NOPR Collection:

Indigenous knowledge of terrace management for soil and water conservation in the Sikkim Himalaya, India

2020-09-30T07:28:09Z

Title: Indigenous knowledge of terrace management for soil and water conservation in the Sikkim Himalaya, India Authors: Mishra, Prabuddh Kumar; Rai, Aman; Rai, Suresh Chand Abstract: The main objective of this study was to understand the farmer’s indigenous knowledge of terrace management in the Sikkim Himalaya with reference to Rani Khola watershed. Primary data were collected through a mix of questionnaire surveys, focused group discussions, and field observations with a sample size of 300 households. Detailed documentation of the evolution of the terraces and their types, bunding material, types of risers, the relationship of slope and terraces dimensions, soil and water conservation (SWC) practices were performed. Remote sensing data was used to derive information pertaining to elevation, slope and land-use/cover of the watershed. The study reveals that dimensions and types of terraces are subjected to the elevation, slope gradient, local soil and vegetation cover. Leveled terraces were constructed on lower slopes while outward sloping terraces were more common on higher slopes. It was also observed that with the increase in slope angle, width and length of the terraces decreased. Terrace riser height was also correlated with slope; riser height unavoidably increased as slope increased. The study concludes that terraces in the study watershed are effective in reducing the slope gradient and length, and in turn helpful in trapping eroded soil, slowing soil movement and in due course reducing soil erosion and increasing agricultural productivity. It is suggested that for overall management of terraces, it needs to be combined with additional soil and water conservation practices. Page(s): 475-485

Study on impact of different climatic zones on physicochemical and phytochemical profile of Withaniasomnifera (L.) Dunal

2020-09-30T07:25:51Z

Title: Study on impact of different climatic zones on physicochemical and phytochemical profile of Withaniasomnifera (L.) Dunal Authors: Kherde, Sneha D; Parmar, Komal M; Tawar, Mukund G; Prasad, Satyendra K; Itankar, Prakash R Abstract: The main objective of the present investigation included a comparative physicochemical, phytochemical along with chromatographic evaluation of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal roots collected from various Indian climatic zones. The study includes macroscopical, microscopical, physicochemical, phytochemical and chromatographic evaluation of W. somnifera roots collected from different climatic zones (desert, plains, coastal and plateau) of India. Further, chromatographic evaluations were carried out taking Withaferine-A and Withanoloid-A as biomarkers with the help of HPTLC and HPLC analysis. The physicochemical parameters evaluated were found to be within the prescribed limits of the WHO, while the phytochemical analysis showed the higher quantities of phytoconstituents obtained from desert followed by coastal regions. The chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of maximum number of phytoconstituents in sample from coastal and desert region. Further, the quantification of Withaferine-A and Withanoloid-A was carried out using HPTLC and HPLC. The results confirmed higher quantity of both the biomarkers in samples collected from desert followed by coastal region. Thus, the study may be helpful in understanding the role of climatic zones in relation to the variability in phytochemical composition of medicinal plants such as W. somnifera. This will help in selecting the better quality of medicinal plant for preparation of herbal formulations with best therapeutic value that will serve the society. Page(s): 486-493

Comprehending the Aura between the hands

2020-09-30T07:21:40Z

Title: Comprehending the Aura between the hands Authors: Jois, Srikanth N; Sowmya, S N; D' Souza, Lancy; Moulya, R Abstract: This paper aimed to gain an understanding of aura between the hands and analyse the varied responses. Qualitative method, content analysis was used to analyse the written comments made by the participants, regarding aura between the hands, in a survey of students (N=47) from a college of complementary therapy. The results were analysed and 11 themes were identified. To name a few, a set of bioplasmic experiences, aura around the hand is an observable phenomenon, the aura has elastic property, aura experienced as a vibrational force. The themes have been analysed and discussed in detail. We conclude that viewing of the aura between the hands is a simple phenomenon and can be learned by almost anyone. Experimentation has led us to infer that, aura between the hands can be felt and seen. Page(s): 494-501

Pranic energy sensations experienced by Indian adolescents: A cross-sectional study

2020-09-30T07:16:27Z

Title: Pranic energy sensations experienced by Indian adolescents: A cross-sectional study Authors: Jois, Srikanth N.; Manasa, B; Moulya, R; D’Souza, Lancy Abstract: Prana is the universal principle of energy or life-force, essential for survival. This vital energy can be felt by almost anybody with guidance and training. Objectives: The present study seeks to assess the extent of sensations during perceiving the pranic energy between hands. The sample consists of 237 National Cadets Corps (NCC) students from northern, southern, eastern and western states of India, with a mean age of 18.0 years. Cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The experiment on prana involves experiencing the prana between the hands. After the experiment on prana, participants were instructed to measure the extent of sensations experienced by them and mark on the centimetres level given against each sensation in the questionnaire. The results were analysed using Pearson chi-square and contingency coefficient analysis. There were significant differences observed between participant’s ratings on each pranic energy sensation ranges from 0 to 30 cm. Participants rated their sensations on cm given, in which the majority of the ratings concentrated more in 1-10 cm and least rating found in 30 cm or more. Participants from different states, irrespective of their region, found alike in perceiving the extent of pranic energy sensations. Experiencing the prana between the hands led the participants to feel and quantify the pranic energy through felt sensations. This study provides the fundamentals of a scientific foundation for understanding the vital energy more concretely. Further theoretical and experimental research is needed to refine and standardize the measurements of life energy. Page(s): 502-508