ABSTRACT
Background: Maternal mortality remains a biggest setback in developing nations like India. Almost 90% of maternal deaths can be prevented by timely intervention, antenatal care acts as an effective tool to reduce both maternal and infant mortality. The objective of this study is to assess the utilization of antenatal care services in two divisions of Uttarakhand: Kumaun and Garhwal.Materials and Methods: The study was carried out using secondary data source i.e. NFHS-4 data of Uttarakhand which is divided into two regions, Garhwal and Kumaun. Statistical test i.e. Z-test is used for the comparison between two regions and within inter districts of Uttarakhand.Result: The results of this study indicates that between the two regions i.e Kumaun has better utilization of maternal health care facilities. Nainital district recorded best and Pithoragarh district recorded the least utilization of ANC services in Kumaun division. In Garhwal division, district Chamoli and Dehradun recorded highest utilization of maternal health care services whereas Rudraprayag and Tehri-Garhwal had discouraging statistics.Conclusion: Uttarakhand has immensely progressed in terms of maternal health in recent times; still there are some key areas that require immediate attention. Certain districts in both Garhwal and Kumaun division need assistance to improve maternal health care seeking behavior amongst the mother and the family. Dissemination of information and benefits regarding the utilization of ANC services should be encouraged to achieve a reduction in maternal mortality.
ABSTRACT
The antibacterial activity of the methanol, ethanol, chloroform and aqueous extracts of the lichen Parmotrema nilgherrense collected from Nainital, Kumaun Himalaya, has been investigated. The extracts were tested against five pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Erwinia chrysanthemi, Escherichia coli, Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Xanthomonas phaseoli) using agar-well method. All the extracts of P. nilgherrense were found effective by showing a mark zone of inhibition (ZOI) except aqueous extract. The chloroform extract exhibited potential antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms (ZOI, 23-38mm) followed by ethanol and methanol extract (ZOI, 12-24 mm). Solvents treated wells were used as negative control and wells filled with standard antibiotic served as positive control in the experiment. Obtained results showed that P. nilgherrense extracts possess a broadspectrum activity against a panel of bacteria responsible for the most common plants and animal diseases.
ABSTRACT
Studies on production of biomass in the underground and above ground parts of Bergenia ciliata and Bergenia stracheyi, comparing seven sites along the altitudinal gradients to determine the best harvesting site. It also provides quantitative details through assessment of density and biomass of Bergenia species. This study reveals that due to difference in climatic conditions which coupled with the wide altitudinal range provides a wide diversity. It also reveals the best habitat for obtaining the maximum biomass.