There are diverse effects in consequence of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). The interactions of fields and the exposed body tissues are related to the nature of exposure, tissue comportment, field strength and signal frequency. These interactions can crop different effects.

This paper reviews the emerging potential of mid-tier transit, articulating how a complex set of established and new factors could contribute both to better transit outcomes and the associated urban regeneration around station precincts. The analysis is based on two structured literature reviews, supported by insights from the authors’ original research. The first provides an overview of the established and new rationale for mid-tier technologies such as the established Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as well as the new Trackless Tram Systems (TTS). The established role for mid-tier transit is now being given extra reasons for it to be a major focus of urban infrastructure especially due to the need for net zero cities. The second review, is a detailed consideration of established and new factors that can potentially improve patronage on mid-tier transit. The established factors of urban precinct design like stop amenities and improved accessibility and density around stations, are combined with new smart technology systems like advanced intelligent transport systems and real-time transport information for travellers, as well as new transport technologies such as micro-mobility and Mobility on Demand. Also explored are new processes with funding and development models that properly leverage land value capture, public private partnerships, and other entrepreneurial development approaches that are still largely not mainstreamed. All were found to potentially work, especially if done together, to help cities move into greater mid-tier transit.

In recent years, using novel nanomaterials to improve the antifouling and antibacterial performance of reverse osmosis membranes has received much attention. In this study, hydrophilic Ag@ZnO-hyperbranched polyglycerols nanoparticles were fabricated by ring-opening multibranched polymerization of glycidyl acid with the core-shell Ag@ZnO nanoparticles. The cellulose triacetate composite membranes were prepared by grafting Ag@ZnO-HPGs nanoparticles on the surface of cellulose triacetate membranes. The surface of the nanoparticles with active functional group –OH was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Surface morphology, charge, and hydrophilicity of the composite membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscope, zeta potential, and contact angle analysis. The results showed that grafting the Ag@ZnO-HPGs nanoparticles onto the cellulose triacetate membrane surface improved the physical and chemical properties of the cellulose triacetate composite membranes. The water flux of cellulose triacetate composite membranes increased while the salt rejection rate to NaCl slightly decreased. Meanwhile, the cellulose triacetate composite membranes showed excellent antifouling properties of having a high flux recovery. The antibacterial performance of the cellulose triacetate composite membrane against E. coli and S. aureus was prominent that the antibacterial rates were 99.50% and 92.38%, and bacterial adhesion rates were as low as 19.12% and 21.35%, respectively.

Apple farming is a new production venture across the North Shewa Zone. Its production, harvest, postharvest handling, and marketing status are not well known. This study was conducted to assess the above-lined situations across the district. Four representative locations, Asabahir, Tsigereda, Tengego, and Godnamamas were selected based on their apple production status. Then, a total of 88 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed by a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics of percentage, standard deviation, and chi-square tests. A larger percentage of farmers are male (82.9%), in their active production age (41.7%), and produce apples in their backyard (85.25%). The agronomic management of fertilization, pruning, training, and plant spacing deviate from the recommended practices of apple farming. Whereas varietal distribution, irrigation, and post-harvest treatments are better practiced. Loss of fruits by fruit drops and discrimination on the market due to small fruit size are serious problems across the locations. Regarding apple farming, the farmers think of it as a productive venture and got a better price per kg and single fruit sale. They sell mainly in local collectors (60.2%) and nearby cities. As for institutional support, the farmers got apple seedlings, training, and capacity buildings by Agriculture Offices and NGOs, even if the farmers are still in higher need of better support. Therefore, it can be concluded that if not outwaited by poor tree management, destructive product transportation, and higher loss of fruits from trees and in the market, the attitude of the farmers can be capitalized in better production of apples.