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A Study of Present Status of Women and their Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Chakrata District, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
No full textThe present study outlines the data which interprets the socio-economic study of status and economic condition of women in Chakrata District of Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand State. The article discusses the gap in documentation and understanding of women roles in agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry and discusses about their traditional ecological knowledge. The study area is well-known for its traditional ecological knowledge which is being used by the women in daily lives, but this traditional ecological knowledge lacks a comprehensive study and proper documentation. In Chakrata district, apart from the daily routine of household work, women have an active participation on the agricultural fields. Under the present study 6 villages have been taken namely, Buraswa, Bangoti, Patti, Rawana, Mehrawna, and Shirba. The livelihood of women in these areas is based on their income mainly coming from agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry. The present research article is based on the questionnaire focusing on women’s socioeconomic status and traditional ecological knowledge. The article provides the comprehensive analysis of the Government has enacted series of policies consisting special privileges for the people residing in this area. The result shows that women related to upper caste are in better condition than the women belonging to schedule caste community. The governmental policies and facilities are enjoyed more by the women belonging to upper caste due to their awareness when compared to the schedule caste women
Determining the Effect of Biofertilizer and Phosphorus on Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)
No full textA field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2023-24 to effect of Biofertilizer and Phosphorus yield and nutrient uptake by of black gram variety “Pratap Urd-1‟ was used in this study. The result revealed that the maximum yield parameter such as number of pods per plant (29.75), number of seed per pod (7.78), grain yield (12.12 q/ha), straw yield (27.02 q/ha) with application of T10-50 kg P2O5 ha-1 + PSB + VAM. The maximum nitrogen content and uptake in grain and straw (3.64, 1.52 % and 44.12, 41.07 kg/ha), phosphorus content and uptake (0.32, 0.30% and 3.38, 8.11 kg/ha) and potassium content and uptake (1.92, 1.74% and 23.47, 47.01 kg/ha) were recorded with T10-50 kg P2O T9-50 kg P2O5 ha-1 + VAM 5 ha-1 + Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria + Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza
Innovative Electrochemical Deposition Techniques for Durable Concrete Crack Repair
No full textElectrochemical deposition repair (EDR) technology drives ionic species migration by applying an external electric field, generating insoluble crystalline precipitates within cracks to achieve autogenous healing and matrix reinforcement. This technology offers advantages such as superior micro-crack sealing capability, eco-friendliness, and enhanced durability. The EDR process includes electric field-induced ion transport, nucleation and crystal growth of deposition products, and crack infilling with interfacial bonding enhancement. Research shows that EDR technology can effectively seal crack apertures, reduce permeability coefficients, enhance flexural strength, and positively impact concrete chloride desalination and steel reinforcement repassivation. Factors influencing repair efficacy include electrolyte composition, current density distribution, and concrete matrix properties. Future research should integrate materials science, electrochemistry, and artificial intelligence to build a "mechanism-process-performance" integrated research framework, promoting the large-scale application of electrochemical deposition in engineering and supporting the green transformation of civil engineering materials
Experimental Investigation of Loess Slope Failure Modes under Varying Water Head Conditions
No full textGroundwater is an important factor inducing slope instability, but there is limited research on the characteristics of deformation evolution and failure modes of loess slopes under the action of different water heads. In this paper, the loess slope is taken as the research object, and two sets of model tests are carried out, which correspond to the low head of 0.02 MPa and the high head of 0.06 MPa respectively. The failure process of slope instability under different water head heights is recorded, and the crack evolution characteristics and failure modes are analyzed. The experimental results show that as groundwater infiltrates, the wetting front develops from the rear to the front of the slope, and the slope gradually becomes saturated from the rear to the front and from the bottom to the top; the main deformation area of the slope occurs in the settlement at the top and the cracks on the slope surface; the direction of crack evolution develops from the front edge to the rear edge of the slope, and its development aggravates the deformation and failure of the slope; groundwater infiltration drives the soil particles in the slope body to accumulate from the rear to the front, weakening the cementation between soil particles, reducing its shear strength, and thus causing slope instability and failure. In the low water head state, the deformation and failure mode of the loess slope is: slope toe liquefaction → slope surface traction-type collapse → slow instability of the slope body. In the high water head state, the deformation and failure mode of the loess slope is: slope toe liquefaction → slope surface traction-type collapse → slope top settlement → overall sudden instability. This study has important engineering practical significance. The research results can provide theoretical basis for slope reinforcement design, and after the completion of slope construction, in terms of relevant failure parameter indicators, it can provide reference for the design of slope safety monitoring and early warning system
Optimization of Fruit Bar Formulation: A Comprehensive Study on Physicochemical and Sensory Properties
No full textFruit bars are a convenient snack choice that offers the health advantages of fruits and has a considerably higher nutritional value than fresh fruits. The study aimed to develop three fruit bar (FB) variants using different ingredients. FB1 - dried apricot + dried sapota; FB2 - dried banana + dried mango; FB3 - dried apricot + dried sapota + dried banana + dried mango, and with other ingredients respectively. The proximate (moisture, ash, total protein, crude fat, crude fiber, CHO), mineral (iron, calcium, sodium, potassium), phytochemical (total phenolic compounds {TPC}, total flavonoids {TF}, tannin), antioxidant (DPPH, vitamin C), physical properties (water activity {aw}, texture), sensory evaluation, and cost estimation of all three variants of formulated FB were analyzed. The data were analyzed by mean±standard deviation and one-way ANOVA test. The results suggested that FB2 and FB3 had better proximate and mineral analysis. However, TPC and TF were observed to be the highest in FB1 and the other highest phytochemical in FB3. The lowest aw was found in FB2 and texture-wise items exhibited the lowest hardness in FB3 and fractureability in FB2 variant, suggesting a simple to bite and chew nature. According to the mean values for sensory evaluation, FB3 was more acceptable than other variants. The cost of formulated fruit bar variants was between Rs. 50-60 per 100 g, which was less than the market yoga bar. Hence, based on the results obtained in this study, it may be concluded that the developed FB2 and FB3 would be more acceptable and nutritious regarding proximate, mineral, and phytochemical potential
Isolation, Identification and Characterisation of Coccidian Protozoa in Foods Intended for Direct Consumption in Two Major Markets in the City of Yaounde, Cameroon
No full textDirect-consumer foods are essential for a healthy diet, but they can also carry environmental forms of intestinal parasites. A survey was conducted in the city of Yaounde, Cameroon, from November 2021 to April 2022, samples of fruits, seeds, drinks and vegetables were collected from two markets in the city of Yaounde. The objective was to detect the presence of oocysts in foods for direct consumption that are sold in the markets of the city of Yaounde. An application of a simple sedimentation method and a modified Ziehl Neelsen staining technique of the forms of dissemination of coccidian protozoa made it possible to identify and count a total of 1280 oocysts/g with a predominance of Cryptosporidium spp. (64 %), followed by Cyclospora sp. (33 %). Isospora belli and Sarcocystis spp occupy the last place with 2 % and 1 % respectively. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) had the highest contamination rate, reaching 196 oocysts/g, followed by Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) with 182 oocysts/g, then Cola (Cola acuminata) with 161 oocysts/g, then carrots (Daucus carota subsp. Sativus) with 120, sprout water and water in sachets occupied last place with respectively 6 oocysts/g and 2 oocytes/g. Regarding the markets, the Mokolo market recorded a greater number of forms of parasite dissemination with 651 oocysts/g followed by the Mfoundi Markets with a total of 629 oocysts/g. The high content of parasitic elements was noted during the short rainy season (SRS) with a total of 838 oocysts/g and a low content of oocysts 442 oocysts/g during the long dry season (LDS). However, no significant association was found between the presence of oocysts and the type of food sold, sales markets, or season. This study highlights the importance of contamination by oocysts of vegetables sold in the markets of the city of Yaounde and health risk to customer if adequate precaution methods are not taken in to consideration
Development of an Automated Irrigation System for Enhancing Water-Use Efficiency
No full textThis paper presents the development and calibration of an automated irrigation system designed using Arduino Uno, a micro pump, soil sensors, a relay module, and programmed in C++. The system aims to enhance irrigation efficiency by delivering water to crops based on real-time soil moisture levels. The Arduino Uno serves as the central control unit, continuously receiving data from the sensors embedded in the soil. When the moisture level falls below a predefined threshold, the Arduino activates the micro pump through the relay module to initiate irrigation. The system was programmed using C++ to ensure precise sensor readings, responsive control actions, and reliable operation. Calibration of the sensors and pump operation was conducted under controlled conditions to ensure accurate detection of soil moisture and appropriate water delivery. The developed system, powered by a solar-rechargeable battery setup, successfully automated irrigation based on real-time soil and environmental data, reducing water usage by an estimated 30–40% compared to manual irrigation methods. Key components included an Arduino Uno microcontroller, DHT22 sensor, 4-in-1 soil sensor (temperature, moisture, pH, EC), and a micro pump controlled via a relay module. Sensor calibration ensured high accuracy, with moisture and pH readings showing deviations within ±3% and ±0.2 pH units, respectively. The system maintained operational stability for over 48 hours without sunlight and responded to soil moisture changes within 2–3 seconds, triggering timely irrigation. Results demonstrate the system\u27s capability to reduce water waste and support optimal soil moisture maintenance. This low-cost, scalable solution is suitable for small- to medium-scale farming applications and contributes to sustainable water resource management in agriculture
Development and Evaluation of Functional Properties, Anti-nutritional Factors, and Sensory Profile for Complementary Infant Food
No full textBackground: Adequate nutrition during the first five years of life is critical for optimal physical and cognitive development. In low-resource settings, complementary foods are often nutritionally inadequate, contributing to childhood malnutrition.
Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate sorghum–peanut composite flours for use in infant complementary food, focusing on functional properties, anti-nutritional factors, and sensory acceptability.
Methods: Sorghum and peanut seeds were purchased from the local market in Jigjiga, Somali Region, Ethiopia. After cleaning, dehulling, and milling, composite flours were prepared in various blend ratios. Functional properties (water absorption capacity and water absorption index), anti-nutritional components (tannin and phytate contents), and sensory qualities (color, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability) were analyzed using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was conducted using Design Expert® software version 13.
Results: The water absorption capacity of the composite flours ranged from 128.15% to 133.96%, significantly influenced (P ≤ 0.01) by sorghum–peanut blending ratios. Anti-nutritional factors decreased with increased peanut content. Sensory evaluation indicated improved acceptability at higher peanut inclusion levels, particularly in taste and overall preference.
Conclusion: The incorporation of peanut flour into sorghum significantly improved the functional and sensory qualities while reducing anti-nutritional factors, indicating its potential as a low-cost, nutrient-enriched complementary food for infants in resource-limited communities
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soils Around Auto-Mechanic Workshops in Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria
No full textAuto-mechanic activities have been identified as a significant contributor to heavy metal contamination in Nigerian urban ecosystems. This study assessed the impact of such activities on soil heavy metal accumulation by analyzing 28 soil samples (labeled A, B, and C) collected from three auto-mechanic workshops, along with a control sample (D) from an uncontaminated site. Concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were determined through laboratory analysis and compared with established environmental quality standards. Elevated levels of copper (6.721 mg/kg), cadmium (0.228 mg/kg), and zinc (58.232 mg/kg) were observed in the sampled soils, suggesting substantial anthropogenic input, particularly from used oil spills. The persistent presence of heavy metals across all sites reflect the environmental risks associated with improper waste handling in automobile repair stations. It is recommended that appropriate containment systems, such as oil collection drums and sealed containers, be implemented to mitigate further contamination and protect soil quality
Comparative Evaluation of Power Generating Capacity of a Low Head River Using Conventional Small Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Turbines: A Case Study on Ona River, Oyo State, Nigeria
No full textThe demand for electricity is growing rapidly around the world as economic development spreads to emerging economies. Among hydro, wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energies, hydro power can be considered as the most exciting and sustainable renewable energy resource for electricity generation, providing 19% of the planet’s electricity. A considerable amount of the global electricity production is obtained from hydropower, but with an insignificant contribution from low head rivers (i.e. ≤ 5m). The interest among researchers towards exploring and harnessing energy from low-head hydro resources is gaining more prominence in recent years. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the competitiveness of the hydrokinetic turbine (HKT) against conventional hydro turbines for harnessing the hydropower available in low-head rivers. A vertical axis hydrokinetic turbine using NACA 0021 airfoil profile and a cross-flow turbine were the technologies employed for the study. Hydrological data were collected from the Ona River in Ibadan, Nigeria. The data were used as input for a computer simulation.In respect of the two hydropower generation technologies considered in this study. The set of mathematical equations used in the design steps for cross flowcross-flow turbine was used and computed using MATLAB. The simulation results were used to develop a scorecard for the evaluation of the two technologies. This study revealed that HKT is more suitable for a zero or low head river than a conventional hydro-turbine, such as cross-flow turbine