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Understanding the factors that influence students' results in hybrid learning environments is becoming increasingly important in today's educational environment. The goal of this research is to examine factors that influence students' academic performance as well as their level of participation in blended learning environments. A comprehensive study was conducted with 330 interested participants from the prestigious government polytechnics of the state of Karnataka in order to achieve this goal. Our data acquisition approach relied on the administration of a meticulously crafted survey questionnaire. The conceptual framework underpinning this study seamlessly integrates Transactional Distance Theory (TDT) principles with valuable insights derived from prior research. The Welch test and one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) are two statistical approaches that we used selectively to reinforce our research which produced surprising results. These findings underscore the pivotal role played by certain specific factors. The geographical location of learners and the medium through which they pursue their studies have emerged as critical determinants significantly influencing academic performance. Aspects like the frequency of login activities and active engagement in forum discussions have been found to exert a positive influence on learners' academic performance. In contrast, the duration of sleep did not show a significant impact on performance. These insights bear tangible implications for teachers and policymakers who are dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of BL programs with the ultimate goal of enriching the overall educational experience.

Teacher Education is an integral part of any educational system. It should provide a platform in developing the holistic personality of a student teacher. This paper reports on personality of student teachers and the role of Teacher Educational institutions in developing it. The sample consists of 1,080 student teachers of Madurai revenue district. A Multi dimensional Personality Inventory constructed by Manju Rani Agarwal was used to get the data from the student teachers. Percentage analysis, Mean, Standard deviation and "t" tests were used for analyzing the data. The results showed that there is significant difference in personality of Government Aided and Self Finance College student teachers.

Introduction: Large abdominal wall hernias often require techniques for wall expansion to improve surgical outcomes. The peritoneal flap hernioplasty (PF) is one such technique that utilizes the hernia sac to reconstruct the abdominal wall, however, with limited published data. It is a modification of the Rives-Stoppa mesh repair where a part of the bisected hernia sac is utilized to reconstruct the anterior fascia and the other part for the posterior fascia. We present a collated retrospective analysis of the outcomes from three centers performing PF with or without transverse abdominis release (TAR) in patients with complex ventral hernias. Methods: The PF was performed in patients with incisional hernias, both midline and lateral. The primary outcome measured was hernia recurrence. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate pain, surgical site infection, seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, pseudo-recurrence, Clavien–Dindo score for complications, and the patient's reported quality of life. The quality of life was assessed by oral questionnaires in the follow-up period. Results: We analyzed 63 patients (38 female, 25 male) with a mean width of hernia defect of 11 cm SD 4. Based on the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification 42 patients were W3 and 21 were W2 hernias. Fifty patients had a midline hernia, while the rest of the patients included transverse, subcostal, and rooftop incision hernias. The classical peritoneal flap procedure was done in 29 (46%) patients, while the peritoneal flap with TAR was done in 34 (54%) patients. Four patients had symptomatic seroma (6%), seven superficial surgical site infection (SSI) (11%), one deep SSI (1.5%), one skin necrosis (1.5%), and one anterior peritoneal flap necrosis (1.5%). No patient required postoperative ventilatory support. The mean pain score on day one was 3/10. There was no recurrence in the mean follow-up of 17 months (range 5 to 49 months). Overall, 58 of 63 (92%) patients reported being satisfied with their surgery. Conclusion: In our multicentre study, we found the PF technique with or without TAR for midline and non-midline ventral hernia leads to satisfactory outcomes in terms of low recurrence, low rate of complications, and a good quality of life in the medium to long term. It appears to be a useful technique in the surgeon's armamentarium to repair W2 and W3 hernias needing expansion of abdominal domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is a most economic vegetable in India. Covers major area in its cultivation during crop production, it is threatened by major viral disease i.e tomato leaf curl disease, caused by begomovirus and transmitted by the vector. It causes yield loss up to 90-100 per cent, application of insecticide for the control of vector causes regular outbreak. Identification of resistant source from wild species and their introgression with susceptible source, development of lines/varieties, resistant/tolerant to Tomato leaf curl disease is the safest and long term alternative for solving this problem. This paper covers the major aspect related to virus, virus causing factors, vectors and sources of disease resistance and also breeding tools employed for its resistance and some of the barriers in breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural radioactive concentration assessment was conducted on sediment, water, and biota obtained on Vaan and Koswari islands in the Tuticorin group of islands, Tamil Nadu, India. For biotic and abiotic components, radiation profiles such as gross alpha, beta, primordial radionuclide, polonium, and lead analyses were performed. The gross α and β range from BDL to 15.18 ± 1.7 Bq/kg and 40.43 ± 4.9 Bq/kg to 105.12 ± 11.7 Bq/kg, respectively. Primordial radionuclides were analyzed using Nal(TI)-based scintillator with PC-MCA, and the concentrations ranged from 13.43 ± 3.3 Bq/kg to 30.97 ± 9.6 Bq/kg with a mean of 21.31 ± 2.7 Bq/kg for 238U; for 232Th, the values ranged from 11.09 ± 2.6 Bq/kg to 33.55 ± 9.5 Bq/kg with an average value of 23.89 ± 3.7 Bq/kg; and for 40 K, the values are 93.33 ± 27.3 Bq/kg to 219.91 ± 39.6 Bq/kg with an average value of 148.27 ± 21.7 Bq/kg. The present study values are lesser than the world average values. 210Po and 210Pb concentrations with an average value were determined to be 33.13 Bq/L and 16.56 Bq/L, 47.55 Bq/L and 22.37 Bq/L in the water sample, and 50.437 Bq kg1 and 62.012 Bq kg1, 46.99 Bq/kg and 58.625 Bq/kg in sediments of Vaan island and Koswari island. The concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb of Pogonias cromis were 19.27 ± 1.5 Bq/kg and 8.27 ± 1.01 Bq/kg, Belonidae 28.54 ± 2.4 Bq/kg and 18.32 ± 2.3 Bq/kg, Lepisosteidae 18.68 ± 1.4 Bq/kg and 11.17 ± 1.8 Bq/kg. The committed effective dosage was determined to be 35.74–54.61 µSv/y for 210Po and 25.39–56.25 µSv/y for 210Pb, in which the 210Pb value is lower; however, the 210Po value is higher than the global average value. The annual committed effective dosage as well as the radiological hazard indices were assessed and found to be much below the global average and the recommended limit, respectively. This research provides an extensive analysis of natural background radiation and establishes a baseline report on the radiological profile of biotic and abiotic factors in the Tuticorin group of islands, namely Vaan and Koswari, in Tamil Nadu, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In India, the prevalence of coronary artery disease is rising. Therefore, we require a technique to evaluate the acute coronary syndrome's severity and prognosis. It is already known that inflammation and plaque rupture play a part in acute coronary syndrome. The levels of platelet lymphocyte ratio and gross random blood glucose rise in direct proportion to the degree of inflammation. In patients with acute coronary syndrome, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between acute phase hyperglycemia and the plateletlymphocyte ratio as a predictor of in-hospital death. Material and methods: We studied 122 patients with acute coronary syndrome (STEMI and UA/NSTEMI). At admission, the platelet lymphocyte ratio and serum GRBS were assessed qualitatively. Hospitalised patients were monitored for mortality. Results: In this study, among those who had mortality 74.3% had GRBS >140 mg/dl and 62.9% had GRBS >200 mg/dl and among subjects who survived, 51.7% had GRBS >140 mg/dl and 24.1% had >200 mg/dl. There was significant association between acute phase hyperglycemia and outcome. Among subjects who died, 100% had PLR >137 and among those who survived, 35.6% had PLR. Conclusion: Increased platelet lymphocyte ratio and GRBS levels are independent indicators of unfavourable outcomes. When acute coronary syndrome occurs, the platelet lymphocyte ratio and plasma GRBS levels at admission are used to identify high-risk patients. The efficient risk classification offered might be especially helpful for patient treatment and early therapeutic decision-making in the diverse group of patients who come with acute coronary syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) has been enacted in the year 2003 and came into force in the following year. Section 5 of COTPA prohibits advertisement of cigarette and other tobacco products. Despite being in force for more than 15 years COTPA has not been enforced to its fullest extent. Objectives: The study's goal was to assess the current level of compliance to Section 5 of COTPA in Kolar. Methodology: A sample size of 423 Points of Sale (PoS) shops was calculated based on 95% confidence level, by using Open Epi software 3.01, a 50% anticipated compliance rate and a 5% error margin with a design effect of 1.1. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version22. Results: Among the 423 PoS surveyed very few were found displaying advertisements in the form of boards (6 Nos,1.4%), Posters (6 Nos,1.4%), banners (2 Nos,0.5%), or stickers (2 Nos,0.5%). In fact, no shop was found to have displayed any dangle, LCD, product show case, illuminated boards, black lit or offering promotional gifts and inserts. Conclusion: The study revealed a fair amount of compliance to Section 5 of COTPA in Kolar. In fact the very absence of any shop displaying dangles, LCDs, illuminated or black lit advertisement boards or offering promotional gifts and inserts were encouraging findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years Outcome Based Education (OBE) has become the focal point in the Indian Higher education system. The National accrediting agency, such as NBAand NAAC expresses the significance of assessing the program outcomes. This paper discusses assessing program outcomes through students' cocurricular activities such as paper and project presentations and internships/industrial projects. The proposed method gives an in-view of the rubricsbased measurement of program outcomes PO1-PO12, PSO1&2 mapped with students' co-curricular activities. The outcome-based assessment of program outcomes will be beneficial in advancing higher education in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.], an important grain legume crop that is predominantly cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world (Nene and Sheila, 1990). Crop wild relatives (CWR) are valuable source of novel alleles for economic traits which when transferred to cultivated species adapt well to changing biotic stresses, farming practices, market demands and climatic conditions. Under proposed study the detailed symptomatology, cultural, morphological and pathogenic characteristics of the causal agent and molecular identification of the pathogen were identified. Methods: Of the total 79 accession of wild relatives of pigeonpea (Cjanus cajan) planted in the experimental fields of ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur during 2017-18, one accession (ICP-817) of Rhynchosia bracteata was found to be affected by a disease characterized by leaf and stem blight symptoms. Disease symptoms appeared in January-February, 2017 and 2018. Presence of water soaked lesions on the leaves and stem which later turned chalky in appearance, cottony white mycelium on the affected plant parts along with black coloured irregularly circular sclerotia resembled those of white mold fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) de Bary were observed. Result: Pathogenicity of the fungus was proved using detached leaf/twig inoculation techniques. Morphological characters and the sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungus confirmed the causal agent of the disease to be Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) de Bary. This is the first report of the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Rhynchosia bracteata not only in India but also in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) record generated from 112 levels in 1248 m long KBH 07 borehole up to the basement in Deccan Volcanic Province of Koyna region depicts episodic variation in the magnetic fabrics. Anomalies in the AMS parameters: volume susceptibility (K), degree of anisotropy (Pj), shape factor (T), degree of lineation/foliation (L/F), inclinations of principle susceptibility axes (Kmax and Kmin) are inferred along with previously published rock magnetic data for the KBH 07. A major change observed at ~600 m level based on magnetic mineralogy and fabrics, density and lava thickness pattern is attributed to shift in magmatic compositional trends in agreement with the high-Mg to low-Mg magma reported previously in the same core (Banerjee and Mondal 2021). Further, the higher-order anomalies depict smaller episodes influencing the fabrics possibly due to differential dynamic viscosities governed by composition in addition to cooling trends. Whereas the major trends can be assigned to compositionally controlled viscosities and hence can be correlated to larger stratigraphic intervals based on the AMS studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ~3000 m long exposure of paleo-lava channel body within the Deccan volcanic province (India) has been investigated for mineral magnetism and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) to examine the lava flow-related fabrics. Distinct gradient from ferrimagnetic to antiferromagnetic mineralogy along the channel indicated progressive oxidative mixing. The AMS studies along and across the channel profiles decipher a combination of factors responsible for the resultant fabrics. Various dominating mechanisms including gravity settling, grain imbrications, viscous shear and competitive mineral readjustments penultimate to cooling appears to have imparted the final/resultant fabric. The orientation of principle susceptibility axes (K1-K2-K3) and petrographic observations define three major types of fabrics as: (I) mineral lineation, (II) crystal settling and (III) crystal-matrix-re-adjustment. The resultant of type I along with imbrications is generally observed along the axial part, while type II are developed during lava residency; and the opaque−non-opaque interlocking with groundmass resulted in type III fabrics. A three-stage model is produced to resolve the plausible sequence of fabric development during various stages of the lava flow formation. More detailed AMS studies on the Deccan lavas are envisaged to lead semi-quantitative information on fluid dynamical forces governed by slope gradients and gravity, dynamic thermal changes in viscosity, shear and the effects of paleotopography. Research Highlights: Reporting magnetic fabrics and mineralogy in a systematically sampled lava channel. Interlocking of opaque and non-opaque grains penultimate to cooling dominate over crystal settling and viscous shear producing majority of resultant fabrics. Mineral magnetism recorded oxidative mixing as the channel progressed. AMS fabrics envisage influence of paleotopography and dynamic viscosity. The fabrics reflect dynamic setting amongst gravitational settling, temperature gradients, viscosity changes under decreasing accommodation spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at finding the predictors of coping behaviour among parents of children with special needs. Five hundred and ninety-seven (597) parents of children with special needs were chosen as participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The participants for the study were randomly selected from different BUDS schools and Special schools belonging to different parts of Kerala, India. Parents of children having Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy were selected. The instruments used for the study were the Social support Scale, Social stigma Scale, and Coping behaviour Scale. The collected data were analysed using Stepwise regression Analysis. The study concluded that Social stigma and Social support were the predictors of coping behaviour among parents of children with special needs. The findings will be of great utility to parents, researchers, counsellors and other professionals working in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although seasonal variation was observed and the rate of miscarriage was higher during February-July compared to April-January in the prepandemic period, we observed a significantly higher rate of miscarriage during the same months in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of reliable data on the risk of miscarriage due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a concern for both patients and obstetricians. Our study demonstrates that the risk of miscarriage during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was three times higher compared with the first wave of the pandemic and two times higher compared with the prepandemic period. [Extracted from the article]

Safeguarding biodiversity poses a major challenge that warrants preventive legislative and regulatory frameworks to ensure biosecurity, preserve intrinsic biodiversity and mitigate risks from the invasion of exotic pathogenic microbes thereby sustaining agricultural productivity and food safety. The anthropogenic activities contribute enormously towards transboundary movement of invasive alien pathogens through trade and transport of seeds/propagation materials that need to be regulated by enacting appropriate laws and policy guidelines. Black pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric and vanilla are the major vegetatively propagated spices cultivated in India. Since primary spread of the major pathogens in these spices are mediated through planting materials, it is imperative to formulate guidelines for flawless and meticulous implementation of quarantine measures which are otherwise not adopted. This review discusses the significance of domestic quarantine in major vegetatively propagated spices with a comprehensive background on plant biosecurity and invasive plant pathogens which could pose threat to spice cultivation in India. It further illustrates the constraints and possible strategies to annihilate the cryptically disseminated pathogens through vegetative planting materials ultimately to safeguard our self-sustaining agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential resource use by sympatric species mediates coexistence by specialising in individual ecological niches. We investigated the population, habitat use and dietary overlaps between wild ungulates, i.e., blackbuck Antilope cervicapra, chital Axis axis, domestic livestock and feral horse at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India. The food habits and diet overlap of ungulates were estimated using the feeding site method and the density were estimated using distance sampling-based line transect approach. The estimated overall density (number of individuals per km2 ± SE) of blackbuck was (37.1 ± 5.2), chital (4.5 ± 0.9), feral horse (7.6 ± 1.2) and cattle (21.9 ± 3.3). The target species fed on 43 plant species, of which, plant use was high in feral horse (35), followed by chital (33), cattle (29) and blackbuck (23). Dung/pellet analysis revealed that all the target species used monocots (graminoids) in high proportion. Feral horse had the highest habitat niche breadth (0.89) followed by cattle (0.72), blackbuck (0.48) and chital (0.26). Diet overlap was maximum between blackbuck and cattle (95%) followed by feral horse (81%), and chital (38%) with respect to blackbuck. The observed high degree of diet overlaps between wild ungulates with domestic livestock and feral horses is a matter of concern for the long-term survival of the wild ungulates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching English in India successfully is still a burning issue. After learning English for more than ten years or so, the under graduating populace cannot communicate in English either in the classroom or in real-life contexts. Therefore, students' proficiency in English has been the constant thought of teachers, teacher trainers, ELT experts, and linguists over all these years. We, as teachers, are always conscious of how we can make our students learn English, how they would become fluent in English. We do some experiments with pedagogical devices in the classroom. This paper is an attempt to find out how do role plays help in developing speaking skills. This paper is also an attempt to find out whether role plays help in developing students' communicative competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home appliances have made our lives easier. We make use of them on a daily basis. It is a requirement for human beings in today's world. Consumer has now changed their decisions towards purchasing eco-friendly goods due to the growing awareness in the present environmental problems. Green consumption has been around in developed countries for a long time and has become increasingly essential for the environment. Even emerging countries are taking steps to manufacture environmentally friendly products so that the products they produce are less harm to the environment. For a better tomorrow, many developed and developing countries are adopting green consumption patterns as a pillar of natural development. Thus, this paper does not miss to discuss the carbon footprints in India and the steps taken by the companies for the Eco Products in Home Appliance Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malaria is a major public health problem in India. The prevention of Malaria is mainly dependent on knowledge and beliefs of people. The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) 2016-2030 in India insists to eliminate malaria in India and for this to achieve the current malaria awareness on causes and protection in the region where malaria was a major problem about 7 years back is very important. In this background this study was undertaken to know the current Knowledge of Malaria in this area. Objectives: To know the knowledge and practices of Malaria which was problem in the area about 7 years back. Methodology: Its a Cross-sectional study conducted in a rural community. Since the proportions of knowledge and practices regarding malaria transmission in this setting was unknown, a 50% proportion was assumed to ensure the maximum sample size. The total number of houses visited was 110 to achieve the sample size of 384. The information of malaria with respect to Socio-demographic, knowledge and practices has been collected from the adult respondent (aged >18 years) of the households in the villages of field practice area of the medical college. Data was collected by semistructred questionnaire method. Frequencies, proportions and chi-square test are the test of significance. Results: Among the 384 subjects interviewed 73% (i.e. 280) knew about malaria and were assessed for Knowledge and practices regarding malaria. About 32.8% (i.e. 126) said that malaria is a communicable disease, Majority 74.7% (i.e. 287) said that malaria is transmitted from mosquito bite. About 19% (i.e. 72) were not aware regarding mode of transmission of malaria. About 74.7% (i.e. 287) respondents informed that mosquito nets were used in the night to protect from mosquito bites. Conclusions: The study revealed that knowledge and practices about malaria was satisfactory and there was varied perception about causes, spread of disease, symptoms and protection from mosquitoes. Health personnel and medical students were the major source of knowledge in this the population. Since the malaria is not a problem from the past 5 years, but still the overall awareness regarding malaria was good in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction of the crop yield is need of time according to the change in climate conditions. In the present study, the Agro-Climatic Grape Yield (ACGY) model has been developed with monthly climatic parameters using multi-regression analysis approach. The developed model was statistically tested for its predictive ability. The discrepancy ratio, the standard deviation of discrepancy ratio, mean percentage error and standard deviation of mean percentage error for the model was obtained as 1.03, 0.19, 0.03% and 0.19, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was carried out for the developed ACGY model using the parametric sensitivity method. In order to know the future grape yield using ACGY model, climate scenarios were generated under Canadian Earth System Model (CanESM2) for three emissions representative concentration pathways as RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5. According to the analysis using ACGY model, increasing yield was observed in grape up to year 2050 as compared to current yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notion of well-being has been evolving as research continues to unfurl its multidimensional nature. The importance of well-being in the organizational context is becoming a valuable line of inquiry, and employee well-being has emerged as a pivotal focus in positive psychology. Despite this, employees report high levels of disengagement and stress at work. Thus, we conducted 15 in-depth interviews with middle- and senior-level managers in the service sector in India to understand the factors that impact an employee's well-being. Research question: What comprises an individual's well-being at the workplace? Theory: Conservation-of-resources theory, broaden-and-build theory. Type of the case: Applied problem-solving. Basis of the Case: Phenomenon. Protagonist: Not needed. Findings: Data was analysed using grounded theory. We synthesized the factors contributing to employee well-being into the following themes: encouraging organizational culture, providing social support, demonstrating positive leadership, integrating work and life, finding meaning in work, providing autonomy and ensuring good working conditions. Discussion: Study findings extend the conservation-of-resources and broaden-and-build theories by emphasizing on gain spirals; that is, individuals use a positive effect to conserve, replenish, broaden, and build their inner resources and well-being. While leaders in an organization invest in enhancing employees' well-being, they need to be cognizant of the several factors at interplay. An overall positive environment, autonomy, safety and meaningfulness contribute holistically towards the well-being of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intr oducti on: The diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma family of tumours (ESFT) is challenging, especially in adults and in extra-skeletal or visceral location. Several morphologic mimics with varied treatment options and prognosis confer diagnostic dilemmas. Application of ancillary diagnostic modalities in surgical pathology in clinical routine has enabled accurate diagnosis of ESFT in bone, soft tissues, and viscera. Aim: The study aims to assess the clinicopathological features including molecular test results of ESFT with emphasis on sex, age, and location, especially extra-skeletal soft tissue and visceral location. Materia l and Met hods: Data of clinicopathological, molecular tests (wherever performed), diagnosis rendered in 302 ESFT over a decade from our centre were reviewed. Statistical comparison of skeletal and extra-skeletal tumours with reference to age and sex was done using SPSS package. The P value of <.05 was considered significant. Res ults: The cohort included 302 ESFTs with 49% skeletal and 51% extra-skeletal tumours. Thigh was most common site among skeletal tumours; chest wall, paraspinal location, and retroperitoneum among soft tissues (39.4%); and kidney, ovary, and cervix among visceral tumours (11.3%). Fluorescence in situ hybridisation for EWSR1 gene rearrangement was positive in 54 patients and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in 19 patients. Predominance of male sex, younger age and location in extremities among skeletal tumours and lack of gender predilection, higher age and axial location in extra-skeletal tumours were noted, which were statistically significant. Molecular tests were performed more frequently in extra-skeletal tumours, especially in visceral tumours to establish the diagnosis. Conclusi ons: The study showed statistically significant differences in the age, sex, and location between skeletal and extra-skeletal ESFT. The increased percentage of extra-skeletal tumours especially in viscera was attributed to the increased awareness and availability of ancillary techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species, Begonia bracteolata and Begonia keralensis, are described from the Western Ghats of India. They are placed in the newly created Begonia sect. Flocciferae, along with B. albo-coccinea Hook. and B. floccifera Bedd. Lectotypes are designated for three names within this section. Colour photoplates, illustrations and an identification key to Begonia sect. Flocciferae are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, new controls are being implemented to reduce emissions of HFC-23 (CHF 3 ), a by-product during the manufacture of HCFC-22 (CHClF 2 ). Starting in 2015, China and India, who dominate global HCFC-22 production (75% in 2017), set out ambitious programs to reduce HFC-23 emissions. Here, we estimate that these measures should have seen global emissions drop by 87% between 2014 and 2017. Instead, atmospheric observations show that emissions have increased and in 2018 were higher than at any point in history (15.9 ± 0.9 Gg y r − 1 ). Given the magnitude of the discrepancy between expected and observation-inferred emissions, it is likely that the reported reductions have not fully materialized or there may be substantial unreported production of HCFC-22, resulting in unaccounted-for HFC-23 by-product emissions. The difference between reported and observation-inferred estimates suggests that an additional ~309 Tg CO 2 -equivalent emissions were added to the atmosphere between 2015 and 2017. International agreements have been implemented to reduce emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to reduce their radiative forcing. Even though reported HFC-23 emissions are at a historical low, observations indicate that emissions have actually increased over recent years to higher levels than previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu lato, the ascomycetous pathogen is a major constraint in black pepper cultivation. In the present study, surveys carried out in black pepper cultivating regions of Karnataka, India revealed the prevalence of anthracnose disease manifested as diverse array of foliar symptoms. An atypical foliar symptom was also noticed in the black pepper nurseries, characterized by grayish necrotic lesions with brown-blackish margins and randomly distributed blackish structures of pin-head size in the lesion area manifested particularly on the older leaves. The pin-head structures produced orangish exudation embedded with asci, ascospores and perithecia, when incubated under high humid conditions. Typical anthracnose symptoms were developed on susceptible host in pathogenicity studies and subsequent isolation yielded two distinct colonies designated as black and orange. The perithecia were induced artificially under in vitro conditions, which retained fertility and infectivity more than three months. Alternation of generation was observed when the perithecia were cultured on potato dextrose medium which resulted in the formation of acervuli with abundant conidiation. The results of present investigation shed light into the occurrence and potential role of perithecial (teleomorphic) phase in the survival of C. gloeosporioides s. l. infecting black pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) depolymerase is known to decompose PHB, biodegradable polymers and therefore has great commercial significance in the bioplastic sector. However, reports on PHB depolymerases from isolates obtained from plastic-contaminated sites that reflect the potential of the source organism is scarce. In this study, we evaluated the production of extracellular PHB depolymerase from Microbacterium paraoxydans RZS6 isolated from the plastic-contaminated site in the municipal area of Shahada, Maharashtra, India, for the first time. The isolate was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (GC-FAME), and BIOLOG method. Ithydrolyzed PHB on minimal salt medium (MSM) containing PHB as the only source of carbon. The isolate produced PHB depolymerase at 45°C during 48 h of incubation. The enzyme was purified most efficiently using octyl-sepharose CL-4B column, with the highest purification yield of 6.675 Umg-1mL-1. The activity of the enzyme was enhanced in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions but inhibited by Fe2+ (1 mM) ions and mercaptoethanol (1000 rpm). the nzyme kinetic analysis revealed that the enzyme was a metalloenzyme; requiring Mg2+ ions, that showed optimum enzyme activity at 30°C (mesophilic) and under neutrophilic (pH 7) conditions. Scale-up from the shake-flask level to a laboratory-scale bioreactor further enhanced the enzyme yield by 0.809 UmL-1. The molecular weight of the enzyme (40 kDa), as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, closely resembled the PHB depolymerase of Aureobacterium saperdae. Our findings highlighted the applicability of M. paraoxydans as a producer of extracellular PHB depolymerase having potential of degrading PHB under diverse conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas W), a monophagous pest, is the most destructive pest causing 3 to 95% yield losses in India. Though it accounts for 50 per cent of insecticides used in rice fields, their typical internal feeding behaviour necessitates other management options. In the present study, evaluation of various wild rice lines-wild rice magic population (WRM), derivative of crosses from six species viz., Oryza rufipogon, O.nivara, O.meridionalis, O.glumaepatula, O.barthi, O.gaberrima, O.longistaminata and O.sativa has been carried out. The results of field screening carried out in 38 wild rice introgressed lines, the entries WRM 2, WRM 6, WRM 10, WRM 12, WRM 14, WRM 43, WRM 44, WRM 45 and WRM 76 were moderately resistant to yellow stem borer. The morphological characters of the entries were recorded and correlated with stem borer damage. It revealed a significant negative correlation for plant height and top internode length for their resistant to yellow stem borer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field studies were conducted at IIPR, Kanpur, India to estimate the intensity of field infestation on pigeonpea by pod fly and bruchids, and whether or not the phenotypic characters of the pigeonpea related to infestation caused by these insects. A total 32 long duration pigeonpea cultivars and advanced breeding lines were planted in augmented design along with check ‘Bahar’ and evaluated on the basis of exit holes and windows per pod, seed damage (%) by pod fly maggot and bruchid grub, 100 damaged seeds weight and relative resistant rating. Breeding line IPA-92 and a cultivar MA-3 were found to be highly resistant against pod fly, preventing them from crafting exit holes on pods and seed damage (%). Bruchid (C. chinensis and C. maculatus) was vulnerable to make windows on pods damaging the seeds of cultivars viz., IPA-15-1, IPA-15-5, IPA-15-7, IPA-15-10, IPA-15-12, IPA-15-14, MA-3, IPA-92, AZAD, IPA-234, BSMR-736, IPA-13-1 and IPA-37. Correlation studies revealed that pod fly infestation was the major biotic factor, which causes significant seeds damage and yield reduction in pigeonpea cultivars and advanced breeding lines. Those cultivars and breeding lines exhibited resistant reaction on pod fly and bruchids infestation might be used as donors in resistance breeding programme and including in IPM modules against these insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of potential impacts on the environment around the nuclear facilities requires precise estimation of prevailing background concentration and statistical inference of the measurement data. The current study was focused to understand the statistical variation associated with data generated for 137Cs concentration in sea water and sediment for the west and east coat of India. The distribution followed was found to be lognormal and based on geometric mean and geometric standard deviation of the 137Cs concentrations data, a screening level in terms of Environmental Increment factor has been evaluated which can form basis for future impact assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To err is human. Human errors and flaws in the system and quality of health care persist despite patient safety initiatives and identification of new strategies of improvement. A significant focus in surgery is to identify strategies and improve patient safety, prevent postoperative complications and any adverse events. The World Health Organization (WHO) surgical safety checklist has been shown to decrease mortality and complications and has been adopted worldwide. A retrospective pre-intervention study was done from September 2014 to August 2015, data analysed, necessary training, changes and awareness was implemented over 1 month and then, a prospective study was done post-intervention using WHO safety check list from October 2015 to September 2016 both at Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, India by implementing the safety check list and by corrections of errors present during the pre-intervention phase. A total of 216 patients were recorded during the pre-intervention phase, and a total of 248 patients were included in the post-intervention analysis after implementing the WHO safety check list. Our study showed a reduction of intraoperative surgical complications from 5.1 to 2.41% and from 6.48 to 4.44% in postoperative surgical complications after the implementation of safety check list. There were significant reductions in anaesthesia complications, during and after surgery post implementation (intraoperative from 2.78 to 1.61%, postoperative from 1.4 to 0.8%). We also observed a significant change in the death rates post-implementation. Intraoperative death reduced from 1.4 to 0.4% and postoperative deaths reduced from 12.04 to 8%. Surgical safety check list improves the quality of patient care and improves perceptions on patient safety. It significantly reduces the morbidity and mortality by reducing the complications and improving the quality of treatment and health care. It is easy to understand and implement the surgical safety check list after training, proper guidance, and education. It is a must to implement the surgical safety check list in all institutions to improve the patient safety and to reduce the errors in patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has documented the difficulties faced by farmers due to demonetization, facilities existing for making digital payments and farmers' opinion about it. The study has used primary data collected through farm survey done in October 2017, almost a year after demonetization. The survey was made in three adopted villages under MGMG (Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav) scheme in Palwal district of Haryana. Results have shown that due to demonetization farmers faced numerous difficulties (both crop production and family related activities). They could not use quality inputs (particularly seeds of wheat) in desired quantity, got delayed payment of their crop produce and faced problems in drawing money from bank. Family and societal needs were also affected. Payment in cash was the main mode of transactions (and even now) for food and non-food articles. Analysis revealed that large number of farmers have bank account and are availing facilities of debit cum ATM card, but their functional literacy and infrastructure are inadequate. Farmers' expressed both merits and demerits about digital payments. Nevertheless, without removing fear of farmers and other rural people and bringing change in their attitude, moving towards digital mode of transactions will not trigger desired results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black pepper and cardamom are the important spice crops grown in India and other countries. Viruses are one of the major yield limiting factors in both these spice crops. Viral diseases spread at a faster rate in these spices, as they are vegetatively propagated. Lack of sensitive detection methods has led to the widespread distribution of viral diseases in all black pepper and cardamom growing regions. The viruses infecting these two spice crops have now been identified; characterized and sensitive diagnostics developed. Integration of various approaches like use of resistant varieties, virus-free planting materials, vector control and cultural methods are required for the management of viral diseases. Rejuvenation of viral disease affected black pepper plantations through proper soil and plant health management were proved to be successful. The present review deals with characterization, diagnosis and management of viral diseases affecting black pepper and cardamom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring linkages between agriculture, nutrition and human health has become an emerging field of research. Literature shows us both positive and negative externalities of agriculture on nutrition and health. Hence, the first step towards exploring agriculture–nutrition linkages would be ‘establishing’ the relationship between agriculture and nutrition, and thereby human health. This study, while doesn’t explicitly model and estimate complex linkages, attempts to study the direction, strength and magnitude of agriculture on nutritional status in rural India. Using a panel data covering 1991–2012, the study explores the linkages at two stages. Analysis indicates a ‘positive causality’ of agriculture on human nutrition and the ordinary least squares estimates provide evidence for it. Fixed effects estimates confirm the ‘positive causality’ after controlling for the effects of several factors. The study concludes that agriculture has a significant positive influence on nutrition, and thereby on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992 was a landmark one in institutionalising the Panchayati Raj System in India, constitutionally creating a space for women to become active in the public domain. The present study looks at the Elected Women Representatives (EWR) of the 2010 Panchayat elections of Kerala wherein the reservations of seats and positions of women became 50 per cent. The paper examines the motivating factor of the EWRs to contest the election, the encouragement and discouragement they received, and their political and organisational exposure before becoming EWRs. It was found that the majority of the persons who became elected women representatives did so because of the provision they got due to the reservation of seats and they became so due to the encouragement and motivation of others, especially political activists. The support of their family members was a crucial factor for them to become EWRs. For the self-motivated ones, it was their desire to do something for others, especially for women, that was the motivating factor to contest in elections. The previous organisational involvement of the EWRs was a positive factor which helped them to perform better in their current responsibility as people's representatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mid- to late-Holocene monsoon decline led to aridification of the Indian Peninsula impacting the early agricultural practices in the region. Our analysis of organic carbon, mineral magnetic properties and AMS 14C dating of a 54.2-m-long sediment core (CY) from the Godavari Delta, India, showed changes in the organic carbon source and sediment provenance, which are linked to the changes in vegetation and soil/rock erosion caused by widespread aridification and associated human adaptation in central India. Our results show a decline in the concentration of ferrimagnetic minerals, indicating reduced input from the basalts of the Deccan Plateau after ~6.0 cal. ka BP in response to the weaker Indian monsoon. δ13C values show a distinct increase from ~4.9 cal. ka BP, indicating an increase in C4 plant sources under the continued weak monsoon phase, whereas a higher ferrimagnetic mineral concentration in the sediment suggested an increased Deccan basalt source. Abrupt increase in δ13C values and decrease in TOC content accompanied with a significant increase in ferrimagnetic mineral concentration from ~3.2 to 3.1 cal. ka BP reflected a shift of organic carbon and sediment source and a severe decline in vegetation coverage. Such phenomena indicate intensified deforestation and soil/rock erosion in the Deccan Plateau producing higher ferrimagnetic mineral inputs, which is in agreement with significant expansion of agricultural activities in the Deccan Chalcolithic cultural period. In addition, C3 plants recovered and magnetic concentration declined during the wet events (4.6 and 4.0 cal. ka BP) of Neolithic time, while both C3 plants and magnetic parameters increased during the wet events (3.1-2.8 and 2.1 cal. ka BP) of the Chalcolithic cultural period. This implies increased agricultural activity and the onset of human modification of the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Understanding and perceptions about mental illness vary among individuals based on their experience with the illness or their contact with the people affected by it. These may be further influenced by the individuals' sociocultural background. This study aimed to understand the differences in the beliefs about, understanding of, and explanations for mental illness between different population groups of Jharkhand, India. Methods: During July 2014 to February 2016, we recruited the following 3 groups of individuals aged between 18 and 60 years: individuals with mental illness (group 1, n = 240), relatives of individuals with mental illness (group 2, n = 240), and the general public (group 3, n = 240). Qualitative and quantitative findings were combined in this study, and participants were asked about their beliefs about, understanding of, and explanations about mental illness. Results: Individuals with mental illness and their relatives shared similar beliefs whereas the general public held a different opinion in various domains. There were significant differences among all groups in their understanding of various aspects of mental illnesses including the definition, causes, signs and symptoms, treatment, and outcomes. Conclusion: Individuals' perception towards different aspects of mental illness varies, despite they are sharing the same sociocultural milieu. Differences in beliefs, understanding, and explanations may lead to conflicts in treatment goals and expectations, and hamper the intervention strategies that promote mental health and patient care. Focused strategies to develop uniformity in beliefs and explanations about various aspects of mental illness may help to develop collaboration with different community groups that may in turn help in developing effective interventions and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North-East (NE) India, the probable origin of rice has diverse genetic resources. Many rice landraces of NE India were not yet characterized for blast resistance. A set of 232 landraces of NE India, were screened for field resistance at two different hotspots of rice blast, viz., IIRR-UBN, Hyderabad and ICAR-NEH, Manipur in two consecutive seasons. The phenotypic evaluation as well as gene profiling for 12 major blast resistance genes (Pitp, Pi33, Pi54, Pib, Pi20, Pi38, Pita2, Pi1, Piz, Pi9, Pizt, and Pi40) with linked as well as gene-specific markers, identified 84 resistant landraces possessing different gene(s) either in singly or in combinations and also identified seven resistant landraces which do not have the tested genes, indicating the valuable genetic resources for blast resistance. To understand the molecular diversity existing in the population, distance and model based analysis were performed using 120 SSR markers. Results of both analyses are highly correlated by forming two distinct subgroups and the existence of high diversity (24.9% among the subgroups; 75.1% among individuals of each subgroup) was observed. To practically utilize the diversity in the breeding program, a robust core set having an efficiency index of 0.82 which consists of 33 landraces were identified through data of molecular, blast phenotyping, and important agro-morphological traits. The association of eight novel SSR markers for important agronomic traits which includes leaf and neck blast resistance was determined using genome-wide association analysis. The current study focuses on identifying novel resources having field resistance to blast as well as markers which can be explored in rice improvement programs. It also entails the development of a core set which can aid in representing the entire diversity for efficiently harnessing its properties to broaden the gene pool of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulverised coal injection (PCI) is a widely adopted industry practice for reducing blast furnace coke rates. The conditions under which pulverised coal (PC) is injected and combusted, including the co-injection of natural gas (NG), can lead to complex combustion phenomena inside the blast furnace, which must be understood to provide improved furnace performance. This research examines computational simulations of the co-injection phenomena, as well as the industrial drivers behind the project. A wide-ranging parametric study was conducted utilising numerous variations in furnace operating conditions, as well as a new technique for the conveyance of PC. It was found that utilising NG as the carrier gas for PCI could increase coal burnout across the raceway region from about 71% to approximately 87% without altering the design of the tuyere/blowpipe region, with an increase to 96% possible if a shift to a dual lance design for NG injection is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out at Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat during the summer season of the year 2015 to study the effect of time of sowing, row spacing and variety on summer cluster bean under middle Gujarat conditions, in loamy sand soil. Eighteen treatment combinations comprised of three dates of sowing viz., D1: (21st January); D2: (1st February) and D3: (11th February) as main plot treatments and combination of three different row spacing viz., S1: 30 cm; S2: 45 cm; and S3: 60 cm along with two varieties V1 (GG 1) and V2 (GG 2) as sub plot treatments, were laid out in Split Plot Design with three replications. Results revealed that treatment combination D3S1V2 (sowing on 11th February with 30 cm row spacing with variety GG 2) recorded significantly higher seed yield (1476 kg ha-1) which was found at par with treatment combination D2S3V2 (sowing on 1st February with 60 cm row spacing with variety GG 2). However, maximum net realization (Rs.50667 ha-1) and BCR (4.53) were obtained under treatment combination D2S3V2, followed by D3S1V2 with net realization of Rs.48511 ha-1 and BCR of 4.24. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) have shown good concordance for the detection of echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement. Since studies reporting FISH/IHC concordance, clinicopathological features, and clinical outcomes of ALK-positive patients from India are lacking, this study was undertaken.Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study of patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung on whom ALK test was performed between March 2013 and December 2015. ALK status was assessed in 341 patients by FISH using Vysis ALK Dual Color Break Apart Rearrangement Probe and IHC using ALK D5F3 clone. Clinicopathological features were noted. Patients were managed as per the standard guidelines. Clinical outcomes - response rate (RR) and progression-free survival (PFS) - were measured.Results: ALK rearrangement was positive in 37 patients (10.9%). ALK positivity was observed more commonly in younger patients with no predilection for any gender or any specific histological subtype. ALK by IHC was highly sensitive (100%), compared to FISH with concordance rate of 94.4%. Thirty one of thirty seven (31 of 37) patients received therapy of which 3 patients received palliative chemotherapy and 28 patients received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (crizotinib/ceritinib). Overall RR observed was 77.4%, and median PFS had not been reached at a median follow-up of 12.5 months.Interpretation and Conclusions: We report higher frequency of ALK positivity (10.9%) in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. ALK by IHC is more sensitive than FISH for ALK detection with high concordance. These patients had good clinical outcome with TKIs targeting ALK fusion protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is based on the community college experiences emerging from India which has the largest number of a non-literate population in the world, and possibly the largest number of out-of-school children. India is undergoing rapid changes due to globalisation, competitiveness and a knowledge-based economy. Linkages with the local community and industry are an essential prerequisite for the community college movement in India. The social work processes are associated with poverty, unemployment, poor health, disablement and other sources of disadvantage. The community college movement in India is one solution to India's persistent problems of under employment, unemployment, illiteracy and unemployability and a powerful means for social workers to utilise to empower people through community involvement. The objective of this article is to trace the community college movement as an empowering process, to fine-tune the linkages between the movement and the social work profession, and provide guidelines to social work professionals to develop and implement the system far and wide as an educational alternative and empowerment of the poor, through developing suitable and relevant curriculum for the dropouts and slow learners coming out from the economically and educationally undeveloped communities in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease virus ( NDV) causes a highly contagious disease which continuously haunts the global poultry industry. The nature and molecular epidemiology of NDVs prevalent in recent outbreaks in India is poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize NDVs prevalent in vaccinated flocks in India using whole-genome sequencing and biological pathotyping. Twelve field isolates were collected from outbreaks which occurred in different parts of India and characterized as velogenic based on their intracerebral pathogenicity index ( ICPI) and amino acid sequence at the F protein cleavage site. All 12 of the field isolates and five commonly used vaccine strains were selected for whole-genome sequencing using Ion Torrent PGM technology, yielding complete genome sequences for ten field isolates and all vaccine strains. The genome of all isolates was found to be 15 192 nt long with a high level of conservation across multiple genomic features with APMV-I viruses. Phylogenetic analysis and evolutionary distance calculations placed the isolates in genotypes II, IV and XIII. Revisiting other recently reported strains provided preliminary evidence of genotypes VI, VII and XVIII circulating in India. Comparison between the field and vaccine virus sequences revealed unique genomic and amino acid differences in important antigenic regions of the F and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase ( HN) genes which can be targeted for site directed mutagenesis to evaluate the impact of these substitutions on virus pathogenicity. This study highlights the requirement to evaluate current vaccines through systematic protection assays to determine protection efficacy against field isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribal communities of Bilaspur forest division are dependent on forest resources. A study was conducted in 2009 at Khudia range of Bilaspur forest division to enumerate the forest resources and their utilization for livelihood of tribal's of the area. The total of 29 wild edible plant species belonging to 21 families were found in the range contributing to life sustaining of tribal communities in the area. The Caesalpiniaceae, Anarcardiaceae and Combretaceae were the dominate plant families contributed (9%) each followed by (6%) of Sapotaceae, Leguminosae, Poaceae, Moraceae, Rutaceae and Stericuliaceae by each family. The Dioscoreaceae contributed only (4%) among the families in the range and (3%) by other remaining families. The study reveals that it is the wild edible fruits which are utilized maximum 24% for sale as well as for domestic consumption followed by root and tuber (20%), leaf and pod (20%), seeds (18%) and flowers (12%). The study concluded that the biodiversity of non-timber forest produce are collected unscientifically and leads to the destruction of these valuable NTFPs in the area. For further exploitation, the produce should be harvested in scientific manner and emphasis should be given on the plantation of these commercially important NTFPs that would improve the income-generating source as well as help to conserve the existing biodiversity of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infections with pseudomonas have been an important cause of Morbidity and Mortality throughout the history, which makes the treatment challenging every year. The present study was intended to find out the drug resistance pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from various clinical specimens. Materials and methods: The study was conducted during April 2015 to September 2015. One hundred and one strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test by modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 as control strain. Results: One hundred and one Strains were isolated from 83 males and 28 females. Majority of the Pseudomonas strains were isolated from ICU (30.63%), followed by Orthopedics (14.41%) and Pediatrics wards (13.51%), Strains were mainly isolated from pus samples (48.65%) followed by urine (20.72%) and sputum sample (13.51%). Majority of the strains were resistant to Aztreonam (70.27%) followed by Ciprofloxacin (54.95%), Amikacin (53.15%), Piperacillin (51.35%), Cefoperazone-sulbactam (50.45%), Gentamycin (49.55%), Cefepime and ceftazidime at 45.95% respectively. While with Piperacillin - Tazobactam we got sensitivity of 63.97% and with Imipenem and Imipenem -EDTA we got sensitivity of 78.38% and 81.08% respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that drug resistance of Pseudomonas was mainly isolated from pus samples of ICU patients, which is therefore an urgent call for the physicians to limit the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. The encouraging finding was its sensitivity to Imipenem and Piperacilin- Tazobactum as an effective antibiotic for the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Rationale: Ensuring research participants’ autonomy is one of the core ethical obligations of researchers. This fundamental principle confers on every participant the right to refuse to take part in clinical research, and the measure of the number of consent refusals could be an important metric to evaluate the quality of the informed consent process. This audit examined consent refusals among Indian participants in clinical studies done at our center. Materials and Methods: The number of consent refusals and their reasons in 10 studies done at our center over a 5-year period were assessed. The studies were classified by the authors according to the type of participant (healthy vs patients), type of sponsor (investigator-initiated vs pharmaceutical industry), type of study (observational vs interventional), level of risk [based on the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) “Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research on Human Participants”], available knowledge of the intervention being studied, and each patient’s disease condition. Results: The overall consent refusal rate was 21%. This rate was higher among patient participants [23.8% vs. healthy people (14.9%); P = 0.002], in interventional studies [33.6% vs observational studies (7.5%); P < 0.0001], in pharmaceutical industry-sponsored studies [34.7% vs investigator-initiated studies (7.2%); P < 0.0001], and in studies with greater risk (P < 0.0001). The most common reasons for consent refusals were multiple blood collections (28%), inability to comply with the study protocol (20%), and the risks involved (20%). Conclusion: Our audit suggests the adequacy and reasonable quality of the informed consent process using consent refusals as a metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal marine Environmental Radioactivity Measurement Programme in India assume significance in view of massive expansion of nuclear power plants in the Asia Pacific region and to establish benchmark of specific radionuclides in coastal marine environment. In the present study Marine Environmental Surveillance was carried out along the east and west coast of India. Fallout out 137Cs and naturally occurring 226Ra, 228Ra were assessed by in house developed in-situ pre-concentration method using copper ferrcyanide and manganese di-oxide coated filter cartridges. 137Cs activity concentration mapped for Indian coastal region varied from 0.30 to 1.25 Bq m-3 and these were compared with 137Cs levels of Asia Pacific Region. The marine surveillance data also indicates no input from any source including operation of nuclear power plant in east and west coast of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the aspect of politicization of religious identity in the context of Mangalulru, India and discusses the causes for the process of politicizing religions and its effect on religious harmony in the area.

Introduction: Blast or explosive injuries are less studied areas in medical field. Injury pattern and morbidity and mortality needed discussion in detail, as the instances of blast are on rise all over the world. Material and method: The present retrospective study included 74 cases of deaths, due to explosion, brought to mortuary of Late Baliram Kashyap Memorial Government Medical College, Jagdalpur (C.G.), over the period of five years. Observations: The young males (80% in age group of 21 - 40 years) are the only victims of explosions. Multiple organs are usually involved in victims, which increases the risk of mortality. Most of the blasts are of homicidal intent. The commonest injuries were lacerations and fractures (79.73% and 71.62), followed by burns, abrasions, contusions, and puncture lacerations. Long bones were the most common (45.95% cases) internal organ damaged, followed by lungs, blood vessels, spine, liver and brain. Kidneys were the least injured internal organs. In most of the cases, type of blast injuries was either not mentioned or undetermined (82.43%). The primary injuries were reported in 14% cases. Summary and conclusion- As most of the blasts are of homicidal intent, social awareness and monitoring might be useful tools to reduce morbidity and mortality, as the blast injuries are highly fatal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]