Effective method for extraction of larvicidal component from leaves of Azadirachta indica and Artemisia annua Linn

Leaves of Artemisia annua linn. and Azadirachta indica were extracted in petroleum ether and hexane respectively by different methods of extraction i.e. cold extraction, reflux extraction and soxhlet extraction. The crude extract obtained was tested against third instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi. On comparison of larval mortality of crude extract obtained by these three methods, both soxhlet and reflux extraction method showed 100% mortality at 200 ppm after 48 hr in case of A. annua. However LC50 (20 ppm) value of crude extract obtained by soxhlet extraction showed better results than reflux extraction (35 ppm) method after 72 hr. In case of A. indica, crude obtained by soxhlet showed 100% mortality (after 48 hr) at 250 ppm and LC50 of 69 ppm at 72 hr. Reflux extraction does not show any appreciable mortality even at 250 ppm concentration.     

Body Mass Index (BMI) as a first-line screening criterion for detection of excessive daytime sleepiness among professional drivers

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the main predisposing factor of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and, therefore, increases the risk of road crashes. However, it is difficult to rely on medical intake for OSA or fatigue since drivers' symptoms reports are not reliable. On the other hand, direct measurement of EDS among large numbers of drivers carries serious practical drawbacks. Obstructive sleep apnea, in turn, is strongly related to obesity, and elevated body mass index (BMI) is considered one of the major risk factors for OSA. Thus, it could be postulated that BMI may carry predictive value for EDS proneness. METHODS: The present study examined the interrelation between BMI, degree of OSA, as measured with Respiratory Distress Index (RDI), and the degree of EDS, as measured with the mean sleep onset latency in the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) among obese (BMI = 32) professional drivers. The drivers went through polysomnography followed by the five sessions of MSLT in the next day. RESULTS: In accordance with prior studies, we have found strong correlation between BMI and the degree of OSA on the one hand, and between the degree of OSA and EDS on the other hand. OSA was detected among 77.7% of the drivers, 47.1% were sleepy, 19% had severe sleepiness [mean sleep latency [MSL < or = 5 min.], 28.1% had moderate sleepiness [MSL < or = 10 min.]. None of the drivers complained about any sleep problem, including snoring, and all reported that they do not experience excessive daytime sleepiness. Thus, there was no correlation between their subjective report and objective findings. CONCLUSIONS: Obese drivers with BMI above 32 are highly prone to be sleepy during the day. Their subjective reports of OSA or fatigue symptoms are not reliable. Therefore it is highly recommended to screen them easily by weight and height measure for further sleep study and decision about their driving abilities.     

Metallic and bimetallic phosphides-based nanomaterials for photocatalytic hydrogen production and water detoxification: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Providing sustainable energy and cleaning water pollution are actually&nbsp;major societal issues requiring new catalysts. In particular,&nbsp;transition...     

Women drivers' behavior in well-known versus less familiar locations

INTRODUCTION: Through observations this study sought to examine the effects of road familiarity on driving performance. METHOD: Severe and minor traffic violations, dangerous behaviors, and speeding were assessed in well known and in less familiar locations. RESULTS: As compared to less known locations, drivers in well known locations performed more severe and minor violations, more dangerous behaviors, and they drove above the speed limit more often. DISCUSSION: The results are discussed in the context of Theory of Risk Homeostasis (later re-labeled as Target Risk Theory), the psychological effect of familiarity on driving performance, and the phenomenon of automatic driving. Presenting the risk of driving in familiar locations would assist to elevate safe driving.     

Combined sorptional–photocatalytic remediation of dyes by polyaniline Zr(IV) selenotungstophosphate nanocomposite

A polyaniline Zr(IV) selenotungstophosphate nanocomposite was prepared via sol-gel method and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The combined sorptional–photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite for degradation of methylene blue and malachite green was investigated and was found to be more efficient than separate adsorption in the dark followed by photocatalysis. The dyes were degraded in 3 h by 96% and 89% by the combined process, as compared to 86% and 72% by the two-step process in 5 h. The nanocomposite material showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.     

Assessment of organochlorine pesticide residue levels in dairy milk and buffalo milk from Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India

The widespread application of pesticides in agriculture, public health, and industry and in and around the home can result in the accumulation of pesticides in the environment. Therefore, a survey has been conducted during 1993-1996 to investigate the magnitude of contamination of bovine milk with organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues from Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India. Milk samples, i.e., dairy (toned and whole) and buffalo milk, were collected seasonally, and pesticide residues were assessed using a gas chromatograph (GC) with an electron capture detector (ECD). The results indicate that all the milk samples were contaminated with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDE and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane [DDD]), isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH; alpha, beta, and gamma), heptachlor and its epoxide, and aldrin. Seasonal variations of these pesticide residue levels were also observed in all the milk samples. Samples collected during winter season were found to contain higher residue levels as compared to other seasons.     

From climate change impacts to adaptation: A development perspective for India

India has good reasons to be concerned about climate change as it could adversely affect the achievement of vital national development goals related to socio‐economic development, human welfare, health, energy availability and use, and infrastructure. The paper attempts to develop a framework for integrated impact assessment and adaptation responses, using a recently built railroad coastal infrastructure asset in India as an example. The framework links climate change variables — temperature, rainfall, sea level rise, extreme events, and other secondary variables — and sustainable development variables — technology, institutions, economic, and other policies. The study indicates that sustainable development variables generally reduce the adverse impacts on the system due to climate change alone, except when they are inadequately applied. The paper concludes that development is a vital variable for integrated impact assessment. Well crafted developmental policies could result in a less‐GHG intensive future, enhanced adaptive capacities of communities and systems, and lower impacts due to climate change.     

The early prenatal sonographic diagnosis of renal agenesis: Techniques and possible pitfalls

Out of 13 252 cases in which fetal bilateral echogenic kidneys were detected by transvaginal sonography between 12 and 18 weeks' gestation, there were nine fetuses where oval hypoechogenic masses were detected in the renal bed. In five fetuses where hypoechogenic masses in the renal bed were sonographically visualized, postabortal examination was compatible with renal agenesis and the hypoechogenic masses proved to be enlarged adrenals. In three additional cases, unilateral renal agenesis was accompanied by unilateral enlarged adrenals, radiologically confirmed postnatally. In one case, a false-positive sonographic diagnosis of Potter syndrome was made because of bilateral hypoechogenic masses in the renal bed. Postabortal examination detected hypoplastic kidneys, but of normal histology, in a dyskaryotic fetus with trisomy 22. In four cases of renal agenesis, the amniotic fluid was of normal volume until the 17th week. In two of the five cases of Potter syndrome, a cystic structure, compatible with the urinary bladder, was detected in the pelvis at 14 weeks. The diagnostic criteria for renal agenesis in the early fetus differ from those used in the second half of gestation.