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Introduction: Globally, Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era is on the decline, and now, after three years, much lower rates of mortality and morbidity are witnessed. The emergence of new variants and subvariants like Omicron is leading into a transition phase where one would only see sporadic surges. After the 3rd wave, Punjab also experienced such surges, prompting this retrospective study to observe the trend of COVID-19 and emerging variants in the Northwest region of Punjab, India. Aim: To assess the prevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during the past year and to analyse demographic variables like age and gender distribution of positive cases of SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study, with study period of one year from 1st July 2022 to 30th June 2023, all samples (n=3,04,273) from suspected SARS-CoV-2 patients received at the Virology Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India, were included in the study. The results of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) were analysed to determine the prevalence in that region, and basic demographic variables of SARS-CoV-2 cases were compared. Additionally, 100 random positive samples were sent for whole-genome sequencing to study the prevalent variants and subvariants in this region. The results were analysed to study the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the region. Demographic parameters like age group distribution and sex distribution were calculated. To study the dynamics of transmission during the one-year study period, an epidemiological curve was plotted over the period of 12 months. Results: Out of the total 3,04,273 samples, 2,102 samples (0.69%) tested positive for the COVID-19 virus by RT-PCR. The study showed more prevalence of infection among young adults, with 853 (40.6%) cases in the age group of 21-40 years, followed by 614 (29.2%) cases in the 41-60 years age group. Of the total positive cases, 1153 (54.85%) were males, compared to 949 (45.15%) were females. The maximum number of positive cases was reported during the months of July 2022 to September 2022, totaling 1,273 cases. Whole-genome sequencing results showed predominance of the Omicron variant, with 44 (49.44%) strains belonging to the XBB lineage of Omicron. Conclusion: There was a definite reduction in the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 cases during the study period and that Omicron and its subvariants, like XBB lineages, are prevalent in this part of India as well. Despite the decrease in the number and severity of COVID-19 cases, maintaining vigilance and monitoring sporadic cases using tools like Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) can help in tracking major pandemics in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher productivity of seed‐size tubers is a significant issue in seed potato (Solanum tuberosum) production systems. Punjab, in northwest India, is the hub of seed potato production and supplies 60% seed requirement of the country. However, to improve the productivity of seed‐size (3.5–4.5 cm) tubers, research trials were run at Ludhiana for 2 years (autumn 2019 and 2020) to examine the effectiveness of plant growth regulators in enhancing the growth and yield of seed potatoes. The experimental trial with 11 growth regulation treatments—control (water spray), IBA (indole‐3‐butyric acid) (100 mg/L), IBA (200 mg/L), NAA (1‐naphthaleneacetic acid) (25 mg/L), NAA (50 mg/L), ethrel (25 mg/L), ethrel (50 mg/L), GA3 (gibberellic acid) (100 mg/L), GA3 (200 mg/L), jeevamrit, and waste decomposer—was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. GA3 (200 mg/L) applied at 45 and 60 days after sowing, resulted in significantly higher seed and total tuber yields than all other growth regulation treatments. It produced 34.9% and 31.5% higher total tuber yields as compared to the untreated control. However, it had no significant impact on undersized and small‐sized tuber yield and number. GA3 at a concentration of 200 mg/L yielded the highest seed production efficiency of 51.7% and 38.9% compared to the control. This underscores the significance of precise application concentrations in controlling both seed yield and size. Core Ideas: Increased productivity of seed‐size tubers (3.5–4.5 cm) represents a significant challenge within potato systems.Gibberellic acid (200 mg/L) at 45 and 60 days post‐sowing yielded significantly higher seed and total tuber yields.Gibberellic acid at 200 mg/L resulted in the highest seed production efficiencies of 51.7% and 38.9%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study twelve samples were collected from industrial effluent from drains in Doaba Region of Punjab. Some physico-chemical characteristics namely pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, sulphates, chloride, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, TDS were analyzed using standard procedures. The results indicate that the drains are carrying heavily loaded water which needs to be checked to combat the rising crisis of environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Evidence-based research aids in decisionmaking in the health sector for developing health policies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Medical research is not taught in the undergraduate curriculum. Studies show that attributes of research knowledge, awareness and practical involvement in research are low among undergraduate students. We developed and validated a module and trained undergraduate students in research skills through an inter-ventional workshop using the structured module. Methods. We did this participatory action research with a mixed-methods approach in the Department of Community Medicine at Adesh Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Bathinda, Punjab. A structured module was developed by the core committee and validated internally and externally. Pilot testing of the module was done by delivering it in the form of a workshop to 46 students. For statistical analysis, percentage agreements, validity indices, median (interquartile range), satisfaction percentages and Wilcoxon sign test were used. Results. The structured and validated module was established to have high face validity (>90%) and content validity (CVI=0.975). The module was successfully pilot tested for delivery through both onsite and online modes. The satisfaction percentage with the workshop was 91% and 100% and overall rating of the module was 74% and 91% by interns and MBBS students, and 100% by faculty. The scores of knowledge and skills were found to be significantly higher on all variables post workshop with p<0.001. All students scored satisfactory grades for research skills. Conclusions. Teaching research using a structured validated module improved the knowledge and skills related to research among students. Both students and faculty were satisfied with the use of the structured module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high seroprevalence of various transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) in donated blood is the main safety concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation, all blood donations must be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Treponema pallidum infection, and malaria, which mainly comprises the major bulk of TTIs. Aims: The purpose of this study is to observe the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus and Treponema pallidum infection over the period of 5 years in blood donors of our blood center along with their epidemiological determinants with respect to age, sex, residence, occupation, and type of donors. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study was conducted for the period of 5 years, from 1st January 2017 to December 2021, estimating the seroprevalence of hepatitis C and Treponema pallidum infection in the blood donors along with their epidemiological determinants. Results: Out of 19,689 donations in 5 years, 690 (3.50%) units were positive for transfusion-transmissible infections with 1.67% donors seropositive for HCV, 1.23% for Treponema pallidum infection, 0.42% for HBV, and 0.18% for HIV. The prevalence of TTIs was found to be highest in 2020 (4.52%) and least in 2017 (2.57%). Out of a total of 330 HCV cases detected in 5 years, 84.85% of cases were seen in voluntary donors. Rural donors constituted 71.21% of cases. The majority of cases were seen in the age group of 18–30 years, i.e., 61.82%, and a maximum number of cases were seen in the farmers (31.21%), followed by laborers and construction workers (21.21%). Out of a total of 242 cases of Treponema pallidum infection, 84.29% were seen in voluntary blood donors. Demographic data showed 70.24% of cases in rural donors. Occupational data revealed a maximum number of cases in farmers (34.29%), followed by laborers (21.90%). Conclusion: Higher seroprevalence of HCV and Treponema pallidum infection in our region as compared with other areas is a matter of great concern about the growing infection rate of these in our area. Stringent use of donor selection criteria and more vigorous donor screening is utmost need of the hour for reducing the burden of TTIs in blood transfusion services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid is a very rare thyroid malignancy. In addition, due to its presentation as a locally advanced disease with a high tendency to metastasize, it has a poor prognosis and outcome. We report a 60-year-old male patient with PSCC, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry on biopsy. The patient was staged as T4N1M0 and was planned as per the multidisciplinary team approach. In sum, pathologic examination and IHC aid in distinguishing this lesion and help in differentiating it from other tumors of similar histology. Furthermore, it also aids in planning treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian diversity has often been studied in agricultural habitats, but ornithological aspect of cattle sheds has never been studied. This exploratory study was conducted with the objective of studying the potential of cattle sheds for sustaining avian abundance and diversity in rice dominated agricultural areas. The study was done in Rice Field Ecosystem (System I) and Cattle Shed Ecosystem (System II) during 2019 and 2020 monsoon crop season from selected villages, namely, Dangon, Pakhowal and Sarabha (district Ludhiana), Punjab. It was recorded that 26 avian species (mainly of grassland habitat) were present in cattle sheds from a total 34 avian species (wetland, grassland and open countryside inhabiting species) observed in rice fields, which reflected that cattle sheds support a wide proportion of avian fauna and complement rice fields in supporting and preserving avian abundance and diversity. There is immense need toexplore and accordingly lay emphasis on boosting dairy as allied sector so that cattle sheds can be exploited in preservation of diverse avian populations and thereby reinforcing approach of sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is very challenging with poor outcome. In this situation, radiotherapy has become an alternative treatment modality, more precisely due to advances in radiation techniques. The goal of our study is to do analysis of these patients treated with rapid arc image-guided technology (RA-IGRT) at our institution. Materials and Methods: Thirteen patients were included in the study. As per intuition policy, patient set up, contouring, and treatment plans were generated. Radiological response assessment was done 1-month post-radiotherapy. Survival analysis curve along with Chi-square test for prognostic factors assessment was done using SPSS. Results: With median dose of 45 Gy in 20 fractions, we were able to achieve 27.3% objective response rate with median survival of 5 months in eligible patients. Conclusions: One-year overall survival up to 30% can be achieved in HCC with PVTT, especially in patients with objective response to radiotherapy with Japan Integrated Staging score 2, provided it is precisely hit by RA-IGRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian diversity surveys in relation to agricultural habitat stratification have added 24 species of birds belonging to 5 orders, 14 families and 21 genera to the existing 'Checklist of Birds' of Punjab State; 14, 5, 17 and 15 bird species were recorded in various habitat types i.e. Type A (Agricultural Habitat); Type B (Residential area -- Urban/Rural); Type C (Aquatic Habitat/ponds/canal/river/wetland) and Type D (Uncultivated area/forest/barren land), respectively. Some of these species were observed having overlapping habitat types. Out of these 24 bird species, 10 were resident species, 5 resident migrant and 9 migrant species. Three species were found in critical endangered category; one vulnerable (Sarus Crane Grus antigone) and two near threatened (Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa and Greater Grey-headed Fish-Eagle Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) species. Consolidated checklist of 213 species of birds has been compiled in relation to different habitats under the agroecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the widely recognised environmental and human health benefits of organic and natural farming, its adoption in north-west India is quite low. Thus to know the status, cultural practices, inputs used, benefits, economic aspects and constraints of organic and natural farming, a geo-tagged survey of organic/natural farmers in five districts of Punjab in north-west India was conducted by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Findings of the survey study revealed that adoption of organic/natural farming accelerated after the year 2005. Wheat (76.32%) and basmati rice (55.26%) were the major crops being grown by the farmers. Organic farmers were using farmyard manure, green manuring and vermicompost for soil health management besides liquid organic manures such as jeevamrit and vermiwash and buttermilk and botanicals viz. neem biopesticides, natural farming concoctions- agniastra and brahmastra for pest and disease management. Manual weeding was the predominant weed management practice adopted by more than 70 per cent of the farmers. It was found from the study that no farmer was practicing complete package of natural farming, but a few had integrated one or more practices of natural farming with organic farming practices. Farmers diverted their path towards organic/natural farming due to human health (32.89%) and environment concerns (39.47%). Lack of marketing facilities (60.53%) and labour-intensive nature of operations (59.21%) were found to be the major constraints in its adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ornithological studies confirmed that 83 species belonging to 16 orders were present in and around the wheat fields from preparatory tillage to ripening stage at village Ruldu Singh Wala, Katar Singh Wala and Bir Talab. The diversity analyses revealed a richness index of 77, 58 and 55, respectively. Rose-ringed parakeet was the most abundant at all the locations (10.53, 25.51 and 21.30%, respectively) followed by blue rock pigeon (7.57, 14.19 and 10.80). Passeriformes (46.99%) was the most dominant order followed by Cicioniiformes (12.05%) and Charadriiformes (8.43%). Insectivorous guild (39 species, 46.99%) was the dominating guild followed by omnivorous (19 species, 22.89%) and carnivorous guild (12 species, 14.46%). Species number increased from early (preparatory tillage and sowing) to late (seedling and ripening) stages. Thus, it is observed that wheat crop acts a major habitat for birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted in Malwa region of Punjab, India in 2019-2020. A total of 10 weed species belonging to seven genera and four families were recorded from different crops. Meiotic analysis has revealed the chromosome numbers in different weed species as Datura innoxia (n= 12), Erigeron bonariensis (n= 13), Nicotiana plumbaginifolia (n= 10), Physalis angulata (n= 24), Sesbania bispinosa (n= 6), Sida cordifolia (n= 8), Solanum americanum (n= 12), Solanum nigrum (n= 36), Solanum villosum (n= 24), and Solanum virginianum (n= 12). Chromosome numbers of Solanum americanum and S. villosum have been worked out for the first time from the state of Punjab, India. Morphological features along with the chromosome numbers have authenticated the identity of weed species. Similarly, pollen fertility analysis has suggested the potential of seed production by the weed species and their subsequent invasiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of the genus Sonchus L. (Sonchus asper, S. oleraceus and S. wightianus) were collected from the Malwa region of Punjab during 2019 to 2020. These species were studied for cytomorphological variations. The species under investigation were identified based on their morphological descriptions. Sonchus asper (L.) Hill and Sonchus wightianus DC. possess the same number of chromosomes (2n=2x=18) whereas Sonchus oleraceus (L.) L. is tetraploid with 2n=4x=32 chromosomes. Chromosome number of S. wightianus (2n=2x=18) was worked out for the first time from the state of Punjab. Sonchus olereceus has larger pollens than S. asper and S. wightianus. This study will be useful for researchers, taxonomists and cytologists for accurate identification of these three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on avian community of cotton fields was carried out in Bathinda district during different crop stages and a total 56 species belonging to 12 orders were recorded from sowing to boll maturation stages. Rose-ringed Parakeet was found to be most abundant species and Muscicapidae formed the most dominant family. The recorded species were categorized into feeding guilds and 26 avian species (46.43%) belonged to insectivorous guild. The study revealed the increase in species number from sowing to boll maturation; indicating an increase in vegetation complexity resulting in increase in number of avian species utilizing those resources. The variations in avifaunal abundance can be attributed to density of perching trees, availability of nesting sites and surrounding vegetation structure. The study has generated information on overall avian diversity, their foraging behaviour and species wise abundance which may possibly help to prepare and implement conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There are many types of coronaviruses that causes respiratory and intestinal infection in humans. Among these coronaviruses, is a group of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-like bat coronavirus, including both SARSCoV and SARS-Cov-2 that comprise a unique clade under the subgenus Sarbecovirus. The SARS-CoV-2 strains in India are more closely related to bat-CoVRaTG13 (93% homology) than pangolin CoV (83.5% homology). India reported its first case of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) on January 30, 2020. Punjab, a state in northwestern India comprises of 22 districts which are classified into three major distinct regions viz. Majha, Malwa and Doaba. Four districts of Majha region of Indian state of Punjab are Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot. Aim: The present study describes the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology based on samples tested for this virus; received at Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Government Medical College, Amritsar-Punjab, India. Materials and Methods: This epidemiological study was designed taking into consideration three main factors i.e. the gender, the age groups and the factor whether the individual has any symptoms or not. To study their context of applicability and its interpretation, a total of 3,47,418 samples from period of 01st April 2020 to 31st October 2020 were included in this study. Ribonucleic Acid amplification by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs of all individuals revealed confirmation of 17,920 positive samples. Total 2,29,310 males and 1,18,108 females were tested for the COVID-19 infection. Social science statistics online tool (https://www.socscistatistics.com/ tests/) was used for Χ2 test to analyse different parameters. results: Maximum number of COVID-19 positive patients was detected in 21 to 30 years age group (p<0.05). Highest positivity ratio of samples was observed in individuals exceeding the age of 50 years. Number of asymptomatic individuals was found to be quite higher than symptomatic individuals in total population. Overall percent positivity of asymptomatic individuals was 4.81% (p<0.00001), which accounts to 4.71% of total number of tested individuals in this study. conclusion: COVID-19 is an evolving disease and data from this study elucidates the epidemiological profile of the SARSCoV-2 infection among population of Majha region of Punjab state of Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of a suitable nitrogen (N) management strategy in wheat sown under residue retained conditions will go a long way in maintaining its sustainability. The reason for this is the variable concentration of N in rice residues and complexity of crop N demand. The present experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during rabi 2016-17 and 2017-18 to study the influence of different residue and nitrogen management practices on productivity and profitability of Happy Seeder sown wheat. Experiment was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) consisting of eleven residue and N management treatments in four replications. The results revealed that yield attributes and grain yield of Happy Seeder sown wheat varied significantly with different residue and N management practices. Yield attributes (effective tillers, spike length & number of grains/spike) and grain yield (54.2 & 53.6 q/ha) were maximum in treatment where 150 kg N (30 kg at chopping of straw and 120 kg as per recommendation) was applied along with 5 t farmyard manure (FYM)/ha, which was significantly better than NC + N125 C + N125 C + FYM5 + N125 and C + N20+105 treatments but statistically at par with rest of the treatments. Highest gross (Rs. 1,18,155 & 1,28,011/ha) and net (Rs. 85,120 & 94,466/ ha) returns were obtained with C + FYM5 + N30+120 during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. But highest benefit cost ratio (2.59 & 2.87) was reported in treatment C + FYM5 + N30+95 during both years. It may be concluded that application of 20/30 kg N/ha at the time of chopping of straw improved grain yield of Happy Seeder wheat as compared to recommended schedule of N application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to assess the heavy metal contamination in excreta of the Baya Weaver Bird (Ploceus philippinus). Samples were collected from nesting colony sites present in three districts viz. Ludhiana (location I), Ropar (location II) and Ferozepur (location III) falling in Central plain zone, Undulating plain zone and Western plain zone of Punjab respectively. In dry excreta samples fifteen elements were detected through ICAP-AES; As, Pb, Cd, Cr were toxic heavy metals and B, Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Mg, Ca, P, S, Na were essential elements. Toxic heavy metals viz. As (1.88–2.10 ppm), Pb (2.70- 5.25 ppm) and Cr (13.30–23.78 ppm) were found above normal range in excreta collected from studied locations. Statistical analysis showed significant difference among heavy metals and locations which signifies the bioaccumulation of different metals at different locations in excreta of Baya Weaver Bird due to different type of contaminations at studied locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity has become one of the highest risks for environmental and economic security worldwide. The water footprint for rice production, i.e., the total volume of freshwater consumed to produce a unit quantity rice has been estimated for three different agroclimatic zones of Punjab for the years 2000 to 2017. The results revealed that effective rainfall (Peff) improved in later years due to a change in crop calendar,legally enforced by an Act prohibiting the transplanting of paddy before a specified date. During the period of study, minimum crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was 4645 and maximum was ETc of 9511 m³ha-1 during 2014 and 2011, respectively. The green water footprint (WFgreen) for rice varied from 646 litres kg-1 of rice during low rainfall years (2012) to 1149 litre kg-1 of rice during heavy rainfall (1192 mm) during 2011.Out of a total water footprint (WFtotal) of 2650 litre kg-1, the share of blue water footprint (WFblue) was higher 1804 litre kg-1 (68%), indicating a need to improve on-farm irrigation management to conserve water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Punjabi film industry is currently in its growth stage. The Punjabis in the Diasporas gave a new dimension to the Punjabi identity. It has brought a massive boost in the cinema and film music. Pollywood in the North Indian film industry is commercial and art cinema Punjabi is in its initial stage. Producers target just clientele and seldom take the risk. Crisp comedy films overpower an experiment in production, rare themes and different genres. The research did a descriptive analysis with the support of unstructured and semistructured interviews of producers, actors, and Pollywood directors. The research also explores the need and importance of film institute and film clubs to sensitize the Punjabi audiences regarding the film as a medium, film grammar, and aesthetics. The research also focused on the marketing trends and the vital role of social media in multiplexes' age. Pollywood also lacks in skills and availability of high-end studios for post-production. Indirect taxes and expensive multiplex as a hindrance to attracting rural audiences to remote areas in Punjab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study theresponse of different levels of nitrogen and spacing on growth and yield of cauliflower at Experimental Farm, Department of Agriculture, Mata Gujri College, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, India from October 2018 to February 2019. The present study was conducted to determine the optimum level of nitrogen and spacing for better growth and yield of cauliflower. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor A: Nitrogen (4 levels), N0: 0; N1: 50; N2: 75 and N3: 100 % ha-1 and Factor B: Spacing (3 levels), S1: 45×30 cm²; S2: 45×45 cm² and S3: 60×45 cm². The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. Maximum plant height (54.27 cm), plant spread (69.53 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (17.00), leaf length (46.60 cm), leaf width (25.03 cm), fresh weight of curd (833.33 g), dry matter of curd (0.89 g) was found from N100S60×45. However, maximum curd yield plot-1 (30.03 kg) and ha-1 (326.90 q) was obtained from N100S45×30. while, maximum net return (`299443.45) and B: C ratio (3.22) was obtained with 100 % N ha-1 + 45×30 cm². Results demonstrated that treatment combination N100S60×45 found to be best in most growth and yield characteristics in cauliflower variety Golden-75  but the maximum yield plot-1 and ha-1 was recorded in N100S45×30 and T0 (Control) gave poor results in all traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research paper is to identify the sources of job stress and their impact on health of employees. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 650 employees of power sector in Punjab (India) responded to the survey. Exploratory factor analysis and ANOVA were performed. Further, post hoc was conducted to find out which variable differs significantly. Findings: The findings indicates that five parameters, namely workload, working environment, concentration, positivity and future perspective are the factors that are responsible to create stress in employees. There is great impact on health as "frequency of visit to a doctor" and "numbers of diseases" they have are high and "employee's time spared for exercise" is less. Research limitations/implications: Since the survey was conducted only in power sector, it is difficult to generalize the results. However, the findings from this study will provide the factors that cause job stress and how they impact on health of employees. Practical implications: The result indicates the impact of job stress on health of employees in power sector. Current research suggests that job stressors should be treated timely to minimize the impact of job stress. Originality/value: While previous research has focused on the effect of stress on health, the present study provides evidence of the relationship between the sources of job stress and health, particularly in power sector in Punjab. This study would be contributing to the existing literature in Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of burnout on individuals and the organisation among 3-50 year old employees of a leading educational institute in Punjab, India. Burnout not only produces deleterious effects on the business but also affects the general wellbeing of an individual in terms of physical, social and mental health. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 100 people of age group of 35-50 years were surveyed using a structured disguised questionnaire. Descriptive statistics using frequency distribution mean percentage scores were calculated. Sample size can be considered as a limitation to the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to study the participation and empowerment of Dalits through Pancliayati Raj institutions. The study was conducted in Doaba region of Punjab. Two districts. Hoshiarpur and Jallandhar having highest number of Dalit Sarpanches and Panches (Government of Punjab 2010) were selected. Four blocks from each district were chosen at random. Three villages from each selected block were chosen at random making the total number of villages to be studied twenty four. One Dalit sarpanch, two Dalit and two upper-caste panchayat members were interviewed, making the total sample of 120 respondents in all. The study did not find any overt case of conflict between Dalits and upper-castes. In most instances, both the groups had working relations. All the selected oanchayats adhered to the norm of one-third reservation of seats for women and proportionate representation of Dalits. Main obstacle faced by the respondents while performing their duties were lack of grants and pre-set pattern of fund leakage. Social obstacle of male dominance and "culture of silence 'were strong among women and more so in upper-castes. Few cases of upper caste dominance of Dalits were reported though they were in latent form. Results indicated that Dalits were well aware of their powers and were assertive. There was significant correlation between participation level of Dalits with gender and education and that of non -Dalits with gender and income. Study suggested effective implementation of legislative measures for institutionalization of panchayati raj institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our social fabric, the rituals, customs and rites reflect desires sentiments and emotions of human as social beings. These inherent feelings materialize themselves in their true ease on the occasion such as birth, death and nuptial. Any deviation from these is felt to be undesirable, not on utilitarian grounds, but because deviation breaks the rhythm. disturbing the emotional response and rapport between. the person and the occasion. In the Punjab state, a verity of rituals are i,e,formed for different ceremonies. In the ,early of sociological research, it provides a much relevant theme for finding the ways of performing these rituals. Participants' observations and secondary sources of information were relied upon as the data source. Many rituals in the social horizon of Pun jab State are performed with fire, water, iron, : and branches of trees. etc. The rituals associated with birth are lightening the room at night for ten days, 'gurti', 'bar vadhauri etc. by the. relatives and. lagis. All these rituals are keenly observed at the birth of a boy and not in case of the girl. Marriage ritual includes betrothal ceremony. deciding and conveying the date of marriage. nanake chhak etc. Similarly a number of rituals, are also performed at the time of death. All these rituals performed by almost all the sections of society However: every sect tends to make certain modifications as per its religious code of conduct. In their true spirit, these rituals and customs are the mode of communication, not only between the persons but also between the generations. To sum up, these rituals and customs bind and imbibe the human forces of our society and enhance interaction among them. On the other hand, these rituals should have sonic scientific logic to stand to the test of time and there is dire need for exploring their scientific genuinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposal of paddy residue has turn out to be a huge problem in north-west Indian states, resulting farmers prefer to burn the residues in-situ. Paddy residue management is of utmost important as it contains plant nutrients and improves the soil-plant-atmospheric continuum. Burning biomass not only pollutes environment and results in loss of appreciable amount of plant essential nutrients. The objectives of the review paper is to access the amount of residue generation, its utilization in-situ and ex-situ, emphasize harmful effects of residue burning on human health, soil health and environment of north-west states of India specially in Punjab and Haryana. This paper also discusses the possible strategies, financial and socio-economic evaluation of the paddy residue management technologies and accentuates the assessment of range of potential policy instruments which would offer avenues for sustainable agriculture and environment. Timely availability of conservation agriculture (CA) machinery is of utmost significance to manage the paddy residues in-situ. Collection and transportation of voluminous mass of paddy residue is cumbersome, therefore, ex-situ residue management is still not an economically viable option. The agricultural waste opens vivid options for its versatile usage and is possible if residue is collected and managed properly. It is a prerequisite for surplus residues to be used for CA. There is an urge to create awareness among farming communities to incline them to understand importance of crop residues in CA for sustainability and resilience of Indian agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To contain the COVID-19 pandemic, India imposed a national lockdown at the end of March 2020, a decision that resulted in a massive reverse migration as many workers across economic sectors returned to their home regions. Migrants provide the foundations of the agricultural workforce in the 'breadbasket' states of Punjab and Haryana in Northwest India.There are mounting concerns that near and potentially longer-term reductions in labor availability may jeopardize agricultural production and consequently national food security. The timing of rice transplanting at the beginning of the summer monsoon season has a cascading influence on productivity of the entire rice-wheat cropping system. To assess the potential for COVID-related reductions in the agriculture workforce to disrupt production of the dominant rice-wheat cropping pattern in these states, we use a spatial ex ante modelling framework to evaluate four scenarios representing a range of plausible labor constraints on the timing of rice transplanting. Averaged over both states, results suggest that rice productivity losses under all delay scenarios would be low as compare to those for wheat, with total system productivity loss estimates ranging from 9%, to 21%, equivalent to economic losses of USD $674 m to $1.48 billion. Late rice transplanting and harvesting can also aggravate winter air pollution with concomitant health risks. Technological options such as direct seeded rice, staggered nursery transplanting, and crop diversification away from rice can help address these challenges but require new approaches to policy and incentives for change. Unlabelled Image • An ex-ante analysis was done using geospatial tools on potential effect of labour shortage on rice-wheat system. • Food grain production loss due to labor shortage can be 23% from current levels of production. • Residue burning will exacerbate air pollution in winter and could coincide with an anticipated COVID resurgence in the fall. • India needs new strategies to use available technological and management innovations to address emerging constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted for 5 years from 2009 to 2015 at Punjab Agricultural University Regional Research Station, Bathinda, Punjab, India to observe the effect of irrigation water quality on tuber yield, soil characteristics and water productivity of potato under mulched conditions in light textured soil under semi arid climate of Indian Punjab. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with three mulch treatments viz. no mulch (M 0), rice straw mulch @ 6 t ha−1 (M s) and polyethylene mulch, black 50 μm (M p) in main plots and three irrigation water qualities viz. canal water alone (CW), poor quality saline-sodic ground water alone (GW) and cyclic use of CW and GW (CW-GW) in sub plots. The experimental soil was alkaline in reaction, low in organic carbon, medium in available phosphorus and high in available potassium. The electrical conductivity (EC) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) of canal water and ground water was 0.45 dS m−1, -0.6 mmol c L−1; and 2.2 dS m−1, 6.44 mmol c L−1, respectively. The results revealed that under unmulched conditions (M 0), CW and CW- GW gave significantly higher tuber yield than GW. Mulching, in general, resulted in significantly higher marketable tuber yield than in non mulched conditions. The tuber yield was statistically at par with M s and M p , irrespective of the irrigation water quality. Similar trends were observed in case of yield attributing parameters viz. plant height, number of haulms per plant and number of marketable tubers per plant. The water use efficiency was higher under M s and M p than under M 0. The highest water use efficiency was recorded in M s under CW irrigation. Among the quality parameters, dry matter and total sugars increased with application of saline-sodic GW as compared to CW-GW and CW irrigation due to higher abiotic stress due to salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]