Pedaling out of poverty: Social impact of a manual irrigation technology in South Asia.

Irrigation management / Treadle pump / Treadle pump technology / Technology transfer / Manual pumps / Water lifting / Low lift pumps / Aquifers / Poverty / Irrigated farming / Social impact / Income / Marketing / Pricing / South Asia / India / Bangladesh / Nepal

Dynamo Transition in Low-dimensional Models

Two low-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic models containing three velocity and three magnetic modes are described. One of them (nonhelical model) has zero kinetic and current helicity, while the other model (helical) has nonzero kinetic and current helicity. The velocity modes are forced in both these models. These low-dimensional models exhibit a dynamo transition at a critical forcing amplitude that depends on the Prandtl number. In the nonhelical model, dynamo exists only for magnetic Prandtl number beyond 1, while the helical model exhibits dynamo for all magnetic Prandtl number. Although the model is far from reproducing all the possible features of dynamo mechanisms, its simplicity allows a very detailed study and the observed dynamo transition is shown to bear similarities with recent numerical and experimental results.Comment: 7 page

Drug induced Parkinson’s: A comprehensive review of the issues and measures required to tackle the same

Drug-inducedParkinsonism(DIP) closelyresemblesParkinson'sdisease(PD)inmotorsymptoms butiscausedbyspecificmedicationsdisruptingdopaminereceptorsandneurotransmitterbalance. PD involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and biochemical factors resulting in the gradual degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Environmental toxins and genetic mutations, such as LRRK2 and SNCA, contribute to the risk of developing PD. DIP primarily occurs due to the obstruction of dopamine receptors by certain drugs, notably antipsychotics and antiemetics, affecting dopamine transmission and causing Parkinsonian symptoms. Toxin-induced Parkinsonism(TIP)arisesfromexposuretosubstanceslikemanganese,herbicides,pesticides,and specific drugs, disrupting dopaminergic pathways and altering neurotransmission. This study examines various cases of DIP, emphasizing the significance of timely identification and intervention. A thorough understanding and proactive management of DIP are crucial for alleviatingsymptomsandimprovingpatientoutcomes.Healthcareprofessionalsneedtodiligently monitor patients using medications associated with DIP, adjust treatment plans, and educate patientsaboutpotentialsideeffects. Further researchisimperativetounravelthepathophysiology of DIP, considering genetic, environmental, and drug-related factors, to enhance clinical practices and optimize patient care. Addressing DIP requires a multifaceted approach, including early recognition, thoughtful management, and patient-centred care

Exploring Herbal Remedies for Anti-Leishmanial Activity: A Comprehensive Review

- Leishmaniasis remains a serious neglected illness worldwide, posing significant challenges in its treatment due to the side effects of existing medications and the rising cases of parasite resistance resulting from indiscriminate treatment. To address this issue, exploring complementary remedies using natural products presents a promising option by combining the empirical knowledge of local populations with scientific research on the medicinal properties of plants. Several studies have investigated herbal treatments for leishmaniasis; however, more research is needed to identify safe and non-toxic remedies. To consolidate the latest findings, researchers from around the globe have compiled a comprehensive article on herbal and organic medicines used to treat leishmaniasis. While many medicinal plants have not been extensively studied, promising candidates have undergone prospective clinical trials. Recent articles have explored the active constituents of these medicinal plants, such as quinones, phenolic compounds, lignans, tannins, terpenes, and oxylipins, shedding light on their potential therapeutic benefits. Pharmacognosy views medicinal plants as valuable sources for developing novel medications and supporting traditional therapies, offering a practical approach to managing various illnesses. In summary, harnessing the power of natural goods and integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research provides a viable and desirable strategy to combat leishmaniasis, promoting safer and more effective treatment options in the future

Nutritional and Phytochemical Traits of Apricots (Prunus Armeniaca L.) for Application in Nutraceutical and Health Industry

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a nutritious fruit, rich in bioactive compounds, known for their health benefits. The present study attempts to evaluate nutritional (sugars, organic acids, minerals) and nutraceutical traits (total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, antioxidant activity) of six commercial apricot genotypes grown in India. Antioxidant activity was determined using three in-vitro assays, namely CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl). Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in the genotypes concerning nutritional and nutraceutical traits. Sucrose accounted for more than 60% of total sugars in most genotypes, followed by glucose and fructose. Citric acid accounted for more than 50% of the total organic acids present, followed by malic and succinic acids. Apricot is a good source of potassium (1430.07 to 2202.69 mg/100 g dwb) and iron (2.69 to 6.97 mg/100 g dwb) owing to its mineral composition. Total carotenoids content ranged from 0.44 to 3.55 mg/100 g, with β-carotene accounting for 33-84% of the total content. The results strongly suggest that genotypes 'CITH-A-1' and 'CITH-A-2', which have high dry matter and carotenoids content, are well suited for drying. 'Roxana' and 'CITH-A-3' are great for fresh consumption, while 'Shakarpara' and 'Gold Cot' are excellent for juice processing

Phonophoresis in Physiotherapy: Mechanisms, Applications, and Emerging Trends for Enhanced Drug Delivery and Therapeutic Efficacy

Phonophoresis, a widely utilized treatment in physiotherapy, combines topically applied gel or cream-based medications with ultrasonic therapy to enhance percutaneous absorption of pharmacological agents. The procedure employs ultrasound frequencies of 0.7 to 1.1 MHz with intensities ranging from 0.0 to 3.0 Watts per cm². Indications for phonophoresis span various inflammatory, deformative, dermatological, and rheumatic/neurological conditions. Recent studies suggest its clinical efficacy in pain relief and improved function, especially in conditions like lateral epicondylitis and osteoarthritis. The mechanism of action involves both thermal and non-thermal effects, with cavitation playing a key role in enhancing transdermal transport. Phonophoresis offers a non-invasive alternative for drug delivery, bypassing hepatic metabolism and minimizing systemic side effects. Various medicinal gels, particularly diclofenac, are used for transdermal drug delivery through phonophoresis. Low frequency phonophoresis has gained attention for enhancing transdermal transport, especially for macromolecules. Its applications extend beyond physiotherapy to include ocular drug delivery, nail therapy, gene therapy, and sports sciences. Clinical studies demonstrate the effectiveness of phonophoresis in conditions like anterior knee pain, tuberculous lymphadenitis, acute low back pain, and latent myofascial trigger points. Dosage considerations emphasize optimizing thermal effects without causing tissue damage. Studies highlight the potential of phonophoresis in relieving pain and improving function, particularly in knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, phonophoresis with Phyllanthus amarus nanoparticle gel shows promise in reducing pain and enhancing functional capacity in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. In summary, phonophoresis stands as a valuable modality in physiotherapy, showcasing diverse applications and demonstrating clinical efficacy in various musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions. Further research is warranted to explore its full potential and optimize treatment protocols

Nursery rearing trials of Silver pompano in inland low-saline waters

Demonstration of Silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii) farming in shrimp ponds along Gujarat coast by CMFRI attracted much attention from the local famers and entrepreneurs

Integration of seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii in open sea cages - a source of additional income

Seaweed resources exploited from coastal waters of Gujarat are inadequate to meet the growing demand from the seaweed based industries. Hence, there is a need to cultivate commercially important seaweeds to augment the supply of raw materials to the existing industries

Capture based aquaculture of spiny lobster in sea cages: A new livelihood opportunity for the 'sidi' adivasi tribal people in Gujarat, India

Gujarat is one of the most important maritime states of the country having the longest coast line of about 1,640 km and a very broad continental shelf. The state has been bestowed with highly productive and diversifi ed ecosystems and considered as one of the leading marine fi sh producing states of India, with fi sheries providing livelihoods for more than 400,000 people directly and indirectly. However, over the last few years the marine fi sh production of the state has been relatively static at around half a million tonnes and has been showing signs of being fully exploited. However, as the state has a wide continental self it also has significant potential for mariculture. Owing to the economic importance and availability of seeds of spiny lobster, an open sea cage culture demonstration of Panulirus polyphagus was carried out involving Sidi tribes as a major stakeholder