Banyan Research Articles

Social Isolation as a Precursor to Academic Downturn and Vice Versa

Research in the fields of social science and public health indicates the vital role of social interaction and relationships in promoting mental well-being across the entire human lifespan and education is no exception. Academics ,with its power of inquiring about the universe’s hymn to the patterns of subatomic beings , go beyond the confines of textbooks, Academics can be comprehended as a banyan tree with ever growing branches. Each branch has nuances , differentiating it in the most miniscule ways. As leaves sprout out of innumerable nodes , it ingeniously represents the evolving nature of academics. Wherein each discovery or invention creates a ripple effect in academics. While I have only experienced the finance and business side of academics , The surrealness of penetrating the boundaries of education stays alive in me. For approximately 3 years , I have dedicated time and effort into dissecting my patterns of studying , results , and conducting research - primary and secondary- between Isolation and its effect on academics and learning experiences. Although the relation may seem one dimensional , it delves deeper into the studies of psychology and academics. This project has been intellectually stimulating for me. Furthermore , this research explains the effects of social isolation and how it profoundly impacts learning.

Study on Population and Roosting Ecology of Bats in and Around Chikkamagaluru

Bats spend over half of their lives in their roost environment, so these eventually play a prominent role in their ecology and evolution. Roosts are vital to the bats as it is plays where they actively get involved in mating, rearing offspring’s and facilitate the social living. With this background, the present study has been planned to evaluate the ecobiology of the bats in the vicinity of Chikkamagaluru. It is situated roughly in the south western part of Karnataka exists in mid-Western Ghats. The population dynamics of bat roosts were studied by emergence Count and direct roost count method. The roosting trees were identified by using standard botanical taxonomic keys. Bats roosted much more in trees belonging to Fabaceae family (1,527) followed by Myrtaceae family (1,180), Moraceae family (519), Bignoniaceae family (253), Sapindiaceae family (202), Proteaceae family (103), and very less population found in Poaceae family (21). Bat roosted much more in Pipal tree (40.72%), Red buckeye (26.03%), Banyan tree (19.97%), Rubber tree (6.18%), Avenue tree (3.22%), Bamboo (2.7%) and very less population in Tamarind tree (1.15%) in rural side of the study area. Where as in the city premises bats roosted much more in Nilgiri tree (38.19%), followed by Blue jacaranda tree (29.72%), White locust tree (25.26%) and very less roosting of bats in Silver tree (6.81%).In the present survey the population of bats and hosting trees varies from one locality to another locality. This is because of variation in vegetation, environmental condition and more or less adoptability of food and water and the less or more predators. The present study showed that bats preferred to roost in taller and larger trees having greater canopy areas as roosting sites, because these trees could provide more space for their large colonies.

Efficient chromium removal from leather industrial wastewater in batch experimental study: Green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Ficus benghalensis extracts

The urgent need to address the severe environmental risk posed by chromium-contaminated industrial wastewater necessitates the development of eco-friendly cleanup methodologies. Utilizing the Ficus benghalensis plant extracts, the present study aims to develop green zinc oxide nanoparticles for the removal of Cr metal ions from wastewater. The leaves of Ficus benghalensis, often known as the banyan tree, were used to extract a solution for synthesizing ZnO NPs. These nanoparticles were developed with the goal of efficiently eliminating chromium (Cr) from industrial effluents. Batch studies were carried out to assess the efficiency of these synthesized ZnO NPs in treating leather industrial effluent, with aiming for optimal chromium removal. This involved measuring the nanoparticles' capacity to adsorb Cr ions from wastewater samples by comparing chromium levels before and after treatment. Removal efficiency for Cr was estimated through the batches such as optimization of pH, contact time, initial Cr concentration and sorbent dose of ZnO NPs were of the batches. These synthesized ZnO NPs were found to be successful in lowering chromium levels in wastewater to meet permissible limit. The nanoparticles exhibited their highest absorption capacity, reaching 94 % (46 mg/g) at pH 4, with a contact time of 7 hours with the optimum sorbent dose of 0.6 g/L. Hence, the excellent adsorption capabilities of these nanoparticles, together with their environmentally benign manufacturing technique, provide a long-term and efficient solution for chromium-contaminated wastewater treatment. Its novel nature has the potential to significantly improve the safety and cleanliness of water ecosystems, protecting the both i.e. human health and the environment.

Isolation and characterization of banyan tree root filler for polymer composites in light-weight applications

The applicability of bio fillers as reinforcement with polymers is promoted by economic and ecological concerns. Nowadays, a large range of reinforcements are employed for this purpose, including cellulosic fillers and natural fibres owing to the favorable mechanical behavior, cheap price, negligible tool wear, low density, and eco-friendliness etc. The motive of this investigation is to explore the possibilities of utilizing plant sources as reinforcing filler in polymeric matrices. In this study particulate fillers were obtained from banyan tree’s aerial roots and were subjected to various characterization such as physiochemical evaluation, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). From the physiochemical analysis it was found that the banyan tree aerial root filler (BTAR) contained 40.13% of Cellulose, 15.22% of Hemicellulose, 15.31% of Lignin and 6.86% of Pectin. The density of the BTAR filler was found to be 0.27 gm cc−1 whereas the average particle size was 136.3 μm. The maximum inflection temperature referred to the maximum degradation of the BTAR filler was 295.7 °C. The SEM analysis exposed the rough surface of filler, with micro-structured strands and pores. The rough surface and the pores could help in better bond ability of the matrix and reinforcement when combined. Given the features of the examined BTAR filler, it is suggested as potential reinforcing filler for polymer composites to strengthen material properties for different light weight applications.

The Great Banyan Tree

The Great Banyan Tree at the Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah is a source of attraction to all visitors. In this paper its history, importance, growth, mythology, protection and training of prop roots have been discussed. Some colour photos have been given to depict its various details.

The Great Banyan Tree (<i>Ficus benghalenszs</i> L.), Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah-The Periodical Variation in its Soil Fertility Status

Under the present investigation, for preserving the Great Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis L.) of religious, tourism and botanical significance,-its root environment has thoroughly been investigated which was not yet been explored. From the results it is clear that the entire soil which is supporting nearly 95-98% soil-proproot system is quite low in organic carbon content and consequently resulting into its unfavourable physico-chemical properties. A few important physico-chemical properties have been tabulated and at the end some valuable suggestions are given.

Soul of Banyan Tree: A Study on the Folk Culture of Banyan Tree Worship in Hainan

Soul of Banyan Tree: A Study on the Folk Culture of Banyan Tree Worship in Hainan

Aptly chosen, effectively emphasizing the action and mechanism of antimycin A1.

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, a plant pathogenic fungus that can cause diseases in multiple plant species is considered one of the common and destructive pathogens in many crops. This study investigated the action of antimycin A1, which was isolated from Streptomyces AHF-20 found in the rhizosphere soil of an ancient banyan tree, on Rhizoctonia solani and its mechanism. The inhibitory effect of antimycin A1 on R. solani was assessed using the comparative growth rate method. The results revealed that antimycin A1 exhibited a 92.55% inhibition rate against R. solani at a concentration of 26.66 μg/mL, with an EC50 value of 1.25 μg/mL. To observe the impact of antimycin A1 on mycelial morphology and ultrastructure, the fungal mycelium was treated with 6.66 μg/mL antimycin A1, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed. SEM analysis demonstrated that antimycin A1 caused mycelial morphology to become stripped, rough, and folded. The mycelium experienced severe distortion and breakage, with incomplete or locally enlarged ends, shortened branches, and reduced numbers. TEM observation revealed thickened cell walls, indistinct organelle boundaries, swollen mitochondria, exosmotic substances in vesicles, slow vesicle fusion, and cavitation. Real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme activity assays were conducted to further investigate the impact of antimycin A1 on mitochondria. The physiological and biochemical results indicated that antimycin A1 inhibited complexes III and IV of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that antimycin A1 controlled the synthesis of relevant enzymes by suppressing the transcription levels of ATP6, ATP8, COX3, QCR6, CytB, ND1, and ND3 genes in mitochondria. Additionally, a metabolomic analysis revealed that antimycin A1 significantly impacted 12 metabolic pathways. These pathways likely experienced alterations in their metabolite profiles due to the inhibitory effects of antimycin A1. Consequently, the findings of this research contribute to the potential development of novel fungicides.

Applied Theatre: Research-Based Theatre, or Theatre-Based Research? Exploring the Possibilities of Finding Social, Spatial, and Cognitive Justice in Informal Housing Settlements in India, or Tales from the Banyan Tree

This article draws on a twenty-year relationship of short-term interventions with Dalit communities living in informal settlements, sub-cities and urban villages in Mumbai, that have sought to create public theatre events based on research by and with communities that celebrate, problematise and interrogate sustainable urban living. In looking back over the developments and changes to our working methods in Mumbai, I explore how the projects priorities the roles of the community as both researchers and artists. I consider where a specific applied theatre project, which focuses on site specific storytelling with Dalit communities in Worli Koliwada and Dharavi, functions on a continuum of interactive, participatory, and emancipatory practice, research and performance. Applied Theatre practices should not and cannot remain static, they need to be constantly reformed and as practitioners and researchers we need to constantly re-examine the ways in which we work. This chapter poses two central questions: firstly, can this long-term partnership between practitioners, researchers and artists from the UK and India working with community members genuinely be a space for co-creating knowledge and theatre? And secondly, if so, is this Theatre-based Research or Research Based Theatre? I interrogate Applied Theatre’s potential to create a space of cognitive justice, which must be the next step for applied theatre, along-side its more widely accepted aims of searching for social and spatial justice and which places the community as both artists and researchers. The Dalit social reality is one of oppression, based on three axes: social, economic and gender. The chapter explores how working as co-researchers and the public performance of their stories has been a form of ‘active citizenship’ for these participants and is a key part of their strategy in their demand for policy changes. In looking forward I ask how working in international partnerships with community members can promote cognitive justice and go beyond a merely participatory practice. I consider why it is vital for the field that applied theatre practice includes partners from both the global south and north working together to co-create knowledge, new methods of practice to ensure an applied theatre knowledge democracy. In doing so I will discuss if and how this work might be considered to be Theatre-based Research.

INVESTİGATİON AND ANALYSİS OF NEW FİBER FROM ALLİUM FİSTULOSUM L. (SCALLİON) PLANT’S TASSEL AND İTS SUİTABİLİTY FOR FİBER-REİNFORCED COMPOSİTES

Eco-friendly materials receive more attention due to the necessity of addressing pollution and resource depletion in the face of exponential industrial expansion. Natural fibers provide a sustainable substitution, especially in green composites. This study investigated the feasibility of Allium fistulosum L. (Scallion) as a fiber resource for composite applications by using its tassel. Allium fistulosum L. is derived from a widely available plant and its waste tassels of the plant provide fiber properties and have the potential to be a reinforcing component in composites. The investigation involves characterizing Allium fistulosum L. (AfL) fibers through various analyses. The density of the AfL was determined approximately 1.35 – 1.45 g/ cm3. The percentages of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose were found to be 24.31%, 29.73%, and 38.36%, respectively. FTIR and XRD analysis affirm AfL's cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin presence. SEM images indicate a rough surface, necessitating modification for better matrix compatibility. TGA shows suitable thermal stability, majorly degrading beyond 267°C. Tensile testing demonstrates a tensile strength of 22.19 ±3.75 MPa and 0.87 ±0.16 GPa modulus, exceeding some natural fibers like aerial banyan tree roots and Cordia dichotoma. Results show promising features, indicating the viability of AfL fibers in composites with reduced environmental impact and economic benefits.

Canopy Management of the Great Banyan Tree in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, India

The present communication deals with the prop root training of Great Banyan Tree (GBT) of Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), Botanical Survey of India, Howrah. The GBT spans an area of 4.86 acres and features over 4400 aerial prop roots, covering a canopy circumference of 543 meters. Notably, the tree has survived three major cyclones, including the latest one, Amphan, on May 20, 2020, which significantly impacted a major portion of the tree. To address the damage caused by all cyclones and facilitate the expansion of the GBT, the AJCBIBG Authority is continuously working to train the prop roots for improving of canopy management using indigenous techniques developed by the staff over a decade for this age-old tree.

Gastrointestinal parasites of the Indian Flying Fox Pteropus medius in Nagpur City: a seasonal study through faecal sample analysis

The Indian Flying Fox Pteropus medius, among the largest Indian fruit eating bats, is commonly observed with unhurried wing beats at dusk and tends to roost during the day in sizable, noisy colonies situated on trees within bustling towns and villages. Notably, these colonies are prevalent in busy areas of Nagpur city, particularly on expansive Banyan Trees Ficus bengalensis and Pangom Oil Trees Millettia pinnata, owing to the consistent availability of fruits and flowers throughout the year. This study focuses on evaluating gastrointestinal helminth infection in fruit-eating bats during the summer, monsoon, and winter seasons in Nagpur city, Maharashtra. A total of 58 samples were collected, processed, and examined using the double sedimentation technique. Of these, 46 samples (80.01%) tested positive for Ascaris spp. eggs, with a higher percentage during the monsoon season. Additionally, during the peak summer season, a juvenile flying fox from one of the colonies was rescued in a dehydrated state, displaying crusty scab-like lesions on the wing’s anterior and posterior regions. Subsequent examination revealed the presence of the ectoparasite Macronyssus spp. on body of the juvenile Indian Flying Fox.

Antagonistic properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVB1 against Alternaria alternata: a putative probiotic strain isolated from the banyan tree fruit.

Alternaria alternata, a notorious phytopathogenic fungus, has been documented to infect several plant species, leading to the loss of agricultural commodities and resulting in significant economic losses. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) hold immense promise as biocontrol candidates. However, the potential of LABs derived from fruits remains largely unexplored. In this study, several LABs were isolated from tropical fruit and assessed for their probiotic and antifungal properties. A total of fifty-five LABs were successfully isolated from seven distinct fruits. Among these, seven isolates showed inhibition to growth of A. alternata. Two strains, isolated from fruits: Ficus benghalensis, and Tinospora cordifolia exhibited promising antifungal properties against A. alternata. Molecular identification confirmed their identities as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MYSVB1 and MYSVA7, respectively. Both strains showed adaptability to a wide temperature range (10-45°C), and salt concentrations (up to 7%), with optimal growth around 37 °C and high survival rates under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Among these two strains, Lpb. plantarum MYSVB1 demonstrated significant inhibition (p < 0.01) of the growth of A. alternata. The inhibitory effects of cell-free supernatant (CFS) were strong, with 5% crude CFS sufficient to reduce fungal growth by >70% and complete inhibition by 10% CFS. Moreover, the CFS was inhibitory for both mycelial growth and conidial germination. CFS retained its activity even after long cold storage. The chromatographic analysis identified organic acids in CFS, with succinic acid as the predominant constituent, with lactic acid, and malic acid in descending order. LAB strains isolated from tropical fruits showed promising probiotic and antifungal properties, making them potential candidates for various applications in food and agriculture.

In vitro and in silico Studies: Penicillin-Binding Protein 2a (PBP2a) Inhibition by Stigmasterol in Banyan Hanging Roots (Ficus benjamina L.) as Novel Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

The most common cause of nosocomial infection worldwide is caused by Gram-positive coccus bacteria or what we commonly call Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study aimed to find novel antimicrobial agents from the banyan tree (Ficus benjamina L.) hanging roots to treat MRSA. Docking experiment and well diffusion were used as in silico and in vitro experiments respectively to identify the potential of stigmasterol against MRSA. The data were analyzed statistically with one-way variance analysis (ANOVA), post-doc Tukey assay, correlation, and regression by SPSS Amos 24. In the in silico experiment, stigmasterol was strongly associated with penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) on the active side of LYS289. Thus, it had the potential to inhibit PBP2a. Disruption of cell walls, the release of cytoplasmic contents, and a decrease in the cellular volume of MRSA were caused by the inhibition of PBP2a. The well diffusion test results showed the inhibition zone in 50 - 100 μg/ml of stigmasterol against MRSA. The inhibition zone was in the range of 7.38 – 10.17 mm. The inhibition diameter indicated a significant difference with a p-value &lt; 0.05. The results of statistical analyses indicate that stigmasterol is effective as an antimicrobial against MRSA. Stigmasterol has potential as a potential microbial agent for the therapy of MRSA.

Inventarisasi Pohon Sendang Tirto Gumitir Bagi Masyarakat Desa Sidomulyo

Sendang Tirto Gumitir in Sidomulyo Village has a clear spring. The Sendang location is in the middle of a forest area. Around Sendang, there are many large-diameter trees with diverse and unique shapes and old age. The potential of Sendang Tirto Gumitir as educational tourism in its tree collection has not been implemented by tourism managers and village governments. Many villagers do not know the types and characteristics of trees in the Sendang area. The solution to overcome this problem is with manual and digital inventory activities of Sendang Tirto Gumitir. The results of the inventory of 23 trees in Sendang Tirto Gumitir obtained eight types of trees with the largest diameter, namely banyan trees (233 cm). Descriptions of information are on the village website, and information boards are attached to trees. The tree information board is integrated into the QR-Code. It is scanned with a mobile phone and contained tree information on the village website. Based on the educational side, QR-Code is useful in providing learning for visitors, the community, and students to gain access to tree information around Sendang Tirto Gumitir. The existence of tree inventory and digitization of information related to tree inventory is the first step for the village government to develop the Sendang Tirto Gumitir tourist attraction. Therefore, further activities recommended to expand the tree inventory area in Sendang Tirto Gumitir and add a description of the characteristics of tree species.

Effects of different Ficus feeding experiences on host preference of Perina nuda larvae (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae).

Perina nuda (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) is a serious pest of banyan trees (Ficus spp.), which is distributed in South China, but little is known about the host preference on the different banyan tree species. To address this gap, we conducted experiments to investigate larval feeding preferences, assessing the impact of feeding experience in both choice and no-choice conditions. Fifth and sixth instars were exposed to 4 banyan species, and food intake, feeding area, and relative ingestion index were measured. Our findings reveal that Ficus concinna was the preferred host of fifth instars in choice tests, while sixth instars exhibited a preference for this host in no-choice tests. In contrast, fifth instars did not display a significant preference for any of the 4 species in no-choice tests. However, sixth instars fed on F. microcarpa, F. altissima, and F. concinna continued to exhibit a preference for the original host. These observations indicate that larval feeding preference changes with instar, and feeding experience contributes to a preference for the original host. Consequently, the feeding preference of P. nuda larvae is influenced by multiple factors, including instar and previous feeding experience. These findings enhance our understanding of P. nuda's ecological interactions and its potential impact on various banyan tree species.

Exploring the Effect of Natural Ficus benghalensis Tree Aerial Root Powder on the Mechanical Properties of Basalt-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Banyan aerial root (BAR) powder was prepared from the aerial roots of a Banyan tree to modify epoxy resin using a magnetic stirrer. The modification was performed at different proportions of BAR powder, namely, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, by weight. Composites were fabricated with modified and unmodified resins using a combination of hand lay-up and compression molding processes to evaluate the influence of BAR powders on their mechanical properties. The test results showed that BAR powder incorporation had a positive influence on the mechanical properties of the composites, as an increase in tensile, flexural, and impact strengths was observed, with the highest tensile and flexural properties of 407.81 MPa and 339 MPa, respectively, seen in composites with 4% BAR and the highest impact strength 194.02 kJ/m2 observed in the specimen with 6% BAR powder. Though the properties saw a dipping trend at higher weight proportions of the particulate, they were still significantly higher than the properties of laminates prepared with unmodified resin. Gravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) on BAR powders confirmed cellulose to be the major constituent, followed by lignin and hemicellulose. A scanning electron microscope was used for studying the failure mechanisms of the laminates.

Obesity and the Banyan Tree

Health is a multifaceted construct, with social, religious and spiritual dimensions. In this editorial, we use an important socioreligious icon, the banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) as a metaphor for the etiopathogenesis, clinical evaluation and managementof obesity. We utilize this as a motivational tool, to encourage self-discipline and self-care while living with obesity.

Solutions to Develop Traditional Craft Villages Associated with Tourism in Hanoi Capital

Traditional craft villages are humanistic tourism resources that contribute to attracting a large number of tourists, enriching and diversifying tourism activities, creating many attractive options for tourists. Tourism associated with Hanoi's traditional craft villages is increasingly attracting tourists because of the long-standing cultural values and creativity of craft workers through each typical handicraft product. Visitors to Hanoi's craft villages can not only admire the landscape of a typical Northern Delta village with banyan trees, wells, and communal houses, but can also visit the production site and directly interact with local artisans craftsmen and participate in testing some stages of product production. This creates the unique appeal of craft village tourism. Despite many improvements, the current development of craft village tourism in Hanoi is not commensurate with its potential. On that basis, the article studies the potential and current status of developing traditional craft villages associated with tourism in Hanoi, thereby proposing a number of solutions to promote the development of traditional craft villages associated with tourism in Hanoi.

Literary Semiotic Studies in the Novel Ringin Kurung

This study aims to analyze and describe the semiotic system that refers to the elements of icons, indexes, and symbols in Pak Mett's novel Ringin Kurung. The novel is a Javanese language novel that has a romance genre. It is a novel that has prominent elements, both intrinsic and extrinsic. The novel is interesting to study because it has elements of signs and implied meanings. The problem of understanding meaning in a complex literary work full of language games and elements of the author's creativity is not easy. So, this kind of study is needed. Analyzing the novel is a novelty that has never been done before. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. To be able to describe and analyze text in the form of words or sentences. The qualitative in question places more emphasis on the element of meaning. The approach used is Charles Sanders Pierce's semiotic theory. Literary semiotic theory interprets signs through icons, indexes, and signs. Sources of data from the novel Ringin Kurung by Pak Mett, journals, and books as references that support studies in research. The data collection technique is observation, namely observing and recording, followed by searching, reading, understanding, and concluding. The data analysis is thorough. From this research, it was found that there are signs in the form of icons, indexes, and symbols in Pak Mett's novel Ringin Kurung. There are icons, including plants (banyan trees), food (tempe and arem-arem), and places (square and hospital). The index is in the form of subordinate behaviour to the employer, polite behaviour index, firefly index, sultry index, and strategic index. As well as symbols, namely Ringin Kurung, vehicles (cars), goods (reclining chairs), blushing, fast breathing, and katresnan.