IOSR-JESTFT   Volume-1 ~ Issue-6 ~ Nov–Dec 2012

Abstract: The aromatic aldehydes viz. p-chlorobenzaldehyde, p-hydroxy benzaldehyde, p-nitrobenzaldehyde, pmethoxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and benzaldehyde dissolved in aqueous acetic acid, were oxidized in quantitative to good yields by 50% H2O2 in presence of traces of IrCl3. Conditions for highest yields, under most economical conditions, were obtained. Higher catalyst concentrations decrease the yield. Oxidation in aromatic aldehydes is selective at aldehydic group only, and other groups remain unaffected. In this new, simple and economical method, which is environmentally safe and requires less time, [IrCl5H2O]2- species of iridium (III) probably catalyze the oxidation.
Keywords:aromatic aldehyde, benign, catalyst, hydrogen peroxide, iridium (III) chloride, oxidation.

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Abstract: Raspberries (Rubus ideaus L.) are popular and a major UK soft fruit crop. Several efforts have been geared towards developing an improved cultivar that will have a longer shelf-life. A 1 to 2 days improvement in fruit shelf-life would increase the value of harvested fruit and reduce waste. This research work investigated the firmness characteristics of 22 progeny (clones) derived from a Glen Moy x Latham mapping population by recording the various hardness values at 40C over a 7 day storage period. A QTS-Texture Analyser was used to measure hardness values and the results were analyzed using Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) analysis. The parameters measured were: hardness, hardness1_workdone, final load, and sample length (diameter). Overall, there were significant differences (p<0.001) in the total hardness measurements between progeny. This research shows that some red raspberry clones from Glen Moy x Latham mapping population can stay wholesome after 7 days of storage at 40C. This is a good development for red raspberry processors and the supermarkets.
Keywords: shelf life, progeny, cultivar, red raspberry, hardness

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Abstract: Climate Change is currently one of the most challenging global environmental issues facing our generation. This paper presents an analytical review of the interactions between urban centers and climate change. The paper has a focus on two main themes: the interaction between urban centers and the generation of GHGs and the consequences of climate change on urban centers. Global warming is created by such activities like combustion of fossil fuels and land use changes with wide ranging consequences to our urban centers. Although, Climate change is a global issue in its manifestations, global warming is deeply a local issue. It is based on this, that urban centers of different sizes play a major role in the climate change issues. Urban households, industries, and infrastructure are the key sources of greenhouse gases. Urban centers concentrate populations, economic activities and built environment, thus increasing their risk from floods, heat waves, drought and other climate and weather hazards that climate change is expected to aggravate. Aside these risks and vulnerabilities that climate change brings to urban areas, these same urban centers also play pivotal roles in the mitigation and adaptation efforts. Urban centers are hubs of development, sources of innovation and policy responses to reduce greenhouse gases needed to adapt to climate change. It is this combination within urban centers of increased vulnerabilities along with increased opportunities that can generate important synergies for developing new technologies for adaptation and mitigation strategies. This paper contributes to the wealth of knowledge already existing on climate change by specifically looking at the impact of climate change on Nigeria cities. A comprehensive review of literature using electronic and non- electronic databases formed the methodology.
Keywords: Climate change, Urban centers, mitigation, adaptation, vulnerabilities, Urbanization

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Abstract: The studies focused on the toxicity of ethyl acetate extract of Tridax procumbens (Compositeae) reported to have various pharmacological effects, antimicrobial activities against gram-positive and gramnegative bacteria and to stimulate wound healing. The acute toxicity was carried out using the method of Lorkes. In the subchronic study, rats received intraperitoneally T. procumbens at doses of 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Serum biochemical parameters, haematological analysis and histopathology of liver and kidneys were assessed after the last administration. After acute administration, signs of toxicity observed include salivation, rubbing at site of application, nose and mouth on the floor of the cage and restlessness. The LD 50 of the extract was 2100 mg/kg body weight, and all the survived animals gained body weight and organ / body weight ratio as compared to the untreated control (P<0.05). In sub chronic study, all the animals gained body weight and organ / body weight ratio. Liver and kidney function tests were assessed by determining levels of some serum biochemical parameters (sodium, potassium, transaminases, urea, total protein and glucose). There were significant decrease in glucose levels (P<0.05) and significant increase in Alanine amino transaminase (ALT) and decrease in Aspartate amino transaminase (AST) activities with 800mg/kg producing highest effect (P<0.05). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, urea, total proteins and electrolyte levels were not affected significantly (P>0.05). The ethyl acetate extract treated rats increased the Packed Cell Volume (PCV), erythrocyte and leucocyte count (P>0.05) compared to untreated control. The results of histopathological studies showed that ethyl acetate extract had endothelial toxicity at high dose level destroying the blood vessels leading to haemorrhage as indicated by haemosiderin deposition throughout the entire kidney and liver parenchyma. It was concluded that the extract at higher doses had some specific toxic effect which was corroborated by the result of histopathology where there was haemosiderin deposition.
Keywords: Toxicity, Tridax procumbens, Ethyl acetate extract, Mice, Rats

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Abstract: This research study was carried out to determine the effect of acute ingestion of vitamin C on blood pressure and plasma viscosity of healthy male and female subjects.1000mg of vitamin C was administered to forty young healthy adults (twenty males and twenty females) between the ages 20-25yrs in Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State. The blood pressures and plasma viscosities were obtained before and one hour after the ingestion of vitamin C.1000mg of Vitamin C decreased the blood pressure significantly in both male and female subjects (P<0.05). The plasma viscosity in male and female subjects were reduced but only significant in female subjects (P<0.05). The decrease in plasma viscosity in young female adult Human subject who ingested 1000mg of vitamin C explains the decrease in blood pressureobserved in this study.
Keywords: Vitamin C, Blood pressure, plasma viscosity, human subjects

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Abstract: Kerala Houseboats (Riceboats) or kettuvallam are country boats that were used in early days for transport of goods from isolated interior villages of Kerala backwater area to the towns like Alleppey, Kollam , Cochin and Kottayam. With the advent of land transport facilities, gradually the kettuvalloms went off the scene. Now they are back again as a major tourist attraction as a modern moving boat house. They form a huge source of revenue and prosperity for the region. It is a well-known fact that only around 100 of the 600-plus houseboats operating in the Vembanad Lake and the surrounding canals and rivers have valid Pollution Control Certificates (PCC) since they have onboard sewage treatment facilities. Houseboats satisfying the essential conditions and adhering to eco-friendly measures will be awarded the Green Palm Certificate, the top classification awarded by the Department of tourism. The sustainability of eco-tourism lays in the four main areas - Environment - Energy - Water – Propulsion. Less fuel/running cost, no oil or diesel contamination into backwaters, no untreated sewage into backwater, reduction in noise pollution are the ways to achieve dream for a green and pleasing future in Kerala backwater and save the same for the next generation.
Keywords: Eco friendly tourism, Effluent treatment, Green palm Houseboat, Pollution Control Certificates (PCC), sustainability.

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Abstract: In the current study, the duckweed aquatic macrophyte Spirodela polyrrhiza was employed for assessing the toxicity of two wetlands in the Eloor industrial estate, Ernakulam district, Kerala, South India. The assessments were made according to OECD guidelines for testing (2006). The studies involve study of growth parameters, Growth Index, Biomass and changes in productivity. The water samples were collected from two different wetland sites at the same time. The spirodela plants were introduced into several dilutions of wetland water samples. The parameters were measured after 7 days of exposure. All samples except control affected all parameters. The results of this study emphasize the significance of duckweeds as standard and reliable testing material for biological parameters in polluted aquatic ecosystem.
Keywords: Growth inhibition, Spirodela polyrrhiza, Growth Index, macrophyte, duckweed

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