The effect of flood on seasonal dynamics of Haemaphysalis (Acari: Ixodidae) tick vectors in Western Ghats forest area of Kerala, South India

Aim: Climate and weather conditions play a crucial role in the dynamics and distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases. In this study, we explored the influence of a heavy rainfall (flood) occurrence on the seasonal activity and density of host-seeking Haemaphysalis tick vectors in Wayanad district, Kerala, India. Methodology: Wayanad district in Kerala state was selected as the study area. Ticks were collected from December 2017 to May 2019, monthly for five consecutive days by dragging method. Tick density was analyzed with climate data obtained from the meteorological station. Results: The total number of ticks collected post-flood decreased to 59% in Kurichiyad (site 1) and 63% in Muthanga (site 2), and the seasonal nymphal peak density was shifted. A seasonal peak of tick activity was normally observed from December to February. This peak occurrence was missing after flood in the study areas created with waterlogging and vegetation overgrowth. Interpretation: The present study revealed the effect of flood events in the study sites with significant differences in the abundance of five Haemaphysalis tick species during pre and post-flood periods and forest and wildlife habitats. This difference in the changing climatic conditions and increasing annual flood seasons in the Western Ghats may shift this region's ticks questing activity and tick-borne disease ecology.

1 to 10 days extreme rainfall studies for Kerala state

The daily rainfall data for 80 years from 98 stations in Kerala region have been analysed to arrive at the Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) estimates for rainfall durations or 1 to 10 days. Hershfield's statistical technique has been adopted for the estimation of PMP from annual maximum data. The study will be useful in the estimation of extreme precipitation for computation of design floods, required for design of spillways of dams and other major hydraulic structures in the Kerala state.

Information Sourcing and Managing Behavior of Dairy Entrepreneurs of Kerala

The study was conducted in Kerala state to comprehend the information sourcing and managing behavior of dairy entrepreneurs; by examining the frequency of contact with the information sources, available sources of training, ICT utilization, market orientation and scientific orientation. The data was collected by survey using a structured schedule and the results were exhibited in tables. The overall frequency of contact was found to be medium for majority of the dairy entrepreneurs; the results exhibiting a similar trend also in market orientation. The preferred training centers by most of the entrepreneurs were dairy cooperatives due to their proximity and flexibility. The modern day information tools like android mobiles and television were the preferred ICT sources. Scientific orientation was higher for majority of the dairy entrepreneurs signifying an encouraging impact of the information management. The multiple linear regression model showed that while experience was negatively correlated; annual income, overall frequency of contact and market orientation were positively correlated and significant with scientific orientation. Among the three geographic regions, highland entrepreneurs had high scientific orientation. Nevertheless, overall results suggest the need for extension support and training interventions to improve the information sourcing and managing behavior of dairy entrepreneurs of the state.

Diversity and distribution of macro lichens from Kalpetta Municipality of Wayanad District, Kerala, India

Macro lichens of Kalpetta Municipality of Wayanad District of Kerala state were studied. The study revealed about 21 macro lichen species. All the species identified are either foliose or fruticose forms belonging to families Coccocarpiaceae, Caliciaceae, Physciaceae, Parmeliaceae, Collemataceae, Lobariaceae, and Ramalinaceae indicating the dominance of these groups in the study area.

Two additions to the flora of Kerala, India

Acilepis pothigaiana (Asteraceae) and Psychotria henryana (Rubiaceae), are recently described taxa which are endemic to Tamil Nadu state. The present paper reports two distribution records for Kerala state. A short description along with nomenclature, distribution, image, and phenology is provided for further research.

Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala state, India amidst of COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundWe report here a Nipah virus (NiV) outbreak in Kozhikode district of Kerala state, India which had caused fatal encephalitis in an adolescent male and the outbreak response which led to the successful containment of the disease and the related investigations.MethodsQuantitative real-time RT-PCR, ELISA based antibody detection and whole genome sequencing were performed to confirm the Nipah virus infection. Contacts of the index case were traced and isolated based on risk categorization. Bats from the areas near the epicenter of the outbreak were sampled for throat swabs, rectal swabs and blood samples for Nipah virus screening by real time RT-PCR and anti-Nipah virus bat IgG ELISA. Plaque reduction neutralization test was performed for the detection of neutralizing antibodies.ResultsNipah viral RNA and anti-NiV IgG antibodies were detected in the serum of the index case. Rapid establishment of an onsite NiV diagnostic facility and contact tracing helped in quick containment of the outbreak. NiV sequences retrieved from the clinical specimen of the index case formed a sub-cluster with the earlier reported Nipah I genotype sequences from India with more than 95% similarity. Anti-NiV IgG positivity could be detected in 21% of Pteropus medius and 37.73% of Rousettus leschenaultia. Neutralizing antibodies against NiV could be detected in P.medius.ConclusionsStringent surveillance and awareness campaigns needs to be implemented in the area to reduce human-bat interactions and minimize spill over events which can lead to sporadic outbreaks of NiV.

Kerala´s Ancient Mizhavu Drum: Transformations and Sustainability

The Kerala state in India offers a huge assemblage of various percussion eccentricities. Each percussion instrument sustains and preserves its own attributes: some drums accompany visual arts, others create a vibrant world of percussion music, and a few maintain both attributes. Almost all instruments are related to ceremonial pursuance and worship customs. Mizhavu is a single-headed drum from Kerala that employs these kinds of ceremonial pursuance. The purpose of the instrument, which had also been used in temples in Tamil Nadu, is to accompany the Kūṭiyāṭṭam and Kuttu performances in the great temples (mahakshetras) for the pleasure of God’s souls and the invocation of their powers. Kūṭiyāṭṭam and Kuttu – Kerala’s Sanskrit drama performing art forms – have been recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage due to 2000 years of tradition. As ‘visual sacrifice’ staging scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, they combine dance with theatre performance, Sanskrit verses (slokas), and percussive music in a ritualistic context. The main supporting percussion instrument (mizhavu) serves as deva vādyam – an instrument for the deities. Its classification as a one-headed drum covered with skin (avanaddha vadya of the dardura type) goes back to the Natya Shastra of Bharatamuni – some 2000 years ago. Definitions as kettledrum (bhanda vadya) trace it back to Kautilya’s Arthasastra. The Buddhist Pali Tripitaka refers to pot drums (kumba toonak). Tamil epics mention a muzha or kuta muzha drum. Publications in recent decades nearly mention that drum. Production methods, forms, and material of the drum have changed over the ages. Attached to the artistic heritage of a certain Brahmin caste – the Nampyar – the drum has spent a long period in the environment of temple theatres. Since 1966, it has been taught to pupils of all castes at the Kerala Kalamandalam, Thrissur District. P.K.K. Nambiar worked as the first mizhavu teacher in the later added Kūṭiyāṭṭam department. He was followed by his pupil K. Eswaranunni, the first mizhavu guru from another caste, fighting for acceptance among members of Chakyar and Nampyar families. As a passionate master with numerous awards and performance experience all over the world, K. Eswaranunni has trained most of the contemporary mizhavu percussionists, who are still performing all over India as well as abroad. This paper gives an overview of the instrument and shows how the mizhavu is described by both gurus in their books written in Malayalam and by both authors including their personal relations to the drum.

TOURISM-RELATED URBAN REGENERATION OF HISTORIC CITIES: A REGENERATION STRATEGIES FOR KOCHI, KERALA

The process of reinducing life into decaying assets and developing future potential with the growing tourism of a historic city is known as tourism-related urban regeneration. The assets and potential for such heritage cities consist of built heritage, traditional industries, or cultural resources. The research is based on a study of a historic city in southern India called Kochi in Kerala state, which is famous for its built heritage, cultural evolution, and traditional economic industries. It is globally known for its historical spice trade. However, at present these assets are degenerating due to their low interest in public participation in conservation and regeneration. From the 12th to 17th century, the city Kochi (Cochin-Travancore) achieved global prosperity because of its sea-trade route, linkages with major continents, political patronage, and its existing natural resources. After independence, the city growth gets affected by inadequate development policies and low participation. With the passage of time, the city retained the built heritage and multi-shaded culture with its historical settlement patterns. The city today has shown a strong potential for tourism as there are plenty of heritage buildings, heritage settlements, and the traditional culture of the region. The city’s socio-economy is dominated by traditional industries of skilled craftsmanship and service providers. But at present, this traditional economic potential and cultural heritage of the city are struggling to grow with maximum potential due to the high rate of urbanization and participation failure. Therefore, the research looks into the city’s assets and its economic turbulence that could be a potential for the tourism-related urban regeneration of the region.

Coffee yield forecasting using climate indices based agrometeorological model in Kerala

Climate plays important role in production of coffee. Adequate quantum and timely receipt of blossom rainfall for flowering and subsequent backing showers influence the berry set and yield of coffee. Harvesting of Arabica coffee in Kerala State with humid tropical climate in India is done by December-January and harvesting of Robusta coffee is taken up during January-February. In this paper, attempt was made to develop agrometeorological models to forecast the yield of these two varieties coffee by utilising monthly climate variables from January to December. Long term data from 1991-92 to 2012-13 on coffee yield and weather data from 1991-2012 recorded at Regional Coffee Research Station, Chundale located in Wayanad district of Kerala State was used to develop agrometeorological model. Statistical regression model between climate indices and yield of Arabica and Robusta coffee was developed and the model was validated using crop and climate data for 2013 and 2014. The model demonstrated that climate indices based agrometeological model is able to forecast the yield of coffee in Kerala.