Longitudinal study of the ionospheric response to the geomagnetic storm of 15 May 2005 and manifestation of TADs

Response of low latitude ionosphere to the geomagnetic storm of 15 May 2005 has been studied using total electron content (TEC) data, obtained from three GPS stations namely, Yibal, Udaipur and Kunming situated near the northern crest of equatorial ionization anomaly at different longitudes. Solar wind parameters, north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF <I>B</I>_z) and AE index data have been used to infer the strength of the geomagnetic storm. A large value of eastward interplanetary electric field at 06:15 UT, during the time of maximum southward IMF <I>B</I>_z has been used to infer the transmission of an eastward prompt penetration electric field (PPEF) which resulted in a peak in TEC at 07:45 UT due to the local uplift of plasma in the low latitudes near the anomaly crest over a wide range of longitudes. Wave-like modulations superposed over the second enhancement in TEC between 09:15 UT to 10:30 UT have been observed at all the three stations. The second enhancement in TEC along with the modulations of up to 5 TECU have been attributed to the combined effect of super plasma fountain and traveling atmospheric disturbances (TAD). Observed large enhancements in TEC are a cause of concern for satellite based navigation and ground positioning. Increased [O/N₂] ratio between 09:15 UT to 10:15 UT when modulations in TEC have been also observed, confirms the presence of TADs over a wide range of longitudes

Traditional herbal medicines from Shekhawati region of Rajasthan

237-245Shekhawati region of Rajasthan specially the hilly tracts of Lohargal, Mansadevi, Khetri, Babai, Sakambari, Singhana and Harshnath areas are endowed with rich vegetation and the local people nicely learnt to use the area’s vegetation resources including health care. These people successfully treat many difficult diseases using plant-based medicines. Recent survey for ethnomedicinal plants among the people of these localities recorded the use of 48 species of dicotyledonous and 2 species of monocotyledonous plants. Different types of uses of the recorded plants are presented and discussed in the article

Additions to the traditional folk herbal medicines from Shekhawati region of Rajasthan

494-500During the exhaustive ethnomedicinal survey of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, information on 40 more traditional herbs have been collected. Mode of administration, plant part(s) used and dosages given is also noted. The source of information is based on the personal interviews with local physicians practicing Indigenous System of Medicine, shepherds, Sadhus or holy men and experienced, aged tribesmen and women. Out of 40 herbs, 12 have the property of curing gastrointestinal related ailments, whereas 11 have the property of curing respiratory tract infection and related ailments

Some phytotherapeutic claims by tribals of southern Rajasthan

291-297A floristic survey of ethnomedicinal plants occurring in the tribal areas of southern Rajasthan was conducted to assess the potentiality of plant resources for modern system of medicine The survey is based on the exhaustive interviews with local physicians practicing Indigenous System of Medicine, village headmen, priests and tribal folks. Many tribes like Bhil, Garasia, Damor and Kathodia inhabit the southern part of Rajasthan. These people especially belongings to primitive or aboriginal culture possess a good deal of information about properties and medicinal uses of plants. In the present paper an attempt has been made to document the traditional phytotherapeutic uses prevalent amongst the aboriginals of southern part of Rajasthan. A list of plant species along with their plant part/s used and the mode of administration for effective control of different ailments is given

Plants in material culture of tribals and rural communities of Rajsamand district of Rajasthan

11-22While early studies into material culture often concentrated on items collected from archaeological investigations, current studies demonstrate an increasing interest in the artefacts, or man-made objects of existing traditional societies. For the material culture of a given society refers to the total range of objects produced by that society, including functional items such as tools, shelter and clothing as well as more decorative arts and crafts. Traditionally, many of these items have been made from plant materials. The use of plants in traditional art and technology remains an important aspect of traditional botanical knowledge (TBK). The paper discusses the current roles of plants in the manufacture of traditional goods, and outlines some of the specialist skills which are involved in the production of such items