On Soft gr-Closed sets in Soft Topological Spaces

The aim of this paper is to introduce soft pgr-closed sets in topological spaces which is defined over the universe of the given set with a fixed set of parameters. Further, we investigate its properties and its relationship with other soft closed sets

Indian Finfish Exports – An Analysis of Export Performance and Revealed Comparative Advantage

The export of finfish from India has been rising over the past few years and in 2006-07 it contributed almost 44 per cent of the total marine products exported from the country in quantity terms. However in value terms its contribution is only 16 per cent, indicating low unit value realization of the products. This paper has analysed the export performance and has studied the revealed comparative advantage of finfish export from India for the period 2001 to 2005. The finfish exports from India have not revealed any comparative advantage among the total marine products export in the period of study. The paper has suggested reviewing of the policy of finfish export, with a shift in emphasis to export of only high-value finfish and value-added low-value finfish.Agricultural and Food Policy,

EVALUATION OF LIVER FUNCTION MARKERS AMONG WORKERS IN JEWELLERY UNITS

Objectives: Jewellery making unit workers are exposed to potent toxic chemicals and heavy metals during the manufacturing process. Various alloys are used during the manufacturing process of gold in which silver is used in higher concentration. The induction of metallothioneins (MTs) might occur due to the occupational exposure to heavy metals. Hence, the relationship of silver or MTs with liver function markers were investigated. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in the jewellery making units located in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. A total of 211 participants [exposed (n = 158) and control (n = 53)] were included for the study and their liver function markers namely alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, albumin, total/direct bilirubin and total cholesterol were estimated. Levels of serum silver and MTs were also assessed. Results: There were significant (p<0.05) increases of serum silver, MTs, ALT, AST, total cholesterol, total/direct bilirubin and significant (p<0.05) decrease of ALP, total protein and albumin in exposed groups compared to control group. Levels of MTs were positively correlated with ALT, AST, total cholesterol, total/direct bilirubin and were negatively correlated with albumin, total protein and ALP. Conclusion: The significant changes of liver function enzymes were observed due to the prolonged period of exposure to silver. However releases of these markers were in the normal range which might be due to the induction of MTs. The elevated levels of MT in the serum compared to control group pointed out that it might provide a cellular defense strategy against silver

Insilico interaction analysis of herbal bioactive molecules with Penicillin binding protein in staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen associated with asymptomatic colonization of the skin and mucosal surfaces of normal humans. Staphylococcus aureus isolates are often multidrug resistant. Antibiotics resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an emerging concern in the medical field. Due to their increasing resistance to numerous antibiotics, screening for alternate compound is required. Penicillin binding protein (PBP) was considered as an essential drug target for inhibiting bacterial growth. Molecular docking studies were performed to identify the lead molecule against Penicillin binding protein. Interaction of PBP with the plant derived compounds indicates the effective interaction of rosmarinic acid with highest fitness score and maximum number of hydrogen bonds (h-bonds). The study concludes that rosmarinic acid may be effective as an inhibitor for PBP and hence, can be regarded as a potential drug candidate for treating β-lactam resistant Staphylococcus aureu

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Metallothioneins from Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Gold Jewellery Karigars

Abstract Metallothioneins (MT

Study of water supply & sanitation practices in India using geographic information systems: some design & other considerations in a village setting

Background & objectives: Availability of clean water and adequate sanitation facilities are of prime importance for limiting diarrhoeal diseases. We examined the water and sanitation facilities of a village in southern India using geographic information system (GIS) tools. Methods: Places of residence, water storage and distribution, sewage and places where people in the village defaecated were mapped and drinking water sources were tested for microbial contamination in Nelvoy village, Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. Results: Water in the village was found to be microbiologically unfit for consumption. Analysis using direct observations supplemented by GIS maps revealed poor planning, poor engineering design and lack of policing of the water distribution system causing possible contamination of drinking water from sewage at multiple sites. Interpretation & conclusions: Until appropriate engineering designs for water supply and sewage disposal to suit individual village needs are made available, point-of-use water disinfection methods could serve as an interim solution

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Occurrence of Hypertensive Retinopathy in Subjects with Essential Hypertension

INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive retinopathy is one of the major complications of hypertension. It is a condition characterized by a spectrum of vascular signs in people with elevated blood pressure. It represents end organ damage in patients with elevated blood pressure. Hypertension affects the eye and causes choroidopathy, retinopathy, optic neuropathy. PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of hypertensive retinopathy in subjects with essential hypertension and to correlate the stages of hypertensive retinopathy with age and duration of hypertension in subjects with essential hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational cross sectional study. A total of 100 subjects with essential hypertension over 35 years of age were included in this study. Those with comorbidities like diabetes, coronary artery heart disease, cerebro vascular accident, renal impairment, glaucoma, patients with CRVO and BRVO (due to other etiologies) were excluded. Detailed history, systemic examination, ocular examination includes anterior segment examination and fundus examination with direct ophthalmoscope were done. Grading of hypertensive retinopathy was done according to keith wagner grading system. Investigations like Blood pressure measurement, Random blood sugar, Renal function tests, Fasting lipid profile, ECG, Chest x ray were done. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy in patients with essential hypertension found in this study was 60%. The prevalence of Grade I and II was higher than Grade III and IV. The age group affected was 55 to 64 years. Slight male preponderance was noted in this study. Prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy in patients with essential hypertension was significantly higher in those with hypertension more than 5 years duration. Patients with retinopathy had mean Systolic and diastolic bp values of 150±9.96 and 89±7.62 respectively. Hence, both systolic and diastolic bp have significant correlation for the development of hypertensive retinopathy in patients with essential hypertension. Smoking, alcohol, body mass index, family history have no significant association for the development of hypertensive retinopathy in patients with essential hypertension. Among the anti hypertensive agents used, maximum number of patients used Calcium Channel Blockers followed by Calcium Channel Blockers and Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors combination. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy in patients with essential hypertension was 60% in this study. Increasing age (55 to 64 years), duration of Hypertension (> 5 years), both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean Systolic and Diastolic bp values of 150±9.96 and 89±7.62 respectively) are found to be significant risk factors in this study for the development of HT retinopathy in patients with essential hypertension

Bioremediation and Bioprospecting of Cow Dung and Poultry Droppings Enriched with Sewage Water for Biogas Production

In this study, the biogas was produced by the gradual replacement of cow dung using sewage water and poultry dropping. Cow dung replacement with sewage water showed high utility of the total solids than the control bioreactor. In control bioreactor the total solid reduction is ranged between 10% and 9.8%, whereas in the experimental bioreactor which contained the gradual replacement of cow dung with sewage water, the total solid degradation occurred from 10% to 6.1%. The analysis of biogas production by gradual replacement of cow dung with poultry droppings and sewage water revealed the total solids degradation range from 7.2% to 6.7%. Total solid level reduction is considered to be one of the important parameter for biogas production. Regarding the production of biogas, the gradual replacement of cow dung with sewage water experimental reactor gave more biogas (1421lit/kg of dry matter/day) when compare to the control bioreactor (1007lit/k g of dry matter/day). The maximum gas production also occurred at 80% replacement with sewage water. The gradual replacement of cow dung with poultry droppings supplemented with sewage water revealed the high gas production (1952lit/kg of dry matter/day) than the cow dung replacement with sewage water and control bioreactors. During the gradual replacement of cow dung with poultry droppings and sewage water concluded that there is an excellent biogas production in the 100%replacement of cow dung which in turn indicated that poultry droppings contains more total solid level which can be easily degraded by methanogenic organisms than in cow dung and sewage water can be a good nutrient source for biogas production

Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) - Prospective and Mechanisms: A Review

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are naturally occurring soil bacteria that colonize plant roots, which is an important environment for plant microbe interactions. PGPR have attracted special attention for their ability to enhance productivity, sustainability and profitability when food security and rural livelihood are a key priority. Chemical fertilizers used in agriculture and pathogenic microorganisms attacking plants show harmful impact on the ecosystem. The potentiality of PGPR offers an attractive way to replace the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other supplements. PGPR affect plant growth and development directly or indirectly, either by releasing plant growth regulators or other biologically active substances, and uptake of nutrients through fixation and mobilization, reducing harmful effects of pathogenic microorganisms on plants and by employing multiple mechanisms of action. Besides they play an important role in soil fertility. This review intends to elucidate the diverse mechanism of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in promoting crop production and developing sustainable agriculture