In vitro metabolism of carotenoids, ß carotene and lutein into retinoids in amphibians

Carotenoids are a family of over 600 natural lipid-soluble pigments that are produced within microalgae, phytoplankton, and higher plants. Of these only 50 have provitamin A activity, with the capacity to be transformed into retinol and dehydroretinol. Animals are unable to synthesise carotenoids de novo. As animals lack the ability to synthesize vitamin A, they are dependent on   dietary intake to provide adequate levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A (retinol) and its naturally occurring and synthetic derivatives are collectively referred to as retinoids. Retinoids are important metabolites of carotenoids that have at least one non-hydroxylated ring system of the β-type, e.g. carotenes (β-carotene, α-carotene, and γ-carotene) and xanthophyls (β-cryptoxanthin and echinenone).  The pigmentation and colouration in amphibian occur owing to the deposition of carotenoids from their metabolism by consuming the carotenoids through foods from their habitat or through conversion of these carotenoids into different metabolites during development. The status of the retinoids formed through conversion of carotenoids was examined from the lipid extracts of the carotenoid administered tadpoles of Duttaphrynus melanostictus and Haplobactrachus tigerinus. The extracts were subjected to UV –VIS spectrophotometer for tentative analysis of the retinoids formed and then by the HPLC procedures for final results. The findings show that larval forms of amphibians of both the species Duttaphrynus melanostictus and Haplobactrachus tigerinus can convert β–carotene to retinol and lutein to dehydroretinol. The conversion of carotenoids into different retinoids is explained through the mode of cleavage of the carotenoids molecules

UNVEILING THE INVISIBLE ROLE OF WOMEN IN INLAND FISHERIES WITH REFERENCE TO ASSAM

Fisherwomen in India form an integral part of the fisheries sector. However, at the local community level and the national scenario their contribution, participation in the industry, and their vulnerabilities, are largely ignored. It’s eminent that the challenges women face in fishing and fisheries needs to be addressed at various levels. There is a need to challenge and apply a gender lens to the unequal gender relations within and outside the household, and within fisheries sector. There is also a need to seek recognition for the paid and unpaid labour of women that goes towards sustaining fisheries and fishing communities, and to ensure that women’s roles in the fisheries sector don’t remain ‘invisible’. The role of women in fisheries is often viewed to be small-scale and home-based. As such, development policies have traditionally targeted women as fish processors whereas men are engaged as fishers and managers of the resources, and excluded women in the ‘mainstream’ planning. Women’s right to participate in decision-making processes with respect to fisheries planning and management must be addressed. Addressing gender inequities by improving women’s incomes and educational levels, as well as their access to information and decisionmaking processes, will enhance women’s capabilities and ability to contribute to fishing and fisheries with clear benefits on a number of levels for households, as well as society in general. FAO’s “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2012” has also highlighted gender mainstreaming as a key issue facing the fisheries sector

UNDERSTANDING ECOTOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small-scale alternative to standard commercial mass tourism. Ecotourism pertains to a conscious and responsible effort to preserve the diversity of a naturally endowed region and sustain its beauty and local culture. Sustainable tourism is the concept of visiting somewhere as a tourist and trying to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. “Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. Sustainability is a most important factor the success of any tourism destination and for the tourism industry as a whole. However, the increasing importance of residents as key stakeholders in the process of tourism development has prompted several descriptive and empirical studies for assessing its role and significance in managing tourism development to address the fundamental issue of sustainability