North Gujarat Research Articles

ADOPTION OF POTATO CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY BY THE POTATO GROWERS UNDER CONTRACT FARMING

Most of the farm operators being small and marginal farmers in India, there are problems in getting quality raw material for processing, marketing, and distribution, especially in perishable high value crops but contract farming which was restricted, largely, to seed production earlier, spread to perishable produce and has now become the dominant and growing mode of raw material production and procurement co-ordination among the processors and fresh produce market and exporters. Potato is very important perishable high value crop in North Gujarat Agro-climatic zone of Gujarat state with the cultivating area of 97,204 hector in six districts of North Gujarat (Anon.2014-15). Therefore, the present investigation was conducted in the North Gujarat Agro climatic Zone of Gujarat state. Two districts viz., Banaskantha and Sabarkantha occupy the highest area under potato cultivation in North Gujarat and hence, were selected purposively for study. Ten potato growers were randomly selected from twenty villages. In all, 200 contracting potato growers were selected for the study. Important motivated factors farmers toward contract farming were; assured price, price stability, no tension of marketing, technical advice to control pests and diseases, no cash payment for seed. Majority (78.00%) of the potato growers had medium to high level of adoption regarding potato cultivation technology. With respect to practice wise adoption, maximum farmers adopted the practices viz., improved varieties, plant protection, irrigation, seed treatment, fertilizers management and land preparation in case of potato cultivation. The independent variables viz., education, mass media exposure and level of knowledge, age, land holding, occupation, annual income, cropping sequence, and risk orientation had positive and significant correlation with the adoption of potato cultivation technology by the potato growers.

Factors affecting the utilization of maternal and child health care services in North Gujarat

The present study intended to examine the factors affecting the utilization of maternal health care services in the north Gujarat region of India. The study used Data collected from various hospitals of different districts of North Gujarat. Both bivariate and multivariate techniques have been applied for data analysis. Logistic regression techniques and concentration curve and index have been used. Findings of the study indicate that there were wider socio-economic differential exits in the utilization of MCH services (full ANC, Safe delivery and post-natal care) in all the district under study. The result shows that the farther population from healthcare centre is less likely to utilize maternal and child health care services. The economic inequality in accessing the all three components of maternal health care utilization was higher in the urban area. As the educational level, wealth index, employment, atonomy and exposure to mass media of women increases the utilization of these services increases significantly.

Knowledge and awareness of techniques of recording vertical dimension among dental undergraduates of north Gujarat

Introduction: Vertical dimension is most important characteristic in success of any rehabilitation procedure. There are various methods available in the literature to record vertical dimension in dentulous as well as edentulous patients. This study aims to discover the knowledge and awareness among the dental undergraduates of North Gujarat regarding the techniques of recording vertical dimension. Materials and Method: A questionnaire based descriptive survey consisting of demographic data and 8 questions related to different methods of recording vertical dimension was framed on google forms. The link was generated and circulated amongst the undergraduate students of (Third Year BDS, Final Year BDS and Interns) North Gujarat utilizing digital platform such as electronic mail and social media platforms. The responses were collected and data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0.for statistical evaluation. The statistical tools used to analyze the levels of awareness among the undergraduates were frequencies and percentage analysis. For statistical evaluation, knowledge and awareness amongst undergraduate students with respect to gender, year and techniques of recording vertical dimension was kept with the level of significance at P < 0.05 using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software version 24.

Assessment of user Satisfaction of Bamboo Toothbrushes among Students of Dental Institute of North Gujarat: A Questionnaire Study

Assessment of user Satisfaction of Bamboo Toothbrushes among Students of Dental Institute of North Gujarat: A Questionnaire Study

Microlithic variation and the Mesolithic occupations of western India.

Considerable confusion and uncertainty persist on the cultural and chronological contexts of Holocene microlithic assemblages reported from South Asia. The paucity of securely dated sites with microlithic remains has compounded the confusion. Evidence from sites securely attributed to the Mesolithic based on a holistic approach (including direct evidence of plant and animal exploitation strategies) is needed to provide a better understanding of Mesolithic lithic tool-kits. This study uses morphometric and statistical methods to assess the nature of the Holocene hunter-gatherer microlithic tools-kit from a radiometrically secured chronological context at Vaharvo Timbo, a recently excavated Mesolithic site in North Gujarat (India). The assemblage is further compared with the nearby contemporary site of Loteshwar to highlight similarities and differences within hunter-gatherer lithic assemblages, understanding which can provide detailed information about subsistence strategies as well as patterns of settlement and mobility. The results show general standardisation between these two sites regarding raw materials and manufacturing technique but variation in the relative abundance of tool types between these two sites, despite their close proximity, indicating diverse strategies of resource exploitation by the Holocene hunter-gatherer groups in western India.

​Heat Stress-induced Changes in Milk Composition and Physiological Responses of Lactating Kankrej Cow during Summer Season as Compared to Thermo-neutral Period

Background: The Kankrej cattle is the heaviest and most priced of the Indian breeds of cattle. It is adapted to the geo-climatic conditions of North Gujarat and Kutch, which is normally hot and dry. It is reared in the district of Banaskantha in the state of Gujarat and also distributed in other parts of India and abroad. The experiment was carried out to study the effect of the summer season on the milk composition and physiological responses in lactating Kankrej cow compared to the thermoneutral period. Methods: For the experiment, total number of 16 clinically healthy Kankrej cows were randomly selected from Livestock Research Station (LRS), Sardar Krushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha, Gujarat and categorized into two different groups according to seasons. Physiological responses i.e. respiration rate and rectal temperature were recorded and milk samples were collected from each animal during the summer and thermoneutral period at fortnight intervals. The milk samples were analyzed by using an automated milk analyzer. Result: The results demonstrate that fat, SNF and density were significantly higher in the summer season. The physiological responses include respiration rate and rectal temperature were found significantly higher during summer than thermoneutral period. Milk protein was significantly higher during the thermo-neutral period as compared to summer.

Diet of the Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) in dry scrubland of north Gujarat, India

Indian fox Vulpes bengalensis, a mesocarnivore of the Indian subcontinent, is distributed widely in all kinds of habitats in India except the Western Ghats. The Indian fox prefers semi-arid landscapes with low rainfall where it is easy to hunt and dig dens and where the vegetation is mainly short grasslands or scrub, thorn thickets or dry deciduous forests. They mostly avoid dense forests, steep terrain, tall grasslands, and true deserts. The Indian fox is listed as of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN and legally protected in India under schedule II of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972. An opportunistic and omnivorous feeder, its diet includes insects, scorpions, centipedes, small rodents, monitor lizards and other reptiles, ground nesting birds, their eggs and fruit such as Ziziphus sp. (Rhamnaceae), Citrullus vulgaris (Cucurbitaceae), Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), Syzigium cumini (Myrtaceae), Melia azedarach (Meliaceae), and Ficus bengalensis (Moraceae). Some local shepherds have also reported seeing Indian foxes feed on the freshly voided pellets of sheep. Their presence and density in any area is closely related to the abundance of food.

Study on Protection and Utilization of Common Medicinal Plant Resources

This study deals with the ethno- medico- botany of plants species of Gandhinagar district, North Gujarat. Aim and Objective: The people live in remote areas and in villages which remain cut off from main cities and have to depend on local products for the primitive needs especially like food and medicines. The people are having knowledge about the uses of plants against various diseases. The villagers use the plants in a different illness in effective manners. Scientific investigations of use of herbal medicines would open new area of knowledge. Here, in this paper list of medicinal plants have been given, which are growing traditionally and utilizing through local health care system for a long time. Material Methods: The information of conservation, cultivation methods has been gathered and documented by visiting the local area, communities and farmers by interviewed them. The inputs are taken about traditional way of treatments for the common diseases. In this paper about 30 species have been acknowledge, which are being commercially extracted and traded. Most of the species are found wildly while some are farmed as per their season. Conclusion: Gandhinagar district is blessed with many of species of medicinal plants. The villagers are having good practical knowledge regarding herbal value of local species. The farmers are not getting proper market value for the medicinal plants and some time they do not get the return of their products timely and adequately. It is therefore, the pace of cultivating medicinal plants is very low which need to implement in the knowledge of common people.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF ANEMIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

BACKGROUND: Anemia is one among serious public health problems, particularly, in a developing nation like India. To find out situation analysis of any public health condition or to assess effectiveness of implemented public health program, study of gap analysis has significant role. Nutritional knowledge related gap is one among major causes for nutritional problems. Moreover, intergenerational impact results due to uptake of improper practices. OBJECTIVES: To assess the burden of anemia and to study knowledge, attitude and practice among young women for the use of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets relate to anemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a North Gujarat region. A total of 1000 young women were included in this study. A predesigned, pretested, questionnaire was used to assess objective of the study. RESULTS: According to NFHS-V, 2019-20, prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant women is 65.1 % in Gujarat. The present study found that 40-60% of respondents could identify the major symptoms, causes and consequences of anemia. Least knowledge was found about inhibitors and enhancers. 54% of respondents like to consume iron-rich food. Only 32.6% of respondents had a positive attitude towards IFA tablets. 39% knew the importance of complementary food along breastfeeding. 32% of respondents used to consume citric food. 28.7% of school going girls used to consume IFA tablets weekly and only 26% of girls used to go for deworming annually. In non-going school girls, only 16% of young women used to consume IFA tablets. Only 10.4% of respondents used to/preferred to consume iron enhancers with IFA tablet. CONCLUSION: Young women depicted intermediate knowledge towards anemia but not adequate attitude and practice. Initial uptake and adherence to IFA tablets is extremely low among young women. Along with KAP, social and environmental factors need to address to disseminate misperceptions around IFA use and low-risk perception.

Molecular Characterization of Free Living N2 Fixing Bacteria Isolated from Agricultural Soils of North Gujarat, India

Background: Molecular identification of a wide range of organisms capable of carrying out biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) are diverse in nature and significantly improves plant growth. Biological N2 fixation reflects the activity of a phylogenetically diverse list of microorganisms. Molecular characterization provides efficient means to identify organisms with the potential of N2 fixation. Applying these techniques in an array of environments has considerably broadened our understanding of the suite of organisms that can carry out BNF. Methods: Thirty-four strains of free living N2 fixing bacterial strains were isolated from diverse plants cultivated in North Gujarat, including wheat, cotton, castor and pearl millet, using a nitrogen-free selective medium. Acetylene reduction assay was used to check the ability of all bacteria to fix nitrogen. Hybridization with nifH probe derived from Azotobacter vinelandii with isolated free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria showed a positive result. The selected strains were characterized by molecular analysis like; ARDRA and 16S rDNA sequencing. Result: Based on molecular characterization 17 strains to known groups of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, including organisms from the genus Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, Variovorax, Nocardiodies, Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium, Planococcus, Microbacterium have been identified. One of the strains was identified as unknown bacteria. The potential strains were identified by 16srDNA analysis and also corroborated by morphological and biochemical characterization.

Colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: can we predict it

Background: Colonic perforation though rare but is one of the most dangerous complications of Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) which may lead to increase significant post operative morbidity in worldwide, therefore, the aim of this study was to explore colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy- Can we predict it.Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the data of 1270 PCNL procedures performed between April 2013 and April 2019 at Ayushyaman kidney hospital, Palanpur, North Gujarat, India. All parameters including demography, history, stone parameters, site of skin puncture and punctured calyx, were reviewed in all these patients.Results: Colonic perforation was found in 10 patients (7 males and 3 females) and the mean age was 40.5±20.0. The left side was affected in 4 patients and the right side was injured in 6 cases. Conservative administration was the treatment planned for all patients. It included withdrawal of the nephrostomy tube outside the kidney to the colon as a percutaneous colostomy, insertion of a double-J ureteral stent, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, bowel rest and total parenteral nutrition. Under this conservative management, entire healing of the colon was achieved in all cases.Conclusions: Colonic perforation is rare complication in PCNL. High degree of suspicion, early diagnosis and timely management can prevent sepsis and peritonitis and minimize patient morbidity and mortality.

Study to estimate the prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnant women of North Gujarat region of India

Background: The thyroid function is changed during early stage of pregnancy. Various thyroid disorders throughout pregnancy are related with grave maternal and fetal outcomes. The geographical variation in the prevalence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy is very wide and generally assessed for thyroid disorders are recommended in the pregnancy. Therefore, present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnant women of North Gujarat, India.Methods:The present cross-sectional study was done on 200 pregnant women in the department of general medicine at Banas medical college and our trust-based hospital in North Gujarat, India, over a period of one year from July 2020 to June 2021. The patients' demographic profile was recorded; detailed history and meticulous examination were performed in the entire cases. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) were analyzed.Results: The overall prevalence of various thyroid disorders 13%. The most frequent thyroid disorder reported was subclinical hypothyroidism encompassing of 8%, followed by overt hypothyroidism 3% in women and the prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism was 2% which was least in our study.Conclusions:In our study, we conclude that subclinical hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism in pregnant women. Therefore, we suggested that thyroid function tests should be include along with other routine investigations during pregnancy to identify thyroid dysfunction and minimize the feto-maternal complications during pregnancy and after birth.

Study of serum C-peptide levels in newly diagnosed diabetic mellitus subjects of North Gujarat region of India

Background: Serum C-peptide has appeared as the chief clinical and practically adequate marker of β-cell function of pancreas. Serum insulin and C-peptide are concomitantly secreted into the blood circulation in equal amount. The aim of the study was to determine serum C-peptide levels in newly diagnosed diabetic mellitus subjects of North Gujarat region of India.Methods:The present cross-sectional study was done on 50 subjects of recently diagnosed Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-diabetic healthy controls at Banas Medical College and our trust-based hospital. All diabetics patients were further classified into two groups; normal FC group consist of subjects with FC level 0.5-3.2 ng/ml (N=14) and high FC group included subjects with FC>3.2 ng/ml (N=36). The patients' demographic and anthropometric parameters were recorded; detailed history and clinical examination were performed in the entire cases. All biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results: Predominance of the T2DM subjects was in the age group of 41-50 years. Mean value for age (p<0.01), anthropometric (p<0.01), fasting plasma glucose (p<0.001), HbA1c (p<0.01), cholesterol (p<0.01), triglycerides (p<0.001) and C-peptide (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the T2DM subjects. The mean values of fasting plasma glucose (p<0.001) and HbA1c (p<0.01) are significantly higher in T2DM subject with high C-peptide level as compared to normal C-peptide level. Conclusions:In our study, we conclude that elevated levels of fasting C-peptide in newly diagnosed T2DM. Therefore, we suggested that serum C-peptide levels are valuable as marker of endogenous insulin production from β-cell of pancreas.

Purchasing behavior of farmers towards hybrid watermelon seeds in North Gujarat

Over the last few years, farmers have become more aware of the benefits of utilising certified/quality seeds leading to increase in demand of seeds. Present study was conducted during 2018-19 in north Gujarat to examine the buying behaviour of farmers towards hybrid watermelon seeds. A multi-stage sampling design was employed for the study and required data were collected from 180 water melon farmers spread over 18 villages of 6 talukas, covering two watermelon growing districts namely Banskantha and Aravali. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Simple tools such as weighted mean average and Garrett ranking technique were employed to analyse the data. Finding indicates that the quality parameters of the seed like the yield, germination, disease resistance were the important factors influencing the purchase decision of the farmers regarding watermelon hybrid seeds. It was also observed that farmers were highly satisfied with the availability, price and better germination but raised concerns about the the yield aspect of the hybrid seed. The study pointed towards the need for progressive seed quality improvement by the private companies as well as regular capacity building for dealers to increase the awareness of using hybrid watermelon seeds.

Study of Rainfall Trends in 20th Century in Sabarkantha district, North Gujarat, India

Study of Rainfall Trends in 20th Century in Sabarkantha district, North Gujarat, India

Assessment of VO2 Max among Female Workers of Cotton Textile Industry at Visnagar, North Gujarat Region: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Occupational lung illness is a significant problem among textile factory workers. Occupational cotton dust exposure has been linked to lung involvement in many epidemiological studies of cotton industry workers. The maximum oxygen intake is one of the measures used to estimate functional capacity (VO2 max) of cardiopulmonary efficiency. The integration of the ventilatory, cardiovascular and neuromuscular system is necessary for attainment of VO2 max. Aim: To assess the VO2 max among women employees in cotton textile industry and to study the correlation between VO2 max and anthropometric parameters like Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA), fat percent (fat %) and Lean Body Mass (LBM). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to June 2021 at Nootan Medical College and Research Centre/Nootan General Hospital, Visnagar, Dt. Mehsana, North Gujarat, India, which included study and control group which comprised 50 female workers of cotton industry and 50 age matched females respectively (n=50 each) who had never worked in the cotton industry or been exposed to cotton dust. The labourers of cotton industry were chosen from the Mehsana district’s numerous cotton factories. Physical examinations (resting heart rate, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure) and a standardised proforma were used to gather data. VO2 max and anthropometric measurements such as BMI, BSA, fat % and LBM were measured by standard procedure. The statistical analysis was done by using Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation test. The correlation between BMI, BSA, fat percent and LBM with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was assessed by using Karl-Pearson’s correlation with level of significance was considered statistically significant if p<0.05. Results: The mean value of VO2 max in study and control group was 35.62±0.34 mL/kg/min and 36.80±0.58 mL/kg/min respectively. It was decreased significantly (p<0.001) in study group. The r values of BMI, BSA, LBM and body fat % were 0.262, 0.132, 0.236, 0.224 respectively. In the present study correlation between BMI, BSA, LBM, body fat % with VO2 max was reported as weak positive correlation which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: VO2 max was significantly decreased in cotton industry workers compared to non exposed control subjects. More studies on the effects of cotton dust on VO2 max should be conducted in future in both genders.

Morphological Study of Nutrient Foramina in Long Bones of Upper Limb among North Gujarat Population

Introduction: Main source of nutrition to long bone during growth and ossification is nutrient artery. Nutrient canal opens as nutrient foramen on the surface of shaft which conducts the nutrient artery and the peripheral nerves to bones. Nutrient artery provides more than 60-70% of blood supply to long bone, 30- 40% through periosteal, metaphyseal and epiphyseal blood vessels. Aim: To determine number of nutrient foramina, its position on surface of shaft, size and direction of nutrient foramina either towards proximal end or distal end and find out foraminal index from the position of nutrient foramina. Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 177 dry bones (60 humerus, 60 radius, 57 ulna) of upper limb, available at Anatomy Department, GMERS Medical College Himmatnagar, during September 2021. All bones were observed for number, position and direction of nutrient foramina. Size of foramen was measured by needles of different size. Mean Foraminal index was calculated for each long bone of upper limb by using Epi Info™ for windows, CDC, Atlanta, version 7.2. Results: Majority of bones had single nutrient foramina, all foramina were directed towards the elbow joint. All nutrient foramina were on flexor surfaces of bone, except one bone (radius). Majority of nutrient foramina were situated on middle 3rd of the shaft. Size of nutrient foramen was range from 22 to 28 gauge of needle. Conclusion: Information on nutrient foramina of long bones of upper limb will be useful in many orthopedic surgeries like microvascular bone grafting and many plastic reconstructive surgeries. During surgeries like fracture repair, bone graft or muscle graft care should be taken, not to damage these nutrient vessels to keep intact blood supply of bone.

Hematological and molecular finding of Trypanosoma evansi in buffaloes of North Gujarat

Trypanosoma evansi is definitely one of the most common pathogenic trypanosomes in all over the world, obviously infecting domestic and wild animals. Before it contributes to even more economic losses, a fast and confirmatory early diagnosis is a must to curb the spread and development of the disease. The current study was aimed to identify Trypanosoma spp. in buffalo blood by blood smear analysis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as comparison of these two methods. This investigation was performed on 475 buffaloes with anaemia, recurrent fever, muscular weakness and loss of appetite. Out of 475 blood samples, 57 were found anaemic (Hb

Overview of dryland agriculture research and achievements in north Gujarat Zone

Overview of dryland agriculture research and achievements in north Gujarat Zone

Techno-economic feasibility of solar water pumping system in North-Gujarat region, India

North Gujarat region of India is predominantly known for agro based economy. As surface water sources are very much limited in these regions, irrigation mainly depends upon underground water strata available at different water table. (Viswanathan, 2014). Close to 80 per cent of the total irrigated area is dominated by deep and shallow tube wells while canal water covers hardly 20 per cent. Gujarat ranked fourth in terms of energization of pump sets over the past three decades, showing more than fivefold increase in the number of pump sets from 2.62 Lakhs during 1983 to 14.28 Lakhs during 2017 and around 3.5 lakh applications are still pending. The agriculture sector in Gujarat utilizes about 27 per cent of the total electricity supplied by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited. Contrarily, out of the net revenue generated by GUVNL, only 3 per cent is contributed by the agriculture consumers owing to highly subsidized rate of 60 paisa/kWh. Solar photovoltaic (PV) pumps are powered by an array of solar panels. Solar PV pumps are designed to operate on DC power produced by solar panels, or on existing AC pump with inverter. Solar pumps are easy to install and are generally “good” for the sustainability of boreholes due to their low extraction volumes spread over eight to ten hours a day. To cope up the ever increasing demand, the Gujarat government has provided solar-powered water pumps to farmers to reduce the burden on existing power plants and encourage the farmers to opt for solar powered pumps for their regular irrigation needs. A study on techno economic feasibility of solar water pumping system at farmers fields was carried out during 2015 and 2016 in the North Gujarat region. The study recommended the farmers to adopt 5 hp solar photovoltaic water pumping system coupled with micro irrigation system to promote eco-friendly daytime irrigation. The North Gujarat region is endowed by abundant solar radiation for 300–315 days with insolation of 4.5–6.5 kWh/m2/day. The system is found quite appropriate in the total head range of 5–85 m. Life cycle cost (LCC) of PV system was found to be 58.5 per cent less compared with diesel pump set, average payback period was found to be about 04 years.