Monday 22 July 2024

Vector Borne Diseases, Public Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies (Ed. Dr. Prashant Kale)

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 Vector Borne Diseases, Public Health Risks and Mitigation Strategies

(Ed. Dr. Prashant Kale)

Mosquito-borne diseases pose significant public health risks worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, and they can lead to severe health outcomes, including death.

In addition to posing significant risks to human health, mosquito and fly-borne diseases also impact domestic animals, exacerbating public health and economic burdens. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs, causing severe cardiovascular issues that can be fatal if untreated. Flies, particularly biting flies such as stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) and tsetse flies (Glossina spp.), are vectors for diseases like bovine trypanosomiasis (Nagana) and African horse sickness, affecting cattle and equines, respectively. These diseases lead to reduced productivity, weight loss, and in severe cases, death, impacting livestock health and agricultural economies. Effective vector control, vaccination, and animal health surveillance are crucial in mitigating these risks and protecting both human and animal populations from the deleterious effects of mosquito and fly-borne diseases.

Below is an elaborate look at the public health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases:

Major Mosquito-Borne Diseases

  1. Malaria:
    • Caused by: Plasmodium parasites, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes.

Tuesday 16 July 2024

Management of Domestic Vectors of Human Pathogens in India (Ed. Dr. Prashant Kale)

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  Management of Domestic Vectors of Human Pathogens in India

(Ed. Dr. Prashant Kale)

Vector-borne diseases pose significant public health challenges in India, with domestic vectors playing a crucial role in transmitting various pathogens. Effectively managing these vectors is essential to mitigate disease transmission and protect public health. This article explores the strategies, challenges, and initiatives in managing domestic vectors of human pathogens in India.



1. Introduction

India is home to a diverse array of vector-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis, and visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar). These diseases are primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and other domestic vectors. The management of these vectors involves integrated approaches that encompass surveillance, vector control measures, community engagement, and research initiatives.

2. Major Domestic Vectors

Wednesday 19 June 2024

Climate Change: Understanding, Effects, and Individual Efforts for a Better Climate Condition [By Ms. Tanaya Rajeev Gajbhiye, (B.Tech. Biotechnology)]

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Climate Change: Understanding, Effects, and Individual Efforts for a Better Climate Condition

Ms. Tanaya Rajeev Gajbhiye, (B.Tech. Biotechnology)

 The temperature in India has been skyrocketing for a decade now. Growing up during the early 2000s, I thoroughly enjoyed the summer season. The warm weather, ice- creams and staying up late are what made me really look forward for the summer vacations. However, the lovely happy summer has now turned into something unbearable since the last few years due to the tremendous rise in the temperature.

India has been experiencing constant heat waves and the temperature in places like Delhi has gone as high as 52.1°C. Everybody needs to ask themselves, why is this happening? who is responsible for these immense rises in temperature levels?  What are the repercussions if this keeps going on? and the most important question what can” I “do to help the situation? The reason behind this all is “climate change”.


What is Climate change?

First and foremost, we need to understand what climate change actually means; According to the United Nations, Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.

Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

 

Monday 17 June 2024

RNA-Based Vaccine: Sprayable Antiviral Suspension for Plants (By Saurabh and Prashant)

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RNA-Based Vaccine: Sprayable Antiviral Suspension for Plants

(Saurabh and Prashant)

  

Table of Contents:

·         Introduction

o   Overview of Plant Viral Diseases

o   Importance of Developing Effective Antiviral Measures for Plants

·         RNA-Based Vaccines: A New Frontier

o   Concept and Mechanism of RNA-Based Vaccines

o   Comparison with Traditional Plant Protection Methods

·         Mechanism of Action

o   How RNA-Based Vaccines Work in Plants

o   Interaction with Plant Immune System

o   Benefits over Other Antiviral Methods

·         Advantages and Benefits of dsRNA/RNAi

·         Potential Challenges and Limitations of dsRNA/RNAi RNA Vaccines

Sunday 19 May 2024

Skill based short courses related to agriculture and biotechnology

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 List of skill based short courses related to agriculture and biotechnology:


1. Organic Farming Techniques: Focus on organic crop production, soil health, and sustainable farming practices.

2. Precision Agriculture: Training in the use of technology for crop management, including GPS, drones, and data analysis.

3. Hydroponics and Aquaponics: Courses on soilless farming methods and integrated fish and plant farming systems.

4. Miniature Gardening: Techniques for creating and maintaining small-scale gardens, including container gardening and terrariums.

Monday 11 March 2024

EcoCampusHub: Discover the Green Lungs of VNGCAB, YTL Campus (by PB Kale)

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EcoCampusHub: Discover the Green Lungs of Our Campus (by Dr. PB Kale)

At EcoCampusHub, we're on a mission to celebrate and conserve the rich diversity of plant life that thrives right here in our college space. Our interactive database offers a window into the botanical wonders of our campus, inviting you to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world around you.

What We Offer:

  1. Comprehensive Flora Database: Dive into our extensive collection of plant species found on campus, complete with detailed descriptions, photos, and ecological insights.
  2. Educational Resources: Whether you're a student, faculty member, or nature enthusiast, our educational materials provide fascinating information about local flora, from common species to rare gems.
  3. Citizen Science Opportunities: Join us in documenting and monitoring the plants on campus. Your observations contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
  4. Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about plants and environmental stewardship through workshops, events, and volunteer opportunities.

Why EcoCampusHub Matters:

Our campus is not just a place of learning—it's a living ecosystem teeming with biodiversity. By exploring and understanding the flora surrounding us, we gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life and our role in preserving it for future generations.

Get Involved Today:

Ready to embark on a botanical adventure? Start exploring EcoCampusHub now and join us in celebrating the natural beauty of our campus.

Help Us Grow:

ü  Donate: Your support helps us expand our database, develop educational programs, and enhance campus biodiversity initiatives. Every contribution makes a difference.

ü  Contribute: Are you a botanist, ecologist, or passionate about plants? Share your expertise by contributing to our database or volunteering with our team.

Image and Information Section:

ü  Plant of the Month: Each month, we feature a standout plant species found on campus, accompanied by stunning photos and fascinating facts.

ü  Spotlight on Campus Gardens: Learn about the various gardens and green spaces on campus, their design, and the plants they showcase.

ü  Local Wildlife: Discover the interconnectedness of flora and fauna at our campus. Explore information about the wildlife that depends on our local plant communities.

 Data under preparation!



Table: 1 Flora Database

SN

Flora

Em(IM)blem

MapLocat(ions)

Address(s)

Classification

InfoLite

Cataloging

InfoBase Status

1

Neem


https://maps.app.goo.gl/2keafQtLZ2ujptF18 

Right front to Girls’ hostel

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/neem-taxonomy.html

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/neem-infobase.html

NO

YES

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WGeiBaNb76MVgDaP8 

Left front to Boys hostel

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XpNZjgr6aX4FepYY8 

Front to college canteen

2

Banana




https://maps.app.goo.gl/UiK3W6BL7c7FYuq56 

Front to Girls’ hostel

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/banana-taxonomy.html

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/banana-infobase.html

YES

YES

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GUjnZGRLdH3H3FQP6

Left to college building wall

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BuGNBGDhhGyBa1dw6  

Left front of college building

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BsFE5i87AuYHQ6hM9

Front gate of college building

3

Royal palm(s)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/di54inoY2LzN2GhJ8

Front gate of college building

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/royal-palm-roystonea-regia-taxonomy.html

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/royal-palm-roystonea-regia-infobase.html

YES

YES

4

Badam tree

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qfiGhwd1uP7ZPGgVA

Right front to college building

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/badam-tree-prunus-dulcis-taxonomy.html

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/badam-tree-prunus-dulcis-infobase.html

NO

YES

5

Lemon tree

Currently Not Available

Currently Not Available

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/lemon-tree-citrus-limon-taxonomy.html

https://krishiprabha.blogspot.com/2024/03/lemon-tree-citrus-limon-taxonomy_11.html

-

YES

6

Peepal


-

-

-

-

-

-

7

Teak tree


-

-

-

-

-

-

8

Gulmohor


-

-

-

-

-

-

9

Rose


-

-

-

-

-

-

10

Custard apple


-

-

-

-

-

-

11

Tamarind


-

-

-

-

-

-

 







Reference:

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