Geographical Regions Of India Research Articles

Connected digitally and dedicated loyally: the features and impact of internal online events on employee outcomes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the role and features of internal online events (IOE) in organizations and measure their impact on employee outcomes (communication satisfaction and loyalty in active and passive forms). Design/methodology/approach The study conducted a mixed-method process – first, which involved three semistructured interviews in India, Russia and France, and the data were analyzed through a qualitative coding procedure. Subsequently, a survey was conducted among employees regarding their perceptions of IOE. One hundred eighty-four fully completed questionnaires were collected, and the results were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings The analysis of qualitative data revealed common patterns in IOEs in the organizations across India, Russia and France. The quantitative analysis showed the significant impact of IOEs on perceived communication satisfaction. Which in turn primarily stimulates the development of active employee loyalty rather than passive loyalty. Research limitations/implications This study acknowledges that the samples were limited to only a few geographical regions of India, Russia and France. Also, the research is subject to sampling limitations due to snowball approach. Practical implications Internal communication (IC) managers can use this research findings to develop more effective IOEs to address organizational goals and create synergy-based positive outcomes (such as loyalty) within the employees of the organization. Originality/value Research contributes to exploring the role and characteristics of IOEs by applying engagement theory, emphasizing their capacity as a strategic IC channel to enhance employee involvement. Moreover, the study investigated the impact of IOEs on communication satisfaction and employee loyalty by applying affective events theory to communication.

Spatial Mapping the Dengue and Chikungunya Burden in a Rural Area near Bangalore- a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The burden of dengue and chikungunya diseases across geographical regions of India is poorly quantified more so during Covid19 pandemic and from hospital-based studies. The objective was to assess the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in the study mainly area and to visualize the spatial distribution of dengue and chikungunya cases using the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS).
 Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the population in villages coming under a medical college’s rural field practice area near Bangalore. A total of 31 villages were selected through a simple random sampling method and 3356 subjects were surveyed through household visits. QGIS was used for spatial mapping of cases.
 Results: 3356 subjects were surveyed, and the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya was 1.13% and 0.02%, re­spectively. The overall prevalence of dengue and chikungunya cases together was 1.16%. All 39 (100%) cases had reported fever and 31 cases (79.5%) reported myalgia followed by arthralgia 22 (56.4%). QGIS supported spa­tial mapping of the cases and no clustering of cases was found in the study area.
 Conclusion: The burden of dengue and chikungunya is under reported, and the surveillance system needs to be strengthened in the rural area. QGIS was found to be useful in the spatial mapping of the cases and there was no clustering of cases observed.

Insight into the genomic diversity: Genome wide association study unveils the SNP diversity in horsgram germplsam

Genome wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify loci associated with three agronomic traits namely seeds per pod, pods per plant and number of seeds per plant of horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum). Total 87 accesions of horsegram from different geographical regions of India and one wild relative from Australia were utilised for the genome wide association studies. The genotyping was carried out using genotype-by-sequencing technology and after high quality filtering, minor allele frequency of 0.05, a total of 55,656 quality SNPs were utilised for determining Marker-Trait Association. The LD decay varied across the chromosomes form 8 kb to 300 kb. Further, the population structure analysis has clustered the accession into three subpopulations. All the 88 accessions of horsegram were evaluated at Palampur (32.1109° N, 76.5363° E) and Bajaura (31.8465°N, 77.1605°E) locations of North-Western Himalayan region, India from. In the current study, 143 MTAs associations were observed for seeds per pod distributed on all 8 chromosomes, 2 for pods per plant at chromosomes 2 and 3 and 1 for number of seeds per plant at chromosome 7. However, total 11 stable QTLs (9 for number of seeds per plant and 2 for pods per plant) were also identified. These QTLs can serve as a potential source for marker assisted selection. The genes identified within and in proximity to the stable QTLs will serve as a bridge between genetic information and its practical application for crop improvement.

Structural and sequence analysis of the RPO30 gene of sheeppox and goatpox viruses from India

Sheeppox and goatpox are transboundary viral diseases of sheep and goats that cause significant economic losses to small and marginal farmers worldwide, including India. Members of the genus Capripoxvirus (CaPV), namely Sheeppox virus (SPPV), Goatpox virus (GTPV), and Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), are antigenically similar, and species differentiation can only be accomplished using molecular approaches. The present study aimed to understand the molecular epidemiology and host specificity of SPPV and GTPV circulating in India through sequencing and structural analysis of the RNA polymerase subunit-30 kDa (RPO30) gene. A total of 29 field isolates from sheep (n = 19) and goats (n = 10) belonging to different geographical regions of India during the period: Year 2015 to 2023, were analyzed based on the sequence and structure of the full-length RPO30 gene/protein. Phylogenetically, all the CaPV isolates were separated into three major clusters: SPPV, GTPV, and LSDV. Multiple sequence alignment revealed a highly conserved RPO30 gene, with a stretch of 21 nucleotide deletion in all SPPV isolates. Additionally, the RPO30 gene of the Indian SPPV and GTPV isolates possessed several species-specific conserved signature residues/motifs that could act as genotyping markers. Secondary structure analysis of the RPO30 protein showed four α-helices, two loops, and three turns, similar to that of the E4L protein of vaccinia virus (VACV). All the isolates in the present study exhibited host preferences across different states of India. Therefore, in order to protect vulnerable small ruminants from poxviral infections, it is recommended to take into consideration a homologous vaccination strategy.

Divulgence into Mung Bean Growth Promotion Potential of Endophytes Isolated Across Different Geographical Regions of India

Background: Endophytic fungi in symbiotic association with their host plant are well known to improve plant growth and reduce the adverse effects of abiotic stresses. Therefore, fungal endophytes are beginning to receive increased attention in an effort to find growth-promoting strains that could be applied to enhance crop yield and quality. Methods: In our study, the plant growth promoting activities of endophytic fungi isolated from various parts of India have been revealed and investigated. Fungal isolates were identified using molecular taxonomical methods, while their plant growth promoting abilities were evaluated in plate assays and in vitro studies. Altogether, seven strains were selected, representing the genera Fusarium, Chaetomium and Ulocladium. Result: Six of the isolates possessed phosphate solubilization activities, four secreted siderophores and four showed amylase activity, while all of them were able to produce indoleacetic acid (IAA). In order to investigate the effect of endophytes on plant growth, all seven fungi were selected concerning their potential ability to promote growth in mung bean. The results indicated that microbial endophytes selected from different geographical regions living originally in the plant host are able to influence the growth and fitness parameters of other plants through their promotion effects and could be used as inoculants to establish a sustainable crop production system.

Quantitative Estimation of Variability in Content of Asiaticoside in Centella asiatica Linn Collected from Different Geographical Regions of India by HPLC

Centella asiatica Linn is a significant and highly valued medicinal plant in various indigenous system of medicine Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Indian system of medicines and Chinese medicines. It is one of the chief herbs for treating skin disorder, wounds healing, gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, ulcers, leprosy, vein diseases and memory improvement. In the present study an attempt is made to develop HPLC method for qualitative and quantitative estimation of an important bio active marker Asiaticoside in Centella asiatica collected from different geographical regions of India. Three samples were collected from different geographical regions of India and analyzed by HPLC. The compound separation was achieved on C18 Eclipse, XDB, 4.6mm × 150mm, 5μm particle size column using mobile phase consisted of Acetonitrile: Buffer (25:75v/v) in isocratic elution with flow rate 1.8ml/min. The detection of analytes at 210nm was carried out by using Diode Array Detector (DAD). The comparative study was carried out for variations of Asiaticoside content in Centella Asiatica Linn Collected from different geographical regions of India i.e. Chennai (Tamilnadu), Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) and Raniketh (Uttarakhand). The studies reveal that the maximum amount of the marker compounds Asiaticoside (0.6157%) is present in the sample collected from Chennai compare to the other regions samples.

Combining ability for capsule characters in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The combining ability for capsule characters was estimated in 8x8 full diallel mating design using 8 elite varieties of sesame which are cultivated across different geographical regions in India. The ratio of GCA: SCA indicated predominance of non- additive gene effects for capsule characters. Among 8 parents, GT-2 was the best general combiner of capsule width, capsule length and seed number/capsule, while TKG-22 was the best combiner for seed weight/capsule.

Familial FTD in India

AbstractBackgroundThe burden of dementia in India is estimated to increase by 197% by 2050, and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is among the leading causes of young‐onset dementia. With recent advances in molecular pathology, genetic mechanisms and emerging therapies in FTD, it is important to understand familial FTD patterns in the heterogeneous sociocultural context of India. High genetic diversity is characteristic of India, and its population bears genetic imprints of European, Asian and even African genomes. The objective of this presentation is to provide an account of FTD in India, with a focus on familial FTD and genetic mechanisms recently being identified.MethodThe prevalence of FTD in clinical dementia cohorts across different geographic regions in India, frequency of familial FTD, clinical presentations in the context of sociolinguistic and ethnic diversity, and genetic mechanisms are reported.ResultThe reported prevalence of FTD in clinical and research groups across India varies from 7% to 26%. The proportion of familial FTD ranges from 9.5% in Kolkata in the east, 15% in Trivandrum in the south, 24.6% from Hyderabad and more recently, as high as 40% in a recent study from Bangalore. Few genetic mutations were reported in early studies. In a recent large effort from Bangalore, India, 200 patients with FTD syndromes underwent three generation pedigree analysis, clinical and neuropsychological evaluation and MRI according to ADNI protocol. Nearly half underwent genetic analysis by next generation sequencing and RT‐PCR was done to analyse C9orf 11 in a subset. Novel gene mutations including SQSTM1, GRN, MAPT, PSEN2, TBK1 and C9orf were detected. Of these mutations, 11 were pathogenic in 11 and 26 were variants of unknown significance (VUS). Apart from abnormal protein accumulation due to MAPT and GRN, we also identified CSF1R, TREM2 and TYROBP, that are recognised as primary microgliopathies. A few examples of VUS include PRNP, LRRK2, GBA and PANK2 mutations.ConclusionResearch from familial FTD cohorts in India is contributing to growing evidence of a wider spectrum of genetic mechanisms for FTD. Our findings provide compelling evidence to increase harmonised global efforts to reduce risk and develop novel treatment strategies for FTD.

Disease Prevalence Due to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) and Molecular Nature of G Gene in Different Geographical Region of India: 2005-2022

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading pediatric respiratory pathogen with high morbidity in the first year of life. The morbidity is particularly high in developing countries. it is the most common cause of infant hospitalization and causes a high burden of disease in the elderly. India is a country with vast geographical differences their unique climatic conditions. So, the prevalence of human RSV in different geographical regions is partially understood for a long time. This review was performed by using a different search engine like Google schooler, PubMed, etc. Significant prevalence and specific RSV virus strain circulation were major keywords used for the search in the Indian pediatric population. Annual incidence rates of RSV–associated hospitalization per 1000 children were highest among infants aged 0–5 months, followed by ages 6–23 months, and lowest among children 24–59 months. hRSV was a substantial cause of hospitalization among children aged < 24 months especially those aged <6 months. Prevalence varies from 2.1% to 44% in different geographical regions. hRSV has a more broadly distributed peak timing. numerous studies of the correlation between climatic factors and hRSV incidence across latitudes found variable and inconsistent correlations between hRSV incidence & temperature, and relative humidity in different parts of the tropical region.However, genotypes ON1, NA1, GA5, and GA2 in the hRSV-A group and group hRSV-B BA, BA9, and BA12 were predominantly circulated in India.

Widespread occurrence of Tilapia parvovirus in farmed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus from India.

Tilapia parvovirus (TiPV) has been associated with heavy mortalities in tilapia as a single infection or in co-infection with Tilapia lake virus (TiLV). In this study, TiPV was detected in farmed Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, from two geographical regions of India, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. TiPV-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reported earlier was used in the screening. Tilapia collected from Maharashtra showed characteristic clinical signs, and TiPV was detected along with TiLV and/or Aeromonas spp. However, fish from Uttar Pradesh were apparently healthy and only TiPV could be detected in these samples. A high prevalence of TiPV was recorded from both the geographical locations, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (59.6% and 95.0% respectively). The virus could be detected in tissues such as the spleen, liver, kidney, brain and mucus. The spleen appeared to be the best tissue for detecting TiPV in apparently healthy tilapia. The presence of TiPV was further confirmed through sequencing the PCR products, isolation of the virus in the cell line and electron microscopy. Sequences of the NS1 gene of the two TiPV isolates showed similarity to the earlier reported TiPV isolates. The virus could be successfully propagated in O. niloticus Liver (OnL) cell line, and cytopathic effect was observed as early as 3 days post-infection. Furthermore, the presence of non-enveloped icosahedral to round virus particles measuring about 26-35 nm could be demonstrated in the cytoplasm and nucleus of infected OnL cells in transmission electron microscopy. With this confirmation of the presence of the virus, India is the third country to report TiPV after China and Thailand. The detection of TiPV in co-infection cases with TiLV and in apparently healthy Nile tilapia suggests its wide distribution and potential synergistic effect in co-infection cases. Therefore, this emerging virus needs holistic attention to understand its virulence, host-specificity and epidemiological risk factors.

Feasibility assessment of crowdsourcing slogans for promoting household waste segregation in India: a cross-sectional study.

Crowdsourcing is an emerging technique to engage or access a wider set of experts and multiple stakeholders through online platforms, which might effectively be employed in waste management. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility of the crowdsourcing method to provide an alternative approach that can improve household waste segregation using an "online-slogan-contest". The contest was promoted via targeted emails to various governmental and non-governmental organizations and through social media platforms for around 4 weeks (25 days). The entries were received through a Google form. The slogans were assessed by the experts and analyzed using content analysis methods. Total 969 entries were received from different geographic regions in India. Of that, 456 were in English and 513 in Hindi. Five themes of waste segregation emerged from the received slogans: (1) Community awareness, responsibility, and support, (2) Significance of household waste segregation, (3) Use of separate dustbins, (4) Health and well-being, and (5) Environment and sustainability. Crowdsourcing approaches can be used by local authorities for improving waste management approaches and are recommended as these involve a wider audience within a short time frame. Moreover, this approach is flexible and integrating crowdsourcing approaches strengthens our understanding of existing waste management activities.

Characterization of uropathogenic E. coli from various geographical locations in India

ObjectivesUropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common causative agent of urinary tract infection, accounting for more than 80% of cases worldwide. This study presents data on prevalent serotypes, resistance profiles, and colonization-aiding virulence characteristics of UPEC from different geographical regions in India. MethodsUPEC were serotyped through microtiter plate agglutination. Standard techniques were used to detect various virulence characteristics, i.e., biofilm formation (tissue culture plate method), siderophore production (screened on Chrome Azurol S agar and categorized with Csaky's and Arnow's methods), colicin release (agar overlay technique), gelatin hydrolysis (on gelatinase agar), and cell surface hydrophobicity (salt aggregation method). Antibiotic resistance profiles (against 20 antimicrobial agents) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) were evaluated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. ResultsUPEC strains exhibited very high drug resistance rates to most of the commonly used antimicrobial agents; the highest resistance rates were observed for ampicillin (63.4%), nalidixic acid (63.4%), and cefotaxime (62.1%). High rates of multi-drug resistance (63.36%), ESBL-production (34.1%), and carbapenem-resistance (25.0%) were detected in UPEC strains from all geographical regions of India. Hydrophobicity (61.2%), biofilm production (62.5%), and siderophore production (67.7%) were the most common virulence characteristics of UPEC isolates. Co-expression of virulence characteristics was common (69.8%) in UPEC strains. ConclusionUPEC strains with very high antimicrobial-resistance are in circulation in India, and have diverse serotypes and virulence characteristics.

Effect of phenophases on nutritive value, fodder quality and digestibility of different ecotypes of Moringa oleifera

A study was conducted to assess fodder quality and digestibility with varying levels of maturity of leaves and phenophases among fourteen Moringa oleifera ecotypes collected from different geographical regions of India. Mature leaves had near to neutral pH (6.23) with high crude protein (24.50%); however, dry matter was observed maximum (26.80%) in twigs. In general, dry matter was higher in north Indian ecotypes, while CP was more in south Indian ecotypes (28.70%). South Indian ecotypes had low concentration of fibre and as a result found best for fodder quality traits. Dry matter intake, digestible dry matter, total digestible nutrients, and relative feed value were maximum in tender leaves due to comparative low amount of NDF and ADF in tender leaves. ME was found higher in tender leaves. In vitro dry matter digestibility was found higher in mature leaves than twigs and tender leaves. North Indian ecotypes showed higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (81.90%) than others. In general, MO3 (ODC-3) ecotype was found best for high crude protein (~28.7%), while MO3 (ODC-3) and MO4 (PAU local source) both had highest metabolized energy (~2.83 Mcal/kg), and highest in vitro dry matter digestibility (~81.90%) was recorded in MO11 (PAU-5). However, MO4 (Mandya, Karnataka) ecotype was found best for fodder quality traits. The high proximate composition and adequate cell wall fractions in M. oleifera leaves showed its potentiality as quality forage.

NMR spectroscopy-based analysis of gallstones of cancerous and benign gallbladders from different geographical regions of the Indian subcontinent.

Analysis of the chemical composition of gallstones is vital for the etiopathogenesis of gallstone diseases that can ultimately help in the prevention of its formation. In the present study, gallstones from seven different regions of India were analyzed to highlight the major difference in their composition. Also, gallstones of different pathological conditions i.e., benign (chronic cholecystitis, CC) and malignant gallbladder disease (gallbladder cancer GBC) were characterized. The type of polymorphs of cholesterol molecules was also studied to provide insight into the structure of gallstones. 1H solution state NMR spectroscopy 1D experiments were performed on a total of 94 gallstone (GS) samples collected from seven different geographical regions of India. Solid-State NMR spectroscopy 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) experiments were done on the 20 CC GS samples and 20 GBC GS samples of two regions. 1H NMR spectra from the solution state NMR of all the stones reveal that cholesterol was a major component of the maximum stones of the north India region while in south Indian regions, GS had very less cholesterol. 13C CPMAS experiments reveal that the quantity of cholesterol was significantly more in the GS of CC in the Lucknow region compared with GBC stones of Lucknow and Chandigarh. Our study also revealed that GS of the Lucknow region of both malignant and benign gallbladder diseases belong to the monohydrate crystalline form of cholesterol while GS of Chandigarh region of both malignant and benign gallbladder diseases exists in both monohydrate crystalline form with the amorphous type and anhydrous form. Gallstones have a complicated and poorly understood etiology. Therefore, it is important to understand the composition of gallstones, which can be found in various forms and clinical conditions. Variations in dietary practices, environmental conditions, and genetic factors may influence and contribute to the formation of GS. Prevention of gallstone formation may help in decreasing the cases of gallbladder cancer.

Nationwide distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in road dust from India

In India, information on the occurrence and distribution of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is deficient. In the present study, nationwide 79 road dust samples were collected from 12 states and 1 union territory for the analysis of 34 PFAS. Overall, total concentrations of 21 quantified PFAS (∑21PFAS) ranged 23–861 pg/g (median: 116 pg/g), with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) being predominant (median: 19.9 pg/g). Short to long chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs; C4 − C18) were detected, where the concentrations of PFAS decreased with the increase in PFAS carbon chain length. ∑21PFAS was highest in road dust from urban area (n = 27; median: 230 pg/g), followed by suburban (n = 21; median: 126 pg/g) and rural areas (n = 31; median: 76 pg/g), suggesting environmental impacts of industriallization and urbanization on PFAS distribution. PFAS composition in rural road dust was significantly different from those in suburban and urban samples (p < 0.01). Regarding 4 geographical regions of India, PFAS in road dust showed spatial difference where higher concentrations were found in South India compared to other regions. ∑21PFAS were positively associated with city-wise population of India (rs = 0.40, p < 0.01). Strong to moderate positive correlation was observed between ∑21PFAS, fluorotelomer sulfonic acids, and PFCAs (rs = 0.23, 0.30, and 0.28, respectively; p < 0.05) and the total state-wise vehicles in India, suggesting that vehicles exhaust or non-exhaust (e.g., vehicle tire debris and polishing material) might contribute to the PFAS occurrence in Indian road dust. Toddlers (2–5 years) had the highest estimated daily intake of ∑PFAS via road dust ingestion under average-case and worst-case scenarios (0.55 and 1.16 pg/kg bw/day, respectively). This is the first time to evaluate PFAS in Indian road dust nationwide, aiding to provide first-hand data for human exposure to PFAS in India.

Unintended Pregnancy and Domestic Violence Among Pregnant Women in Regions of India: Evidence from Large Scale Survey Data

The study examined effect of domestic violence (DV) on pregnancy intendedness among pregnant women across geographical regions in India. Using fourth wave of National Family Health Survey data, the study is confined to experience of physical/sexual violence within 12 months preceding the survey. Close to 6% of the women were found pregnant with high in the central region. Among them, 12% were having unintended pregnancy (UIP), with highest in the central (17.4%) region. UIP found 7% higher among victims of DV compared to those who did not face it (11%). Significantly, regional variation is much persisting as the regions having high prevalence of DV are also at an increased risk of UIP which hampers the notion of dignified reproductive rights. This needs region-specific policy and programme. Study push for interventions on minimising DV and reducing burden of high UIP in regions of India.

Identification of Eight High Yielding Strains via Morpho-Molecular Characterization of Thirty-Three Wild Strains of Calocybe indica.

Calocybe indica, generally referred as milky mushroom, is one of the edible mushroom species suitable for cultivation in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. However, lack of potential high yielding strains has limited its wider adaptability. To overcome this limitation, in this study, the germplasms of C. indica from different geographical regions of India were characterized based on their morphological, molecular and agronomical attributes. Internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS4)-based PCR amplification, sequencing and nucleotide analysis confirmed the identity of all the studied strains as C. indica. Further, evaluation of these strains for morphological and yield parameters led to the identification of eight high yielding strains in comparison to the control (DMRO-302). Moreover, genetic diversity analysis of these thirty-three strains was performed using ten sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers/combinations. The Unweighted Pair-group Method with Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA)-based phylogenetic analysis categorized the thirty-three strains along with the control into three clusters. Cluster I possesses the maximum number of strains. Among the high yielding strains, high antioxidant activity and phenol content was recorded in DMRO-54, while maximum protein content was observed in DMRO-202 and DMRO-299 as compared with the control strain. The outcome of this study will help the mushroom breeders and growers in commercializing C. indica.

Exploring the Relationship between Sexual Desires, Fulfilment and Relationship Satisfaction among Long-Distance Couples

Abstract: The current study is an attempt to understand the influence of sexual fulfilment on relationship satisfaction among long-distance relationships. A correlational research design with quantitative approach was adopted. The data for the study was gathered from across the country through Google Forms using a method of convenient sampling. The tools used in the study include the Index of Sexual Satisfaction and the Couple Satisfaction Index. The participants were 74 adults aged 18-30 compromising of males and females who have been in a long-distance relationship or are currently in a long-distance relationship from different geographical regions of India. The results of the current study suggest that there is a moderate negative correlation between sexual satisfaction and the relationship satisfaction among long distance couples.

Premodern Yogāsanas and Modern Postural Yoga Practice: Distinct Regional Collections of Āsanas on the Eve of Colonialism

In this chapter, we formulate a corpus of premodern praxis manuals on yoga that were composed in the 18th and 19th century in rudimentary Sanskrit and vernacular languages, which were likely documenting collections of yoga postures (āsana) current among practitioners of the time. Much of their detailed, praxis-focused content does not occur in the scholarly Sanskrit yoga treatises that predate them, and yet most of these manuals have received little attention in academic publications. Our analysis and comparative study of this material has identified three distinct collections of complex āsana that can be located to different geographical regions of India on the eve of colonialism. This research provides evidence for premodern āsanas that crossed sectarian and linguistic divides and were adopted by the gurus who popularised yoga in the early 20th century. This latter issue underlies contemporary debates on the continuity of modern postural yoga within the Indian tradition. Until this study, clear lines of transmission from premodern teachings on āsana to modern postural yoga have eluded academic research.

Morpho-genetic variability of Rhizoctonia solani population causing sheath blight disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Aim: The present study aims to investigate the morpho-pathological and molecular variability among the R. solani isolates from different geographical regions of India. Methodology: R. solani isolates were collected from sheath blight infected rice plants from diverse regions of Western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Morphological variability among the isolates was studied in-vitro on PDA medium. The anastomosis grouping was determined by hyphal fusion reactions paired with tester strain and confirmed by AG-specific-PCR assay. Pathogenicity assay was conducted in-vivo on four rice varieties using artificial inoculation method under greenhouse conditions. Evolutionary relationship among the isolates was determined using rDNA-ITS-PCR with ITS1 &amp; ITS4 primers. Further, genetic variability among the isolates was assessed using ISSR primers. Results: A total of 21 isolates of R. solani were recovered and based on morphological and sclerotial features, significant variation was observed among the isolates. All the isolates belonged to AG1-IA group which was confirmed by AG-specific PCR assay. Based on pathogenicity, eight isolates were found highly virulent, eight were moderately virulent and six were less virulent. ISSR markers showed high level of polymorphism and grouped all isolates into three major clusters showing partial correlation with geographical origin of the isolates. Sequence variations in ITS region were observed in the form of insertions or deletions of the nucleotide when rDNA-ITS sequences were compared that led to the interspecies diversity and diversity was observed in clad-specific manner. The phylogenetic tree separated the isolates into ten distinct clades showing high level of genetic diversity. Interpretation: The results of the present study may be helpful for the phylogenetic classification of complex R. solani species and provide information on the genetic divergence and occurrence of pathogenic races. This information will be helpful for the development of effective disease management strategies based on the molecular breeding and other approaches. Key words: Anastomosis, Genetic diversity, ISSR, Pathogenicity, R. solani, Sheath blight