physiological process in living beings;instead, it should be considered a pathological process or disease(Amorim et al., 2022). Consequently, this process involves a wide range of factors, spanning from genetic to environmental factors, and even includes the gut microbiome(GM)(Mayer et al., 2022). All these processes coincide at some point in the inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, at different degrees in various organs and systems that constitute a living organism(Mayer et al., 2022;AguilarHernández et al., 2023).

Microbiological, Physico-Chemical and Organoleptic Parameters of Apple Juice, Processed by Shungite

This paper is dedicated to results of studying microbiological, physico-chemical and organoleptical parameters of apple juice processed by shungite. Shungite is a natural mineral which has special structural composition, characterized by the existence of fullerenes and nanotubes. This paper explains the methods applied by the authors to prepare shungite for experimental research, to process apple juice by adsorbent, to determine the quantity of microorganisms in juice after it interacted with shungite, weight percentage of dissolvable dry solids, active acidity and quality parameters. In juice, processed by shungite, bacteria, fungi and yeast were detected. The authors made a comparison between microbial population in juice before and after its interaction with shungite. The paper refers to method under which shungite adsorbs bacteria, fungi and yeasts. The authors presented the results of studying dry solids content, active acidity of apple juice, processed by shungite at various temperatures and conducted assessment of apple juice quality after its interaction with sorbent. Through their research, the authors established rational parameters of apple juice processed by shungite under which the maximum reduction of microbial insemination is reached. The research proved that after apple juice interacts with shungite, its dry solids content and active acidity level remain unchanged. This paper confirmed high quality parameters of apple juice processed by shungite. Taking into account the obtained results, the authors concluded that use of shungite to process apple juice does not require expensive equipment, complex maintenance of the processing procedure, which reduce the cost value of a manufactured product.

基于Arduino与Processing的心率检测计设计研究

随着社会经济的高速发展,人们的物质生活也有了极大的提高,但同时也伴随着各种疾病的到来,身体健康已经成为人们普遍关注的焦点,因此,心率检测仪、血压计、血糖仪等各种家用医疗监测仪器已经逐渐融入日常生活。心脏病是人们难以预防的突发致命疾病之一,本文介绍的是一款基于Arduino【是基于易用硬件和软件的原型开源平台,包由可编程的电路板(简称微控制器),以及集成开发环境(称为Arduino IDE)的现成软件组成】Processing(开源编程语言,包括编辑器、编译器、展示器)的简易心率检测计系统,其功能实用、操作简单,可以测量心率,当超出正常心率范围时及时预警,是一款便携的实时心率测试仪。

Physico-Chemical Properties of Flour, Starch, and Modified Starch of Two Rice Varieties

The physical and chemical properties of the flours, starches, and modified starches of indica rice and japonica rice were investigated in this paper. Results showed that the swelling powers of flour, starch, and phosphate starch [substitution degree （DS）=0.065] of japonica rice were significantly higher than those （DS=0.065） of indica rice. The transmittance of modified starches was highest; and that of flours was lowest. The pasting property investigated with rapid visco analyzer （RVA） indicated that the peak viscosity and breakdown value of paste with high swelling power were high. Furthermore, the effect of protein and amylose content on pasting property were investigated. The results of rheological properties determined using rheological rheometer showed that at the same temperature, the storage modulus （G′ of flour, starch, and modified starch of indica rice was higher than that of japonica rice. For each variety, the G′of flour was the highest, while the G′of modified starch was the lowest.

Physico-Chemical Properties and Enzyme Activities of the Arable Soils in Lhasa,Tibet,China

An understanding of the physical,chemical,and biological properties of a soil provides a basis for soil use and management.This paper reports the major physico-chemical properties and enzyme activities of the soils of Lhasa's main arable lands and the factors that influence these soil properties.Composite and core samples were taken from the three main arable soil types(alluvial soil,subalpine arable steppe soil,and subalpine arable meadow soil) and were analysed using standard methods.The bulk density and the ventilation porosity ratio of the soils were close to the recommended values for arable lands,and the dominant soil texture was sandy.The soil moisture release rates were arable steppe soil > alluvial soil > arable meadow soil.Soil organic matter content,Cation-Exchange Capacity(CEC),total and available nitrogen content,and catalase activity of the arable meadow soil were higher than those of the alluvial and the arable steppe soils,while soil pH in the arable meadow was lower.Most of the measured properties did not show a significant variance among these three soils.However,the measured indices(apart from the total potassium) indicate that there are notable differences among the three types of soil.The results implied that the utilisation patterns of the arable soil or human activities,such as tillage practices and fertiliser applications,have a substantialeffect on the soil properties in this region.Our results suggest that the cultivation practices in the region have apparently positive impact on the soil organic matter,nutrient contents and bulk density probably due to the sound fertiliser management such as the applications of farmyard manure and chemical fertilisers.However,intense cultivation practices lowered the activity of most soil enzymes.The results demonstrate that the choice of soil management strategy had a significant impact on the soil physicochemical and biological properties in the region studied.

Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Microflora as Influenced by Bispyribac Sodium 10% SC in Transplanted Kharif Rice

The effects of bispyribac sodium 10% SC and butachlor 50% SC on soil physico-chemical properties and microflora in transplanted kharifrice were investigated over two seasons （2010 and 2011 ） Effects of the herbicide on bulk density, water holding capacity, moisture content, soil pH, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, as well as total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium contents were analyzed along with microflora population （total bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi）. No significant changes in soil physico-chemical properties were observed. Herbicide treatments resulted in decreases in microbial counts initially. With the degradation of applied herbicides within a considerable time, the microflora populations even exceeded the initial count at 60 d after application of the herbicide.

Heavy metal contamination, physico-chemical and microbial evaluation of water samples collected from chromite mine environment of Sukinda, India

Water samples from chromite mine quarry of Sukinda and its adjacent areas were analyzed for their heavy metal contamination along with physico-chemical and microbial contents. The chromite mine water samples possessed high concentrations of heavy metals in the order of Cr〉Fe〉Zn〉Ni〉Co〉Mn while ground water did not show any heavy metal contamination except Fe. Physico-chemical parameters of mine water samples showed deviation from those of normal water. Mine water harboured low microbial populations of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in comparison with mine adjacent water samples. The correlation of data between metals with physico-chemical parameters showed both positive and negative responses while that of metal and microbial population exhibited negative correlation. Bacterial strains isolated from chromite mine water exhibited high tolerance towards chromium and other heavy metals as well as antibiotics which could be used as an indicator of heavy metal pollution.

Effects of Plant Types on Physico-chemical Properties of Reclaimed Mining Soil in Inner Mongolia,China

A field experiment was conducted in Jungar Banner,Inner Mongolia,China to study the effects of plant types on the physical structure and chemical properties of open-cast mining soils reclaimed for 15 years,and to analyze the triggering factors of the soil formation.Results indicate that plant types affect soil-forming process especially in the upper layer (0-20 cm),and the spatial structure of reclaimed plant is the main reason for variability of the soil-forming process.In the upper soil layer at the site reclaimed with mixed plants,the concentrations of soil organic matter (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC) are the highest,and they were significantly higher at the sites reclaimed with Leymus chinensis,Caragana sinica,which is mainly due to a large amount of litter fall and root exudation in herbages and shrubs.However,the concentrations of SOM and SOC in the soils at the reclaimed sites are quite low comparing with those in local primary soil,which indicates the importance of using organic amendments during the ecological restoration in the study area.

The Physico-Chemical Quality of Effluents of Selected Sewage Treatment Plants Draining into River Rwizi, Mbarara Municipality, Uganda

As population increases in urban areas, the domestic and industrial activities increase resulting in an increase in the volumes of wastewater and anthropogenic pollution, hence posing a threat to public health and environment. This study assessed the physical chemical quality of two main sewage plant effluents discharging into River Rwizi. Effluent water samples were analyzed for dissolved oxygen, colour, turbidity, total suspended solid, total iron, phosphates, alkalinity, magnesium, calcium carbonate, temperature, pH, ammonium, electrical conductivity, chloride and nitrates. Parameters were analyzed following standard methods of APHA (1985). The values obtained were compared with EPA (2001), NWSC (2015) and NEMA (1999) standards for waste water. Results showed that the mean values most of the parameters tested were higher than the recommended EPA, NWSC and NEMA standards. The mean colour was 1627.67°C and 1414.33°C in Kakoba and Taso sewage effluents respectively compared to EPA (20-150), NWSC (500) and NEMA (300) standards (p > 0.05). The mean alkalinity was 1390.17 mg/l and 1308.33 mg/l for Kakoba and Taso respectively compared with EPA (400) and NWSC (800) standards. DO had a mean concentration of 68.27 mg/l and 63.03 mg/l in Taso and Kakoba respectively compared to EPA and NEMA standard of 5 mg/l. Mg was 243.29 mg/l and 246.49 mg/l in Kakoba and Taso sewage effluents respectively compared to NEMA standard for waste water of 100 mg/l (p > 0.05). The mean pH was 8.26 and 8.16 in Taso and Kakoba sewage effluents respectively compared to NWSC and NEMA standard of 6.0 - 8.0. Phosphate mean concentration levels were 32.2 mg/l and 27.11 mg/l for Taso and Kakoba respectively compared to standards of EPA (0.5 - 0.7 mg/l) and NEMA (10 mg/l). NO3 was 10 mg/l and 5.83 mg/l in Kakoba and Taso sewage effluents respectively compared to NWSC maximum permissible limit of 5 mg/l. The mean NH4 concentration was 385.33 mg/l (Kakoba) and 50.0 mg/l (Taso) compared to the EPA guideline range (0.2 - 4 mg/l). Chloride (Cl) had a mean of 833.33 mg/l in Kakoba compared to EPA (250 mg/l), NWSC and NEMA (500 mg/l) standards. Therefore the study recommends for effective treatment of waste effluents from Kakoba and Taso sewage treatment plants before recycling in order to avoid pollution of river Rwizi.

Physico-Chemical Quality of Selected Drinking Water Sources in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda

The study assessed the physico-chemical quality of selected drinking water sources (springs, boreholes, shallow wells and rainfall) in Mbarara municipality with respect to World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines and other guidelines in light of the increased anthropogenic activities in the municipality. A total of 70 water samples were collected from purposively selected boreholes, springs, wells and rainwater in Nyamitanga, Kamukuzi and Kakoba divisions of Mbarara municipality with various human activities. The samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters: Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Total hardness using American Public Health Association (APHA) standard methods. The mean temperature and pH ranged between 18.07 °C - 23.45 °C and 5.74 - 7.54, respectively. The mean DO values were found to be between 4.84 and 12.86 mg/l;whereas mean BOD was within the range of 1.83 - 7.71 mg/l. The mean TDS and EC of the water samples ranged, between 33.40 - 569.20 mg/l and 29.30 - 1139.90 μS/cm respectively. Furthermore, the lowest and highest mean total hardness were 70.00 and 264.00 mg/l, respectively. The recorded mean water temperatures for each of the water sources were above the WHO threshold temperature (15 °C) which makes drinking water palatable. Boreholes in Nyamitanga and Shuhaddea Secondary Schools, spring in Kiswahili, well in Kisenyi and rainwater in Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) had mean pH below the WHO minimum guideline value (6.5) hence acidic. Borehole in Nyamitanga secondary school, spring in Kisenyi, shallow well in Nyamitanga and the rainwater in MUST had mean DO values below the WHO range (10 - 12 mg/l). Borehole in Shuhaddea Secondary School and the well in Kisenyi had average BOD values above the range of European Union guideline values (3 - 6 mg/l). TDS and EC of all the water sources were below the WHO maximum guideline limits of 1000 mg/l and 1500 μs/cm respectively. Total hardness was also below the WHO harmless limit of 1000 mg/l. However rainwater in MUST was moderately soft while the other drinking water sources exhibited moderate to full total hardness. The physicochemical parameters of some of the selected water sources in Mbarara municipality have been compromised mainly by the increased human activities especially croplands, latrines, landfills, transportation, animal and municipal wastes at the vicinity of the water sources. Mbarara municipal council should therefore ensure proper sanitation and water safety plans for these drinking water sources to avoid further contamination from the human activities.

Assessment of Surface Water Quality of King Abdullah Canal, Using Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Water Quality Index, Jordan

The main aim of this research is to evaluate the water quality of King Abdullah Canal (KAC) using the water quality index method (WQI). For this purpose, nine different sampling sites were used in the calculation of WQI during the period of January to December 2012. The samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, ions of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Fluorite, Chloride, Sulfate, Bicarbonate, and Nitrate in different seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn). The analyzed results (by WQI method) have been used to suggest models for predicting water quality. The relative weight assigned to each parameter has a range from 1 to 5, based on the important parameters for drinking purposes. The computed WQI for the nine samples has a range from 46.66 to 542.08. The analysis reveals that the water quality status of the study area is varying from excellent to good in the upper part of the canal and from poor to very poor in the lower part of the canal. Comparing with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Jordan Standard (JS), the results indicate that the lower part of the canal is polluted. Therefore, the water is not safe for domestic use and needs further treatment, especially in the lower part of the canal.

Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Analysis of Potable Water in Jericho and Molete Areas of Ibadan Metropolis

This study was carried out to determine the quality of some water supplies in Jericho and Molete areas in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 6 water samples (Jericho and Molete) from well, borehole and public tap were randomly selected and analyzed in triplicate for some physico-chemical and microbial parameters. The pH ranged from 5.88 ± 0.01 to 6.88 ± 0.06 while total hardness ranged from 2.60 ± 0.04 ppm to 44.00 ± 1.20 ppm. The temperature ranged from 15.00℃ ± 0.07℃ to 18.00℃ ± 0.21℃ while conductivity ranged from 230 ± 1.15 to 460 ± 1.26 mho/cm. Alkalinity, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) ranged from 4.03 ± 0.02 mg/l to 14.88 ± 0.15 mg/l, 0.4 ± 0.02 mg/l to 4.6 ± 0.02 mg/l and 12.80 ± 0.22 mg/l to 26.40 ± 0.72 mg/l respectively. Microbial analysis revealed that all of these water samples were not free from pathogens and thereby not suitable for drinking.

Physico-Chemical and Thermal Characterization of a Lignocellulosic Fiber, Extracted from the Bast of <i>Cola lepidota</i>Stem

In this research work, fiber extracted from the bark of Cola lepidota (CL) plant, grown in the flora of Southern part of Cameroon, was investigated for composites reinforcement. The investigation was carried via evaluation of water absorption capacity, moisture content, real density, porosity, chemical composition, chemical structure and thermal behaviour. It was discovered that the new fiber has relatively low moisture content and water absorption capacity similar to those of other investigated natural fibers such as flax, sisal, coconut, hemp and jute. Its porosity was found appropriate for composite production and the fiber was found to be thermally stable up to 230°C, with maximum degradation temperature of 325°C. The main constituents of the fibre include cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. In conclusion, based on the properties investigated, this fiber is considered suitable for composite manufacture.