South India Research Articles

The Impact of Social Media and Electronic Literature on Literary Studies, Language Learning and Acculturation: A Study Conducted in South India

This research aims to explore the impact of social media and electronic literature on young individuals' lives, especially in literary studies, foreign language learning and acculturation. The samples for the study were taken from young people in selected colleges in three South Indian states namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The objectives of this study were to determine the role of social media in the day-to-day life of youngsters, analysing major reasons behind social media usage, the role of social media and electronic literature in literary studies, foreign language learning and teaching, its impact on education and moulding language skills, and the extent to which it influences social change and acculturation. For the data collection, a structured survey questionnaire was prepared and distributed among the students. Purposive sampling was the sampling strategy used to collect the data and 355 samples were collected. A five-point Likert scale was used in the questionnaire. The researcher employed various statistical tools and methods like percentage analysis, graphical analysis, and descriptive statistics to have a proper analysis of the collected data. Qualitative analysis was carried out using discourse analysis and grounded theory analysis. It is observed that social media and digital technology have a pivotal impact on the lifestyle of the youngsters. Digital media act as a means for English language development and electronic literature helps to enhance the mode of language teaching and make the classes interesting. Electronic literature tremendously supports literary studies, education and related initiatives.

Outcomes from Early Experience with Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Versus Open Technique: Navigating the learning curve.

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) regarding postoperative pain, recurrence rates, duration of hospital stay and other postoperative outcomes within the context of a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India, and the initial experience of laparoscopic repairs. The current consensus in the literature often suggests LIHR as superior to open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR). This single-centre, retrospective, observational study was conducted at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Education and Research, Puducherry, India, from January 2011 to September 2020. All patients who underwent elective OIHR and LIHR were included. Data on the patients demographics, comorbidities, hernia type, mesh characteristics, surgery duration, hospital stay and immediate postoperative complications were collected and analysed. A total of 2,690 OIHR and 158 LIHR cases were identified. The demographic profiles, hospital stay and complication rates were similar in both groups. However, surgical site infection was present exclusively in the OIHR group (3.55% versus 0.0%; P <0.05). The timeline for returning to normal activities was statistically shorter for the LIHR group (6 versus 8 days; P <0.05). The most frequent immediate complication in the LIHR group was subcutaneous emphysema (6.54% versus 0.0%; P <0.05). Recurrence (9.23% versus 3.61%; P = 0.09) and chronic pain (41.53% versus 13.55%; P <0.05) were higher in the LIHR group. Lower recurrence and chronic pain rates were observed with OIHR in the initial experience with LIHR in the hospital. However, LIHR had significant advantages concerning faster patient recovery and lower rates of surgical site infections. While the results contribute an interesting deviation from the standard narrative, they should be interpreted within the context of a learning curve associated with the early experience of the research team with LIHR.

Factors affecting postnatal weight gain of very low birth weight babies during NICU stay in a tertiary care centre in Southern India: an observational study

Background: The survival of very low birth weight babies has significantly improved in recent years. Postnatal growth has an impact on neurodevelopment and hence identifying the risk factors that curb growth is crucial. Methods: We did a retrospective cohort study over 3 months in our NICU studying 40 very low birth weight babies. Our objective was to observe the time taken to regain birth weight and study the risk factors affecting postnatal weight gain. Results: Among the 40 babies studied, 22 babies had significant delay in regaining birth weight. Risk factors such as birth weight, birth asphyxia, parenteral nutrition, respiratory distress syndrome, surfactant requirement, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, hyperbilirubinemia, anemia had statistically significant association with delay in regaining birth weight. Conclusions: Many studies have established a linear correlation between postnatal growth velocity and neurodevelopmental outcome. Ascertaining and managing the factors affecting weight gain in very low birth weight babies is essential and challenging part and anticipating the risk factors in advance helps us to achieve desirable weight gain in these babies.

Evaluation of NS1 Antigen Detection for Early Diagnosis of Dengue in a Tertiary Hospital in Warangal, Telangana, Southern India

Evaluation of NS1 Antigen Detection for Early Diagnosis of Dengue in a Tertiary Hospital in Warangal, Telangana, Southern India

An effect of retting process and extraction methods on physical and mechanical properties of areca nut fibers

PurposeThe purpose of the project is to explore the biosoftening of raw areca nut fibers using two different biological retting methods and assess their impact on fiber properties for improved spinning. The study aims to contribute to the fashion industry’s shift toward sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThe project involves collecting raw brown areca shells, subjecting them to two retting methods (stagnant water retting and changing water daily retting) and then extracting and drying the fibers. Various physical and chemical properties of the fibers are measured to evaluate their suitability for spinning.FindingsThe stagnant water retting method, especially the fibers obtained on the second day, showed improved properties in terms of fiber strength, elongation, fineness and cellulose content, making them suitable for spinning applications. The method also resulted in better moisture regain.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused on two retting methods and a limited timeframe. Further research could explore additional techniques and durations. The labor-intensive nature of the daily changing water retting method may have implications for scalability.Practical implicationsThe project demonstrates a cost-effective and sustainable method for converting agricultural waste (areca nut husks) into valuable fibers suitable for various end users.Social implicationsThe research supports the fashion industry’s sustainability efforts by promoting the use of eco-friendly natural fibers, potentially benefiting rural farming communities.Originality/valueThe project highlights the innovative use of areca nut fibers and their potential to contribute to sustainable fashion. The stagnant water retting method is presented as a reliable and effective approach for improving fiber properties. Additionally, all fiber testing was exclusively conducted at the South India Textile Research Association (SITRA), with sponsorship from the industry and support from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Consanguineous marriage and associated diseases among their children and grandchildren in India: evidence from large-scale data.

Worldwide, more than 130 million infants are born each year and a considerable number of 13.5 million of these children have inbred parents. The present study aimed to investigate the association between parents' consanguinity and chronic illness among their children and grandchildren in India. The nationally representative data, Longitudinal Aging Study in India, 2017-2018, Wave 1 was used for the present study. Bivariate analysis, a probit model, and propensity score estimation were employed to conduct the study. The study observed the highest prevalence of consanguinity marriage in the state of Andhra Pradesh (28%) and the lowest in Kerala (5%) among the south Indian States. People who lived in rural areas, belonged to the richer wealth quintile and Hindu religion were the significant predictors of consanguinity marriage in India. For individuals who were in consanguineous marriages, there was 0.85%, 0.84%, 1.57% 0.43%, 0.34%, and 0.14% chances of their children and grandchildren developing psychotic disorders, heart disease, hypertension stroke, cancer, and diabetes, respectively. Moreover, around 4.55% of the individuals have a history of birth defects or congenital disorders. To address the risk of complicated illnesses due to the consanguinity of marriage, medical, genetic, and social counselling services are required.

A preliminary checklist of Copepoda in the mangrove areas of Munroe Island, adjacent to Ashtamudi estuary, Kerala, India

The present investigation was conducted to assess the species composition of Copepoda in Munroe Island from October 2020 to September 2022. As the information about the species composition of Copepoda is scarce in the mangrove habitats of the southern part of Kerala, their appraisal assumes greater significance. Copepod samples collected from the mangrove habitats of Munroe Island of Kerala (southern India) revealed 31 species belonging to 18 genera and 15 families. The order Calanoida was recognized as the most dominant taxa with 23 species, followed by Harpacticoida (five species) and Cyclopoida (three species). Among the 15 families encountered, Acartiidae, Centropagidae, Harpacticidae, Paracalanidae and Pseudodiaptomidae were the most diverse. Species such as Acartia bilobata, Paracalanus parvus, Pseudodiaptomus aurivillii, Pseudocalanus elongatus, Microsetella norvegica, and Oithona similis were found to be perennial. The investigation calls for intensive copepod surveys to reveal their ecology and diversity in the hitherto less-studied region in southern India.

New record of Giant Redeye Gangara thyrsis thyrsis (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from Garhwal region of western Himalaya, India

Gangara thyrsis thyrsis (Fabricius,1775) has distribution extending in peninsular India from Maharashtra to Kerala; Andhra Pradesh, and in northeastern India from West Bengal to Sikkim &amp; Arunachal Pradesh. In north-western India it has been reported from Delhi &amp; Kangra in Himachal Pradesh and also from Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands. In the current observation, the occurrence of G. t. thyrsis was recorded from New Forest Campus of Forest Research Institute, Dehradun which is the first known authentic record from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India.

Older age, CNS leukaemic involvement and induction tumour lysis increases the risk of methotrexate (MTX)-induced neurotoxicity in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma: Experience from a tertiary care centre in South India.

Methotrexate (MTX), although an indispensable part of contemporary treatment protocols for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)/lymphomas (LBL) in improving outcomes, can lead to serious neurotoxicity with long-term consequences. The aetiopathogenesis, predisposing factors and treatment for MTX-induced neurotoxicity are not yet well defined. The aim of our study was to detect the incidence, risk factors and to assess the overall outcomes of MTX-induced neurotoxicity among large cohort of paediatric ALL/LBL patients treated on a uniform protocol. We conducted retrospective audit of medical records of 622 consecutive children (≤14 years) diagnosed with ALL and LBL between January 2018 and December 2022 and treated on modified BFM-95 protocol at the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. Risk factors predisposing to MTX-induced neurotoxicity were identified using binary logistic regression analysis. Forty-three children were diagnosed with MTX-induced neurotoxicity with an incidence rate of 6.9%. More than two-thirds of them had high-grade MTX-induced neurotoxicity CTCAE v5.0 with a median age of 9 years (range: 9 months to 14 years). Almost half of them developed MTX neurotoxicity during Protocol M followed by Phase-Ib consolidation (15%). Majority of these patients (84%, 36/43) were challenged again with MTX, with 11% (4/36) developing recurrence. Fifteen per cent had persistent neurological deficits at last follow-up. Univariate analysis found older age (age > 5 years) (p < 0.001), T-cell phenotype (p = 0.040), tumour lysis syndrome during induction (p < 0.001), baseline renal problems prior to MTX exposure (p < 0.001) and CNS leukaemic involvement (p < 0.003) to be significantly associated with MTX neurotoxicity. On multivariate analysis, older age (>5 years), tumour lysis during induction and CNS leukaemia retained statistical significance (p < 0.05). Methotrexate-induced neurotoxicity during paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma therapy is a transient phenomenon in majority and re-challenge with MTX is generally safe. Older age children who develop tumour lysis during induction and CNS leukaemic involvement are at increased risk for MTX-induced neurotoxicity during ALL/LBL treatment.

First report of Lutevula hortensia (Distant) (Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) from India

An emesine bug, Lutevula hortensia (Distant), is recorded from India for the first time; type locality of this species is Sri Lanka and it was recently collected from Vellore, Tamil Nadu, in southern India. This is a rediscovery of the species after more than 50 years. Digital images of the species are presented along with comments on recent classification of Emesinae.

Osteometric analysis of human adult dry tibia at a Medical College in South India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: In the domains of forensic science, anatomy, archaeology, and sports medicine, morphometric data of long bones are important. The morphometry of the tibia is essential for the successful outcome of total knee arthroplasty. The lower end of the tibia, which forms the ankle joint, is commonly impacted in accidents and sports injuries. Objective: The present study aims to reappraise the morphometry of the adult dry tibia in South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 60 bones of adult human dry tibia obtained from the bone collection of the department of anatomy. Various parameters of the upper end, shaft, and lower end of the tibia were measured using a digital Vernier caliper. Results: The tibial length varied from 32.7 to 42.7 cm, with a mean length of 36.79 ± 2.24. The Cnemic index, Foraminal index, Length–thickness index, and Cross-section index were 72.57 ± 11, 32.1 ± 3.3, 75.7 ± 11.1, and 22.95 ± 1.53, respectively. According to the foraminal index, 75% of the bones belonged to Type-1 and 25% to Type-2, where the nutrient foramen was in the proximal and middle third of the bone, respectively. Conclusions: The present study gives observational morphometric data of the tibia, which will be helpful in clinical as well as in medicolegal cases. These parameters will help in the selection of the correct prosthesis for a successful surgery, and we hope this morphometric analysis will have substantial significance across various disciplines.

Examining mediating and moderating influences among career competencies and leadership aspiration

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between career competencies and leadership aspiration among women IT/ITeS professionals in South India, examining the mediating effects of work role salience and occupational self-efficacy, along with the moderating effect of achievement aspiration.Design/methodology/approachThe sample consists of 348 women professionals working in the IT/ITeS industry in South India. The study adopts a descriptive methodology and employs a cross-sectional research design.FindingsThe result shows that work role salience mediates the relationship between career competencies and leadership aspiration and that this mediation is moderated by achievement aspiration. Additionally, occupational self-efficacy is found to have a supplementary effect on leadership aspiration, further contributing to the model.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the limitations of online data collection, the study showcases adaptability, providing valuable insights into women's career aspirations. It acknowledges opportunities for future research improvements, such as implementing longitudinal frameworks and incorporating a more diverse sample, to enhance the robustness and applicability of findings.Practical implicationsThe study offers valuable insights for managers, researchers and academia, aiding in the identification of crucial competencies for women aspiring to leadership roles, and fostering the retention of top talent in a diverse and inclusive work environment. Individuals can leverage these insights for enhanced career development by recognizing and emphasizing strengths while addressing weaknesses through accurate self-assessments.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel perspective by identifying the essential competencies that are crucial for women to achieve leadership positions, thus making a valuable contribution to the existing literature in the field.

Association of maternal and cord vitamin B12 levels with anthropometry in term neonates born to malnourished mothers in coastal South India

Background Malnourished pregnant women are at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency. We assessed the vitamin B12 status in both malnourished and normally nourished pregnant women and their neonates. Additionally, we studied the association between maternal B12 levels, cord B12 levels and neonatal anthropometry. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 63 malnourished and 63 normally nourished mothers and neonates. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected at the time of delivery for estimation of vitamin B12 levels. Maternal and cord vitamin B12 levels were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Neonatal anthropometry was correlated with maternal and cord B12 levels using Spearman’s correlation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results Mean maternal age was 26.58 yrs. The median cord B12 levels were lower than the maternal B12 levels. Maternal B12 levels showed a strong positive correlation with cord B12 levels (rho = 0.879; p &lt; 0.001). Maternal (p &lt; 0.001) and cord (p &lt; 0.001) vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in the malnourished group than in the normally nourished group. In malnourished group, 66.8% mothers and 95.2% neonates were Vitamin B12 deficient, whereas 1.5% mothers and 4.7% neonates were vitamin B12 deficient in normally nourished group. In the malnourished group, maternal B12 levels were positively correlated with birth weight (rho 0.363, p = 0.003) and length (rho 0.330, p =0.008), whereas cord B12 levels were positively correlated with birth weight in the normally nourished group. (rho 0.277 p= 0.028) Conclusion High rates of vitamin B12 deficiency were observed in malnourished mothers and neonates. There was a positive correlation between birth weight, length, and maternal vitamin B12 levels in malnourished mothers. These findings emphasize the need to address maternal malnutrition and vitamin B12 deficiency to improve neonatal health.

Correction: Sustainable reuse potential of landfill mining waste retrieved from urban mining sites in South India

Correction: Sustainable reuse potential of landfill mining waste retrieved from urban mining sites in South India

#2637 Comparison of single versus double icodextrin exchanges in patients on CAPD: a study from Chennai, South India

Abstract Background and Aims Dextrose has been used as the primary osmotic agent in PD. Icodextrin is an alternative osmotic agent &amp; is now routinely used as a part of incremental prescription. As per guidelines, only one icodextrin exchange per day is recommended. There is no Indian data on icodextrin only exchanges in PD patients. In this study we compare single versus double icodextrin exchange per day with regards to ultrafiltration, laboratory parameters and quality of life. Method This was a retrospective study was done at The Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, India amongst patients initiated on PD between January 2019 to January 2023. Records of these patients were analysed from initiation of dialysis to one year after start of PD. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A: Patients on 1 icodextrin exchange per day Group B: Patients on 2 icodextrin exchanges per day Inclusion criteria Patients above 18 yrs Minimum 3 months of CAPD Exclusion criteria Hybrid therapy Dextrose exchanges Clinical and laboratory Evaluation Periodic clinical and lab assessments made at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year as per our unit protocol were noted. Left ventricular ejection fraction as per ECHO was noted. Mean ultrafiltration and residual urine output was noted. Infectious and non-infectious complications from 3 months to 1 year of therapy was analysed. QOL assessed using Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQoL™-36) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v23 (IBM Corp.). Results 19 patients were initiated on icodextrin only exchanges. 9 patients were on one icodextrin exchange per day and 10 patients were on two icodextrin exchanges per day. PD prescription in these patients were based on the clinical assessment, laboratory parameters, socioeconomic status. Baseline characteristics of these patients are shown in Table 1. UF response In group A, the mean ultrafiltration decreased from 583 ml at baseline to 541.67 ml at 6 months and 500 ml at 1 year. In group B, the mean ultrafiltration increased from 745 ml at baseline to 994.44 ml at 6 months and 1025 ml at 1 year. Statistically significant difference in between the two groups were noted at 3 (p = 0.04) &amp; 6 months (p = 0.003). No significant difference was noted at one year (p = 0.167). Blood pressure The two groups did not differ in terms of systolic and diastolic pressure. Residual urine output (RUO) The mean RUO in group A at baseline, 6 months and 1 year were 822.22 ml, 816.67 ml and 933.33 ml respectively. The mean RUO in group B at baseline, 6 months and 1 year were 965 ml, 613.33 ml and 700 ml respectively. The overall change in RUO over time was compared in the 2 groups using the Generalized Estimating Equations method. There was a significant difference in the trend of RUO over time between the two groups (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Random blood sugar, serum sodium, LVEF No significant difference was noted between the two groups. Table 2 shows the mean values at different time points. Pulmonary oedema No difference was noted between the groups. Patients were managed with additional exchanges of 4.25% dextrose for 2 to 3 days. No change in the prescription after resolution of pulmonary oedema. Adverse reactions 1 patient on two icodextrin exchanges developed hyponatremia &amp; was switched to dextrose exchanges. No skin reaction due to icodextrin was noted. Quality of life In group A mean QOL at baseline, 6 months and 12 months were 191, 301.33 and 243 respectively. In group B, the mean QOL at baseline, 6 months and 12 months were 194.67, 306.5, and 248 respectively. There was no significant difference in the trend of QOL between the two groups (p = 0.997). Outcome One patient died due to septic shock Cost (in Indian rupees) Mean cost of PD per month in these patients were Rs 23760 in group A and Rs 42768 in group B. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of cost (p = 0.001), with the median cost being highest in the group B. Conclusion A significant increase in ultrafiltration was noted in patients on two exchanges of icodextrin. However, patients on two exchanges had a significant decrease in residual urine output.

A New Rare Halogenated Depside from Lichen and Study of its Anti-Proliferative Activity.

Lichens are a symbiotic association of algae and fungus, belonging to the family Parmeliaceae. Some lichen species are edible and used as an active ingredient for preparation of exotic spices as well as folklore medicine to cure different kinds of ailments. A specimen of lichen was collected from Munner in the Kerala State of South India for chemical profiling. Chemical analyses of the diethyl ether extract of the defatted lichen led to the isolation of six phenols 1-6 with variation of relative abundance. Amongst them, the relative abundance of compound 3 was the greatest (1 % of crude extract) and it was identified as atranorin. The structures of known compounds were confirmed by comparison of their 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, and mass data with published values available in the literature. In vitro bioassay for anti-proliferative activity of these compounds has been conducted against various human cancer cell lines in comparison with paclitaxel as control using SRB assay. Interestingly, a new compound 5 was found along with previously reported compounds from this lichen. This new compound was designated as fluoroatranorin 5 which was reported for the first time herein. The structural characterization of a new depside was determined by spectral methods such as 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR, IR, LC-HRESI-MS, and LC-MS/MS study. Its structure was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. This new compound was designated as fluoroatranorin 5 which was reported first time herein. Anti-proliferative activity of all these compounds was evaluated against six different cancer cell lines. The inhibitory activity, IC50 value of compounds 1-3 and 5 exhibited at 99.64, 102.04, 109.20, 53.0 and 2.4 μM on cancer cell lines HT-29 (colon), Hela (cervical), HT-29, HPAC (pancreas) and A2780 (ovarian cancer cell line) respectively in comparison with paclitaxel as control. The new compound 5 exhibited significant activity with IC50 value 2.4 μM on A2780 ovarian cancer cell line.

Acute Gastrointestinal Injury in Critically Ill Patients in a South Indian Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective, Observational, Preliminary Study.

Introduction The acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) score was proposed by the Working Group on Abdominal Problems of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) as a tool to define and grade gut dysfunction. There have not been any studies in India to validate this tool. The objectiveof this preliminary study was primarily to study the frequency of AGI in the first week of ICU stay in critically ill patients in ourintensive care unit (ICU). We also sought to determine the risk factors predisposing to the development of AGIand to determine the prognostic implication of gastrointestinal (GI) injury in critically ill patients. Materials and methods A prospective, observational, preliminary, single-center study was conducted on critically ill patients (APACHE II > 8) who were on enteral tube feeds and admitted to a mixed ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Anthropometric data, admission diagnosis, APACHE II score, and comorbidities were recorded. Data of daily heart rate, mean arterial pressure, dose of vasopressors, intra-abdominal pressure, fluid balance, feeding intolerance, mechanical ventilation, and laboratory tests were noted for the first seven days of ICUstay or till ICU discharge, whichever was earlier. The occurrence of AGIscore (1-4) during the first seven days of critical illness was the primary outcome of interest. Patient outcome at 28 days was recorded and the impact of the occurrence of AGI on patient outcome was analyzed using the Chi-square test. The patient characteristics associated with AGI were characterized as risk factors and analyzed using a multivariate model. Results Data were collected from 33 patients over 201 patient days. The frequency of acute GI dysfunction in the first seven days of ICU stay in our group of patients was 45.45% (15/33). APACHE II, fluid balance, creatinine, and lactate were identified as possible predictors ofGI injury based on existing literature. These four variables were entered into an ordinal logistic regression model to assess their ability to predict the occurrence ofGI Injury. When fitted into a predictive model, only fluid balance and creatinine were predictive of the final model (p-value < 0.05). A greater fluid balance was predictive in the final model of the development ofGI injury;however,it showed negligible clinical significance (OR: 1.00033, 95% CI: 1.000051-1.00061). Lower creatinine levels were predictive in the final model of the development of AGI Injury,as demonstrated by the negative coefficient. Creatinine also had a greater clinical significance (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.90) in the development ofAGI. The impact of the AGI scores on mortality was analyzed. The number of patient days with higher AGI scores was significantly associated with increased mortality at 28 days (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion The study showed that nearly half of the critically ill patients included in the study developed acute GI dysfunction.We could not identify any predictors ofGI injury based on our results. The result suggested an association between the severity of GI dysfunction and mortality at 28 days.

Impact of zero tillage maize production on yield, income, and resource utilization in peninsular India: an action-based quasi-experimental research

Impact of zero tillage maize production on yield, income, and resource utilization in peninsular India: an action-based quasi-experimental research

Performance analysis of power conditioning and distribution module for microsatellite applications

Abstract Algeria’s micro-satellite, Alsat-1b, was successfully launched into a 680 km low Earth orbit onboard a PSLV-C35 rocket from Sriharikota, South India, on September 26, 2016. The spacecraft was conceived, built and launched as part of an 18-month technology transfer programme between Algeria’s Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) and the United Kingdom’s Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). This document details the Power Conditioning and Distribution Module’s (PCM-PDM) design and performance in orbit, critical component of a satellite electrical power system, responsible for converting, regulating and distributing power to various subsystems and payloads. The PCM-PDM developed and produced by SSTL was subjected to rigorous testing simulating harsh space conditions to assess its performance. The results of this comprehensive analysis indicate that the module can effectively withstand extreme environmental factors and function optimally in challenging settings. The analysis focused on the PCM-PDM’s ability to provide reliable and efficient power conditioning and distribution to the satellite, including its load management capabilities, overcurrent protection, protection against undervoltage and critical mode operations. The results of the performance analysis showed that the PCM-PDM met the required specifications and demonstrated reliable and efficient operation in different modes of the satellite’s mission. The study highlights the importance of careful design and rigorous testing of the PCM-PDM to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of the satellite and its payloads.

A New Species of Fern Genus &lt;i&gt;Loxogramme&lt;/i&gt; Presl from South India

A New Species of Fern Genus &lt;i&gt;Loxogramme&lt;/i&gt; Presl from South India