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Khlaif ZN, Sanmugam M, Hattab MK, Bensalem E, Ayyoub A, Sharma RC, Joma A, Itmazi J, Najmi AH, Mitwally MAA, Jawad AA, Ramadan M, Bsharat TR. Mobile technology features and technostress in mandatory online teaching during the COVID-19 crisis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19069. [PMID: 37636397 PMCID: PMC10448022 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Technostress is defined as any unhealthy condition caused by dealing with modern technology in various harmful ways; examples of technostress include addiction and stress. Even though technostress has been extensively studied in the literature, little attention has been paid to investigating technostress among academics who work in exceptional circumstances, such as crises, and who might be experiencing different psychological states due to those circumstances. To fill the gap, this study aims to explore the factors influencing technostress among school teachers. The study examined technostress's level and factor graphics structure among 692 academics from different Arab countries during COVID-19. The technostress factors and their stories were explored and measured using sequential mixed methods and confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis. The study discusses various factors' direct and indirect effects on mobile technology integration in education and the theoretical and practical implications of managing technostress in online classes. A model of techno-stressors among Arab academics was found to include: schedule overload, complexity, uncertainty, uselessness, invasion, and compulsion. The direct effect of various factors on mobile technology integration in education is mainly positive, while indirect effects are more varied. The theoretical and practical implications of managing technostress in online classes include: considering the psychological and physiological impact of technostress on students' learning performance, decreasing overall satisfaction with the learning experience, and improving the overall quality of online courses. As a result of this study's findings, a new perspective is provided on how academics in particular circumstances (in this study, the occupation of Palestine) may behave and feel toward technology in teaching.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mageswaran Sanmugam
- Centre for Instructional Technology & Multimedia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Abedulkarim Ayyoub
- Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, An Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ramesh C. Sharma
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, India
| | - Amjad Joma
- Faculty of Art and Humanities, A'Sharqiyah University Ibra, Sultanate of Oman
| | | | | | - Mohamed A. Ahmed Mitwally
- The Designation, of Postdoctoral Fellow in the UNESCO Chair of ODL, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - Ahmad Ammar Jawad
- Department of Educational and Psychological Sciences, School of Education, Al-Qadisiyah University, Iraq
| | | | - Tahani R.K. Bsharat
- Faculty of Major Language Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia
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Prasad C, Sharma RC, Kumar R. Ethnobotanical Study and Plant Diversity in the Forest of Kedarnath Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India. NEPT 2021. [DOI: 10.46488/nept.2021.v20i03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was carried out in the forest of Kedarnath valley in Garhwal Himalaya. The aim of the study was to access the diversity status and ecological status. The study was conducted following the stratified sampling techniques by placing quadrates (1m×1m) for herbs, (5m×5m) for shrubs, and (10m×10m) size for trees in the forest area. A total number of 221 plant species were recorded during the floristic survey in the project area. Plant diversity of the project area encompasses 49 species of trees, 28 species of shrubs, and 144 species of herbs. Important value index, the Shannon diversity index, and total basal area species were recorded. The tree density in the present study was highest in the Kedarnath valley which ranged from 0.3 to 8.5 no./ha. Shrub density in the present study varied from 0.4 to 13.5 no./ha, whereas herb density ranged between 0.2 to 22.4 no.ha-1. Total basal cover (TBC) for trees showed a range of 9.542 to 0.075 m2.ha-1, and the Shannon diversity index (H) for tree species was recorded from a minimum of 0.976 to a maximum of 3.048. The horrific disaster in the Kedarnath valley in 2013 caused a lot of damage to the bugyals (High altitude grass) and forests of the valley. About 500 species of vesicular medicinal plants, fodder plants, and other important plant species were washed away (Botanical Survey of India 2015). The current study is a pioneer in the aspect and can be helpful in making district forest plans, protocols, and implementation of forest policy to protect the forest by local people.
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KUMAR RAHUL, Sharma RC. PSYCHROPHILIC MICROBIAL DIVERSITY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GLACIERS IN THE GARHWAL HIMALAYA, INDIA. J microb biotech food sci 2021. [DOI: 10.15414/jmbfs.2096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of the current research work was to investigate the physicochemical properties of ice samples collected from the snout of three important glaciers located in the Garhwal Himalaya along with the psychrophilic microbial diversity. This study was carried out for two years from 2015 to 2016 with two sampling attempts each year. Ice samples were collected from all the pre-identified sampling sites at a depth of 5cm to observe and record the characteristics and to isolate and identify the psychrophilic diversity of microorganisms. Overall fourteen physical and chemical properties of ice samples were recorded. The psychrophilic microbial diversity was identified through the morphological, biochemical and MALDI-TOF-MS techniques. The α–diversity of microbes in the ice of Satopanth glacier was 17 with 08 bacterial species, 04 actinomycetes species and 05 fungal species. However, the α–diversity of microbes in the ice of Bhagirathi-Kharak glacier was also 17 with 06 bacterial species, 05 actinomycetes species and 06 fungal species. The α–diversity of microbes in the ice of Gangotri glacier was 19 with 09 bacterial species, 05 actinomycetes species and 05 fungal species. The present research work can be a decent reference for additional investigations in a similar discipline. The available data will also help the researchers to study the psychrophiles, their existence in glaciers and their importance to society.
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Kumar R, Sharma RC. Microbial diversity in relation to physico-chemical properties of hot water ponds located in the Yamunotri landscape of Garhwal Himalaya. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04850. [PMID: 32954033 PMCID: PMC7486430 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study includes the assessment of physico-chemical characteristics along with the microbial diversity of hot water samples collected from three important sacred hot water springs of the Uttarakhand Himalaya close to the world-famous Hindu shrine Yamunotri temple. Hot water samples were collected for two consecutive years 2015-2016 in two sampling operations each year. A total of fifteen physico-chemical attributes of hot water were recorded. Microbes of hot water ponds were characterized by morphological, biochemical, MALDI-TOF MS, and molecular approaches. A total of twenty-two microbial strains were identified from the Surya Kund with water temperature ranging between 86 °C and 89 °C; twenty-two microbial strains were identified from the Draupadi Kund with water temperature ranging between 65 °C and 69 °C and twenty-one microbial strains were identified from the Yamunotri Tapt Kund with water temperature ranging between 45 °C and 48 °C during the study period. The present study on the assessment of physico-chemical characteristics and thermophilic microbial diversity of all the three hot water springs can be a useful reference for further studies on similar aspects in other parts of the Himalaya. The available data will also help to understand the reasons behind the curative properties of these hot water springs. This baseline information will also be instrumental for the conservation and management of these hot water springs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kumar
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Environmental Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar Garhwal, 246174, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ramesh C. Sharma
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Environmental Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar Garhwal, 246174, Uttarakhand, India
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Mann M, Kumar S, Rao AS, Sharma RC. Remote Sensing for the Detection of Bio- and Non-Bioaerosols for Defence Applications. CURR SCI INDIA 2020. [DOI: 10.18520/cs/v118/i12/1980-1983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Sharma RC, Kumar S, Kumar S, Mann M, Sharma M. Photoacoustic remote sensing of suspicious objects for defence and forensic applications. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2020; 224:117445. [PMID: 31382229 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.117445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Quantum cascade laser (QCL) based photoacoustic spectroscopic technique has been developed for detection of hazardous molecules contaminants/adsorbed on surfaces such as plastic and cloth from short standoff distances. The laser source and detection system is integrated together in a single unit. Spectra were recorded for traces of various molecules in mid-infrared spectral band (1130-1430 cm-1) from distance of 0.5 m. Pulsed quantum cascade laser source, modulated at 25 kHz and 42 kHz frequency was used to detect molecular species adsorbed on surfaces of cloth and plastic. Ultrasonic microphones operating at 25 and 42 kHz resonant frequencies were used as detectors. The photoacoustic spectra of hazardous chemicals, explosive materials and bio-chemicals such as acetic acid, PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate), DPA (dipicolinic acid) in very low quantities were recorded. Sensitivities of 5 and 10 μg/cm2 of these analytes were achieved with frequencies of 25 and 42 kHz respectively at distance of 0.5 m. In the present technique there was no interference of audio frequency (20 Hz to 20 kHz) and bright sunlight. The technique can be applied for screening of suspicious objects for homeland security and forensic applications. The present spectroscopic technique can be developed in man portable standalone product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India.
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Mohit Mann
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India; Dept of Applied Physics, Delhi Technical University, Delhi 110042, India
| | - Mukul Sharma
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India; Dept of Applied Physics, Delhi Technical University, Delhi 110042, India
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Kumar R, C. Sharma R. MICROBIAL DIVERSITY AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES OF TWO HOT WATER SPRINGS IN THE GARHWAL HIMALAYA, INDIA. J microb biotech food sci 2019. [DOI: 10.15414/jmbfs.2019.8.6.1249-1253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The water samples were collected from two different hot water springs (Ringigad and Saldhar) of the Garhwal Himalaya for a period of two years. During the study period, the water sample was collected two times (June and August) each year for the analysis of physico-chemical attributes and isolated microorganisms including bacteria, archaea and fungi. A total of fifteen physico-chemical parameters were studied during the study period that includes the water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, free carbondioxide, salinity, total dissolved solids, chlorides, total alkalinity, nitrates, sulphates, phosphates, total hardness, calcium and magnesium. Seven bacterial strains along with four archaeal and three fungal strains were isolated and identified in Ringigad thermal spring with α-diversity of 14. However, the α-diversity in Saldhar thermal spring was recorded to be 12 with six bacterial, three archaeal and three fungal strains. The temperature of water ranged between 820C and 890C for Ringigad and between 870C and 920C for Saldhar.
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Ravi SK, Kumar H, Vyas S, Narayanan K, Jan MH, Singh G, Singh RK, Sharma RC, Legha RA, Tripathi BN. Dietary fish oil supplementation improved ovarian function, conceptus growth and certain reproductive variables in Marwari mares. VET ARHIV 2018. [DOI: 10.24099/vet.arhiv.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Kumar D, Gautam S, Kumar S, Gupta S, Srivastava HB, Thakur SN, Sharma RC. Ultrasensitive photoacoustic sensor based on quantum cascade laser spectroscopy. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2017; 176:47-51. [PMID: 28064138 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2016.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The paper focuses on development of ultra-sonic detection system based on laser photoacoustic spectroscopic technique and processing of signal for detection of very low quantity chemicals, explosive materials, and mixtures of these hazardous molecules. The detection system has been developed for the first time with specially designed one side open photo-acoustic cell having high quality factor. Explosive and Hazardous materials like RDX, DNT, PETN, Gun Powder, TATP (Tri acetone tri-peroxide) and their simulants like Acetone were detected in 7 to 9μm wavelength band. Lock in amplifier electronic instrument was used for the detection of hazardous chemicals and mixture of explosives in very low quantity. Detection limit of the photoacoustic ultrasonic sensor was also carried out of powder, liquid and adsorbed on surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Surya Gautam
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | | | - Surya N Thakur
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
| | - Ramesh C Sharma
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India.
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Manuja BK, Manuja A, Dahiya R, Singh S, Sharma RC, Gahlot SK. Diversity of interferon inducible Mx gene in horses and association of variations with susceptibility vis-à-vis resistance against equine influenza infection. Infect Genet Evol 2014; 27:142-8. [PMID: 25064524 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Equine influenza (EI) is primarily an infection of the upper respiratory tract and is one of the major infectious respiratory diseases of economic importance in equines. Re-emergence of the disease, species jumping by H3N8 virus in canines and possible threat of human pandemic due to the unpredictable nature of the virus have necessitated research on devising strategies for preventing the disease. The myxovirus resistance protein (Mx) has been reported to confer resistance to Orthomyxo virus infection by modifying cellular functions needed along the viral replication pathway. Polymorphisms and differential antiviral activities of Mx gene have been reported in pigs and chicken. Here we report the diversity of Mx gene, its expression in response to stimulation with interferon (IFN) α/β and their association with EI resistance and susceptibility in Marwari horses. Blood samples were collected from horses declared positive for equine influenza and in contact animals with a history of no clinical signs. Mx gene was amplified by reverse transcription from total RNA isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with IFN α/β using gene specific primers. The amplified gene products from representative samples were cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences were analyzed. Out of a total 24 amino acids substitutions sorting intolerant from tolerant (SIFT) analysis predicted 13 substitutions with functional consequences. Five substitutions (V67A, W123L, E346Y, N347Y, S689N) were observed only in resistant animals. Evolutionary distances based on nucleotide sequences with in equines ranged between 0.3-2.0% and 20-24% with other species. On phylogenetic analysis all equine sequences clustered together while other species formed separate clades.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anju Manuja
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Rajni Dahiya
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Sandeep Singh
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - R C Sharma
- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - S K Gahlot
- Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa 125005, Haryana, India
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Sharma RC, Blitz M, Wada R, Seakins PW. HCl yield and chemical kinetics study of the reaction of Cl atoms with CH3I at the 298K temperature using the infra-red tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2014; 128:176-182. [PMID: 24667422 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2014.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Pulsed ArF excimer laser (193 nm)-CW infrared (IR) tunable diode laser Herriott type absorption spectroscopic technique has been made for the detection of product hydrochloric acid HCl. Absorption spectroscopic technique is used in the reaction chlorine atoms with methyl iodide (Cl+CH3I) to the study of kinetics on reaction Cl+CH3I and the yield of (HCl). The reaction of Cl+CH3I has been studied with the support of the reaction Cl+C4H10 (100% HCl) at temperature 298 K. In the reaction Cl+CH3I, the total pressure of He between 20 and 125 Torr at the constant concentration of [CH3I] 7.0×10(14) molecule cm(-3). In the present work, we estimated adduct formation is very important in the reaction Cl+CH3I and reversible processes as well and CH3I molecule photo-dissociated in the methyl [CH3] radical. The secondary chemistry has been studied as CH3+CH3ICl = product, and CH3I+CH3ICl = product2. The system has been modeled theoretically for secondary chemistry in the present work. The calculated and experimentally HCl yield nearly 65% at the concentration 1.00×10(14) molecule cm(-3) of [CH3I] and 24% at the concentration 4.0×10(15) molecule cm(-3) of [CH3I], at constant concentration 4.85×10(12) molecule cm(-3) of [CH3], and at 7.3×10(12) molecule cm(-3) of [Cl]. The pressure dependent also studied product of HCl at the constant [CH3], [Cl] and [CH3I]. The experimental results are also very good matching with the modelling work at the reaction CH3+CH3ICl = product (k = (2.75±0.35)×10(-10) s(-1)) and CH3I+CH3ICl = product2 (k = 1.90±0.15)×10(-12) s(-1). The rate coefficients of the reaction CH3+CH3ICl and CH3I+CH3ICl has been made in the present work. The experimental results has been studied by two method (1) phase locked and (2) burst mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Sharma
- Lasers Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS 2 9JT, United Kingdom.
| | - M Blitz
- Lasers Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS 2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - R Wada
- Lasers Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS 2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - P W Seakins
- Lasers Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds LS 2 9JT, United Kingdom
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Mishra K, Sharma RC, Kumar S. Contamination profile of DDT and HCH in surface sediments and their spatial distribution from North-East India. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2013; 95:113-122. [PMID: 23810211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Contamination status and spatial distribution of DDTs and HCHs were investigated in sediments collected from ponds and riverine system from districts Nagaon and Dibrugarh, North East India. A total of 113 surface sediment samples were collected from both the districts including 43 from ponds/wetlands and 70 from rivers/streams. Based on dry weight (dw), the mean concentration of ∑HCH and ∑DDT in sediments were found to be 287 ng/g (71.2-834 ng/g) and 321 ng/g (30.1-918 ng/g) for district Dibrugarh while 330 ng/g (39.2-743 ng/g) and 378 ng/g (72.5-932 ng/g) for district Nagaon, respectively. DDTs and HCHs in sediments were well influenced by total organic carbon, clay and silt content of sediments. Source identification revealed that sediment residue levels have originated from long and recent mixed source of technical HCH and Lindane for HCHs and mainly technical DDT for DDTs. Majority of samples exceeded the sediment quality guidelines (SQG) for γ-HCH, p,p'-DDT and ∑DDT indicating potential environmental risk. This baseline data can be used as reference for regular ecological and future POPs monitoring program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumkum Mishra
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar Garhwal-246174, Uttarakhand, India.
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Joshi D, Kumar D, Maini AK, Sharma RC. Detection of biological warfare agents using ultra violet-laser induced fluorescence LIDAR. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2013; 112:446-56. [PMID: 23719340 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2013.04.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
This review has been written to highlight the threat of biological warfare agents, their types and detection. Bacterial biological agent Bacillus anthracis (bacteria causing the disease anthrax) which is most likely to be employed in biological warfare is being discussed in detail. Standoff detection of biological warfare agents in aerosol form using Ultra violet-Laser Induced Fluorescence (UV-LIF) spectroscopy method has been studied. Range-resolved detection and identification of biological aerosols by both nano-second and non-linear femto-second LIDAR is also discussed. Calculated received fluorescence signal for a cloud of typical biological agent Bacillus globigii (Simulants of B. anthracis) at a location of ~5.0 km at different concentrations in presence of solar background radiation has been described. Overview of current research efforts in internationally available working UV-LIF LIDAR systems are also mentioned briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Joshi
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, Metcalf House, DRDO, Delhi 110 054, India
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Sharma-Poudyal D, Chen XM, Wan AM, Zhan GM, Kang ZS, Cao SQ, Jin SL, Morgounov A, Akin B, Mert Z, Shah SJA, Bux H, Ashraf M, Sharma RC, Madariaga R, Puri KD, Wellings C, Xi KQ, Wanyera R, Manninger K, Ganzález MI, Koyda M, Sanin S, Patzek LJ. Virulence Characterization of International Collections of the Wheat Stripe Rust Pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. Plant Dis 2013; 97:379-386. [PMID: 30722363 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-01-12-0078-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Wheat stripe rust (yellow rust [Yr]), caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is an economically important disease of wheat worldwide. Virulence information on P. striiformis f. sp. tritici populations is important to implement effective disease control with resistant cultivars. In total, 235 P. striiformis f. sp. tritici isolates from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Hungary, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and Uzbekistan were tested on 20 single Yr-gene lines and the 20 wheat genotypes that are used to differentiate P. striiformis f. sp. tritici races in the United States. The 235 isolates were identified as 129 virulence patterns on the single-gene lines and 169 virulence patterns on the U.S. differentials. Virulences to YrA, Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr8, Yr9, Yr17, Yr25, YrUkn, Yr28, Yr31, YrExp2, Lemhi (Yr21), Paha (YrPa1, YrPa2, YrPa3), Druchamp (Yr3a, YrD, YrDru), Produra (YrPr1, YrPr2), Stephens (Yr3a, YrS, YrSte), Lee (Yr7, Yr22, Yr23), Fielder (Yr6, Yr20), Tyee (YrTye), Tres (YrTr1, YrTr2), Express (YrExp1, YrExp2), Clement (Yr9, YrCle), and Compair (Yr8, Yr19) were detected in all countries. At least 80% of the isolates were virulent on YrA, Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr8, Yr17, YrUkn, Yr31, YrExp2, Yr21, Stephens (Yr3a, YrS, YrSte), Lee (Yr7, Yr22, Yr23), and Fielder (Yr6, Yr20). Virulences to Yr1, Yr9, Yr25, Yr27, Yr28, Heines VII (Yr2, YrHVII), Paha (YrPa1, YrPa2, YrPa3), Druchamp (Yr3a, YrD, YrDru), Produra (YrPr1, YrPr2), Yamhill (Yr2, Yr4a, YrYam), Tyee (YrTye), Tres (YrTr1, YrTr2), Hyak (Yr17, YrTye), Express (YrExp1, YrExp2), Clement (Yr9, YrCle), and Compair (Yr8, Yr19) were moderately frequent (>20 to <80%). Virulence to Yr10, Yr24, Yr32, YrSP, and Moro (Yr10, YrMor) was low (≤20%). Virulence to Moro was absent in Algeria, Australia, Canada, Kenya, Russia, Spain, Turkey, and China, but 5% of the Chinese isolates were virulent to Yr10. None of the isolates from Algeria, Canada, China, Kenya, Russia, and Spain was virulent to Yr24; none of the isolates from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Nepal, Russia, and Spain was virulent to Yr32; none of the isolates from Australia, Canada, Chile, Hungary, Kenya, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, and Spain was virulent to YrSP; and none of the isolates from any country was virulent to Yr5 and Yr15. Although the frequencies of virulence factors were different, most of the P. striiformis f. sp. tritici isolates from these countries shared common virulence factors. The virulences and their frequencies and distributions should be useful in breeding stripe-rust-resistant wheat cultivars and understanding the pathogen migration and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sharma-Poudyal
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA 99164-6430
| | - X M Chen
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Wheat Genetics, Quality, Physiology, and Disease Research Unit and Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman
| | - A M Wan
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman
| | - G M Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Z S Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - S Q Cao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - S L Jin
- Institute of Plant Protection, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - A Morgounov
- International Winter Wheat Improvement Program, (ICARDA-CIMMYT) Wheat Improvement Program, Ankara, Turkey
| | - B Akin
- International Winter Wheat Improvement Program, (ICARDA-CIMMYT) Wheat Improvement Program, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Z Mert
- Central Research Institute for Field Crops, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S J A Shah
- Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - H Bux
- Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Sindh Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - M Ashraf
- NUST Centre of Virology and Immunology, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - R C Sharma
- ICARDA-Central Asia and the Caucasus Regional Program, 4564, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - R Madariaga
- National Institute of Agricultural Research, Chillan, Chile
| | - K D Puri
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58108-6050
| | - C Wellings
- Plant Breeding Institute, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - K Q Xi
- Field Crop Development Centre, Alberta Agriculture and Food, Lacombe, Canada
| | - R Wanyera
- Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute, Njoro, Kenya
| | - K Manninger
- Plant Protection Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest
| | | | - M Koyda
- All-Russian Research Institute of Phytopathology, Bolshie Vyazemy, Russia
| | - S Sanin
- All-Russian Research Institute of Phytopathology, Bolshie Vyazemy, Russia
| | - L J Patzek
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, NWREC, Mount Vernon
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Mishra K, Sharma RC, Kumar S. Contamination levels and spatial distribution of organochlorine pesticides in soils from India. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2012; 76:215-25. [PMID: 22001318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2011.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), are potential chemical pollutants extensively used for agriculture and vector control purposes due to low cost and high effectiveness. Concentrations of HCH and DDT were determined in 175 surface soil samples from different agricultural fields, fallow and urban lands of districts Nagaon and Dibrugarh, Assam, India. The mean concentrations of total HCH and total DDT were 825 ng/g (range: 98-1945 ng/g) and 903 ng/g (range: 166-2288 ng/g) in district Nagaon while 705 ng/g (range: 178-1701 ng/g) and 757 ng/g (range: 75-2296 ng/g) in district Dibrugarh, respectively. The soils from paddy fields contained highest amounts of HCH and DDT residues. Total organic carbon was found to be positively associated with soil HCH and DDT residues. Ratios of DDT/(DDD+DDE) were 1.25 and 1.82 while of α/γ HCH were 2.78 and 2.51 for districts Dibrugarh and Nagaon, respectively. Source identification revealed that soil residue levels have originated from long past and recent mixed source of technical HCH and Lindane for HCHs and mainly technical DDT for DDTs. Spatial distribution was also investigated to identify the areas with higher pesticide loadings in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mishra
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University-A Central University, Srinagar Garhwal 246174, Uttarakhand, India.
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Veerabuthiran S, Razdan AK, Jindal MK, Dubey DK, Sharma RC. Mie lidar observations of lower tropospheric aerosols and clouds. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2011; 84:32-36. [PMID: 21975046 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2011.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mie lidar system is developed at Laser Science and Technology Centre, Delhi (28.38°N, 77.12°E) by using minimal number of commercially available off-the-shelf components. Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser operating at 1064nm with variable pulse energies between 25 and 400 mJ with 10 Hz repetition rate and 7ns pulse duration is used as a transmitter and off-axis CASSEGRAIN telescope with 100mm diameter as a receiver. Silicon avalanche photodiode (Si-APD) module with built-in preamplifier and front-end optics is used as detector. This system has been developed for the studies of lower tropospheric aerosols and clouds. Some experiments have been conducted using this set up and preliminary results are discussed. The characteristics of backscattered signals for various transmitter pulse energies are also studied. Atmospheric aerosol extinction coefficient values are calculated using Klett lidar inversion algorithm. The extinction coefficient, in general, falls with range in the lower troposphere and the values lie typically in the range 7.5×10(-5) m(-1) to 1.12×10(-4) m(-1) in the absence of any cloud whereas this value shoots maximum up to 1.267×10(-3) m(-1) (peak extinction) in the presence of clouds.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Veerabuthiran
- Laser Science and Technology Centre, Metcalfe House, DRDO, Delhi 110054, India
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Mishra K, Sharma RC. Assessment of organochlorine pesticides in human milk and risk exposure to infants from North-East India. Sci Total Environ 2011; 409:4939-4949. [PMID: 21917296 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite the worldwide ban on use of persistent organochlorine pesticides, their usage continued until recently in India, for vector-borne disease eradication programs and agricultural purposes. The concentrations of organochlorine contaminants, DDT and HCH, have been determined in human breast milk from Dibrugarh and Nagaon districts of Assam state, North-East India. The results demonstrated that the mean levels of total DDT were 3210 ng/g lipid wt. and 2870 ng/g lipid wt. and total HCH were 2720 ng/g lipid wt. and 2330 ng/g lipid wt. in Nagaon and Dibrugarh respectively. There was no significant difference in the levels of investigated pollutants between the two districts. Significant differences in ADI (Average daily intake) for total DDT were found between the two districts. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between OCP levels in breast milk and age of mothers. Based on OCP levels in human breast milk, the ADI by the infants has been estimated. It has been found that high daily intake of DDTs and HCHs by the infants exceeded the TDI (Tolerable daily intake) which implied that infants of the region are potentially at high risk by these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mishra
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar Garhwal-246174, Uttarakhand, India.
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Mishra K, Sharma RC, Kumar S. Organochlorine pollutants in human blood and their relation with age, gender and habitat from North-east India. Chemosphere 2011; 85:454-464. [PMID: 21925698 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.07.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been beneficial to man and environment but their inadvertent use has caused considerable harm to human health. Despite the proliferation of different types of pesticides, organochlorines such as HCH and DDT still account for two third of the total consumption in India because of their low cost and versatility in action again various pests. Since, Assam, a state in North-eastern part of India is an endemic area with perennial transmission where mosquito borne diseases are serious health problems; these pesticides are still being used in huge quantities in vector control as well as in agriculture. A total of 331 human blood samples were collected from district Nagaon and Dibrugarh of Assam to determine the residue levels of DDT and HCH in human blood. The concentrations of selected persistent organochlorine pollutants were measured with gas chromatography-electron capture detector. The results demonstrated that the mean levels of total DDT and HCH were 743 μg L(-1) and 627 μg L(-1) for district Nagaon while 417 μg L(-1) and 348 μg L(-1) for district Dibrugarh. The difference of total HCH and total DDT between these two districts was found to be highly significant (P<0.0001). Among DDT metabolites, the same trend was observed for both the districts as p,p-DDT was the principal component contributed 41% for Nagaon and 58% for Dibrugarh. In case of HCH residues, for Nagaon, β-HCH was the predominant contaminant comprised more than 34% while for Dibrugarh, it was α-HCH that was contributing 43% of total HCH concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mishra
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar Garhwal-246174, Uttarakhand, India.
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Sharma M, Chakrabarty AS, Pavan R, Sharma RC, Pratibha G. An integrated, mobile service for diabetic retinopathy in rural India. Community Eye Health 2011; 24:17-8. [PMID: 22125367 PMCID: PMC3218397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohita Sharma
- Nayantara project lead and chief ophthalmologist, Tiupati Eye Centre, C-8, Sector 19, Noida 201301, India
| | | | - Rathi Pavan
- Project Manager, Tiupati Eye Centre, C-8, Sector 19, Noida 201301, India
| | - RC Sharma
- Director, Tiupati Eye Centre, C-8, Sector 19, Noida 201301, India
| | - Goel Pratibha
- Senior eye consultant, Tiupati Eye Centre, C-8, Sector 19, Noida 201301, India
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Sharma RC, Waigh TA, Maini AK, Thakur SN, Singh JP, Lin KC. Vibrationally selective radiative and non-radiative transitions in gaseous hydrogen molecules. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2011; 79:396-399. [PMID: 21531610 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2011.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
An efficient vibrationally selective technique to build-up the v″=1 vibrational levels in gaseous hydrogen is demonstrated using stimulated Raman pumping (SRP). Both photo-acoustic Raman spectroscopy (PARS) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) are used to study non-radiative and radiative (v″=0 and v″=1) transitions in gaseous H(2) molecules. The population fraction in the v″=1 vibrational level has been estimated using combined photo-acoustic and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy with stimulated Raman pumping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
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Sharma RC, Miller TS, Usachev AD, Singh JP, Yueh FY, Monts DL. Photo-fragmentation cross-section of gaseous 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene at different ultraviolet wavelengths. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2009; 72:470-473. [PMID: 19070537 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2008.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2008] [Revised: 10/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The photo-fragmentation cross-section of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) vapor at room temperature was determined at different ultraviolet wavelengths (254, 300, 340, and 400 nm) by measuring the concentration of NO molecule with cavity ring down spectroscopy and correcting for the photo-fragmentation cross-section of NO(2). Nitric oxide (NO) molecules are produced by the TNT photo-fragmentation processes via an intermediate production of NO(2). Our results reveal that the photo-fragmentation cross-section of TNT changes appreciably with change in wavelength with xenon arc lamp illumination, increasing with decreasing excitation wavelength. The maximum value of cross-section was observed at the shortest photo-fragmentation wavelength studied (254 nm), which is closest to the wavelength of an absorption peak of TNT near 220 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
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Wada R, Sharma RC, Blitz MA, Seakins PW. Studies on the Cl + C2H5I reaction; site specific abstraction reactions and thermodynamics of adduct formation studied by observation of HCL product. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2009; 11:10417-26. [PMID: 19890528 DOI: 10.1039/b907793f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Wada
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK LS2 9JT
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Sharma RC, Bahuguna M, Chauhan P. Periphytonic diversity in Bhagirathi: preimpoundment study of Tehri dam reservoir. J Environ Sci Eng 2008; 50:255-262. [PMID: 19697759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Tehri hydroelectric project of 2,400 MW capacity, the Asia's highest dam constructed on the Bhagirathi river in Uttarakhand is one of the most debatable dams of the country. The fluvial system of Bhagirathi and Bhilagana has been converted into a huge lentic water reservoir of 2.62x10(9) m3 capacity. Therefore, the information on periphytonic diversity before impoundment is very important. The preimpoundment study over one year (September 2004 - August 2005) was carried out monthly to analyse the periphytonic diversity in a lotic environment of Bhagirathi, one of the parent streams of Ganges. Periphytons are the important primary producers of metarhithronic stretch of Bhagirathi. 40 taxa of periphytons, represented by the families of Bacillariophyceae (25 taxa), Chlorophyceae (11 taxa) and Myxophyceae (4 taxa), were recorded from the Bhagirathi river before impoundment. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index ranged between 3.404 to 4.360 for periphytons, which indicates a good health of the ecosystem. The present study revealed that the combined impact of velocity of the water, hydromedian depth (HMD), turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids (TDS), and water temperature influenced the diversity of periphytons dwelling Bhagirathi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- Department of Environmental Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Post Box 67, Srinagar- Garhwal 246 174, Uttarakhand, India
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Gupta N, Sharma RC, Tripathi AK. Study of bio-physico-chemical parameters of Mothronwala swamp, Dehradun (Uttarakhand). J Environ Biol 2008; 29:381-386. [PMID: 18972696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic biodiversity is one of the most essential characteristics of the aquatic ecosystem formaintaining its stability and a means of coping with any environmental change. The entire stretch of the Mothronwala swamp has rich riparian vegetation for providing conducive environment for the growth of aquatic organisms. The present work has been undertaken to study the bio-physico-chemical characteristics of the swamp. The data on physico-chemical environmental variables (temperature, total dissolved solutes, size and composition of substratum, pH, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity chlorides, and hardness) have been given under the present contribution. A total of 16 genera of aquatic insects belonging to orders Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Phylum Mollusca represented the macroinvertebrates of Mothronwala swamp. The fresh water swamp of Mothronwala is under threat due to human interference and other anthropogenic activities. Some of the natural and anthropogenic environmental problems of the Mothronwala swamp have been identified and the ameliorative measures for the protection of aquatic environment and the conservation measures for the swamp have been suggested. The qualitative study revealed the present status of the aquatic biodiversity of the swamp and also about the physico-chemical parameters, which would be very helpful for policy makers to take precautionary measures to save the swamp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutan Gupta
- Ecology and Environment Division, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 006, India.
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Sharma RC. Laser induced moving dynamic grating in fluorescein doped boric acid glass thin films (10(-4) M). Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2008; 69:800-5. [PMID: 17602864 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2007.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2007] [Revised: 04/20/2007] [Accepted: 05/07/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Laser induced moving dynamics grating has been studied in fluorescein doped boric acid glass films in the limit of a weak probe and a relatively strong pump. The results have been interpreted in terms of the four-level description of a saturable absorber. Good agreement has been obtained in the experimental and the fitted results. Estimated values of the non-linear parameters such as the saturation intensity, refractive index, and also the response time of the optical non-linearity have been obtained at different strong pump beam intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- Lasers and Applications Laboratory, Department of Chemistry The University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
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Sharma RC, Chauhan P, Bahuguna M. Impact of Tehri Dam on aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity of Bhagirathi, Uttarakhand (India). J Environ Sci Eng 2008; 50:41-50. [PMID: 19192926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity in the Bhagirathi river was monitored for the period of twelve months (September 2004 to August 2005) for assessing the impact of Asia's highest dam, Tehri Dam. Comparative data on diversity of macroinvertebrates revealed that the number of taxa in the downstream stretch, especially close to the dam was significantly reduced. The velocity of water current, hydromedian depth, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and the bottom substrates of the river were found drastically influenced due to the construction activities of the dam. Macroinvertebrate diversity (Shannon-Wiener Index) was altered from 3.44 to 1.98. The members of ephemeroptera and trichoptera were drastically influenced in comparison to other macroinvertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- Department of Environmental Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Post Box No. 67, Srinagar- Garhwal 246 174, Uttarakhand, India.
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Yadav SP, Kalundha RK, Sharma RC. Sociocultural factors and malaria in the desert part of Rajasthan, India. J Vector Borne Dis 2007; 44:205-12. [PMID: 17896623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Malaria is a new emerging problem of Indian Thar Desert. The study was attempted to find out some sociocultural factors associated with malaria transmission in this region and to supplement social solutions to ongoing malaria control efforts in the desert part of Rajasthan. METHODS Interview technique was used for data collection on pre-tested schedules. In all 30 households (15 from low socioeconomic group and the same number of households from the high socioeconomic group) in a village were selected following systematic random sampling technique. A total of 450 respondents were selected randomly in 15 villages of Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. RESULTS One-third of the respondents had neither taken treatment for malaria nor took part in the vector control operations because they did not consider mosquito bites to be harmful and took malaria as a mild disease. Outdoor sleeping habits, sharing bed with children, uneasy and suffocation feeling in using mosquito bednets or any other protective device also contributed to the spread of malaria in the study villages. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Community should be educated as a whole particularly the low socioeconomic group of people to bring changes in their beliefs, sociocultural and health practices to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using bednets, repellents and other devices, such as wire mesh screening of house doors and windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Yadav
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, New Pali Road, Jodhpur, India.
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Gupta HK, Gupta K, Singh P, Singh AK, Sharma RC. A comparative emission profile of an urban area in Madhya Pradesh, India. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2007; 79:202-8. [PMID: 17639324 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-007-9163-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper emphasizes on mathematical and field work approach to diagnosing the environmental pollution for Indore, India. These applications are based on the time-series statistics and for three semi-industrial as well as residential areas. The generalized additive models finds as a best fit-model in terms of autocorrelation and reduction of over-dispersion. The interdisciplinary study works on the principal of pollutant source, meteorological parameters, pollutant types, emission rates and various chemical processes. Several chemical or industrial processes like iron and steel production, combustion of fossil fuels, biomass burning, thermal power plants are major polluter in most of the mega cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Gupta
- School of Future Studies and Planning (Faculty of Engineering Sciences), Devi Ahilya University, Khandwa Road, Indore 452 001, India.
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Neupane RB, Sharma RC, Duveiller E, Ortiz-Ferrara G, Ojha BR, Rosyara UR, Bhandari D, Bhatta MR. Major Gene Controls of Field Resistance to Spot Blotch in Wheat Genotypes 'Milan/Shanghai #7' and 'Chirya.3'. Plant Dis 2007; 91:692-697. [PMID: 30780477 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-91-6-0692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A number of exotic wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes resistant to spot blotch caused by Cochliobolus sativus are being used to improve the resistance of commercial cultivars in the warm regions of South Asia. The objective of the present study was to determine the inheritance of field resistance to spot blotch in two resistant (R) wheat genotypes, 'Chirya.3' and 'Milan/Shanghai #7' (MS#7), which were crossed to a susceptible (S) commercial cultivar, 'BL1473.' The two resistant genotypes also were crossed to determine allelic relationships for resistance between them. Spot blotch severity was recorded on the parents and on F1, F2, and F3 progenies. The F1 plants from the two crosses between susceptible and resistant genotypes had low disease severity like the resistant parents, indicating that resistance in Chirya.3 and MS#7 is conditioned by dominant gene action. The F2 plants segregated in 3R:1S ratios, and the F2:3 families showed the ratio of 1R:1S:2S, segregating for R and S, suggesting that resistance in the two resistant parents is conditioned by a single, dominant gene. The F1 plants from the cross between the two resistant genotypes were resistant, whereas their F2 progenies segregated in 15R:1S, suggesting that the resistance genes in MS#7 and Chirya.3 are nonallelic. These simply inherited sources of resistance could be useful for improving spot blotch resistance in the warm regions of South Asia and also may offer useful diversity to breeding programs for developing spot-blotch-resistant wheat cultivars in other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Neupane
- Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - R C Sharma
- Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - E Duveiller
- CIMMYT, South Asia Regional Office, P.O. Box 5186, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - G Ortiz-Ferrara
- CIMMYT, South Asia Regional Office, P.O. Box 5186, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | | | - D Bhandari
- National Wheat Research Program, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Bhairahawa, Nepal
| | - M R Bhatta
- National Wheat Research Program, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Bhairahawa, Nepal
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Singh AK, Gupta HK, Gupta K, Singh P, Gupta VB, Sharma RC. A comparative study of air pollution in Indian cities. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2007; 78:411-6. [PMID: 17599225 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-007-9220-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2006] [Accepted: 04/19/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Rapid and unplanned industrialization and urbanization has resulted in the deterioration of India's air quality according to air-quality monitoring carried out in seven major Indian cities in industrial and residential areas between 1995 and 2000. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) levels in Indian cities are in the range 50 to 550 microg/m(3). NO(x) values are high in Delhi's residential areas, with values of 33 microg/m(3) in 1995 and 34.6 microg/m(3) in 2000, while in an industrial area values of 29.4 microg/m(3) were found in 1995, increasing to 33.7 microg/m(3) in 2000. SO(2) values are very high in Pune city, ranging from 43.3 microg/m(3) in residential to 43.69 microg/m(3) in an industrial area in 2000.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Singh
- School of Future Studies and Planning (Faculty of Engineering Sciences), Devi Ahilya University, Khandwa Road, Indore, 452 001, India
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Yadav SP, Sharma RC, Joshi V. Treatment seeking behaviour of malaria patients in desert part of Rajasthan, India. J Commun Dis 2007; 39:57-64. [PMID: 18338718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Malaria remains to be the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in India and in many other tropical countries with approximately 2 to 3 million new cases arising every year. In spite of arid conditions prevailing in desert part of Rajasthan, malaria is a major public health problem. A longitudinal study on social determinants of malaria has been undertaken in different villages of Ramgarh PHC of Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The study aims to know treatment seeking behabiour of malaria patients in the desert communities which is significantly different than the non-desert part of India. Out of 60 villages, 12 villages and 573 malaria patients were selected randomly. Interview technique was used for data collection. Information was recorded on pre-tested schedules. Self diagnosis 423 (73.8%) was more common among the respondents and 443 (77.3%) had taken treatment at home with local herbal remedies as the first treatment action. Desert population was not used to laboratory test for the malaria diagnosis. Symptoms based treatment was practised. They used private and government health facilities for the treatment of malaria. Self diagnosis for malaria was common but practised more by the poorer households. A large part of the population did not complete the full course of malaria treatment as a result drug resistance was more common. They did not use the government health facility as a first step of malaria treatment. There is need for health education with campaign emphasizing the role of mosquitoes in malaria transmission and the need for prompt medical intervention. The use of Government health services for the diagnosis and treatment of malaria by the poor should be encouraged through appropriate information, education and communication (IEC) which on the long run will be more cost effective for desert population under the national malaria control programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Yadav
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, New Pali Road, Jodhpur, India
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Huang HY, Chuang WT, Sharma RC, Hsu CY, Lin KC, Hu CH. Molecular elimination of Br2 in 248 nm photolysis of bromoform probed by using cavity ring-down absorption spectroscopy. J Chem Phys 2006; 121:5253-60. [PMID: 15352818 DOI: 10.1063/1.1777211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
By using cavity ring-down spectroscopy technique, we have observed the channel leading to Br(2) molecular elimination following photodissociation of bromoform at 248 nm. A tunable laser beam, which is crossed perpendicular to the photolysis laser beam in a ring-down cell, is used to probe the Br(2) fragment in the B(3)Pi(ou)(+)-X(1)Sigma(g)(+) transition using the range 515-524 nm. The ring-down time lasts 500 ns, so the rotational population of the Br(2) fragment may not be nascent nature, but its vibrational population should be. The vibrational population ratio of Br(2)(upsilon=1)/Br(2)(upsilon=0)=0.8+/-0.2 implies that the fragmented Br(2) is vibrationally hot. The quantum yield of the molecular elimination reaction is 0.23+/-0.05, consistent with the values of 0.26 and 0.16 reported in 234 and 267 nm photolysis of bromoform, respectively, using velocity ion imaging. A plausible photodissociation pathway is proposed, based upon this work and ab initio calculations. The A(1)A(2), B(1)E, and C(1)A(1) singlet states of bromoform are probably excited at 248 nm. These excited states may couple to the high vibrational levels of the ground state X(1)A(1) via internal conversion. This vibrationally excited bromoform readily surpasses a reaction barrier 389.6 kJ/mol prior to decomposition. The transition state structure tends to correlate with vibrationally hot Br(2). Dissociation after internal conversion of the excited states to vibrationally excited ground state should result in a large fraction of the available energy to be partitioned in vibrational states of the fragments. The observed vibrationally hot Br(2) fragment seems to favor the dissociation pathway from high vibrational levels of the ground state. Nevertheless, the other reaction channel leading to a direct impulsive dissociation from the excited states cannot be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Huang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, TaiwanInstitute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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Sharma RC, Koshi M. Hot filament-dissociation of (CH3)3SiH and (CH3)4Si, probed by vacuum ultra violet laser time of flight mass spectroscopy. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2006; 65:787-91. [PMID: 16530001 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2005.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2005] [Accepted: 12/16/2005] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The decomposition of trimethylsilane and tetramethylsilane has been investigated for the first time, using hot wire (catalytic) at various temperatures. Trimethylsilane is catalytic-dissociated in these species SiH(2), CH(3)SiH, CH(3), CH(2)Si. Time of flight mass spectroscopy signal of these species are linearly increasing with increasing catalytic-temperature. Time of flight mass spectroscopy (TOFMS) signals of (CH(3))(3)SiH and photodissociated into (CH(3))(2)SiH are decreasing with increasing hot filament temperature. TOFMS signal of (CH(3))(4)Si is decreasing with increasing hot wire temperature, but (CH(3))(3)Si signal is almost constant with increasing the temperature. We calculated activation energies of dissociated species of the parental molecules for fundamental information of reaction kinetics for the first time. Catalytic-dissociation of trimethylsilane, and tetramethylsilane single source time of flight coupled single photon VUV (118 nm) photoionization collisionless radicals at temperature range of tungsten filament 800-2360 K. The study is focused to understand the fundamental information on reaction kinetics of these molecules at hot wire temperature, and processes of catalytic-chemical vapour deposition (Cat-CVD) technique which could be implemented in amorphous and crystalline SiC semiconductors thin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- Laser Chemical Physics Laboratory, Department of Chemical System Engineering, The Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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Joshi V, Sharma RC, Sharma Y, Adha S, Sharma K, Singh H, Purohit A, Singhi M. Importance of socioeconomic status and tree holes in distribution of Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. J Med Entomol 2006; 43:330-6. [PMID: 16619619 DOI: 10.1603/0022-2585(2006)043[0330:iossat]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Immature Aedes mosquitoes were found in domestic, peridomestic, and tree hole habitats within three socioeconomic strata of Jodhpur, a city within an arid area of Rajasthan, India, endemic for dengue. Peridomestic habitats served as a persistent source of Aedes vectors, especially those used for watering cows for religious reasons that were located within high socioeconomic areas. Domestic (indoor) containers within low socioeconomic strata showed a higher container index (27.0%) than periurban areas with cattle sheds (14.3%) or high socioeconomic areas (18.1%). Mosquitoes were collected in tree holes at zoos and gardens supporting several species of monkeys. Six of 67 Aedes albopictus Skuse reared from immatures collected in tree holes tested positive for dengue antigen acquired through vertical transmission, possibly indicating a persistence mechanism for dengue virus within an urban environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Joshi
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Pali Road-Jodhpur-342 005, India
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Yadav SP, Sharma RC, Joshi V. Study of social determinants of malaria in desert part of Rajasthan, India. J Vector Borne Dis 2005; 42:141-6. [PMID: 16457383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES A longitudinal study on social determinants of malaria has been undertaken in different villages of Ramgarh PHC of Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The study aims to determine social determinants of malaria as applicable to existing cast groups of desert part of Rajasthan. METHODS Out of 940 households in five villages, 150 households of Rajput community (forward community) and Meghwal community (backward community) were selected at random to study whether due to different behaviour of existing caste groups, transmission of malaria and its intensity also vary or not. RESULTS It was found that magnitude of malaria was three times more in the Meghwal community as compared to Rajput community. In-migration of natives importing malaria was found to be prominent cause of more malaria incidence in the backward community. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION An intervention policy aiming to study existing status of knowledge among different caste groups of desert areas could lead to a substantial control over in-migration as well as further transmission of disease in the desert part of Rajasthan.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Yadav
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jodhpur, India.
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Abstract
The case of an 18-year-old girl with skin-picking is reported. The patient used to pick at healthy skin and small skin lesions, leading to ulceration, hyperpigmentation and disfigurement. She recovered almost fully with fluoxetine. The implications of diagnosis and the need for early treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Sharma
- Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla
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Sharma RC, Huang HY, Chuang WT, Lin KC. Continuum and discrete pulsed cavity ring down laser absorption spectra of Br2 vapor. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2005; 61:2115-20. [PMID: 15911400 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2004.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2004] [Accepted: 08/19/2004] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The absorption cross-sections at room temperature are reported for the first time, of Br2 vapor in overlapping bound-free and bound-bound transition of A(3)pi1u <-- Xsigma(g)+, X(1)pi1u <-- X(1)sigma(g)+ and B(3)pi0u <-- X(1)sigma(g)+, using cavity ring down spectroscopy (CRDS) technique. We reported here, the A(3)pi1u <-- X(1)sigma(g)+, transition is included along with the two stronger X(1)pi1u <-- X(1)sigma(g)+ and B(3)pi0u <-- X(1)sigma(g) transitions of Br2. We obtained discrete absorption cross-section in the rotational structure, the continuum absorption cross-sections, and were also able to measure the absorption cross-section in separate contribution of A(3)pi1u <-- X(1)sigma(g)+, (1)pi1u <-- X(1)sigma(g)+, and B(3)pi0u <-- X(1)sigma(g)+ transitions using CRDS method to use quantum yield of Br*((2)P(1/2)). We obtained absorption cross-section order 10(-19) cm2 and detection 10(13) molecule cm(-3) (1 mTorr) of Br2. The absorption cross-sections are increasing with increasing excitation energy in the wavelength region 510-535 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- Laser Chemical Physics Laboratory, Engineering Faculty, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
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Sharma NL, Mahajan VK, Kanga A, Sood A, Katoch VM, Mauricio I, Singh CD, Parwan UC, Sharma VK, Sharma RC. LOCALIZED CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS DUE TO LEISHMANIA DONOVANI AND LEISHMANIA TROPICA: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY OF 161 NEW CASES FROM A NEW ENDEMIC FOCUS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2005. [PMID: 15964970 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2005.72.819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nand Lal Sharma
- Department of Dermatology, Microbiology, and Community Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India.
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Duveiller E, Kandel YR, Sharma RC, Shrestha SM. Epidemiology of foliar blights (spot blotch and tan spot) of wheat in the plains bordering the himalayas. Phytopathology 2005; 95:248-56. [PMID: 18943117 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-95-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Helminthosporium leaf blight (HLB), a complex of spot blotch caused by Cochliobolus sativus and of tan spot caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is a major wheat disease in South Asia. This 2-year study elucidated HLB development and its impact on yield. Symptoms caused by C. sativus and P. tritici-repentis were first observed at the seedling and tillering stages, respectively. The number of airborne conidia and leaves infected by the two pathogens remained low for several weeks under lower temperatures, followed by a sharp rise as temperatures increased. The number of airborne conidia of C. sativus and incidence of infection by C. sativus were higher compared with P. tritici-repentis. The disease complex caused an average 30% reduction in yield, with greater losses under delayed seeding. Delayed seeding increased disease severity even in resistant genotypes and caused higher yield losses. 'Milan/Shanghai-7' was the most resistant among six genotypes evaluated. Despite higher disease severity, 'BL 1473' showed relatively lower yield losses, indicating its tolerance to foliar blight. The findings of this study bear implications for integrated foliar blight management in the warmer areas of South Asia by combining optimum seeding date, seed treatment and foliar spray of fungicides, and resistant wheat genotypes.
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Joshi V, Sharma RC, Singhi M, Singh H, Sharma K, Sharma Y, Adha S. Entomological studies on malaria in irrigated and non-irrigated areas of Thar desert, Rajasthan, India. J Vector Borne Dis 2005; 42:25-9. [PMID: 15999458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Malaria is the major health problem in western Rajasthan yet its vector fauna and transmission dynamics thereof is not understood properly. The present investigations report complete profile of qualitative and quantitative aspects of anopheline species occurring in different settings of desert ecosystem. METHODS Area with irrigation through canal for more than 20 years (setting I), area with irrigation through canal for 10 years (setting II) and area without any irrigation (setting III) have been selected for studies. Species identification and their densities (per man hour) was made as per standard methods. RESULTS In village of setting I, during rainy season, An. subpictus and An. stephensi were present while during winter season four species--An. subpictus, An. stephensi, An. culicifacies and An. annularis were collected. In all the villages of setting I, II and III no Anopheles mosquito was observed during summer season. In the villages of desert region without any irrigation facilities through any canal, the anopheline species were present only during rainy season. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION An. stephensi is the major malaria vector of desert irrespective of whether the area is canal irrigated or not. During summer season absence of vector species in all the villages require further studies on micro-ecology of the species under desert conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Joshi
- Desert Medicine Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jodhpur, India.
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Abstract
During the period 1990-2002 in Himachal Pradesh, India, 103 new patients with cutaneous sporotrichosis were detected. Lymphocutaneous and fixed cutaneous varieties were the most common and seen in 49% and 43% respectively. Chronic non-specific inflammation without granuloma formation was seen in 46% skin biopsy specimens, 29% showed acute or chronic inflammation and tuberculoid granuloma formation was seen in 25%. In 32% of cases Sporothrix schenckii growth was seen on Sabouraud glucose agar. A saturated solution of potassium iodide was used as first-line treatment and in 93% patients healing of lesions occurred in 4-32 weeks (average 8.7 weeks) without significant side-effects. Itraconazole, used in 12 patients, was highly effective in recommended doses. Rapid healing was seen with higher than previously used doses of fluconazole in one patient who also had unusual exacerbation of lesional inflammation with saturated solution of potassium iodide.
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Affiliation(s)
- V K Mahajan
- Department of Dermatology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, India
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Sharma RC, Thakur SN, Lin KC. A3Pi1u<--X1Sigmag+ laser photoacoustic spectroscopy of Br2 vapor in the extreme red wavelength region 665-720 nm. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2004; 60:1889-1893. [PMID: 15248965 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2003.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2003] [Accepted: 08/01/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The A3Pi1u<--X1Sigmag+ photoacoustic spectrum of Br2 vapor has been studied and vibronic analysis performed using earlier data available for this system of bands from optical spectroscopy in the region 665-720 nm. The vibronic levels involved in these transitions are 4< or =v'< or =21 and 1< or =v''< or =4. The relative photoacoustic intensities of the vibronic bands have been used in estimating the non-radiative relaxation rate from vibrational levels of A3Pi(1u) state. The non-radiative relaxation is found to be a nonlinear function of the upper state vibrational quantum number. The radiative rate constants for the A3Pi(1u) state vibrational levels have been compared with the corresponding non-radiative constants obtained from present work. Non-radiative decay rate constants for the vibrational levels of A3Pi(1u) state have been experimentally determined for the first time from photoacoustic spectrum of Br2 vapor in the extreme red region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh C Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, National Taiwan University, Academia Sinica, Taipei 106, Taiwan, ROC.
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Singh D, Sharma RC. Characterization and management of municipal solid waste of Srinagar-Garhwal. J Environ Sci Eng 2004; 46:102-7. [PMID: 16649600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Characterization and physico-chemical composition of municipal solid waste of Srinagar-Garhwal, a hill town of Uttaranchal were carried out to know the composition of solid waste for its efficient management. A total of 28,56,500 kg (2,856.5 tonnes) of solid waste was produced per annum. A disposal site away from the open bank of Alaknanda has been suggested. 1,500 m3 volume of land will be required for the land filling of half of the solid waste generated in Srinagar town. In addition to it, 60 numbers of trenches (size 10 m x 3 m x 1 m) with clear spacing of 2.0 m will be required for the composting of remaining half of the solid waste. A list of suggestions has also been made for reducing the waste generation at source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Singh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Post Box 67, Srinagar-Garhwal.
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Bora D, Dhariwal AC, Bhagat H, Sharma RC, Lal S. Status of Soil Transmitted Helminth infections in an urban locality of Assam; as observed from survey by WHO sampling methodology for school children and community survey by random sampling. J Commun Dis 2003; 35:273-8. [PMID: 15909756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, an attempt was made to compare and correlate findings of a Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) survey carried out using WHO sampling methodology for school children and community survey by random sampling. The prevalence and intensity of STH in the age-group of 9-10 yrs reportedly represent community status. The results showed that the STH prevalence and intensity in the age-group of 9-10 years do represent community burden. However, more such surveys will have to be carried out to substantiate this statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bora
- National Institute of Communicable Diseases, 22-Shamnath Marg, Delhi-54
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Joshi A, Naqvi SMK, Bag S, Dang AK, Sharma RC, Rawat PS, Mittal JP. Sperm motion characteristics of Garole rams raised for a prolonged period in a semi-arid tropical environment. Trop Anim Health Prod 2003; 35:249-57. [PMID: 12797414 DOI: 10.1023/a:1023347514476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Garole is a prolific but less well known and rare breed of small sheep found in the hot and humid Sunderban region of West Bengal. An ability to breed throughout the year and to graze in knee-deep water, resistance to foot rot and a strong mothering instinct are some of the special features of this breed. Garole rams could provide germplasm to incorporate prolificacy traits by artificial insemination of the nonprolific sheep breeds found in abundance in the semi-arid and arid tropical climates of India. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the semen production by Garole rams maintained in a semi-arid climate for three years and to objectively assess their semen quality by a computer-assisted sperm analysis technique. The donor rams were randomly selected each year from the original flock procured from their natural habitat or from the offspring born at the Institute farm. Semen was collected weekly for three weeks each autumn for three consecutive years from 8 rams each year. The overall means (SD) of the traits that did not differ significantly with age or year were volume, concentration, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, amplitude of lateral head displacement, beat frequency, motility and the percentages of rapid motile sperms and of slow motile sperms. The age of the rams had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the straight-line velocity but this was not significantly affected by the length of exposure to the semi-arid climate. However, the age and year had significant effects (p<0.05) on linearity, straightness and the percentage of medium motile sperms. It was concluded that Garole rams are capable of producing good-quality semen even after a prolonged period of exposure to a semi-arid tropical climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Joshi
- Semenology Laboratory, Division of Physiology, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar via Jaipur, Rajasthan, India 304 501.
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Mahajan VK, Sharma NL, Sharma RC, Sharma A. Pulse dexamethasone, oral steroids and azathioprine in the management of erythema nodosum leprosum. LEPROSY REV 2003; 74:171-4. [PMID: 12862259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Kaushik ML, Sharma RC. Addison's disease presenting as depression. Indian J Med Sci 2003; 57:249-51. [PMID: 14510342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M L Kaushik
- Department of Medicine, I.G. Medical College and Hospital, Shimla
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