Burning Problem Research Articles

Bureaucrat incentives reduce crop burning and child mortality in South Asia.

Air pollution in South Asia is a health emergency, responsible for 2 million deaths every year1. Crop residue burning accounts for 40-60% of peak pollution during the winter harvest months2,3. Despite being illegal, this practice remains widespread4,5. Any solution to curb the problem necessitates government action at scale. Here we study whether leveraging the incentives of bureaucrats tasked with controlling burning can mitigate this phenomenon. Using a decade of wind, fire and health data from satellites and surveys from theDemographic and Health Surveys Program, we show that crop burning responds to bureaucrat incentives: fires increase by 15% when wind is most likely to direct pollution to neighbouring jurisdictions, and decrease by 14.5% when it pollutes their own. These effects intensify with stronger bureaucratic incentives and capacity. We also find that bureaucrat action against burning deters future polluters, further reducing fires by 13%. Finally, using an atmospheric model, we estimate that one log increase in in utero exposure to pollution from burning raises child mortality by 30-36 deaths per 1,000 births, underscoring the importance of bureaucrat action. Contrary to the growing beliefs that the problem of crop burning is intractable6,7, these findings highlight specific ways in which existing bureaucrats, when properly incentivized, can improve environmental management and public health outcomes.

The influence of air distribution ratio on the fluctuation characteristics and stability of horizontal jet diesel non-premixed flame under extreme sub-atmospheric pressures

The burning problem in the plateau environment attracts more and more people’s attention, and the plateau adaptability and flame stability of burner are the focus of recent research. The main purpose of this paper is to reveal the horizontal jet spray flame fluctuation characteristics and stability change rule under extremely low pressure (0.05 MPa) at a high altitude (about 5500 m) inhabited by human beings. Flame morphology and temperature properties were investigated in a low-pressure chamber with different secondary air ratios (23–53 %). It is found that the normalization of the flame trajectory equation is not affected by the ratio of secondary air. The temperature in the flame recirculation zone can be increased by 110 K as the proportion of secondary air increases to 45 %, but the maximum temperature is still lower than 1500 K. A continuous flame image processing method was implemented to define and analyze the flame fluctuation region. The results show that the dimensionless fluctuation parameter γ can predict the flame stability in advance than β. When the secondary air ratio is 40 %, the flame has the largest upward fluctuation; and when it exceeds 45 %, the flame stability becomes worse. This work is the first to obtain the results of the study on flame morphology and stability of horizontal jet spray flame distribution ratio under extremely low atmospheric pressure, which provides a theoretical scientific basis for the design of plateau burner, flame control, and flame stability improvement.

Navakiranam- A Novel Program in Kerala, A Win-Win Strategy for Biodiversity and People Through Voluntary Relocation

Human-wildlife conflict, deterioration, and degradation of forests due to the presence of people and their livestock are a burning problem in our country. In tandem is the disaffection of the people living within forest hamlets due to poor access to education medical facilities, modern amenities, etc., especially due to a lack of financial capacity and requisite skillsets to relocate outside the forest. The Navakiranam program is a Kerala government-sponsored program that provides financial support as well as social handholding for people within forests of Kerala to voluntarily relocate outside forests to gain access to a better life for themselves and their children. While supporting people, the program also provides ecological restoration to the vacated forests making room for biodiversity and wildlife to flourish. The Navakiranam program is a win-win project for people and forests, being successfully implemented in Kerala, which also needs to be scaled and replicated in the rest of the country.

Sugarcane Burning: Why?

The sugarcane harvesting practices of farmers pose a recurring problem of burning the sugarcane fields every year, leading to the release of PM 2.5, which is hazardous to health and a matter of concern for all parties involved. The objective of this research is to investigate the causes of sugarcane burning by farmers. Data is collected through participatory observation methods and group discussions with a sample group of farmers in the provinces with the highest incidents of sugarcane field fires, namely Nakhon Ratchasima, Kalasin, and Khon Kaen in the northeastern region of Thailand during the 2021/2022 production season. Content analysis techniques are employed to identify the reasons behind the behavior of burning sugarcane. The findings reveal that sugarcane burning has been a long-standing practice among farmers, and the prevalence of burning has increased due to a shortage of labor for sugarcane cutting. The available machinery for sugarcane cutting is insufficient and unsuitable for the farmers' fields. Farmers who burn sugarcane fields are aware of the health impacts and have benefited from the government's measures to address the issue of sugarcane field fires. However, it is observed that the quantity of burnt sugarcane still exceeds the government's target, because burning sugarcane is a cost-effective, convenient, and rapid method. It is found that penalizing farmers at a rate of 30 Baht per ton of burnt sugarcane and providing assistance at a rate of 120 Baht per ton of fresh-cut sugarcane does not sufficiently motivate farmers to change their sugarcane burning behavior.

Anti-Diabetic Herbo-Mineral Drugs From Priya Nighantu

Ayurveda is the science of life mainly targets for Swasthasya Swathya Rakshanam and Aturasya Vikara Prashamanamcha i.e., maintaining the healthy state of the healthy person and treating the diseased person. Prameha is not a new challenge for Ayurveda, rather it’s a challenge for new generation following principles. Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disease, is found to have much similarity with Prameha. Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem for the world in the 21st century. About 537 million adult were living with diabetes in 2021 according to IDF Diabetes Atlas and this number expected to raise upto 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. To get rid of this burning problem of society, we compiled some single effective and safe herbo-mineral remedy to control diabetes. Plants are the exclusive source of the drugs for the treatment of various ailments. Now days millions of people are dependent upon herbal medicines. Acharya Priyavrat sharma in his Priya nighantu describes various herbo-mineral drugs act upon Prameha (diabetes). Many treatment modalities mentioned in different Ayurvedic lexicon for Prameha. The present review study focus to screen drugs acting on Prameha (diabetes). 41 Dravya out of total 643 Dravya are described with Pramehahara property throughout the lexicon which includes herbal, mineral and food origin.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF HERBO-MINERAL HAIR DYE FOR PREMATURE HAIR GRAYING

Background: Premature Hair Graying (PHG/ Canities) is the burning problem of today’s society. Despite extensive research, the treatment for PHG is still unsatisfactory. Ayurveda considers Palitya (premature hair graying) as an ailment of vitiated Pitta dosha (deranged functional factor of the body responsible for digestion and metabolism). Ayurveda therapeutics can provide the natural solution to this problem without adverse effects and also can prevent the recurrence. Objective: In present research work, attempts are made to formulate unique, safe and effective herbomineral hair dye (Keshranjak yog) an Ayurvedic formulation. The prepared formulation is also evaluated for its efficiency through various organoleptic, phytochemical and physicochemical parameters. Results: The pH of prepared herbomineral hair dye was found to be 6 which is close to neutral; to suit the requirements of different scalp and hair types. Total phenolic content (8.1%±0.7), total flavonoid content (6±1.2) of prepared sample were found to be acceptable and within limit. Conclusion: The dyeing effect of the developed dye may be attributed to keshya (good for hair), Kesharanjak (hair coloring) properties according to Ayurveda and presence of tannins, phenols as per pharmaceutics. Nowadays natural remedies are widely accepted as they are safer with minimal side effects as compared to the chemical hair dye. Kesharanjak yog may provide vital nourishment to the scalp skin and can color the hair in an utmost gentle manner. Due to nontoxic nature can act as public healthcare product.

Promoting Straw Recycling to Accelerate the Sustainable Development of Agriculture

Guided by Xi Jinping’s thought of socialism of the new era with Chinese characteristics in the 14th Five-Year Plan, the comprehensive utilization of straw is closely integrated with the annual key tasks of improving rural areas, by adhering to the priority of agricultural use, industry-oriented, multi-measures, and focusing on counties and municipalities with larger amounts of straw resources. Agricultural modernization requires that provincial policies focus on promoting the utilization of straw as fertilizer, feed, energy production, substrate, raw material, and so on while emphasizing the establishment of a complete straw collection, storage, and transportation system. In response to the problem of the open burning of straw in recent years, China has adopted a variety of policies and measures to control pollution and rationally utilize straw resources. The state and provinces have issued many policy documents on straw resource management, which are divided into the management of straw burning, comprehensive utilization of straw, planning of the straw energy industry, and financial subsidies. Rational utilization of straw not only solves the key issues of employment of farmers but also promotes ecological efficiency and rural economic development. The research results of straw recycling have also made important progress in improving the utilization rate and value of straw, promoting the resource utilization of agricultural waste, and providing important technical support for the sustainable development of China’s agriculture and rural environmental protection.

Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for pediatric burns: a case-control study in underdeveloped minority areas in China.

Pediatric burns are common, especially in underdeveloped countries, and these can physically affect the children involved and have an impact on their mental health. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of pediatric burns in underdeveloped minority areas of China. Case information from 192 children was collected from outpatient and inpatient clinics using a survey questionnaire. These included 90 pediatric burn cases and 102 controls who were children without burns. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for pediatric burns in order to establish a model. The goodness-of-fit for the model was assessed using the Hosmer and Lemeshow test as well as receiver operating characteristic and internal calibration curves. A nomogram was then used to analyze the contribution of each influencing factor to the pediatric burns model. Seven variables, including gender, age, ethnic minority, the household register, mother's employment status, mother's education and number of children, were analyzed for both groups of children. Of these, age, ethnic minority, mother's employment status and number of children in a household were found to be related to the occurrence of pediatric burns using univariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). After a collinearity diagnosis, a multivariate logistic regression analysis of variables with tolerances of >0.2 and variance inflation factor <5 showed that age was a protective factor for pediatric burns [odds ratio (OR) = 0.725; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.665-0.801]. Compared with single-child parents, those with two children were at greater risk of pediatric burns (OR = 0.389; 95% CI: 0.158-0.959). The ethnic minority of the child and the mother's employment status were also risk factors (OR = 6.793; 95% CI: 2.203-20.946 and OR = 2.266; 95% CI: 1.025-5.012, respectively). Evaluation of the model used was found to be stable. A nomogram showed that the contribution in the children burns model was age > mother's employment status > number of children > ethnic minority. This study showed that there are several risk factors strongly correlated to pediatric burns, including age, ethnic minority, the number of children in a household and mother's employment status. Government officials should direct their preventive approach to tackling the problem of pediatric burns by promoting awareness of these findings.

Reframing the wicked problem of pre-harvest burning: A case study of Thailand's sugarcane

Pre-harvest sugarcane burning persists in many countries though there are policies prohibiting the practice. As problems related to sugarcane harvesting are complex, a thorough understanding of the problems for policy formulation is required. The objective of this study was to reanalyze or reframe problems of sugarcane harvesting and pre-harvest sugarcane burning. Concepts of wicked problems, practical reasoning and policy reframing were applied. The study used a participatory modeling approach to illustrate the case of Thailand. Wickedness was shown by complexity and uncertainties of factors intertwining with values related to adoption of harvesting methods; green mechanical, green manual and burnt manual. As timeliness of harvest was the top priority, the burnt method was considered more efficient. It was easier, faster, cheaper and more suitable under unfavorable circumstances for the green methods. The policy to reduce burnt-harvested sugarcane was not so effective and also led to the undesired ‘green but unclean’ method. To frame harvesting problems based on emissions of fine particulates (PM2.5) from sugarcane burning was not a good choice. Incomplete problem sense-making and poor problem frame were indicated. Most farmers were unable to associate sugarcane burning with environmental problems of PM2.5 (and also global warming/climate change) and livelihood impacts. Nevertheless, a larger concern over climate variations was perceived by a majority of farmers. Farmers who adapted relied primarily on green harvesting and the use of residues as trash blankets. Through policy reframing, inefficient green harvesting was seen as a better frame. The new frame enabled farmers linking agricultural practices to sustainability of environment, productivity and livelihoods in the context of climate change. Using participatory modeling for reframing policy problems in general and wicked problems in particular was shown to be powerful and contributing to originality.

The effectiveness of “Mexidol” dressings with immobilized enzymes for the treatment of deep burn wounds

The problem of burns has remained relevant for many decades, despite significant recent advances in the fundamental study and clinical understanding of the pathogenesis of burn injury, the use of new effective medical technologies for its diagnosis and treatment on this basis [1].

Agricultural Solid Waste and its Management: An Overview

Waste is one of the most pressing issues of the present time. Its effects seemed so drastic that concerns about its proper management raised questions around the globe. The major areas of developing and underdeveloped countries are used for agriculture and allied activities. Most of the waste generated in a country comprisesd agricultural wastes, most of which are solid. There is an urgent need to manage this agricultural waste to avoid environmental degradation and mitigate its ill effects on human and animal health. It was found that vermicomposting seemed to be by far the most affordable and quickest method of agricultural solid waste management. It also describes the problem of crop residue burning, which is quite prevalent in developing countries like India. It was also seen that the respective central and state governments must frame specific policies and laws for agricultural waste management. As agricultural solid wastes have good re-use and conversion potential, and it was suggested that suitable measures that can be taken to implement sustainable management of agricultural solid wastes.

Global Warming and the Future Generation

Global Warming has become one of the burning problems of the day. Every year, the average temperature of the Earth is being increased. Such problem is called Global Warming. This problem has started long ago. In the last 50 years, the situation has become worst. There are many causes of Global Warming. Firstly, the trees are being destroyed in good number. As a result, there is no perfect balance in the ratio of CO2 and O2. Secondly, the excessive fuel consumption is another direct cause of Global Warming. Thirdly, the excessive use of CFC has made the situation alarming. The direct impact of Global Warming is that the condensed ice of the pole regions has begun to be melted. Gradually, the sea level rises. Shortly, the coastal countries of the world will be washed away. Besides, owing to Global Warming, the holes have been created in the O3 layer. As a result, the harmful rays of the sun enter the surface of the Earth. Some measures may be taken to solve the problem of Global Warming. Firstly, trees should be planted in good number. Secondly, the excessive use of CFC should be banned. Above all, public awareness should be created among the masses against the terrible consequence of the Global Warming.

Suicide and self-harm by burns in Pakistan: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionSuicide is a global public health problem. Self-inflicted burns are one of the most severe methods of suicide, with high morbidity and mortality. Low-income and middle-income countries contribute 40% of...

A Clinical Study of Yashtimadhu &amp; Guduchi with special reference to Amlapitta

Amlapitta is a disease prevalent all over the world. The increasing prevalence rate is a constant challenge to the research workers. Amlapitta is very common disease caused due to Agnimandhya (digestive impairment) by increased Drava Guna of Vidagdha Pachaka Pitta (liquid quality of burned digestive Pitta) affecting the Annavaha Strotas (channels that carry the ingested food) and characterized by primary symptoms such as Avipaka (indigestion), Klama (exhaustion without any exertion). This is a burning problem in the society because of irregular and improper food habits and stressful lifestyle. The aim of the present study was to find out efficacy of Yashtimadhu and Guduchi in Amlapitta. In present study total 30 patients were taken, divided into 3 equal groups. In Group-I: 10 patients were treated with oral administration of Yashtimadhu, in Group-II: 10 patients were treated with Guduchi and in Group-III: 10 patients were treated with Yashtimadhu and Guduchi. After conducting clinical trial on 30 patients, observation and results were obtained. Statistical analysis shows that all three groups were significantly effective to reduce the cardinal symptoms, especially Group-III (Yashtimadhu and Guduchi).

Management of Shwetapradara with Chakramarda Mula Churna and Karpasa Churna – An RCT

Background Leucorrhoea also known as white discharge is one such condition that has become a common burning problem currently. In Ayurveda, Leucorrhea is known as Shweta Pradara (Leucorrhea), Shweta (White) is white and Pradara (Discharge) means discharge. Design This was a comparative clinical randomized study which included 60 patients assigned into two groups, 30 patients each in Group A and Group B with pre-post assessments on 1st day before the treatment, 8th day after the treatment and follow-up on 15th day. Intervention Group A recieved Chakramarda Mula Churna (Powder of Cassia tora. Linn) and Group B Karpasa Mula Churna (Powder of Cassia tora. Linn) with Tandulodaka (Rice washed water) twice a day for 7 days. Results Group A (Chakramarda Mula Churna) showed significant changes compared to Group B (Karpasa Mula Churna) on subjective parameters such as Srava (Discharge), Kandu (Itching), Katishoola(Backache) and objective parameters such as Yoni Srava (Vaginal Discharge), Srava Varna( Colour Of The Discharge) and Gandha (Odour) with (p≤0.05). Conclusion Chakramarda Mula Churna (Powder of Cassia tora. Linn) is effective compared to Karpasa Mula Churna (Powder of Cassia tora. Linn) in patients suffering from Shweta Pradara.

Технология инфракрасной сушки жидких материалов

The research was carried out in the field of infrared drying of liquid materials. The problems in this area have been studied and a solution in the form of an infrared installation has been proposed. A low-temperature film electric heater has been selected as a heating element, which has a low operating temperature, which helps to preserve useful substances in the final product, as well as reduce the development of pathogenic microflora. The problem of adhesion and burning during drying of liquid materials has been discovered. Several types of substrate made of different materials have been studied. Studies have been conducted to determine the radiation flux. The dependences of the flow density on time for different heater locations are compiled. The most optimal material for the substrate has been identified. An automatic control system for the drying plant has been developed. An infrared drying unit has been developed. Studies have been conducted on the drying of liquid materials at the proposed installation. The analysis of the obtained results is carried out.

Approximation algorithms for the graph burning on cactus and directed trees

Given a graph [Formula: see text], the problem of Graph Burning is to find a sequence of nodes from [Formula: see text], called a burning sequence, to burn the whole graph. This is a discrete-step process, and at each step, an unburned vertex is selected as an agent to spread fire to its neighbors by marking it as a burnt node. A burnt node spreads the fire to its neighbors at the next consecutive step. The goal is to find the burning sequence of minimum length. The Graph Burning problem is NP-Hard for general graphs and even for binary trees. A few approximation results are known, including a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for general graphs and a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for trees. The Graph Burning on directed graphs is more challenging than on undirected graphs. In this paper, we propose (1) A [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for a cactus graph (undirected), (2) A [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for multi-rooted directed trees (polytree) and (3) A [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for the single-rooted directed tree (arborescence). We implement all three approximation algorithms, and the results are shown for randomly generated cactus graphs, multi-rooted directed trees and single-rooted directed trees.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI W.S.R TO SCIATICA WITH MODIFIED CUPPING THERAPY: A CASE STUDY

Gridhrasi is one among eighty Nanatmaja Vatavyadhi, with the symptoms of Stambha, Ruk, Toda, Graham, and Spandana in Sphik, Kati, Uru, Janu, Pada and Sakti utkshepa nigraha. Kapha is also occasionally found as Anubandha Dosha, in which Arochaka, Tandra, and Gourava are observed. Gridhrasi can be compared to Sciatica as there is a close resemblance in the manifestation of both conditions. Sciatica is one of the diseases that is gaining more and more attention from scientists globally. Many institutions and Medical Schools are trying to find the perfect remedy for this burning problem. Ayurvedic treatment has a good scope in managing gridhrasi with Cupping Therapy. Because of the decompressive nature of cupping, this is a beneficial therapy to relieve pressure and pain associated with Sciatica. It is considered as a modified form of “ALABU.” Alabu works on the principle “Vacuum suction”. Here in this case study, a female patient aged 45 years with complaints of low back pain radiating to posterior aspect of right lower limb, difficulty in walking and numbness in right foot for 2 months, approached Panchakarma OPD of KVG Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital. The patient was treated with two sittings of Cupping Therapy with the gap of 7 days gap. After treatment a significant improvement was noted in patient’s signs and symptoms.

Organophosphorus Compound as Suicidal Poison in Rural Areas of Bangladesh: A Medicolegal Study

Background: Suicide by poisoning is a major public health problem in Bangladesh and other developing countries in the world. Among the poisonous substances, Organophosphorus compounds (OPC) poisoning is more common. Easy accessibility of the poison is the number one reason for the preference of OPCs as suicidal agents. Objective: This study was designed to find out demographic characteristics and postmortem findings related to suicide by OPC poisoning in Manikganj. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out during January, 2019 to December, 2020 in the district hospital, Manikganj, Bangladesh. Results: During the study period, a total of 381 medico-legal autopsy have been done- among them, 83 (21.78%) cases were death due to OPC poisoning. Maximum (24, 28.91%) deaths were between ages of 21-30 years, among them majority were males (49, 59.03%). People of different occupations were involved in OPC poisoning- maximum of them were housewives (27, 32.53%), followed by agricultural workers (13, 15.66%). Regarding motive of poisoning, the most common was suicidal intent (58, 69.88%) among both males (22, 37.93%) and females (36, 62.07%), followed by accidental (25, 30.12%). About one third of the cases were illiterate (26, 31.33%). Financial constraint was the main cause of suicide. Conclusion: OPC poisoning is a burning problem in our health sector. Improvement of awareness, elimination of unemployment, financial stability, limiting availability and banning more toxic compounds would reduce the OPC poisoning rate to a considerable number. Journal of Monno Medical College, June 2023; 9 (1): 07-10

Development of biodegradable tableware from novel combination of paddy straw and pine needles: A potential alternative against plastic cutlery

Plastic cutlery for food packaging and serving has long been in trend due to its versatile properties but accumulation of the single use plastic cutlery creates disposal problem due to its non-biodegradability. The two biomasses paddy straw and pine needles are known to cause serious problems of stubble burning and forest fires respectively. However, these two biomasses hold tremendous potential to be used as raw material in pulp industry due to their high holocellulose and cellulose content which can be further enhanced after pre-treatments. This study aims to use a combination of two biomasses in a ratio of 1:1 and further process it to derive pulp by employing enzymes such as laccase, manganese peroxidase, and lignin peroxidase for lignin removal by fermentation mechanism. After sufficient lignin removal, the processed beaten pulp was casted into cups and bowls. Binding agents such as carboxymethyl cellulose, gum acacia and potato starch along with cross-linking polymer were blended with pulp in binding matrix to cast durable and non-brittle biodegradable cups. PLA (bio-plastic) polymer was applied in the form of a thin film over the developed tableware. The developed tableware was further verified for anti-microbial properties by testing it with common food-poisoning pathogens. Mechanical stiffness and rigidity were estimated along with thermal stability examined over a wide temperature range by dynamic scanning colorimetric (DSC). Lattice structure and morphology was studied by SEM and XRD analyses. Based on the analytical analyses, the developed biodegradable tableware can be a suitable alternative to combat plastic cutlery menace.