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Ladakh's wild edible plant species (WEPs) provide a vital source of food, nutrition, and medicine to the region's indigenous populations. However, WEPs' nutritional and antioxidant properties are missing in the region. The current study examined the nutritional values, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and antioxidant capabilities of 11 WEPs from the cold-arid region of Ladakh, India. Lactucata tatarica had the greatest carbohydrate content (36.48 ± 0.15 mg g-1Dw) among 11 wild edible plant species. Malva verticillata had a greater glucose concentration (292.74 ± 0.01 ng g-1Dw), and Urtica hyperborea had higher protein and vitamin C levels (38.07 ± 2.44 and 49.95 ± 1.18 mg g-1Dw, respectively). The plant samples collected were also shown to have high total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant capabilities. Our findings revealed that these species should be promoted as a natural source of nutraceuticals, with the potential to supplement the diets of locals. To boost food availability in a location noted for its intense weather conditions and short vegetative period, an agroforestry system that promotes sustainable use and increases the output of these species is critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health is crucial for personal happiness, productivity, and fulfillment. It impacts physical well-being, mental health, longevity, academic and professional success, and interpersonal relationships. It reduces healthcare costs, contributes to economic growth, and promotes community well-being. This paper explores the status of the healthcare system in rural India. Paper reviews available research and also collects data from rural hospitals. It also considers efforts by the Indian government and other organisations, such as Ayushman Bharat, which is acknowledged for its aim to strengthen primary healthcare and protect economically vulnerable populations. However, addressing these complex issues requires continuous efforts, adequate funding, and proactive measures in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and policy reforms. The presented data reflects rural areas' ongoing challenges, underscoring the pressing need for proper treatment and care. By prioritising the presented aspects, the healthcare landscape in rural India can witness positive transformations and ensure improved healthcare outcomes for its population. In this paper, the possible problems and solutions addressed which has been observed while visiting hospitals in rural areas of northeast India. Research findings emphasise the significance of implementing supply chain strategies in improving healthcare delivery. It concludes that the potential of Medical 4.0 applications with seven common effective findings can save numerous lives in rural areas by providing timely access to healthcare solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the perception of principals on how the factors of subject mastery, teaching methodology, personal characteristics, and attitude toward students affect the performance of teachers at higher secondary level in the Punjab. All principals of higher secondary level in the Punjab were part of the population of the study. From the population, 120 principals were selected as the sample. A questionnaire was developed and validated through pilot testing. The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed by using statistical techniques of mean and standard deviation. The major conclusions of the study were that the factor of subject mastery was perceived to be influencing the performance of teachers maximally, but the factor of attitude toward students was affecting the performance of teachers minimally. The remaining two factors--teaching methodology and personal characteristics--were perceived to be at the intermediary level. (Contains 1 table.)

Around 60.6% of health expenditure in India originates from private spending or out-of-pocket expenditure. Such large health spending has a tendency to sink sizeable number of people into poverty and deepen the already poor into more appalling conditions. This article makes an attempt to study the impact of health expenditure on poverty levels in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region of India using micro-level data (68th round of National Sample Survey Organisation [NSSO]). First, a region-wise poverty profile is estimated, then, poverty deepening and incidence of catastrophic health expenditure is measured. Finally, socio-economic determinants of catastrophic health expenditure are estimated using logit and probit models. The results show that the poverty levels further increase by around 2% (estimated 185,000 individuals) on account of out-of-pocket health expenditure. Also, poverty gap increases, deepening the economic distress of the poor people. The highest gap is observed in most vulnerable areas, such as hilly and geographically disadvantageous regions. An estimated 9.6% of population in J&K spends catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure and 2.6% spend more than their capacity to pay. Married, higher per capita expenditure groups, and socially weaker sections exhibit increased probability of experiencing health catastrophe while as higher levels of education decreases this likelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the relationship between Central bank independence (CBI) and fiscal deficit in India. Moreover, the study tries to assess the impact of CBI on the levels of fiscal deficit. The study incorporates other variables like Gross Domestic Product, financial development, and trade openness to analyze their impact on the fiscal deficit. The study employed Auto-regressive distributed lag model (ARDL) Bounds test developed by Pesaran, Shin, and Smith (2001) to examine the long-run relationship between CBI and fiscal deficit. The study also employs a legal index for measuring CBI developed by Jasmine et al (2019) as well as an actual measure of independence developed by Cukierman (1992) to measure CBI in India. The study confirms the long-run relationship between the CBI and fiscal deficit as well as among other variables. An increase in the levels of CBI leads to falling in the levels of fiscal deficit. The other explanatory variables used in the study also confirm the long-run relationship and impact fiscal deficit negatively except for trade openness, which positively impacts the fiscal deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphates (OP) poisoning continues to be a major cause of deliberate self-harm and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in India. We aim to study the clinico-epidemiological features in patients presenting with OP poisoning. This prospective observational study involved 400 patients above 18 years of age admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary care institution in Northern India. The study cohort was graded into mild, moderate & severe based on the Peradeniya Organophosphorus Poisoning (POP) scale and degree of cholinesterase inhibition. The majority of patients (40%) in our study population were aged between 18-25 years. There was a significant female preponderance (82% vs. 18%; P=0.000). Suicide was the most common motive (93%) and ingestion was the most common mode of poisoning (99%). The muscarinic and nicotinic symptoms were common at the presentation. Seizures were present in 11% of patients. On the POP severity scale, mild, moderate and severe poisoning was seen at 50%, 35% and 15%, respectively. Cholinesterase inhibition was mild (>2 kU/L) in 31%, moderate (1-2 kU/L) in 46% and severe (<1 kU/L) in 23%. A total of 48% of patients had complications. Ventilator support was needed in 43% of the patients. An overall mortality of 18% was observed in the study. OP poisoning is a serious public health problem, but timely intervention may help to reduce morbidity and mortality, especially in a resource- limited country like India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Studies on stroke in South Asian populations are sparse. The aim of this study was to compare differences in age of onset of ischaemic stroke in South Asian patients living in the United Kingdom and South Asian patients living in India versus White British stroke patients. Methods: We studied the UK and Indian arms of the ongoing BRAINS study, an international prospective hospital‐based study of South Asian stroke patients. The BRAINS study includes 4038 South Asian and White British patients with first‐ever ischaemic stroke, recruited from sites in the United Kingdom and India. Results: Of the included patients, 1126 were South Asians living in India (ISA), while 1176 were British South Asian (BSA) and 1736 were White British (WB) UK residents. Patients in the ISA and BSA groups experienced stroke 19.5 years and 7.2 years earlier than their WB counterparts, respectively (mean [interquartile range] age: BSA 64.3 [22] years vs. ISA 52.0 [18] years vs. WB 71.5 [19] years; p < 0.001). Patients in the BSA group had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolaemia than those in the ISA and WB groups. After adjustment for traditional stroke risk factors, an earlier age of stroke onset of 18.9 years (p < 0.001) and 8.9 years (p < 0.001) was still observed in the ISA and BSA groups, respectively. In multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis, ethnicity accounted for 24.7% of the variance in early age onset. Conclusion: Patients in the BSA and ISA groups experienced ischaemic stroke approximately 9 and 19 years earlier, respectively, than their WB counterparts. Ethnicity is an independent predictor of early age of stroke onset. Our study has considerable implications for public health policymakers in countries with sizable South Asian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prime purpose of this study is to empirically explore the comparative environmental impact of renewable and non renewable energy consumption in India. The study also investigates the impact of increasing levels of national income and development of financial sector on environmental quality and applicability of "Pollution Haven Hypothesis" in the country. Multiple structural breaks based [1] cointegration test has been applied to investigate the presence of cointegrating relationship among the variables. Modified Autoregressive Distributed Lag Bounds test has been applied to ascertain cointegration. The empirical results confirmed presence of cointegration with three structural breaks. The long run results revealed that renewable energy consumption has no direct mitigating impact on emission of greenhouse gases, however, a shift from conventional to renewable sources of energy may help the natural environment by lessening the hampering effect of fossil fuels on environment. Hence, India faces a dual challenge of achieving maximum possible growth of national output and simultaneously addressing the rising threat of global warming and climate change. The authors suggest policymakers to take necessary steps for attracting foreign investment in clean energy, providing fiscal and financial incentives for undertaking renewable energy projects and eliminating subsidies to fossil fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been excessive use of groundwater resources owing to dwindling water resource potentialities across the globe. As a result, efficient water resource management has become inevitable. However, locating the groundwater potential zones in dry and mountainous regions of many developing countries which lack suitable economic and human resources is challenging. The integrated approach of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) can offer a solution to this problem as it is useful to fetch first-hand information and has wider applicability. The present study focuses on delineating of groundwater potential zones in Pohru Watershed, of Jhelum Basin-Western Himalaya, India by integrating RS, GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Seven thematic layers, namely lithology, geomorphology, soil, land use/land cover, slope, drainage density and lineament density have been used in this study. The parameters were weighted using AHP according to their importance in determining the groundwater potential. Five major groundwater potential zones were identified as: Very High (18.14%), High (18.17%), Moderate (19.03%), Low (41.75%) and Very Low (2.88%). The findings reveal that High and Very High Potential Zones are concentrated in the alluvial plains and the adjoining fluvio-lacustrine deposits/ Karewas. However, the highly or moderately dissected hills and the mountain ridges mostly comprise of Low and Very Low groundwater potential zones. The residual hills comprise of Medium and Low groundwater potential zones. The analysis of location and water depth of groundwater wells in the study area was found in accordance with the mapped groundwater potential zones, which validates our study. The Area Under Curve (AUC) value of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for AHP method was calculated as 0.7037, which corresponds to the prediction accuracy of 70.37%, indicating Moderate to High predictability of groundwater recharge zones for the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maturity onset diabetes of young (MODY) is considered to be the most underdiagnosed condition. The correct diagnosis of MODY has a definite bearing on the outcome and clinical course of the disease. We aim to determine the prevalence and clinical profile of MODY among young diabetic patients attending at Department of Endocrinology, a tertiary care institute in North India. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving all consecutive consenting patients with diabetes and age of onset ≤35 years. A total of 1,094 patients were included in this study, of whom 858 were having age of onset of diabetes <25 years. All patients were screened for MODY using clinical criteria and MODY Probability calculator (available on diabetesgenes.org). Patients with high clinical probability of MODY having negative anti-GAD65 antibody and fasting serum C-peptide levels >0.6 ng/mL were subjected to the Ala98 Val polymorphism (SNP) in hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 1α gene. Results: The prevalence of MODY among the study cohort as per clinical criteria was found to be 7.7%. Males constituted the majority of patients (male vs female, 56% vs. 44%; P < 0.001). The patients with MODY were younger (p < 0.001), leaner (p < 0.001), had younger age at onset of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001), and lower frequency of features of insulin resistance in the form of skin tags and acanthosis nigricans. Among the 40 patients who were subjected to Ala98Val polymorphism of HNF1α gene (MODY 3), the mutant genotype was seen in 20 (50%) patients. Conclusion: We report a higher prevalence of MODY in our young diabetic patients. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose MODY as misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment may have a significant impact on quality-of-life (QOL) with increased cost and unnecessary treatment with insulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil moisture and vegetation water content play an important role in studies involving vegetation, drought, and climate change. The present paper gives details of how to calculate the Soil Moisture Index (SMI), Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI), and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) using Landsat 7 ETM + and Landsat 8 OLI (Operational Land Imager) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) data and how spatially and temporally it has been changed over Palakkad District, Kerala. The present study develops an image processing method using band 3 (Green), band 4(Red), band 5 (NIR), band 6 (SWIR 1), and band 10 (TIR) of Landsat 8 and band 2 (Green), band 3 (Red), band 4 (NIR), band 5 (SWIR) and band 6 (TIR) of Landsat 7 data for determining the different spectral indices. The relationship between Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are based on experimental parameterization for soil moisture index. Both LST and NDVI are considered indispensable data to obtain SMI calculation. The statistical analysis of NDVI and LST was exposed in the standardized regression coefficient. The study found a weak negative correlation between NDVI and LST in both 2001 (R2 = 0.37) and 2021 (R2 = 0.16). As the LST increases, the vegetative cover reduces due to the record of high temperatures in the study area. The SMI result for 2021 shows that the majority of the study area experienced extreme anomalies when compared to the 2001 result. Second, a significant negative correlation existed between SMI and LST (R2 = 0.664 in 2001 and R2 = 1 in 2021), which indicates that the surface soil moisture reduces with LST. The normalized difference moisture index (NDMI) value ranges from – 0.71 to 0.75 in 2001 and – 0.33 to 0.40 in 2021. In 2001 and 2021, the normalized difference water index (NDWI) ranges from – 0.47 to 0.64 and – 0.531 to 0.154, respectively. Therefore, the current study gives a clear understanding of considerable variations in soil moisture and vegetation water content in the Palakkad District during the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to model and measure the impact of development and non-development expenditure on the carbon dioxide emissions (per capita metric tons) in India over 1980–2018. The Asymmetric ARDL approach (NARDL), an advanced econometric technique, was applied to examine the nexus between CO2 emissions, development and non-development expenditure, national income, energy consumption and population. The short-run and long-run results establish a statistically significant relationship between carbon emissions and the explanatory variables. The long-run asymmetrical results indicate that energy consumption and national income growth pollute the environment. However, we did not find any significant long-run impact of population on pollution levels in India. Furthermore, the results reveal that increase in development expenditure leads to environmental degradation and non-development expenditure mitigates pollution. No evidence of the applicability of EKC was found in India. The authors conclude that a reasonable method of tackling the threat of environmental degradation is to remove distortions in public expenditure policy. We recommend the government to phase out fiscal benefits to pollution-prone economic activities and thus spend the money saved on pollution abatement efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Neurology / Turk Noroloji Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The novel coronavirus has disrupted the lives and livelihoods of many people around the world. This muddle has been experienced in India by people in line with existing vulnerabilities. ‘Bakarwal’, a pastoral nomadic tribe residing in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India undergoes this equivalent dilemma. For them, the year 2020 becomes convoluted owing to the adversaries of the pandemic. COVID-19 induced lockdown becomes an obstruction for their seasonal migration and further experiences numerous uncertainties. Keeping into view these observations, the present study explores their socio-cultural and economic struggles before, during, and after their seasonal migration. A qualitative approach was employed. Telephone Interviews using an Interview schedule were conducted. Results indicated that ‘Bakarwal’ tribe have undergone unfamiliar conditions with the onset of the pandemic. Movement barriers, seasonal animal diseases, the stigma of being carriers of the virus, psychological pressure, inadequate basic amenities, and loss of annual trade were the major repercussions encountered by them.  [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge and up-scaling of status, availability, and distribution of soil micronutrients are hugely significant for enhancing crop productivity and profitability. However, regional database entailing spatial variability of key micronutrients for a major apple-producing region like the Kashmir Himalayan Region (KHR) is missing. We investigated 588 topsoil samples between 2016 and 2017 (to 30 cm depth) to estimate spatial variability of extractable Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe; develop spatial maps; and delineate potential management zones (MZs) in apple orchards using geo-statistical methods. Soil sampling was performed post-harvest season. Principal component analysis and fuzzy c-mean clustering were performed to develop MZs. Results exhibited wide variation, with high coefficient of variation (%) for Mn and Cu (123.9 and 114.4, respectively) and low (71.6) and medium (104) variability for Fe and Zn. Mean concentrations followed the order: Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn, with deficiencies evident towards central and northern regions of the study area. The best-fitted model was exponential. The nugget/sill ratio values were 0.41, 0.08, 0.37, and 0.38 for Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe, respectively, indicating strong spatial dependence for Cu and moderate dependence for Fe, Zn, and Mn. Correlations between elevation, slope, and soil pH with micronutrients were negative, whereas with soil organic carbon and electrical conductivity positive relationships were identified. Three principal components accounted for 67·18% data variance. Based on the fuzzy performance index and modified partition entropy, five MZs were delineated, which exhibited variations from each other. These MZs highlighted the need for specific supplemental provisions in increasing soil fertility and apple productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple orchards constitute an important agro-ecosystem across Kashmir Himalayan Region (KHR), but estimates of their soil organic carbon (SOC) are unavailable. We investigated 174 apple orchards for estimating SOC spatial distribution across KHR at regional scale and evaluate accuracy of five interpolation methods. The selected orchards were representative of varied size, age, and management practices prevalent across KHR. Soil samples were collected from both tree rows and alleys between tree rows by digging pits at three depth intervals of 0–10; 10–20 and 20–30 cm. A total of 1044 soil samples were collected. The interpolation methods used included, ordinary kriging (OK), inverse distance weighing, empirical bayesian kriging, radial basis functions and local polynomial interpolation. Cross validation was used to assess the comparative performance of each method by measuring interpolation bias and accuracy. The soils were structurally less stony, with weak granular to moderate crumb at surface and sub-angular to angular blocky structure at sub-surface. The soils exhibited lowest co-efficient of variation for soil acidity and highest for soil electrical conductivity. With mean value of 12.33 ± 3.98 g kg−1 on concentration basis and 48.45 Mg C ha−1 on stock basis, the SOC declined with increasing soil depth, so much that near surface (0–10 cm) SOC content could explain well over 64% and 35% of second (20–30 cm) and third layer (20–30 cm) variation respectively. Exponential model best described SOC content across all depths. Semi-variograms of SOC at topsoil exhibited larger nugget effect while nugget sill ratios of 43% suggested moderate SOC spatial dependence. Cross validation exhibited better accuracy for OK in terms of indicating good match between observed and predicted SOC. This study exemplifies that apple orchards across KHR are significant carbon pool, improves our understanding of spatial distribution of SOC and help in evaluating soil health by providing site specific maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: There has been an increasing recognition of the various metabolic abnormalities in patients with acute organophosphorus (OP) poisoning including disturbed glucose homeostasis. We assessed the glycemic status at the presentation and its role as a marker of severity and clinical outcome in patients admitted with acute OP poisoning. Material and method: This was a prospective observational study, involving 400 patients above 18 years of age admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary care institution in Northern India. The biochemical parameters including random plasma glucose, serum cholinesterase, severity and outcome were determined. Patients were grouped according to their admission plasma glucose into hypoglycemic (<70 mg/dl), euglycemic (RBS=70-199 mg/dl) and hyperglycemia (RBS≥200 mg/dl) groups. Results The hyperglycemia, hypoglycemic and normoglycemia (RBS=70-199 mg/dl) at admission was present in 29.5%, 14.5% and 56% of patients. Five patients (4.24%) among hyperglycemia presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Extremes of glycemic status including hyperglycemia and hypoglycemic were significantly associated with prolonged hospital stay (>7 days), need for mechanical ventilation and mortality in 66% and 60%, 68% and 69%, 35% and 33%, respectively compared to 18%, 24% and 4% in normoglycemic group, respectively. Overall mortality in our study cohort was 17%. Furthermore, extremes of glycemic status at presentation were significantly associated with the clinical severity, depression in serum cholinesterase levels, add need for ICU care. Conclusions: Glycemic extremes including both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemic are common in patients with acute OP poisoning and are significantly associated with morbidity and mortality. It can be used as a simple and reliable predictive marker to identify patients in need of intensive monitoring and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hudiara drain, a big sewage water body originating from India, is an important tributary of river Ravi in Pakistan. In present study, role of the drain in build-up/depletion of metal micronutrients Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in surrounding agricultural lands has been investigated. Soil samples, up to a vertical distance of 1200 m on both sides of the drain and drain water samples were collected and analysed for metal micronutrients. Soil analysis results were interpolated by using the best optimized interpolator to generate continuous variation of the selected metals. Further patterns have been identified using proximity stat with consecutive neighbouring zones of 100 m extent. Cu and Mn concentrations were higher in some drain water samples, whereas Fe and Zn were found below guidelines in all collected water samples. In adjacent agricultural land the metals did not show uniform dispersal pattern along the drain length. However, vertical pattern of distribution indicated that drain water was controlling Cu and Zn concentrations, positively, whereas it was causing a dilution effect on Fe and Mn build-up in the surrounding agricultural lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survival of a firm in the modern day competitive globalized world is a knife-edge phenomenon. The scope for continuing to stay in a profitable business with obsolete and under-informed technical know-how is low as ever. Modern day firms need to evolve continually in light of up-to-date localized research and development in order to stay profitably in the competitive business environment. The current study is a novel attempt to contextualize the firm specific research and development process in India, using the latest available Annual Survey of Industries data. The study, using various descriptive statistics, confirms the low levels of localized research and development process at the firm level pan-India. Being the first empirical attempt in this direction of research, the current study proposes certain policy recommendations. It also raises some important research questions that are to be addressed by empirical analysis in order to place the industrialization process in India at a better place to compete in the global market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Graves' disease (GD) is a common autoimmune disorder with variable outcomes. We aim to study the clinical manifestations and treatment outcome of GD in the post-iodization scenario. Material and Methods: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional study, in which a total of 180 patients with GD (127 males and 53 females) attending our center were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic data, modes of treatment, comorbidities, remission, and recurrence rates were determined for the patients. All patients were initially treated with anti-thyroid drugs (ATDs), with the subsequent management depending on the course of the disease. Results: The mean (±SD) age at diagnosis was 38.30 (10.73) years and the lag period between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis was 5.12 (2.69) months, with the male patients having a significantly shorter duration of illness compared to females (4.36 vs. 5.44 months; P=0.015). Majority of the patients presented with the typical symptoms and signs associated with hyperthyroidism and/or goiter, although the atypical presentations were not uncommon. ATDs were the most preferred treatment modality employed to achieve clinical and biochemical remission. The mean duration of achieving euthyroidism and the normalization of TSH levels were 3.31±1.51 and 7.45±3.35 months, respectively. On follow-up at three months, 46.1% of the patients were euthyroid, with normalization of the TSH levels in 15.6% of them. Failure to achieve early remission/disease control was significantly higher in males (p=0.003) and smokers (p=0.036). Among the 72 patients who completed medical therapy, 49 patients achieved remission, of whom 20 patients relapsed with a first-year relapse rate of 20.4%. Disease relapse was significantly associated with higher initial 99 mTechnetium (99mTc) uptake (p=0.022) and higher grade of goiter (p=0.026) at presentation. The logistic regression analysis revealed male gender (p=0.048) and orbitopathy (p=0.036) as the independent risk factors predicting relapse of the GD. Conclusion: Graves' disease manifests with varied clinical manifestations, including the atypical ones, warranting careful clinical assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Gender and orbitopathy are the independent risk factors predicting the relapse of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Potassium (K) availability in soil and plant uptake is restrained by the dynamic interactions among the different pools of K. Aims: To understand these interactions, a study was undertaken to assess the quantity–intensity (Q/I) and buffering characteristics of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) growing soils. Ten contrasting soils were evaluated for K partitioning changes in exchangeable K (ΔEK) and non‐exchangeable K (ΔNEK) pools in the soil‐solution phase and buffering characteristics using a modified version of Q/I approach. Results: The partitioned Q/I isotherms showed strong adsorption with the increase in K concentration ratio (CRK) and the changes due to ΔEK were higher than changes due to ΔNEK. Total buffering capacity (PBCK) significantly correlated (r = 0.92, p <0.01) with clay content with a major share contributed by buffering capacity owing to non‐exchangeable K (PBCΔNEKK) rather than exchangeable K (PBCΔEKK). The fixation capacity (β) factor, the magnitude of added K converted into a non‐exchangeable pool, ranged from 41 to 63%, whereas release (α) factor, the magnitude of added K converted to the exchangeable pool, ranged from 19 to 36%. Both threshold solution K (CKr) and threshold exchangeable K (EKr) values were found to be high in Satran clay loam (S2) and lower in Doon silty clay loam (S3) soils. The equilibrium exchangeable K (EKo) was found close to minimum exchangeable K (Emin) in Doon silty clay loam (S3) and Babaweyl sandy clay loam (S1) soils and overall Emin constituted about 8.94 to 0.57% of the EKo. Conclusion: It may be concluded that K Q/I isotherm partitioning provides a valuable insight to assess the dynamic relations. The ratio of α/β (K recharge index) could be used to evaluate the K enrichment capacity of soil to K additions while EKr and Emin can be potentially useful in the elucidation of exchangeable K as K fertility index especially in soils with poor K fertilizer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant species of nematodes belonging to the order Tylenchida Thorne, 1949 was met to be predominantly prevalent and its morphometeric study revealed alterations from the available description probably because of host variability and habitat change and changing climatic conditions. Helicotylenchus graminophilus Fotedar & Mahajan, 1974 was met with the varied intensity on Solanum tuberosum among many other hosts. The morphological variations are significantly noted under remarks with the species under observations. The species as is collected from Solanum tuberosum is a first time report of its occurrence on this host in this region of India as it was found by Fotedar & Mahajan, 1974 on Eruca sativa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

India views the Indian Ocean as an embodiment of its strategic presence in the region. India has realized the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean since its independence and is keenly interested in maintaining sustainable maritime operations. This strategic importance of the Indian Ocean has diversified India's national security objectives intertwined with its national interests. On top of that, the US has strengthened its relations with India in the last two decades; as a result, the Indo-US partnership is deemed to help India in becoming a pre-eminent maritime power in the Indian Ocean region. This has expanded India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region. In this sense, Indo-US. strategic cooperation and bilateral agreements have granted the former an exceptional strategic role in the latter's strategic calculus and security interests in the Indian Ocean region. Moreover, the US strongly supports India's military rise in the India Ocean region as a rightful Chinese competitor. China is not ready to accept the Indian naval exceptionalism. In response to Indian engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, China is increasing its naval presence in the Indian Ocean region. This paper attempts to explore linkages between India's naval rise in the Indian Ocean region due to Indo-US strategic partnership. Both powers have made a strategic handshake to contain rising China. In addition, the paper also explores the implications of India's naval ambitions in the Indian Ocean region and its implications for strategic stability and Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Improper management of BMW can spread many diseases including the most dangerous ones like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS and can also be one of the major causes of water, air and soil pollution. The present study was undertaken to assess the BMW management in Government run health facilities of District Bandipora, J&K. Methodology: Cross sectional descriptive study. All the secondary level facilities comprising of district hospital and 3 CHCs were assessed. Among primary level facilities, 40% of PHCs/NTPHCs and 20% of sub centers were included. Information with regard to various aspects of Biomedical waste management was obtained by using a combination of structured observations and interviews after taking a proper informed consent from the head of the particular facility. Results: Specific color coding for biomedical waste management was in place in district hospital. However, only 66.7% of CHCs, 16.7 % of PHCs and only 7.1 % of sub centers followed the specific color coding for the biomedical waste. District hospital and 33.3% of the CHCs were categorizing the waste into 4 categories for waste segregation, while as none of the PHCs and sub centers were categorizing the waste into all 4 categories. The district hospital and all CHCs and 58.3% of PHCs were using both disposable and AD syringes, whereas only disposable syringes were used in sub centers. Recapping was observed by 26.6% and 78.8% of HCWs used to destroy the needle by using hub cutter. The district hospital uses municipal services for transporting the BMW waste for final disposal, whereas only 2 secondary level facilities were transporting the waste to CBMW treatment facility for final disposal. However, in all the PHCs and sub centers the waste was transported and disposed by the health care facility itself. Conclusion: The current study has shown significant gaps in the implementation of Biomedical waste management regulations in the Govt run facilities of this rural district of north india, especially so in the primary health centres and sub-centres. There is a need for implementation of govt guidelines on BMW management in govt health facilities in letter and spirit to protect the health care workforce as well as the general population from adverse effects of Biomedical waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) is a secondary form of diabetes, described from several tropical countries, including India. We described the existence of this entity in the subtropical region-the Kashmir valley of the Indian subcontinent and compared the clinical characteristics of these patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Aim: The present study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with FCPD and those with T2DM to identify the characteristics distinctive of FCPD. Materials and Methods: A total of 124 patients with FCPD were compared with 124 patients with T2DM matched for age and duration of diabetes. Biochemical parameters and microvascular and macrovascular complications were assessed in all patients. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to study the determinants of microvascular complications in both groups. Results: FCPD patients had significantly lower serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, and serum calcium levels but higher glycosylated hemoglobin levels compared to T2DM patients. FCPD participants were significantly leaner. The prevalence of retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy was similar between the two. Five T2DM patients had documented cardiovascular disease compared to one in FCPD patients (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed glycosylated hemoglobin and duration of diabetes to be significantly associated with retinopathy and nephropathy in T2DM. Among FCPD patients, glycosylated hemoglobin showed a strong association with retinopathy as well as nephropathy. BMI showed a significant negative association with nephropathy in FCPD patients. Age and age at onset showed a strong association with neuropathy in FCPD patients while the duration of diabetes showed the association with neuropathy (P = 0.015) in T2DM. Conclusion: There are several differences in the phenotype, biochemical parameters, and prevalence of diabetic complications between patients with FCPD and T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is a crucial regulator of folate metabolism and its two prominent polymorphic variants C677T and A1298C lead to decreased MTHFR enzyme activity. Aim of the Study: We planned this case–control study based on numerous studies supporting the association of MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C) with CML risk in different ethnic populations. Therefore, the influence of these polymorphisms on CML susceptibility was investigated among Kashmiri population (North India). Materials and Methods: Polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was employed for genotyping MTHFR C677T and A1298C SNP's in 125 CML patients as against 150 age and gender matched healthy controls. Results: A significant difference was observed in frequency of 677CT genotype between cases and controls [46.4 vs. 27.3% (p = 0.0005)]. Similarly combined 677CT+TT genotype showed significant difference between cases and controls [50.4 vs. 28.6% (p = 0.0002)]. Both MTHFR 677CT and 677CT+TT genotypes imposed greater than 2-fold risk of developing CML (OR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.46–4.05; OR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.53–4.16). In case of A1298C SNP, the frequency of 1298AC genotype was higher in controls (64.0%) as compared to CML cases (48.8%) (p = 0.04) and imparted a significant protective role from CML predisposition. Furthermore, haplotype analysis revealed only "677CT/1298AA" haplotype significantly increased the risk of CML predisposition [(p = 0.008) (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3–7.4)]. Conclusion: We conclude that both MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms may be important genetic modifiers and seem to have a plausible role to confer risk of CML in Kashmiri population, where C677T SNP strongly increases the risk of CML while as A1298C SNP has a protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The management of acromegaly, a rare and potentially curable disease, has undergone a paradigm shift in the past few decades. Many of the treatment modalities recommended for acromegaly are either too expensive or not available in many parts of India. There is a dearth of treatment and outcome data in Indian patients. Aim: Our aim was to study the clinical presentation, hormonal profile, radiology, management, and outcome of the disease at our center. Materials and Methods: Fifty one patients with acromegaly who attended the Department of Endocrinology, SKIMS, Srinagar, between October 2015 and April 2017, were included in the study. Clinical and hormonal profiles, comorbidities, treatment modalities, and outcome were evaluated. Results: The gender distribution was equal with the mean age of 42.3 ± 10.9 years at diagnosis. The majority (41) of the patients had macroadenoma. The most common presenting manifestations were acral enlargement and headache. Hypertension was present in 23, musculoskeletal manifestations in 19, and diabetes mellitus in 11 patients. Surgery was the most common method of treatment. Preoperatively only one patient with micro-adenoma had hypocortisolism, which was persistent in postoperative period, while no patient had preoperative or postoperative hypothyroidism or hypogonadism. As per the present consensus criteria, 23.7% patients achieved disease control (40% with microadenoma and only 19.5% with macroadenoma). The surgical complications occurred in 5 patients–CSF leak in 3 meningitis in 2 patients all except one having macroadenoma. Conclusions: The presentation of disease was generally comparable to that reported in literature. Cure rates were significantly lower than those reported from many large centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study describes, for the first time, captive breeding, embryonic and larval development of Barilius bendelisis. The captive breeding trial was carried out in April, in fish farm of Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, India using differnet doses of ovatide. The most appropriate dose of ovatide was reported to be 0.3 ml/kg body weight to males and 0.6 ml/kg body weight to females. Fertilized eggs measuring 1.4-1.7 mm were spherical, demersal, and transparent with dark yellow coloured yolk. Hatching occurred 140 -160 hours after fertilization at 19.09℃ ± 0.395. Newly hatched larvae were transparent with yellowish yolk reserve, measuring 5.57 - 6.71 mm in total length and characterized by pigmented eye and yolk sac which completely absorbed in 72 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Asian region has immense strategic importance for global peace and development as it is home to approximately 2 billion people. The region includes countries like Pakistan and India who have become nuclear powers and are emerging economies with massive potentials still untapped and various sectors of economic development not performing up to the mark. The dispute between Pakistan and India remains a major hindrance in fulfilling the dream of peace in South Asia. There is a no question that the only solution lies in diplomacy. Many steps have been taken in this regard, but each attempt ends with a bitter experience. The reasons for failure of diplomatic and peaceful means of settling disputes are many and may extend beyond the domestic and bilateral scenario of both India and Pakistan but one of the major causes of the failure of such efforts is the sentimentalism blended with religious fanaticism that results in strengthening hawkish elements on both sides of the border who act as highly effective pressure groups that thwart such attempts very successfully. This research aims to answer the crucial question as to how the dream of peace and prosperity can be achieved between the two strong rival states. The research will focus on bilateral dialogues, people-to-people contacts with minimal security hindrances, exchange of intellectuals, and exchange of ideas, knowledge, and cultural values. The research also attempts to bring "right wing" nationalist political factions on both sides of the border closer by arranging group discussions and exchange of views and ideas which would be instrumental in bridging the communication gap between these contesting and competing factions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The current study gives a first-hand report on the palynological variation of wild Cannabis populations of the western Himalaya, India. • Pollen grains of 55 accessions across the western Himalayan region were studied. • Tetraporate pollen were first time reported in genus Cannabis. • Significant variation in pollen characters such as pollen size, aperture number, and surface ornamentation was found. The present study aimed to examine the intraspecific variation in pollen traits of genus Cannabis from Western Himalaya, India. A total of 1650 pollen grains from 55 accessions collected from an altitudinal range between 259 and 2751 m a.s.l from the western Himalayas, India were analyzed by (LM) light microscopy and (SEM) Scanning Electron Microscopy. Six quantitative characters, i.e., length of the polar axis (P), length of equatorial axis (E), exine thickness (Ex), number of granules (Ng), pore diameter (Pd), and P/E ratio were studied. Pollen grains of maximum accessions were tricolpate while pollen grains of three accessions i.e., CAN17, CAN25 and CAN31 were tetraporate. Majority of the pollen grains were prolate spheroidal (83.64%) whereas 1.82% was spheroidal. PCA indicated that the first four components account for 69.9% of the total variability. PC1 attribute 34.41% of the variability with equatorial diameter being the significant variable, whereas PC2 contributed 19.57% variability having length of polar axis (P) and shape class (P/E) as the significant variables. PC3 contributed 20.1% of the total variability with PE and number of granules being the significant variables. Pollen size, aperture number, and surface ornamentation may prove useful in species discrimination. This current study gives a first-hand report on the palynological variation of wild Cannabis populations of the Western Himalaya, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the long-run impact of financial development, energy consumption and economic growth on greenhouse gas emissions for India, in the presence of endogenous structural breaks, over the period 1971–2013. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing procedure (ARDL) and Hatemi-J threshold cointegration technique were used to test the variables for cointegration. ARDL bounds test did not confirm any cointegrating relationship between the variables. The threshold cointegration test establishes the presence of long-run impact of financial development, energy use and economic growth on greenhouse gas emissions in India. The results reveal that the long-run relationship between the variables has witnessed two regime shifts, in 1978 and 2002. The empirical evidence shows that financial sector development and energy consumption in India degrade the environment. Unlike previous studies, this paper finds no statistical evidence of a long-run relationship between economic growth and environmental deterioration. The study also challenges the existence of an environmental Kuznets curve in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper attempts to discover the interrelationships between Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CG and CSR) through different aspects. The reason behind the attempt is to analyze how the companies have postulated CG and CSR in their philosophies. Is there any difference between the outlooks of companies toward CG and CSR? How did the companies in their philosophy statements address the issues and dimensions of CG and CSR? The paper tries to explore various propositions on the relationship between CG and CSR through content analysis. The data for content analysis is obtained from annual reports of Nifty 50 companies. The reports are scanned for CG and CSR philosophy statements of companies with respect to marking the presence of a word, a sentence, a statement, a phrase or an idiom complementing any of the dimensions of CG and CSR identified for coding. A huge overlap between CG and CSR is found that demonstrated a two-way relationship significantly impacting each other. The study urges to see both the aspects as complementary to each other in the best interests of the company, stakeholder, and nation as a whole. The study gives an overview of the philosophies of companies representing the economic barometer of the country in terms of governance and social responsibility that can be useful for assessing the strengths of CG and CSR interrelationship in Indian companies. It samples the philosophies of companies with respect to both the aspects of CG and CSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakistan-China relations are based on decades. Political changes could not disrupt these relations that remained ever strong in spite of political changes in Pakistan. People of both the states like each other. Pakistanis always warmly welcomed the Chinese investment in Pakistan. Pakistan's textile sector was damaged because of Chinese competition since the ending of the Multi-Fiber agreement. History is not an obstacle to project a better future as a basic contest in the region. However, in Pakistan the real issue is not its relationship with India but its own future trajectory: Whether Pakistan will continue to emerge as an established, democratic republican, moderate Islamic state or sink in extremism, ethnicity, unemployment, terrorism and hawkishness. A bright future of both the states is attached with each other. Pakistan is promoting herself in agriculture, industry, textile and infrastructure with the help of China. Pakistan has been facing security threats from very beginning. It secured its security positions through the balancing of power in the region against India with the co-operation of China. In this article Pakistan-China relations would be hi-lighted in repercussions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the perception of accounting experts regarding the benefits and challenges of IFRS implementation in India and the relation between perception of accounting experts and their age, educational qualification, occupation and number of years of experience. The study is based on questionnaire survey of accounting experts. Data was empirically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis Test. Data analysis suggests that accounting experts are optimistic towards the benefits associated with the implementation of IFRS though significant costs and challenges associated with the implementation of IFRS remains a cause of concern. The study further concluded that the perception of accounting experts is independent of age, education, occupation and number of years of experience of accounting experts. There is a possibility that some respondent may have bias responses owing various types of professional and peer pressures. The viewpoint of accounting experts regarding the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of IFRS has not been researched in India. It is necessary to research that whether the perception of accounting experts is dependent upon their individual attributes like age, education, experience and qualification to bring about the uniformity in the reporting structures. It is further necessary to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by the accounting experts in order to deal with them (opportunities & challenges) at a common forum. As the lndia's application date is fast approaching, it seems to be necessary to understand the perception of the buyers and sellers of accounting standards meaning thereby the accounting experts. Therefore, the study is timely and assists in providing important insights from the accounting experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floristic composition and diversity patterns of vascular plants along an altitudinal transect (3300‒3900m a.s.l.) in relation to anthropogenic disturbance, edaphic variables and slope were studied in an alpine rangeland of Gurez valley, Kashmir. A total of 111 plant species belonging to 36 families and 86 genera were recorded over 245 quadrats that were placed at seven sites. Evaluated on species richness, diversity (alpha and beta) and composition was negatively correlated to altitude, though the relationship was not monotonic. Matching the changes in floristic composition and richness to various environmental variables through canonical correspondence analysis further strengthened the importance of altitude in influencing species composition. Species tolerant of trampling and other disturbances were dominant at largely disturbed lower altitudes (<3500m) while at higher altitudes (>3700m) their dominance decreased considerably, suggesting that anthropogenic disturbance is also important in influencing species composition. Our results showed that species turnover rates were high at higher (>3500m) altitudes. The study provides an insight on the plant composition of this region and accentuates the need for its proper conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the role of discourse indicating sociopolitical and economic situation of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. It gives an analysis of 37 articles published in Dawn newspaper regarding bilateral trade ties between India and Pakistan over the period of 2 years i.e. june 2011 to June 2013. This study is an overview of Dawn newspaper perspective regarding the changing ties between two nations on the basis of increasing interaction in business sector. Further, the nature of relationship is explained with help of revealed themes and characterization of the words and grammar features. The article concludes that shift in bilateral relations of two countries is visible in context of increasing trade ties on parallel basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Labeo rohita is a member of the Indian major carp species and originally an inhabitant of the Ganga river network in India. It is among the top ten aquaculture species of the world. Since there is a lack of information on the growth pattern of the wild populations of this species, this study aimed at evaluating the pattern of age and growth, to support the development of effective management plans. A total of 1 082 samples of L. rohita were obtained from May 2009 to July 2012 in six drainages of the Ganga basin. Scales of the fish were used to determine the age and growth by analyzing the annual rings growth. Out of six populations, a maximum 8+ age classes were recorded from two rivers (Betwa and Sharda). The back-calculated lengths at 8+ age class ranged from 86.22cm to 91.66cm. However, for the rest of rivers up to 7+ age classes were recorded. Among growth parameters, specific rate of length increase (Cl) and specific rate of weight increase (Cw) showed decreasing trend, and three distinct life stages of L. rohita were recorded based on growth constant data (Clt). Analysis of variance (ANOvA) of the back-calculated length data set of six populations indicated a significant difference (p<0.05). All three populations showed significant variation in length attainment during 1+ and 3+ age groups, while two populations showed significant variation in length attainment during the 2+ and 7+ age classes. Additionally, analysis of age frequency at different length intervals indicated that with increase in age class, number of fish samples was reduced. Since the pattern of life history traits of L. rohita have not been attempted in the recent past; therefore, this study will guide fisheries biologists about the current stock structure of this fish across different spatial scale of the Ganga basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In February 1999 Pakistan and India, through Lahore Declaration that was signed between the Prime Ministers of two countries, declared to resolve the continuing decades-long conflict between the two countries. But after some months of the Declaration both countries were involved into a horrible episode of conflict that virtually brought the world on the brink of first clash between two nuclear states. Getting control of a main route to Kargil by Kashmiri militants led to a great episode of conflict between India and Pakistan. This episode was significant because of the fact that both countries had entered into nuclear club just one year ago and this episode proved to be the first confrontation between two armies equipped with atomic arsenal. How this conflict arose and how international community saw this incident is the focus of this paper. The Paper will also examine how the external political factors played a critical role in the unfolding of the Kargil conflict. The impact of this episode on the policies of international powers will also be examined. In the light of this analysis of the events the impact of this episode in the conflict resolution in South Asia will also be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mumbai is an easily accessible Indian city through the Arabian Sea from Pakistan. The city is also considered as the hub of large number of executives and foreign tourists. The daybreak of 27th November 2008 observed a chaotic condition in south Mumbai due to the deadly serialized attacks which claimed many lives and hundreds of injuries. The night witnessed an assault on the top community and foreigners. The lethal attack hindered the peace process between India and Pakistan and damaged all efforts that were being made in order to achieve harmonized relations between both states. The Indian authorities raised voice against the terror intentions of Pakistan and symbolized her as the epicenter of terrorism. India blamed Lashkar-e-Tayba for targeting the Indian nationals. The violent approach created trust deficit between the two states which considered as the most serious ongoing problem that confronts Indo-Pak relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the world, gender inequality has been recognized as a well established social notion. Over the period of time, some countries have developed relatively better social position of males and females as equal members of the society and are considered as developed but still a large number do not meet this criterion and thus are at lowest rung of social development. In this regard, South Asian region especially India has no exception. Based on strong socio-cultural norms and traditions, this country stands at lowest pool of gender equality. In this study, the existence of gender negativity and gender insensitivity was measured in the primary level textbooks of India. The focus of the study was to explore existing stereotype and gendered behaviors in textbooks through content analysis. The study concluded that textbooks represented segregated pictures for females to strengthen the patriarchal structure of Asian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ever since India got independence, the Muslims who opted to make India as their homeland have to witness numerous problems in terms of their economy, education, politics and culture. Rather their miseries and deprivations even farther multiplied as compared to colonial period of sway. As Gopal Singh committee Report 1983, the Sachar Report 2006 and lastly, the Ranganath Report 2007 manifest the other side of the story against the Indian government's claim that the Muslims are progressing and prospering alike other communities. Indian governments have constituted several commissions to probe into Muslims' plight, but have showed reluctance to implement the findings or recommendations of the said committees on the one hand while the Hindu extremists always blame the Indian government's policy of "Muslims' appeasement" on the other. Since independence the Muslims have been made sandwich between the two variations... the duplicity of Indian governments and the adverse attitude of the Hindu fundamentalists. However, it is the need of the hour to take certain affirmative measures to curtail the Muslims' deprivations in the areas of education, economics and politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpine grasslands of Kashmir are a storehouse of numerous wild edible plants, besides serving as summer pastures for the flocks of various ethnic communities. Throughout these grasslands, pastorals, nomads, and other indigenous communities collect and use these plants in several different ways. This article reports the richness, distribution, use, mode of use, and frequency of use of edible wild plants by three ethnic communities viz. Bakerwals, Gujjars, and Puhloos (Kashmiri herdsmen) from three alpine grasslands of a hitherto unknown Gurez Valley, Kashmir. Twenty-six plants under 21 genera and 14 families are reported from the surveyed grasslands which are used as wild edibles. Our results indicated that for many species, the local names differed between the communities but yet the folklore uses were common. Further, the frequency of use also varied between the communities, with Bakerwals and Gujjars using the majority of the species while the semi-sedentary Puhloos use the least. We hypothesize that this difference in the use frequency between the communities is a function of differing working nature and the rapid advancement of contemporary societal ideas into their culture and hence necessitates the documentation of their traditional practices and knowledge at the earliest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a conflict ridden region, the significance of confidence building measures can not be over emphasized. These can be very useful in lessening tensions, avoiding conflicts and can even lead to cooperation and peace between antagonist states. South Asia with Pakistan and India, the two traditional foes are in need of serious efforts to contain and control tensions. The urgency for CBMs has grown especially after the nuclearisation of South Asia. The volatile situation in the region calls for non military and military CBMs. Even though no dramatic results are to be expected but atleast CBMs between Pakistan and India may help in building a requisite level of trust among them for a more peaceful region and avoidance of explosive situations like that of Kargil when both were at the brink of a nuclear war. The history of CBMs in South Asia is not very impressive as there are a number of limitations over CBMs, these constraints have to be looked into and dealt with as to have a more conducive atmosphere for negotiating and implementing CBMs. To bring about the true spirit of CBMs, the policy makers have to deal with the limitations first. Some of these constraints do not have a local origin and more seriously are prompted and propelled by international events and actors. This paper examines the history of CBMs in South Asia, the various limitations and their effects on the chances and probabilities of success of CBMs and the required bilateral and international cooperation so as to bring peace in nuclear South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floristic composition of a high-altitude alpine grassland, located in Bandipora district of Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir, was investigated. The grassland comprises three broad zones (a) flat valley with only few habitat types, (b) lower slope, and (c) upper slope with diverse habitat types (numerous rock boulders, rock crevices and high passes). Two study sites per zone (2 ha each) were established for vegetation survey. The degree of disturbance is most severe on the flat valley, while the upper slope experiences a light to moderate grazing due to steep slopes and high elevations. A total of 88 plant species belonging to 35 families and 70 genera were recorded in the grassland. Five dominant families are Asteraceae (15 spp.), Lamiaceae (8 spp.), Polygonaceae (5 spp.), Boraginaceae (4 spp.) and Rosaceae (3 spp.). The number of species is highest (40) in a site protected by nomads in the upper slope, while it is lowest (18) in an abandoned site in the flat valley. In terms of life form spectrum, the vegetation is characterized by a high proportion of hemicryptophytes followed by therophytes, indicating a heavy biotic interference in the form of overgrazing. Although the species richness is highest in the upper slope, the low occurrence of some rare and useful species in this zone demands a long term conservation plan, if their survival is to be continued in this grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the end of Cold War, US has acquired deeper engagement with South Asia, especially India. Overt leaning of US towards India since 1990's was not entirely unexpected, India being the largest and most stable country in South Asia has always been more charming to the super power. There had always been potentials for deeper relations both being large democracies and even larger economies. In the New World Order, United States has emerged as the leader and its alignment with any state will definitely make a difference in the concerned region. It seems that United States will be dealing Pakistan and India differently. Interests and objectives of the United States in South Asia region seem to change with changing situations or circumstances. Any visible tilt of the United States in South Asia towards either India or Pakistan will definitely affect the stability of the region. In sum, for US, India is now a partner in strategy and Pakistan a partner in exigency. According to the United States policy of enhanced engagement in South Asia, US will keep a close strategic relationship with India, but at present US also has to ensure an intense and rather longish partnership with Pakistan as well. That certainly carries a promise of a stable South Asia under an enhanced engagement and influence of U.S.A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest restoration significantly enhances soil quality, carbon stock and improves community characteristics, but reports from temperate coniferous ecosystems are limited. The present research aimed to study the changes in vegetation characteristics, biomass, and soil health after eight years of restoration in coniferous forests of Kashmir Himalaya, India. The studied forest stands include the sites before restoration (IN), restored forests (RT) and non-restored (NR) control plots. The results exhibited similar soil texture (clay-loam) in both RT and NR, albeit soils under RT had lower acidity (6.03 ± 0.11) and bulk density (1.21 ± 0.07 Mg m−3) than NR. The average total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, and available phosphorus were 13.2, 32.7 and 19.6%, respectively, greater in RT than NR. For vegetation characteristics, the results exhibited little changes in plant species richness (S = 8 and 7 for RT and NR, respectively), while the stand density and basal area enhancement were recorded for RT. The increase in plant species population and improvement in their regeneration status in RT was observed in comparison to NR in the study area. The density-diameter distribution showed that post-restoration, number of individuals in RT increased substantially in lower (10–25 cm), medium (35–55 cm), and highest (>65 cm) diameter classes with the cumulative percentage increase of 12.2, 44.1 and 12.6, respectively in comparison to the diameter classes 25–35 cm and 55–65 cm which recorded the decrease of 9.8% and 18.3%, respectively. In the case of NR, the results exhibited an alarming trend with a substantial decrease of individuals in lower diameter classes, namely, 15–35 cm (−19.7%), and 55–65 cm (−7.6%), thereby, suggesting the higher vulnerability to degradation than RT. The results of biomass and carbon contents indicated the overall biomass (aboveground and belowground) increase of 97.67 Mg ha−1 in RT and a reduction of 17.46 Mg ha−1 in NR, indicating the restoration added enough biomass to cause measurable changes. The results are evidence of the successful passive restoration efforts via fencing on soil and community characteristics across temperate coniferous forests. Restoring the vulnerable coniferous forests in the Himalayas is recommended to regain their vitality and vigour along with safeguarding the local livelihood options. • Forests degradation across Kashmir Himalaya is serious and growing over time. • Passive restoration improved community structure, biomass and regeneration. • Restored forests showed higher carbon stocks and improved soil macronutrients. • Forest restoration can help to recuperate forest benefits and services. • Efforts should be taken to restore all vulnerable forests across Himalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses about the trace metal contamination of drinking waters in Pearl Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan. According to the article, drinking water samples were collected from various locations of municipal water supply, wells in the valley and natural water springs to determine the physical properties and the dissolved concentration of lead, copper, nickel, zinc and manganese. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry were used to determine the concentrations of metals in water samples. The authors discusses the possible causes for increased concentrations of trace metals in drinking water from areas where water samples declared as unsuitable were obtained.

Three hundred and twenty-six Escherichia coli isolates recovered from 326 human faecal specimens from sporadic cases of diarrhoea in Kashmir valley, India, were investigated for the presence of stx1 , stx2, eaeA, hlyA and lt virulence genes. None of the samples was positive for stx genes or Shiga toxins by PCR or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Twenty-three E. coli isolates showed the presence of the eaeA gene, whereas three isolates harboured the lt gene. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) belonged to 10 different serogroups. Out of 23 EPEC isolates, the majority (78.26%) were atypical while five (21.73%) were typical. Only one of the typical EPEC harboured the EAF plasmid. Subtyping of the eaeA gene showed the presence of eaeA-α1, eaeA-β, eaeA-ξ and eaeA-η in one, two, four and two isolates, respectively. None of the E. coli isolates possessed eaeA-δ, eaeA-ℇ and eaeA-ζ. This study further upholds the opinion that Shiga toxin-producing E. coli do not pose a major threat to human health in India and eaeA-α1, eaeA-β, eaeA-ξ and eaeA-η could be common EPEC subtypes prevalent in humans with diarrhoea in India. The present study appears to be the first report of subtype analysis of the eaeA gene from India and also records the isolation of EPEC with the eaeA-ξ gene from humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]