Mizoram Research Articles

Gross Enrolment Ratio Prediction using Artificial Neural Network

The present paper deals with Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) prediction in higher education within the state of Mizoram, India. The data used in this study are obtained from the yearly report of All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), published by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Govt. of India and Statistical Handbook of various years published by Dept. of Economics & Statistics, Govt. of Mizoram. In this study, a soft computing technique known as Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is implemented for prediction of GER in higher education. The data obtained are analyzed and categorized into two classes known as the input and target data. The input data represent the years from 1968 to 2017. The target data represents the enrolment details corresponding to the input year such as, male enrolment, female enrolment, eligible population and GER. After generating these input data and target data, an ANN is used for building a model. The model has been trained and tested using 530260 student enrolment data for the period of 50 years. In order to obtain an accurate GER prediction, the accuracy of four architectures of ANN known as Back Propagation (BP), Radial Basis (RB), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), and Feed Forward Neural Network (FFNN) are compared. The comparison is carried out by performing a prediction on the known data set. It is found that BP Neural Network with 50 hidden neurons and a learning rate of 0.1 gives the best prediction accuracy. Therefore, to predict the future GER, a BP neural network is implemented in this study. The main focus of this study is to analyze the pattern of enrolment and to predict future GER, as GER is a primary indicator for the status of higher education. The result obtained may help policymakers to take suitable decision to increase GER in higher education within the state of Mizoram so as to contribute to the govt. of India's target of 30% by the year 2020.

Molecular Characterization of Biofilm-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Healthy Pigs and Chicken in India

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered as the most potent member of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extremely resistant (XDR) gram-negative pathogens (‘ESCAPE’ group) emerged throughout the world with the property to ‘escape’ the treatment with antibiotics. Biofilm formation is a significant virulence property of P. aeruginosa generating not only antibiotic resistance, but also it acts as a constant source of infection in the host and it can prevent host defence such as chemotaxis of polynuclear immune cells. There is paucity of scientific literatures regarding characterization of biofilm producing P. aeruginosa isolated from livestock and birds. A total of 200 rectal swabs were collected from pigs (n=100) and chickens (n=100) from Mizoram state of India. All the specimens were processed of isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa, which were further confirmed by 16S rRNA PCR and Phoenix bacterial identification system. All the isolates were subjected to detection of biofilm producing ability by microtiter plate assay, antimicrobial sensitivity by disc diffusion assay and detection of selected biofilm producing genes as well as selected beta lactamase genes by specific PCR assay. A total of 11 P. aeruginosa were isolated from pigs (n=6) and chickens (n=5). All the isolates were recorded as positive for biofilm production by microtiter plate assay and were positive for at least one biofilm associated genes. A total of 8 isolates were positive for blaTEM gene and one isolates was positive for blaCTX-M gene. This is probably the unique report on isolation of P. aeruginosa from animals carrying both beta lactamase as well as biofilm producing genes.

Soil erosion assessment using revised universal soil loss equation model and geo-spatial technology: A case study of upper Tuirial river basin, Mizoram, India

Soil erosion is one of the major environmental problems in northeast India, and identifying areas prone to severe erosion loss is therefore very crucial for sustainable management of different land uses. Tuirial river basin, where shifting cultivation is a major land use, is prone to severe soil erosion and land degradation, linked to its fragile geo-morpho-pedological characteristics. Though several models are available to estimate soil erosion the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is more appropriate and practical model that can be applied at a local or regional level. The objective of the study was to estimate annual soil loss in the upper Tuirial river basin by using RUSLE where various parameters such as rainfall erosivity factor (R), soil erodibility factor (K), slope length (L), slope steepness factor (S), crop management factor (C) and practice management factor (P) were taken into consideration. Land use land cover (LULC) derived from Satellite data of Sentinel 2A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) were integrated into the model. Our results revealed that the river basin has an average annual soil loss of 115.4 Mg ha−1 yr−1, and annual sediments loss to the tune of 6.161 million Mg yr−1 from the basin. About one-fourth (24.78%) of the total basin could be classed as very high to very severe soil erosion prone area that need immediate conservation measures. Besides, the erosional activities were perceived directly proportional with the slope values in the basin. However, regardless of the rugged mountainous terrain of the basin, the unscientific practice of shifting cultivation, associated with high intensity of rainfall is the principal cause of soil erosion. The results of the study is expected to contribute to adaptation of appropriate soil and water conservation measures in the basin area, and similar studies may also be extended to other unexplored areas for proper watershed management in state of Mizoram.

Decision-making process for tobacco consumption by undergraduate tobacco consumers in select colleges in Mizoram

High prevalence of tobacco consumption is a major public health challenge in the state of Mizoram. The undergraduate students in Mizoram are vulnerable to tobacco consumption and its related harmful consequences. The objective of the study is to understand the specific decision-making process adopted for tobacco consumption by undergraduate students in Mizoram. The study incorporated information obtained by analysing primary data collected from a selected sample of undergraduate students from two colleges in Mizoram. The decision-making process for tobacco consumption has been explained using relevant theoretical models in consumer behaviour. The tobacco consumption decision-making process highlights the roles of external influences like tobacco marketing and socio-cultural environment, psychological factors and experiences regarding decision-making and post-purchase behaviour of the respondents. It has been also explained how general positive attitudes and subjective norms towards tobacco consumption leads to positive intentions and subsequently manifested in the form of tobacco consumption by the respondents. The specific knowledge about this consumer decision-making process is helpful for understanding the determinants for tobacco consumption and its evaluation by undergraduate tobacco consumers and can be utilized to improve social marketing strategies for targeted tobacco control measures in Mizoram.

Ran VulhtuteThian: The Smart Extension Services through Smart Phone in Picturesque Hills of Mizoram

Agriculture is the prime source of livelihood for the majority (85%) of rural population in North-Eastern Region (NER). Apart from agriculture, livestock plays a crucial role in the lives of NER-citizens and are an important component of integrated farming system. Livestock are alternative source of income. Livestock especially pigs and poultry are important in rural economy as crops cultivation is difficult in steep hilly terrain of the state of Mizoram. They need information about farming practices, policy initiatives, best practices of other farmers, and information on market intelligence. There is a need for specific extension strategy at village level to improve the economy and living standards of farming community. The Project entitled Mobile Based Agro-Advisory System in Mizoram was taken up with the help of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meit-Y),Government of India, and implemented in collaboration with Digital India Corporation (DIC) , New Delhi and College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (I), Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram for a period of three years (2019-22) to empower the farmers by providing ‘right information at right time. The project was given a local name “Ran VulhtuteThian” The paper reports the process and achievements of the initiative.

Entrepreneurship in a Protected Region with Limited Infrastructure: A Study of Mizoram State in India

Entrepreneurship in a Protected Region with Limited Infrastructure: A Study of Mizoram State in India

First Record of the Semi-Slug <i>Austenia resplendens</i> (Nevill, 1877) from Dampa Tiger Reserve, North-Eastern Region of India (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Helicarionidae)

The terrestrial semi slug Austenia resplendens (Nevill, 1877), which was earlier reported only from the Upper Myanmar region has been recorded for the first time from Dampa Tiger Reserve in the Mizoram state of northeast India. The new distributional record of this species extending the geographic range in the North-eastern India indicates the long dispersal ability in land mollusca. An updated distributional range and way of possible dispersal of the Austenia is discussed.

Substance Abuse and Life Skills Education among Youth in Lunglei District, Mizoram

Substance abuse includes any substance used in a patterned format related with disorder where the user takes substances which are harmful physically, mentally because of the amounts or methods for themselves or others. The substance focused in the present study is confined mainly to consumption and abuse of alcohol and drug. The prevalence of substance abuse among youth occurred at an alarming rate in Mizoram. As per the report of Mizoram State Aids Control Society (MSACS) revalidation, March 2013 there are about 10,750 regular injecting drug users in Mizoram. One of the assumed causes of substance abuse is low life skills of youths they lack the ability to face and adapt to real life demands and facing life with effective positive behaviour which is found to be more among broken family and low educational level. The present paper discusses low level of life skills education as one of the major causes of substance abuse and explained the relationship between substance abuse and life skills education among youth in Mizoram.

Molecular epidemiology of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus causing outbreaks in Karnataka

We describe the molecular epidemiology of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) involved in outbreaks and massive spread of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in Karnataka state of India during the year 2017. The study involved investigation of outbreaks in three districts.viz, Udupi, Dakshina kannada and Bengaluru in Karnataka. The disease was characterised by large scale piglet mortality with severe respiratory distress and abortions in pregnant sows. The study recorded death of 394 piglets, 131 adults and abortions in 82 pregnant sows. The organ samples collected from dead pigs were found negative for Classical swine fever virus by 5’UTR gene based Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR targeting full length ORF5 gene of PRRSV on spleen and lung samples of dead pigs yielded specific amplicon of 803 bp indicating the presence of PRRSV. The phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences derived from ORF5 gene of PRRSV involved in the current outbreaks revealed 99.99% sequence homology with the highly pathogenic PRRSV of genotype 2 (North American type) from China and India (Mizoram state). Since pig husbandry plays a significant role in socio-economic upliftment of the poor and marginalised farmers in the country, it’s time to put in place effective prevention and control measures for PRRS, before it cripples pig industry in India and its surrounding world. Present study is the first epidemiological report of PRRS outbreaks in South India.

Conservation status of the dhole Cuon alpinus in north-east India, with a focus on Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram

AbstractDespite the efforts invested in their conservation, the status of many threatened carnivores in key conservation landscapes remains unknown. The dhole Cuon alpinus is an Endangered social carnivore whose geographical range has contracted by c. 80% since the early 20th century. North-east India is a critical link between South Asian and South-east Asian dhole populations. In this study we compiled presence records of dholes across north-east India, from multiple sources. We also conducted camera-trap surveys in one part of this region, Dampa Tiger Reserve in the state of Mizoram. We examined the influence of ecological and management factors on fine-scale site-use by dholes in Dampa Tiger Reserve, showing a positive association of dhole site-use with sambar Rusa unicolor encounters, distance to the forest boundary and presence of forest department personnel, underscoring the importance of prey and protection. Our findings also highlight the need for targeted, multi-scale assessments of dhole ecology across other sites in north-east India.

Scrub Typhus: Vector Surveillance and its Control

Scrub Typhus is an important emerging vector borne disease being reported now in many parts of the country. This is also known as Chigger Borne Typhus or Tsutsugamushi Fever. Scrub Typhus is caused by bacteria called Orientia tsutsugamushi and is transmitted to people through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). Recently, it has been reported in the state of Mizoram on wide scale. However, the states of Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Vellore, Sikkim, Nagaland & Manipur, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have also reported cases of scrub typhus. Scrub typhus is an infectious disease that is transmitted to humans from field mice and rats through the bite of mites that live on the animals. This is a rural disease occurring preferentially in spring and in autumn. Scrub Typhus is an occupational health concern for farmers, park rangers, military personnel, geologist, miners as well as oil palm workers. The life cycle of the trombiculid mite is very complex. The duration of mites’ life cycle depends on species and environment, but normally last 2 to 12 months. Trombiculis mites go through a life cycle of eggs, larva, nymph and adult. Mites have a very patchy distribution over small areas because of their special requirements. The nymphs and adults need certain soil conditions for their survival and development while the larvae require host animals, such as wild rats, other small rodents and birds. Suitable habitats are found in grassy fields, shrubby areas, forests, abandoned rice fields and cleared forests. An attempt has been made to describe the tools for mite surveillance and the possible methods of vector control.

Phenotypic characterization and performance evaluation of Burmese black pig: A unique indigenous germplasm of north east region of India

Burmese black pig is one of the unique and well adapted indigenous pig reared under low input backyard production system in the eastern Himalayan hill ecosystem. The present study was conducted in four states of north eastern India viz. Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Meghalaya to identify the geographical distribution, breeding habitat, phenotypic and productive characteristics of the pig. Information on production system was collected from 251 Burmese pig farmers across 78 villages in 14 districts by providing structured pre tested questionnaire. The study revealed that the population of Burmese black pig was about twelve thousands and mostly distributed in Phek, Kiphire, Tuensang and Mon district of Nagaland (38%); Champhai, Kolasib and Siaha districts of Mizoram (28%); Ukhrul, Chandel, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts of Manipur (27%); and East Khasi hills, West Khasi hills and Ribhoi districts of Meghalaya (7%) which covered approximately 33700 square km areas of distribution. The average herd size of Burmese black pigs was 3.26±0.34 which ranges from 1 to 12. Backyard earthen floor housing system (55.38%)was the most common, followed by backyard deep litter housing (19.52%),slatted floor housing (14.34%), concrete floor housing (7.17%) and girth tethering system (3.59%). These pigs are predominantly black in colour. Medium sized concave dish shaped head, short slightly upward curve snout, well build long body structure with short legs, prominent neck in both male and female are the unique feature of Burmese black pigs. The average body weight of adult (10 months) was 79.76 ± 1.97 kg. The average body length, height at withers, heart girth and neck girth at adult age were 84.86 ±1.76, 61.94 ±1.52, 87.06 ±2.41 and 78.27 ±1.98 cm in male and 81.66 ±1.70, 60.15 ±1.60, 83.05 ±2.10, 75.02 ±1.81 cm in female, respectively. The average age at first heat and age at first farrowing were 220.32 ± 23.61 days and 365.00 ± 20.75 days, respectively; while average litter size at birth and litter size at weaning was 10.76 ± 0.87 and 8.86 ± 0.61, respectively. These pigs are having faster growth rate, larger adult body size and higher liter size as compared to the other indigenous pig breeds in India. The Burmese black pig possesses unique physical and high productive as well as reproductive traits that distinguished them from other indigenous pig breeds in the region.

Shifting cultivation in Mizoram, India: An empirical study of its economic implications

Shifting cultivation is the major occupation and the main source of income of the marginal farmers (Jhumias) in Mizoram. At present, net area sown in Mizoram State is only 5.5%, of which, 16.9% area is devoted to shifting cultivation. Meanwhile, about 54% people, living in the rural areas, are engaged in practicing it. This paper examines economic implications of shifting cultivation in Mizoram, the eastern extension of the Himalaya. A total of 16 villages from eight districts (two villages from each district), were selected for case study, based on their location and distance from the district’s headquarter. Household level survey was conducted and a purposive random sampling method was employed to select households with 34.2% sampling size. The case study reveals that production and yield of the principal crops grown under shifting cultivation has decreased during the last 17 years (2000–2017), whereas, there is a slight increase in area sown. It further shows that although, a large group of Jhumias are practicing shifting cultivation and growing subsistence cereals, yet, their economic viability is significantly less than cash crops. As a result, a large section of people in rural areas are living below poverty line. The study suggests that for sustainable livelihood, cash crops can replace subsistence crops and shifting cultivation can be converted into permanent cultivation through terracing the Jhum plots.

Entrepreneurship Development in Saitual Sericulture Cluster in Mizoram

Sericulture in India has existed since time immemorial. India is the second largest producer of silk in the world and has 15.49 per cent share in global raw silk production. Mizoram is one of the most promising states for developing sericulture in Northeast India where all the four varieties of silk producing food plants are grown and silkworms are reared for silk production. Cluster development approach has emerged as an important tool for development of land-based enterprises in the developing countries in recent times. The present study attempts to understand the role of cluster in the emergence of entrepreneurship in the Saitual cluster in the northeastern state of Mizoram. The article relies mainly on primary data collected from all the agripreneurs (180) engaged in sericulture activities in Saitual cluster, which is comprised of seven villages. Agripreneurship is thriving in Saitual cluster on the key factors of availability of land and family labour, complemented by suitable climate for sericulture along with assistance from the government.

On the systematic status of the genus Oriocalotes Günther, 1864(Squamata: Agamidae: Draconinae) with the description of a new species from Mizoram state, Northeast India.

The montane agamid lizard genus Oriocalotes is currently considered monotypic, represented by the species, O. paulus. The systematic status of this taxon has remained questionable since its initial descriptions in the mid-1800s. A detailed molecular and morphological study was carried out to assess the validity of this genus, and its systematic position within the Asian agamid subfamily, Draconinae. Freshly collected and historical museum specimens from the type locality of O. paulus were examined morphologically, along with additional samples collected from localities in Mizoram state, Northeast India. Utilising newly generated molecular sequences (two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes), combined with those previously published for representative genera from the subfamilies Draconinae and Agaminae, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees were constructed. Phylogenetic results suggest that Oriocalotes is part of the widespread South and Southeast Asian radiation of Calotes. Comparative morphological studies (including external morphology, hemipenis and osteology) between Oriocalotes and related genera further support this systematic placement. Oriocalotes is herein regarded as a junior subjective synonym of Calotes. Calotes paulus comb. nov. is also assigned a lectotype and given a detailed redescription based on the lectotype, paralectotypes and additional topotypic material. Furthermore, the specimens collected from Mizoram populations are found to be morphologically and genetically distinct from Calotes paulus comb. nov., and are described herein as a new species, Calotes zolaiking sp. nov.

A new genus and species of natricine snake from northeast India.

Based on the first molecular phylogenetic analyses of samples from northeast India, specimens referred to Rhabdops from this region are more closely related to the southeast and east Asian natricine genera Opisthotropis Günther, 1872 and Sinonatrix Rossman Eberle, 1977 (as well as to New World and western Palearctic natricines) than to peninsular Indian (true) Rhabdops. Morphologically, these northeast Indian populations differ from other natricines by having a single ('fused' or unpaired) internasal shield and a single prefrontal shield. Given the morphological and phylogenetic distinctiveness of these northeast Indian populations, we refer them to a new genus, Smithophis gen. nov., and transfer Rhabdops bicolor (Blyth, 1854) to Smithophis bicolor comb. nov. Based on morphological and molecular variation within our northeast Indian sample, we additionally describe Smithophis atemporalis sp. nov. from the state of Mizoram.

DNA barcoding detects floral origin of Indian honey samples.

The unique medicinal and nutritional properties of honey are determined by its chemical composition. To evaluate the quality of honey, it is essential to study the surrounding vegetation where honeybees forage. In this study we used conventional melissopalynological and DNA barcoding techniques to determine the floral source of honey samples collected from different districts of the state of Mizoram, India. Pollen grains were isolated and genomic DNA was extracted from the honey samples. PCR amplification was carried out using universal barcode candidates ITS2 and rbcL to identify the plant species. Furthermore, TA cloning was carried out to screen the PCR amplicon libraries to identify the presence of multiple plant species. Results from both the melissopalynological and DNA barcoding analyses identified almost exactly the same 22 species, suggesting that both methods are suitable for analysis. However, DNA barcoding is easier and widely practiced. Hence, it can be concluded that DNA barcoding is a useful tool in determining the medicinal and commercial value of honey.

Identification and analysis of topographic features of Aizawl City

Geomorphology is the scientific study of the earth surface. It has been described as the earthshape-science which is concerned primarily with the form of the earth. Geomorphology was considered as the study of various types of landforms and their origins. It is the study of the landforms, their description and interpretation. It is important not only as an academic discipline but it has more practical applications in the various fields. Geomorphology is the study of the relationship between geological structures and the landscape surface features as well as the processes which change the features by erosion and deposition. Regarding the State of Mizoram, as the terrain is very immature in response to recent tectonism, topographical features show prominent reliefs. The major geomorphic elements observed in the area are topographic highs and depressions, flats and slopes sculptured on the topographic surface in a linear fashion. In Mizoram the topographic depressions are in all cases in accordance with the normal first order structural elements, but the topographic highs are recorded both in the structural highs and depressions. Relief features of the State is imparted by roughly north-south trending steep, mostly anticlinal, longitudinal, parallel to sub-parallel hill ranges and synclinal narrow valleys with series of parallel hummocks or topographic highs. In general, the western limbs of the anticlines are steeper than the western limbs. Faulting in many cases, produced steep fault scarps, especially along the steep dipping fault planes. The other geomorphic elements are the high dissected ridges with the formation of deep gorges, spurs, keels and cols, which developed due to intense erosion. The difference of elevation between valley floors and hill tops greatly varies from west to east and the steep hill ranges are more towards east than to west.

Analysis of Morbidity and Mortality of Important Diseases of Swine in Mizoram State of India

In the present study, a structured sampling design was adopted, which covered the major regions of the Mizoram state, to ascertain the morbidity and mortality rates of important diseases. The overall annual morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates have been estimated from the sample as 33.50%, 20.57% and 61.41% respectively. Major causes of morbidity were reproductive diseases (Aborted fetus), followed by Classical Swine fever and major cause of mortality were also reproductive diseases (Aborted fetus) followed by Classical Swine fever and respiratory diseases. The case fatality rate was highest for poisoning followed by reproductive diseases (Aborted fetus), injury & accidents and classical swine fever. Aborted fetuses were the major challenges under village condition in study area, so major emphasis should led to attend the reproductive problems.

Distribution of Ethno Medicinal Plants Along Some Important Roads: A Case Study of Northern Mizoram

Mizoram state of India is part of the biodiversity hotspots of the world, the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot of South Asia which shows roadside rich diversity of flora. These floras are one of the source of carbon sink along the road and also source of medicinal resources for local villagers. India is world leader in the era of medical pluralism because it has strong evidence based biomedical sciences, as well as an immensely rich indigenous medical heritage of its own. Some works related to medicinal plants have been reported by some researchers in some districts and localized area in Mizoram. Till date no work has been reported on the diversity and ecology of medicinal flora growing along the Hill Roads in Mizoram. For listing of the medicinal plants along the roads four (4) major roads of northern part of Mizoram in three different locations were selected for the present study which were surveyed with team of experts for two consecutive years during the months of October to January (2017 & 2018) within 30m of the roads by traversing on foot on both side of the roads. Data on uses of the plants were collected through questionnaire, interviews and discussions with local people local Vadhya and old men and women community along the roads. During survey 318 traditional medicinal plants were recorded, out of which 170 are trees, 48 are shrubs and 100 are herbs. Status assessments of the plants indicate the fact that very few plants has been listed in IUCN list. Study reveals that distribution of these plants are being rare and endangered in their natural habitat due to several factors which need to be conserved and cultivated for their perpetual existence. Proper attention should be made during further capacity augmentation of these roads for conservation of these medicinal plants. The paper enlists the current diversity, habitat and ecology of the ethno medicinal plants and impact of road development on the flora along the road. The study is likely to help in further capacity augmentation/widening of these roads without harming the current diversity of the medicinal flora growing along the road.