Bulk and physical properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics

218-229Bulk and physical properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabric depend on the nature of component fibre, the manner in which the fibres are arranged in the structure and the degree of consolidation . A proper understanding of the role of different parameters on fabric properties is important for designing the fabric suitable for its use. Normally, the longer and finer fibre in the web leads to greater fabric strength, provided the fibre breakage is controlled. The increase in needle densityand penetration improves the fibre consolidation. but beyond a certain limit the fibre damage becomes greater, leading to deterioration in fabric characteristics. Higher fabric weight and introducti on of scrim generally improve the functional properties of fabric. Finishing operation is opted in the cases where some special requirements are to be fulfilled. This paper is intended to develop some understanding about the bulk and physical properties in relation to raw material, machine parametersand process variables

A Short Communication On Some Aspects Of Underfive Clinic Services At GODA Periurban Community

A longitudinal study on underfives of a periurban community was undertaken to study the magnitude of the problem and some important related factors. The extent of utilization and role of repeated clinic visits in the prevention of under nutrition was also studied. Results revealed that prevalence of under nutrition was 45.6% being maximum in the age group of 3-5 years and in males. Recurrent diarrhoea, dysentery and worm infestations were important reasons probably responsible for under- nutrition. Families with more than three siblings had a greater prevalence of undernourished under fives. 56.79% had more than two visits to the clinic. Repeated clinic visits could not improve the nutritional status of the underfives

Identification and characterisation of a Bacillus licheniformis strain with profound keratinase activity for degradation of melanised feather

Significant amount of keratins in the form of feather, hair, hoof and horn are generated annually by the livestock industry. Keratinases are increasingly important in the reprocessing and environmental pollution control of keratin wastes. The aim of this study is to isolate a microbial strain of high keratinase activity and to evaluate its feather degrading potential. Thirty-two keratin degrading microbial strains from farmyard wastes and primary effluent were isolated using a selective medium containing feather meal at 30, 37 and 50 °C. One of the isolates, which demonstrated the highest keratinolytic activity (11.00 ± 0.71 Uml-1) was identified as a species of Bacillus licheniformis based on the 16S rDNA analysis, designated as strain N22 and deposited in a culture collection. Optimum keratinase production by this bacterium was achieved in 32 h using a minimum growth medium containing 1.1% (w/v) feather meal at 50 °C and pH 8.5. The molecular weight of the keratinase was ≈ 28 KDa as determined sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis and confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The keratinase reported here significantly degraded melanised feather in 48 h in the absence of reducing agents. There are few reports on the evaluation of feather degrading ability of keratinases using highly resistant melanised feather. The efficient degradation of melanised feathers by this keratinase may offer an environmentally friendly solution to the degradation of feather waste and other organic matter of similar molecular composition

Human Capital Attainment and Gender Empowerment: The Kerala Paradox

The State of Kerala in southwestern India shows the highest gender development index in the country. Despite having the highest literacy rate and educational achievements of women, the suicide rate among females is very high, and domestic violence committed against women is increasing every year in Kerala. This article attempts to analyze the demographic, social, and cultural changes that are occurring in order to understand this apparent paradox of high human capital attainment and high violence and suicides experienced by women in Kerala. Copyright (c) 2007 by the Southwestern Social Science Association.