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The UN Sustainable Development Goals specifically note the growing importance of land degradation management and mitigation strategies, advocating for global collaboration and innovative research and policy outlook. In this reflective summary, we synthesize the current worldview (post-2000) on land degradation neutrality (LDN), an emerging concept in the field of environmental sustainability that advocates a dynamic balance between degradation and restoration, to ensure no net loss in productive land resources. We first introduce the LDN Causal Framework (theoretical framework of LDN), followed by the Logic Model – guideline for on-ground LDN method implementation (comprising preparatory activities, followed by Integrated Land Use Planning (ILUP), and LDN Response Hierarchy (Avoid-Reduce-Reverse)). We draw attention to growing concerns about LDN technical problems: restore vs. rehabilitate; selecting indicator variables, and establishing a baseline. In the final section, we reflect on the social-ecological aspect of LDN – harnessing participatory action (multi-stakeholder engagement) and gender mainstreaming. Overall, LDN presents an umbrella vision for environmental regeneration and land capital management, that requires seamless integration of natural with social sciences, the policy with law, and requires strategic community mobilization.

Simultaneous tuning of magnetic, transport and electrochemical properties through strategic doping of cobalt (Co) ions in hydrothermally treated multi-layered MoS2 nanoflakes (NFs).

Impact sensitivity engineering of high-energy molecular crystals requires accurate predictive models. For this purpose, the promising multi-phonon based approach is selected, assessing a bit more its strengths and weaknesses. Presently used with high-quality phonon calculations of 22 molecular crystals, using a physics-based criterion to determine the phonon bath extent, the resulting intrinsic shock sensitivity index (SSI) is compared to the most common marker of impact sensitivity

The data on growth and reproduction of composting earthworms may be beneficial for large scale earthworm production. The growth and reproduction of Perionyx excavatus were assessed in limited supplies of four experimental diets-cow dung alone and its mixture with acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) leaf litter, bamboo (Bambusa polymorpha) leaf litter and terrestrial weed Mikania micrantha under laboratory conditions to select suitable diet from our locally available resource for vermiculture. Growth performance of Perionyx excavatus was significantly (P

Present study deals with cocoon biology of tropical epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus (Perrier), Perionyx ceylanensis (Michaelsen) and Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg). Ultra structure observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) revealed that wall of the cocoon is porous (which helps in aeration) and the terminal part of the cocoon is softer than that of middle part which facilitates the hatching process. The size of the cocoon varies among the species and is related to the diameter and length of the clitellum. All the epigeic species under study are continuous breeder with high fecundity. Among the studied species shortest incubation period, highest fecundity and highest hatching rate were observed in P. ceylanensis. Cocoon production in these three epigeic species increases in summer and monsoon season and decreases in the winter season. Temperature is the limiting factor for cocoon production as well as incubation period of cocoon. Cocoon production was affected by temperature and body weight of the earthworm. Thus it can be considered that cocoon production in epigeic earthworm species depends on biological factor (body mass), as well as, ecological factor (temperature). Continuous breeding strategy, high fecundity, high rate of cocoon production, as well as high hatching rate, indicates greater usefulness of P. ceylanensis followed by E. eugeniae than P. excavatus in the vermiculture based biotechnology in North-East India.

Moisture is a limiting factor for the survival and distribution of earthworms. During rainy season earthworms come out from their water-filled burrows and during summer move deeper into the soil to prevent acute desiccational water loss. Moisture loving worms likeEudrilus eugeniaewhen subjected to the dry soil and then subsequently hydrated, both the types of neurosecretory cells (A and B cells) show contrasting neurosecretory changes. During dehydration stress (2, 4 & 6 hours), both A and B cells deplete, lose their cellular conformity with extensive vacuolation. But in subsequent hydration of desiccated worms for 4 hrs, there is accumulation of neurosecretory materials in both types of cells, chiefly in A cells. The result indicates involvement of both A and B neurosecretory cells during osmotic stress from the perspective of histomorphic variations and secretory dynamics.

Paddy is one of the most important food crops in India. In Tripura of north east India, paddy covers 78–90% of cultivable areas with hydromorphic clay-rich acidic soils. As earthworms have important role in above-ground crop production, the present study deals with the earthworm communities in the soils of wet land paddy agro-ecosystem of West Tripura (India). The study was conducted during May 2015 to August 2017. Earthworms were collected from the paddy fields by TBSF monolith (25 × 25 × 30 cm) digging and hand sorting method. Temperature, moisture, pH and organic matters were estimated from 0 to 15 cm depth soils. Biological parameters such as density, biomass, relative abundance and ecological parameters such as indices of diversity, dominance etc. were measured. A total of 7 earthworm species belonging to 4 families and 5 genera were recorded: [Almidae Glyphidrilus sp. (near to gangeticus)], Moniligastridae (Drawida assamensis, Drawida papillifer papillifer and Drawida sp.), Megascolecidae (Metaphire houlleti, Perionyx excavatus) and Glossoscolecidae (Pontoscolex corethrurus). The average density and biomass of earthworms in the paddy plantations were 163 ind. m−2 and 56 g m−2 respectively. Diversity and dominance indices of earthworms of paddy plantations were 0.46 and 0.60 respectively. Glyphidrilus sp. contributed more than 50% biomass and density of earthworm community and probably had a great role in paddy production due to enormous deposition of casts (‘cast hills’) in the rhizosphere zone of paddy plants.

Social media provides its users with uninterrupted access to information for a variety of matters. On the one hand, social media helps people to express themselves freely and access various content, thus, forming a global view. On the other hand, social media may easily lead individuals to form polarized attitudes by impacting their behaviour in various contexts (e.g., organizational contexts). Such contradiction cannot be neglected. It is found to be an essential societal phenomenon that needs further investigation. The study first aims at realizing how existing literature of different domains analyse and conceptualize the effects of social media. Then, it leverages such societal effects on organizations. A total of 231 articles were used for a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric meta-analysis on this topic and were further analysed with VOSviewer software. The study organizes the existing literature on this topic and provides issues, perceptions, and theories that are used to explain the effects of social media in society, and then it reflects on the potential impact on organizations. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Background: Earthworms are subjected to predator attacks and agricultural practices and thus nature has gifted them the power of restoration of lost body segments. In absence of discrete nonneural endocrine gland, the cerebral neurosecretory system probably plays an important role in wound healing and regeneration of lost body segments. Aim: Present paper deals with studies on cytomorphological changes in the cerebral neurosecretory cells following posterior amputation in topsoil Indian earthworm species, Lampito mauritii. Method: Following posterior amputation of earthworm with paragon knife, dissected cerebral ganglia were fixed in Bouin’s fluid and processed for conventional neurosecretory staining techniques: Paraldehyde Fuchsin (AF) and Chrome Alum Haematoxylin Phloxin (CAHP). Result: Wave of muscular contraction along the anteroposterior direction of the body of Lampito mauritii was recorded following transection of 10 posterior most body segments. In contrast to control, cerebral neurosecretory cells (particularly the AF+ve A cells) displayed changes in the secretory dynamics following posterior amputation of body segments. During healing up of wounds after 24 hours, there was a drop in the number of AF+ve A cells due to depletion of neurosecretory materials. Formation of regeneration blastema during 48 to 72 hours of amputation was accompanied by rise in number of AF+ve deeply stained A neurosecretory cells. The moderately stained B cells also showed accumulation of coarse secretory granules. Axonal transport along with ‘zone of accumulation’ charged with AF+ve neurosecretion were also interesting observations after 48 to 72 hours of amputation. Conclusion: Our preliminary study indicates cerebral neurosecretory cells are involved in the healing up of wounds and subsequent regeneration in earthworm, Lampito mauritii.

Background: Vermicompost is a manure produced from organic waste through the activity of epigeic earthworms and microbes. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers for long term to increase the crop productivity have led to deterioration of soil health. Therefore, to assess the effect of vermicompost, as an alternative option to chemical fertilizer, on tea yield and earthworm population, field application of vermicompost on tea plantation was carried out for a period of two years (2015-2016) in Harishnagar Tea Estate, West Tripura, India. Methods: The experimental plot (25 sq. m) was set up using a random block design with 4 different rates of vermicompost viz. T0 (Control), T1 (5 t ha-1 year-1), T2 (10 t ha-1 year-1) and T3 (15 t ha-1 year-1) each having five replications. Composite soil samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Earthworms were also collected during the experimental period.Conclusion: Application of vermicompost significantly influenced the tea plantation soils, increased the tea yield along with earthworm population and was dependent on the vermicompost doses applied.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the negative consequences of human resource analytics applications using the privacy calculus approach. Design/methodology/approach: By using the existing literature and privacy calculus theory, a theoretical model has been developed. This model helps to examine the benefits and risks associated with HR analytics applications. The theoretical model was validated using the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique with 315 respondents from different organizations. Findings: HR analytics provides multiple benefits to employees and organizations. But employee privacy may be compromised due to unauthorized access to employee data. There are also security concerns about the uncontrolled use of these applications. Tracking employees without their consent increases the risk. The study suggests that appropriate regulation is necessary for using HR analytics. Research limitations/implications: This study is based on cross-sectional data from a specific region. A longitudinal study would have provided more comprehensive results. This study considers five predictors, including other boundary conditions that could enhance the model’s explanative power. Also, data from other countries could improve the proposed model. Practical implications: The proposed model is useful for HR practitioners and other policymakers in organizations. Appropriate regulations are important for HR analytics applications. The study also highlights various employee privacy and security-related issues emerging from HR analytics applications. The study also discusses the role of leadership support for the appropriate usage of HR analytics. Originality/value: Only a few research studies have explored the issues of HR analytics and its consequences. The proposed theoretical model is the first to consider the negative consequence of HR analytics through privacy calculus theory. In this perspective, the research is considered to be novel. © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited.

Social media marketing (SMM) plays an important role in business communication, mar-keting, operations, and other activities. There is a growing interest among researchers, academicians, and practitioners to understand the role of SMM in business sustainability in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in an emerging economy, like India. Few studies have attempted to understand this role. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the impact of adopting social media marketing for sustainable business growth of SMEs in an emerging economy. The study also investigates the moderating role of SME leadership support on the relationship between SMM usage and sustainable business growth of SMEs. After reviewing the existing literature and technology adoption model, a theoretical model is developed, which is then validated using a structural equation modeling tech-nique to analyze 304 samples of Indian SMEs that use different social media marketing applications in their enterprises. This study confirmed that SMM tools significantly and positively improve the sustainable growth of SMEs in an emerging economy. Additionally, the study also found that SME leadership team plays a vital role in supporting actual usage of SMM tools that accelerate sustainable business growth of SMEs. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Band structure tailoring has been a great avenue to achieve the half-metallic electronic ground state in materials. Applying this approach to the full Heusler alloy Fe2TiSn, Cr is introduced systematically at Ti site that conforms to the chemical formula \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\text{Fe}}_{2} {\text{Ti}}_{{1 - x}} {\text{Cr}}_{x}$$\end{document}Fe2Ti1-xCrxSn. Compositions so obtained have been investigated for its electronic, magnetic, and electrical transport properties with an aim to observe the half-metallic ferromagnetic ground state, anticipated theoretically for Fe2CrSn. Our experimental study using synchrotron X-ray diffraction reveals that only compositions with \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$x \le$$\end{document}x≤ 0.25 yield phase pure L2\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$_1$$\end{document}1 cubic structures. The non-magnetic ground state of Fe2TiSn gets dramatically affected upon inclusion of Cr giving rise to a localized magnetic moment in the background of Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida (RKKY) correlations. The ferromagnetic interactions begin to dominate for x = 0.25 composition. Results of its resistivity and magnetoresistance (MR) measurement point towards a half-metallic ground state. The calculation of exchange coupling parameter, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\hbox {J}_{{ij}}$$\end{document}Jij, and orbital projected density of states that indicate a change in hybridization between 3d and 5p orbital, support the observations made from the study of local crystal structure made using the extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Our findings here highlight an interesting prospect of finding half-metallicity via band structure tailoring for wide application in spintronics devices.

Environmental improvement is an accepted national goal. Under the present condition of the acute energy crisis and environmental degradation with rise in population, it has become essential to develop an appropriate technology for the recovery of energy from non-conventional sources like organic wastes. India produces 350 million tonnes of organic wastes from different agricultural sources. Out of these, several million tonnes of plant nutrients are produced. Earthworm (verm) is known to be a good biological source for the recovery of vermifertilizer and vermiprotein from the organic wastes to be used in agro-ecosystem and aquaculture and poultry, respectively. Vermicomposting is a process of conversion of organic waste through the synergistic actions of epigeic earthworm and bacteria. When earthworms (endogeic or anecic) are applied for breakdown and stabilization of municipal solid wastes, the process is termed ‘vermistabilization’. The ultimate goal of both the processes is the production of plant-available nutrients and earthworm biomass (vermiprotein). Earthworm species to be selected for the process (1) should have great adaptability with respect to environmental factors, (2) should be capable of inhabiting high percentage of organic matter, (3) should be a prolific breeder (high fecundity) with high hatching success, and (4) should have short life cycle. Recent studies indicated that under Indian conditions epigeic species, such as Perionyx excavatus, Perionyx ceylanensis, Eudrilus eugeniae, Eisenia fetida, Eisenia andrei, can complete their life cycle in organic waste and produce vermicompost. Lampito mauritii, Polypheretima elongata, Drawida nepalensis, Drawida willsi, Metaphire posthuma, Metaphire houlleti can degrade organic matter in municipal sewage sludge which contains considerable amounts of sand particles. This chapter deals with the growth and reproduction of these organic waste degrading earthworms. Based on the study, suitable species for organic waste degradation are being suggested.

Using the solution generating techniques of Das and Chaudhuri (Pramana J. Phys. 40, 277 (1993); Pramana J. Phys. 58, 449 (2002)), static magnetovac solutions of Einstein–Maxwell equations in general relativity are constructed from the stationary gravitational soliton solutions of Einstein's field equations corresponding to a Kerr object. The techniques followed in the present paper have not been much used in the literature so far although the results are obtained in a straightforward way. The stationary gravitational two-soliton solutions of Einstein's field equations for a Kerr object are generated using the soliton technique of Belinskii and Zakharov (Sov. Phys. JETP 48, 985 (1978); Sov. Phys. JETP 50, 1 (1979)). In the next step, following the procedure of Das and Chaudhuri, mentioned above, static magnetovac solutions of Einstein–Maxwell field equations corresponding to the generated stationary two-soliton solutions of the Kerr object are constructed. The solutions are found to be well behaved at spatial infinity and contain monopole, dipole, and other higher mass multipoles. The mass and the dipole moment of the source are evaluated. It is shown that by redefining some constants appearing in the solutions, Bonnor's (Z. Phys. 190, 444 (1966)) magnetic dipole solutions are faithfully reproduced.

Background: Medico-legal case usually presents as an emergency case in any hospital. Profiling of these cases provides with evidence on the burden of the medico-legal cases and identifying ways to better manage these cases in the emergency ward of hospitals. Objective: To study the profile of medico-legal cases coming to the emergency ward of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan, Nepal. Material & Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all medico-legal cases presenting in the emergency ward of BPKIHS from April 2015 to March 2016. The cases were profiled for socio-demography, injury and diagnosis from the medico-legal register at the emergency ward of BPKIHS. Results: Medico-legal cases comprise almost 10% of all cases at the emergency ward of BPKIHS. A total of 3,715 cases were included in this study. Half (50.0%) of the cases fell in to the category of 25-59 years. Males were almost twice (62.7%) in number, compared to females (37.3%). The top three diagnoses among medico-legal cases are road traffic accidents (41.81%), physical assault (21.13%) and poisoning (20.08%). Other diagnoses were burns, fall injury, sexual assault, self inflicted injury, hanging, gunshot injury, stab injury, machinery injury, drug overdose, blast injury, brought dead, trauma by animal, electrical injury, snake bite and human bite. Conclusions: There are significant numbers and wide varieties of medico-legal cases that present in the emergency ward of BPKIHS. Given the large number of cases presenting at BPKIHS, there is a potential for future research on medico-legal cases for academic and policy purpose.

Purpose Management of acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) is challenging and operative strategies are varied. We used the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (STS ACSD) to describe contemporary surgical strategies and outcomes for AAAD. Methods Between July 2011 and September 2012, 2982 patients with AAAD underwent operations at 640 centers in North America. Results In this cohort, median age was 60 years old, 66% were male, and 80% had hypertension. The most common arterial cannulation strategies included femoral (36%), axillary (27%), and direct aortic (19%). The median perfusion and cross-clamp times were 181 and 102 min, respectively. The lowest temperature on bypass showed significant variation. Hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) was used in 78% of cases. Among those undergoing HCA, brain protection strategies included antegrade cerebral perfusion (31%), retrograde cerebral perfusion (25%), both (4%), and none (40%). Median HCA plus cerebral perfusion time was 40 min. Major complications included prolonged ventilation (53%), reoperation (19%), renal failure (18%), permanent stroke (11%), and paralysis (3%). Operative mortality was 17%. The median intensive care unit and hospital length of stays were 4.7 and 9.0 days, respectively. Among 640 centers, the median number of cases performed during the study period was three. Resuscitation, unresponsive state, cardiogenic shock, inotrope use, age >70, diabetes, and female sex were found to be independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions These data describe contemporary patient characteristics, operative strategies, and outcomes for AAAD in North America. Mortality and morbidity for AAAD remain high.

Background: The emergency department of B.P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, a 700 bedded tertiary care centre provides all medical and surgical services, with easy access to patients by their family members during most of the resuscitation procedures. Complete privacy hence is not ideally maintained. Coping with emotional stress among the family members can be a gruesome experience and reactions from them can be unpredictable. Hence, health professionals are usually exposed to various emotions of the family members of these sick patients. Methods: It is a descriptive cross sectional study among the health professionals working in the emergency department. A sample size of 80 is taken over a period of 3 months. A semi-structured questionnaire leaflet was distributed and collected by the researcher. The attitude and belief was evaluated by 12 questions on the 5 point Liker scale and cutoff value being 3. Points less than 36 were given as negative attitude towards the family presence and more being positive. Results: Out of 80samples, 75 completed with a response rate of about 94%. The majority belonged to age group 20-29 years (70.7%) age, among profession Nurses respondents were about 56%. Male and Female respondent were about equal in numbers, qualification with undergraduate level was higher (73.3%), with an experience of less than 1year being 40%. Amongst the responders there is a positive attitude with increasing age, experience and qualification. Conclusion: The health professionals had a negative attitude towards the presence of family members during the resuscitation or invasive procedures. Hence with the ethnicity and cultural aspect of family their presence is well accepted. Health Renaissance 2015;13 ( 3 ): 152-160

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain presenting in emergency department. Preoperative use of adequate analgesia markedly reduces pain without affecting diagnosis accuracy and furthermore no single analgesia has been used for this purpose.Objective: To determine and compare the efficacy of injection diclofenac and injection tramadol for rapid pain management of acute appendicitis in emergency department.Methods: An experimental clinical trial was done including 50 patients aged _8 years who were clinically diagnosed as acute appendicitis and had not received analgesia prior to examination by the researcher. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: 25 patients (group 1) were given injection diclofenac intramuscularly and 25 patients (group 2) were given injection tramadol intravenously. Comparative analysis was carried out regarding the decrease in pain intensity using visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain at presentation, at half an hour and at one hour of drug administration.Results: All the patients had VAS score of _5 at presentation without significant difference in the two groups. Half an hour after drug administration, 64% of subjects still had a VAS score of _6 in the first group while only 12% in the second group (p=0.005). At one hour of drug administration, 64% of subjects had a VAS score between 4 and 7 and 36% had score between 0 and 3 in group 1. In contrast to this score, in group 2 only 16% of the subjects scored between 4 and 7 and 84% between 0 and 3 (p=0.001).Conclusion: There was rapid and marked decrease of VAS score or pain in tramadol group as compared to diclofenac group. Hence, we can recommend that injection tramadol intravenous be considered for preoperative use for pain management of acute appendicitis in emergency department. Health Renaissance 2015;13 (1)

Aconitine and related alkaloids found in the Aconitum species are highly cardiotoxic and neurotoxic. The wild plant (especially the roots and root tubers) is extremely toxic. Severe aconite poisoning can occur after accidental ingestion of the wild plant or consumption of an herbal made from aconite roots. In traditional Chinese medicine, aconite roots are used only after processing to reduce the toxic alkaloid content. Soaking and boiling during processing will hydrolyze aconite alkaloids into less toxic and non-toxic derivatives. However, the use of a larger than recommended dose and inadequate processing increases the risk of poisoning. The aconite herb is one of the commonly-prescribed ingredients for various clinical problems. However, due to its narrow therapeutic index, toxicities are not uncommonly encountered, including life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias like ventricular arrhythmias Health Renaissance 2015; 13 (1): 108-111

Background: This study investigated knowledge of and practices towards standard precautions, among all health care workers working in the emergency department in BPKIHS. Objective: To find out the factors influencing use of standard precautions in the emergency department, BPKIHS Dharan.Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the emergency department. Data was collected in three ways: by direct observation of work practice, a questionnaire about knowledge, attitude and skills and through focus group discussions.Results: Regarding standard precaution, majority (54.2%) had partial knowledge. Only 4.2% know the component of it. In practice 69.52% among doctors group washed hand even though once in four observations; 96% used soap. 43.80% used gloves in doctors group in four observation; sisters used gloves the entire times. 74% washed hand after gloves removal (178). 35.23% didn’t recapped needles before disposal from those who used it among doctors group. Recapping is complete in sisters’ group. 60.95%. Sisters had complete proper disposal practice.Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of SP has direct impact in health of patient and HCW. High level of occupational exposure to blood highlights the urgent need for intervention to enhance occupational safety to prevent unnecessary nosocomial transmission of BBD. Strategies for promoting injection safety are necessary if the risk of nosocomial transmission of BBV via unsafe injection practice is to be minimized. Health Renaissance 2015;13 (3): 54-64

Background: Depomedroxy progesterone (DMPA) is most commonly used contraception among the Nepalese women of reproductive age group . Objective: To study the perceived positive and negative aspects regarding the use of DMPA amongst women presenting to the General Outpatient Department of BPKIHS, Dharan, Nepal. Method: This is a cross sectional descriptive study which is conducted at the general out patient department (GOPD) of the B.P. Koirala Institite of Health Science, Dharan, Nepal for a period of one year where a questionnaire was distributed among 100 female patients and their responses were collected. Result: Most widely used contraceptive method was Depot Medroxy progesterone (69%). The most sought after reason for continued use, was "easy to follow dose" (30%) whereas "difficulty with compliance with other contraception" (26%) remains the next important reason. "Privacy (16%) helped the patients to continue the usage whereas “Easily/only available contraception (5%) made rest of the participants to continue the use of Depot medroxyprogesterone. Conclusion: Depot Medroxy Progesterone Acetate is a highly effective, convenient to use non daily hormonal contraception which is widely accepted in Nepalese women when used after proper counseling by clinicians or other health professionals. Health Renaissance 2015;13(2): 7-13

The paper focuses a non-conventional approach using Poisson and Binomial distributions for optimum strategic business forecasting. An analysis has been carried out based on profit-loss statistics of consecutive ten years. Relevance of Poisson distribution in business forecasting is shown. Relevance of Binomial distribution in business forecasting is also shown. Curve fitting has been applied to reveal further some discovered facts related to gain analysis. Linear Regression, Exponential, Parabolic, Power function, Logarithmic, polynomial of degree 2 and 4 curves are shown as cases. Novel facts related to business forecasting in the light of machine learning classifiers have been pointed out leading to new directions in the field of research in business analytics.

The energy levels of two interacting electrons in a 2D quantum dot confined by a finite Gaussian potential and subjected to a uniform magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the dot are studied. Analytic results are obtained for the energy spectrum of the two-electron system as well as for a single electron. The magnetic field at which the ground state transitions from the spin-singlet to the spin-triplet state for the two-electron system is calculated and compared with the experimental data and previous theoretical results for the infinite harmonic confining potential. The ground state energy of the two-electron system as a function of the magnetic field is calculated and compared with the experimental data.

In this work the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman and dielectric studies of lead free perovskite (1 – x)Ba0.06(Na1/2Bi1/2)0.94TiO3–xNaNbO3(0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1.0) ceramics, prepared using a standard solid state reaction method, were investigated. X-ray diffraction studies of all the ceramics suggested the formation of single phase with crystal structure transforming from rhombohedral-tetragonal to orthorhombic symmetry with the increase in NaNbO3content. Raman spectra also confirmed the formation of solid solution without any new phase. Dielectric studies showed that the phase transition is of diffusive character and diffusivity parameter decreases with increasing NaNbO3content. The compositional fluctuation was considered to be the main cause of diffusivity.

Rubber leaves are the abundant agro-waste and pineapple, the most economically important fruit crop in Tripura. So, in our present study, different amounts of rubber leaf vermicompost have been applied to the soils of pineapple plantation to determine their effects on earthworms—the soil ecosystem engineers, coupled with the vegetative growth and yield of pineapples. During 30 months of field trial (2010–2012) in ICAR regional station, Lembucherra, West Tripura, the control plot (T 0) received no fertilizer, while experimental plots were fertilized with four different amounts of vermicompost viz. T 1 (5 tons ha−1 year−1), T 2 (10 tons ha−1 year−1), T 3 (20 tons ha−1 year−1) and T 4 (30 tons ha−1 year−1). A significant (p

Present study revealed the presence of 16 earthworm species belonging to 11 genera and four families viz. Megascolecidae (Amynthus alexandri, Metaphire houlleti, Lampito mauritii, Kanchuria sp1, Perionyx excavatus), Octochaetidae (Eutyphoeus gigas, Eutyphoeus comillahnus, Eutyphoeus orientalis, Octochaetona beatrix, Dichogaster bolaui, Lennogaster chittagongensis, Lennogaster yeicus), Moniligastridae (Drawida papillifer papillifer, Drawida assamensis, Drawida nepalensis) and Glossoscolecidae (Pontoscolex corethrurus) in the soils of five bamboo species [Bambusa balcooa (Sil Barak), Melocanna baccifera (Muli), Bambusa polumorpha (Bari), Bambus cacharensis (Bom) and Bambus bambus (Katabarak)] of West-Tripura. While four earthworm species viz. Metaphire houlleti, Drawida assamensis, Drawida papillifer papillifer and Pontoscolex corethrurus were common to all species of bamboo plantations, the rest showed restricted distribution. Among the earthworm species 4 were exotic (Amynthus alexandri, Metaphire houlleti, Dichogaster bolaui and Pontoscolex corethrurus) and the others were native to the Indian sub-continent. In general, earthworms under the bamboo plantations occurred within temperature range of 21.6 °C–28.0 °C, pH 4.0–7.0, organic matter 0.56–5.99 %, moisture 9.6–31.7 %, water holding capacity 14.6–43.9 % and bulk density 0.7–1.8 g cm−3. The average density and biomass of the earthworms in the studied places were 108 ind m−2 and 44 g m−2 respectively. Earthworm diversity, dominance and evenness indices showed the values 1.00, 0.47 and 0.70 respectively. Earthworm density and biomass showed a negative correlation with temperature whereas those had a strong positive correlation with pH, moisture and organic matter of the soils.