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VOLUME 19: ISSUES 2
CONTENTS YEAR 2005
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
1-12
Ecological Overshoot and Ecological
Restoration
John Cairns, Jr.
Department of Biological Sciences,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
Abstract: Persuasive evidence indicates that humankind inhabits a
planet with an ecological overshoot, i.e., humankind is using ecological
resources faster than they can be restored. In addition, human society is
releasing pollutants and wastes more rapidly than natural systems can
assimilate them. Ideally, the pollutants and wastes should be assimilated
and transformed to a degree that they benefit other species. If overshoot
persists, it could well result in a global environmental collapse that, in
turn, would result in an economic collapse. To prevent such a disaster,
human society must replace unsustainable practices with sustainable
practices. This article focuses on ecological restoration, which increases
natural capital (i.e., natural resources) and the ecosystem services it
provides. Societal change with ecological restoration should reduce the
overshoot and make sustainable use of the planet possible.
Key words: Ecological overshoot, Ecological restoration, Natural
capital, Ecosystem services, Restoration, checklist, Sustainability.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
13-22
Biodiesel as an Alternative
Fuel for Pollution Control in Diesel Engine
MS. P. Chincholkar, Saurabh Srivastava, A.
Rehman, Savita Dixit and Atul Lanjewar
Mech. Engneering Department and Applied Chemical Department
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology,
Bhopal – 462007; India
Abstract : Diesel vehicles are the major
source for air pollution; there is great potential for global warming due to
discharge of greenhouse gases like CO2 from vehicles. Many lung problems are
connected with particulate matter emitted by diesel vehicle including dust,
soot and smoke. People are exposed to pollution even as they talk or when
stir up the dust when they walk. Biodiesel is a non-toxic, biodegradable and
renewable fuel. Compared to diesel fuel, biodiesel produces no sulfur, no
net carbon dioxide, less carbon monoxide and more oxygen. More free oxygen
leads to the complete combustion and reduced emission. Overall biodiesel
emissions are very less compared to diesel fuel emissions which is promising
pollution free environment.
Abundant source of vegetable oil in India and its ease of conversion to
biodiesel help to save large expenditure done on import of petroleum
products and economic growth of country. Bio-diesel also generate huge rural
employment and degraded lands can be restored due to plantation of oil
plants which helps in reducing pollution. Lot of work is going on in
different countries on different types of vegetable oils like sunflower oil,
karanji oil, linseed oil, soya bean oil, palm oil and many more, which can
be used in those countries as per availability, our research is in progress
on jatropha oil, jatropha oil methyl ester (biodiesel) and its blends with
diesel. Research is going on in right direction and likely to get surprising
results.
Key words : Biodiesel, vegetable oil, methyl ester, diesel engine
performance, emissions.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
23-37
Effect of organochlorine pesticide
Methoxychlor (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (4-methoxypheny1) ethane) on
reproductive function of male albino rat
Suresh C. Joshi
*, Rekha
Goyal and Sunita Jain
Reproductive Toxicology Unit
Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan
Jaipur – 302004 (India)
Abstract : The pesticide are one of the
most potentially harmful chemicals liberated in the environment in an
unplanned manner. Methoxychlor is widely used as a pesticide in many
countries and has been shown to produce some adverse health effects. The
present study was aimed to find the toxic effect of methoxychlor on
reproductive system of male rats at the dose levels of 20, 25 and 30 mg /kg
b.wt./day for 30 days. A significant reduction in the weight of testes and
sex accessory organs was observed at all dose levels. The sperm motility in
cauda epididymides and sperm density in cauda epididymides and testes were
significantly decreased. The level of testosterone decreases in a dose
depending manner. Biochemical results showed that acid phosphatase, alanine,
aspartate amino transferases activity increased significantly, whereas
alkaline phosphatase activity decreased. A significant reduction in sialic
acid content of testes and sex accessory organs and testicular glycogen has
been observed. Whereas, total protein content in testes and sex accessory
organs and testicular cholesterol increased significantly. Results of
present study clearly indicates the possibility of methoxychlor induced
toxicity in male reproductive system of rats.
Key words : Organochlorine pesticides, methoxychlor, sperm
dynamics, testosterone, biochemistry, male rat.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005, 39-51
Isoproterenol
hydrochloride Induced Protein Anabolic Effects in Denervated Chick
Gastrocnemius Muscle
Surender S. Katoch and Chandrika Sharma
Department of Biosciences,
Himachal Pradesh University,
Summer Hill, Shimla – 171 005, INDIA
Abstract: The study examined the
effects of a maximum of 120 days treatment of male chicks (Gallus domesticus)
with beta adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol hydrochloride in gastrocnemius
muscle during early postnatal development. Four groups of chicks were
maintained: Normal innervated control chicks (NI), Isoproterenol treated
normal innervated chicks (NI + Iso; 1.5 mg/Kg body weight), Denervated
chicks (Dn) and Isoproterenol treated denervated chicks (Dn + Iso).
Post-treatment live body weights of normal innervated and denervated chicks
were higher than control and denervated (-clenbuterol) chicks respectively.
Measurement of dry muscle mass and protein content revealed a drug induced
hypertrophy of normal innervated muscle and a reversal of atrophy in
denervated muscle. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of
gastrocnemius myofibrillar proteins indicated a drug induced alteration in
myosin and actin ratio. The data suggests that beta agonist exert its
protein anabolic influences by reorganizing or remodeling myofibrillar
proteins leading ultimately to a change in phenotypic expression of tissue.
Key Words : Chick, gastrocnemius muscle, isoproterenol
hydrochloride, β- agonist, dry muscle mass, hypertrophy, myosin, actin.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
53-58
Vitamin C against
Concomitant Exposure to Heavy Metal and Radiation : A Study on Variations in
Hepatic Cellular Counts
Sunita Gajawat, Garima Sancheti and P.K. Goyal
Radiation & Cancer Biology Laboratory,
Department of Zoology
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004, India
Abstract: The objective of this study
was to screen for prophylactic use of ascorbic acid against radiation and
heavy metal intoxication. For this purpose, male Swiss albino mice were
intoxicated with lead acetate (20 mg/kg b. wt.) intraperitoneally 1 hr.
before exposure to 4.80 Gy gamma radiation in the presence (experimental) or
absence (control) of vitamin C (400 mg/kg b. wt.). Mice were sacrificed at
various autopsy intervals (6 hrs. to 20 days) to examine quantitative
changes in liver. It was observed that vitamin C administration, prior to
combined treatment of lead acetate and radiation reduced the depletion in
normal hepatocytes and the elevation in binucleate as well as abnormal
hepatocytes in comparison to their respective controls, and moreover, it
initiated a faster recovery to reinstate the normal cellular number by
increasing glutathione level.
Key words : Metal toxicity, Gamma radiation, Chemical protection,
Vitamin C, Liver, Swiss albino mice
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
59-62
A Study of Betel Leaf Microflora
Vivek Mishra 1 and Archana Mishra
2
1. Saifta P.G. College of Science and Education, Bhopal
2. Govt. MLB Girls College, Bhopal.
Abstract : The Betal vine (Piper betel) is a perennial dioecius
creeper belonging to the family Piperaceae. The leaves of the plant have
been traditionally used for chewing. Over thirty five varieties of betal
leaves are cultivated in out country. They are grown in special Pan orchids
known as ‘Barejas’ and have a complex system of cultivation, cropping and
development. The study focuses on a comprehensive microbiological
investigations of pathogen causing leaf diseases. It deals with pathogen
isolation, pathogen classification, pathogen biochemical analysis and
properties of pathogen culture. The study also compares the disease
incidents on different betel leaf varieties and the losses caused to farmers
and consumers. The present high rate of oral cancers in Bhopal underline the
importance of the study.
Key Words : Piper betel, disease incidents, oral cancers,
Microflora
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
63-68
Plant Regeneration from Immature Embryos of
Indian Genotypes of Wheat
Anju Rao
Department of Botany
Panjab University
Chandigarh-160 014 (Panjab) India
Abstract : Immature embryos of 9 genotypes of T. aestivum L. and 6 of
T. durum Desf. were cultured on MS, Murashige and Skoog; medium supplemented
with 2.5 mg/l 2,4-D, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. After 4-5 weeks of
culture initiation, embryogenic as well as non embryogenic callus was
obtained. EC, Embryogenic callus; was pale, nodular and semi compact. EC,
Embryogenic callus; was transferred to MS, Murashige and Skoog medium;
medium supplemented with 2,4-D, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; (2.5 mg/l) +BAP,
6-benzylaminopurine; (1.0 mg/l) for plant regeneration. Regenerated
plantlets were transferred to half-strength, hormone-free MS, Murashige and
Skoog; medium for formation of well developed root system and then
transferred to soil.
Key words : Immature embryo, Embryogenic callus, Plant
regeneration, Indian genotypes.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
69-76
Protective effect of Garlic on glutamate
oxaloacetate transaminase and Glutamate pyruvate transaminase Enzymes of
mice, Mus musculus intoxicated with Sevin
Mahira Parveen, Vinoy Kumar Shrivastava,
Mohammad Sanjay Qureshi & Santosh Kumar
Department of Biosciences
Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India
Abstract : In the present study,
inhibition of liver enzymes of mice due to chronic exposure of sevin and
their recovery by garlic treatment have been investigated. The sevin a
highly potent pesticide causes serious hazardous effects on target enzymes
phosphatases and oxaloacetates. Hepatotoxicity is the complex type of effect
associated with sevin poisoning characterized by changes in metabolic and
enzymatic activities. To understand the protective behavior of garlic pills
in case of hepatotoxicity induced by a carbamate pesticide sevin, the work
has been designed. Male mice, Mus musculus were divided into three groups.
Group-1 included control animals. Group- 2 animals were treated with sevin
for 15 days. Sevin dose of 2.5 mg /kg b.w. was injected intraperitoneally to
animals every alternate days for the period of 15 days. Group -3 animals
were treated with sevin for 15 days and cured with garlic for 15 days .
Sevin was injected for 15 days followed by oral administration of garlic
pills for 15 days. Sevin caused a decline in activities of Glutamate
oxaloacetate transaminase and Glutamate pyruvate transaminase enzymes in
liver of mice due to 15 days toxicity in group-2 as compared to control.
Garlic treated mice recovered significantly as indicated by the beneficial
rise in hepatic enzymes. This curing effect of garlic was found to be of
clinical importance for the accidental sevin toxicity in mammals.
Key words : sevin, garlic, mice,
liver
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
77-81
Guar Gum Grafting and It's Application to
Textile
Ratna Sharma
Textile and Clothing
Sarojini Naidu Govt. Girls’ College
Bhopal (M.P.)
Abstract : It is a common belief that
“natural” materials are more environmentally friendly than “artificial” or
man made materials. Guar gum is naturally occurring non-ionic polysaccharide
which is derived from the Guar seed “Gyamposis tetragonolobus”. Guar is
commonly called as “gawar phalli”. This leguminous plant has been grown for
centuries in India Guar is being grown in Madhya Pradesh in plenty and is
mainly being used as food material for both man and animals. It is also used
as viscosity builder and water binder in various industries. Guar gum forms
viscous colloidal dispersion when hydrated in cold water. These are not very
stable due to biodegradation that is why guar gum is rarely used in its
natural forms. Drawback of guar gum may be minimized by grafting on to water
soluble polyacrylamide using new redox initiating system. We have developed
a new redox initiating system to examine the grafted solubility and
viscosity of graft co-polymer. To add the knowledge of polymer science,
either we can develop a new polymer from low-molecular weight compound by a
known method or by modifying the existing natural and synthetic polymers
either by derivation of their functional groups or grafting of different
polymers or by blending\alloying with different materials. Existing natural
and synthetic polymers are also modified by graft co-polymerization of
various polymers onto their backbone.
Eco-Print System is water based printing system destined to meet standard
with soft handle, bright colour and excellent fastness. The grafted guar gum
was grinded to make powder and mixed with hot water. This product was tested
with the dye “Reactive Brilliant Red H8B” against the usual gum paste. The
product was used in printing of cotton fabric. The print so obtained from
usual guar gum paste and from grafted guar gum paste have been verified as
regards to their colour fastness by different tests from Hukumchand Mills
Indore (M.P.)
Key Words: Guar Gum Grafting, Textile, Guar seed, Gyamposis
tetragonolobus, Eco-Print System
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
83-92
Histopathological Study on the Liver of
Channa punctatus treated with Sublethal Doses of Chlorpyrifos
B. L. Sharma 1 and D. P. Jaroli
2
1. Department of Zoology, Shri Bhawani Niketan Boys College, Jaipur, India
2. Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India-302004.
Abstract : Present study is an attempt
on the histopathology of liver of Channa punctatus after exposure of
sublethal 0.037 ppm, 0.075 ppm and 0.110 ppm concentrations of an
organophosphorous insecticide, chlorpyrifos (Dursban). The compound has been
found to produce several damage in liver of Channa punctatus leading to
various lesions like, cytoplasmic vacuolization, pycnosis, hepatic necrosis,
karyorhexis, cirrhosis and finally failure of metabolic mechanism having
resulted in the death of the fish. The severity of the damage has been found
concentration and time dependent.
Key Words : Chlorpyrifos, Channa punctatus, picnosis, karyorhexis
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
93-103
Haemotoxic effects of Chocolate Brown, a
commonly used blend of permitted food colour on Swiss Albino Mice
Anjali Sharma, R.P.Goyal*Geetanjali
Chakravarty and Shipra Sharma
Department of Zoology
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004
Abstract : The present study was conducted to evaluate the haemotoxic
effects of Chocolate Brown, a commonly used food color on Swiss albino mice
(Mus musculus) fed with a diet containing 2 gm/kg of body weight and 6 gm/kg
of body weight of the dye for 21 days and 42 days as short term and long
term, respectively. The blood parameter data showed a decrease in RBC count,
TLC, haemoglobin content, haematocrit, MCH and MCHC values and slight
increase in the values of MCV. Significant increase in the levels of
alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides and proteins and decrease in the levels
of cholesterol and glucose shows abnormal functioning of the liver.
Key words : Chocolate Brown, Mus
musculus, haemotoxic
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
105-112
Adaptability of Membranes for Dairy Waste
Management
A.S. Khojare, A.B. Kadu, P.G. Wasnik,M.R.
Patil & Mrs. B. A. Khojare
College of Dairy Technology
[Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur]
Warud, (Pusad) – 445204 M.S. (India)
Abstract : Membranes produce a higher
quality effluent than achieved using conventional filtration as a final
polishing step in dairy Industry. Designed to simplify wastewater treatment,
the membrane process replaces secondary clarifiers. Membranes are immersed
directly in the bioreactor and operate at high levels of MLVSS
(12,000-15,000 ppm) resulting in plant footprints up to 4 times smaller than
conventional systems. This treatment process allows for long sludge
retention times (up to 75 days), decreasing sludge production up to 70%. In
addition the membranes are capable of being used with chemical treatment
(phosphorus precipitation). The Membrane process offers the ideal solution
for wastewater reuse applications, producing high quality effluent suitable
for direct reuse in a single step process. The effluent is also ideally
suited as an RO feed. Regardless of the feed water, membranes consistently
produce an ideal RO feed, typically yielding a SDI < 3. This process
provides significant advantages over conventional technologies where
wastewater must be treated by a multi-step process prior to reuse. The
development of electrically conducting membranes, which will control fouling
and separation properties in the treatment of industrial effluent by
adjusting surface charge. There is a real awareness that membrane technology
will have a vital energy and environmental role to play in the dairy
industry in the next ten years.
Key words: membrane, effluent
treatment, dairy waste, zenon.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
113-118
Quality Status of Potable Water of
Tehsil-Sanganer, District-Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
J.D. Sharma, M.K. Sharma, P. Jain and D.
Sohu
Department of Zoology,
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004, India.
Abstract : Drinking water quality of 17
villages of Sanganer Tehsil, Jaipur District, Rajasthan was analyzed to
identify the nature of potability of water. The drinking water samples were
collected in clean polyethylene one-liter cans and subjected for analysis in
the laboratory. The parameters studied were pH, electrical conductivity
(EC), fluoride (F), chloride (Cl), total dissolved solids (TDS), Ca and Mg
hardness and total hardness (TH). The results revealed that the values of pH
were found to be ranging between 6.39-8.34, EC ranged from 0.48-0.73 mmhos/cm
and chloride content differed from 202.46-648.60 mg/l and total hardness
varied from 413-1032 mg/l. The most important parameter fluoride was found
to be 2.17-10.14 ppm, which is more than the permissible limit in all the
samples studied. TDS varied from 82-429 mg/l. The data suggests that the
drinking water of seventeen villages of Sanganer Tehsil contain high
fluoride concentration, which leads to dreaded disease called fluorosis;
hence drinking water is not potable.
Key words: Water quality, drinking water, electrical conductivity,
fluoride, total dissolved solids, fluorosis.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
119-126
Enzyme Inhibition (AChE) in Muscles and
Skin of Oreochromis mossambicus due to Pesticidal Pollution of Herbicide
“Pursuit”
Farhina Pasha 1 and Romsha Singh
2
1. Department of Biotechnology, Unique College, Bhopal (M.P.)
2. Department of Zoology, Govt. M. L. B. Girls P. G. (Autonomous) College,
Bhopal (M.P.)
Abstract : In the present investigation
the effect of three sub lethal concentrations of Pursuit i.e., 63.7 ppm, 85
ppm and 127.5 ppm in Oreochromis mossambicus were studied. Pursuit inhibited
acetylcholinesterase of muscle and skin of Oreochromis mossambicus by
increasing the Km and Vmax, thereby acting as a mixed inhibitor. The assay
of muscle and skin AChE is thus useful for monitoring pesticide toxicity of
fish.
Key words : Acetylcholinesterase, Oreochromis mossambicus, pursuit
and mixed inhibitor.
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
127-134
Vanadium Toxicity
B.V. Venkataraman and S. Sudha
Department of Pharmacology
St. John’s Medical College
Bangalore - 560034
Abstract : Vanadium is distributed
extensively in nature. It is a trace element and is present in almost
all-living organisms including man. Essentiality of this element in cellular
functions is yet to be established. Biological importance of vanadium was
originally recognised by its ability to inhibit membrane sodium pump. Its
capacity to affect the activities of various other intracellular enzyme
systems and to modify physiological processes is now documented. Vanadium is
used extensively in various heavy industries. The incidence of exposure to
toxic levels of vanadium to industrial workers has been an increasing
concern for toxicologists. Disposition of vanadium in specific tissues may
be involved in the pathogenesis of certain neurological disorders and
cardiovascular diseases. An attempt is made to broadly document what is
known of various biological/toxicological actions of vanadium.
Key words : Vanadium, CVS, Myocardium, Vascular smooth muscle,
Respiratory system.
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Rapid Publication
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
135-141
New Eco-friendly Synthetic Procedures for
the Reduction of Carbonyl Compounds
Sheesh Ram Yadav, Anil Kumar Nainawat,
Shilpi Kaushik,
Alka Sharma and I. K. Sharma
*
Department of Chemistry
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004 (India)
Abstract : The bioreduction of some
carbonyl compounds viz., Acetophenone, Benzalacetophenone, o-Aminoacetophenone,
Benzil, Cinnamaldehyde, Crotonaldehyde and Salicylaldehyde was carried out
with free Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as well as Immobilized
Baker’s yeast. The results of the bioreduction of these compounds have been
compared. Merits of bioreduction have also been discussed.
Key words : Baker’s Yeast (BY), Immobilized Baker’s Yeast (ImBY),
Bioreduction, Carbonyl Compounds.
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Commentary :-
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Asian J. Exp. Sci., Vol. 19, No. 2, 2005,
142
NECESSITY OF RADIATION EDUCATION BASED ON
NEW INFORMATION-
Tatsuo Matsuura
Radiation Education Forum, Masumoto-Bldg. Tokyo
At present, radiation and radionuclides are not
only indispensable in medical diagnoses and treatments, but also are widely
used in fundamental research and practical applications in various fields of
science and technology, thus contributing much to us human beings for
elevating the quality of life. Nuclear power production is also playing an
important role in saving the nonrenewable natural energy resources, with the
merit of minimizing the global warming. However, a majority of people,
including many intellectuals, have an excessive concern for the risk of
radiation and radioactivity even for very minute quantities. This fact is
without doubt the consequence of following three reasons: (1) the first use
of nuclear energy as the disastrous weapon in 1945 has resulted a profound
socio-psychological after-effect, (2) the major accidents of nuclear power
plants which occurred in the 1980‘s have been repeatedly reported in mass
media with undue sensationalism, and (3) the proposition, that every ray of
ionizing radiation may destroy the human cell and is harmful for human body
such as by bringing carcinogenic or hereditary effects, has become a
suspicion-free common sense for general public. This proposition has its
basis on the recommendation by ICRP, which adopts the linear non-threshold (LNT)
model for even very low dose of ionizing radiation(1). The majority of
people cannot understand that this is only a hypothesis from the standpoint
of radiation protection, but they believe this is a scientific truth. We
believe there are ample evidences that the LNT model is no longer
scientifically correct for interpreting the radiation effect in low dose,
and this is the main topic of the present paper. At any rate, it is true
that the majority of people show the syndrome of “radiophobia”.
If things will be left as they are, not only the proper use of radiation and
the related nuclear disciplines in medicine and in many scientific and
technological areas will be obstructed by the shortage of working personnel,
but also the mankind may soon find difficulty in its existence by already
threatening global warming and the very possible exhaustion of fossil fuel.
The radiophobia is also producing various social demerits, such as the vast
loss of money for the purpose of excessive protection for very low-level
radiation, undue economical and socio-psychological loss due to ignorant
rumor, and serious mental stress for radiation-exposed people. Thus the
endeavor of radiation education of the public, i.e., by making the right
knowledge about radiation and the related matters popular is keenly needed
in global scale. As an approach to this aim, we established the “Radiation
Education Forum”, a voluntary, non-profitable organization (NPO), composed
of scientists and teachers, including distinguished researchers and expert
radiologists, a few conscientious journalists and enthusiastic citizens in
Japan, in 1994. We have continued various kinds of activities, focussing our
energy mainly for improvement of radiation education in schools, because the
social education has its basis on the school education.
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