Browsing by Author "Sharma, M. K."
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Item Analyzing the Effect of Lockdown on Weather Parameters Amid COVID-19 Pandemic of Mid Hill Region of Rajouri District of Jammu & Kashmir, Union Territory, India(SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2020-09) Sharma, R.; Vikas, V.; Singh, M.; Sharma, M. K.; Panotra, N.; Sharma, C.; Kumar, D.A study was conducted in mid hill region of Rajouri district, J&K, India to analyze the impact lockdown amid covid-19 pandemic on weather parameters. Day and night temperature readings were recorded fortnightly from 1st March to 30th June 2020 from maximum and minimum thermometer, rainfall values from ordinary rain gauge, and soil temperature at different depth from soil thermometers and values were compared with data from 2017-2019 and normal. After analyzing the data statistically using “Descriptive statistics” in MS-Excel 2010, it was observed that within the period of lockdown, the change in day temperature was -6.66% from normal mean value, however night temperature was least affected as it changes 10.33% and rainfall pattern was 19.27% more from normal mean value. The average change in soil temperature in morning at 5 cm, 10 cm and 20 cm depth in lockdown was -4.65%, 3.74% and 2.65% as compared to year 2019 (1st March to 30th June) mean value and the change in soil temperature in evening at same depths was -5.14%, -11.30% and 0.3% from year 2019 (1st March to 30th June) depicting a slow change in values. With the significant sustainable pattern observed in day and soil temperature parameters and rainfall it can be concluded that lockdown might be an effective tool in reducing speed of climate change in future.Item Conjunctive Use of Fe, Zn and Bio-Fertilizers on Growth, Nodulation and Chlorophyll Content of Urdbean (Vigna mungo L.)(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2023-05) Rathor, Krishan Murari; Sharma, M. K.; Manoj; Meena, Harphool; Yadav, Vinod K.; Yadav, Rajendra K.; Ghasil, Bahnu Pratap; Meena, R. K.; Yadav, Shankar LalAn experiment was conducted on urdbean during kharif 2021 at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Ummedganj, Kota (Rajasthan). The experiment comprised of 10 treatments viz. (Control, 75% RDF, 100% RDF, 75% RDF + Rhizobium @ 600 g ha-1 seed inoculation, 75% RDF + PSB @ 600 g ha-1 seed inoculation, 75% RDF + Rhizobium @ 600 g ha-1 + PSB @ 600 g ha-1, 75% RDF + 0.1% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4 at pre flowering and pod formation stage, 75% RDF + 0.1% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4 at pre flowering and pod formation stage + Rhizobium @ 600 g ha-1, 75% RDF + 0.1% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4 at pre flowering and pod formation stage + PSB @ 600 g ha-1, 75% RDF + 0.1% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4 at pre flowering and pod formation stage + Rhizobium 600 g ha-1+ PSB @ 600 g ha-1) was carried out in randomized block design with three replications. Significantly higher plant height at 60 DAS (25.28 cm) and at harvest (34.43 cm), nodules plant-1 (29.22) at 45 DAS, nodule fresh weight (86.31 mg plant-1) at 45 DAS, chlorophyll content (3.19 mg g-1) at 45 DAS and dry matter accumulation (2.71, 5.94 and 9.99 g plant-1) at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest were recorded with application of 75% RDF + 0.1% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4 at pre flowering and pod formation stage + Rhizobium 600 g ha-1+ PSB @ 600 g ha-1 in urdbean over rest of the treatments. Among these treatments, application of 75% RDF + 0.1% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4 at pre flowering and pod formation stage + Rhizobium 600 g ha-1+ PSB @ 600 g ha-1 produced maximum seed yield (1269.30 kg ha-1) of urdbean.Item Correlates of sleep pattern among college students in Chandigarh(Medip Academy, 2023-10) Kaur, M.; Walia, D. K.; Sharma, M. K.Background: Adequate sleep is an essential element for maintaining good health. Sleep disturbances in the general community particularly among university students are an essential health problem to be addressed. "Sleep disturbance" is defined by the sleep foundation as an interruption of sleep that results in arousal or awakening. The goal of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of sleep disruptions and the factors related to sleep. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted among 256 college-going students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which was pre-tested and pre-designed. Descriptive and analytical statistics were utilized, with analytical statistics being conducted using the Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression to find the risk factors associated with sleep disturbances. Results: Out of 256 students, 161 (62.9%) were suffering from sleep disturbances. A majority of participants preferred to sleep after 10 pm. The mean hours of sleep received by 256 participants were 6.67 hours. A strong significant association was found between sleep disturbances and any stress in life affecting sleep, sleep quality after COVID-19, worried about test and exams, smoking, have a bed partner or roommate, Illness during past month and papers, assignments and research papers due. Conclusions: The present study reported a high prevalence of students having sleep disturbance irrespective of their socio-demographic characteristics. Sleep disturbance was increased having to worries due to exams, any illness or having stress of any kind in their lives. The study suggests some measures should be taken to create quality sleep-friendly environment for students reducing academic stress and encouraging healthy life style.Item Correlates of substance misuse among college-going male students in Chandigarh(Medip Academy, 2023-12) Singh, G.; Walia, D. K.; Sharma, M. K.Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines substance misuse as “consistent or occasional use of a drug inconsistent with or unrelated to acceptable medical practice”. The implementation of evidence-based policies, rules, and interventions targeted at preventing substance abuse and promoting healthier campus settings can result from an understanding of the specific issues associated with substance mis-use among children, particularly college students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 college students in Chandigarh, selected through stratified multi-stage random sampling. A self-administered, semi-structured, and validated questionnaire was used for collecting data. The data was analyzed using SPSS-26.0. Results: Out of 256 respondents, 157 (61.3%) reported not using any substance. The prevalence of substance use among them was found 38.7%. Among substance users, smoking was the most commonly used (82.8%) followed by drinking (75.7%) and chewing (26.2%). Inhaling was also emerging as substance misuse (4.0%). Prevalence rates among different disciplines varied significantly, law students (100.0%) followed by arts (40.0%), commerce (36.4%), medical (34.9%), and engineering (32.3%). Students irrespective of socio-demographic factors were at equal risk of substance misuse based on the logistic regression. Conclusions: Based on the study’s findings in demographics, it was determined that age, discipline, mother’s educational level, and current living situation have a significant association with substance misuse.Item Effect of Fruitlet Thinning on Apple Production and Quality under High Density Plantation(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2023-10) Bashir, Mehvish; Bhat, Rifat; Sharma, M. K.; Mir, Shakeel Ahmad; Khan, Farooq Ahmad; Rather, Tariq AhmadThis study, conducted within the Experimental Block of the Division of Fruit Science at SKUAST-K, Shalimar, India, was aimed to thin 5-year-old Fuji Zehn Aztec apple plants. The research was carried out during the years 2020 and 2021and implemented a Randomized Complete Block Design with 11 treatments, including control and various other thinning methods. Chemical and hand thinning were practised at the 12 mm king fruitlet diameter stage. Among the treatments, T9 (NAA+BA@15+140ppm) demonstrated significant results, with the highest trunk girth increment (0.41 cm), annual shoot extension growth (65.46 cm), leaf area (34.71 cm2), fruit drop (39.26%), and the least reduction in return bloom (52.22%). Additionally, T9 resulted in maximum fruit length (79.98 mm), fruit diameter (89.00 mm), fruit weight (224.90 g), fruit volume (197.86 cm3), Soluble Solid concentration (15.87%), SSC : acidity (40.08), total sugar content (11.07%), anthocyanin content (7.14 mg/100g), ascorbic acid content (6.94 mg/100g), and received the highest organoleptic rating score (4.87). However, the highest yield (21.97 kg/tree), yield efficiency (1.50 kg/cm2), fruit firmness (8.36 kg/cm2), hue angle (68.57°), and acidity (0.59%) were recorded in the control group. Notably, T1 (Hand thinning @ 2 fruitlets retained per cluster) achieved the highest fruit retention (97.97%) and the maximum leaf-to-fruit ratio (27.50). These findings shed light on the potential benefits and trade-offs associated with different fruitlet thinning methods in high-density apple plantations. Understanding these effects can aid orchard management practices to optimize both production and fruit quality.Item Emotional intelligence and job satisfaction among staff nurses: a cross-sectional study(Medip Academy, 2023-12) Sharma, D. K.; Dangi, P.; Sharma, M. K.; Patidar, J.; Kumar, T.; Vats, M.Background: Emotional intelligence and job satisfaction are topics of great interest in today's workplace. They provide a competitive edge in personal and professional life. However, there is scanty evidence in the Indian scenario that explores the assessment of these two notions among nurses. Therefore; this study was conducted to exhume the data regarding the assessment of Emotional intelligence and job satisfaction among nurses. The study aimed to identify the emotional intelligence and job satisfaction among nurses in selected hospitals of Udaipur. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 100 nurses at tertiary care teaching hospital from January 2021 to July 2021. Convenience sampling technique was employed for sample selection. Standardized questionnaire Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square) were used for data analysis. Results: Most of the staff nurses (59%) experience high level of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence has found significant association with age, professional qualification, co-worker relationship and marital status and type of family. Furthermore, majority (65%) of the respondents had middle-level job satisfaction which has been found significantly associated with age, co-worker relationship, type of family, marital status and no. of children. Conclusions: Emotional intelligence and job satisfaction is an important prerequisite to becoming successful in personal and professional world. According to the study data, majority of staff nurses have higher emotional intelligence and higher job satisfaction which is directly related to an organization's production and efficiency.Item Gap between awareness and practices of cosmeceuticals among young adults of Panjab University(Medip Academy, 2023-12) Mitali; Walia, D. K.; Sharma, M. K.; Prashar, S.Background: Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products that contain bioactive ingredients with pharmaceutical properties. These products are designed to improve skin health and appearance by providing functional benefits beyond traditional cosmetics. However, there exists a noticeable gap between the awareness of these specialized formulations and their practical application by consumers. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 171 students. The data was collected by conducting personal interviews using an interview /survey schedule designed specifically for this study. Descriptive and analytical statistics were utilized to get the necessary results. Results: The study included 171 participants, with (24.6%) males and (75.4%) females. Notably, a high level of awareness (100%) and utilization (60.8%) was observed for essential skincare products where females tend to use cosmeceuticals more frequently. Also, the cleansers (100%), moisturizers (100%), and sunscreen (100%) were most valued and were daily incorporated into skincare routines. Conclusions: The findings revealed the prevalence of cosmeceutical awareness and usage, with cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen being the most recognized and adopted products. However, a notable gender discrepancy in the usage of certain products suggests variations in preferences and concerns among males and females. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of cosmeceutical usage patterns, and knowledge gaps. Future efforts should focus on exploring these gaps and promoting responsible and well-informed consumer practices, ultimately fostering a healthier approach to skincare and cosmeceutical products.Item How Plants Adapt to the Photoperiod(Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Sharma, M. K.Plants are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, particularly variations in photoperiod or day length. Photoperiodism refers to a plant's capacity to detect variations in day length and make use of this knowledge to control key developmental processes including flowering, growth, and dormancy. Through a process known as photoperiodism, plants can detect and react to variations in the number of daylight hours, or photoperiod. The physiological response of plants to the length of day or night is known as photoperiodism. The plant uses this physiological response to time-critical developmental events like flowering. In this essay, I will cover the current understanding of how plants respond to photoperiod and the molecular mechanisms underpinning this response. Three groups of plants' photoperiodic responses can be distinguished: short-day plants (SDPs), long-day plants (LDPs), and day-neutral plants (DNPs). Whereas LDPs bloom when the length of the day exceeds the crucial threshold, SDPs do so only when it is shorter than the critical threshold. Conversely, DNPs do not have a crucial day duration and can bloom at any day length. Many genes and biochemical processes control how a plant responds to the photoperiod. The creation and movement of the hormone florigen, which starts blooming in response to photoperiodic signals, is a crucial regulating mechanism. On the other hand, a class of photoreceptors known as phytochromes is involved in the biochemical mechanisms driving photoperiodic responses in plants. The perception of light's duration, quality, and amount is caused by phytochromes. The red-light-absorbing Pr form and the far-red-light-absorbing Pfr form are the two interconvertible states in which they can exist. The ratio of Pr to Pfr is altered by the duration of light exposure and is utilizes by plants to assess day length. Exposure to light in SDPs causes the expression of the CONSTANS (CO) gene, and the CO protein causes the expression of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), a gene that encourages flowering. By exposing LDPs to light, a different gene called GI (GIGANTEA) is induced rather than CO, which is normally expressed. The FT gene's expression is encouraged by GI's interaction with the protein ZEITLUPE (ZTL), which also encourages flowering. In addition to these essential elements, several proteins and signalling pathways are also involved in photoperiodic responses in plants. For instance, to optimise the response to variations in day length, the photoperiodic pathway interacts with the circadian clock, which controls numerous physiological processes in plants. In some species, the hormone gibberellin (GA) also aids in the promotion of flowering. One essential adaptation that enables plants to synchronize their developmental processes with seasonal changes is their capacity to react to variations in day length. Phytochromes play a key role in how plants perceive the day in the complex network of proteins and signalling channels that make up the molecular mechanisms behind photoperiodic responses in plants. There is still much to learn about the diversity and complexity of the photoperiodic response across several plant groupings, even if much is known about it in particular species.Item Is there a need to review the syndromic case management of vaginal discharge due to candida in the Indian scenario?(Medip Academy, 2023-08) Gedam, S. T.; Waikar, M. M.; Deogade, K. S.; Sharma, M. K.; Gosavi, S. S.; Agarwal, V. A.Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects approximately 75% of women once in lifetime. National AIDS Control Organization has recommended Kit-2/Green (tablet secnidazole 2 gm OD stat and capsule fluconazole 150 mg OD stat) for syndromic case management (SCM) of patients with vaginal discharge since 2007. Patients are frequently revisiting the STI centre with recurrent VVC. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of fluconazole and other azoles in vulvovaginitis. Methods: Vaginal swabs from 188 patients attending regional STI centre, at Government Medical College, Nagpur between October 2020 to June 2022 were processed. A total of 128 conventionally confirmed isolates of Candida species were tested on RPMI 1640 medium for susceptibility to azoles by E test. An MIC of ?8 ?g/ml for fluconazole and ?1 ?g/ml for itraconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole was interpreted as resistance as per CLSI M-60. Results: Candida species isolated were Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. dubliniensis and C. krusei. Candida species resistant to fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole were 22 (17.18%), 53 (41.40%), 19 (14.84%), and 3 (2.34%) respectively. C. glabrata was most resistant while C. parapsilosis was least resistant. Voriconazole was most effective. Conclusions: Extensive use of fluconazole in syndromic case management of vaginal discharge could be the probable reason for 17.18% resistance to fluconazole. Withdrawal of fluconazole and replacement with another antifungal azole in SCM of vaginal discharge may prevent recurrent VVC and perhaps lead to emergence of fluconazole sensitive candida.Item Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections among students of Punjab university, Chandigarh(Medip Academy, 2023-09) Ali, I.; Goel, N. K.; Sharma, M. K.; Rana, K.; Ian Gachuki, J.Background: Sexually Transmitted Infections are a major public health concern. Young adults have risk-taking behavior and casual attitude, engaging themselves in risky sexual activities thus contracting STIs. This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding sexually transmitted infections among students of Panjab University, Chandigarh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 students of Panjab University, Chandigarh, selected here through simple random sampling. A self- administered, semi structured and validated questionnaire was used for collecting data. The data was analysed using SPSS and presented as percentages, mean, standard deviation and ANOVA. Results: The current study had 125 (49.5%) males and 127 (50.4%) female students. 228 (90.5%) had correct knowledge that multiple partners can increase risk of STI. Around 171 (67.9%) responded that it is possible to get STI after having sex first time while 151 (59.9%) responded that STI can cause long term health problems. 217 (86.1%) of respondents agreed with statement "one should go for STI test”. While 96 (38.1%) respondents believed that prohibiting prostitution would control spread of STI. Majority of respondents (81.8%) opined for introducing sex education at schools. 65.9%of respondents were reluctant to disclose about multiple sexual partners. 179(71%) respondents felt comfortable discussing STIs with family members, friends, and co-workers. Conclusions: The current study found the need of introducing sexual health education among university students to fill gaps in existing knowledge which can further reduce the risk of STIs among them and ultimately help in achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goals.Item Recent trends in seroprevalence of syphilis in different patient groups attending a regional centre for sexually transmitted infections in central India(Medip Academy, 2023-06) Datkar, R. D.; Agrawal, G. N.; Gosavi, S. S.; Deogade, K. S.; Sharma, M. K.; Agarwal, V. A.Background: Easy access to Suraksha clinics for sexually transmitted infections calls for a review of seroprevalence of syphilis. Methods: Serum samples from attendees of sexually transmitted infections (STI)/ reproductive tract infections (RTI) clinic/antenatal clinic, and samples of high-risk group (HRG: female sex workers and men having sex with men) brought by non-government organizations from 2017-22 were screened for syphilis by Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) tests. Samples positive by both tests were considered seropositive for syphilis. Statistical methods used for analysis were chi square test for linear trends and Kruskal Wallis test. Results: In STI clinic percentage positivity for syphilis has shown a statistically significant decline from 2017-22. In RTI clinic the decline was significant from 2017-19 but not significant in the years 2019-22. In antenatal clinic and in HRGs the change in seroprevalence was not significant from 2017-22 and 2017-20 respectively. However, the HRGs showed a significantly increasing trend in syphilis seropositivity from 2020-22. Conclusions: There is a significantly declining trend in the seroprevalence of syphilis in patients attending the STI/RTI clinic from 2017-22 and in HRGs from 2017-20. However, a significant increase in trend in HRG from 2020-22 may have been due to behavioural changes during the lockdown for covid 19 pandemic. A significant decline in syphilis in patients attending the STI and RTI clinic and in HRGs attending the regional centre indicates the effectiveness of consistent detection, treatment and counselling efforts of the national control program on STI in the region.Item Recent trends in seroprevalence of syphilis in different patient groups attending a regional centre for sexually transmitted infections in central India(Medip Academy, 2023-06) Datkar, R. D.; Agrawal, G. N.; Gosavi, S. S.; Deogade, K. S.; Sharma, M. K.; Agarwal, V. A.Background: Easy access to Suraksha clinics for sexually transmitted infections calls for a review of seroprevalence of syphilis. Methods: Serum samples from attendees of sexually transmitted infections (STI)/ reproductive tract infections (RTI) clinic/antenatal clinic, and samples of high-risk group (HRG: female sex workers and men having sex with men) brought by non-government organizations from 2017-22 were screened for syphilis by Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) tests. Samples positive by both tests were considered seropositive for syphilis. Statistical methods used for analysis were chi square test for linear trends and Kruskal Wallis test. Results: In STI clinic percentage positivity for syphilis has shown a statistically significant decline from 2017-22. In RTI clinic the decline was significant from 2017-19 but not significant in the years 2019-22. In antenatal clinic and in HRGs the change in seroprevalence was not significant from 2017-22 and 2017-20 respectively. However, the HRGs showed a significantly increasing trend in syphilis seropositivity from 2020-22. Conclusions: There is a significantly declining trend in the seroprevalence of syphilis in patients attending the STI/RTI clinic from 2017-22 and in HRGs from 2017-20. However, a significant increase in trend in HRG from 2020-22 may have been due to behavioural changes during the lockdown for covid 19 pandemic. A significant decline in syphilis in patients attending the STI and RTI clinic and in HRGs attending the regional centre indicates the effectiveness of consistent detection, treatment and counselling efforts of the national control program on STI in the region.