Sediment TMDL calculations for Amite River

The Amite River is recognized as one of the 15 water bodies impaired by sediments in Louisiana. A sediment TMDL calculation for the Amite River is required by the EPA. Based on EPA’s Protocol sediment TMDL calculations for the Upper Amite River are conducted in this thesis. The sediment TMDL calculations are composed of four parts: (1) Development of a new sediment transport and dispersion model for the Amite River, (2) Estimation of sediment loads (sources) produced by watershed erosion, (3) Flow computation, and (4) Determination of sediment TMDL for the Amite River. Using the mass conservation principle and Reynolds transport theorem a new model has been developed for computation of sediment transport in the Amite River. Sediment erosion in the Amite River Basin is calculated by combining the USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation) model with GIS and the digital elevation model of the Amite River Basin. Digital elevation data was imported into the GIS. The calculated soil erosion rate for the Upper Amite River Basin is 5.42 ton/acre/year, producing sediment load of 0.103 kg/ to the Amite River. The flow computation is performed under steady and unsteady flow conditions using the HEC-RAS software developed by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers. Under the steady flow condition the computed sediment concentration varies in the range of 3-114mg/L. The numeric target criterion was not to exceed 50 NTU or 64 mg/L of suspended sediment. Based on this criterion and the new model developed in the thesis, the sediment TMDL calculations were conducted for steady and unsteady flow. It is found that there is significant difference between TMDLs for steady and unsteady flow due to high sediment loads produced by unsteady flow. It is recommended that (1) sediment TMDL calculation need to take account of the influence of unsteady flow; (2) Sediment criteria for the Amite River can be met by adopting practices such as terraces on the steep slopes, creation of buffer zones along the river. Results indicate that the new model can be an effective tool for sediment TMDL calculations

DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND ANTIFUNGAL EVALUATION OF NOVEL SUBSTITUTED 1, 3, 4-OXADIAZOLES, AND 1, 3, 4-THIADIAZOLES

Objective: The purpose of this research is to evaluate the antifungal activity of synthesized conjugates of thiophene with 1, 3, 4-oxadiazoles and 1, 3, 4-thiadiazoles using in vitro methods.Methods: The series of (IVa-e) and (Va-e) compounds were synthesized from thiosemicarbazide (IIIa-e) series by treating with iodine-sodium hydroxide mixture and by phosphoric acid cyclization respectively. Thiosemicarbazides (IIIa-e) were prepared by the reaction of 2–amino-4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro-benzo[b]thiophene-3-carbohydrazide (II) with substituted isothiocyanates. Carbohydrazide (II) was synthesized by the reaction of hydrazine hydrate with ethyl 2–amino-4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydrobenzeno[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (I), which was prepared by one pot synthesis method. Finally, the synthesized compound series was characterized by physicochemical and spectral data (IR, NMR and Mass) and evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using disc diffusion method. The percentage inhibition was calculated with reference to the standard drug.Results: The structures of the synthesized conjugates of thiophene with 1, 3, 4-oxadiazoles and 1, 3, 4–thiadiazoles were confirmed by IR, NMR, and Mass spectroscopic techniques. The results of bioassay were indicated that some synthesized compounds IVd, IVe, Vd, and Ve exhibited moderate antifungal activities against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger; whereas compounds IVb, IVc, Vb, and Vc showed prominent antifungal activities when compared to standard drug, Fluconazole. Conclusion: Present study demonstrates the synthesis of conjugates of thiophene with 1, 3, 4-oxadiazoles and 1, 3, 4–thiadiazoles. These compounds were evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using disc diffusion method. The compounds IVd, IVe, Vd, and Ve exhibited moderate antifungal activities, whereas compounds IVb, IVc, Vb, and Vc showed prominent antifungal activities. Â

Enquiring into the Efficacy of Senior-secondary School Teachers with respect to their Locale and Organisational Climate

The present study focuses on determining Teacher Efficacy of senior-secondary school teachers in relation to their locale and Organisational Climate. Sample of the study consisted of 400 teachers, selected through stratified random sampling, belonging to the state of Odisha.The Standardised Teacher Efficacy scale and Organisational Climate Inventory were used to measure the Teacher Efficacy and Organisational Climate of senior-secondary schools. Statistical techniques such as “t” test and Two-way ANOVA were used to find out the significant difference between rural and urban schools and to see the effect of Locale and Organisational Climate on Teacher Efficacy. The result of the study showed that rural and urban teachers don’t differ in Teacher Efficacy. On the other hand difference was marked between open and closed climate schools in Teacher Efficacy. The result of two way ANOVA revealed that Locale of senior-secondary school teachers is not affecting the Teacher Efficacy where as Teacher Efficacy is affected by the Organisational Climate of the school.  The interaction effect of Locale and Organisational climate on Teacher Efficacy was found statistically significant at 0.05 level.Key words: Teacher Efficacy; Secondary School; Locale; Organisational Climat

ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITIES OF SOME NEWLY SYNTHESIZED TRIAZOLES

Objective: The objective of this work is to synthesize and evaluate some novel 1,2,4-triazoles.Methods: Procedure includes synthesis of triazole compounds followed by biological evaluations. The synthesis was carried out in six steps withp-bromobenzoic acid as starting material and converting to ester and then to hydrazide. Hydrazide was then converted to 4-amino triazole. Theamino triazole was then linked to different secondary amines using chloroacetyl chloride as the linking agent. All the synthesized compounds werecharacterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Further,the compounds were taken out for biological evaluations. To explore their effects, experiments were conducted on various micro- as well as macroorganisms.The toxicityprofilewasalso testedin accordancewith OECD 425 guideline on Wistar albino rats.Results: The compounds were examined for antibacterial as well as antifungal activities. Among the all compound T71, T73, and T75 exhibitedantibacterial activity, and compound T71 showed antifungal activity as well. The evaluation was also carried out for anthelmintic activities. Thecompounds were treated on Pheretima posthuma at various concentrations to explore their vermifuge and vermicidal action. The triazole linked with1-methylpiperazine was found to have comparable activity to that of reference standards.Conclusion: Triazoles are a most potent assemblage of fungal retardants. But depending on their substituents, they also have diverse pharmacologicalvalues. In this study, the compound T71 showed promising antimicrobial as well as anthelmintic action. Hence, it can be considered as a lead compoundfor further researches

Latent coronary artery disease among smokers and smokeless tobacco users: a cross-sectional study

Background: Tobacco related mortality and morbidity and increase in developing country like India. WHO projected till 2020 India will accounts 15% of tobacco related mortality especially preventable causes of death e.g. cardiovascular disease. Active tobacco smoking is undoubtedly major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but subjects use smokeless tobacco in dependence pattern is not extensively evaluated for cardiovascular risk factor. In India smokeless tobacco especially Khaini is major form of tobacco consumption. Scarcity of data on effects of smokeless tobacco in cardiovascular disease especially coronary artery disease major limiting factor for undermine the detailed evaluation of cardiovascular effects in smokeless tobacco dependence subjects. The aim of the study was to study the risk of coronary artery disease among smokeless tobacco dependence in comparison to tobacco dependence smokers.Methods: Cross-sectional assessments were done on 36 adults (>18 years), treatment-seeking patients with a ICD 10 diagnosis of Mental and behavioral disorders due to use of tobacco. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, and after detailed clinical evaluation treadmill exercise test was done.Results: Mean age of tobacco dependence smokers 51.5±9.6 years vs 53.6±7.5 years. There were male predominant in study subjects and 38% subjects was treadmill test positive. Smokeless tobacco users had 35% positive treadmill test, and among Smokers 42% subjects was positive for treadmill test.Conclusions: Risk for latent coronary artery disease was similarly higher in smokers and smokeless tobacco dependence subjects

IN VITRO ANTHELMINTHIC ACTIVITY OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA (AIT.) R. BR. LEAVES

Objective: Helminthiasis affects over two billion people worldwide, particularly in the tropical region. A number of medicinal plants have been usedto treat parasitic infections in man and animals. In the present study, the anthelminthic potential of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. leaves extract wasevaluated.Methods: The ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. leaves was separated into n-butanol and water fractions. The n-butanol fractionwas subjected to column chromatography. Ethanolic extract, n-butanol, and water fractions as well as n-hexane, chloroform, chloroform: methanol(9:1); chromatographic elutes of n-butanol fraction were evaluated for in-vitro anthelmintic activity using Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma asa experimental models.Results: The results indicated that ethanolic extract, water fraction, n-hexane, and chloroform elutes showed better activity as compared to n-butanolfraction and chloroform: methanol (9:1) elute of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. leaves.Conclusion: The present investigation is the scientific validation of the anthelmintic activity of C. procera (Ait.) R. Br. leaves in view of its usage inethnoveterinary practice. It is suggested that further research is required for identification of active principles.Keywords: Calotropis procera, Chromatographic elutes, Pheretima posthuma, Anthelmintic activity

Systematic Review of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in India: The Past, Present, and the Future Trends

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has become an asymptomatic disease in the Western world with the introduction of routine calcium screening. However, the same phenomenon is not observed in India. We have now systematically reviewed the status of PHPT in India. While there is a paucity of literature on PHPT from India when compared to Western countries, some information can be gleaned upon. Most patients present with symptomatic disease whereas very few are screen-detected cases (bone disease 77%, renal disease 36%, and 5.6% asymptomatic). Mean calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphate levels are high while Vitamin D levels are low. The average parathyroid gland weight is large and the majority being parathyroid adenomas (89.1%). Hungry bone syndrome (HBS) is common in the postoperative period. The disease-related mortality rate is 7.4%, recurrence 4.16%, and persistent disease 2.17%. We suggest that dedicated efforts are needed to pick up asymptomatic disease in India by methods like incorporating calcium estimation in the routine health check-up programs

Post-partum psychosis: socio-demographic and obstetric profile

Background: Better knowledge of socio-demographic profile and obstetric features may help in early identification and treatment of patients with post-partum psychosis. The aim of present research is to study the age, parity, socio-demographic and obstetric and menstrual profile of patients suffering from post-partum psychosis. Setting and Design: A cross-sectional study at in-patient department of psychiatry, SS Medical College and associated SGMH Rewa.Methods: The study was conducted on sixty patients of post-partum psychosis admitted in psychiatry ward. Detailed socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric and menstrual profile along with psychiatric assessment were recorded in proforma specially designed for the study.Results: Bulk of our post partum psychotic subjects (60%) were in the age range of 18-25 years with 83.33% of women were residing at rural areas. Most of subjects (76.67%) of post partum psychosis were illiterate. 73.33% patient were belonging to low socio-economic status and remaining to middle and high socioeconomic status. Majority of subjects (13.33%) were house wife (86.67%) followed by laborer class. Family jointness reveal 80% and 20% of subjects trailed from joint and nuclear family respectively. the maximum number of subjects (60%) were primipara with only 13.33% of subjects had history of obstetric complication in form of prolonged labour and post-partum heamorrhage. 25% subjects had cesarean delivery. 40% patients of puerperal psychosis were having menstrual irregularity and 60% had regular menstruation.Conclusions: Screening of vulnerable groups i.e. younger age, primipara, history of irregular menstruation in post partum period for psychiatric sign and symptoms is requisite for early diagnosis and prompt and adequate management. As most of the patients were from rural areas it is necessary to establish psychiatric services in rural areas as well so that this group of population can be provided holistic care along with already existing medical services

Adsorption of Cadmium (II) and Chromium (VI) from Aqueous Solution by Waste Marigold Flowers

In this work, waste marigold flowers from Temple were used as adsorbent to remove cadmium (II) and chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions. Influences of initial heavy metal concentrations, contact time, adsorbent dose, temperature and initial pH on removal of cadmium (II) and chromium (VI) ions were studied under batch mode of operation. Both the adsorption process of cadmium (II) and chromium (VI) followed pseudo-second order kinetics. Adsorption isotherm parameters of cadmium (II) and chromium (VI) on dried marigold flower were determined using Langmuir and Freundlich models. Thermodynamic parameters depicted that the process was spontaneous and exothermic under experimental conditions. The maximum removal efficiency of cadmium (II) was obtained as 83% at contact time 75 min and pH 5. The maximum removal efficiency of chromium (VI) was found as 96% at contact time 105 min and pH 3. Dried marigold flower showed active reusability characteristics upto three consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles