Evaluation of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Hybrids at Mid-Elevation and Higher in the Nilgiris

Investigations were made on yield and quality in six hybrids of carrot spanning two seasons under Nilgiri hill conditions during the year 2012-2013. The hybrids were evaluated for per se performance, genotypic coefficient of variance, heritability and genetic advance. A high estimate for genotypic coefficient of variation was observed in root-splitting percentage, total chlorophyll, root carotenoids, leaf carotenoids and root-forking percentage in the hybrids, indicating a potential for improvement of these traits by simple selection, in kharif and summer. Leaf and root carotenoid content, total chlorophyll, number of leaves and root weight exhibited higher values for heritability, coupled with a high genetic advance, revealing these traits to be under the control of gene action. Simple selection can, therefore, effect improvement in these characters

Deep neck space infections: comparison of outcomes between diabetic and non-diabetic patients

Background: The objective of the study was to study the clinical presentation, microbiological profile, treatment protocol of deep neck space infections in diabetics and non diabetics.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted on 76 patients (diabetics and non diabetics) admitted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TD Medical college, Alappuzha over a period of 18 months from January 2012 to June 2013.Results: The age distribution was 15-75 years. Male to female ratio was 2:1. Fever, pain, neck swelling and odynophagia were the common symptoms with dyspnoea and chest pain indicative of complications. The most common etiology was odontogenic (68.4%) followed by tonsillopharyngeal infection and foreign bodies. No etiological factor was found in 34.2%. The commonest site was submandibular space (64.2%) followed by parapharyngeal space (26.6%). Abscess was present in majority needing surgical drainage. The most common organism isolated was streptococcus viridans (37.5%). Preponderance of klebsiella species was noted in diabetics. Streptococcus showed susceptibility to pencillin (83.33%), ampicillin (92%), cefotaxime (60.526%). Klebsiella showed susceptibility to gentamicin (42.3%) and ciprofloxacin (28.57%). The complication rate was more in diabetics (34.21%). Contrast enhanced CT was done in cases suspected to have complication. The mean hospital stay was longer in diabetics (19.6 days) than non diabetics (6.4 days).Conclusions: Deep neck space infection still remains life threatening if not heeded promptly. Senescence and diabetes demand surgical intervention and meticulous glycemic control to prevent complications. Judicious use of antimicrobials and timely radiological and surgical interventions have come a long way in the management and in providing a cure to this dreaded condition

Subgaleal dermoid cyst of the anterior fontanelle in a child

AbstractThe congenital inclusion dermoid cyst (CDIC) of the anterior fontanel is a benign, slow-growing lesion. Subgaleal location of dermoid cyst is extremely uncommon. We report a case of 14year old female who had subgaleal dermoid cyst of the anterior fontanel where the cyst could be excised completely with good outcome. Computed tomography scan is the investigations of choice as it will show the greater details of the lesion and its relation to the underlying structures. Characteristic scalloping of the outer table of cranium on radiographs can help to differentiate intracranial extension from extracranial location of the lesion

3-WAY Secured WSN with CSDSM-DNN based Intrusion Detection Model

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), intrusion aims indegrading or even eliminating the capacity of these networks for providing their functions. Thus, in recent years, several ideas are brought and employed. However, these techniques still did not fulfill their requirements in attaining better classification accuracy. This paper proposes a novel Cosine Similarity Distance integrated Sammon Mapping learning layer-Deep Neural Network (CSDSM-DNN)-centricIntrusion Detection Model (IDM) in WSNfor attaining better outcomes. Initially, the nodes are clustered; after that, utilizing Binomial Distribution based Dwarf Mongoose Optimization (BD-DMO), the cluster heads are selected. Then, theIdentity Matrix Function-Kalman Filter (IMF-KF) identified the optimal route. Subsequently, the data is transferred via the secured route. The transferred data is pre-processed and then, the important features are selected. Lastly, to classify whether the data is attacked or non-attacked, the selected features are given into the CSDSM-DNN. Therefore, with the prevailing approaches, the experiential outcomes are evaluated and analogized and it exhibits the proposed model’s higher reliability and efficacy

Ultrasonic and Spectral Studies on Hydrogen Bonded Complexes of Aromatic Aldehydes and N-Methylaniline in n-Hexane

Ultrasonic and UV-spectral studies have been carried out for three ternary systems containing N-methylaniline (NMANI) and three structurally different aromatic aldehydes, benzaldehyde (BA), cinnamaldehyde (CA) and salicylaldehyde(SA) in n-hexane medium at 303.15 K and at atmospheric pressure. Acoustical parameters are computed from the measured values of ultrasonic velocity, density and dynamic viscosity. The variation of acoustical parameters in the concentration range investigated establishes complex formation through intermolecular hydrogen bonding between aldehyde and N-methylaniline. The existence of strong aldehyde-amine interaction is also confirmed through the recorded UV-Visible absorption spectra with Benesi-Hildebrand theory at 303.15 K. The formation constants of the hydrogen bonded complexes are determined by spectroscopic and ultrasonic methods and compared. These values computed by two different methods are comparable and follow similar trend. The trend in the formation constants is discussed based on structures of the component molecules and correlate with computed molecular propertie

Effectiveness of Acupressure in Relieving Pain and Distress related to Dysmenorrhea among Adolescent Girls in Selected Schools at Kanyakumari District

A study to assess the effectiveness of acupressure in relieving pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in selected schools at Kanyakumari district. The present study is conducted to make out the impact of acupressure on primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the level of pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea before and after acupressure in control and experimental group of adolescent girls. 2. To assess the effectiveness of acupressure in relieving pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea among control and experimental group of adolescent girls. 3. To determine the level of satisfaction regarding acupressure among experimental group of adolescent girls 4. To find out the relationship between pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea among control and experimental group of adolescent girls before and after acupressure. 5. To find out the association between pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea with selected socio demographic variables among control and experimental group of adolescent girls. 6. To find out the association between pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea with selected menstrual variables among control and experimental group of adolescent girls. Methods The conceptual framework of the present study was developed based on the Roy’s adaptation model. The major study variables in the study were pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in various dimensions before and after the implementation of acupressure therapy. Acupressure therapy is the therapy which facilitates circulation release muscle tension, and allows eventually flow of energy. Also it promotes the release of endorphins, which blocks the pain receptor to the brain. Thus it dilates the cervix and increases the efficiency of contraction. An acupressure point stimulates various sensory receptors which in turn stimulate nerves that transmit impulse to the brain. Brain release the body’s natural pain killing hormones (Neurotransmitters and endorphins). Endorphin plays a vital role in the functioning of hormonal system. By applying finger pressure, dispatches signal to spinal cord, mid brain and the pituitary axis, which results in release of substance such as enkephalin, dynorphin, serotonin, norepinephrine and beta endorphins into blood stream and cerebrospinal fluid thus alleviating pain. The data were collected from 260 adolescent girls who were randomly assigned to control and experimental group. The pre test pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea was assessed on the first second and third day of menstruation.. The post test 1 and 2 was done following two menstrual cycle after pre test for first three days of menstruation after acupressure. Acupressure was implemented only for the experimental group of adolescent girls for first 3 days of menstruation twice a day for 20 minutes and the level of satisfaction of intervention, were assessed after administration of acupressure. The tools used for data collection were socio demographic variables performa, menstrual variable performa, visual analog scale for pain and modified MMDQ. Rating scale for the level of satisfaction of intervention .Validity and reliability were established for the tools developed by the researcher. Pilot study was conducted with 26 adolescent girls. The main study data were collected from 130 adolescent girls in control group and 130 adolescent girls in experimental group were analyzed based on the objectives and hypothesis of the study. The analysis of data was done through an integrated system of computer programe known as statistical package for social science (SPSS- 20). MAJOR FINDINGS: Major Findings Socio Demographic Variables of Adolescent Girls Majority of the adolescent girls were in the age group of 16-17 yrs (62.3%, 60.8%), studying in 11th std (63.1%, 60.8%) belongs to Christian religion (64.6%, 57.7%), living in urban area (50.8%, 54.6%) in joint families (74.6%, 58.5%) non vegetarians (73.1%, 78.5%) and food craving for sweets (54.6%,) in control group and for salt (56.9%) in experimental group of adolescent girls respectively. Most of the mothers of adolescent girls are educated up to collegiate level (40.8%, 42.3%) in control and experimental group respectively. mothers’ occupation al status of adolescent girls as home makers (43.9%) in control group and private employees (35.4%) in experimental group. family monthly income of half of the adolescent girls was Rs 20000 to 40000 in control group (50%) and Rs 0.05 ). Whereas the experimental group of adolescent girls there was a significant difference (χ2=241.179, P0.05). Whereas in experimental group there was a significant difference (χ2=238.381, P0.05). But in Post-test 1 and post test -2, the calculated values were 174.303 and 195.945 which is higher than the table values, the two groups were statistically very highly significantly differed between them with the effect of acupressure (P<0.001). Hence this shows that the acupressure was effective in reducing menstrual pain among experimental adolescent girls on third day of menstruation. Effectiveness of Acupressure on Distress Related to Dysmenorrhea among Adolescent Girls In the present study the test in different levels of control group on the first day of distress. The mean distress score on the pre- test was M= 65.8, SD= 4.4 and posttest 1 was M = 64.2, SD = 4.3. The mean distress score of post-test 1 and post- test 2 were M = 64.2, SD = 4.3 and M = 63.4, SD = 3.7. The mean distress score of pre-test through post- test 2 were M = 65.8, SD = 4.4 and M = 63.4, SD = 3.7. The paired “t” test value of 3.167 (p<0.01), 2.013 (p< 0.05) and 5.706 (p<0.001) were observed respectively. Hence it is concluded that the level of distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in control group on the first day of menstruation during pre test, post test 1 and post test 2 was significant at various levels The effectiveness of acupressure in different levels within experimental group on the first day distress. The mean distresses score on pre- test to post- test 1 was M= 66.4, SD = 4.4 and M= 34.6, SD = 6.2, post-test 1 to post test 2 was M = 34.6, SD = 6.3 and M = 26.3, SD = 5.5 and pre-test to post- test 2 was M= 66.4, SD = 4.4 and M = 26. 3 SD = 5.4. The paired ‘t’ test value of 85.230, 22.522, 97.937 were significant at (p<0.001). Hence it is concluded that the acupressure is very highly effective in reducing distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. The three levels of test namely pre-test to post- test1, post- test1 to post- test2 and pre test to post-test2 were compared between the two groups on first day distress. The difference between the two group’s mean score were M =1.6, SD= 5.8 and M =31.8, SD = 4.2, M= 0.9, SD = 4.8 and M= 8.3, SD = 4.2, M = 2.5, SD = 4.8 and M = 40.1, SD = 4.7.The paired ‘t’ test value of 48.696, 13.258, 63.819 were significant at (p<0.001). Hence it was concluded that the acupressure is found to be very highly effective in reducing distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. It can be attributed to the effectiveness of acupressure on distress related to dysmenorrhea. Hence the Null hypothesis Ho1 there will be no significant difference in the effect of acupressure on pain related to dysmenorrhea was rejected. In the current study, the test in different levels of second day distress among the control group of adolescent girls. The mean distress score on the pre- test was M= 63.9, SD = 5.0 and post-test 1 was M= 62.0, SD = 4.0. The mean distress score of Post-test 1 and Post- test 2 were M = 62.0, SD = 4.0 and M = 59.7, SD = 4.3. The mean distress score of pre-test through post- test 2 were M= 63.9, SD = 5.0 and M= 59.7, SD= 4.3. The paired‘t’ test values were of 3.538 (p<0.01), 5.401 (p< 0.001) and 7.943 (p<0.001) respectively. Hence it was concluded that the level of distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in control group on the second day was significant at various levels. The effectiveness of acupressure in different levels within experimental group of adolescents on the second day distress. The mean distress score on Pre- test to Posttest 1 was M= 64.7, SD = 5.2 and M = 30.5, SD = 6.0, Post-test 1 to Post test 2 was M = 30.5, SD = 6.0 and M = 23.2, SD = 5.1, Pre-test to Post- test 2 was M= 64.7, SD = 5.2 and M = 23.2, SD = 5.1. The Paired ‘t’ test value of 85.928, 17.707, 88.948 were significant at (p<0.001). Hence it was concluded that the acupressure is very highly effective in reducing distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescence girls. In the present study the three levels of tests namely Pre-test to Post- test1, Post- test1 to Post- test2 and Pre test to Post-test2 were compared between the two groups on second day distress. The difference between the two group’s mean score were M= 1.9, SD= 6.1 and M =34.2, SD = 4.2, M = 2.3, SD = 4.9 and M= 7.3, SD = 4.7, M = 4.2, SD = 6.1 and M = 41.5, SD = 5.3.The independent‘t’ test value of 50.565, 8.398, 48.310 were significant at (p<0.001) respectively. Hence it was concluded that the acupressure is very highly effective in reducing distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescence girls. It can be attributed to the effectiveness of acupressure on distress related to dysmenorrhea. Hence the Null hypothesis Ho1 there will be no significant difference in the effect of acupressure on pain related to dysmenorrhea was rejected. The tests in different levels of control group on the third day distress. The mean distress score on the Pre- test was M = 62.1, SD = 4.7 and Post-test 1 was M = 58.6, SD = 4.1. The mean distress score of Post-test 1 and Post- test 2 were M = 58.6, SD = 4.1 and M = 56.7, SD = 4.2. The mean distress score of Pre-test through Post- test 2 were M = 62.1, SD = 4.7 and M= 56.7, SD = 4.2. The Paired “t” test values of 6.040 (p<0.01), 4.517 (p< 0.001) and 10.125(p<0.001). Hence it is interpreted that the level of distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in control group on the 3rd day was significant at various levels. The effectiveness of acupressure in different levels within experimental group on the third day distress. The mean distress score on pre-test to post- test 1 was M = 63.2, SD = 5.0 and M = 26.1, SD = 5.7, Post-test 1 to Post test 2 was M = 26.1, SD = 5.7 and M = 19.6, SD = 4.1, Pre-test to Post- test 2 was M = 63.2, SD = 5.0 and M = 19.6, SD = 4.1. The paired‘t’ test values of 85.527, 18.462, 108.03 were significant at (p<0.001) respectively. Hence it is concluded that the acupressure is very highly effective in reducing distress related to dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. In the current study the three levels of test namely Pre-test to Post- test1, Posttest1 to Post- test2 and Pre test to Post-test2 were compared between the two groups on third day distress. The difference between the two group’s mean score in Pre test and Post test 1 were M = 3.4, SD = 6.6 , M = 37.1, SD = 4.9, Post test 1 and Post test 2 were M = 1.9, SD = 4.8, M = 6.5, SD = 4.0, Pre test and Post test 2 were M = 5.4, SD = 6.1 and M = 43.7, SD = 4.6.The paired ‘t’ test value of 47.252, 8.428, 57.716 were significant at (p<0.001) respectively. The results can be attributed to the effectiveness of acupressure upon reducing distress related to dysmenorrhea. Hence the Null hypothesis H01 there will be no significant difference in the effect of acupressure on distress related to dysmenorrhea was rejected. Relationship between Pain and Distress Related to Dysmenorrhea among Adolescent Girls Before and After Acupressure In the present study there is positive relationship between the pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea of control and experimental groups of adolescent girls in different occasions on first day of menstruation. The co-relation among the control group of adolescents was found to be positive in Pre test ( r = .886) in Post test 1 ( r =.807) and Post test 2 ( r = .904). The same finding was seen among experimental group of adolescents in pre test (r = .894) post test 1 (r = .899) and Post test-2 (r = .866). In all the occasions, the relationships were statistically very highly significant (P<0.001). i.e. The pain and distress were positively correlated, when the pain increased distress also increased in both control and experimental groups of adolescents on the first day of menstruation. The relationship between the pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea of control and experimental group of adolescent girls on second day of menstruation. The correlation was found to be positive in the Pre test (r = .936), Post test 1 (r =.752) and Post test 2 (r = .821) among the control group of adolescents. In experimental group also the positive correlation was revealed in Pre test ( r = .901), Post test 1 (r = .891) and Post test-2 (r =.944). In all the occasions, the relationships were statistically very highly significant (P<0.001).i.e. the menstrual pain and distress were positively correlated, when the pain increased the distress also increased among the control and adolescent group of adolescents on the second day of menstruation. Relationship between the pain and distress related to dysmenorrhea of control and experimental group adolescent girls on third day of menstruation. The pre test in control group revealed r = .889, in Post test 1 the r =.819 and in Post test 2 the r = .893, a po

Incorporating Robsons classification in analysis of caesarean section at rural territory centre for 18 months

Background: With the rise of caesarean sections (CS) over the last five decades, World Health Organization (WHO) proposed that health care facilities to use the Robsons 10 group classification system to audit their caesarean sections rates. This classification would help understand internal structure of the CS rates at individual health facilities identify population groups, indication in each group and formulate strategies to reduce these rates. Methods: This is a retrospective study for a period of 18 months at tertiary care hospital in rural area at department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr. PSIMS &amp; RF, Chinnoutpalli, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Women who delivered during this period were analysed and classified into Robsons group 10 classification and percentages were calculated for the overall rate, the representation of groups, contribution of groups and caesarean percentage in each group in rural territory centre during the period of January 2021 to June 2022. Results: From January 2021 to June 2022 there were total of 547 deliveries. Out of which 224 had caesarean section accounting for a caesarean delivery rate of 40.9%. When data was analysed according to Robsons 10 group classification maximum contribution of caesarean section was with Robsons group 5.1 (36%), which comprised of patients with term cephalic multiparous with one previous scar. Followed by group 2A (21%), which comprised of patients with term cephalic nulliparous with labour induced. Breech pregnancies are completely undergoing caesarean section (groups 6 and 7). Conclusions: We identified the contribution of each group to the overall CS rate as well as the CS rate within each group. Women with previous caesarean delivery contribute to the increasing proportion of caesarean deliveries. Use of Robson criteria allows standardized comparisons of data and identifies clinical scenarios in caesarean rates. All institutes to audit themselves to evaluate quality of caesarean section rates and to rationalize caesarean rates. Impact of interventions to reduce caesarean rates should be studied and documented. Evaluation of existing management protocols and further studies into indications of CS and outcomes in our setting will helps us to design strategies and improve outcomes

Study on grinding of black pepper and effect of low feed temperature on product quality

The effect of feed temperature on grinding of black pepper (Piper nigrum) in a hammer millwas studied at Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu). Variation in temperature was attained by keepingblack pepper in a refrigerator maintained at 4°C (low temperature sample) to attain a feedtemperature of 7.9 to 21.2°C and by mixing with dry ice at different ratios (ultra lowtemperature sample) to get temperatures from -3.33 to 12.86°C. On the basis of volatile oilcontent, oleoresin, piperine and volatile components, a feed temperature of -3.33 to -1.25°Cwas optimized. &nbsp;The volatile oil content of the product indicated an increase of about 17%retention of oil for ultra low temperature and 15% for low temperature compared to theambient condition (control). Gas chromatographic analysis of the oil showed higher retentionof monoterpenes under ultra low temperature condition compared to ambient and lowtemperature conditions of grinding. An increase of 1% to 3% moisture was observed for theultra low temperature sample for a feed temperature of -3.33 to -1.25°C, which helped toincrease 2% to 3% oleoresin yield. The volume surface mean diameter of black pepper powdershowed an increasing trend of 0.15 mm to 0.18 mm with an increase in feed temperature from-3.33 to 12.86°C for ultra low temperature sample. The specific energy consumption variedfrom 24.79 to 46.62 kJ(kg°C)–1&nbsp;with increase in grinding temperature. &nbsp

BIOPROSPECTING OF SOME ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS FOR POTENTIAL ANTIMYCOBACTERIAL BACTERIOCIN LIKE INHIBITORY SUBSTANCES (BLIS)

Microbes produce antimicrobial substances giving itself an advantage to compete for resources over other microbes. In this study, some ethnomedicinal plants were screened for microbes that can produce anti-mycobacterial bacteriocin and have isolated a microbe. The isolated microbe has morphological characteristics of Gram positive and endospore forming rods. The 16S rRNA molecular level sequencing shows a 100% similarity index with Bacillus subtilis of GenBank sequences. The bioactive compound is a peptide like substance exhibiting a clear zone of inhibition with Mycobacterium smegmatis as indicator microbe. Being sensitive to proteases, confirms its proteinaceous nature, shows characteristics of heat stability up to 70°C and extractability with wide range of organic solvents. Having an advantage of being heat stable, tolerant to various organic solvents, and (MIC) minimum inhibitory concentration of 400 µg /ml for an unoptimized bacterial isolate, this compound might have pharmacological significance

Awareness on antibiotic usage among undergraduate medical students in a teaching hospital, Guntur

Background: Antibiotics are the mainstay treatment of most of the infectious diseases. Inappropriate and irrational use of antimicrobial agents has led to increase in the development of antimicrobial resistance. Medical students are a part of health care system and they must be aware of increasing antibiotic resistance as they are the future prescribers. The objectives of the study were to assess the awareness on antibiotic usage and its resistance among medical students and to study the perception on antibiotic medication among medical students.Methods: This was a cross-sectional, semi-structured questionnaire-based study. Questionnaire consists of 4 parts- socio-demographic details, awareness on antibiotics and its resistance, knowledge on specific treatment of a disease, perception levels. Prior IEC approval was taken. The obtained data was statistically analyzed using Microsoft excel sheet.Results: Among 230 participants, majority of the students have awareness on general antibiotic usage and 97.8% were having knowledge about antibiotic resistance. The main source of information on antibiotic resistance is identified as classroom teaching (67.8%). 46.9% and 25.2% students correctly identified the drug of choice for treating enteric fever and community acquired pneumonia respectively.Conclusions: Degrees of awareness on antibiotics and its resistance is found to be good. Antibiotic usage pattern is not on par with knowledge. Knowledge on specific treatment of infectious disease is found to be less. So, antibiotic teaching should be integrated with clinical subjects