How Should Central Banks Respond to Non-neutral Inflation Expectations

This paper investigates the net real inflation effect on output in ten countries, comprising both advanced and developing countries. An indicator is introduced to compute the net effect of inflation on output (NIEO) based on the difference between two concepts of core inflation, where both are computed using the decomposition of VAR residuals. We find that for all countries, when inflation is increasing the NIEO is significantly positive and is negative during periods of decreasing inflation. Typically, countries which follow anti-inflationary policies if the NIEO is of small magnitude suffer relatively minimal damage in output, whereas if the same policies are undertaken when the NIEO is large the damaging effects on output could be much greater. This suggests that the NIEO could be a useful indicator of the likely effects of policy, especially countries which have frequent episodes of high inflation, and in those countries which have had quite successful inflation-targeting policy, i.e. the timing of monetary policy actions could be optimized to take account of this real effect of inflation

Nigella sativa provides protection against metabolic syndrome

The seeds of Nigella sativa have been used in folk medicine all over the world. The plant has been of interest due to its low degree of toxicity and beneficial pharmacological properties like antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, antioxidant, along with significant anti-neuplastic activities. The present clinical study was undertaken to ascertain the adjuvant effect of Nigella seeds on various clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. After final diagnosis and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, one hundred and fifty nine patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups. In Group I (standard group), patients were advised to take simvastatin 10 mg once a day, metformin 500 mg twice a day, Enalapril 10 mg once a day, Atenolol 50 mg once a day and clopidagrel 75 mg once a day for a period of six weeks. In Group II (Nigella seeds group), patients were advised the above standard medication plus Nigella seeds 250 mg twice daily for a period of six weeks. Blood sugar both fasting and postprandial, fasting lipid profile and different parameters of obesity were recorded before therapy and after completion of therapy. It was found that the addition of Nigella seeds provide beneficial effects in all the clinical and biochemical parameters for the adult’s treatment panel-III of metabolic disorders especially in fasting blood sugar, low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins. No sign of toxicity of the plant appeared in the Group II. Improvement in all other parameters like blood pressure, circumference of waist and serum triglyceride was also observed. Thus, Nigella seeds were found to be effective as an adjuvant therapy in patients of dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia.Keywords: Nigella sativa, toxicity, hyperglycemia, adjuvant, antihistaminic, antioxidant, patient

Zinc nutrition and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis effects on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and productivity

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient required to enhance crop growth and yield. In the arid – semiarid region, Zn deficiency is expected due to alkaline calcareous soil. Contrarily, Zn toxicity is also becoming an environmental concern due to increasing anthropogenic activities (metal smelting, copper industry, etc.). Therefore, balanced Zn application is necessary to save resources and achieve optimum crop growth and yield. Most scientists suggest biological approaches to overcome the problem of Zn toxicity and deficiency. These biological approaches are mostly environment-friendly and cost-effective. In these biological approaches, the use of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) symbiosis is becoming popular. It can provide tolerance to the host plant against Zn-induced stress. Inoculation of AMF helps in balance uptake of Zn and enhances the growth and yield of crops. On the other hand, maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop due to its multifarious uses. As maize is an effective host for mycorrhizae symbiosis, that's why this review was written to elaborate on the beneficial role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The review aimed to glance at the recent advances in the use of AMF to enhance nutrient uptake, especially Zn. It was also aimed to discuss the mechanism of AMF to overcome the toxic effect of Zn. We have also discussed the detailed mechanism and physiological improvement in the maize plant. In conclusion, AMF can play an imperative role in improving maize growth, yield, and balance uptake of Zn by alleviating Zn stress and mitigating its toxicity