Impact assessment of climate change on groundnut yield of middle Gujarat region

The impact of projected climate change on groundnut (cv. Robut 33-1 and GG-2) yield have been studied for Anand station of middle Gujarat Agro-climatic region using PRECIS output of A2 scenario and base line data. Yield simulation study was performed by PNUTGRO (DSSAT v4.5) model. The field experiment data on groundnut cv. Robut 33-1 and GG-2 during the years 2008 to 2011 have been used to calibrate and validate the model. The weather condition as projected by A2 scenario (2070-2100) showed that there will be 13.7% higher rainfall as compared to base line (1961-90). The mean maximum and minimum temperature will be higher to the tune of 3.6 and 5.1 °C as compared to their base temperature of 19.1 and 29.8 °C respectively. Nearly 21 and 31% pod yield reduction was noted in Robut 33-1 and GG-2 as compared to their base yield during projected period. Highest yield reduction was recorded in late sowing (15th July) and cv. GG-2 and lowest yield reduction was noted in timely sowing (D1) and cv. Robut 33-1. Under projected period. 7.0 to 16.0% yield benefited by adaptation strategies, viz, fifteen days earlier shifting of sowing with one pre sowing irrigation and Application of organic manure instead of chemical fertilizer.

Seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in three selected south-eastern states of Nigeria

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is a trans-boundary animal disease caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides. This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in three selected south eastern states (Anambra, Enugu and Imo) of Nigeria using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). A total of 438 bovine sera samples were collected randomly for four months (December 2019 to March 2020) and screened for antibodies to Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) using IDEXX CBPP antibody ELISA kit (CIRAD, France). Results showed an overall prevalence of 59.4% for the three states screened. Antibodies to Mmm were detected in all the three states. Enugu state had the highest prevalence (64.3%) followed by Imo state (63%) and Anambra state (50.7%). Female animals had higher prevalence of CBPP than male. However, it was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). This study confirms the presence of CBPP in south eastern Nigeria, and could be used as a base line data for future studies in this region. It is recommended that active surveillance and vaccination protocol should be undertaken in the region for the control and prevention of this disease. Keywords: c-ELISA, Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, Mycoplasma , Nigeria, Seroprevalence

Tracking of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in Students of a Private Medical College at Visakhapatnam (AP)

BACKGROUND Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have evolved into a pandemic world-wide including India because of burgeoning population and adoption of unhealthy lifestyles often aping the west. Early identification of increasing trends in the rise of risk factors (RFs) of NCDs in all populations is of utmost importance. The present study aims to track the trends of certain RFs of NCDs in medical students. METHODS All the 141 students who had completed 3 years of medical college were included. 8 of them who were absent during study period were excluded. Base line data concerning the medical students was taken in the month of December 2016. Their anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist circumference, waist-hipratio, and blood pressure were noted as per standard guidelines. The changes in the trends of hypertension, general obesity, and central obesity were analysed. RESULTS Out of the total 141 study subjects 93 (66 %) were female 48 (34 %) were male medical students. The mean age of students was 20.94 years with SD of 0.80. 64 (45.4 %), 62 (44 %) and 13 (9.2 %) students were aware of positive family history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity respectively. None of them were in the habit of smoking, drinking alcohol or tried narcotics. Undernourished students reduced from 28 (19.9 %) to 16 (11.3 %). Physical exercise among students increased significantly. General obesity (BMI ≥ 25 Kg / mt2 ), central / abdominal obesity represented by waist circumstance and blood pressure were observed to have increased significantly. The combined obesity in the present study was 15.6 %. CONCLUSIONS Tracking of weight gain, blood pressure, physical activity in medical students was done after three years from the base line data collected in 2016. It was observed that certain risk factors of NCDs like obesity, hypertension, waist circumference, showed significant upward trends. Medical students should undergo periodic health check–ups (screening) to identify the emergence of RFs of NCDs in their nascent stage and transform themselves as role models in the community by maintaining and advocating healthy lifestyles. KEYWORDS Tracking, Risk Factors, NCDs, Medical Students

Butterfly Diversity on a Southeast Florida Military Base Located within an Urban Matrix

South Florida is a renowned ‘hotspot’ for rare and endemic taxa, with insects and plants found in few other ecosystems. Specialized species evolved in Florida’s stochastic climate, adapting to seasonal drought and flooding, hurricanes and high-wind tropical storms. As human population growth and development increased, and natural ecosystems disappeared, or became increasingly degraded, at-risk taxa now face additional threats, such as urban pesticide use and fragmented remnant habitats. The ability of species to adapt to these changing ecological factors is one of the dynamics that either impacts their fitness to greater survival or drives extirpation or extinction. Butterflies are native indicator species that can be used to document environmental conditions affecting many other taxa. Butterfly surveys were conducted over 16 months on an active military air reserve base located within a mosaic of densely populated urban, commercial, industrial, residential, and agricultural matrices in Homestead, southeast Florida. Butterfly species richness, abundance and diversity were documented, providing valuable base-line data for on-going butterfly monitoring, and the importance of this site’s relatively healthy remnant ecosystems was evidenced by the supporting host plants for 20 migratory butterflies in 40 species. In addition, the air reserve base acts as refugia for many rare, endangered, and threatened federal and state-listed plants as well.

Morphometric Study of upper end of Tibia : a study done at SKIMS medical college Srinagar

Introduction: Upper end of tibia is an important component of knee joint. The aim of present study is to analyse different morphometric parameters of condylar and intercondylar surface of tibia, so as to formulate a baseline data for future studies with relevance to Indian population and to compare the current data with previous literature. Morphometric study of upper end of tibia can be used to guide treatment and monitor outcome of total knee replacement surgeries. Material and Method: 30 dried human adult tibia were obtained from Dept. of anatomy SKIMS Medical College bemina Srinagar. Morphometric measurements of medial condyle, lateral condyle and intercondylar area of tibiae were measured with Vernier caliper. Result: Anteroposterior measurements were found to be greater than transverse measurements for both medial and lateral condyles. Furthermore, both anteroposterior and transverse measurements were greater in medial condyle than in lateral condyle.Racial differences were observed. Conclusion: The present study is to provide a base line data pertaining to morphometric details of upper end of tibia in Indian population, which aims to provide help for anatomists, anthropologists, and orthopedics, in knee arthroplasty procedures, and meniscal transplantation

Frequency of different groove patterns seen on the occlusal surface of mandibular second premolars

Background: The Mandibular second premolar has commonly three different type traits depending on the occlusal groove patterns. In addition to that they are also recognized on the basis of number of cusps. The objectives of the study were to determine the frequency of different occlusal groove patterns of mandibular second premolars and to acquire base line data for future studies in this population and field of research.Material and Methods: This study was conducted in Islamabad Dental Hospital (IDH), from September 2017 to December 2017. A total of 600 patients (1200 teeth) with fully erupted mandibular second premolars of normal occlusal morphology, in age group of 15 years and above were screened in the Out Patient Department (OPD). Groove patterns on occlusal surfaces and their anatomical variations on both sides i.e. right and left, were observed and noted in a proforma. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.Results: Three different patterns of occlusal grooves (Y, U and H) were found in our study population. Y groove pattern was observed in 364 teeth (30.33%), U pattern in 447 teeth (37.25%) and H pattern was noted in 389 (32.41%) teeth. Among males, U pattern was predominant (43.84%) followed by H and then Y pattern. In females, H pattern grooves was found mostly (34.41%), followed by Y and U pattern.Conclusion: The most frequent occlusal groove pattern observed in our population was U followed by H and Y type.

Bird diversity of the wetland area in Suwi river, Muara Ancalong, Kutai Timur, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia

The aim of the study was to determine the bird diversity in an essential ecological area, Suwi river, Muara Ancalong, Kutai Timur, Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia. The observation was performed at 5 locations using direct observation at two different times, 06.00-09.00 AM and 15.00-18.00 PM (Indonesia Central Standard Time-eight hours ahead or UTC+8 of GMT) from April 2017 to March 2018. The results stated that 63 species from 28 family were found with diversity index was 3.56. Fifteen birds species have a protected status according to PP no. 7 tahun 1999 (Government regulation document number 7 year 1999) about the preservation of plants and animals, while six species are in appendix two and one species is included in appendix one of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered (CITES). Appendix one includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. Meanwhile, appendix two includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. In addition, four species were of vulnerable status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This study provides information regarding the biodiversity of birds in an essential ecological area and contributes useful base line data for conservation activities.