Potency test of a rape accused in India – Rationale, problems and suggestions in light of the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013

AbstractIndian legal system makes it mandatory to medically examine any accused of rape as well as other forms of sexual assault. Accused is brought in the police custody for conducting medical examination which includes general physical examination, potency test and evidence collection. The medical examination report of the accused is labeled as the “POTENCY TEST REPORT”. As per the changed definition of rape after Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, potency test stands irrelevant in rape cases because the changed law does not require peno-vaginal intercourse to call it as rape. However, even after the change in definition of rape and laws related to it, potency test is still a mandatory part of medical examination of accused. Displeasure about the same has also been raised by a fast track court of Delhi. In this paper, we have discussed the rationale of potency test of sexual assault in light of Criminal Law Amendment Act (2013), court judgment and other available literature

Genetic variability of kernel provitamin-A in sub-tropically adapted maize hybrids possessing rare allele of β-carotene hydroxylase

Vitamin-A deficiency is a major health concern. Traditional yellow maize possesses low provitamin-A (proA). Mutant crtRB1 gene significantly enhances proA. 24 experimental hybrids possessing crtRB1 allele were evaluated for β-carotene (BC), β-cryptoxanthin (BCX), lutein (LUT), zeaxanthin (ZEA), total carotenoids (TC) and grain yield at multi-locations. BC (0.64–17.24 µg/g), BCX (0.45–6.84 µg/g), proA (0.86–20.46 µg/g), LUT (9.60–31.03 µg/g), ZEA (1.24–12.73 µg/g) and TC (20.60–64.02 µg/g) showed wide variation. No significant genotype × location interaction was observed for carotenoids. The mean BC (8.61 µg/g), BCX (4.04 µg/g) and proA (10.63 µg/g) in crtRB1-based hybrids was significantly higher than normal hybrids lacking crtRB1-favourable allele (BC: 1.73 µg/g, BCX: 1.29 µg/g and proA: 2.37 µg/g). Selected crtRB1-based hybrids possessed 33% BC and 40% BCX compared to 6% BC and 5% BCX in normal hybrids. BC showed positive correlation with BCX (r = 0.90), proA (r = 0.99) and TC (r = 0.64) among crtRB1-based hybrids. Carotenoids didn't show association with grain yield. Average yield potential of proA rich hybrids (6794 kg/ha) was at par with normal hybrids (6961 kg/ha). PROAH-13, PROAH-21, PROAH-17, PROAH-11, PROAH-23, PROAH-24 and PROAH-3 were the most promising with >12 µg/g proA and >6000 kg/ha grain yield. The newly identified crtRB1-based hybrids assume significance in alleviating malnutrition

Spectral Dependence of Polarized Radiation due to Spatial Correlations

We study the polarization of light emitted by spatially correlated sources. We show that in general polarization acquires nontrivial spectral dependence due to spatial correlations. The spectral dependence is found to be absent only for a special class of sources where the correlation length scales as the wavelength of light. We further study the cross correlations between two spatially distinct points that are generated due to propagation. It is found that such cross correlation leads to sufficiently strong spectral dependence of polarization which can be measured experimentally.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Iodine deficiency in pregnancy, infancy and childhood and its consequences for brain development

Iodine deficiency during foetal development and early childhood is associated with cognitive impairment. Randomised clinical studies in school-aged children encountered in the literature indicate that cognitive performance can be improved by iodine supplementation, but most studies suffer from methodological constraints. Tests to assess cognitive performance in the domains that are potentially affected by iodine deficiency need to be refined. Maternal iodine supplementation in areas of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency may improve cognitive performance of the offspring, but randomised controlled studies with long-term outcomes are lacking. Studies in infants or young children have not been conducted. The best indicators for iodine deficiency in children are thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in newborns and thyroglobulin (Tg) in older children. Urinary iodine may also be useful but only at the population level. Adequate salt iodisation will cover the requirements of infants and children as well as pregnant women. However, close monitoring remains essential

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Not AvailableThe investigation aimed to study the impact of capacity building programmes on scientific lac cultivation, processing and uses in terms of knowledge level of farmers. The study was conducted at TOT division, Indian Institute of Natural Resins & Gums (IINRG) Namkum, Ranchi during Nov. 2013 to May 2014. IINRG conducted 17 courses, in which 519 participants were participated; Out of which 125 farmers were randomly selected as respondents for this study. The investigation showed that education, farm size, social participation, lac experiences and sources of information were positively and significantly related to knowledge level of farmers at 5 % level of significance whereas the remaining independent variables viz., age, sex, caste, type of family, family size, occupation and monthly income were not significantly related to knowledge level of farmers on lac cultivation. The percentage changes in knowledge level of respondents towards lac cultivation were found to be 9.60 per cent, 68 per cent and 22.40 per cent, respectively for below average knowledge, average knowledge and above average knowledge after training. . The impact of capacity building programme was gain in knowledge level after training which was significantly higher among farmers for all the lac cultivation practices.Not Availabl

Competitive Dynamics between MNCs and Domestic Companies at the Base of the Pyramid: An Institutional Perspective

This article investigates the factors underpinning the competitive dynamics between multi-national corporations (MNCs) and domestic companies in base of the pyramid (BoP) markets. We analyze the case of a multi-domestic MNC, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), facing the competition from two small domestic companies, Nirma and CavinKare, in the low-end shampoo and detergent markets in India respectively. Our findings highlight a fundamental rigidity of HUL By using institutional theory as our interpretative lens, we ascribe this rigidity to the overlap of institutional domains faced by the MNC's subunit, at two levels: 1) the constant search for legitimacy in both the host country domain and within the MNC, which requires the concurrent adherence to local policies and to practices institutionalized within the MNC; and, 2) the simultaneous pursuit of legitimacy in both low- and high-income markets, which requires non-consistent actions to conform to cognitively distant social groups. Building on previous work, we interpret these phenomena as manifestations of "institutional dualism." This work advances the current understanding of strategic behavior of firms in BoP markets. Furthermore, it contributes to international business literature by providing new theoretical and empirical depth to the concept of institutional dualism, which emerges as a potential liability for MNCs competing in highly idiosyncratic foreign markets

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Not AvailableModel Training Courses” (MTCs) scheme has been implemented since 1996 by Directorate of Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Its major emphasis is demand driven capacity building of extension managers, marketing managers and extension functioning of State development department. These training programme are organized on priority areas of agriculture, horticulture and allied subjects. In the similar fashion a MTC was organized at ICAR-Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums (IINRG) Ranchi especially for the Extension functionaries of the Government. The investigation aimed to study the impact of model training course on lac production, processing, product development and value addition in term of knowledge level, level of satisfaction of trainees, usefulness of the topics covered and overall grading of training. The study was conducted at ICAR-IINRG Ranchi and all participants who attended Model Training Course 2014 were selected as respondents for this study. A questionnaire containing multiple choice questions on different aspect of Lac Production technology was given to the trainees before and after conduct of training. The knowledge level was obtained from the overall mean score of the respondents and based on the mean score, standard deviation was calculated. On the basis of overall mean score and standard deviation the knowledge level of the respondents were classified. Data was tabulated and analyzed. It was observed that a majority of participants were middle age group (35-45 years) and belonged to male gender. It was found that 37.05 percent, 22.22 per cent, 7.40 per cent and 33.33 per cent participants belonged to general caste, backward caste, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe respectively. Majority of the respondents i.e. 51.85 per cent were post graduate and above. It was found that 51.85 per cent belongs to small family. It was found that 44.44 per cent of the respondents had low work experience. Majority of the respondents i.e. 59.26 per cent had not participated in any training programme on lac. Majority of the respondents were having their family monthly income Rs 30,001 and above. Majority of the respondents i.e. 51.85 per cent were not aware about social participation in any organization. It is evident from the study that knowledge level of trainees had increased significantly in all aspect of lac cultivation. The result implies that the trainees were mostly satisfied with the course content as well as the manner in which training was imparted. It can be said that this model training course included nearly all the topics required by the trainees and most of the trainees felt that facilities provided during training were very good.Not Availabl

Study of prevalence of urinary tract infection in febrile children less than 5 years of age

Background: Fever is the most common reason for children under 5 years of age to visit the OPD. Unlike other foci of infection only little attention has been focussed on identification of UTI in febrile children. Quite often child receives antibiotics empirically without adequate evaluation of UTI. Hence it is essential to identify UTI in febrile children to institute prompt treatment and to reduce the threat of lifelong morbidity. Objective: To determine - 1) the prevalence of UTI in all febrile children, from 2 months to 5 years of age and 2) the validity of urinary tests (urine analysis and urine culture) in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Materials and Method: Hospital based prospective study includes 100 children from 2 month to 5 years with febrile illness admitted in the upgraded department of Paediatrics, Patna Medical College & Hospital, Patna. Data related to age, sex, predisposing factors will be noted. Urine samples collected by– 1) Clean midstream catch in children more than 2 years and 2) Bag collection in children less than 2 years. Urine analysis and urine culture has to be done in all these patients.USG abdomen to be done in patients with culture positive UTI. Results & Conclusion: Our present study reveals the overall prevalence rate of UTI as 10%. The prevalence rate in children <1 year of age was highest (4%). All the children with pyuria of > 5 pus cells/HPF of centrifused urine sample were found to have significant growth and hence the association between pyuria >5 pus cells and urine culture is highly significant and hence this test is highly valid

Study of Lipid Profile and Thyroid Function Abnormality In Children Of Nephrotic Syndrome

Background: Hypercholesterolemia and subclinical hypothyroidism were common problem in nephrotic syndrome. Monitoring of lipid profile to done not only in the diagnosis and also in relapse cases. Because in relapse cases serum cholesterol persistently elevated and predispose to the development of atheroslerosis.Aims and Objectives: To study the correlation between lipid and thyroid profile and different types of nephrotic syndrome in children between 1 to 12 years and also study the association between serum albumin with lipid profile and TSH. Materials &Method: 80 cases of different types of nephrotic syndrome included in our study that includes first episode, relapses, Steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome(SDNS), Steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome(SRNS) and in remission. Only one value is taken and its distribution in different types of nephrotic syndrome was analysed. Results:  Males are affected more with mean age of presentation of 6.9 years. SRNS cases cholesterol level significantly elevated compared to other types. T3, T4 and TSH were within normal limit, negative correlation between albumin with cholesterol and TSH. Conclusion: Serum cholesterol should be monitored in relapse cases, because persistent elevation in relapse cases predispose to development of atherosclerosis. In SRNS cases cholesterol level was highly elevated and may require lipid lowering agents. No need of routine thyroid screening in a case of nephrotic syndrome. Keywords: Nephrotic syndrome, Lipid profile, Thyroid functio

Evaluation of slope stability through rock mass classification and kinematic analysis of some major slopes along NH-1A from Ramban to Banihal, North Western Himalayas

The network of Himalayan roadways and highways connects some remote regions of valleys or hill slopes, which is vital for India's socio-economic growth. Due to natural and artificial factors, frequency of slope instabilities along the networks has been increasing over last few decades. Assessment of stability of natural and artificial slopes due to construction of these connecting road networks is significant in safely executing these roads throughout the year. Several rock mass classification methods are generally used to assess the strength and deformability of rock mass. This study assesses slope stability along the NH-1A of Ramban district of North Western Himalayas. Various structurally and non-structurally controlled rock mass classification systems have been applied to assess the stability conditions of 14 slopes. For evaluating the stability of these slopes, kinematic analysis was performed along with geological strength index (GSI), rock mass rating (RMR), continuous slope mass rating (CoSMR), slope mass rating (SMR), and Q-slope in the present study. The SMR gives three slopes as completely unstable while CoSMR suggests four slopes as completely unstable. The stability of all slopes was also analyzed using a design chart under dynamic and static conditions by slope stability rating (SSR) for the factor of safety (FoS) of 1.2 and 1 respectively. Q-slope with probability of failure (PoF) 1% gives two slopes as stable slopes. Stable slope angle has been determined based on the Q-slope safe angle equation and SSR design chart based on the FoS. The value ranges given by different empirical classifications were RMR (37–74), GSI (27.3–58.5), SMR (11–59), and CoSMR (3.39–74.56). Good relationship was found among RMR & SSR and RMR & GSI with correlation coefficient (R2) value of 0.815 and 0.6866, respectively. Lastly, a comparative stability of all these slopes based on the above classification has been performed to identify the most critical slope along this road