Synthesis and Characterization of nZVI Grafted Alumina and Its Application for Fluoride Removal from Drinking Water: Equilibrium and Kinetics Study

In the present study attempt was made to synthesize iron nanoparticles in the presence of alumina (Al-nZVI) by sodium borohydride reduction process. The composite adsorbent has been characterized using various analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy which showed that iron nanoparticles were partially dispersed on alumina surface, with their diameter being in the range 40–100 nm. The batch adsorption experiments were carried out to study the effect of different parameters. The maximum removal of fluoride was obtained at optimal condition of pH 5.0 and dose = 1.8 g/L and was observed to be 94% with contact time of 60 min at 40 °C and initial concentration of 2 mg/L. The adsorption data fitted that pseudo second order kinetics and followed Langmuir isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacity of 10.06 mg/g. Thermodynamic study revealed exothermic nature of adsorption

Awareness about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome and risk factors among out of school adolescents in an urban city

Background: Adolescence is a complex phase of transition from childhood to adulthood. Present education programs usually overlookthe needs of adolescents. Among those who are out of school, lack of appropriate level of education regarding human immunodeficiencyvirus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) make them more vulnerable. Objective: To find the awareness aboutHIV/AIDS and risk factor among out of school adolescents. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 211 adolescentspresently not going to school for ≥6 months were interviewed. A simple random sampling was done from different areas such as traffic signals, railway station, and slums. Results: Among studied adolescents, 25% had never been to school, while 44.6% had studied<5th class. Half of them worked outside while a quarter was involved in household work. About 44% of total adolescents had heard aboutHIV/AIDS with 16.3% from the age group 10-14 years and 63.2% from 15 to 19 years group. Awareness about sexual relationshipswas seen in 67% males and 51% females. Among those aware of physical relations, knowledge about condoms was present in 92%males and 82% females. Among sexually active adolescents (67), 74% males and 28% females were involved in physical relationsoutside marriage, comprising 38 (18%) of all interviewed, putting them at high-risk behavior. Around 25.8% males and none of thefemales among them had used condoms. 26 (68.4%) of these “at risk” adolescents had a relationship with consent, whereas 24 (63.2%)had multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: Being out of school, these adolescents have poor educational status. Their knowledge aboutHIV/AIDS is very poor. Adolescents with better education status, higher age and male gender were more aware regarding variousaspects of HIV. Significant proportions among these indulge in high-risk sexual behavior, does not use condoms and have multiple sexpartners. Their specific needs should be addressed by the ongoing campaigns and programs against HIV to spread more awareness

Not Available

Not AvailableIn present study, an attempt is made to work out the economics of production of tomato under open and protected field condition in Almora and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand. The study is based on primary data of seventy six farmers engaged in vegetable cultivation. Simple tabular analysis and standard cost concept was used to work out the cost of cultivation. The study revealed that the total cost of cultivation of tomato under open and protected field condition was ` 1,36,250 and ` 4,01,743 per hectare and gross return was ` 1,81,500 and ` 8,66,250 per hectare respectively. The outputinput relationship for tomato was 1.3 and 2.2 at cost 'C' under open and protected field conditions was respectively. In order to find suitability of poly-houses for cultivation of tomato, economic indicators such as net present value, benefit cost ratio and pay back period were also calculatedNot Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableSuccess story of progressive farmer of Bhagartola village in high hills of UttarakhandNot Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableIn present study, an attempt is made to work out the economics of production of tomato under open and protected field condition in Almora and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand. The study is based on primary data of seventy six farmers engaged in vegetable cultivation. Simple tabular analysis and standard cost concept was used to work out the cost of cultivation. The study revealed that the total cost of cultivation of tomato under open and protected field condition was ` 1,36,250 and ` 4,01,743 per hectare and gross return was ` 1,81,500 and ` 8,66,250 per hectare respectively. The outputinput relationship for tomato was 1.3 and 2.2 at cost 'C' under open and protected field conditions was respectively. In order to find suitability of poly-houses for cultivation of tomato, economic indicators such as net present value, benefit cost ratio and pay back period were also calculated.Not Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableICT can play an important role inNot Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableNot AvailableNot Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableNot AvailableNot Availabl