EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE AND THE CHOSEN PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TEACHERS IN NORMAL SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS

The present study aimed at unraveling the relationship between the trait emotional competence of teachers in normal schools and in special schools and their psychological characteristics mental health, sociability, and emotional wellbeing. The researcher adopted descriptive survey method which enabled her to design her own data collecting instrument for studying emotional competence of teachers and also to make use of suitable sampling technique for identifying the relationship between the dependent and independent variables in a scientific manner. The study has shown that mental health and sociability are the significant correlates of emotional competence of both the categories of teachers. The further analysis revealed that both the psychological correlates have emerged as the significant predictors of the trait emotional competence. The researcher has discussed the implications of the findings at length

Sustainable phosphorus management: Leveraging phosphate solubilizing bacteria for enhanced rice growth

Phosphorus (P) is a crucial limiting nutrient in soils, directly impacting plant growth and yield. Its availability to plants is generally low due to high fixation, poor solubility and slow diffusion rates. Over 80 % of the P applied to soil in agricultural systems becomes fixed as insoluble phosphates, with less than 20 % being utilized by crops. This leads to an accumulation of P in the soil. Continuous farming with fertilization contributes significantly to this P buildup. Research on P budgets shows that the amount of insoluble P in soil far exceeds what crops need, suggesting a significant opportunity to reduce inorganic P fertilization by tapping into these native P reserves. However, the natural solubilization of these reserves is minimal. Improving P solubilization could help unlock this unavailable P for plant use. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) have gained prominence due to their potential to reduce the need for P fertilizers, mitigate environmental pollution and boost agricultural productivity. This review explores the diversity of PSB, the mechanisms they use to solubilize native soil P, their effectiveness in various environmental conditions and their impact on crop productivity and P use efficiency, particularly in rice systems

Mitigating of waterlogging associated problems by the management practices in the rice ecosystem of the Deltaic zone of Tamil Nadu

Cauvery Delta is the major rice-growing tract of Tamil Nadu. Continuous waterlogging is inevitable in the delta region due to unexpected heavy rain, leading to stunted crop growth and poor soil conditions. The present study aimed to alleviate the waterlogging-associated problems of stunted growth, crop nutrition deficiency, heavy algal growth and poor soil aeration issues in the heavy clayey soils of deltaic region of Tamil Nadu. Field experiments were laid out with the treatments viz., CuSO4,, (5kg/ha) (T1), Gypsum (500 kg/ha) (T2), Conoweeding+Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation(AWDI) (T3), microbial consortia (K and Zn solubilising Bacteria  500 ml/ha) (T4) control (T5) and combination of all (T6) except  CuSO4  along with control .  The results indicated that the T6 recorded higher plant height (110.2 cm), productive tillers/m2 of 332, filled grains of 118.3 and less chaffy grains of 20.3 nos, high nutrient status of 265 kg/ha of available N,35.4 kg/ha of available P,342 kg/ha of available K,  21.1meq/100 g of Ca,8.2 meq/100 g of Mg and root length and volume. The  algal population in terms of dry biomass was reduced to 3.1 (g/m2) from the control group of 11.2 (g/m2) at 15 days after imposing treatment. The per cent increase of 26.0 % grain yield was also recorded in the combination treatment over control. From the present research, combined application of gypsum @500 kg/ha  +Cono weeding twice +AWDI and microbial consortia of Zn and K solubilising bacteria @500ml/ha could be recommended for better soil environment and rice production in the delta region.

Organic compounds as biostimulants: Cow derivatives, botanicals and biofertilizers enhancing seed germination, vigour and yield in paddy

Organic agriculture employs various natural techniques to cultivate crops, emphasizing crop rotation, composting and biological pest control. In modern intensive agriculture, chemical fertilizer plays a major role. Continuous application of these chemicals leads to the accumulation of residues, resulting in soil hardening and degradation of soil structure. Although chemically treated seeds and inorganic inputs can enhance crop yield initially, their excessive use may negatively affect productivity and result in the accumulation of toxins, rendering the produce unfit for human consumption. Organic farming addresses many of the challenges faced by modern agriculture and food production. The idea behind organic farming is to use affordable, easily accessible inputs. Organic farmers pay significantly more for labour and feed also spend less on inputs. Organic farming utilizes farmyard manure, compost, green manures, farm waste, vermicompost and crop residues that increases the crop yield and restore soil fertility. In this paper, the reasons for using organic compounds are reviewed and their roles are analysed, particularly focusing on their effects as seed treatments and foliar applications on seed germination, growth and yield in paddy. In future, new research pathways emerge, offering the chance to improve organic practices and ensure healthy environment

Integrated rice farming systems for improved growth, yield and pest reduction

Soil health and environmental degradation are some of the major challenges to the sustainable production of organic rice cultivation. The study utilized farming systems components like Azolla, fish and duck as nutrient sources in rice cultivation during late samba 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu. The experiments were conducted with eleven treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design, the treatments included green manure, fish, Azolla, duck and liquid bio fertilizers and their combinations with nano urea foliar spray were compared with RDF. The results demonstrated a significant positive impact of integrating farming system components on rice growth and productivity. GM- Rice + fish + Azolla + duck (PSB+KSB+ZSB) along with nano urea foliar spray (0.4 %) recorded the maximum growth and physiological parameters over other treatments. Similar results were also observed in yield attributes of rice viz., the number of panicles (457 m-2), panicle length (31.26 cm), panicle weight (3.94 g), and filled grains panicle-1 (331.5). The higher grain (6.06 t ha-1), straw yield (7.81 t ha-1), rice equivalent yield (REY) (22.55 t ha-1), system productivity (61.79 kg ha-1 day-1), sustainable yield index (0.881) and relative production efficiency (440.3 %) of rice were recorded in GM- Rice + fish + Azolla + duck (PSB+KSB+ZSB) along with nano urea foliar spray (0.4 %). Additionally, lower pest incidences and higher insect pest control efficiency, richness, diversity and evenness indices were observed in green manure, Azolla, fish and duck-adopted treatments. The findings of experiments revealed that the inclusion of integrated farming system components significantly improved the yield and reduced pest incidences in rice

Sunn hemp - An under-exploited versatile crop for soil nitrogen transformation and fibre production

Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) is a versatile legume belonging to the family Fabaceae, commonly used as a green manure or cover crop adding benefits to the cropping system. Nowadays, the excessive use of chemical sources of nitrogen to meet the crop demands has led to poor nitrogen use efficiency and significant environmental degradation. Reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers by supplementing them with green manure can minimize these negative impacts without compromising crop requirements. The incorporation of sunn hemp helps to improve the soil structure, water holding capacity, problem soil reclamation and increases nitrogen availability to the succeeding crop. Besides being used as a green manure crop, it is also grown as a fibre crop, due to the soft, strong and slightly lignified nature of its fibre. Synthetic fibres in blends are deleterious to the planet, requiring the search for natural and sustainable alternatives. The value of ecologically friendly resources has been increasing. Sunn hemp fibre is an underutilized lignocellulose fibre with a wide range of applications and an excellent substitute for synthetic fibres as it has natural characteristics such as high mechanical strength, low density, low cost, easy availability, biodegradability, etc. It is a fast-growing legume with high biomass, increased accumulation of nitrogen, weed suppressor, nematode controller and generates bioproducts viz., biofuel and bioenergy. The role of sunn hemp in nitrogen mineralization, their fibre properties and versatility in day-to-day activity make it a promising crop for the present and future generations. This review article presents the various uses of sunn hemp through past years of research

Adaptive mechanism of submergence tolerance by Sub1 A

Among the various abiotic stresses affecting the growth, development, and yield of rice, submergence caused by continuous flooding without adequate drainage poses a significant threat. This stress is particularly detrimental in lowland areas with poor drainage, often near coastal regions, where excessive rainfall leads to prolonged waterlogging. Continuous waterlogging during germination severely impacts the germination of directly seeded rice crops, while seedling establishment suffers post-transplantation due to seedling decay and mortality. Submergence tolerance is an adaptive physiological and biochemical mechanism that has evolved in indica rice, enabling the plant to cope with the effects of anaerobic conditions caused by prolonged submergence. The putative progenitor Oryza rufipogon is well adapted to marshy environments. This study discusses the mechanisms of introgression of anaerobic germination and submergence tolerance from O. rufipogon through molecular analysis of genomic regions. It also explains the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that influence anaerobic germination and submergence tolerance. Lowland areas characterized by flooding due to excessive rainfall and inadequate drainage, particularly near coastal regions, require anaerobic germination and submergence tolerance for rice cultivation. Identifying new sources of submergence tolerance beyond the Sub1 gene, followed by genomic structural characterization for the development of pre-breeding genetic sources, is essential. Additionally, well-characterized quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes that confer submergence tolerance need to be transferred precisely

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts of Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) nees on common bacterial and fungal pathogens

Abstract The medicinally active substances were isolated from leaves of Crossandra infundibuliformis by Soxhlet extractor and identified by phytochemical tests. The soxhlet extraction in powdered form was performed using aqueou

Preclinical safety evaluation of “Vasanthakusumakara Mathirai”

The test drug Vasanthakusumakara Mathirai was taken from the text “Siddha VaithiyaThirattu” for evaluation of safety.The Literature review reveals that there was no safety related research has been done in VKM. An initial Step in this study is a part of Standardization and preclinical safety evaluation of this drug was done. The test drug is prepared as per Siddha literature which is indicated for various respiratory disorders, Aiyairumal (cough due to kabadiseas), Siruneernoi (Renal disorders), Thagam(Excessive thirst), Eppam (Belching), Mookkadaippu (Nasal polyp). ❖ Aim of this dissertation is to study the safety of test drug by acute, Sub acute study in animal model. The toxicity of the test drug VKM is done by universal accepted scientific methods. The study drug VKMwas obtained from IMPCOPS pharmacy, kalki Krishnamurthy salai, Thiruvanmiyur , Chennai-600041, Tamil Nadu. The preparation of trial drug was standardized primarily by physicochemical, biochemical analysis and Heavy metal analysis then evaluated safety of the drug by Acute and Sub- acute toxicity study. ❖ Organoleptic Character of VKM showed it has solid state, brick red in colour, mild aromatic and soft in nature. Initially the trial drug VKM was subjected to physio - chemical analysis. The loss on drying of VKM stipulates higher stability of drug. Uniformity of weight shows average weight of VR (0.102gm) within prescribed limit. Disintegration time of VKM is within 20 minutes. It indicates tablet was easily disintegrated and its absorption would be good. Hardness of VKM revealed the tablets are withstands up to 2.3 kg of compression. Total Ash value (43.52%) indicates purity of VKM. Water soluble and alcohol soluble extractive test of VR shows 10.75% and 9.35%, it reveals quality as well as purity of drug. PH of VKM was 5.35% in 10% of solution, so the drug was weakly acidic in nature. The bio chemical analysis of VKM indicates the presence of Sulphate, silicate, carbonate, sodium, chloride, borate, lead, mercury, zinc, Aluminium, Iron and Calcium. ❖ Heavy metal analysis was carried out in VKM by ICP-OES to ensure the absence of Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium and Lead. ICP-OES result showed that the presence of 0.39 μg/g of Arsenic, BDL of Cadmium, 73.54 μg/g of Copper, 73.64 μg/g of Lead, 54 μg/g of Manganese, 1.17 (% w/w) of Mercury, and 24.16 μg/g of Zinc in VKM. Results showed heavy metals in the test drug are present in allowed level. ❖ The acute toxicity study shows that VKM does not produce any toxic effect at the dose up to 2000 mg/kg within 24 hours in Wistar albino rats. Body weight, feed intake and water intake is normal during the treatment period. No mortality and pathological changes have been noted in the internal organs of both control and treated group on the 15th day of the study. ❖ In Repeated dose 28 days oral toxicity study, totally 5 groups of Wistar albino rats of both sexes were used. Each group contains 5 males and 5 females. Group I which was set as control received RO water and Group II, III, IV, and V received 36, 180, 360, 360 mg/Kg b.wt of test drug respectively by oral administration. All the test animals were observed throughout the study period of 28 days and the satellite group for further 14 days. VKM did not produce any behavioural changes in all group of animals. ❖ There was no significant changes in feed intake, water intake, and body weight. On 29th day animals were sacrificed and blood samples was collected and investigated.The results reveals that there were no significant changes in biochemical parameter,hematological parameter and lipid profile and Histopathological examination revealed normal architecture in comparison with control and treated animal.There is no abnormality was detected in organs of both control and test drug treated groups.These results have demonstrated that there is no toxic effects in all organs treated with VKM. Hence, VKM is safe when administered orallyin Wistar albino rats. ❖ These 28 days repeated oral toxicity study results suggest the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of Vasanthakusumakara Mathirai was found to be 360mg /Kgb.wt.so the drug is safe for human consumption. CONCLUSION: Vasanthakusumakara mathirai is one of the Siddha medicine which are widely used by the siddha system. It has specific indication to kaba diseases (Disease due to vitiated kabam),and also widely used for Respiratory disease.So the VKM was selected for preclinical study. ❖ Vasanthakusumakara mathirai was taken as test drug, the quality parameters and safety profile of the drug were analyzed as per standard protocol. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of Vasanthakusumakara mathirai proved the quality and purity of thed rug. The quality assessment results will be used as standard for future research on Vasanthakusumakara mathirai. ❖ The Acute toxicity study results did not show any mortality, behavioral changes and drug related toxicity. From the Acute toxicity study, it is revealed Vasanthakusumakara mathirai that is not toxic at maximum oral dose level of 2000mg/kg in Wistar rats, So, the median lethal dose MTD of is Vasanthakusumakara mathirai Less than 2000mg/Kgb.wt. ❖ In Repeated Dose 28 Day oral toxicity study, There was no significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in vasanthakusumakara mathirai (360mg/kg b.wt) and histopathological parameters showed no significant changes in internal organs compared with control group. So, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of vasanthakusumakara mathirai was found to be 360mg/kg.b.wt.so the drug safe for human consumption. ❖ Hence, the safety of vasanthakusumakara mathirai is proved through this study. From the study results, it is concluded that the therapeutic dose of 200mg (1-2 Mathirai) vasanthakusumakara mathirai is safe for human consumption. ❖ Further clinical trials, Pharmacological studies and efficacy studies will be carried out on vasanthakusumakara mathirai to prove the efficacy of drug

A Review on Correlations for Consolidation Characteristics of Various Soils

Abstract Settlement is the major problem that arises after the construction of a structure on a soil mass. Consolidation characteristics of soil such as coefficient of consolidation cv, compression index cc, recompression index cr, preconsolidation pressure σ′p play a major role in the settlement behavior of fine grained soil mass. cv represents the rate of consolidation of soil mass. cc and cr are essential in calculating settlement of normally and over consolidated clays respectively. σ′p is determined to find whether the clay is under, normally or over consolidated. These consolidation properties are obtained from graphical constructions after conducting several one dimensional consolidation-oedometer tests. Since this is time consuming, many correlations have been derived between consolidation properties and index properties of soil. Different researchers have used various soil parameters such as liquid limit (wL), plastic limit (wp), natural moisture content (wn), initial insitu void ratio (eo), dry unit weight (γd), plasticity index (Ip), void ratio at liquid limit (eL) etc., as correlative parameters for deriving the correlations. Hence, it is desirable to predict the value of cv, cc, cr and σ′p from the known correlations rather than conducting several tests, to ease the procedures.</jats:p