Districts Of Kerala Research Articles

Assessment and GIS Mapping of Soil Quality Indicators of Agroecological Unit 9 of Kerala, India

Context: The agroecological unit 9 (AEU 9) in Alappuzha district of Kerala represents the south central laterites. The soils are acidic, gravelly, having low activity clay, often underlain by plinthite with low water and nutrient retention capacity. Assessment of soil quality indicators and mapping of resources and soil fertility status is essential for planning and development activities.
 Aims: Soil quality assessment was made by collecting observations on physical, chemical and biological indicators, soil quality index was computed and generated maps using GIS.
 Study Design: Survey, collection of soil samples and principal component analysis.
 Place and Duration of Study: A study was conducted in agroecological unit 9 (south central laterites) in Alappuzha district of Kerala during 2020.
 Methods: Geo-referenced composite soil samples were collected from 75 locations of AEU9 in Alappuzha district, and were characterized for physical, chemical and biological attributes for evaluating soil quality. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out for soil parameters and a minimum data set (MDS) was arrived from seven principal components (PC 1 to PC 7) with eigen values greater than 1. The selected soil quality indicators were categorized into classes, assigned with scores and soil quality index was computed. Based on soil quality index, soils were rated as poor, medium or good. GIS based thematic maps of soil quality indicators and index were prepared.
 Results: The soils of AEU 9 are sandy loam in texture, strongly acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), medium in organic carbon, low in available N, medium in available P and K, deficient in available Ca, Mg and B. Majority (80%) of the soils are rated poor and 20% rated medium in soil quality. From the study it is concluded that pH, clay%, bulk density, available nutrients N, P, K, Ca and S are the key indicators of soil quality in AEU 9.

Analysis of Trends in Climate Variables and the Adaptation Strategies Used by Cardamom Growers in Idukki District of Kerala, India

Aim: The study's main goal is to find any significant variations in the climatic variables and to analyze the preferences about adaptation strategies by the farmers to lessen the effects of the same.
 Study Area and Design: An ex-post-facto study was conducted at randomly selected panchayaths in Nedumkandam, Idukki, Kerala.
 Methodology: The climate data for 30 years (1991-2021) was analyzed using Mann-Kendall test and sen slope estimator. A sample size of 120 farmers was surveyed for identifying their preferences for adaptation measures. Adaptation strategies proposed by various institutions and experts were ranked using the Response Priority Index.
 Results: Throughout the july month every year, the maximum temperature rise by 0.06◦C, and this increase is significant at 1% level. The minimum temperature increased considerably by 0.06◦C at 5% level in December and by 0.04 ◦C at 10% level in January. For the month of June, there was a 6.15 mm significant decrease at the 0.01 level of significance. March had a rise in precipitation of 0.753 mm, which is noteworthy at the 0.05 level. The increase in rainfall during summer may increase panicle initiation whereas reduction in rainfall during June affects flowering. At the 0.1 criterion, the increase in May was 2.028 mm, which is considerable. And at the 0.1 level of significance, the relative humidity rises by 0.19% and 0.15%, respectively, in March and May. Fluctuation in these parameters resulted in increased pest and disease incidence. 86.66 % of farmers found it important to adopt adaptation measures. The first listed adaptation measure was maintaining a good level of shade. The least effective of the suggested solutions was growing disease and pest-resistant cultivars.
 Conclusion: The tests confirmed a shift in climate variables, and it is evident that this change affects cardamom production.

Immediate cause and the role of multimorbidity in deaths associated with COVID 19 among hospitalized patients in a low resource district in Kerala India: A record-based case-control analysis.

Multimorbidity is the coexistence of two or more chronic medical conditions in a person. The study aims to investigate the immediate cause of death and risk factors of mortality including multimorbidity among patients hospitalized with SARS CoV2 infection in Kasaragod district in Kerala, India. A record-based case-control study was done using the hospital records and follow-up surveillance system of SARS-COV 2 patients admitted in the Kasaragod district. SARS-COV 2 patients who had expired during the study period from June to December 2020 and reported as COVID-19 deaths (N = 226) were the cases, and an equal number of hospital controls were the study participants. The mean (SD) age of the cases and controls were found to be 64.6 (14.2) years and 61.5 (13.4) years, respectively. Covid pneumonia alone was reported as the cause of death in more than half (52%) of the study participants. This was followed by cardiovascular events (8.5%) and acute kidney injury (6.5%). Among individual comorbidities among people who expired, diabetes mellitus (53%) was the most common, followed by hypertension (46%) and cardiovascular diseases (23%). More than 50% were found to have multimorbidity. Logistic regression showed chronic kidney disease (CKD) (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.18 (1.24-3.83)) and malignancy (AOR = 3.05 (1.27-7.32)) to be significantly associated with mortality as individual determinants. Hypertension-diabetes mellitus [AOR = 1.68 (1.02-2.76), P = 0.043] and hypertension-CKD [AOR = 3.49 (1.01-12.01), P = 0.48] dyads were multimorbidities significantly associated with mortality. Combinations of hypertension with diabetes mellitus and CKD were found to be significant determinants for mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Uniformity in death certification is required to understand the causes and contributors to death in COVID-19.

Development of flood susceptibility map using a GIS-based AHP approach: a novel case study on Idukki district, India

ABSTRACT Flooding is a regular danger in the Idukki district of Kerala causing serious damage to life and property. An attempt has been undertaken in this research to identify crucial zones in the Idukki district that are more susceptible to flooding. The AHP technique was used to give relative weights to 12 flood contributing parameters. The resultant flood susceptibility map shows that 1346.4 km2 of the total land in the Idukki district has a high to very high likelihood of flooding. Validation of the resultant map was achieved using the AUC-ROC approach, which showed good accuracy of 0.91.

Assessment and Characterization of Groundwater Quality of Malabar Coast in Kerala, India

A study was conducted to assess and characterize the groundwater quality of coastal aquifer of the Vatakara-Koyilandy stretch in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. Mann-Kendall Test was used for analysing the trend in groundwater levels. The Piper diagram was applied to determine the chemical facies of the groundwater and identify the evolution of hydrochemical parameters of groundwater sources. The source of the dissolved ions in the groundwater was described by the Gibbs diagram. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation was determined using the United States Salinity Laboratory diagram. Geostatistical tools were used to describe the spatial variability of groundwater levels and salinity and the ordinary kriging method was used to plot the spatial variability maps. It was found that Na+ was the predominant cation with maximum concentration varying from 455.6 mg/l to 1844 mg/l during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon; respectively. Concentration of Cl- in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon varied from 184 mg/l to 2417 mg/l and 99 mg/l to 714 mg/l; respectively. Other anions in the groundwater were SO42- and HCO3- with an average concentration of 239.79 mg/l and 129.59 mg/l in pre-monsoon and 110.73 mg/l and 75 mg/l in post-monsoon; respectively. The trend in groundwater in confined and semi-confined aquifers showed negative trends whereas eight wells resulted in a significantly negative trend. However, a significant decreasing trend was observed in wells near the coasts. The most dominant cations were (Na+, and K+) and the dominant anions were SO42- and Cl-. The dominant cations and anions were from the mixing of seawater with the groundwater. The Na+ ions were also found to be from the same source. In most of the area, the groundwater was highly to very high highly saline with medium sodium and not suitable for irrigation. In the unconfined aquifer, 25.2% and, in the semi-confined aquifer 24.0% area was found to be unfit for irrigation.

Trend Analysis of Groundwater Levels in Kalpathypuzha Sub-Basin of Bharathapuzha, Kerala in India

Groundwater is one of the most precious and significant sources of water in the world. The understanding of groundwater level variability and trend is crucial for water resources planning in a region. The present study was conducted in the Kalpathypuzha sub-basin of Bharathapuzha. The variability of ground water levels was analyzed using various descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, skewness and kurtosis. The groundwater level trend was estimated using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator. Twelve observation wells evenly distributed in the blocks of Kuzhalmannam, Palakkad, Malampuzha and Chittur blocks of Palakkad districts in Kerala were selected for the study. The results of variability analysis showed that, the highest mean monthly groundwater level of 139.1 m was found for the well 139 of Chittur block in September and the lowest mean monthly groundwater level of 61.5 m was found for the well 129 of Palakkad block in September. The highest mean annual groundwater level was 138.9 m in the year 2007 for the well 139 of Chittur block and the lowest was 62.1 m in the year 2016 for the well 129 of Palakkad block. The results of trend analysis showed a decreasing pre-monsoon groundwater level trend in three wells viz. well 129 of Palakkad block and wells 133 and 142 of Malampuzha block while decreasing post-monsoon groundwater level trend was observed in well 139 of Chittur block. There was no significant trend in the rest of the wells for both the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods.

Assessment of Physical Properties of Soils from Different Blocks of Palakkad District of Kerala, India

An Assessment of Physical properties of soils of Palakkad District of Kerala was carried out during 2022. The objective of the study was to analyse the Physical properties of soil, their variation with soil depth in villages of Nemmara, Kollengode and Kuzhalmannam blocks. For the assessment 9 sampling locations were selected. A total of 27 Soil samples were collected at 0 -15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm depth respectively. The Study found that the soils of these blocks were Sandy Clay Loam in texture. The Bulk Density increased with increasing soil depth. In most of the villages, the particle density showed slight changes only. The soil analysis were found to be Pore space was higher than Water retaining capacity. These soils have good Water Retaining Capacity and physical condition. Physical properties of soil are a key factor in determining soil’s suitability for agricultural, environmental and engineering uses. These properties greatly influence its use and behavior towards plant growth. Plant support, root penetration, drainage, aeration, moisture retention, and plant nutrients are all related with the physical condition of the soil.

Assessment of Physical Properties of Soil from Different Villages of Devikulam Block of Idukki District of Kerala, India

Assessment of Physical Properties of Soil from Different Villages of Devikulam Block of Idukki District of Kerala, India

Person Perception of Students on Reservation in Higher Education in India

The present study aimed to determine the person perception of students on reservation in higher education. The respondents of the study were from three districts of Kerala. The data were collected using a Person Perception Scale. The brief profile of the total respondents ( N = 490) shows 195 boys and 295 girls; 305 rural and 185 urban; 320 government and 170 private; 338 Above Poverty Line (APL) and 152 Below Poverty Line (BPL)), respectively. The study adopted a random sampling technique. The data collected were analysed for mean, standard deviation and t-test techniques. The result of the study revealed that boys have a higher person perception than girls; rural students have a higher person perception than urban students; government school students have a higher person perception than private school students; students who belong to the APL category have a higher person perception than BPL category; regarding reservation in higher education. And in total, students possess an average level (60%) of person perception on reservation in higher education.

Multidrug-resistant phenotypes among biofilm-producing staphylococcal isolates from farm-raised fish: a molecular scrutiny.

To describe the molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from farm-raised fish. Fish samples (n=180) collected from aquaculture farms in three major districts of Kerala, yielded 45 methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) (25%) isolates. All of the isolates were resistant to tested beta-lactams, and 19 (42.22%) were resistant to flouroquinolones. According to the resistance profile of each isolate, 33 of 45 (73.33%) are identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, with an average multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.41±0.09. Notably, virulence determinants such as classical enterotoxin (sea & seb), and SE-like toxin (seg & sei) genes co-existed with Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARGs) in isolates studied. Regardless of the isolates being strong biofilm producers, only 23 (51.1%) harbored icaA and icaD genes. The heterogeneity of MRSA (n=17) clones were evident as the species belonged to three major spa types (t345, t2526, and t1309) and sequence types (STs), viz., ST772, ST88, and ST672. The current study on molecular characterization of the MRS isolates sheds light on the preventive measures that need to be implemented to limit the spread of AMR pathogens in aquaculture.

Quality of life and its determinants in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection in Kannur District, Kerala

Introduction: The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in India is on decline. Since the introduction of Anti Retroviral Therapy, the survival of HIV positives has improved a lot. HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is now a chronic yet manageable disease. However, social factors like stigma and discrimination still exist, affecting the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV)/AIDS. The objectives of the study were to assess the QOL among HIV-positive patients using the World Health Organization-QOL BREF (WHO-QOL BREF) questionnaire, the factors determining the QoL of HIV-positive patients, and the stigma and discrimination faced by HIV positives in the medical field. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done during the study period of 1 year. A total of 150 PLHIV from Kannur district in Kerala participated in the study. The WHO-QOL BREF, Scale and the HIV stigma scale were used to collect the data. Results: The QoL score found in the study was 15.36 ± 2.18, 2.18. The overall QoL was influenced by education, the Stigma Scale score, having a constant income or an increased income after diagnosis, and a Perceived Social Support Scale score. The study also found that 22% (33) of the participants faced stigma and discrimination from the medical field in one form or another. Conclusion: The study found that the QOL of PLHIV in the Kannur district of Kerala revealed no difference between men and women. The determinant factors for QOL were found to vary in each domain. Education was found to have a negative impact on QOL.

Risk Behavior Among Emerging Adults: The Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), Perceived Family and Interpersonal Environment

Background: Evidence demonstrates that ambiance provided during childhood and the interactions of children with different social agents during childhood have an impact on their adult behaviour. Objective: The current research tries to explore the role of adverse childhood experiences and perceived family and interpersonal interactions in their resultant adult risk behaviour. Method: Around 613 emerging adults (18–24 years; Male 343 and Female 270) from the northern districts of Kerala, India took part in the study. The participants were selected using multistage sampling techniques. A Semi-structured Questionnaire was used to understand the perceived family and interpersonal environment. In addition, a checklist (adopted from the risk behaviour scale and youth risk behaviour survey) was also employed. The checklist assisted to understand the presence of actual risk behaviours. Results: Hierarchical Logistic Regression analysis is used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that 87.2 % of the participants were engaged in at least one type of risk behaviour. Socio-demographic variables (gender and family type) and items of perceived family and interpersonal relationships and adverse childhood experiences were found to be significant predictors of emerging adult’ risk behaviour. Conclusion: The results further highlight the significance of childhood experiences and the current family environment of emerging adults in understanding their behaviour, and in designing evidence-based intervention program for emerging adults.

Effectiveness of Multi-interventional Package on Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Child Molestation amongst Primary Schoolchildren

Abstract Background: Child molestation is a form of child sexual abuse (CSA) that affects children all over the world. It has the potential to devastate a child’s life in every aspect of their normal growth and development and has become the larger field of interpersonal trauma studies, CSA studies and intervention strategies. The primary intervention for eliminating this societal scourge is the implementation of preventive methods. Objectives: The aim of the study was to develop a multi-interventional package for the prevention of child molestation. Methods: This randomised control trial was carried out on 200 primary schoolchildren (PS children) who were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 100) and control (n = 100) groups from selected schools in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. A demographic pro forma and a knowledge questionnaire were used for data collection. The package included a display of a role-play video entitled ‘Rooby’ and a cartoon book explanation called ‘Karyakkudukka,’ implemented by the primary researcher. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. On pre-test, the majority of participants from both the groups had a good level of knowledge regarding child molestation prevention. Results: After receiving the intervention, there was a significant difference in the level of knowledge about the prevention of child molestation amongst the experimental group of PS children (P = 0.0001) depicting the effectiveness of the multi-interventional package. Conclusion: The developed multi-interventional package looked upon potent strategies for the prevention of child molestation.

Protective factors of school-going adolescents: A school-based survey in Kerala, South India

Introduction: Protective factors such as supportive home and school environments significantly influence the future life outcomes of school-going adolescents. The current study was done to assess the protective factors for home and school of school-going adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey method was used for with a multistage cluster sampling. Data was gathered from 600 adolescent students enrolled in 19 schools throughout the Kollam district of Kerala. A self-reported validated Indian Adolescent Health Questionnaire was used. Results: Home-related protective factors were found to be significantly correlated with age, sex, and type of school, using a binary logistic regression model. Conclusion: There is a necessity for preparing a strong assessment plan and intervention package for better development of school-going adolescents.

Prevalence and Determinants Of Nutritional Status Among Preschoolers in a Rural Area Of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala

Malnutrition among preschoolers is of grave concern and it lingers unabated in India, despite nutritional intervention policies of the State. Though Kerala is far ahead of other States in health outcomes, the triple burden of malnutrition is rampant. A micro-level analysis is conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of stunting and underweight among 189 preschool children in Vithura, a tribal-dominated rural Panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. In the study area, 38 per cent of children are stunted, which is higher among children belonging to tribal communities, and 19 per cent of preschool children are underweight. The occurrence of underweight is 27 per cent among tribal children, whereas it is 17 per cent among non-tribals. Caste, asset ownership status and maternal height are significantly associated with stunting, whereas underweight is significantly associated with asset ownership. In the logit model, caste significantly contributes to normal height for age. It is found that high asset group and age of the child being ‘13-36’ months increase the probability of being not underweight.

Ignatzschineria cameli Strain KAUPDF7-A First Report on Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) from the Post-flood Affected Soils of Kerala

Background: Kerala flood in 2018 and 2019 had reduced the yield in many agricultural plots of Attapadi, Kerala, India. The scope of the study was to identify the potential native plant growth promoting rhizobacteria from the post flood-affected sites to rejuvenate the nutrient depleted soils. Methods: The present study was carried out in the department of agricultural microbiology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, Kerala during 2020-2022. Bacteria were isolated from post flood-affected agricultural soils of Attapadi in Palakkad district of Kerala, India. Three morphologically distinct isolates were screened for cellulase, laccase and dehydrogenase to select the best bacterial isolate that could produce the multifunctional enzymes for rejuvenation of flood-affected soils. The isolate were also screened for plant growth promotion traits such as; indole acetic acid (IAA), phosphate solubilizing ability, nitrogen fixing ability and potassium solubilizing ability. Result: The most promising isolate was identified as Ignatzschineria cameli, which was found to be a high indole acetic acid producer along with phosphate and potassium solubilizing ability and revealed as the first report of PGPR from post flood-affected soils of Kerala.

An Economic Analysis of Cost of Production of Black Pepper in Wayanad District of Kerala in India

The present study was conducted in Wayanad district of Kerala. Totally 100 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed from the district. The data was gathered in the form of prestructured interview schedule. The study revealed that average cost of cultivation of Black Pepper per hectare was incurred Rs 419606 which was found to be Rs 438600, Rs 412826, Rs 407393 per hectare on Marginal, Small and Semi medium farmers respectively. Input- Output ratio related to cost C was (1:1.94) (1:1.85) and (1:1.76) on marginal, small and semi medium farmers respectively. As per the size of farm increases the production cost decreases.

Development of a Modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and Its Construct Validity among Adults in Kerala, India.

There is a need for a modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) to estimate physical activity levels more accurately in populations. We aimed to develop a modified GPAQ and examine its construct validity among adults in Kerala, India. We incorporated locality-specific, metabolic equivalent task (MET)-based activities into the original GPAQ and administered this modified GPAQ among randomly selected 451 individuals (age ≥ 20 years) residing in the Trivandrum district of Kerala. Construct validity of the modified GPAQ was assessed using generalized linear models by examining the association of total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) MET-minutes per week with clinical measures. The mean age of participants was 45.4 (SD: 14.1) years, and 52.6% were female. Increasing total MVPA MET-minutes per week was associated with decreasing weight (β = -0.011 kg, 95% CI: -0.020, -0.002), waist circumference (β = -0.013 cm, 95% CI: -0.023, -0.004), and systolic blood pressure (β = -0.009 mmHg, 95% CI: -0.015, -0.002), independent of age, sex, education, occupation, current smoking, current alcohol use, and fruit and vegetable intake. The validity coefficients and associations between total MVPA MET-minutes per week and theoretical constructs of physical activity agreed with those predicted, providing evidence of construct validity for the modified GPAQ.

Socio Economic Analysis and Marketing of Poovan and Nendran Banana in Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala

The investigation was conducted in the year 2023 using a sample of one twenty respondent banana growers in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Research data were collected using Simple tabular analysis the average and percentage analysis were used to determine the socio- economic condition of banana growers. The study revealed that total area under banana of the sample farmers was 230.58 ha, of which 59.58 percent was under Nendran and 40.42 percent was under Poovan banana. 87.5% from the total respondents were men and mostly between age group of 35–49. The remaining of the total respondent women. Only 13.33% of the growers were found between the age 20-34 years, while 64.16% were found in the age group of 35-49 years and 22.5% present under the age of 50-70. The literacy percentage of marginal, small, semi medium, medium size farm group was 90.83% respectively and illiteracy percentage is 9.16 %. Only 9.16 % of producers were having Graduation, 17.5% were having Intermediate and 28.33% having Middle. Whereas most of the respondent 35.83% primary education. In case of marketing in banana highest quantity of Nendran banana was disposed off in channels- II and for Poovan Banana is also disposed in channels -II. The study also revealed that the channel- I (25.15) i.e., producer - consumer was most efficient channel among the two marketing channels of Nendran Banana when compare to channel -II (7.19). Similarly for Poovan Banana higher in channel-I (19.76) when compare to channel-II (6.55).

Do Post-harvest Losses Affect the Farmers’ Income? - Post-Harvest Loss Estimation for Major Vegetables in South India

Over the last two decades, India’s food system with population surge has been undergoing a transformation with increase in demand for high value fruits and vegetables. However, farmers are not benefitted from these transitions as the post-harvest losses are fairly high due to poorly developed post-harvest management practices. The present study aims to estimate the nature and extent of losses and also analysed the determinants of post-harvest losses for major vegetables (gourds) in South India. Palakkad district of Kerala was chosen for the study as it contributes the most, for the state’s vegetable area and production. Multi-stage random sampling techniques were adopted and the vegetables selected were based on their annual production in the study area. The total loss observed in bitter gourd at farm level was about 12.46 percent (34.53 qtl/ha). At trader level, the physiological loss contributed to almost 45 percent of the total losses. Hence, the total loss in bitter gourd was observed to be 21.88 per cent. Likewise in snake gourd, the extent of losses at farm level was found to be 9 percent (26.1 qtl/ha), where the highest losses (4.74 percent) were due to biotic factors like pests and diseases prevailing in the study area. Therefore, the total loss estimated in snake gourd was 13.89 percent which included 4.89 percent loss at trader level. Regression analyses delineated that in bitter gourd, area under cultivation, unfavourable weather conditions, pests and diseases and use of packing materials like jute sacks and wooden baskets were found as major determinants for losses. Whereas, area under cultivation, experience in farming and prevailing pests and diseases in snake gourd were found to affect the volume of post-harvest losses at farm level. The study found that adoption of proper post-harvest handling practices by farmers would help minimizing the losses to a remarkable extent. Besides, analysis of farmers’ perception, brought out the fact that the farmers aware of losses incurred only to a limited extent.