bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listening to Bats: Namibian Pastoralists' Perspectives, Stories, and Experiences
Authors: Laverty Theresa M. , Teel Tara L. , Gawusab A. Archie , Berger Joel
Published: March 2021

While relatively little is known about bats across much of Africa, globally, many bat populations are in decline due to human activities. Successful bat conservation efforts, therefore, depend on both ecological studies and research on human-bat relationships. To address these knowledge gaps about African bats and their interactions with humans, we used semi-structured interviews of pastoralists in northwestern Namibia to assess local experiences with, attitudes toward, and cultural stories about bats. Our research was conducted in conjunction with an ecological study on Namib Desert bat distributions, thus allowing for a broader understanding of the social-ecological dynamics of human-bat interactions in this region. Though only 65% of interviews were able to correctly identify bats from photographs, 100% classified these species as bats when provided with an additional description of “animals that fly at night.” A majority (77%) of interviews expressed positive attitudes toward bats and over a third (38%) provided cultural stories, offering detailed reports of myths and common meanings assigned to bats. Of those stories, 12% indicated that bats brought good luck or good rains, and 84% specified that bats represented bad luck or omens of injuries, death, disease, or lack of rains. While the primary threats of habitat loss and bushmeat hunting were never mentioned in our interviews, the influence of negative cultural stories on individual behavior could pose challenges for future bat conservation initiatives. This qualitative approach combined with ecological research may be valuable for assessing cross-cultural relationships between humans and understudied wildlife in other remote areas.
Attitudes towards and Relationships with Cave-Roosting Bats in Northwest Cambodia
Authors: Shapiro Hannah G. , Willcox Adam S. , Ader David R. , Willcox Emma V.
Published: March 2021

Bat populations are declining worldwide because of anthropogenic activities, including habitat destruction and hunting. Cambodia represents an important case study for studying human-bat interactions, as loss of karst caves and the destruction of forests threaten the stability of bat populations and the ecosystem services they provide. Cambodians rely on bats for tourism revenue, fertilizer from guano, and as a source of protein. However, there is a lack of information on people's attitudes towards and relationships with cave-roosting bats. In 2018, we interviewed 60 residents around three karst outcrops (Sampeau Hill, Banan Hill, and Reichiatra Hill) in Battambang Province, northwestern Cambodia, along with agricultural professionals in Battambang Town, the province's capital. The primary objectives of the interviews were to examine people's (1) attitudes towards bats, (2) experiences with bats, and (3) engagement in high-risk behaviors associated with transmission of bat-related diseases (e.g., guano mining, hunting, etc.). Most respondents (70%) held positive attitudes towards bats and listed guano production, pest control, and tourism as benefits bats provide. Additionally, all informants believed bats should be protected and stated that they would feel sad if bats were extirpated. Conversely, respondents noted that many people eat bats. We followed these semi-structured interviews with five key informant interviews involved with the conservation of bats, which provided information on the history of human-bat interactions within these communities. Respondents' positive attitudes towards bats and recognition of ecosystem services bats provide indicate they would support bat conservation policy and may be interested in developing community-based conservation programs around karst outcrops.
PROBLEMATIKA DAN STRATEGI DALAM PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INDONESIA DI KELAS RENDAH SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Kurniawan Masda Satria , Wijayanti Okto , Hawanti Santhy
Published: March 2021

Abstrak. Penelitian problematika dalam pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia di kelas rendah SD N Kaliurip perlu dilakukan karena banyak problematika yang dihadapi guru pada saat ini. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui permasalahan dalam pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia di kelas rendah. Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif. Partisipan dalam penelitian ini adalah 1 orang guru kelas I, 1 orang guru kelas II, dan 1 orang guru kelas III. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data pada penelitian ini menggunakan triangulasi sumber dan teknik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa problematika yang dihadapi guru adalah peserta didik kelas rendah masih kesulitan dalam menyimak, berbicara, membaca, dan menulis. Guru memiliki beberapa strategi dalam pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia pada keterampilan berbahasa (menyimak, berbicara, membaca, dan menulis). Guru melakukan pendekatan langsung kepada peserta didik yang mengalami kesulitan dalam menyimak, berbicara, membaca, dan menulis, dengan cara membimbing apabila ada peserta didik yang kesulitan dalam membaca atau menulis sampai peserta didik tersebut lancar. Guru membiasakan peserta didik untuk membaca di manapun dan kapanpun, misalnya di kantin membaca kemasan jajan, di tempat umum, di tempat parkir, dan di halaman sekolah. Peserta didik yang kesulitan menulis akan dibimbing dengan cara menyalin tulisan di papan tulis, dan yang ada di buku pelajaran. Peserta didik yang kesulitan menyimak atau kurang memperhatikan akan langsung dipanggil oleh guru untuk maju ke depan. Peserta didik yang kesulitan berbicara bahasa Indonesia yang baik dan benar akan dibiasakan untuk berkomunikasi menggunakan bahasa Indonesia yang baik dan benar.
Oral contraceptive among risk factors for women with ischemic stroke
Authors: PALUDO Carla S. , SACHETTI Amanda , PAIXÃO Maiara S.
Published: March 2021

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of use of oral contraceptives and other risk factors among women with ischemic stroke seen at a hospital in the northern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional study. The population was characterized by patients admitted with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke during a period from March to August 2019 and the sample by female patients found in the population. The data were collected through an individual interview using a questionnaire developed by the researchers and tabulated for further analysis. All analyzes were performed using the statistical program Bioestat 5.0, considering p = 0.05. Results: In the characterization of the sample, an average age of 68.2 years was observed. The occurrence of gender was 52.4% for women. The mean hospital stay was 12.2 ± 8.91 days. Outcome of hospital discharge was 89.1%. The mean value of body mass index was 25 ± 4.89 kg / m², with an average of 27.4 kg / m² in patients who used oral contraceptives and 25.23 kg / m² in patients who did not use oral contraceptives. The sample had a 34.5%incidence of oral contraceptive use. The average age of those who used oral contraceptives was 62.4 years and of the patients who did not use it was 70.3 years. Conclusion: The study showed a high use of oral contraceptives in the sample, with percentage values very close to other factors evaluated, thus showing itself as a probable risk factor for the development of ischemic stroke.
Effect of composition and depth of filter-bed on the efficiency of Sand-intermittent-filter treating the Industrial wastewater at Haridwar, India
Authors: Bhutiani Rakesh , Faheem Ahamad  , Ruhela Mukesh
Published: March 2021

Sand Intermittent Filtration (SIF) is an established technology of wastewater treatment and in recent years it gains renewed interest due to its simplicity and less energy requirement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the modified filter-bed Reactor using Sand-intermittent-filtration (SIF) for the removal of physicochemical parameters viz dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total hardness (TH), calcium hardness (CaH), chloride (Cl), turbidity, total solids (TS), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS) of the Industrial wastewater of State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIDCUL) at Haridwar. The experiments were performed with the composition of the filter-bed having sand and gravel in the ratio of 1:1 (Reactor I); 1:2 (Reactor II) and 2:1 (Reactor III) at the room temperature 300C. Each Reactor was categorized into A, B and C type based on depth of filter-bed (A=10 cm, B=15 cm, C=30 cm). The maximum removal of TS (52.21%), TDS (50.66%), TSS (57.20%), turbidity (67.36%), chloride (28.81%), BOD (39.18%), COD (38.66%), TH (53.40%), and CaH (62.57%) was observed in Reactor II C (soil and gravel- 2:1 and 30 cm depth of bed) using 0.49 mm effective size and 0.49 uniformity coefficient (UC) of the sand. A mixture of sand and gravel in the Reactor II with a ratio of 2:1 yielded better efficiency in comparison to the Reactor I and Reactor III. Thus, SIF technology could be environment-friendly and economically cost-effective for removing various physicochemical parameters from Industrial wastewater.
Molecular characterization of Indian species of the genus Cornudiscoides Kulkarni, 1969 (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae)
Authors: Verma J. , Agrawal N.
Published: March 2021

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic study based on partial sequences of 28S and 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of sixteen Indian species of the genus Cornudiscoides (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) were conducted to decode the genetic relationship between them and with other members of the family Dactylogyridae. Blastn searches disclosed the significant similarity among the species of the Cornudiscoides for large ribosomal subunits as well as for small ribosomal subunit showing genetic relatedness. The phylogenetic tree using neighbour-joining (NJ) and minimum evolution (ME) methods for 28S ribosomal subunit depicted that all Cornudiscoides species clustering in a single clade and forming sister clade with other members of the family Dactylogyridae and similar results were obtained from 18S ribosomal subunit. Thus, the present study demonstrated that both 28S and 18S ribosomal subunits are very helpful in discriminating Cornudiscoides species (intra or interspecific variation) and in the establishment of the evolutionary relationship among them.
Quality assessment of groundwater at Laksar Block, Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India using Water Quality Index: A case study
Authors: Bhutiani Rakesh , Ahamad Faheem , Khushi Ram
Published: March 2021

Urbanization and industrialization enhance the degradation of the groundwater quality due to the discharge of domestic and industrial effluents in the aquatic bodies or on the surface of ground either in treated or untreated form. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the groundwater quality at the Laksar block of district Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Groundwater samples (SS-1-10) were collected from the hand pumps of the study area. The sampling site (SS-1) was taken as control. The distance of all sampling sites from control site ranged from 6.3Km to 18.3Km. The samples were analyzed for various physicochemical parameters viz Temperature, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Solids (TS), pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Hardness (TH), Calcium Hardness (CaH), Chloride (Cl), Sulphate (SO4--), Nitrate (NO3---), Acidity, and Iron (Fe) for two years (2017 to 2019).  The data obtained after analysis was simplified using Water quality index (WQI). The maximum concentration of TDS, TS, TH, CaH, and Fe was observed at SS-6 that may be due to the direct industrial discharge of Sugar mill effluent on the ground. Based on WQI value, SS-6 (WQI value-150.27) was found most polluted site. Hardness was found above the standard limit (250mg/l) at SS-6 to SS-10. The Fe was also found above the standard limit of WHO and BIS (0.3mg/l) at SS-6 to SS-10. The study may be useful for managing the groundwater quality of the study area.
An overview of E-waste, its management practices and legislations in present Indian context
Authors: Rajput Rajeev , Rinki  , Ahuja Nigam Nidhi
Published: March 2021

E-waste coming out from the electronic sector of the entire world is harming the world's environment. There has been a pattern of a substantial increase in the production of E-waste worldwide. This is as a consequence of population increase, industrialization, urbanization and economic activity. Since the last decade, the rate of consumerism has been found to be very high due to higher economic growth, which has resulted in increased E-waste production. Almost all countries are recycling more and more E-waste, but a million tonnes of E-waste still coming out. Experts believe that the rise of E-waste is due to our rapidly changing lifestyles. We have started adopting new electronic devices coming into the market, trying to make life more convenient. In  India, electronic waste is growing at 10% per annum.  The trend of urbanization has played a significant role in the enhancement of E-waste generation. The population living in urban areas was 27.67% in 2000, 38.03% in 2018, and is expected to reach approximately 42% in 2025. As the population increases, the amount of E-waste will also rise to an alarming situation. This review paper provides the present scenario of E-waste and its management practices and legislation in the present Indian context. This would help all the stakeholders involved in the production of electrical equipment to gain better understanding of E-waste.
Statistical analysis of long-term rainfall trends in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Deka Surobhi
Published: March 2021

Rainfall is the key climatic variable that governs the regional hydrologic cycle and availability of water resources. Rainfall trend analysis in a localized watershed can improve many aspects of water resource management not only to the catchment itself but also to some of the related other catchments. The trend analysis of monthly rainfall data over Cherrapunji of Meghalaya in India for the period 1872-2007 has been carried out in this work. While the magnitude of the trend in the time series has been determined using Sen's estimator, the significance of the trend in monthly rainfall series has been tested using Mann-Kendall test. During the time span 1872-2007, an increasing trend has been found in the monthly rainfall for the months July, October and November, and a decreasing trend has been found in the monthly rainfall for the months February to June, August and September. On the other hand, it was found that none of Mann-Kendall Z values was significant at 5% level of significance. Therefore, from Mann-Kendall Z test, it can be concluded that there is no trend in any month in monthly rainfall for the station Cherrapunji. For the better assessment of the temporal variation in monthly rainfall trend, whole period was divided into two halves, 1872-1939 and 1940-2007. Then, trend magnitude through Sen's estimator and Mann-Kendall Z for test of significance were determined for these two time periods separately. The analysis of trends of monthly rainfall in these two halves showed large variability in the magnitude and direction of the trend in various months from one half to another. Accurate prediction of trends in monthly rainfall is an important aspect of climate research and we believe that present study could provide a scope to correlate between current rainfall trend and climate change scenario of the study area.
Molecular marker assisted screening for kernel polyphenol oxidase activity in wheat Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Prasad Abhishek , Chattopadhyay Tirthartha
Published: March 2021

High level of kernel polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity has been found to be the major factor behind time-dependent discolouration of wheat-based products, which ultimately leads to reduced consumers’ preference. Till date, 6 genes belonging in 2 paralogous sets present in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) chromosome 2 homeologues (2A, 2B and 2D) have been reported to govern kernel PPO activity. Among these 6 genes, perfect molecular markers have been developed for 2 genes (PPOA1 and PPOD1) and the major role of PPOA1 gene in governing kernel PPO activity in wheat has been reported. In the present study we have used the molecular markers for the PPOA1 and PPOD1 genes to characterize wheat genotypes for their kernel PPO activity. We have successfully converted the dominant marker assay for the PPOD1 locus into a co-dominant assay using the already reported primers. Our molecular screening strategy could explain the kernel PPO activity of wheat genotypes in rapid, reliable and environment-independent manner. Furthermore, biochemical estimation of kernel PPO activity in wheat genotypes indicated the involvement of other genes in fine-tuning this important trait. Thus, the present study should facilitate the breeders in marker-assisted selection and breeding for developing wheat genotypes with low kernel PPO activity.
Molecular tools for identification and classification of Myxozoan parasites (Cnidaria: Myxosporea) in India: Current status
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , Chaudhary Anshu , Tyagi Anju , Sharma Bindu , Singh Hridaya S.
Published: March 2021

A substantial literature on myxosporea has been published to date using morphological characters and specificity of host tissue. Currently, there are some 2400 nominal species of myxosporea classified to 17 families and 64 genera. Approximately 300 species have been described from India and most of them have been described solely on the basis of morphological characteristics. Molecular markers like small subunit ribosomal (SSU) and large subunit ribosomal (LSU) DNA have been used worldwide for the identification and validation of fish myxosporeans. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on SSU rDNA sequences was used to study the phylogenetic relationship among myxosporeans infecting Indian fishes. Myxospore phylogenies disagree with traditional spore-based classification systems, probably due to extreme plasticity in myxospores morphologies that have resulted in extensive convergence. Morphological similarities exist among myxosporea that encounter several problems in categorizing them. That’s why present-day research has shifted to molecular techniques for identification and correct systematics of myxosporeans. Molecular studies of myxozoans in India are still scarce and in infancy. To address persisting taxonomic and phylogenetic discrepancies, validation of these species by molecular tools is needed, because earlier species were reported only on the basis of morphological data. Therefore, the present study has summarized existing molecular data and current status of molecular taxonomy of myxosporeans parasitizing fresh and marine water fishes of India along with the approaches of myxozoan phylogenetics and information about the molecular markers, their interpretation in the identification of myxozoans parasitizing fishes.
Effect of packaging on phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant characteristics of mechanical cabinet dried wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) arils
Authors: Thakur Abhimanyu , Thakur NS , Hamid  , Gautam Sunakshi
Published: March 2021

Wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit arils with high acid content are processed into dried arils (anardana) which is used as an ingredient in various medicinal formulations and culinary preparations. The various phenols and flavonoids are responsible for the antioxidant activity of anardana which signifies its functional benefits. The advanced packaging techniques like vacuum packaging, can retain higher antioxidant activity characteristics during storage. So, the present studies were carried out to compare the effect of packaging on total phenols, flavonoids, DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activity, metal chelating activity, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and reducing power of anardana prepared in mechanical cabinet drier. Anardana was packed in different packaging materials and stored under ambient and refrigerated temperature conditions. The overall effect of storage during 12 months revealed that there was a significant (p< 0.05) decrease in total phenols (180.95 to 161.76 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (40.60 to 32.66 mg QuE/100 g), DPPH antioxidant activity (61.23 to 56.13%), metal chelating activity (22.25 to 19.37%), FRAP (34.60 to 31.73 ?M Fe2+/100 g) and reducing power (0.610 to 0.521) which was observed less in anardana packed in ALPV (aluminium laminated pouches with vacuum) followed by ALP (aluminium laminated pouches) and gunny bags. Due to slower rates of degradation of various antioxidant compounds, the changes after 12 months of storage were lower under refrigerated conditions. The total phenols, flavonoids and DPPH antioxidant activity were reduced  from 180.95 to 167.24 and 156.28 mg GAE/100 g, 40.60 to 34.95 and 30.37 mg QuE/100 g and 61.23 to 57.99 and 54.27 % in refrigerated and ambient temperature conditions, respectively.
Wild edible plants in the Ehotilé, a fishing people around Aby lagoon (eastern littoral of Côte d'Ivoire): Knowledge and availability
Authors: Malan Djah François , Neuba Danho Fursy Rodelec
Published: March 2021

This study is set within the important framework of the imperative need to safeguard traditional knowledge at historical, nutritional levels, and as an element of sustainable management of natural resources. Thus, it aimed to identify, through four ethnobotanical surveys (2007, 2009, 2015 and 2019), the wild edible plants used by the Ehotilé around the Aby Lagoon, on the Ivorian eastern littoral, to evaluate the use, preference and availability related to these plants and to discuss the evolution of food practices since the observations of missionaries three centuries earlier. The level of knowledge was analysed using Smith's Index and the availability of edible fruits was assessed with a new cognitive index. Compared to the era of the first settlement, the diet of the Ehotilé has undergone many modifications. Current observations showed that wild plants were rarely used in the diet which was essentially cassava-based. Thirty-nine edible ethnospecies corresponding to 40 scientific plants species were recorded for 46 uses, of which, wild fruits with 54.17 % were the most important. Edible fruits were available all year round, but irregularly and the availability index suggested that 10 species of the fruits sought were rare in the region. The study has shown that gathering plants are well known by the Ehotilé. However, they are not very present in their diet. In addition, they have a good knowledge of the availability of their edible plants and could therefore be key resource persons in any assessment of the dynamics of plants in their environment.
Physiological and reproductive fitness cost in Aedes aegypti on exposure to toxic xenobiotics in New Delhi, India
Authors: Gupta Addea , Samal Roopa Rani , Kumar Sarita
Published: March 2021

Aedes aegypti, is a well-known vector of dengue, Chikungunya and Zika at the global level. Primary use of pyrethroids as control interventions has caused the development of a considerable level of immunity in Ae. aegypti. The current study assessed the efficacy of a pyrethroid, ?-cypermethrin on the survival and various life parameters of Ae. aegypti. The larvicidal studies with ?-cypermethrin revealed the respective LC50 and LC90 values as 0.26526 mg/L and 0.60211 mg/L. The impact of LC50 level was assessed on the growth and life attributes; such as gonotrophic cycle, egg development, hatchability, development and survival of immature stages, adult longevity, reproduction rate and generation time; of fourth instar of susceptible (S) and ?-cypermethrin-exposed population (E). The exposed population showed diminished fitness as compared to the susceptible population. The individual female fecundity in susceptible population was recorded as 79.6 with 61.6% hatchability rate as compared to the 28 eggs/female and 25% hatchability in the exposed population. The mean egg hatch time in S strain increased by 2-fold in E strain. The proportion of immature survival observed in S strain was 0.88 for fourth instar to pupa (P/I), 0.94 for pupa to adult (A/P) and an overall 0.83 for fourth larva to adult (A/I), which respectively reduced to 0.32, 0.86 and 0.27 in E strain of Ae. aegypti. Likewise, the net reproductive rate, birth rate and death rate were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in S than in E strain. This study demonstrates the negative impact of ?-cypermethrin on the physiological and reproductive fitness of Ae. aegypti.
Changes in blood Cr level and its oxidative status among leather tannery workers of District Kanpur in North India
Authors: Dubey Ramji , Verma Pragya , Kumar Sudhir
Published: March 2021

Chromium (Cr) sulfate is used in the tannery industry as a basic tanning agent. Workers are directly exposed to the Cr due to unawareness and no safety protocols. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress of Cr in tannery workers of District Kanpur in North India. Two groups of the population were for the study, Group I included 50 directly exposed people employed in tannery industries, whereas Group II included 50 healthy people with no previous exposure to Cr. The concentration of total Cr in blood samples was measured by Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Oxidative status was measured by antioxidant enzyme assays such as Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione Reductase (GR). Statistical analysis observed a significant (p<0.001) increase of Cr concentration in Cr-exposed Group compared to controls which were not exposed to Cr. The level of CAT (9.73 ± 1.68 u/mg) was significantly (p<0.001) higher in Cr-exposed group as compared to control (6.00 ± 0.86 u/mg) while GPx (40.02 ± 5.43 u/mg) and GR (5.29 ± 1.59 u/gHg) concentration is significantly (p?0.001) lower in Cr-exposed group compared to control (59.71 ± 5.09 u/mg and 10.77 ± 2.32 u/g Hg, respectively. In Pearson correlation analysis, blood Cr level showed a significant correlation (p<0.05) with oxidative status. In Pearson correlation analysis, blood Cr level showed a significant correlation (p<0.05) with the oxidative status of the exposed population. The outcome of this study may help the early detection of hazardous impact of Cr on tannery workers, which will be crucial for reducing health risk and exposure.
Age and growth analysis of the fish Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) from River Nayar, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand
Authors: Mohd Rashid  , Sagir Mohd , Dobriyal A. K.
Published: March 2021

The ability to age fish accurately is essential in understanding the dynamics of fish population. Age and growth determination in Mastacembelus armatus was assessed by the scale method which was verified by the length-frequency distribution method. The scales were small, elongated and the focus was shifted slightly uppish from the centre. The fish length and scale radius relationship was found linear (Scale radius = 6.974 + 0.452 Fish length; r = 0.9746) and authenticated the age analysis. Back calculation method was used to find out the size of fish at annulus formation, which confirmed four age rings in M. armatus  at the size of 14.07±0.92,  26.05±4.99,  37.96± 2.59  and  48.48±6.06 cm respectively. First two age rings were observed in the fish length group 30-40 cm, the third ring was observed in 40-50 cm and the fourth ring in 50-60 cm length group. The finding was dully validated by length-frequency distribution method. The growth annual increment (h) of M. armatus shows that the length increment was 14.07, 13.32, 11.91 and 10.52 cm during 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year respectively. It shows that the fish grows continuously during its entire life period. The average growth (? h) was observed as 12.12 cm. annually. The assessment of age and growth rate of fish is a prerequisite to generate the information on recruitment, longevity and fluctuations in fishery caused by various year classes which is an important tool for rational exploitation of fish stock.
A study on biology and larval behaviour of fruit piercing moth of Othreis (Eudocima) materna (L.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on pomegranate, Punica granatum
Authors: Shendge Eknath , Khaire Bapurao , Chavan Ramrao
Published: March 2021

Among different fruit piercing moths, the genus Othreis are the most harmful, causing widespread damage to pomegranate, citrus and mango fruits causing fruit fall in tropical and subtropical countries. The present communication deals with the study on the biology of  Othreis materna (L) from egg to adult’s death which was carried out  at room temperature of the laboratory  to investigate the delicate and vulnerable stages of its life cycle. The life cycle of the moth was completed within 45-61 days, with an average 55.03 days in case of male and within 47-63 days with an average 57.07±4.92 in case of female. Eggs hatching started at night or early in the morning and duration of hatching was 2.72 days. The eggs measured were about 0.95 to 0.03 mm in diameter. The freshly emerged first instar larvae were light yellowish coloured and translucent. The first instar larvae were very active after hatching and they moved 4 to 6 feet for searching the food. The larvae were fed with the leaves of Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy or Guduchi). The total larval duration in days from first, second, third, fourth and fifth instar varied from 2.12±0.01, 1.81±0.05, 2.87±0.02, 3.90±0.11, 4.74±0.38 in days respectively and total larval period was 15.44±0.57. Pupae were dark brown in colour and total pupation period was of 13.81±0.12 days and total adult duration for male and female was 23.08±0.70 and 25.20±0.66 days respectively. The adult of O. materna was bright orange in colour and of medium size. The male was small than the female. This is first study of this type from Marathwada, which will help to trace the vulnerable and delicate stage of the life cycle of this O. materna.
Effect of Piper nigrum (Linn.) seeds extract and second line anti-tuberculosis drugs on a few Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains
Authors: Zodape G. V. , Dharmashale S. N. , Gaikwad V. S.
Published: March 2021

Piper nigrum (Linn.) belonging to the family Piperaceae have been reported for its multitudinous medicinal values. The present study was undertaken to examine the direct effect of Ethionamide (ETH), Para amino salicylic acid (PAS), ethanolic extracts of P. nigrum on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) strain H37Rv and Multi drug-resistant (MDR)-strains-12, 19 and 21. The proportion method was used to detect the anti-mycobacterial drug susceptibility testing for mycobacteria using Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) medium. It was found that P. nigrum does not interfere with single or in the combination of both ETH and PAS showing the bioenhancer activity. In vitro study of ethanolic extract of P. nigrum observed that the extract inhibited the growth of H37Rv strains and MDR strains-12, MDR strains 19, and MDR strains 21. The present results will pave new avenues to find a new medicine that possesses P. nigrum alone or in combination with drugs to combat MDR-strains controlling tuberculosis.
Integrated management of Ramularia blight (Ramularia foeniculi ) in fennel
Authors: Amin Arvindkumar M. , Patel Nareshkumar R. , Prajapati Babubhai  G. , Jaiman Rakesh Kumar , Gondaliya Shalish B.
Published: March 2021

Ramularia blight, caused by Ramularia foeniculi Sybille’s a highly destructive fennel disease and may cause complete failure of the crop. The use of chemicals especially mancozeb to manage Ramularia blight increases the load of residues in seed and reduces the export and market price. Removal of lower yellow leaves would not only help in reducing the load of Ramularia pathogen but, also increase the aeration in fennel crop. To manage this disease, field trial was conducted for three consecutive kharif seasons (2017-18, 2018-19 & 2019-20) with agronomical practices i.e. removal of lower yellow leaves at different stages and different spraying schedules of chlorothalonil 75WP. Removal of lower yellow leaves at 50 % flowering stage and grain filling stage with two sprays of chlorothalonil 75WP @ 0.15% (20 g/ 10 lit. water) first spray at just appearance of disease and second spray at15 days after first spray was found effective not only in terms of management of disease (10.91 % disease incidence), yield (2078 kg/ha) and quality aspects but also reduced the load of fungicide on seed which promote the export. Thus, limited use (2 sprays) of chlorothalonil with the removal of lower yellow leaves helps to meet out the quality standards for export promotion with respect to residual limits in the said commodity.
Host range of Phellinus sensu lato in India: An overview
Authors: Kumari Anuradha , Harsh N. S. K. , Singh A. N.
Published: March 2021

Phellinus Quel. is a member of family Hymenochaetaceae of the order Hymenochaetales. This genus comprises wood-inhabiting, saprophytic and parasitic species. Species of Phellinus sensu lato are known to have large host range and cause white rot of various types to live standing or dead trees from all over the world. The current study is based on a thorough study of literature to document the host range of Phellinus species from India. The study indicated that one hundred and seventy four plant species from 51 families are found to be infected by Phellinus species. The families found to be the most affected are Fabaceae, Combretaceae, Meliaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Anacardiaceae, Myrtaceae, Meliaceae, Lauraceae, Fagaceae, Rosaceae.  Many plant (tree) species are affected by Phellinus; this establishes it as a potential pathogen and wood decay fungi. The present study also reports Phellinus from almost all over India and every climatic zones. This indicated the high tolerance and acclimatization of Phellinus towards diverse climatic conditions. The most affected host is Artocarpus followed by Terminalia and Acacia. Although the study reports Phellinus from diverse climatic zones of India, the most affected families and genera are from moist tropical conditions. This indicates that Phellinus has vigorous activity in warm and moist areas and affects diverse plant/tree species in these areas like Maharashtra and Kerala. The states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Union Territories, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland are still left to be explored. The present study has key significance in biodiversity, medicinal as well as the pathogenic study of Phellinus. It provides an overall host range of genus Phellinus, confirming its vast host diversity. The information could further be used in disease, biodiversity and plant pathological assessments.
Ameliorative effect of Albizzia procera leaves extract against experimentally induced gastric ulcer models in Wistar albino rats
Authors: Srivastava Vivek , Verma Santosh Kumar , Mathur Neha , Goel Kapil Kumar
Published: March 2021

Albizzia procera belongs to family Fabaceae and has several phytoconstituents like flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, saponins etc. The plant is commonly used in traditional medicines. The objective of the present study was to assess the ameliorative effect of A. procera leaves extract against an experimentally induced gastric ulcer in albino rats. The antiulcer, antisecretory and cytoprotective properties of an ethanolic extract prepared from the leaves was evaluated. When given in a 200 mg/kg oral (per. os) dose, the extract produced 74% and 85% protection index in ethanol-induced ulcer model and pylorus ligation model, respectively.  Additionally, the extract also prohibited the formation of haemorrhage and edema, significantly lessened catalase activity (p<0.0001) and the lipid peroxidation level (p<0.0001) in the glandular tissue of Wistar albino rats. Furthermore, the extract also significantly diminished the total acidity(p<0.0001) of the gastric fluid by increasing its pH (p<0.0001). The occupancy of different phytoconstituents in the extract, such as flavonoids and tannins were identified that may be responsible for its gastro-protective activity. All these results provide a basis explaining the antiulcer ability of A. procera being useful in the management of gastric ulcers.
Epidemiology and control strategies of novel coronavirus disease in the context of India
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , Rani Alka , Sogan Nisha , Sharma R. S. , Sharma Bindu
Published: March 2021

An outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred for the first time in Wuhan, China which spread as a pandemic to various countries of the world, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Death toll in India on 8th February 2021 was 1,55,080. India had implemented steps such as lockdown and advised social distancing, washing of hands, and wearing masks to reduce the burden of Covid-19. This review discusses the epidemiological features, the population at risk and control strategies of novel coronavirus disease in India. The data was collected from various sources on individual details of Covid-19 cases, population density and affluence percentage from the literature studied. The data was used to analyse the susceptibility of the population to this disease. It was found that Indian males, age group 20 to 40 (based on morbidity) and above 60 (based on mortality) were at high risk. The authors compiled epidemiology, management and control strategies of covid-19 in India. Therefore, because of various early implementations, India has managed the disease well earlier, but in the current scenario (30 Nov 2020) morbidity and mortality have been at peak. Immunization of frontline workers started on 16th January 2021. Initially, 7,017,411 doses of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines have been given by 10th February 2021. Thus, the existing strategies like proper diagnosis, treatment, and successful implementation of vaccine inoculation will reduce covid-19 burden and may lead to normalcy.
Assessment of anti bacterial, anti inflammation and wound healing activity in Wistar albino rats using green silver nanoparticles synthesized from Tagetes erecta leaves
Authors: Selvam S. IruthayaKalai , Joicesky S. Marian Bara , Dashli A. Amolorpava , Vinothini A. , Premkumar K.
Published: March 2021

Silver nanoparticles synthesized from plant material have superior bioactivities. The purpose of this current study was to synthesis, characterize and to explore the bioactive efficacy of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Tageteserecta. The biosynthesized Ag-NPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. Ag-NPs were studied for in-vivo anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities performed in female Wistar albino rats. UV –Vis absorption spectrum of the T.erecta leaves extract was obtained at 428nm due to excitation of surface plasmon vibration in nanoparticles and confirms the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The FTIR analysis showed the presence of sulfate, alkene and alcohol in the AgNP of T.erectaleaves. The average crystallite size of AgNP synthesized was found to be 27.2 nm. The spherical silver grain of 15.5 nm average size has been depicted with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Maximum activity (15mm) of T.erecta leaves silver nanoparticles was observed against Salmonella typhi (15mm) followed by Escherichia coli (12mm). Ag-NPs exhibited significant wound healing activity and anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw volume tests performed in female Wistar albino rats. Colloidal Ag-NPs can be synthesized by simple, nonhazardous methods, and biosynthesized Ag-NPs using T.erectaleaves extract have significant therapeutic properties.This work evidently confirmed that silver nanoparticles mediated T.erecta could be considered as a potential source for anti-inflammatory and wound healing drug.
Occupational and environmental health hazards associated with food processing and the use of personal protective equipment: A case study of Gari processing in southern Ghana
Authors: Fosu-Mensah Benedicta Y. , Adabie Derek Fiifi , Johnson Paa-Nii T , Mensah Michael
Published: March 2021

The processing of cassava into different staple foods, including gari, comes with occupational and environmental hazards. This research aimed at assessing the awareness of occupational health hazards associated with the processing of cassava (Manihot esculenta) into Gari, environmental impact and factors that influence the wearing of personal protective equipment. Ninety (90) Gari producers were randomly selected from Awutu Senya, Central Tongu and Ayensuano Districts of Ghana and interviewed using structured and semi-structured questionnaire. Results revealed that Gari producing industry was dominated by women (78.9%). The majority of cassava processors in the study area were aware of health hazards associated with the production of gari. However, most did not take measures to reduce or mitigate exposure to health risk. The Gari industry was less attractive to people above 60 years (8.9%). Training on occupational safety and health risk was low among processors. The usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) by processors was low. Only 3.3%, 16 and 17.8% used footwear, working gear and coat, respectively, during processing. Factors that influenced processors' decision to use PPE included years of experience in processing, knowledge of health risk associated with the processing of cassava into Gari, awareness of protective equipment and a visit to health facility relating to condition sustained at work. Producers were aware of the environmental effects of Cassava-mill effluent but did not treat effluents before discharge into the environment. Some environmental effects of mill cassava effluent identified by the gari producers were; reduction in soil productivity, destruction of vegetation cover, the killing of trees and bad odour. The low level of education and training accounted for the low usage of PPEs.
Assessment of monthly variation in heavy metal characteristics of Electroplating industrial untreated wastewater at selected sites of Chandigarh
Authors: Pandey Vivek , Rattan V. K.
Published: March 2021

With the contest of urbanization and industrial development, electroplating industries have grown rapidly. The different chemicals, metal salts and discharge of large volume of wastewater with inefficient treatment facilities had created the pollution load on water bodies.  The present study was carried out to investigate the assessment of the monthly variation of pH and heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe) of electroplating untreated industrial wastewater from the selected study sites viz. SS-1: Atul Industries, SS-2: Suresh Fasteners, SS-3: Bajrang Industrial Company, SS-4: Stylex Industries, SS-5: Karan Industries, SS-6: Avon Industries, SS-7: Geetika Enterprises, SS-8: Atop Fasteners, SS-9: Accufit Fasteners and SS-10: Ashoka Furniture Udyog at industrial area phase I and phase II of Chandigarh. The untreated electroplating wastewater samples were collected from ten study sites (SS-1 to SS-10) and were analyzed following the standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. The results of the present study revealed that the maximum concentration of heavy metals such as Zn (122.20 mg/l)during the month of August 2019 at the SS-8, Ni (156.37 mg/l) during the month of August 2019 at the SS-4, Cr (467.01 mg/l) during the month of October 2019 at the SS-5 and Fe (13.22 mg/l)during the month of December 2019 at the SS-2. The load of metallic ions discharge from the electroplating industries before any treatment from the selected study sites (SS-1 to SS-10) was found in the following order as Cr>Ni>Zn>Fe. Thus the present study would provide baseline data for the development of treatment strategies for wastewater discharge from electroplating industries and also in minimizing the effects of heavy metal contamination of receiving water bodies.
Responses of Populus deltoides’ stem cuttings under treatment of different growth hormones in planting seasons
Authors: Chhetri Satyen , Pandey Sharad , Dharmveer
Published: March 2021

The farmers have widely used vegetative propagation of plants due to the low germination percentage of seeds of various plant species. So to study the asexual propagation technique of Populus deltoides, the present study was conducted where a number of stem cuttings of Poplar were treated with growth hormones: IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid), NAA (1-Naphthaleneacetic acid) and GA3 (Gibberellic acid) at different concentrations (100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm). Some cuttings, which were not treated with hormones, considered as control. A completely randomized design was used to conduct the experiment. The responses were recorded for the cuttings, which were collected and planted in on-season (February) and off-season (July) for 30, 60 and 90 Day after planting (DAP). The results showed that the cuttings collected and planted in February month responded with the better growth rate in shoot and root parameters. The untreated cuttings showed relatively lower values for all growth parameters than the cuttings treated with hormones. Tukey HSD test of multiple comparisons revealed that IBA, at higher concentration, had significantly (P<0.05) higher values for most of the growth parameters, followed by GA3. Pearson product-moment correlation showed a very strong correlation (P>0.70) recorded for underground biomass and other parameters. These findings can allow the farmers to select the best treatment to enhance the growth and yield of P. deltoides.
Wheat genotypes as assessed by Additive main & multiplicative interactions (AMMI) and Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) for stability analysis under rainfed timely sown trials in Northern Hills Zone of India
Authors: Verma Ajay , Singh G. P.
Published: March 2021

Stability analysis of wheat genotypes under rainfed timely sown trials in Northern Hills Zone of India by Additive main & multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analysis observed highly significant effects of the environment, GxE interaction and genotypes during 2018-19 and 2019-20. The ranking of genotypes had altered with utilization of more number of IPCA’s in AMMI and WAASB measures. Environments contributed about 53%, GxE interaction accounted for 30.5% and Genotypes explained only 5.4% of the total sum of squares due to treatments in the first year. Wheat genotypes HS668,  VL2035, VL2036 , HS562 had been selected by Analytic measures of adaptability and Superiority indexes. Different quadrants comprised of a cluster of arithmetic, geometric, harmonic means along with corresponding adaptability measures. Superiority Indexes considering averages grouped separately. This group maintained the right angles with a group of MASV & MASV1 measures. Clustering of Adaptability measures as per arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means placed in a quadrant. Second-year reflected VL2041,  HS675, HS676 & HS562, HPW471 genotypes selected by adaptability and superiority indexes. About 68% of the total variation with 38.4% and 30.2% contributions by PC1 & PC2. Adaptability measures maintained the right angle with other stability measures, with the exception of  Superiority indexes.  There is an additional advantage with these measures to assign variable weights to the yield and stability as per the goal of breeding trials. These indexes have the potential to provide reliable estimates of genotypes in future studies as they are considered more number of significant IPCA’s in biplots.