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The mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals is often marred by societal stigma and discrimination. However, recent strides in LGBTQ+ rights, particularly the legalization of same-sex marriage, present promising prospects.This article examines the intersection of LGBTQ+ mental health and same-sex marriage, emphasizing the positive effects on well-being.Legal recognition of same-sex marriage is associated with improved mental health outcomes, including reduced rates of depression and anxiety, heightened social support, and enhanced self-esteem. Moreover, it fosters societal acceptance, diminishes internalized stigma, and promotes positive parenting experiences within LGBTQ+ families.Additionally ,same-sex marriage yields economic advantages, such as financial stability and increased workplace productivity among LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite these advancements, disparities persist, with many countries yet to legalize same-se x marriage and LGBTQ+ individuals facing ongoing discrimination.Continuous advocacy efforts are vital to ensure equal rights and protections for the LGBTQ+ community globall.
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Cucurbits, a popular vegetable, can thrive in deserts and moist tropics. The family Cucurbitaceae contains 118 genera and about 825 species. These crops are mostly grown in India during the summer and rainy seasons, with certain southern and western regions cultivating them in winter. These crops are annual and perennial. PGRs in cucurbits have shown promise in improving crop growth, productivity, and quality. PGRs affect several physiological and developmental processes in cucurbits. There are different effects of the various kind of the PGRs in cucurbits such as watermelon with 25-50 ppm GA3 yielded earlier and more fruits. Fruit count rose with 250 and 500 ppm ethrel. The 40 ppm GA3 increased vegetative growth and production. TIBA (20 ppm) increased fruit weight and yield. In case of cucumber GA3 at 20 ppm and NAA at 100 ppm increased cucumber growth and production. Application of GA3 (20 ppm) at the 4-leaf stage enhances growth, flowering, and yield in bottle gourd. In bitter gourd fruit per plant, fruit weight, and yield increased significantly with GA3 at 60 ppm. Ethrel at 50 ppm improved fruit set and weight. Gibberex treatments increased fruit quantity, weight, and yield per plant. Further study and fieldwork are needed to understand PGRs and determine the appropriate effects for cucurbits.
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Heavy metal contamination in agricultural field is a challenging aspect globally. Various methods are employed to address the issue; biochar among the most cost-effective and promising one. Our study encompasses biochar preparation from Parthenium, a noxious weed of agricultural field, and its subsequent modification using ferric chloride and orthophosphoric acid. Results revealed that more than 20% reduction of Pb, Cd and Ni in Rice roots under 5 and 7.5 t ha-1 biochar treatments. Moreover, greater than 30% reduction of abovementioned heavy metals in rice grains is also noted in 10 t ha-1 biochar application rates. So, it can be concluded from our study that biochar application to a metal contaminated soil can be a promising approach to reduce metal accumulation in different parts of rice and subsequently addressing the adverse effect of it in human body.
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This research was conducted to investigate the correlation and path coefficient analysis of thirty three genotypes for green fodder yield and its attributes of forage sorghum. The experimental material was planted in Completely Randomized Block Design (RBD)in three replication during Kharif in the year 2019-20 at Crop Research Centre, SVPUA&T, Modipuram, Meerut - 250110 (U.P.). The study of association and path analysis evaluation carried out using the ten green fodder yield traits, viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids and green fodder yield per plant. There is significant and positive correlation with green fodder yield per plant was exhibited with stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf stem ratio and total soluble solids at genotypic and phenotypic level. While leaf area showed the maximal direct effect on green fodder yield per plant followed by stem girth, leaves per plant and leaf stem ratio. There for selection for these traits is advisable for improving the character of green fodder yield.
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An experiment was conducted at ICAR- Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, during the rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 with the objectives of to study improved irrigation scheduling for enhancing water productivity of wheat crops in Vertisols. The experiment involved permanent raised bed cultivation in Vertisols and was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two planting systems (elevated bed and flatbed) replicated three times. The elevated bed levels were set as 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm. Soil moisture was continuously monitored using a real-time sensor network sprinkler irrigation, during crop growth period. Field data on soil moisture, crop performance, and yield were regularly recorded at different crop growth stages. The results indicated that both conventional sprinkler irrigation and real-time moisture sensor-based sprinkler irrigation led to substantial water savings of 27 and 35%, respectively with corresponding yield increase of 9 and 15% when compared to gravity (flood) irrigation, showing their effectiveness. Soil moisture variability study revealed that average soil moisture levels significantly varied when bed elevation was 10 cm or more, as compared to control (bed with normal field level) in different crop physiological stages. This variation occurred under sprinkler irrigation in Vertisols for recommended irrigation water depth. Under recommended irrigation water application through sprinkler, the wheat crop yield increased for elevation variations up to 10 cm bed elevation and the yield reduced significantly for more than 15 cm bed elevation. For sprinkler irrigation, the developed irrigation water application prescriptions (water depth/irrigation) include 400 mm irrigation depth (ID) for bed of 0 cm elevation, 476 mm ID for bed of 20 cm elevation and 552 mm ID for 30 cm bed elevation to sustain the wheat crop yield under soil moisture variability in Vertisols.
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The estimation of variability parameters, particularly heritability and genetic gain, holds significant importance in assessing the potential for character improvement through selection. It is observed that selection based on highly heritable traits tends to yield more successful outcomes. Hence, the utilization of heritability, in conjunction with other measures of variability, enables the prediction of gains under specific selection intensities. Additionally, the concept of predicted genetic gain provides insight into the degree of change achievable in a trait through simple selection. However, the process of selecting for features related to yield and quality can be enhanced by having access to information regarding the correlation between these traits. This can be further improved by doing a path coefficient analysis to gain a deeper knowledge of the relationship between the important characteristics. In order to enhance the traits that did not exhibit a favorable response to selection, it becomes necessary to divide the non-additive component of genetic variance through the process of hybridization, which can be accomplished by conducting genetic divergence studies.
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The present experiment was carried out to investigate the response of washing and non- washing of seeds on growth of papaya seedling at the CRC Farm, ITM University, Gwalior (M.P.). The experiment was set up in the Randomized Block Design using 4 media with or without washing of seeds with tap water comprising 12 treatments combinations (viz., controlled (soil + water), vermiwash (50%) + wood dust, vermiwash (50%) + cocopeat, vermiwash (50%) + pond soil, cow-urine (50%) + wood dust, cow-urine (50%) + cocopeat, cow-urine (50%) + pond soil, vermiwash (100%) + wood dust, vermiwash (100%) + cocopeat, vermiwash (100%) + pond soil, cow-urine (100%) + wood dust, cow-urine (100%) + cocopeat, cow-urine (100%) + pond soil which were replicated thrice. For experimental purpose, freshly ripe fruits of papaya were purchased from the papaya-growing farmer of IARI, New Delhi and seeds were sown in the poly bag (4x24 inch sized). The results indicated that the application of application of Vermiwash (100%) + pond soil recorded maximum height of seedling (cm), number of leaves per seedling, stem diameter (cm), leaf area (158.41 cm2), fresh weight of seedling (8.49g), dry weight of seedling (1.17 g), dry weight of shoot (0.334g), dry weight of root (0.779), root/shoot ratio (2.34) as compared to without washing of seeds and other rooting media. Thus, application of Vermiwash (100%) + pond soil was found to the best treatment among all the treatments and it gave the maximum growth attributes which will inturn improve the yield of papaya.
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Present study was undertaken to estimate the G x E interactions and identify the stable genotypes for yield traits in field pea. A total of 43 field pea genotypes were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replications along with three different dates of sowing at BSP Soybean Unit, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur during Rabi Season 2022-2023. The analysis of variance was applied on 16 different quantitative traits both individually and pooled under various environmental conditions. The stability analysis for seed yield per plant was assessed using Eberhart and Russell's model, revealing significant variations among different genotypes and environmental conditions. The mean squares attributed to both environments and genotype-environment interactions (E + G x E) indicated significant interactions between genotypes and environments. Further, partitioning of genotype-environment (linear) interactions was found to be highly significant for seed yield per plant. Genotypes Shikha, KPMR 485 and HFP 94-12 were found ideal and stable genotypes for seed yield per plant as that possessed mean value higher than general mean, regression coefficient near to unity (Bi=1) with minimum deviation from regression (S2di~0). Thus, identified stable genotypes can be utilized for different seasons and regions for obtaining the stable yield performance.
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The global yearly use of plastic mulching in agriculture is 2.1 million tonnes in 2020. Agriculture is the second most significant source of GHG emissions, accounting for around 13.5% of total global anthropogenic emissions. Plastic mulching is of paramount importance in horticulture for its numerous benefits. It reduces weed development, conserves soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and prevents soil erosion by forming a protective barrier. Traditional method of mulching is laborious, time consuming having lower efficient and accurate mulching as compared to developed low cost tractor operated mulch laying machine. It comprises soil bed preparation, drip laying, mulch laying, mulch covering, and making holes for transplanting simultaneously. This paper contains the cost analysis of developed machine and its comparison with traditional mulching method. The draft, operational speed, power requirement effective field capacity, field efficiency, and energy consumption of developed machine were found as 175 kgf, 3.5 km.h-1, 21.93 kW, 0.36 ha.h-1, 85.6 %, and 21.43 MJ.ha-1 respectively. In cost estimation it is found that the cost of operation and overall cost of developed machine were 1048.3 ?.ha-1 and ?13000 respectively. It turned out that the machine was economical, saving time, energy, and operating costs. By introducing the concept of affordability and simplicity, the machine has the potential to change cultivation practices, increase yields and improve farmers’ livelihoods in agricultural regions.
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As per the estimate by the United Nations, the world population will increase to 11 billion, by 2050. This rapid increase in the population is of global concern, creating responsibilities on the shoulders of the scientists to fetch the rapidly increasing population along with the problem of reduced land holding, sudden climatic challenges, and imbalanced nutrition coupled with deficiencies of nutrients. It is necessary to continuously review and modify agricultural practices and technologies in order to meet human demands while respecting the ecological boundaries of our planet. Among these technologies application of fertilizers has been crucial for raising crop yield, agricultural productivity and food security. However, the application of fertilizer has an environmental cost and they haven't been a very productive factor in helping many poor farmers to escape poverty economically, especially in the areas where the fertilizer application has an imbalance and inappropriate fertilizer has been applied on the lower fertile soils which have little or no desirable effect on the crop yield. The efficient use of fertilizers can be increased by using agronomic practices to apply existing mineral fertilizers, which generally contain N, P, and K, at the proper time, place, amount, and composition. However, the overall progress made to minimize the negative consequences is insufficient to bring about the necessary change toward sustainable agriculture in underdeveloped nations. Farmers must integrate the management of nutrients and soil fertility into their farming practices in order to meet the increasing population's demand for food. This paper reviews the concepts of integrated nutrient management in the context of its eco-friendly nature and sustainability.
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The measurement of attitudes is a critical endeavour in the realm of social and psychological research, enabling a deeper understanding of human behaviours, preferences, and beliefs. Constructing a reliable and valid scale to assess attitudes requires a systematic approach that encompasses various stages, such as conceptualization, item generation, scale refinement, pilot testing, psychometric analysis, and validation. A summated (Likert) rating scale was used to develop the scale. A total of 60 statements, consisting of 45 positive and 15 negative statements, were framed, of which 22 statements (19 positive and 3 negative) were retained in the final scale. The reliability of the scale was calculated by using the split-half method. The validity of the scale was tested by experts’ judgment. The psychometric properties of the scale include: the Pearson product-moment correlation between two sets was 0. 0.598; reliability of the test 0.748(P<0.01) and Cronbach = 0.759, which means the scale is consistent in measurement. This scale can be used to measure the attitude of students in similar situations outside the study area with suitable modifications.
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Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial spine that can manifest with various clinical signs and symptoms. Chronic back pain and progressive spinal stiffness are the most common features of this disease. It is an autoimmune disease which also leads to the involvement of skeletal, cardiac, nervous tissues, and other systemic organs. Aim and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the correlation between the Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score/visual analog scale (VAS) and various age groups in the patients suffering with AS using standard questionnaire. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight AS patients having BASDAI scores of ?4 were included in this study. The height and weight were taken and responses to the standard questionnaire were recorded. BASDAI Score, body mass index (BMI), and VAS were computed. The patients with history of chronic diseases such as hyper/hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension or the use of any medication such as ?/? blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiepileptics were excluded from the study. Results: The patients were divided into six different age groups, i.e., 15–20 years, 21–25 years, 26–30 years, 31–35 years, 36–40 years, and 41–45 years. The mean ± SEM values of the BASDAI score in various age groups were 6.8 ± 0.34, 6.3 ± 0.33, 6.2 ± 0.26, 7.1 ± 0.41, 6.5 ± 0.30, and 5.8 ± 0.48, respectively. The mean ± SEM values of VAS are shown in relation to the various age groups, i.e., 15–20 years, 21–25 years, 26–30 years, 31–35 years, 36–40 years, and 41–45 years and the values were 6.88 ± 0.312, 6.58 ± 0.22, 6.55 ± 0.66, 6.00 ± 0.23, 6.72 ± 0.25, and 6.0 ± 0.50, respectively. Conclusion: This study indicates that in the young age group, patients BASDAI score is higher and BMI is lower, and in the older age group, patients BASDAI score is lower and BMI is higher than each other indicating higher disease activity in the younger patients than older patients. An inverse correlation between VAS and age further substantiates our previous finding.
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Introduction: The prevalence of hyperuricemia (HU) and hypouricemia (Hypo-U) is highly variable in different parts of India and there is a lack of data from the Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. We designed this study in order to know the exact prevalence of HU and Hypo-U. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Varanasi. Data were collected from newly onset diabetic patients over a period of 1 year. Results: Among the 312 diabetic patients, 12.5 and 19.23% were found to have HU and Hypo-U, respectively. Hypouricemic diabetic patients are phenotypically different. They are characterized by the female sex, higher glycated hemoglobin A1c (GlyHbA1c), higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), lower body mass index (BMI), and less insulin resistance. Conclusion: The prevalence of HU and Hypo-U is high in newly-onset diabetic patients. Hypouricemic diabetic patients are phenotypically different. Hence routine screening of uric acid is essential for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment of hypouricemic diabetic patients.
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Background: Peripheral blood vessels are concerned with sensing the perivascular nociceptive information and signaling it to the higher centers through ipsilateral somatic nerves, thereby regulating the cardiorespiratory parameters by means of vasosensory reflex responses. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare the potency of nociceptive responses elicited by bradykinin (BK) with the capsaicin-induced responses. Materials and Methods: Charles-Foster rats were anesthetized with urethane and injected intraperitoneally. After tracheostomy, the right femoral artery was cannulated with a 24G, double ported cannula for administering the chemicals/saline through vertical port and to record the blood pressure (BP) through horizontal port. BP, Electrocardiogram, and respiratory movements were recorded. Results: Injection of capsaicin into a segment of femoral artery evoked instantaneous transient tachypnoeic, hyperventilatory, and hypotensive responses. BK also produced similar pattern of nociceptive responses along with a transient fall in heart rate. In addition, the vasosensory responses produced by BK are of greater magnitude as compared to the capsaicin. Conclusions: BK is more potent in eliciting reflex nociceptive responses as compared to capsaicin. Further, BK has an additional cardioprotective role by slowing the heart, in the events of acute inflammation.
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Introduction: Urban floods were addressed as a separate disaster after the historical 2005 Mumbai floods. Urban flood peaks are 2-8 times and volume 6 times when compared with rural floods. We are now handling multiple disasters simultaneously due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The river plains of north India are prone to floods in the monsoon season and geographical location of Prayagraj doubles the damage because it faces wrath from two sides. Very few researches have been conducted on urban floods and evidence needs to be generated from the field. Methodology: This qualitative research was planned with an objective to identify the difficulties faced in operating an urban flood relief camp during superimposed burden of COVID-19 Pandemic and to suggest remedial measures from the public health aspect. We conducted in-depth interviews of nodal officers, health staff and beneficiaries of the identified camps. Informed consent was taken from participant after explaining them about the research. Results: The findings from the interviews were categorized into 3phases of flood relief i.e. before the floods, during floods and lastly post flood. The most crucial work before floods is to spread awareness about do’s and don’ts in detail. Next was identification of the local people actually affected by flood. The space and facilities at few centers was low for the population load. Urban flood management needs a major overhauling of public health infrastructure to handle such disasters in future. Conclusion: The officials were working hard to make the homeless feel as if they are on a picnic. The database of beneficiaries should be strengthened and should also include students and labourers, anyone who is a flood victim and not only local flood victims.
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Background: Neuronal studies on diabetes mellitus (DM) were previously based on peripheral and autonomic nerves. With the advent of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEPs), studies on sensory pathways in the central nervous system become easier and more productive. BAEPs is a non-invasive electrophysiological tool to detect retro-cochlear lesion. Hence, it is helpful to detect early Impairment of the auditory nerve and brainstem function. Aim and Objective: DM Type 2 (T2DM) is a known cause of neuropathy and in earlier course, it involves sensory nerves. T2DM runs in families and it has a genetic predisposition. BAEP is one of the methods to find out problems related to hearing by analyzing latencies of waveforms and inter-peak latencies. Hence, BAEPs in apparently healthy subjects with and without family history of T2DM is assessed. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional, casecontrol study. We have taken 110 volunteers from MBBS students of IMS, BHU of 17–23 years of age. Those with co-morbid conditions (eg. diabetes and hypertension), neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathy, schizophrenia, and those on ototoxic and neurotoxic drugs are excluded from the study. After taking consent and conducting a preliminary physical examination, BAEPs are recorded using a proper BAEP recording device. Statistical analysis is done using SPSS 2016 software trial version with Chi-square test. Results: The subjects with positive family history of T2DM in paternal grandfather showed deviation in latencies of BAEPs wave I (P < 0.001), wave III (P = 0.019), wave V (P = 0.033), and inter-peak latency between wave I and wave V (P = 0.019) from the normal values in the left ear. The subjects with positive family history of T2DM in paternal grandmother showed deviation from the normal in case of V/I % in the right ear (P = 0.016). Conclusion: The presence of T2DM in families can affect the wave latencies and inter-peak latencies of BAEPs.
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@#Introduction: Pre-operative identification of patients with inadequate hamstring graft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is still a subject of interest. The purpose of this study is to correlate dimension of a harvested dimensions graft with patient physical anthropometric variables. Materials and methods: This cohort study included 280 patients (male = 226, female = 54) scheduled for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Interrelationships between quadruple semitendinosus (ST) graft and anthropometric parameters (age, sex, height, weight, and BMI) were assessed using Pearson Correlation test and regression analysis. Difference among gender was analysed using Mann Whitney and t test. The observed graft diameter was also compared with the literature using Bland – Altman plot. Results: Mean age of cohort was 29 years (range, 17-50 years), mean height was 1.69m (range, 1.6-1.9m), mean weight was 75 kg (range, 50-116kg) and mean BMI was 26kg/m2 (range 16.65-40.40kg/m2). Mean quadruple length of harvested ST graft was 7cm (7.1±0.6 cm, range, 5.6- 8.8cm) and mean diameter was 8mm (8.2±0.8mm, range, 6.5-10mm). Only height and weight were significantly correlated with graft length and diameter in both sex (p value <0.05). Female, compared to male, had significantly smaller (p<0.0001) and thinner graft (p<0.0001). There was a strong agreement between the literature and our observed graft diameter, but with an overestimated graft diameter in 18.5% of the cases. Conclusion: Among anthropometric parameter, only height and weight had moderate positive correlation with graft diameter. Males had longer and wider ST graft in contrast to age-matched female group.
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Aim: The aim of the present study was to isolate antifungal protein from seeds of Acacia senegal in order to develop a new, effective and environmental friendly biofungicide.Methodology: Antifungal protein from A. senegal seeds was extracted and purified through ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis, ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The novel antifungal was characterized employing SDS-PAGE, chitinase activity and antifungal efficacy. The purified protein was also characterized through MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Results: The yield of purified antifungal protein was estimated to be 0.96 mg 25 g-1 seeds and its molecular mass determined by SDS PAGE was 52.9 kDa. The purified protein exhibited antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi viz., Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum also possessed chitinase activity. The purified protein was characterized through MALDI-TOF MS/MS and its spectra revealed 14 peptides with their specific amino acid sequences. Interpretation: The antifungal protein isolated from A. senegal seeds has broad-spectrum antifungal activity with chitinase activity against pathogenic fungi that can be exploited for management of fungal disease as biopesticide to promote sustainable agriculture
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Inverted papilloma of urothelium is a rare benign tumour accounting for 1–2% of all the urothelial lesions. Morphologically, these are of two main subtypes – trabecular and glandular, of which the former subtype is most frequently encountered compared to the latter. The glandular subtype closely mimics cystitis glandularis and urothelial carcinoma with inverted growth pattern. We discuss a case of a 27-year-old male presenting with hematuria. On cystoscopy, he was found to have a bladder mass which was diagnosed as glandular-type of inverted papilloma on histopathology. The image illustrates the histopathology for easy identification and early diagnosis of this rare entity.
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Aim: The present study was undertaken to analyze the extent of genetic variability existing among twenty accessions of Lawsonia inermis, collected from Rajasthan and Gujarat states of India, using gene targeted SCoT, arbitrarily amplified ISSR and nuclear rDNA markers. Methodology: Twenty henna accessions, vegetatively established at the Institute were collected from Rajasthan (7) and Gujarat (13). Twenty-six SCoT and twenty ISSR markers generating distinct, unambiguous and scorable fragments were selected, after preliminary screening for assessment of genetic diversity. Data analysis was performed using NTSYS-pc, GenAlEx 6 and POPGENE version 1.31 programs, and dendrograms were generated using unweighted pair group method for arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA was amplified using universal primers followed by sequencing and dendrogram generation. Results: SCoT markers revealed lower values of similarity coefficients ranging from 0.87 - 0.93 compared to 0.93 - 0.98 for ISSR. SCoT markers delineated the L. inermis cultivars into three distinct clusters while ISSR markers demarcated them into five clusters. Interpretation: The Gujarat population of L. inermis was richer in genetic diversity than that of Rajasthan. SCoT markers proved better than the ISSR markers for genetic diversity analysis. Substantial variation in ITS-1 region due to SNPs, INDELS and ITS length polymorphism the nucleotide sequences signified its phylogenetic utility in assessing genetic diversity in of L. inermis.