North Bihar Research Articles

Socioeconomic Factors' Impact on Survivorship in Patients with Cervical Cancer: A Study from the Tertiary Cancer Center in Muzaffarpur, North Bihar, India

ObjectiveTo ascertain the survivorship among cervical cancer patients and the factors responsible for early death. In India, cervical cancer ranks second among cancer-related deaths among women. Estimating the survivability rate of patients with cervical cancer who come to our tertiary cancer care center was imperative, as was figuring out.What was causing the greater death rate.MethodThe present study is a retrospective audit of cervical cancer registered at our hospital-based cancer registry from 2021 till date.ResultThe three-year survival rate among women with late-stage cervical cancer was 45%, while 100% of women with early-stage care were alive at the end of three years. The survival rate was also poor among women belonging to middle and low socioeconomic status and illiterate women.ConclusionAmong women who have cervical cancer, those with early-stage cancer, who are literate and those who belong to above middle socioeconomic status have higher survivorship than their counterparts.

Applicability of HEC-RAS and Geospatial Tools for Inland Waterways Transportation Corridor: Case Study of Ganga Basin, Bihar, India

Bihar has the largest networks of Rivers and drainage systems and most of them are perineal. Previously, north Bihar had active inland waterways transportation networks but these days the networks are not in use. Due to rapid urbanization and a hike in fuel prices, the transportation cost within the state has risen in the past few years. The demand for cheaper transportation systems is highly needed in these areas for goods transportation. Recently, the inland waterways authority of India has started a new shipping service in River Ganga only but a few more river networks can also be used for these kinds of activities. A study was conducted to find the inland waterways' potential for the development of a state river transportation corridor for North Bihar India. Various mathematical modeling tools such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS along with geospatial tools have been used for this study. The result obtained by the study indicates that the six more rivers of the states have the potential for inland waterways transportation along with suitable vessels for transportation. The methodology developed in the study is suitable for the development of waterways transportation corridors at various places. The study also emphasizes selecting the proper places for making the jetties which may be helpful for various activities such as disaster management, industrial fright services, logistic supply, etc.

Length-weight relationship and exploitation of Macrobrachium species in the Burhi Gandak River, North Bihar, India

Three species of the Palaemonidae family, namely Macrobrachium dayanum (Henderson, 1893), Macrobrachium lamarrei (Milne Edw., 1837) and Macrobrachium malcolmsonii (H. Milne Edw., 1844) were investigated for their length-weight relationship and exploitation status in the Burhi Gandak River between July 2020 and June 2021. A total of 907 specimensof M. lamarrei, 942 M. dayanum and 962 M. malcolmsonii were collected using trap net (locally named Ghana Jal), Saalbhar Jal, Pelni, Dhonijal and Khorjal and traditional boats such as Nauka and Donga. M. lamarrei was found to be the dominant species among them in the catch composition. Peak landing was observed from June to August. The maximum length was recorded for M. malcolmsonii (16.8 cm) followed by M. dayanum (8.0 cm) and M. lamarrei (6.1 cm). The length-weight relationship of M. lamarrei, M. dayanum and M. malcolmsonii indicated negative allometric growth with slope (b) values of 2.7692, 2.6027 and 2.7513, respectively. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters viz., asymptotic length (L∞), growth coefficient (K) and age at zero length (to) were 5.67 cm, 2.3 y-1 and -0.5913 y-1 for M. lamarrei ; 10.08 cm, 0.990 y-1 and 0.6684 y-1 for M. dayanum and 16.59 cm, 0.730 y-1and -0.7289 y-1 for M. malcolmsonii , respectively. Fishing mortality was lower than natural mortality which was estimated as 1.71 for M. lamarrei, 0.15 for M. dayanum and 0.18 for M. malcolmsonii. The present study revealed that the smaller length groups had higher natural mortality, whereas larger length groups had higher fishing mortality. The current exploitation rate was 0.26 for M. lamarrei, 0.06 for M. dayanum and 0.09 for M. malcolmsonii. The research fills a critical gap providing essential insights into the population dynamics and exploitation of the three prawn species in the Burhi Gandak River, revealing their underexploited status, highlighting opportunities for sustainable harvesting and informed fishery management to support biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods. Keywords: Bihar, Burhi Gandak River, Length-weight relationship, Macrobrachium, Stock assessment

Composite Effect of Drip Irrigation and Different Color Mulching of Banana Crop in North Bihar Agro-climatic Condition

The Research work was carried out with three main treatments; 100, 80, and 60% of V volume of water through drip and five sub-treatment with different color mulch i.e black, blue, red, white color plastic mulch and without mulch (control) with three replications. Variety Grand Naine of Banana crop was selected. Experimental field layout designed by using split plot design (SPD). Combined effect of drip irrigation and mulching on water saving, vegetative growth, flowering time, bunch emergence time, harvesting time, different yield parameters and quality of banana fruits were found to be better in treatment application of T2 i’e 80% of V volume of water through drip irrigation along with black color of plastic mulch to the tune of 14.95% in water saving; 176.15 cm plant height; 60.23 cm plant girth; average number of functional leaves 17.6; flowering time 292 day after planting; bunch emergence time318 day after planting; harvesting time391 day after planting. The average bunch length 101.90 cm; average number of hands per bunch 11.3: average number of fingers per bunch107.97; average weight of bunch19.77 kg; yield 879.42 q/ha; average length of fingers 14.01 cm; average circumference of fingers 11.90 cm and average weight of fingers 115.04 g. The water use efficiency was evaluated to be maximum i.e. 26.30 q/ha-cm in treatment T3 (0.6V volume (29.54 cm) of water application through drip). The maximum soil temperature (23.69oC) and soil moisture (29.29%) were found in treatment T3 and T1, respectively along with color plastic mulch. The maximum benefit cost ratio was estimated to the tune of 3.76 in treatment T2 along with black color plastic mulch.

Correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic parameters in persons with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

There are limited studies investigating the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the region of Bihar, India. To estimate the prevalence of NAFLD in persons with newly diagnosed T2DM in the population of North Bihar, India. This single centre cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Research Centre for Diabetes Hypertension and Obesity, Samastipur, Bihar, India. Data were collected from persons newly diagnosed with T2DM or those diagnosed within 6 months of when the study was conducted between December 2022 to May 2023. A total of 148 people with newly diagnosed T2DM were included (median age 47 years, 46.6% female) and 109 patients with liver disease on ultrasound evaluation. The persons with liver disease consumed more fats and oils (88.1% vs 74.4%, P = 0.042) and they had significantly greater body mass index (27.4 vs 23.0, P < 0.001), waist circumference (37 vs 33, P < 0.001), and waist-to-hip ratio (1.00 vs 0.70, P = 0.025). Females were associated with greater liver disease [odds ratio (OR): 3.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-8.80, P = 0.32]. Waist circumference (OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.22-1.66, P < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1.01-1.02, P = 0.048) were associated with any liver disease. The factors most associated with grade 2/3 liver disease was right upper quadrant pain or heaviness (OR: 5.22, 95%CI: 1.40-19.41, P = 0.14), greater income (OR: 3.58, 95%CI: 1.28-10.04, P = 0.015) and waist circumference (OR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.02-1.69, P = 0.036). NAFLD is common in new/recently diagnosed T2DM and disease burden is high and common among patients who are either high consumers of fats and oils or have obesity-associated markers.

Study on the disastrous impact of the flood on pavement of North Bihar, India

Study on the disastrous impact of the flood on pavement of North Bihar, India

Prevalence of Prediabetes and Associated Risk Factor Assessment Among Urban Adult Population in North Bihar, India

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) are major public health concerns globally, with increasing prevalence in India. The study assessed the prevalence of T2DM and IGT among, and to recognize key associated risk factors. Methods: 1050 persons were involved in the study selected by rigorous random sampling. To diagnose T2DM and IGT, data were gathered via in-person interviews using a pre-made questionnaire, which were then followed by clinical exams and blood testing. Results: The incidence of IGT was 12.48% and T2DM was 9.24%, respectively. In the 61–70 age range, the highest incidence of T2DM (20.86%) and IGT (21.58%) was noted. The incidence of T2DM was somewhat higher in men (9.87%) than in women (8.58%). The incidence rates of T2DM (21.84%) and IGT (36.78%) were considerably greater in those with a positive family record of diabetes. Additionally, there was a substantial correlation found between obesity and hypertension and a higher incidence of T2DM and IGT. Conclusion: The study reveals a considerable incidence of T2DM and IGT in the Sharifganj area of Katihar, with advanced age, male gender, family history of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension identified as key risk factors. Recommendations: Targeted public health interventions, including lifestyle modifications, regular screenings, and health education, are essential to manage and reduce the risk of diabetes in this community. Keywords: Prediabetes,T2DM, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, IGT, Impaired Fasting Glucose, IFG, Risk Factors, Katihar, Bihar.

Impact of crop rotation and tillage operations on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and evaluation of sustainability index in rice- wheat-green gram cropping system of north Bihar

In North Bihar (NB), the conventional rice-wheat cropping system has led to soil, water, and environmental degradation, alongside low profitability, threatening sustainability. To address these concerns, a thorough field research was conducted over the course of three years to assess different methods of tillage and crop establishment in a rice, wheat, and greengram cycle. The experiment involved five scenarios with different combinations of crop rotation, tillage techniques, seeding procedures, fertilizer use, and irrigation strategies. Uncertainty analysis showed no significant change in mean and variance estimation among seven scenario replications at 5% significance level. Compared to traditional farming (SN-1), managing DSR-rice (SN-5) increased profitability by 17.56%, improved energy use efficiency (EUE) by 32.16%, and reduced irrigation by 24.76% and global warming potential (GWP) by 23.46%. Similarly, substituting zero tillage wheat (ZTW) SN-5 resulted in comparable profitability gains (18.25%) and significant improvements in irrigation (10 %), EUE (+48.65%), and GWP (−20 %) compared to SN-1. Green gram ZT also showed increased profitability (17.35%), with notable improvements in EUE (+38.31%) and GWP (−12.92%) compared to SN-1. Principal component and correlation analyses revealed relationships between total energy inputs, yields, economic returns, and sustainability indices, highlighting the benefits of crop rotation and tillage practices in optimizing resource use. The study suggests that compared to conventional systems, significant improvements in productivity, profitability, energy-use efficiency, and environmental mitigation can be achieved with Crop Rotation and Tillage Operations techniques.

Analysing Livelihood Strategies of Landless Manual Labour Households in Rural Bihar: A Study of a North Bihar Village

Analysing Livelihood Strategies of Landless Manual Labour Households in Rural Bihar: A Study of a North Bihar Village

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Impediments Perceived by the Members of Farmer Producer Organizations in North Bihar, India

The agriculture sector in India is currently facing several challenges, such as increasing landholding fragmentation, diminishing per-capita land availability, and rural youth's disinterest in farming. FPOs help small and marginal farmers by lowering transaction costs, facilitating credit sources for farmers, providing technical guidance, producing support and capacity building, and creating long-term sustainability to improve the farming community. This study investigates the constraints perceived by members of FPOs. Data were collected from 240 members across 6 FPOs. An ex-post facto research design was used to study four broad constraints regarding Producer Organization Promoting Institution’s (POPI’s) support, marketing, organizational technical and operational constraints. The Friedman two-way ANOVA rank test was used to analyze thirty-five statements under four broad constraints. The findings revealed that marketing is the most severe constraint, followed by constraints regarding POPI’s support as well as organizational, technical, and operational support. Under marketing constraints without guaranteed procurement systems, inadequate storage facilities are most severe. Under constraints perceived by FPO members regarding POPI’s support, considering resource-affluent areas and exclusive attention to progressive farmers are significant. Competition of villages to get benefits and irregular procurement of the produce are most significant constraints under organizational and technical constraints. The research indicates that by overcoming these obstacles with better infrastructure, fair distribution of resources, and improved connections to markets, one can boost the sustainability and economic feasibility of Farmer Producer Organizations, thereby enhancing socio-economic benefits for farmers in North Bihar.

Impact of Cultural Practices and Nitrogenous Fertilizer on the Development of Brown Spot Disease of Rice

Among the diseases the brown spot disease of rice caused by Bipolaris oryzae is most dominant fungal disease of rice after blast (Pyricularia oryzae) which is causing losses in the yield which resulted in instability in rice production particularly in north Bihar. This disease was considered to be one of the most important facet of 1943 Bengal Famine. The losses in famine were accounted to 50-90 per cent (Ghose et al. 1960; Padmanabhan, 1973). The disease is a serious and has global distribution and it has been found in all rice growing countries in Asia, America and Africa. The studies mainly adhered to see the effect of various doses of nitrogen and different cultural practices on development of brown spot disease of rice. Among the various cultural practices, minimum (17.64%) disease seventy and maximum yield (3.13/ha) were found with application of FYM (5 t/ha) + line sowing of 60 kg seed/ha + 50% N application after 15 DAS 25 % N at maximum tillering + 25% N at panicle initiation + weed control. Doses of nitrogen were positively related with the disease development and negatively related with the grain yield indicating the maximum (38.30 % and 39.0 %) disease severity and minimum (1.86 and 1.97 t/ha) grain yield with nitrogen dose of 120 kg/ha. In respect of varietal response, the minimum (12.10 % and 16.40 %) disease severity and the maximum (4.34 t/ha and 4.58 t/ha) yield were recorded in the variety Rajshree receiving 80 kg N/ha.

Optimizing Agronomic Practices for Aerobic Rice under Calcareous Soil in Bihar

Three experiments were conducted during 2014-19 at Pusa (Samastipur), Bihar, to develop agronomic practices for aerobic rice with respect to the performance of varieties at different dates of sowing, optimizing seed rate and spacing, and nitrogen requirement and its scheduling under the calcareous soil of North Bihar plains. Sowing during the first week of June resulted in significantly higher yield attributes and grain yield. Among varieties, Abhishek recorded significantly higher grain yield except for the hybrid. Weather variables during different growth phases significantly influenced the yield. The hybrid outyielded all the test varieties. Maximum grain and straw yields were recorded with 20 cm spacing and a 35 kg/ha seed rate. Also, the minimum dry weight of weeds was recorded with this spacing and seed rate. Nitrogen at 140 kg/ha in three or four splits along with brown manuring resulted in significantly higher grain and straw yields. Also, the maximum uptake of NPK and B:C ratio was recorded with this treatment.

A Contribution to the Flora of Udaipur Forests in Champaran District, North Bihar

The paper relates to a floristic account of Udaipur forests in Champaran District, North Bihar. The vegetation can be broadly classified as follows: Deciduous forest, Evergreen forest, Vegetation in plantation and open areas and Aquatic vegetation. A floristic analysis is presented and a systematic enumeration appended. The occurrence of Arnebia hispidissima DC. in Udaipur fotests constitutes a new record for Bihar state.

Mapping long-term Transformation of Wetlands and Annual Rainfall Variability in Madhubani District (1975-2022).

In addition to supporting a rich biodiversity, wetlands serve as ecosystems that connect aquatic and terrestrial settings. They also play a critical ecological role by providing essential supplies. According to the National Wetland Atlas (2010), Bihar has a total of 21,988 wetlands with a total area of 4,03,209 hectares. These wetlands exhibit great range of floral and faunal diversity with large number of endemic species. The present paper endeavors to map the natural wetlands of Madhubani district of North Bihar and assess their evolving hydro-physiographic characteristics. The study area is endowed with numerous small wetlands as it receives high average annual rainfall in Bihar. This study primarily emphasizes on identification of wetlands and their spatial-temporal assessment during the period 1975-2022 by utilizing datasets from various sources like topographical maps, satellite imageries, and other ancillary data. It uses geospatial tool like Arc Hydro and indices like Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) and Normalized Difference Wetness Index (NDWI) for identification and spatial-temporal assessment of wetlands during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season. The study finds that despite being one of the rainiest districts of Bihar, the annual rainfall trends in Madhubani is decreasing. This has impacted upon the water quality, productivity, biodiversity and annual recharge of wetlands of Madhubani. Its entire geographic region has thus been significantly reduced as a result. Other important factors like accelerated anthropogenic intervention, land use changes and process of urbanization have contributed towards rapid transformation of floodplains of Madhubani District. These changes may affect future water potential of the region and thus threaten sustainability in the region.

Floristic Diversity and Vegetation Analysis of Heritage Langat Singh College, North Bihar, India

Floristic Diversity and Vegetation Analysis of Heritage Langat Singh College, North Bihar, India

A Spatiotemporal Assessment of the Precipitation Variability and Pattern and an Evaluation of the Predictive Reliability of Global Climate Models over Bihar

Climate change is significantly altering precipitation patterns, leading to spatiotemporal changes throughout the world. In particular, the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, leading to heavy rainfall, floods, and droughts, have been a cause of concern. A comprehensive understanding of these changes in precipitation patterns on a regional scale is essential to enhance resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. The present study, focused on the state of Bihar in India, uses a long-term (1901–2020) gridded precipitation dataset to analyze the effect of climate change. Change point detection tests divide the time series into two epochs: 1901–1960 and 1961–2020, with 1960 as the change point year. Modified Mann–Kendall (MMK) and Sen’s slope estimator tests are used to identify trends in seasonal and annual time scales, while Centroidal Day (CD) analysis is performed to determine changes in temporal patterns of rainfall. The results show significant variability in seasonal rainfall, with the nature of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon observed to have flipped in second epoch. The daily rainfall intensity during the monsoon season has increased considerably, particularly in north Bihar, while the extreme rainfall has increased by 60.6 mm/day in the second epoch. The surface runoff increased by approximately 13.43% from 2001 to 2020. Further, 13 Global Climate Models (GCMs) evaluate future scenarios based on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 370 and SSP585. The suitability analysis of these GCMs, based on probability density function (PDF), monthly mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE) and percentage bias (P-Bias), suggests that EC-Earth3-Veg-LR, MIROC6, and MPI-ESM1-2-LR are the three best GCMs representative of rainfall in Bihar. A Bayesian model-averaged (BMA) multi-model ensemble reflects the variability expected in the future with the least uncertainty. The present study’s findings clarify the current state of variability, patterns and trends in precipitation, while suggesting the most appropriate GCMs for better decision-making and preparedness.

Exploring Midline Asymmetry: A Comprehensive Study Among Adolescents in the North Bihar Population

Objectives In the contemporary era, achieving a sense of equilibrium is a paramount concern, and a visually pleasing smile is intricately linked to both professional success and social acceptance. Esthetics, with a specific focus on Oro-facial aesthetics, emerges as a primary motivation for individuals seeking dental treatment. Nevertheless, there exists an optimal and aesthetically pleasing range of dental midline deviation. The current study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of dental midline shifting and the average extent of midline discrepancy among adolescents (aged 13-17) from North Bihar population. Material &amp; Methods Two hundred subjects participated in the study, with 100 males and 100 females selected based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Intraoral frontal occlusion photographs were captured for each participant, and subsequent analysis was done utilizing Digimizer software. Statistical analysis was applied to the linear measurement data obtained through photographic evaluation. Results The study’s findings revealed a noteworthy proportion of subjects displaying deviations between upper and lower midlines and anterior teeth midlines, falling within the range of 0.03-3.80 mm. Conclusion The prevalence of these deviations was observed to be higher in males compared to females, and this difference was statistically significant.

Carapace Length-weight, Carapace Width-weight Relationships, Condition Factor and Sex Ratio of Freshwater Crab Sartoriana spinigera (Wood-Mason, 1971) from the River Burhi Gandak, North Bihar, India

Background: The Burhi Gandak river origins in the Chautarwa Chaur region near Bisambharpur in the West Champaran district of Bihar and flows through the East Champaran, Muzafarpur, Samastipur and Begusarai districts. It falls into the river Ganga near Khagaria district. Its coordinates are 25°51'40''N latitudes and 85°48'36''E longitudes. The total area of catchment is 12500 sq. km in size overall, of which 9601 sq. km are in Bihar and the rest in Nepal. The study will be helpful for stock estimation, developing conservation and choosing appropriate species for aquaculture. The present data can be used to develop conservation plans while providing biological data needed for an effective management of this fishery. Methods: The carapace length-weight, carapace width-weight relationship, condition factor and sex ratio of freshwater crab Sartoriana spinigera (n=663) collected from River Burhi Gandak, North Bihar, between July 2020 to June 2021. In the present investigation, freshwater crabs were collected from different types of techniques, including hand-picking, digging, setting traps and taking them from their nest. Result: Total of 663 specimens of Sartoriana spinigera (Wood-Mason, 1971) of both sexes (male and female) were collected in which 363 female and 300 male. The carapace length-weight of Sartoriana spinigera females were calculated as W = 0.9122.521 with R2 = 0.875, male W = 0.43102.505 with R2 = 0.853 and length-weight of combined sex (male and female) were calculated as W = 0.6612.701 with R2 = 0.954. The carapace width-weight of female were calculated as W = 0.5542.331 with R2 = 0.831, male W = 0.7912.421 with R2 = 0.802 and carapace length-weight of combined sex (male and female) were calculated as W = 0.18122.601 with R2 = 0.900. From this study showed it could be stated that crabs have allometric growth pattern. The Fulton’s condition factor (Kn) value were calculated as 1.10 and sex ratio calculated was 1:1.49. This paper provides information.

Socio-Economic Value of Wetlands: A Case Study of Bihar

This paper delves into the socio-economic significance of wetlands and the associated conservation challenges. Notably, North Bihar heavily relies on wetlands, contributing 64%, while South Bihar contributes 36% to the total wetland area. The diverse importance of these wetlands is evident through their ecosystem services, encompassing domestic use, income generation, ecotourism, and biodiversity support. Vital economic activities, including fisheries and agriculture, thrive, playing a pivotal role in supporting local livelihoods. Despite their cultural and religious significance, Bihar's wetlands confront threats like altered water flow, pollution, and encroachment. Urgent and tailored conservation strategies are essential to ensure the enduring sustainability of these ecosystems. The study offers valuable insights into wetland distribution, services, challenges, and conservation efforts in Bihar. Keywords: Conservation, North Bihar, South Bihar, Socioeconomic Value and Wetlands.

Length-Weight Relationship of Freshwater Mussel Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck, 1819) from the River Burhi Gandak, North Bihar, India

Length-Weight Relationship of Freshwater Mussel Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck, 1819) from the River Burhi Gandak, North Bihar, India