Eastern Indian Research Articles

Elucidating the Association of Key Socio-demographic Factors Underlying Happiness and Well-being in the Eastern Indian Bengali Population

Background: Subjective happiness or well-being is an important aspect of positive psychology and is determined by several external factors, based on several of which, the World Happiness Report ranks the countries annually. India’s happiness ranking has consistently declined over the years compared to the neighboring countries. Methods: The present study considered relevant socio-demographic factors and assessed their association, if any, in subjective happiness using multiple linear regression analysis among the eastern Indian Bengali population. A total of 191 participants were recruited for the study and their subjective happiness scores were measured using a well validated Subjective Happiness Scale. Results: The result showed a significant association of 3 factors viz. individual’s ‘choice to stay or work in a group or alone’ (p ≤ 0.0001); ‘frequency of feeling sad in daily life (p ≤ 0.0001); and ‘personal relationship satisfaction’ (p ≤ 0.0001) with subjective happiness scores in both males and females. Eight other variables showed a gender-specific association with happiness (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: These three socio-demographic factors might thus be the key determinants in regulating subjective well-being in this section of the world population. This information might thus be helpful in future counselling of individuals suffering from distress or severe depression and keep their better mental health.

Primary productivity impacts community structure of euphausiids in the low-latitude Indian and Pacific Oceans

Euphausiids are a vital component of global marine micronekton. To reveal the primary environmental factors influencing euphausiid distribution patterns in the previously overlooked low-latitude ecosystems, we investigated a large-scale community structure of euphausiids covering the North Pacific subtropical gyre (NPSG) and low-latitude eastern Indian (EI), and South Pacific Oceans (SP). A total of 41 euphausiid species from six genera were identified. Integrated primary production (PP) correlated significantly with the euphausiid abundance and species diversity and displayed the most critical influence on the variations in euphausiid community structure in low latitudes. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was the second significant environmental driver. Due to the distinct distribution patterns of euphausiid species in response to different PP and DO levels, the low-latitude euphausiid assemblages were mainly distinguished into subtropical and tropical communities. The subtropical euphausiid community associated with lower PP and higher DO demonstrated significantly lower euphausiid abundance but higher diversity than the tropical community. Euphausia brevis, E. mutica, and Stylocheiron abbreviatum, which characterize the subtropical community, appear to depend less on the phytoplanktonic prey. Euphausia diomedeae and Hansarsia gracilis, typifying the tropical population, showed stronger hypoxia tolerance. Additionally, each community was further divided into three subgroups under the influence of surface PP (subtropical: marginal NPSG, central NPSG, and austral EI-SP subgroups; tropical: the Bay of Bengal, equatorial EI, and equatorial EI-SP subgroups). These results suggested that food resource is the most important in shaping euphausiids’ community structure in an oligotrophic ecosystem with subtle hydrography gradients.

Cytogenetic Alterations and Correlation with Age and Gender in Patients of Multiple Myeloma: A Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Eastern India.

Karuna JhaBackground Multiple myeloma is a cytogenetically heterogeneous, evolving, and incurable disease. Differences in prevalence of myeloma already exist in Indian subcontinent as compared with Western world countries. This study attempts to investigate differences in incidence of cytogenetic abnormalities (CA) in Eastern Indian patients and study differences in incidence with respect to age and gender. Materials and Methods Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied on purified plasma cells of 280 newly diagnosed myeloma cases using specific probes. Statistical Analysis Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Results Note that 51.07% patients were FISH positive. Del13q was the most common CA. Significant association of del 13q with t(4;14), del 17p, and gain of 1q was seen. The frequencies of FISH positive and negative groups differed in the different age groups; higher number of cases in 41 to 50 years group in FISH positive group ( p < 0.05) and lower number of cases in FISH positive group in 61 to 70 years ( p < 0.05) as compared with FISH negative group. Del 17p had higher number of cases in age group 41 to 50 years and 51 to 60 years as compared with other age groups. Incidence of t(11;14) was in 5th to 7th decade while del 13q and t(4;14) had the widest range of age at presentation. Gender disparities were seen in high-risk cytogenetics like del 17p and 1q gain. Conclusion The differences in incidence rate of CAs per se in myeloma cases diagnosed in Indian subcontinent and the differences in incidence with respect to age and gender warrant further multicentric studies.

Effect of Preoperative Body Mass Index on Postoperative and Long-Term Outcomes in an East Indian Gastric Cancer Cohort.

Gastric cancer is a global health concern with varying clinical outcomes. This study aims to investigate the influence of preoperative Body Mass Index (BMI) on survival in patients who underwent curative resection for gastric cancer in Eastern India. Data from a prospectively maintained Surgical Oncology database were analysed for patients who underwent curative resection for primary gastric adenocarcinoma between May 2016 and March 2022. Patients with incomplete data were excluded. Preoperative BMI was categorised into three groups: Underweight (< 18.5kg/m2), Normal (18.5-22.9kg/m2), and Overweight/Obese (=23kg/m2). Clinicopathological details, short-term outcomes, and long-term oncological outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis included survival estimates, Cox proportional hazard models, and subgroup analysis. Of 162 patients, 145 met the inclusion criteria. Patients were predominantly male (68%) with middle or lower socioeconomic status. No significant differences amongst BMI groups were observed in performance score, tumour grade, clinical stage, or short-term outcomes. Postoperative complications and 30-day mortality were similar. However, underweight patients had poorer 4-year disease-free survival (DFS) compared to overweight/obese patients (14.3% vs. 39.7%, p = 0.03). Overweight/obese patients showed significantly better 4-year overall survival (OS) than underweight patients (47.8% vs. 20.4%, p = 0.03). In Eastern Indian gastric cancer patients undergoing curative resection, preoperative higher BMI (overweight/obese) was associated with better long-term survival. Understanding these findings could guide tailored interventions to improve outcomes in this population.

Pillow Morphology of Bathani Volcano-sedimentary Sequence of Eastern Indian Shield: Inferences on the Geotectonic and Geo-Environments

Abstract The Palaeo-proterozoic Bathani volcano-sedimentary sequence (BVSs) at the northeastern fringe of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ), comprises three distinct litho-domains: (i) intrusive granitoid, having xenoliths of basalt, pyroxenite-gabbro-anorthosite suits (Northern Domain), (ii) low-grade volcano-sedimentary sequence along with concordant mafic-ultramafic intrusion (Central Domain) and (iii) folded clastic metasedimentary rocks (Southern Domain). The granitoid is intruded into the Central Domain, where pillow basalt with primary structure is well exposed. The volcanological and morphometric study of the pillows of Central Domain is attempted to understand the physicochemical characteristics and tectonic setup of the magma emplacement. The pillows are small to medium normal-sized with spheroidal, lozenge, and tubular shapes and preserve the primary features like radial and concentric cracks, selvage, pipe vesicles, voids, drain away cavities, way-up features, etc. A low-viscosity magma outpouring over a steep to moderate depositional slope is being deciphered from the morphological study of pillows. The stretching and fast-spreading growth mechanisms with low effusion under a rapid cooling rate have been inferred for these pillows. The morphological features of the rock types and pillows of the BVSs suggest a shallow water (&amp;lt;1000m) divergent rift basin of the back-arc tectonic setting. The trace elemental discrimination plots support the basaltic composition of pillows with E-MORB and back-arc basin environment. The lithological setup, tectonic setting, and regional correlation of BVSs advocate it as an eastern continuation of the Palaeo-proterozoic Mahakoshal belt within the Son Narmada Lineament (SNL) zone of CITZ.

Observed 10–20-Day Deep-Current Variability at 5°N, 90.5°E in the Eastern Indian Ocean

Abstract In the eastern off-equatorial Indian Ocean, deep current intraseasonal variability within a typical period of 10–20 days was revealed by a mooring at 5°N, 90.5°E, accounting for over 50% of the total bottom subtidal velocity variability. The 10–20-day oscillations were more energetic in the cross-isobathic direction (STD = 3.02 cm s−1) than those in the along-isobathic direction (STD = 1.50 cm s−1). The oscillations were interpreted as topographic Rossby waves (TRWs) because they satisfied the TRWs dispersion relation that considered the smaller Coriolis parameter and stronger β effect at low latitude. Further analysis indicated significant vertical coupling between the deep cross-slope oscillations and cross-isobathic 10–20-day perturbations at the depth of 300–950 m. The 10–20-day TRWs were generated by cross-isobathic motions under the potential vorticity conservation adjustment. The Mercator Ocean output reproduced the generation of kinetic energy (KE) of deep current variability. The associated diagnostic analysis of multiscale energetics showed that the KE of TRWs was mainly supplied by vertical pressure work. In the seamount region (2°–10°N, 89°–92°E), vertical and horizontal pressure works were identified to be the dominant energy source (contributing to 94% of the total KE source) and sink (contributing to 98% of the total KE sink) of the deep current variability, transporting energy downward and redistributing energy horizontally, respectively.

Climate-change-induced risk mapping of the Indian Himalayan districts using the latest IPCC framework

Mountain regions worldwide, notably the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) encompassing the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), face considerable vulnerability to various hazards resulting in human and livestock casualties, financial losses, and damage. The primary objective of this study is to construct a climate-change-induced risk index specifically for the districts within the IHR. The concept of risk herein refers to the composite of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure, aligned with the current framework of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Utilising the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) approach, the research integrates indicators to generate indices pertaining to hazard, vulnerability, and exposure across 109 districts in both the Western Indian Himalayan Region (WIHR) and the Eastern Indian Himalayan Region (EIHR). The study relies on secondary data sourced from various openly accessible government reports and websites. Key findings include: (1) The WIHR exhibits a higher overall risk compared to the EIHR. (2) The WIHR demonstrates elevated rankings in hazards and exposure indices. (3) The EIHR exhibits a relatively higher vulnerability index. This paper presents a pioneering contribution to the limited body of literature on risk assessment by offering one of the initial attempts to rank administrative districts pan-IHR based on the latest IPCC criteria. Moreover, the assessment carries significant implications for policymakers, as it is critical to identify the districts vulnerable to climate change and the extent of their vulnerability before addressing climate-induced risk.

Prevalence and Susceptibility Pattern of Enterococcus spp in Clinical Samples: A Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in an Eastern Indian State

Prevalence and Susceptibility Pattern of Enterococcus spp in Clinical Samples: A Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in an Eastern Indian State

New PV Metrology for performance appraisal of Poly-Silicon PV Modules in Eastern Indian climatic Zone

An appropriate number of series-connected supercapacitors (SC) forming an SC bank has been used for the first time as the load to PV generators in course of their electrical characterization. Exhaustive estimates of standard PV parameters along with figures of merits like Fill-factor(FF) and performance ratio(PR) have yielded consistent results under naturally varying levels of insolation and ambient temperature prevalent in West Bengal of India. Regression analysis of selected PV parameters has indicated values above 0.997 for poly-Si PV modules which currently constitute the only essential building blocks for PV arrays in the Indian sub-continent. Work is in progress for the adoption of this simple, user-friendly, and easily scalable I-V plotter in PV Indian industries and field trials.

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes of Superior Mesenteric Artery First Approach Pancreatoduodenectomy to the Standard Approach in an Eastern Indian Referral Center

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes of Superior Mesenteric Artery First Approach Pancreatoduodenectomy to the Standard Approach in an Eastern Indian Referral Center

A strange negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in 2022

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a prominent pattern of climatic mode in the Indian Ocean that contributes to the changes in Rainfall pattern, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), and Surface Salinity (SSS) in the Indian Ocean. Recently in the scenario of Climate Change, this IOD may experience shifting in the phases development that link to the Indo-Pacific teleconnection. Here, we analyse the changes of negative IOD patterns in 2022 through the SST, SSS, rainfall pattern, and surface current system. This study showed the negative IOD was initiated earlier and coincided with the Asian monsoon during May 2022. The IOD is faster ended in October 2022 when the Australian Monsoon was generated. The Rainfall pattern at the Eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) and the Indonesian Archipelago experienced an intensive pattern from May up to December 2022. During the negative IOD phases, the precipitation at the EIO is more concentrated in Java and less precipitation in Sumatra. The warmer SST and fresh surface salinity in the Indonesian Archipelago are wider following the Pacific SST. This reveals the Indo-Pacific teleconnection is stronger during 2022 via the surface ocean patterns and the coincidence of stronger westerly wind and easterly wind in the maritime continent.

Lean Metabolic Syndrome vis-à-vis Obese Metabolic Syndrome: Observations from an Eastern Indian Tertiary Set-up

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in obese is a fairly common entity. However, excluding the waist circumference (WC) criteria, other components of the MetS are also seen in lean or nonobese people. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of lean MetS among newly diagnosed MetS cases and compare the biochemical parameters and insulin resistance in lean versus overweight/obese MetS. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over 12 months and included adult patients of either sex, newly diagnosed with MetS. Fever cases, infections such as tuberculosis/HIV/chronic infectious disease, chronic inflammatory diseases, those having endocrine causes of obesity such as Cushing syndrome, known cases of ischemic heart disease, and those on antiobesity medications were excluded. Diagnosed MetS patients were categorized as lean or obese based on the standard criteria. A convenient sample of 50 was considered for either group (lean MetS vs. obese MetS). Included patients were investigated for lipid, liver, glycemic, and insulin resistance profiles. Other parameters included serum uric acid, thyroid function, whole abdomen ultrasound, electrocardiography, two-dimensional echocardiography (ECHO), fibroscan, and polysomnography for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Results: The prevalence of lean MetS was 9.87%. Variables such as body mass index, WC, low-density lipoprotein, and systolic blood pressure were significantly higher in the obese MetS in comparison to the lean MetS group. Fasting insulin was also significantly higher in the obese MetS compared to lean MetS. Biochemical measures such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transferase were significantly higher for the obese MetS, while the change was nonsignificant for other biochemical measures. Except for complications such as polycystic ovary syndrome, acanthoses nigricans, and gallstones which were significantly higher in the obese MetS group, the rest of the complications were similar in both groups. Conclusion: MetS among nonobese or lean subjects differs in certain aspects from those with obesity. As lean MetS is an emerging entity, clinicians must be aware of it to avoid morbidity.

Morphological and Morphometric Study of Greater Palatine Foramen in Dry Skulls of Eastern Indian Population

Abstract Background: Greater palatine foramen (GPF) transmits important neurovascular structures which may get injured during different operative procedures such as intraoral maxillary nerve block, cleft palate repair, and operative procedures involving maxillary sinus and maxillary molars. Hence, proper knowledge about the GPF is very essential. The aim of this study was to study the shape of GPF and its location in relation to molar tooth, measure the diameters of GPF, and measure the distances of GPF from different landmarks of palate. Methodology: A dry bone-based study was conducted on dry human skulls of Eastern Indian population using digital Vernier caliper. At first location of GPF in relation to maxillary molars was noted, followed by anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameter of GPF and distance of GPF from incisive fossa, posterior border of hard palate (PBHP) and interpalatine suture was measured. Results: In 69.64% of cases, GPF was present medial to the maxillary molar tooth and most common shape is oval type which is found in 44.64% of cases. AP diameter was almost same in both the sides which is 5.13 mm in average and transverse diameter is 2.91 mm. The mean distance of GPF from incisive fossa, PBHP, and interpalatine suture (IPS) is as follows in sequence, 37.24 mm, 3.21 mm, and 13.68 mm. Conclusion: The findings from the present study can be used as a guide for locating GPF during different operative procedures such as palatal reconstruction in cleft palate, maxillary surgeries, and intraoral maxillary nerve block. GPF is located about 3 mm in front of PBHP, most commonly medial to the third maxillary molar, about 15 mm lateral to IPS in the present study among Eastern Indian population.

New discovery of two subtropical and one boreal marine fish species in Korean waters during summer reveals their habitat range expansion

Abstract This study presents the first Korean records of two subtropical fish species, Pseudojuloides paradiseus and Diplogrammus xenicus, collected around Jeju-do Island, as well as one boreal fish species, Erilepis zonifer, collected in Busan (approximately 200 km away from Jeju-do Island). In this study, we discuss the implications of the species’ habitat range expansion. Previously, P. paradiseus was known as an endemic species of Japan, while D. xenicus was known to inhabit the Eastern Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean excluding around the equator, and E. zonifer was only known to inhabit the Pacific Ocean between eastern Japan and the western USA. Their habitat range expansions might be attributed to the expansion of the Tsushima Warm Current at the surface layer and/or the North Korean Cold Current at the bottom layer. Our findings may suggest that habitat of marine fish is being changed continuously by climate change or oceanic currents. Therefore, it needs to conduct integrated and systematic monitoring of fish fauna to response changing marine biodiversity.

Validating the Financial Literacy Construct - Impressions and Reflections

Financial literacy (FL) literature has gained momentum in the last one and half decades in the Indian context with the government’s active role. FL encompasses knowledge of financial instruments and practices in its scope. The current study aims to measure FL by collecting primary data from the students, salaried class, traders and businessmen of two towns of Tripura, a North Eastern Indian state. For executing the study, it prefers a cross-sectional research design. Data from 160 respondents were collected using a self-administered interview-schedule applying disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. A pre-test with randomly chosen 30 respondents affirms its wording, content validity and ordering. The tool’s reliability and validity further support applying inferential statistics. Significant cross tabulation results affirm impacts of demographics on the levels of FL. For assessing the perceptional differences in FL basics between the two groups of respondents, that is, students-salaried class and traders-businessmen, it applies WPG analysis indicating significant perceptional differences about basic FL, and FL awareness levels. For evaluating whether the four types of sample respondents classified based on their occupations have any significantly differential influences on FL awareness, the Pearson Correlation Coefficient results affirm the same. Policy implications, limitations and scope of further research also indicated.

Determination of Sexual Dimorphism from Foramen Magnum in an Eastern Indian Population

Human identification is an important arena of forensic investigation, it includes sex determination which becomes extremely difficult in fragmented skeletal remains. Skull dimensions are measured for the purpose of sexual dimorphism which vary in different populations. In this study, we attempted to analyse the measurements from adult human skulls and employ discriminant function to predict sex accurately. A manual vernier calliper was used to measure the antero-posterior (AP) diameter and transverse diameter of foramen magnum of 88 skulls (49 males, 39 females) from the collection housed at the department of Anatomy, RG KAR medical college and Calcutta medical college. The Wilk's lambda for the model is 0.795. The discriminant function equation is, Df= 3.342× (APdiameter of foramen magnum) +0.725× (Transverse diameter of foramen magnum) -13.641(constant). The cut-off point is 0.505. So above this value 0.505, the cases are male and below it, the cases are female. On comparing the measurements, we found that antero-posterior dimensions and transverse dimensions of foramen magnum were greater in males than females. Collectively, all the results indicate that dimensions of foramen magnum can be used as a moderate indicator for sex determination in regional populations.

Clinico-etiological profile of chronic liver disease in females: A cross-sectional observational study in Eastern Indian set-up

Abstract Background: There are notable distinctions in the epidemiology, progression, symptoms, and treatment responses observed between males and females with chronic liver disease (CLD). Women tend to exhibit a higher prevalence of acute liver failure, autoimmune hepatitis, benign liver lesions, primary biliary cirrhosis, and toxin-induced liver injury compared with men. This study investigated the clinical and pathological characteristics of CLD in female patients admitted to a tertiary healthcare facility in eastern India. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted involving adult female patients meeting the criteria for CLD. Comprehensive medical histories were obtained, physical examinations were conducted, and various investigations were performed, including complete blood count, liver function tests, urea, creatinine, and electrolyte levels. Additionally, all cases underwent whole abdomen ultrasound, with selected cases undergoing further viral profiling and upper gastrointestinal workups. The collected data underwent statistical analysis. Results: Among the 80 cases of CLD examined in our study, 62.5% fell within the age range of 41–60 years. Metabolic dysfunction associated with steatohepatitis (MASH) and hepatitis C were identified as the primary causes of CLD, collectively accounting for 50% of all cases. Specifically, 25% of cases were attributed solely to hepatitis C, whereas another 25% were attributed solely to MASH. Additionally, two cases presented with a combination of MASH and hepatitis C. Pallor and jaundice were the most frequently observed clinical findings. Notably, autoimmune hepatitis tended to occur in younger females, whereas MASH was more prevalent in those aged over 51 years. Conclusion: There are distinctions based on gender concerning the causes, advancement, natural course, complications, and outlook of CLD cases. Therefore, it is essential to consider gender-specific traits when diagnosing and treating CLD in females.

Assessment of prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in patients taking antipsychotic drugs in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India

Background: Researches done over different parts of the world show that hyperprolactinemia in psychotic patients is dependent on many factors such as age, gender, any thyroidal abnormality, drugs such as antipsychotics or antidepressants, psychological stress, and genre of psychosis. In patients taking antipsychotic treatments, prolactin blood levels may rise up to 10 times the normal values. It is very important to differentiate between prolactin-secreting tumor in pituitary and antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia. There has been fewer researches on this topic in Eastern India, so it aims to properly estimate the amount of prolactin rise; a patient has to face after taking anti-psychotic medications and might also help the psychiatrists to adjust the dosage of anti-psychotics or to add some other drugs to lower the prolactin level along with the anti-psychotics in Eastern India. Aim and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to estimate serum prolactin in diagnosed psychiatric patients taking antipsychotic drugs for at least 3 months and to study the difference in serum prolactin between recently diagnosed psychiatric patients taking antipsychotic drugs for at least 3 months and age and gender-matched mentally healthy patients without any psychiatric complication and without any history of in taking antipsychotic drugs. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted over a period of 4 months at Central Laboratory, Dept of Biochemistry, MCK. Before the conduct of the study, informed consent was taken. Patients diagnosed with psychiatric illness and consuming at least one antipsychotic drug for at least 3 months were enrolled after going through inclusion–exclusion criteria. Serum prolactin was measured with help of CLIA (ADVIA CENTAUR). Results: As per our study done in Eastern Indian population, in the female group of psychiatric patients (aged between 18 and 45 years) taking antipsychotics, the prolactin level was 23.6 ± 4.5 ng/ml, and in age-matched control female group, prolactin level was 9.2 ± 3.1 ng/mL, the difference is statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, in male psychiatric patients (aged between 18 and 45 years) taking antipsychotics, the prolactin level was 14.3 ± 1.7 ng/mL, and in age-matched control male group, prolactin level was 8.5 ± 1.5 ng/mL, the difference is statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: As per our study, psychiatric patients of both gender taking antipsychotic drugs had higher serum prolactin level than age and gender-matched mentally healthy persons not taking antipsychotic drugs. Though the limitation of this study was small sample size and another issue that must be taken into consideration is the fact that prolactin levels can also be dependent of menstrual cycles in women, and in our study, there were 40 (57%) females who were still menstruating.

Crop Intensification through Short Duration Stress-Tolerant Rice Varieties with Green Gram for Fostering Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability

Rice stands as a critical cornerstone in the pursuit of food security due to its unparalleled significance as a staple crop for billions of people worldwide. Rice in India, is cultivated within diverse cropping systems that harness the nation's rich agro-climatic variations. Eastern India has emerged as a significant contributor to the country's overall rice production. Nevertheless, most of the existing cropping systems of rice in this region suffer from some drawbacks, primarily due to monoculture practices and limited crop diversity. An experiment was conducted in the Eastern Indian State of Odisha to evaluate the efficiency and profitability of promoting a rice-green gram-rice cropping system. The experiment consists of two major interrelated interventions viz., awareness regarding short-duration stress-tolerant rice varieties (STRV) and the introduction of the new crop for higher economic returns. Varietal awareness programs were organized before the onset of the wet season of 2020 and the potential benefits of cultivating STRV over the popular traditional cultivars were communicated to the target farmers, besides advocating the rice-green gram-rice cropping system. The study employed a field experiment design to compare the performance of existing and new cropping systems. The impact evaluation was carried out after recording the comments of the farmers followed by a thorough comparison between the new and existing cropping systems. The available evidence suggests that the introduced short-duration STRVs are better than the already existing varieties and have the potential to change the cropping system of the region. The most desirable trait of these varieties as reported by the farmers is their short maturity duration. The results do unequivocally demonstrate the superior performance of the new cropping system over the existing system in terms of crop yield, diversification, and profitability. This remarkably underscores the potential of the new system to address food security challenges and enhance agricultural productivity.

Nature-Culture Binary versus Ancient Folklore of Bihar (An Eastern Indian State)

The research article utilizes the ancient folklore of Bihar to build an enhanced perspective on the relationship between culture and nature. Different legends, folk-beliefs, and folk practices have played an immense role in the generation of this analysis. The folklore of the Angika region as shown in the map is the primary source. The terms Angika and Ang Pradesh have both been famous in the ancient epic Mahabharata. Ang Pradesh is the abode of the warrior Karna, a prominent recurring figure in the epic. The researchers travelled to suburbs to interview the natives and document folklore. Whether nature culture could stagnantly be called binaries, is one of the central questions that the present research intends to answer.