60 research outputs found
Microplastics pollution. An overview of the global crisis
No full textThe exponential surge in global plastic production since the 1950s has led to widespread environmental contamination, posing severe threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. With annual plastic production forecast to reach record high levels by 2050, immediate action is necessary to prevent the impending catastrophe. This chapter is a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted threats linked with plastic pollution, including its economic ramifications, toxicological impacts, and pervasive presence in human tissues. Recent studies showing the presence of microplastics in human organs including the placenta underscore the urgency of addressing this crisis. Efforts to tackle plastic pollution are underway, with international agreements and initiatives aiming to curb plastic production and consumption. However, a multifaceted approach that incorporates reduction, innovation, regulation, and public awareness is critical to effectively combating this global problem and securing a safe and sustainable future for generations to come.</p
Plastic recycling: current trends, challenges, and opportunities
No full textPlastic is an integral part of our daily lives, offering diverse mechanical and chemical properties that make it valuable in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and packaging. Despite their widespread applications, plastic products pose a significant environmental threat due to their nondegradable nature. Without proper management, plastic waste products are currently accumulating in landfills and natural habitats. To address this environmental challenge, the plastics industry acknowledges promising approaches, particularly recycling practices, to mitigating the impact. These approaches present opportunities to decrease CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and waste disposal. The authors of this chapter compare different recycling strategies for their advantages and disadvantages. Advancements in recycling technologies and processes that involve the absorption, sorting, and reprocessing of recyclable plastics are continually evolving, opening new possibilities in recycling methods. The authors examine recent and future developments in the use and recycling of plastics, highlighting the environmental consequences of plastic waste accumulation.</p
Closing the loop on microplastics: sources, risks, analysis, and the path forward
No full textThe rapid increase in the utilization of plastic products has exceeded the planet’s capacity to manage them effectively. Scientists have unraveled the pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs), their potential harm, and the complexities of studying them. MPs are ubiquitous, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Analyzing and quantifying them remains challenging, demanding innovative techniques. Remediation strategies offer hope, from source reduction to novel cleanup methods. To confront the MP menace effectively, interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial. Additionally, regulatory frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and continued technological advancements in detection methods are imperative. This book provides a foundational understanding, but the journey to mitigate MPs is ongoing. The future calls for united efforts across sectors. Technological innovations will enhance MP analysis, facilitating informed policymaking. Governments must establish stringent regulations while encouraging industry practices that reduce MP emissions. Education and awareness campaigns will empower individuals to make eco-conscious choices. Advancements in sustainable cleanup techniques and long-term monitoring programs are essential. This chapter presents the conclusion on the overall impact of MPs in the environment and their remediation for future points of view. This chapter outlines the societal contribution to reducing plastic pollution and emphasizes the potential for education to enhance its control and management.</p
Evaluation of Mulch Colour for Enhancing Winter-Strawberry Production under Polyhouse in Mid-Hills of Himachal Pradesh
Get PDFStrawberry cultivation in Himachal Pradesh is mainly based on outdoor planting using hay as mulch and, very recently, using black polythene as mulch. The bulk of its production under field conditions usually occurs in April- May when market price is quite low. In an effort to make the crop remunerative through enhanced winter-production, a polyhouse experiment was set up to investigate influence of mulch colour on off-season fruiting response, fruit size and quality in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.). Plants of cv. Chandler were planted in September, 2004. Irrigation was imposed using the given through T-Tape system, from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM. Yellow plastic mulch significantly increased number of fruits, effected early and higher total yield compared to black or silver-over-purple plastic mulches. Un-mulched bed produced lowest yield and fruit quality. Yellow plastic mulch raised soil temperature by at least 2°C compared to the un-mulched bed
Two isoforms of lipoxygenase from mature grains of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]: purification and physico-chemico-kinetic characterization
No full textCan single plasma glucose value 2 hours after 75g glucose (DIPSI criteria) replace the gold standard OGTT for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus?
Get PDFBackground: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common medical complication of pregnancy associated with several fetal and maternal complications. There are several screening tools for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus including recent DIPSI criteria of non-fasting single plasma 2-hour value after 75 grams glucose (single step test). The present study was aimed at calculating prevalence of GDM, sensitivity and specificity using non-fasting single plasma 2-hour value after 75 grams glucose for screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and to study the high-risk characteristics for GDM in this study population.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted for a period of one year. 750 antenatal women attending Antenatal outpatient department(OPD) with period of gestation 24-28 weeks were enrolled in the study. All women were first tested by 75 gm glucose and then by OGTT for confirmation. Prevalence rates, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were studied. History based questionnaire was used to study the risk characteristics for GDM.Results: Prevalence rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for patients were 14.13%, 73.58%, 95.03%, 70.90% and 95.67%. Among the risk factors 7.2% patients were more than 30 years in age. 0.93% had GDM in previous pregnancy.4.21% had GCA in previous pregnancy, 12.4% had SB/IUD/NND in previous pregnancy. 1.17% had previous pregnancy with birth weight more than 3.5 kg and 9.73% had family history of diabetes mellitus. Past history of GDM (50%) was the most common risk factor in GDM group followed by age > 30 years (29.6%), and family history (24.6%).Conclusions: Screening using DIPSI criteria has good sensitivity and negative predictive values. It can serve as both screening and diagnostic test besides being simple, user friendly, cost effective and evidence-based test in less resource countries like India
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No full textNot AvailableNinety genotypes of sunflower of different agro-ecological origins were evaluated for the estimation of proportion of variability, broad sense heritability,
predicted genetic advance and genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation. Data were recorded on five selected plants for yield and yield attributing traits.
Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed as the highest for seed yield per plant, followed by seed filling percentage and 100-seed
weight and moderate for plant height, hull content, head diameter, protein content and stem girth. High heritability was reported for all the traits, except stem girth
and head diameter. Higher values of GA as percent of mean were observed for seed yield per plant (93.79), plant height (28.95), head diameter (20.58), 100-
seed weight (54.24), seed filling percentage (60.94), hull content (28.25) and protein content (23.59). High heritability associated with high GA was recorded for
seed yield per plant (93.64), 100-seed weight (86.15), seed filling percentage (98.15), hull content (96.96), plant height (87.65) and protein content (92.16).
Hence, these traits should be preferred for sunflower improvement programme.Not Availabl
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