THE DETERMINANTS OF REVERSE MORTGAGE CHOICE OF INDIAN ELDERLY HOMEOWNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD: A LOGIT ANALYSIS

Purpose: In the regime of stretched old-age social security, federals and policymakers are presuming housing wealth as a means of sustainable livelihood for elderly homeowners.  The current study attempts to discover which demographic and financial factors are significant determinants of home equity liquidation through reverse mortgage of Indians in later life. Methodology: Binary logistic regression is applied to survey-based primary data of 410 elderly homeowners through SPSS software. Main Findings: Results of binary logistic regression model depicts that elderly considering an RM likely to be female, older, having poor health, childless or having girl child only, long life expectancy, resident of metro, employed, cash-constrained, not having any kind of insurance cover and those children are financially well are significantly more willing to opt for RM scheme. Implication: Study renders implications for Government and NHB, to provide refinancing facility to commercial banks so that home equity liquidation product like Reverse Mortgage can be able to fulfill income needs of greying India. Novelty/Originality: Length of research in European and western countries have been carried out to explore the attitude of older homeowner for housing wealth liquidation but Indian context, is largely untapped that how Indian older homeowner perceive their housing wealth and which factor influences them to delete it. In this way, current study attempts to bridge the research gap

Phosphate Solubilising Fungi from Mangroves of Bhitarkanika, Orissa

Mangroves have evolved several adaptations to swampy and saline environments. It is situated at the inter-phase between marine and terrestrial environment, which is highly productive providing nutrients to surrounding micro biota. Similar adaptive characteristics in the form and function may occur with the associated microflora in such environments. Several free living and symbiotic microorganisms occurred in such saline habitats and some of them are reported for their beneficial activity in mangrove ecosystem like biomineralization of organic matter and bio-transformation of minerals. In view of this, 106 fungi isolated from rhizosphere and phyllosphere of mangrove plants grown in Bhitarkanika, Orissa were screened on plate culture containing Pikovaskaya medium for the phosphate solubilization. Selected fungi were evaluated for their phosphate solubilization potential under different cultural conditions. A total of 36 fungi were isolated that showed variable halo zone on medium containing tricalcium phosphate when grown under different pH and temperature. The highest zone was formed by Aspergillus PF8 (63 mm) and Aspergillus PF127 (46.5 mm). The observation on tricalcium phosphate solubilization activity of Paecilomyces, Cladobotrytis, Helminthosporium is rare. However, a detailed and elaborative studies are needed to confirm better mineral solubilization potential of these fungi. Key words: mangrove, fungi, phosphat

Relationship between personality traits, spiritual intelligence and well being in university students

Objective: This research was carried out to explore the relationship between personality traits, spiritual intelligence and well being among university students. Method: Big Five Factor Inventory by Rammstedt and John was employed to assess personality traits, Spiritual Intelligence Scale of King (SISRI -24) to measure spiritual intelligence and WHO-Five Well-being Index (WHO-5) to measure well being of 120 students doing post graduation in Psychology from the University of Jammu (N=50) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (N=70). The mean age of the sample was 24.79. Independent samples t test was employed to assess the difference in personality traits and spiritual intelligence in students from two universities. Data was subjected to correlation and regression analysis.Results: Differences in personality traits and spiritual intelligence emerged in this study. Positive relationship was found between personal meaning production and two factors namely agreeableness and neuroticism. Significant relationship appeared between transcendental awareness and openness. Regression analysis revealed that transcendental awareness predicted well being.  Conclusion: To further enhance the well being steps should be taken to develop and strengthen transcendental awareness in students. Keywords: Personality traits, Spiritual Intelligence, Well Being, Student

An overview of factors affecting dengue transmission in Asian region and its predictive models

Among various mosquito-borne diseases, dengue is one of the most prevalent and quickly spreading diseases primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. This review discusses the dengue epidemics in Asian countries with a focus on India and recognizes various climatic, socio-economic, and demographic factors and their complex interaction, involved in dengue expansion. The impact of climatic factors, such as temperature, moisture, and precipitation has been elucidated on the mosquito breeding and disease outbreaks; demonstrating a linear correlation of ambient temperature and humidity with dengue transmission, in contrast with the uncertain association of rainfall. Multifarious empirical models have been developed for estimating the climatic effects on dengue and are used as a baseline to assess the impact on future infections. However, the spatiotemporal distribution of dengue cases can only be predicted best using dynamic modelling based on a blend of long-term climatic data, vector ecology, and multiple etiological parameters. The human economic profile, migration and the behavioural pattern towards the epidemic have also impacted dengue transmission. Moreover, the impoverished countries are facing higher risks due to the lack of resources for proper medical care and mosquito management measures. Thus, advanced and confirmatory vector control interventions increased awareness of Aedes-borne diseases, and adequate decisions and policies may play a key role to prepare and combat the disease incidences across varied geographic range. Moreover, the increasing support for the research and development along with regular monitoring can help recognize the current and predict future distributions of Aedes and DENV better

Physiological and reproductive fitness cost in Aedes aegypti on exposure to toxic xenobiotics in New Delhi, India

Aedes aegypti, is a well-known vector of dengue, Chikungunya and Zika at the global level. Primary use of pyrethroids as control interventions has caused the development of a considerable level of immunity in Ae. aegypti. The current study assessed the efficacy of a pyrethroid, ?-cypermethrin on the survival and various life parameters of Ae. aegypti. The larvicidal studies with ?-cypermethrin revealed the respective LC50 and LC90 values as 0.26526 mg/L and 0.60211 mg/L. The impact of LC50 level was assessed on the growth and life attributes; such as gonotrophic cycle, egg development, hatchability, development and survival of immature stages, adult longevity, reproduction rate and generation time; of fourth instar of susceptible (S) and ?-cypermethrin-exposed population (E). The exposed population showed diminished fitness as compared to the susceptible population. The individual female fecundity in susceptible population was recorded as 79.6 with 61.6% hatchability rate as compared to the 28 eggs/female and 25% hatchability in the exposed population. The mean egg hatch time in S strain increased by 2-fold in E strain. The proportion of immature survival observed in S strain was 0.88 for fourth instar to pupa (P/I), 0.94 for pupa to adult (A/P) and an overall 0.83 for fourth larva to adult (A/I), which respectively reduced to 0.32, 0.86 and 0.27 in E strain of Ae. aegypti. Likewise, the net reproductive rate, birth rate and death rate were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in S than in E strain. This study demonstrates the negative impact of ?-cypermethrin on the physiological and reproductive fitness of Ae. aegypti

Multifunctional activity of graphene oxide-based nanoformulation against the disease vector, Aedes aegypti

Aedes aegypti management is a global concern due to the absence of medication and effective vaccines. The pesticide-mediated health hazards and rising insecticide resistance in mosquitoes have aggravated the issues. As graphene Oxide (GO)- based nanoformulations are considered a novel mosquito management strategy; the present investigation evaluated the efficacy of GO-based nanoformulations conjugated with malathion (ML) and endosulphan (EN) against Ae. aegypti. The GO was synthesised by Hummers’ method and was confirmed by UV-visible spectral analysis. The GO-ML and GO-EN binary mixtures (1:1 and 1:2) were assayed for toxic potential against mosquito larvae as per WHO protocol and the dead larvae were scrutinized for morphological deformations/abnormalities. The contact irritancy potential of GO nanoformulations was also evaluated against adult Ae. aegypti. The UV-visible spectrum of GO showed a narrow and high peak at ~300 nm corresponding to an n-π* plasmon peak. The GO-insecticide binary mixtures augmented the ML and EN toxicity by 80.43% and 6.43-fold, respectively. The GO-ML mixture-exposed larvae revealed cuticular deposition of black soot while larvae exposed to GO-EN exhibited disintegrated gut viscera. GO-insecticide combinations increased flights in Ae. aegypti denoting irritant potential. The effectual toxic, abrasive and irritant activity of GO-insecticide nanoformulations recommends developing graphene-based toxicants for mosquito managemen

Prevalence of hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus in the patients presenting with acute viral hepatitis in Rohtak, Haryana, India

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) cause acute hepatitis in humans and are transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route. They pose major health problems in developing countries. This study was done to determine prevalence of HAV and HEV in patients presenting with AVH and the co-infection of HAV and HEV in these patients.Methods: The study was conducted in the virology research and diagnostic laboratory, PGIMS Rohtak during the study period of August 2017-December 2018. The study population included sera of individuals from all age group who were suspected of acute viral hepatitis (AVH). All the sera were screened for IgM antibody to HEV and HAV using IgM capture ELISA.Results: HEV IgM ELISA test   was performed in 307 patients (mean age 34 years;), with an overall seroprevalence rate of 138(44.9%). HAV antibodies were detected in 109 subjects, with a median age of 9.5 years the seroprevalence of HAV was 34 (31.1%). HEV seropositivity was highest in the age group 20-30 years. Mean age was 34 years whereas the interquartile range was from 14-71 years. HAV infection was positive mainly in the age group <10 years. With interquartile range from 6-16 years. Out of total 34 patients positive for HAV infection males were 20 (58.8%), whereas females were 14(41.1%). HEV IgM was positive in 138 patients, out of which male were 96 (69.56%) and females were 42 (30.43%). HEV IgM was positive in 138 patients, out of which male were 96 (69.56%) and females were 42 (30.43%). HAV and HEV seen to be prevalent all with highest predominance seen towards the end of monsoons (August and September) and beginning of winters.Conclusions: The present study also points toward HEV being the prime etiological agent for outbreaks of acute hepatitis in the studied region of Haryana (Rohtak), India. A comparatively lower HAV prevalence may be the consequence of an overall declining trend due to improved living standards and environmental hygiene

A comparative study of effect of fluoroquinolones on blood glucose levels in rats

Background: Fluoroquinolones (FQ) are frequently prescribed because of their broad-spectrum applicability in treatment of community acquired pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Increased use has raised some concerns regarding side effects like dysglycaemia, tendon rupture and QT interval prolongation. Gatifloxacin was banned in India in 2011 for causing fatal hypoglycemia. This study compares the effect of different fluoroquinolones on blood glucose levels in rats.Methods: 24 rats were divided into four study groups. Each group was administered one fluoroquinolone namely levofloxacin 9 mg, moxifloxacin 7.2 mg, ciprofloxacin 18 mg and ofloxacin 14.4 mg respectively for five days. The changes in blood glucose levels were observed for 10 days.Results: The mean blood glucose levels in all the four groups dropped below the baseline by day five. A statistically significant reduction in mean glucose levels was found in the moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin group. Among the rats that were given ofloxacin, the reduction in the mean blood glucose levels was not statistically significant. After stopping the drugs, the blood glucose levels in all the four groups returned near to the baseline within five days.Conclusions: The use of fluoroquinolones causes hypoglycemia in rats. The blood glucose level reduction associated with moxifloxacin was maximum, whereas ofloxacin appeared to have the minimum effect on blood glucose levels. These effects do not appear to be permanent and the dysglycaemia subsided after the drugs were stopped