Numerical modelling of waste stabilization ponds: where do we stand?

Waste stabilization pond (WSP) technology has been an active area of research for the last three decades. In spite of its relative simplicity of design, operation and maintenance, the various processes taking place in WSP have not been entirely quantified. Lately, modelling has served as an important, low-cost tool for a better description and an improved understanding of the system. Although several papers on individual pond models have been published, there is no specific review on different models developed so far. This paper aims at filling this gap. Models are compared by focussing on their key features like the presence and comprehensiveness of a water quality sub-model in terms of aerobic/anoxic and anaerobic carbon removal and nutrient removal; the type of hydraulic sub-model used (0D, 1D, 2D or 3D); the software used for implementation and simulation; and whether or not sensitivity analysis, calibration and validation were done. This paper also recommends future directions of research in this area. In-depth study of the published models reveals a clear evolution over time in the concept of modelling, from just hydraulic empirical models to 3D ones and from simple first-order water quality models to complex ones which describe key biochemical processes as a set of mathematical equations. Due to the inherent complexity, models tend to focus only on specific aspects whilst ignoring or simplifying others. For instance, many models have been developed that either focus solely on hydrodynamics or solely on biochemical processes. Models which integrate both aspects in detail are still rare. Furthermore, it is evident from the review of the different models that calibration and validation with full-scale WSP data is also scarce. Hence, we believe that there is a need for the development of a comprehensive, calibrated model for waste stabilization ponds that can reliably serve as a support tool for the improvement and optimization of pond design and performance

Prevalence of self-medication among adult patients suffering from dental pain

Introduction: Self- medication is commonly practiced all over the world. Several risks like misdiagnosis, drug resistance or increased pathogen resistance, use of drugs in excessive amounts, use of expired drugs, long time use, drug interactions and poly-pharmacy occur in self-medicating people. Aim: to determine the prevalence of self medication and to determine factors associated with these practices in adult patients suffering from dental pain. Methods: It was an observational cross sectional survey. After meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria’s, a total of 200 participants were included in the present study. A self-administered closed-ended questionnaire was developed by reviewing different studies and necessary changes in the questionnaire were made accordingly after performing a pilot study. As the participant filled the questionnaire he/she was counselled regarding self-medication and the completed questionnaire, was collected. After collection of data it was checked for omissions and mistakes and the results were tabulated and analysed. Results: 178 (89%) were self medicated. 84(47.2%) were males and 94(52.8%) were females. The age of the patients varied between 18-60 years and majority belonged to the age group of 25-35years. 86 (48.3%) of the respondents had attained higher level of education. 96 (51.3%) of the patients self-medicated because of pain which was in some cases unbearable. Most common source of self-medication in our study sample was family/friend advice (42.6%), followed by pharmacist (21.3%). Maximum of 97(54.4%) self-medicated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/ painkillers. 129(72.4%) of the participants were not aware of the harmful effects of self-medication, Conclusion: We observed high prevalence of self-medication in our study. The people should be educated about the dangers of indiscriminate use of drugs. Drug control policy needs to be intensified in the community as well regarding prescription and availability of drugs

Awareness and attitude of patients regarding teledentistry during the COVID 19 pandemic

Background: During COVID 19 virus outbreak, teledentistry has stepped up into the spotlight. It has emerged as a critical technology to bring medical care to patients while attempting to reduce the transmission of COVID 19 among patients, families, and clinicians Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the awareness of teledentistry and to determine how beneficial it can be to the community. Methods: A total of 100 participants were included in our study who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. A pretested, self-administered, close-ended questionnaire was included to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness among the participants. The completed questionnaire was collected and subjected to statistical analysis Results: The mean age of the study population came to be 31.54 years with 59% females and 41% males. 29% visited dental OPD during Covid pandemic. 28% of participants were observed to have awareness regarding teledentistry. 33 concurred that teledentistry cannot truly help in wellbeing and isn’t a good alternative to visiting dental clinic Conclusion: Thus from our results we can conclude that regardless of multiple benefits of teledentistry in various aspects of the field of dental practice, its use is still limited due to relative unawareness among the general population. Teledentistry can be a potential approach in providing oral health care to the community during Covid 19 pandemic times as consultation, diagnosis, and treatment planning in teledentistry provides a safe approach in accommodating patients. Keywords: Covid 19 pandemic, Novel, Teledentistry