use of predators for the biological control of eriosoma lanigerum wooly apple aphids on apple

Due to increase demand of organic products, biological control methods have gained interest all over the world. Eriosoma lanigerum, commonly known as Wooly apple aphid, is a serious pest of apple. The negative impacts of pesticides on environment and human life make Biological control an important model in the control of the Wooly apple aphid. Some of the biological control agents that have been used in the control of this pest are predators, parasitoids, nectar of flowers etc. The role of the parasitoid Aphelinus mali in the biological control of wooly aphid has been studied by many researchers and found that use of parasitoids Aphelinus mali is not effective when they attack WAA solely in apple orchards. However, efficiency of use of Aphelinus mali in control of WAA is higher when these parasitoids are used along with natural predators (Gontijo, 2011).In recent days, there has been increasing use of predators for the control of aphids. This review focuses on some of the mostly used predators like syrphids, lacewings, earwigs etc. and their role in WAA management. This review focuses on the feeding habits of predators used as biocontrol agents against WAA as well as the occurrence time of these predators before their integration in management practices. Also; this review provides insight into the integration of predators along with other natural enemies for productive control of WAA. This review can be source of information for producers, as well as researchers who are focusing on organic production of apples and integrated wooly aphid management.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(4): 410-41

Analysis of Chlorophyll Content and Its Correlation with Yield Attributing Traits on Early Varieties of Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Chlorophyll has direct roles on photosynthesis and hence closely relates to capacity for photosynthesis, development and yield of crops. With object to explore the roles of chlorophyll content and its relation with other yield attributing traits a field research was conducted using fourteen early genotypes of maize in RCBD design with three replications. Observations were made for Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) reading, ear weight, number of kernel row/ear, number of kernel/row, five hundred kernel weight and grain yield/hectare and these traits were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and correlation coefficient analysis. SPAD reading showed a non-significant variation among the genotypes while it revealed significant correlation with no. of kernel/row, grain yield/hectare and highly significant correlation with no. of kernel row/ear and ear weight which are the most yield determinative traits. For the trait grain yield/ha followed by number of kernel row/ear genotype ARUN-1EV has been found comparatively superior to ARUN-2 (standard check). Grain Yield/hectare was highly heritable (>0.6) while no. of kernel / row, SPAD reading, ear weight, number of kernel row/ear were moderately heritable (0.3-0.6). Correlation analysis and ANOVA revealed ARUN-1EV, comparatively superior to ARUN-2 (standard check), had higher SPAD reading than mean SPAD reading with significant correlation with no. of kernel/row, no. of kernel row/ear, ear weight and grain yield/ha which are all yield determinative traits . This showed positive and significant effect of chlorophyll content in grain yield of the maize.Journal of Maize Research and Development (2015) 1(1):134-145DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3426

Suffering in silence: consequences of sexual violence within marriage among young women in Nepal

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Despite the grave consequences of sexual violence, and it's persistence both within and outside marriages, this subject has received relatively little attention from researchers, policy makers, and programme managers in Nepal. This paper explores the definition of sexual violence and its various forms and consequences as reported by young married women in Nepal. In addition, it describes the coping mechanisms used by young married women to avoid sexual violence perpetrated against them by their husbands.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This paper analyzes data collected during the qualitative study on "Sexual violence among young couples in Nepal", conducted amongst two major ethnic groups - Brahmin/Chhetri and Tharu - between 2006 and 2007. The data is comprised of 39 free-lists and 15 in-depth case histories with married women aged 15-24 years. The average rank and Smith's Salience were calculated from the free-listing data. The thematic analysis approach was used for the analysis of information from the case histories.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Approximately three-quarters (74%) of the young women mentioned 'sex against one's wishes' as sexual violence within marriage (SVWM). Sixty-two percent of respondents described 'forced sex during illness' and 'forced sex after consumption of alcohol' as SVWM. About half of young women (48.7%) who participated in the free-listing exercise reported having experienced SVWM. The types of SVWM ranged from unwanted sexual touch to forced sex. Backache, headache, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and thoughts of suicide were the most commonly reported negative physical and psychological health consequences of SVWM. Women reported various coping strategies including 'trying to convince husbands', 'sleeping in a separate room', 'visiting maternal home', 'waking up the children', and 'using pretexts such as being ill or menstruating', to avoid SVWM. However, in most cases, women reported that these coping strategies were unsuccessful. Almost all women experiencing SVWM were socially isolated and did not turn to institutions, relatives or friends for advice and support.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Sexual violence within marriage is common in Nepal. Findings provide circumstantial evidence of links between sexual violence and negative general and reproductive health outcomes for women. Various actions are required to prevent SVWM and provide immediate support to the victims.</p

Analysis of chlorophyll content and its correlation with yield attributing traits on early varieties of maize (Zea mays L.)

ABSTRACT Chlorophyll has direct roles on photosynthesis and hence closely relates to capacity for photosynthesis, development and yield of crops. With object to explore the roles of chlorophyll content and its relation with other yield attributing traits a field research was conducted using fourteen early genotypes of maize in RCBD design with three replications. Observations were made for Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) reading, ear weight, number of kernel row/ear, number of kernel/row, five hundred kernel weight and grain yield/hectare and these traits were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and correlation coefficient analysis. SPAD reading showed a non-significant variation among the genotypes while it revealed significant correlation with no. of kernel/row, grain yield/hectare and highly significant correlation with no. of kernel row/ear and ear weight which are the most yield determinative traits. For the trait grain yield/ha followed by number of kernel row/ear genotype ARUN-1EV has been found comparatively superior to ARUN-2 (standard check). Grain Yield/hectare was highly heritable (&gt;0.6) while no. of kernel / row, SPAD reading, ear weight, number of kernel row/ear were moderately heritable (0.3-0.6). Correlation analysis and ANOVA revealed ARUN-1EV, comparatively superior to ARUN-2(standard check), had higher SPAD reading than mean SPAD reading with significant correlation with no. of kernel/row, no. of kernel row/ear, ear weight and grain yield/ha which are all yield determinative traits . This showed positive and significant effect of chlorophyll content in grain yield of the maize

Apixaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Vitamin K antagonists are highly effective in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation but have several limitations. Apixaban is a novel oral direct factor Xa inhibitor that has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke in a similar population in comparison with aspirin. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind trial, we compared apixaban (at a dose of 5 mg twice daily) with warfarin (target international normalized ratio, 2.0 to 3.0) in 18,201 patients with atrial fibrillation and at least one additional risk factor for stroke. The primary outcome was ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or systemic embolism. The trial was designed to test for noninferiority, with key secondary objectives of testing for superiority with respect to the primary outcome and to the rates of major bleeding and death from any cause. RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up was 1.8 years. The rate of the primary outcome was 1.27% per year in the apixaban group, as compared with 1.60% per year in the warfarin group (hazard ratio with apixaban, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66 to 0.95; P<0.001 for noninferiority; P = 0.01 for superiority). The rate of major bleeding was 2.13% per year in the apixaban group, as compared with 3.09% per year in the warfarin group (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.80; P<0.001), and the rates of death from any cause were 3.52% and 3.94%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.99; P = 0.047). The rate of hemorrhagic stroke was 0.24% per year in the apixaban group, as compared with 0.47% per year in the warfarin group (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.75; P<0.001), and the rate of ischemic or uncertain type of stroke was 0.97% per year in the apixaban group and 1.05% per year in the warfarin group (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.13; P = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with atrial fibrillation, apixaban was superior to warfarin in preventing stroke or systemic embolism, caused less bleeding, and resulted in lower mortality. Copyright © 2011 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved