Visakhapatnam Region Research Articles

Statistical Analysis of Factors Influencing Stress and Resilience in High School Students in Visakhapatnam Region

Abstract: This paper investigates the factors influencing stress and resilience among high school students. We employed a binary logistic regression model to assess the relationship between independent variables (academic workload, family support, extracurricular activities, peer relationships, etc.) and dependent variables (stress and resilience). A diverse sample of 85 high school students (grades 10-12) from various schools in the region of Visakhapatnam was collected by using stratified random sampling. In this sample, using the proportional allocation technique, 37 are from grade 10, and 48 are from grade 11 and 12. Data was collected through a questionnaire, and binary logistic regression was fitted using the statistical software package SPSS and gave valid conclusions and recommendations.

Assessment of the Swelling Behavior of NaOH-Contaminated Red Earth in the Visakhapatnam Region of India Using X-ray Diffraction Analysis

Research on the impact of alkali contamination on the swelling behavior of red earth in the Visakhapatnam region has been notably limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of alkali (NaOH) contamination on the swelling characteristics of the region’s red earth. The red earth of this region was found to be a well-graded sandy soil with 81% sand and 18% fines. X-ray diffraction studies showed that this region’s red earth mainly consists of quartz, kaolinite, and hematite. The soil is inherently non-swelling. However, the free swell tests showed considerable swell under contamination of NaOH solutions of various normalities (0.05, 0.1, 1, 2, and 4N). One-dimensional consolidation tests have shown that the swell increased with the concentration of the NaOH solution and with the duration of the interaction. Red earth exhibited 'an equilibrium swelling' of 5.6, 10, 15, 17, and 20% when contaminated with 0.05, 0.1, 1, 2, and 4N NaOH solutions, respectively. XRD studies revealed that the red earth sample contaminated with even 0.05N NaOH solution and cured for 56 days exhibited the formation of zeolites analcime and natrolite. Silicate minerals like paragonite and ussingite were also formed along with the zeolites. N-A-S-H compounds, hydrosodalites, and zeolites like super hydrated natrolite, zeolite SSZ16, and zeolite ZK-14 were formed at higher normalities of NaOH after a curing period of 56 days, which caused increased swell. The research demonstrated that the formation of zeolites resulting from the alkali contamination led to swelling in the red earth.

Development of a Double-Resampling-Based Least-Squares Particle Filter for Accurate Position Estimation of a GPS Receiver in Visakhapatnam Region of the Indian Subcontinent

Development of a Double-Resampling-Based Least-Squares Particle Filter for Accurate Position Estimation of a GPS Receiver in Visakhapatnam Region of the Indian Subcontinent

Classification of Ionospheric Scintillations during high Solar Activity and Geomagnetic Storm over Visakhapatnam Region using Machine Learning Approach

The ionospheric plasma disturbances typically correlate with irregularities in electron density and ionospheric scintillations are produced in reaction to these variations generating radio signal fluctuations. Geolocation services and space based communication are endangered due to ionospheric scintillation which promptly produces fluctuations in information collected by Global Navigation Satellite Systems and this is at its strongest when the solar cycle is at its peak. Ionospheric space weather has a significant impact on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and one crucial aspect used in investigating ionospheric characteristics is total electron content (TEC). Due to fluctuations in time and space, the TEC obtained from GNSS signals is nonlinear and nonstationary. In this study, machine learning approaches for Classification of the ionospheric scintillations were used during the high solar activity and geomagnetic storm in the month of July 2023. This approach enables the classification of ionospheric phase scintillations using well-known classifiers: Decision Tree and Support Vector Machine.

Mitigation Measures of Swelling Characteristics in Alkali-Contaminated Red Earth using Fly Ash and GGBS Blends

Alkali contamination induces swelling in the inherently non-swelling soils, resulting in heave severely damaging the sub and superstructures. Stabilization measures must be taken in vulnerable areas to prevent such colossal losses. Considerable research has been conducted regarding the swelling behavior of soils contaminated with alkalis and the impact of subsequent stabilization techniques utilizing different industrial byproducts and pozzolanic materials. However, there is a paucity of such studies on the Red Earth (RE) of the Visakhapatnam region. Furthermore, limited attention was given to the effects of extremely low concentrations of alkalis on the swelling behavior of soils. RE in the study area of the Visakhapatnam region predominantly consists of quartz, kaolinite, and hematite. In phase 1 of the experimental analysis, RE was contaminated with a highly dilute NaOH solution (0.05 N), and the resulting swell characteristics were investigated. A free swell of 10% was observed. One-dimensional standard oedometer tests revealed an equilibrium swelling of 5.6%, indicating significant potential for substantial heave and subsequent damage. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the formation of natrolite and analcime zeolites with a hollow structure, which caused the swell. Peaks of silicate minerals like paragonite and ussingite were also observed, indicating the dissolution of authigenic minerals and new precipitations even at lower concentrations of NaOH. In phase 2, swell tests were conducted on a mixture of contaminated red earth (50% w/w), fly ash (25% w/w), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS, 25% w/w), and it was observed that the swelling was completely arrested. XRD analysis unveiled that even though siliceous zeolites were formed, the development of chrysotile, attapulgite, tobermorite, and dicalcium silicate effectively inhibited the swelling with their pozzolanic behavior.

Machine learning approach for prediction of total electron content and classification of ionospheric scintillations over Visakhapatnam region

Ionospheric scintillations, which are due to ionospheric plasma density anomalies, negatively impact trans-ionospheric signals and the positioning accuracy of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS). One of the crucial variables for comprehending space weather conditions is the total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere. It is vital to predict the ionospheric TEC before making efforts to enhance the GNSS system. In this article, the long short-term memory machine learning approach for TEC prediction is presented, based on which the ionospheric phase scintillations are identified and classified using popular classifiers: support vector machines and decision trees. In this article, the comparative analysis of these classifiers is presented using the standard performance metrics: accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 score.

Anthropogenic impact and antibiotic resistance among the indicator and pathogenic bacteria from several industrial and sewage discharge points along the coast from Pydibhimavaram to Tuni, East Coast of India

Increasing urbanisation and industrialisation of the Visakhapatnam region have brought domestic sewage and industrial wastewater discharge into the coastal ocean. This study examines the indicator and pathogenic bacteria's quantitative abundance and antibiotic susceptibility. This study collected surface and subsurface water samples from ten different regions (147 stations; 294 samples), including 12 industrial discharge points, surrounding stations and two harbours from the coast of Pydibheemavaram to Tuni. Physicochemical parameters like salinity, temperature, fluorescence, pH, total suspended matter, nutrients, chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen showed a difference between regions. We noticed the presence of indicator (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis) and pathogenic (Aeromonas hydrophila, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella and Shigella, Vibrio cholera and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) bacteria among the samples. Waters from the near harbour and Visakhapatnam steel plant showed lower bacterial load with no direct input from industries to the coastal water. Samples collected during the industrial discharge period had a higher bacterial load, including E. coli. Enteric bacteria were found in higher numbers at most stations. Some isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics with higher antibiotic resistance and multiple antibiotic resistance indexes compared with the other coastal water habitats in the Bay of Bengal. The occurrence of these bacteria above the standard limits and with multiple antibiotic resistance in the study region may pose a potential threat to the local inhabitants. It can create an alarming situation in the coastal waters in the study region.

Bus Transit Network Structure Selection With Multiple Objectives

Bus transportation is the essential mode of public transportation available for intra-district movements in India. The planning of different stages of bus transportation planning is usually done in an ad-hoc manner on the basis of the experience of the operators. For a rational design of the bus transit system, it is essential to take into account the objectives of different interest groups. Selection of an appropriate network structure is an essential part of the planning process. In this paper, a model developed for generating a number of alternative network structures using link deletion concept is presented. One of these alternatives can be selected on the basis of the trade-off between the user and operator objectives. The model has been applied to a case study of bus transit network of Visakhapatnam region in Andhra Pradesh.

Coastal Wave Measurements by Exploitation of Jason-2 PISTACH in the Vicinity of Visakhapatnam Region on East Coast of India

Coastal Wave Measurements by Exploitation of Jason-2 PISTACH in the Vicinity of Visakhapatnam Region on East Coast of India

Knowledge and awareness on novel coronavirus spread among dental fraternities in Visakhapatnam, India: A questionnaire-based survey.

INTRODUCTION:The pandemic caused by novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 is a highly contagious disease. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak of coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) as a global public health emergency. Currently, the research on novel coronavirus is still in the primary stage. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and awareness on COVID-19 disease and related infection control measures among the dental fraternity in Visakhapatnam – the smart city.METHODS:A total of 808 dentists from the Visakhapatnam region completed a questionnaire-based survey on the knowledge, awareness, and infection control measures related to COVID-19 infection. The questionnaire was tailored from the guidance and information for health-care workers issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suitable sampling method was used for the collection of data and the distribution of responses was presented as percentages. Explanatory statistics were performed for all groups and subgroups based on the percentage of correct responses. Individual pair-wise comparisons were done using the Chi-square test for the percentage of correct responses.RESULTS:A total of 825 participated in the survey, of which 808 dentists completely answered the survey, and the response rate was 98%. Among the respondents, males and females are 46.8% and 53.2%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference for all the questions solicited, among age groups (P = 0.001, 0.001) and occupation (P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.004). Private practitioners seem to more awareness compared to teaching faculty, undergraduates, and postgraduates, as they have answered correctly (>70%) for almost all the questions.CONCLUSION:The inputs from the survey help us throw some light and fill up lacunae where required. There is a strong need to implement periodic educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices for COVID-19 among dentists in particular. The information from this survey helps us to make necessary changes in implementing periodic educational webinars and stress on areas where necessary, which is important for the dental fraternity for protecting themselves and shielding our society from COVID-19.

Length-Weight Relationships for 16 Snapper Fishes fromVisakhapatnam Coast, India

This study presents the length-weight relationships (LWRs) for 16 lutjanid species from Visakhapatnam coastal waters, India (16.98°N-20°.2 N, Long. 82.19°-86.53°E). The samples were collected fortnightly between December 2013 and December 2018 from commercially operated fishing gears viz.: the reef fish trap with single and double horse necked funnel (mesh aperture size 4.5 cm) trap measured about 3 ft in length, 4 ft in width and 2.5 ft in height, having a volume of 30 cu ft. The soak time was between 18 to 22 h. Gill nets made of monofilament nylon netting with a mesh size of 80 mm were used in the collection of snapper fishes. The nets were operated 3 h before morning (sunrise) and hauled 1 h after the sunrise. The depth of the net operated varied from 3 to 8 m, whereas the head rope of the net is around 20–25 m in length. The hook number 8 to 11 is used for the fishing of snapper fishery resources in water depth more than 75 m in Visakhapatnam region. The soak time varied from 5 to 10 h. The bottom trawlers (43 mm with a cod end mesh size of 15–25 mm) a depth range of 10 to 55 m, whereas during each fishing period, 3 to 4 hauls are made with a towing period ranging from 1 to 2 h; trawlers (a depth regime of 12 to 55 m, with a mesh size of 400 mm to 25 mm at the cod end). Around 3 to 6 hauls are made during each fishing trip with a towing period of 1to 2 h. All LWRs were significant with r2 values ranged from 0.9504 for Lutjanus lemniscatus to 0.9951 for Lutjanus fulvus and ‘b’ values ranging from Pinjalo pinjalo for 2.5982 Lutjanus quinquelineatus for 3.4993. In addition, new maximum total length for each of the three species L. indicus, L. xanthopinnis and P. pinjalo was also found. The parameters are found great importance to evaluate the relative condition of populations, biology, ecology, species management and their fisheries and stock assessment.

Clinical and Diagnostic (CT scan) Case Profile of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Patients in a Teritiary Care Center, Visakhapatnam - A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: India experiences increase in incidence of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA). During 1970 to 2011, there is 7.3 times increase in road accident injuries. Head injury is the commonest due to RTA injury which accounts for 60% of cases in Visakhapatnam which is situated along the 9National Highway. Aim: The aim is to study the clinical and CT scan diagnostic case profile of Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Visakhapatnam region. Material & Methods: It is a retrospective observational study of cases of TBI reported at the trauma care center at the tetitiary care King George Hospital (KGH), Visakhapatnam, for the period 2011 – 2018. Proper permission and clearance for the present study is duly obtained. Results & Discussion: Head injury is the commonest among traumatic injuries. CT scan is performed as the gold standard diagnostic test for head injury cases. Contusions followed by Sub arachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and Sub dural hemorrhage (SDH) are the most common CT findings. About 25% needed ventilator support. Most common cause of death is CNS injuries (42%) followed by blood loss in 39% of cases. Conclusions: Regulated traffic control, wearing helmet and seat belt, limiting speed and avoiding L & U bends at road corners can prevent and minimise the incidence of fatal injuries.

Vegetation damage assessment due to Hudhud cyclone based on NDVI using Landsat-8 satellite imagery

Developing nations are abandoned against tropical cyclones because of climatic changeability; the atmosphere is probably going to expand the recurrence and extent of some outrageous climate and calamity occasions. Urban areas and towns arranged along the coastline front belt in Visakhapatnam region experienced serious harm because of Hudhud cyclone, which happened on October 12, 2014. The fundamental motivation behind this exploration was to distinguish the vegetation damage in Visakhapatnam and neighbouring towns. In this analysis, Landsat-8 satellite datasets procured prior and then afterward the cyclone have been utilized; image processing techniques have been completed to evaluate the progressions of pre- and post-disaster condition. Vegetation index strategy was utilized to assess the damage to vegetation. Arrangement results and land utilize land cover change investigation demonstrate that 13.25% of agriculture Kharif and 31.1% of vegetation was damaged. Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) maps were produced for the previously, then after the cyclone circumstance, and vegetation biomass damage was evaluated in Visakhapatnam and Bhimunipatanam. General loss of vegetation in both the spots was 30.67 and 43.37 km2. The result of this review can be utilized by decision makers for the post-disaster support for rebuilding of influenced regions.

In vitro anti-fungal activity of few medicinal plants of Visakhapatnam region against clinically isolated dermatophytes

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of methanol extracts of twenty plant species used in traditional Indian medicine against the clinically isolated fungi. The plants were selected on the basis of their reported ethnobotanical uses. The studies on plants of South Indian medicinal plants collected from regions of Visakhapatnam and were investigated against three clinical fungal isolates viz., Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum and Candida albicans using agar well diffusion method. The plant extracts were prepared using the solvent methanol. It is clear from the results that, the extract of twenty plants used in this study acts as a good source of antibiotics against various fungal pathogens tested and exhibited a broad spectrum of antifungal activity. The results of this study support the use of all the selected twenty medicinal plants to discover bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals that address unmet therapeutic needs.

Physicochemical, phytochemical and antibacterial studies of few medicinal plants of Visakhapatnam region against bacterial clinical isolates

The present study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical studies, antimicrobial studies on sixteen medicinal plants collected in and around regions of Visakhapatnam district using methanol as a solvent. Phytochemical screening revealed that methanolic extracts, contained, steroids, alkaloids, phenol, flavonoids, polyphenols and glycosides. The physicochemical parameters like ash and extractive values were determined. The highest percentage of total ash, was found in Catharanathus roseus. The extractive values can be used as a reliable aid for detecting quality of drug adulteration. Antimicrobial efficiency of studies plants was tested against four bacterial clinical pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus vulgaris. The diameter of zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured and it was found that C. roseus showed maximum zone of inhibition against gram+ve S. aureus and minimum zone of inhibition against gram–ve E. coli. Also the zone of inhibition was increased on increasing concentration. Results observed in the present study help to distinguish the plant extracts from its adulterants and quality and it may be indicative of the methanol extracts of studied plants could be a possible source to obtain new and effective herbal medicines to treat infections, which justify the ethnic uses of C. roseus against various infectious diseases apart from its anticancer properties.

Molecular characterization and its antioxidant activity of a newly isolated Streptomyces coelicoflavus BC 01 from mangrove soil

ObjectiveTo isolate and identify the biologically active strain of Streptomyces species from mangrove soil of Visakhapatnam region. Materials and methodsActinomycetes are isolated by using starch casein agar media and four potential strains were selected to evaluate the antioxidant activity by using the standard methods DPPH, FRAP and total antioxidant capacity. Further, significant antioxidant activity strain characterized by morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular characterization. Results20 actinomycetes strains were isolated, among them four active isolates designated as BC 01, BC 02, BC 03 and BC 04 were studied for antioxidant activities. Of these four isolates, BC 01 showed a potent antioxidant activity when compared with other isolates. The morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization of the active isolate BC 01 belongs to the genus Streptomyces species. The phylogenetic tree was constructed and nucleotide blast in search indicated that the strain is 99.7% similarity with Streptomyces coelicoflavus. ConclusionThe results of the present investigation proven that actinomycetes isolated from mangroves are potent source of antioxidants. The strain BC 01 exhibited a potential in vitro antioxidant activity; studies of actinomycetes from mangrove soil can be useful in discovery of novel species to get novel drugs.

Distribution of norm and 137Cs in soils of the Visakhapatnam region, Eastern India, and associated radiation dose

The specific activity of naturally occurring radioactive materials and (137)Cs in surface soils around the new Bhabha Atomic Research Centre site at Visakhapatnam region, Eastern India, has been determined using high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry as part of a baseline radiological survey. Radiation hazard for the samples was assessed by radium equivalent activity (Raeq) and absorbed gamma dose rate (D). The mean absorbed gamma dose rate was found to be 104.9 nGy h(-1). The average annual effective dose equivalent was found to be 0.13 mSv y(-1).

Integrating Remote Sensing and GIS for Identification of Groundwater Prospective Zones in the Narava Basin, Visakhapatnam Region, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract: This paper mainly deals with the integrated approach of remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) to delineate groundwater prospective zones in Narava basin, Visakhapatnam region. The various thematic maps generated for delineating groundwater potential zones are geomorphology, geology, lineament density, drainage density, slope and land use/land cover (LULC). Weighted index overlay (WIO) technique is used to investigate a number of choice possibilities and evaluate suitability according to the associated weight of each unit. The integrated map of the area shows different zones of groundwater prospects, viz. very good (18.9% of the area), good (26.4% of the area), moderate (17.1% of the area) and poor (37.6% of the area). The categorization of groundwater potential was in good agreement with the available water column in the basin area.

Profile of Fatal Electrocution in Visakhapatnam Region

It is a prospective study of fatal electrocution cases brought for post mortem examination at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Fatal electrocution cases accounted 1.68% of all total cases of autopsies done at our centre during the study period. Majority of the victims were male belonging to the age group of 21–30 years. Incidence was more during the summer and monsoon seasons. Most of the victims were from the unskilled or skilled category. Majority of the cases were accidental in nature and spot death.

A study on anti dermatophytic potential of selected ethno medicinal plants against Trichophyton rubrum, a common etiologic agent in and around Visakhapatnam region (India)

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical patterns and etiology of dermatophytosis and the anti dermatophytic potentiality of some selected medicinal plants used by tribal people in and around Visakhapatnam region, India. Methods62 patients with dermatophytosis who attended the dermatology clinic of King George hospital, Visakhapatnam were studied. Isolation and identification was done by direct microscopic observation, cultural characteristics and by using biochemical tests in the microbiology laboratory. Some ethno medicinal plant parts like Albizia lebbeck bark, Annona reticulata leaf and bark, Cassia fistula leaf, Wrightia tinktoria bark and Couroupita guianensis leaf were tested for anti dermatophytic activity by agar well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies were carried out by broth dilution assay. Results51 patients out of 62 were positive (82.2%) by direct smear and culture. Tinea corporis was the most common dermatophytosis which was predominantly caused by Trichophyton rubrum in and around Visakhapatnam. Two dermatophyte species were isolated and identified. Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequent isolate (58.8%) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (19.6%). Albizia lebbek bark, Annona reticulata bark and leaf extracts showed inhibitory against T. rubrum while Cassia fistula leaf extract did not show significant inhibitory activity. Wrightia tinktoria bark and Couroupita guianensis leaf extracts did not show inhibitory activity. ConclusionsThe results showed that tinea corporis was the most common dermatophytosis in and around Visakhapatnam region. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common etiologic agent. Albizia lebbek bark, Annona reticulata leaf and bark extracts showed potential inhibitory activity against Trichophyton rubrum than other tested ethno medicinal plants.