an online international journal allowing free unlimited access to abstract and full-text of published articles. The journal is devoted to the promotion of health sciences and related disciplines (including medicine, pharmacy, nursing, biotechnology, cell and molecular biology, and related engineering fields). It seeks particularly (but not exclusively) to encourage multidisciplinary research and collaboration among scientists, the industry and the healthcare professionals. It will also provide an international forum for the communication and evaluation of data, methods and findings in health sciences and related disciplines. The journal welcomes original research papers, reviews and case reports on current topics of special interest and relevance. All manuscripts will be subject to rapid peer review. Those of high quality (not previously published and not under consideration for publication) will be published without delay. The maximum length of manuscripts should normally be 10,000 words (20 single-spaced typewritten pages) for review, 6,000 words for research articles, 3,000 for technical notes, case reports, commentaries and short communications. Submission of Manuscript:The International Journal of Health Research uses a journal management software to allow authors track the changes to their submission. All manuscripts must be in MS Word and in English and should be submitted online at http://www.ijhr.org. Authors who do not want to submit online or cannot submit online should send their manuscript by e-mail attachment (in single file) to the editorial office below. Submission of a manuscript is an indication that the content has not been published or under consideration for publication elsewhere. Authors may submit the names of expert reviewers or those they do not want to review their papers. Enquiries Short Communication Anthelminthic Activity of Asta ChurnaRevised: 03-Nov-08Accepted: 29-Dec-08 AbstractPurpose: To determine the effect of Asta churna (an ayurvedic preparation of Impcops) on Indian earthworms. Methods: Asta churna (2.5 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL) were investigated for activity in Indian earthworms (Pheretima postuma) against piperazine citrate (15 mg/mL) and albendazole (20 mg/mL) as standard references and normal saline as control. The time to achieve paralysis of the worms was determined. Results:The two concentrations of Asta churna exhibited significant anthelminthic activity (p < 0.001) when compared with the piperazine citrate, albendazole and normal saline. Conclusion:Asta chuma has paralytic effect on Indian earthworms.

Shrimp has become a popular seafood delicacy across the world. Shrimp is one of the widely traded seafood items and shrimp farming has created huge employment opportunities and gives foreign exchange to developing Nations. Shrimp exports have grown substantially with the introduction of Litopenaeus vannamei in India. The study analyses the economics of shrimp production and the constraints faced by the shrimp farmers in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. The economic analysis indicated that shrimp farmers have realized average gross returns of Rs.24,48,000 per hectare and average net return of Rs.8,71,038.58 per hectare. Disease problem and high feed cost were the major constraints faced by the farmers in the shrimp production.The results would help the policy makers in formulating suitable programs and devising strategies for increasing production of shrimp in Tamil Nadu.

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Banana is the most important fruit crop in India which requires the various cultivation practices. For carrying out those cultivation practices various energies are required to meet sustainable production. The main aim of this study was to find out the resource use efficiency estimation for banana production in Erode District of Tamil Nadu. Primary data was collected from 100 sample farmers using well structured interview schedule. The empirical results shows that except human labour, nitrogen, phosphorus and diesel remaining all other variables included in the model were positive and human labour, machine labour, nitrogen, potassium, FYM, plant protection chemicals, irrigation water, sucker and electricity were significant among other variables. Subsequently, increase in 1% use of inputs such as machine labour, potassium, electricity, sucker and plant protection chemicals would increase the yield of banana 0.15 per cent, 0.20 per cent, 0.02 per cent, 0.01 per cent and 0.01 per cent respectively and 79 per cent of the variations in banana yield were influenced by the explanatory variables. Likewise price fluctuation plays a major constraint among the banana farmers. This study suggested the banana farmers to use more amount of potassium and to reduce the usage of human labour and as well as nitrogen fertilizer for sustainable use of resources.

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