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Girls' education has for many decades been central to the global development agenda, due to its positive impact on girls' health and wellbeing. In this paper, the authors revisit boys' attitudes, behaviours and norms related to girls' education, following the Samata intervention to prevent girls' school dropouts in Northern-Karnataka, South India. Data were collected from 20 boys in intervention villages before and after the intervention, and analysis was undertaken using a thematic-framework approach. Findings suggest that while boys did hold some attitudes and beliefs that supported girls' education and delayed-marriage, these remained within the framework of gender-inequitable norms concerning girls' marriageability, respectability/family-honour. Participants criticised peers who sought to jeopardise girls' respectability by teasing and community gossip about girls-boys' communication in public. Boys who rejected prevailing norms of masculinity were subjected to gossip, ridicule and violence by the community. Boys' attitudes and beliefs supported girls' education but were conditional on the maintenance of gendered hierarchies at household and interpersonal levels. Social norms concerning girls' honour, respectability and the role of boys as protectors/aggressors appeared to influence boys' response to girls' school dropouts. Future interventions aiming to address girls' education and marriage must invest time and resources to ensure that intervention components targeting boys are relevant, appropriate and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blast disease causes serious economic yield losses in pearl millet. Identification and introgression of genomic regions associated with blast resistance can help to develop resistant cultivars to minimize yield losses incurred from blast outbreaks. In this study, 384 advanced pearl millet genotypes were screened against six blast pathotype‐isolates (major pearl millet growing agro‐ecologies of India), namely, Pg 45, Pg 118, Pg 138, Pg 186, Pg 204 and Pg 232. Analysis of variance showed significant (P <.001) variation among genotypes for blast reaction (susceptible to resistance). ICMR 08111 and ICMR 10888 genotypes showed resistance to all six blast pathotypes. A genome‐wide association study performed with 264,241 single nucleotide polymorphic markers could successfully identify 15 SNPs (P = 1.26 × 10−7 to 9.22 × 10−12) underlying the genomic regions governing blast‐resistance across five different chromosomes. The SNPs reported had a significant association in at least two of the three models tested (GLM, MLM and Farm CPU). These SNPs can be used in pearl millet‐resistant breeding programmes after their function has been validated across different genetic backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the clinical manifestations, risk factors, treatment modalities and maternal outcomes in pregnant women with lab-confirmed COVID-19 and compare it with COVID-19 negative pregnant women in same age group. Design: Multicentric case-control study. Data sources: Ambispective primary data collection through paper-based forms from 20 tertiary care centres across India between April and November 2020. Study population: All pregnant women reporting to the centres with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive result matched with controls. Data quality: Dedicated research officers extracted hospital records, using modified WHO Case Record Forms (CRF) and verified for completeness and accuracy. Statistical analysis: Data converted to excel files and statistical analyses done using STATA 16 (StataCorp, TX, USA). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated using unconditional logistic regression. Results: A total of 76,264 women delivered across 20 centres during the study period. Data of 3723 COVID positive pregnant women and 3744 age-matched controls was analyzed. Of the positive cases 56·9% were asymptomatic. Antenatal complications like preeclampsia and abruptio placentae were seen more among the cases. Induction and caesarean delivery rates were also higher among Covid positive women. Pre-existing maternal co-morbidities increased need for supportive care. There were 34 maternal deaths out of the 3723(0.9%) positive mothers, while covid negative deaths reported from all the centres were 449 of 72,541 (0·6%). Conclusion: Covid-19 infection predisposed to adverse maternal outcomes in a large cohort of Covid positive pregnant women as compared to the negative controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Global evidence suggests that Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) plays a pivotal role in reducing new HIV-infections among key populations (KP). However, the acceptability of PrEP differs across different geographical and cultural settings and among different KP typologies. Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) communities in India have around 15–17 times higher prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than the general population. The low rates of consistent condom use and poor coverage of HIV testing and treatment among the MSM and transgender communities highlight the need for alternative HIV prevention options. Methods: We used data from 20 in-depth interviews and 24 focused group discussions involving 143 MSM and 97 transgender individuals from the two metropolitan cities (Bengaluru and Delhi) in India to qualitatively explore their acceptability of PrEP as a HIV prevention tool. We coded data in NVivo and conducted extensive thematic content analysis. Results: Awareness and use of PrEP were minimal among the MSM and transgender communities in both cities. However, on being provided with information on PrEP, both MSM and transgender communities expressed willingness to use PrEP as an additional HIV-prevention tool, to complement inability to consistently use condoms. PrEP was also perceived as a tool that could enhance the uptake of HIV-testing and counseling services. PrEP awareness, availability, accessibility and affordability were identified as determining factors that could influence its acceptability. Challenges such as stigma and discrimination, interrupted supply of drugs and non-community-friendly drug dispensing sites were identified barriers to continuing PrEP. Conclusions: Using qualitative data from two Indian settings, this study provides community perspectives and recommendations to stakeholders and policymakers for introduction of PrEP into programs as a prevention tool among MSM and transgender communities in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) Labour Care Guide (LCG) is a paper-based labour monitoring tool designed to facilitate the implementation of WHO's latest guidelines for effective, respectful care during labour and childbirth. Implementing the LCG into routine intrapartum care requires a strategy that improves healthcare provider practices during labour and childbirth. Such a strategy might optimize the use of Caesarean section (CS), along with potential benefits on the use of other obstetric interventions, maternal and perinatal health outcomes, and women's experience of care. However, the effects of a strategy to implement the LCG have not been evaluated in a randomised trial. This study aims to: (1) develop and optimise a strategy for implementing the LCG (formative phase); and (2) To evaluate the implementation of the LCG strategy compared with usual care (trial phase). Methods: In the formative phase, we will co-design the LCG strategy with key stakeholders informed by facility assessments and provider surveys, which will be field tested in one hospital. The LCG strategy includes a LCG training program, ongoing supportive supervision from senior clinical staff, and audit and feedback using the Robson Classification. We will then conduct a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized pilot trial in four public hospitals in India, to evaluate the effect of the LCG strategy intervention compared to usual care (simplified WHO partograph). The primary outcome is the CS rate in nulliparous women with singleton, term, cephalic pregnancies in spontaneous labour (Robson Group 1). Secondary outcomes include clinical and process of care outcomes, as well as women's experience of care outcomes. We will also conduct a process evaluation during the trial, using standardized facility assessments, in-depth interviews and surveys with providers, audits of completed LCGs, labour ward observations and document reviews. An economic evaluation will consider implementation costs and cost-effectiveness. Discussion: Findings of this trial will guide clinicians, administrators and policymakers on how to effectively implement the LCG, and what (if any) effects the LCG strategy has on process of care, health and experience outcomes. The trial findings will inform the rollout of LCG internationally. Trial registration: CTRI/2021/01/030695 (Protocol version 1.4, 25 April 2022). Plain language summary: The new WHO Labour Care Guide (LCG) is an innovative partograph that emphasises women-centred, evidence-based care during labour and childbirth. Together with clinicians working at four hospitals in India, we will develop and test a strategy to implement the LCG into routine care in labour wards of these hospitals. We will use a randomised trial design where this LCG strategy is introduced sequentially in each of the four hospitals, in a random order. We will collect data on all women giving birth and their newborns during this period and analyse whether the LCG strategy has any effects on the use of Caesarean section, women's and newborn's health outcomes, and women's experiences during labour and childbirth. While the trial is being conducted, we will also collect qualitative and quantitative data from doctors, nurses and midwives working in these hospitals, to understand their perspectives and experiences of using the LCG in their day-to-day work. In addition, we will collect economic data to understand how much the LCG strategy costs, and how much money it might save if it is effective. Through this study, our international collaboration will generate critical evidence and innovative tools to support implementation of the LCG in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inadequate control of diabetes and hypertension is a major concern in India because of rising mortality and morbidity. Few studies in India have explored factors that influence control of diabetes and hypertension. The current study aimed to improve the understanding of multifactorial influence on the control of diabetes and hypertension among patients in Primary Health Care Settings(PHC) of urban Karnataka. Methods: We used a mixed-method study design, within a project aiming to improve non-communicable disease (NCD) continuum of care across PHC in Mysore city, India, conducted in 2018. The quantitative study was conducted among 399 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension and a logistic regression model was used to assess the factors responsible for biological control levels of diabetes and hypertension measured through Glycated Haemoglobin(HbA1c) and blood pressure. Further, in-depth interviews(IDI) were conducted among these patients and the counsellors at PHCs to understand the barriers and enablers for better control. Result: The quantitative assessment found odds of poor control amongst diabetics' increased with older age, longer duration of disease, additional chronic conditions, and tobacco consumption. For hypertensives, odds of poor control increased with higher body mass index(BMI), alcohol consumption, and belongingness to lower social groups. These findings were elaborated through qualitative assessment which found that the control status was affected by stress as a result of family or financial worries. Stress, poor lifestyle, and poor health-seeking behaviour interplay with other factors like diet and exercise leading to poor control of diabetes and hypertension. Conclusion: A better understanding of determinants associated with disease control can assist in designing focused patient outreach plans, customized communication strategies, need-based care delivery plans, and specific competency-based capacity-building models for health care workers. Patient-centric care focusing on biological, social and behavioural determinants is pivotal for appropriate management of NCDs at community level in low-middle income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Girls' empowerment programmes have been celebrated as the 'Smarter Economics' of pulling girls and families out of poverty; and critiqued as neoliberal strategies for 'delivering gendered equality through responsibilised selves. These oppositional accounts, conceptualised within institutions of the Global North, present girls as 'victims' in different ways, adopting narrow, liberal conceptions of agency and empowerment. Analysing a girls' empowerment programme from south India, we argue that agency is a relational quality embedded within social relationships. Based on this understanding, we present the ethical need and possibilities for going beyond frameworks that individualise empowerment and position it as 'rescue' and 'responsibilisation.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Forensic odontology is one of the crucial contender of forensic medicine. Medical and dental professionals with appropriate knowledge of forensic Odontology will be able to identify and produce right data at right time which will help in criminal investigation. Knowledge and awareness of medical and dental students is significant factor that influences quality of medicolegal reports like certification of age, determination of race and sex. Hence reasonably good knowledge and skill regarding forensic odontology should be known to them. Aim of the study is to assess knowledge and awareness of forensic odontology among medical as well as dental graduates and undergraduates. Study design: Cross-sectional observational study conducted among 1000 medical and dental students of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical college and Vishwanath Katti Institute of Dental Sciences, Belagavi, India in month of May 2022. A predesigned pre-validated multiple choice questionnaire containing 16 questions was used in the study. Data was analysed and results were expressed in percentage. Results: Most of the participants could correctly answer basic knowledge based questions but only few could answer in depth knowledge questions. 94 % of participants were of opinion that there is need for maintaining dental records. But only 18 % were aware of period for maintenance of dental records. 12 % of students knew that amelogenin gene can be used in determination of sex and only 13 % participants were of dimerjian's method of age estimation from teeth. Conclusion: This study shows that participants had positive attitude and basic knowledge of forensic dentistry but lacked in depth knowledge. Structured skill modules should be included in the curriculum and implemented appropriately so that both medical and dental students gets hands on training in field of forensic dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet [ Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a climate-resilient dryland cereal that has been identified as a potential staple food crop that can contribute to alleviating micronutrient malnutrition, particularly with respect to grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents, in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. In this regard, an understanding of the inheritance pattern of genes involved in Fe and Zn contents is vital for devising appropriate breeding methods to genetically enhance their levels in grains. In this study, we aimed to determine the genetic effects underlying such inheritance and their interactions based on the generation mean analyses. Four experimental crosses and their six generations (P1, P2, F1, BCP1, BCP2, and F2) were independently evaluated in a compact family block design in 2017 rainy and 2018 summer seasons. ANOVA revealed highly significant mean squares (p < 0.01) among different generations for grain Fe and Zn contents. Six-parameter generation mean analyses revealed a predominance of additive genetic effect and a significant (p < 0.05) additive × dominant interaction for the grain Fe content. The additive genetic effect for the grain Zn content was also highly significant (p < 0.01). However, interaction effects contributed minimally with respect to most of the crosses for the grain Zn content and hence we assume that a simple digenic inheritance pattern holds true for it. Furthermore, we established that narrow-sense heritability was high for the grain Fe content (>61.78%), whereas it was low to moderate for the grain Zn content (30.60–59.04%). The lack of superior parent heterosis coupled with non-significant inbreeding depression for Fe and Zn contents in grains further confirmed the predominance of an additive genetic effect. These findings will contribute to strategizing a comprehensive breeding method to exploit the available variability of grain Fe and Zn contents for the development of biofortified hybrids of pearl millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have identified both physical and psychosocial forms of stress among newly married women due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access. However, methodologies used to identify stress have relied on surveys and interviews, which have limitations for eliciting situated information regarding stress. Prior public health studies indicate that, together with other qualitative methods, audio diaries provide rich data sets of participants' everyday practices, and their interactions with their physical and social environment. In this research, our interdisciplinary team collaborated to explore the feasibility of making audio diary recordings from prompts in a rural, Indian context where many women are illiterate. Three pregnant women living in rural Karnataka (India) were trained on the prompts and audio recorders, and were asked to make audio entries over two weeks. Midterm and exit interviews were used to ascertain women's thoughts and experiences making audio diary entries. Each woman successfully recorded, on average, 27 minutes per week, demonstrating the feasibility of audio diaries in rural India. While the recruitment and training process was labor intensive and required follow-up visits, trust-building between participants and researchers over time facilitated discussions about the contextual and experiential details of making recordings that will improve data collection through this method. We concluded that when used with other qualitative methods, audio diaries offer a unique opportunity to collect participants' practices, feelings, reflections, and interactions with their physical and social environment in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender norms serve to normalise gender inequalities and constrain girls' agency. This paper examines how girls' agency, along a continuum, is influenced by the interplay between constraining and enabling influences in the girls' environments. We analyse data from a qualitative study nested within a cluster randomised evaluation of Samata, a multi-layered programme supporting adolescent girls to stay in school and delay marriage in Karnataka, South India. Specifically, we compare agency among 22 girls from intervention communities and 9 girls in control communities using data from the final round of interviews in a qualitative cohort. Using the concept of 'thin' and 'thick' agency on a continuum, we identified shocks like mothers' death or illness, poverty stress, gender norms and poor school performance as thinning influences. Good school examination results; norms in support of education; established educational aspirations; supportive parents, siblings and teachers; and strategic government and Samata resources enabled thicker agency. The intervention programme's effect increased in parallel to the gradient from thin to thicker agency among girls in progressively supportive family contexts. Engagement with the programme was however selective; families adhering to harmful gender norms were not receptive to outreach. In line with diffusion theory, late adopters required additional peer encouragement to change norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examines ecotourism as practiced in India by conducting a descriptive literature review of studies published between 1990 and 2019, focusing on ecotourism's conservation and development goals. The findings of the study have been categorized on the basis of Honey's classification of ecotourism to provide a better understanding of current ecotourism practices in India. The paper concludes that the Indian ecotourism industry, with apparent conservation and commercial bias, might become unsustainable in the long run. The study highlights the need to revise ecotourism planning and management to ensure a long-term sustainable tourism model. This review adds to the existing body of literature in ecotourism by highlighting the progress and the shortcomings of the niche industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabaceae Lindl. or Leguminosae is one of the largest families of Angiosperms. Due to adaptability in various climatic conditions, members of the family Fabaceae are worldwide in their distribution. Globally, Fabaceae is represented by 770 genera and 19,500 taxa. Bagalkot is one of the largest districts of northern Karnataka and falls under the Deccan Peninsular region of India. The study area (Bagalkot District) is a rain shadow region and remains dry and hot throughout year. During floristic analysis of the District the authors recorded 157 species of legumes, which is communicated here in relation to habitat, life forms, distribution, classification and their importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is one of the world's hardiest warm‐season cereal crop cultivated for food and animal feed in the semi‐arid tropics of Asia and Africa. This crop faces terminal drought during rainy and flowering‐stage heat stress during summer seasons. Blast is emerging as a serious threat affecting its production and productivity in India. Using wild P. violaceum (Lam) Rich. and pearl millet cultivars, prebreeding populations were developed following backcross method. These populations were evaluated in target ecologies in India at three locations during the 2018 summer season for flowering‐stage heat stress and at two locations during the 2018 rainy season for terminal drought stress. A total 18 introgression lines (ILs) from Population (Pop) 3 exhibited improved seed set under high heat stress vs. the cultivated parent, whereas no IL was better than the cultivated parent in Pop 4. Under rainfed conditions at Hisar and Bawal, India, 19 ILs from Pop 3 and 16 ILs from Pop 4 showed significantly higher dry fodder yield than the cultivated parents. Further, screening of ILs for five diverse pathotype isolates—Pg 45, Pg 138, Pg 186, Pg 204, and Pg 232—of blast resulted in the identification of resistant ILs. Use of these promising ILs in breeding programs will assist in developing new varieties and hybrids with improved tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The study indicated the genetic differences between the parents involved in crossing and also highlighted the importance of precise phenotyping of wild species for target trait prior to use in prebreeding work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The profile of medico legal autopsy cases is important in order to know the death statistics in a region due to unnatural causes and also help to address the demographic needs according to the mortality statistics specific to that region. Materials and Methods: The present study is a retrospective study of autopsies performed at KAHER'S tertiary care centre K.L.E Hospital, Belagavi, Karnataka India in the year 2017. During this period a total of 159 autopsy cases were conducted. Relevant information and subjective data like age, sex, marital status & manner of death have been collected from medicolegal autopsy register from January 2017 to December 2017. Results: Out of 159 cases analyzed, maximum number of autopsies were in the age group of 21-30 years with 55 cases(34.6%). Majority of victims were males 118(74.2%). Hindus were majority in number with 147 cases(92.6%), married were 122(76.7%) & unmarried were 37 cases(23.3%). In our study 67.9% were rural residents & only 32.1% were urban. Accident, Suicide and Homicide deaths were 110(69.2%), 37(23.3%)& 1(0.6%) cases respectively.Natural deaths were seen in 6.9% cases. Maximum number of deaths were due to road traffic accidents with 92 cases (57.9%) followed by poisoning with 27 cases (17%). Out of total 159 cases maximum number of autopsy cases 60(37.7%) were conducted in the month of April to June. Conclusion: In our present study it is observed that maximum cases were in 3rd decade of life, Males outnumbered females, rural residents were more in number. Hindus being majority formed bulk of cases. RTA, Poisoning & burns were seen as leading cause of death &maximum deaths were in the second quarter of the year (April,May&June). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop a statistical model based on Internet of Things (IoT) for water quality analysis of river Krishna using different water quality parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids and conductivity. These parameters are very important to assess the water quality of the river. The water quality data were collected from six stations of river Krishna in the state of Karnataka. River Krishna is the fourth largest river in India with approximately 1400 km of length and flows from its origin toward Bay of Bengal. In our study, we have considered only stretch of river Krishna flowing in state of Karnataka, i.e., length of about 483 km. In recent years, the mineral-rich river basin is subjected to rapid industrialization, thus polluting the river basin. The river water is bound to get polluted from various pollutants such as the urban waste water, agricultural waste and industrial waste, thus making it unusable for anthropogenic activities. The traditional manual technique that is under use is a very slow process. It requires staff to collect the water samples from the site and take them to the laboratory and then perform the analysis on various water parameters which is costly and time-consuming process. The timely information about water quality is thus unavailable to the people in the river basin area. This creates a perfect opportunity for swift real-time water quality check through analysis of water samples collected from the river Krishna. IoT is one of the ways with which real-time monitoring of water quality of river Krishna can be done in quick time. In this paper, we have emphasized on IoT-based water quality monitoring by applying the statistical analysis for the data collected from the river Krishna. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-way ANOVA were applied for the data collected, and found that one-way ANOVA was more effective in carrying out water quality analysis. The hypotheses that are drawn using ANOVA were used for water quality analysis. Further, these analyses can be used to train the IoT system so that it can take the decision whenever there is abnormal change in the reading of any of the water quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives: Poisons are responsible for more than 3 million cases worldwide annually, India being among the highest contributor. Thus, this study identifies burden of poisoning cases at regional level and helps formulate preventive measures. Materials and Method: Prospective, hospital based cross sectional study conducted at KLE's Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, with autopsy unit, Belagavi - for 1 year. Data collected using pretested proforma and analyzed. Results: Total 306 poisoning cases, out of which, 35 cases (11.4%) expired. Highest being pesticide poisoning -- 150 cases (49%) and 20 deaths (57.2%). Age group 21 - 30 years was most commonly involved. Male : female ratio - 1.51 : 1 for total cases and 1.69 : 1 for total deaths. Most cases and deaths were suicidal - 67.1% and 80% respectively, common cause being alleged family problems (34.1%). Majority cases were farmers (24.8%). Mortality high in cases coming within 5 hours (19.3%). Majority cases belonged to grade 1 (36.3%) Poison severity score. Conclusion: Poison management centres should be started at rural places, proper education and mental strength should be imparted to the population to curb intentional cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glaucoma is a chronic progressive optic neuropathy with a characteristic appearance of the optic disc and a specific pattern of the visual field defects that is associated frequently but not invariably with the raised intra-ocular pressure. Objective: To compare the awareness of glaucoma among the urban population and the rural population of Bagalkot district in North Karnataka, India. Methods: A total of 200 subjects, >20 yrs old, 100 among the urban population of Vidyagiri and Navanagar areas in Bagalkot, in North Karnataka and 100 subjects who attended an eye camp at Anwal village,in Bagalkot district, North Karnataka, India were enrolled into the study. The responses of the subjects (N=200) who completed a structured questionnaire regarding the awareness (heard of glaucoma) and knowledge (understanding glaucoma) of glaucoma, formed the basis of the study. Results: The awareness on glaucoma was better in the urban population that is in vidyagiri and navanagar areas of Bagalkot (n=35, 35 %) compared to rural population that is in anwal eye camp(n=13, 13%). Significant difference was noted between the different age-groups among urban and rural population(p=0.035) and different education levels among urban and rural population(p=0.0005). Conclusion: The awareness is better in the urban population owing to higher literacy rate and increased exposure to mass medias like television, radio, magazines and so on. Improvement in the health care services over the years, do contribute to the increased awareness about glaucoma. Community based health education programs go a long way in increasing the level of awareness and knowledge about glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important pulse crop grown for its dhal, fuel, and fodder belonging to the family fabaceae. It is an important crop amongst pulses and ranked second after chickpea in India interms of area and production. It provides protein rich food, firewood and income for resource poor small farmers. It is a protein rich legume grown throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world between 30° N and 35° S latitudes. However, in India major area under pigeonpea is lying between 14° and 28° N latitudes, which occupies an area of about 3.81 m ha with a production of 3.02 mt and average productivity of 806 kg ha-1. Integrated nutrient management practices are essential in realizing the higher productivity of pigeonpea and reducing cost of production on sustainable basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of soil fertility at Bijapur district (Karnataka, India), grape yard of various localities was undertaken. Grape is an important fruit crop of northern parts of Karnataka and it is grown over 9000 hectors. The survey includes 15 grape yards and surface soil samples up to depth of 30 cm were collected and after drying were passed through 2 mm sieve. The soil samples were analyzed for various attributes. The data on analysis revealed that the soil was clay in texture which is considered quite fit for grape growing. The soil pH of various grape fields ranged from 7.2 to 8.8 slightly above the optimum range. The electrical conductivity values varied from 0.18 to 1.75 dS/m well below the critical concentration. The carbon content ranges from 0.23 to 1.01 kg/ha. The available nitrogen was in lower range 45 to 337.5 kg/hector. This might be due to high range of mineralization due to high temperature (dry zone) and loss of nitrogen in the form of ammonia. The soil available phosphorous content range from 15.00 to 48.9 kg/hector which was medium in range. The available potassium ranged from 115 to 592 kg/hector which were high range in all the grape fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-learning is a nebulous term; meaning teaching-learning facilitated through the modern media like web, satellite, cable networks, etc. Though it is successful in spreading its wings on today's higher education sector, it's linkages with the libraries are stilt feeble. The academic and other types of libraries, especially from the developing countries such as India, are struggling to cater to the increasingly heterogeneous requirements of the e-learners and associated community, This paper presents the key role of LIS professionals in the e-learning paradigm. After a thorough analysis of the e-learning scenario, authors have realised that libraries and librarians have an important role to play possibly through the digital libraries-a contemporary movement growing along-with the e-learning. The aspirations of e-learner community from the LIS professionals in this new era of e-learning are propagation of the movement itself, course content development, technical facilitation, technical trouble shooting, fuelling open-archives, improving user interfaces, identifying and training the usage of free and open source software tools to the user community to ensure maximum participation in teaching-learning process. The paper also discusses e-learning-library linkages and the innovations implemented in the top ranking off-shore public libraries that the Indian LIS community can follow. It reveals an emanating strongly bonded model of e-learning-library linkage required for the sustainance and mutual growth of the duo. This will also lend a hand in emerging an open knowledge culture and ultimately beneficial for the evolving knowledge society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of digital technology and computer networking have provided means whereby information can be stored, retrieved, disseminated, and duplicated in a very fast manner. Digital libraries have made considerable advances, both in technology and its applications. The digital library initiatives at international level are many, but in developing counties like India they are still in a nascent stage. But with the initiative like Million Book Project, initiated by Carnegie Mellon University, the culture of digital library has also made a beginning in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The introduction of new technologies upon a society prematurely often results in fears of good and bad, especially when no consideration is given to human needs. This situation becomes more acute in circumstances when sophisticated technology from the west claims to satisfy the human needs of a continental and traditional country like India. This paper highlights the new revitalization of Indian society from a socio-economic and cultural point of view and reiterates the possibility of technology's failure to address human needs. A case study of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) emergence in the Indian context is made in order to examine various issues such as the new technological divide syndrome, ICT needs of rural populations, and others. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The discovery of antibiotics was a turning point in the history of mankind, improving healthcare and increasing life expectancy around the globe. However, the rising number of cases of antibiotic-resistant infections paints a concerning future. Thus, it is essential to understand and explore alternatives and implement policies for their safe usage. This note summarizes the upsurge in antimicrobial resistance in recent years and the feasibility of phage therapy as an alternative in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This systematic review and meta-synthesis was conducted to explore the views and experiences of women on family planning in India. Methods We included qualitative studies conducted in India and published in English. PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINHAL and ProQuest were searched from inception till April 2019. Population of interest were women in reproductive age group. Additionally, husband of the woman and mother-in-law were eligible to be included. Studies conducted among HIV positive, commercial sex workers and drug addicts were excluded. Selection of studies (titles, abstracts and full tests screening), data extraction and methodological quality assessment (using CASP checklist) was undertaken independently by four authors in pairs. Any discrepancies were resolved by discussion until consensus. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data (PROSPERO registration number CRD42018093960). Results We included 39 full texts through database and reference searching. Most of the women were married. Main themes were; 'family influence', 'perceived benefits/harm of son/daughter', 'perceived misconception of contraception', 'socio-cultural norms', 'abortion as a family planning option', 'healthcare reach and mistrust' and 'demographic dividend'. Conclusion There is a need to include husband and mother-in-law while delivering messages or strategies to women on family planning in India. Traditional norms are deep rooted in the community therefore, family planning strategies should be context and need based. Key message Meta-synthesis is a promising approach to gather evidence of complex health problems that require an understanding of social and cultural determinants of health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the awareness on glaucoma in a rural eye camp in north Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 subjects who were >20 years old, who attended an eye camp at Anwal village,in the Bagalkot district, north Karnataka, India, were enrolled into the study. The responses of the subjects (N=100) who completed a structured questionnaire regarding the awareness (heard of glaucoma) and the knowledge (understanding glaucoma) on glaucoma, formed the basis of this study. Results: The awareness on glaucoma was (n=13, 13%) poor in this rural eye camp. No significant difference was noted between the different age-groups (p=0.739) and between males and females (p=0.379). The awareness on glaucoma was significantly higher in the literates (p= 0.0061) and in the higher socio-economic groups (p=0.00003). A total of 5 subjects (n=5, 38.46%) knew that the visual loss due to glaucoma was permanent. The main sources of the awareness on glaucoma in this population were doctors for 5 patients (38.46%), TV/magazines/media for 4 (30.76%) patients, ophthalmologists for 2 (15.38%) patients and opticians for 1 (7.69%) patients, followed by the information from a friend who suffered from this disease for 1 (7.69 %) patient. Conclusion: The awareness on glaucoma was poor in the rural area of the Anwal eye camp in Bagalkot district in north Karnataka, India. As compared to the previous studies, the awareness was better, due to improvement in the health care services over the years. Community based health education programmes go a long way in increasing the level of the awareness and the knowledge on glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India accounts for more than two-third of mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in south-east Asia. The burden is high in Karnataka, one of the largest states in southern India. There is a need for integration of disease prevention, health promotion, treatment and care within the national program at primary level. A public-private partnership initiative explored evidence gaps to inform a health system based, integrated NCD programme across care continuum with a focus on hypertension and diabetes.Methods: The study was conducted during 2017-18 in urban parts of Mysore city, covering a population of 58,000. Mixed methods were used in the study; a population-based screening to estimate denominators for those with disease and at risk; cross-sectional surveys to understand distribution of risk factors, treatment adherence and out of pocket expenses; facility audits to assess readiness of public and private facilities; in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to understand practices, myths and perceptions in the community. Chi-square tests were used to test differences between the groups. Framework analysis approach was used for qualitative analysis.Results: Twelve and 19% of the adult population had raised blood sugar and blood pressure, respectively, which increased with age, to 32 and 44% for over 50 years. 11% reported tobacco consumption; 5.5%, high alcohol consumption; 40%, inadequate physical activity and 81%, inappropriate diet consumption. These correlated strongly with elderly age and poor education. The public facilities lacked diagnostics and specialist services; care in the private sector was expensive. Qualitative data revealed fears and cultural myths that affected treatment adherence. The results informed intervention design across the NCD care continuum.Conclusions: The study provides tools and methodology to gather evidence in designing comprehensive NCD programmes in low and middle income settings. The study also provides important insights into public-private partnership driving effective NCD care at primary care level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which identifies the gap areas to be fulfilled for a successful biological exploration in India.

Highlights the purpose of use, methods of locating information and search techniques used in retrieving the information by the research scholars of Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Finds that the research scholars use the internet for their research and communication purposes. Concludes that more awareness about internet resources and training in use of the same needs to be provided by library professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the information use pattern of Indian economists in the present Internet era. Highlights the use of various types of resources, including institutional resources and role of NASSDOC in providing various services to social scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]