Search

The population dynamics of a system of two competing species have been investigated in the mean-field and lattice approximation. The two species are denoted by A and B. Each site of the square lattice is either occupied by an individual or vacant. The two species complete for vacant sites to reproduce. There is a reproduction only to the nearest neighbours. We consider the invasion of a rare species into a population composed of a resident species based on a pair – approximation method in which the dynamics of both average densities and nearest neighbour correlations are considered. The results are then compared with those obtained by the mean-field approximation. Whenspecies B contain intraspecific interaction term, invasion of the rare species A into resident species B becomes easier in lattice structured populations. But the rare species B invading species A is difficult in lattice models in comparison to mean-field approximation. The overall coexistence of species is enhanced in lattice models. These results were verified by simulation on a square lattice although the range of the enhancement of the species coexistence is reduced. This calls for the attention that pair-approximation is an oversimplification of the real situation.

Land use controversies often dog the construction of hydroelectric projects. Many important projects are battling in the tribunals because of Geo-environmental concerns. The paucity of scientific studies objectively investigating the litigations further aggravates the unsolvability of the disputes. The Sawra-Kuddu Hydroelectric project, India, became a subject of litigation when project affected persons filed a suit in the National Green Tribunal questioning the sustainability of the built environment. The litigants petitioned that the additional adit's blasting vibrations can trigger the landslide of slip zone, and Thana village situated above it. The petitioners further claimed that vibrations had cracked the houses. They also asserted degradation in the apple cultivation due to tunnel construction. The tribunal took a stern note of the petition and banned the construction activities. The tribunal further ruled that a scientific investigation must be conducted to ascertain the cause of petitioners' claims. The study results revealed that the vibrations originating from adit excavation are insignificant and cannot destabilize the slip zone. The high fluctuation of annual rainfall and tectonic strain were deemed responsible for the differential settlement of foundations and cracks in the houses. The horticulture study indicated that the physiological processes of apple crops were normal. The study's findings convinced the tribunal, and construction activities were resumed, resulting in the disputed 111 MW project's commissioning. Many run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects in the world are battling similar litigations addressed in the present study. A similar objective methodology is a need for the hour to resolve other hydroelectric projects' sustainability issues. The study findings will pave the path for the swift resolution of land disputes related to similar projects.

Many cases of derailments, train accidents and traffic interruptions due to the slope failure and rockfall have been reported in the past on Konkan Railway trackline because of unstable rock slopes. The authorities installed stability enhancement measures such as wire netting, rock bolting and shotcreting which were found insufficient. The failed geotechnical measures prompted authorities to excavate the unstable slopes. Rock blasting is generally not preferred for the excavation of slopes along the transportation route. Stabilisation and widening of slopes by blasting need closure of the route for a considerable time. Discontinuing traffic on Konkan Railway route was undesirable as it connects two important port cities Mumbai and Mangalore. The paper presents an innovative directional controlled blasting (DCB) technique for excavating three unstable slopes (i.e. cuttings) in hilly terrain without disturbing the traffic. New empirical formulae for small geometry blasting to estimate burden and throw have been developed. A unique sequence of firing and excavation with powder factor varying between 0.04 and 0.39 kg/m3 irrespective of the actual free face was used for rock blasting. The process controlled the throw of blasted material over the track and resulted in a smooth and stable wall. The slope angle has been changed from 80 to 82° to 45–47° and probability of wedge, planar and toppling failures was eliminated. About 100 such accident-prone slopes (52 km cumulative length, 7% of total route) situated at discrete locations along Konkan Railway route were stabilised using the technique. No incident of rockfall and slope failures along these slopes has been observed after the stabilisation.

The present study was conducted for evaluating genitalia of cows (17) through transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and transabdominal laparoscopy (TAL) as a diagnostic tool. Genital tract of cows was initially examined by rectal palpation followed by TRUS and a day later TAL was conducted through flank approach.The study revealed: 35.3, 41.2 and 88.2% ovarian abnormalities; 5.8, 35.3 and 70.6% oviduct and adnexal abnormalities; and 23.6, 47.1 and 52.9% uterine abnormalities, by rectal palpation, TRUS and TAL, respectively. However, cervical abnormalities diagnosed were 35.3 and 52.9% by rectal palpation and TRUS respectively. TAL enabled to evaluate ovarian and oviduct and adnexal abnormalities accurately followed by TRUS than rectal palpation but ultrasound enabled to differentiate abnormalities like cystic ovaries, hydrosalpinx, pyosalpinx based on echogenicity compared to laparoscopy. However, TRUS proved to be very useful in diagnosing and differentiating uterine and cervical abnormalities compared to TAL and rectal palpation. It was concluded that both ultrasonography and laparoscopy are better diagnostic tools for evaluation of genitalia of bovines compared to rectal palpation and both these tools provided supplementary evidence in diagnosing and differentiating different genital abnormalities.

BackgroundIn contrast with the setting of acute myocardial infarction, there are limited data regarding the impact of diabetes mellitus on clinical outcomes in contemporary cohorts of patients with chronic coronary syndromes. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of diabetes according to geographical regions and ethnicity.Methods and resultsCLARIFY is an observational registry of patients with chronic coronary syndromes, enrolled across 45 countries in Europe, Asia, America, Middle East, Australia, and Africa in 2009–2010, and followed up yearly for 5 years. Chronic coronary syndromes were defined by ≥1 of the following criteria: prior myocardial infarction, evidence of coronary stenosis >50%, proven symptomatic myocardial ischaemia, or prior revascularization procedure.Among 32 694 patients, 9502 (29%) had diabetes, with a regional prevalence ranging from below 20% in Northern Europe to ∼60% in the Gulf countries. In a multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, diabetes was associated with increased risks for the primary outcome (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.28 (95% confidence interval 1.18, 1.39) and for all secondary outcomes (all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and coronary revascularization). Differences on outcomes according to geography and ethnicity were modest.ConclusionIn patients with chronic coronary syndromes, diabetes is independently associated with mortality and cardiovascular events, including heart failure, which is not accounted by demographics, prior medical history, left ventricular ejection fraction, or use of secondary prevention medication. This is observed across multiple geographic regions and ethnicities, despite marked disparities in the prevalence of diabetes.ClinicalTrials identifierISRCTN43070564

The geological, geochronological, and isotopic geochemistry investigations complied with magnetotelluric sounding geophysical deep crustal structure compose three tectonic divisions, i.e., the Northern, Central, and Southern Bundelkhand terranes of the craton. The Central terrane comprises Paleo- and Neo-archean tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG), greenstone sequences (ultrabasic-basic, felsic volcanites, Banded Iron Formation (BIF)), and Neoarchean granodiorite-granite series considers it as a granite-greenstone terrane. The Northern terrane location north to the granite-greenstone terrane, mostly consists of Neoarchean potassic granitoids with the visible role of sanukitoids, monzogranites, and granodiorites (TTG), while the Southern terrane consists of mostly Neoarchean potassic granitoids with a minor amount of schist complex, sanukitoids, TTG, and mafic–ultramafic layered and mafic intrusion.

ObjectiveA single-centre, single-blinded prospective experimental study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma applied to the tonsillar bed post-operatively in reducing post-operative pain and haemorrhage.MethodsPlatelet-rich plasma, prepared prior to surgery, was applied with calcium gluconate to one randomly chosen tonsillar fossa. Pain and haemorrhage were analysed, using a visual analogue scale and a pre-defined grading scale respectively, four times on the day of surgery at 2-hourly intervals, and thrice on the following day.ResultsThe pain score and haemorrhage grade on the test side were lower than on the control side. These findings were statistically significant.ConclusionThis pilot study, conducted in India, revealed valid positive results for a promising new technology. The manual preparation of platelet-rich plasma could be automated in the future to allow a larger sample size.

The effect of iodide ions on inhibitive performance of 1,4,6-trimethyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile (TODPCN) on mild steel (MS) corrosion in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 was studied using gravimetric and electrochemical measurements. TODPCN inhibits the corrosion of MS to the extent of 62.3% at its lowest concentration (0.5 mM) and its inhibition efficiency ( η ) further increases on increasing concentration at 298 K. The adsorption of TODPCN on MS was found to follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The value of η increased on the addition of 2.0 mM KI. The value of synergism parameter being more than unity indicates that the enhanced η value in the presence of iodide ions is only due to synergism. Thus, a cooperative mechanism of inhibition exists between the iodide anion and TODPCN cations. The increase in surface coverage in the presence of KI indicates that iodide ions enhance the adsorption of TODPCN. The surface morphology of corroded/inhibited MS was studied by atomic force microscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of inhibited MS surface was carried out to determine the composition of the adsorbed film. Some quantum chemical parameters and the Mulliken charge densities for TODPCN calculated by density functional theory provided further insight into the mechanism of inhibition.

The inhibitive performance of Vitex negundo, Adhatoda vasica, and Saraka asoka leaf extracts on corrosion of copper in 3M HNO3 solution was investigated using gravimetric, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. Potentiodynamic polarization studies indicated that these extracts act as efficient and predominantly cathodic mixed inhibitor. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption of these inhibitors on copper surface was spontaneous, controlled by physiochemical processes and occurred according to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. AFM examination of copper surface confirmed that the inhibitor prevented corrosion by forming protective layer on its surface. The correlation between inhibitive effect and molecular structure was ascertained by density functional theory data.

Konkan Railway has many unstable slopes along the 741 km long route from Roha to Thokur in the states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka in India. Frequent cases of boulder fall, slope failure and landslide used to occur on the track during the rainy season. Such cases have resulted in several severe train accidents, traffic interruptions, loss of lives and assets. Hence the Konkan Railway Corporation deployed several geotechnical measures such as wire-netting, retaining wall, rock bolting and shotcreting for stability enhancement. However, none of these measures proved effective and accidents continued. Finally, the Konkan Railway Corporation decided to redesign the cut-slopes using blasting. Excavation of hard rock for its removal without damaging the existing track (2– 3 m away from the slope) and disrupting the traffic, was a daunting task. An unplanned blast would have resulted in the closure of the route for hours. The present study explains the method in which entire cutting was redesigned by formation of 5 to 2 m wide berms at an interval of 6 m bench height from rail track level using novel direction controlled blasting technique. Further, stability of the cut-slope, before and after exacavation, has been determined using kinematic analysis and 3D numerical modelling. Similar technique can be adopted to widen or stabilize an active transportation route in hills.

Corrosion inhibition behaviour of quinolinium salts on mild steel (MS) corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 was investigated at various concentrations and temperatures by gravimetric and electrochemical techniques. The polarization curves indicated that these salts function as mixed inhibitors. Relevant kinetic and thermodynamic parameters like CR, Ea, Δ H a 0 , Δ S a 0 , Kads and Δ G ads 0 were determined and discussed. The adsorption of salts on MS leading to inhibition was found to follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The existence of a protective film on MS was confirmed by SEM and AFM techniques. XPS and quantum chemical calculations were carried out to establish the mechanism of corrosion inhibition.

The extract of Tagetes erecta (Marigold flower) [TEE] has been evaluated as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution by means of gravimetric, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements. Tafel polarization studies reveal that TEE acts as an efficient mixed inhibitor. The adsorption of the inhibitor on the mild steel (MS) surface follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, indicating monolayer adsorption. The activation parameters governing adsorption show that the inhibitor is physically adsorbed. The results of quantum chemical calculation indicate high feasibility of adsorption of molecular and protonated Lutein, a major component of TEE.

This chapter covers the disposal of marine composites which may arise from marine sports equipment, boats and ships, submarines, marine renewable energy systems or offshore oil exploration and exploitation industries. Consideration is given to the avoidance of waste by appropriate design, manufacturing, marketing and maintenance through life. A key issue addressed is the need to establish the ownership of abandoned vessels. Disposal routes are considered and some examples of differences in current practice are noted.

Modulation of serotonin signaling by RNA editing of the serotonin 2C receptor (5HT(2C) R) may be relevant to affective disorder as serotonin functions regulate mood and behavior. Previously, we observed enhanced endogenous behavioral despair in ADAR2 transgenic mice. As the transcript of the 5HT(2C) R is a substrate of ADAR2, we hypothesized that perturbed ADAR2 equilibrium in the prefrontal cortex of ADAR2 transgenic mice alters the normal distribution of edited amino acid isoforms of the 5HT(2C) R and modifies the receptor function in downstream basal extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. We examined groups of naive control and ADAR2 transgenic mice and found significantly increased ADAR2 expression, increased RNA editing at A, C, D and E sites and significantly altered normal distribution of edited amino acid isoforms of the 5HT(2C) R with increased proportions of valine asparagine valine, valine serine valine, valine asparagine isoleucine, isoleucine asparagine valine and decreased isoleucine asparagine isoleucine amino acid isoforms of the 5HT(2C) R in ADAR2 transgenic mice. Localized serotonin levels (5-HT) were unchanged and perturbed ADAR2 equilibrium coincides with dysregulated edited amino acid isoforms of the 5HT(2C) R and reduced basal ERK signaling. These results altogether suggest that altered 5HT(2C) R function could be contributing to enhanced depression-like behavior of ADAR2 transgenic mice and further implicate ADAR2 as a contributing factor in cases of affective disorder.

The corrosion behavior of mild steel in dimethyl sulfoxide containing various concentrations, i.e., 0.001, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015 and 0.020 M of hydrochloric acid has been studied in presence of 0.1 M tetra ethyl ammonium chloride as supporting electrolyte by applying electrochemical techniques. The results of these experiments have been supplemented by surface analysis of the samples exposed to corrosive solution under different experimental conditions. The electrochemical investigation was done potentiostatically by varying the concentration of HCl in DMSO and the experimental temperature as well.

A comparative quantitative life cycle assessment (LCA) should consider the eight environmental impact classification factors listed in ISO/TR 14047:2003. This paper reports on the energy requirement for production of flax fibers to be used as reinforcement in composite materials. Data are compiled from a number of published sources. Only 5% of the harvested plant mass is converted into long fibers, while the other 95% could be regarded as waste; the respective coproducts (short fiber for paper manufacture, shives for animal bedding, and dust for fuel) can be collected, processed, packaged, and sold. The analysis here assumes that these coproducts are disposed of at a cost that covers the postseparation handling and hence they are not included in the flax burdens. The analysis suggests that sliver (postcarding fiber) has an embodied energy comparable to glass fiber reinforcement mat at approximately 55 GJ/tonne. Spinning fibers to produce yarn for weaving dominates the embodied energy. In the event that be...

Considering different mechanical cutting tools for excavation of rock, drilling and blasting is said to be inexpensive and at the same time most acceptable and compatible to any geo-excavation condition. Depending upon strength properties of in-situ rock mass, characteristics of joint pattern and required quality of blasting, control blasting techniques viz., pre-split and smooth blasting are commonly implemented to achieve an undamaged periphery rock-wall. To minimize magnitude of damage or overbreak, the paper emphasized that in-situ stresses and re-distribution of stresses during the process of excavation should be considered prior to selection of explosive parameters and implementation of any suitable blast pattern. Rock structure being not massive in nature, the paper firstly explains the influence of discontinuities and design parameters on smooth-wall blasting. Considering the empirical equations for estimation of stress wave’s magnitude and its attenuation characteristics through transmitting medium, the paper has put forward a mathematical model for smooth blasting pattern. The model firstly illustrates that rock burden for each hole should be sub-divided into thin micro strips/slabs to understand the characteristics of wave transmission through the medium and lastly with the help of beam theory of structural dynamics have put forward a mathematical model to analyze and design an effective smooth blasting pattern to achieve an undamaged periphery rock-wall.

Demand for safe and undamaged periphery rock walls in mining and civil construction projects has encouraged blasting engineers to study the details of controlled blasting parameters. Various researchers have proposed recommendations for optimizing blast design and safe magnitude of vibration. However, these recommendations require improvements. The magnitude of a vibration can be characterized by reflection of strata condition, explosive properties and the blast pattern implemented. It is thus proposed that, in order to develop a safe blast pattern to achieve undamaged periphery rock wall, the characteristics of wave signatures and the energy transferred to the rock medium should be analysed. This paper analyses the characteristics of vibration waves for various charge diameters (25 to 269 mm). To study the characteristics of wave signatures, wave analysis software was used to analyse various parameters of wave signatures, e.g. duration of vibration, magnitude of peak, number of peaks, acceleration/decele...

Excavation methods for underground drivage should be cost effective and minimise damage to the periphery rock wall. Among the various methods of excavating systems the 'drill and blast' method is the most commonly used because of the low capital investment required, its easy manoeuvring and excavating capability and the flexibility of changing the excavation profile if ground conditions necessitate. The burn-cut method of blasting is cost effective and has a good advance rate compared to other conventional drilling patterns. This paper investigates how errors in the burn-cut method can be minimised and how the parameters influencing the progress per round of blast can be optimised. The importance of drilling accuracy, low burden and heavy charge concentration for the initial holes of the burn-cut method of blasting is discussed. This paper proposes a conceptual mathematical model to enable a better understanding of the burn-cut method of blasting. The model assumes that the process of breakage for...

The significant audible and inaudible parameters, in any excavation area, that give rise to complaints and damage to structures are air-overpressure and blast-induced ground vibration. A building can sustain high, safe levels of vibration, but the human response to the magnitude of vibration varies and depends on an acceptability limit. Moreover, from the structural point of view, the safe level of vibrational magnitude depends upon a building's shape and the quality of its construction. As the response spectrum can be correlated with structural strains, structural dynamics are preferred to Fourier frequency analysis to formulate a theoretical model for the determination of safe levels of blast-induced ground vibration for structures. A mathematical model is developed for determination of the natural frequency of structures together with a mathematical concept to explain possible causes of cracks in the interior and exterior plaster of walls.

A few 1-aryl-2,5-dithiohydrazodicarbonamides and their triphenyltin and dibutyltin complexes have been studied as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in dimethyl sulphoxide containing HCl at 25 ºC using electrochemical polarisation technique. Among dithiohydrazodicarbonamides, ethoxyphenyl derivative exhibited maximum inhibition efficiency (IE) followed by benzyl and phenyl analogues. The same order of IE was observed in their corresponding organotin complexes; however, IE of a complex was found to be significantly higher than that of the constituents ligand. All organotin complexes behaved predominantly as cathodic inhibitors. Triphenyltin complexes proved to be better corrosion inhibitors than their dibutyltin analogues.

This study was carried out in a Anti-Retroviral Therapy Clinic and TB center of a tertiary level hospital to find out socio-demographic correlates of HIV/TB individuals and risk factors of HIV/TB co-infection in Indian context. It is a case-control study comprising 420 subjects, 3 groups of 140 each. For a case group of HIV-TB co-infected subjects, two control groups, one comprising HIV patients (not having TB), and the other TB patients (not having HIV). Majority 267 (63.6%) males, 100 (71.4%) in case group (HIV/ TB), 74 (52.9%) in control group 1 (TB) and 93 (66.4%) in control group 2 (HIV). Mean (+/-SD) age of case-group was 34.91 (+/- 8.57) years. New TB cases were 213 (76.1%), more among control-group 1, compared to case-group. Multivariate analysis showed that risk of co-infection was 1.94 times higher among individuals aged35 years. Difference statistically significant amongst those who were not on ART than who were on ART (p0.001). Those with CD4 counts200 had 1.85 times risk of TB. Smokers had 1.92 times risk of TB. Co-infection higher in males, in age group 35-44 years, urban area, lower educational status and lower socioeconomic class. Current history of smoking significantly associated with co-infection. HIV status during TB infection was detected in 1/4th of study subjects. History of TB symptoms in family significantly associated with co-infection.

Good-quality coking coal occurring at shallow depths was worked extensively in the early days of coal mining in India, but in combination with the propensity of the seams to spontaneous heating this unplanned mining has made fires a threat to most of the mines of the Jharia coalfields. Lakshmi opencast mine of the Bhowra Area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), fell victim to such ill-organized private operations and had to be excavated to protect existing mines and other important structures that surround the fire area.

DL-Centchroman (67/20; INN: Ormeloxifene) synthesized at the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, is a nonsteroidal once-a-week oral contraceptive. It was introduced in Delhi in July, 1991, marketed in India in 1992 as Saheli and Choice-7 (Hindustan Latex Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram) and Centron (Torrent Pharmaceuticals India Ltd., Ahmedabad), and included in the National Family Welfare Programme in 1995.5 According to post-marketing surveillance, approximately 100,000 women were using this pill and approximately 1100,000 menstrual cycles were covered until 1996. It is a unique need-oriented contraceptive being effective when taken immediately after coitus or routinely as a weekly pill and has the advantage of less frequent administration. Its contraceptive action is quickly reversible. It has long terminal serum halflife of 168 hr in women and exhibits duration of anti-implantation/estrogen antagonistic action of 120 hr, despite a short (24.1 hr) serum halflife, in the rat. In lactating women, it is excreted in milk in quantities considered unlikely to cause any deleterious effect on suckling babies. In phase II and III multicentric trials as a contraceptive, children born of method-and-user failure pregnancies showed normal milestones, without any congenital anomaly. Reports of its promising action in the management of certain hormone-related clinical disorders are available. It has an excellent therapeutic index and is considered safe for chronic administration.

The inhibitive effect of thiourea, 2-amino [4-p-chlorophenyl] thiazole and different derivatives of their condensation products, N-2[4-pchlorophenyl] 2-thiazolyl] thiocarbamide on the corrosion o f mi ld steel in 20% formic acid solution has been studied using weight loss and electrochemical polarisation techniques. Different concentrations of inhibitors and temperatures have been tested. The inhibition efficiencies calculated by both the techniques are in fairly good agreement except at higher concentrations of some inhibitors. The results observed have been discussed in the light of the molecular structures of the compounds and their adsorption on the surface of the corroding metal. A l l the inhibitors have been found to be good inhibitors. The polarisation measurements indicate that these inhibitors influence both anodic and cathodic reactions and thereby they contribute to reduce the corrosion rate.

Three cases diagnosed as acute glomerulonephritis with renal failure, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and polymyositis exhibited antioxidant vitamin deficiency and free radical stress. Treatment with coenzyme Q10 was associated with significant improvement for the first time in the published literature.

Investigations were carried out to study the response of surface structures to rock blasting. The experiments were conducted in four opencast and one underground coal mine. The structures in the vicinity of the mining area were single and multistorey residential buildings. The amplitudes of vibration were monitored simultaneously on the ground and on various floors of the structures. It was observed that the ground peak particle velocity amplified more than six times on the top floor of one of the structures. However, vibration in similar structures due to blasting in underground coal mines decreased with the increase in the height of the structures. The frequency of blast vibration from opencast blasting was in the range of natural frequency of the structures whereas from underground blasting, it was much higher than the natural frequency of the structures. It indicates that the dominant frequency of blast vibration plays an important role in the amplification of vibration in the structures. This paper deals with the effect of the blast vibrations on structures/buildings in different Indian geo-mining conditions.

On the basis of the use of insecticides in agri culture and vector control programmes, two locations were selected in Gujarat state, India. In location 1 the insecticides are used in both agriculture and vector control programmes while in location 2 they are used only in agriculture. Raw food commodities, water, soil and blood samples were collected from the people residing in these locations, and analysed for total dichloro-diphenyl trichloroethane and total benzenehexachloride residues. Residue levels were significantly lower in location 2 than in location 1.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the pattern of antepartum morbidities and its relationship with socio-economic, demographic characteristics and the health seeking behaviour among 214 women in an urban slum community of Delhi. Interviews were conducted in the households using a pretested semi-structured schedule. The age at marriage, age at co-habitation, and age at child-birth were below 18 years in 36.4%, 32.7%, and 5.1% respectively. The average number of antepartum morbidities per woman was 1.7. Commonest morbidities were: Urinary problems (11.2%), swelling over hands and feet (9.3%), fever3 days duration (7.5%), antepartum bleeding (7.0%), etc. The antepartum morbidities were found to be significantly higher among wives of illiterate (p = 0.01) husbands and of unskilled workers (p = 0.01). Out of 144 morbidities, consultation was sought for 101 morbidities (70.1%), mostly in a government hospital (78.2%). Main reasons for non-consultation among 43 women were: Non-availability of persons to accompany (32.6%), or to look after the children (23.3%) and feeling unnecessary to consult (23.3%). Study findings revealed the need for family support, sensitising men about women's health problems during pregnancy and education regarding identification of danger signs during pregnancy for reducing maternal morbidity and related mortality.

As per global HIV/AIDS estimates, a total of 33 million [30.3 - 36.1 million] People were living with HIV in 2007. The world's second-most populous country, India, is experiencing a highly varied HIV epidemic, which appears to be stable or diminishing in some parts while growing at a modest rate in others. Quality of life (QOL) of HIV/AIDS patients is becoming an important component of overall assessment of health care and management in health care settings. It is one of the indicators effectiveness of management of PLHAS. The objective of this study was to determine the QOL of patients with HIV/AIDS in New Delhi. Purposive sampling was used to identify subjects from the antiretroviral therapy clinic (ART) in Lok Nayak hospital. 180 patients were interviewed with the WHOQOL-HIV instrument. This questionnaire included demographic data, multi-item scales and six domains namely physical, psychological, level of independence, social relationships, environment and spirituality religion. Study subjects were aged between 20-56 years. Mean age of all study subjects was 33.85 +/- 7.01 years, comprising of 34.4 females. More than 50% of the total subjects had received less than secondary school education. All domains have higher scores for women than men except the psychological domain. Correlation of scores of six domains with overall QOL score and among individual domains was statistically significant. Younger people showed poorer QOL and level of education correlated positively with all domains of QOL Overall results indicate that quality of life of AIDS attending Lok Nayak hospital is satisfactory.

Counseling services is an important component of National AIDS Control Program which aims at creating awareness and promoting changes in reducing high risk behavior against HIV/AIDS. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics are being counseled about HIV/AIDS under prevention of parent to child transmission (PPTCT) program. The objective of this study was to assess (KABP) regarding HIV/AIDS among pregnant women attending PPTCT program before and after counseling at Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi. A Quasi-experimental study was conducted. Data was collected by interviewing 600 pregnant women attending ANC clinic during May 2006 to May 2007 using a pre-test and post-test interview schedule. About 69.2% of the pregnant women had heard about AIDS before the counseling. Knowledge regarding mother to child transmission of HIV was 53.5%. 38.2% knew that mother to child transmission can be reduced by drugs. The knowledge of pregnant women about AIDS was significantly different in pre-test (mean score = 15.3) and post test (mean score = 35.6) (P0.0001). Attitude of study participants towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) indicated that individuals with HIV should be allowed to work (79.9%) and all commercial sex workers should compulsorily be tested for HIV (55.1%). There was significant difference between in pre-test and post-test attitude about PLWHA and HIV testing (p0.0001). The condom use among the study participants significantly improved after counseling (1.2% in pre-test and 58.6% after counseling) (p0.0001). Counseling services were effective in increasing knowledge and changes in attitude and behavior among pregnant women and the efforts needs to be sustained.

A community based cross sectional study was conducted in an urban slum amongst males to assess the magnitude of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among males between 20-50 years of age. All of the 288 males who were contacted had agreed to participate in the study. However, the information could be collected from a total of 260 subjects, using a pretested, pre-coded schedule included sociodemographic characteristics. Serological tests were done for Hepatitis B and C. The data were analyzed using EPI-INFO 3.2.2. Proportion of persons tested serologically positive for Hepatitis B and C in the present study was observed to be 10.38% and 1.15%, respectively. Higher proportion for hepatitis B and C was observed amongst those Muslims, below 35 years of age, stay in the area for less than 5 years, Illiterates, unstable occupation, staying away from home and those with no history of blood transfusion or donation; however the difference was not statistically significant. There is a need to carry out more community based studies amongst such populations at risk in order to assess the true prevalence and risk factors for appropriate intervention.

Undergraduate medical students in developing countries have a number of misnotions and misconceptions about psychiatry. Carefully planned teaching programmes providing more interactions of students with faculty during a short span may be helpful in increasing students′ awareness and positive attitude towards psychiatry. This study was conducted to assess the impact of a two weeks training programme on the awareness of medical students about psychiatry, its scope and treatment modalities. The subjects included a batch of 29 third year medical students in a medical college in Nepal. A pre and post-test was done before and after conducting the training programme for two weeks using a 20 item semi-structured questionnaire. Students′ awareness about psychiatric disorders like anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, personality disorders, delirium and mania, psychological manifestations of physical illnesses, electroconvulsive therapy and psychological methods of treatment improved significantly after the teaching programme. The findings show that teaching programme on psychiatry even for a brief period of two weeks is useful in increasing awareness and correcting the misconceptions about the speciality.

DL-Centchroman (67/20; INN: Ormeloxifene) synthesized at the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, is a nonsteroidal once-a-week oral contraceptive. It was introduced in Delhi in July, 1991, marketed in India in 1992 as Saheli and Choice-7 (Hindustan Latex Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram) and Centron (Torrent Pharmaceuticals India Ltd., Ahmedabad), and included in the National Family Welfare Programme in 1995.5 According to post-marketing surveillance, approximately 100,000 women were using this pill and approximately 1100,000 menstrual cycles were covered until 1996. It is a unique need-oriented contraceptive being effective when taken immediately after coitus or routinely as a weekly pill and has the advantage of less frequent administration. Its contraceptive action is quickly reversible. It has long terminal serum halflife of 168 hr in women and exhibits duration of anti-implantation/estrogen antagonistic action of 120 hr, despite a short (24.1 hr) serum halflife, in the rat. In lactating women, it is excreted in milk in quantities considered unlikely to cause any deleterious effect on suckling babies. In phase II and III multicentric trials as a contraceptive, children born of method-and-user failure pregnancies showed normal milestones, without any congenital anomaly. Reports of its promising action in the management of certain hormone-related clinical disorders are available. It has an excellent therapeutic index and is considered safe for chronic administration.

This is the Indian counterpart of the co-operative study on drug use in pregnancy carried out under the auspices of WHO–EURO and co-ordinated by the Mario Negri Institute, Milan (Italy). In all 1497 pregnant women were interviewed (1000 from the referral hospital and 497 from the city hospital) to collect the information. The mean age of the mothers was 25 years; 50% were hospitalized on the day of delivery; 50% of the deliveries were normal and the other 50% were assisted or operative. Congential malformations were seen in 2.0% of the newborns. The drugs taken throughout pregnancy were tetanus toxoid (TT) and nutritional supplements (iron, folic acid, calcium and multivitamins) and constituted the largest group (35%). Women on chronic therapy for medical or obstetrical problems related to the pregnancy were 1%. Overall 30.5% of the women received drugs during hospitalization for delivery. Local and general anaesthetics and oxytocics were the most used during this period. As the rate of operative deliveries was high 33% of the women received antimicrobials, analgesics and sedatives during puerperium. Nutritional supplements were used extensively during current or planned breast-feeding. The routine use of iron supplements in pregnancy and the high rate of operative deliveries seemed to contrast to other countries which participated in this study.