Indoor potted plant based biofilter: performance evaluation and kinetics study

Plant based biofilters associated with microorganisms have been gaining popularity in controlling odorous compounds like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as they are cost effective and an environment friendly alternative to conventional air pollution control techniques. In this context, here, we tried to evaluate the performance of potted plants based Claire’s biofilter for biodegradation of benzene. A sealed perspex chamber with lid and fan was designed to ensure minimum leakage, proper aeration and distribution of benzene inside the chamber. Five different ornamental indoor plants were placed inside the chamber sequentially and exposed to a concentration of 5 ppm benzene for 30 h each. The leakage of benzene was checked beforehand. Epipremnum aureum (Money plant) showed maximum benzene degradation in the aforementioned time period with a removal efficiency of 98%. The µmax and Ks values for 100 ppm concentration of benzene were calculated to be 0.284 h-1 and 0.427 g/m3, respectively.

Role of men in fertility and family planning in a peri-urban community in Punjab, India.

Background: It is a well-documented fact that men’s general knowledge and attitudes concerning the ideal family size, sex preference of children, ideal spacing between child births and contraceptive method use greatly influence women’s preferences and opinions. However, fertility and family planning research and programmes have ignored men’s role in the past, focussing their attention on women’s attitudes and behaviours in matters concerning reproduction. Aims & Objective: To assess men’s attitude towards family planning & to compare in which ways and to what extent the men’s attitude differs from their wives and its implications for future family planning programs. Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out in 305 eligible couples in Shahid Bhagat Singh Colony of Rajpura, Punjab. Information pertaining to the couple’s socio-demographic data, fertility intentions & attitude towards contraception was collected. Results: It was observed that among the women whose spouse approved of their contraceptive usage, 41.3% of the women were using contraceptives and 58.7% were not using any contraceptive. 79.7% of the women who had frequent (more often) discussions with their partners were currently using contraceptives and 20.3% did not use any form of contraceptives despite frequent discussions. As regards perception of ideal family size it was observed that in 68.7% (95 % CI: 63.2 – 74.2%) of cases there was agreement between husband and wife about the number of children that they should ideally have. Conclusion: Men’s fertility intentions, reproductive preferences and their attitude towards family planning seem to influence the fertility behaviour of their wives and their attitude towards the use of contraceptives. Therefore an attempt to promote reproductive health through increasing use of contraceptives needs to be made and family planning programmes need to target men specifically at all levels of the programme.

Trends of maxillofacial trauma at Tertiary Care Hospital in rural area of southern Punjab.

A four years retrospective study from was conducted to analyze the pattern and magnitude of maxillofacial trauma in medico-legal cases coming to the casualty of a rural hospital of Punjab. The study revealed that out of 1237 medico-legal cases 130 (10.5%) suffered maxillofacial trauma. The commonest age group prone to maxillofacial injury was between 16-30 years. Male preponderance was quiet evident (6:1). The commonest cause of such injuries was road traffic accident including 83.1% of the total cases. Soft tissue was the most common type of maxillofacial trauma (52.3%). Most common bones involved were nasal bone and mandible (18.5% each) and the commonest associated injury was involvement of limbs (30.0%). Most common weapon involved was blunt (90.8%). Drawing public attention and awareness towards the traffic rules especially use of helmets by the motorcyclists and separation of pedestrians from motor vehicles could possibly reduce the number of maxillofacial trauma cases.

Trends of Maxillofacial Trauma at Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab.

A four years retrospective study from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2011, was conducted to analyze the pattern and magnitude of maxillofacial trauma in medico-legal cases coming to the casualty of Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, a rural area of Punjab. The study revealed that out of 1237 medico-legal cases 130 (10.5%) suffered maxillofacial trauma. The commonest age group prone to maxillofacial injury was between 16-30 years. Male preponderance was quiet evident (6: 1). The commonest cause of such injuries was road traffic accident including 83.1% of the total cases. Soft tissue was the most common type of maxillofacial trauma (52.3%). Most common bones involved were nasal bone and mandible (18.5% each) and the commonest associated injury was involvement of limbs (30.0%). Most common weapon involved was blunt (90.8%). Drawing public attention and awareness towards the traffic rules especially use of helmets by the motorcyclists and separation of pedestrians from motor vehicles could possibly reduce the number of maxillofacial trauma cases.

Unusual radioresistance of nitrogen-fi xing cultures of Anabaena strains.

Nitrogen-fi xing cultures of two species of the fi lamentous, heterocystous cyanobacterium Anabaena, namely Anabaena sp. strain L-31 and Anabaena torulosa were found to be highly tolerant to 60Co gamma radiation. No adverse effect on diazotrophic growth and metabolism were observed up to a dose of 5 kGy. At higher doses, radiation tolerance showed a correspondence with the inherent osmotolerance, with Anabaena L-31 being the more radiation tolerant as well as osmotolerant strain. In Anabaena L-31, exposure to 6 kGy of gamma rays resulted in genome disintegration, but did not reduce viability. Irradiation delayed heterocyst differentiation and nitrogen fi xation, and marginally affected diazotrophic growth. All the affected parameters recovered after a short lag, without any discernible postirradiation phenotype. The radiation tolerance of these Gram-negative photoautodiazotrophs is comparable with that of the adiazotrophic photoautotrophic cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis or adiazotrophic heterotroph Deinococcus radiodurans. This is the fi rst report of extreme radioresistance in nitrogen-fi xing Anabaena cultures.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): The malady and the law.

A study was conducted in 96 females suffering from PMS. Behavioral symptoms appearing during PMS were noticed. It was found that there is a substantial link between PMS and behavior alterations. Depression, aggression, irritability etc. were recognized as extremely common symptoms of the syndrome. Considering at this point, these psychological symptoms associated with PMS might form a plea of insanity for some female offenders.