*2.2. Identification of Isolated Bacteria by Biochemical and Molecular Characterization*

The bacterial isolates were identified based on morphological, microscopic, biochemical and molecular characterization. Biochemical tests such as gram staining, catalase, oxidase test, KOH test, gelatin liquefaction, starch hydrolysis, casein hydrolysis and pectin hydrolysis were carried out as described in [34]. Molecular characterization was carried out to identify the organism at a molecular level. Using a Chromous bacterial genomic DNA isolation kit, the genomic DNA of bacterial samples were isolated following the standard protocol. PCR amplification was carried out using universal 16s rRNA primers. The obtained sequences were deposited in an NCBI GenBank and an accession number was obtained [35]. The GenBank accession numbers are as follows: *Xanthomonas oryzae* pv. *oryzae* (MBXoo53) MF787295.1, *Xanthomonas oryzae* pv. *oryzae* (MBXoo70) MF787294.1, *Xanthomonas oryzae* pv. *oryzae* (MBXoo69) MF579736.1.


**6. References**

64 Current Issues of Water Management

**rupture average Frossos WWTP efficiency:**

It should be noted that the results presented in this chapter are not exhaustive. All simulations are made available with the installation of ODeCav System and can be found on

The presented examples illustrate the potential of the developed system for management of

The developed operational modelling platform allows the simulation of an unlimited number of scenarios. Several scenarios were implemented in order to evaluate its

Main obtained results for the rivers within the basin reveal an almost uniform longitudinal profile for BOD concentration with a good agreement between observed and simulated results. The installed wastewater treatment capacity in the watershed (domestic and industrial wastewater) is reflected in the observed values leading to low concentrations of BOD. However, a quite different situation is observed for bacteriological indicators. In the lower part of the basin, concentrations results for all simulated scenarios are always lower than the observed ones even in the dry season. The reason for this fact can be the existence

The presented decision support tool for the river Cávado basin constitutes a robust and efficient technological platform to support water management at a river basin scale. Obtained results allow predicting that this new tool will be extremely effective and important to achieve the objectives of water management at river basin scale. In the next

Fig. 19. Concentrations results of BOD5 and FCB for the scenario 18 (rupture of Frossos

**Ponte Nova de Barcelos**

**Downstream Frossos WWTP**

performance after a judicious effort for model calibration and validation.

of untreated discharges or the lack of disinfection in WWTP.

**BOD5 (mg/L)**

**0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5**

**FCB (MPN/100 mL)**

WWTP) at two different locations

water quality at river Cávado basin.

the web based platform.

**4. Conclusions**

**4**

**Assessing Environmental and**

**in Arid and Semiarid Zones**

*Programa de Agricultura en Zonas Áridas, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR, S.C.). La Paz, Baja California Sur;*

> *Facultad de Agricultura y Zootecnia (FAZ), Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango,*

> > *Gómez Palacio, Durango;*

*México*

**Social Dimensions of Water Issues**

Enrique Troyo-Diéguez1, Arturo Cruz-Falcón1, Alejandra Nieto-Garibay1,

*1*

*2*

All humans need basic things or products for their material and physical well-being: air, water, food, shelter and others, all over the World, but in arid zones the prevailing condition is water scarcity. Besides the huge necessity of water for human consumption, agriculture and livestock demand large volumes of water. But sustainability for these activities is a highly fragile and complicated concept, difficult to be reached. Biomass production of a cash crop grown under drought will be lower than that grown under optimal soil moisture conditions; therefore in practical terms, it is not possible to obtain immunity against the effects of drought. In arid and semiarid zones, the environmental and agricultural issues depend on the availability of water and on its use efficiency, which is affected by high temperatures and elevated evapotranspiration rates. As a production dedicated activity, agriculture has changed dramatically especially since the end of the World War II. Food and fiber productivity were improved due to new technologies, mechanization, increased chemical use, specialization and government policies that favored maximizing production. These changes allowed fewer farmers with reduced labor demands to produce the majority of the food and fiber. But in this framework, one of the

The objectives of this paper are to present a review about a method to assess the environmental and social dimensions of water issues through sustainability indicators in arid and semiarid zones, and to discuss the challenges for sustainability in terrestrial and

**1. Introduction**

highest costs is the water extraction.

agricultural ecosystems in a Mexican arid zone.

**Through Sustainability Indicators**

Ignacio Orona-Castillo2 , Bernardo Murillo-Amador1, José Luis García-Hernández2 and Alfredo Ortega-Rubio1


*4.2. Applications of Hemicellulose*

Hemicellulose is usually used in edible packaging as films, coatings, or modifying additives, which is like cellulose (Table 4). Taking KGM as an example, Yan et al. [170] introduced pullulan into the KGM matrix to cast edible composite films for strawberry preservation. They showed that the mechanical and barrier properties of the composite films were markedly enhanced because of the intermolecular interaction between KGM and pullulan; 1% (*w*/*v*) KGM/pullulan (with a mass ratio of 2:1) composite film significantly decreased the weight loss and maintained the titratable acidity, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and skin color on strawberry preservation, thus slowing fruit aging, improving the quality during storage, and extending their shelf life to 14 days. Hashemi et al. [174] blended saffron petal extract with a KGM matrix to cast edible complex films, while coating fresh-cut cucumbers (as shown in Figure 3). The results indicated that saffron petal extracts markedly improved the transparency and moisture content of the complex films, reduced their WVP, and even endowed them with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial

properties. Furthermore, this composite coating reduced mesophilic bacterial and fungal populations during cucumber storage (in which 4% extracts were considered as the most effective additives), improved the soluble solids content, antioxidant activity, and soluble phenols of coated sliced cucumbers, thus decreasing their spoilage, maintaining their quality features, and prolonging their shelf lives. Wang et al. [18] introduced zein into KGM matrix by electrospinning to form stable homogeneous nanofibril films, which the hydrophobicity was improved (SWCA of the composite film increased from 7.5◦ to 57.5◦). Furthermore, they added curcumin into the above nanofibers to form a functional nanofilm with advanced antioxidant (scavenging activity increased about 15%) and antibacterial (a large inhibitory zone of 12–20 mm for *E. coli* and *S. aureus*) activities, as well as better thermal stability, water resistance and tensile strength.


**Abstract**

Bacterial keratitis is a disease prevalent in the underdeveloped and developing worlds and is a significant cause of vision-threatening keratitis across the globe. Early and exact diagnosis, accurate treatment, and regular follow-up are key determinants of success in these cases and allow to prevent serious complications and ensure optimal patient outcomes. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of bacterial keratitis. The importance of accurate diagnosis based on culture of corneal scraping, and smear examinations, as well as with the use of diagnostic tools, such as confocal microscopy is highlighted. Treatment options, including medical treatment and surgical interventions, are discussed in detail. Moreover, the chapter provides insights into the latest research and developments including new treatments. It also highlights the need for ongoing monitoring, regular follow-up, and good compliance between patient and doctor to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The patient must be educated to avoid risk factors. The superficial ulcer usually responds well to medical management, whereas deeper non-resolving ulcers require therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty for globe salvage. Overall, this chapter serves as an important resource for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals, providing valuable information on the diagnosis and management of bacterial keratitis.

**Keywords:** bacterial keratitis, bacterial corneal ulcer, corneal infection, infectious keratitis, medical therapy


**<IP_ADDRESS> Effect of current density on the surface morphology and corrosion resistance of Ti-O film**

With an SZX-STAD2 type of OLYMPUS metallurgical microscope, the Ti-O films obtained by cathodic-electrodeposition at different current densities for 4min respectively of TiNi SMA were observed, and the effect of the current densities on surface morphology of Ti-O film were investigated.

The corrosion potential and anodic polarization curve of SMA deposited at 20mA/cm2 and 5mA/cm2 in hank's solution and Fuayama solution were respectively tested, in order to investigate the effect of current density on corrosion resistance of Ti-O film.


*2.2. Home Appliances*

Home appliances are household devices installed in user home or apartments. These devices are connected to SM for monitoring and reporting [30]. Users can schedule appliances per use. In [16], the appliances are classified into four groups: Group 1 includes light load normal appliances, e.g., light bulbs and phone chargers; Group 2 consists of nonstoppable home appliances, e.g., microwave ovens, Group 3 comprises schedule-oriented appliances, e.g., washing machines and heaters; Group 4 includes electrical vehicles. Consumer can also schedule their appliances with different hourly changing rates to control their electricity cost [16]. Appliances monitor their energy readings and send to the SM after every time interval, which is usually 15 min duration [28].

### *2.3. Wireless Sensor*

With the invention of new technologies, wireless sensors are being used in industries, health care, education, and utility grids. Due to their sensing capabilities, it makes them able to interact with machines, devices, and various appliances for controlling and monitoring [17,31]. Similarly, with the deployment of smart grids, wireless sensors are being deployed in smart homes and also at utility. Wireless sensor performs conversion of analog signals to digital, analog signal processing, transformation of information via bidirectional bus, manipulation of sensor derived signals, and addressing [32]. In a HAN, kitchen appliances, heating system, security frameworks, lighting system, theater setups, and water and sewage systems are totally instrumented with wireless sensors performing various operations. Access to these systems is through a home management system (HMS), which could be through the Internet or a cell phone application [32,33].