bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Flower Characteristics of some Kiwifruit Genotypes (Actinidia Spp.) Obtained with Breeding Program
Authors: Atak Arif , Doygacı Yeşim , Kahraman Kemal A. , Kandilli Gulhan G. , Şen Abdulbaki
Published: April 2018

All Actinidia species are dioecious, male and female flowers grow on separate kiwifruit plants. In breeding studies, it is generally desirable to obtain female individuals. However, male plants are also of great importance for pollination. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the flower characteristics of the genotypes obtained by breeding studies. This research was conducted in the kiwifruit breeding plot of Yalova Atatürk Horticultural Central Research Institute for two years. Genotypes obtained from cultivars belonging to Actinidia deliciosa and Actinidia chinensis were used in the research. At the time of flowering, phenological observations of male and female genotypes, which are prominent in the population, have been made and the developmental stages of the flowers have been determined. At least 10 flowers of each genotype were used to determine the morphological characteristics.Number of leaves, number of petals, number of male organs, number of filaments, number of female organs, number of female organs and number of stylus were examined in order to determine flower characteristics. When the data obtained as a result of two years are evaluated; significant differences have been obtained particularly in terms of flowering time, flowering period, the number of stylus, the filament size, the number of female organs and the number of male organs. Female cultivars/genotypes tend to flowering later than male cultivars/genotypes, and female cultivars/genotypes have shorter filament length than male cultivars/genotypes. It has also been clearly observed that ovaries are not functional in male types.
Chlorophyll Pigment Concentration and Sea Surface Temperature of the Black Sea
Authors: KAVAK Mehmet Tahir
Published: April 2018

As an enclosed sea, the Black Sea has countless economic activities (mainly tanker traffic and fisheries) and recreational activities, with the consequence of being threatened by dramatic dangers and pollution. Optical remote sensing can provide a novel look at physical processes and then driving mechanisms. It is worthwhile to know how the temperature and other marine parameters change on seasonal and long-term scales. In the paper CZCS (Coastal Zone Color Scanner) and AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) satellite were used to study the relationship between photosynthesis and SST since phytoplankton forms the very lowest clement in the marine ecosystem.  Satellite derived data could provide information on the amount of sea life present in any given area throughout the world. The information could also be useful in connection with studies of global changes m temperature and what effect they could have on the total abundance of marine life. Present work which used CD-ROM set from NASA did not found evidence of correlation between chlorophyll pigment concentration and SST of the Black Sea with 99.95% certainty, three channel algorithm or the use of fluorescence or chlorophyll absorption peak in the red suggested for future work.
The Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Agricultural Risk Management by The Agricultural Extension Services in Malaysia
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Man Norsida , Abd Latif Ismail , Muharam Farrah Melissa , Zobidah Omar Siti
Published: April 2018

The study was aimed to determine the existing status of extension services provided for agricultural risk management in making use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). There were 360 farmers selected through multistage cluster sampling technique and data were collected from four areas of Malaysia. The results reveal that farmers could get limited information from extension staff on the use of ICTs for disaster information.  Moreover, most of the farmers still could not get support from extension staff to integrate ICTs for agricultural risk management. Farmers highlighted that extension staff need training to improve their capacity. Therefore, public and private sector should initiate various training programs firstly for the extension field staff and then diffuse various management skills and techniques into farmer fields for better agricultural risk management using ICTs.
Evaluation of the extent of wetland birds in District Kaithal, Haryana, India
Authors: Gupta Rohtash Chand , Kaushik Tirshem Kumar , Kumar Surjit
Published: April 2018

Kaithal District is comprised of 2317 Km² Sq. Km area having six blocks Viz.:Kaithal, Kalayat, Pundri, Rajound, Ghula and Siwan located at a distance of 150 Kms from New Delhi toward North West. Its geographical position lies between 29° 48' 0 N latitude and between 76° 22' 60 E longitude.The present studies were carried between 2005-2008 with the help of Zenith Camera and telelens. In all, 63 species of Wetland birds belonging to 10 Orders, 38 genera and 16 families were observed in various village ponds in Kaithal District. Out of 63 species of wetland birds, 31 are winter migratory, 9 local migratory, 3 summers migratory and 20 species are resident birds. Considering IUCN categories, Black Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa) which belongs to Biome Restricted Species (BRS) was observed in three blocks viz. Kaithal, Pundri and Rajound of Kaithal district. In addition, Spotted Greenshank (Tringa guttifer) which has been placed in endangered category of IUCN was observed as single individual. But Black Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa) was observed in a group of three to seven. Northern Shoveller (Anas clypeata), which is reportedly coming from Central Russia and Caspian Siberia has been observed in very large groups of 200-250 and virtually spotted in each and every pond in Northern Haryana. Similarly, Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), Common Teal (Anas crecca), Common Pochard (Aythya ferina), Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha), Lesser-whistling Teal (Dendrocygna javanica) were also seen in relatively large groups. Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) is always observed in pure groups floating in the centre of relatively big ponds. In contrast, Gadwall (Anas strepera), Northern Shoveller (Anas clypeata), Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) and Common Teal (Anas crecca), share close proximity with each other in water and are found in mixed groups. Northern Shoveller (Anas clypeata), Bar- headed Goose (Anser indicus) and Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) stay between Octobers to April. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) stays in winter for shortest period between December and January. Maximum wetland birds observed in Kaithal District belong to Order Charadriiformes and to family Anatidae of Order Anseriformes. Spotted Greenshank (Tringa guttifer) is the peculiar to Pundri block only, in Kaithal District.
A preliminary study on amphizoic amoebae with special reference to their preference for bacterial food
Authors: Paul Newton , Ahmad Tabrez , Sharma A. K.
Published: April 2018

The present study was planned to screen the growth pattern of six different species of pathogenic and non pathogenic amphizoic amoebae viz. Naegleria fowleri, N. gruberi, Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, A. rhysodes, A. polyphaga and A. glebae using six different bacterial species like Escherichia coli (Strain E1 and E2 and E. coli lactose +ve), Proteus, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas as food in their in vitro growth on non-nutrient agar medium. It was observed that out of six amoebae used; the pathogenic N. fowleri and A. culbertsoni were feeding on E. coli (all the strains). Feeding these two species of bacteria, the growth of these two amoebae was luxuriant, but not so good while feeding other strains of bacteria though they fed, survived and formed cysts. The remaining four amoebae were found to feed and survive only on E. coli (all the strain) and formed cysts but showed very poor growth while feeding on other four bacterial strains. It was inferred that E. coli is the most suitable bacterial species for in vitro growth of amphizoic amoebae for various purposes. This also reiterates that there exists a complex inter-relationship between amoebae and bacteria in different habitats.
Characterization and evaluation of heavy metal tolerance of bacterial species from soil of waste area near Riyan steel rolling mills, Muzaffarnagar, India
Authors: Khare Satyajeet , Ahmed Niaz , Pant Shailja , Das Ram
Published: April 2018

The present study observed a variety of microorganisms from the soil of the waste area near Riyan Steel Rolling Mills , Muzaffarnagar. Among the microorganisms, 10 isolates of Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus showed great potential against detrimental heavy metals like Hg, Pb, Zn. Out of these 10 isolates, only 2 isolates of Bacillus subtilis (N1A2, N1P2), one isolates of P. aeruginosa N1A4 and one isolates of S. aureus A1N3 showed tremendous tolerance against various heavy metals. Bacillus subtilis N1A2 showed15x109 cfu/ml in 100?g/ml of HgCl2 whereas B. subtilis N1P2 showed 15x109 cfu/ml in 400?g/ml of zinc acetatate. Similarily Pseudomonas aeruginosa N1A4 showed 11x109 cfu/ml in 150?g/ml of lead acetate. Staphylococcus aureus A1N3 showed great resistance towards 450?g/ml of zinc sulphate and maintain their growth up to 7x109 cfu/ml. strains were identified as Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus on the basis of their morphological, physiological and biochemical and compared with their standard MTCC strains.
Two new black mildews from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Hosagoudar V. B. , Robin P. J. , Archana G. R.
Published: April 2018

This paper gives an account of two new black mildews, namely, Asterina prataparajii and Meliola mahamulkarii, infected the leaves of Tylophora dalzelli and Osyris arborea, respectively, were found new and are described and illustrated here in detail.
Molecular approach to evaluate the genotoxicity of glyphosate (roundup) using mosquito genome
Authors: Bansal Mamta , Chaudhry Asha
Published: April 2018

Glyphosate, an active ingredient in Roundup is a broad spectrum, systemic and non -selective herbicide which is commonly used for eliminating weeds in agriculture and forest landscapes. The present studies deal with the evaluation of the genotoxic potential of Glyphosate with two different dose concentration of LD20 and LD40 on a mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus taken as an experimental model. For this, polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) was used for detecting DNA damage by amplifying ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2) region. The amplified products were sequenced and the results of treated and non-treated controls were compared by using Clustal W software programme. The results were studied in the form of transitions, transversions, deletions and additions of bases. The DNA band amplified from control stocks consisted of 440 bases while thosefrom LD20 and LD40 treated individuals were comprised of 423 and 468 bases respectively. The total number of mutations caused in LD20 treated stock was 205 out of which 68 were transitions, 90 transversions, 32 deletions and 15 additions. In case of LD40 treated individuals, as many as 221 bases had suffered mutations, out of which 66 were transitions, 90 transversions , 12 deletions and 41 additions. In both the cases the rate of transversions was higher than transitions. From these results it was evident that glyphosate has a potential to promote gene mutations in the individuals exposed to its semilethal doses.
Interesting foliicolous fungi from Southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India
Authors: Hosagoudar V.B. , Thomas Jacob
Published: April 2018

An account of five foliicolous fungal taxa are dealt herein. Of these, Asterina glycosmidigena, A. gymnemae, Irenopsis pavoniae, Phyllachora gymnemae infected the leaves of Glycosmis pentaphylla, Gymnema sysvestre and Pavonia sp., respectively, are described as new species while, Meliola pseudarthriae var. indica is described as a new variety on Pseudarthria viscida. The detailed description of these taxa is supplemented with line drawings and photo plate.
X-ray structure and activity analysis of 3-bromomethyl -2-chloro-quinoline
Authors: Kant Rajni , Kohli Sabeta , Chhajer Garima , Malathi M , Mohan P.S.
Published: April 2018

The structure of 3-bromomethyl-2-chloro-quinoline crystallizes in the triclinic crystal space group P‘1 with unit cell parameters a=6.587(2), b=7.278(3), c=10.442(3) Å, a= 83.59(3)°, b= 75.42(2)°, g= 77.39(3)°, Z= 2, V= 471.9(3)Å3. The structure has converged to a final R-value of 0.0734. The phenyl Ring-B has normal geometry while the pyridine Ring-A has slightly distorted conformation. The asymmetry parameter calculations, i.e., DC2 and DCs for the pyridine ring indicates that the structure is planar. There exists one intramolecular hydrogen bonded interaction of the type C-H…Cl and one C-H…N intermolecular interaction. The structure is stabilized by Van der Waals forces.
Microtopography of the eggshell of Menacanthus eurysternus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera)
Authors: Rajput Shweta , Gupta Nidhi , Khan Vikram , Saxena Arun Kumar , Joshi V. D.
Published: April 2018

The egg laying sites, pattern and the egg morphology (SEM) of an amblyceran louse parasitizing Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus) have been recorded. Unlike most of the species of the genus, Menacanthus studied so far, the eggshell of M. eurysternus lacks the apophyses (bristle like outgrowths arising from anterior portion of the eggshell). However, the opercular disc of M. eurysternus bears a polar thread and the micropyles are set along the opercular rim.
Management of sheath blight in rice through application of Validamycin, Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescence
Authors: Singh Ramji , Singh B.P. , Singh Alka , Singh Udai Prakash , Kureel R.S.
Published: April 2018

Eleven different combinations of Trichoderma harzianum, Psedumonas fluorescens and Validamycin 3L, were applied at different crop stages viz. seed, seedling, tillering and symptoms initiation along with one application of Carbendazim as standard control to test their efficacy against sheath blight of rice caused by Rhizoctonia solani under field condition. One application of Carbendazim @ 0.1% at the time of symptoms initiation (with 81.36 percent reduction of disease incidence, 83.17 percent reduction in disease severity and 62.92 percent inhancement in yield) and seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum and seedling root dipping with Pseudomonas fluorescens and two spraying of Validamycin i.e. at tillering and symptoms initiation stages (with 69.10 percent reduction of disease incidence,83.17 percent reduction in disease severity and 62.49 percent inhancement in yield) were found to be equally and highly effective in reducing the sheath blight severity and in increasing rice grain yield also. One spraying of Validamycin at symptoms initiation stage was comparatively less effective (29.54 per cent reduction in disease incidence,53.46 per cent reduction in disease severity and 47.76 per cent enhancement in yield ) than one spraying of Carbendazim at symptoms initiation stage.
Significance of cyanobacterial diversity in different ecological conditions of Meghalaya, India
Authors: Syiem Mayashree B , Nongbri B Bashisha , Pinokiyo A , Bhattacharjee Amrita , Nongrum Natasha A , Hynniewta Luxemburgh
Published: April 2018

The present study deals with preliminary investigation of cyanobacterial diversity in Meghalaya. A total of 75 samples were collected from 10 different ecosystems and analyzed. 65 strains of cyanobacteria isolated under 11 genera include Nostoc, Anabaena, Calothrix, Cylindrospermum, Gleocapsa, Fischerella, Plectonema, Tolypothrix, Stigonema, Loriella and Westiellopsis. Nostoc was most abundant. Diversity analysis indicated maximum Shannon’s diversity index (H) in Mawlai. Highest Simpson’s diversity index was seen in Sung Valley (0.75). Both Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices were lowest in Mairang. Richness was highest in Sung valley and Syntuksiar with both the sites supporting 17 strains each. Although, highest diversity was recorded from Mawlai, richness recorded at this site was only 11 strains thereby indicating richness need not be a function of diversity in this region. This study revealed the cyanobacterial strains, which can withstand acidic pH and prevail in the region. A study on colonization also identified some potential biofertilizer strains from the region such as Nostoc punctiforme, Nostoc muscurum and Anabaena azollae that could be effective in acidic crop fields.
A review on treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Pratihar Suman , Nag Shomik , Kundu Jayanta Kumar
Published: April 2018

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder named after German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. The Alzheimer’s disease is now becoming curable by identifying the actual cause of the disease with the proper diagnosis of the disease of the patient. The disease can now be cured by drug treatment, by hormonal treatment and by using herbal products such as medicines. The drugs are based on antagonizing action of the components against the causative agents (â Amyloid plaque, Apolipoprotein E, Tau protein) of the disease. Thecommon drugs based on their action are N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, Cholinesterase inhibitor, agents for increasing blood supply and neurotransmitter in the brain, lipofuchsin and â Amyloid plaque inhibitor, free radical scavenger, agent for metal chelator and agent for increasing macrophage activity in the brain.
A review on scientific technologies in practice to innovate plant based molecules and to improve herbal drug quality to overcome health problems
Authors: Gupta K.K. , Khandelwal G. , Prasad G. , Chopra A.K. , Mishra A.
Published: April 2018

Medicines obtained from drug plants and other sources are commonly called traditional medicines. They have played an important role in the treatment of several human diseases since ancient times. India possessed a great wealth of traditional health care system known as Ayurveda related to the use of plant species. The global market of herbal drugs has a great potential around the world. Demand of plant based medicines is also increasing among western countries because of a general consideration that most allopathic drugs are associated with more or less side effects. Many pharmaceutical companies are now manufacturing Ayurvedic phytopharmaceutical products. However, enough efforts have not been made to get suitable substitute of modern allopathic medicines from these traditionally used drug plants and herbal drugs. This traditional system of healthcare in India still needs extensive evidence-based scientific researches in promoting its therapies. This review paper deals with modern scientific approaches to find out new plant based molecules and to develop new technologies in a continuous process and should be applied in the practice to improve the quality of herbal drugs in Indian pharmaceutical industries. Critical assessment of quality assurance including researches on pharmacognosy, chemistry, pharmacology, antimicrobial activity and clinical studies carried out on various Ayurvedic medicinal plants are also being presented.
Conservation of an endemic medicinal plant, Anaphalis eliptica DC. by employing plant tissue culture technique
Authors: Senthilkumar P. , Paulsamy S.
Published: April 2018

The plant species, Anaphalis elliptica DC. (Asteraceae) is a medicinal herb endemic to high hills of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Western Ghats. The in vitro propagation study of this species by using leaf, node and shoot tip explants, revealed the following results: Among the three explants used, leaf and node responded well for callus and shoot initiations respectively. The leaf explant produced callus effectively (91%) in the MS medium supplemented with BAP and NAA at 2.5 and 0.3 mg/l respectively, whereas the nodal explant produced higher amount of shoots (92%) in the basal medium containing the growth regulator, BAP alone at 3.0 mg/l. The leaf derived callus produced higher (80%) shoot initials and shoot multiplication in the MS medium augmented with BAP and NAA at 3.0 and 0.5mg/l respectively. Similarly, the in vitro nodal derived shoots produced higher shoot multiplication (87%) in MS medium supplemented with BAP at 3.0mg/l. The regenerated shoots of both the explants were successfully rooted on MS medium supplemented with IBA and NAA at 1.0mg/l each. After sequential hardening the leaf callus derived plantlets registered higher survivability rate (80%) in the hardening medium containing decomposed coir waste, perlite and compost in the ratio of 1:1:1 by volume. Similarly, the survivability rate of nodal derived plantlets was higher (84%) in the hardening medium composed by vermicompost and soil in the ratio of 1:1 by volume.
Priority queueing model with balking and reneging
Authors: Singh Charan Jeet
Published: April 2018

This investigation deals with two levels, single server preemptive priority queueing model with discouragement behaviour (balking and reneging) of customers. Arrivals to each level are assumed to follow a Poisson process and service times are exponentially distributed. The decision to balk / renege is made on the basis of queue length only. Two specific forms of balking behaviour are considered. The system under consideration is solved by using a finite difference equation approach for solving the governing balance equations of the queueing model, with infinite population of level 1 customer. The steady state probability distribution of the number of customers in the system is obtained.
Study of chromosomal abnormalities in Channa punctatus exposed to fenvalerate
Authors: Saxena Kamal Kumar , Chaudhari Renu
Published: April 2018

The chromosomal aberration test in kidney cells of Channa punctatus was conducted to study the genotoxic effect of synthetic pyrethroid fenvalerate, Different chromosomal abnormalities were seen and their frequency was recoded in metaphase spreads obtained from fishes exposed to three sub lethal concentrations (0.0625, 0.0314 and 0.0157 ppm) of this compound. The exposure to fenvalerate caused various structural abnormalities in chromosomes such as chromatid break, fragment, gap, chromatid separation, deletion and ring type chromosomes. Results obtained in present investigations clearly indicate that fenvalerate acts as a genotoxic agent in Channa punctatus.
Geo-electrical mapping and groundwater potential zoning in some selected pockets of Baromura hill of Tripura (India)
Authors: Dey Sudip , Debbarma Chandrani , Sarkar Prasamita , Paul Sushmita
Published: April 2018

Baromura hill of Tripura is characterised by complex geology and very rugged landform. Water scarcity is a very general problem for the remote hilly villages of this area. Thus groundwater is considered as one of the most valuable natural resources in hilly villages of Baromura hill. The present study aims to prepare small area survey based geo-electrical mapping for understanding groundwater condition in some selected pockets of the study area. For that purpose one hill slope and one trough shaped low land (locally known as lunga) was selected. Soil resistivity meter was used for electrical survey. A circle plot was prepared for geo-electrical survey on the basis of which geo-electrical maps were drawn. In the studied hill slope morphology four sectors of ground water conditions were observed according to their electrical resistivity character namely shallowest zone, medium zone, deep zone and very deep zone. The trough shaped low land (lunga) is characterised by comparatively shallower condition of groundwater and it was divided into five classes namely near surface water, very shallow zone, shallow zone, medium shallow zone and medium zone. Though the depth of the water bearing strata cannot be detected by this method it is very suitable for understanding the groundwater potential zones in remote places like present study area.
Histopathological analysis of liver in Puntius ticto exposed to water soluble fraction (WSF) of petrol
Authors: Kakkar Preeti Handa , Saxena R. M. , Joshi Mamta
Published: April 2018

The fresh water fish Puntius ticto were exposed to lethal concentration of water soluble fraction (WSF) of petrol (5%-PF1, 10%-PF2, 15%-PF3, 20%-PF4 and 25%-PF5) for 96 hours. The exposure of WSF produced some conspicuous histopathological changes in liver. The swelling of hepatocytes, degeneration, necrosis, hemolysis, dilation, congestion and fibrosis in blood sinusoids were the prominent changes observed. The histological analysis showed increasing damages dose-dependents and time-dependents.
Biosorption technology for removal of metallic pollutants-An overview
Authors: Chopra A.K. , Pathak Chakresh
Published: April 2018

The main sources of metallic pollutants to the environment are the diffuse sources such as forests and agricultural soils as well as industrial and municipal wastes, which are either discharged directly or transported in to the environment. Various conventional technologies such as chemical precipitation, solvent extraction, ion exchange, membrane separation, electrochemical treatment etc. have been employed to remove metal pollutants from aqueous solution. The exploration of new technologies involves the removal of toxic metals from wastewater with the use of biological adsorption technology. The biosorption is the selective appropriate process for removal of metal ions uptake that may involve the contribution of diffusion, adsorption, chelation, complexation, coordination, or micro-precipitation mechanisms, depending on the specific substrate (biomass). In this overview, the use of the various low cost, easily available and eco-friendly biosorbents used for removal of metallic pollutants from contaminated water and their mechanism are discussed.
Photoperiod-induced clock-shifting in the circadian protein and amino acid rhythms in the larval fat body of silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Sailaja B. , Sivaprasad S.
Published: April 2018

The photoperiod-induced clock-shifting in the free running time of the circadian protein and amino acid rhythms was studied in the larval fat body of Bombyx mori. The analysis of peaks and troughs of phase response curves of the rhythm revealed that the fourth and fifth instar larvae grown under normal 12 h light and 12 h dark cycle (LD) showed 7 protein synthetic cycles, while those reared under continuous light (LL) recorded 9.5 cycles in fourth instar and 8 in fifth instar. Under continuous dark (DD), the protein rhythm maintained 8 cycles in fourth instar and 7.5 cycles in fifth instar. Clearly, both LL and DD conditions advance the 24-h free running time of the protein rhythm by durations ranging from 1.6 to 6.5 h. Comparative analysis of protein and amino acid rhythms shows that the photoperiod modulates the free running time of the former by altering the rate of amino acid mobilization.
Ethyl Methane Sulphonate induced morphological variations in mulberry (Morus) variety M5
Authors: Murthy V. N. Yogananda , Ramesh H. L. , Munirajappa Munirajappa
Published: April 2018

Present investigation deal with the study of mutagenic effect of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) on mulberry variety M5. The results revealed that at 0.4% EMS treatment, height of the plant and leaf area were considerably increased. Stem dichotomy, fusion of leaves, increase in thickness, change in texture of leaves and occurrence of albino and xantha were common in 0.3% EMS treated plants in M1 generation.
First report of amphizoic amoebae isolated from edible Oyster mushroom- Pleurotus sajor-caju (Singer, 1949)
Authors: Shukla Kavyanjali , Sharma A. K.
Published: April 2018

The present document serves as the first evidence that describes the presence of amphizoic amoebae in cap, stalk and internal tissues such as gills of the edible Oyster mushrooms, Pleurotus sajor-caju, packaged, and sold for public consumption. Samples tested over a 9 month period from different vegetable markets of Lucknow city revealed that out of 180 mushrooms, 176 (97.77%) yielded amphizoic amoebae, namely, Schizopyrenus, Naegleria, Hartmannella, Acanthamoeba and Vanella sp. Four samples of internal tissues yielded 6 strains of amoebae. A total of 17 Naegleria strains were isolated, out of which 5 were identified as Naegleria fowleri and were tested for their pathogenicity. The strains 2BNf01 and 5BNf04 were mildly pathogenic and strains, 4ANf02i, 4ANf03 and 8ANf05i were highly pathogenic. It was also observed that the most frequently observed species of amoebae belonged to the genus Acanthamoeba and a total 103 Acanthamoeba strains recorded.
Infection status of Clinostomum complanatum (Rudolphi, 1819) metacercaria from Channa punctatus of Meerut District
Authors: Sharma Bindu , Rani Vidushi , Chaudhary Ayushi
Published: April 2018

Metacercaria Clinostomum complanatum is a digenetic trematode, which is mainly found in fresh water fishes. Present communication deals with the infection status of C. complanatum in C. punctatus of Meerut district, which is supported by the data spreading over one year. About 250 specimens of C. punctatus from different ponds of Meerut were studied through regular periodical collection in the year Jan 2010 to Dec 2010. Overall prevalence 35.6%, mean intensity 3.06 and abundance 1.09 were reported. The infection was maximum in winter and minimum in rainy season. Prevalence, intensity and abundance of the infestation were also found to be related to different length group and sex of the hosts, the medium sized fishes were more infected and the larger size fishes were less infected while the smaller size fishes showed moderate infection. Susceptibility of infection was not significantly different between male and female fish.
Ageing effect on grooming activity in langur male bands (Semnopithecus entellus) in and around Jodhpur (India)
Authors: Ram Chena , Sharma Goutam , Rajpurohit L. S.
Published: April 2018

The study is based on grooming activity in different age class members of Semnopithecus entellus entellus all-male bands (AMB). All males seem to reach a peak in grooming frequency during and immediately following puberty and it is suggested that this peak corresponds to a period of establishing coalition bonds. High grooming rates may also be found in young adults who are actively and assertively challenging higher-ranking individuals. Finally, some old males exhibit paternalistic behavior toward young (generally pre-pubertal) males, which includes grooming, co-feeding and active defense by the older male. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis than grooming is an instrumental behaviour analogous to human gift exchange, which can be “used” by an individual for his ultimate benefit.
Quantitative vegetation analysis of tree species in the forest adjacent to villages on the periphery of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary
Authors: Puspwan K. S. , Pandey B. N.
Published: April 2018

The study was carried out in the forest adjacent to three villages located on the periphery of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary with the objective to evaluate the quantitative characters of tree species of the forest vegetation near these villages in relation to the species diversity, equitability and concentration of dominance of the selected villages. A total of eleven tree species were recorded. While the IVI values ranged from 9.78 to 84.33, the density values ranged between 0.3 and 1.9 and TBC values between 13.55 cm2/100m2 and 4080.80 cm2/100m2. Distributionpattern varied for different species. The recorded values viz. density, Shannon-Weiner Index (H), Concentration of Dominance (cd) and Equitability (Eq) were within the reported range for these types of forests.
Isolation, characterization and antibiotic susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus aureus from raw milk samples in Nagpur district, India
Authors: Dharmik Preeti G . , Gomashe Ashok V.
Published: April 2018

The study was carried out from July 2010 to June 2011. The aim of the present investigation was to isolate Staphylococcus aureus from raw milk obtained from cow from different parts of Nagpur district, India and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility profile. General biochemical tests along with the MASTASTAPHTM rapid agglutination tests were employed for bacterial identification. All the well characterized isolates were further confirmed by amplifying coa gene by PCR. A total 95 S. aureus isolates were obtained during this study from 50 raw milk samples. When all the well characterized isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, erythromycin and chloramphenicol were the most effective antibiotics. A large proportion of isolates were found to be resistant to Co-trimoxazole (89%) followed by Linomycin (81%) and Penicillin (35%) It was concluded from the current study that the hygiene of the milk was poor and resistant strains contaminated the milk probably during the process of transportation.
Effect of different doses of gamma radiation on growth parameters of Mulberry (Morus) variety Kosen
Authors: Ramesh H. L. , Murthy V. N. Yogananda , Munirajappa Munirajappa
Published: April 2018

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different doses of gamma radiations(1kR-10kR from co60)on different growth parameters of mulberry variety Kosen.Overall results revealed that a declined trend in all the growth parameters i.e. sprouting (83.66%-18.66%), rooting (77.96%-19.59%), height of the plant (105.00 cm-58.03 cm), number of the branches (7.73-4.23), intermodal distance (3.76 cm-3.94 cm), petiole length (2.89 cm-2.59 cm) and pollen fertility (77.93%-40.66%) were recorded and showed a deleterious effect. But the response of growth parameters against different doses showed variant behaviour in case of rooting as constant declined trend was not observed. Similarly fluctuating state has been found in other growth parameters also.
Diel dynamics of heleoplankton in relation to some physico-chemical attributes of water in an aquaculture tank in Guwahati, Assam
Authors: Pathak Janardan , Goswami M. M.
Published: April 2018

Diurnal fluctuation of the phytoplankton and zooplankton population (numerical densities) and the physicochemical attributes of water are studied in an aquaculture pond at Guwahati, Assam. In the 24 hour diel cycle, the phytoplankton and zooplankton show significant (t-test, p < 0.01) variation in their numerical density at an interval of 4 hours. The studied physico-chemical parameters of water included Temperature, Total Alkalinity (TA), Total hardness (TH), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Free Carbon dioxide (FCO2) and pH are analyzed concurrently, which reveals a significant fluctuation (t-test, p< .01) in the day and night hours. Multivariate correlation analysis portrays significant and positive correlations among the total population density of phytoplankton with respect to water temperature (r = 0.845, p<0.05) and pH (r = 0.881, p< 0.01) while it maintains significant negative correlations with TA (r = -0.837, p<0.05), TH (r = -0.768, p< 0.05) and FCO2 (r = -0.830, p<0.05). However, total numerical density of zooplankton reveals positive and significant correlations with TA (r = 0.842, p< 0.05) and FCO2 (r= 0.758, p< 0.05) while it shows significant negative correlations with water temperature (r = -0.906, p< 0.01) and pH (r =- 0.912, p< 0.01).
Nimbecidine induced gene mutations in internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 of Anopheles stephensi
Authors: Bhinder Preety , Chaudhry Asha , Soni Aditi
Published: April 2018

The genotoxic effects of nimbecidine, a commercial botanical pesticide derived from the neem tree were assessed by PCR assay on a mosquito Anopheles stephensi taken as an experimental model. After treatment with LC20 of the nimbecidine, the sequence variations in the internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1 and ITS2) of control and treated individuals were studied from their sequence alignment data and the mutations in the form of insertions, deletions, and substitutions were analyzed. Nimbecidine treatment induced 16 deletions, 13 insertions, 93 transitions and 140 transversions in the ITS1 sequence. Similarly, in the ITS2 sequence of treated individual there were 2 deletions, 4 insertions, 15 transitions and 39 transversions. Present study suggests that plant based pesticides also effect the integrity of normal DNA sequences.
Incidence and detection of parasitic infections by cyst and ova on fruits and vegetables from different major markets in Kogi, Nigeria
Authors: Omowaye O. S. , Audu P. A.
Published: April 2018

In the course of a study of parasitic infections by cyst and ova on fruits and vegetable sold in middle-belt Nigeria, three different major public markets was selected. Six different fruits and vegetables total to 2406 samples were examined.Data obtained were statistically analyzed using anova for the level of significance difference where appropriate. Of the 1755 fruits examined, 4.3% were positive for parasites ova and 2.5% for cysts. Of the 761 vegetables examined, 4.6% were positive for parasites ova and 2.8% for cysts.The contamination rate of protozoan cyst and ova found are Giardia lamblia (2.61%) Entamoebs histolytica (0.66%). The difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05).Cases of contamination rate of protozoan cyst and ova were small compared to helminthic contamination. However, helminths such as Strongylodies stercoralis Trichiuris trachura and Ascaris lumbricoides were predominant in that order. The public health implication on the subjects is discussed. Through washing of all fruits and vegetables with clean water prior to consumption is recommended.
Efficacy of vitamin E and vitamin C against silica induced toxicity on male reproductive organs of albino rats
Authors: Saxena Shruti , Singh S. P.
Published: April 2018

Silica is one of the most documented workplace contaminants. Long-term occupational exposure to silica is associated with an increased risk in respiratory diseases such as silicosis, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. The present study was carried out to observe the alteration in testosterone level & histopathological changes in the testis and epididymis after silica exposure, and to show whether therapeutic agents (Vitamin E + Vitamin C) used in study may provide recovery against exposure to silica. For investigations, silica was administered in albino rats as silicon dioxide at a dose of 40 mg/Kg for 28 days (IP) to produce toxic effects. Recovery pattern was evaluated by Vitamin E + vitamin C (50 mg/kg, ip + 100 mg/kg, po, for 5 days after silica administration. The study showed alterations in the various blood parameters after intraperitonealintoxication of silicon dioxide. Testosterone was significantly decreased in experimental rats after 28 days of silica intoxication. Therapeutic agents i.e. vitamin E and vitamin C recouped the values to normal control and recoupment was also observed in histology of testis and epididymis.
A study on carbon sequestration in natural forests of India
Authors: Khurana Poonam
Published: April 2018

Among the global common concerns, climate change has been identified as the most important environmental challenge faced by human beings. Emission of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons and hydrocarbons are identified as green house gases causing warming of earth globally. Of these gases, CO2 alone accounts for 60 percent share. The most practical way of removing excess carbon from atmosphere and storing it in to a biological system is by absorption of atmospheric CO2 into the physiological system, plant biomass and finally into the soil . Carbon is thus sequestered into the plants and then the animals. Studies have established that Carbon sequestration by trees and forest could provide relatively low cost net emission reduction. Carbon management in forest is therefore one of the most important agenda in India in 21st century in context of green house gases effect and mitigation of global climate changes. Studies indicated that Indian forests share 1,083.81 MtC in the year 1994 to 3,907.67 MtC in the year 1993. Estimated rate of Carbon flux in selectedIndian planted forest reveals that planted forests of short rotation tree species with regular leaf shedding patterns have more capacity for carbon sequestering in litter which decomposes more rapidly than those with annual or bimodal leaf shedding patterns. Mixed planted forest of exotic and native species could be more efficient in sequestering Carbon than the monocultures. This contribution reviews Carbon sequestration in Indian forests at national level and site-specific situations;and elaborates some possible opportunities for sustainable Carbon forestry.
Cholinesterase and microbial inhibitory activities of Tetrapleura tetraptera
Authors: Okoronkwo N. E. , Echeme J. O.
Published: April 2018

The cholinesterase and microbial inhibitory activities of different parts of Tetrapleura tetraptera plant were evaluated due to their local applications. The cholinesterase results revealed that the extracts showed some levels of inhibitory effects depending on the solvents used. Tetrapleura tetraptera leaves had better inhibitory effects with maximum inhibitory activity of 70.0% at a concentration of 1.00mg/l for the water extract. Tetrapleura tetraptera bark showed highest inhibitory effect of 71.05% and (84.34%) for the ethanol and chloroform extracts at concentrations of 0.5mg/l and 1.0 mg/l respectively. While for petroleum ether, T. tetraptera bark recorded 74.34% inhibitory effect at concentration of 2.0 mg/l and also showed continuous increase in inhibitory activity as the concentration increases for aqueous methanol. The results of the antimicrobial activities showed that among all the test organisms, theethanol and water extracts of the leaves, stem, bark and root of the plants had promising activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia bacteria and Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus species fungi. There was no activity shown by the ethanol and water extracts ofthe parts of the plants with Fugarium oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Mucor species fungi. The bacteria strains were more sensitive to the tested extracts than the fungi strains.
Status and conservation of avian fauna of Sultanpur National Park Gurgaon, Haryana (India)
Authors: Chopra Girish , Tyor Anil K. , Kumari Seema , Rai Deepak
Published: April 2018

The present study was conducted in Sultanpur National Park Gurgaon, Haryana (India) from February, 2011 to January, 2012 to analyze the avian diversity along with its status and abundance. During the study period, a total of 113 species of birds belonging to 14 orders, 35 families and 80 genera were identified. Maximum 41 species belonging to 12 families of order Passeriformes represented 36.28% of the total identified avian fauna while Podicipediformes and Strigiformes were the least represented avian orders (0.88%) with one species each,namely, Little Grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis and Spotted Owlet, Athene brama respectively. Out of total reported 113 species, 64 were ‘resident’ species and 49 were ‘migrant’ species. Most of the migratory species were winter visitors except Red throated flycatcher, Ficedula parva; Orange Headed Thrush, Zoothera citrine and Eurasian Golden Oriole, Oriolus oriolus which were summer visitors. In all, 42 species were ‘common’, 33 species were ‘uncommon’ and 38 species were ‘occasional’ bird species. Based on sighting, White Breasted Kingfisher, Halcyonsmyrnensis; White Breasted Water Hen, Amaurornis phoenicurus; Common Moorhen, Gallinule chloropus; Black Wing Stilt, Himantopus himantopus; Red Wattled lapwing, Vanellus indicus; Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis and Indian Pond Heron, Ardeola grayii were common wetland bird species of Sultanpur National Park while Pied king fisher, Ceryle rudis and Coppersmith Barbet, Megalaima haemacephala were ‘rarely sighted’ bird species. During the study period, 7 ‘globally threatened’ species, namely, Painted Stork, Mycteria leucocephala; Black neck Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus; Black headed Ibis, Threskiornis melanocephalus; Darter, Anhinga melanogaster; Pacific Reef Egret, Egretta sacra; Sarus Crane, Grus antigone alongwith Hogson bushchat, Saxicola insignis were also recorded from the study area.
Dawn singing behavior of a tropical bird species, the Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata
Authors: Sethi Vinaya Kumar , Bhatt Dinesh , Kumar Amit
Published: April 2018

This paper aims to study the structure and pattern of dawn song in a tropical avian species, the Pied Bush Chat (Saxicola caprata) in Haridwar (290 55’ N, 780 08’ E; Uttarakhand, India) in 2009. Males delivered complex dawn chorus on daily basis during only breeding season (February to July). The dawn song bout was made up of a number of distinct sections called song types. Each song type consisted of a series of similar or dissimilar units referred to as elements. Song type length averaged 1.43±0.23 sec and did not differ significantly among males. Theaverage number and types of elements in a song type were observed 8.15±1.64 and 8.01±1.56, respectively.In more than 80% of observations, song types were delivered with immediate variety and males did not follow any definite sequential pattern of song delivery. Males sang continuously for about 30 min at high rates during dawn. Males performed continuous dawn singing throughout the breeding season and seemed to interact vocally through counter-singing for extended period. Observations suggest that dawn song delivery in Pied Bush Chat plays an important role in maintenance and adjustment of social relationship among neighbouring males.
Histopathological alterations in testicular tissue of male rats exposed to arsenic
Authors: Pachnanda Reema , Singh Shiv Pal
Published: April 2018

The present study was designed to investigate the adverse effect of arsenic on testicular tissue of Swiss albino male rats. Sodium arsenite was administered to adult male rats by gavage at the doses 1, 2 and 3 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. After the treatment, the testis were processed for histopathological observations. Sodium arsenite caused remarkable reduction in testicular weight (P<0.05), while the body weight of experimental animals were reduced but not significantly (P<0.05). Histological evaluation revealed dose-dependent, gradual destruction in histoarchitecture of testicular tissue. Sodium arsenite exposure caused complete arrest of spermatogenesis with disfigured seminiferous tubules in the testes .The lumens of the tubules were devoid of spermatids and were in places filled with cellular debris. The germinal epithelium was distorted. At places interstitial odema was also evident. Sertoli and Leydig cells were damaged. Along with structural alterations, fertility rate in experimental animals was significantly decreased at higher doses i.e. 2 and 3 mg/kg, as 100% infertility was observed. After withdrawal of the treatment over a period of 30 days, recovery was observed in low dose groups as few female rats became pregnant. The study concluded that exposure of arsenic causes testicular toxicity in male albino rat.