Archives-December 2016

Abstract The levels of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in plastic resin pellets were determined with the objective of assessing the status of OCP pollution in the marine ecosystem of selected beaches in Ghana (namely Art Centre, Sakumono, Osu Castle, Labadi, Korle-Gonno, Independence Square and Tema Mighty beaches). The plastic pellets were subjected to Soxhlet extraction and the extracts analyzed using Gas Chromatograph coupled with electron capture detector. High concentrations of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane compounds (DDTs) were recorded followed by Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs), Chlordane compounds (CHLs), Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endrin (DRINs), alpha-endosulphan, beta-endosulphan, endosulphan sulphate (Endosulphans) and Methoxychlor. Analysis of the virgin pellets recorded no organochlorine pesticides present. However, plastic pellets collected from all seven beaches were found to contain OCPs with the highest recorded on the Art Centre beach with a total OCP concentration of 106 ng/g. Plastic pellets collected on the Labadi beach recorded the lowest OCPs with a concentration of 20.2 ng/g. The accumulation of OCP residue on the plastic resin pellets suggests that it can be used as a tool for monitoring marine pollution. Key words: Plastic resin pellets, organochlorine pesticides, beaches, concentration, Ghana.

Annatto extract was investigated as a cheap and ecologically friendly alternative corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion process was monitored with mild steel coupons in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid at temperatures between 30oC to 90oC by weight loss and spectroscopic techniques. The extract effectively inhibited the corrosion of mild steel in the acid at temperatures studied. Inhibition efficiency obtained varied with temperature and extract concentration. Adsorption models were used to predict the nature of the extract-steel surface interaction. Thermodynamic models provide evidence of spontaneous physical and chemical adsorption mechanism with the evolution of heat. Kinetic studies reveal deepening effect on the activation potential well in the presence of the extract. The effects of solvent and synergistic intensifiers on the effectiveness of the dye extract were also assessed. Heavy metal ion composition in the formulation was within acceptable limit of environmental and health safety.

Schiff bases (E)-4-chloro-2-((phenylimino)methyl)phenol, (E)-4-chloro-2-(((2-methoxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol, (E)-4-chloro-2-(((4-chlorophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol, (E)-4-chloro-2-(((5-chloro-2-methylphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol were synthesized from 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde and substituted aniline. The synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV, 1H, and 13C NMR. The antibacterial studies revealed that the compounds exhibit broad spectrum antibacterial activity against Escheriochia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium. The antibacterial activities was affected by the substituent on the aniline part.

This research was carried out to monitoring natural radioactivity level in rock samples were taken from Northern Nuba Mountain, Dallanj region - South Kordofan State. Gamma ray spectroscopy technique was used to evaluate radioactivity level to establish background radiation level. Measured activity concentrations of radionuclides 226Ra,232Th and 40K ,absorbed dose and annual effective dose were found 23.56±2.11, 29.57±4.33 and 330.58±37.06 Bqkg-1 and 33.34±3.39 nGyh-1 and 40.92±4.16 µSvy-1 , respectively. The obtained data shown that values are far below than reported global data. Estimation of the relative contribution of the 226Ra, 232Th and 40K to the overall absorbed dose in air discovered that the main contribution comes from 232Th 53.57 %.

We propose a systematic methodology in any experimental design using orthogonal approach technique, which maximizes the coverage by comparatively lesser number of test cases. In such technique we have to balance between the specified time and quality. In this paper we adopt multiple strategy of OATS (Orthogonal array testing Strategies) in diabetic people to asses and compare the practice to optimize the testing efforts and achieve the right balance between diet and medication in urban and rural areas. Here we introduce three case studies of this orthogonal approach to reduce the number of test cases under the given software and hence improve the efficiency of the testing.

Good featured glassy bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) thin films were prepared from solutions having bismuth nitrate, triethanolamine and sodium selenosulphate at room temperature by chemical bath deposition technique. The crystalline structure, surface morphology, electrical and optical properties of these Bi2Se3 thin films were investigated as a function of annealing process. X-Ray diffraction studies resulted in Bi2Se3 thin films with amorphous structure at room temperature (RT) and growth in film was found by annealing with hexagonal crystal structure. A uniform sphere-like morphology was observed from scanning electron microscopy upon annealing. Optical absorption studies revealed that a direct band gap of 1.11 eV for as-deposited Bi2Se3 films and is drops to 1.02 eV by annealing in air at 2000C for one hour. Moreover the absorption edge shifting toward longer wavelength associated with crystallinity development of annealed film. As-deposited, the thin films show resistivity of approximately 6k?/cm2 decreases upon annealing. From temperature-resistance measurements Bi2Se3 thin films are distinctive semiconductor material upon annealing, with calculated activation energies of 0.18eV and 0.9eV at lower and higher temperature respectively. In photoconduction studies after annealing, the films display organized rise in the photocurrent with applied voltage than in the as-prepared films. This enrichment in conductivity results from crystallinity development along with partial loss of selenium. This may accelerate various promises for the usage of these films by chemical bath deposition method.

This research has cautiously reviewed past studies on Meta cognitive strategies encompassing on planning, monitoring and evaluating learners. The basic purpose of these reviews was to identify strategies to assist children in enhancing their reading and understanding potential. On basis of those reviews seven well defined strategies were formulated for the teachers to apply in a group of 8-9 years old learners for developing reading comprehension by an experiemnt.Study indicates that if proper strategies applied during reading sessions, positive change in the learners is significant. This study is helpful for readers specially teachers to consider cognitive and metacognitive strategies as a mean to plan their reading lessons on vocabulary building, making connections, questioning, summarizing, predicting, visualizing and monitoring. Therefore, it is recommended that these strategies be incorporated for teaching English reading lessons.

The present study offers an exploration of the success factor used in green building construction in the Bhopal area. The specific objective includes assessment of the factors relation and its impact. How these factors will play the role and awareness among public as well as in builders of Bhopal region. In total 54 builders is interviewed face to face with the help of semi structured questionnaire. Responses are tabulated and descriptive analysis is performed. Correlation analysis is done for the received data on success factors. It is being found that most of the success factors are related and having impact in the success of green building research.

The manufacturing industries is becoming more competitive in recent decade, thus more concern about their operations and management, which makes industries interested in developing modern management system in order to stay competitive in managing their business operations. The present paper discusses the real time implementation of maintenance management discipline for the better performance and availability of the equipment. A particular section is selected, and analysis of OEE and maintenance discipline has shown a remarkable achievement. Six month continuous monitoring of plant by scholar has suggested implementing a maintenance management discipline for continuous performance improvement and maximum availability of equipments.

The present research paper has examined the factors which a company must consider while implementing Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices. Manufacturing companies nearby Bhopal will be examined in their approach to be more sustainable. The research method employed is a case study analysis through Semi-structured interviews held with relevant managers. This research correspond with the Strategic and operational planning, Structure, systems, and decision making Management of people and company culture; Relationships with supply chain members. Top-management support is crucial for effectively working GSCM practices. A flat hierarchical structure might be helpful for successful GSCM, but therefore the inherent advantages of a flat hierarchy have to be exploited. Employee involvement is recognized as another crucial element of GSCM. An environmentally friendly company culture is beneficial and should be derived from the companies’ environmental vision and/or mission. Collaborations with suppliers are perceived to be productive and essential to develop innovative products. Other tools, like supplier questionnaires, can help to improve the environmental impact of the whole supply chain.