Aerosol optical properties and composition over a table top complex mining area in a monsoon trough region

Aerosol physiochemical properties over a varied mining plateau region at the eastern end of a monsoon trough are reported for the first time and analyzed at different time scales. Aerosol optical depth (single scattering albedo, SSA) is found to be 0.49 (0.9) in pre-monsoon, 0.4 (0.94) in monsoon, 0.46 (0.92) in post-monsoon, and 0.36 (0.89) in winter, with an annual mean of 0.43 (0.91). The volume-size distribution is tri-modal, with 0.02 (ultra-fine), 0.2 (accumulation) and 7 (coarse) µm, but with seasonal signatures. The angstrom exponent (AE) varies along with the AOD, especially in winter, although they are inversely related to each other during monsoons; the increase in size may be due to the effect of humidity. AODbc varies between 13.4%–4.7% of the total aerosols, with the highest contribution in March, when forest burning in the north east is at its peak. BC is the lowest in July, the mid monsoon month with the minimum biomass burning and brick-kiln activities. It is likely that the interactions of various minerals and intermittent rains help keep the aerosol size in a mixed state with regard to the relation between AE and AOD, although more work is needed to confirm this. The chemical composition of aerosols is derived from an aerosol chemical model based on the measured amount of black carbon and the assumed components

AN ECOSYSTEM APPROACH TO FISHERIES IN THE SOUTHERN BENGUELA CONTEXT

The 2001 Reykjavík Declaration on Responsible Fisheries in the Marine Ecosystem and the Plan of Implementation of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development highlighted the need in fisheries to look beyond considering only the target species and to consider in fisheries management the impacts of fishing on the ecosystem as a whole, as well as the impacts of the ecosystem on fisheries. This paper examines the practical implications of progressing towards ecosystem approaches by reference, in particular, to the FAO technical guidelines on the topic. It goes on to examine the major fishery types in South Africa and the southern Benguela, and to consider the probable impacts of those fisheries on target species, bycatch species and the ecosystem, as well as the indirect impacts on other ffected species. The review reveals that all fisheries have impacts beyond the target species and that an ecosystem approach is required in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the living marine resources of the southern Benguela and the ecosystem as a whole. Finally, the likely obstacles to successful implementation of an ecosystem approach to fisheries in the southern Benguela are discussed.Afr. J. mar. Sci. 26: 9–3

Closure of Alveolar Cleft by Iliac Bone Grafting: a Case Report

Introduction: Orofacial clefts are the most common craniofacial birth defects, affecting a significant number of individuals worldwide. The alveolar cleft is a developmental defect that affects the alveolar process of the maxilla and is often associated with cleft lip and palate. Methods: In this case report, we present the case of a 20-year-old female patient with alveolar cleft who underwent secondary alveolar cleft reconstruction using autologous iliac bone grafting. The aim of the procedure was to restore the function and form of the maxillary arch, facilitate ridge augmentation for further prosthetic rehabilitation, repair the nasal floor, and facilitate orthodontic treatment. Results: The procedure was successful in achieving the desired outcomes, and the patient's occlusal relationship was improved. Additionally, the alar base symmetry was enhanced, and speech was improved. Conclusion: Alveolar cleft reconstruction using autologous iliac bone grafting is a successful approach to treating alveolar clefts. The procedure can restore the form and function of the maxillary arch and facilitate further prosthetic rehabilitation and orthodontic treatment. The effectiveness of the procedure should be monitored closely to ensure optimal outcomes. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2023; 13(1): 35-3

Study of knowledge, perception and attitude of adolescent girls towards STIs/HIV, safer sex and sex education: (A cross sectional survey of urban adolescent school girls in South Delhi, India)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's), including HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) mainly affects sexually active young people. Young adults aged 15–29 years, account for 32% of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) cases reported in India and the number of young women living with HIV/AIDS is twice that of young men. The aim of the study was to evaluate adolescent school girls' knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards STIs/HIV and safer sex practice and sex education and to explore their current sexual behaviour in India.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross sectional study was carried out in 2007 in South Delhi, India to investigate the perception, knowledge and attitude of adolescent urban schoolgirls towards sexually transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, safer sex practice and sex education. the self-administered questionnaire was completed by 251 female students from two senior secondary schools.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>More than one third of students in this study had no accurate understanding about the signs and symptoms of STIs other than HIV/AIDS. About 30% of respondents considered HIV/AIDS could be cured, 49% felt that condoms should not be available to youth, 41% were confused about whether the contraceptive pill could protect against HIV infection and 32% thought it should only be taken by married women.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Though controversial, there is an immense need to implement gender-based sex education regarding STIs, safe sex options and contraceptives in schools in India</p

In vitro evolution of chemically-modified nucleic acid aptamers: Pros and cons, and comprehensive selection strategies

Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotide sequences that bind to a specific target molecule with high affinity and specificity through their ability to adopt 3-dimensional structure in solution. Aptamers have huge potential as targeted therapeutics, diagnostics, delivery agents and as biosensors. However, aptamers composed of natural nucleotide monomers are quickly degraded in vivo and show poor pharmacodynamic properties. To overcome this, chemically-modified nucleic acid aptamers are developed by incorporating modified nucleotides after or during the selection process by Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). This review will discuss the development of chemically-modified aptamers and provide the pros and cons, and new insights on in vitro aptamer selection strategies by using chemically-modified nucleic acid libraries

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Aerosol radiative forcing controls: Results from an Indian table-top mining region

Aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) over intense mining area in Indian monsoon trough region, computed based on the aerosol optical properties obtained through Prede (POM-1L) sky radiometer and radiative transfer model, are analysed for the year 2011 based on 21 clear sky days spread through seasons. Due to active mining and varied minerals ARF is expected to be significantly modulated by single scattering albedo (SSA). Our studies show that radiative forcing normalized by aerosol optical depth (AOD) is highly correlated with SSA (0.96) while ARF at the surface with AOD by 0.92. Our results indicate that for a given AOD, limits or range of ARF are determined by SSA, hence endorses the need to obtain SSA accurately, preferably derived through observations concurrent with AOD. Noticeably, ARF at the top-of the atmosphere is well connected to SSA (r=0.77) than AOD (r=0.6). Relation between observed black carbon and SSA are investigated. A possible over estimation of SSA by the inversion algorithm, SKYRAD.pack 4.2, used in the current study is also discussed. Choice of atmospheric profiles deviating from tropical to mid altitude summer or winter does not appear to be sensitive in ARF calculation by SBDART. Based on the 21 clear sky days, a multiple linear regression equation is obtained for ARFbot as a function of AOD and SSA with a bias of ±2.7Wm-2. This equation is verified with an independent data set of seasonal mean AOD and SSA to calculate seasonal ARF that compares well with the modeled ARF within ±4Wm-2