Assessment of natural radioactivity, radon gas and soil characteristics along the Volta Lake in the Kpando municipality of Volta region, Ghana.

Assessment of radionuclides, indoor radon (222RnI), radon exhalation (222Rnex), and soil characteristics in the coastal part of Kpando has been studied using HPGe, CR-39 and sieving techniques. Statistical analysis between radionuclides, radon levels and soil characteristics was done using Pearson's correlation. The mean radionuclide concentration, radon levels and soil characteristics were obtained as 226Ra (23.

Laser-induced fluorescence combined with multivariate techniques identifies the geographical origin of antimalarial herbal plants.

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) combined with multivariate techniques has been used in identifying antimalarial herbal plants (AMHPs) based on their geographical origin. The AMHP samples were collected from four geographical origins (Abrafo, Jukwa, Nfuom, and Akotokyere) in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. LIF spectra data were recorded from the AMHP samples.

Laser-induced autofluorescence assisted by multivariate techniques discriminates a cataractous lens from healthy lens tissues of Sprague-Dawley rats.

Laser-induced autofluorescence (LIAF), combined with multivariate techniques, has been used to discriminate a cataractous lens from healthy lens tissues. In this study, 405 nm and 445 nm were used as excitation sources to induce the autofluorescence. Results show higher autofluorescence intensity in cataractous lens tissues than in healthy ones.

Violet diode laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence: a tool for assessing mosaic disease severity in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars.

Violet diode laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence was used in agronomical assessment (disease severity and average yield per plant). Because cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is of economic importance, improved cultivars with various levels of affinity for cassava mosaic disease were investigated. Fluorescence data correlated with cassava mosaic disease severity levels and with the average yield per plant.

Fragmentation instability of a liquid drop falling inside a heavier miscible fluid.

We report a different type of drop instability, where the density difference between the drop and the solvent is negative. We show that the drop falls inside the solvent down to a minimum height, then fragmentation takes place and secondary droplets rise up to the surface. We have developed a theoretical model that captures the essentials of the phenomenon and predicts the correct scalings for the rise-up time and the minimum height.

Simple portable lens meter.

A device measuring the optical power of simple lenses by means of moiré phenomena is described. The relevant equations are derived, and a working instrument is presented. A power measuring accuracy better than 0.