Cytogenetic monitoring of domestic mammals exposed to wastewaters from the localities of Dladla and Boukallou near Settat, Morocco

The aim of this work was to know the biological impact of wastewaters on livestock in the localities of Dladla and Boukallou (Town of Settat, Morocco), where wastewaters are largely used by the local population for their agricultural activities. We used the micronucleus (MN) test in cytochalasin B blocked binucleated cells (BNC) to assess the possible induced genetic effects. The cellular proliferation index (PI) was also calculated. Blood samples were collected from sheep, bovines and mules and peripheral blood cultures were made according to our laboratories' standard methodology. The results showed a significant increase of micronucleated cells in the lymphocytes of the exposed animals (14+/-8.79 MN/500 BNC) compared to the control (3+/-1.54 MN/500 BNC). The PI showed a nonsignificant decrease in the exposed animals. The highest MN frequency was found in mules which is probably due to their more sedentary life. Direct use of the wastewater by the animals as their source of drinking water significantly increased the frequency of cells with micronuclei. We also established an inverse correlation between the chromosome number and the PI. These results suggest a serious degradation of the ecosystem due to the wastewaters with a direct impact on its inhabitants.     

The relationship between multiple levels of learning practices and objective and subjective organizational financial performance

Multi‐level learning approaches suggest that individuals, groups and organizations act both independently and interact dynamically to contribute to organizational performance. We directly examined this proposition in an Australian sample using a longitudinal design that employed subjective and objective financial performance data. Respondents completed a survey that provided details on their individual, team and organizational learning practices (ILP, TLP and OLP, respectively), and self assessed performance compared to 3 years ago. Concurrently, we collected objective performance data (sales/employee numbers) at 3 yearly intervals and averaged these data to create an index. Using hierarchical and moderated regression, we found a positive main effect for OLP with both subjective and objective performance. Main effects for ILP and TLP were not found. Further, we found a significant interaction between ILP and TLP such that the effect of TLP on productivity was better in organizations with less ILP. Three‐way interactions were not found. Overall, these results provide some support for the model. We discuss some limitations of the study and make recommendations for future studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Infectious Pepper Mild Mottle Virus and Human Adenoviruses as Viral Indices in Sewage and Water Samples

Food and Environmental Virology - The objective of this study was to compare human adenoviruses (HAdVs) genome and infectivity, polyomaviruses (JC and BK) genome (JCPyVs) and (BKPyVs), Pepper Mild...     

Potential of microalgae Bio-Coke as a sustainable solid fuel alternative to coal coke

Energy and environmental issues have triggered the search for new sources of green energy alternatives in recent years. Biofuel production from renewable sources is widely considered one of the most sustainable alternatives for environmental and economic sustainability. Microalgae are currently being promoted as one of the most promising liquid biofuel feedstocks due to their rapid growth, high lipid production capacity, and carbon–neutral cycle. In this study, whole microalgae cells were utilized as raw material to produce solid biofuel, i.e., Bio-Coke, and this study aimed to investigate the possibility of microalgae Bio-Coke as an alternative to coal coke. The results show that Bio-Coke can be produced from microalgae in the temperature range of 80–100 °C. The apparent density is between 1.253 and 1.261 g/cm³, comparable to the apparent density of lignocellulosic Bio-Coke. Additionally, the calorific value is higher than the calorific value of lignocellulosic Bio-Coke and within the range of the calorific value of subbituminous coal. Therefore, microalgae Bio-Coke can be utilized to replace coal coke usage in the future.

     

Mercury in coal from south eastern coalfield and mercury partitioning at sub-critical coal-fired power plant

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - India is considered as one of the major mercury emitters of the world. Coal combustion in power plants is the foremost source of mercury emissions....     

Impact and effectiveness of Bio-Coke conversion from biomass waste as alternative source of coal coke in Southeast Asia

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Growing concern over fossil fuel depletion and the environmental impact of greenhouse gases have driven the demand for solid biofuel energy as an...     

Non-conforming fibre-reinforced green polypropylene composite panels: a case study

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) is one of the byproducts of the coal combustion process in power plants that accumulates in landfills due to its porous,...     

Investigation on mercury flow and emission in integrated primary iron production process

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - The Minamata convention addresses the issue related to mercury poisoning and aim to reduce mercury pollution, as mercury is one of the major...     

Nutraceuticals and mitochondrial oxidative stress: bridging the gap in the management of bronchial asthma

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily characterized by inflammation and reversible bronchoconstriction. It is currently one of the...