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Tumors in the hand are relatively uncommon but 95% are benign. Tumors occurring in the hand, forearm and arm often have unique growth patterns and potential for metastasis that may be different from those seen elsewhere in the body. Secondary metastatic tumors in the hand are very rare (0.1%). Diagnosis is mainly clinical, but X-ray, USG and MRI help as a diagnostic aid. The aim of the study was to early diagnosis, see the pattern and proper management of the hand tumor and ensure good hand function. This prospective study was done from January 2004 to July 2019. We found 220 hand tumors in the hand unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka Bangladesh. Among 220 patients, male were 114(51.81%) and female were 106 (48.19%). Out of 220 patients we found 190(86.36%) benign tumor and tumor like lesions and 30(13.64%) was malignant hand tumors. Out of 190 benign lesions, benign tumor was 158(83.15%) and 32(16.85%) was tumor like lesions. Among 158 benign tumor, bone tumors were 40(25.31%) and soft tissue tumours were 138(74.69%). Out of soft tissue tumor, peripheral nerve tumor was 20(12.66%). Enchondroma and Giant cell tumors are the most common among the benign bone tumors, on the other hand giant cell tumors of tendon sheath, Glomus tumor, haemangioma, neurofibroma, schwanoma are the common soft tissue tumors. Compound palmar ganglion, fibromatosis and tuberculosis of phalanx are the most common tumor like lesions. Synovial sarcoma 10(33.33%), osteosarcoma 03(10%), chondrosarcoma 03(10%), ewings sarcoma 02(6.66%), fibrosarcoma 04 (13.33%), Malignant fibrous histocytoma 01(3.33%), soft tissue sarcoma 01(3.33%), Merkel cell tumor 01(3.33%), pleomorphic Rabdomyosarcoma 01(3.33%), malignant melanoma 01(3.33%), clear cell sarcoma of tendon and aponeurosis 01(3.33%), undifferentiated carcinoma 01(3.33%) and extra skeletal chondro sarcoma 01(3.33%) were the malignant tumors. Most of the benign lesions recovered fully after excision except neurofibroma and malignant tumors were treated with excision (including amputation) and chemo-radiotherapy successfully, but 4 patients were refereed to higher center due to recurrence and deteriation of hand function and one patient died due to metastasis. Malignant hand tumor management is very difficult even after amputation with multidisciplinary approach. Hand tumor is uncommon and malignant tumors are rare but any abnormal lump or bump in the hand or wrist is considered as tumor. Early detection and intervention are essential for better prognosis and survival for malignant tumors of hands and upper limbs.

Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis is an incurable, progressive neurodegenerative motor neuron disease. The disease is characterized by protein aggregates. The symptoms include weakness, denervation of muscles, atrophy and progressive paralysis of bulbar and respiratory muscles and dysphagia. Various secondary metabolites are evaluated for their ability to improve symptoms in ALS. Ginseng has been traditionally used for treating several neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies using model systems have shown a potential role of Ginseng catechins and Ginsenosides in clearing protein aggregation associated with ALS. We focus on Network pharmacology approach to understand the effect of Ginseng catechins or ginsenosides on protein aggregation associated with ALS. A catechin/ginsenoside-protein interaction network was generated and the pathways obtained were compared with those obtained from transcriptomic datasets of ALS from GEO database. Knock out of MAPK14, AKT and GSK from Catechin and BACE 1 from ginsenoside modulated pathways inhibited protein aggregation. Catechins and ginsenosides have potential as therapeutic agents in the management of ALS.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03401-1.

Trachyspermum ammi L. (TA), popularly called ajwain, is a well-known spice plant, fruit pods that are used in Indian traditional medicine. Fruits of this plant were scientifically investigated for medicinal properties, but no studies are reported on the vegetative parts of the plant. Hence, the present investigation is aimed to evaluate the aerial parts of TA plant for anti-proliferative and antioxidant effects. Methanolic extract (Me) of TA was subjected to sequential fractionation using the solvents in the increasing order of polarity viz. hexane (He), dichloromethane (Dcm), ethyl acetate (Ea), n-butanol (n-Bu), and water (Aq). Phytochemical analyses, DPPH radical scavenging assay, and in vitro antiproliferative activity on the MG63 osteosarcoma cell line (MTT assay) were performed. Preliminary phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of reducing, non-reducing sugars, amino acids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, and saponins. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest amount of total phenolics (367.9 ± 0.02), followed by n-Bu (287.5 ± 0.04), Dcm (193.56 ± 0.07), Me extract (190.14 ± 0.07), Aq (142.2 ± 0.02) and He (80.74 ± 0.01) fractions. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 116.74 µg/ml) followed by n-Bu (IC50 = 133.81 µg/ml) fraction with a significant correlation to the higher amount of phenolics and flavonoids. However, maximum antiproliferative activity was exhibited by hexane fraction on MG 63 human osteosarcoma cell line which can be attributed to the presence of thymol, a monoterpenoid phenol present in ajwain. The current study indicates that the aerial parts of Trachyspermum ammi Linn. can be considered as potential antioxidants and therapeutic against osteosarcoma.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head is an increasingly common cause of musculoskeletal disability. Most of the cases caused by steroid induced and traumatic but idiopathic cause are not also uncommon. Almost all the patients presented with pain at the hip, limping gait, restricted movement and difficulty in waking and squatting and becomes disabled. Core decompression and muscle pedicle bone graft at stage IIA, IIB and III provides painless and mobile life. Core decompression supplemented with bone graft to enhance mechanical support and augment healing. We have started a prospective study for the treatment of AVN of Femoral head at stage IIA, IIB and III by core decompression and Tensor fascia lata muscle pedicle bone graft in the department of Orthopaedic surgery Bangabandhu Seikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2009 to December 2019. Aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of core decompression and tensor fascia lata muscle pedicle bone graft in the treatment of AVN of femoral head at stage IIA, IIB and III. A total 48 patients and 65 hips were operated. Out of 48 patients, male was 30(62.50%) and female was 18(37.5%). Male-Female ratio was 1.66:1. Age of the patients ranging from 20 years to 50 years, mean age 36±4.65 years. According to aetiology corticosteroid induced was 47/65 (72.31%), idiopathic was 8(12.31%), post traumatic was 4(6.15%), ITP was 2(3.08%), ALL was 2(3.08%), and alcohol induced was 2(3.08%) of femoral head involvement. According to Ficat and Arlet's staging, stage IIA hip involvement was 28/65(43.08%), stage IIB was 32(49.23%) and stage III was 5(07.69%). All patients were treated with core decompression along with tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscle pedicle bone graft. All patients were followed clinically and radiologically at regular interval. Follow up period was 6 months to 10 years. Harris hip score (HHS) was used for evaluation of clinical outcome. Among the 65 hips, 24(36.92%) was excellent outcome (HHS90), 30(46.15%) was good outcome (HHS: 80-90), 7(10.78%) was fair outcome (HHS: 70-79) and 4(6.15%) was poor outcome. For valid statistical analysis excellent and good results were grouped as satisfactory that was 54(83.07%) and fair and poor results were grouped as unsatisfactory that was11(16.93%), p value is0.001 that is significant. It has been concluded that core decompression and TFL muscle pedicle bone graft is a pain relieving, head preserving procedure and improve hip function for the management of AVN of femoral head in stage IIA, IIB and III.

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of supplementation of seaweed-based formulation (SWBF) on performance of lactating Murrah buffaloes. Eighteen lactating Murrah buffaloes were divided into 3 groups (T0, T1 and T2) based on their body weight, parity, days in milk and milk yield following randomized block design. Two SWBF were tested; SWBF-I was combination of two tropical red seaweed species namely Kappaphycus alvarezii) and Gracilaria salicornia, whereas SWBF-II was combination of the two red seaweeds and one brown seaweed species Turbinaria conoides. All the animals were fed to meet their requirements (ICAR 2013). Animals in control (T0) group were fed concentrate mixture, Hybrid Napier fodder and wheat straw without any supplemental seaweed. However, SWBF-I and SWBF-II were supplemented at 2.5% of the concentrate feed of groups T1 and T2, respectively. Intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients, plasma concentrations of selected metabolites, enzymes and hormones were similar among the groups. A tendency of decreased (P=0.060) plasma concentration of cortisol was observed in treatment groups. Total antioxidant capacity was improved (P=0.001) due to SWBF supplementation; the best response was observed in group T2, followed by T1. Concentration of lipid peroxides decreased (P

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The Upper Triassic Tiki Formation of India has yielded several new cynodont taxa, which are described on the basis of multiple isolated teeth and a jaw fragment. A new species of dromatheriid,Rewaconodon indicus, is defined by a tri- and tetracuspid asymmetric crown, long anterior edge of the major cuspa, cingular cuspsdandf, and marked constriction at the crown-root junction. Another new dromatheriid,Inditherium florisn. gen. n. sp., is characterized by a broad, flower-shaped pentacuspid crown, multiple cingular cusps, and a weak lingual cingulum is also described from the same horizon. In addition, a new mammaliamorph taxon,Tikiodon cromptonin. gen. n. sp., is established on a tooth specimen, which has a shovel-shaped crown, three closely spaced main cusps, a pronounced lingual cingulum with multiple cingular cusps, and a root of incomplete root bifurcation. Such a tooth morphology occupies an intermediate position between the non-mammalian cynodonts and the early mammals, as is evident from the co-occurrence of various cynodont dental morphotypes in the Tiki Formation. Moreover, Late Triassic cynodonts occurred along narrow belts demarcated by paleolatitudes, though the Indian fauna shows both Laurasian and Gondwanan affinities.UUID:http://zoobank.org/c2c575ad-ee23-4f33-8a30-661c548a5b17

Introduction Urinary incontinence is a prognostic indicator of mortality and functional recovery in stroke. There is a small evidence base that early intervention within the first three months may improve continence status and subsequent physical and psychological consequences. Methods Utilising a proforma and PDSA, data was collected on the identification and assessment of urinary continence status for patients admitted to a stroke unit. Five agreed standards from NICE (2012) and RCP (2016) guidelines formed the basis of audit. Three cycles of prospective data for a total of 66 patients was collected over four months, implementing quality improvement measures after each cycle. Results 22 participants per cycle. Cycle one demonstrated continence status was identified by the nursing team (100%), and the medical team (41%). However, standards regarding further care planning and assessment (22%), MDT input (11%) and subsequent behavioural and practical interventions (11%) was low. Change strategy, i) awareness training, ii) development of MDT prompt sheet. Cycle two, medical identification (82%), MDT discussion (100%), and continence specific interventions (66%), care planning decreased from 22% to 0%. Change strategy, incontinent patients receive an individualised assessment within 7 days by the advanced nurse practitioner, this assessment should consider all available evidence-based interventions, with the aim of reducing urinary incontinence within the early phases of stroke. Cycle three showed an overwhelming improvement to all five standards, nursing and medical identification (100%, 91. Conclusions PDSA style audit led to quality improvement. The identification of urinary continence status post stroke was high, but due to multifactorial elements often did not progress to assessment or intervention from the MDT. Utilising the existing role of the trainee advanced practitioner patients received evidence-based continence reviews in a timely manner, with no additional cost impact to the service.

Introduction Urinary incontinence is very common in the older people and wrongly considered a normal part of aging. The prevalence of UI is 39.1% in people with frailty and 19.4% in those without (Veronese et al. European Geriatric Medicine, 2018, 9(5), 571–578). Despite the high prevalence of urinary incontinence, its detection and management remain suboptimal. A comprehensive multidisciplinary continence assessment is recommended to assess and manage urinary incontinence in older patients (NICE CG171). Methods Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle audit was conducted to identify the practices for identification and assessment of urinary incontinence on a care of elderly ward. Data was collected on a structured proforma containing six standards prospectively. Following the results of first cycle, a strategy was developed and implemented. Results Strategy Cycle 1 (35 patients) results were disseminated to the Divisional Safety and Quality Committee, ward teams, educational sessions held for multidisciplinary teams, involved Trust's continence advisor, displayed multidisciplinary teams prompt sheets, trialled new nursing documentation booklet, discussed continence status at daily board round and conducted audit cycle 2 (28 patients) after 4 months. Conclusions PDSA cycle audit with involvement of multidisciplinary teams, presentation to the Divisional Quality and Safety Committee combined with regular educational sessions and prompt about continence status at the daily board round led to better detection and improved management of urinary incontinence. We recommend other clinical teams to follow our strategy to improve the urinary incontinence care in older people without any additional resource.

The global prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, has increased at an alarming rate over the last few decades. An eye is myopic if incoming light focuses prior to reaching the retinal photoreceptors, which indicates a mismatch in its shape and optical power. This mismatch commonly results from excessive axial elongation. Important drivers of the myopia epidemic include environmental factors, genetic factors, and their interactions, e.g., genetic factors influencing the effects of environmental factors. One factor often hypothesized to be a driver of the myopia epidemic is environmental light, which has changed drastically and rapidly on a global scale. In support of this, it is well established that eye size is regulated by a homeostatic process that incorporates visual cues (emmetropization). This process allows the eye to detect and minimize refractive errors quite accurately and locally over time by modulating the rate of elongation of the eye via remodeling its outermost coat, the sclera. Critically, emmetropization is not dependent on post-retinal processing. Thus, visual cues appear to influence axial elongation through a retina-to-sclera, or retinoscleral, signaling cascade, capable of transmitting information from the innermost layer of the eye to the outermost layer. Despite significant global research interest, the specifics of retinoscleral signaling pathways remain elusive. While a few pharmacological treatments have proven to be effective in slowing axial elongation (most notably topical atropine), the mechanisms behind these treatments are still not fully understood. Additionally, several retinal neuromodulators, neurotransmitters, and other small molecules have been found to influence axial length and/or refractive error or be influenced by myopigenic cues, yet little progress has been made explaining how the signal that originates in the retina crosses the highly vascular choroid to affect the sclera. Here, we compile and synthesize the evidence surrounding three of the major candidate pathways receiving significant research attention — dopamine, retinoic acid, and adenosine. All three candidates have both correlational and causal evidence backing their involvement in axial elongation and have been implicated by multiple independent research groups across diverse species. Two hypothesized mechanisms are presented for how a retina-originating signal crosses the choroid — via 1) all-trans retinoic acid or 2) choroidal blood flow influencing scleral oxygenation. Evidence of crosstalk between the pathways is discussed in the context of these two mechanisms.

P2 receptors are nucleotide-activated receptors involved in inflammation, cell proliferation osteoblastogenesis, osteoclastogenesis and their function. They can be potential role players in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our analysis of gene expression datasets of synovial tissue biopsy from the GEO database shows changes in the expression levels of P2 receptors. HIG-82, a synovial fibroblast cell line and RAW 264.7, a macrophage cell line are good in vitro models to study RA. Nucleotide addition experiments showed UDP Glucose significantly increased the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts (HIG-82). Similarly, nucleotides such as Adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), Adenosine di-phosphate (ADP), Uridine tri-phosphate (UTP), Uridine di-phosphate (UDP) and Uridine diphosphoglucose (UDPG) induced elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP) activity in RAW264.7 cells. The ADP-induced TRAP could be inhibited by clopidogrel a P2Y(12) inhibitor. ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP and UDPG also induced osteoclastogenesis as evident from fused multinucleate cells and expression of osteoclast markers (TRAP, Cathepsin K [CTSK]) as determined by Q-PCR. Apyrase (APY) a nucleotidase and an enzyme that is used to modulate extracellular nucleotide concentration is sufficient to induce osteoclastogenesis. Taken together our results show that nucleotides modulate synoviocyte proliferation and macrophage differentiation into osteoclast and play an important role in RA. Nucleotide receptors might be potential therapeutic targets in RA. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03052-8.

At the Fermilab Tevatron proton-antiproton ($p\bar{p}$) collider, high-mass electron-neutrino ($e\nu$) pairs are produced predominantly in the process $p \bar{p} \rightarrow W(\rightarrow e\nu) + X$. The asymmetry of the electron and positron yield as a function of their pseudorapidity constrain the slope of the ratio of the $u$- to $d$-quark parton distributions versus the fraction of the proton momentum carried by the quarks. This paper reports on the measurement of the electron-charge asymmetry using the full data set recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab in 2001--2011 and corresponding to 9.1~fb$^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity. The measurement significantly improves the precision of the Tevatron constraints on the parton-distribution functions of the proton. Numerical tables of the measurement are provided.

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa. The erosive variety of OLP is multifocal, ulcerative, and painful in nature. Patients with OLP have a higher risk of developing Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCCs). Here, authors presents a case of 49-year-old female patient presented to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology with the chief complaint of burning sensation in the inner aspect of right cheek, since one year. A diffuse whitish area surrounded by erythematous area was present in the right buccal mucosa. Lesion was diagnosed primarily as erosive Lichen Planus (LP). She discontinued the medication and did not come for follow-up visits because of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. After 10 months, she came back with pain and a diffuse swelling with indurated margin in the same region involving right buccal vestibule and retromolar area. After incisional biopsy it was found that the lesion has progressed to squamous cell carcinoma, and the patient was referred to the Department of Oral Surgery where segmental mandibulectomy was done with placement of free fibula graft. The OLP is considered as a potentially malignant disorder and patient should be advised to avoid additional risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol and should be followed at minimum one year interval as prognosis and patient survival is directly related to stage and grade of cancer at its initial diagnosis.

Soil carbon (C) loss is the prime sign of land degradation, and C pools have a great impact on soil quality and climate change mitigation. Hence, a field experiment was conducted for three consecutive years to assess the impact of crop intensification and conservation tillage practices on changes in the C pool at different soil depths of marginal land of the Indian Himalayas. The experiment consisted of two intensified cropping systems viz., CS1-Summer maize (Zea mays L.) -rainy season maize-lentil (Lens esculenta L.) and CS2-Summer maize-rainy season maize-mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern) and five tillage practices viz., No-till (NT); NT + live mulch of cowpea (NT + LMC); reduced tillage (RT); RT + LMC and conventional tillage (CT). Results revealed that CS2 produced significantly higher biomass, C retention efficiency (9.85%), and sequestrated greater C (0.42 Mg ha

The rice (Oryza sativa)–rice system (RRS) is the most important agricultural production system, and it provides staple food, income, employment, and livelihoods to millions of farmers in the Indian sub- continent, especially in the eastern and north eastern region (NER) of India. However, soil degradation, due to loss of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools, is declining the productivity of RRS and threatening the region’s food security. Intensive tillage along with improper residues and nutrient management practices are among the reasons of the loss of soil C and N pools and decline in rice productivity. Therefore, a 3-year (2013-15) field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of tillage, residues and nutrient management practices on productivity, soil C and N sequestration in RRS at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Lembucherra (52 m, above sea level), Tripura, India. The experiment consisted of five combinations of tillage [conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT) and no-till (NT)], residue [30% rice residue incorporation (RI) and/or residue retention (RR)] and nutrient management practices [inorganic, organic (FYM-farmyard manure, GLM-green leaf manuring) and biofertilizers] in wet (WR) and dry season rice (DR). Results revealed that RT along with improved plant nutrient management (IPNM) comprising 25% N (20 kg N) through GLM + 60 kg N, 9 kg phosphorus (P), 17 kg potassium (K), 2 kg Boron (B) and 5 kg zinc (Zn) ha−1 through fertilizer + cellulose decomposition microorganism and RR in WR produced significantly higher grain yield (5.15 Mg ha−1) as compared to other treatments. However, the DR transplanted under CT + integrated nutrient management (INM) comprising 25% N through FYM and 75% N and remaining P and K (after deducting quantity supplied by FYM) through inorganic fertilizer + RI produced more grain (5.1–5.3 Mg ha−1), straw (7.0–7.2 Mg ha−1), root (1.3–1.4 Mg ha−1) and total biomass (13.4–13.9 Mg ha−1) yield than that of the farmers’ practice (FP) and other treatment combinations, across the years. The highest system productivity of RRS was recorded under T3 (RT + IPNM + RR in WR and CT + INM + RI in DR). Therefore, the highest biomass, C, and N were also recycled in the system through the same treatment combinations. Soil under T3 had a lower bulk density (ρb), the highest soil organic carbon (SOC)/N concentration, pool, accumulation, sequestration, C retention efficiency, soil microbial biomass C and dehydrogenase activities than other treatments. A total amount of 1.30 Mg C ha−1 was accumulated under soils of T3 with the rate of SOC sequestration of 427.9 kg ha−1 yr−1 under RRS. Thus, adopting RRS under RT/NT with INM/IPNM and effective residue recycling is recommended for enhancing the system productivity, C and N sequestration in paddy soils of the NER of India.

A new rich and varied assemblage of archosauriform teeth is reported from the Upper Triassic Tiki Formation of India. Twelve morphotypes are identified based on their distinctive morphology, crown ...

Decline in soil organic carbon (SOC) and low biomass production in sloping uplands are of growing concern for sustainable agriculture worldwide. This concern is in general in the Eastern Himalayan regions (EHR) of India in particular. A field experiment was conducted with the objectives to generate additional biomass and sequester more C in coarse-textured sloping lands. This experiment is done for four consecutive years in the EHR, India. The rice (Oryza sativa L.)–rapeseed (Brassica campestris L. var. rapeseed) cropping system was practiced during the first two years (2012-13 to 2013-14) and rice–rapeseed–cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) system during the two following years (2014-15 to 2015-16) of the study under different tillage and mulch systems. The tillage system included: 1) CT-RI: conventional tillage (CT) with 100% residue incorporation (RI) and 2) NT-RR: no-till (NT) with 100% residue retention (RR). The mulches included 1) rice straw mulch (SM), 2) Gliricidia sp. mulch (GM), 3) brown manuring mulch (BM)–cowpea grown as intercrop with rice up to 40 days after sowing (DAS), killed with 2,4-D and 4) no mulch (NM). The cowpea, as a cover crop was introduced during 2014 and 2015 as pre-rainy season crop before the sowing of rice to generate additional biomass in the system. The four year total above ground biomass yield of rice and rapeseed didn’t vary significantly between CT-RI (31.93 and 17.40 Mg ha−1) and NT-RR (31.86 and 17.46 Mg ha−1), respectively. However, the total above ground biomass yield of cowpea was more under NT-RR (10.75 Mg ha−1) when compared to that under CT-RI (9.79 Mg ha−1). The amount of total biomass (above + below ground) and C added into the soil was more under NT-RR than that under the CT-RI. After 4 cropping cycles, the NT-RR had higher SOC concentration, pool (29.9 vs. 29.1 Mg ha−1), sequestration rate (450 vs. 265 kg ha-1 yr−1) and C retention efficiency (7.7 vs. 4.6%) than those under the CT-RI at 0–30 cm depth. The mulched plots produced more crop biomass (both above and below ground), recycled more C in soils with a trend of relatively more SOC pool (29.7–29.8 vs. 29.0 Mg ha−1), sequestration rate (391–428 vs. 221 kg ha-1 yr−1) and C retention efficiency (6.64–6.94% vs. 4.66%) than those of NM treatment. These results were seen despite difference among the mulch treatments (SM, GM and BM) which were statistically non-significant after 4 cropping cycles. Inclusion of cowpea as cover crop during pre-rainy season in the system doubled the rate of C sequestration (478 kg C ha-1 yr−1). Therefore, the data supports the recommendation of cultivation of the rice–rapeseed system under NT-RR along with cowpea intercropping up to 40 DAS (BM) in rice. Besides this, the inclusion of pre-rainy season cowpea before rice could generate additional biomass and enhance SOC sequestration on upland and sloping hills in the EHR of India and in similar conditions elsewhere.

Intensive tillage practices along with improper residue management in a rice (Oryza sativa)–rice system (RRS) contributed to soil fatigue and declining productivity in South Asia. Therefore, a 3-ye...

The growth and production of Indian butter catfish Ompok bimaculatus, popularly known as ‘pabda’ with Indian major carps (IMCs, catla, rohu and mrigal) was evaluated with an aim to introduce this fish into carp-based polyculture systems. Nine earthen ponds of similar dimensions were used for this study. The duration of culture was eight months and three species compositions, viz., catla, rohu and mrigal (4:3:3) (T1), with 100% replacement of mrigal with pabda (T2) and 50% replacement of mrigal with pabda (T3) were used. The overall fish stocking density was 7500 fingerlings per ha. The fish were fed with farm-made feed (21.8% CP) @ 2-4% of their body weight. Pabda attained highest growth and survival in T2 and the introduction of pabda did not affect the overall survival, growth and production of catla and rohu. It also did not affect the overall fish production in terms of quantity (p≥0.05) in all the treatments. The dietary overlapping indices between the co-habiting fishes were insignificant across the treatments except for pabda and mrigal in T3 (0.74). Thus, it is concluded that co-culture of pabda and IMCs is possible by replacing mrigal partially or fully to have a higher return in terms value from the carp-based culture system. Keywords : Butter catfish, Growth rate, Indian major carps, Pond culture, Survival

Automatic Speaker Verification (ASV) systems are mostly being used for authentication of a known identity based on different voice features. The ASV involves a comparison of a speaker's voice with pre-stored training data or speaker model captured during the enrolment phase and also with an impersonator model of non-identical voices differing in gender as well as phone types. Thereafter, a score is assigned by the system and decides whether the test speaker is an enrolled speaker or an imposter. In the comprehensive classification of a certain problem, one of the most important processes is feature subset selection. It includes dimensionality reduction, attribute subset selection and variable subset selection and also an important step to reduce overfitting of data. This paper presents one of the methods to solve this feature selection problem using Ant Colony Optimization algorithm. This algorithm subsumes the performance of the classification into state transition rule. The optimal feature set is determined with the help of the pheromone from the ant colony. Finally, a feature set with maximum classification accuracy and small size is selected.