The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation

This is the final version of the article. Available from Wiley via the DOI in this recordFocus group discussion is frequently used as a qualitative approach to gain an in-depth understanding of social issues. The method aims to obtain data from a purposely selected group of individuals rather than from a statistically representative sample of a broader population. Even though the application of this method in conservation research has been extensive, there are no critical assessment of the application of the technique. In addition, there are no readily available guidelines for conservation researchers. Here, we reviewed the applications of focus group discussion within biodiversity and conservation research between 1996 and April 2017. We begin with a brief explanation of the technique for first-time users. We then discuss in detail the empirical applications of this technique in conservation based on a structured literature review (using Scopus). The screening process resulted in 170 articles, the majority of which (67%, n = 114,) were published between 2011 and 2017. Rarely was the method used as a stand-alone technique. The number of participants per focus group (where reported) ranged from 3 to 21 participants with a median of 10 participants. There were seven (median) focus group meetings per study. Focus group discussion sessions lasted for 90 (median) minutes. Four main themes emerged from the review: understanding of people's perspectives regarding conservation (32%), followed by the assessment of conservation and livelihoods practices (21%), examination of challenges and impacts of resource management interventions (19%) and documenting the value of indigenous knowledge systems (16%). Most of the studies were in Africa (n = 76), followed by Asia (n = 44), and Europe (n = 30). We noted serious gaps in the reporting of the methodological details in the reviewed papers. More than half of the studies (n = 101) did not report the sample size and group size (n = 93), whereas 54 studies did not mention the number of focus group discussion sessions while reporting results. Rarely have the studies provided any information on the rationale for choosing the technique. We have provided guidelines to improve the standard of reporting and future application of the technique for conservation.N.T.O. was funded by Cambridge Overseas Trusts, The Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Conservation Network and WildiZe Foundation. NM was funded by the NERC grant (NE/R006946/1), Fondation Wiener Anspach and the Scriven post doctoral fellowships. K.W. was sup-ported by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CE11001000104) and Future Fellowship (FT100100413) programs and funded by the Australian Government

Pharmaceutico-Analytical study of Shadbindu taila

Introduction: Shadbindu taila is an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparation used in a variety of clinical conditions especially in diseases of upper part of body. This taila is described as exceptionally beneficial for improving the strength of hands. Before a human trial it is essential to evaluate the quality and authenticity of the trial drug, Standardization is needed for assuring quality of any drug and it should be started with the identification and authentication of the drug Materials and method: Pharmacognostical evaluation carried out at Pharmacognosy department, ITRA, Jamnagar, pharmaceutical and HPTLC study were done at Pharmaceutical chemistry department, ITRA, Jamnagar. Microbiological evaluation was carried out at department of Microbiology I.T.R.A, Jamnagar. Results: Organoleptic examination:  Colour: Greenish Brown, Odour: Aromatic, Taste: Salty, Touch: Viscous, oily. Pharmaceutical evaluation: specific gravity 0.9177, density 0.8753 Refractive Index 1 .4860, Acid Value 4.042, Saponification Value 132.43, Iodine Value 169.33 HPTLC at 254nm (short wave) showed mainly 6 major spot and at 366 nm (long wave) showed 2 major spots. No organisms isolated in aerobic and fungal culture, in microbiology evaluation. Conclusion: The trial drug is authentic and devoid of any adulteration. All quality control parameters were found to be within the permissible pharmacopeial limits and the stability and shelf life of the trial drug also will be more as per the pharmaceutical parameters

Effect of barium chloride doping on PVA microstructure: positron annihilation study

Microstructural studies on BaCl2 doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer films were carried out using density, PAL and dielectric measurements at room temperature. The positron annihilation studies on these samples shows considerable effect on the PVA microstructure due to doping and is understood by invoking the chemical reaction between Ba2+ ions of BaCl2 with OH groups of PVA via intra/inter molecular hydrogen bonding, which forms the complex. This complex formation modifies the free volume content in the amorphous fraction, and results in an enhancement of the polymer crystallinity. At higher dopant concentrations, the number of such complexes increases, and ends up with the formation of dopant aggregates or agglomerates leading to certain phase separation into a polymer-rich phase and a dopant-rich phase. These phase separations are thought to be due to the existence of two or more crystalline phases within the polymer matrix. The XRD study also supports this enhancement of PVA crystallinity due to doping. The electrical studies on the doped PVA reflects that the complex formation due to doping affects the microstructure and hence the dielectric properties including the dc and ac conductivities of the polymer. All of these observed results were analyzed and understood based on the microstructural modification of PVA as a function of dopant concentrations

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaf of Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn. F.

Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.f. is a large bush or small tree belonging to the family Verbenaceae. The present study deals with the pharmacognostical and phytochemical study of leaf including chromatographic evaluation. Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.f. leaf is rhomboid ovate, acute at apex crenate-dentate at margin, sub-cordate at base and  velvety in texture. Leaf of the plant can be identified microscopically by the presence of hooked trichomes, glandular sessile trichomes,  starch grains, oil globules, Anomocytic type of stomata and rhomboidal and prismatic crystal. Preliminary analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, steroid, alkaloids, tannin and phenol. HPTLC study of alkaloid showed the presence of two spots in short and three spots in long UV rays. The information generated by this study provides relevant Pharmacognostical and Physico-chemical data needed for proper identification and authentication of leaf of Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn.f. &nbsp

Comparative pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical evaluation of Vyaghri haritaki avaleha - an ayurvedic formulation

Kasa is well-defined clinical condition in Brihadtrayi, clearly correlate with cough and its pathophysiology exactly correlates with the mechanism of cough reflex in contemporary medical science. Everywhere, Paediatric Outdoor Patients Department (OPD) has more than half of the total patients having respiratory tract complaints. So, to treat the disease Kasa, Vyaghri Haritaki Avaleha (VHA) was taken from Bhaishajya Ratnavali. The present work was carried out to standardize the raw drugs and finished product-VHA with comparing API standards and previous research work done in same institute to conform its identity, quality and purity of the final product. The pharmacognostical work reveals that presence of Epidermis, Cork, Pericycle, Phloem etc. from Kantakari; Lignified fibre, Stone cells etc. of Haritaki; Aluerone grains, Prismatic crystals etc. of Shunthi observed microscopically. Organoleptic features of VHA made out of the crude drugs were within the standard range. The pH value of VHA was 4.5, Water soluble extract was 71.9 %w/w, Loss on drying was 30.41 %w/w, Reducing sugar was 27.92 %w/w and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) at 254nm and 366nm resulted into 2 and 5 spots respectivel

Pharmacognostic and Analytical Profile of Leaves of Erythroxylum Moonii Hochr. – An Ethno-Medicinal Plant

Erythroxylum moonii Hochr. is a shrub or small tree in family Erythroxylaceae and folklore claims report the use of its leaves in the treatment of helminthiasis. Aim: Hence, present study aims to evaluate the pharmacognostic and analytical characters including HPTLC of its leaves. Methods: E. moonii fresh and powdered leaves were explored for the macroscopic and microscopic features along with their physico-chemical, phytochemical properties and HPTLC following standard procedures. Results: The leaf of E. moonii is simple, alternate, petiolate, stipulate, elliptic and lanceolate with obtusely caudate-acuminate apex, acute base and entire margins. Fresh leaf is light green, slight astringent with characteristic odour and smooth texture. Powdered dry leaves were light green, slight astringent with aromatic odour and coarse, fibrous texture. Microscopic evaluation revealed the presence of simple, bilobed and stellate trichomes (with and without lignification), rosette, rhomboidal, prismatic and cluster crystals, paracytic stomata and starch grains as key characteristics both in fresh leaves and powdered leaves. Obtained values for loss on drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, pH, water and methanol soluble extractive were 10.44±0.31%, 2.2±0.67%, 0.93±0.06%, 5, 7.63±0.57% and 6.44±0.38% respectively. Qualitative phytochemical analysis suggested the presence of carbohydrates, steroids, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids in the test sample. HPTLC study revealed 17 and 11 peaks at short (254nm) and long (366nm) ultraviolet consecutively. Conclusion: Obtained results can be used to establish pharmacognostic and analytical standards of leaves of E. moonii which can serve as an important source to determine the quality, purity and strength of the powdered drug.&nbsp

Application of the electrodialytic pilot plant for fluoride removal

Removal of fluorine from water was investigated by electrodialysis method. In order to check the efficacy of ED unit, parameters like applied potential, pH; initial fluoride concentrations and flow rates were varied. Significant results were obtained with concentrations of less than 10 ppm. Results were satisfactory in meeting the maximum contaminate level (MCL) of 0.01 ppm for fluoride. Effect of working parameters on energy consumption was investigated using ion-exchange membranes. Results of this study are useful for designing and operating different capacities of ED plants for recovering different ions. The ED plant was found to be satisfactory to produce a good quality drinking water from the simulated mixture by removing the unwanted ions.Исследовано удаление фтора из воды методом электродиализа. Для проверки эффективности электродиализной установки варьировали приложенную разность потенциалов, начальную концентрацию фторида и скорость потока. Важные результаты были получены при начальной концентрации фторида <10 мг/дм3. С использованием ионообменных мембран исследовано влияние рабочих параметров на энергопотребление. Результаты данной работы будут полезны для разработки и планирования производительности электродиализной установки при выделении различных ионов. Электродиализная установка оказалась эффективной для получения питьевой воды хорошего качества из модельных растворов путем удаления нежелательных ионов.Досліджено видалення фтору з води методом електродіалізу. Для перевірки ефективності електродіалізної установки варіювали прикладену різницю потенціалів, початкову концентра цію фторидута швидкість потоку. Важливі результати були отримані при початковій концентрації фториду <10 мг/дм3. З використанням іонообмінних мембран досліджено вплив робочих параметрів на енергоспоживання. Результати цієї роботи будуть корисні длярозробки та планування продуктивності електродіалізної установки при виділенні різних іонів.Електродіалізна установка виявилася ефективною для отримання питної води хорошої якості з модельних розчинів шляхом видалення - небажаних іоні