Conservation GIS: Ontology and spatial reasoning for commonsense knowledge.

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies.Geographic information available from multiple sources are moving beyond their local context and widening the semantic difference. The major challenge emerged with ubiquity of geographic information, evolving geospatial technology and location-aware service is to deal with the semantic interoperability. Although the use of ontology aims at capturing shared conceptualization of geospatial information, human perception of world view is not adequately addressed in geospatial ontology. This study proposes ‘Conservation GIS Ontology’ that comprises spatial knowledge of non-expert conservationists in the context of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. The discussion is presented in four parts: exploration of commonsense spatial knowledge about conservation; development of conceptual ontology to conceptualize domain knowledge; formal representation of conceptualization in Web Ontology Language (OWL); and quality assessment of the ontology development tasks. Elicitation of commonsense spatial knowledge is performed with the notion of cognitive view of semantic. Emphasis is given to investigate the observation of wildlife movement and habitat change scenarios. Conceptualization is carried out by providing the foundation of the top-level ontology- ‘DOLCE’ and geospatial ontologies. Protégé 4.1 ontology editor is employed for ontology engineering tasks. Quality assessment is accomplished based on the intrinsic approach of ontology evaluation.(...

Synthesis and characterization of 5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3h)thione derivatives

1,3,4-oxadiazoles represent a class of heterocyclic five membered compounds it contain two nitrogen and one oxygen of great importance in Pharmaceutical chemistry. This nucleus show four isomeric forms 1,2,4-oxadiazole,1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,2,5-oxadiazole, and 1,2,3-oxadiazole. This nucleus has various biological activity such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, antidepressant, anticancer, analgesic etc.  have been reported. A series of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles-2(3H)thione derivative has been synthesized in four steps and the derivative were characterized by FTIR spectral analysis. This article explain the different biological activities associated with 1,3,4-oxadiazole five membered ring are useful for researchers across the world working on this nucleus

Assessment of Farm Animal Welfare using Organic Animal Husbandry Standards as Yardstick: A micro-level study in India

Animal welfare has attracted widespread attention worldwide in recent times including within the conventional systems of intensive production in industrialized countries. It can be assessed in a number of ways, also, the yardstick of welfare may differ from people to people and region to region since OIE is only now considering development of more science-based internationally acceptable criteria for animal welfare. In this study, the organic livestock production standards, developed inter alia, the Government of India (GOI) under its National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), were used to assess the practices being followed at farmers' level in India. Organic production standards are supposed to keep animal welfare as one of the top most requirements with no compromise on welfare issues. A micro-level study was conducted in Bankura district (22038′N-23038′N and 86036′E-87046′E) in India with 50 tribal and 50 non-tribal farmers practicing mixed crop-livestock farming. The farmers (average landholding 1.02 ha, average herd size 4.02 cattle equivalent), were asked about several animal welfare criteria including those for draft animals. It was found that almost all farmers, either, tribal or non-tribal provide shelter to animals against extreme weather conditions. Ninety percent of the farmers provided immediate treatment to sick animals and none of the farmers used sick animals at work. However, 26.46% of non tribals beat their animals at work. Nine point eighty-five percent of farmers confessed that they sometimes overload their animals. The average duration of work in summer, rainy season and winter was found to be 5.27 h, 7.09 h and 5 h, respectively. In the study, it was found that the welfare standards were well cared of though farmers were not organic per se, nor they have had any specific training or programme on animal welfare measures. It is recommended that the organic animal standards may be used as the yardstick to measure animal welfare even in conventional non-organic forms of livestock production systems as is demonstrated in the current study

Evaluation of burn wound healing property of ocimum sanctum by monitoring of period of re-epithelization in rabbits

Background: Burns remain a major public health problem all over the world, especially in developing countries. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of infection and a contributing factor in the death of patients with burns. So, there is a growing need to develop drugs which will prevent infections and complications more effectively than the presently used drugs. Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi in Hindi) has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which may be responsible and favorable for faster wound healing. The present study was carried out to evaluate the wound healing property of O. sanctum by monitoring the period of re-epithelization in thermal burns with and without supportive treatment of ointment silver sulfadiazine.Methods: Wound healing property of O. sanctum was evaluated by monitoring the period of re-epithelization.Results: The period of re-epithelization, in Control group was 34 ± 1.26 days, in Standard group treated with ointment silver sulfadiazine was 30.33 ± 1.37 days, in group treated with O. sanctum was 30.50 ± 1.87 days and in group treated with ointment silver sulfadiazine + O. sanctum was 26 ± 1.41 days.Conclusions: Group treated with ointment silver sulfadiazine + O. sanctum showed minimum re-epithelization period. So, the most effective treatment for burn wound healing in this study was ointment silver sulfadiazine + O. sanctum

A STUDY ON OJAS AND OJAKSHAYA IN ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF MADHUMEHA (DIABETES MELLITUS)

Ojas is considered as essence of seven Dhatus or equivalent to Bala or Sleshma. Ojas can also be considered as living radiant energy present in human body. In Ayurveda literature the term Oja is not clearly explained by Ayurveda community. The classical Ayurveda text describes Ojakshaya as one of the Ojavikara which may be prevalent in various diseases. The pathogenesis of Madhumeha (Diabetes Mellitus) also describes this phenomenon. The prevalence of Oja kshaya can be clinically evaluated in the patients of Madhumeha and the same if kept in mind during treatment may arrest the further progress of the disease to complications like Diabetic Retinopathy, Neuropathy etc. In Ayurveda classics Ojakshaya is described in relation of Madhumeha. So, there will be prevalence of Ojakshaya in patient of Madhumeha (Diabetes Mellitus). Therefore, in this review article an attempt is made to understand the concept of Oja and Ojakshaya in diabetes mellitus

A CONCEPTUAL STUDY ON SWABHAVOPARAM VADA IN CONTEXT TO NIDANA PARIVARJANA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS MECHANISM USEFUL IN MADHUMEHA (TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS)

The scientific art of living called as Ayurveda is based upon the basic ancient science of way of living as well as reliable on the philosophical grounds. Ayurveda has its roots in the Philosophical sciences and has its applications. The fundamentals or principles are based upon the experiments which were done by our Acharya so many times. And due to this, these ancient rules and code of conduct are still applicable in this modern world. But modern science wants evidence-based study and hence, so many experiments with well observations, investigations were going on to convince the people of the modern world for the validity of these ancient concepts. So, the concepts of Swabhavoparam Vada (Basic Principle of Ayurveda) with its application must be studied thoroughly. This concept “Swabhavoparam Vada” insists on the Homeostasis or Natural Destruction. According to which disease will subside due to natural destruction phenomenon & maintaining of Dhatu Samya is done. That happens due to the fundamental of “Hetu-Hetorvaratananam” which implies to avoid the causative factors (Nidana Parivarjana) responsible for causing a disease. So, this study is an effort to understand the relationship of Swabhvaoparama Vada & Nidana Parivarjana and how this principle is used in the Madhumeha disease (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus), which is a metabolic disorder and relied upon the Diet and Lifestyle

Varietal screening of rose (Rosa x hybrida) cultivars and in vitro efficacy of fungicides against black spot disease (Diplocarpon rosae Wolf.) in Arunachal Pradesh condition

Rose varieties were evaluated in field against Diplocarpon rosae cause of black spot disease of rose. Black spot resistance was visually evaluated for thirty seven rose varieties against D. rosae. Out of thirty seven varieties evaluated, none of the varieties were found immune, very highly resistant, highly resistant, resistant and moderately resistant. However, three varieties namely Paradise, Shabnam and Pixie showed moderately susceptible reaction. Whereas, eleven varieties viz., Angelica Renae, Atago, Folklore, Granada, Hot Cocoa, Mardigrass, Midas Touch, Mrinalini, Revival, Tipus Flame and Victor Hugo showed susceptible reaction. Twelve varieties viz. Baccardi, Claudia Ribond, Charles Mallerin, Crimson Lace, Dr. Pal, Impatient, Madam Dulbourde, Marcopolo, Melody, Rainbow End, Sonia and Sugandha were responded highly susceptible reaction at 75 per cent disease severity. Whereas, eleven varieties namely Angelique, Christian Dior, Gemini, Gladiator, Golden Jubilee, Priyadarsini, Sand. Centenary, R. R. M. Roy, Sweet Promise, Unforgotten and Vale of Cloyd were highly susceptible reaction at 95 per cent disease severity. Further, five fungicides [three systemic fungicides namely Carbendazim, Hexaconazole (Contaf) & Ridomil MZ 72 WP and two contact fungicides viz. Blitox-50 and Mancozeb] were evaluated in vitro for the management of D. rosae. Hexaconazole (Contaf) was found to inhibit the mycelial growth of D. rosae significantly at a concentration of 200 ppm and 250 ppm followed by Ridomil MZ 72 WP at same concentration

Sandhya Avacharana w.s.r. to evening time: Tool to achieve longevity

Ayurveda is the scientific way of living which provide us the perfect health, wealth and happiness. The key role of Ayurveda is not only in enhancing the life span of an individual but also to improve the quality of life. Ayurvedic concepts are holistic in its nature hence, it is believed that the longevity with the quality can be assured by our deeds mentioned in our samhitas. Code of Conduct of life described in several places in ancient texts which addressed to the social health, occupational health, spiritual health, etc. aspects of human being. There are so many activities throughout the day which directly and indirectly influence our body and the mind So, the state of Health and Indriyajaya are achieved when these concepts are being followed in a proper way. Now a days, Evening time of the day can be considered as the most leisure time where everyone goes for the travel, for evening walks, read nobles and books, and enjoy evening snacks and small meals with colleagues, friends and family whereas students are usually busy with their coaching schedules. But these kinds of deeds are further responsible for causing many types of ailments. Specially, there are five deeds which should not be done in evening time and if done due to pranjnaapraadha then they vitiated the doshas and causes vyadhi

Ayurvedic management of Myositis Ossificans of Vastus Lateralis Muscle (Urusthamba) - A Case Study

Myositis ossificansis characterized by heterotopic ossification (calcification) of muscle of various etiologies. It is most commonly affected in the quadriceps of the thighs. There are many tools available for diagnosis of Myositis ossificans, but lack of satisfactory treatment. So the development of a treatment protocol for Myositis ossificans is the need of today`s era. In Ayurveda, the same can be understood as Urusthamba. The present paper discusses a case of Myositis ossificans of right vastus lateralis muscle and its Ayurvedic treatment

MULTIDIMENSIONAL CONCEPT OF BALA ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN TREATMENT - A REVIEW

Ayurveda always provides the study of any concept from various dimensions. The physiological and anatomical entities explained in Ayurveda have many facets leading to deeper understanding of concepts. The entity of Bala according to Ayurveda is also multidimensional. Bala as described in Ayurveda is quite similar to concept of immunity. It can be correlated with the entities like Ojas, Vyadhi Kshamatava, Kapha Prakrita Karma. Bala plays a key role in diagnosis and treatment of diseases in Ayurveda. Its functioning depends on the equilibrium of various physiological characteristics like Agni, Aahara, Dosha, Prakriti, Sarata etc. Immunity is the main component in determining the prognosis, progression and waning of diseases. Thus, Bala and immunity are inter-related and go hand in hand. While looking into Ayurveda literature it is evident that the Bala entity is involved in Sadhya- Asadhyatwa, Arishta Lakshana, Nidan Panchaka Ghataka like Hetu, Poorvaroopa, Rupa, Samprapti etc. Thus, Bala Parikshana is pivotal in the diagnosis. Similarly, Bala also determines the treatment modality to be used in any kind of Vyadhi. It is also important in determining the line of treatment. Choice of treatment for that matter is largely dependent on Bala. Hence it can be concluded that the Bala entity is multifaceted and is definitely pivotal for the diagnosis and treatment in Ayurvedic point of view