Strengthening Pluralistic Agricultural Information Delivery Systems in India

The study on agricultural information flow has revealed that only 40 per cent farm households access information from one or the other source. The popular information sources among farmers have been reported to be fellow progressive farmers and input dealers, followed by mass media. The public extension system has been found to be accessed by only 5.7 per cent households. Only 4.8 per cent of the small farmers have access to public extension workers as compared to 12.4 per cent of large farmers. The sector-wise study on the type of information, sought has revealed that a majority of the farmers have sought information on seed (32-55%) in the cultivation sector; on health care (26-54 %) in animal husbandry; and on management and marketing (8-46 %) in fisheries. Regarding adoption of information by farmers, input dealers and other progressive farmers have depicted greater influence mainly due to easy and convenient access to these sources. The study has suggested promotion of farmers-led extension and strengthening of public extension services to improve coverage and efficiency of agricultural information delivery systems.Agricultural and Food Policy,

Distribuirani obrambeni mehanizmi za clone napade temeljeni na algoritmu za istraživanje gravitacije (GSA) u WSN

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are often deployed in hostile environment and are vulnerable to attacks because of the resource constrained nature of the sensors. Clone attack in WSN is one of the major issues where the messages are eavesdropped, the captured node is cloned, and multiple nodes with same identity are produced by attacker. In order to overcome these issues, in this paper, a Distributed Defense Mechanism for Clone Attacks based on Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) in WSN is proposed. For efficiently detecting the suspect nodes, the nodes in the channel can be divided into witness node and the claimer node. The witness nodes are responsible for the suspect nodes detection, whereas the claimer nodes should provide their identities for the detection process. For the witness nodes selection, we utilize the GSA to pick out the best witness nodes set. After selecting the witness nodes, clone attack detection is performed by observing the behavior of the neighbor nodes. On detecting the clone attack, revocation procedure is triggered to revoke the clone attack in the witness nodes. By simulation results, it can be concluded that the proposed algorithm provides better protection to clone attacks by reducing the packet drop and increasing the packet delivery ratio.Bežične senzorske mreže (WSN) često su raspoređene u neprijateljskom okruženju i ranjive su na napade zbog prirode senzora koji su tehnološki ograničeni. Clone napad u WSN jedan je od glavnih problema gdje se poruke prisluškuju, zarobljeni čvor se klonira te napadač proizvede višestruke čvorove istog identiteta. Kako bi nadvladali te probleme, ovaj rad predlaže distribuirani obrambeni mehanizam za clone napade temeljen na algoritmu za istraživanje gravitacije (GSA) u WSN. Kako bi se sumnjivi čvorovi efikasno detektirali, čvorovi u kanalu mogu se podijeliti u čvorove svjedoke i tražene čvorove. Čvorovi svjedoci odgovorni su za otkrivanje sumnjivih čvorova, dok traženi čvorovi trebaju za potrebe procesa detekcije navesti svoj identitet. Za izbor čvorova svjedoka, koristi se GSA kako bi se izabrala grupa čvorova koji su najprikladniji. Nakon izbora čvorova svjedoka, otkivanje clone napada vrši se promatranjem ponašanja susjednih čvorova. Otkrivanjem clone napada aktivira se proces opoziva kako bi se opozvao clone napad u čvorovima svjedocima. Prema rezultatima dobivenim iz simulacije može se zaključiti kako predloženi algoritam pruža bolju zaštitu od clone napada smanjivanjem odbacivanja paketa i povećavanjem omjera isporuke paketa

Spatial price integration and price transmission among major fish markets in India

The domestic fish marketing system in India deserves to be developed into a strong network of efficiently functioning markets, as more than three-fourths of the country’s total fish production is channellised domestically. With the unleashing of a new global economic order, the efficiency of markets needs to be dealt with utmost importance. The degree of spatial market integration and price transmission between the major coastal markets in India have been reported using monthly retail price data on important marine fish species. It has been observed that degree of integration and rate of price transmission differ according to species. The highest integration has been observed in mackerel, probably because of its affordability to all income classes, resulting in a wide consumer base. Among various markets, a near full transmission of prices has been observed between Kerala and Tamil Nadu markets, except in the case of shrimp. Even though a major landing centre, the price movement in Maharashtra market has been found independent of other markets. The spatial market integration between major shrimp markets in the country has appeared to be the least, possibly because of its greater market share outside the country. The study has suggested to devise strategies to bring about greater integration between these markets so that both fishermen and the fish-consuming community in the country are benefitted.Marketing,

Ethics in Organizations: The Case of Tata Steel

The concern for ethical decision-making among the regulators, social groups and managers has substantially increased since failure of some of the prominent business organizations like Shell and Enron owing to strong social condemn of some of their business practices. This paper reviews literature to address this concern by examining and discussing significant issues of ethical decision making in organizations. Literature shows that authors have frequently used ethics, morality and values interchangeably in the context of organizational behavior. Simultaneously, the research to examine the linkage of ethical decision-making with other organizational construct is inadequate. This paper tries to fill these gaps by distinguishing ethics, morality and values in organizational context and by developing a comprehensive framework of organizational ethical decision-making and behavior in organizations. The framework identifies three groups of variables, which significantly influence the ethical decision-making and behavior of individuals in organizations: a) moral intensity, b) intrinsic factors and c) extrinsic factors. The framework is used to analyze the implementation of Code of Conduct at Tata Steel. Based on the case and literature review few propositions are suggested. They explain the linkages of these variables with ethical decision-making could guide future research in this field. The framework will also help practicing managers to concentrate on key organizational issues to sustain long-term interests of the organizations.

A Study on Correlation of Thyroid Profile with the Components of Metabolic Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome and sub-clinical/overt thyroid dysfunction are independent risk factors, in the genesis of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, it is plausible that persons affected with both these conditions, could have more than additive hazard. This study is a step towards ascertaining the possible positive link of thyroid dysfunction with the components of MetS. In this study, TSH has been used as the prime indicator of thyroid dysfunction, as it increases before the elevation of FT4 and also before clinical manifestation. OBJECTIVES: 1. To find out the type of thyroid dysfunction in metabolic syndrome. 2. To find out the association of thyroid dysfunction with the components of metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Source of Data: Patients attending OPD of Dept. of Internal Medicine, Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital, who are being diagnosed as metabolic syndrome and fulfill inclusion and exclusion criteria. Method of Collection of Data: Sample Size: 100 subjects with MetS & 50 controls. Sampling Method: Simple random sampling. Inclusion Criteria: Patients fulfilling the criteria for metabolic syndrome by International diabetic foundation [IDF] were taken into study. Patients with metabolic syndrome not on any medications – newly detected metabolic syndrome patients. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Known patients of hypothyroid or sub-clinical hypothyroid or hyperthyroidism, 2. Patients on medications for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid disorders and dyslipidemia, 3. Patients on steroids, 4. Acutely ill patients, 5. Individuals less than 18 years age, who cannot give consent. Method of study: The purpose of the study was explained to the patient and informed consent was obtained. Data was collected using a pretested proforma meeting the objectives of the study. Detailed history and necessary investigations were undertaken. Patients were selected for study who satisfied all the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were diagnosed having metabolic syndrome by the, IDF criteria. DISCUSSION: In our study, of 100 MetS, majority were in the 30-40yrs age group, highlighting the at-risk population. Fast changing food habits and sedentary life style pattern, in the last two decades, could be the answer for this metabolic abnormality. This means, economic backbone of our country, is amidst a crisis regarding to health issues. The prevalence of MetS in women is more than two times, compared to men, in this study. The prevalence of SCH in MetS, was found to be 21%, when compared to only 6% in the control population. This association with SCH, is more frequent among women. Due to increasing sedentary life style changes, the natural immunity against cardiovascular diseases for the women, is at risk. The thyroid dysfunction in MetS, is statistically significantly associated with the serum triglycerides, followed closely by the waist circumference. This association is not found with the other components of MetS. The almost nil difference among the subjects, in regard to HDL, once again reiterates the fact that non-HDL cholesterol has to be closely monitored. Unless, strictly managed this double whammy of SCH and MetS will result in a heavy toll, in our growing economy. Intensive lifestyle, has to be initiated in a much younger population, i.e. school going children. Only this primordial intervention, can produce significant changes, helping to avert this middle-age menace

Socio-economic Impact Assessment of Livelihood Security in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture on the Tsunami-hit Lands of Andaman

Indian subcontinent is highly vulnerable to major natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods, droughts, landslides and bushfires. Tsunami, which is a recent addition to this list, had occurred in the early morning of 26th December 2004, after a massive earthquake of 9.2 magnitude on the Richter scale in Andaman & Nicobar islands, resulting in the submergence of large area of farmland, and subsequent drying up of water bodies. It caused moisture stress for the standing crops, livestock and fisheries and affected the livelihood of the people to a large extent. In this context, the present study has been carried out to make the socio-economic impact assessment of livelihood security in agriculture, animal husbandry and aquaculture on the tsunami-hit lands of Andaman. Data have been collected from 150 sample respondents and the survey has been conducted for two periods, pre-tsunami and post-tsunami. The results have indicated that tsunami has ravaged the households, standing crops, farm inputs such as seed, feed and implements, livestock and poultry population, their sheds, fish ponds, etc., thereby affecting the basic livelihood security of the people in Andaman. The rehabilitation measures taken by the government and NGOs have improved their livelihoods by reviving agriculture considerably in the subsequent years and by creating employment opportunities in various farm and non-farm activities. The paper has suggested creating profitable livelihood security to vulnerable sections of the society in the existing socio-economic penury with holistic intervention of the community, government and NGOs.Agricultural and Food Policy,

Efficacy of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, potential fungi for bio control of Echinochloa crus-galli (Barnyard grass)

A systematic field study was conducted in agricultural fields such as food crops, pulses, vegetable crops, oil crops and commercial crops to estimate infestation of Echinochloa crus – galli (barnyard grass), a common terrestrial weed belonging to family poaceae. The in vitro pathogenicity studies on barnyard grass were conducted using spore inoculum (8X107/ml) of an indigenous fungus, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The pathogen was re-isolated from inoculated plants to fulfill Koch’s postulates and confirmed its host specificity on barnyard grass. The disease by the isolate was critically analyzed and the results revealed that Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a potential agent to biological control of barnyard grass. The results revealed that the pathogen causes significantly (P < 0.05) severe infection on host weed and destructs the weed population by leaf spot diseases. The findings of the research suggested that the isolate Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is highly virulent and host-specific, and recommended for further studies as a promising biocontrol agent against barnyard grass weed. Keywords: Mycoherbicides, Barnyard grass, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Koch’s postulate

Dirac Hamiltonians for bosonic spectra

Dirac materials are of great interest as condensed matter realizations of the Dirac and Weyl equations. In particular, they serve as a starting point for the study of topological phases. This physics has been extensively studied in electronic systems such as graphene, Weyl- and Dirac semi-metals. In contrast, recent studies have highlighted several examples of Dirac-like cones in collective excitation spectra, viz. in phonon, magnon and triplon bands. These cannot be directly related to the Dirac or Weyl equations as they are bosonic in nature with pseudo-unitary band bases. In this article, we show that any Dirac-like equation can be smoothly deformed into a form that is applicable to bosonic bands. The resulting bosonic spectra bear a two-to-one relation to that of the parent Dirac system. Their dispersions inherit several interesting properties including conical band touching points and a gap-opening-role for `mass' terms. The relationship also extends to the band eigenvectors with the bosonic states carrying the same Berry connections as the parent fermionic states. The bosonic bands thus inherit topological character as well. If the parent fermionic system has non-trivial topology that leads to mid-gap surface states, the bosonic analogue also hosts surface states that lie within the corresponding band gap. The proposed bosonic Dirac structure appears in several known models. In materials, it is realized in Ba$_2$CuSi$_2$O$_6$Cl$_2$ and possibly in CoTiO$_3$ as well as in paramagnetic honeycomb ruthenates. Our results allow for a rigorous understanding of Dirac phononic and magnonic systems and enable concrete predictions, e.g., of surface states in magnonic topological insulators and Weyl semi-metals.Comment: 10 pages, supersedes arXiv:1802.0826