Application Of Spatial Technology In Conjunction With Bathymetry For Sediment Assessment In Tansa And Modaksagar Reservoir Near Mumbai

Source: ICHE Conference Archive - https://mdi-de.baw.de/icheArchiv

Case History Compilation of Engineering Properties of Common Rocks in Maharashtra, India, for Database (1982-2002)

Rock samples are received from various project sites for testing at MERI. These rock samples were tested and test results were communicated to the project in charge from time to time. After carrying out tests to determine different engineering properties of various types of commonly available rocks, mostly for irrigation structures in Maharashtra, lot of historical data is available. It was felt that, this data of results may be compiled digitally in database software (M. S. Access) and analyzed suitably for use in design and construction of irrigation and other important structures in future. The results of about 1920 Rock samples tested during the period from 1982 to 2002 have been compiled in the database. Mainly the following test results are required by the construction agencies 1) %Water Absorption 2) Specific Gravity and Density of Rock 3) Compressive strength (Kg/cm2) General standards of acceptance of these rock properties are also discussed in this paper. Abstracts of results indicating Average, Minimum and Maximum values of laboratory test results on rocks are presented. Database presented in this paper is basin and sub-basin-wise, region-wise, district-wise and geological class-wise

Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Nicotine Pharmacology and Dependence.

Tobacco dependence is a leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide. Nicotine, the main psychoactive component in tobacco cigarettes, has also been garnering increased popularity in its vaporized form, as derived from e-cigarette devices. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine pharmacology and dependence is required to ascertain novel approaches to treat drug dependence. In this chapter, we review the field's current understanding of nicotine's actions in the brain, the neurocircuitry underlying drug dependence, factors that modulate the function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and the role of specific genes in mitigating the vulnerability to develop nicotine dependence. In addition to nicotine's direct actions in the brain, other constituents in nicotine and tobacco products have also been found to alter drug use, and thus, evidence is provided to highlight this issue. Finally, currently available pharmacotherapeutic strategies are discussed, along with an outlook for future therapeutic directions to achieve to the goal of long-term nicotine cessation

The integration of lipid-sensing and anti-inflammatory effects: how the PPARs play a role in metabolic balance

The peroxisomal proliferating-activated receptors (PPARs) are lipid-sensing transcription factors that have a role in embryonic development, but are primarily known for modulating energy metabolism, lipid storage, and transport, as well as inflammation and wound healing. Currently, there is no consensus as to the overall combined function of PPARs and why they evolved. We hypothesize that the PPARs had to evolve to integrate lipid storage and burning with the ability to reduce oxidative stress, as energy storage is essential for survival and resistance to injury/infection, but the latter increases oxidative stress and may reduce median survival (functional longevity). In a sense, PPARs may be an evolutionary solution to something we call the 'hypoxia-lipid' conundrum, where the ability to store and burn fat is essential for survival, but is a 'double-edged sword', as fats are potentially highly toxic. Ways in which PPARs may reduce oxidative stress involve modulation of mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) expression (thus reducing reactive oxygen species, ROS), optimising forkhead box class O factor (FOXO) activity (by improving whole body insulin sensitivity) and suppressing NFkB (at the transcriptional level). In light of this, we therefore postulate that inflammation-induced PPAR downregulation engenders many of the signs and symptoms of the metabolic syndrome, which shares many features with the acute phase response (APR) and is the opposite of the phenotype associated with calorie restriction and high FOXO activity. In genetically susceptible individuals (displaying the naturally mildly insulin resistant 'thrifty genotype'), suboptimal PPAR activity may follow an exaggerated but natural adipose tissue-related inflammatory signal induced by excessive calories and reduced physical activity, which normally couples energy storage with the ability to mount an immune response. This is further worsened when pancreatic decompensation occurs, resulting in gluco-oxidative stress and lipotoxicity, increased inflammatory insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Reactivating PPARs may restore a metabolic balance and help to adapt the phenotype to a modern lifestyle

Design and Development of KisanSeva: an Android based application for Farmers

Abstract: This application which is named as 'KisanSeva' will certainly bring a major transformation in the ways which are both known and unknown to the farmers. Most of the farmers in Maharashtra are still using traditional methods for farming due to which they are facing problems like loss of soil quality, fewer yields from the farm, unpredictable weather, lack of knowledge about pests, unnecessary expenditure on pesticides etc. This project focuses on improving the quality and quantity of the goods produced by the farmers by providing them with new & precise information about the important aspects of farming. There are few apps related to farming available in the market but this app will provide extra features like organic farming, methods of water management & expert suggestions. This app will also provide a small platform for the farmers to sell their produce