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An experiment was conducted during October to January, 2018 at Gir Cattle Farm, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Navania, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India to evaluate the effect of hydroponic maize fodder with and without supplementation of probiotics on rumen fermentation. A feeding trial of 120 days was conducted on 36 male Gir calves of same age group (6-12 months) and randomly allotted to nine dietary treatments. All the animals were offered basal feed ad lib. The T1 i.e. control group were fed concentrate mixture as per requirement. For calves in T2, T3, T4 and T5 groups, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of crude protein (CP) supplied through concentrate mixture was replaced by hydroponics maize green fodder, respectively. Whereas, in T6, T7, T8, T9 groups, 25% 50%, 75% and 100% of crude protein (CP) supplied through concentrate mixture was replaced by hydroponics maize green fodder along with probiotics, respectively. All the rumen parameters viz. pH, Total protozoal count (105 ml-1), Total Volatile Fatty Acids (meq l-1), Ammonia nitrogen (mg dl-1), Total nitrogen (mg dl-1), TCA-precipitable nitrogen (mg dl-1), and Non protein nitrogen (mg dl-1), were estimated according to treatment and time intervals. There was non-significant effect of treatments on rumen pH but due to time intervals were found to be highly significant (p<0.01). The concentration of Total protozoal count, Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), Total ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), Total nitrogen, TCA-Precipitable N and Non-protein nitrogen (NPN) were highly significant (p<0.01) effect due to treatments and time intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allometric equations are often applied to estimate volume and carbon stocks of forest ecosystems. This study focused on formulating or developing allometric equations or models for estimating the volume of standing Toona ciliata M. Roem. trees in the red cedar woodlands of Northwestern Himalayas of India. Despite rich floral diversity, there has been a scarcity of such equations for this region. The research involved sampling and measuring 100 red cedar trees across four sites. Dendrometric variables were then measured for each site to create model s based on height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and form factor as predictor variables. This work underscores the importance of allometric equations in accurately assessing the volume of red cedar woodlands, as they consider factors like vegetation type, management practices, and environmental conditions. The findings will enhance our grasp of allometric equations and contribute to the development of tools for forest planners, farmers, and researchers, enabling precise prediction of forest resources in terms of volume. This will, in turn, support effective management strategies for red cedar woodlands in the Northwestern Himalayas and similar ecosystems worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging bacterial plant diseases became a major threat for the vegetable production system. In the recent past, with changes in farming practices, abrupt weather climate, and the introduction of new varieties and hybrids are considered major factors for the emergence and outbreak of new bacterial pathogens (diseases). The bacterial wilt is an emerging threat for the cultivation of almost all the solanaceous vegetables caused by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum in India. Incidence of more emerging bacterial diseases in vegetable crops viz tomato leaf blight (Xanthomonas axenopodis pv vesictoria) up to 20% and fruit canker- (Corneybacterium michiganens) up to 5%, bacterial speck (Pseudomonas syringae); brinjal little leaf of brinjal (phytoplasma) up to 40%, cabbage and cauliflower black rot (X. compestris pv compestris) up to 10% and summer squash soft rot and wilting (Erwinia spp.) up to 20% on summer sqash and 19.5% on cauliflower has been recorded. It clearly revealed the cross-infectivity of the bacterial pathogen, indicating the emergence of these pathogens as a broad spectrum covering a wide host range. Future research in this field will include a better understanding of the molecular basis of variability in the pathogen, pathogenesis, accurate and reliable diagnostic of the disease and to engineer novel and durable protection strategies against devastating post-harvest diseases of vegetable crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seed quality of fenugreek is determined by its primary metabolites and an alkaloid diosgenin. Apart from these fenugreek seeds contains total oil, saponins, carbohydrates, protein and major nutrients. Seeds are bitter in taste due to presence of an alkaloid “trigonelline”. In India, major cultivated area of fenugreek is still dependent on conserved moisture and moisture stress conditions reduces its productivity. Methods: A field experiment was carried out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications during Rabi 2016-2017. Performance of ten fenugreek genotypes was evaluated on the basis of seed quality parameters under normal and water stress condition. Seed samples from both normal and water stressed plant were used for quality analysis in laboratory. Analysis of different quality parameters was done by using standard methods and protocol. Result: Water stress was found to increase seed total oil, saponins and diosgenine content in all the genotypes. Genotypes RMt-1, RMt-305 and RMt-143 were able to accumulate significantly higher total oil and diosgenine content in normal as well as water stress conditions. Water stress condition induced more saponins synthesis in genotype RMt-361 and RMt-351 while crude protein and total carbohydrate declined in all the genotypes. The minimum decrease in crude protein and carbohydrate due to water stress was recorded in genotype RMt-351 and genotypes Hisar Sonali respectively. Moisture was found to decrease in all the genotypes under influence of water stress conditions, minimum (13.75%) being observed in genotype RMt-305. Maximum seed yield was recorded in genotype RMt-361 both under normal as well as water stress conditions. Genotype RMt-1 had least reduction in yield under water stress condition (3.54%). Results suggested that a significant genotypic variation in seed quality parameters of fenugreek genotypes induced through stress may be utilize to introduce novelty of different purpose for developing new cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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It has been established by physics education researchers that there is a correlation between the learner's behavior, their epistemological beliefs with which they come to the classrooms, and their success in a course. This study of Indian students and teachers explores expectations and beliefs in learning physics at the secondary and tertiary levels by making use of the Maryland Physics Expectation (MPEX) survey, which has been tested for both its validity and its reliability. The MPEX was administered to a sample of 265 Indian students at three different levels of study: (i) XII standard (high school), (ii) undergraduate (Bachelor of Science), and (iii) master's degree (Master of Science in Physics, MS). In India, a pre-post instruction difference between the attitudes of class XII, undergraduate, and master's students is observed with favorable improvement in master's students as compared to deterioration in both class XII and undergraduate students. A comparison of these results with those reported in similar studies conducted in four other countries (U.S., Turkey, Philippines, and Thailand) indicates that there is a difference between the U.S. students and those of the other three countries and also between U.S. experts and Indian teachers. In all countries (U.S., India, Turkey, Thailand, and Philippines) the basic trend of expectation from pre to post test remained the same--there was a deterioration observed in all levels of students. Indian MS students were an exception. A significant difference was observed in the expectations of U.S. experts and Indian teachers. The score of favorable views of Indian class XII and undergraduate students was observed to be less than U.S. students in many clusters. No significant difference was found between Indian male and female students' expectations at any level of study. This study shows that most Indian students have nowhere near an expert's expectations even after instruction, which might affect their motivation and success in physics courses and may have long-term implications on the quality of physics education in schools, colleges. and universities and the scientific research aspirations of the country. (Contains 9 tables and 2 figures.)

Late blight disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans is the main yield limiting factor amongst the diseases of potato in India and across the globe. Potato Cyst Nematode/PCN (Globodera spp.) is another biotic factor of economic importance and is a quarantine organism. Exploitation of genetic resistance is the most preferred management strategy. In the present study, indigenous potato genotypes collected from different parts of the country along with checks were evaluated for their resistance against late blight under natural epiphytotic field conditions and in laboratory under artificially inoculated conditions including detached leaf and tuber slice assays and PCN through Root ball technique during 2020-2023. The converted field scale values i.e. average AUDPC value ranged from 7 in highly resistant genotype Rangpuria to 1596 in susceptible accession AGR/56. The field blight response was comparatively more correlated (r =0.63) with susceptibility levels measured in the detached leaf assay compared to that with tuber slice assay (r =0.48). Genotypes Kanpuria Safed, JG-1, Rangpuria and Desi Aloo showed resistance to late blight both under laboratory and field conditions. For PCN, Garlentic, Jeevan Jyoti and JG-1 have combined resistance (0 female/root ball) over the years to both the species. Majority of the studied genotypes have medium to high pollen viability with desirable tuber traits and yield advantage. The identified resistant genotypes excel their usage as parental lines in breeding for biotic stress resistance specifically for late blight and PCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students' understanding regarding force and frictional force was probed by administering a force concept inventory (FCI) and a frictional force concept inventory (FFCI) which was followed by practical activities to investigate the application aspect of the concepts in real situations. Analysis of the two audio-video recorded interviews and responses to cross questions in the interview reveal a significant gap between the expected and actual learning outcomes. (Contains 3 tables.)

Gum karaya (GK), which is produced by Sterculia urens trees, is complex carbohydrate exudate. This natural gum is commercially important global commodity, produced mostly in Asian and African countries. It is nondigestible and forms high viscosity solution in water. It is an ideal choice for applications in several foods and pharmaceuticals due to its binding, emulsifying, stabilizing and shelf-life improving properties. It has been found successful in drug delivery, drug microencapsulation, bioremediation and nanotechnology applications, and there exists further scope for exploring, unexplored area. The production of GK has declined in Asian countries like India, due to reduction in the resource base as a result of over-exploitation. The demand of natural products is increasing. To meet the future demand, there is a need to increase the resource base and propagate sustainable methods of GK production. The decreasing production of GK needs to be increased for sustainable livelihood of poor tribal people living in resource-constrained areas in Asian and African countries. Current literature documents research work carried out in determining its composition and properties, its application in food, pharmaceutical, bioremediation and other industries such as textile, tannery, plant micropropagation and paper making. This review emphasizes the scope of GK in various applications and its future prospects as a natural polysaccharide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobia (Rachycentron canadum, Rachycentridae) is one of the prospective species for mariculture. The transcriptome-based study on cobia was hampered by an inadequate reference genome and a lack of full-length cDNAs. We used a long-read based sequencing technology (PacBio Sequel II Iso-Seq3 SMRT) to obtain complete transcriptome sequences from larvae, juveniles, and various tissues of adult cobia, and a single SMRTcell generated 99 gigabytes of data and 51,205,946,694 bases. A total of 8609435, 7441673 and 9140164 subreads were generated from the larval, juvenile, and adult sample pools, with mean sub-read lengths of 2109.9, 1988.2 and 1996.2 bp, respectively. All samples were combined to increase transcript recovery and clustered into 35661 high-quality reads. This is the first report on a full-length transcriptome from R. canadum. Our results illustrate a significant increase in the identified amount of cobia LncRNAs and alternatively spliced transcripts, which will help improve genome annotation. Furthermore, this information will be beneficial for nutrigenomics and functional studies on cobia and other commercially important mariculture species. Measurement(s) Full length transcriptome of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) Technology Type(s) PacBio Sequel 2 Sample Characteristic - Organism Rachycentron canadum Sample Characteristic - Environment Marine environment Sample Characteristic - Location India [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study unusual presentations of coronavirus-associated mucormycosis that are rarely seen in sinonasal mucormycosis cases. Method: The data of 400 rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis patients admitted to Sawai Man Singh Hospital, Jaipur, from May 2021 to June 2021, were retrospectively collected. The diagnosis of mucormycosis was made by histological examination of biopsy samples. Results: Out of 400 patients, 62 had symptoms other than common symptoms of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. Thirty-four patients had facial palsy, 19 complained of gum ulcers, 6 developed a cheek abscess, 2 complained of maggots in the nose along with common rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis symptoms, and 1 had a cerebellar infarct. Conclusion: Mucormycosis is a disease with various presentations, and coronavirus-associated mucormycosis has added unusual presentations to the existing list of manifestations of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. In this coronavirus disease era, mucormycosis should always be considered as a diagnosis in patients with these unusual presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Patharnakh' (Pyrus pyrifolia Burm.) (PN), a hard pear and 'Punjab Beauty' (Pyrus communis L. × Pyrus pyrifolia Burm.) (PB), a soft pear are dominant low-chill pear cultivars of subtropics of India. Present investigation reports the changes in sugar metabolism and related enzymatic activities in fruits of 'PN' and 'PB' cultivars harvested at different developmental stages from 45 to 150 days after fruit set. Total soluble sugars, fructose, and sucrose contents were higher in 'PB' as compared to 'PN' during fruit growth and maturation stages. Total phenols and flavanols increased initially and then showed a decreasing trend towards maturity. Sucrose synthase (SS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activities strongly correlated to sucrose content in 'PN' but SPS was weakly related in 'PB' fruits. Acid and neutral invertases showed a negative correlation with sucrose content in 'PN', and a reverse trend in 'PB' cultivar was observed. It is concluded that SS and SPS are crucial for sucrose accumulation in 'PN', but invertase enzymes are also important for sucrose accumulation in 'PB' fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last era in India, the use of chemical fertilizer has increased tremendously. The excessive use of these chemicals leads to the degradation of soil quality, health, as well as nutritional status. These are also causing a degradation of human health. This experiment was conducted during Mrig Bahar (July to December) during two consecutive years (2019–2020)in a randomized block design with three replications in which six-year-old 42 pomegranate plants were tested with 14 treatments of different organic manures. Findings showed that in the various treatments, the organic combination T13-Jeevamrut 16.08 L plant-1 + Vermicompost 24.79 kg plant-1 had a significant effect on the nutritional status (available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium) and microbial population (fungi, bacterial, and actinomycetes count). In addition, T13-Jeevamrut 16.08 L plant-1 + Vermicompost 24.79 kg plant-1 found a significant effect on fruit yield characteristics like fruit plant-1 (122.00), fruit yield (17.38 kg plant-1), fruit weight (192.50 g) and fruit quality characteristics such as fruit juice percent (52.92%), and total sugar (11.92%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hairdressers undergo extensive and prolonged exposure to a variety of chemical substances present in the air in their salons. Although in low concentrations, the various products used for hair care are harmful as most of these products generate chemical aerosols during different procedures. These aerosols which have irritant or sensitizing effects on respiratory mucosa have been found to enter into the airways. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the impairment of lung function in hairdressers in Gangtok. Method: This is a cross-sectional, comparative study conducted on 50 hairdressers and 50 age- and sex-matched non-hairdresser comparison group. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling. Permission from Institutional Ethical Committee was obtained before beginning the study. A standard questionnaire was used to record the respiratory symptoms. The pulmonary function parameters of the subjects were measured using portable spirometer HELIOS 720. Results: All the parameters were decreased in hairdressers and almost all the differences were statistically significant. FEV1 (P = 0.023) and FEV1/FVC ratio (P < 0.05) were reduced significantly. FEF25-75% and PEFR were also significantly reduced (P < 0.05 in both parameters). FVC was also reduced in hairdressers, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.342). Conclusion: Hairdressers undergo exposure to different chemicals in their workplace and carry the risk of decreased pulmonary function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) worldwide continues to increase, in particular in India. Early T2DM diagnosis followed by appropriate management will result in more cardiovascular event free life years. However, knowledge of the cardiovascular profile of newly diagnosed T2DM patients is still limited. The aim of this study was to understand the extent of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of newly diagnosed T2DM patients in India. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted to evaluate clinical laboratory and socio-demographic parameters of 5,080 newly diagnosed T2DM patients (48.3 ± 12.8 years of age; 36.7% female). In addition, we determined their cardiovascular risk according to the guidelines of the Lipid Association of India (LAI) and the criteria of the QRISK3 score. Results: Of the newly T2DM diagnosed patients in India 2,007(39.5%) were classified as "High risk" and 3,073 (60.5%) were classified as "Very high risk" based on LAI criteria. On average, patients had 1.7 ± 0.9 major atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors. Low HDL-C value was the most frequent major risk (2,823; 55.6%) followed by high age (2,502; 49.3%), hypertension (2,141; 42.1%), smoking/tobacco use (1,078; 21.2%) and chronic kidney disease stage 3b or higher (568; 11.2%). In addition, 4,192 (82.5%) patients appeared to have at least one cholesterol abnormality and, if the latest LAI recommendations are applied, 96.5% (4,902) presented with lipid values above recommended targets. Based on the QRISK3 calculation Indian diabetes patients had an average CVD risk of 15.3 ± 12.3%, (12.2 ± 10.1 vs. 17.1 ± 13.5 [p<0.001] for females and males, respectively). Conclusions: Newly diagnosed Indian T2DM patients are at high ASCVD risk. Our data therefore support the notion that further extension of nationwide ASCVD risk identification programs and prevention strategies to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to assess yield losses due to stalk rot in corn ( Zea mays) after artificial inoculations through toothpick inoculations in susceptible variety 'surya' using paired plot technique in the southern districts of Rajasthan, India. Two field experiments were carried out in two different kharif seasons i.e. year 2019 and year 2020. Variety 'surya' were grown in field with 15 replications and inoculated with toothpick inoculations of Fusarium verticillioides. Samples of healthy and stalk rot infected plants were collected from each protected and unprotected plots, at harvesting stage. Result of field experiments revealed that rating and PDI were significantly lower in protected plots which are artificially inoculated with F. verticillioides, with average PDI 18.46% and Rating 2.84 in 2019, and of 19.12% PDI and 2.76 rating in 2020. PDI was significantly higher in unprotected plots that are 70.92 in 2019 and 70.94 in 2020. Significant loss in grain yield (gram/plot) was observed due to post flowering stalk rot (PFSR) in unprotected plots as compared to protected treatments were 23.66% in 2019 and 29.40% in 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, quality of surface water from five different locations on the banks of river Sutlej in Ropar wetland was determined by estimation of physico-chemical parameters; water quality indices; contents of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, lead and zinc; determination of genotoxic potential of water samples using Allium cepa root chromosomal aberration assay and plasmid pBR322 DNA nicking assay; and assessment of associated possible human health risks for adults and children. River water was slightly alkaline, moderate to very hard, non-saline, genotoxic and unsuitable for both drinking and irrigation. Among 20 surface water samples analysed, contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb in 11, 7, 3, 15, 14 and 13 samples exceeded the safe limits (mg/L) of 0.003, 0.05, 0.05, 0.30, 0.10 and 0.01, respectively. Ingestion of surface posed higher health risk than dermal contact, where Co was major contributor to mean hazard index (3.26–10.72 for adults and 4.22–13.87 for children). Hazard index for dermal contact in both age groups was < 1.00. Cr was found to be primarily responsible for high total cancer risk posed by both routes of exposure, i.e. ingestion (6.83E−04 to 2.03E−03 for adults and 7.58E−05 to 2.25E−04 for children) and dermal contact (5.15E−05 to 2.02E−04 for adults and 6.23E−06 to 2.44E−05 for children). Prolonged exposure to contaminated surface water may elevate the human health risk in the study area; therefore, pre-treatment of river water is necessary before its utilization by human population of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fetuses with EFW/AC between 3rd-10th centile Doppler abnormality was in 14 (early 4; late 10), none had a two-quartile change in EFW compared to previous scan. Definition of fetal growth restriction(FGR) has been recently made objective by ISUOG. However, our data did not suggest any significant contribution of two-quartile change in EFW/AC criteria for diagnosis of FGR in fetuses in the above centile range. [Extracted from the article]

Green mussel farming as a small-holder-friendly, livelihood-enabling supplementary activity along the backwaters in the southwest coast of India is analyzed in this paper covering various phases of its adoption and growth. Though a benign enterprise that does not demand significant establishment cost and labor-intensive culture activities, green mussel production is presently at a crossroads, facing severe challenges at its very cradle, owing to various biotic and abiotic constraints. The main underlying factors are analyzed, physical and economic losses estimated, and policy options suggested to enable a steadfast revival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large debris flow triggered by a rock avalanche in the Raunthi glaciated valley resulted in flash floods in the Rishiganga and Dhauliganga rivers on 07 February 2021 in Uttarakhand, India. Hydel projects, houses, roads and bridges in the path of debris flow were damaged resulting in many deaths. We have used high-resolution satellite data (e.g. Pleiades, WorldView, Kompsat, Cartosat, Resourcesat, Planet) to study the source of flash floods and cause of the slope failure. Our detailed geological assessment, carried out using stereoscopic Pleiades images (50 cm), revealed rock avalanche as the main source of slope failure. The slope failure has exposed a ~197-m-high head scarp near the crown and is controlled by two sets of joints and a foliation that helped in the wedge type failure. The volume of failed mass (rock and ice) estimated by cut and fill method using digital elevation models (DEMs) is ~ 29.3 million m3. The rock and ice descended from a height of ~5474 m and then crashed onto the moraine and ice bridges present in the valley at ~3732 m after travelling ~2.9 km along a steep slope. The heat generated by friction during run out and conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy due to the crashing on valley floor melted snow and ice. The ice melt water along with enhanced snow melting due to high ambient temperature on that day got intermixed with debris and created a slush, which was mobilised as a channelised flash flood. Multi-temporal high-resolution satellite data analysis showed that the debris flow was initiated at ~10:08:45 h (IST), and it travelled with a velocity of ~10.6 m/s. The rock avalanche event lasted for ~50 min, and the crash impact created a severe air blast in the valley. The rock avalanche has also resulted in debris blocking the Raunthi gad valley. Estimated Morphological Obstruction Index (MOI) and Hydro-morphological Dam Stability Index (HDSI) indicate the debris dam to be in an unstable domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical and subtropical floodplain lakes are hypothesized as one of the globally interesting rotifer rich ecosystems. Our study indicating the biodiverse Rotifera of ten 'slightly acidic to circum-neutral, moderately hard-water and de-mineralized' tropical floodplain lakes (beels) of the Majuli River Island of the Brahmaputra river basin of northeast India endorses this hypothesis. Total richness, the richness of important families and community similarities affirm heterogeneity of the rotifer species composition amongst the beels. The species richness registers significant spatio-temporal variations with seasonal differences amongst the beels and individually in each beel, and lacks significant influence of the recorded abiotic factors. The constellations of 76-81 species in three beels during winter and 76 species in one beel during pre-monsoon are noteworthy instances of 'Rotifera paradox'. The rotifer fauna of the Majuli beels registers affinity with Southeast Asian and Oriental faunas, records several species of the regional distribution interest and exhibits the littoral-periphytic nature, while application of Q B/T and Q L/B quotients depicts limitations. This study merits ecological diversity interest for Rotifera vis-avis the floodplain lakes of India and elsewhere from the tropics and subtropics, and assumes biodiversity conservation importance due to threat of extinction of the Majuli - an alluvial floodplain of the Brahmaputra basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Patharnakh' (PN) (Pyrus pyrifolia Burm. Nakai) and 'Punjab Beauty' (PB) [Pyrus communis L. × Pyrus pyrifolia Burm. (Nakai)] are leading lowchill pear cultivars of subtropics of India. Diurnal temperature and relative humidity during fruit harvest period is high which considerably affect the shelf life of fruits. Fruits of 'PN' and 'PB' pear harvested at physiological maturity were stored for 12 days at ambient temperature and effects of storage temperature on physical and qualitative parameters were studied. Both cultivars showed reduction in fruit weight and firmness, reducing sugars, sucrose, starch and pectin content. However, total soluble solids and juice acid content increased during storage. Sucrose synthase activity and sucrose content showed significant positive correlation in 'PN' cultivar. Activities of fruit softening enzymes such as polygalacturonase (PG) and cellulase was enhanced; whereas, pectinmethylesterase (PME) was reduced during storage. Fruit firmness was negatively correlated with PG in both the cultivars. In 'PN' cultivar, fruit firmness was positively correlated with cellulase and negatively with PME enzyme but reverse trend was observed in 'PB' cultivar. Fruit minerals content didn't show any substantial disparities in both the cultivars during storage. 'Patharnakh' and 'Punjab Beauty' fruits maintain desirable quality parameters up to 69 days and 36 days, respectively, during storage at ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assess biodiversity status of Rotifera known from India to-date based on our studies from various regions of this country and evaluation of other viable records, and highlight notable features of biogeography and richness. The Indian fauna reveals 434 valid species belonging to 68 genera and 25 families and thus indicates the most biodiverse Rotifera vis-àvis south and Southeast Asia, and records ~25% and ~41% species of global and regional biogeographic interest. It depicts the littoral-periphytic nature, broadly tropical character, the limited reports of cold-water species from the sub-Himalayan and Himalayan latitudes, paucity of the endemics and Bdelloids, and cryptic diversity awaits analyses. The richest diversity and distinct biogeographic identity of Rotifera of Northeast India (NEI) is attributed to location of this region in the 'Himalayan and Indo-Burmese' biodiversity hot-spots, 'Assam gateway' - the biogeographic corridor, and the 'Rotiferologist effect'. Regional disparity and spatial heterogeneity of biodiversity elsewhere from India are attributed to the limited sampling, inadequate collections from diverse ecosystems, unidentified species, and paucity of attention on smaller species. The biodiverse rotifer assemblages of the floodplain lakes including Deepor Beel and Loktak Lake, the two Ramsar sites and globally megadiverse ecosystems, are hypothesized to habitat diversity of these ecotones, while 'Rotifera paradox' depict speciose constellations per sample. The species-rich small floodplain and urban wetlands focus interest on rotifer diversity in small water bodies. We estimate more diverse Indian Rotifera following analyses of collections from underexplored and unexplored regions and ecosystems, and the bdelloid and sessile rotifers using integrative taxonomic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to understand the historical and future climate change situation using 15 extreme precipitation indices in the Pare watershed of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Historical period (1981–2019) and future period (2021–2050) precipitation data are used to compute extreme precipitation indices in RClimDex software. The Pare watershed was divided into 13 subwatersheds; however, the results of the study showed no significant spatial variation. This study found that majority of the precipitation extreme indices are showing decreasing trends during the historical period and most of them are statistically insignificant at 95% confidence level. Only three indices such as SDII, CWD and MRI are found significant at 0.05 level in the Pare watershed. Though not significant, the annual precipitation amount in the Pare watershed was found decreasing at the rate of 3.3 mm per year during the study period. The trend analysis over the whole watershed indicated significant decreasing trends for CWD and MRI while indicating significant increasing trend for SDII. The representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 projected the extreme precipitation indices in a very similar way. The results of the trend analysis under RCP 8.5 showed significant decreasing trend only at SW10 for the index-moderate rainfall index (MRI). Various cases of RX1DAY and RX5DAY not falling during the months of monsoon were observed in both the historical and future periods. The percentage departures of the monsoon from its annual total had increased in RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios as compared to the historical periods. The results of this climatic investigation suggest that the precipitation regime in the study area had been accompanied and also expected by overall reduction in precipitation amount, milder rainfall events, reduction in monsoon (June–September) rainfall and drier climatic conditions. With the prevalent historical scenario and future projected scenarios of the extreme precipitation indices, the water resource potential in the study area is expected to be greatly reduced, for which the authors seek the attention of various stakeholders in water and allied sectors to come together and discuss on the construction of water conservation structures so that agricultural activities can be expanded and remain sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extremely severe cyclone 'Amphan' made landfall on 20 May 2020 in the state of West Bengal, India causing widespread damages. The present study describes the potential use of multi-mission satellite datasets in delineating the cyclone disaster footprints and assessing the impact in near real-time. Flooding due to the cyclone was monitored and mapped continuously from 21 to 27 May 2020 using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data of multiple satellites. It was observed that about 2.09 lakh hectares in ten districts of the state was affected by cyclone-induced inundation. East Medinipur district was the worst affected with 83,402 ha inundated during the cyclone. The inundation maps were disseminated to the disaster management authorities in near real-time for effective disaster management to aid in relief and rescue operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term effects of integrated application of organics and chemical fertilizers on transformation of copper (Cu) into various chemical pools and their availability under maize–wheat cropping system were investigated in the ongoing long-term fertilizer experiment initiated in 1972 at the research farm of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University on an acidic soil in the Western Himalayas of India. The continuous use of chemical fertilizers alone for 36 years brought about marked depletion in all forms of copper except organically bound Cu (Cu-III) compared to buffer plots. Integrated use of organics and chemical fertilizers gave higher content of Cu forms over chemically treated plots except Cu occluded by free oxides (Cu-IV). Residual Cu was the most dominant form of copper contributing about 62% of the total Cu. Organically bound Cu (Cu-III) was the most important fraction of copper contributing toward DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) extractable Cu. Content of DTPA-extractable Cu increased over control when chemical fertilizers were applied in conjunction with different organics, whereas DTPA-Cu content declined over control with application of chemical fertilizers alone for the last 36 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation has been carried out in the copper mineralized region of Jharkhand, India. Apart from the natural deposit of copper minerals, which is found along with uranium in this region, different industrial sites of copper were accounted for, in the study. The integrated radon measurement technique has been used with dosimeter deployment interval of 90 days. The indoor 222Rn activity concentration varied at different locations from 58.4 to 100.7 Bq m - 3 with an average of 79.8 ± 14.5 Bq m - 3 . In the outdoor environment, annual average 222Rn activity concentration varies from 36.5 to 75.8 Bq m - 3 with an average of 57.9 ± 14.0 Bq m - 3 . The corresponding annual inhalation dose due to indoor and outdoor 222Rn activity concentration to the inhabitants of the region has been worked out as 1.95 mSv year - 1 to 3.28 mSv year - 1 respectively with a mean of 2.60 ± 0.38 mSv year - 1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium-series radionuclides exist in trace quantities in all soils and rocks on earth in variable concentrations. Among these, 222Rn gas exhaled by the soil of a geological location is the main contributor to the environmental radioactivity. A 222Rn exhalation flux study was carried out in the heavily mineralised area of the Singhbhum Copper Belt of Jharkhand, India. A significant seasonal variation in the soil gas exhalation was observed, which is attributable to the seasonal atmospheric parameters of the study area. The average 222Rn exhalation flux from the soil was estimated to be in the range of 4.5– |$20.1\ \mathrm{Bq}\ {\mathrm{m}}^{-2}\ {\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$| with a mean of |$10.1\pm 3.9\ \mathrm{mBq}\ {\mathrm{m}}^{-2}\ {\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$| and geometric mean (GM) of |$9.5\ \mathrm{mBq}\ {\mathrm{m}}^{-2}\ {\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$|⁠. Also, 20 soil samples collected from the study area were analysed by the emanometric method, which estimated the 226Ra specific activity in the soils in the range of 9– |$63\ \mathrm{Bq}\ \mathrm{k}{\mathrm{g}}^{-1}$| and a mean value of |$39\pm 16\ \mathrm{Bq}\ \mathrm{k}{\mathrm{g}}^{-1}$|⁠. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, lack of knowledge on soil fertility and appropriate nutrient management practices has restricted potato production. A field trial was conducted for 5-years during 2013-14 to 2017-18 to determine the main limiting nutrient for potato (Solanum tuberosum L) and to evaluate the nutrient management practices (NMPs). Results indicated average potato yields in nutrient omission plots was in the order 0-N (29.5 t ha-1), 0-P (31 t ha-1), 0-K (17.9 t ha-1). The agronomic efficiency at 50% applied NPK for N (AEN), P (AEP) and K (AEK) was 35 kg tuber kg-1 N, 187 kg tuber kg-1 P and 53 kg tuber kg-1 K, respectively, and the partial factor productivity of N (PFPN), P (PFPP) and K (PFPK) was 349 kg tuber kg-1 N, 1846 kg tuber kg-1 P and 523 kg tuber kg-1 K, respectively. There was significant negative relationship between AE or PFP of N, P or K and the respective nutrient rate. Apparent recovery of NPK was 31, 25 and 35%, respectively. The positive relationship between yield of nutrient omission plots and PFP and AE suggests nutrient use efficiency can be affected by soil indigenous productivity. NMP produced significant higher yield (32.9 t/ha), yield response (21%) and economic net returns (Rs 47120/ha). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria are involved in many vital biogeochemical functions in aquatic ecosystems. Owing to their small size and high growth rates, they tend to be highly responsive to any changes in their environment. This potential to reflect any kind of environmental change makes them sensitive indicators towards the effect of pollutants in aquatic systems. The present study focused on investigation of change in the bacterial community structure of Hindon River in Ghaziabad in North India, in relation to the river's pollution levels. Both spatial and temporal variation in the resident as well as active bacterial community was determined using 16S rRNA gene and transcript as molecular markers through denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Sequence analysis of eluted bands showed that Bacteroidetes followed by γ-proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, β-proteobacteria, δ-proteobacteria, ε-proteobacteria and Nitrospirae, represented the dominant phyla. Moreover, the effect of pollutants on the bacterial diversity was more conspicuous at RNA level. In addition, when assessing the diversity of culturables, 8 bacterial strains, having minimum inhibitory concentrations in the range of 200–250 mg l−1 for Ni, 75–200 mg l−1 for Co and 75–200 mg l−1 for Cd, were isolated and characterized. The identified bacteria have the potential to be used as sensitive biomarkers for the development of bioremediation strategies and their monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has been seeking technology for mass production of coal below ground. Longwall technology was accepted as one of the options a few decades ago. Unfortunately, it failed to meet the expected benchmark for success. This shortfall was deciphered and attributed to the inadequate understanding of cavability, leading to a mismatch in support performances. Hence, the present study attempted to bridge the gap in understanding of the strata behavior in longwall workings for the Indian geological formations. Four longwall panels representative of the major Indian coalfields were selected for the investigation. An effort was made to supplement the design-based knowledge of longwall workings, under different geo-mining and strata conditions. The stress redistribution was observed with the progressive mining along with the model and field-observed mechanism of strata failure, caving, and support loading. The effect of mining activities on the failure and deformation characteristics of the strata was studied using Finite Difference software FLAC3D. It was found that the geo-mechanical properties of the overlying strata and the depth of mining were the most influential factors in controlling the behavior of the strata. At shallow depth, mechanical strength and the thickness of the overlying strata were identified as the main controlling parameters for most of the ground control events. However, at greater depths, face instability appeared to be the major contributor to these events. It is inferred that the proposed numerical modeling approach could be effectively utilized for evaluation of the stress redistribution, mechanism of failure, quantification of caving span, face convergence, and support loading for longwall panels in Indian geo-mining conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in natural ecosystems provide opportunity to increase vegetation carbon sink capacity and thereby contribute to mitigation of climate change impacts. The Indian tropics and the large ecological variation within the country afford the advantage of diverse niches and offer opportunities to reveal the role of biotic factors at different levels of organization from populations to ecosystems. The last 4 decades of research and development in the Indian space science community has been primarily application driven in response to the government space programme for national development. The expenditure in R&D over next 5 year suggest that scientific research is higher on the country's agenda. The Indo-UK Terrestrial Carbon Group (IUTCG) comprising both Indian and UK scientists, funded jointly by the Department of Science and Technology, India and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills organised a workshop to explore ways in which Earth observation data can be effectively utilised in mitigating the impacts of climate change through vegetation management. Effective integration of field observations, collected through various monitoring networks, and satellite sensor data has been proposed to provide country-wide monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The un-attached part of radon (222Rn) progeny is one of the imperative variables for the definitive evaluation of the effective dose from the radon exposure perspective, and it might fluctuate enormously in various ecological conditions. Therefore, estimate dispersion of 222Rn/220Rn progeny, un-attached part and aerosol concentration was estimated in an indoor domain of Jammu and Kashmir State, India utilizing progeny deposition based sensors. Distinctive sorts of residence were picked up for this exploratory examination and maximum 222Rn and thoron (220Rn) descendants concentration was found in working environments or workplaces when contrasted from other abodes because of low ventilation rate. The average evaluated portions of an unattached for 222Rn and 220Rn are 0.29 and 0.26 and in addition, observed to be most extreme in work environments. The age-dependent dose has furthermore been determined utilizing attached and un-attached 222Rn/220Rn progeny concentrations. The dose to trachea-bronchial region and aerosol concentrations has additionally been estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tubersum L.) is the world's third most important food crop after wheat and rice. The current study was conducted to enhance potato yield under agroforestry system through adjustment of planting date and choice of appropriate cultivar. A two-season study (2015–2016 and 2016–2017) was carried out to find cumulative and interactive effect of planting time with potato cultivars on growth and yield performance of potato crop inter-cultivated with 5 and 6-year-old poplar (Populus deltoides) block plantation (spaced at 8 m × 2.5 m). Six potato cultivars [Kufri (K.) Pukhraj, K. Badshah, K. Jyoti, K. Pushkar, K. Chipsona-1 and K. Chipsona-3] were grown at two planting dates (15 November and 30 November) under two growing environments (open-field vs. intercrop in poplar plantation). The trees attained mean diameter, height and crown spread of 18.75 cm, 15.2 m and 28.1 m2, respectively at the age of 6 years. The highest average tuber weight (44.2 g), marketable yield (15.7 t ha−1) and total yield (30.9 t ha−1) were obtained in cultivar K. Pukhraj when it was planted on 15 November in open conditions as well as intercrop in poplar plantation. Thus, under intercropping system when a suitable cultivar combined with appropriate planting date, improves marketable and total yields of potato crop which is essential for sustainability of agroforestry-based cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor reproductive performance is serious limitation in exploiting the potential of cows in India. Cows are generally fed poor quality forages and imbalance mineral and concentrate mixture resulting in late maturity thereby causing economical losses to the farmers. Keeping in view present study was planned to observe the effect of mineral mixture and concentrate feed on onset of puberty of cross bred cow heifers. Eighteen cross bred cow heifers (10±1 months old) were divided into three groups (6 heifers in each) A, B and C. Group A animals were reared traditionally as farmers practice, the animals were not given the mineral mixture, Urea molasses brick and balance ration. They were reared on dry fodder, seasonal green fodder and 0.5 kg concentrate (wheat/barley) per day, no deworming and served as control. Group B animals were first dewormed with anthelmintic drug, 3g bolus of Albendazole and daily offered 30 grams of mineral mixture and 1.5 kg concentrate mixture. The composition of concentrate mixture is on the basis of recommendation of National Research Council (NRC). Group C animals were also dewormed and fed with 30 grams of Urea Molasses brick and 1.5 kg Guaras concentrate feed per day. Data regarding onset of puberty was taken by observing estrous symptoms and further confirmed through rectal palpation. A significant effect of the mineral mixture and concentrate supplementation was noted on age at puberty. Heifers in group “A” reached to the puberty at 22 ±0.76 months and animals in group “B” attained the same stage at 18±0.23 months while animals in group C attained the same stage at 19±0.66 months. Type of feeding strategy of group B showed significant effect (P<0.01) on age at puberty over feeding strategy of group A and C. It appears from the results of this study that farmers could save tremendous time andresources by feeding mineral mixture and balance concentrate to young growing stock for better animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving sustainable crop productivity and maintenance of concurrent soil organic carbon (SOC) at desired levels in cereal-based cropping systems in relatively, poorly fertile Vertisols in semi-arid rainfed ecosystem is challenging task for dryland researchers. Different soil fertilization practices can contribute to carbon (C) sequestration, which requires a detailed knowledge of SOC dynamics in soil profile (0–1.0 m). We conducted a field experiment for 6 years to study the effect of applying mineral fertilizers and organic amendments (FYM, compost, green leaf and crop residue) on profile SOC stocks, C sequestration, SOC sequestration rate, C buildup rate and sustainable yield index (SYI) of maize and blackgram crops in dry semi-arid Vertisols of western India. The study encompasses different nutrient management viz., 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) of NP, 25 kg ha−1 N (FYM) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1, 25 kg ha−1 N (Compost) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1, 25 kg ha−1 N (Crop residue) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1, 15 kg ha−1 N (FYM) + 10 kg N (Crop Residue) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1, 15 kg ha−1 N (FYM) + 10 kg N (Compost) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1, 15 kg ha−1 N (FYM) + 10 kg N (Green Leaf) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1, 100% recommended N (urea) without P and unfertilized control. Randomized Complete Block design was used wherein all the treatments were replicated thrice. Application of 15 kg ha−1 N (FYM) + 10 kg N (Crop Residue) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1 significantly improved the SOC concentration of the soil profile (0–1.0 m) than unfertilized control and treatments receiving solely mineral fertilizers. Highest SOC profile stock, C sequestration with concomitant C buildup was obtained with 15 kg ha−1 N (FYM) + 10 kg N (Crop Residue) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1. A positive correlation is observed between total C input and profile mean SOC content (R2 = 0.74), profile C stock (R2 = 0.76), C sequestration (R2 = 0.76), C sequestration rate (R2 = 0.76) at P values < 0.01. The conjunctive use of 15 kg ha−1 N (FYM) + 10 kg N (Green Leaf) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1 and 25 kg ha−1 N (FYM) + 25 kg N (Urea) + 30 kg P ha−1 resulted in highest mean grain yield of maize and blackgram, respectively, which were significantly superior to treatments receiving mineral fertilization alone. Application of organic amendments in combination with mineral fertilizers was found superior in improving the SYI. Critical C input of 1.14 Mg C ha−1 year−1 is suggested to be added in the soils externally to offset depletion of C and maintaining SOC at equilibrium in the semi-arid Vertisols of western India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of spatial variability of soil properties is useful for agricultural management decision making. This study was aimed at examining the spatial variability patterns of soil organic carbon (SOC) in a representative watershed in submontane Punjab, at field, landscape and watershed scales using geostatistical tools. Six land use systems from the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab, India lying in the Satluj Lower Sub basin watershed (code A01SUL11) were selected. Highest SOC content (0.26%) was found in the poplar agroforestry system and the least (0.16%) in the maize land uses system. The brick-kiln system showed a higher variability in SOC content (52%), followed by sesame (32.5%) and mango system (31.3%). Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) did not show a consistently positive relation with SOC. Sensitivity analysis conducted to ascertain sample size for detecting a critical change in SOC content showed that about 5000 samples were required for detecting a 0.01% critical change in SOC in the maize land use compared to fewer samples in other systems. Kriged surface was generated by using ordinary kriging for soil organic carbon in all land use types and all variables (physical, chemical and biological) showed variable degree of spatial dependence. The study revealed the potential effects of management practices on the spatial distribution of measured parameters. Geostatistical simulation showed better performance than kriging in general. Agro-forestry systems especially poplar-based showed considerable promise in carbon sequestration. Several variables especially SOC and texture varied with change in longitude and latitude, thus signifying the need for further examination of spatial variability at watershed scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present analysis of alpha diversity of Rotifera of the floodplain wetlands of Barak valley, south Assam, northeast India (NEI) reveals 170 species, belonging to 39 genera and 19 families, with three species new to the Indian sub-region and two species new to Assam state. The rich and diverse rotifer assemblages comprise ~70%, ~57% and ~39% of total species of the Phylum known till date from Assam, NEI and India, respectively and thus affirm habitat and ecological heterogeneity of the Barak River floodplain wetlands. The elements of global biogeographic importance include one Australasian, eight Oriental, 10 Paleotropical, one Indo-Chinese, one cosmo (sub) tropical and four other species, and ~37% species merit regional distribution interest for India with ~13% exclusively reported from NEI. Lecanidae (~30%) and Brachionidae Lepadellidae (~32%) largely contribute to the rotifer richness; Trichocercidae > Testudinellidae are notable (~15%), and Notommatidae, Euchlanidae, Mytilinidae, Trichotriidae and Trochosphaeridae collectively form 16.5%. Lecane is the most speciose genus; Lepadella > Brachionus = Trichocerca include ~32% species, while Testudinella > Keratella deserve mention. Rotifera of the Barak floodplains exhibit the littoral-periphytonic nature, several small sized species and tropical character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation might be a complex organic reaction to a hazardous stimulant such as pathogens, or injured tissues and mainly causes itching, swelling, skin redness, warm and slight pain. Herbal drugs are widespread in India for their effectiveness, easy availability at low cost and provide low toxicity as compared to modern drugs. Centella asiatica is one of the oldest Ayurvedic medicinal plants, used in treatment of various skin diseases. The aim of our present research was to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract and different fractions of C. asiatica leaves. In protein denaturation method, the percentage inhibition for methanolic extract was observed to be 40.22%. The petroleum ether and n-butanol fraction of methanolic extract of C. asiatica were observed to exhibits 54.12 and 44.42% inhibition, respectively. Diclofenac sodium was used as a standard drug. In comparison with other fractions petroleum ether and n-butanol fractions showed best activity. The preliminary phytochemical studies of n-butanol fractions and n-butanol fractions showed the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids etc., which are used in the treatment of inflammation. Thus, we can call the latter as intense anti-inflammatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipur is one of the north eastern states of India and it is rich in freshwater fish diversity. Among the small indigenous fishes of Manipur, Pethia manipurensis is an economically important fish having both food and ornamental value. For the taxonomic placement of this species among the cyprinid fishes, molecular characterization is conducted by using mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences. Partial sequences of mito. cox1 gene of thirty seven cyprinid species were down loaded from NCBI Genbank and the nucleotide sequence 602 bp were generated from two species i.e. Pethia manipurensis and Puntius sophore for present analysis. Here total 628 characters, 144, 459, 267 and 192 were conserved, variable, parsimony informative and singleton respectively. The average nucleotide frequencies are 26.4% (A), 29% (T), 26.4% (C), and 18.2% (G). The dendogram constructed by both Neighbour-Joining and Maximum Likelihood trees resulted in similar topologies with five clusters with eight sub-clusters which can indicate the taxonomic positions of Pethia manipurensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International trade is a basis of economic development, as the extent of an economy"s access to global markets is unequivocally related with its economic growth. Although tariffs on exports and imports have fallen by and large in on-going decades, non-tariff measures have gained increasing prominence. In particular, optimizing time and costs in the exports sector is strongly associated with exports growth, diversification and economic expansion. The financial crisis of 2008 triggered a slowdown in global economic growth, manifesting itself in a demand-driven fall in international trade, aggravated by the deficit of credit and trade finance; falling commodity prices; declining remittances; and contracting foreign direct investment (FDI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's rural poor -- small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers and other marginalized sections of rural population - face exploitative conditions today. Since Indian independence policy initiatives have been taken to mitigate their sufferings through interventions in the rural credit market by the Indian state. In this paper we undertake an evaluation of these policies in altering the sources of rural debt primarily from non-institutional to institutional sources till the economic reforms in early 1991 and then followed by reversal in trends: return of money lenders and land lords in the rural credit market. A counter argument is provided to the generally advanced argument that the implementation failure of priority sector lending led to economic reforms. Our argument is a willful design was erected by rural elite in pursuit of helping industrial capital to prepare ground for international capital to persuade Indian state to join the globalization process. Besides other data, we bring in primary data on indebtedness of 255 HHs of small and marginal farmers and landless workers in 10 villages across five blocks of district Mansa and 532 NREGA beneficiaries in 47 villages of Hoshiarpur, Muktsar and Amritsar districts (Punjab) to show that with the withdrawal of the state, money lenders and landlords have returned to the rural credit market in regions/areas inhabited by low caste and land poor people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an attempt is made to understand the impact on Social Vulnerability of the Kopili basin due to various severities of flood hazard. The flood hazard is generated using multi-temporal historical satellite based analysis and integration of annual flood inundation layers. The census of India data of 2001 and 2011 is spatially joined with village database to study the impact at village level. Using 5 Census variables from both Census 2001 & 2011 as vulnerability indicators, the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) is derived and classified into various vulnerable zones namely Low, Moderate and High Vulnerable zones. The findings of the study show that the number of villages falling in Low and High Vulnerable zones had decreased during Census 2011 when compared to 2001 and a rise of 6% in villages falling in moderate vulnerable zones during 2011 is observed. The spatial database generated is useful to understand the impact of floods on the Social Vulnerability status of the basin and can be a useful input to further study the Physical, Economic and Environmental Vulnerabilities of the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern era, nutraceutical properties of horticultural crops are indispensable to determine their adaptability to different agro-ecological regions. The present study exploits the potential of mulches (P: plastic mulch; S: straw mulch; N: No mulch) in relation to drip irrigation (I1: 100%, I2: 80%, I3: 60% of crop evapotranspiration (Etc)), and fertigation (F1: 100%, F2: 80%, F3: 60% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF): 125 kg N, 62.5 Kg P2O5, 62.5 kg K2O per ha) on Pak choi at three maturity stages in the North West region of India. Plant fresh weight was the highest at 55 days after transplanting (DAT); however, maximum soil plant analysis development (SPAD) values were registered at 45 DAT. Antioxidant activity, FRAP, DPPH, phenols, flavanols, total sugars, ascorbic acid, free amino acids, and irrigation water use efficiency were observed significantly higher in plants grown on plastic mulch at different levels of irrigation and fertigation. It is envisioned that Pak choi plants had the highest nutritional value at 45 DAT from plots mulched with silver-black, irrigated at 80% Etc, and fertigated at 100% RDF. The nutrient enriched plants are used for green salad and as ingredients for the preparation of many recipes in the semi-arid and sub-tropic areas of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Diabetes is one of the major healthcare challenges in India. The chronic nature of the disease makes the lifetime cost of the treatment exorbitantly high. The medicine cost contributes a major size of expense in diabetes management. To make healthcare available to poorest of the poor, it is imperative to control the rising cost of diabetes treatment. The earlier research works done in this area focuses more on inventory management techniques to control the cost of healthcare. Less interest is shown in the role of better supply chain partnership (SCP) in reducing the cost of procurement of medicine. The purpose of this paper is to develop and use the SCP assessment framework for a diabetes clinic. The approach is generalized enough to be adopted for other similar organization. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts self-assessment criteria of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) business excellence model for analysis of SCP in the supply chain of a private diabetes clinic in Varanasi. The paper uses analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method for calculation of weights of criteria. Findings The EFQM-based framework can be adopted as easy-to-use tool to make an objective assessment of the SCP. The proposed model in the study is a balanced model between enablers and results, which includes multiple assessment dimensions. The supply chain performance score of the diabetes clinic under study was found as the Tool Pusher, which means the effort in direction of SCP is not too good. The organization needs to clearly define the SCP goal and analyze the results to identify the gap areas. Originality/value The study is first of its kind and contributes to the literature by providing non-prescriptive and easy-to-use SCP assessment framework, for chronic disease care. The case study approach provides a procedure for the healthcare organization willing to adopt this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present the 5-year measurements of ambient ammonia (NH3), oxides of nitrogen (NO and NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) along with the meteorological parameters at an urban site of Delhi, India from January 2011 to December 2015. The average mixing ratios of ambient NH3, NO, NO2 and CO over the entire period of observations were recorded as 19.3 ± 4.4 (ppb), 20.1 ± 5.9 (ppb), 18.6 ± 4.6 (ppb) and 1.8 ± 0.5 (ppm), respectively. The mixing ratios of NH3, NO, NO2 and CO were recorded highest during winter season, followed by summer and monsoon season. In the present case, a substantial seasonal variation of NH3 was observed during all the seasons except NO, NO2 and CO. The results emphasized that the traffic could be one of the significant sources of ambient NH3 at the urban site of Delhi as illustrated by positive correlations of NH3 with traffic related pollutants (NOx and CO). Surface wind as well as back trajectory analysis also supports the road side traffic and agricultural activities at the nearby area indicating possible major sources of ambient NH3 at observational site. Trajectory analysis, potential source contribution function and concentration weighted trajectory analysis indicated the surrounding nearby areas (NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) as a significant source region of ambient NH3 at the observational site of Delhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state of Jammu and Kashmir in North India experienced one of the worst floods in the past 60 years, during the first week of September 2014. In the present study, multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite images acquired from Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite RISAT-1 and Canadian satellite Radarsat-2 during the peak flood period (08th–23rd September 2014) are used for extraction of flood disaster footprints, mapping spatial and temporal dynamics of flood inundation and assessing the disaster impact. With the aid of pre- and post-flood satellite images, coupled with hydro-meteorological data, the unprecedented flood situation is analyzed. It is estimated that about 557 km2of the Kashmir Valley's geographical area was inundated. Bandipora, Pulwama, Srinagar, Baramulla and Budgam were the worst flood affected districts, having more than 50 km2of their area affected by flood waters. Of the total inundated area, about 80% of the area under agricultural activity was submerged, followed by built-up areas constituting about 12% of geographical area. About 22 lakh people in 287 villages were affected by floods. The flood waters persisted in the northern and central part of the valley for more than two weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]