Predicting carbon dioxide emissions in the United States of America using machine learning algorithms.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions result from human activities like burning fossil fuels. CO2 is a greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming and climate change. Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions include transitioning to renewable energy. Monitoring and reducing CO2 emissions are crucial for mitigating climate change. Strategies include energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. In the past few decades, several nations have experienced air pollution and environmental difficulties because of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. One of the most crucial methods for regulating and maximizing CO2 emission reductions is precise forecasting. Four machine learning algorithms with high forecasting precision and low data requirements were developed in this study to estimate CO2 emissions in the United States (US). Data from a dataset covering the years 1973/01 to 2022/07 that included information on different energy sources that had an impact on CO2 emissions were examined. Then, four algorithms performed the CO2 emissions forecast from the layer recurrent neural network with 10 nodes (L-RNN), a feed-forward neural network with 10 nodes (FFNN), a convolutional neural network with two layers with 10 and 5 filters (CNN1), and convolutional neural network with two layers and with 50 and 25 filters (CNN2) models. Each algorithm's forecast accuracy was assessed using eight indicators. The three preprocessing techniques used are (1) without any processing techniques, (2) processed using max-min normalization technique, and (3) processed using max-min normalization technique and decomposed by variation mode decomposition (VMD) technique with 7 intrinsic mode functions and 1000 iterations. The latter with L-RNN algorithm gave a high accuracy between the forecasting and actual values. The results of CO2 emissions from 2011/05 to 2022/07 have been forecasted, and the L-RNN algorithm had the highest forecast accuracy. The L-RNN model has the lowest value of 1.187028078, 135.5668592, and 11.64331822 for MAPE, MSE, and RMSE, respectively. The L-RNN model provides precise and timely forecasts that can help formulate plans to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future. Moreover, the results of this investigation can improve our comprehension of the dynamics of carbon dioxide emissions, resulting in better-informed environmental policies and initiatives targeted at lowering carbon emissions.

Impacts of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Healthcare Inaccessibility and Unaffordability in Uganda.

Several studies have reported adverse consequences of the COVID-19 lockdowns on the utilization of healthcare services across Africa. However, little is known about the channels through which lockdowns impacted healthcare utilization. This study focuses on unaffordability as a reason for not utilizing healthcare services. We estimate the causal impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on healthcare inaccessibility and affordability in Uganda relative to the nonlockdown periods of the pandemic. We use nationally representative longitudinal household data and a household fixed-effects model to identify the impact of the lockdown on whether households could not access medical treatment and whether the reason for not getting care was the lack of money. We find that the lockdown in Uganda was associated with an 8.4% higher likelihood of respondents being unable to access healthcare when treatment was needed relative to the nonlockdown periods. This implies a 122% increase in the share of respondents unable to access healthcare. As lockdown restrictions eased, the likelihood of being unable to access medical treatment decreased. The main reason for the increase in inaccessibility was the lack of money, with a 71% increase in the likelihood of respondents being unable to afford treatment. We find little evidence that the effects of the lockdown differed by wealth status or area of residence. Our results indicate the need for policymakers to consider immediate social support for households as a strategy for balancing the disruptions caused by lockdowns.

Maximum power extraction and DC-Bus voltage regulation in grid-connected PV/BES system using modified incremental inductance with a novel inverter control.

Low ripples and variations in the DC-Bus voltage in single-phase Photovoltaic/Battery Energy Storage (PV/BES) grid-connected systems may cause significant harmonics distortion, instability, and reduction in power factor. The use of short-life electrolytic capacitor on the DC-Bus is considered a standard way for reducing these ripples and variations because of its large capacitance but results in short lifetime of the inverter. Replacing large electrolytic capacitors with small film capacitors can extend the lifetime of a PV/BES grid-connected system because small film capacitors have longer lifetime than large electrolytic capacitors. These film capacitors have low capacitance, which causes severe oscillations in the output current, and voltage drop due to huge ripples on the DC-Bus voltage. In this research, the main goal is to eliminate the output current ripples and voltage fluctuations associated with employing film capacitors. First, a modified incremental conductance (MIC) technique is proposed for tracking the maximum power by controlling the duty ratio of the DC-DC boost converter. Second, for the first time, a simple and novel d-q current regulation technique, which employs flowchart decision logic, is used in the DC-Bus control system for both the PV power system and the state of charge (SOC) of the BES. In this case, the DC-Bus controller is characterized by a cost-effective implementation because of its low sampling frequency. Although the presented approaches are successful in eliminating voltage distortion and fluctuations, they have unacceptable dynamic performance. Therefore, to improve the dynamic performance, BES was used to maintain a reliable and stable harvest from PV modules for varying loads while also increasing the dynamic performance of the overall system. The proposed PV/BES grid-connected systems, which employs a small 10-µF bus capacitor, is simulated and connected to the grid (230 V, 50 Hz). The DC-Bus voltage overshoot, undershoot and the total harmonics distortion (THD) of the output current for the proposed MIC are (1 V), (2.5 V) and (less than 5%), respectively. The average time response under rising radiation to track the global peak for MIC, traditional incremental conductance and variable step size incremental conductance are 1.403 s, 1.501 s and 1.113 s respectively. The obtained findings demonstrated the efficacy and superiority of the proposed d-q current control and MIC technique.

Polymeric Insulator Conditions Estimation by Using Leakage Current Characteristics Based on Simulation and Experimental Investigation.

The current work contributes an estimate of the time-frequency characteristics of a leakage current in assessing the health condition of a polluted polymeric insulator. A 33 kV polymer insulator string was subjected to a series of laboratory tests under a range of environmental conditions, including pollution, wetting rate (WR), non-soluble deposit density (NSDD), and non-uniform distribution pollution (FT/B). The temporal and frequency features of the leakage current were then extracted and used as assessment indicators for insulator conditions based on laboratory test findings. Two indices were generated from the leakage current waveform in the time domain: the curve slope index (F1), which is determined by measuring the inclination of the curve between two successive time peaks of the leakage current, and the crest factor indicator (F2). The frequency domain of the leakage current signal was used to calculate the other two indices. These are the odd harmonic indicators derived from the odd frequency harmonics of the leakage current up to the 9th component (F3) and the 5th to 3rd harmonics ratio (F4). The findings showed that the suggested indicators were capable of evaluating insulator conditions. Finally, the confusion matrix for the experimental and prediction results obtained with the proposed indices was used to assess which indicator performed the best. Therefore, the analysis suggests an alternative and effective method for estimating the health condition of a polluted insulator through leakage current characteristics obtained in the time and frequency domains.

An in vitro evaluation of microleakage of resin based composites bonded to chlorhexidine-pretreated dentin by different protocols of a universal adhesive system.

PURPOSE: This study compared microleakage of different resin based composite (RBC) materials bonded to dentin, after chlorhexidine (CHX) application, by different adhesion protocols of a universal adhesive system. METHODS: Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 40 premolar teeth. The "etch-and-rinse" technique of a universal bond adhesive system (Single Bond Universal Adhesive) was used on buccal preparations, while the "self-etch" protocol was used on the lingual surfaces. Two RBCs, one bulk fill (Filtek Bulk Fill [FBF]) and one conventional (Filtek Z350 XT [Z350XT]), were used. Teeth were divided into two groups of 20 teeth each, 10 per each RBC (n = 10): (1) control; and (2) pretreatment with 2% CHX. For FBF groups, teeth were restored with a single increment; however, for Z350XT, a layering technique was used. Teeth were aged by thermo-cycling and prepared for microleakage testing. Dye penetration was evaluated and scored from 0 to 4. Data were analyzed at a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: The highest microleakage mean scores were found in the control group of the etched margins for both RBCs (2.80 ± 1.033 FBF and 2.10 ± 1.370 Z350XT). The CHX-pretreated group showed significantly lower microleakage than the control for FBF only (P = 0.008). No significant difference was found between groups for the "self-etch" protocol (χ2 = 0.884, P = 0.08). No significant differences were found between FBF and Z350XT in all study groups (P > 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: When the "self-etch" protocol of the universal adhesive system was used, dentin microleakage was not affected by CHX-pretreatment when teeth were restored with bulk fill or conventional RBCs. In the "etch-and-rinse" protocol, CHX application improved the marginal seal before restoration with bulk fill material. However, in the absence of CHX, the "etch-and-rinse" protocol negatively affected marginal integrity.

Perception of Mental Health Care Professionals in Saudi Arabia on Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Observational Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Mental health disorders are common in Saudi Arabia with a 34% lifetime prevalence. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, is an evidence-based intervention for the majority of mental disorders. Although the demand for CBT is increasing, unfortunately, there are few therapists available to meet this demand and the therapy is expensive. Computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) is a new modality that can help fill this gap. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to measure the knowledge of cCBT among mental health care professionals in Saudi Arabia, and to evaluate their attitudes and preferences toward cCBT. METHODS: This quantitative observational cross-sectional study used a convenience sample, selecting mental health care professionals working in the tertiary hospitals of Saudi Arabia. The participants received a self-administered electronic questionnaire through data collectors measuring their demographics, knowledge, and attitudes about cCBT, and their beliefs about the efficacy of using computers in therapy. RESULTS: Among the 121 participating mental health care professionals, the mean age was 36.55 years and 60.3% were women. Most of the participants expressed uncertainty and demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding cCBT. However, the majority of participants indicated a positive attitude toward using computers in therapy. Participants agreed with the principles of cCBT, believed in its efficacy, and were generally confident in using computers. Among the notable results, participants having a clinical license and with cCBT experience had more knowledge of cCBT. The overall attitude toward cCBT was not affected by demographic or work-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health care professionals in Saudi Arabia need more education and training regarding cCBT; however, their attitude toward its use and their comfort in using computers in general show great promise. Further research is needed to assess the acceptance of cCBT by patients in Saudi Arabia, in addition to clinical trials measuring its effectiveness in the Saudi population.

The Quality Assessment of Different Geolocalisation Methods for a Sensor System to Monitor Structural Health of Monumental Objects.

Cultural heritage objects are affected by a wide range of factors causing their deterioration and decay over time such as ground deformations, changes in hydrographic conditions, vibrations or excess of moisture, which can cause scratches and cracks formation in the case of historic buildings. The electromagnetic spectroscopy has been widely used for non-destructive structural health monitoring of concrete structures. However, the limitation of this technology is a lack of geolocalisation in the space for multispectral architectural documentation. The aim of this study is to examine different geolocalisation methods in order to determine the position of the sensor system, which will then allow to georeference the results of measurements performed by this device and apply corrections to the sensor response, which is a crucial element required for further data processing related to the object structure and its features. The classical surveying, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry methods were used in this investigation at three test sites. The methods were reviewed and investigated. The results indicated that TLS technique should be applied for simple structures and plain textures, while the SfM technique should be used for marble-based and other translucent or semi-translucent structures in order to achieve the highest accuracy for geolocalisation of the proposed sensor system.

Self-esteem and other risk factors for depressive symptoms among adolescents in United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about depressive symptoms among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to identify the prevalence of depression and its association with self-esteem, individual, parental and family factors among adolescents aged 12 to 18 in UAE. METHODS: Six hundred adolescents, aged 12 to 18 years were recruited from 4 of 111 schools in a cross-sectional study. We administered Beck Depression Inventory Scale and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale to measure self-report symptoms of depression and self-esteem. We used multiple linear regression to identify significant predictors of depression. RESULTS: Over 86% of the identified sample participated to the survey. The mean age of the sample was 14.3 (±1.3) with an excess of girls (61%). Depressive symptoms were detected in 17.2% (95% CI 14.2-20.7). There was an inverse relationship between self-esteem scores and depressive symptoms. Positive predictors of depressive symptoms, having controlled for age, gender, and ethnicity included experiencing neglect, being verbally abused in school, having no monthly allowance to spend in school, a history of physical morbidities requiring treatment, being a current or past smoker and a low family income. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of depressive symptoms measured in this survey suggests a significant public health problem among adolescents in the UAE. Public health interventions aimed at facilitating education and early detection and potential treatment of depressive symptoms are a priority in the region.

Embedded Smart Antenna for Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation (NDT&E) of Moisture Content and Deterioration in Concrete.

: Concrete failure will lead to serious safety concerns in the performance of a building structure. It is one of the biggest challenges for engineers to inspect and maintain the quality of concrete throughout the service years in order to prevent structural deterioration. To date, a lot of research is ongoing to develop different instruments to inspect concrete quality. Detection of moisture ingress is important in the structural monitoring of concrete. This paper presents a novel sensing technique using a smart antenna for the non-destructive evaluation of moisture content and deterioration inspection in concrete blocks. Two different standard concrete samples (United Kingdom and Malaysia) were investigated in this research. An electromagnetic (EM) sensor was designed and embedded inside the concrete to detect the moisture content within the structure. In addition, CST microwave studio was used to validate the theoretical model of the EM sensor against the test data. The results demonstrated that the EM sensor at 2.45 GHz is capable of detecting the moisture content in the concrete with linear regression of R² = 0.9752. Furthermore, identification of different mix ratios of concrete were successfully demonstrated in this paper. In conclusion, the EM sensor is capable of detecting moisture content non-destructively and could be a potential technique for maintenance and quality control of the building performance.

Theoretical Basis and Application for Measuring Pork Loin Drip Loss Using Microwave Spectroscopy.

During cutting and processing of meat, the loss of water is critical in determining both product quality and value. From the point of slaughter until packaging, water is lost due to the hanging, movement, handling, and cutting of the carcass, with every 1% of lost water having the potential to cost a large meat processing plant somewhere in the region of €50,000 per day. Currently the options for monitoring the loss of water from meat, or determining its drip loss, are limited to destructive tests which take 24-72 h to complete. This paper presents results from work which has led to the development of a novel microwave cavity sensor capable of providing an indication of drip loss within 6 min, while demonstrating good correlation with the well-known EZ-Driploss method (R² = 0.896).

Assessing quality parameters in dry-cured ham using microwave spectroscopy.

Microwave spectroscopy has been applied in numerous non-food industry applications, and recently also in the food industry, for non-destructive measurements. In this study, a dry-cured ham model was designed and chemical analyses were performed for determining water activity, water content and salt content (sodium chloride) for all samples. These chemical parameters were also measured using microwave spectroscopy, with a rectangular microwave cavity resonator. Results indicate that microwave spectroscopy may be a promising technique for determination of water activity, salt content and water content in dry-cured ham using either reflected or transmitted signals.

Label free detection of specific protein binding using a microwave sensor.

The specific binding of streptavidin to biotinylated protein A was demonstrated using a microwave detection system. In control experiments, the degree of non-specific binding was negligible. The method of detection was used to monitor the adsorption of two other proteins, cytochrome c and glucose oxidase, on to the IDE microwave sensor surface. The response of the sensor was also examined on different substrate materials, with detection of protein binding observed obtained on both smooth, conductive (gold) and on rough, insulating (hydroxyapatite) surfaces.

Real-Time Monitoring of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Concentration Using a Novel Electromagnetic Sensors Microfluidic Cell Structure.

This study demonstrates an electromagnetic wave-based sensor embedded within a fluidic cell for the purposes of quantifying Pseudomonas aeruginosa in real time, which implies it could be applied for provision of point-of-care diagnostics. The sensors operates through the interaction of the electromagnetic field with the analyte flowing through the fluidic system, and via the sensor head which has a specifically designed planar pattern to maximize the sensor sensitivity for the given bacteria type. The sensor is demonstrated to respond linearly (R(2) = 0.9942) to OD(550) 25 × 10(-3) - 1.0 bacteria concentration through changing resonant frequency and peak quality factor. This innovative approach is expected to contribute to better provision of healthcare services, minimizing the need for hospital visits through real-time point-of-care diagnostics as opposed to lengthy laboratory assays.

Endoplasmic reticulum quality control is involved in the mechanism of endoglin-mediated hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition affecting the vascular system and is characterised by epistaxis, arteriovenous malformations and mucocutaneous and gastrointestinal telangiectases. This disorder affects approximately 1 in 8,000 people worldwide. Significant morbidity is associated with this condition in affected individuals, and anaemia can be a consequence of repeated haemorrhages from telangiectasia in the gut and nose. In the majority of the cases reported, the condition is caused by mutations in either ACVRL1 or endoglin genes, which encode components of the TGF-beta signalling pathway. Numerous missense mutations in endoglin have been reported as causative defects for HHT but the exact underlying cellular mechanisms caused by these mutations have not been fully established despite data supporting a role for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control machinery. For this reason, we examined the subcellular trafficking of twenty-five endoglin disease-causing missense mutations. The mutant proteins were expressed in HeLa and HEK293 cell lines, and their subcellular localizations were established by confocal fluorescence microscopy alongside the analysis of their N-glycosylation profiles. ER quality control was found to be responsible in eight (L32R, V49F, C53R, V125D, A160D, P165L, I271N and A308D) out of eleven mutants located on the orphan extracellular domain in addition to two (C363Y and C382W) out of thirteen mutants in the Zona Pellucida (ZP) domain. In addition, a single intracellular domain missense mutant was examined and found to traffic predominantly to the plasma membrane. These findings support the notion of the involvement of the ER's quality control in the mechanism of a significant number, but not all, missense endoglin mutants found in HHT type 1 patients. Other mechanisms including loss of interactions with signalling partners as well as adverse effects on functional residues are likely to be the cause of the mutant proteins' loss of function.

Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs interferes with epidermal growth factor receptor signaling.

The reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) gene had been isolated as an antagonist to RAS signaling; however, the mechanism of its action is not clear. In this study, the effect of loss of RECK function was assessed in various ways and cell systems. Successive cell cultivation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) according to 3T3 protocol revealed that the germline knockout of RECK confers accelerated cell proliferation and early escape from cellular senescence associated with downregulation of p19(Arf), Trp53 and p21(Cdkn1a). In contrast, short hairpin RNA-mediated depletion of RECK induced irreversible growth arrest along with several features of the Arf, Trp53 and Cdkn1a-dependent cellular senescence. Within 2 days of RECK depletion, we observed a transient increase in protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation associated with an upregulated expression of cyclin D1, p19(Arf), Trp53, p21(Cdkn1a) and Sprouty 2. On further cultivation, RAS, AKT and ERK activities were then downregulated to a level lower than control, indicating that RECK depletion leads to a negative feedback to RAS signaling and subsequent cellular senescence. In addition, we observed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity was transiently upregulated by RECK depletion in MEFs, and continuously downregulated by RECK overexpression in colon cancer cells. These findings indicate that RECK is a novel modulator of EGFR signaling.

Endoscopic approach to capsule endoscope retention.

In recent years, wireless capsule endoscopy has become increasingly indicated and utilized in the diagnosis and management of small bowel disorders. As such, its most common complication, capsule retention, has become a more frequently encountered clinical entity. Historically, when medical management of capsule retention has failed, patients have been sent directly to surgery. However, recent advances in small bowel enteroscopy have demonstrated a high success rate and safety profile in retrieving retained capsules. These approaches appear to be a viable alternative to surgery in many clinical scenarios. This article discusses both standard and advanced endoscopic approaches to capsule retention, and presents an algorithmic approach to their utilization.

Utility of upper endoscopy and colonoscopy in evaluating gastrointestinal luminal wall thickening found on computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans are frequently performed for a variety of abdominal complaints. Not infrequently, bowel wall thickening noted on these radiographic studies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract prompt further endoscopic evaluation. It is unclear whether the costs and risks of endoscopy are justified given the subsequent yield on endoscopic examination of this radiological finding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was done on patients referred to the Digestive Diseases section of a tertiary level hospital for abnormal findings seen on CT during the study period. These patients were seen over one year and their charts reviewed. The items reviewed in the charts were: age, gender, chief complaint, physical findings, ordering location, CT scan indication, CT scan abnormality, endoscopic findings, and the time interval between CT scan and endoscopic procedure. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients with bowel wall thickening that proceeded to an endoscopy were identified. The average age for the patients was 18 to 89 with a mean of 55 years. Females comprised 59% of the patients. The mean period from the time of the CT scan to endoscopy was 32 days. In the upper GI tract, 39 patients had bowel wall thickening. Of these, 25 had abnormal pathology on subsequent endoscopy correlating with the radiological findings. In the lower GI tract, 109 patients had bowel wall thickening. Of these, 36 had abnormal findings on the subsequent endoscopy. In this group, 10% was found to be of neoplastic origin upon further work-up. The positive predictive value (PPV) for bowel wall thickening in the UGI tract was 64%. In the lower GI tract, the PPV was 33%. CONCLUSION: Thickening of the gastrointestinal tract is not uncommonly noted on abdominal CT scans. The resultant endoscopic evaluations of these findings appear to yield more when these changes are seen in the upper GI tract as compared to the lower GI tract. Luminal wall thickening in the upper GI tract seen on CT is a very useful predictor of pathology (PPV = 64%). For colonic wall thickening seen on CT, the PPV was only 33%. Nevertheless, we recommend direct visualization as 10% of these findings were found to be malignancies on follow-up.

Differential regulation of synapsin phosphorylation by monocular deprivation in juveniles and adults.

The rodent visual cortex retains significant ocular dominance plasticity beyond the traditional postnatal critical period. However, the intracellular mechanisms that underlie the cortical response to monocular deprivation are predicted to be different in juveniles and adults. Here we show monocular deprivation in adult, but not juvenile rats, induced an increase in the phosphorylation of the prominent presynaptic effecter protein synapsin at two key sites known to regulate synapsin function. Monocular deprivation in adults induced an increase in synapsin phosphorylation at the PKA consensus site (site 1) and the CaMKII consensus site (site 3) in the visual cortex ipsilateral to the deprived eye, which is dominated by non-deprived eye input. The increase in synapsin phosphorylation was observed in total cortical homogenate, but not synaptoneurosomes, suggesting that the pool of synapsin targeted by monocular deprivation in adults does not co-fractionate with excitatory synapses. Phosphorylation of sites 1 and 3 stimulates the release of synaptic vesicles from a reserve pool and increases in the probability of evoked neurotransmitter release, which may contribute to the strengthening of the non-deprived input characteristic of ocular dominance plasticity in adults.

Natural abundances of 15N and 13C in leaves of some N2-fixing and non-N2-fixing trees and shrubs in Syria.

A survey study was conducted on man-made plantations located at two different areas in the arid region of Syria to determine the variations in natural abundances of the (15)N and (13)C isotopes in leaves of several woody legume and non-legume species, and to better understand the consequence of such variations on nitrogen fixation and carbon assimilation. In the first study area (non-saline soil), the delta(15)N values in four legume species (Acacia cyanophylla,-1.73 per thousand Acacia farnesiana,-0.55 per thousand Prosopis juliflora,-1.64 per thousand; and Medicago arborea,+1.6 \textperthousand) and one actinorhizal plant (Elaeagnus angustifolia,-0.46 to-2.1 per thousand) were found to be close to that of the atmospheric value pointing to a major contribution of N(2) fixing in these species; whereas, delta(15)N values of the non-fixing plant species were highly positive. delta(13)C per thousand; in leaves of the C3 plants were found to be affected by plant species, ranging from a minimum of-28.67 per thousand; to a maximum of-23 per thousand. However, they were relatively similar within each plant species although they were grown at different sites. In the second study area (salt affected soil), a higher carbon discrimination value (Delta(13)C per thousand) was exhibited by P. juliflora, indicating that the latter is a salt tolerant species; however, its delta(15)N was highly positive (+7.03 per thousand) suggesting a negligible contribution of the fixed N(2). Hence, it was concluded that the enhancement of N(2) fixation might be achieved by selection of salt-tolerant Rhizobium strains.

Experimental investigations of microwave plasma UV lamp for food applications.

The food industry is keen to have new techniques that improve the safety and/or shelf life of food products without the use of preservatives. There is considerable interest in developing UV light and ozone (O3) treatments to enhance shelf life. A microwave radiation device that is a novel source of germicidal UV and O3 suitable for the food industry has been developed, which offers speed, cost and energy benefits over existing sources. With this system comes the need to monitor a number of conditions, primarily UV intensity and ozone gas concentrations. The effectiveness of intense UV exposure for short periods of time was assessed on different microorganisms. Culture plates were exposed to a range of doses of UV-C light, and the reduction in numbers of surviving microorganisms was recorded The results on the biocidal capacity of the microwave generated UV light are presented.