Personality Assessment of Officer Cadre of Indian Armed Forces: A De Novo Approach

The present selection system of the officer cadre of the Armed Forces has stood the test of time. However, owing to the transformations and developments in the society, a need was felt to upgrade this system. After a number of interactions and deliberations, a new programme called ‘De Novo system for the Selection of Personnel in the Armed forces’ was initiated. To identify the domains that need to be assessed through this system, job analysis was carried out. Data were collected from the presently employed officers of the Armed Forces, and the officers were asked to fill out survey performa, critical incidents record, task inventory and attribute questionnaire. Job analysis identified 5 domains of assessment, namely, cognition, affect, behaviour, psychomotor, and values. 16 Attributes of military leaders under these 5 domains were also identified. Tests were developed under the three techniques (psychological, group testing, and interview) to assess these 16 attributes and the 5 domains. The prototype of the tests was developed following an assessment centre approach and the trials for the same are due in the coming months

Physico-chemical Characteristics of Fine Nano-scaled Carbon Fibers from Bacterial Cellulose

Recently, carbon nanofibers have gained immense attention in research due to its tremendous application. Here, this work highlights a simple, cost effective and reliable method to develop carbon nanofibers (CNF) from biomass. The biomass used is bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesized using Acetobacter xylinus. CNF was developed by freeze drying of BC followed by pyrolysis at different temperatures (300ºC - 900ºC). The conversions of BC to CNF were characterized using SEM, FTIR, TGA and XRD respectively. The results exhibit three dimensional, lightweight, fine nanoscale fibers with a diameter of 10nm which are tend to have hydrophobic and lipophilic characters, due to which it can be used in oil – water separation applications.

Radiation Induced Xerostomia: Current Concepts and Future Trends

Radiation induced xerostomia is a persistent clinical presentation that affects the quality of life in head and neck cancer patients even with the best of the intensity modulated radiotherapy protocols. Comprehensive review of the anatomic, histologic, developmental and neuronal entities of salivary glands from a regenerative perspective, ensuing radiation is taken. It also evaluates the systemic and glandular radiation responses that form the early and late clinical changes. From these, the article submits probable strategies; based on the current knowledge and future challenges involved, in reversing radiation induced xerostomia. Further, it elaborates on the status of radioprotectors and mitigators including the recently reported biologic and chemical derivatives and proposes the rationale of using combination radioprotector therapy in radiation injuries. A brief of palliative regimes, alternate treatment modes and technologic advancements in radiotherapy are also explained. Salivary gland histologic components, which need to be protected in the emerging radiotherapy protocols and can be targeted in different salivary gland regeneration therapies is highlighted. The paper contributes to an improved understanding in radiation induced xerostomia and deliberates on novel mechanisms towards enhancing quality of life in head and neck cancer radiotherapy patients

On-Board Oxygen Generation Using High Performance Molecular Sieve

The majority of high performance combat aircrafts presently being operated by Indian air Force are fitted with conventional oxygen systems in which a replenishable store of oxygen is carried, most often as liquid oxygen and the flow of gas to each crew member is controlled by an individual pressure demand regulator in which the oxygen is diluted with cabin air to provide breathing gas.Moreover, in-flight refueling capability of present generation fighter aircraft has made it possible to fly for long durations (6 to 8 hours). In such case, the oxygen source becomes one of the limiting factors. In order to meet this requirement, a large supply of Gaseous Oxygen (GASOX) or Liquid Oxygen (LOX) have proven to be a costly affair and the Onboard Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) has become a very convenient and attractive proposal. The OBOGS employs molecular sieves to adsorb nitrogen from engine bleed air using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technique, wherein two molecular sieve beds are continuously cycled between steps of pressurization (adsorption) and depressurization (desorption) to generate oxygen enriched breathing gas for aircrew. This paper describes the design of OBOGS using high performance Lithium based Low Silica X-type (Li-LSX) molecular sieves and its performance characteristics. It consists of two Zeolite beds filled with Li-LSX material which adsorbs nitrogen fromengine bleed air tapped from Environmental Control System pipe line. The two beds are cycled by a 5/2 way solenoid valve. The input air is supplied to the solenoid valve through a coalescent filter to reduce moisture from it and a pressure regulator is fitted at the upstream of solenoid valve to regulate the system pressure. The experimental setup for evaluation of OBOGS is also discussed. The OBOGS, presented in this paper, meets all the performance requirements as specified in MIL-C-85521 (AS).

Effect of Critical Thinking on Cognitive Enhancement

Cognitive abilities refer to brain based skills that are required to carry out any task ranging from the simplest to the most complex. Since these skills play a significant role in our day to day activities, efforts are being made by researchers for their further enhancement. The objective of the present study was to investigate if these abilities can be enhanced through a training module on critical thinking. Critical thinking involves something more than cognitive skills. Critical thinking is not static but a constantly evolving process and even more crucial in a military environment. This study consists of certain activities which are designed in such a manner that the solution of it can be generated through critical thinking. These activities were administered on 36 participants (20 male, 16 female). Each Participant’s baseline cognitive performance was assessed after which training was given to them in the form of different critical thinking activities followed by post assessment of cognitive abilities. Paired sample t - test was used which showed that There was a significant difference in the cognitive performance post critical thinking activities

Variation in Antioxidant Activity and Antioxidant Constituents of Ocimum basilicum Linn with the Maturity of Plant Grown in Open Field and Inside Polyhouse Conditions

The variation in antioxidant activity and antioxidant constituents of different plant growth stages i.e. in every 15 day’s interval till maturity of plant of Ocimum basilicum Linn. grown in an open field and inside polyhouse conditions was studied. The correlation between antioxidant constituents and antioxidant activities was also studied. The result revealed that the 90 days old plant grown in an open field condition exhibited maximum antioxidant activity with the lowest IC50/EC50 value by ABTS (0.064 mg/ml), DPPH (0.090 mg/ml), and FRAP (0.099 mg/ml) followed by 75 days and 60 days old plants, similar pattern was also observed in their antioxidant constituents. Similarly, the 90 days old plant grown inside polyhouse condition showed maximum antioxidant activity with antioxidant constituents followed by other plant growth stages in descending order. The chlorophyll content was found maximum in 15 days old plant(0.926 mg/100g) grown in an open field condition, whereas the maximum chlorophyll content (1.470 mg/100g) exhibited by 90 days old plant grown inside polyhouse condition. The correlation analysis revealed that the antioxidant constituents exhibited a significant negative correlation with the IC50/EC50 value and the IC50 value of ABTS assay had a significantly positive correlation with the IC50 and EC50 value of DPPH and FRAP assay, respectively. Hence, the study revealed that the leaves extract of plant grown in open field conditions possesses a significantly higher antioxidant activity and antioxidant constituents than the plant grown inside polyhouse condition

Macro micronutrients and Antioxidant Potentials of Plants and Fungal based Food from Tawang Area Arunachal Pradesh India

Certain variety of plants such as vegetables, spices and seaweed are abundantly being grown in high altitude cold desert region of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Therefore, five different vegetables, spices and seaweed were taken from that particular cold region viz., finger millet, nori seaweed, pepper corn, bean and mushroom have been selected based on the higher consumption of people of Northeast (NE) India for the proximate analysis, mineral, antioxidant and vitamin contents. So far, there is no nutritional composition studies have been carried out with available vegetables, spices and seaweeds growing in NE. For this reason, this study was undertaken to determine the macro and micro nutrients and antioxidant potential of these plant foods. Different analyzed varieties were significantly different for proximate composition and mineral content, and each variety showed significant differences. Common bean showed higher percentage of protein with 35.09% and fat percentage of the finger millet is higher (9.2%) as compared to other varieties from other regions (1-1.5%). Higher crude fibre was assessed in mushroom with 47.77% followed with pepper corn (38.42%), bean with 30.987%, and finger millet (5.14%).Calcium was higher in finger millet with 225 mg per 100g whereas iron content was higher in mushroom with 652 mg followed with beans (543 mg), pepper corn (408 mg per 100g). Higher amount of polyphenols observed in finger millet with 8.716 µg (GAE)/mg and highest total flavonoids in pepper corn with 48.196 µg (RU)/ml. Likewise, highest FRAP in finger millet noticed with 72.0 µg of FeSO4 equivalent /mg and reducing power (ascorbic acid equivalent /mg) in mushroom (244.0) and pepper corn (242.0). All samples had higher metal chelating activity between 86.657- 83.383 IC50 µg. Similarly, higher amount of vit B6 was noted in pepper corn with 197.0 mg while lowest in seaweed with 1.76 mg/100gm. &nbsp

Biochemical and Health Properties of Truffles

Truffles are the most expensive edible mushrooms refer to genus tuber which grows symbiotically in plant roots such as oaks and hazels. Truffles are underground mushrooms also known for their characteristic earthy flavor which is the major reason for their special place in the culinary. Their characteristic intense aroma helps them in reproduction by attracting small animals. Truffles can survive in a wide range of environments such as deep forests as well as deserts. The most expensive varieties of truffles include Tuber melanosporum (Black truffle), Tuber magnatum (White truffle), Tuber aestivum (Burgundy truffle), Tirmania nivea, and Terfezia chlaveryi (Dessert truffles). Truffles vary in their composition and flavor profile from species to species. The major volatile components which are responsible for truffle aroma are aldehydes, ketones, sulfur compounds, alcohols, and esters. Truffles are highly nutritious, rich in antioxidants, and have therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial activity, antiviral activity, antimutagenic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, hepatoprotective activity, etc. The major active components present in truffle are tuberoside, phenolics, anandamide, and ergosterol

Gamma Ray Irradiation for Crop Protection Against Salt Stress

Legumes have tremendous dietary value for human nutrition. However, the productivity of food legumes is always compromised owing to their insufficient ability to tolerate abiotic stresses such as drought or water logging, marginal soil, low/high temperatures and salt stress. Stress induces changes at the morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular level which are consequently manifested in terms of reduced seed yield and quality. Salt stress is one of the most important constraints to crop production particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Low dose of ionising radiation like gamma ray is reported to induce growth and several other physiological attributes in non-legume and legume crops. Relationship between seed gamma irradiation and salinity stress response could be related to favourable maintenance of gas exchange attributes (Pn, gs and E), 14C partitioning, activity of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT and POX), membrane stability index (MSI) K+ to Na+ ratio, proline and glycine betaine content. One or more mechanisms may contribute simultaneously towards salt tolerance response of crop plants. The present review critically analyses the effect of gamma ray irradiation on growth and development of legumes under salt stress and evaluates the contribution of various physiological and biochemical mechanisms towards radiation mediated alleviation of salt stress response

Gut Microbiome and COVID 19 Role of Probiotics on Gut Lung Axis

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the greatest worldwide pandemic called Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) disease. The SARS-CoV-2 virus primarily attacks the respiratory tract, but it also disturbs the gastrointestinal system (GIT). The presence of the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor in the intestinal epithelial cells, suggest the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 viruses from lungs to gut through systemic circulation. The virus detected in fecal samples of COVID-19 patients causes several gastrointestinal maladies including vomiting, diarrhea, and pain in abdomen. The gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with alterations in gut microbial composition, an increase in inflammatory cytokines and delayed virus clearance. Several studies demonstrated a decreased abundance of beneficial microbial species and increased opportunistic pathogens in the fecal samples of COVID-19 patients. The gut and lungs, share a bi-directional relationship called the “gut-lung axis” which is modulated by imbalanced gut microbiota. Since the gut microbes are suggested to play a vital role in health and disease by maintaining homeostasis of the immune system, therefore targeting the intestinal dysbiosis with beneficial microbial species, seems plausible to eventually diminish the effects of pulmonary infections and diseases. In this review, we have summarized studies demonstrating the gut-lung axis in association with gut dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients. In addition, the review also highlights the studies showing the potential role of probiotic supplementation in the amelioration of various respiratory infections and diseases. Data demonstrate that the restoration of gut microbial communities by probiotic supplementation can enhance lung capacity to combat respiratory viral infections including SARS-CoV-2