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Children dying within the first year of life is referred to as infant mortality and is an important key indicator for a country's health and standard of living. Every year, there is an estimated 4.5 million infant deaths around the world, accounting for almost 75% of deaths in children younger than 5 years. The studies based on infant deaths are relatively less in number worldwide. This study investigates the sociodemographic and pathological aspects of infant deaths through autopsy data. The objective of the study was to evaluate the pathology and causes of infant/neonatal deaths and analyze related social and demographic factors. A cross-sectional descriptive autopsy study was conducted at the Government Medical College, Kozhikode, covering 66 medicolegal infant death cases from April 2018 to October 2022. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software. Respiratory infections (37.14%) were the leading cause of infant deaths, while perinatal complications and congenital abnormalities each accounted for 25% of neonatal deaths. Most deaths occurred in the postneonatal period (77.1%), predominantly among male infants (63%) from rural areas (84.3%). Key findings included consolidation and bronchopneumonia in lung examinations. Significant associations were found with various factors, including the period of infancy, delivery type, co-sleeping history, and prior hospitalizations. Birth weight and histopathological lung findings were linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal pollinators underpin the functioning and persistence of ecosystems globally. However, the vital role of pollination is being progressively eroded by the worldwide decline of pollinator species caused by human-induced environmental degradation, resulting in rising costs to biodiversity, agriculture, and economy. Most studies quantifying pollinator diversity and declines have focused on insects, whereas vertebrate pollinators remain comparatively neglected. Here, we present the first comprehensive study quantifying the macroecological patterns of species richness and extinction risk of bird and mammal pollinators in India, a region of extremely high biodiversity and increasing anthropogenic pressure. Our results reveal that hotspots of mammal pollinator diversity are restricted to the south of the Western Ghats, whereas bird pollinator diversity hotspots are scattered throughout the country. Analyses of hotspots of threatened species (based on the IUCN Red List) show that only mammal pollinators are currently classified as threatened in India, whereas multiple hotspots of population declines were observed for birds, and primarily in the Southwest for mammal pollinators. Our analyses failed to identify a role for species traits as drivers of these patterns, whereas most pollinators appear to be threatened by agriculture, logging and hunting for food, and medicinal purposes. Pollinator endangerment has widescale ecological and economic implications such as reduced food production, plant extinction, loss of functional and genetic diversity, and economic damage. We suggest protection of vertebrate pollinators should be emphasised in active conservation agendas in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates textural characteristics of foreshore sediment along the central Kerala coast. The selected beaches extend from Ponnani in the north to Alleppey in the south along the west coast of India. Samples were collected from foreshore zone at 22 selected locations to assess sediment grain size distribution and its seasonality. Statistical parameters such as mean (M), standard deviation (SD), skewness (Sk), and kurtosis (K) were used to evaluate the textural characteristics. The purpose of the present study was to examine the textural behaviour of coastal sediments in different seasons from November 2014 to October 2015. Textural characteristics show that the sediment samples are unimodal and bimodal with medium and fine grain sand. The standard deviation (sorting) reveals the sediment samples are very well sorted to moderately sorted with a range of 0.24 phi to 1.03 phi, while the skewness values of the sediment samples range from −0.55 phi to 0.32 phi. The CM plot depicts that the foreshore sediments are transported by tractive currents and transporting the sediments by rolling, bottom suspension with rolling. The analysis of Linear Discriminant Function (LDF) illustrates that the sediment samples are accumulated by aeolian or coastal and shallow turbulent environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we synergistically used Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical observations to characterize the Internal Solitary Waves (ISW) in the Andaman Sea and Arabian Sea region. Total 25 scenes combined from EOS-04, Sentinel-1&2 satellites are considered for the year 2022. Various approaches, including Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Multiple Image Comparison (MIC), Tidal Time Period (TTP) and Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equations, were employed to characterize the ISW, and its spatial and seasonal variations are also analysed. The dominant wavelength of ISW over the Andaman Sea in June 2022 is found to be 6500 m travelling towards the Andaman coast. The overall phase speed of ISW in the Andaman Sea lies in the range of 1.87–2.60 ms−1. It shows a seasonal variation of around 16% between winter and summer months, where a significant variation in the seasonal mixed layer depth was noticed. The phase speed also decreased as the ISW travelled from deep water to shallower regions. In contrast, the dominant wavelength of ISW in the continental shelf region of the west coast of India (near Goa) was much smaller (~400 m) compared to the Andaman Sea. Here, the ISW phase speed estimated using MIC and TTP methods was ~ 0.56 ms−1 in February 2022. The KdV equation yielded lower estimates of phase speed compared to the other two methods. The use of multiple satellite images and various approaches possess an advantage in comprehending the spatial and temporal variations in the characteristic features of ISW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potholes are microhabitats in riverine ecosystems that substantially contribute to the unique regional faunal diversity and community composition. Investigations on the ecological status of potholes in riverine habitats are very scanty. The present work is of utmost importance, particularly as a pioneering study to evaluate the health status of riverine potholes using aquatic insects as potential biological indicators. Samples of water and aquatic insects were collected and analyzed during the pre-monsoon season from February 2022 to May 2022 in the potholes at Athirappilly and the Ezhattumugham regions of the Chalakudy river basin. The present study identified 208 individuals represented by 15 families in the potholes at Athirappilly, whereas 94 individuals belong to 10 families at Ezhattumugham. The computation of water quality parameters and benthic metrics revealed a significant variation between the stations. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the water temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen concentration, and biochemical oxygen demand were influencing the distribution of aquatic insects in the potholes. Families such as Perlidae, Ephemeridae, Baetidae, Stenopsychidae, and Hydropsychidae (sensitive families) reported from the well-oxygenated potholes at Athirappilly, where the water temperature and biochemical oxygen demand were minimum. The significantly high percentage composition of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa and a low family biotic index value indicate good health condition of the potholes at Athirappilly. In contrast, the low percentage composition of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa and high family biotic index values, with the abundance of tolerant families (Micronectidae, Caenidae, and Chironomidae), reflect the impact of organic pollution at Ezhattumugham. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, small temporarily closed estuaries are the least considered for fisheries assessment and management due to a low scientific priority and regional importance. However, these ecosystems are highly exposed to anthropogenic pressures and may deteriorate without assessing its aquatic resources. In this study, fish diversity and guild structure of Chettuva—a temporarily closed tropical estuary in the western coast of India—was investigated. A total of 70 fish taxa belonging to 32 families were recorded with the quantitative predominance of families; Mugilidae, Cichlidae, and Leiognathidae. Family Carangidae had the highest species diversity (seven species), followed by Clupeidae and Mugilidae (five species). Ecological guild assessment revealed that the immigrating marine fish species (marine estuarine opportunist (34 species) and marine estuarine dependent (13 species)) dominated the guild structure over the estuarine resident species (seven species). The marine species were found all along the saline gradient and throughout the sampling period indicating the salinity ingress towards the estuarine zone throughout the year. Carnivores and omnivores were the major feeding mode functional guilds in terms of diversity, whereas detritivores dominated in numerical abundance throughout the salinity gradient. The major environmental drivers of the fish assemblages in the estuary were salinity and chlorophyll a. The distribution of freshwater fishes and estuarine resident species was connected with the rising primary productivity as the majority of fishes rely on the algae for feeding, whereas marine estuarine dependent and marine estuarine opportunist species occurred in areas with the highest salinity concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acids and bulk geochemical proxies were employed to understand the sources and transformation of sedimentary organic matter from surface sediments of major five mangrove systems in the northern Kerala coast. Texture, tidal rhythm and the proximity to the south eastern Arabian Sea were the main factors influencing distribution and accumulation of the organic matter in these systems. A total of 118 fatty acids were quantified and grouped into short-chain (SCFA), long-chain (LCFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) and branched-chain (BrFA) fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids, cyclic fatty acids, and dicarboxylic acids. The distribution of fatty acid groups was in the order SCFA > BrFA > MUFA > LCFA > PUFA. Total fatty acids (TFA) concentration exhibited profound seasonal variations and ranged from 6.25 to 580.49 lg/g (pre-monsoon > post-monsoon > monsoon except in Kadalundi which follows the reverse order). The sedimentary fatty acids in the study region reveal a wide spectrum of inputs from terrestrial, planktonic (preponderance of diatom followed by dinoflagellates along with brown algae, cyanobacteria, red algae) and bacterial sources (e.g., Desulfobulbus-type bacteria, sulfur-reducing bacteria, Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria). Significant concentrations of bacterial fatty acids suggest the functioning of an effective microbial loop and various biogeochemical pathways operating in these sediments (sulfate reduction, iron and manganese oxide reduction, etc.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatio-temporal distribution dynamics of various biochemical components in Thrissur Kole wetland were analyzed to assess the quality of organic matter (OM) and trophic status. Thrissur Kole wetland forms part of the Vembanad wetland system, located on the southwest coast of India. Surface sediment samples were collected from sixteen sites during the pre-monsoon (February 2019) and monsoon (August 2019) seasons. Concentration of biochemical parameters displayed the trend as follows: total carbohydrates > total protein > tannin and lignin > total lipids. Intermediate values of C/N ratios [average: 17.15 ± 0.86 (pre-monsoon), 9.81 ± 0.42 (monsoon)], indicated a mixed origin of OM. The occurrence of high tannin and lignin content substantiated terrestrial vascular plant input to the wetland ecosystem. Elevated levels of PRT were due to anthropogenic inputs via aquaculture activities and guano of birds. Majority of the sites exhibited lower values of protein to carbohydrate ratios (< 1) revealed the occurrence of aged sedimentary OM. Lower values of total lipid to total carbohydrate ratio (< 1) indicated lower nutritional quality of the OM. Lower % contribution of labile OM to total OM, lower biopolymeric carbon to total organic carbon ratio and lower algal contribution to the biopolymeric carbon suggested that a bulk fraction of OM exists as refractory. Based on protein and carbohydrate content, biopolymeric carbon and algal contribution to biopolymeric carbon, trophic state of the wetland system was evaluated as hypertrophic which implies deterioration in ecosystem health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation focused on identification and quantification of microplastics in surface waters of Chalakudy River, Kerala. Microplastics were detected in the surface waters of the study area with a recovery rate of 108.33 mg particles L−1. The abundance of microplastics ranged from 15.13 ± 4.13 – 170 ± 17.75 particles L−1 (mean: 55.81 ± 34 particles L−1). A maximum number of microplastics were obtained from site C3 and the least from site C8. The weight distribution of microplastic on sites exhibited strong positive correlation with the abundance (r = 0.83). Microplastics of size <20 µm were in higher abundance in the study area. Microscopic examination revealed fragments (47.06%) as predominant plastics and the dominant colour was brown/mud (26.99%). Abundance of coloured plastics indicated the probability of damage to aquatic life. Raman spectrum analysis revealed that Low-Density Poly Ethylene (40%) as the predominant polymer that could be observed at all the sampling sites. Lower-sized microplastics would cause accidental ingestion by organisms. The estimated release of a higher average number of microplastic particles (55.81 ± 4.25) into the marine environment is of serious concern. The observed overall abundance and recovery rate of microplastics in the study area indicated the status of contamination due to a multitude of sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal region of India is highly vulnerable to various threats, including coastal erosion, due to natural processes enhanced by anthropogenic influences. Shoreline change inventories are the pre-requisite for identifying the coastal stretches subjected to erosion. In this study, the shoreline of the entire Indian coast was delineated at a scale of 1: 25,000 using IRS LISS-IV images of 2004-06 and 2014-16 time frames. The spatial shift between the shoreline of two time frames was estimated in the GIS platform and a database of shoreline changes was prepared. The eroding, accreting and stable length of the shoreline were calculated for the Indian coast along with the area of erosion and accretion. This study discusses the imperative results of shoreline mapping and the status of shoreline changes on the Indian coast. The shoreline changes in terms of erosion and accretion were assessed for 7549 km of the Indian coast. It was found that the coast is eroding along 1144 km and accretion of the coast is along 1084 km, while 5321 km of the coastline shows no changes between the two time frames. The coastal land area lost due to erosion was 3680 ha; however, the increase in land area as a result of coastal deposition was 4042 ha. The regional coastal processes and the associated shoreline changes and coastal issues related to anthropogenic impacts are also discussed in this study. The inventory of shoreline changes has been used to prepare six volumes of Shoreline Change Atlas covering the entire Indian coast. The shoreline change database forms the baseline data for planning any coastal development activity by the maritime authorities apart from the potential use by the scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health of an ecosystem is very much important as we depend on its goods and services for our existence. Because of this, we need to continuously monitor its health for human benefit and for identifying areas for improvement of our natural systems. The present study tries to assess the condition of a coastal ecosystem within the Vembanad Lake, Kerala, India, using key water quality parameters at micro-level. Principal component analysis identified the minimum required water quality dataset for further analysis and was scored using linear scoring functions. The weighted additive method was used to integrate the individual scores to arrive at a final score representing the ecosystem health. Spline interpolation was applied to develop the ecosystem health map of the study area. Using this method, 35.8% area of the aquatic ecosystem studied was characterized as good, 32.2% as moderate, 26.2% as fair and 5.8% as poor. The assessment results can help the policymakers/managers to make appropriate decisions for the better management of the coastal ecosystems studied. Moreover, this methodology can be replicated for the assessment of coastal regions with similar ecosystem characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying coastal stretches that are likely to erode under high wave conditions is essential to the coastal management community in addressing beach erosion-related issues. The manuscript presents a case study to predict erosion of a selected beach located on the eastern Indian coast during the 2018 southwest (SW) monsoon season. The pre-monsoon beach topography surveyed using DGPS is used as the initial topographic condition in the morphological model. The model simulates subsequent beach erosion during the SW monsoon season, which is forced by forecast waves. Beach erosion advisories that classify the beach as eroding, accreting and no change are disseminated with a lead period of 10 days. During the SW monsoon period, we have monitored the beach using the dumpy level, and the beach topography during the post-monsoon is generated using DGPS surveyed profiles and are used for model validation. The beach area under erosion observed from the model result is homologous with the in-situ observations. The model shows cross-shore sediment transport to dominate during the SW monsoon, particularly in the central and northern sectors of RK beach. The model estimated shoreline position agrees with the DGPS observations, where the central sector has undergone maximum erosion. The comparison shows the model's ability to simulate beach morphodynamics like landward shifting of the berm crest under a high wave setup and oscillating water levels due to tides. The study highlights the importance of numerical modelling systems that decipher the beach response to the high monsoon waves. Research highlights: Beach erosion forecast system for RK Beach, India. Forecast system is developed using a combination of WAVEWATCHIII and Xbeach. Beach erosion advisories during monsoon period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal flood during the tropical cyclone Tauktae, 2021, at Chellanam coast, Kerala, India, has invited wide attention as the wave overtopping severely affected coastal properties and livelihood. We used a combination of WAVEWATCHIII and XBeach to study the coastal inundation during high waves. The effect of low-frequency waves and the rise in the coastal water level due to wave setup caused the inundation at Chellanam, even during low tide with negligible surge height. Wave setup raised the water level at the coast with steep slopes to more than 0.6 m and peaked during low tide, facilitating wave breaking at the nearshore region. The coastal regions adjacent to these steep slopes were subjected to severe inundation. The combined effect of long and short waves over wave setup formed extreme wave runups that flooded inland areas. At gently sloping beaches, the longwave component dominated and overtopped the seawalls and damaged households along the shoreline. The study emphasizes the importance of longwave and wave setup and its interaction with nearshore bathymetry during the high wave. The present study shall lead to the development of a coastal inundation prediction system for the low-lying hot spots using the combination of WAVEWATCHIII and XBeach models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, women's demographic and educational status has changed. However, in Indian society, women still experience discrimination within and outside the households. Within households, the gender division of labour on unpaid domestic works is highly skewed, and most household activities are still considered the primary responsibilities of women. The findings of the study reveal that in India, gender disparity exists in paid and unpaid domestic works, and its intensity is relatively higher in the latter form of activities. The gendered division of unpaid domestic works is one of the reasons of interstate difference gender disparity reported in India. In an economy, the burden of unpaid domestic works of women is influenced by the variables such as the basic characteristics of the population, accessibility and utilisation of basic infrastructure, which is closely associated with domestic household activities and social norms and patriarchal attitudes prevail in the society. In India these factors vary considerably across the states. Thus, women's participation and time use on unpaid domestic works also vary across states in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triterpenoids and fatty alcohols were identified from the sediments of five mangrove ecosystems (Kunjimangalam, Pazhayangadi, Pappinissery, Thalassery, and Kadalundi) in the northern Kerala coast, India, to illustrate the organic matter sources. Straight chain fatty alcohols in the range C12–32 were detected, and among these the long chain fatty alcohols (C20–32) were exclusively even chained compounds. Branched fatty alcohols (6,10,14-trimethyl-pentadecan-2-ol and 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecanol) of bacterial origin were detected in a few observations. Twenty triterpenoids were detected from the study region in which 13 of them were sterols. Triterpenoids originated from higher plants such as stigmasterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol, taraxerol, lupeol, germanicol, β-amyrin, α-amyrin, and betulin were identified in the study. Brassicasterol, a diatom marker and dinosterol, a dinoflagellates marker were also detected in the study region. An elevated % composition of dinosterol and dissolved oxygen super-saturation were noticed in Kunjimangalam during pre-monsoon, which may suggest elevated input of algal organic matter in the mangrove system. Cholesterol transformation products such as coprostanol and epi-coprostanol were detected, which indicated the presence of fecal contamination in the sedimentary organic matter. From the ternary diagram, it was recognized that the organic matter contribution from marine algae was feeble as compared to terrestrial input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate the contamination of heavy metals in the sediments of a tropical ecosystem, India, and to evaluate the factors responsible for the dominance of specific macrobenthic communities, particularly in estuarine sediments. For the analysis of Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd in sediments, acid digestion and subsequent quantification by microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy was performed, whereas for Hg determination, cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used. The general trend of the heavy metal concentration was observed as Cr > Cu > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd > Hg, regardless of any seasonal alteration. The estuarine region was considerably contaminated by Cu and Cr (C.F. > 2) irrespective of any seasonal difference, and by Cd in 2017 non-monsoon (CF > 3). Heavy metal contamination was most pronounced during the monsoon (2018). Estuarine and marine zone together considered as deteriorated zone especially during monsoon seasons (PLI > 1, 2018 monsoon) while riverine zone remained poorly contaminated (PLI < 1). Clay Loam/Clay/Heavy Clay textures preferred polychaetes and bivalves in the estuarine and marine zone as compared to other macrobenthic communities (OMC). Among the hydrochemical parameters, total dissolved solids in general and euryhaline and slightly alkaline pH preferred domination of bivalves followed by polychaetes in non-monsoon seasons. The trace metal contamination in estuarine sediments increases the concern of bioaccumulation tendency of dominant bivalves of the estuarine and coastal sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the new record of deep-sea flat fish Poecilopsetta colorata Gunther, 1880 from Arabian Sea along the Indian coast is reported. The four individual specimens were collected from Sakthikulangara fish landing center (fishing off Kollam 8°56'60.78" N; 76°32'34.27" E) obtained from deep-sea bottom trawlers between 200 and 300 m depth along the southwest coast of India in February 2019 and the voucher specimen is deposited in the Marine Biodiversity Referral Museum at Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. The genus Poecilopsetta Günther, 1880 is reported to have moderate diversity with 15 species inhabiting the deepsea waters. The intraspecies genetic distance in the COI gene of P. colorata retrieved from NCBI revealed 0.0 - 1.4 %; while interspecies distance ranged from 1.7 to 9.6 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical estuaries are characterized with high biological production and also impacted by anthropogenic activities. Describing these estuaries in terms of ecological data and trophic dynamics to reveal the ecological impacts is gaining attention recently. In this study, the ecological structure is analyzed for a heavily impacted small macrotidal tropical estuary, Ulhas river estuary (URE), situated near Mumbai megacity in the western coast of India, to delineate the impact of anthropogenic stressors on the ecosystem functioning. The URE is being exploited for sand and fisheries resources, and also faces risks from anthropogenic activities. The ecological data of URE were compiled for 2017-18 together with the most relevant literature estimates to construct an ecosystem model. A trophic organization in 20 functional groups was identified for URE using Ecopath modeling approach. The functional groups identified in the food web ranged from detritus and primary producers (trophic level (TL) = 1) to large pelagics (TL = 4.14). Detritivory: herbivory ratio (1.35) indicated that the detritus chain is dominant over the primary producer's chain. The total system throughput (TST) was estimated as 16 736.2 t km-2year-1. The indices such as net system production (NSP = 1 398.781 t km-2 year-1), total primary production/total biomass (TPP/TB = 25.17), biomass/total system throughput (TB/TST = 0.01), recycling index (Finn's Cycling Index = 13.94%), system omnivory index (0.3), relative ascendency (25.6%), and system overhead (74.4%) classified URE as an immature system. The eco-exergy index (30748.54 gm detritus equivalent m-2) showed that the ecosystem is a moderately stable and relatively less organized network. The estuarine fish community index (EFCI) yielded a value of 38 indicating the poor health status of the fish community in URE. The study delivers a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem setting in URE and characterizes the prevailing condition. The ecological indicators analyzed here point towards a medium to a high level of impact in URE due to anthropogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A combination of curcumagalactomannosides (CGM) (400 mg) with glucosamine hydrochloride (GLN) (500 mg) was evaluated against a standard dietary supplement combination chondroitin sulfate (CHN) (415 mg)/GLN (500 mg) for their effectiveness in alleviating the pain and symptoms among osteoarthritic subjects. Design: Randomized, double-blinded and active-controlled study. Settings/Location: The study was conducted in a hospital-based research center in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Subjects: Eighty subjects (38 males and 42 females), with confirmed osteoarthritis (OA) (Class I–III), were randomized into two parallel groups designated as Group I (CGM-GLN) and Group II (CHN-GLN). Interventions: All the study subjects were supplemented with their corresponding intervention capsules (ether CGM along with GLN or CHN along with GLN), as a single oral dose twice a day, once in the morning 10–15 min before breakfast and again in the evening before dinner, for 84 days. Outcome measures: A validated treadmill uphill walking protocol was used for the study, and the efficiency of supplementation was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire at the baseline, 28th, and 84th day following the treatment. Mechanism of action of CGM-GLN combination was analyzed by measuring the levels of serum inflammatory markers interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM) at the baseline and 84th day. Results: CGM-GLN was found to offer significant beneficial effects to pain, stiffness, and physical function of OA subjects compared with CHN-GLN, which was evident from the improvement in walking performance, VAS score, KPS score, and WOMAC score. The efficiency of CGM-GLN was almost double compared with the CHN-GLN by the end of the study (84th day). A significant reduction of inflammatory serum marker levels was observed among CGM-GLN subjects compared with CHN-GLN subjects. Compared with the baseline, CGM-GLN produced 54.52%, 59.08%, and 22.03% reduction in IL-1β, IL-6, and sVCAM levels, respectively. Whereas CHN-GLN group of subjects expressed only 23.17%, 21.38%, and 6.82% reduction in IL-1β, IL-6, and sVCAM levels, respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the potential benefits of CGM-GLN supplements in alleviating the symptoms and function of OA subjects compared with the standard CHN-GLN treatment. The augmented efficacy of CGM-GLN combination could be attributed to the enhanced anti-inflammatory effect of CGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclone-induced coastal inundation along the east coast of India is simulated using the state-of-the-art advanced circulation model coupled with Simulating Waves Nearshore model. Bathymetry of the computational domain is prepared by integrating digital coastal bathymetric chart with global digital elevation model (DEM) ETOPO-2. Topography of the coastal land region is created by merging data from the fine resolution airborne DEM with that from the Indian satellite CARTOSAT-2 derived CARTO2 DEM and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission DEM. The major shortcomings of coastal inundation simulation due to inaccurate representation of intricate networks of river, creeks and lagoons have been overcome by careful description of the critical coastal wetland features influencing the landward inundation of storm surge in the present work. Experimental simulation of coastal inundation is carried out for the Phailin (2013) and Hudhud (2014) cyclones. The computed surge residual for Phailin and Hudhud are compared with available tide-gauge observations, which have resulted in root mean square error of 0.06 m and 0.11 m, respectively. The simulations show realistic coastal inundations, which are compared with the Indian meteorological department records. The model set up is then used to generate forecast of coastal inundation due to Titli (2018) cyclone with a lead period of 48 h. The Weather Research and Forecasting model forecast winds at 5 km spatial resolution are used as the primary forcing parameter. The coastal inundation forecast due to Titli cyclone is validated by assessing the spatial coherency of simulated inundation with the water logged area demarcated from synthetic-aperture radar image taken from Canadian satellite RADARSAT-2. The results clearly indicate acceptability of the model performance with a potential to predict the coastal inundation during a cyclone for operational early warning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implicit/explicit impact of global warming or the anthropogenic climate change on the coastal upwelling processes affects the marine ecosystem significantly and continuous monitoring of the coastal upwelling along the coastal regions is essential. The Ekman transport due to alongshore winds and Ekman pumping due to wind stress curl play important roles on the coastal upwelling, especially along the southern part of Indian peninsula. Upwelling Indexes based on wind and SST are computed in the study to demarcate the upwelling features along the coasts. Since upwelling leaves its trail on surface features, long time series of satellite-derived wind, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Sea level anomaly (SLA) and Surface Chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a) are analyzed to understand the upwelling along the coastal regions of south India. The present study reveals a decrease in the intensity of upwelling along the western coast (Chl-a ∼ 0.2 mg/m3 dec−1, Upwelling Index based on wind ( UI wind ) and Vertical Velocity of Ekman Pumping (VVEP) is approximately 0.0012 m2/s dec−1 and 0.120 cm/day dec−1 respectively) and a slight increase all along the eastern coast of southern India during summer monsoon (Chl-a along 11.3°N and 13.9°N is 1 mg/m3 dec−1, U I wind and VVEP along 10.5°N is 0.0023 m2/s dec−1 and 0.2 cm/day dec−1 respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliphatic hydrocarbons in the sediments of the estuarine mangrove forests of Cochin region, Southwest coast of India were characterized to assess the sources of organic matter (OM) and to validate the effectiveness of the various geochemical indices to identify multiple OM sources and the complex geochemistry of these tropical coastal environments. The total concentration of the n-alkanes varied from 606.39 to 826.25 µg/g [dry weight (dw)] in mangrove sediments, to values between 230.10 and 287.67 µg/g in estuarine sediments. The n-alkane distribution in the study region indicated a strong odd over even predominance in both mangrove and estuarine sediments. Assessment using terrestrial OM indices such as Carbon Preference Index (CPI), Terrigenous Aquatic Ratio (TAR), and Terrestrial Marine Discriminant (TMD) suggested that a large fraction of OM in the mangrove sediments was derived from mangrove plant litter and a better preservation of mangrove OM in the sedimentary environment has occurred. These findings are supported by the higher content of total lipid, tannin, and lignin, as well as by the depleted δ13C values. Low ratios of CPI, TAR, and TMD at estuarine sites E2 and E3 indicated a mixed origin of OM. Natural or biogenic indices such as natural n-alkanes ratio (NAR), Σn-alkanes/n-C16, n-C29/n-C17, and LMW/HMW revealed that all the mangrove stations and the estuarine station E1 received OM from natural or biogenic sources, whereas a significant anthropogenic input was noticed for estuarine stations E2 and E3. Indices like Pr/Ph, Pr/n-C17, Ph/n-C18 further confirmed the mixed nature of OM accumulated under the anoxic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsidence in coastal deltas is a challenging issue globally, influenced by both climate and anthropogenic pressures. Owing to its rich economic value, the Godavari Delta on the east coast of India attracts the human population and is therefore a hub of developmental activities. We quantified the line of sight (LOS) rate of land deformation in the Godavari Delta, India, for two different periods using the time series interferometric analysis of Advanced Land Observing Satellite Phase Arrayed L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (ALOS PALSAR) (2007–2011) and C-band Sentinel-1A (2017–2020) datasets. This approach was based on the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) algorithm, which constructed 76 (ALOS) and 333 (Sentinel-1A) pairs of interferograms. The results indicated that the majority of deltas had varying LOS deformation rates in both periods. The southern and northern coastline of the deltas showed subsidence (-10 to -20 mm/yr) and uplift (5 mm to 7 mm/yr), respectively, from 2007 to 2011. The uplift (11 mm/yr) during 2017–2020 was attributed to coastal erosion and accretion during the study period. Statistical analyses showed that the majority of the coastline experienced erosion from 2006 to 2011, ranging from 0 ‐30 m/yr. Conversely, during 2017–2019, accretion ranging from 0-30 m/yr was dominant. The Kakinada spit has recently experienced an uplift of 8 mm/yr. Many factors contributing to deformation, such as groundwater fluctuations, rainfall, land use and land cover (LULC) changes, and water quality, were explored. Groundwater level variations were strongly correlated with the rate of deformation. A direct relationship was also observed between water recharge through rainfall and the ground deformation rate. The subsidence rate was estimated as 0 to ‐8 mm/yr from 2007-2011 and -10 to -20 mm/yr for 2017–2020 in the Godavari Delta. Increased urban areas and land conversion from the LULC analysis were the causative factors of subsidence in this region. Thus, the Godavari Delta will become highly vulnerable, as the region has shown various LOS deformation rates. Studies on land subsidence are highly relevant for effective coastal management planning and management. • First study to explore the ground deformation in Godavari delta. • Role of freshwater influence and land use are discussed. • Brought out the human interventions in the Godavari delta. • Needed for environmental management of the Godavari delta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memecylon travancorense Sivu, N. S. Pradeep, Pandur. & Ratheesh, a new species of Memecylon from Agastyamala Biosphere Reserve of the southern Western Ghats is described herewith illustration and photographs. Its distinctive characters are discussed and comments made on differences between this and its allied taxa. This new species is similar to M. wightii, but clearly distinct by having sub-terete, greyish white branchlets, broadly elliptic to oblong leaves with slightly cordate to rounded leaf base, umbellate inflorescence with quadrangular peduncles and shortly pedicellate flowers. Information on habitat, distribution, and conservation status are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is a major health problem in India. Stroke burden has been rising in India as compared to the developed countries. Recent studies have shown that high serum cholesterol is associated with clinically less severe ischaemic strokes and better outcome. Aim: The primary objective of the study was to compare the outcome of patients with ischaemic stroke to their cholesterol levels and to correlate the cholesterol levels to the stroke outcome. Materials and methods: This hospital based prospective follow-up study was conducted in 140 patients admitted with ischaemic stroke in the medical wards of Medical College hospital, Trivandrum. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on cholesterol levels as <160 mg/dl and >160 mg/dl. Their clinical severity at presentation was calculated by Scandinavian stroke scale (0=worst, 58=best) and outcome of these patients at the end of 1 year was measured by Modified Rankin scale (0=best, 6=worst).Serum cholesterol was measured using enzymatic method. Results: Mean age of 140 patients of at presentation was 63.4±11.9 years of which 53.5% (n=75) males, the mean Scandinavian stroke scale (SSS) being 28.3±12.5. The mean SSS score of high cholesterol group was 39.6 whereas 17 in the low cholesterol group (p<0.001). Similarly, the size of infarct in CT brain, outcome variables of modified Rankin scale and mortality were statistically significant between these groups (p<0.001). Bivariate correlation analysis showed that increased serum cholesterol level is associated with increased SSS score (positive correlation) with high statistical significance (p<0.001). Logistic regression adjustedwith other risk factors showed high cholesterol levels are associated with better outcome and decreased mortality, which is supported by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Background: Stroke is a major health problem in India. Stroke burden has been rising in India as compared to the developed countries. Recent studies have shown that high serum cholesterol is associated with clinically less severe ischaemic strokes and better outcome. Aim: The primary objective of the study was to compare the outcome of patients with ischaemic stroke to their cholesterol levels and to correlate the cholesterol levels to the stroke outcome. Materials and methods: This hospital based prospective follow-up study was conducted in 140 patients admitted with ischaemic stroke in the medical wards of Medical College hospital, Trivandrum. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on cholesterol levels as <160 mg/dl and >160 mg/dl. Their clinical severity at presentation was calculated by Scandinavian stroke scale (0=worst, 58=best) and outcome of these patients at the end of 1 year was measured by Modified Rankin scale (0=best, 6=worst).Serum cholesterol was measured using enzymatic method. Results: Mean age of 140 patients of at presentation was 63.4±11.9 years of which 53.5% (n=75) males, the mean Scandinavian stroke scale (SSS) being 28.3±12.5. The mean SSS score of high cholesterol group was 39.6 whereas 17 in the low cholesterol group (p<0.001). Similarly, the size of infarct in CT brain, outcome variables of modified Rankin scale and mortality were statistically significant between these groups (p<0.001). Bivariate correlation analysis showed that increased serum cholesterol level is associated with increased SSS score (positive correlation) with high statistical significance (p<0.001). Logistic regression adjustedwith other risk factors showed high cholesterol levels are associated with better outcome and decreased mortality, which is supported by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Conclusion: Hypercholesterolemia is associated with clinically minor strokes and better outcome, whereas major strokes are commonly seen in patients in the low cholesterol group. Hence post stroke outcome is inversely related to serum cholesterol levels in ischaemic stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research proposes a roadmap for investor-centric strategies to mutual fund firms in India for expanding their client base consists of current and potential investors. Based on the responses of 800 investors collected under a perception survey, using discriminant function analysis, the study works out the sustainable marketing mix variables that impel innovation in product design and distribution for Indian mutual fund industry. The study suggests the revision of prevailing investor strategies profiling with novel products of fewer risks, better governance and regulations, speedy and efficient grievance redressal and professionalism in investor services can impart market dynamism to mutual fund instruments in Indian context. However, the post-investment behavioral paralytics like disposition effect, cognitive dissonance and herd behavior are much critical in determining the strategic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sonerila janakiana, a new tuberous, scapigerous and stoloniferous species of Melastomataceae collected from exposed wet rocks of evergreen and semi evergreen forests in the Nilgiris and Wayanad districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala states on the Western Ghats in India is described and illustrated. Apart from other characteristics, it is distinguished from all hitherto known species of the genus in India by having stolons and dimorphic leaves. The stolons produced from tubers terminate and develop into new tubers producing new plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isachne edamalayarensis, a new species from southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India, is described and illustrated. This species is similar to Isachne oreades (Domin) Bor but can be distinguished by its large and glabrous leaves, unequal glumes, and shape and size of lower and upper glumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal stretch of Saurashtra, Gujarat, is seriously threatened by storm surges. Hence, assessing the preparedness to storm surge impacts is a major task in coastal disaster management where identification of relative vulnerability of coastal stretches is a prime concern. The aim of this study is to assess coastal vulnerability related to storm surge events along the coastal talukas of Saurashtra coast, by analyzing physical features and demographic variables using Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. Vulnerability of a taluka is defined in terms of its exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. We calculated vulnerability of Exposure Index, Sensitivity Index, and Adaptive Capacity Index separately in ArcMap s/w, and the vulnerability map of different indices in the study region was drawn. The Total Vulnerability Index (TVI) is prepared by integrating the above index. The TVI map shows that Kalyanpur, Porbandar, and Talaja talukas are highly vulnerable in comparison with other talukas as they have large area under low-lying, high sensitivity value, and low adaptive capacity value. On the other hand, Diu and Maliya are lower vulnerable due to the presence of rocky/cliffy coast, sand dune, small coastal length and located in elevated region although there exists high population density and built-up area. Our research finding will assist coastal disaster managers and decision makers to plan appropriate measures to minimize the losses due to storm surge impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyses the Malayalam-language film Athithi, directed by K. P. Kumaran, which presents the rural and the urban in condensed spatial terms. Topics discussed include depiction of negotiation between the urban and the rural within its corpus in film, history of Malayalam cinema, and the modalities through which a niche segment emerged within the film industry.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including history of film studies, Indian cinema, and the conference on Indian cinema held at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies in Shimla, India.

Renjith, K.R.; Joseph, M.M.; Ratheesh Kumar, C.S.; Manju, M.N., and Chandramohanakumar, N., 2016. Nutrient distribution and bioavailability in a tropical microtidal estuary, southwest India. This study estimates the spatial and seasonal variations of phosphorus and nitrogen fractions in the surface sediments of Cochin Estuary to assess their bioavailability and the factors governing biogeochemical distribution. Seasonal variations of the dissolved nutrients suggest that phosphorous buffering activity is very high in the estuary, and there could be a nitrogen limitation in the absence of any external input. Iron-bound and calcium-bound inorganic fractions were the major forms of sedimentary phosphorus in the central estuary. Upstream regions were characterised by higher proportions of organic phosphorus, mainly as alkali-soluble fractions. Bioavailable fractions ranged from 2.61% to 90.43% of total phosphorus and show a significant increase during the lean pre-monsoon period. This increase, which was not attributed to total phosphorus, could play a major role in negating any possible phosphorus limitation. The bioavailable nitrogen fractions varied from 1.57% to 23.89% of total nitrogen and were much lower when compared with phosphorus. Despite the concomitant increase in the water column as well as sedimentary nitrogen during the post-monsoon season, the seasonal variation was not reflected in the sedimentary bioavailable nitrogen percentage, as the increase was confined only to urea, which was found at negligible levels during the other seasons. The study showed that physical characteristics of the substratum play a major role in the geochemical distribution of nutrients, along with organic matter diagenesis. Higher heterotrophic activities fuelled by the allochthonous input of organic matter resulted in relatively lower retention of nitrogen in the sediments of Cochin Estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented on the ways the subnational region is theorized. Topics covered include historiography of the catachresis of the Indian region and linguistic state in scholarship of Indian film criticism, the structure of the governmental region that predominates both political claims and scholarship, and an integrated performative subject proposed wherein the nation is one of the possible horizons of universality.

This paper, focusing on the short film,Dear Kim(2009), and a debate between Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi and Marxist intellectual P. Govinda Pillai at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in 1998, attempts to understand the work done by the category of “world cinema” and the institution of the film festival in the formation of the subject of the region, in this case the south Indian state of Kerala. It focuses on the linguistic region formed in post-independence India, thought of as either mirroring or resisting the nation, and as a cultural resource necessary to inhabit the nation as a citizen. The paper argues for a conception of the subject of the region that is performative, where it negotiates multiple horizons of universality simultaneously. While the figure of the citizen provides it with one horizon of universality, the subject is not exhausted by it. In the case of Kerala, through the figuration of a conception of “world,” operationalized through the conduit of “world cinema,” often located in the institutional space of the film festival, the subject is able to access other horizons of universality, enabling it to transcend the particularities that a politics of location imposes on it. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Distribution (seasonal and spatial) of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments of theChitrapuzhaRiver, Cochin, India, was investigated using gas chromatography. Significantly high concentrations prevailed during the pre-monsoon season with the industrial zones of the river appearing to be hot spots with particularly elevated levels of the hydrocarbons. AHCs ranged between 7754 and 41,173 ng/g with an average of 25,256 ng/g, while total PAHs varied from 5046 to 33,087 ng/g.n-Alkane indicesandPAH diagnostic ratiospoint to petroleum contamination in the sediments. The significance of PAHs in the sediments was explored using universally accepted interpretation tools. Observed levels of PAHs in sediments of Chitrapuzha are likely to cause adverse effects on biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lip print pattern is a unique among individuals and thus helps in the identification during the forensic investigation. Lip print analysis in the forensic scene may help in the personal identification. Thus, correlating the lip print with the finger print and gender will create a new room in forensic dentistry investigation. Aim: This study aims to identify the lip and finger print pattern and to correlate lip and finger print pattern for gender identification. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 students from dental institution were included in this study. Of which, 50 were male and 50 were female.. Their aged range between 18 and 28 years with a mean age of 21.3 years. The physiological rest position of the lip print was recorded by the application of red or dark pink colored lipstick over the lips and the imprint was transferred over a white chart sheet through a transparent tape. The imprint of the finger was taken directly on a white chart sheet. The lip and finger print pattern was examined with magnifying lens. The results were analyzed using SPSS software 19.0 (Armonk, NY, USA) and presented as a descriptive statistics. A correlation of lip print with finger print and gender variation was analyzed by Pearson correlation test. Results: The study identified higher prevalence of Type II (34%) lip print pattern in the overall study population. In males, Type I lip print (42%) and plain loop finger print pattern (44%) was frequent in the study. In males, the correlation of lip and finger print patter showed weaker correlation and statistically insignificant (P = 0.436). In females, Type II lip print (34%) and plain loop finger print pattern (42%) was frequent in the study. In females, the correlation of the lip and finger print pattern showed weaker correlation with approachable statistical significance (P = 0.083). The correlation of lip and finger print with gender showed weaker correlation and approachable significance (P = 0.07). The association of lip and finger print in the study showed statistically insignificant. However, the association of Type III lip print pattern with loop finger print pattern showed statistical significant association (P = 0.05) by Chi-square analysis. Conclusion: Lip print analysis is a challenging area in the personal identification during forensic dentistry examination. The study revealed the weaker correlation and approachable significance of lip and finger print pattern in gender identification. Future studies should be encouraged in the direction of software based identification for lip and finger print analysis in gender identification. Such studies may benefit this study pattern in more accurate way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the link between ego-dystonicity of sexual orientation and psychological indices of perceived acceptance, stigma and awareness of homosexual lifestyles in India. The study background was discussed and cited the role of external factors in determining some discomforts of homosexuals with their sexuality on the aspects of physical and verbal abuse or discrimination. Interventions to reduce the ego-dystonicity of homosexuality were recommended.

Eriocaulon vandaanamense (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from a marshy coastal area in the Alappuzha District, Kerala, India, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to E. truncatum and resembles it in having vertically elongated seed coat cells, but differs mainly in having pale black hoary floral bracts, 3-lobed hoary male sepals, linear-falcate, non-conduplicate hoary female sepals, and small, smooth, pale brown seeds without seed coat appendages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arundinella thirunelliensis (Poaceae), a new species from the Western Ghats in Kerala, India is described and illustrated. It closely resembles A. nepalensis but differs by being a rheophyte with large culms, glabrous culm nodes, leaf sheath and peduncles, effuse panicles with highly branched drooping branches, large, 3-nerved, deeply bifid smooth lemma with short twisted column of awn, and the lower glume distinctly shorter than the lower lemma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for an extended period of 4 weeks is now preferred over short term thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing total hip/knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). However, most of the data demonstrating the efficacy and safety of extended thromboprophylaxis and short term thromboprophylaxis is from clinical trials done in the West. In India, the data of the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following THA/TKA has been conflicting and the duration has not been clearly defined. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of extended thromboprophylaxis over short term thromboprophylaxis in Indian patients undergoing elective THA/TKA surgeries. Materials and Methods: A prospective arm of 197 consecutive patients undergoing elective THA/TKA surgeries who were administered extended thromboprophylaxis for 4 weeks was compared with a historical group of 795 patients who were administered short term thromboprophylaxis for only 7-11 days. In both groups, LMWH (enoxaparin) was used in a dose of 40 mg subcutaneously, in addition to mechanical thromboprophylaxis. Primary efficacy endpoint was objectively confirmed venous thromboembolism (VTE). The presence of DVT was confirmed by a combination of pretest scoring, D-dimer, and Color Doppler Flow Imaging (CDFI) of deep veins of the legs, and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was confirmed by ventilation perfusion (V/Q) scan or pulmonary angiography. Fisher's exact test and t test were used for the statistical analysis. The baseline confounding factors were compared between the two groups using t test for comparing the means for continuous data and Fisher's exact test for categorical data. Results: In the prospective arm, only 1 patient developed symptomatic PTE compared to 26 (3.27%) cases of VTE (20 cases of PTE and 6 cases of DVT) in the retrospective group. Conclusion: Extended thromboprophylaxis (for 4 weeks) was found to be more effective than short term thromboprophylaxis in minimizing the risk of postoperative VTE in patients who underwent THA/TKA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quisqualis malabarica Bedd. is transferred to Combretum and a new combination, viz., Combretum malabaricum (Bedd.) Sujana, Ratheesh, & Anil, is proposed. Combretum recurvatum Sujana, Ratheesh, & Anil, a new species allied to Combretum malabaricum (Bedd.) Sujana, Ratheesh, & Anil, is described from South Western Ghats of Kerala with illustration and photographs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memecylon wayanadense Ratheesh, Sivu & Pradeep, a new species of Melastomataceae from the Wayanad forests of Kerala, India, is described and illustrated. The new species is allied to Memecylon angustifolium, M. rivulare and M. sivadasanii but differs in habit, leaf shape, sclereid type, inflorescence type and position, and the shape and size of the sepals and petals. An UPGMA analysis of 20 RAPD primers resulted in two major clusters with Memecylon sivadasanii in one cluster and M. rivulare, M. angustifolium and M. wayanadense in the second cluster. Memecylon wayanadense forms a subgroup within the second cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Suspended sediment transport in the Gulf of Kachchh is simulated utilizing the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) derived from Oceansat OCM imagery, as the initial condition in MIKE-21 Mud Transport model. Optimization of the model mud parameters, like settling velocity and critical shear stress for erosion are realized with respect to the sediment size distribution and the bottom bed materials observed in the Gulf. Simulated SSCs are compared with alternate OCM derived SSC. The results are observed to be impetus where the model is able to generate the spatial dynamics of the sediment concentrations. Sediment dynamics like deposition, erosion and dispersion are explained with the simulated tidal currents and OCM derived sediment concentrations. Tidal range is observed as the important physical factor controlling the deposition and resuspension of sediments within the Gulf. From the simulation studies; maximum residual current velocities, tidal fronts and high turbulent zones are found to characterise the islands and shoals within the Gulf, which results in high sediment concentrations in those regions. Remarkable variability in the bathymetry of the Gulf, different bed materials and varying tidal conditions induces several circulation patterns and turbulence creating the unique suspended sediment concentration pattern in the Gulf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Impatiens L. (Balsaminaceae) from Wayanad District, Kerala, India, Impatiens mohana Ratheesh, Sujana & Anil, is described, illustrated and compared with I. modesta Wight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sources of organic matter in three typical mangrove systems of Cochin estuary were assessed for the first time with help of sediment bulk parameters and fatty acid biomarkers. The C/N and δ13C analysis showed intermediate values to that of autochthonous and terrestrial inputs of organic matter, signaling to a mixed origin. The biochemical composition of sedimentary organic matter revealed a dominance of lipids over proteins and carbohydrates, indicating the nutritive or energetic value as well as the freshness of organic matter in all the systems. Fatty acids ranging from C8 to C24 were identified in the study. C20:5n-3 was one of the major fatty acids at station 1, indicating significant benthic phytoplankton contribution. The zooplankton biomarkers C20:1 and C24:1 were also present in appreciable levels, suggesting the tidal influx. Principal fatty acids at station 2 were the zooplankton biomarkers C20:1 and C24:1 implying significant estuarine contribution through tidal influx. The major fatty acids at station 3 were diatom marker C20:5n-3 and the higher plant marker C24:0. Dominant fatty acids in mangrove leaves; C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 were also present at station 3. The low contributions of C20:1 and C24:1 confirms the limited tidal exchange at this station. Presence of significant amount polyunsaturated fatty acids in the mangrove sediments confirms the freshness of organic matter. Thus, fatty acid biomarker study of the three mangrove systems of Cochin estuary could substantiate the bulk parameter approaches effectively; distinguishing the multiple sources of the organic matter and the observed spatial variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens johnsiana (Balsaminaceae) from the Wayanad District, Kerala, India, a new endemic epiphytic scapigerous balsam related to I. dendricola and I. scapiflora, is described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The centrality of South Indian cinemas in ‘New Indian Cinema’, one of the many cultural constellations of the turbulent and vibrant 1970s, has been widely acknowledged. Focusing on the aesthetic structuring of select moments from Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Swayamvaram, K.P. Kumaran's Athithi and P.A. Backer's Kabaneenadhi Chuvannappol, this paper investigates the contestations central to the emergence of a realist aesthetic in Malayalam cinema. It unpacks the movement towards the consolidation of realism as a mode of address that generates certain spectatorial responses, as opposed to understanding this turn in Malayalam cinema as foregrounding a new version of the social. The status of popular cinema and cinephilia are at the center of these contestations, as these film texts actively intervene in debates around aesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impatiens minae Ratheesh, Anil Kumar & Sivad. a new scapigerous species of Impatiens from Wayanad district in Kerala, India is described and illustrated. The new species resembles Impatiens denisonii and I. scapiflora by its 3-lobed lateral united petals and lower sepal with a long spur; but differs from the latter in having a curved band of dense fleshy clavate papillae at the base of lateral united petals, and from the former in the absence of a dorsal filiform appendage or auricle at the base of the lateral united petals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. Among adults, anxiety disorder comorbidity is associated with a more severe form of bipolar disorder and a poorer outcome. There is limited data on the effect of comorbid anxiety disorder on bipolar disorder among children and adolescents. Aim: To study the prevalence of anxiety disorders among adolescents with remitted bipolar disorder and examine their association with the course and severity of illness, global functioning, and quality of life. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 46 adolescents with DSM IV bipolar disorder (I and II) who were in remission, using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children. We measured quality of life using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and global functioning using the Children's Global Assessment Scale, and then compared these parameters between adolescents with and without current anxiety disorders. We also compared the two groups on other indicators of severity such as number of episodes, suicidal ideation, presence of psychotic symptoms, and response to treatment. Results: Among the 46 subjects, the prevalence of current and lifetime anxiety disorders were 28% (n=13) and 41% (n=19), respectively. Compared with others, adolescents with anxiety had more lifetime suicidal ideation, more number of episodes, lower physical, psychosocial, and total subjective quality of life, and lower global functioning. Conclusions: Among adolescents with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders are associated with a poorer course, lower quality of life, and global functioning. In these subjects, anxiety disorders should be promptly recognized and treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phosphorus fractions in three tropical mangrove systems of Cochin region were analysed by sequential extraction method. Iron-bound phosphorus was the major fraction in the first two stations, while station 3 was exclusively dominated by calcium-bound phosphorus. Compared to other stations, about tenfold increase in total phosphorus content was observed at station 3. This station is a congregation of communally breeding birds, and there is accumulation of bird guano. Mineralogical analysis showed the presence of monetite, a thermodynamically metastable calcium phosphate mineral, in this unique system. The excreta and carcass of the birds in this sanctuary seems to be the reason for the formation of monetite, which is favoured by periodic fluctuations in redox potential. The high mass percentages of calcium and phosphorus by XRF and SEM-EDS analysis confirm the existence of calcium phosphate mineral at station 3. First two stations did not show any noticeable difference in phosphorus fractions and inorganic fractions constituted to about 65% of total phosphorus. But at station 3, inorganic fractions were about 92%. Low C:P ratios and low organic phosphorus content indicated active mineralisation of phosphorus at station 3. Bioavailable fractions of phosphorus at stations 1 and 2 were about 75%, whereas 98% of the total phosphorus was bioavailable at station 3. Since the bulk of the total phosphorus is bioavailable, these mangrove sediments have the potential to act as source of phosphorus to the overlying waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]