Analysis of Environmental Factors in Rice Mill Workers of Uttar Pradesh, India

This study was carried out in the Barabanki District, of Uttar Pradesh. In this study a group of 50 healthy workers and another group of (100 exposed) labours working in rice mill workers were randomly selected with ages ranging from 20-35, 35-50, 50-65 years. The blood samples were taken from them and estimation of haemoglobin (Darkbins method), total Leukocyte counts were analysed. The result shows the% of haemoglobin of exposed labours from different age groups 20-35, 35-50, 50-65 are non-significant (P>0.05) Total leukocyte counts in labours of different age groups 20-35, 35-50, 50-65 are insignificant (P<0.05) Results were compared in a mean, and on the basis of period exposure. Considering the hazards of exposure to rice husk dust, this study incorporated the basic haematological parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the total leukocyte count. The idea was to identify a simple, readily available and cost effective screening test that could help in identifying the presence of disease, its severity, in rice mill workers potentially related to their workplace5. The findings of this study recognized the role of rice husk dust for a longer duration in decline of haematological parameters as per tests conducted among rice mills workers. The present work was undertaken to study the health problems related to the workplace environment of rice mill workers. Diseases of the respiratory system induced by occupational dusts are influenced by the duration of exposure The aim of the study is to investigate the impairment due to environmental factors in rice mill workers. In addition, the amount of dust particle at this station is greater than the standard value of allowance. All workers have restrictive lung conditions related to breathing filled with dust during the milling process every day

Hematological disorders in Rice mill workers of district Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

India is a second largest rice growing countries in the world. A large number of unskilled laborers are employed for paddy processing. In rice mills, most of the workers have shown adverse health effects associated with occupational exposure to rice husk dust (WHO, 1968). Present study was conducted to determine the hematological disorders in rice mill workers in rural/urban areas of Uttar Pradesh. Total numbers of 100 blood samples were collected from rural and urban area from rice mill workers of Shahjahanpur district. Majority of hematological test parameters showed reduced levels in rice mill workers. This study may helpful in preventing longstanding harmful effects of such exposures. It is also useful for preventing environmental risks. It is concluded that rice husk dust causes deterioration of hematological parameters in subjects working at rice mill. The findings of this study recognized the role of rice husk dust for a longer duration in decline of hematological parameters as per tests conducted among rice mills workers

Identification of suitable sites for artificial water tanks in Adigrat town through GIS and remote sensing technique

The Adigrat town sometimes faces a severe shortage of water; this is primarily due to maximum runoff of rain water and lack of water conservation practices. In this study, an attempt is made to identify suitable sites for artificial water tanks for water conservation and augmentation of groundwater through a combination of GPS surveying and GIS based hydro-geomorphic approach in Adigrat town. GPS survey was done to know the magnitude of the problem. Hydro-geomorphological characteristics of Adigrat drainage basin were studied using ASTER data. As a result fourteen sites were identified suitable for artificial water tanks in Adigrat town. These sites were identified on the basis of water accumulation, stream channels order, water need assessment, underground water, rock types. The study will helps in designing a suitable water management plan and flood control for Adigrat town

Bio-efficacy of phytoextracts and oil cakes on Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) causing stem rot disease of jute, Corchorus spp.

In the present study efforts were made to explore the efficacy of various plant extracts and oil cakes against Macrophomina phaseolina. The efficacy of eight different plant species, Zingiber officianale, Aloe indica, Lawsonia inermis, Chenopodium album, Allium cepa, Piper betel, Murraya koenigii, Parthenium hysterophorus aqueous extracts including oil cakes of mustard and neem were evaluated by using of poisoned food technique in vitro for their inhibitory effect on mycelial growth of M. phaseolina causing stem rot of jute (Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis). The rhizome extract of Z. officinale produced maximum growth inhibition (74.59%) of the pathogen followed by leaf extracts of A. indica (63.57%), and leaf extract of L. inermis (60.17%) at the concentration of 10%. The maximum mycelial growth inhibition (52.40%) was recorded with neem cake (Azadirachta indica) at the concentrations of 20% followed by 42.61% and 29.60% with concentration of 15% and 10%, respectively. However, maximum mycelial growth inhibition (19.42%) was recorded with mustard cake (Brassica juncea) at the concentration of 20% followed by 16.64% and 12.20% at the concentration of 15% and 10% respectively. In general mycelial growth inhibition was dose dependent and it was maximum in case of neem cake than mustard cake. The present study revealed that, these plant extracts and oilcake extracts could be exploited for the possible control of deadly pathogen M. phaseolina. Accordingly, this is an important proactive measure in preventing the spread of the stem rot disease through a more ecofriendly approach

Preparation of Electronics grade Bismuth, Antimony, Tellurium, Cadmium and Zinc by Vaccum distillation and Zone refining

APART from the usual importance of bismuth, antimony, tellurium, cadmium & zinc in thechemical, metallurgical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and paint industries , these materials in their high purity forms (9999 to 99999 %) have recently acquired special significance in the electronics industry for semiconductor and various other applications. The major applications of these electronics grade materials in the electronic industry are : Bismuth : solders and thermo-electric devices, Antimony : semi-conductor devices + for crystal doping), photocell cathodes, Tellurium Compound semi-conductors Cadmium Solders mostly for semi-conductor processing and for compound semi-conductors, such as CdS. Zinc : dopant and diffusant in semi-conductors

Knowledge and attitude towards emergency contraception among undergraduate medical students

Background: Studying the knowledge and attitude of medical students towards emergency contraception, as they are the future medical professionals and they will serve as the main channel for providing proper knowledge and making positive impression of it in general population. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of undergraduate medical students towards emergency contraception.Methods: Medical students were given pre-validated questionnaire and divided in two groups. Group A students did not learn about emergency contraception, whereas group B students learnt about it. Interview of both groups were conducted separately. For group A, 1 hour seminar was conducted and after 7 days, same questionnaire was provided again for data collection.Results: 154 students were included in group A whereas 162 students in group B. Average knowledge and attitude was significantly increased after seminar in group A [knowledge 41±16.88% vs. 59.32±14.46%; P<0.05; attitude 36.24±10.93 vs. 41.5±10.87; P<0.05]. Average knowledge of group B students was 64.73±12.15% whereas average attitude score was 42.9±9.79. Amongst all, 86.4%, 87% and 89.3% students were not able to describe about emergency contraception, different methods and advantages of intra-uterine device as emergency contraception, respectively. There are 82.1% students showed positive interest in learning more about emergency contraception and 70.1% agreed to recommend its use in future. Students having good knowledge showed more positive attitude towards emergency contraception [r= 0.41, P<0.05].Conclusions: Students have poor knowledge of special issues arises with emergency contraception. Proper attention should be given to these aspects during their teaching. Students have shown their positive interest to learn more about emergency contraception. Objective based seminar will be more helpful in improving knowledge and attitude

EFFECT OF AMLODIPINE AND ENALAPRIL ON WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Objective: A number of structural and functional mechanisms have been identified in the pathogenesis of impaired wound healing in diabetes. Diabetes promotes endothelial dysfunction as evidenced by decreased nitric oxide (NO) production. NO deficiency and resultant impaired angiogenesis have been implicated in impaired wound healing in diabetes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of amlodipine and enalapril on wound healing in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats based on previous observations that amlodipine increases NO bioavailability and enalapril promote angiogenesis.Methods: Four groups for each wound model (n=6 in each group; total 8 groups) were used and served as diabetic control, active control (glibenclamide), amlodipine, and enalapril groups. Wound closure rate and re-epithelialization were studied in the excision wounds. Incision wounds were studied for wound breaking strength while dead space wounds were studied for granulation tissue weight, hydroxyproline content, and histological changes in granulation tissue.Results: Amlodipine and enalapril significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased re-epithelialization in excision wound model. Amlodipine significantly improved incision wound breaking strength while enalapril increased granulation tissue formation. None of the study agents had a significant effect on wound granulation tissue histology.Conclusion: Amlodipine and enalapril enhance the re-epithelialization in the diabetic wound. Choosing amlodipine or enalapril as antihypertensive in diabetic patients may help to improve impaired wound healing in these patients. Further human trials are needed to demonstrate similar benefits in diabetic patients with wounds.Keywords:Antihypertensive drugs, Diabetic ulcers, Re-epithelization, StreptozotocinÂ