Madurai District Research Articles

Ecological Insights into the Predatory Behaviour of Condylostylus longicornis in Agricultural Fields of Madurai District, India

Researchers affiliated with the Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology at Vivekananda College in Tiruvedakam West, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, along with collaborators from other institutions, have observed a rare predatory behaviour of long-legged fly Condylostylus longicornis (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) in the agroecosystem of the Sholavandan region in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu. In general, C. longicornis favours environments that are close to marshes, streams, meadows, or forests and that are slightly shaded. C. longicornis is considered an optimal bio-indicator species for monitoring and conserving water quality. This article provides an overview of the history, behavioural characteristics, and ecological significance of C. longicornis.

Spatial Analysis of Land Use Land Cover Dynamics in the Madurai District Using Sentinel-2 Data and Supervised Learning Algorithms

Abstract. LULC, or Land Use and Land Cover, refers to the classification and description of different types of land and its usage patterns, including urban areas, forests, agricultural land, etc. In remote sensing, satellite imagery for LULC mapping is becoming more widespread. Numerous studies examine various approaches to improve mapping efficiency and accuracy, highlighting the significance of various data sources, machine learning algorithms, and categorization techniques. This study employs machine learning classifiers, namely Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosted Trees (GTB), Classification and Regression Trees (CART), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) for land use and land cover (LULC) classification of Madurai district utilizing Google Earth Engine. The findings reveal the impressive performance of Random Forest, boasting an overall accuracy of 99.01 percent coupled with a commendable Kappa coefficient of 98.68. Conversely. However, amidst these commendable achievements, it’s noteworthy to highlight the nuanced variations observed between the accuracy of training and validation sets. This discrepancy is attributed to the intrinsic intricacies of the learning processes inherent within the algorithms, underscoring the nuanced nature of algorithmic methodologies and their implications on accuracy assessment within spatial analysis frameworks. The generated land use and land cover (LULC) map allows for a comparison between the ground truth data and the surveys conducted to assess issues such as water scarcity and the drying of natural and man-made water bodies.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CHALLENGES OF WOMEN CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: A CASE STUDY IN MADURAI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

The construction sector plays an important role in the livelihoods of rural poor populations, contributing significantly to their economic sustenance. This study focuses on the status and significance of women construction workers in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. More than 3 lakh construction workers are employed in Tamil Nadu facing various challenges on a daily basis. Women in this sector encounter numerous issues including socio-economic hardships, environmental risks and health problems at the worksite. The present study investigates the socio-economic conditions and occupational health problems faced by women in Madurai’s construction industry. The construction sector a key employer in developing countries like India predominantly hires unskilled and semi-skilled labour. Women workers in construction industry endure long working hours, wage discrimination and adverse working conditions often with limited access to social security or healthcare. Data collected from 60 respondents through purposive sampling reveals that most of the women workers are between 30 and 50 years old and have only a primary level of education. Despite their significant contributions these women face a multitude of challenges such as health issues like neck and shoulder pain, anaemia and asthma with minimal awareness of medical insurance. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at improving economic security, health awareness, and working conditions for women in the construction sector. KEYWORDS: construction women workers, marginalized, health problems, wage discrimination, livelihood.

Role of Workplace Culture on Organizational Commitment of Private College Teachers: Mediating Effect of Professional Development

The research investigates the complex dynamics between workplace culture, organizational commitment, and professional development among 489 private college teachers in Madurai district. Utilized purposive sampling, a structured questionnaire is employed for primary data collection. Percentage analysis is applied to examine the demography of teachers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the sample composition. The study employs Structural Equation Modeling to scrutinize the causal relationships among workplace culture, organizational commitment, and professional development. Additionally, Analysis of Variance is utilized to assess the impact of teachers’ demographic variables on the research constructs. Findings revealed that learning and adaptability, institutional support, and job engagement play crucial roles in shaping workplace culture, while the latter significantly influences organizational commitment. Furthermore, professional development partially mediates the relationship between workplace culture and organizational commitment. In contrast, gender and designation show no significant effects, but age, academic status, and salary exhibit substantial impacts, emphasizing their pivotal roles in influencing institutional support, job engagement, workplace culture, professional development, and organizational commitment among private college teachers.

Assessment of primary health care accessibility and patients’ perception in Madurai district: a geo-medical study

Assessment of primary health care accessibility and patients’ perception in Madurai district: a geo-medical study

Dynamic interplay of soil parameters and CO2 sequestration in Solanku-runi Freshwater Pond Wetland, Tamil Nadu, India

This study investigates the dynamic interplay between soil temperature, pH levels, and CO2 sequestration across ten sample sites over a four-month periods from January to April 2018 in Solankuruni freshwater pond wetland in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India. The soil temperature fluctuations, ranging from 31°C to 44°C, reveal distinct site-specific patterns, with sample site six consistently exhibiting the highest temperatures. Soil temperature exhibited notable variations, influenced by factors such as soil composition, and microclimate variations. Regarding pH level, the range between 6.23 to 8.1 display variability influenced by factors like soil composition and anthropogenic influences, study site five consistently leading in pH levels. Soil CO2 sequestration varying from 1517.857 g/m² to 3357.143 g/m², highlight the influence of soil microbial activity, vegetation cover, and soil moisture content, ninth site consistently showing the highest sequestration rates. The findings reveal substantial variations in factors such as soil composition, vegetation type, microclimate, and anthropogenic activities, prominence the intricate nature of soil dynamics. These results stress the importance of understanding the interconnections among soil properties to create effective climate change mitigation strategies. Moreover, the research provides valuable understanding of the intricate connections between soil properties, emphasizing the necessity for region-specific studies to inform comprehensive environmental policies. Understanding these dynamic soil processes is crucial for advancing sustainable land management practices and boosting soil carbon sequestration in wetland ecosystems.

AN ANALYSIS OF HEALTH STATUS BY BURIAL GROUND WORKERS IN MADURAI DISTRICT, TAMILNADU

Burial ground workers, often overlooked in public health research, perform essential services that sustain societal and cultural practices. These workers are exposed to a myriad of occupational hazards, including exposure to infectious diseases, harmful chemicals, and ergonomic risks. In Madurai District, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and densely populated urban areas, the health status of burial ground workers warrants a thorough investigationMadurai District, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, is home to numerous burial grounds that serve its diverse population. Burial ground workers here face unique health challenges due to the nature of their work environment. Despite their critical role, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding their health status and the factors affecting their well-being.

Influence of weather parameters on rice blast disease progression in Tamil Nadu, India

Rice cultivation in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, spans distinct cropping seasons: Kar (May – Jun), Semi-dry (Jul – Aug), Samba/ Late Samba (Aug – Sep), and Navarai (Dec – Jan), each with unique weather conditions and rice varieties. This study explores the correlation between weather parameters temperature, rainfall, humidity, sunshine hours, and wind speed and rice blast disease severity from 2021 to 2023. Using multiple linear regression with ordinary least squares (OLS), the analysis achieves high predictive accuracy (R² = 0.98). Results show that the maximum temperatures correlated negatively with disease severity (r = -0.869 to -0.892), while rainfall (r = 0.768 to 0.804) and wind speed (r = 0.766 to 0.938) correlated positively during the semi-dry season. Relative humidity exhibits varying impacts across seasons. These findings underscore the importance of tailored disease management strategies, such as targeted fungicidal applications during warmer seasons and optimized water management in others. By elucidating these dynamics, the study enhances understanding of weather-disease interactions, providing actionable insights to optimize disease management and enhance crop resilience in Madurai district.

Weather based paddy yield prediction using machine learning regression algorithms

Paddy is a major crop in India which is highly affected by the weather variables resulting in drastic reduction of its yield; adverse all the variables drastically reduce the paddy yield. In this research, machine learning model was developed for prediction of paddy yield production by linear regression (LR), random forest regression (RFR), support vector regression (SVR), cat boost regression (CBR), and hybrid machine learning with variance inflation factor (VIF) LR-VIF, RFR-VIF, SVR-VIF, and CBR-VIF techniques. The dataset consists of variables (weather) for more than 15 years collected for the study area which is Madurai district, Tamil Nadu in India. Analysis was carried out by fixing 70% of data calibration & remaining 30% for validation in Jupyter notebook (Python programming). Results showed that CBR-VIF performed having nRMSE value 1.23 to 1.40% for Madurai South, nRMSE value 0.56 to 1.40% for Melur, nRMSE value 1.10 to 1.25% for Usilampatti, and nRMSE value 0.75 to 1.10% for Thirumangalam. The hybrid model of CBR along with VIF and then CBR model has shown improvement with high influenced weather variables such as maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall normal, and actual rainfall.

Evaluating the Impact of Agri-startups on Technology Transfer: Insights from Farmers in Madurai and Dindigul Districts, Tamil Nadu, India

Evaluating the Impact of Agri-startups on Technology Transfer: Insights from Farmers in Madurai and Dindigul Districts, Tamil Nadu, India

IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE ON INCOME THROUGH SHGs IN MADURAI DISTRICT

This study examines the responsibility of microfinance institutions towards changes in the livelihood practices of the borrowers. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected from the women Self Help Group members in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu by using interview schedules. Considering a total of 120 borrowers of Madurai, the impact of microfinance on their lives has been observed empirically by applying different statistical tools. In this study, impact of micro finance on income. For this the impact analysis of pre and post SHG members’ situation has been taken. This study contributes to the extant literature on microfinance by comparing pre-loan and post-loan phases and identified. Gini co-efficient of concentration ratio was used to measure the extent of inequalities in the distribution of income in the households of SHG members before and after joining SHGs. The upward shift in the Lorence curve towards the diagonal line for after joining SHGs, clearly shows that there is an improvement in the income inequality among the SHG members after joining SHGs. By considering the appropriate framework and approach, this study is explicable towards policymakers for designing further policies in this context and helps identify resources that need to flourish the current state in the future.

Socio-Economic Determinants of Awareness and Utilization of Millets and Its Value-added Products among Rural Consumers in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India

Socio-Economic Determinants of Awareness and Utilization of Millets and Its Value-added Products among Rural Consumers in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India

Post‐road traffic injury experiences and challenges faced by college students: A qualitative study in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India

AbstractRoad traffic injuries (RTIs) are a pressing public health concern in India, leading to a rise in injury‐related deaths, hospitalizations, and disabilities. India accounts for a significant portion of the world's fatal traffic accidents, with two‐wheelers being involved in the majority of these accidents. The impact of non‐fatal injuries on individuals extends beyond the bodily consequences of the injury and includes both the physical and psychological dimensions of the injury. The literature indicates the need for policy cascades and implementation framework for the prevention of road traffic injury. This study aimed to investigate the post‐RTI experiences and challenges faced by college students who experienced road traffic injury during their college life by using a qualitative research approach in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. The study found that college students who experienced RTIs faced a wide range of physical, emotional, and social difficulties. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to RTI prevention that takes into account the complex interplay of individual, environmental, and societal factors that contribute to RTIs. The study also underscores the urgent need to improve the quality and availability of healthcare and rehabilitation services for RTI survivors.

A Comparative Study on Smartphone Addiction among High School Students: Analysis based on Locality and Nature of Institution

Smartphone addiction has become an escalating issue among adolescents, raising significant concerns about its potential detrimental effects on various aspects of their lives. This growing phenomenon is particularly worrisome due to its capacity to negatively impact academic achievement, alter social dynamics, and compromise overall mental and physical well-being. This study examined smartphone addiction among high school students in Madurai District, focusing on differences based on locality (rural vs. urban) and the nature of the institution (Boys, Girls, and Co-education schools).The study involved 865 high school students (470 males and 395 females) from government, aided, and corporation schools in Madurai District. Data was collected using a standardized smartphone addiction scale, and statistical analyses, including t-tests and one-way ANOVA, were performed. The analysis of locality-based differences revealed that rural students had a higher mean score of smartphone addiction (M=102.22, SD=18.048) compared to urban students (N=617, M=99.08, SD=29.403). However, this difference was not statistically significant (t(863)=1.567, p=0.118). This suggests that the locality of students (rural or urban) does not significantly influence their level of smartphone addiction. In contrast, when examining the nature of the institution, significant differences were found among students from Boys, Girls, and Co-education schools (F (2, 862) =17.544, p<0.001). This indicates that the type of school (single-gender or co-educational) plays a significant role in the levels of smartphone addiction among high school students in Madurai District.

Attitude towards E-Learning among Secondary School Students in Madurai District

This study investigates the attitudes of secondary school students in Madurai district towards e-learning, focusing on how these attitudes vary across different demographics. Employing a quantitative research approach, data were gathered from 300 students through structured questionnaires. The study examines variations in attitudes based on three key factors: gender, locality (rural versus urban), and medium of instruction (Tamil versus English). Analysis reveals significant differences in students' perceptions, indicating that attitudes towards e-learning are influenced by these demographic factors. The findings underscore the importance of developing targeted e-learning strategies to improve student engagement and effectiveness. These insights are intended to guide educational practices and inform policy enhancements to better address the diverse needs of students in the digital learning environment.

Determinants of Online Banking Service Quality in Madurai District: A Survey-based Approach

This study explores the determinants of online banking service quality in Madurai district, focusing on Convenience, Accessibility, Usefulness, Trust, Information Quality, and Security. Using factor analysis and mean ranking, the research identifies Security as the most critical factor, followed by Convenience. These findings suggest that robust security measures and userfriendly services are essential for enhancing customer satisfaction in online banking.

Floral diversity and nutritional value of forages in Pulikulam cattle breeding tract

Documenting the floral diversity in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract (Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts in Tamil Nadu) and the nutrient content of predominant forages were important for maintaining Pulikulam cattle under zero input grazing system of management. Hence, a study was carried out to document the forage biomass, botanical composition, and nutritional profile of the forages present in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract. The number of edible forage species other than shrubs and trees documented in the grazing tract at Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts was 10, 8 and 9, respectively. Pennisetum clandestinum recorded significantly (p <0.05) highest biomass (133.25, 148.25 and 115 g/m2) and botanical composition (31.32, 34.99, and 26.31%) in all the districts. Variability was observed in proximate principles, fiber fractions and mineral contents between forages. Zinc was not detectable in Aristida setacea and both zinc and copper were not in detectable levels in Echinochloa colona.

Three-tier integrated demand-supply energy management for optimized energy usage in institutional building

Sustainable Energy Plan is an indispensable field of study in the context of Building Energy Management (BEM) which yearns for a cutting-edge technique to raise consumers’ level of contentment with energy usage. This paper introduces a three-tier strategic approach for demand cum supply side management at the prosumer end named TID-SEM (Three-tier Integrated Demand cum Supply Energy Management) framework. The framework commences with data collection, machine learning, and Random Forest classifier-based Demand side management to reduce peak demand. Followingly, a feasibility study on available sources (Solar PV + Battery + Diesel Generator + Grid) was done using the HOMER simulator. The quality techno-enviro-economic shows distinguished optimal one under each criterion. Ultimately to overcome, an ideal computative multicriteria decision-making approaches Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process, the Fuzzy Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations, and the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution employed to highlight the most optimal configuration. The study focuses on a department building within a higher education institution in the Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. On implementing the TID-SEM, ‘PV + Grid’ after DSM configuration was ranked as the most optimum. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the techno-enviro-economic impact of uncertain parameters on the optimal configuration, ensuring the robustness of the proposed framework.

Adoption of Pest Management Practice Wise Green Technologies Utilization Behaviour of Trichy and Madurai District Farmers in Rice-based Ecosystem

The current study was carried out in Madurai and Trichy districts of Tamil Nadu. Two blocks from each district were chosen. For this study, a total sample size of 240 people was used. It was seen that 52.08 per cent of the respondents had fully adopted the destruction of stubbles after harvest in which 56.67 per cent of Trichy district farmers and 47.50 per cent of Madurai district farmers had fully adopted the above practice in order to avoid yellow stem borer. More than half (51.67%) of the farmers had adopted placing of dry fish in the field in which 56.67 per cent of Trichy district farmers and 46.66 per cent of Madurai district farmers had fully adopted this practice. It was observed that 50.00 per cent of Trichy district respondents and 27.50 per cent of Madurai district respondents had partially adopted the practice of dipping the seedlings with chloropyriphos to avoid the attack of termites.

IJCM_368A: Knowledge, attitude and practice on organ donation among college students in madurai district, Tamil Nadu - a cross-sectional study

Background: The mainstay treatment for end-stage organ disease is transplantation as it improves the quality of life for organ recipients1. Though National Organ Transplant Programme is functioning well, the number of end stage organ deaths stands at 500000/year. Hence the need of present study conducted among students as they serve as health messengers for any Public Health Programme to succeed. Objective: 1. To assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice [KAP] on Organ Donation among College students, Madurai district. 2. To determine association between Socio-Demographic characters like Gender, Age, Religion with Knowledge and Attitude on Organ Donation among the study population. Methodology: This Cross-sectional study on organ donation was conducted among 550 Arts College students in Madurai District from September to October 2023 using Multi stage Sampling and Sample size was estimated by using Kinge A et al3. After obtaining informed consent, study population was interviewed using Semi Structured Questionnaire containing 4 sections including KAP and Socio Demographic Profile. For positive questions, each Correct answer was given 1 mark and incorrect answer as 0. Reverse Scoring was assigned to Negative Questions. Data entered in Excel and analysed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 19.57± 2.9 with males 44.54% and Females 55.45%. Hindus were 85.27%, Muslims 6% and Christians 8.72%. Out of 550 Participants, 40.36%(n=222) had adequate Knowledge with mean score of 5.08 ± 0.53, 90.81% (n=505) had Positive attitude, 5 %(n=28) had taken pledge. Chi-square showed statistically significance between Knowledge and Age, gender Conclusion: Regular IEC activities and inclusion of Organ donation as a part of education curriculum are needed to further improve awareness.