Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Effect of storage period on internal and external parameters of Deshi Chicken fowl
Get PDFThe fresh eggs were collected and evaluated to effect of storage periods on internal and external characteristics in local chicken eggs. The mean value of the egg weight, egg width, shape index, albumin height, albumen weight, albumen percentage, albumin index, yolk height, yolk weight, yolk percentage, yolk index, shell thickness, shell weight, shell %, albumin pH, albumin protein and Haugh Unit are 58.60±0.84 g, 4.08±0.02 cm, 76.39±1.02, 5.40±0.16 mm, 33.67±0.37g, 58.07±0.55%, 6.76±0.49, 18.20±0.29 mm, 18.33±0.43 g, 44.27±0.91%, 44.27±0.91%, 0.29±0.02, 6.06±0.22, 10.39±0.25, 7.82±0.02, 11.77±0.07 and 72.63±1.34 in local chicken eggs. The data from current study indicates that with increase in storage period, a significant (P<0.01) decline was observed in various parameters like percentage weight loss, albumen height, yolk height, egg width, albumen index, yolk index, Haugh unit, albumen %, albumen weight, shell thickness and albumen protein. Contrary to this, albumen pH (P<0.01) was found to escalate with increase in storage period. Egg length, shell %and yolk % have significantly differed at (P<0.01) level. Shape index and shell weight showed no significant differences
Determination of the Order of a Markov Chain for Daily Rainfall Data of North East India: "Application AIC criterion"
Get PDFThe paper aims at demonstrating the application of the Akaike information criterion to determine the order of two state Markov chain for studying the pattern of occurrence of wet and dry days during the rainy season (April to September) in North-East India. For each station, each day is classified as dry day if the amount of rainfall is less than 3 mm and wet day if the amount of rainfall is greater than or equal to 3 mm. We apply Markov chain of order up to three to the sequences of wet and dry days observed at seven distantly located stations in North East region of India. The Markov chain model of appropriate order for analyzing wet and dry days is determined. This is done using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) by checking the minimum of AIC estimate. Markov chain of order one is found to be superior to the majority of the stations in comparison to the other order Markov chains. More precisely, first order Markov chain model is an adequate model for the stations North Bank, Tocklai, Silcoorie, Mohanbari and Guwahati. Further, it is observed that second order and third order Markov chains are competing with first order in the stations Cherrapunji and Imphal, respectively. A fore-knowledge of rainfall pattern is of immense help not only to farmers, but also to the authorities concerned with planning of irrigation schemes. The outcomes are useful for taking decisions well in advance for transplanting of rice as well as for other input management and farm activities during different stages of the crop growing season
Anemia among school-going children in the perspective of socio-economic disparity in Punjab, India
Get PDFA survey was conducted to assess socio-economic disparity in the prevalence of anemia among schoolchildren (11-17 years) in few regions of Punjab. Two hundred and ten children from government schools of Punjab were selected and their blood hemoglobin levels were estimated; clinical examination was done for various signs/ symptoms of anemia; and dietary iron intake was analysed and compared with the recommended dietary allowances of ICMR (2010). Analysis of variance followed by Tukey\u27s post-hoc test was applied to assess socio-economic disparity in the prevalence of anemia. Overall, 97% of the children were anemic, out of which 80 vs. 17% were moderately and mildly anemic, respectively. Statistically, no significant difference was found in the mean hemoglobin level of the subjects with respect to family income, parent’s education and religion, whereas, substantial disparity was noted with respect to caste. Scheduled caste subjects had the highest prevalence rate than general category and Backward Class and Other Backward Class subjects. Dietary iron intake of the children was grossly inadequate, ranging from 35 to 41% of the ICMR (2010) recommendations. Therefore, it can be established that anemia prevalence depends more on food habits and dietary behaviour of the children than on socio-economic factors. Dietary diversification should be canvassed at the root level, as anemia is likely the result of predominantly starch-based monotonous poor quality diets with minimal amounts of meat, vegetables and fruits
Impact of insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying on malaria case prevalence in Geita and Nyang’hwale districts of Tanzania
Get PDFMalaria is a protozoan disease and one of the leading causes of illness and deaths in the world. Malaria is predominant in the tropics and subtropics, and it is reported that malaria kills a child every minute. In Tanzania at least 40% of outpatient attendances are attributable to malaria. This study assessed the impact of Insecticidetreated nets (ITNs) + indoor residual spraying (IRS) in Geita district, IRS alone in Nyang’hwale district and compared the two interventions between the two districts of Tanzania. In a retrospective cross-sectional study, district malaria surveillance data for five years (2011- 2015) and two years (2013-2014) were collected and analyzed for Geita and Nyang’hwale districts respectively. A total of 1,387,805 ITNs were distributed and 435,719 households sprayed between 2011 and 2015, however IRS coverage was uneven. There was evidence of malaria prevalence reduction from 53% to 12% in Geita district within the five years of intervention. The ITNs coverage was associated with a reduction in malaria prevalence while IRS was not. In Nyang’hwale district malaria cases increased from 103,788 to 123,337 cases in 2013 and 2014 respectively, and were accompanied by decreased households sprayed from 49,554 to 41,632. Furthermore, only ITNs had a significant effect in the combination. However, even at 100% ITNs coverage, the estimated probability of finding malaria cases would not be zero. Therefore, based on this study, the use of the two interventions that both use pyrethroids in combination has insignificant benefits and should be avoided unless IRS insecticide is not a pyrethroid
Knowledge of computer ergonomics and incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among students of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
Get PDFEach year, thousands of individuals are diagnosed with an illness directly related to poorly designed workstations, and among these are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are the repeated trauma and deterioration of the tissues, joint, tendons, and nerves that affect the muscles and supporting structures of the body, caused by the work nature or by an employee’s working environment (Bernard 1997). The prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD‘s) is increasing among Computer users throughout the world. Approximately 76% of Computer professionals from India reported musculoskeletal discomfort in various epidemiological studies. So, the present study was undertaken to study computer/laptop use pattern and knowledge of related ergonomic practices among students of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, India and to assess the prevalence and magnitude of computer/laptop use related MSDs among students. 120 students pursuing post-graduation were selected randomly from the four different disciplines namely College of Agriculture, College of Agriculture Engineering and Technology, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities and College of Home Science of PAU. Results revealed that majority of the respondents were in the age group of 26-27 years. They were using computer/laptop for 3-4 years, for 3-4 hours daily and they used to sit in bed while working on computer/laptop. Majority of the respondents had some knowledge about the importance of work behavior while using computer/laptop. Most of the total respondents felt pain in the neck (88.32%), lower back (75.00%), mid back (73.33%) and upper back (72.50%) while working on computer/laptop. Overall bodily fatigue or tiredness, shoulder or back pain/stiffness and headache during or after working on the computer were the major symptoms as reported by respondent
Studies on site specific nutrient management (SSNM) on hybrid sunflower seed production in Southern Karnataka
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted at the Main Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Hebbal, Bangalore, to know the effect of Site Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) on growth (plant height (cm), Leaf area (cm2 ), leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter production (g plant1 ) and yield (capitulum diameter (cm), No. of filled seeds, 1000 seed weight (g) and seed yield (kg ha-1 ) of hybrid sunflower seed production. The study indicated that significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (155.4 cm), leaf area (1293.10cm-2 ), leaf area index (0.69) and total dry matter accumulation (88.16 g plant-1 ) were recorded with SSNM for 1.2 tons ha-1 + Farm Yard Manure (FYM) as compared to recommended practice (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer 62.50:75:62.50 kg NPK ha-1 ). The application of fertilizers based on SSNM for a target yield of 1.2 t ha-1 + FYM resulted in significantly higher yield and yield attributes compared to the only application of RDF + FYM. The important yield parameters recorded that were significantly higher were viz., head diameter (19.89 cm) number of filled seeds per head (353.24), seed weight per plant (19.76 g), 1000 seed weight (43.72 g), hybrid seed yield (1003 kg ha-1 )
Estimation of genetic variability, GCA and SCA effects for development of early and high yielding bell pepper hybrids suitable for protected cultivation
Get PDFThe present investigation involves 29 diverse bell pepper genotypes for variability studies and 14 promising lines (11 lines and 3 testers), 33 F1 and 1 standard check for combining ability studies. The objective of the study was to assess the nature and magnitude of genetic variability among the bell pepper genotypes for yield and other horticultural traits and to identify the potential parental lines and cross combinations suitable for the protected environment based on the estimation of general combining ability and specific combining ability. A wide range of variability was observed for most of the characters studied. The genotypes viz., Kashmir Sel-1 (L2), DARL-10 (L9) and UHFSP(Y)-11 (L11) for marketable fruit yield per plant and Kashmir Sel-1 (L2), UHFSP(Y)-11 (L11) and DARL-01 (L5) for earliness were good general combiners and these may be included for exploiting hybrid vigour or development of purelines. On the basis of specific combining ability effects and per se performance, the crosses viz., ARCH-19 (L1) × Solan Bharpur (T1), DARL-10 (L9) × California Wonder (T2) and UHFSP(Y)-11 (L11) × Yolo Wonder (T3) were the best cross combinations for marketable fruit yield per plant and number of marketable fruits per plant under protected environment. The cross combinations viz., DARL-10 (L9) × California Wonder (T2), DARL-01 (L5) × California Wonder (T2), LC (L10) × Solan Bharpur (T1) and Kandaghat Sel-9 (L7) × Solan Bharpur (T1) shows significant negative SCA for earliness and could be used for development of early hybrids
Genetic divergence in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)
Get PDFThirty genotypes of forage sorghum were studied for generating information on nature and magnitude of genetic variability and diversity for designing breeding programme. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design in three replications. The data were recorded on days to 50% flowering, plant height, leaf breadth, leaf length, leaf area, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids, protein content and green fodder yield. Analysis of variance revealed a substantial amount of variability among the genotypes for all the characters under study, indicated a wide spectrum of variability among the genotypes. Highest estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for plant height, leaf breadth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for plant height, leaf area, stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio and green fodder yield. Based on D2 – Statistics, 30 genotypes were grouped into six clusters. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster III and VI followed by IV and VI, indicating genotypes included in these clusters had wide genetic diversity. Genetic divergence and cluster mean indicates maximum heterosis and good recombinants may be achieved in crosses between genotypes of clusters III, IV and VI in varietal improvement programme. Thus, crossing between genetically diverse genotypes of cluster III with genotypes CSV 15, PC 1001, SPV 462, PC 3, SSV 84, PC 8 and cluster VI with genotype HJ 513 are expected to exhibit high heterosis and good recombinants with desired traits
Molecular identification and screening of mushrooms for antibacterial property against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus
Get PDFIn this study, 18 mushrooms were collected from Gandhi Krishi Vigyana Kendra (GKVK) campus, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (India) and identified by Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region using National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) data base and screened for antibacterial property against two skin infection causing bacteria viz.,Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in dogs. Eleven mushrooms extract inhibited both the bacteria showing their antimicrobials as broad spectrum while inhibiting gram positive as well as gram negative bacteria. The highest zone of inhibition was recorded from the extract of Lyophyllum sp. The extract of two mushrooms viz., Phlebopus portentosus and Termitomyces sp. inhibited only P. aeruginosa, a gram negative bacterium and the extract of three mushrooms viz., Agaricus sp, Coprinellus disseminates and Agaricus blazei inhibited only S. aureus, a gram positive bacterium, suggesting spectral specificity of their antimicrobial compounds. However, the extracts of two mushrooms viz.,Macrocybe gigantea and Schizophyllum commune did not show inhibition of any of the pathogens. Hence, this study suggests that the occurrence of potential pharmaceuticals in mushrooms can be exploited for control of multidrug resistant bacteria
Population dynamics of potential bioagents of mustard aphid, Lipaphiserysimi(Kaltenbach) on different cultivars of rapeseed-mustard
Get PDFField experiment was conducted to study the population dynamics of potential bioagents of mustard aphids on 9 different cultivars which included: Brassica alba cv. PSB-I, Eruca sativa Mill cv. T-27, Brassica campestriscv. BSH-I, Brassica napuscv. Sheetal, B. carinataBraun cv. CCN-06- 1, B. junceaL. cv. Varuna, B. nigraKoch. cv. PBR-I, Brassica campestriscv.YST-151 and Brassica campestriscv. PT-30. Population of aphid and natural enemies was recorded at weekly intervals. The results indicated that the first appearance of coccinellids and syrphids has been observed during 4th standard week, which gradually build up population and attained peak during 9th (pooled mean 1.42 coccinellids/ plant and 0.122 syrphid larva/plant) and 8th standard week (pooled mean 3.96 coccinellids/plant and 0.228 syrphid larva/plant) in 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively, followed by a declining trend in the following weeks. Similarly first appearance of parasi-tization has been found to occur from 4th standard week followed by a gradual increase in the following weeks with maximum parasitization on PT-30 (33.32%) and BSH-1 (35.25%) during 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively. Correlation between abiotic factors and these natural enemies was also studied. It has been observed that with the increase of aphid population the population of natural enemies also increased. The population dynamics of mustard aphids and its natural enemies var-ied according to climatic situations and between host plant species. So by computing population trends of both natu-ral enemies and aphids with meterological records would generate information on relative abundance and would certainly help in formulating sound pest management strategies against mustard aphid