Geochemistry and origin of gold mineralization in the Kolar Schist Belt

Geological, mineralogical, mineral-textural and geochemical data of the sulfide lodes in the belt indicate that the gold mineralization could be related to low temperature, low Eh and high pH rock-dominated geothermal systems set up in the submarine volcanic pile prior to amphibolite metamorphism. A relatively long-lived geothermal system produced an economic deposit, whereas short-lived ones, because of rapid burial by younger basalts throttled the geothermal system and diffused the discharge yielding low grade ore bodies. The source for gold and iron could be iron enriched tholeiites derived from source regions enriched in komatiitic melt components and komatiitic rocks derived by very low extents of melting of metasomatised mantle sources. On the other hand, the geographical restriction of the quartz-calcite lodes, their mineralogical and geochemical data and their estimated temperature of formation all seem to suggest that a major part of the hydrothermal fluids, and a significant portion of gold could have been derived from mantle derived intrusive, sanukitoid type magma sources, similar to the Champion Gneiss occurring on the eastern part of the belt. However, the possibility of some input by remobilization of a premetamorphic sulfide protore to quartz lodes cannot be ruled out completely

A Novel 3D Indoor Node Localization Technique Using Weighted Least Square Estimation with Oppositional Beetle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

Due to the familiarity of smart devices and the advancements of mobile Internet, there is a significant need to design an effective indoor localization system. Indoor localization is one of the recent technologies of location-based services (LBS), plays a vital role in commercial and civilian industries. It finds useful in public security, disaster management, and positioning navigation. Several research works have concentrated on the design of accurate 2D indoor localization techniques. Since the 3D indoor localization techniques offer numerous benefits, this paper presents a Novel 3D Indoor Node Localization Technique using Oppositional Beetle Swarm Optimization with Weighted Least Square Estimation (OBSO-WLSE) algorithm. The proposed OBSO-WLSE algorithm aims to improvise the localization accuracy with reduced computational time. Here, the OBSO algorithm is employed for estimating the initial locations of the target that results in the elimination of NLOS error. With respect to the initial location by OBSO technique, the WLSE technique performs iterated computations rapidly to determine the precise final location of the target. To improve the efficiency of the OBSO technique, the concept of oppositional based learning (OBL) is integrated into the traditional BSO algorithm. A number of simulations were run to test the model's accuracy, and the results were analyzed using a variety of metrics

A Novel 3D Indoor Node Localization Technique Using Weighted Least Square Estimation with Oppositional Beetle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

Due to the familiarity of smart devices and the advancements of mobile Internet, there is a significant need to design an effective indoor localization system. Indoor localization is one of the recent technologies of location-based services (LBS), plays a vital role in commercial and civilian industries. It finds useful in public security, disaster management, and positioning navigation. Several research works have concentrated on the design of accurate 2D indoor localization techniques. Since the 3D indoor localization techniques offer numerous benefits, this paper presents a Novel 3D Indoor Node Localization Technique using Oppositional Beetle Swarm Optimization with Weighted Least Square Estimation (OBSO-WLSE) algorithm. The proposed OBSO-WLSE algorithm aims to improvise the localization accuracy with reduced computational time. Here, the OBSO algorithm is employed for estimating the initial locations of the target that results in the elimination of NLOS error. With respect to the initial location by OBSO technique, the WLSE technique performs iterated computations rapidly to determine the precise final location of the target. To improve the efficiency of the OBSO technique, the concept of oppositional based learning (OBL) is integrated into the traditional BSO algorithm. A number of simulations were run to test the model's accuracy, and the results were analyzed using a variety of metrics

Use of over the counter drugs in urban and rural populations of Mandya district: a cross-sectional study

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are medicines which are sold directly to a consumer without a prescription. There is a big potential for misuse and abuse of such products. Over the counter (OTC) drugs are meant for self-medication and are of proved efficacy and safety. Their improper use and unable to follow the precautions due to lack of knowledge of their side effects and interactions could lead to serious complications, especially in children and elderly.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested & semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 400 urban and 400 rural persons were interviewed for this study. 100 persons were interviewed in Mandya city and 50 each from the city in each of the 6 taluks. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel software and was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Chi-square test was used to calculate the difference in use among the urban and rural OTC drug users.Results: A total of 800 persons were interviewed regarding their use of OTC drugs, among them 400 were urban residents and 400 were rural residents of Mandya district. Of the 400 urban persons and rural persons, 310 respondents (77.50%) and 273 respondents (68.25%) reported the use of OTC in the recall period of the last 6 months respectively. The difference in the usage of OTC by urban adults was significantly more than that of rural adults.Conclusions: The proportion of the respondents who had practiced self-medication with OTC drugs is very high. The prevalence of self-medication with OTC drugs in our study was found to be 72.87% and is nearly same in both rural and urban population. As this study was conducted in a limited population in Mandya district, generalization of the study to all the population cannot be done, and it requires large study in all districts of Karnataka with adequate sampling methods

Adjuvant drugs for peripheral nerve blocks: The role of alpha-2 agonists, dexamethasone, midazolam, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Adjuvant drugs for peripheral nerve blocks are a promising solution to acute postoperative pain and the transition to chronic pain treatment. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) are used in the brachial plexus, lumbar plexus, femoral nerve, sciatic nerve, and many other anatomic locations for site-specific pain relief. However, the duration of action of a PNB is limited without an adjuvant drug. The use of non-opioid adjuvant drugs for single-shot peripheral nerve blocks (sPNB), such as alpha-2 agonists, dexamethasone, midazolam, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can extend the duration of local anesthetics and reduce the dose-dependent adverse effects of local anesthetics. Tramadol is a weak opioid that acts as a central analgesic. It can block voltage-dependent sodium and potassium channels, cause serotonin release, and inhibit norepinephrine reuptake and can also be used as an adjuvant in PNBs. However, tramadol’s effectiveness and safety as an adjuvant to local anesthetic for PNB are inconsistent. The effects of the adjuvants on neurotoxicity must be further evaluated with further studies to delineate the safety in their use in PNB. Further research needs to be done. However, the use of adjuvants in PNB can be a way to help control postoperative pain

Elicitation of resistance and associated defense responses in Trichoderma hamatum induced protection against pearl millet downy mildew pathogen

Endophytic Trichoderma hamatum UoM 13 isolated from pearl millet roots was evaluated for its efficiency to suppress downy mildew disease. Under laboratory conditions, T. hamatum seed treatment significantly enhanced pearl millet seed germination and seedling vigor. T. hamatum seed treatment resulted in systemic and durable immunity against pearl millet downy mildew disease under greenhouse and field conditions. T. hamatum treated seedlings responded to downy mildew infection with high lignification and callose deposition. Analysis of defense enzymes showed that T. hamatum treatment significantly enhanced the activities of glucanase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and polyphenol oxidase in comparison to untreated control. RT-PCR analysis revealed differentially expressed transcripts of the defense enzymes and PR-proteins in treated, untreated, and checks, wherein PR-1, PR-5, and cell wall defense HRGPs were significantly over expressed in treated seedlings as against their lower expression in controls. T. hamatum treatment significantly stimulated endogenous salicylic acid (SA) levels and significantly upregulated important SA biosynthesis gene isochorismate synthase. The results indicated that T. hamatum UoM13 treatment induces resistance corresponding to significant over expression of endogenous SA, important defense enzymes, PR-proteins, and HRGPs, suggesting that SA biosynthetic pathway is involved in pearl millet for mounting systemic immunity against downy mildew pathogen

Chitosan nanoparticles having higher degree of acetylation induce resistance against pearl millet downy mildew through nitric oxide generation

Downy mildew of pearl millet caused by the biotrophic oomycete Sclerospora graminicola is the most devastating disease which impairs pearl millet production causing huge yield and monetary losses. Chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) were synthesized from low molecular weight chitosan having higher degree of acetylation was evaluated for their efficacy against downy mildew disease of pearl millet caused by Sclerospora graminicola. Laboratory studies showed that CNP seed treatment significantly enhanced pearl millet seed germination percentage and seedling vigor compared to the control. Seed treatment with CNP induced systemic and durable resistance and showed significant downy mildew protection under greenhouse conditions in comparison to the untreated control. Seed treatment with CNP showed changes in gene expression profiles wherein expression of genes of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were highly upregulated. CNP treatment resulted in earlier and higher expression of the pathogenesis related proteins PR1 and PR5. Downy mildew protective effect offered by CNP was found to be modulated by nitric oxide and treatment with CNP along with NO inhibitors cPTIO completely abolished the gene expression of defense enzymes and PR proteins. Further, comparative analysis of CNP with Chitosan revealed that the very small dosage of CNP performed at par with recommended dose of Chitosan for downy mildew management

Cotton in the new millennium: advances, economics, perceptions and problems

Cotton is the most significant natural fibre and has been a preferred choice of the textile industry and consumers since the industrial revolution began. The share of man-made fibres, both regenerated and synthetic fibres, has grown considerably in recent times but cotton production has also been on the rise and accounts for about half of the fibres used for apparel and textile goods. To cotton’s advantage, the premium attached to the presence of cotton fibre and the general positive consumer perception is well established, however, compared to commodity man-made fibres and high performance fibres, cotton has limitations in terms of its mechanical properties but can help to overcome moisture management issues that arise with performance apparel during active wear. This issue of Textile Progress aims to: i. Report on advances in cotton cultivation and processing as well as improvements to conventional cotton cultivation and ginning. The processing of cotton in the textile industry from fibre to finished fabric, cotton and its blends, and their applications in technical textiles are also covered. ii. Explore the economic impact of cotton in different parts of the world including an overview of global cotton trade. iii. Examine the environmental perception of cotton fibre and efforts in organic and genetically-modified (GM) cotton production. The topic of naturally-coloured cotton, post-consumer waste is covered and the environmental impacts of cotton cultivation and processing are discussed. Hazardous effects of cultivation, such as the extensive use of pesticides, insecticides and irrigation with fresh water, and consequences of the use of GM cotton and cotton fibres in general on the climate are summarised and the effects of cotton processing on workers are addressed. The potential hazards during cotton cultivation, processing and use are also included. iv. Examine how the properties of cotton textiles can be enhanced, for example, by improving wrinkle recovery and reducing the flammability of cotton fibre

Genomic Approaches to Enhance Stress Tolerance for Productivity Improvements in Pearl Millet

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], the sixth most important cereal crop (after rice, wheat, maize, barley, and sorghum), is grown as a grain and stover crop by the small holder farmers in the harshest cropping environments of the arid and semiarid tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Millet is grown on ~31 million hectares globally with India in South Asia; Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali in western and central Africa; and Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania in Eastern Africa as the major producers. Pearl millet provides food and nutritional security to more than 500 million of the world’s poorest and most nutritionally insecure people. Global pearl millet production has increased over the past 15 years, primarily due to availability of improved genetics and adoption of hybrids in India and expanding area under pearl millet production in West Africa. Pearl millet production is challenged by various biotic and abiotic stresses resulting in a significant reduction in yields. The genomics research in pearl millet lagged behind because of multiple reasons in the past. However, in the recent past, several efforts were initiated in genomic research resulting into a generation of large amounts of genomic resources and information including recently published sequence of the reference genome and re-sequencing of almost 1000 lines representing the global diversity. This chapter reviews the advances made in generating the genetic and genomics resources in pearl millet and their interventions in improving the stress tolerance to improve the productivity of this very important climate-smart nutri-cereal