QUINOLINE DERIVATIVES AS GROWTH REGULATORS FOR ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
It is investigated the effect of synthesized organic compounds of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2- dihydroquinoline, its derivatives, and hydrogenated analogs. These compounds affected the height of seedlings when they were used for pre-sowing seed treatment of the following ornamental plants: annual ornamental grass – scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) and woody plant – yellow rhododendron (Rhododendron luteum). Prior to the sprouting process, the seeds of Rh. luteum and S. splendens were soaked in water solutions of compounds with concentrations of 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1% for 18 hours. Dihydro- and tetrahydroquinolines with a concentration of 0.05% proved to be the most effective for both plants. For Rhododendron luteum, the compounds of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, its derivatives, and hydrogenated analogs with a concentration of 0.1% proved to be the most effective. Dihydroquinolines at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1% proved to have the strongest effect when applied to the studied perennial woody plant (Rhododendron luteum). Dihydroquinoline at the concentration of 0.05% also proved to be effective when applied to the annual grass (Salvia splendens). For annual S. splendens, tetrahydroquinoline at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05% appeared to be the most effective. The pre-sowing seed treatment of grass Salvia splendens and woody plant Rhododendron luteum with the studied compounds demonstrated that their effect on the height of the seedlings is species-specific. The pre-sowing seed treatment of Rh. luteum and S. splendens allows increasing the height of the seedlings by 3-61 % and 17-25 %, respectively. It is suggested using the compounds of 6-hydroxy-2,2,4- trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, its derivatives, and hydrogenated analogs as effective growth stimulators for ornamental grasses and woody plants.
Read ArticleDENSE CLUSTERS OF RAW SEWAGE LOCATIONS ON MINNA NEIGHBOURHOOD GIS MAPS ARE POINTERS TO VERITABLE URBAN DECAY AND MOSQUITO-BREEDING GROUNDS
Background: The lack of comprehensive baseline data on raw sewage pollution in Minna, Nigeria's Niger State capital, represents a significant gap in public health information. This deficiency necessitates a systematic study to establish a database documenting sewage pollution patterns in Minna's urban environment. Aim: To employ georeferencing tools and descriptive observations for identifying and mapping potential mosquito breeding sites related to sewage discharge within Minna's built-up areas and to develop an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) map as an environmental audit tool for public health officials. Methods: The study area was divided into five sectors: Greater Bosso, Minna Central, Greater Maitumbi, Tunga, and Greater Chanchaga. Following initial site familiarization and GIS equipment testing, systematic surveys were conducted. Field teams documented locations of household sewage discharge points, collecting geographic coordinates, temporal data (date, time, weather conditions), and site characteristics. Each identified location was photographed and recorded in standardized data sheets, including household information where available. Results: Using ArcGIS®10.8 software, comprehensive sewage pollution layers were created for each sector by integrating collected field data with Minna's township built-up and settlement shapefiles. The mapping revealed distinct pollution patterns and clusters across different neighborhoods. Discussion: Analysis of the spatial distribution showed a clear correlation between socioeconomic status and sewage management practices, with higher concentrations of improper sewage discharge in low-income areas. Conclusions: This database serves as a valuable resource for public health interventions targeting mosquito breeding grounds. Regular monitoring through periodic sewage pollution audits and expanded geographical coverage is recommended for improved urban health management.
Read ArticleHEAT DISSIPATION AT CEMENT HARDENING
During the construction of concrete structures of small cross-sections, the release of heat during cementhardening has no harmful effects. With the increasing temperature of the hardening cement mass, the rate ofcement hydration increases. This increases the rate of release of its heat of hydration of cement. Theconsequence of the accelerated process of hydration of the binder is a more intensive increase in the strengthof cement stone than in the case of hardening under normal conditions. This fact is widely used in practice forthe intensification of the hardening of concrete. When structures with small cross-sections are being built, theheat released during hardening is relatively quickly transferred to the surrounding space and does not cause asignificant increase in temperature. In structures made of massive concrete (with a large cross-section), thisheat is stored in the interior of the array for a long time, which causes a rather large rise in temperature and itsslow drop. This is due to the fact that heat transfer to the external environment is hampered here by theconsiderable thickness of the massif and the rapid rate of concreting, mechanized laying of large masses ofconcrete. As a result, a temperature difference is created between the internal and external parts of thestructure and harmful internal stresses arise that can cause cracking in the hardened concrete. This leads to aviolation of its solidity. The faster cement hydrates, the sooner and more heat is released. The types of cementswith a high content of tricalcium silicate and aluminate emit more heat and rather than types of cement with ahigh content of dicalcium silicate and tetra-calcium aluminoferrite. However, the latter has a lower strength. Theincrease in strength resulting from the hydration process is inevitably associated with the release of heat into theenvironment. C
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