Rashmi Singh - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Rashmi Singh

Pastoralism

Pastoral systems are known to be prone to social, political and ecological uncertainties. Traditi... more Pastoral systems are known to be prone to social, political and ecological uncertainties. Traditional ecological knowledge that the pastoral communities hold around their bio-physical environment has been a key to cope with stressors and adapt to the rapid socioeconomic changes. We examined traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) on livestock and resource management, factors influencing livestock production and concurrent changes in an agropastoral system. We used mixed methods by conducting 44 semi-structured interviews, 10 key informants' interviews and resource mapping in five villages of Upper Spiti Landscape, western Himalaya. Our specific objectives were to (i) document TEK on livestock diet and management and (ii) understand the drivers and consequences of the change in the agro-pastoral society and associated traditional knowledge system. The herders of the study area possessed extensive knowledge of livestock diet and fodder species preference. They used this knowledge to optimize livestock grazing in pastures during summers and to fulfil the nutrient requirements of livestock species during stall feeding in winters. Seasonally, the aspect, altitude and accessibility of the pasture influenced the rotational use of pastures. In contrast, the quality of forage and water availability, distance of the pasture from village and threats from predators influenced the selection of grazing areas daily. There are evident changes in the livestock production system and signs that TEK is eroding in the region. Primary contributing factors to loss of TEK include changing aspirations of local people. These aspirations were related to employment in lucrative alternative options like cash crops and tourism, out-migration of the young generation for higher education and the arrival of immigrant labourers as new actors in livestock management. Livestock numbers in the study site remained dynamic between the year 2003-2016 owing to the substantive social and ecological changes. Our results suggest that while the traditional knowledge persists, the signs of erosion in traditional knowledge and associated changes in current herding practices are evident. We argue that recent changes in the pastoral social-ecological system, especially loss of TEK and non-traditional rearing practices, due to increasing dependence on immigrant labourers, may have negative implications for livestock production, rangeland health and wildlife conservation goals in the long run. Long term site-specific studies on livestock production and associated knowledge would be critical for adaptive rangeland management and policies.

Journal of Cancer Treatment and Research

Aims: The present study was taken up in carcinoma breast patients to evaluate clinical examinatio... more Aims: The present study was taken up in carcinoma breast patients to evaluate clinical examination and Colour Doppler in estimating the breast tumour size, axillary lymph node size and chemotherapeutic response, taking histopathological examination as the gold standard. Material & Methods: The study carried out between December 2008 to June 2010 included 37 patients. Ethics committee clearance obtained. Chemotherapeutic response could be assessed in 24 patients who received chemotherapy prior to surgery. 13 patients were taken up directly for surgery. Clinical, sonological and histopathological largest dimension of the primary tumour and axillary lymph nodes were assessed. Chemotherapy response grades were assessed as per criteria given by Kumar A et al. Results were analyzed using paired-t test, weighted kappa and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The difference between mean clinical and histopathological size of breast tumour of 0.01cm, was statistically not significant (t=.064, p=.949). However, the difference between mean sonological and histopathological size of breast tumour of 1.10cm, was statistically highly significant (t=-3.93, p<.001). For axillary lymph nodes, the mean difference between clinical and histopathological assessment was 0.46 cm (p=0.007) as against mean difference of 0.48 cm between sonological and histopathological assessment (p=0.001). Clinical response showed substantial agreement with histopathological response in breast tumour (k=0.657; p=0.001) and axillary lymph nodes (k=0.62; p<0.005). Sonological response showed moderate agreement (k=0.510; p< 0.02) in breast tumour and substantial agreement (k=0.691; p<0.001) in axillary lymph nodes. Compared to histopathological response, RI, PI and Vmax response showed moderate agreement in primary and substantial agreement in axillary lymph nodes. Conclusion: In the present study, sonology was found to be a poor modality for breast tumour size, axillary lymph node size estimation. With regard to chemotherapy response assessment, clinical examination was a better modality for primary, while Colour Doppler was better for axillary lymph node evaluation.

Sādhanā

This paper investigates the effect of different inputs on selected performance metrics such as cy... more This paper investigates the effect of different inputs on selected performance metrics such as cycle time, WIP level and throughput in the processes of semiconductor wafer fab by developing a simulation model of representative but fictitious semiconductor wafer fab. The different inputs include arrival rate, arrival distribution, processing time, maintenance schedule, operator schedule, batch size, dispatching rule and release policy. Simulation results show that the relationship between inputs and system performance metrics, considered in this study, are extremely complex particularly for the inputs maintenance schedule, operator schedule and batch size. An overall result shows that dispatching rule and closed loop release policy can significamtly improve the performance of wafer fabrication system. However; major improvement comes from closed loop release policy. Accordingly, this paper presents a new closed loop release policy called as constant batch machine workload (CONSTBWL) to improve the performance of wafer fab. The behaviour of CONSTBWL is analysed in combination with dispatching rules using the proposed simulation model for wafer fab. Simulation results show that CONSTBWL policy outperformed traditional release policies in terms of the average cycle time, the work in process (WIP) level and the standard deviation of WIP level under a prescribed throughput level. Furthermore, the analysis of the results indicated that a good shop floor performance can be achieved with a right combination of closed loop release policy and simple dispatching rules with respect to the choice of performance metrics.

Indian journal of ophthalmology, 2018

The Indian Journal of Pediatrics

To estimate the proportion of households using adequately iodized salt, total goitre rate and int... more To estimate the proportion of households using adequately iodized salt, total goitre rate and intelligence quotient (IQ) and to assess association, if any, between consumption of iodized salt and intelligence quotient of children aged 6-12 y in the selected districts of Bihar. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts of Bihar by using cluster sampling technique. Consumption of iodized salt was 73.5% out of 1263 households surveyed and the prevalence of goitre among children was 2.9%. The mean IQ of study population was 82.6 and it was 9 points lower in children consuming inadequately iodized salt in comparison to children consuming adequately iodized salt. Presence of goitre, inadequately iodized salt consumption and increasing age were the factors which were significant predictors of low IQ level. The prevalence of goitre has declined from the past but the target of iodized salt consumption has not yet achieved in these districts. This study reinforces the belief that IQ in children is linked to iodine.

The open virology journal, 2018

Since the unexpected discovery of picobirnaviruses (PBV) in 1988, they have been reported in many... more Since the unexpected discovery of picobirnaviruses (PBV) in 1988, they have been reported in many animals including mammals and birds, which comprises both terrestrial and marine species. Due to their divergent characteristics to other viral taxa they are classified into a new family . Although their pathogenicity and role in causing diarrhea still remains a question since they have been discovered in symptomatic and asymptomatic cases both. Recent studies employing state-of-art molecular tools have described their presence in various clinical samples, like stool samples from different mammals and birds, respiratory tracts of pigs and humans, sewage water, different foods, . Furthermore, their epidemiological status from different parts of the world in different hosts has also increased. Due to their diverse host and irregular host pattern their role in causing diarrhea remains alien. The heterogeneity nature can be ascribed to segmented genome of PBV, which renders them prone to co...

Pediatric surgery international, 2018

Radiologically inserted gastrojejunal tubes (RGJ) and surgical jejunostomy (SJ) are established m... more Radiologically inserted gastrojejunal tubes (RGJ) and surgical jejunostomy (SJ) are established modes of jejunal feeding. The aim of the study is to review nutritional outcomes, complications and the practical consideration to enable patients and carers to make informed choice. Retrospective review of patient notes with a RGJ or SJ in 2010, with detailed follow-up and review of the literature. Both RGJ and SJ are reliable modes to provide stable enteral nutrition. Both have complications and their own associated limitations. The choice has to be tailored to the individual patient, the social care available, the inherent medical disease and risk/benefit of repeated anaesthetic and radiation exposure. RGJ and SJ are important tools for nutritional management that achieve and maintain growth in a complex group of children. The risk and benefits should be reviewed for each individual patient.

World journal of emergency medicine, 2018

The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of ocular ultrasound B scan in the emergency a... more The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of ocular ultrasound B scan in the emergency at the first point of care for detecting posterior segment and orbital pathologies in cases of paediatric ocular emergencies. A prospective observational study involving 122 paediatric patients presenting to eye emergency over a period of ninety days were assessed with ultrasonography for the posterior segment as well as orbital pathology whenever indicated. The ocular ultrasound was performed gently over closed eyelids. Posttraumatic globe injuries were the most common indication for posterior segment evaluation, which constituted 80 (65.57%) eyes. Among these 52 patients had an anechoic posterior segment and 28 patients had variable findings such as vitreous haemorrhage (8.19%), retinal detachment (6.55%), choroidal detachment (4.91%), posteriorly dislocated clear lens (0.81%) and retained intraocular foreign body (5.73%). Non-traumatic cases constituted around 42 (34.42%) eyes, which i...

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Physiology and molecular biology of plants : an international journal of functional plant biology, 2018

Growth and physio-biochemical traits under different incident solar light intensities (100, 67, 5... more Growth and physio-biochemical traits under different incident solar light intensities (100, 67, 50 and 25%) were studied in mustard in a semi-arid agroclimate region of Central India. Our comprehensive studies revealed that incident solar light intensities below about 67% were highly detrimental in mustard for its growth and grain yield. Major factors that contributed to the differential responses under varying light intensities were identified which holds importance for better understanding of low light adaptability in an important oilseed crop like mustard. Biomass index (ratio of dry biomass to height) has been established and evaluated for the differential growth performance of the crop under different light intensities. Biomass index progressively declined from 0.48 (open sunlight) to 0.11 (25% sunlight). Physio-biochemical factors were identified that were playing major role in manifestation of the differential growth and grain yield. Mustard exhibited its low light adaptive t...

Tropical doctor, 2018

We undertook a study between December 2016 and February 2017 on 1637 of 2101 patients with clearl... more We undertook a study between December 2016 and February 2017 on 1637 of 2101 patients with clearly documented findings. These underwent ocular B-scan ultrasonography (USG). Their ages were in the range of 10 days to 92 years; among these patients, 921 (56.26%) were male and 224 (13.68%) were children. Among the adults, 669 (40.86%) patients had anterior segment and 636 (38.85%) had posterior segment pathology. In addition, there were 108 (6.59%) with orbital pathology. Our experience is that USG is an effective, quick, low-cost and non-invasive diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of various ocular and orbital conditions in high patient volume centres (including children and adults) especially where resources are limited.

Disease-a-month : DM, Jan 4, 2018

BMJ case reports, Jan 20, 2017

Journal of Health Management

International Journal of Modern Physics B

This paper consists of two parts: (1) mechanism of formation of hole-pairs and quantum stripes in... more This paper consists of two parts: (1) mechanism of formation of hole-pairs and quantum stripes in cuprate superconductors, and (2) resistivity versus temperature variation in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ superconductor with different doping levels in the range 400–Tc. (1) On deoxygenation, CuO 2 plane of high-temperature cuprate superconductors are broken into small magnetically isolated fragments, predominantly Cu -tetramer (CuO) 4. Its electron paramagnetic resonance spectra show fine and hyperfine splittings. It was concluded that these splittings are due to FM coupling of the electronic spins of the four holes on the four Cu -ions in (CuO) 4 as well as the FM coupling of the nuclear spins of the four Cu -ions. A magnetic field is generated perpendicular to CuO 2 plane due to the spin magnetic moment of four holes and their orbiting around the (CuO) 4 frame. In the nondeoxygenated superconductors, this magnetic field leads to the formation of quantum stripes of free charge carriers and in sp...

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEEARCH

An emphasis needs to be placed on location and time specific solutions when directing the efforts... more An emphasis needs to be placed on location and time specific solutions when directing the efforts of researchers, policy-makers and extension workers. Farmer participatory research is used to improve the collaboration and communication between farmers and scientists in agricultural research so as to ensure that research findings are relevant to farmers' needs and applicable within their biophysical and socioeconomic environments. With assistance from the moderators, farmers themselves discover answers and solutions during informal discussions for their problems. This study was undertaken following the sequential steps namely; participatory problem diagnosis, participatory search for solutions, testing of suitable technological interventions at farmers' fields, regular monitoring of the trials and assessing the impact of the interventions. Research interventions for adaptation and verification of potential technologies under local conditions were tested on participating farmers' fields jointly managed by researchers and farmers. The results in terms of spike length, number of grains/ spike, grain yield, and total dry matter produced were significantly higher in the tested technologies as compared to farmers' practices. The perceptions of participating farmers as well as non-participating farmers were sought on the methodology of technology refinement, and it was found that majority of the farmers were observed to be highly satisfied and expressed their willingness to participate in the process of on-farm research.

Young Consumers

Purpose This study aims to investigate an initial understanding about the different factors that ... more Purpose This study aims to investigate an initial understanding about the different factors that are inducing and stemming the monotony of different social networking sites (SNSs). Specifically, the study provides an initial understanding for the liking/disliking of different SNSs, factors affecting users’ monotony and its impact on the success and effectiveness of different marketing activities. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire was adopted from previously developed and validated scales. The questionnaire was administered to undergraduate students enrolled in different universities in India. We have used regression analysis, bootstrapping technique, Sobel test and ANOVA to address the research questions and hence to test the hypotheses. Findings The findings of the study revealed that gender does not have any impact on the monotony of SNSs. Both genders are experiencing boredom for SNSs and spend less time on such sites. Moreover, SNS boredom negatively impacts use...

Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia

Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Jan 6, 2017

The current study was aimed to understand the effects of chronic fluoride exposure on fish immune... more The current study was aimed to understand the effects of chronic fluoride exposure on fish immune system. African sharp tooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were exposed to 73.45mg/L of fluoride corresponding to 1/10 96h LC50 for 30 d and the effects on general fish health and several immune parameters were studied. Chronic fluoride exposure led to significant alteration in serum biochemical parameters including alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, triglycerides, cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen levels revealing the detrimental effect of fluoride on general fish health. Upregulation in cytochrome P450 1A expression, both at mRNA and protein level suggested that fluoride activates the detoxification machinery in headkidney (HK) of C. gariepinus. Histopathological analysis of HK from exposed fish further revealed fluoride-induced hypertrophy, increase in melano-macrophage centers (MMCs) and the development of cell-depleted regions. Fluoride reduced head...

BMJ case reports, Jan 18, 2017