Soil redistribution impacts on the spatial variation of nutrients, net carbon exchange with the atmosphere and soil respiration rates in highly eroding agricultural fields from the foothills of the Indian Himalaya.

Abstract Using the tracer caesium-137 (137Cs) and experimental approaches this study quantified soil redistribution induced spatial variation of nutrients and soil organic carbon (SOC), net C flux between soil and atmosphere and soil respiration rate at various landscapes positions (eroding to deposition) within agricultural fields from the foot hills of Indian Himalaya. The depth distributions of 137Cs and the spatial patterns of 137Cs inventories were consistent with previous applications of the approach in that low inventories were associated with low concentrations in the cultivation layer and high inventories were reflected in deeper 137Cs profiles indicative of accumulation of labelled soil. This supports the contention that 137Cs is a suitable tracer for use in this environment. The study found that soil redistribution within fields altered the spatial variation of nutrients and SOC; with significantly lower concentrations of nutrients in the most eroded part of fields (upslope) and significantly higher concentrations of nutrients and SOC in the depositional part of field (downslope). The spatial pattern of nutrients and SOC is reflected in differences in depth distributions between eroded and depositional areas. The 137Cs and SOC inventory and depth distribution data were used to derive retrospective assessments of net C exchange between soil and atmosphere. The C flux quantification model was used to estimate lateral and vertical soil and SOC redistribution under an assumption of equilibrium conditions and the net exchange of C between soil and atmosphere was derived from the difference between measured and ‘equilibrium’ SOC inventories. Fluxes were derived for each landscape position within the agricultural fields studies and calculated at field and site scale. High rates of soil loss were measured and the results showed that the majority of eroded sediment and SOC was exported from field with only a small fraction redeposited within the field. The effect of soil and SOC redistribution was to create disequilibrium in SOC dynamics at eroding and deposition positions and this supported the formation of a field scale C sink. The sink strength is highest in the most eroded parts of the fields due to dynamic replacement of eroded C. This is assumed to be due to the high rate of incorporation of SOC-poor subsoil, with a large C-unsaturated surface area, into the cultivation layer. The C sink is smaller that those reported from high nutrient-input mechanised farm lands. Irrespective of the fate of exported SOC, the SOC stocks in the fields appear to be in dynamic equilibrium and, therefore, there is no evidence of a C source to the atmosphere due to erosion. Also the rate of SOC export from the fields is very high, especially when compared with mechanised fields and, if it is assumed that some portion of exported C is stored in some part of low lying area, the C sink strength would be comparable to mechanised farm lands. The soil redistribution and C flux study confirmed the existence of spatial variation in C flux at various landscapes position and was consistent with an important role for vertical mixing of soil and SOC in determining net C exchange with the atmosphere. This informed the design of the final element of the research that examined soil respiration differences in soil from shallow and deep layers in eroding and aggrading landscapes position. Respiration was measured over a one year period in samples derived from separate depth layers and in mixtures of soil from different depths at each landscape position. No significant difference was found in C release rate (per unit mass of C) from topsoil of eroding and deposition position but the subsoil of eroding pits exhibited significantly higher C release than the subsoil from deposition positions. This result suggests that topsoil in both locations has almost equal and similar C origin. The relatively high rate of respiration in sub soils from eroding pits may be due to the presence of a larger proportion of SOC formed from recently incorporated plant material (crop roots) at these locations. In buried and deposition locations the reduced mineralisation is consistent with the proposition that burial of top soil can contribute to formation of a C sink. In the samples containing mixed topsoil and subsoil, evidence for priming was seen where the respiration rate in the mixed sample was significantly higher than the expected rate based on the respiration rate seen in the separate depth samples. No priming was evident in mixed soils from eroding locations, suggesting that mixing of subsoil and surface soil does not accelerate loss of old SOC from the subsoil. In contrast, significant priming action was evident in mixed soils from aggrading locations suggesting that buried SOC at depositional locations may be subject to accelerated respiration as long as it is exposed to fresh plant input (as found in surface soils). In conclusion, despite the low input and low productivity of the farmlands in the Indian Himalaya region studied here, there is consistent evidence that high rates of soil erosion and soil redistribution have induced spatial variation of nutrients and SOC, net C flux and soil respiration rates that combine to create a pattern of SOC stocks that are close to equilibrium and, if some of the exported C is sequestered, to create a net C sink. This result again confirms that erosion induced redistribution of C does not directly cause a net release of C to the atmosphere. The consistency of these results with previous studies suggests that there is both scope and need for soil erosion induced carbon fluxes to be incorporated into carbon budgets, research frameworks, land management and climate change mitigation strategies at policy-relevant scales.Indian Council of Agricultural Research and University of Exete

Tuberculosis chemotherapy: current drug delivery approaches

Tuberculosis is a leading killer of young adults worldwide and the global scourge of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis is reaching epidemic proportions. It is endemic in most developing countries and resurgent in developed and developing countries with high rates of human immunodeficiency virus infection. This article reviews the current situation in terms of drug delivery approaches for tuberculosis chemotherapy. A number of novel implant-, microparticulate-, and various other carrier-based drug delivery systems incorporating the principal anti-tuberculosis agents have been fabricated that either target the site of tuberculosis infection or reduce the dosing frequency with the aim of improving patient outcomes. These developments in drug delivery represent attractive options with significant merit, however, there is a requisite to manufacture an oral system, which directly addresses issues of unacceptable rifampicin bioavailability in fixed-dose combinations. This is fostered by the need to deliver medications to patients more efficiently and with fewer side effects, especially in developing countries. The fabrication of a polymeric once-daily oral multiparticulate fixed-dose combination of the principal anti-tuberculosis drugs, which attains segregated delivery of rifampicin and isoniazid for improved rifampicin bioavailability, could be a step in the right direction in addressing issues of treatment failure due to patient non-compliance

The Effect of Solution pH on the Properties of Cobalt Oxide Thin Films Prepared by Nebulizer Spray Pyrolysis Technique

Single-phase cubic structured Cobalt oxide thin films were deposited on preheated glass substrates by Nebulizer Spray Pyrolysis (NSP) technique with different solution pH. The structural, optical, morphological and electrical properties were investigated. Cubic structured crystallites are detected by XRD pattern with preferential orientation along (220) direction. The transmittance of Co3O4 films increases with the increase of solution pH. The obtained bandgap values of Co3O4 films are found to be in the range 2.105 - 2.347 eV and 1.74 – 1.806 eV for higher and lower energy regions respectively. HRSEM images reveal the different morphologies like sphere-shaped particles, hexagonal shaped particles and coalescence of grains with solution pH. The maximum room temperature electrical conductivity (1.94x10-4 S/cm) is obtained at pH= 6. The electrical conductivity of the Co3O4 films increases with the solution pH upto pH = 6 then decreases for further increase of solution pH

Deposition and characterization of pure and Cd doped SnO2 thin films by the nebulizer spray pyrolysis (NSP) technique

Pure and cadmium doped tin oxide thin films were deposited on glass substrates from aqueous solution of cadmium acetate, tin (IV) chloride and sodium hydroxide by the nebulizer spray pyrolysis (NSP) technique. X-ray diffraction reveals that all films have tetragonal crystalline structure with preferential orientation along (200) plane. On application of the Scherrer formula, it is found that the maximum size of grains is 67 nm. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the grains are of rod and spherical in shape. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis reveals the average ratio of the atomic percentage of pure and Cd doped SnO2 films. The electrical resistivity is found to be 10(2) Omega cm at higher temperature (170 degrees C) and 10(3) Omega cm at lower temperature (30 degrees C). Optical band gap energy was determined from transmittance and absorbance data obtained from UV-vis spectra. Optical studies reveal that the band gap energy decreases from 3.90 eV to 3.52 eV due to the addition of Cd as dopant with different concentrations

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Not AvailableA field experiment was conducted to investigate the soil microbial growth and enzymatic activity of Treated Distillery Effluent (TDE) and Bio-compost (BC) applied in sandy loam soils grown with Maize crop (Zea mays). Under split plot design with five main plots with addition of organics viz., No organics; application of TDE @ 0.5 lakh litres ha-1; TDE @ 1.0 lakh litres ha-1; Bio compost @ 5 t ha-1 and FYM @ 12.5 t ha-1 + biofertilizers. In addition, five subplot treatments viz., addition of inorganic fertilizers at different levels of recommended dose of NP fertilizers (0 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %) compared with 100 per cent recommended dose of NPK @ 150 :75: 75 of kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1. Application of TDE 1.0 lakh litres ha-1 resulted higher bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population over control at all stages of crop growth. Indeed, the soil bacterial population recorded the highest value of 20.1 and 19.3 x106 CFU g-1 of soil with the application of TDE @ 1.0 lakh litres ha-1 compared to control at post-harvest stage. There was an increase in the soil fungal population to the tune of 30.3 per cent over control at post-harvest stage. Furthermore, application of TDE @ 1.0 lakh litres ha-1 recorded the highest soil actinomycetes population at all stages of crop growth. The soil enzyme activities as phosphatase, dehydrogenase and urease recorded the highest values of 12.8 μg p-nitrophenol g-1 soil hr-1; 2.96 μg TPF g-1 soil hr-1 and 5.16 μg NH4-N g-1 soil hr-1 respectively with the application of TDE @ 1.0 lakh litres ha-1. The soil microbial population and enzyme activities increased with the application of distillery effluent over control. Hence, it was observed that, Soil microbial activity had a direct impact on the plant nutrient availability as well as other favorable properties associated with soil productivityNot Availabl

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Not AvailableA field experiment was conducted to investigate the soil microbial growth and enzymatic activity of Treated Distillery Effluent (TDE) and Bio-compost (BC) applied in sandy loam soils grown with Maize crop (Zeamays). Under split plot design with five main plots with addition of organics viz., No organics; application of TDE @ 0.5 lakh litres ha-1TDE @ 1.0 lakh litres ha; Bio compost @ 5 t ha-1 and FYM @ 12.5 t ha +biofertilizers. In addition, five subplot treatments viz., addition of inorganic fertilizers atdifferent levels of recommended dose of NP fertilizers (0 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %) compared with 100 per cent recommended dose of NPK @ 150 :75: 75 of kg N, P andK2O ha-1. Application of TDE 1.0 lakh litres ha-1 resulted higher bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population over control at all stages of crop growth. Indeed, the soil bacterial population recorded the highest value of 20.1 and 19.3 x106 of soilwith the application of TDE @ 1.0 lakh litres ha-1 compared to control at post-harvest stage. There was an increase in the soil fungal population to the tune of 30.3 per cent over control at post-harvest stage. Furthermore, application of TDE @ 1.0 lakh litres ha-1 recorded the highest soil actinomycetes population at all stages of crop growth. The soil enzyme activities as phosphatase, dehydrogenase and urease recorded the highest values of12.8 µg p-nitrophenol g-1 soil hr-1; 2.96 µg TPF g-1 soil hr -1 and 5.16 µg NH4-N g -1 respectively with the application of TDE @ 1.0 lakh litres ha -1 . The soil microbial population and enzyme activities increased with the application of distillery effluent over control. Hence, it was observed that, Soil microbial activity had a direct impact on the plant nutrient availability as well as other favorable properties associated with soil productivity.Not Availabl

In Silico Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds of Artemisia pallens Targeting the Efflux Protein of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (LAC-4 Strain)

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is one of the major representative aetiologies of recalcitrant nosocomial infections. Genotypic and phenotypic alterations in A. baumannii have resulted in a significant surge in multidrug resistance (MDR). Of all the factors responsible for the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), efflux protein pumps play a paramount role. In pursuit of a safe alternative for the prevention and control of A. baumannii infections, bioactive compounds from the aerial parts of the medicinal plant Artemisia pallens were studied. GC-MS analysis of the ethanol extract of A. pallens detected five major compounds: lilac alcohol A, spathulenol, lilac alcohol C, n-hexadecanoic acid, and vulgarin. In silico examinations were performed using the Schrödinger suite. Homology modelling was performed to predict the structure of the efflux protein of A. baumannii-LAC-4 strain (MDR Ab-EP). The identified bioactive compounds were analysed for their binding efficiency with MDR Ab-EP. High binding efficiency was observed with vulgarin with a glide score of −4.775 kcal/mol and stereoisomers of lilac alcohol A (−3.706 kcal/mol) and lilac alcohol C (−3.706 kcal/mol). Our molecular dynamic simulation studies unveiled the stability of the ligand–efflux protein complex. Vulgarin and lilac alcohol A possessed strong and stable binding efficiency with MDR Ab-EP. Furthermore, validation of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of the ligands strongly suggested that these compounds could serve as a lead molecule in the development of an alternate drug from A. pallens

Rapid-Cycle Evaluation in an Early Intervention Program for Children With Developmental Disabilities in South India: Optimizing Service Providers' Quality of Work-Life, Family Program Engagement, and School Enrollment

Background: This paper explores how implementation and refinement of an early intervention (EI) program for children with delayed development was informed by an iterative, intentional and structured process of measurement. Providing access to early intervention therapy for children in rural areas of India is challenging due to a lack of rehabilitation therapists and programs. Following a biopsychosocial framework and principles of community-based rehabilitation, a non-governmental organization, Amar Seva Sangam (ASSA), overcame those barriers by designing a digital technology supported EI program in rural Tamil Nadu, India. Program objectives included providing service access; supporting program engagement, child development and school enrollment; and positioning the intervention for scale-up. This paper contributes to a growing body of literature on how program design and implementation can be informed through a cyclical process of data collection, analysis, reflection, and adaptation. Methods: Through several strands of data collection, the design and implementation of the EI program was adapted and improved. This included qualitative data from focus groups and interviews with caregivers and service providers, and a mobile application that collected and monitored longitudinal quantitative data, including program engagement rates, developmental progression, caregiver outcomes, and school enrollment status. Results: Measurements throughout the program informed decision-making by identifying facilitators and barriers to service providers' quality of work-life, family program engagement, and school enrollment. Consultation with key stakeholders, including caregivers and service providers, and data driven decision making led to continual program changes that improved service provider quality of work-life, program engagement and school enrollment. These changes included addressing gender-related work challenges for service providers; forming caregiver support networks; introducing psychological counseling for caregivers; providing medical consultations and assistive devices; creating community awareness programs; improving access to therapy services; focusing on caregiver education, motivation and support; and advocacy for accessibility in schools. Conclusion: The process of using evidence-informed and stakeholder driven adaptations to the early intervention program, led to improved service provider quality of work-life, greater program engagement, improved school enrollment and positioned the intervention for scale-up, providing lessons that may be beneficial in other contexts