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An academic library plays a significant role in providing information services to fraternities. However, persons with disabilities need special attention and specialized services. This study aims to identify the special needs of, and the services required by, persons with disabilities or differently-abled persons. The samples were collected from graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students with disabilities in 10 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in India. The survey research design and the snowball sampling technique were used to collect samples from scattered populations across the ten IITs. A total of 217 samples were collected from the respondents. The results show that graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students with disabilities were satisfied with the library resources and services available to persons with disabilities. The students had a positive opinion about the accessibility of their libraries and the impact of information and communications technology (ICT) on their studies and research work. However, they expressed the need for more training and orientation on using new tools and services for persons with disabilities. The study identified essential library tools and services for persons with disabilities. Academic and other libraries elsewhere in the country should take a cue from the IITs and take steps to make themselves accessible and offer specialized services for persons with disabilities. The findings of this research study will be helpful for policymakers and librarians who want to establish special services for persons with disabilities.

Aeroponic is well established technology for more efficient and high quality seed potato production. An experiment was carried out at Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station, Gwalior (MP) to find out the suitable method of planting and irrigation for further multiplication of aeroponic minitubers under net house conditions with six treatment combinations. Aeroponic minitubers of two popular potato variety of the region viz Kufri Lauvkar and Kufri Surya were planted with two types of seed beds viz flat bed and ridge and furrow with 30 cm v 10 cm spacing in which sprinkler and furrow irrigation method was applied. Among planting beds, significantly higher emergence% was recorded in ridge and furrow planting (87.22) over flatbed planting method (83.89). Weight of tubers was significantly higher in sprinkler irrigation (105.7 q/ha), ridge and furrow planting (107.8 q/ha) and variety Kufri Lauvkar (114.1q/ha) over furrow irrigation (98.3 q/ha), flat bed planting (96.2 q/ha) and variety Kufri Surya (89.8 q/ha) respectively. Significantly higher seed size (40-80g) tubers were recorded in sprinkler irrigation method (3% by number and 12.6% by weight) and variety Kufri Lauvkar (3.6% by number and 17.6% by weight) over furrow irrigation and Kufri Surya. Therefore, for higher production, minituber multiplication should be done in ridge and furrow method of planting with sprinkler irrigation under North-Central conditions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to analyse the role of dual challenges in the HIV epidemic in India, especially in the context of the criticality of the emerging epidemic, in altering the HIV discordance among couples. Analysis of the evidence from two rounds of community-based HIV testing (NFHS-3&4) portrays that coverage of HIV testing in India has remarkably increased (91%) over the last decade. Although the overall prevalence of HIV in the country has declined, a noticeable decline can be found only among the males. The percentage of HIV concordant among couples in India remains unchanged (0.11%). Whereas, HIV prevalence among the couples where only the male partner is HIV positive has declined to 0.17% in NFHS-4 from 0.32% in NFHS-3. On the other hand, among couples where only the woman is HIV positive, the prevalence has increased. This shows that Indian women are in a disadvantageous position, and the gender difference in new infections is narrowing down. Thus, it can be said that the emerging HIV epidemic is altering the HIV discordance among couples in India, which poses the need to effectively and rapidly refine the HIV prevention strategies to target the sub-typologies and vulnerabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of liberalization and globalization of Indian economy has brought new opportunities and challenges in all areas of human endeavor including education. Educational institutions have to adopt new strategies to make best use of the opportunities and counter the challenges. One of these challenges is how to assess the performance of academic programs based on multiple criteria. Keeping this in view, this paper attempts to evaluate the performance efficiencies of 19 academic departments of IIT Roorkee (India) through data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique. The technique has been used to assess the performance of academic institutions in a number of countries like USA, UK, Australia, etc. But we are using it first time in Indian context to the best of our knowledge. Applying DEA models, we calculate technical, pure technical and scale efficiencies and identify the reference sets for inefficient departments. Input and output projections are also suggested for inefficient departments to reach the frontier. Overall performance, research performance and teaching performance are assessed separately using sensitivity analysis. (Contains 8 tables.)

An accurate investigation of bio-physical and chemical parameters as proxy of in situ water quality conditions in the Himalayan region is highly challenging owing to cumbersome, strenuous, and physically exhausting sampling exercises at high altitude locations. The upper stretches of Yamuna River in the Himachal Pradesh are typical examples of such sampling locations that have rarely been examined in the past studies. A widely accepted and recognized QUAL 2Kw model is applied for estimating the water quality parameters on the upper segment of the Yamuna River from Paonta Sahib to Cullackpur. These water quality indicators mainly included electric conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, carbonaceous biological oxygen demand (CBOD), inorganic suspended solids, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and alkalinity, which were systematically investigated for predicting the spatio-temporal trends during the year 2018. A total of 12 distantly located river sites were identified for sample collection and data validation using QUAL 2Kw model. The present investigation attempts to reveal long-term degraded impact of untreated wastewater and biased agricultural practices on the water quality conditions over the upper stretches of Yamuna River. The QUAL 2Kw-derived values for selected variables were inter-compared with in situ values, and any deviation from measured values was ascertained based on meaningful statistical measures. The lower error of RMSE, MRE, and BIAS, corresponding to < 15%, ± 10%., ± 20%, and ~ 1 slope evidently indicated better matchup of values, wherein, higher slope correlation coefficient (R2) of ~ 90% indicated the robust performance of the QUAL 2Kw algorithm in accurately predicting the chosen variables. A comparative assessment of QUAL 2Kw and WASP has been performed to justify aptness of water quality model in scenarios of lean flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the fact that rhyolite constitute a vital part of the key tectonic environments, such as continental rift-arc systems and oceanic islands, the data on the thermal and physical properties are scarce, which hinders the exact thermal modelling of these regions. Here, we have investigated the thermal conductivity from room temperature (25 °C) to elevated temperatures (up to 300 °C) for 11 massive rhyolite samples, collected from the greenstone belt of the Bundelkhand Craton, central India. The petrographical, geochemical (major oxide and trace elements) and physical (density and porosity) properties have been studied to characterize the samples before measurement of thermal conductivity at elevated temperatures. Geochemical results indicate that these rhyolites are high-K (K2O: 3.6–5.4 wt. per cent), calc-alkaline in nature with enriched REE signatures {(La/Yb)N: 9.4–22.3, (Gd/Yb)N: 1.2–1.9} and are similar to FI-type Archaean rhyolites. The density of these rhyolites depicts a narrow range between 2590 and 2690 kg m−3, with an average of 2637 kg m−3 and negligible porosity. Their thermal conductivity at room temperature varies between 2.5 and 3.3 W m−1 K−1, with an average of 2.8 W m−1 K−1; the decrease in thermal conductivity from room temperature to 300 °C ranges between 16 and 32 per cent, with an average of 23 per cent; and the temperature coefficient of thermal conductivity b , in the expression λ T = λRT (1 +  bT)−1, varies between 0.7 × 10−3 and 1.7 × 10−3 K−1 with an average of 1.1 × 10−3 K−1. Our study reveals that the massive rhyolites have an almost similar density as their intrusive equivalent like Bundelkhand granitoids, but their thermal properties, such as thermal conductivity at room temperature (λRT), decrease in thermal conductivity with temperatures (Δλ) and the temperature coefficient of thermal conductivity (b), lies between the two extreme variety of the granitoids, that is (i) alkali feldspar granite to monzogranite and (ii) granodiorite to tonalite to quartz diorite. We suggest that the temperature coefficient of the massive rhyolite can be expressed as b  = 0.81 × λRT–1.21, which will be useful in determining the thermal conductivity of such rhyolites at elevated temperatures from their thermal conductivity at room temperature (λRT). Thermal and physical parameters reported for rhyolites will provide important constraints in various geophysical and thermo-mechanical modelling for the rhyolitic terrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North-eastern Himalayan (NEH) region of India possesses numerous unique and traditionally important Capsicum landraces. The extent of phenotypic variation and phylogenetic relationship of the NEH Capsicum landraces is poorly understood. Therefore, Capsicum landraces consisting of 34 Capsicum annuum L., 5 C. chinense Jacq. and 57 C. frutescens L, that were collected from different states NEH region of India, were studied for morpho-genetic diversity. Accessions were agro-morphologically characterised using the IPGRI minimal descriptors. Genetic diversity analysis was done using 20 microsatellite markers spanning all 13 linkage groups of Capsicum. Multivariate analyses indicated that C. frutescens accessions were agro-morphologically different from both C. annuum and C. chinense. On an average, 3.6 alleles per locus were detected. Considerable genetic diversity (polymorphic information content, PIC = 0.46) was found within the accessions. The phylogenetic and model-based population structure analyses classified the landraces into two to three groups with varied species homogeneity with a majority of members in a cluster belonging to the same species. This study provides important information on the morpho-agronomic variability and genetic structure of chilli landraces of northeastern India which will be useful to identify groups with similar genetic backgrounds for conservation and effective selection of parents for future breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An impressive progress has been made in development and promotion of extra-large kabuli chickpea varieties in India during the past decade. As a result, India has become from importer to exporter of kabuli chickpea. The breeding programmes need to continue efforts on enhancing genetic gain in breeding kabuli chickpea varieties through increasing genetic variability and precision and efficiency of selection. This study was aimed at evaluating early segregating generations of chickpea to assess genetic variability for various important traits. Methods: Four large-seeded kabuli chickpea genotypes (JGK 2, KAK 2, KRIPA and ICC 17109); were crossed with a common smallseeded kabuli genotype (ICC 16644). F1, F2 and F3 along with parents were evaluated under normal field conditions and observations were recorded on various phenological, morphological and yield traits. Data was analysed to estimate genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in the segregating populations. Result: Considerably high variability was observed in F2 and F3 populations of all the crosses. Heritability estimates in broad sense were high coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean for days to first flower, days to pod initiation, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant and 100-seed weight which indicated the presence of additive gene action for these traits. Large number of transgressive segregants was identified for number of seeds per plant followed by number of pods per plant and yield per plant. The most promising transgressive segregants could be used in future breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging is the foremost challenge in recent times, given the demographic shift in populations across the world. It implies the costs of healthcare burden and involves economic and social security challenges through shortage of labor supply, consumption–saving paradox, increase in expenditure on healthcare, and most importantly, social capital among the developing countries. Furthermore, there is a likely challenge of old age security in terms of income and expenditure due to increasing healthcare costs and low earning incentives at older ages. India currently has the second largest population globally, with >9% of its population accounting for aging. Based on the multidimensional aging index (AI) using the latest longitudinal survey data of older adults in India, we examined the possible challenges of the economics of aging in India while examining the economic health and social outcomes of the elderly. Our results found that the elderly in India are highly exposed to negative impacts due to vulnerability in socio-economic and health spheres of life. Low labor force participation, lack of skills, and low literacy are the prevalent challenges faced by the elderly Indian population, particularly women. Similarly, the fiscal challenges include increased income tax and insurance coverage for the elderly, while health challenges imply a greater proportion of the disabled and multi-morbid, leading to more burden on the health and welfare system of India. Thus, given the possible short- and long-term effects of aging on the path of economic growth in India, policy incentives are required to minimize the impact and avert the burden of population aging in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field trial was conducted under AICRP (Potato) at ICAR-CPRI, Regional station, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India during 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 with advanced potato hybrids viz. HT/7-1105, HT/7-620 and HT/7-1329 along with controls Kufri Lima, Kufri Surya, Kufri Khyati and Kufri Lauvkar in RBD with 3 replications during second week of October every year. Emergence among hybrids and varieties was >85.0%. Plant vigor was higher in Kufri Lima (4.4) followed by HT/7-1329 and Kufri Surya (4.0). At 60 days, all the hybrids except HT/7-620 recorded significantly higher tuber dry matter over Kufri Khyati (15.0%). At 75 and 90 days, 2 hybrids and controls except Kufri Khyati recorded significantly higher dry matter over hybrid HT/7-620 (17.4% for 75 days and 18.1% for 90 days). Total tuber yield of Kufri Lima (23.5 t ha-1) followed by hybrid HT/7-1329 (23.4 t ha-1) at 60 days at same level of GDD (Growing degree days) of 1134, Kufri Lima (32.4 t ha-1) followed by Kufri Khyati (30.2 t ha-1) and hybrid HT/7-1329 (29.4 t ha-1) at 75 days at same level of GDD (Growing degree days) of 1291 and Kufri Lima (36.6 t ha-1) followed by hybrid HT/7-1329 (35.6 t ha-1) at 90 days at same level of GDD (Growing degree days) of 1426 recorded significantly higher or at par total tuber yield respectively than other controls/hybrids. Hybrid HT/7-1329 and Kufri Lima at 60, 75 and 90 days recorded highest economic return over other hybrids and varieties. Hence, Hybrid HT/7-1329 and variety Kufri Lima found to be most suitable for cultivation under early planting of hot prone areas of West-Central India for getting highest remunerative prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Weeds are the major threat to direct seeded rice and a single strategy of weed control may not be effective for seasonlong weed control. Intending to accomplish the long-term and sustainable weed management of direct seeded rice, the integration approach of weed management strategies seems a better alternative. The current field study was aimed to evaluate the impact of integration of different weed control methods on direct seeded rice under irrigated ecosystem on weed growth and rice yield. Methods: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and twelve treatments during 2017 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. The twelve treatments included the combination of cultural, mechanical, physical and chemical weed management methods. Result: Combination of stale seedbed technique integrated with pre-emergence application of pendimethalin with mechanical weeding at 25 DAS followed by 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS, Sesbania (line sowing) fb application of pendimethalin (PE) fb 1 mechanical weeding at 25 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS, stale seedbed with application of pendimethalin (PE) with Sesbania brown manuring supplemented with mechanical weeding (25 DAS) fb hand weeding at 45 DAS, mulching with wheat straw mulch along with postemergence application of penoxsulam (20 DAS) fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS and application of pendimethalin (PE) fb penoxsulum (PoE) at 20 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS with a row spacing of 25 cm found to be similar in the suppression of weed population and weed density at 40 and 60 DAS and crop yields (4.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.0 and 4.2 t/ha, respectively) were on par with weed free plot i.e. 4.4t/ha. Application of pendimethalin (PE) fb penoxsulum (PoE) at 20 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS with row spacing of 25 cm recorded 93.7%, 90.6% and 4.5% weed control efficiency, weed control index and weed index respectively, which was similar with above integrated weed management treatments. A negative correlation of the weed density and dry matter with the yield of rice was recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Climate and management practices impact the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of agricultural soils. Especially under the semiarid climate of India, organic matter is rapidly decomposed, and imbalanced nutrient input further exacerbates its depletion, thus facilitating the decline in soil quality and crop yields. Improving SOC contents through integrated nutrient management (INM), that is, conjunctive use of organic and chemical sources of nutrients, could ameliorate soil health and sustain crop yields. Aim: To assess the potential of the INM approach to enhance the SOC status, soil quality, crop production, and drought adaptation of pearl millet under rainfed conditions. Methods: Nutrient inputs were supplied through mineral fertilizers, organic manures, and a combination of both. SOC sequestration, sustainable yield index, plant‐available N, P, K, and water, bulk density, and KMnO4‐oxidizable C were estimated. Results: Higher SOC sequestration rate (0.50 and 0.48 Mg ha−1 y−1 in 50% N (fertilizer) + 50% N (farmyard manure), and 50% N (fertilizer) + 50% N (crop residue), respectively) and significant increase in soil fertility were recorded in organically amended treatments. Improvement of 1 Mg ha−1 of SOC stock in the root zone (0.4 m depth) reduced the severity of drought and increased the yield by 38 kg ha−1. Plots under organic amendments suffered less yield losses under short‐duration droughts, but this positive effect could only be exploited when the rainfall deficit was up to 25%. Conclusion: Managements that add up to 1.2 Mg ha−1 y−1 SOC are adaptive and climate‐resilient strategies in dry semiarid degraded Inceptisols of the Indo‐Gangetic Plains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Insemination (AI) in goats is less developed compared to the large animals due to the lack of suitable protocol of goat semen freezing and AI in India. The AI plays a pivotal role in the long-term ex-situ in vitro conservation of threatened breeds, increased productivity, and performance of a large number of nondescript and low potential goats. The objective of the present study was to enhance the life and fertility potential of cryopreserved semen and consequently the conception rate through frozen semen AI by the addition of catalase in an extender. Ejaculates (30) were collected and were extended with tris-citric acid-fructose diluent. Catalases were added in diluent (0 IU/mL, 200 IU/mL, 400 IU/mL, 600 IU/mL, 800 IU/mL and 1000 IU/mL). Analysis of data using SPSS 16 revealed that motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa were counted differed significantly (P<0.05) at different concentrations of catalase. The post-thaw motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity, and hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa were significantly (P<0.05) highest in 800 U/mL of catalase used in the present study. Mitochondrial membrane potential was also significantly highest (P<0.05) in frozen semen in 800 IU/mL catalase. Goats (20) were inseminated with frozen semen straw of 800 IU/mL catalase and 8 goats (40%) were pregnant. The conception rate in the control group was 35%. Our study suggested that the addition of catalase reduced the detrimental effects of freezing on motility, viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity and can be used for routine semen freezing and AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed potato cost is very important component in total potato production and account for 30 to 70% which varies depending on the country or region. Tuber size is an important factor to decide the seed requirement per unit area. Seed size affects total yield, graded or marketable tuber yields. Standard seed tuber of 25-125 g weight (30-55 mm) is known as seed size tubers in India. Obtaining seed size tuber is important for achieving higher potential of the cultivars. The tuber size profile can be reduced or expanded by altering inter and intra row seed spacing, controlling days of growth by planting late or killing vines/haulm early, regulating inputs like fertilizer and water etc. An ideal combination of plant population, row width, and in-row seed spacing for a particular variety were the major factors for optimizing tuber size. Variation in tuber bulking ability in different genotypes results in variation in proportion of seed size tubers among different varieties. 70-80 days haulm killing found most suitable for getting higher proportion of seed size tubers in high bulking varieties. Proper management of N, P and K fertilizers is considered very important to maximize tuber yield and attain desirable quality. Variability in nitrogen dose/ha was observed which ranged from 100-150 between different regions of the world. Hence proper combination of above Agro-techniques should be adopted in seed production programme as per the region for getting higher proportion of seed size/plantable seed tubers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Once thought to be a minor disease, foliar blast disease of pearl millet, caused by Magnaporthe grisea , has recently emerged as an important biotic constraint for pearl millet production in India. The presence of a wider host range as well as high pathogenic heterogeneity complicates host–pathogen dynamics. Furthermore, environmental factors play a significant role in exacerbating the disease severity. An attempt was made to unravel the genotype-by-environment interactions for identification and validation of stable resistant genotypes against foliar blast disease through multi-environment testing. A diversity panel consisting of 250 accessions collected from over 20 different countries was screened under natural epiphytotic conditions in five environments. A total of 43 resistant genotypes were found to have high and stable resistance. Interestingly, most of the resistant lines were late maturing. Combined ANOVA of these 250 genotypes exhibited significant genotype-by-environment interaction and indicated the involvement of crossover interaction with a consistent genotypic response. This justifies the necessity of multi-year and multi-location testing. The first two principal components (PCs) accounted for 44.85 and 29.22% of the total variance in the environment-centered blast scoring results. Heritability-adjusted genotype plus genotype × environment interaction (HA-GGE) biplot aptly identified "IP 11353" and "IP 22423, IP 7910 and IP 7941" as "ideal" and "desirable" genotypes, respectively, having stable resistance and genetic buffering capacity against this disease. Bootstrapping at a 95% confidence interval validated the recommendations of genotypes. Therefore, these genotypes can be used in future resistance breeding programs in pearl millet. Mega-environment delineation and desirability index suggested Jaipur as the ideal environment for precise testing of material against the disease and will increase proper resource optimization in future breeding programs. Information obtained in current study will be further used for genome-wide association mapping of foliar blast disease in pearl millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a high risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to the increased likelihood of clinical exposure during patient management. The study objective was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and its predictors among hospital employees. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at a teaching hospital from August 2020 to September 2020 among 1,401 employees, including 1,217 HCWs, in New Delhi, India. The serum samples were examined for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 using the COVID Kavach-Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Data were collected electronically using the EpiCollect mobile platform. A p<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: A total of 169 participants (12.1%) had detectable IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The highest seropositivity rate was observed in the administrative staff (20.1%), while it was lowest among medical doctors (5.5%, p<0.001). Male sex and ever having lived in a containment zone were independently associated with past infection with SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers may be lower than in the general population in New Delhi. However, nonpharmaceutical interventions were not associated with a reduction in the risk of acquisition of SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wilt is one of the important diseases of sugarcane. The disease incidence may range from 0-75% in different sugarcane varieties under variable climatic conditions in India. It is more than 100 years when the disease was first reported in India, but still a lot of work is required in this field. The detail and extensive studies on the pathogenicity, epidemiology, population biology, variability, host resistance and management of the associated pathogens of wilt are needed to accelerate the research in this field. The disease is mainly confined to Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Gujarat, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana where moderate to severe incidence of wilt was recorded, while the disease has been found in traces in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Conflicting claims have been made by many workers regarding true causal organism of wilt. Along with Fusarium, two genera i.e. Cephalosporium and Acremonium were found to be associated with the disease under different climatic conditions in India. Though, based on morphological and molecular characteristics SBI, Coimbatore claimed that the pathogen of wilt is Fusarium sacchari in tropical climate of India, but more research is needed on wilt of sugarcane in sub-tropical parts of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a methodology to find out a suitable ocean wave energy converter (OWEC) device for Indian coastal region. A comprehensive literature survey of all the existing OWEC devices is done and thereafter, 13 OWEC devices are shortlisted on the basis of Indian coastal wave power flux density. A systematic approach is used to predict unknown quantities such as: total annual cost per MW, system overall efficiency and relative impact on surrounding. List of the selected devices is narrowed down based on total annual cost per MW, efficiency and effect on surrounding environment. The proposed analysis concluded that cost-effective OWEC devices which are efficient as well as eco-friendly are L1-L3 (Sweden), and SSG (Norway) for Indian coast. A similar approach can also be applied to predict a suitable OWEC device for other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ager: Journal of Depopulation & Rural Development Studies / Revista de Estudios sobre Despoblación y Desarrollo Rural is the property of Rolde de Estudios Aragoneses and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the regional profile of poverty in Uttar Pradesh, one of the most populated and impoverished states of India. It also identifies the factors underlying the inter-regional differences of poverty in the state.Design/methodology/approach Regional estimates have been evaluated by dividing the state into four economically classified regions (Western, Central, Southern, and Eastern), using the unit-level records of two latest available Consumption Expenditure Surveys of NSSO representing the period 2009-2010 and 2011-2012. Poverty has been defined by the latest available Rangarajan Expert Groups’ poverty line and aggregated in terms of headcount ratio and share of below poverty line population. Furthermore, to investigate the correlates of poverty, a survey-based logistic regression has been estimated specifically for each region and for both rural and urban areas.Findings Estimates reveal that though overall poverty in the state has declined, inter-regional poverty trends witness rise in the level of impoverishment particularly in urban Southern Region (SR), rural Eastern Region (ER), and in both rural and urban areas of Central Region. Nevertheless, the inter-regional disparity in poverty has observed a decline; it can further be eliminated if such high poverty reduction in urban ER and rural SR is sustained along with a similar progress in their impoverished counterparts.Originality/value The study recommends that poverty alleviating policies in the state should focus more on reducing the household size, development of socially excluded sub-groups (Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes), delivery of basic facilities (education and health care), and enhancement of employment prospects for casual laborers, with special emphasis on identified impoverished regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to search importance of infrastructural items for agricultural growth in the region on the basis of secondary data on development of infrastructural facilities for the period from 1984-85 to 2013-14. The analysis of study found that there was significant increase in area irrigated by wells and tanks from 0.31 per cent and 0.33 per cent during period I to 1.41 per cent and 0.59 per cent in overall period, respectively whereas area irrigated by canals was found to be highest (86.55 per cent). As far as physical infrastructural items are concerned, development was improved considerably and substantially in the region. Surface road length and storage capacity for agricultural produce has increased by 31.02 per cent and 59.10 per cent, respectively, during the period under study. All infrastructural items have shown increasing trend in terms of percentage changes over the base period except number of godowns which decreased by 1.28 per cent over base period during the entire period. Growth rate were positive for distribution of agricultural implements, road length both surfaced and unsurfaced, number of godowns, storage capacity and tube wells/pump sets and negative for credit disbursements and electrification of villages during overall period under study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyze the growth on the basis of secondary data in area, production and productivity of major crops in Jammu region for the period from 1984-85 to 2013-14. The comparison has been made over the time to examine the trends and it was observed that in Jammu region rice, maize and wheat crop dominated the area and these crops together occupied more than 84 per cent of gross cropped area during the last three decades. The entire period 1984-85 to 2013-14 found that rice, maize, wheat, millets, condiments and spices, fruits and vegetables, fodder crops had positive area growth while pulses, barley, jawar, bajra, sugarcane, oilseeds and fibers had negative area growth. The production was positive for rice, wheat and pulses and negative for maize whereas as yield was recorded positive for rice, wheat and pulses and negative for maize crop. The study concluded that most of the cultivated land is dominated by cereals groups, therefore, need for crop diversification which ultimately leads to protection of soil health, regular returns, employment opportunities as well as better and balanced diet for the local people in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The milk has high nutritional properties and is widely used as baby food in different forms. The present study was undertaken to evaluate pesticide contamination in bovine milk samples from Patna district of Bihar. Out of 24 samples analyzed during 2012, 18 samples (75 %) were found to be contaminated with HCH residues varying from ND-0.178 mg kg-1 (mean value 0.135 mg kg-1). Seven samples (29.2 %) had HCH exceeding MRL of 0.01 mg kg-1. DDT residues were detected in 20 samples (83.3 %) and ranged from ND-0.132 mg kg-1 (mean value 0.122 mg kg-1). Five samples (20.8 %) contained DDT residues above the prescribed MRL of 0.05 mg kg-1. Out of 24 samples of bovine milk analyzed during 2013, 16 samples (66.7 %) were found to be contaminated with HCH and 15 samples (62.5%) with DDT residues. The residues of HCH varied from ND-0.154 mg kg-1 (mean value 0.053 mg kg-1) and DDT from ND-0.120 mg kg-1 (mean value 0.122 mg kg-1). The residues of HCH and DDT were above MRL in four samples (16.7 %) and three samples (12.5 %) respectively. The management practices of animals and legal punishment on using banned pesticides are the alternatives to reduce pesticide contamination incidences in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different body biometric traits were analysed in Kajali ewes (395) of Punjab (India) using varimax rotated principal components (PCA) with Kaiser Normalization to explain their body conformation and were subsequently used to predict adult body weight. These traits revealed that Kajali sheep were large in size and suitable for mutton production. The positive and highly significant phenotypic correlations among most of the traits indicates high predictability among these traits. PCA extracted major three components which explained 68.66% of total variation of body biometry. First component described the body size and explained about 36% of total variation. It was represented by high component loadings for chest girth, paunch girth and body weight. The second component described the tail length, height and ear length and explained about 21% variation. The communalities ranges between 0.33 (face length) to 0.87 (chest girth). The lower communality of face length and ear length indicates that these traits are less effective to explain the body conformation. The study suggested that PCA could be used in breeding programme for phenotypic selection of Kajali ewes and PCA is more appropriate compared to multiple regression analysis in predicting adult body weight. In predicting body weight using multiple regression analysis, chest girth alone accounted for 55% of total variation in body weight whereas, use of first principal component as a single predictor explained 79% of total variance and the best prediction equation (R2 = 0.83) was obtained after inclusion of second and third component in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Energy supply delivered via various energy projects is an important aspect of energy security for India. Managing supply through various capacity additions for providing continuous electricity 24×7 by 2019 is a significant challenge for the country. In this context, there is a need to assess the present situation of energy generation from the traditional energy projects that are being installed for the purpose of capacity addition. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to develop an inquiry model based on situation-actor-process (SAP), learning-action-performance (LAP) for the Indian energy and power sectors to analyze the status of the supply side of energy security.Design/methodology/approach A SAP-LAP model is used to synthesize the situations of both the energy and power sectors. For both systems, inquiry- and matrices-based SAP-LAP models have been considered for this purpose. The situation is presented for various issues related to the execution of different types of energy projects. Actors in these sectors are classified by those who are responsible and engaged in the execution of various energy projects. For demonstration purposes, only a thermal energy project is highlighted in this case study. Based on the synthesis of SAP elements, various LAP elements are analyzed which leads to lessons that may be learnt from the case. Suitable actions are identified, followed by an assessment of their impact on the performance of the energy projects.Findings By developing a framework for a SAP-LAP model for the assessment of energy security, it was found that both sectors need more investment for their sustainable growth and that the actors identified should be proactive in their decision making. Decision making should be based on the sustainable management practices of life cycle management and life cycle costing for the better utilization of energy resources to strengthen overall energy security.Research limitations/implications The SAP-LAP analysis is used to explain the supply side of energy security in a managerial context, as applied in the case of the Indian energy and power sectors. However, some other quantitative multiple-criteria decision-making techniques like the preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations, the complex proportional assessment of alternatives, the analytic hierarchy process or qualitative interactions assessment techniques such as interpretive structural modeling (ISM), total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) or the interpretive ranking process can also be explored for the development of an energy security framework.Practical implications The synthesis of SAP leads to LAP, which bridges the gap by suggesting improvement actions based on learning from the present situation of power supply, from actors in the industry and from existing processes. The model presents the situation of energy security in terms of the timely execution of energy projects and their impacts on the gross domestic product of the country.Social implications The framework for learning can provide information to the various stakeholders, investors and sector organizations inquiring about various issues related to energy projects and supporting the idea for energy security and sustainability.Originality/value The SAP-LAP model is a novel approach for analyzing the present status of energy supply performance in a single model, which can act as the support for decision making in conflicting situations, specifically the conflicting nature of the Indian energy and power sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child labour is not only detrimental to individual children, but also to the society, community and the nation as it negatively affects the pace of economic growth by preventing full realization of positive externalities associated with human capital formation. It is also one of the major causes and consequences of poverty. Until early 1990, India had one of the highest incidences of child labour and out of school children in the world. Following the launching of economic reforms, India’s economy started growing at an accelerated rate in the post-reforms era, along with faster decline in the incidence of poverty. In the post-reforms era, the state of India also launched a slew of policies and programmes to eradicate child labour and to increase school enrolment in the country. But, had there been a phenomenal decline in the incidence of child labour and ‘nowhere’ children in the country? Had there been a phenomenal increase in school enrolment and decline in gender educational disparity in the post-reforms era in India? This article addresses these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to assess fertilizer effect on pearl millet–wheat yield and plant-soil nutrients with the following treatments: T1, control; T2, 100% nitrogen (N); T3, 100% nitrogen and phosphorus (NP); T4, 100% nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK); T5, 100% NPK + zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) at 25 kg ha−1; T6, 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t ha−1; T7, 100% NPK+ verimcompost (VC) at 2.5 tha−1; T8, 100% NPK + sulfur (S) at 25 kg ha−1; T9, FYM at 10 t ha−1; T10, VC at 2.5 t ha−1; T11, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 t ha−1 + 25 kg S ha−1+ ZnSO4at 25 kg ha−1; and T12, 150% NPK treatments. Treatments differed significantly in influencing soil-plant nutrients and grain and straw yields of both crops. Grain yield had significant correlation with soil-plant N, P, K, S, and zinc (Zn) nutrients. The study indicated superiority of T11for attaining maximum pearl millet grain yield (2885 kg ha−1) and straw yield (7185 kg ha−1); amounts of N (48.9 kg ha−1), P (8.8 kg ha−1), K (26.3 kg ha−1), S (20.6 kg ha−1), and Zn (0.09 kg ha−1) taken up; and amounts of soil N (187.7 kg ha−1), P (13.7 kg ha−1), K (242.5 kg ha−1), S (10.1 kg ha−1), and Zn (0.70 kg ha−1). It was superior for wheat with grain yield (5215 kg ha−1) and straw yield (7220 kg ha−1); amounts of N (120.7 kg ha−1), P (13.8 kg ha−1), K (30 kg ha−1), S (14.6 kg ha−1), and Zn (0.18 kg ha−1) taken up; and maintaining soil N (185.7 kg ha−1), P (14.5 kg ha−1), K (250.5 kg ha−1), S (10.6 kg ha−1), and Zn (0.73 kg ha−1). Based on the study, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 tha−1+ Zn at 25 kg ha−1+ S at 25 kg ha−1could be recommended for attaining maximum returns of pearl millet–wheat under semi-arid Inceptisols. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has become the leading cause of end‑stage renal disease worldwide. Non‑diabetic renal disease (NDRD), is known to occur in diabetic patients. The renal and retinal relationship in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with nephropathy is not uniform. This study was carried to study the histological spectrum of nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients with proteinuria and its relationship with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Total 31 (males ‑ 26; females ‑ 5) proteinuric type 2 diabetic patients were studied. Average age of patients was 50.7 years. Nephrotic syndrome was noted in 21 (67.7%) patients. Overall, isolated DN, NDRD and NDRD superimposed on DN (mixed lesion) were observed in 12 (38.7%), 13 (41.9%) and 6 (19.4%) cases, respectively. DR was absent in 21/31 (67.7%) cases. The spectrum of nephropathy in patients without DR included: DN in 6 (28.57%), NDRD in 12 (57.14%) and mixed lesion in 3 (14.29%). Kidney histology in patients with DR (n‑10) revealed DN in 6 (60%), NDRD in 1 (10%) and mixed lesion in 3 (30%) patients. Thus, absence of DR favors NDRD but does not exclude DN because isolated DN was noted in 28.57% cases in absence of DR. Similarly biopsy proven NDRD (pure NDRD; 10% and mixed lesion; 30%) was noted in 40% of cases in presence of DR. In summary, patients with T2DM had higher incidence of NDRD. DR is less frequent (32.3%) in type 2 diabetes and is a poor predictor of type of nephropathy. Hence, renal biopsy is essential for precise diagnosis of nephropathy in patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure technical efficiencies, slacks and input/output targets for 50 large Indian pharmaceutical firms. Design/methodology/approach – The data are collected from Prowess of Centre for Monitoring of Indian Economy for the financial year 2010-2011. This study uses data envelopment analysis approach, taking raw material, salaries and wages, advertisement and marketing and capital usage cost as input variables and net sales revenue as output variable. Findings – The paper finds that out of 50 firms, nine firms were overall technical efficient while 19 firms pure technical efficient and thus defined the efficient frontier. The BCC model identified that the inefficiency is either due to inefficient managerial performance or scale utilization. Further, firms are classified as high, low and middle robust firms on the basis of peer count. The study also analysed the slacks which were found to be significant in regard of some inputs, especially advertisement and marketing. The targets setting results have shown that all the inputs have significant scope for reduction. Practical implications – The empirical results are useful in assessing the relative efficiency of the large Indian drug and pharmaceutical industry (ID&P) firms. The managers and owners can take corrective actions to reduce the cost of operations by optimizing advertising and marketing cost, capital usage cost and salary and wages so as to improve their efficiency. Originality/value – Unlike the previous studies on the efficiency of the ID&P industry, the paper have shown the significance of improvement in managerial performance and scale utilization. In addition to this, excess inputs used in the production process and also possible target values of inputs and outputs are shown in the study. The robustness and stability of efficiency scores is also checked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the role of the Indian Punjab government in addressing agricultural diversification through contract farming. It also analyzes prospects of diversification for the Punjab state employing the 59th Round of NSSO unit-level data. The findings suggest lack of policy effectiveness for diversification in terms of market institutions and prices which has failed to fetch better crop incomes for the diversified farm households. The analysis of the latest Punjab Contract Farming Act 2013 raises questions about the interventionist approach of the government. The insights from this article suggest that the government needs to strengthen infrastructure, marketing and pricing structure, and identify region-specific crops for diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) marks the turning point in the manage-ment of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Very high levels of adherence are prerequisite for a successful immunological response. Low adherence rates increase the risk of treatment resistance and disease progression and also the chances of further transmission of re-sistant viruses will be increased. The study was conducted in three districts of Manipur. The two stage sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 308, comprising 193 males and 115 females. The rate of adherence for males and females was 72 and 75 percent, respectively. Primary data was collected through personal interviews from par-ticipants visiting the ART centres. A semi-structured proforma was used for collection of socio-demographic and economic data related to adherence to ARV. None of the factors had significant relationship to ART adherence, except that of employment status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extensive survey was carried out for the infestation of plant parasitic nematodes associated with vegetable growing fields i.e., tomato and okra. Soil and root samples were collected from 238 tomato fields represents 16 different locations (villages) where TSS-1 to TSS-238 varieties and 227 soil and root samples from the okra fields were collected (OSS-1 to OSS-227) represents 16 different locations (16 villages) to identify the hot spots of plant-parasitic nematodes of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Results revealed that incidence of root-knot nematodes were found 60% and 55.9% in tomato and okra fields, respectively. Beraunji, Basahra, Mansoorabad and Urua villages were found most infested areas of okra and tomato crops. Root-knot nematode infestation was found to maximum i.e., 60%. Moreover, other plant-parasitic nematodes such as Rotylenchulus reniformis, Longidorus spp., Hoplolaimus spp., Hemicriconemoides spp., Xiphinema spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp., Paratylenchus spp., and Pratylenchus spp., were also recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which examines the social circumstances under which adolescents are involved in alcohol abuse and risky sexual behavior in low-income slums of Mumbai, India. The study aimed at obtaining insights from stakeholders into the problems of risk reduction of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The present study was carried out with the aim to determine if, orthodontic patients accumulate measurable concentration of Ni in blood or not, since the recent evidences shows the allergenic actions of Ni in various forms and orthodontic appliances have been reported to produce Ni allergy. In our experiment, the blood samples were taken before the insertion of appliance and at an interval of 6 months over a total time period of 18 months (four sets) from the Oral Health Department of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India. In all the four sets of blood samples the common trace elements were detected viz. S, K, Ca, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn and Br. Our result shows the complete absence of Ni in the blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study incorporates a documentary evidence of vertical/subvertical shear zones in the central part of the undelkhand massif, central India. The shear zones are aligned E-W and are characterized by the occurrence of ylonites that show vertical/subvertical foliation. The shear zones involve a variety of metamorphic and metavolcanic lock types. These shear zones appear to be the oldest and pre-tectonic in the context of early Proterozoic undelkhand granitoids. It is possible that the thin nature of the Archaean crust was mainly responsible for the formation of these vertical shear zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern part of the Bundelkhand Massif shows a series of lensoidal bodies of undeformed and unmetamorphosed ultramafics, associated with gabbro/diorite and intrusive into the Bundelkhand Gneissic Complex (BnGC). The ultramafics exposed around Madawara town is characterized by high MgO (26-46 wt%), and low SiO2 (42-46 wt%), TiO2 (< 1 wt%) and Al2O3 (< 1 wt%). The concentrations of Cr and Ni are high, ranging from 3000 to 6000 ppm and 1500 to 4000 ppm respectively. Geochemical studies of platinum group elements (PGEs) in fertile ultramafic magma developed at great depths showed depleted to undepleted and undersaturated to saturated conditions around Madawara. The rare earth elements patterns show three distinct trends, viz. strongly depleted Eu anomaly, Eu positive and a flat trend. The high values of ΣPGE (∼ 700 ppb) especially Ir PGE (IPGE) and Pt (> 100 ppb) suggest that the Madawara ultramafic complex could be a potential PGE prospect. Detailed exploration studies including bore hole drilling should be taken up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Studies investigating risk factors for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) on the Indian Subcontinent have shown contradictory results related to the role of domestic animals. In some studies having animals in or around the house was a risk factor, in others it was protective. We investigated the specific hypothesis that keeping domestic animals inside the house at night is a risk factor for VL. Methods Individually matched case–control study. All patients with VL diagnosed in the study area in Bihar, India between March 1st, 2007 and December 1st, 2008 were eligible. For each case, we selected two random controls, with no history of previous VL; matched on sex, age group and neighbourhood. Patients and controls were subjected to a structured interview on the main exposure of interest and potential confounders; a conditional logistic regression model was used to analyse the data. Results We enrolled 141 patients and 282 controls. We found no significant associations between VL and keeping domestic animals inside the house (OR of 0.88 for bovines and 1.00 for ‘any animal’) or ownership of domestic animals (OR of 0.97 for bovines and 1.02 for ‘any animal’). VL was associated with housing conditions. Living in a thatched house (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.50–4.48) or in a house with damp floors (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.25–5.41) were risk factors, independently from socio economic status. Conclusion Keeping animals inside the house is not a risk factor for VL in Bihar, India. Improving housing conditions for the poor has the potential to reduce VL incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In 2005 a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) elimination initiative was launched on the Indian subcontinent, with early diagnosis based on a rapid diagnostic test and treatment with the oral drug miltefosine as its main strategy. Several recent studies have signaled underreporting of VL cases in the region. Information on treatment outcomes is scanty. Our aim was to document VL case management by the primary health care services in India. Methods We took a random sample of all VL patients registered in rural primary health care (PHC) facilities of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, India during 2008. Patients were traced at home for an interview and their records were reviewed. We recorded patient and doctor delay, treatment regimens, treatment outcomes and costs incurred by patients. Results We could review records of all 150 patients sampled and interview 139 patients or their guardian. Most patients (81%) had first presented to unqualified practitioners; median delay before reaching the appropriate primary healthcare facility was 40 days (IQR 31–59 days). Existing networks of village health workers were under-used. 48% of VL patients were treated with antimonials; 40% of those needed a second treatment course. Median direct expenditure by patients was 4000 rupees per episode (IQR 2695–5563 rupees), equivalent to almost 2 months of household income. Conclusion In 2008 still critical flaws remained in VL case management in the primary health care services in Bihar: obsolete use of antimonials with high failure rates and long patient delay. To meet the target of the VL elimination, more active case detection strategies are needed, and village health worker networks could be more involved. Costs to patients remain an obstacle to early case finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe the lay perception of kala-azar (KA) in an endemic area of Muzaffarpur District, Bihar, India: local names, symptoms, affected persons, perceived severity and modes of transmission, as well as perceived mosquito nuisance, modes of protection and use of bed nets. Methods We held 16 focus group discussions (FGD) in eight remote villages with altogether 157 participants in March 2008. Separate FGDs were held according to gender, socio-economic status (SES) and with key informants. Results Kala-azar is most commonly named pilahi. Poor people were said to be the most affected. Knowledge about symptoms was satisfactory. Fever and prolonged fever were the most stated symptoms. KA was perceived as a life-threatening disease with a heavy economic burden. Mosquito bites were perceived as the main mode of transmission but in lower socio-economic groups, non-vector-related explanations were also provided. The main modes of protection from mosquitoes mentioned were the use of fumes and bed nets. Season was the strongest factor influencing the use of bed nets and non-affordability for not owning them. Conclusions Although the sand fly is not recognised as the vector, the relatively good awareness of disease transmission by mosquitoes and the nuisance caused by their high density might be an entry point for adopting preventive measures to protect from mosquito bite and thereby indirectly preventing from KA. Educational campaigns targeted to the poorer segments of society are needed to enhance knowledge about KA, its mode of transmission, risks of getting infected and to increase bed net use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the cost of kala-azar (KA) to patients in Bihar, India. Method A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect costs of illness – direct (medical; non-medical) and indirect costs (work days lost). After screening the community known to be endemic for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), households (HHs) with VL were recruited which reported a case of KA who received treatment between September 2005 and September 2006. The total costs were calculated as a summation of individual costs category. Medians were estimated for the total and for each of the cost categories. Result Data from 171 HHs and 183 patients revealed that median age of patients with KA was 18; 59% were men; 33% were employed; household size was 7; household median monthly income was $38. The median total costs per patient were $127, equal to >3 months of income, of which medical care comprised $83 (provider fees $13, medicines $50, diagnostics $9, hospital stay $30); and food and transport comprised $33. Patients also lost almost 2 weeks of work time during illness and even after recovery. Conclusion Despite provision of free/subsidized medicines, diagnostics, and hospital stay at public and Non-Governmental Organization facilities, the impoverished HHs of Bihar with a case of KA incur high expenditures. Easier access to, and more use of free public health services, plus innovative health financing schemes, are urgently required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoproterozoic evaporites occurring in the western part of the Lesser Himalaya in India, coeval to Pakistan, Iran and Oman evaporites, were investigated in order to understand the degree of metamorphism in them and in associated carbonates. The evaporite-bearing succession occurs in association of phyllite, quartzite and carbonate near the Main boundary Thrust. In order to learn the details about the burial history of these evaporite rocks, the Kübler illite crystallinity index (KI) was measured from the illite peaks of the clay minerals separated from the evaporite rocks and it indicated that this section has reached a maximum temperature up to ~300°C. Microthermometric measurements on fluid inclusions present in the associated dolomite show range of homogenization temperatures (Th), from 220 to 280°C, well within the temperature range of anchizone metamorphism. Additionally, dolomite shows a highly negative δ18O signature (mean, −15.5‰PDB), which is more likely related to diagenetic overprint from deep burial conditions rather than original precipitation from 18O-depleted seawater. The evaporites (sulfates and chloride) probably were transformed many times after their precipitation, but they have retained only the features developed during last one or two phases of alteration and deformation as they are continuously susceptible to minor changes in temperatures and stresses. The final temperature range of 42–78°C in sulfates and chloride gives thermal approximation estimate that is not in concordance with the thermal history of the basin and are likely related to conversion of anhydrite into gypsum and recrystallization of halite during exhumation. Highly negative oxygen isotopic composition, homogenization temperatures and KI values equivalent to a high anchizone metamorphism suggest a burial depth of ~10 km for these terminal Neoproterozoic evaporite-bearing sequences of the Lesser Himalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To document ownership and use of bednets with its determinants in the visceral leishmaniasis (VL)-endemic region where mainly non-insecticide impregnated nets are available through commercial channels, and bednets are being considered as a leishmaniasis vector control measure. Methods In August–September 2006, semi-structured household (HH) questionnaires and observation guides were used in a random sample of 1330 HHs in VL-endemic districts of India and Nepal to collect data on VL knowledge, HH socio-economic status, bednet ownership and use patterns. An asset index was constructed to allow wealth ranking of the HH. A binary logistic response General Estimating Equations model was fitted to evaluate the determinants of bednet ownership and use. Results The proportion of HHs with at least one bednet purchased on the commercial market was 81.5% in India and 70.2% in Nepal. The bednets were used in all seasons by 50.6% and 54.1% of the Indian and Nepalese HH owning a bed net. There was striking inequity in bednet ownership: only 38.3% of the poorest quintile in Nepal owned at least one net, compared to 89.7% of the wealthiest quintile. In India, the same trend was observed though somewhat less pronounced (73.6% vs. 93.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that poverty was an important independent predictor for not having a bednet in the HH [OR 5.39 (2.90–10.03)]. Conclusion Given the inequity in commercial bednet ownership, free distribution of insecticide-treated bednets to the general population seems imperative to achieve a mass effect on vector density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the sexual behavior and practices of the male clients of female sex workers in Mumbai, India. It highlights the early stages of sexual debut and the experience of sex workers in engaging in sexual relationship with different partners. It provides the risk perception and use of condom with different partners, sexual acts and the influence of alcohol on sexual practices. The study indicates that the use of condom increases the level of awareness on HIV/AIDS and despite the use of condom, sex workers are more likely to have HIV infection, increasing their chances of acquiring HIV.

Aims: To develop total DNA extraction protocol from saline soil for further metagenomic applications. Methods and Results: The protocols combine the application of mechanical (Beads and Sonicator) and Soft Lysis (SDS and enzymes) method for the isolation of total DNA from saline soil of coastal Gujarat followed by its quantification and purity assessment. The quality and purity of metagenomic DNA was quite consistent and reliable, although it contained residual concentartions of humic acid. The extracted DNA was used to successfully amplify 16S rRNA region. The amplicons were suitable for further applications such as diversity-based analysis by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Conclusions: The methods appear to have wide applicability in investigating molecular diversity and exploring functional genes from the total DNA. Significance and Impact of the Study: The protocol is simple, short and facilitates rapid isolation of PCR amplifiable total genomic DNA from saline soil. The method yielded good quality of the DNA suitable for metagenomic studies. The results are also significant as only few extreme environments, particularly saline habitats, are explored for their metagenomic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bundelkhand gneissic complex includes the highgrade metapelites, amphibolites, calc-silicates and granite-gneisses, which are invaded by 3.2-3.3 Ga old tonalite-trondjemite-grainodiorite. Detailed petrographic studies and EPMA analyses of metapelites reveal the presence of garnet-sillimanite-cordierite-biotite-K-feldspar-plagioclase-quartz, biotite-sillimanite-cordierite-K-feldspar-plagioclase-quartz and garnet-sillimanite-biotite-K-feldspar-plagioclase-quartz mineral assemblages which belong to upper amphibolite to granulite facies rocks and have been reported for the first time from the Bundelkhand craton. The average P-T conditions estimated by different models of geothermobarometry yield the core composition at 730°C/5.4 kbar and rim composition at 640°C/5.1 kbar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research on the risk to HIV infection among diamond workers in Surat, India. It says that questionnaires containing information on social networking, migration pattern, and knowledge of HIV/AIDS have been given to 405 workers in Surat and an in-depth interviews were conducted to know the influence of personal and social factors in leading to risk behavior. Results suggest that workers of Surat are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infection and pandering in risky behavior.

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The paper discusses the factors responsible for the Kuki-Naga clashes in Manipur during the 1990s with a theoretical framework of understanding the conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]