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D. N. Sharma , S. M. Tripathi , A. K. Srivastava

Abstract

This communication presents the first comprehensive account of the pteridophytic flora of the forests of Gorakhpur district and is a result of the authors' several excursions to these forests. These areas being fairly moist exhibit a luxuriant growth and display of ferns whose number, however, is not very large. In all 22 species of ferns and fern allies belonging to 13 families have been classified according to their ecological habitat and enumerated with their important distinguishing characters and precise distribution. Names of species have been accompanied by only relevant synonyms. It is expressed that such a treatment is likely to be of considerable help for future collectors.

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D. N. Sharma , S. M. Tripathi , A. K. Srivastava

Abstract

The south western regions of Nepal adjoining Gorakhpur District have been botanized to study the pteridophytic flora. In all 55 species of ferns and their allies representing 29 genera belonging to 13 families have been collected and enumerated. The species have been classified on the basis of their ecological habitat and their relative prevalence has been recorded on visual estimation. Attempt has been made to bring the nomenclature up to date. The importance of such investigations for future collectors and for cytotaxonomical studies has been stressed.

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A. K. Srivastava , R. Srivastava

Abstract

A severe leaf blight of Mentha piperita Linn. Caused by Alternaria tenuis Auct. is described. Detailed description of the pathogen is given. Pathogenicity test revealed that A. tenuis Auct. Acts as a weak pathogen.

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Shakti Desh ¹, A. K. Srivastava ²

Affiliations
1 Sahara Welfare Foundation Academic Achiever Project, Lucknow, U. P., IN
2 D.A.V. College Kanpur, IN

Abstract

Present study was conducted to study the personality traits of adolescents studying in different pattern of education system. 400 adolescents randomly selected in the age range of 14 16 yrs studying in different classes from each type of urban educational institutions (Public & Convent English Medium, state Government and Govt. aided schools, Hindu Religious School & Pvt. Recognized Schools) were selected from Kanpur, Lucknow and Haridwar for the study . It included both male & female adolescents all the students taken in the sample at the three years of the stay in the institutions. personality inventory by Cattell and Beloff (1963) translated in Hindi by Kapoor and Rao was use for study. Result shows that Out of 14 factors adolescents were found differing significantly on factors i.e. B, C, E, G, J, Q2, Q3, and I. An important point to be noted is that Hindu religious schools were found to be promoting better personality traits among adolescents, in comparison to adolescents belonging to the rest of groups.

Keywords

Child and Adolescents, Personality, Education Effect

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Shakti Desh ¹, A. K. Srivastava ²

Affiliations
1 Sahara Welfare Foundation, Lucknow, U. P., IN
2 D. A. V. College, Kanpur, U. P., IN

Abstract

Present study was conducted to study the mental health of adolescents studying in different pattern of education system. 400 adolescents randomly selected in the age range of 14 - 16 yrs studying in different classes from each type of urban educational institutions (Public and Convent English Medium, state Government and Govt. aided schools, Hindu Religious School&Pvt. Recognized Schools) were selected from Kanpur, Lucknow and Haridwar for the study . it included both male and female adolescents all the students taken in the sample at the three years of the stay in the institutions. Result shows that school environment affect the mental health of adolescents. For the development of better Mental Health Hindu Religious Schools (Group C) provide the best atmosphere and then comes state Government and Govt. aided schools (Group B); Private recognized schools (Group D) have found of too low Mental Health in comparison to the rest type of schools.

Keywords

No Keywords

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D. S. Bhati ¹, B. S. Sidhu ¹, Seema Jasuja ¹, J. R. Verma ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra, SRIGANGANAGAR (RAJASTHAN), IN

Abstract

Abstract not Given.

Keywords

Farmers Friends, Extent of Knowledge, Agriculture Training Programme

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Kuldeep Kumar ¹, Madhu Rani ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, C.C.S. University, Meerut (U.P.), IN

Abstract

The present paper deals with the genotoxicity assessment of five partially tolerant and five non-tolerant accessions of Hordeum vulgare (barley) for the heavy metals arsenic and selenium in combination. The genotype dependent response was studied using ischolar_main meristem cytology. These two heavy metals in combination influenced mitotic division inducing various kinds of anomalies.

Keywords

Hordeum vulgare, As+Se, Genotoxicity.

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R. Pratap ¹, R. C. Gupta ¹, R. Chander ¹, A. K. Khanna ¹, Vinita Singh ¹, N. K. Kapoor ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹, D. Raina ¹, S. Singh ¹, A. Ghatak ¹, O. P. Asthana ¹, S. Nityanand ¹, Sukh Dev ², Nitya Anand ¹

Affiliations
1 Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226 001, IN
2 Ambedkar Research Centre, Delhi University South Campus, New Delhi 110 021, IN

Abstract

The increasing incidence of disorders due to metabolic syndrome, which include hyperlipidemias, diabetes and hypertension, has taken serious dimension world over, including in India, and has become a matter of deep concern. Drugs which can inhibit more than one disorder of this syndrome would add much therapeutic value to its management. 3β -Hydroxy-5,16- pregnadien-20-one (80-574, 2), selected based on the structural lead of the presence of a β -enone pharmacophore in/around ring D of Guggulsterone (1), the main active constituent of the phytopharmaceutical Gugulip developed at CDRI, Lucknow from the Ayurvedic herbal drug Gum Guggul, has been found to exhibit both hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities in the conventional experimental animal models used for studying these activities. In mode of hypolipidemic action studies in high fat diet-fed rats, compound 80-574 was found to enhance lipolysis of serum lipoproteins, enhance the uptake of LDL by hepatocyte membranes, indicating increased catabolism of LDL, and caused increased faecal excretion of bile acids indicating enhanced mobilization of cholesterol from fatty deposits. Compound 80-574 also exhibited antioxidant activity in in vitro and in vivo experimental models, and protected LDL against oxidation, indicating protection against atherogenesis. Compound 80-574 also exhibited moderate inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in liver slices. Treatment with 80-574 also improves glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. With these multiple sites of hypolipidemic action accompanied with its hypoglycemic activity, compound 80-574 appears a promising candidate for the treatment of dyslipidemias and diabetes and thus for management of metabolic syndrome. A synoptic view of the various functional activities exhibited by compound 80-574 is presented in this article.

Keywords

Diabetes, Lipoproteins, Lipid Peroxides, Triglycerides.

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Shakti Desh ¹, A. K. Srivastava ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Child Psychologist Sahara Welfare Foundation, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, IN
2 Department of Psychologist, DAV College Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Abstract

The present study was conducted to study the creativity of adolescents studying in a different pattern of education system. A total of 400 adolescents randomly selected in the age range of 14-16 years studying in different classes from each type of urban educational institutions (Public and Convent English Medium, State Government and Government aided schools, Hindu Religious School and Private Recognized Schools) were selected from Kanpur, Lucknow and Haridwar for the study. It included both male and female adolescents all the students taken in the sample at the three years of the stay in the institutions. As per our finding in the present investigation Hindu religious schools have been found to provide best of atmosphere in their respective systems for development of creativity vice-versa it has been found of very low level in public and convent (Type A) schools, Central and State Government Schools too have not been found very high but they have provided significantly more better atmosphere in comparison to Public Convent English Medium and Private Schools.

Keywords

Adolescents, Creativity and Education Effects, Schools Comparison.

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Vandana Gupta ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹, Madhuri Agrawal ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., IN
2 Department of Psychology Vasant KanyaMahavidhyalaya, Kamachha, Varanasi, U.P., IN

Abstract

Strategic human resource management (SHRM) or the so called high-performance work system (HPWS) have undoubtedly revolutionized the work scenario today, providing the competitive edge, higher productivity and profits to organizations which have adopted this system. But, the question worth investigating is whether the SHRM systems are equally benefiting the employees, or, are the employees being unduly taxed by the high work pressure and work-intensification leading to their job-dissatisfaction and poorer health? A growing research efforts focusing on this problem show controversial results, indicating innovative HRM policies as embodying 'mutual gains' for the employers and employees, or constituting more a vehicle for work-intensification and beneficial outcomes for the organizations alone. The present study is an attempt to the effect of HR policies and practices on employees' well-being in terms of job-satisfaction and physical health. The evidence is mixed. Findings support the both positive and negative effects of HR practices on employees' well-being.

Keywords

SHRM, Job-Satisfaction, and Physical Health of Employees.

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Yukti Gill ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, BHU, Varanasi, IN

Abstract

This research study analyzed the strength of impact of informational justice on employee's job satisfaction vis-a-vis other dimensions of organisational justice i.e. distributive, procedural and interpersonal justice. The sample of this study was 250 Indian software employees. Pearson correlation table revealed that out of the four dimensions of organisational justice, informational justice is most strongly correlated (p=.594) with employee's job satisfaction. Further, hierarchical regression method was employed and the result showed informational justice has largest influence on job satisfaction. This means free flow of information and proper justification for any decision taken matters more to software professionals than the outcomes itself.

Keywords

Organizational Justice, Job Satisfaction, Informational Justice, Distributive Justice, Procedural Justice.

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Sachin D. Ghude ¹, G. S. Bhat ², Thara Prabhakaran ¹, R. K. Jenamani ³, D. M. Chate ¹, P. D. Safai ¹, A. K. Karipot ⁴, M. Konwar ¹, Prakash Pithani ¹, V. Sinha ⁵, P. S. P. Rao ¹, S. A. Dixit ¹, S. Tiwari ¹, K. Todekar ¹, S. Varpe ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹, D. S. Bisht ¹, P. Murugavel ¹, Kaushar Ali ¹, Usha Mina ⁶, M. Dharua ¹, J. Rao ¹, B. Padmakumari ¹, A. Hazra ¹, N. Nigam ³, U. Shende ³, D. M. Lal ¹, B. P. Chandra ⁵, A. K. Mishra ⁵, A. Kumar ⁵, H. Hakkim ⁵, H. Pawar ⁵, P. Acharja ¹, Rachana Kulkarni ¹, C. Subharthi ¹, B. Balaji ¹, M. Varghese ¹, S. Bera ¹, M. Rajeevan ⁷

Affiliations
1 Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pashan, Pune 411 008, IN
2 Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, IN
3 India Meteorological Department, New Delhi 110 003, IN
4 Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411 007, IN
5 Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Mohali 140 306, IN
6 Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi 110 012, IN
7 Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, New Delhi 110 003, IN

Abstract

The objectives of the Winter Fog Experiment (WIFEX) over the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India are to develop better now-casting and forecasting of winter fog on various time- and spatial scales. Maximum fog occurrence over northwest India is about 48 days (visibility <1000 m) per year, and it occurs mostly during the December-February time-period. The physical and chemical characteristics of fog, meteorological factors responsible for its genesis, sustenance, intensity and dissipation are poorly understood. Improved understanding on the above aspects is required to develop reliable forecasting models and observational techniques for accurate prediction of the fog events. Extensive sets of comprehensive ground-based instrumentation were deployed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. Major in situ sensors were deployed to measure surface micro-meteorological conditions, radiation balance, turbulence, thermodynamical structure of the surface layer, fog droplet and aerosol microphysics, aerosol optical properties, and aerosol and fog water chemistry to describe the complete environmental conditions under which fog develops. In addition, Weather Forecasting Model coupled with chemistry is planned for fog prediction at a spatial resolution of 2 km. The present study provides an introductory overview of the winter fog field campaign with its unique instrumentation.

Keywords

Aerosols, Atmospheric Profiles, Forecasting, Winter Fog.

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Richa Aishwarya Jogi ¹, A. K. Srivastava ²

Affiliations
1 Dr. C.V. Raman University, Kargi Road, Kota, Bilaspur, IN
2 Institute of Management, Pt. Rravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, IN

Abstract

The banking sector has been emphasising the focus on Employee Engagement concerns as the competition has emerged with entry of private banks in the industry in terms of services, returns, facilities, working hours, technology etc. during the recent few years. The environmental change has not only been caused a change in the consumer behaviour but also the employee behaviour as well. While Employee Engagement is determined by individual and organisational factors, it determines the work outcomes.

The paper aims at conducting a study on the outcomes of Employee Engagement at the banks of public sector in comparison to private sector. The study is expected to contribute to the human resource policy makers of bank organisations so that the work outcomes of the employees' effort may be enhanced.

Keywords

Employee Engagement, Job Satisfaction, Organisational Commitment, Organisation Citizenship Behaviour, Banking Sector.

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Pratima Singh ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹, Neeraj K. Gangwar ¹, Shyama N. Prabhu ¹, Raghavendra Yadav ¹, Rahul Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandary, Duvasu, Mathura, IN

Abstract

Cadmium is considered to be one of the most toxic substances in the environment due to its wide range of organ toxicity and long elimination half-life. SAMe is recognized as the major methyl-donor for essential methylation reactions that occur in all living organisms. SAMe has been increasingly utilized as a therapeutic agent in liver and neurological disorders recently. The present study has been devised to explore the alleviating effects of SAMe in cadmium induced toxicopathological changes in rats. The rats were divided into four experimental groups: group I formed the control, group II animals were given cadmium chloride @ 200ppm in distilled water, orally, group III animals were given SAMe @ 1 mg/kg body weight, orally and group IV were given both CdCl2 and SAMe. Six rats from each group were humanely sacrificed at 30th, 60th and 90th day. The quantitative data of body weight, absolute organ weight, cadmium content and oxidative stress parameters was analyzed by Duncan's multiple range tests The group II animals showed most of the pathological changes compared to the rest of the group. The magnitude of lesions in various organs was lesser in group IV where SAMe was given. The severity of lesions increased with the advancement of experiment; most severe pathological changes occurring on the 90th day. The level of cadmium residue in liver and kidneys of rats was also found to be increasing with the time in group II and IV; with group IV showing a relatively lesser increase. Similarly the evaluation of oxidative stress parameters reflected the detrimental effect of cadmium in group II and an alleviating effect of SAMe in group IV. Based on the results obtained, SAMe is found to alleviate the toxicopathological effects of cadmium in rats which needs to be further explored.

Keywords

Cadmium, S-Adenosyl Methionine, Rats, Toxicopathology.

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V. K. Verma ¹, Sanjai Chaudhry ¹, Vishram Singh ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹, Mohd. Aslam ¹, Sohanveer Singh ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Agronomy, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.), IN

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2010-11 at Students' Instructional Farm of C.S Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. six crop biomass viz., mustard, field pea, sorghum, maize, rice and wheat straws were incorporated in soil before sowing and their allelopathic potential was compared with weed free and unweeded treatments and analysed on germination and growth of weeds in wheat crop. The crop growth parameters, yield attributes, yield and economics of wheat were also computed. The results obtained shown that mustard straw, sorghum straw and maize straw were more effective to suppress weed germination and growth. The application of mustard straw before sowing registered maximum grain yield of wheat (42.0 q/ha) followed by sorghum straw (41.33 q/ha), maize straw (40.66 q/ha), field pea straw (38.75 q/ha), wheat straw (35.83 q/ha), paddy straw (35.66 q/ha) and minimum grain yield (33.58 q/ha) was noticed in unweeded control treatment. The incorporation of mustard straw, sorghum straw and maize straw registered 25.07 per cent, 23.03 per cent and 21.08 per cent, respectively more grain yield than unweeded control treatment. Allowing weed growth though out crop growth period in unweeded control treatment caused on an average 31.26 per cent reduction in grain yield of wheat i.e. 44.08 q/ha of wheat variety UP 2338 in control in plain zone of Uttar Pradesh.

Keywords

Allelopathic, Crop Biomass, Weeds, Wheat.

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D. S. Bhati ¹, J. R. Verma ¹, Seema Jasuja ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹, B. S. Sidhu ¹

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sriganganagar (Rajasthan), IN

Abstract

Farmers friends work as the village level extension worker under ATMA in each and every district of Rajasthan. They face various problems related to the different aspects agriculture, hence government of Rajasthan decided to train the farmers friends through Krishi Vigyan Kendra of the district. The study was conducted on 1000 farmers friends of Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan. The findings of this study highlighted that there was a significant gain in the knowledge about different aspect of agriculture included in the training programme. The correlation between knowledge of agricultural aspects and socio-personnel characteristics of trainees showed that caste, education, occupation, mass media exposure, contact with extension agent and annual income were positively where as age, type of family and size of holding were negatively correlated.

Keywords

Farmers Friends, Extent of Knowledge, Agriculture Training Programme.

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Neetu Sharma ¹, Amrita Dwivedi ¹, J. D. Pandey ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 QSAR Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, IN

Abstract

Quantitative structure properties relationship (QSPR) study has been performed on the series of benzene and acyl compounds. In the present work we are concerned about the modeling of ultrasonic velocity. For this purpose we have performed regression analysis and several significant models were proposed. The QSPR models suggest that physicochemical parameter such as D, IOR, St show best result towards ultrasonic velocity of benzene derivatives and topological parameters such as ⁰χ, ¹χ, ²χ have been found more prominent for modeling of ultrasonic velocity of acyl derivatives. The predictive ability of QSPR models were cross validated by evaluating of the residual activity, appreciable cross validated R² values (R² _cv) by leave one out (LOO) technique.

Keywords

Ultrasonic Velocity, QSPR, Regression Analysis.

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Priyanka Mishra ¹, A. K. Srivastava ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, IN
2 Department of Psychology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining whether there are differences in health conscious lifestyle between normotensives and hypertensives. From a small community sample of adults from Noida, 20 individuals with normotensives were selected and compared with a sex and age matched group of 20 individuals having hypertension and having clinic Blood Pressure (BP)> or 140/90 mm hg were tested on measures of health conscious lifestyle derived from standardized questionnaire. Results of independent t test revealed significant differences between normotensives and hypertensives and were in line with the hypothesis. The null hypothesis stand rejected and normotensives were found to be significantly higher on health conscious lifestyle comparatively than hypertensives.

Keywords

Health Conscious Lifestyle, Normotension, Hypertension.

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Priyanka Mishra ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Abstract

In this modern era, type A behavior pattern is common now. There is substantial evidence to denote that the type A behavior pattern is correlated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease. Present research has displayed that Type A personality as compared to personality of Type Bs, people demonstrate increased biochemical and cardiovascular responses to stressful situations. Cardiovascular and other responses to stress of subjects considered to be at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) were studied in order to evaluate the link between type A behavior pattern, stress and cardiac diseases. In this study we examine the relations among type A behavior pattern, stress and cardiac diseases.

Keywords

Type A Behavior Pattern, Stress, Cardiac Diseases.

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R. N. Shukla ¹, M. Ali Khan ², A. K. Srivastava ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Process Engineering, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Allahabad (U.P.), IN
2 Department of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (U.P.), IN

Abstract

In this study, osmotic dehydration of banana was carried out on the basis of the mass transfer kinetics. During osmotic dehydration of banana, three concentration levels (40, 50 and 60%) of osmotic agents such as sucrose, fructose and maltodextrin were used at three different levels of osmotic solution temperature (40, 50 and 60°C). The samples to solution ratio were taken at three levels i.e., 1:4, 1:5 and 1:6 for all the experiments. Full factorial design was employed to determine the number of experiments for osmotic dehydration of banana. Osmotic solutions were prepared by dissolving different levels of sucrose, fructose and maltodextrin in distilled water (w/w). A magnetic stirrer was used to dissolve the content. Fresh osmotic solution was prepared for every run. The surface moisture was removed by using blotting paper. Osmotic dehydration was carried out from 10 to 240 min with varying time intervals to investigate the osmotic kinetics at each experimental condition. All the experiments were replicated thrice. The initial moisture content of banana samples and moisture content of osmosed samples (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240 min) were determined by hot air oven method. The moisture loss and solid gain were computed on the basis of mass balance. The effect of osmotic agents, concentration of osmotic solution, temperature of osmosis, sample to solution ratio and osmotic time on moisture loss and solid gain during osmotic dehydration of banana were studied. Determination of the moisture and solid change in banana samples during osmotic dehydration under different treatments is a function of drying time. In each case, the best fit was selected and the kinetic rate constant and other statistical parameters at each process were determined. The moisture loss and solid gain increased with increasing the sucrose solution concentration at constant sample to solution ratio and temperature of solution. The moisture loss was found to be higher for samples osmosed in maltodextin compared to those osmosed in sucrose and lower than the sample osmosed in fructose at the same concentration, temperature of solution and sample to solution ratio. The solid gain was higher for samples osmosed in fructose compared to those osmosed in maltodextrin and sucrose at the same concentration and temperature of solution with the same sample to solution ratio, because solid uptake is inversely correlated with the molecular size of the osmotic agents. Zero-order and first-order kinetic models were used for the mass transfer kinetics during osmotic dehydration of banana samples in sucrose, fructose and maltodextrin solution. The mass transfer kinetic studies reveal that the data for moisture loss and solid gain were accurately fitted by zero-order kinetic model compared to a first-order kinetic model with high values for the corresponding co-efficients of determination (R²) and low value of ischolar_main mean square error (RSME).

Keywords

Banana, Osmotic Dehydration, Osmotic Agent.

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Priyanka Mishra ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Abstract

In this current scenario, the two major behaviors as- impatience and hostility are expanding day by day. There is substantial evidence to denote that the impatience and hostility both are associated with an elevated risk of hypertension. Some psychological factors are here which affects the likelihood of experiencing interpersonal interactions with negative emotional valence, and the intensity of this response is correlated with increased systolic/diastolic blood pressure response during interaction. Impatience and hostility, the two main subcomponents of Type A personality, were studied in order to evaluate the link between impatience, hostility and hypertension disease. In this study we examine the relations among impatience, hostility and hypertension disease.

Keywords

Hypertension, Impatience, Hostility, Heart Disease.

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A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 BIRD, Lucknow, IN

Abstract

This paper provides insights into the role played by Business Correspondents and Business Facilitators in extending banking facilities to villages located at a distance from bank branches. The identification of a member of a Self-Help Group (SHG) from the village to work as the Business Correspondent Agent (BCA) of the bank helps in securing confidence of the most disadvantaged sections of the society. The paper provides details of activities undertaken by the BCA for ensuring extension of various banking facilities up to the doorstep of villagers. The support provided by the technology service provider (TSP) for confidence-building of the BCA and ensuring uninterrupted services have also been highlighted. The paper also brings out the bank’s commitment to this model by entrusting various tasks to the BCA. This helps to improve their viability and also to comply with various systems and procedures for availing their continuous service. Overall, SHG members as BCAs have proven to be a successful model for extension of banking facilities in the study area. However, continuous efforts are required from the TSP and the bank to ensure viability and success of this model.

Keywords

Business Correspondent, Banking, Business Facilitator, Self-Help Group.

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Kusum . ¹, R. Rania ¹, P. K. Verma ¹, N. K. Pankaj ¹, V. Kant ¹, J. Kumar ², A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Divisions of Pharmacology and Toxicology, SKUAST, R.S. Pura, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, IN
2 Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST, R.S. Pura, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, IN

Abstract

Molybdenum toxicity produces a state of secondary hypocuprosis, resulting into alterations in normal hematological profile. In the present study, ammonium molybdate alone and with copper sulfate (II) pentahydrate (ameliorative agent) was administered orally for 30 consecutive days in healthy goats of group 1 and 2, respectively, to access the effect on the hematological profile on different predetermined days of dosing. Administration of ammonium molybdate alone produced significant decline in the mean values of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), total erythrocyte count (TEC), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), with a significant increase in neutrophil level and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). However, values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and differential leukocyte count were not significantly altered. On comparing observations of ameliorative group with the group 1 goats, it is concluded that the ameliorative copper salt has beneficial effects in alleviating the alterations in the values of Hb, PCV, TLC, TEC, MCV, MCHC, and neutrophils.

Keywords

Ammonium molybdate, copper sulfate, goats, hematological profile

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Priyanka Mishra ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, Bundelkhand University, Ihansi, Uttar Pradesh, IN

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining whether there are differences in lifestyle between normotensives and hypertensives. From a small community sample of adults from Noida, 20 individuals with normotensives were selected and compared with a sex and age matched group of 20 individuals having hypertension and having clinic Blood Pressure (BP)> or 140/90 mm hg were tested on measures of lifestyle derived from standardized questionnaire. Results of independent t test revealed significant differences between normotensives and hypertensives and were in line with the hypothesis. The null hypothesis stand rejected and normotensives were found to be significantly higher on lifestyle comparatively than hypertensives.

Keywords

Lifestyle, Normotension, Hypertension.

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N. Chattopadhyay ¹, A. K. Sahai ¹, P. Guhathakurta ¹, S. Dutta ¹, A. K. Srivastava ¹, S. D. Attri ², R. Balasubramanian ¹, K. Malathi ¹, Swati Chandras ¹

Affiliations
1 India Meteorological Department, Shivajinagar, Pune 411 005, IN
2 India Meteorological Department, New Delhi 110 003, IN

Abstract

The classification of agroclimatic zones in India was made in the 1990s for identifying priorities and developing strategies for location-specific and need-based research as well as overall agricultural development in the country. Long-term climatic parameters, particularly temperature and rainfall along with soil and crop information were used for the classification of agroclimatic zones. It has been documented with a fair degree of accuracy that overall climate is changing, particularly with respect to temperature over the Indian region. Thus it is anticipated that in the recent past, climate change may be reflected in the agroclimatic zones as well and ultimately affect the criteria of their classification based on climatic parameters. The objective of the present study is to examine the trends and spatial/temporal variability of temperature, rainfall, rainy days, and heavy rainfall in different agroclimatic zones of the country, which may help in better understanding of the further initiatives on reclassification of agroclimatic zones, if required. Using various long-term gridded data from 1985 and instrumental datasets starting from 1951 to 1980, studies have been made to observe changes in different components of the climatic variables, i.e. temperature and rainfall. It has been observed that there are significant changes in temperature and rainfall, both temporally and spatially, across India and there is a definite shift in temperature and rainfall patterns in the recent past compared to 1951–1980. It has also been inferred that there is a need to reconsider the classification of agroclimatic zones in India under the scenario of observed climate changes in the country.

Keywords

Agroclimatic Zones, Classification, Climatic Parameters, Climate Change.

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A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 NABARD, IN

Abstract

The country has adopted a bank-led model for financial inclusion. A lot of initiatives undertaken by Government of India, Reserve Bank of India and banks could not yield desired result as they were addressing supply-side issues. The financial literacy was considered essential to generate demand for financial products and services. The task of imparting financial literacy to the masses was institutionalised and banks were advised to set up Financial Literacy Centres (FLCs) for this purpose. These FLCs have helped to improve financial inclusion of people, particularly in rural areas and among disadvantaged sections of society. However, these FLCs are facing several constraints and require support to improve their effectiveness. This article examines various issues affecting these FLCs and suggests measures to improve their functioning.

Keywords

Financial Literacy Centres, FL Counsellors, Lead Bank, Financial Inclusion.

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A. K. Srivastava ¹

Affiliations
1 Former General Manager, NABARD, IN

Abstract

The pace of economic development in our country is largely dependent on inclusiveness of rural areas in this process. Rural financial institutions (RFIs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs) have become an integral part of the financial landscape, and can play an important role in this regard. Technology occupies a crucial position in the process of development in modern times. The RFIs/MFIs are also required to leverage the technology to remain relevant, competitive and financially viable. This has necessitated the use of available technology to increase their outreach and expand their business. However, the socio-economic features of their clients are quite different from those in urban areas. This requires these institutions to employ suitable strategies so as to ensure adoption of technology by their clients. This paper discusses various determinants like impact of government policies and infrastructure developments, which could potentially influence these institutions and aid the diffusion of technology. The strategies adopted by these institutions for expansion of technology and the use of payment system have also been discussed in the paper. It also provides some suggestions for adoption of technology by these institutions in the days ahead.

Keywords

RFI, MFI, Technology, Aadhaar, Strategy, Awareness, Payment System

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