Architectural studios represent unique indoor environments where the interplay of design, occupancy, and climate can significantly influence thermal comfort. This research article investigates the thermal comfort conditions in studio classrooms located within an institutional building in Lucknow, situated in composite climate. Lucknow subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, poses distinct challenges for maintaining comfortable indoor conditions. A study on the indoor comfort level of a studio space, where both theory and drawing classes take place, was conducted to assess their thermal conditions during student lesson hours. The study was conducted over two distinct periods, in January and May of 2024, to cover two different seasons. Six studio classrooms distributed across three floors were systematically assessed to comprehensively evaluate thermal comfort parameters. The field study involved monitoring thermal comfort during a hot summer week and a cold winter week, each consisting of 3 working days from 8 am to 4 pm. Through a combination of quantitative measurements and qualitative observations, various factors influencing thermal comfort, such as temperature and occupant satisfaction, were analyzed. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of thermal comfort dynamics within studio classrooms in composite climates, offering insights that can inform building design and management strategies to enhance occupants comfort and well-being. . KEYWORDS :Levels, Orientation, Temperature, Thermal Comfort, Thermal Environment

Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) is a flowering herbal plant belonging to Nyctaginaceae family. This species holds a significant medicinal importance across various cultural and traditional medicinal systems, including Ayurveda and Unani, where its aerial parts and roots are utilized to treat a wide range of ailments in humans and animals. One of the key reasons behind the plant popularity is its significant pharmacological importance because of the diverse array of biologically active compounds present in. its various parts such as roots, leaves, stem, and seeds. This very popularity makes it a sought-after resource for pharmaceutical industries and, therefore, has led to detrimental consequences, including over-exploitation and habitat degradation. In vitro culture technique provides a promising avenue for the conservation and sustainable production of this valuable herb. The tissue culture method is beneficial for the sustained production of phytochemicals as well as for its conservation. This review is based on the morphological and taxonomical status along with the medicinal importance, and the scientific aspects of tissue culture protocols developed for B. diffusa. . KEYWORDS :Punarnava, Nyctaginaceae, Medicinal plant, In vitro regeneration

The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens presents a significant public health challenge, as many potent drugs have proven ineffective against these challenging pathogens. This study aims to explore a novel biomaterial-bhasma, for its antibacterial activity, focusing on its solubility index. The solubility of 12 bhasma (ashes) used in Ayurveda, especially Patanjali Ayurved, was thoroughly evaluated. The solubility of these bhasmas was tested in eight different solvents to understand their solubility properties and potential applications in therapeutics. Subsequently, their antibacterial efficacy was tested against multidrug-resistant isolates of Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) using the Kirby - Bauer well diffusion technique. The solubility study recorded distilled water, dimethyl sulfoxide, and ethyl alcohol as the most effective solvents, with 25-75% solubility ranges. In vitro, antibacterial assays demonstrated significant growth inhibition of E. coli at 10 mg/mL with Abhrak (mica), Rajat (silver), Shankh (calcined shell), Sphatika (Alum), Tamra (copper), and Vang (tin) bhasma. Similarly, S. aureus growth was inhibited by Kapardak (conch), Kasis (ferrous sulfate), Rajat (silver), Spahtika (alum), Tamra (copper), and Vang (tin) bhasma in the respective solvents. This study highlights the potential of bhasma as an antibacterial agent, with their solubility in edible solvents paving the way for future development into nano drugs akin to homeopathic decoctions. Further, in vivo studies are necessary to validate these findings and explore their clinical applications. . KEYWORDS :Antibacterial activity, Bhasma, Multidrug-resistant organisms pathogens, Solubility.

The current study assesses how contemporary tillage techniques and water management techniques affect growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety PBW-343 development and output. The experiment was conducted as per randomized block design factorial setups: Twelve treatment (3 irrigation and 4 tillage) combinations were replicated 3 times. The experiment examined four tillage practices (Broad casting, Line sowing, furrow irrigated raised bed [FIRB], and Zero till sowing) as factor B and three irrigation levels (5, 4, and 3 irrigations) as factor A. Sandy loam soil with moderate levels of phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, low levels of organic carbon, made up the soil at the experimental site. Results demonstrated that treatments with five irrigations at critical growth stages (CRI, tillering, late jointing, ear emergence, and grain filling) has highly impacted the growth of wheat at 90 days of period. FIRB also showed the highest water use efficiency, nitrogen content in grain and straw, total nitrogen uptake, and soil nitrogen availability after harvest. The study concludes that integrating FIRB tillage with optimal irrigation scheduling significantly enhances wheat growth and yield, suggesting a sustainable approach to improving wheat productivity in similar agro-climatic conditions. . KEYWORDS :Modern tillage practices, Water management, Furrow irrigated raised bed, CRI

The soil behavior is highly affected by wastewater irrigation. The sewage water as irrigation water can be explored in arid and semi-arid regions as alternate water resource. The safe utilization of treated wastewater does not only conserve freshwater resources but also helps in increasing agricultural production. In this direction, experiments focusing reuse of sewage effluent in the irrigation of wheat were conducted at the Campus of Nirma University, Ahmedabad. The experiment involved various treatments according to the application of sewage water, groundwater, and surface water in different blending ratios and various treatments according to the application of nitrogenous fertilizer with three replications. The soil conditions immediately after wheat cultivation are analyzed under said treatments. By analyzing F and P-value in hypothesis testing through two-factor analysis of variance, it was found that the main effects of irrigation treatment on electrical conductivity (EC), lead and manganese are significantm whereas the same on copper, zinc, and iron are nonsignificant at the 0.05 significance level. It is also observed that the main effects of fertilizer treatment on EC, lead, copper, zinc, manganese, and iron are non-significant at said significance level. . KEYWORDS :Sewage water, Groundwater, Surface water, Wheat, Heavy metals

This study is focused on synthesizing calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs) using Acalypha indica leaf extract in an eco-friendly way. CaO NPs s obtained were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy studies. Their antibacterial activity was screened using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results confirmed the significant antibacterial activity of CaO Nps against various strains of bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli. . KEYWORDS :Acalypha indica, Calcium oxide nanoparticles, Diffusion, Green synthesis

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are common environmental toxins which cause negative impacts on hormone biosynthesis, fertility, testicular physiology, and reproductive function. Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and methylparaben (MP) are two prevalent EDCs that humans frequently use in their everyday lives. In the present investigation, the individual and combined effect of DEHP and MP on the zinc levels and gonadal function was studied in mice, Mus musculus. Male and female mice were assigned to four groups, each of which contained six mice: Control group treated with corn oil; DEHP and MP group treated with 500 mg/kg/day of DEHP and MP, respectively; and DEHP + MP group treated with 250 mg/kg/day of DEHP and MP each. They were given a daily oral dosage for a period of 28 days. The present finding suggests that the decreased zinc levels in the testis lead to reduced spermatocytes, absence of spermatozoa, degeneration of germ cells, and elevated levels of zinc in the ovary accelerate folliculogenesis causing reproductive abnormalities. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the synergistic interaction between DEHP and MP downregulates zinc levels in the testis and upregulates zinc levels in the ovary, thereby negatively affecting the reproductive function in the mice, M. musculus. . KEYWORDS :Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Gonadal function, Methylparaben, Zinc level

The present study is an attempt to analyze soil nutrition for farming suitability in the orchards of Dehradun. In this study, the physico-chemical analysis was carried out by analyzing important parameters namely pH, electrical conductivity (EC), available nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium, organic carbon (OC), and organic matter (OM). Soil samples were collected during the winter season (January-February) and summer (May-June) from selected orchards of Dehradun and compared with the standard value. The range of soil parameters recorded during winter season (pH: 6.2-7.76, EC: 0.08-0.68 ds/m, N: 178.75-413.95 kg/ha, P: 53.86-84.63 kg/ha, K: 98.74-157.5 kg/ha, OC: 1.23-3.78%, OM: 2.12-6.51%) and summer season (pH: 6.1-7.84, EC: 0.10-0.19 ds/m, N: 175.5-282.54 kg/ha, P: 46-65 kg/ha, K: 103.25-189.0 kg/ha, OC: 1.10-2.92%, OM: 1.89-4.96%) were observed. The parameters met soil quality standards except available P, OC, and OM. Available P, OC, and OM recorded higher than permissible limits. Reduction in selected soil parameters except available phosphorus was observed in the summer season, emphasizing the need for effective nutrition management to sustain soil quality. . KEYWORDS :Available nitrogen, Available phosphorous, Available potassium, Electrical conductivity, Organic carbon, Organic matter, pH

Land use and land cover patterns along rivers Rispana and Bindal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, have changed significantly due to rapid urbanization. These changes, along with human intervention, have deteriorated the water quality of these rivers. Untreated domestic sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and open dumping lead to an increase in levels of nitrates, phosphates, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants. Seasonal and longitudinal factors, including summer evaporation, monsoon runoff, and irregular terrains vary the levels of pollution, especially in low-lying areas. Study also highlights the link between natural geological influences and human-induced stress. High total dissolved solids, lower dissolved oxygen, and higher levels of biological and chemical oxygen demands are some consequences of pollution making low-lying areas unfit for aquatic life. This study emphasizes the need for integrated management techniques including stricter land-use control, better solid and wastewater systems, and rehabilitation of the riverbed and sustainable urban development. Nature-based solutions such as bioremediation and artificial wetlands have also been suggested to reduce urban runoff impacts. By providing insights into finding a balance between urban expansion and the preservation of delicate aquatic ecosystems for future sustainability, this study acts as a model for handling identical issues in rapidly urbanizing regions. . KEYWORDS :Land use land cover, River water quality, Water pollution, Water quality parameters

Apanteles Forster is one of the biggest, most widely found, and economically important genera in the Microgastrinae group. These are important larval parasitoids that attack mostly on the larvae of lepidopterous insects. Apanteles species are important biological control agents for the management of orchards, industrial cash crops, and farm foods from damaging insect pests. Ten new species of Apanteles have been reported for the 1st time in Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, India. These include Apanteles caniae, Apanteles artonae, Apanteles ruidus, Apanteles araeceri, Apanteles prodeniae, Apanteles agilis, Apanteles calycinae, Apanteles javensis, Apanteles machaeralis, and Apanteles erionotae. . KEYWORDS :Apanteles spp., Microgastrinae, Braconidae, New record, Parasitoids, Kashmir Valley, India