Shalabh Sharma

Effect of high-energy heavy ion irradiation on the crystallization kinetics of Co-based metallic glasses

Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is employed to study the crystallization kinetics of irradiated (at three different fluences with high-energy heavy ion; Ni11+ of 150 MeV) specimens of two Co-based metallic glasses. It is found that the crystallization process in both the glasses is completed in two phases. The DSC data have been analysed in terms of kinetic parameters viz. activation energy (Ec), Avrami exponent (n), dimensionality of growth (m), bdusing two different theoretical models. The results obtained have been compared with that of virgin samples. The lower activation energy in case of second crystallization occurring at higher temperature indicates the easier nucleation of second phase. The abnormally high value of Avrami exponent in Co-Ni glass indicates very high nucleation rate during first crystallization.

Response of Organic Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Properties and Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Field experiment was conducted on sandy clay loam soil at Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan), India during rabi seasons of 2012–13, 2013–14 and 2014–15 to study the development of nutrient management practices for production of organic chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized plot design and replicated thrice with ten treatments. Application of organic manures resulted in significantly higher organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as compared to other treatment over three years. The soil applied organic manures and foliar spray of biodynamic manures significantly enhanced the growth and yield parameters of chickpea viz., plant height, number of branches, and number of pods plant-1, 100-seed weight, grain yield and haulm yield. Application of vermicompost 2 t ha-1 as basal+vermicompost 2 t ha-1 at 40 DAS+mustard cake 1 t ha-1 as basal+Rhizobium+PSB+BD-500 75 g ha-1 before sowing and 30 DAS+BD-501 2.5 g ha-1 at 2–4 leaf and pre-flowering stage recorded significantly higher seed yield (1748 kg ha-1), haulm yield (5416 kg ha-1), number of pods plant-1 (114.92) and number of grains pod-1 (1.48) compared to other treatments. Similarly, maximum net return (` 40631 ha-1) was also recorded with application of vermicompost 2 t ha-1 as basal+vermicompost 2 t ha-1 at 40 DAS+mustard cake 1 t ha-1+Rhizobium+PSB+BD-500+BD-501 which recorded an increase of 76.08% and 26.49% higher over control and application of FYM 8 t ha-1+Rhizobium+PSB, respectively.

Hand Washing Facilities and Adherence To Hand Hygiene Practices In a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern Rajasthan

Background: Infection prevention and control is an integral component of health care delivery in any setting to reduce risks for morbidity and mortality in patients. Adherence to hand hygiene recommendations is the single most important practice for preventing the transmission of microorganisms in health care, and directly contributes to patient safety. nAim: To assess the hand washing facilities and adherence to hand hygiene practices among different health personnel. nMaterials and Methods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted at tertiary level institution i.e. RNT Medical College, Udaipur and Associated Hospitals from 25th of July 2013 to 25th of October 2013. Data was collected by personal interview and observations of Healthcare personnel and Hand washing stations. nResults: 70% hand washing stations were in good condition. Running tap water was available at 78.33% stations. 44.28%doctors performed hand hygiene practices before patient contact and 58.57% were found to perform hand hygiene practices after patient contact. In case of nurses, 28.41% hand hygiene practices observed before and 36.36% practices after patient contact. Highest practices related to hand hygiene in general ward were observed to be 56.67% in neurology unit followed by 53.33% in ENT and Obstetric unit. nConclusion: Guidelines related to hand hygiene practices need to be widely circulated. Hospital should develop their own training module for developing the skills of all health care personnel to address issues related to hand hygiene practices and infection control practices.