ABSTRACT
Early-season agricultural drought is frequent over South Asian region due to delayed or deficient monsoon rainfall. These drought events often cause delay in sowing and can even result in crop failure. The present study focuses on monitoring early-season agricultural drought in a semi-arid region of India over 5-year period (2016-2020). It utilizes hydro-climatic and biophysical variables to develop a combined drought index (CDI), which integrates anomalies in soil moisture conditions, rainfall, and crop-sown area progression. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)-based soil moisture index (SMI) represents in situ measured soil moisture with reasonable accuracy (r=0.68). Based on the highest F1-score, SAR backscatter in VH (vertical transmit-horizontal receive) polarization with specific values for parameter threshold (-18.63 dB) and slope threshold (-0.072) is selected to determine the start of season (SoS) with a validation accuracy of 73.53%. The CDI approach is used to monitor early-season agricultural drought and identified drought conditions during June-July in 2019 and during July in 2018. Conversely, 2020 experienced consistently wet conditions, while 2016 and 2017 had near-normal conditions. Overall, the study highlights the use of SAR data for early-season agricultural drought monitoring, which is mainly governed by soil moisture-driven crop-sowing progression. The proposed methodology holds potential for effective monitoring, management, and decision-making in early-season agricultural drought scenarios.
Subject(s)
Droughts , Radar , Seasons , Environmental Monitoring/methods , SoilABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Varicose vein is a common surgical problems in India. This study was done to assess the clinico-epidemiological profile, risk factors and management practices in varicose veins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 170 varicose vein cases admitted in tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore between May 2011 to April 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Majority of cases 53(31.2%) were of the age group 41-50 years. Majority were males 127(74.7%) and majority were unskilled workers 101(59.4%). Superficial veins were involved in 123(72.4%) cases. Perforator followed by great saphenous vein were most frequently involved. Veins on the left side were more involved than on the right. Common symptoms at the time of presentation was ulceration 98(57.6%) followed by pain in the legs 96(56.5%). Ulceration was seen significantly more among females (p = 0.027) and among house wives (p = 0.004). Complications like eczema 46(27.1%), non-healing ulcers 21(12.3%) and deep vein thrombosis 10(5.9%) were reported among cases. Eczema was present significantly more among elderly patients aged above 60 years (p = 0.019). Risk factors like prolonged standing was observed in 86(50.6%) cases. This history was significantly seen among males (p = 0.001) and among those involved in unskilled occupations (p < 0.001). Recurrence of varicose vein was reported in 23(13.5%) cases. It was associated with patients of the age group 21-30 years (p = 0.021). Doppler ultrasound was the most common 120(70.6%) investigation done. Micronized purified flavonoid fraction was used in management in 15(8.8%) cases. Conservative management methods like limb elevation 50(29.4%) and compression stocking 36(21.2%) was advised to patients. Saphenous vein stripping was the most common surgical procedure 40(23.5%) performed. CONCLUSION: The high risk groups identified in this study need to be made aware of risk of developing varicose veins. Use of compression stocking at work place added with newer procedure in management could help in betterment in their quality of life.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a pre-cancerous condition caused by the use of areca nut in various forms. There are very few published reports on areca nut use and OSF from Chennai, South India. METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study on habits and OSF was performed in Chennai over a 3-year period. A total of 185 consecutive patients with OSF were matched with age- and sex-matched controls. History was recorded in a pre-determined format by qualified dental surgeons. RESULTS: The male to female ratio of OSF cases was 9.9 : 1. All areca nut products were associated with OSF, with the risk being greatest for pan masala. The duration of the habit was more significant than the frequency of the chewing habit. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the strong association between areca nut use and OSF and the increasing use of pan masala.
