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Background: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction due to extrinsic compression of the duodenum. This study aimed to evaluate the presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of seven patients with SMA syndrome treated at two tertiary care centers in India between June 2015 and January 2023.All patients presented with chronic vomiting, nausea, epigastric pain, and weight loss. Diagnosis was confirmed by radiological findings, including CT scans demonstrating a narrowed aortomesenteric angle (<22 degrees) and dilated proximal duodenum. Surgical intervention was the mainstay of treatment due to minimal success with non-operative management. All patients except one underwent laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy. One patient with a post-operative stricture required conversion to a Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy. Methods: We have managed seven cases of duodenal obstruction due to SMA syndrome during the time period of June 2015 to January 2023. The study included cases pooled from two tertiary care centers of Andhra Pradesh. The primary evaluation was done by gastroenterologists, psychologists and followed by detailed surgical evaluation. Ultrasonography and upper endoscopy were done for all cases followed by CT scan of the abdomen in all the cases. All the patients had clinical and radiological findings consistent with SMA syndrome. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical presentation, operative data, and outcomes. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables and as percentages for categorical variables. Results: The seven patients included 5females and 2 males (female to male ratio was 2.5:1). The mean age of the cases was 21.29 ± 4.15 years (range 13 - 26 years). The Comorbidities identified in these cases included Psychiatric/anxiety (14.29%), anorexia (28.57%), Pancreatitis (14.29%), Mild scoliosis (14.29%), Binge/fasting (14.29%). No clear reason was identified in one case (14.29%) and attributed to fibromyalgia. One patient had previous laparoscopic appendicectomy, but no other patient had any history of abdominal or spinal surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports child mortality and associated factors among tribal (indigenous) populations from a South Indian district. In India, 104 million people belonged to 705 tribal groups, constituting 8.6% of India's population. Of the 705 tribal groups, 75 were classified as particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG). The present study aims to report the under-five child mortality among the tribal (both PVTG and non-PVTG) population in Visakhapatnam district, a district with a higher concentration of tribes in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Four sub-districts were selected to conduct a cross-sectional study to understand health and health-seeking behavior, including maternal and child health. Socio-demographic details and obstetric history were collected through a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire from mothers with a child aged up to one year. These 277 mothers gave birth to 632 liveborn children, out of which 56 children died within 12 months. Multiple logistic regression revealed that living in villages with no health facility, woman-headed households, younger age at first childbirth and mother' aged 30 years or above were significantly associated with mothers experiencing child death. Implementation of home-based neonatal care is crucial in the vulnerability context of the tribes due to socioeconomic conditions and remote habitation. Health educational interventions to address early marriages leading to teenage pregnancies are needed immediately. This disaggregated analysis of under-five mortality and associated factors among the tribes highlights the need for population-specific interventions and improving infrastructural facilities like all-weather roads and improved access to quality healthcare services in addition to the overall socio-economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason) is the important endemic pest of Rice crop in the North coastal zone of Andhra Pradesh causing grain yield losses. A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2022 at Agriculture College farm, Naira to know the relationship of various abiotic parameters with rice gall midge incidence in four different dates of sowings. The peak incidence of rice gall midge was noticed with 13.14 per cent silver shoots during the 46th SMW (Standard Meteorological Week) on the fourth date of sowing (17-09-2022). The correlation studies between percent silver shoots (fourth date of sowing) and abiotic factors revealed that maximum temperature (r = -0.245), morning relative humidity (r = -0.384) and rainfall (r = -0.121) showed a non-significant negative correlation, whereas minimum temperature (r = 0.613) showed nonsignificant positive correlation and evening relative humidity (r = 0.774) showed a significant positive correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is confirmed chronic abnormalities of kidney structure or function, present for > 3 months with implications for health (albuminuria or proteinuria). With increasing prevalence and risk factors, there is progressive loss of kidney function, cardiovascular morbidity and premature mortality, decreased quality of life. In a CKD patient, the problems of malnutrition also encompass the economic status and pattern of diet, in addition to that imposed by the disease per se. Sub optimal nutritional intake is common among the population of CKD and ESRD posing a direct risk for protein malnutrition. Objectives: To study the socio-demographic profile, the co-morbid conditions and assess the nutrition status of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: A total of 105 patients participated in the study. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire will be administered to the study population. Data regarding socio-demographic profile, dietary practices etc. will be collected. The PG-SGA score and anthropometric measurements like height, weight, BMI, will be used to assess the nutritional status. Other variables like age, gender, socio-economic status, height, weight, BMI, metabolic demand, chronic energy deficiency, nutritional triage etc. are taken into consideration. Results: Based on the study conducted, education and occupation status were significantly associated with nutrition status of CKD patient. With the higher levels of education, the number of subjects decreased and was found to have suspect/moderate malnutrition. With higher levels of occupation status, the number of subjects decreased and was found to have suspect/moderate malnutrition. Conclusion: According to the demographic study of CKD patients - low literacy rate, poor income, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, older age are some of the reasons for malnutrition that are independently associated with CKD. Co-morbidities such as hypertension are predictors for chronic kidney disease. Nutritional status is observed to be at baseline with linear progression towards deterioration in > 3/4 patients under study. Thus, malnutrition continues to be an under diagnosed condition in CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study on the consumer buying patterns of cosmetic products in Andhra Pradesh, India. The research focuses on the marketing variables that impact female cosmetic consumption and their decision-making process. The findings indicate that the cosmetic market is primarily dominated by female consumers, with male consumers catching up. Quality was identified as the most influential factor in purchasing decisions. The study offers valuable insights for cosmetic marketers to understand consumer preferences and develop effective marketing strategies. The Indian cosmetics industry is projected to reach USD 20 billion by 2025, with India expected to become one of the top 5 global markets by revenue. The increasing purchasing power and image consciousness of Indian consumers have attracted international brands to establish a presence in the country. Social media and favorable demographics are driving awareness about cosmetics products, particularly herbal and Ayurvedic products, which are contributing to the industry's growth. The online market for cosmetics has also experienced significant expansion, with companies like Nykaa offering a wide range of brands. The article references various studies on consumer buying behavior and factors influencing purchasing decisions of cosmetic products. The research methodology involved a survey of 100 respondents in Andhra Pradesh, and the results demonstrated a strong relationship between factors like product variety, product place, and brand choice with consumer purchasing decisions. The article concludes that companies should prioritize understanding consumer preferences and conducting market research to establish a unique position in the market and attract and retain consumers. [Extracted from the article]

Wind energy has the potential to play a vital role in fulfilling the world's rising energy needs. Due to the cubic relationship between wind speed and power, slight wind speed variations substantially impact power generation. Various wind speed assessment methods are available in the literature, and the Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) methods are among them. However, its sensitivity analysis is required under the NWP model to estimate wind speed effectively. The planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme is crucial in the sensitivity analysis. This work used a strategic approach with sensitivity analysis to estimate wind fields in the southern part of Andhra Pradesh, India, using the NWP model. The wind field is simulated using the WRF model, and the best configuration is determined by simulating nine distinct PBL parameterization combinations for four locations. Despite overestimation from 3 am to 8 pm and underestimation from 8 pm to 3 am, the mean absolute percentage errors are determined to be 6%, 9%, 14%, and 16%, respectively. The Weibull distribution mean, shape parameter, and scale parameter all have relative errors of 9.2%, 8.9%, and 15.36%, respectively. The developed methodology would be valuable in assessing wind resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccine hesitancy continues to impede the attempts made globally in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this study aims to determine the socio-demographic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the general population in a rural block of Andhra Pradesh. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of a rural block in Andhra Pradesh. A total of 210 participants were recruited through multi- stage random sampling technique. Data was collected through semi-structured schedule method. Descriptive statistics was computed to describe the socio-demographic characteristics, and Chi-square test was applied to assess the association between vaccine hesitancy and socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants. Results: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate among rural population was 45.5%. Statistically significant association was observed between vaccine hesitancy and socio-demographic characteristics like: age between 40-49 years, females, Hindus, illiterates, unemployed, marginal workers, lower middle class and those with two children in their family. Conclusion: High prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was noted among rural population. Mass media strategies, evidence-based communication, and policy measures will have to be implemented across rural areas with special focus on groups identified with vaccine hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the level of GAPS in knowledge, attitudes and practices among tribal people regarding malaria disease. To assess the interassociation among knowledge, attitude and practices of scores. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in tribal areas of East Godavari District for a period of one year during 2013. Sample size was calculated as 1136. Multistage Random sampling method was used to identify the 4 PHC’s in 4 directions of tribal areas and sample was equally distributed. In that study subjects were selected by using a simple Random method. Data were collected by using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and results were displayed. Setting: Tribal area of east Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh State, India. Participants: Study subjects were selected by simple random method. Results: Knowledge-practice gap for source of mosquito breeding 5.99%, for the prevention of mosquito breeding sources and for the implementation of minor engineering measures it is 10.51%. For bush cutting, the knowledge practice gap is -20.07%. For potted plants, the knowledge practice gap is -8.45%. For broken pots, it is 68.93%. IRS is performed outside the house not inside the house. The KAP-GAP for screening is nil. Covering oneself with a blanket to prevent man–mosquito contact is 6.96%. Conclusions: In our study, we found Know-do gap or KAP-GAP in all aspects of prevention of mosquito breeding places and personal protective measures. Regarding the interassociation among knowledge, attitudes and practices, they were associated with each other with significant difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2002, transgenic crops that produce Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab toxins have been used in India to control bollworms. From 2002 to 2009, Bt-cotton effectively controlled the pink bollworm (PBW). However, since 2009 numerous studies have reported high survival of PBW on Bt-cotton expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab toxins, indicating reduced susceptibility to Cry toxins expressed in Bt-cotton. In the current study, we attempted to estimate the frequency of resistance alleles to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab toxins in a field collected population of pink bollworms from Andhra Pradesh. Resistance allele frequency was estimated using an F2 screen methodology for the first time after 17 years of Bt-cotton cultivation. Our study finds that the allele frequency for Cry1Ac is 0.082 and for Cry2Ab is 0.054, with a detection probability of greater than 97%. In our survey conducted in 2018–19 and 2019–20, we also noticed high survival and damage by PBW on Bt-cotton expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab. Our survey report reveals, > 30% flower damage, > 90% green boll damage and > 80% locule damage by PBW on Bt-cotton expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the length-weight relationship and condition factor of Labeo calbasu in different age groups. A total of 200 specimens, ranging in body weight from 0.52 g to 195.46 g were examined the correlation coefficients were 0.957 for age groups 0 and up, 0.977 for groups one and up, 0.965 for groups two and up, 0.972 for groups three and up, and 0.984 for all age groups combined. Parabolic equations were derived for each age group: W= 0.01880L2.767 for 0+, W= 0.00471L3.142 for 1+, 0.00325L3.307 for 2+ and W=0.04423L2.471 for 3+ age groups. The condition factor (K) showed a decreasing trend with age, with values of 1.2357, 1.1017, 1.1004 and 1.0377 observed in the 0+, 1+, 2+ and 3+ age groups, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, moribund mud crab (Scylla serrata) samples were collected from various farming systems, brooders from wild and hatchery quarantine section, located in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The infected crabs showed clinical signs of lethargic movement with the sleeping position in the culture ponds, tanks, and wild-caught. In the wet mount study, massive numbers of viral giant cells were observed in the infected crab hepatopancreas and connective tissue. Mud crab reovirus (MCRV) inclusion bodies were noticed in the connective tissue of hepatopancreas, gill lamellae, muscle and gonads in histopathology analysis. Also, viral particles proliferated into the cytoplasm of the cells, but they did not affect the host nuclei. The infected crab samples were confirmed in the PCR using specific primers (ReoF and ReoR) and rDNA sequence analysis showed 99% similarity with mud crab reovirus and Scylla serrata reovirus (OL466868 and OL466869). The ultrastructural study (TEM) revealed that MCRV viral particles ranged between 70 and 75 nm in diameter, icosahedral shape, and non-enveloped with two capsid layers located in the cytoplasm of the cells. The prevalence of mud crab reovirus infection was recorded between 80 and 100% in cultured farms within 25 days and 19–33% in the wild from the collected samples. In the pathogenicity study, intramuscular injection bioassay reached 100% mortality and a co-habitation assay was 70% mortality on 14 days of MCRV post-infection. Thus, our results suggest that MCRV is highly pathogenic to mud crab culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acreage estimates are crucial for forecasting menthol mint acreage, as crop output figures fluctuate from year to year in response to fluctuations in the market price of menthol mint oil. Thus, there are yearly fluctuations in the maximum price that farmers can obtain. Since low production arises from low rates, and high production results from high prices, these acreage estimate studies may be useful in lowering uncertainty regarding menthol mints' output. The widespread adoption of remote sensing technologies for assessing crop acreage at both the national and international levels can be attributed to their low cost, ease of use, and flexibility. The extent of an area planted with menthol mint in the Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India, was estimated using Sentinel-2A satellite data for that year. After conducting a comprehensive ground survey, the area of the menthol mint crop was estimated using an adaptive maximum chance-type set of rules for taluk-level statistics. According to the research, the Bheemunipatnam taluk in the Vishakhapatnam district was the most productive in growing menthol mint. Using customer and manufacturer accuracies of 89.13% and 87.23%, along with the average accuracy (90.67%) and kappa rate (0.9), the total acreage of menthol mint crop in the study region was estimated to be around 58,000,284.70 ha (0.844). A further aim in this study was to estimate the acreage planted with early and late menthol mint. Around 26,123.50 ha and 29,911.40 ha were found to be home to early menthol mint and late menthol mint, respectively. This method shows promise for early- and late-stage crop acreage assessment of menthol mint using a localised degree of precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers usually do not know the precise output that is affected by climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall and are characterized by inter-annual variability, part of which is caused by global climate change. No study covers the influences of climate factors on yield and yield risk in the context of chickpea farming in Andhra Pradesh, India. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the trends in climate change variables during Rabi season (October to January, 1996-2020) and evaluated their variability on chickpea yields across different agro-climatic zones in Andhra Pradesh by employing Just and Pope production function. Four non-parametric methods-Alexandersson's Standard Normal Homogeneity Test, Buishand's Range Test, Pettitt's Test and Von Neumann's Ratio Test are applied to detect homogeneity in the data. Mann--Kendall (MK) test and Sen's slope (SS) method were employed to analyze monthly rainfall trends and minimum and maximum temperature trends. Results of Just and Pope (panel data) quadratic and Cobb-Douglas methods revealed that monthly minimum temperature positively influenced the mean yield of chickpea (0.22% and 0.16%, respectively). However, rainfall (-0.41% and -0.31%) and maximum temperature (-0.08% and -0.04%) negatively influenced the mean yield of chickpea under quadratic and Cobb-Douglas models, respectively. Accordingly, rainfall (0.08% and 0.06%) and maximum temperature (0.83% and 0.72%) positively influenced the yield variability and minimum temperature (-0.77% and -0.67%) reduced yield variability of chickpea under quadratic and Cobb- Douglas models respectively. In view of these findings, it is imperative to advocate the farmers about the importance of cultivating drought-tolerant chickpea varieties, drought-proofing and mitigation strategies, micro-irrigation practices and improving their access to agro-meteorological information towards sustainable chickpea cultivation in Andhra Pradesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural and food system transformation helps increase farm productivity and encourages farmers to participate in updated value chains, adopt newer technologies, thereby helping farmers transform their livelihoods in a sustainable manner. Relatedly, value chain innovations depend on multiple decisions farmers make at various stages of the value chain, adequate participation being a primary factor. In this paper, we integrate farmers' adoption decision of a new variety of chilli crop ("Teja") along with their electronic market participation decision and e-market participation intensity, based on data from the chilli farming sector in India, where agricultural markets have been modernized through digitization (Kalgudi e-Market). Thus, the employed Triple-Hurdle Model (THM) integrates adoption decision of "Teja" variety of chilli, e-Market Participation Decision and e-market participation intensity thereby, allowing us to make inferences relating to chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh, India. Our results, showed that the drivers of "Teja" variety adoption, e-market participation, and e-participation intensity include education, reliable extension services, access to seeds of high yielding varieties, market information, and membership in farmer-producer organizations. Added to these, personnel training visits, prompt deliveries of inputs, and prompt payment of sales proceeds are also important in influencing participation and intensities. Results show that the three stochastic decisions of THM are strongly correlated implying that the adoption decision of "Teja" variety of chilli by the farmers influences the e-market participation decision and consequently, e-market participation intensity and these three decisions are sequential. On the contrary, the decisions viz., e-market participation decision and e-market participation intensity as input buyers and consequent adoption of "Teja" variety of chilli are simultaneous. So, the policy measures that promote production technology interventions (say, "Teja" variety of chilli) will definitely enhance better e-market access of chilli farmers. Accordingly, the breeding programs of the agricultural research stations should enhance the uptake of improved varieties in tune with modern marketing (e-market) technologies. Future farm policy and agricultural-research and innovations must recognize the potential that the digital marketing systems have to offer. Such considerations coupled with the provision of market infrastructure including assaying, grading, storage, and market information will promote digital transformation in agricultural value chains in developing countries like India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Groundnut is an important edible leguminous oilseed crop and stem rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is one of the major soil borne disease affecting groundnut severely in India. The current study aimed to get an understanding regarding the incidence level and pattern of prevalence of the disease in the agro-ecological condition of Andhra Pradesh. Methods: Roving survey was taken up from major groundnut growing areas in Andhra Pradesh during kharif, 2019 and kharif, 2020 in five districts. From each district predominant groundnut growing areas were chosen for assessment of the disease. Five spots of one square meter area in each field were selected randomly and per cent disease incidence was recorded. Result: From the data it is observed that the stem and pod rot incidence was higher during kharif, 2020 when compared with kharif, 2019. The pooled data indicated that the mean stem rot incidence for the two years ranges from 5.39% to 23.56% with highest mean stem rot incidence in Krishnapuram (v), Kothapatnam (m) of Prakasam dist (23.56%) and lowest in Bandarupalli (v), Yerpedu (m) of Chittoor dist (5.39%). Among different districts highest mean stem rot incidence was recorded in Prakasam dist (18.71%) and lowest was recorded in Chittoor dist (7.11%). The stem rot severity was high in sandy soils with TAG24 variety where groundnut is being grown followed by red sandy loams and least in clay loam soils. The groundnut sole crop recorded high disease incidence when compared with intercrop of red gram. Siginificant positive correlation was recorded between stem rot, pod rot and leaf spot incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Job satisfaction is a worker's sense of achievement and success on the job. It is generally perceived to be directly linked to productivity as well as to personal well-being. Job satisfaction implies doing a job one enjoys, doing it well and being rewarded for one's efforts. Job satisfaction further implies enthusiasm and happiness with one's work. Job satisfaction is the key ingredient that leads to recognition, income, promotion and the achievement of other goals that lead to a feeling of fulfillment. Job satisfaction as a function of self-efficacy and personal strain among high school teachers in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh state of India. To assess the impact of self-efficacy and personal strain on job satisfaction among high school teachers. Sample of the present study consists of 400 primary teachers in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh State. The job satisfaction scale developed by Karanam Bahaboobuvali and Vijaya Vardhini, self-efficacy scale standardized by Nelson and Copeland and personal strain questionnaire was assessed and standardized by Samuel Osipow and Spokane were used. Results revealed that self -efficacy and personal strain have significant impact on job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem rot in groundnut is one of the major diseases significantly affecting the crop yields leading to 10 to 25 per cent yield loss annually. Favourable weather parameters influence development and spread of the disease and the present study was conducted to quantify their role in disease development. Study conducted at Banavasi village of Yemmiganur in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh during rabi 2020 and 2021 to know the influence of weather parameters on stem rot disease progression and the relation between leaf spot and stem rot disease development using correlation and regression analysis. A positive correlation of the stem rot with weather parameters like T max, Rainfall, Relative Humidity in rabi, 2020, Relative humidity during rabi, 2021 and negative correlation with Tmin and Wind speed in rabi, 2020, and Tmax, Tmin and rainfall in rabi, 2021 was observed. A regression analysis of the data inferred that the weather parameters as a whole contribute about 66.00% and 60.00% to disease incidence in rabi 2020 and 2021 respectively, of these Tmax (62.37%) and Rainfall (26.12%) in rabi 2020 and Tmin and rainfall during rabi, 2021. Highest stem rot incidence was recorded in 4th standard week (22nd to 28th January) with a per cent disease incidence of 6.78 during rabi, 2020 and in 52nd standard week (24th to 31st December) with a percent disease incidence of 3.6 during rabi, 2021. Initiation of leaf spot has started early i.e., 48th standard week during rabi, 2020 and 49th standard week during rabi, 2021. A non-significant positive correlation between the stem rot and leaf spot in both the years reveal that the diseases developed were solely due to influence of weather parameters on the individual disease and both the diseases are not interrelated or interdependent in causing the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. In India on January 30, 2020 and in Andhra Pradesh on March 12, 2020 first case was reported. The case fatality rate (CFR) among diagnosed cases is generally about 2%-3% but varies by country. Aim: To estimate the CFR in Andhra Pradesh during the pandemic in different phases. Methods: All the secondary data were collected either from the covid19india website or github website or Indian government websites or Andhra Pradesh State government website or media quoting the government announcements January 30, 2020 to August 8, 2020. The CFR was estimated as per the Methods for Estimating the Case Fatality Ratio for a Novel, Emerging Infectious Disease. Results: In the pre-lockdown phase, the CFR of Andhra Pradesh was 0.00%, Uttarandhra, Central Andhra & Rayalaseema was Nil, and South Andhra it was ranging from Nil-0.00%, In lockdown phase, the CFR Andhra Pradesh was ranging from 1.34 to 42.31%, Uttarandhra - Nil -5.56%, Central Andhra - Nil-100.00%, South Andhra - 0.00-66.67%, and Rayalaseema - Nil-100.00%. In post-lockdown phase, the CFR Andhra Pradesh was ranging from 0.99 to 2.50%, Uttarandhra - 0.59 to 4.55%, Central Andhra - 0.82 to 14.33%, South Andhra - 1.05 to 2.30%, and Rayalaseema - 0.37-8.07%. Conclusions: The CFR of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh and its districts was a downward trend except Prakasam district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulnerability indicators are more useful for tracing the vulnerability of various social and ecological environments through time and space. The livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) was evaluated in the present study using 7 major indicators and 34 sub-indicators to assess the vulnerability status among tribal households in the Ananthagiri agency area of Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh state. The outcome of the investigation revealed that the tribal households are living in poor socio-economic and livelihood conditions due to high poverty, lack of education, and lack of awareness. The LVI score ranges from 0.50 to 0.83, which explains that the study area is in an extremely vulnerable situation. Poor socio-demographics, livelihood, health, and water security have been identified as the main contributing factors that cause severe vulnerable conditions. The findings may be useful for policymakers to understand the basic causes of livelihood vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Revised National TB Control Programme developed a case based web-based online reporting mechanism called NIKSHAY. A community-based survey conducted in 2011 reported that 46% of the tuberculosis (TB) patients in India were treated outside the public health system (private sector) and hence they are not the part of the national TB notification system. Methodology: The objective of the study was to assess the profile of the TB individuals in the Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, south India. A secondary data were retrieved from the district TB center NIKSHAY web-based online portal in Chittoor and analyzed using SPSS 21.0 version. Data were taken from the last 1 year (April 2017 to March 2018). Results: A total of 3952 individuals were registered in the web based online NIKSHAY portal during the study. Among them in 2918 (73.7%) were males and 1033 (26.2%) were females with the mean age of the patients was 44.6 years with a standard deviation of ± 16.3 ranges. The clinically confirmed cases were 587 patients and microbiologically positive were 2495 (79.8%) and negative were 633 (20.2%). Majority 3263 (82.5%) were had pulmonary and 452 (11.4%) had extra-pulmonary TB. Depending on the HIV-positive cases were 274 (6.9%) and 3560 (90.2%) were negative and the remaining 118 (2.9%) do not know the status of the HIV/AIDS. The CBNAAT results were 411 (10.5%) of the patients had rifampicin sensitivity and 26 (0.6%) of them were resistant. Conclusion: India had taken the nice initiative for the web-based online portal for the notification of the TB patients. Several ongoing efforts have been implemented to improve the quality of surveillance reporting. A series of trainings on quality assurance of TB data should be taken to all the field staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, Labeo rohita is widely cultured and consumed freshwater fish. Aeromonads are etiological agents of major bacterial fish diseases like furunculosis, haemorrhagic septicaemia, skin ulcers, fin/tail rot and dropsy, causing significant economic losses in carp culture. Aeromonas species are widely distributed in aquatic environment which is considered as important vehicle of Aeromonas infections to fish and humans. Some of the Aeromonas spp. causes gastroenteritis, septicaemia, peritonitis, meningitis and eye infections in humans. In the present study Aeromonas species were isolated from diseased freshwater fish Labeo rohita collected from two districts viz., West Godavari and SPSR Nellore of Andhra Pradesh, India. A Total of 12 Aeromonas spp. were isolated and identified by biochemical tests. A. veronii bv. veronii (35%) was dominant when compared to other Aeromonas spp. Further, Antimicrobial resistance and multiple Antimicrobial resistance (MAR) of all Aeromonas spp. were tested against 17 antibiotics being frequently used for human diseases. The Antimicrobial resistance of all the 12 Aeromonas spp. have shown significantly high (p<0.05) resistance (100%) to ampicillin, amoxyclave and oxytetracycline except A. cavernicola when compared to other antibiotics. The MAR index of Aeromonas spp. ranged from 0.18-0.76, which indicates origination of isolated Aeromonas spp. from high risk sources of contamination. A. hydrophila, A. veronii bv. sobria, A. veronii bv. veronii, A. schubertii and A. jandaei isolated in this study were found to be pathogenic to humans also. The results revealed the pathogenic potential of Aeromonas infections in freshwater fish culture and emerging threats to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism is the activities of societies traveling to and residing in places outside their usual atmosphere for not more than one successive year for relaxation, business and other commitments not related to the application of a movement waged from within the place stayed. Tourism is one of the growing industries in Andhra Pradesh. Its high growth and development rates, considerable amount of employment generation, infrastructure development actively affecting various sectors of economy which positively contributing to the social and economic development of the state. The tourism experience is different to what they can see or do at home and this includes experiencing the real life and lifestyle of the destinations they visit. Sustainable tourism is thoughtful tourism. It is "derived," not "contrived." A community involved in the planning and implementation of tourism has a more positive attitude, is more supportive and has better chance of making a profit than a population passively ruled - or overrun - by tourism. One of the core elements of sustainable tourism development is community development. This is giving the community the process and capacity to making decisions that consider the Long-term economy, ecology and equity of all communities. Nellore is a city in the Nellore district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Penna River in Nellore mandal of Nellore revenue division. The city is the fourth most populous settlement of the state well known for its agriculture and aquaculture. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is the state tourism department, responsible for maintaining, promoting and developing the tourism sector. Nellore is famous for scenic beaches, historic forts, temples, darghas, and bird and wildlife sanctuaries. The Telangana region has all the demanded high qualities for becoming a strong vacationer place with its country. The 1998 tourism plan of Andhra Pradesh concentrates on financial development, employment creation, and poverty alleviation via environmental durability. It pays attention to demand edge and additionally on the vast untapped capacity of vacationer destinations such as ancestry tourism, this paper briefly provided a case study on Andhra Pradesh states towards development on Tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. In India on January 30, 2020 and in Andhra Pradesh on March 12, 2020 first case was reported. The case fatality rate (CFR) among diagnosed cases is generally about 2%-3% but varies by country. Aim: To estimate the CFR in Andhra Pradesh during the pandemic in different phases. Methods: All the secondary data were collected either from the covid19india website or github website or Indian government websites or Andhra Pradesh State government website or media quoting the government announcements January 30, 2020 to August 8, 2020. The CFR was estimated as per the Methods for Estimating the Case Fatality Ratio for a Novel, Emerging Infectious Disease. Results: In the pre-lockdown phase, the CFR of Andhra Pradesh was 0.00%, Uttarandhra, Central Andhra & Rayalaseema was Nil, and South Andhra it was ranging from Nil-0.00%, In lockdown phase, the CFR Andhra Pradesh was ranging from 1.34 to 42.31%, Uttarandhra - Nil -5.56%, Central Andhra - Nil-100.00%, South Andhra - 0.00-66.67%, and Rayalaseema - Nil-100.00%. In post-lockdown phase, the CFR Andhra Pradesh was ranging from 0.99 to 2.50%, Uttarandhra - 0.59 to 4.55%, Central Andhra - 0.82 to 14.33%, South Andhra - 1.05 to 2.30%, and Rayalaseema - 0.37-8.07%. Conclusions: The CFR of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh and its districts was a downward trend except Prakasam district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism being the fastest growing industries of the world plays a vital role in the country's economic development. This industry employs both skilled and unskilled people. This industry is among the one industry promoting both national integration and international brotherhood. In the proposed research, to design a workable and easily adoptable tourism policy to bring positive changes in the following areas like Satisfaction to the tourists and Strong base on economic fundamentals. In India, The Uttrakhand and Andhra Pradesh Tourism states has consistently been the pace setters for fascinating substantial figure of tourists both internal and foreign .The proposed research is aimed to bring tourism as a main activity to boost the economy of the state, especially in uttrakhand. The hypothetical result will be providing the Awareness to Tourism in Andhra & Uttrakhand, suggest effective resource management in UK and Andhra and also helpful to increase a Tourism Development by providing awareness to Government,Private Sector, NGO,s & Communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The culture NLR 3354 is a cross derivative of NLR 34242 x NLR 34303 which was released during 2019 by SVRC, Andhra Pradesh with 120-125 days duration, high yielding ability and better adaptability. This culture with semi dwarf stature has efficient tillering capacity, medium droopy panicles with highly acceptable plant characters and is a good replacement for the rice variety NLR 34449 due to its high grain yield and pest and disease tolerance ability. It possess tolerance to leaf and neck blast. It recorded an average yield of 6410 kg/ha over the check of 5799 kg/ha in different trials conducted for a period of 9 years. It produces good quality cooked rice besides high milling and head rice recovery. It produces medium slender white rice with intermediate amylose, soft gel consistency and moderate gelatinization temperature. It produces good quality cooked rice besides high milling and head rice recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to define the changing pattern of land use and its geo-environmental impacts on the semi-arid region of Anantapur district of AP state, India. Satellite imageries were analysed to perceive the variations in land use and land cover in the past 9 years from 2010 to 2019. RS and GIS modelling has helped in the mapping of land use and land cover changes. The study has assumed five characteristic features, they are (i) Waterbodies, (ii) Vegetation, (iii) Fallow land, (iv) Cultivation lands, and (v) Degraded lands. The results reveal that, from 2010 to 2019, there is a decrease in water bodies, vegetation and fallow lands of 6.75 km2, 42.96 km2 and 105.45 km2 respectively. While cultivation lands and degraded lands increased to 4.7 km2 and 105.45 km2 respectively. The environmental ecosystem is disturbed due to the increase in degraded lands, thus making the study area turn into a desert. Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) are very useful for the accuracy assessment of vegetation, cultivation land and waterbodies in this LULC change detection studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern Telugu literature, the Dalit literature has been a great wave during 1990-2010. It has been the navigating light for the existential fight of Dalits. But in fact, Dalit literature can be traced in Telugu from a long time back nearly ninety years ago. The problem of casteism and the fight against it are as ancient as the civilization in the history of India. India is the nation in which the society has been configured based on the occupation/professions of the people especially caste wise occupations. Any of these occupations is dependent on the physiological work. In the Indian caste system there are four main castes, and apart from that, there is a fifth group - the Dalits treated as the untouchables in the society. Even some decades back Dalits were considered as the insignificant part of the society. These people have been remained as second class citizens who are severely exploited, and downtrodden. There has been no significant difference in these circumstances anywhere in the Indian subcontinent. But it can be remarked that where ever there are fertile lands and fruitful resources there is a possibility for exploitation of the working class population. And simultaneously there is possibility for revolution through ways. In Andhra Pradesh, East Godavari district is the richest in agricultural prosperity. The same is the place well known for the prolific writers in Telugu Dalit literature. Kusuma Dharmanna, Boyi Bhemanna, Savera (Sarella Venkata Ratnam) are the warriors with pen to fight against the social evil of casteism. This paper focuses on the literary work of the contemporary poet SAVERA who has been considered as the mighty poet with a great impact on the existential fight of Telugu Dalits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypertension, being a global epidemic and a threat to the world population, described as the "sleeping snake", which will bite when its wakes up. It is associated with much co-morbidity, which can be managed by controlling it. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices followed by the south Indian population for Hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 245 hypertensive patients in Vijayawada city located of Andhra Pradesh, India. Data was collected in pre-designed data collection form and was analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results: Among the 245 Hypertensive (HT) participants, the average age was found to be around 56 years. Among the multiple risk factors sedentary lifestyle, heavy smoking and alcohol with body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m², around 60% were more prevalent. When assessed for knowledge of the participants on Hypertension, we found 69.38 percentage of them had a good idea while looking at the attitude, we got around 70% to have a right attitude about the disease and the measures to follow, while 18.5% are in the range of 'I do not know'. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude on Hypertension were far better among the participants; however, in turning their knowledge to practice, there is a gap and this need to be covered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol-related road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the foremost threat to the civilization due to premature loss of life. Policy-making is one such tool for reduction of alcohol-related RTAs. Andhra Pradesh state government implemented the Prohibition and Excise Policy for 2019-20 with respect to liquor sales from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. Aim: This study aims at documenting the reduction of alcohol-related RTAs (head injuries and others) after the introduction of the new policy. Methodology: Case series involving all the RTAs reported to the Government General Hospital, Kakinada, during September 2018–February 2019 and September 2019–February 2020. Secondary data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, from the hospital accident registers, in the medical records department. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010. Results and Discussion: There is a significant decrease in number of fractures sustained in RTAs from 12.5% in 2018–19 to 9.5% in 2019–20 (P = 0.018, 95% CL). The proportion of RTAs occurring under the influence of alcohol reduced from 9.4% in 2018–19 to 8.4% in 2019–20. There is a marked reduction in deaths of RTA cases, and grievous injuries and head injuries have also reduced during September 19–February 2020 as compared to September 18– February 2019. Conclusions: The fatal injuries sustained in RTAs under the influence of alcohol dramatically reduced to zero from November 2019 to February 2020, suggesting a protective effect of the new prohibition of liquor sales policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is major crop in Andhra Pradesh being cultivated in 22.11 lakh ha average productivity of 3350Kg/ha Local BPT-5204 (samba mashuri) is high susceptibility to blast, sheath blight and gall midge. Since this is consumers' preference both in the rural and urban markets, farmers are cultivating BPT-5204 though this variety is susceptibility to blast and BPH leads to high cost of cultivation. As an alternative to this NDLR-7 variety developed by Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Nandyal, ANGRAU NDLR-7 was tolerant to blast, BPH, sheath blight, leaf folders and gall midge. Methods: NDLR-7 was introduced by KVK, Banavasi through on farm trail during 2016-17 and this trial was continued for three years as an alternative to traditionally grown BPT-5204. Result: The data from the three years of on farm trail reveals that the cost of cultivation has drastically reduced from Rs. 66050/ha to 50,538/ha due to reduced use of pesticides. The yield in demonstration plot (NDLR-7) was 7437.5 Kg/ha compared to control (5812 Kg/ha). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation was designed to trigger the complete chemical constituents present in the methanolic extract of leaves of hair knot plant; botanically known as Pergularia daemia belongs to the family of the Asclepiadaceae one of the endemic plants of Andhra Pradesh, India by Agilent Technologies Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and components were well separated on HP-5 MS capillary column consisting of stationary phase of 5% phenyl 95% methylpolysiloxane. The resulted compounds were appropriate to the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) library and the study indicated the presence of different phytochemical compounds. A total of 51 compounds were recognized in the methanolic extract of Pergularia daemia leaves. Further, five new compounds were separated and four of biological importance viz. Pentadecane, Tetratriacontane, Dibutyl phthalate and Squalene were identified. The results of the importance of biologically active phytochemicals in the study recommend, P. daemiaas as a plant of phytopharmaceutical reputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It should be noticed that there is no drugs is available to treat lice and dandruff both are very great public health concern. So it is necessary to screen a drug especially of herbal origin to treat the both head lice and dandruff without affecting eyes. In the present study, Datura metel leaf extracts was evaluated for their insecticidal properties using head lice as an insect model. The study was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020. Plant sample (leaf) of Datura metel was collected from anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India in November 2019. The various concentration of ethanolic extract of leaves of Datura metel was prepared by using distilled water. 20%, 40%, 60% were used. A colony of P.humanus capitis was collected by combing the hair of 20-25 infected children at the age group of 10-15. Head lice were reared in the glass vessels covered with nylon mesh containing tufts of hairs. The hair tufts was impregnated with appropriate doses for the screening. Pure culture of M.furfur (MTCC: 1374) was obtained from institute of Microbial type of culture collection, Chandigarh, India. The culture was maintained in SDA medium. The current study afford scientific basis for the ethnomedical use of this plant as antilice application. It is concluded that it can be optimistic that the present work proved Datura metel of dual therapeutic advantage to be a potential phytochemical target in the design of a drug for the treatment of both lice and dandruff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 'observed rice yield (ton acre-1)' and 'remotely sensed backscatter'are modelled using artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple linear regression (MLR) methods for East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh in India. The biophysical variables viz. backscatter (bs), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Chlorophyll (chfl), fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR), leaf area index (LAI), canopy water content (CWC), and fraction of vegetation cover (Fcover) were derived from Scatterometer Satellite-1 (SCATSAT-1), Moderate Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) and Sentinel-2 satellite data. Inputs selected are bs, NDVI, chfl, FAPAR, LAI, CWC, and Fcover for rice yield model, whereas NDVI, chfl, FAPAR, LAI, CWC, and Fcover are inputs for backscatter models. The performance of ANN and MLR models was evaluated using three indices such as root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and coefficient of determination (R²). The results concluded that the ANN models achieved R² of 0.908 and 0.884 which are 42.73% and 28.85% higher than that of the MLR method for rice yield and backscatter, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainability of water resources is a critical issue against the backdrop of rising water demand for agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses. The issue has become more challenging in the light of shrinking water resources due to urbanization, contamination, and climate change impacts. The LINGO 10.0, optimization package was used to evolve an optimal allocation plan of surface and ground water for irrigation of multiple crops. The proposed model was applied for Appapuram Channel command with 9 branches in Krishna Western Delta of Andhra Pradesh state on the ground water salinity basis. For branches 1, 2, 8 and 9, only surface water can be used and the areas under different crops were allocated by the model to maximize the profit. In Branches 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the model suggested maximum benefits in using additional ground water (10% and 20%) along with 100% canal water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research study was carried out to study area, production and productivity trends of Mango crop (Mangifera indica Linn) in Andhra Pradesh state, India for the period 1992-93 to 2016-17 based on linear and non-linear statistical models. Statistically the best model was chosen on the basis of various goodness of fit criteria's i.e, adjusted R2, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Theil's U- Statistics. Among all the trend models, cubic trend was found to be the best trend equation for future projection. The results reveal that there is decreasing trend on area and production and gradually increasing trend on productivity of Mango crop in Andhra Pradesh state in above study period. Based on this trend to forecast area, production and productivity of Mango crop for next three years the forecasted area, production and productivity of Mango crop for the year 2018-19 to be 138.940 ('000 Hectare), 2111.517 ('000 MT) and 10.728 ('MT/Hectare), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delivery of maternal health care services is a major challenge to the health system in developing countries. Provision of antenatal care (ANC) services is the major function of public health delivery system in India to improve maternal health outcomes and its impact on maternal morbidity and mortality. Studies are lack in documenting variation in utilization of ANC services between geographical regions of Andhra Pradesh (AP). Objective: The objective of this study is to assess variation in utilization of ANC services stratified by geographical region, type of delivery and determinants of utilization of ANC services in AP. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional study of District Level Household and Facility Survey-4 of the state of AP. Multistage, stratified and probability proportional to size sample with replacement was used. Around 3982 women who delivered after the year 2007 were considered for analysis. Binomial logistic regression was carried out to determine association of demographic, system level variables with adequate ANC. Results: Study reveals wide variation across four regions of AP in utilization of ANC services. Reception of adequate ANC was low in Rayalaseema region (27.9%) and high in North-coastal region (42.4%). The utilization of private health facilities for ANC services were highest in South-coastal region (73.2%) and lowest in North-coastal region (43.2%). Conclusion: Policy measures are to be adopted and implemented by government to address the demand-supply imbalance such as public health infrastructure and quality of services in underperforming districts of AP and to increase outreach of current programs by engaging communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time we report bastnaesite and hydroxyl bastnaesite (lanthanum cerium fluoro-carbonate) from the Kanigiri granite. The host granitoids are of A-type and vary in composition from quartz syenites to peralkaline granites. Rare metal and rare earth-bearing minerals identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies in Kanigiri granite are bastnaesite and hydroxyl bastnaesite, besides columbite-tantalite, monazite, fergusonite, thorite and euxenite. Petromineralogical studies have also revealed the presence of bastnaesite. The presence of bastnaesite in Kanigiri granite suggests that the host felsic rocks may also form a potential source for light rare earth mineral, bastnaesite, apart from the already known rare-metal minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of data collected from a simple random sample of 1130 faculty members belonging to 37 Engineering colleges affiliated to JNTU-Anantapur using a questionnaire, reveals that most of the faculty members are using textbooks (97.3%), and Internet (85.7%) for their teaching activity. Further, most of the faculty members are using e-journals (80.1%) and Internet (79.0%) for their research activity. Most of the faculty members are satisfied with latest editions of books available (79.8%) and with the multiple copies available for prescribed textbooks in their libraries (75.02%). Most of them (77.3%) are consulting periodicals for their teaching and research work. Most of them (78.1%) are satisfied with the present collection of periodicals. Nearly half of them (51.3%) are consulting indexing and abstracting periodicals to know the latest literature for their teaching and research needs. Most of them (77.2%) replied that the latest issues of periodicals are available in their libraries concerned. Majority of the faculty members replied that current issues of periodicals (68.8%) and the back volumes of periodicals (60.5%) are not issued for home reading. Most of them (81.8%) replied that their libraries are subscribing to e-journals. Majority of them (53.7%) replied that their libraries are not subscribing to e-books. A few recommendations have been made by the researchers on the basis of findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of data collected from the librarians of 37 selected engineering colleges by simple random method out of 119 colleges affiliated to JNTU-Anantapur using a questionnaire reveals that majority of the engineering college libraries are fulfilling AICTE norms with regard to number of titles (75.68%) and volumes of books (83.78%) Majority of them are fulfilling AICTE norms with regard to subscription of national journals (56.75%) and international journals (75.68%), and are not fulfilling with regard to subscription of e-journals (97.30%). Majority of the libraries (91.90%) are fulfilling the norm with regard to number of computer systems. Majority of them (67.57%) have the provision for computerized circulation of books with barcode. Almost all the libraries (97.30%) do not have RFID system to detect to the book theft. Majority of them are fulfilling the norms with regard to digital library (94.59%), Photocopying service (75.68 %), printing facility (59.46 %), scanning facility (54.05.%), and NPTEL courseware (86.49%). AICTE norm regarding classification of books according to a standard scheme is fulfilled by all the libraries. Finally it is recommended that AICTE, Government of Andhra Pradesh and JNTU - Anantapur, should take necessary measures to pressurise the authorities of college libraries to adhere to the norms at the time of permission, affiliation and inspection of their respective colleges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among oilseed crops, groundnut is an important edible oilseed crop of our country and edible oil economy primarily depends upon groundnut production. Calcium, magnesium and sulphur requirements are highest in oil seed crops followed by pulses and least in cereals. Secondary and micronutrient fertilization is essential for enhancing the productivity of groundnut crop. The response of groundnut to secondary and micronutrients was studied on sandy loam soils of Agricultural College Farm, Mahanandi, Andhra Pradesh during rabi 2015. The experiment comprised 10 treatments consisting of recommended dose of NPK through soil application and foliar application of secondary and micronutrients. Combined foliar application of secondary and micronutrients along with RDF recorded significantly highest pod yield of 2654 kg/ha and haulm yield of 3603 kg/ha as compared to RDF (1500 and 2551 kg/ha of pod and haulm yield, respectively) and also the highest uptake of primary nutrients (N, P and K) by haulm and pod at harvest which might be because of highest dry matter production with the combined use of all the nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, the government, non-governmental and private sectors have undertaken a large number of innovative initiatives in the area of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to provide Information Technology services to agrarian community. In spite of the number of projects oriented towards the transfer of technologies through ICTs, still the acceptability and utilization of ICTs are very low in the rural areas. The present study was carried out to analyse the associative relationship between various ICT indicators and socio-personal and economic characteristics of the dairy farmers of Andhra Pradesh. Ex-post-facto research design was used in this study conducted in three districts in which ICT-Village Information Centres of i-kisan was working in Andhra Pradesh. Forty dairy farmers who were beneficiaries of i-kisan from each district were selected randomly. Thus, a total of 120 respondents constituted the sample for the study. It was found that variables like education, experience in dairying, land holding, income from dairying, annual gross income, social participation and exposure to ICT were found to have significant relationship with ICT use and skills of the respondents at various probability levels and age was found to have negatively significant relationship with ICT use. It could be concluded from the findings that if we focus more on education, training on ICT, income enhancement, social participation and exposure to ICT of the respondents we can improve ICT use and skills of the farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ianthinite is the only known uranyl oxide hydrate mineral that contains both U and U. For the first time, we report ianthinite from India (at Akkavaram, Andhra Pradesh), which is hosted in basement granitoids. The mineral occurs in the form of tiny grains, encrustations and coatings in intimate association with uraninite and uranophane. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data reveals that d-spacings of the investigated ianthinite are in close agreement with the corresponding values given for ianthinite standard in International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) card no. 12-272. The crystallographic parameters of the studied ianthinite are: a = 11.3 (1) Å, b = 7.19 (3) Å and c = 30.46 (8) Å, with a unit cell volume of 2474 (27) Å. The association of investigated ianthinite with uraninite suggests that the former has formed due to oxidation of the latter. Since a major part of the uraninite was exposed to oxidizing meteoric water, much of it has been transformed into hydrous uranium oxide (ianthinite) and very little part remained unaltered as uranium oxide (uraninite). Absence of schoepite in the investigated ianthinite suggests that after its formation it (ianthinite) was not exposed to oxygen/oxidizing meteoric water. As the oxidation was partial and short lived, some amount of primary uraninite is also preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When Brahmanism spread from Gangetic basin to different parts of India through Land Grants, it encountered a lot of people who were worshipping different local Gods and Goddesses. Social and religious categories in medieval times were not static but fluid and dynamic. Brahmanas interaction with local people for various economic and social reasons compelled the Great tradition to accommodate many lower castes and tribes of medieval Andhra Pradesh. This necessitated various myths and legends. The present article discusses four popular legends which talk about the process of this integration. It appears that acculturation in Medieval Andhra Pradesh society became possible through these myths as some castes also achieved some sort of mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional factors responsible for fluoride (F)-bearing groundwater used for drinking as well as for cooking in the area of Gummanampadu Sub-basin, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India are discussed. The study area is a part of an Archean Gneissic Complex, consisting of banded-biotite-hornblende-gneisses, over which the Proterozoic Cumbhum quartzites, shales, phyllites, and dolomitic limestones occur. The chemistry of groundwater is dominated by carbonates (HCO and CO) at a higher pH. This results in a higher total alkalinity over total hardness, causing an excess alkalinity. Sodium ion is dominated among the cations (Ca, Mg, and K). The concentration of F (2.1-3.7 mg/L) is higher than that of desirable national limit (1.2 mg/L) prescribed for drinking purpose. A significant positive correlation exists between F and pH as well as that between F and HCO + CO. This indicates that the alkaline condition is the prime conducive factor for dissolving F-bearing minerals more effectively leading to a higher concentration of F in the groundwater. Furthermore, a positive chloro-alkaline index reflects the ion exchange, and an oversaturation with respect to CaCO indicates the evaporation. In addition, a negative relation between the well depth and F shows the effect of solubility and/or leaching of salts in different depth levels. These factors regulate the concentration of F in the groundwater. On the other hand, a positive correlation of F with SO as well as with K shows the human land use activities (namely, use of chemical fertilizers, disposal of domestic wastes, etc.), which add F to the groundwater. A significant number of the residents of the study area suffer from the health disorders related to fluorosis, which is a consequence of higher concentration of F in the drinking water. Thus, this study emphasizes the need for supply of safe drinking water, nutritional diet, rainwater-harvesting structures, and public education to realize 'health for all' motto of World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater survey has been carried out in the area of Gummanampadu sub-basin located in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India for assessing the factors that are responsible for changing of groundwater chemistry and consequent deterioration of groundwater quality, where the groundwater is a prime source for drinking and irrigation due to non-availability of surface water in time. The area is underlain by the Archaean Gneissic Complex, over which the Proterozoic Cumbhum rocks occur. The results of the plotting of Ca + Mg versus HCO + CO, Ca + Mg versus total cations, Na + K versus total cations, Cl + SO versus Na + K, Na versus Cl, Na versus HCO + CO, Na versus Ca and Na: Cl versus EC indicate that the rock-water interaction under alkaline condition is the main mechanism in activating mineral dissociation and dissolution, causing the release of Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO, CO, SO and F ions into the groundwater. The ionic relations also suggest that the higher concentrations of Na and Cl ions are the results of ion exchange and evaporation. The influences of anthropogenic sources are the other cause for increasing of Mg, Na, Cl, SO and NO ions. Further, the excess alkaline condition in water accelerates more effective dissolution of F-bearing minerals. Moreover, the chemical data plotted in the Piper's, Gibbs's and Langelier-Ludwig's diagrams, computed for the chloro-alkaline and saturation indices, and analyzed in the principal component analysis, support the above hypothesis. The groundwater quality is, thus, characterized by Na > Ca > Mg > K: HCO + CO > Cl > SO > NO > F facies. On the other hand, majority of groundwater samples are not suitable for drinking with reference to the concentrations of TDS, TH, Mg and F, while those are not good for irrigation with respect to USSL's and Wilcox's diagrams, residual sodium carbonate, and magnesium hazard, but they are safe for irrigation with respect to permeability index. Thus, the study recommends suitable management measures to improve health conditions as well as to increase agricultural output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the conservation of wild orchids in Sri Krishnadevaraya University Botanic Garden in Anantapur City, Andhra Pradesh, India. It notes that 32 epiphytic and terrestrial orchid species have been collected and maintained in the botanic garden green house. It provides a list of the 32 species with their habit, endemic status, medicinal value, and distribution pattern in Andhra Pradesh.