Hydrography of the Andaman sea during late Winter

179-189Distributions of temperature, salinity, density and dissolved oxygen during late winter in the Andaman Sea are presented by series of vertical sections and spatial distribution charts; study of the field of motion on dynamic computations is also included. Surface temperature exceeds 28°C over most of the northern Andaman Sea. Surface salinity increases from 31.0% in the northern regions to 32.8% in the southern regions. Density distribution in the upper 50 m is primarily controlled by the salinity distribution. Below the sill depth (1300 m), the water mass is characterized by uniform values of temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen. Geostrophic circulation in the upper layer indicates the formation of cells (100-200 km), and the upper layer dynamics seem to be governed by the fresh water discharge into the region

Scanning electron microscope studies on the radula teeth of four species of marine gastropods from the Gulf of Mannar, India

In this study scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to elucidate the surface morphology of radula teeth of four species of marine gastropods belonging to muricids and tonnoideans from the Gulf of Mannar. The species studied were Tonna dolium (Linne, 1758), Phalium glaucum (Linne, 1758), Murex virgineus (Roding, 1798) and Rapana rapiformis (Born, 1778). The radulae of muricid gastropods were of stenoglossan type (1+R+1) while the radulae of tonnoidean gastropods were of taenioglossate type (2+1+R+1+2). Very large radula and solid teeth in all four species indicate that they are well adapted to capture of prey and showed characteristic representation of the sharp and pointed apex. The shafts of the teeth of R. rapiformis, T. dolium and M virgeneus are thickened and expanded at the base to form a butt and the basal spur as well as their marginal and central teeth are sickle shaped. Radulae of both groups are well suited for tearing and rasping. The examination of the central tooth, the lateral and marginal ones, by SEM provides further information for species differentiation

Genetic diversity assessment using RAPD primers in insecticide resistant populations of diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Linn.)

Genetic diversity in acephate, spinosad and Cry2Ab resistant Plutella xylostella collected from three states of India was assessed by RAPD markers. The DNA extracted from larvae was subjected to polymerase chain reaction using 10 RAPD primers. The highest number alleles (7) were produced by primer ABA-13, followed by six alleles each by primers ABA-2, 7, 8, 11, 14; five alleles each were produced by ABA-4, 9, 10, 12. UPGMA analysis clustered the acephate, spinosad and Cry2Ab treated P.xylostella populations into two groups with overall similarity level of 33%, 27% and 34% respectively. Cluster A consisted 11 samples while Cluster B consisted only F1 of acephate and spinosad treated Karnataka population. In Cry2Ab treated population Cluster B comprised 11 samples and Cluster A had out grouped singly i.e. F0 generation from Karnataka. The genetic variability between the acephate, spinosad and Cry2Ab treated populations ranged from 33 to 69%, 27 to 56% and 34 to 69% respectively. Acephate and spinosad treated F1 population and Cry2Ab treated F0 population from Karnataka were out grouped from rest of the populations

Assessment of insecticides and Cry2AB toxin resistance development in Karnataka population of Plutella xylostella (Linn.)

Insecticidal resistance studies against third instar larvae of DBM (Plutella xylostella L.) were carried out to know the rate of development of resistance from F1 to F3 generations in Karnataka population. The third instar larvae obtained from field were subjected to bioassay studies with tested against acephate, cypermethrin, spinosad, cartap hydrochloride and Cry2Ab toxin using leaf dip method to calculate LC50 values. The LC50 values of the insecticides were further used to quantify the resistance in P. xylostella of parental generation (F0) from Karnataka field population. The survivals from F0 generation were reared to next generation (F1). Resistance development studies was assessed from F1 to F3 generation with third instar larvae in every generation with a concentration that caused 80.00 % mortality for all the test insecticides and Cry2Ab toxin. Results revealed that ((0.17 folds) no resistance was developed against acephate in F3 generation. In case of cypermethrin 2.33 folds. Resistance studies further revealed that 1.50 folds resistance was developed against spinosad, 2.28 folds against cartap hydrochloride and Cry2Ab toxin 1.49 folds resistance was recorded in F3 generation. The rate of development of resistance from F1 to F3 generations increased in all the test insecticides and Cry toxin, except against acephate in Karnataka population. This data will be useful in the development of insecticide resistance management approach for DBM

PHARMACEUTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF VATARI GUGGULU

Rasa Shastra is the pharmaceutical branch of Ayurveda. As like any other medical system, success of Ayurvedic treatment also depends upon quality of medicine prescribed to the patient. The integral part of Rasa Shastra lies in the successful pharmaceutical process. Rasaoushadis are the potent Ayurvedic preparations mainly containing metals and minerals. These Oushadis possess wide range of therapeutic efficacy and are considered superior because of their qualities like small dose, quick action, palatability and longer shelf life. Vatari Guggulu is an important Rasa oushadi described in Bhaishajya Ratnavali - Amavata Adhikarana indicated in Gridhrasi. Vatari Guggulu contains Suddha Gandhaka (Sulphur), Suddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica Roxb), Amlaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn), Eranda taila (Ricinus communis Linn). The pharmaceutical procedures adopted in this study are Shodhana, Churna Nirmana and preparation of Vati of Vatari Guggulu. The specific pharmaceutical blend of these contents can result in a more effective formulation. Till now, no research work has been carried out to standardize this formulation. Therefore the present study has been planned to standardize the method of preparation of Vatari Guggulu according to the method explained in the classical literature

Determination of thermal constant and development threshold of Bihar hairy caterpillar, Spilarctia obliqua Walker

Effect of six constant temperatures viz., 18±1, 21±1, 24±1, 27±1, 30±1 and 33±10C was studied on the egg hatchability, larval pupal development and adult survival of Spilarctia obliqua. Development rate of egg, larva and pupa gradually increased with increase in temperature, while total developmental period decreased. Mean developmental period of the pest decreased from 93.73 days at 18±10C to 31.20 at 33±10C. The lowest and the highest temperatures at which no development took place were found to be 12±10C and 39±10C, respectively. Regression equations between development rate and temperature were found to be Y= 0.0189 X -0.1998 (R2=0.88) for egg, Y=0.00122 X -0.0248 (R2=0.84) for small larva (1-3rd instar), Y=0.0058 X -0.0675 (R2=0.76) for large larva (4-6th instar), Y=0.0074 X-0.1075 (R2=0.94) for pupa and Y=0.0142 X-0.4363 (R2=0.79) for adults. Developmental threshold were determined to be 10.57, 11.27, 11.55, 15.28 and 10.92oC for egg, small larva, large larva, pupa, and adult respectively with corresponding thermal constant being 52.91, 344.82, 243.90, 142.85 and 70.42 degree days (DD). Thermal constant to complete a generation was found to be 854.90 DD. This was the first studies on this aspects, these estimated thermal thresholds and degree days could be used to predict the S. obliqua activity in the field for their effective management through pest forecasting

Analysis of Fabrics Structure on the Character of Wicking

ABSTRACT In this article, the effect of weave pattern on fabric wicking was analyzed. Weaves are distributed into two groups, i.e. weaves, the floats of which are distributed in even intervals throughout the entire surface of fabric, and horizontally striped weaves. The wickability properties of all tested fabrics are determined using a newly developed electronic vertical wicking tester. It was determined that the results of wicking horizontally striped fabrics were higher than those of weaves with evenly distributed floats. Washburn's equation obeyed quite well when the time constant is near 0.5. In fact, the time constant for plain and fancy twill weave were exponentially lower than those of other fabrics. This can be considered a measure of fabric rigidity

A Study of Challenges and Recommendations for Teaching: DevOps Education

DevOps has gained significant popularity in the software industry due to its ability to enhance collaboration, improve software delivery, and drive organizational agility. However, providing effective education and training in DevOps poses several Issue. This research paper presents an interview study conducted with a seasoned DevOps professional to explore the challenges faced in DevOps education and provide recommendations for addressing these challenges. The study highlights the evolving nature of the DevOps landscape, the interdisciplinary nature of DevOps, and the need for hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of continuous curriculum updates, practical exercises, cross-functional collaboration, industry partnerships, and fostering a continuous learning mindset. The findings from this study contribute to the understanding of the unique challenges and recommendations for improving DevOps education

Status of brackishwater prawn farming in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is estimated to have 762.51 ha of brackishwater area under prawn culture- Prawn culture In brackishwater ponds as well as in paddy fields converted into prawn ponds is picking up fast In the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, especially in East Godavari, Krishna and Guntur districts. There are more than 200 ha of brackishwater areas suitable for prawn culture in West Godavari district alone. IVIore and more are being brought under prawn farming in this district. Seml-lntensive culture technology is employed by the fish farmers. The average yield Is estimated at 450 kg/ha/crop. This paper presents and discusses the status of prawn culture in Andhra Pradesh, identifies the constraints and suggests strategies for bringing the abundantly available brackishwater areas under scientific prawn culture to Increase the yield from these ponds