Effect of Creativity on Achievement in English of The Students of Secondary School

The present study was conducted with a view to assess the effect of Creativity on achievement in English of secondary students studying in X standard. The purpose of the study was to explore the effect the level of creativity of secondary students, if any, in terms of gender and locality in achievement in English. A sample of 715 students who were studying in X standard of different schools were randomly selected from urban and rural areas of Chickballpur and Kolar district of Karnataka. Both boys and girls were included in the study. The result showed that the students with creativity achieved better in English than the students who had less creativity; and there was no significance correlation between creativity and achievementscores among the boys and girls of urban and rural area

Effect of Interest on Achievement In English of The Students of Secondary School

The present study was conducted with a view to assess the effect of Interest on achievement in English of secondary students studying in X standard. The purpose of the study was to explore the effect the level of interest of secondary students, if any, in terms of gender and locality. A sample of 715 students who were studying in X standard of different schools were randomly selected from urban and rural areas of Chickballpur and Kolar district of Karnataka. Both boys and girls were included in the study. The result showed that the students with higher level of interest achieved better in English than the students who had less interest; and there was no significance correlation between interest and achievement scores among the boys and girls of urban and rural area

Induced polygenic variability using combination treatment of gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate in blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

Induced mutation in plant improvement has been proven to be one of the alternative ways to generate new sources of genetic variation in blackgram. In this study, dry seeds of VBN 4 blackgram were treated with combination treatment of both gamma rays (400, 500 and 600 Gy) and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) (50, 60 and 70 mM) to study the polygenic characters in M2 generation. The mean values for plant height, number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and single plant yield decreased below the control in most of the treatments. The mean single plant yield was more than for the control at 400 Gy+60 mM and 600 Gy+50 mM. Moderate and high phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) were recorded in yield component characters such as plant height, number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant and number of pods per plant. A high amount of heritability and GA as per cent of mean was noted for plant height, number of clusters per plant, number of primary branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds, 100 seed weight and single plant yield. This denoted that these characters are governed largely by additive gene effect, which may be favorably exploited for improvement through simple selection in M2 generation.Key words: Gamma rays, ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS), blackgram, polygenic variability, M2 generation

Morphological Analysis of the Human Internal Iliac Artery in South Indian Population

Objectives: The accidental hemorrhage is common due to erroneous interpretation of the variant arteries during surgical procedures, hence the present study has been undertaken with reference to its morphological significance. The objectives were to examine the level of origin, length and the branching pattern of the human internal iliac artery in South Indian population. Methods: The study included 60 human bisected pelvises irrespective of their side and sex. The specimens were collected from the anatomy laboratory and were fixed with the formalin. The branching patterns were studied and demonstrated as per the guidelines of Adachi. Results: The origin of internal iliac artery was at the level of S1 vertebra in majority (58.3%) of the cases. The average length of internal iliac artery was 37 ± 4.62 mm (range, 13-54 mm). The type I pattern of the internal iliac artery was most common (83.5%) followed by types III and II. The type IV and V pattern of adachi were not observed. Conclusions: The results of this study were different from those reported by others and may be because of racial and geographical variations. Prior knowledge of the anatomical variations is beneficial for the vascular surgeons ligating the internal iliac artery or its branches and the radiologists interpreting angiograms of the pelvic region

ROLE OF VARMAM THERAPY IN KUMBAVATHAM MANAGEMENT

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Siddha medicine, one among the ancient indigenous medical systems of India, has a repository of classical formulations as internalmedication and various other unique techniques/therapies as external usage. Varmam is one among such therapies used to treat multiple ailments,especially related to musculoskeletal and neurological deficits. Sometimes, varmam therapy is used along with internal medications and externalapplications as well.Objective: Adhesive capsulitis or periarthritis may be correlated with kumbavatham which is one of the vatha diseases mentioned in the Siddhaliterature Yugi Vaithya Chinthamani. Kumbavatham is one of the most common rheumatological problems in old age group, especially those indiabetic participants. It is the most common long-term complication next to osteoarthritis in diabetes mellitus patients.Methods: The present intervention was done in kumbavatham patients who volunteered to undergo the varmam therapy with regular outpatientdepartment medications, and the results were presented. The effect of varmam therapy on kumbavatham was assessed in accordance with shoulderpain and disability index.Result and Conclusion: The result of the current study concludes that the varmam therapy might be useful in the management of kumbavathamdiseases and thus improves the quality of life of the patients.Keywords: Kumbavatham, Adhesive capsulitis, Varmam therapy, Diabetes mellitus, Siddha

Nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture: Present concerns and future aspects

Nanotechnology is a promising field of interdisciplinary research. It opens up a wide array of opportunities in various fields like medicine,  pharmaceuticals, electronics and agriculture. The potential uses and benefits of nanotechnology are enormous. The current global population is nearly 7 */billion with 50% living in Asia. A large proportion of those living in developing countries face daily food shortages as a result of  environmental impacts or political instability, while in the developed worldthere is surplus of food. For developing countries, the drive is to develop drought and pest resistant crops, which also maximize yield. The potential of nanotechnology to revolutionise the health care, textile, materials, information and communication technology, and energy sectors has been well publicized. The application of nanotechnology to agriculture and food industries is also getting attention nowadays. Investments in agriculture and food nanotechnologies carry increasing weight because their potential benefits range from improved food quality and safety to reduced agricultural inputs and improved processing and nutrition. While most investment is made primarily in developed countries, research  advancements provide glimpses of potential applications in agricultural, food, and water safety that could have significant impacts on rural populations in developing countries. This review is concentrated on modern strategies used for the management of water, pesticides, limitationsin the use of chemical pesticides and potential of nano-materials in sustainable agriculture management as modern approaches of nanotechnology.Key words: Agriculture, nanotechnology, nanofertilizer, nanoencapsulation, nanoherbicides

Molecular characterization of Lepidopteran specific Bacillus thuringiensis strains isolated from Hilly Zone Soils of Karnataka, India

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains pathogenic to Lepidopteran insects and native to hilly zone soils of Karnataka (India) were explored. 19 strains were isolated from the soils and identified by morphological and microscopic characters. Toxicity level of the Bt isolates was tested by treating third Instar larvae of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) and mulberry leaf roller (Diaphania pulverulentalis). Mortality rate of the insect larvae treated with Bt isolates was ranged from 20 to 80%. A few isolates namely, Bt2, Bt6, Bt8, and Bt14 strains were more virulent (caused >50% death) than others. Detection of cry genes using cry gene specific primers by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed the presence of at least one of the cry genes. In one of the isolates (Bt9), the cry gene was not detected. The Cry1Ac gene was abundant and it was detected in 13 isolates. Cluster analysis for genetic diversity showed two major groups and four sub groups.Keywords: Molecular characterization, Bacillus thuringiensis, bioassay, genetic diversity, Cry genes, hilly zoneAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(20), pp. 2924-293

MODULATION OF AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ASSESSED THROUGH HEART RATE VARIABILITY BY INTEGRATED AMRITA MEDITATION TECHNIQUE IN TYPE 2 DIABETIC SUBJECTS – A PILOT STUDY

Objective: This study aims in understanding the effects of Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM), a type of mindfulness meditation, on the autonomic balance of type 2 diabetic patients through assessment of heart rate variability (HRV). Methods: After the initial screening of 30 type 2 diabetic subjects, 10 type 2 diabetic subjects between the age group of 30 and 65 years were randomized into two groups, diabetic test (n=5) and diabetic control group (n=5). Diabetic test group practiced IAM technique under the guidance of a trained practitioner. Both the groups continued the same dietary pattern and medications during the 6-month study period. HRV was taken for all subjects at baseline and after 6 months. In our study, we have focused on the power spectral analysis of HRV which include normalized units of high frequency (nHF), low frequency (nLF), and low frequency-high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio). Results: Mean percentage change in nHF, nLF, and LFHF ratio showed significant changes in between-group comparison (p<0.05). Normalized units of HF increased (p=0.049) while LF (p=0.036) and LFHF ratio (p=0.024) decreased significantly within test group after 6 months of IAM practice suggesting the potential of IAM in improving the parasympathetic tone, thereby tuning the mind and body to calm down during stress. Conclusion: Our study has shown demonstrable improvement in autonomic function which reflects reduced stress after the practice of IAM in diabetic patients

Seroprevalence pattern among blood donors in a tertiary health care center

Although blood transfusion is a life-saving maneuver, it is associated with certain risks. In general, transfusion-related adverse events are categorized as infectious and noninfectious. Transfusion-transmissible infectious agents such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis are among the greatest threats to blood safety for the recipient. To assess the magnitude and dynamics of disease transmission and for its prevention and control, the study of its seroprevalence is important. Our institute, catering to the needs of a large population in the foothills of the Himalayas, represents an important center for serological surveys. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infections among blood donors in a tertiary care center of this region. A retrospective analysis of medical records of blood donors who met the standard criteria for donor fitness were screened for HIV, HBS, HCV, Syphilis and Malaria, from January 2007 to December 2011 (5 years). Out of 7884 units collected, 83 (1.05%) units had seropositivity for HBsAg/anti-HCV Ab/anti-HIV Ab/anti-Treponemal Ab, 2 units each revealed dual infections with HIV-HBV and HIV-HCV. Seropositivity rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV Ab, anti-HIV Ab and anti-treponemal Ab were 0.63%, 0.20%, 0.19% and 0.02%, respectively. Even with the implementation of effective preventive strategies, there is significant risk of transmission of infectious agents in India. Efforts to ensure an adequate and safe blood supply should include proper screening and striving for optimal use of blood and its products.Keywords: Seroprevalence; HIV; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Syphilis; Uttarakhan

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF KRIMIGHNA DRUGS MENTIONED IN THE AYURVEDIC PHARMACOPOEIA OF INDIA

Ayurveda is the science of life having wide description of Krimighna dravya in its literature. Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India published by the Ministry of AYUSH is a monograph of single drugs; which is very popular for all stack holder of Ayush system of medicines. This article details the review of single drugs mentioned in API part I (Vol I to VI) and their screening for Krimighna (antimicrobial) properties. Present article also aims for validating classical fact with published scientific research work. Authors searched 54 drugs out of 519 single drugs described in the API & it was found most of Ayurvedic Krimighnadravya were recognized for having antimicrobial property which was established through various Preclinical & clinical work carried out by the scientific community. Authors collected data with references to validate API drugs having antimicrobial property. All screened content can be taken for various high-tech research work by various students in MD, PhD or in the various other project of CSIR, DST, EMR project of CCRAS for further development of new drugs and conversion of available drugs to latest dosage form