Jawaharlal Nehru University

About: Jawaharlal Nehru University is a education organization based out in New Delhi, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Politics. The organization has 6082 authors who have published 13455 publications receiving 245407 citations. The organization is also known as: JNU.

Assessment of metal enrichments in tsunamigenic sediments of Pichavaram mangroves, southeast coast of India

Abstract: The 26 December 2004-Tsunami has deposited sediments in the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem, east coast of India. Ten surface and three core sediment samples were collected within thirty days of the event. High concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Ni were observed in the tsunamigenic sediments. With respect to Fe, Zn, and Mn, there was little variation as compared to pre-tsunami values. The geo-accumulation index was calculated in order to assess the contamination of heavy metals in the sediments. The sediments were extremely contaminated with respect to Cd and they showed moderate to strong contamination with respect to Cr, Pb and Ni. The study highlighted the future risk of enhanced metal pollution in near future in this mangrove ecosystem.

Iron oxide nanoparticles induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and DNA damage in lymphocytes

Abstract: Over the past few decades nanotechnology and material science has progressed extremely rapidly. Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) owing to their unique magnetic properties have a great potential for their biomedical and bioengineering applications. However, there is an inevitable need to address the issue of safety and health effects of these nanoparticles. Hence, the present study was aimed to assess the cytotoxic effects of IONPs on rats' lymphocytes. Using different assays, we studied diverse parameters including mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lactate dehydrogenase activity, antioxidant enzymes activity and DNA damage measurements. Intracellular metal uptake and ultrastructure analysis were also carried out through inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy respectively. The results show that the IONP-induced oxidative stress was concentration-dependent in nature, with significant (P < 0.05) increase in ROS levels, lipid peroxidation level as well as depletion of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione. Moreover, we observed morphological changes in the cell after intracellular uptake and localization of nanoparticles in cells. From the findings of the study, it may be concluded that IONPs induce ROS-mediated cytotoxicity in lymphocytes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Extrinsic and intrinsic motivations to innovate: tracing the motivation of ‘grassroot’ innovators in India

Abstract: Extrinsic motivations like intellectual property protections and fiscal incentives continue to occupy the centre stage in debates on innovation policies. Joseph Schumpeter had, however, argued that the motive to accumulate private property can only explain part of innovative activities. In his view, “the joy of creating, of getting things done” associated with the behavioural traits that “seek out difficulties…and takes delight in ventures” stand out as the most independent factor of behaviour in explaining innovation and economic development, especially in early capitalist societies. Taking the case of ‘grassroot’ innovators in India, we re-examine the motivations behind innovative behaviour. Drawing upon the theory of effectance motivation we construct operational indicators of extrinsic and intrinsic motivations to innovate. Interestingly, we find that pure extrinsic forms of motivation drive only a fraction of individual innovative behaviour. A large amount of innovative behaviour is motivated either by intrinsic motivations or by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. Also, conceptualising innovation as a three stage process involving idea generation, experimentation and application, we find evidence of motivation-shifts. The importance of intrinsic motivation is comparatively greater during the early stage, when uncertainty about innovation is high. The importance of extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, increases when innovation is complete, awaiting application. We then outline a few implications of these findings for policy making.

From recipients to donors: emerging powers and the changing development landscape

Abstract: the Dalai Lama visited Washington which seemed to again revive American interest in Tibet. The decade of the 1980s was important since both America and China were trying to mark their presence in the region. China pursued several measures for development in Tibetan territories and kept the door open for negotiations, while America extended scholarships for higher education to the Tibetans in America. The coming of George Bush to power and his support to Tibet was another positive development in the process. At the same time the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing further obstructed American-Chinese relations and resulted in greater official and popular support for an independent Tibet in America. The Clinton presidency saw another constructive phase; Clinton openly condemned China’s threat to Tibet’s unique identity and culture (253) and in that way he was successful in gaining the confidence of Tibetan people. By the end of the century, the Dalai Lama declared that what Tibet wants is greater autonomy and less interference in domestic matters, an approach he termed the ‘Middle Way’ (284). He also ruled out the possibility of a 15th Dalai Lama after him. All these developments signify the Dalai Lama’s pragmatism in changing according to the time while making his point clear to the world that Tibet wants greater autonomy. America promises to stand by Tibet as a friend throughout her journey. Knaus has divided the book into 23 chapters and discusses each stage of development in the diplomatic relations between America and China surrounding Tibet and the position of the Dalai Lama in them. The book is an important study on America, Tibet and China’s triangular relation centering on politics, ideology, diplomacy and humanity. The book is rich in archival documents and government sources. Knaus himself was an official engaged in US politics and this enriches his account. At the end of the book, Knaus refers to the uncertain future of Tibet, with the 14th Dalai Lama having denounced the idea of independence for a ‘Middle Way’.