Gulbarga District Research Articles

Study of length-weight relationship, scalimetry and age at maturity in freshwater fish, Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) from Farhatabad nala of Gulbarga district, Karnataka, India

Study of length-weight relationship, scalimetry and age at maturity in freshwater fish, Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) from Farhatabad nala of Gulbarga district, Karnataka, India

The effect of photoperiod on maturation of gonads in male freshwater fish, Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) from Farhatabad Nala of Gulbarga district, Karnataka, India

The effect of photoperiod on maturation of gonads in male freshwater fish, Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) from Farhatabad Nala of Gulbarga district, Karnataka, India

Estimation of radioactivity in soil and drinking water samples from Northern Gulbarga District of Karnataka.

The gamma activity of the radionuclides238U, 232Th and 40K were measured in surface soil samples collected from 40 villages of Aland, Afzalpur, Ganaghapur and Kamalapur talukas of Northern Gulbarga district, Karnataka. The gamma activity of natural radionuclides were measured using 4" × 4" NaI (Tl) scintillation detector, the spectrum was analysed using a PC based 1k MCA (winTMCA 32 scinti SPEC) and the 222Rn activity concentrations in drinking water were determined by the Emanometry method. The activity of 238U, 232Th and 40K was found to be in the range from 14.3±0.3 to 64.5±6.1, 15.4±0.2 to 95.0±4.1 and 21±06 to 323±09 Bqkg-1, respectively. Outdoor AED from 0.023 to 0.07 mSvy-1 and all the radiological hazards indices were well within the safe limit. The 222Rn activity in ground water is found to vary from 1.11 to 66.6 Bql-1. The total annual effective doses due to 222Rn inhalation and ingestion range from 3.02 to 181.81μSvy-1, respectively, with an average value of 77.18μSvy-1.

Isolation and morphological characterisation of Bacillus spp. from different cereal rhizoshere soil

Bacillus spp. are widely used in agriculture in order to promote the plants growth. Considering this, the present study was carried out to isolate and characterize the Bacillus spp. from different cereal rhizosphere soil. Twenty Bacillus spp. were isolated from rhizosphere soil samples collected from Raichur and Gulbarga district. Dried soil samples were analysed for the pH, EC, organic carbon content and enzyme activity. All the isolates were Gram positive, rod shaped and motile in nature.

Validation and implementation of principles of the Integrated Pest Management concept - sustainability and current challenges in pest endemic pulse bowl of India

Insect pests and vascular diseases are the major constraints to pigeonpea production in Karnataka and primarily responsible for lower productivity. There is no substantial host plant resistance to key insect pests in currently adopted cultivars, however effective utilization of other components of pest management led to development of various integrated pest management (IPM) to minimize yield losses and protect the environment. In present studies, it is a total “system approach” to sustainable pest management involving seed treatment with microbials, synchronized sowing, modification in landscape and application of need-based pesticide spray. Spray schedule was combined with online pest monitoring system for the plant protection related advisories for the target region. The resultant IPM package implemented through farmer-managed operational scale plots and compared with non-IPM (normal farmer practices) across 7 taluks of Gulbarga district for 4 years (2010–2013 seasons). A total of 2197 farmer-managed demonstrations were conducted, giving a 5–104% yield advantage (district means) of IPM over farmers’ practice. Pest incidence data in IPM vis-à-vis non-IPM clearly indicates that pest can be managed by adopting IPM technology. Number of spray of pesticides could be reduced from 6 to 4. Pesticide residue analysis for 102 chemical pesticides for representative soil, water and grain samples drawn from IPM as well as non-IPM (farmers’ practice) fields, indicates their presence within the prescribed limits. Grain yields in IPM plots were generally 15–20% higher than in FP. Even with all the available inputs, the production is subject to residual production risk due to abiotic constraints (rainfall), diseases and insect pests, which often large farmers are able to bear. Here in present studies it has been clearly demonstrated that strategies are friendly and adoptable by the small and marginal farmers. Effective implementation of IPM practices by participating farmers demonstrated that remunerative and reliable yields could be obtained in this pest-prone environment and helps mitigate climate induced threat to agricultural development having relevance to other pigeonpea growing regions prone to similar pest pests.

Abstract P5-04-03: Analyzing the performance of Thermalytix, an AI-based breast cancer screening solution, in a community setting

Abstract Background: Despite improvements in treatment strategies, breast cancer survival rates remain low in India due to a lack of awareness and late stage of presentation. If diagnosed and treated early, breast cancer survival rates improve. Screening mammography, the gold standard in cancer diagnosis, is not feasible in a resource-constrained setting. Niramai’s novel breast cancer screening technology, Thermalytix™, applies Artificial Intelligence (AI) over thermography, to give an automated interpretation of the breast thermal images. The portable Thermalytix test has been so far used to screen 60000 women in community settings across India and Kenya. This study is a recent evaluation of the test in rural setting. Methods: Women who provided written consent and who underwent Thermalytix tests in community-based screening camps at primary health centers (PHCs) in Afzalpur Taluk of Gulbarga District, Karnataka, India between 01 August 2021 to 15 June 2022 were included in this study. Five thermal images in multiple views were analyzed using Niramai’s patented algorithm. Automated analysis of the thermal images produced a screening report and triaged the participants for follow-up. In case of abnormal thermal activity, Thermalytix triaged women as ‘red’ and were referred to the district hospital for follow-up with breast ultrasound and/or other investigations and and were recorded into the following three categories: Normal (BI-RADS 1), Abnormal - benign (BI-RADS 2/3) and Abnormal - malignant (BI-RADS 4/5). If no abnormal thermal patterns were detected by Thermalytix, women would be recommended routine screening. Findings: The analysis included 3531 women were included in the analysis and the median age in the cohort was 42 years. Of them, 97 (2.74%) women were triaged ‘red’ by Thermalytix indicating a suspicion of breast abnormality. As on 15 June 2022, 29 (30%) out of 97 women underwent standard follow-up investigations of which two cases of carcinoma breast, one case of phyllodes, one case of tuberculosis mastitis and seven other benign cases were identified, indicating that Thermalytix has a positive predictive value of 35.71% (11/29) in detecting benign and malignant breast lesions. Furthermore, a Patient experience questionnaire was used to asses their experience. 98.71% women were being screened for breast cancer for the first time in their lives. 93.9% women said they were very satisfied with Thermalytix screening experience and remaining 6.1% said they were satisfied, thus aiding in strong acceptability and adoption of the test. Interpretation: In resource-constrained settings such as India, where less than 2% of the women in the country have ever got screening for breast cancer, the portable, no-radiation Thermalytix test is an accessible breast cancer screening solution. Thermalytix’s patient-friendly features - privacy-aware, painless, comfortable, and radiation-free make it favorable for population screening in India, and thus, can increase the uptake of breast cancer screening. With the device’s capacity to fit into a backpack, it can make breast cancer screening accessible to even remote areas with limited resources. However, following up on women who were found to be Thermalytix positive still remains a challenge. Future studies will emsure that follow-up after abnormal breast screening is part of the approved clinical protocol. Results of the screening program 3 malignancies and 8 benign lesions found in 29 Thermalytix RED patients Citation Format: Geetha Manjunath, Lakshmi Krishnan, Gargi Deshpande, Purnima Madhivanan, Karl Francis Krupp. Analyzing the performance of Thermalytix, an AI-based breast cancer screening solution, in a community setting [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-04-03.

Multisectoral Nutrition Interventions and Their Impact on Pregnancy Weight Gain and Low Birth Weight: An Open Experiment in Two Remote Blocks of Karnataka, India

The Karnataka Multisectoral Nutrition Pilot Project, (KMNPP), 2015–2018, was implemented in Devadurga Block, Raichur District and Chincholli Block, Gulbarga District, two most backward Blocks in Karnataka. Special interventions for behaviour change and appropriate dietary supplementation for pregnant women were implemented through an inter-sectoral, intergenerational strategy. This article analyses real-time data that emerged from the project regarding pregnancy weight gain, the weight of newborns at birth and incidence of low birth weight (LBW), and the inter-relationship between these three indicators. Data indicates that KMNPP interventions resulted in a significant increase in mean pregnancy weight gain from 2.452 kg at baseline to 4.058 kg at end-line. Incidence of LBW declined highly significantly from 34.3% to 25.8% from baseline to end line and the mean birthweight of newborns increased significantly from 2.599 kg to 2.695 kg. Data provides strong evidence of a direct correlation between increased maternal pregnancy weight gain, a decrease in per cent LBW and a corresponding increase in mean birth weight of newborns, as the project interventions progressed. This article also provides strong evidence that simple KMNPP interventions addressing pregnancy nutritional care including appropriate dietary supplementation and behaviour change can be replicated in any chronic undernutrition areas to improve pregnancy weight gain, increase birth weight and reduce the incidence of low birth weight.

Multisectoral Nutrition Interventions and Their Impact on BMI and Thinness Levels Among Adolescent Girls: An Open Experiment in Two Remote Blocks of Karnataka, India

The Karnataka Multisectoral Nutrition Pilot Project (2015–2018) was implemented in Devadurga Block, Raichur District and Chincholi Block, Gulbarga District—two most backward Blocks in Karnataka. Special interventions for behaviour change and appropriate dietary supplementation for adolescent girls (11–18 years) were implemented through an inter-sectoral, intergenerational strategy. This article analyses real time data regarding thinness/severe thinness among 8,847 adolescent girls in the cross-sectional group and 1,545 adolescent girls in the cohort group. Both BMI-cut-offs method and BMI-for-age Z-score methods provide strong evidence of significant increase in percentage of ‘normal’ adolescent girls from baseline to endline; significant decrease in severe thinness; non-significant decrease/increase in moderate thinness. Data also indicates that while 68.2% of baseline moderately thin girls transitioned to normal category, 71.8% new moderately thin girls (44.3% from improved severely thin girls and 27.5% from normal girls), transitioned into the moderately thin category. Data provides strong evidence that thinness/severe thinness among adolescent girls reduced significantly through project interventions, which are simple to replicate. Tallest girls at baseline, and those gaining fastest height, transitioned to becoming/remaining moderately/severely thin, an area for further research. Further research is required regarding the ideal duration of interventions to improve moderate underweight/thinness to normal status.

Comparative Ichthyofaunal Observation of Freshwater Fishes of Shahabad Gulbarga District and Marine Water Fishes of Mangalore Districts of Karnataka

In this research project a comparison of ichthyofaunal diversity has been considered in the regions of Karnataka. Thus both freshwater and marine water samples have been taken for evaluation. For the freshwater sample collection the Shahabad region has been chosen and samples have been collected from Krishna and Bheema River as well as Bonal reservoir. For the marine sample collection coastal regions of Mangalore have been chosen. The samples have been further taxonomically identified to understand the order and family based distribution of the samples. As a obtained result and with the support of other scholarly articles, it has been identified that there is a greater marine diversity than freshwater diversity in the regions of Karnataka.

Multisectoral Nutrition Interventions and Their Impact on the Nutritional Status of Children: An Open Experiment in Two Remote Blocks of Karnataka, India

The Karnataka Multisectoral Nutrition Pilot Project, led by the Karnataka Comprehensive Nutrition Mission was implemented in Devadurga Block, Raichur District and Chincholi Block, Gulbarga District, two most backward blocks, between 2015 and 2018. Interventions were inter-sectoral and inter- generational and addressed root causes of malnutrition. This article analyses real-time data that emerged from the project regarding underweight, stunting and wasting among 8606 children in the cross-sectional group and 699 children in the cohort group aged 6 months to 3 years. Data indicate that percentage of “normal children”—not underweight, wasted or stunted—increased by 9% points from baseline to end line; underweight reduced by half and wasting by almost two-thirds. Stunting increased by 1% point, with previously wasted and underweight children transitioning into stunting, while around one-third baseline stunted children became non-stunted. This constant transition between the three anthropometric indicators suggests that they impact each other constantly and coexist simultaneously in different combinations as children grow. Hence, policy and programmes for addressing/preventing them, should view them in an integrated, holistic manner.

Impact of El Niño Southern Oscillation on Rainfall and Rice Production: A Micro-Level Analysis

Monsoon fluctuation due to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has a reflective influence on rice production, which is the major food grain crop in India. The impact of ENSO on the spatial variability of summer monsoon rainfall was analyzed from 1950 to 2018 and that on Kharif rice production for the period of 1998–2016. It was clear from the analysis that ENSO had varied influences on rainfall and rice production over different rice-growing districts of Karnataka. During El Niño (strong, moderate, and weak) years, southwest (S-W) monsoon rainfall was below normal in all the districts of Karnataka, wherein the highest negative deviation from normal was recorded in the Mysore district (−21.43%). In contrast, the rice production was higher in 15 districts out of 25, and the deviation from normal ranged from −39.73% in Bidar to 42.11% in Gulbarga district. During the La Niña (strong, moderate, and weak) years, S-W monsoon rainfall was above normal in 12 districts in which Bidar and Bengaluru urban districts have shown the highest positive deviation (19.93 and 19.82%, respectively). However, except for Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Bidar, Davanagere, and Hassan districts, all the other major rice-growing districts have shown a positive deviation in rice production with the highest deviation of 62.39% in Tumkur district. Additionally, correlation coefficient values indicated the influence of southwest monsoon rainfall on Kharif rice production during El Niño years with a major contribution from September month rainfall. This kind of ENSO impact analysis on spatial rice production could be useful for formulating the farm-level site-specific management, planning, and policy decisions during ENSO periods in advance.

Oral health status and treatment needs among deaf, mute and visually impaired children of Gulbarga district - A population based cross sectional study.

Background:Oral diseases can particularly have a harmful impact on the general health of individuals with certain systemic health problems or conditions. The aim of the study was to assess the oral health status and treatment needs among deaf, mute, and visually impaired children of the Gulbarga district.Methodology:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 deaf, mute, and visually impaired children of the Gulbarga district. A specially prepared structured questionnaire was used to record the demographic variables and oral hygiene practices. Type III clinical examination was carried out. Oral health status was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) assessment form (1997). Oral hygiene index-simplified (1964) was used to assess the oral hygiene status.Results:A total of 284 children were examined, aged 6–24 years, with a mean age of 12.95 years (±3.13). The prevalence of dental caries was 49.3%, and 87.4% of the children suffered from periodontal disease. Oral hygiene status was poor in 24.7% of the children.Conclusion:The findings in the present study highlight the lack of dental treatment. There is a considerable need for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases among deaf, mute, and visually impaired children.

Epidemiological Profile of Fatal Poisoning Autopsy Cases Conducted at Gims, Kalaburagi, Karnataka- A Retrospective Study

Background- Pesticide poisoning is a major public health problem worldwide, with thousands of deaths occurring every year, mainly in developing countries. Its usage has been increased in recent past leading its misuse to commit suicide. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of fatal poisoning cases in and around Gulbarga district & to find out its correlates. Methodology- The present study is a retrospective study of fatal poisoning autopsy cases performed at GIMS, District Hospital, Kalaburagi, Karnataka from January 2018 to December 2018. During this period a total of 647 autopsy cases were conducted of which 85 cases were due to fatal poisoning. Relevant information and subjective data like age, sex, marital status, religion, seasonal variation, type of poison consumed and manner of death have been collected from medicolegal autopsy register, police inquest and treatment history using a predesigned proforma. Results- A total of 647 cases were autopsied during the year Jan 2018-Dec 2018. Out of 647 cases 85.9% cases were due to unnatural deaths of which 85 cases (13.1%) were due to suspected poisoning. In our study males outnumbered females with 67 cases (78.8%) compared to females with 18 cases (21.2%), maximum number of cases were in the age group between 21-30 years with 36 cases (42.4%). Maximum number of cases were from rural locality with 69 cases (81.2%) & majority of poisoning cases were seen during summer with 42 cases (49.4%). Maximum number of deaths were due to suicide (95.2%) followed by accidental poisoning (4.8%). Majority of poisoning cases were seen in Hindu population (82.3%) and maximum cases were seen in married people (74.1%). Conclusion- Agrochemical pesticides especially Organophosphorus compounds are responsible for most of the poison related fatalities, which is seen in our present study. Strict legal enforcement in selling and handling of agrochemicals is the need of the hour, and establishment of poison detection centres and early management of poisoning cases at all hospitals, primary health care centres could considerably minimise the morbidity and mortality due to poisoning.

Factors influencing the uptake of pulse vitamin A supplementation among children in a rural area in India: a cross sectional study

Background: The change in strategy of India’s National Program for the prevention and control of nutritional blindness due to Vitamin A deficiency during 2006, aims for all children aged 9 months to 5 years to receive biannual pulse dose of Vitamin A with a total nine mega doses of Vitamin A. Micronutrient initiative (MI) was providing technical assistance to the State Health department of Karnataka in implementing the new bi-annual strategy, in partnership with UNICEF during the period 2006 to 2010.Methods: During July 2006, the Investigator evaluated its coverage in Gulbarga district. This study assessed the factors influencing the uptake of pulse Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) among children from impoverished background. Using oral questionnaires, a total of 30 Parents (Mothers) of these children, 12 childcare workers (AWWs), 12 peripheral health workers (ANMs) were interviewed regarding barriers towards implementing this Program and assessment of the facilities (12 Anganwadi centres) were conducted.Results: Only 28% of the facility had some IEC display regarding VAS. 75% of ANMs were aware that either green leafy vegetables or fish or fruits are the main source of micronutrients. A similar number of ANMs knew that Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness, >90% of AWW had informed parents about the program during the monthly mother meetings. <20% of parents were aware of the current pulse VAS program and a similar number were aware of the next round of supplementation.Conclusions: Regular interaction with families, monitoring the activities of field level health workers and supportive supervision will enable uptake of VAS Program. Future action should prioritize sub-district level units – blocks and villages, with higher concentration of poor households.

Political Dimensions of Weaker Sections Welfare in Local Self Government in India: A Study

Soon after independence, the main thrust of Indian Government centered on meeting the basic needs of India’s population which include food, clothing and shelter. With this perspective, the national policy makers looked at various measures to alleviate the rural poor. The process of self governance and planning by empowering the people through Panchayati Raj system although started nearly five decades earlier, but 73rd and 74th amendments in the Constitution of India brought an historic change in the process of decentralisation towards the grass root level and participation of people both in the formulation as well as implementation of the plans. The paper explores how the Constitution 73rd Amendment Act (1992), provided certainty, continuity and strength to the PRI’s for the welfare of the weaker sections through Decentralization. Uniform three-tier level of the village, block and district levels, direct elections to all seats and at all levels, indirect elections to chairpersons at intermediate and apex levels. Reservation on rotational basis for SC’s ST’s in proportion to their population, both for membership as well as Chairpersonships of the PRI’s. Not less than one third of the seats and offices reserved for women. The present paper intends to discuss the political participation of weaker sections in panchayat raj institutions in Karnataka in general and in Afjalpur taluk of Gulbarga District in particular as a case study. Finally the paper discusses about the political participation of weaker sections and sought their opinion of their involvement in the process of political, economic development and social justice, with the transfer of the list of Eleventh and the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution to the rural and urban elected local bodies, and the process of welfare activities for weaker sections through the Panchayat Raj Institutions has been discussed.

Land Evaluation for Site-Specific Crop Planning-A Case Study of Chincholi Khurd-1 Microwatershed, Aland Taluk, Gulbarga District, Karnataka, India

Land evaluation is the assessment of the suitability of land for specified land uses. Land evaluation and quantitative land use systems analysis support the planning of sustainable use of land. Six soil series and their phases identified and mapped during land resource inventory were evaluated for their soil-site suitability for different crops in Chincholi Khurd-1 microwatershed, Aland Taluk, Gulbarga District, Karnataka. The soil mapping units were classified and grouped into land capability classes II, III and IV with limitations of erosion and soil characteristics. Soil-site suitability evaluation for sorghum, maize, red gram, sunflower, cotton and soybean showed that Rajnala (RNL) soil series are calcareous clay and Mahagaon (MAN) soil series are cracking clay soils and are highly suitable (S1) for sorghum, sunflower, cotton, soybean except mapping unit RNLmC2g1. They are marginally suitable (S3) for maize and moderately suitable (S2) for red gram, respectively. Novinihala (NHA) and Bhimanahalli (BHI) soil series are moderately suitable (S2) for all crops except sunflower, and Margutti (MGT) soil series with nine mapping units are not suitable (N) for all the assessed crops. Soil factors (depth, soil texture, gravelliness and slope) and soil erosion are the major limitations for cultivation of the crops in the microwatershed.

Programmatic evaluation of mass drug administration for elimination of lymphatic filariasis and reasons for non-compliance in Gulbarga district, Karnataka in 2015

Background: Mass drug administration (MDA) to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) is conducted once annually in the identified endemic districts of the country. MDA implementation is assessed by appointed independent teams within 2-3 weeks of the activity to suggest mid-term corrections and strengthen the on-going programme. This study was undertaken to assess the process of MDA implementation, drug coverage and compliance and to identify the reasons for non-compliance.Methods: A survey of four clusters comprising of three rural and one urban area was conducted in Gulbarga, during the third week following the MDA campaign in the district. Information pertaining to the MDA beneficiaries of the 124 evaluated households was collected over a period of three days using a structured proforma. The process of MDA implementation was evaluated at the district, taluk and primary health centre (PHC) levels.Results: From the information collected on 673 inmates of the households surveyed, the coverage and compliance rates of 87.5 and 60.9% respectively was found for diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole distribution and consumption. The important reasons for non–compliance to swallow the drugs identified were the beneficiaries being out of station during the campaign, was not aware of it, the drug distributer did not visit the beneficiaries house and fear of side effects of the drugs.Conclusions: Efforts to improve the compliance to consumption of the anti-filarial drugs at Gulbarga district is required for elimination of LF.

Impact of pharmacist provided knowledge on dengue among selected school children

Background: Dengue is a self-limiting acute mosquito transmitted disease caused by an arbovirus and spread by Aedes mosquitoes, sever infections results in DHF & DSS. Hence school education has been described as a ‘social vaccine’, and it can serve as a powerful preventive tool. Aim & Objectives: To assess the prevalence of mosquito borne diseases among School children, to assess the knowledge level of high school children regarding dengue and its prevention before and after the administration of planned teaching programme and to provide health education regarding dengue fever among school children. Materials and Methods: A six months’ community based prospective observational study was conducted at selected schools of Gulbarga District. Total of 265 students were enrolled into the study by considering study criteria. Our inclusion criteria are all students of secondary school students of class 8th -10th. The data was collected from school children of RGEMS & AEMS in Gulbarga district. Results: In our study, most of the students were unaware of insect and species of mosquito which is responsible for causing DF, DHS & DSS and their knowledge was found to be excellent 3.6%, good 33.46%, average 37.90% and poor 25.00% before providing the knowledge. We pharmacist in our study played a vital role in providing education to the school children and their knowledge progress after our study was found, excellent 69.23%, good 30.76% and none of the students had average and poor knowledge. Conclusion: Our study concludes that the educational interventions by the pharmacist plays a vital role by educating the students and their by improving theirs and surrounding community health. Hence it is very imperative for pharmacists and other health care disciplinarians to carry out community based studies or educational interventions at all levels of students particularly in rural India where there is scope to improve their knowledge which helps students their parents and siblings and surrounding community.

Socio-economic and psychological characteristics of vermicomposting farmers of Gulbarga district of Karnataka

Socio-economic and psychological characteristics of vermicomposting farmers of Gulbarga district of Karnataka

Assessment of Arsenic and Fluoride in Ground Waters of Sedam and Shahabad Regions of Gulbarga District

Assessment of Arsenic and Fluoride in Ground Waters of Sedam and Shahabad Regions of Gulbarga District