Theses And Dissertation

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Socio-economic impact of Bt cotton in Bathinda district of Punjab
(Central University of Punjab, 2011) Kaur, Amandeep; Kahlon, A. S.
An attempt has been made in this study to assess the socio-economic impact of Bt cotton in Bathinda district of Punjab. The assessment is based mainly on primary data which is processed by applying regression analysis, Probit model and simple averages. On an average, 77.67 percent of total cropped area of the district is under Bt cotton cultivation as compared to 0.39 percent of Desi cotton cultivation. The decision of a farmer to adopt Bt cotton is significantly influenced by age and education of the farmer i.e. younger and better educated farmers prefer Bt cotton to Desi cotton. The study reveals that Bt cotton farmers are earning relatively higher net returns than that of Desi cotton farmers by Rs 19336 per acre due to relatively higher yield of 809 kg per acre as compared to Desi cotton yield of 420 kg per acre. The category wise analysis of Bt cotton farmers and Desi cotton farmers shows that farmers belonging to Others? category are earning more net returns than the Marginal and Small farmers. It was largely due to increased area under irrigation by Others? category of farmers. The social impact on the basis of perceptions of the sample farmers also revealed that Bt cotton is not adversely impacting health and reduced number of sprays has improved the quality of environment. Not a single farmer attributed the suicide cases to Bt cotton. Although Bt cotton cultivation is economically viable, yet higher seed cost hinders the pace of adoption by the Marginal and Small farmers. It is suggested that there is an urgent need for government to regulate the price of seeds of Bt cotton
Effect of arsenic on the growth and physiology of triticum aestivum L. seedings
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Nag, Shilpa; Mittal, Sunil
The effects of Arsenic (As) were investigated on four varieties of T. aestivum viz. PBW 343, PBW 550, PBW 621 and HD 2967 to elucidate the toxicity of As on morphological, physiological, biochemical and antioxidant processes of plant in early stage. The results showed that seed germination, root length, shoot length and biomass decreased gradually with increase in concentrations of As (125-750'M) and this decrease was biologically significant. The photosynthetic and respiratory activity of the test plants was also investigated. The decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoids content with increase in As content indicates negative effect of As on the photosynthetic pigments. However, the total cellular respiration increased with increase in As concentration and this probably may be due to the enhancement in respiratory enzymes which leads to high production of energy by the respective cells. The contents of water soluble carbohydrates and proteins increased with increasing As concentrations while their hydrolyzing enzymes i.e. ? amylase and protease were decreasing with increase in As concentration. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase followed the increasing trend indicating the induction of oxidative stress under high concentration of As. Further, among the various varieties HD 2967 was the most tolerant variety and PBW 550 was most affected variety
Studies in the hydrolysis of cellulose using cellulase in imidazolium based ionic liquid
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Kumar, Rabindra; Babu, J.N.
Ionic liquids are the modern day revelations as a green solvent. These solvents have found many applications in biofuel strategy. The cellulose pretreatment using ionic liquid is currently being studied for future biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass. The strategy involves the dissolution of cellulose in these solvents, followed by precipitation by an anti-solvent like water or acetone, leading to the formation of amorphous cellulose which is easy to hydrolyze by biocatalytic methods. Further studies had been conducted in the inhibitory effect of ionic liquid traces present in pretreated cellulose, on the biocatalytic hydrolysis by cellulase. Apart from this, biocatalytic hydrolysis had been studied in binary aqueous-ionic liquid solution for a one-pot process for simultaneous pretreatment & hydrolysis. These process involved the study of biocatalytic hydrolysis in imidazolium based ionic liquids namely, [EMIM]OAc & [BMIM]Cl, as hydrophilic solvents. These solvents have anions with predominantly strong hydrogen bond acceptor capacity. The study reveals the deactivation of the enzyme in presence of these ionic liquids. Thus in an effort to increase the hydrolysis efficiency of the enzyme without loosing the hydrogen bond acceptor capacity of the IL, was essentially required. Thus in the present study, we have investigated one-pot biocatalytic hydrolysis of cellulose in IL with variable alkyl chain length of the cation leading to hydrophobic environment around the biocatalyst. The ILs used in the present study are [BMIM]Cl, [HMIM]Cl & [OMIM]Cl. The biocatalysis was studied in both homogenous as well as heterogeneous conditions. In homogenous conditions dissolution of cellulose was maintained throughout the reaction period. The homogenous biocatalysis was studied with or without the presence of surfactants. The results indicate that [HMIM]Cl is a promising solvent for cellulase catalyzed hydrolysis of cellulose in both homogenous & heterogeneous condition, resulting in more than 70% hydrolysis in presence of non-ionic surfactant PEG-1500 and in the binary mixture of 40% w/w [HMIM]Cl in citrate buffer, respectively.
Orientalising the Postcolonial Nation-State: A Study of The Inheritance of Loss and Half a Life
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Kaur, Manpreet; Kaur, Zameerpal
In the postcolonial analysis, the term nation-state has been critiqued mainly because the postcolonial nation states experience multiple exclusions and unequal power distribution. This feeling of marginalisation and exclusion is voiced by many postcolonial writers who are concerned with the psychological effects of the political and economic-cultural structures of the postcolonial world. Both the novels selected for this study, disclose the effects of up-rootedness and displacement and ultimately the quest for a particular nation-state. Kiran Desai in her The Inheritance of Loss deals with the themes of cultural conflicts, migration, nostalgia, globalization, multiculturalism, political struggles and economic inequality. Likewise, V. S. Naipaul in his novel Half a Life traces the themes of alienation, migration, displacement, rootlessness, mockery and self-deception of the emigrants. Biju in The Inheritance of Loss and Willie Chandran in Half a Life expose the gamut of issues including the multiple exclusion and distribution faced by postcolonial nation-states, threats of migration, loss of identity, globalization, and economic disparity. The attempt was to analyse both the texts selected for the study to bring forth the underlining beliefs and ideologies. The focus was also on understanding the effects political movements and situations have on personal relations. Study of both the texts foregrounds the miserable conditions of the lives of subaltern people and their continuous struggle and hope of assimilation in the postcolonial nation-states.
Exploration of antioxidant and anticancer potential of essential oil of salvia plebeia RBR
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Gautam, Nandani; Mittal, Sunil
Cancer is one of the major problems that accounts for millions of death worldwide per year. Breast cancer is the most commonly encountered cancer in the females. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the standard methods used in the treatment of cancer but these have various side effects also. Other complementary treatments based on plants and its products are used to lessen the side effects. Some essential oils are the potent source of the novel molecules and have been reported to have anticancer effect. In the present study, essential oil from Salvia plebeia has been screened for cytotoxic activity in vitro using MTT assay and has been observed to show inhibitory effect on the cancer cells with the increase in concentration against breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDAMB-231. The essential oil was observed to show IC50 at concentration 30?g/ml for MCF-7 cells and in MDAMB-231, IC50 was calculated to be 65?g/ml for 24 hours treatment. Essential oil was found to be effective against highly metatstatic MDAMB-231cells Exposure time effect was studied to know whether it has sustained effect or not and it was observed that essential oil had sustained effect at higher concentrations and longer exposure time was required to show sustained effect. Single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) was used to find out its mode of action and it was observed to induce DNA damage in the cancer cells that might have resulted in cell death at various concentrations. Essential oil was observed to have antioxidant activity, which was studied using DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. Various compounds like cayophyllene, alpha-humulene and cayophllene oxide were determined by GC-MS analysis. Cayophyllene was the major compound (46%). Some of the constituents might be responsible for anticancer activity of the oil. It has been concluded from the study that novel essential oil is very effective against breast cancer cells. This oil can be screened further against other cell lines and can be used as nutritional supplement.
Effect of natrium fluoride on growth and physiology of oryza sativa L.
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Das, Anamika; Mittal, Sunil
The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of natrium fluoride on growth and physiology of Oryza sativa L. Two varieties of the O. sativa (rice) viz. Basmati 1121 and PR147 were selected for the study. PR147 is a local variety of the region. The effect was studied on growth (root length and shoot length), physiological parameters (chlorophyll content and percent respiration), macromolecules and their hydrolyzing enzymes (carbohydrate and protein content, ?-amylase and protease activity) and antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Studies revealed that NaF (in different concentrations ranging from 16, 32 and 64 mg/l) affected the growth and physiology of both varieties as compared to control. When the seed of both varieties of rice were exposed to 64 mg/l NaF concentration, the seedling growth of test plants was highly affected as compared to control. Basmati 1121 variety was found to be more sensitive than PR147. In chlorophyll content, the percent reduction at 64 mg/l of NaF was 62% in Basmati 1121 and 30% in PR147. Similarly, reduction in percent cellular respiratory ability on exposure to 64 mg/l of NaF was 75% and 22% in Basmati 1121 and PR147 variety respectively. At 64 mg/l the carbohydrate content was increased 2.9 folds in Basmati 1121 and 1.35 folds in PR147. However the protein content was variably affected as it was increased 2 folds in PR147 and decreased to nearly 55% in Basmati 1121. The macromolecular contents were affected as the activity of their hydrolyzing enzymes was also affected. The increase in oxidative stress due to high concentrations of fluoride exposure has lead to an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity of both peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. The study concludes that high content of fluoride affects the growth and physiology of O. sativa L. by inducing oxidative stress.
MicroRNA target prediction and comparative micromics; Study different cancers- special focus on breast cancer metastasis
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Sarkar, Bibekananda; Bast, Felix
Cancer or carcinoma is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. The transition of normal cell to cancerous cell is very complicated process and the cause of transition varies with situation. Metastasis is the main cause of death in cancer. There are genes which not only promote metastasis but also maintain microenvironment of tumor cells, and initiate the process of epithelium' mesenchymal transition (EMT). MicroRNA (micro RNA) is small, highly conserved noncoding RNAs that control gene expression post-transcriptionally. MicroRNA controls various cellular events like division, differentiation and apoptosis. Their deregulation may result in to cancerous growth. Most (50%) of the microRNA genes are located in the fragile chromosomal regions, which are more susceptible to amplification, deletion or translocation during tumor development. It is predicted that 30% of the all mRNA are directly or indirectly controlled by the microRNA. MetastamiR are that microRNA which have role in regulation of metastasis. MicroRNA expression profile in different cancers showed that it can act as Oncogene as well as Tumor suppressor gene. Till date there are 1921 mature human microRNA sequences registered in miRBase. MicroRNA target prediction is the first step in functional analysis of microRNA. Target prediction is complicated due to partial complementarity between microRNA and its target. There are many target prediction programs available, but the efficiency and sensitivity of these programs are not known. To enhance its efficiency, we need to know problems during prediction. Comparative analysis of different microRNA prediction tools provides an insight into the above parameter. In this study comparative analysis of seven prediction tools is carried out with help of validated microRNA targets of metastatic breast cancer.
Indo-kazakhstan trade : Trends and protocols in the post cold war era
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Kaur, Jaspreet; Kaur, Sandeep
Though economic relations between India and Kazakhstan have been strengthening; still the current size of trade and investment between the two countries is relatively less than potential. In this context, the present study is an endeavour to analyze the existing trends in bilateral trade and also to highlight the future prospects for India and Kazakhstan. It has been found that the increase in merchandise trade between the two countries is mainly because of the changing demand structure and comparative advantages of both the economies in complementary sectors in recent years. The trade specialization indices (RCA and Michaely) emphasize that while Kazakhstan has been specializing in a few energy products; India's exports have been more diversified. Also, both the countries have comparative advantages in different products in the same industry, revealing the opportunity for higher intra-industry trade (IIT) in future, which would reduce cost and enhance the benefits for both the countries. However, it has been revealed that India's trade with Kazakhstan is much below than the rest of the world. Thus, there are enormous complementarities in bilateral trade that need to be tapped. It is mandatory to overcome the geographical, political and other hurdles to increase two way flow of goods. Just before fully utilizing India's potential to contribute in transition of Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan's ability to provide the energy resources to India, it is required that the process of bilateral cooperation gets a boost
Human trafficking in south asia : a case study of bathinda district, punjab
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Kumar, Kovid; Varghese, Vijay
The effects of Arsenic (As) were investigated on four varieties of T. aestivum viz. PBW 343, PBW 550, PBW 621 and HD 2967 to elucidate the toxicity of As on morphological, physiological, biochemical and antioxidant processes of plant in early stage. The results showed that seed germination, root length, shoot length and biomass decreased gradually with increase in concentrations of As (125-750'M) and this decrease was biologically significant. The photosynthetic and respiratory activity of the test plants was also investigated. The decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoids content with increase in As content indicates negative effect of As on the photosynthetic pigments. However, the total cellular respiration increased with increase in As concentration and this probably may be due to the enhancement in respiratory enzymes which leads to high production of energy by the respective cells. The contents of water soluble carbohydrates and proteins increased with increasing As concentrations while their hydrolyzing enzymes i.e. ? amylase and protease were decreasing with increase in As concentration. The activity of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase followed the increasing trend indicating the induction of oxidative stress under high concentration of As. Further, among the various varieties HD 2967 was the most tolerant variety and PBW 550 was most affected variety.
Critiquing family as an institution in difficult daughters and unaccustomed earth
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Basanl, Tania; Singh, Rajendra Kumar
Manju Kapur and Jhumpa Lahiri, both contemporary writers, hailing from middle class strata of society take women from the middle class as their subjects who have nothing dramatic or larger than life scenario about their lives but are domestic women leading ordinary day to day life. Despite their apparent geographical, cultural and contextual differences the predicaments of women that they reflect in their writings show some similarities. Family being an important unit forms the backdrop in both writers in which they place their women protagonists. The present study is an attempt to compare Manju Kapur and Jhumpa Lahiri as feminist writers who react almost identically having been placed in different native contexts to woman's problems. The technique that both use as writers is different with one writing her best in a short story and the other in prose using almost similar themes with family forming an integral part of their works. The study brings forth that Manju Kapur is a 'feminist' writer whereas Jhumpa Lahiri is a 'feminine' writer. Manju talks of women's body, spaces, and their psyche as the main highlight whereas Lahiri talks not of gender but of generations and relations. Manju's women are found in confined places like kitchen, the dressing room, or the attic where Virmati was locked whereas Lahiri's women are placed in open spaces with all exposure but still they meet the same fate. Lahiri and Manju do not out rightly deny the hope of harmony in family by expounding on the notions of relations and family in their respective works.
Phytogenetic analysis of bacterial diversity of heavy metal affected
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Kumar, Rajeev; Kumar, Sanjeev
The soil of Bathinda region is affected by heavy metals due to anthropogenic activity, industrial effluent and fly ash. Three soil samples in triplicate were collected from three different places of Bathinda region, abandoned soil, agricultural soil, thermal power plant fly ash soil. Based on 16S rRNA gene cloning and sequence analysis, phylogentic analysis of bacterial diversity was performed. 366 clones were picked and through colony PCR 128 positive clones were chosen. Out of 128 clones, 126 clones were sequenced in three fragments and all three fragments aligned using SeqMan Lasergene ver.10.0 (DNA STAR) software. BLAST analysis of sequenced and aligned samples was carried out at NCBI to find out the homology with different groups of bacteria. All 126 clones aligned for phylogenetic analysis by MEGA 5 (Neighbor Joining method). 32 genus belong to 8 phyla were observed in all three samples. Most dominant phylum is Proteobacteria followed by Bacteriodates. Pseudomonas spp. is dominant in agricultural and thermal power plant soil. Abandoned soil showed maximum diversity followed by thermal power plant soil. In agricultural soil minimum diversity was observed. So with this investigation it can be concluded that lands without anthropogenic activities are rich in bacterial diversity as compared to more anthropogenic active areas.
To study the effect of BT (Bacillus thruingiensis) cotton cultivation on soil health
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Kumari, Manohari; Mittal, Sunil
The impact of transgenic Bacillus thruingiensis (Bt) cotton cultivation on soil enzymes and physico-chemical parameters of soil were investigated. Soil samples were collected from surface (0-20 cm depth) of agricultural fields near Bathinda, District. Where Bt cotton (RHC134) and non Bt cotton variety had been continuously cultivated for last two years. Soil samples were collected after harvesting of cotton crop. A control sample was collected from the adjoining waste land where no crop was grown from last many years. To observe effect of Bt cotton on soil biochemical properties, activities of soil enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, urease, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were assayed. Statistically significant enhancement in activities of the above enzyme was observed in Bt cotton soil samples as compared to non Bt cotton soil samples. No difference was observed in cellulase activity between Bt and non Bt cotton soil samples. Further, to study the effect of Bt cotton on physico-chemical properties, pH, conductivity, texture, total organic carbon (%) and organic matter (%), available nitrogen and available phosphorous content were estimated. In conclusion, significant changes were observed in Bt cotton grown soil samples.
Effect of metform on insuln mediated proliferation of lung cancer cell lines
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Seema; Bast, Felix
Background: The incidence of cancer in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients is a matter of concern. Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and leading cause of death in males. Smoking is the main risk factor contributing to lung cancer progression. The occurrence of cancer is more with the type 2 DM. Besides, hyperglycemia and endogenous insulinaemia exist together for a long duration as a result of insulin resistance. As a consequence of this, the mitogenic activity of insulin is amplified. Moreover, other growth factors, and hormones are activated under the influence of insulin that further enhances this effect. It is also related to obesity, central fat accumulation, physical inactivity and smoking. The nicotine of smoke induces oxidative stress and endothelial malfunction creating metabolic abnormalities in lung cancer. In this perspective, role of insulin sensitizing drug, metformin in inhibiting the growth proliferation of lung cancer cells is hereby explored. Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the growth proliferation effect of insulin on non small cell lung carcinoma cell lines. It also proposed to evaluate role of metformin in preventing insulin mediated proliferation in p53 and liver kinase B1 (LKB1) mutant and wild type cell lines. Materials and methods: Two non small cell lung carcinoma cell lines, A549 and H1299 (p53 and LKB1 wild type and mutant) were used to analyze the mitogenic role of insulin by incubating for 24 hours with human recombinant insulin at a range of concentrations from 1nM to 10'M. This was followed by the metformin (concentrations from 1'M to 50mM) treatment for 24 hours along with insulin (500'M for A549 and 1mM for H1299). The proliferations were assessed by MTT dye reduction test and the percentage of the survival of the treated cells was compared with the control. One way ANOVA was used for the data analysis and the proliferation between cell lines were evaluated by student's t-test and two way analysis of variance (Two way ANOV). Results: Both the cell lines exhibited a significant proliferation (p<0.001) with the concentrations of insulin. Insulin stimulated the proliferation approximately by two fold and 1.78 times for A549 cells and H1299 cell line respectively compared to control cells. The growth of two lung carcinoma cell lines were significantly (p<0.001) inhibited by metformin treatment for 24 hours. The maximum reduction in growth was 73% and 67% for A549 and H1299 respectively for a concentration of 50mM of metformin compared to the control. The results followed a dose dependant response pattern for insulin as well as metformin treatment. Concentration at which 50% inhibition of growth observed (IC50) was comparable for both the cell lines. Conclusions: Insulin in high circulating concentrations can augment the growth proliferation of lung cancer cells. Metformin can inhibit this insulin mediated proliferation of lung cancer cells in a multifaceted way. The mechanism of action is independent of p53 and liver kinase B1.
Socio-cultural concerns in ajmer singh aulakh's sat begane and gurdial singh night of the half moon
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Kaur, Manpreet; Singh, Amandeep Singh
Ajmer Singh Aulakh and Gurdial Singh are two prominent Punjabi writers who belong to the Malwa region of Punjab. Both the writers portray the everyday realities of marginalised people especially small or landless farmers. Commercialisation of agriculture under the Green Revolution has changed the socio-cultural environment of Punjab considerably, and these changes get reflected in vernacular literature also. In this study, comparative analysis of writings of these two writers has been done so as to analyse various socio-cultural concerns present in their texts. Both the writers belong to a relatively backward area of Punjab, and have focused on small farmers. These texts show complexities of rural agricultural life where land is both the main source of all livelihood and is also cause of many disputes. Due to its power to make or break the future of a family, hold over land becomes an issue of life and death. This over-reliance over land distorts the personal and familial life, in which women are the main sufferers. This socio-economic situation gets compounded with the addition of feelings of revenge, honour etc. which draw their strength from the cultural milieu. Sat Begane and Night of the Half Moon under study portray this complex reality of Punjabi farming community. The focus of this study is on the complex socio-cultural factors and economic transformation of the region that has deeply affected the human relationships and value system during this period.
Filming of fiction: A comparative study of bapsi sidhwa's ice-candy-man and1947 earth
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Singh, Barjinder; Kaur, Zameerpal
A visual adaptation of a literary text is a complex phenomenon, involving the basic paradox of word and image, so some sort of compression, omission is natural when the linguistic signs are converted into visual signs. The visual adaptation of a literary text may result into the reinterpretation, modulation, adaptation or reassessment of the meaning of earlier literary texts. The partition of the Indian subcontinent has got widespread resonance in literature but there has been a relative silence in serious cinema and academia about partition and its related issues. Bapsi Sidhwa's novel Ice-Candy-Man tries to reassess or reconstruct the history of Partition giving voice to the marginalised groups on the levels of gender, class, ethnicity and nationality. Sidhwa reviews the history of Partition from a more or less feminist and Pakistani perspective to displace or counter the discursive tendencies of historical thought in Europe or India. 1947: Earth, unlike the novel can be seen as part of the grand narratives of communal violence and human nature. The film adaptation of the novel closely adheres to the novel in terms of general plot or dialogues. But since cinema is entirely different medium having its own concerns of economics, authorship, production, distribution and reception, some of the issues in the novel are silenced while others are foregrounded. This dissertation studies the dynamics of the adaptation of Sidhwa's novel from this perspective.
Inhibitory effect of essential oil of ocimum sanctum l. against pesticide induced genotoxicity
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Kaur, Gurpreet; Mittal, Sunil
The increase in pesticide contamination in the environment is of great concern due to its strong association with genetic material. The plants are considered as natural drugs to decline such toxic effects. In present study, the genotoxicity of Monocrotophos has been evaluated in lung cancer cell line i.e. A549 and H1299. The further step is to evaluate the prevention Monocrotophos induced genotoxic effect by pretreatment and post-treatment of O. sanctum essential oil. The results of present study suggest that eugenol (46%) and caryophyllene (28%) are the major components of essential oil of O. sanctum apart from other minor components. The essential oil cause increase in cell proliferation rate at lower concentration (20 ?g/ml for 6hrs.) in A549 cells while decrease in cell proliferation rate with increase in essential oil treatment after 20 ?g/ml concentration. Also, the cell viability has not been affected at 10 ?g/ml concentration in both the cell lines. On the other hand, Monocrotophos also cause increase cell proliferation rate at lower concentration (6.25 ?M - 200 ?M) for 6 hrs. in A549 cells and significant decrease in cell proliferation rate at higher concentration (1 mM -50 mM) in both the cell line. The results suggest that the H1299 cells, lacking p53 expression, are more sensitive to essential oil and Monocrotophos concentrations. The genotoxic study revealed that the Monocrotophos caused increase in comet length, % DNA in tail, tail length, tail intensity and decrease in Head intensity but pre-treat and post-treatment show protective action with respect to various Monocrotophos concentrations. It has been observed that post-treatment is better in comparison to pretreatment of Ocimum sanctum essential oil in all studied parameters. It can be concluded that the essential oils help the cells to compensate the oxidative stress generated inside the cell and hence can protect them from pesticide induced genotoxic effect.
Cytotoxic activity of saragassum wightii on pc-3 cancer cell-line
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Jahid, Mohd.; Bast, Felix
Finding novel antitumor compounds with low side effects could be an interesting proposal. Antioxidant and anticancer potentials of seaweed extracts can possibly be explored for developing the new anticancer drugs. Polyphenols are extensively distributed in seaweeds and these are reported to be free radical scavengers. This study was designed to check the cytotoxic potential of the methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts from the brown algae S. wightii. The total phenolic content in the hydromethanolic extract and the methanolic extract of S. wightii was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The total phenolic content in methanolic extract was found to be greater than hydromethanolic extract. The percentage inhibition or scavenging activity of both the extracts was calculated by using the DPPH assay and was more for the methanolic extract. PC-3 cancer cell-line was used as an experimental model. The methanolic crude extract is significantly cytotoxic against the PC-3 cancer cells. On the other hand the hydromethanolic crude extract was not found to be the significantly cytotoxic against the PC-3 cancer cells.
Punjab and the great game
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Singh, Maninderjit; Varghese, Vijay
The conquest of the Punjab, its induction into the British Indian Empire and its transformation as the jewel of British crown, model agrarian province and sword arm of India is part of the eventful phenomenon of establishing British colonialism over the Indian sub-continent, alongside the British maneuvers to protect its borders from imminent attacks from across the north western frontier. This exploratory research 'Punjab and the Great Game' is an effort to bring out the significance of Punjab as a strategic region, being geographically situated near to theatre of Great Game, in Anglo-Russian rivalry for commercial dominance in Central Asia and political primacy in Afghanistan by unraveling the intricacies related to it. Generally, in the history of empires, buffer states and smaller regions often receive scant individuated consideration as they are submerged in the narratives of empire. The present research by using the optic of great game attempts to understand the trajectory of tensions in the border region, and tries to foreground the implication and transformations of Punjab in this new light
Theme of Revolt in the Selected Poems of Pash and Lal Singh Dil
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Kaur, Manpreet; Kumar Rajinder
The central theme of Punjabi poets Pash (Avtar Singh Sandhu) and Lal Singh Dil is a revolt against an unjust social and economic system. This study is an attempt to trace this theme by undertaking a detailed study of Pash Sampooran Pash Kav by Pash and Naaglok by Lal Singh Dil. The prime object of this research project is to bring into focus the issues of protest and revolt surfacing in the different classes of society in Punjab of sixties and seventies, through a comparative study of the two anthologies. Both two poets Pash and Lal Singh Dil are product of the revolutionary and explicitly political phase of Punjabi poetry. Their work is concerned with social, political and economic issues, particularly critiquing inequality, injustice and exploitation of the poor and the marginalised. Pash's poetry is a revolt against the inhuman political and social system of the country. Challenging the political system of the country, Pash refuses to be a gentle citizen accepting the things as they are. Casteism is a more important issue in Lal Singh Dil's poetry. Reflecting the deplorable circumstances of his life and that of those around him suffering extreme of poverty, injustice and oppression, he emerged as a major voice of the Dalits. Lal Singh Dil was very conscious of his caste and class and took up his pen for his fellow victims. Pash, who received more recognition than Dil during his life time, on the other hand, came from a relatively privileged class and his concerns are different. This comparative study tries to trace the type of revolt in the poems of both these poets.
A study of U.R Anantha murthy's novel samskara in the context of indian philosophy of charvaka
(Central University of Punjab, 2012) Yashpal; Kaur, Zameerpal
Indian philosophy broadly comprises of two traditions: Orthodox and Heterodox. Charvaka philosophy occupies a prominent position in the realm of heterodox philosophy. It has radically influenced Indian philosophical tradition. Its main contribution lies in the rejection of dogmatic religious fanaticism, asceticism, extreme spiritualism and casteism. Philosophy along with other approaches can be an important tool in the interpretation and illumination of a text. The analysis of the main tenets of Charvaka philosophy throws light on atheism, realism, naturalism, sensualism and skepticism. In the novel Samskara by U.R. Anantha Murthy, Naranappa, the main character of the novel is an adherent to the materialist philosophy of Charvaka. Naranappa is against all types of religion, custom, Brahmanism, spirituality and follows the pleasure principle. Contrary to him is the character of Praneshacharya who follows the path of spirituality and the precepts of Vedas, Puranas, dharma and God. In a way Anantha Murthy’s Samskara falls into the line of the great modernist novels that deal with the conflict of spirit and flesh. Anantha Murthy presenting a panoramic view of a typical south Indian village, including various topographical and flora - fauna details, represents a kind of reworking of the ancient Indian philosophy.