Application of machine learning and multivariate approaches for assessing microplastic pollution and its associated risks in the urban outdoor environment of Bangladesh

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging global concern due to severe toxicological risks for ecosystems and public health. Therefore, this is the first study in Bangladesh to assess MP pollution and its associated risks for ecosystems and human health in the outdoor urban environment using machine learning and multivariate approaches. The occurrences of MPs in the urban road dust were 52.76 ± 20.24 particles/g with high diversity, where fiber shape (77%), 0.1-0.5 mm size MPs (75%), blue color (26%), and low-density polyethylene (24%) polymer was the dominating MPs category. Pollution load index value (1.28-4.42), showed severe pollution by MPs. Additionally, the contamination factor (1.00-5.02), and Nemerow pollution index (1.38-5.02), indicate moderate to severe MP pollution. The identified polymers based on calculated potential ecological risk (2248.52 ± 1792.79) and polymer hazard index (814.04 ± 346.15) showed very high and high risks, respectively. The occurrences of MPs could effectively be predicted by random forest, and support random vector machine, where EC, salinity, pH, OC, and texture classes were the influencing parameters. Considering the human health aspect, children and adults could be acutely exposed to 19259.68 and 5777.90 MP particles/ year via oral ingestion. Monte-Carlo-based polymers associated cancer risk assessment results indicate moderate risk and high risk for adults and children, respectively, where children were more vulnerable than adults for MP pollution risks. Overall assessment mentioned that Dhaka was the most polluted division among the other divisions.

Black carbon derived PET plastic bottle waste and rice straw for sorption of Acid Red 27 dye: Machine learning approaches, kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic studies

This study focuses on the probable use of PET waste black carbon (PETWBC) and rice straw black carbon (RSBC) as an adsorbent for Acid Red 27 (AR 27) adsorption. The prepared adsorbent is characterized by FE-SEM and FT-IR. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted with the influencing of different operational conditions namely time of contact (1-180 min), AR 27 concentration (5-70 mg/L), adsorbent dose (0.5-20 g/L), pH (2-10), and temperature (25-60°C). High coefficient value [PETWBC (R2 = 0.94), and RSBC (R2 = 0.97)] of process optimization model suggesting that this model was significant, where pH and adsorbent dose expressively stimulus removal efficiency including 99.88, and 99.89% for PETWBC, and RSBC at pH (2). Furthermore, the machine learning approaches (ANN and BB-RSM) revealed a good association between the tested and projected value. Pseudo-second-order was the well-suited kinetics, where Freundlich isotherm could explain better equilibrium adsorption data. Thermodynamic study shows AR 27 adsorption is favourable, endothermic, and spontaneous. Environmental friendliness properties are confirmed by desorption studies and satisfactory results also attain from real wastewater experiments. Finally, this study indicates that PETWBC and RSBC could be potential candidates for the adsorption of AR 27 from wastewater.

Removal of hazardous textile dye from simulated wastewater by municipal organic solid waste charcoal using machine learning approaches: Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics

This study focuses on the probable use of municipal organic solid waste charcoal (MOSWC) as an adsorbent for Methyl orange (MO) adsorption. The prepared MOSWC is characterized by FE-SEM and FT-IR. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted with the influencing of different operational conditions namely time of contact (1-180 min), adsorbate concentration (60-140 mg/L), adsorbent dose (1-5 g/L), pH (3-11), and temperature (25-60 °C). The high coefficient value (R2 = 0.96) of the process optimization model suggests that this model was significant, where pH and adsorbent dose expressively stimulus adsorption efficiency including 40.11 mg/g at pH (3), MO concentration (100 mg/L), and MOSWC dose (1 g/L). Furthermore, the machine learning approaches (ANN and BB-RSM) revealed a good association between the tested and projected values. The highest monolayer adsorption capacity of MO was 90.909 mg/g. Pseudo-second-order was the well-suited kinetics, where Langmuir isotherm could explain better for equilibrium adsorption data. Thermodynamic study shows MO adsorption is favourable, exothermic, and spontaneous. Finally, this study indicates that MOSWC could be a potential candidate for the adsorption of MO from wastewater.

Receptor model-based sources and risks appraisal of potentially toxic elements in the urban soils of Bangladesh

Rapid urbanization and industrial development have prompted potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in urban soil in Bangladesh, which is a great concern for ecological and public health matters. The present study explored the receptor-based sources, probable human health and ecological risks of PTEs (As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cu) in the urban soil of the Jashore district, Bangladesh. The USEPA modified method 3050B and atomic absorption spectrophotometers were used to digest and evaluate the PTEs concentration in 71 soil samples collected from eleven different land use areas, respectively. The concentration ranges of As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cu in the studied soils were 1.8-18.09, 0.1-3.58, 0.4-113.26, 0.9-72.09, 2.1-68.23, and 3.82-212.57 mg/kg, respectively. The contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and enrichment factor (EF) were applied to evaluate the ecological risk posed by PTEs in soils. Soil quality evaluation indices showed that Cd was a great contributor to soil pollution. The PLI values range was 0.48-2.82, indicating base levels to continuous soil degradation. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model showed that As (50.3 %), Cd (38.8 %), Cu (64.7 %), Pb (81.8 %) and Ni (47.2 %) were derived from industrial sources and mixed anthropogenic sources, while Cr (78.1 %) from natural sources. The highest contamination was found in the metal workshop, followed by the industrial area, and brick filed site. Soil from all land use types revealed moderate to high ecological risk after evaluating probable ecological risks, and the descending order of single metal potential ecological risk was Cd > As > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr. Ingestion was the primary route of exposure to potentially toxic elements for both adults and children from the study area soil. The overall non-cancer risk to human health is caused by PTEs for children (HI=0.65 ± 0.1) and adults (HI=0.09 ± 0.03) under USEPA safe limit (HI>1), while the cancer risks from exclusively ingesting As through soil were 2.10E-03 and 2.74E-04 for children and adults, respectively, exceeding the USEPA acceptable standard (>1E-04).

Human health risk ​and receptor model-oriented sources of heavy metal pollution in commonly consume vegetable and fish species of high Ganges river floodplain agro-ecological area, Bangladesh

This study was intended to assess heavy metal contents and sources in commonly consumed vegetables and fish collected from the Jashore district of Bangladesh and to evaluate the probable human health risks via the ingesting of those vegetables and fish species. A total of 130 vegetable and fish samples were analyzed for As, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb concentration by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Metals and metalloids like As, Pb, and Cr in vegetable species were greater than the maximum allowable concentration (MAC), while Pb and cu in fish species exceeded the MAC. Pollution evaluation index values were ranges from 0.40-10.35 and 1.53–2.78 for vegetable and fish species, respectively, indicating light to serious pollution. Lactuca sativa followed by Cucurbita moschata, Amaranthus gangeticus for vegetables and Channa punctate, Oreochromis mossambicus, followed by Dendrobranchiata for fish are the most contaminated food items. The positive matrix factorization model showed that As (81.9%), Ni (48%), Cr (49.6%), Mn (46%), Pb (44.3%), and Cu (44.4%) for vegetable species and As (86.9%), Ni (90.5%), Mn (67.6%), Pb (65.3%), Cr (57%) and Cu (46.2%) for fish species were resulting from agrochemical, atmospheric emission, irrigation, contaminated feed, and mixed sources. The self-organizing map and principle component analysis indicates three spatial patterns e.g., As–Mn–Cu, Pb–Cr, and Ni in vegetables and As–Mn–Cr, Cu–Ni, and Pb in fish samples. The THQ values for single elements were less than 1 (except As for vegetables and Pb for fish species) for all food items but the HI values for all of the vegetables (2.18E+00 to 2.04E+01) and fish (1.07E+00 to 9.39E+00) samples were exceeded the USEPA acceptable risk level (HI > 1E+00). While the cancer risks only induced by As for all vegetables and fish species, which exceeded the USEPA safe level (TCR>1E-04). Sensitivity analysis indicates that metal concentration was the most responsible factor for carcinogenic risk.

Arsenic, iron, and manganese in groundwater and its associated human health risk assessment in the rural area of Jashore, Bangladesh

This study investigated groundwater pollution and potential human health risks from arsenic, iron, and manganese in the rural area of Jashore, Bangladesh. Study results show that the mean value of groundwater pH is 7.25 ± 0.31, with a mean conductivity of 633.94 ± 327.41 μs/cm, while about 73, 97, and 91% of groundwater samples exceeded the Bangladesh drinking water standard limits for As, Fe, and Mn, respectively. Groundwater pollution evaluation indices, including the heavy metal pollution index, the heavy metal evaluation index, the degree of contamination, and the Nemerow pollution index, show that approximately 97, 82, 100, and 100% of samples are in the high degree of pollution category, respectively. Spatial distribution exhibited that the study area is highly exposed to As (73%), Fe (82%), and Mn (46%). In the case of non-carcinogenic health risk via oral exposure, about 94% of samples suggest a high category of risk for infants, and 97% of samples are found to be at high risk for children and adults. The carcinogenic risk of arsenic via an oral exposure pathway suggests that approximately 97% of the samples are found to be at high risk for infants, and all of the samples are at high risk for both adults and children.

Human health risk assessment of elevated and variable iron and manganese intake with arsenic-safe groundwater in Jashore, Bangladesh

Groundwater through hand-operated tubewell (a type of water well) tapping is the main source of drinking water in Bangladesh. This study investigated iron and manganese concentration in groundwater across Jashore district–one of the worst arsenic contaminated area in Bangladesh. One working tubewell that had been tested previously for arsenic and marked safe (green) was selected from each unions of the district. Results revealed that approximately 73% and 87% of groundwater samples exceeded the limits for iron and manganese in Bangladesh drinking water, respectively. Additionally, spatial distribution of iron and manganese indicate that only 5% of the total surface area of groundwater is covered by safe level of iron and manganese. Human health risk due to ingestion of iron and manganese through drinking water was evaluated using hazard quotients (HQ) for adults and children. The result of the health risk assessment revealed that the non-carcinogenic health risks due to ingestion of iron (HQ up to 1.446 for adults and 0.590 for children) and manganese (HQ up to 2.459 for adults and 1.004 for children) contaminated groundwater are much higher among adults than children. On the basis of occurrences, spatial distribution and health risk assessment results, the area can be categorized as a high-risk zone for iron and manganese-related problems and needs special attention in order to protect public health of local residents.

Peculiar mechanical complication of myocardial infarction

A 58-year-old man presented to the chest pain unit with crescendo angina over 24 hours and worsening dyspnoea of 10 hours duration. He was a known diabetic and hypertensive on regular treatment for 10 years and a habitual smoker with over 15 pack-years smoking duration. Examination revealed a profusely diaphoretic and dyspnoeic (respiratory rate of 45/min) individual with a blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg and heart rate of 124 beats/min. He was hypoxic and his oxygen saturation in the ambient air was 64%. His jugular venous pressure was elevated with a prominent V wave. Cardiovascular examination revealed a harsh grade IV/VI systolic murmur over the lower left parasternal border. There were bilateral extensive crepitations heard over the lung fields. ECG on admission revealed presence of Q wave and ST elevation in leads II and III, aVF with ST depression in I and aVL. X-ray chest showed normal cardiac shadow and features of grade III pulmonary venous hypertension. Transthoracic echocardiography is shown in figure 1.Figure 1Transthoracic echocardiogram short axis view at mid cavity level, 2D (A) and colour Doppler (B) image.

Question

What is the most likely diagnosis?A. Left ventricular (LV) true aneurysmB. LV pseudoaneurysmC. LV pseudo-pseudoaneurysmD. Ventricular septal rupture (VSR)E. LV free wall rupture.

Ranolazine: Multifaceted Role beyond Coronary Artery Disease, a Recent Perspective

Ranolazine is a piperazine derivative approved as an antianginal. Primarily used as a second-line antianginal in stable coronary artery disease. Ranolazine blocks the late Na + current and prevents the rise of cytosolic calcium. It decreases myocardial wall tension and improves coronary blood flow. Ranolazine is effective in atrial fibrillation (AF) as an adjunct to electrical or pharmacological cardioversion. It can be used in combination with amiodarone or dronedarone. It has also been used in AF arising after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Role of ranolazine is also being evaluated in pulmonary arterial hypertension, diastolic dysfunction, and chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Ranolazine has some anti-glycemic effect and has shown a reduction of hemoglobin A1c in multiple trials. The antianginal effect of ranolazine has also been seen to be more in patients with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. Ranolazine is being evaluated in patients with the peripheral arterial disease with intermittent claudication and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Pilot studies have shown that ranolazine may be beneficial in neurological conditions with myotonia. The evidence-base on the use of ranolazine in various conditions is rapidly increasing with results of further trials eagerly awaited. Accumulating evidence may see ranolazine in routine clinical use for many conditions beyond its traditional role as an antianginal.

Effectiveness and Safety of Inclisiran, A Novel Long-Acting RNA Therapeutic Inhibitor of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9

Low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) has a causal association with coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Statins have been found to reduce LDL-C, and many randomized trials have documented the significant role of statins in prevention and treatment of ACS. Treatment with statin therapy is associated with few shortcomings. A healthy percentage of patients initiated on statin, discontinue it within a year of initiation predominantly because of its daily dosing schedule. There is considerable variability in treatment response to statins and in some percentage of patients with high risk for ACS, satins are not enough to help reach the LDL-C goal necessitating the development of alternate LDL-C lowering therapies. Inclisiran a small interfering ribonucleic acid molecule inhibitor is helpful in sustained reduction of LDL-C. A single dose can decrease LDL-C for around 6 months, showed promising results in the phase II trials. In conclusion, here we reviewed the possibilities of Inclisiran as LDL-C reducing therapy and compared with currently available newer nonstatin LDL-C lowering therapies.

Fourteen-year-old boy with decreased appetite and pedal swelling

CLINICAL INTRODUCTION: A 14-year-old boy presented with history of decreased appetite and bilateral swelling of feet for 6 months. He did not give any associated history of orthopnoea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea. He was born by a normal delivery after a non-consanguineous marriage. He had an unremarkable birth and childhood health history. There was no family history of significant cardiovascular illness or sudden death. Clinical examination showed an average built boy with elevated jugular venous pressure with prominent v wave and bilateral pitting pedal oedema. Cardiovascular examination showed normal first (S1) and second (S2) heart sounds and a short early systolic murmur over tricuspid region. Other systems examination was remarkable for soft tender hepatomegaly.ECG showed sinus rhythm with tall, peaked p waves. Chest X-ray revealed enlargement along the right cardiac border. Transthoracic echocardiographic images are shown in figure 1A (apical four-chamber view) and figure 1B (tricuspid inflow Doppler). There was no colour Doppler evidence of interatrial shunt.heartjnl;105/5/405/F1F1F1Figure 1(A) Transthoracic echocardiographic apical four-chamber view. (B) Tricuspid inflow continuous wave Doppler image. QUESTION: What is the most likely diagnosis of his condition? Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF)Ebstein's anomalyArrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD)Idiopathic dilatation of right atriumRestrictive cardiomyopathy.

Dengue fever with encephalitis: a rare phenomenon

The clinical profile and presentation of patients with dengue fever may differ from asymptomatic infection to the dreadful complications like dengue shock syndrome. However, neurological complications are very rare. Dengue encephalitis occurs by a direct involvement of central nervous system by the dengue virus which is an extremely rare complication. A 33-year-old man presented with fever, vomiting and severe headache. He had one episode of generalised tonic-clonic seizure followed by an altered sensorium on the day of admission to the hospital. The diagnosis of dengue fever was confirmed by dengue serology (IgM) and (NS1) antigen assay. MRI brain was suggestive of encephalitis. Thus, the patient was treated symptomatically and discharged in stable condition with minimal neurological deficit.

A dairy worker with fever and an abnormal echocardiogram

DESCRIPTION OF THE CASE

A 38-year-old male presented with history of progressively increasing dyspnoea of 25 days duration. He gave history of low -grade fever associated with malaise and weight loss over the preceding 6 months. He worked in the dairy industry in the Middle East and returned to India owing to his illness. On clinical examination, he was found to be tachypneic and cachectic. Jugular venous pressure was raised with a prominent 'a' wave. There was a short early diastolic murmur over the aortic area. His blood investigations, including renal and liver function tests, were normal. Three sets of blood cultures were sterile. Two-dimensional trans-thoracic and trans-oesophageal echocardiography revealed thickened bicuspid aortic valve cusps, with moderate eccentric aortic regurgitation and an abnormal structure posterior to the left ventricular outflow tract and aorta (figure 1A-C). A small vegetation was seen attached to the fused right-left aortic cusp (supplementary figure 1). The patient was started on appropriate intravenous antibiotics and antifailure medications, and was referred for early surgical treatment.Figure 1(A) Transthoracic echocardiography parasternal long axis view. (B) Transesophageal echocardiography (mid esophageal level) long axis view. (C) Transthoracic echocardiography parasternal short axis view.10.1136/heartasia-2017-010915.supp1Supplementary Figure 1.

QUESTION

Identify the structure depicted in the images (figure 1A-C).Answer options:Cor triatriatumAortic dissectionLeft atrial pseudoaneurysmPseudoaneurysm of the mitral aortic inter-valvular fibrosaAortic root abscess.

CSF ADA Determination in Early Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis in HIV-Infected Patients

Tuberculous and Cryptococcal meningitis are common in HIV patients. A highly specific and sensitive rapid test for diagnosis of Tuberculous meningitis especially in setting of HIV is not available in developing countries where the burden of disease is high. We measured ADA (adenosine deaminase) levels using spectrophotometric method in the CSF of HIV patients with meningitis to differentiate Tuberculous meningitis from meningitis due to other causes. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare ADA values between tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and nontuberculous (non-TB) meningitis patients and a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis curve was drawn from these values. Levels of ADA in the CSF of patients with TBM were significantly higher than those in patients with meningitis due to other causes. CSF ADA level determination with a cut-off value of 6 IU/L was found to be highly specific and fairly sensitive test for the diagnosis of TBM in HIV positive patients.

ANCA positivity in a patient with infective endocarditis-associated glomerulonephritis: a diagnostic dilemma

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is an immunological phenomenon in bacterial endocarditis. These may be pauci-immune/vasculitic GN, post-infective GN, and sub-endothelial membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Each type of glomerulonephritis usually occurs in isolation. We report a case of infective endocarditis with dual existence of pauci-immune/vasculitic GN and post infective type of GN at the same time.

Pregnancy presenting as hyperthyroidism with negative urine pregnancy test

A 22-year-old lactating mother presented with symptoms of uneasiness, palpitation, tachycardia and exophthalmos. She had an abdominal lump suggestive of 26 weeks uterine size but her urine pregnancy test was negative. Her thyroid profile was suggestive of hyperthyroidism. Gynaecological and ultrasonographic findings revealed a hydatidiform mole. She had a low β-human chorionic gonadotropin level that surprisingly increased after suction and evacuation. The paradoxical findings that appeared as erroneous laboratory results could be explained by the 'high-dose hook effect' after a review of literature. One week after the evacuation, the patient's thyroid profile and symptoms resolved completely without any treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Disseminated neurocysticercosis presenting as affective mood disorder with chronic tension type headache

Neurocysticercosis is a common parasitic infection in India presenting usually with seizues, headache, focal neurological deficits. Neurocysticercosis presenting as a psychiatric illness is rare. Disseminated cysticercosis with involvement of central nervous system and head and neck muscles is rare even in endemic areas. We present a case of disseminated cysticercosis, which presented with chronic tension type headache and affective mood disorder. Treatment with cysticidal drugs led to complete remission of psychiatric complaints. In endemic areas history suggestive of mood disorder should not be used as supportive evidence of a primary headache syndome like tension type headche without ruling out secondary causes. Making an early diagnosis can prevent morbidity.

Occurrence and fate of oseltamivir carboxylate (Tamiflu) and amantadine in sewage treatment plants

We investigated the occurrence and fate of the two antiviral drugs oseltamivir carboxylate (OC)-the active metabolite of Tamiflu-and amantadine (AMT) at three sewage treatment plants (STPs) during the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 influenza seasons in Japan. Both compounds were detected in all samples analyzed. The concentrations in raw influents at the STPs ranged from 140 to 460 ng L(-1) OC and from 184 to 538 ng L(-1) AMT. Primary treatment gave no substantial removal of the drugs (OC, 2-9%; AMT, 7-17%). Biological nutrient-removal-based secondary treatment (anoxic-oxic-anoxic-oxic and anaerobic-anoxic-oxic) removed 20-37% of OC, whereas extended-aeration-based conventional activated sludge treatment removed <20%. STPs using primary plus biological secondary treatment removed <50% of the drugs. The incorporation of tertiary treatment by ozonation removed >90%. Ozonation after secondary treatment in STPs will be necessary during an influenza pandemic to reduce the risks associated with the widespread use of antiviral drugs.

Occurrence and elimination of antibiotics at four sewage treatment plants in Japan and their effects on bacterial ammonia oxidation

The occurrence and elimination of seventeen antibiotics (three macrolides: azithromycin, clarithromycin and roxithromycin; five quinolones: ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, levofloxacin, nalidixic acid and norfloxacin; five sulfonamides: sulfadimethoxine, sulfadimizine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethoxazole and sulfamonomethoxine; and others: tetracycline, lincomycin, salinomycin and trimethoprim) were investigated at four full-scale sewage treatment plants in Japan. The highest concentration was recorded for clarithromycin (1,129 to 4,820 ng/L) in influent, followed by azithromycin (160 to 1,347 ng/L), levofloxacin (255 to 587 ng/L) and norfloxacin (155 to 486 ng/L). A vary inconsistence picture was obtained with negative to over 90% removal. Nalidixic acid (53 to 100%) exhibited higher removal efficiency followed by norfloxacin (75 to 95%), levofloxacin (40 to 90%), ciprofloxacin (60 to 83%) and enrofloxacin (38 to 74%). Among macrolides, clarithromycin (50 to 88%) and azithromycin (34 to 86%) showed relatively higher removal efficiency than roxithromycin (-32 to 59%). For most of the antibiotics removal efficiency was higher in A2O and AO based secondary treatment process than CAS process. The effect of the antibiotics on bacterial ammonia oxidation determined by oxygen uptake rate presented that there was no significant effect below 0.05 mg/L of each antibiotics. Even at the same concentration, antibiotics in mixed condition had higher inhibition effects than individuals.

Piggery wastewater treatment in a tropical climate: biological and chemical treatment options

A novel biological treatment system was developed for the treatment of piggery wastewater under tropical conditions. It consisted of three consecutive sponge-based floating biofilters. The Upflow Anaerobic/Anoxic/Aerobic Floating Filter (UA3FF) system was shown to be effective with carbonaceous and, particularly, nitrogenous matter. The rationale for the processes occurring in anoxic-aerobic reactors was based on the concept of nitritation-denitritation rather than nitrification-denitrification. The N-related microbial communities manipulated by changing DO concentration and hydraulic retention time were able to effect a considerable increase in the total and specific N-removal (70% and 0.6 kg N m(-3) filter media per day, respectively) as compared to data reported elsewhere. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization and Polymerase Chain Reaction amplification of ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene were used to study interrelationships between N-related microbial groups in the system. Microbiological data was interpreted in terms of operational behavior and performance of the reactors. The N-removal efficiency of the biological UA3FF system was compared with a combined biological/physicochemical system based on (a) biological anaerobic pretreatment followed by (b) a chemical precipitation (CP) and (c) an air stripping. Both systems were scrutinized as to operational advantages and costs. The treatment options could produce effluent of a high quality (202 mg COD l(-1), 126 total-N l(-1) and 89 mg COD l(-1) 48 total-N l(-1) in the biological and combined biological/physico-chemical treatment options, respectively) amenable for the subsequent treatment at the municipal facilities. However, the UA3FF biological treatment system was superior to the combined system by a factor of 20 as far as costs are concerned.

Female sex pheromone of brinjal fruit and shoot borer, Leucinodes orbonalis blend optimization

The brinjal fruit and shoot borer, Leucinodes orbonalis is the major pest of eggplant in South Asia. Analysis of female pheromone gland extracts prepared from insects of Indian and Taiwanese origin confirmed (E)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (E11-16:Ac) as the major pheromone component with 0.8 to 2.8% of the related (E)-11-hexadecen-1-ol (E11-16:OH), as previously reported from Sri Lanka. The average quantity of E11-16:Ac extracted per female was estimated to be 33 ng, with a range of 18.9 to 46.4 ng when collected 2 to 3 hr into the scotophase. In field trials conducted in India, blends containing between 1 and 10% E11-16:OH caught more male L. orbonalis than E11-16:Ac alone. At the 1,000 microg dose, on white rubber septa, addition of 1% E11-16:OH to E11-16:Ac was found to be more attractive to male L. orbonalis than either 0.1 or 10% E11-16:OH. Trap catch was found to be positively correlated with pheromone release rate, with the highest dose tested, 3,000 microg, on white rubber septa catching more male moths than lower doses. Field and wind tunnel release rate studies confirmed that E11-16:OH released from white rubber septa and polyethylene vials at approximately twice the rate of E11-16:Ac and that the release rate of both compounds was doubled in polyethylene vials compared to white rubber septa. This difference in release rate was reflected in field trials conducted in Bangladesh where polyethylene vial dispensers caught more male moths than either black or white rubber septa, each loaded with the same 100:1 blend of E11-16:Ac and E11-16:OH in a 3,000 microg loading.

Dermatoglyphics of the Naik Gond

This paper deals with the finger and palm prints of the Naik Gond, a Dravidian speaking tribe of Chandrapur, Maharashtra. It represents a few dermatoglyphic characters such as pattern types, number of finger triradii, total finger ridge count, main-line index and ab ridge count which have expressed the usual trends of sexual dimorphism. The data have been compared with that of the neighbouring Raj Gond and the Pardhan who share common socio-linguistic traits with the Naik Gond. In dermatoglyphic characters the Naik Gond are found to be homogeneous with the Raj Gond and the Pardhan which lends support to the existing ethnohistoric information.