http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/21 2026-09-03T03:07:42Z 2026-09-03T03:07:42Z Bowalkar, D.Y. Sawant, N.S. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7991 2026-09-01T10:26:30Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Microhabitat associations and seasonal dynamics of amphibians in the lateritic rocky outcrops along the western coast of Goa, India Bowalkar, D.Y.; Sawant, N.S. A total of 12 lateritic rocky outcrops in Goa were studied throughout the wet season (May to November) to understand amphibian occurrence and their microhabitat associations. Microhabitat association and seasonal trend were analysed using indicator species value (IndVal) and Hill number analysis. The findings show microhabitats such as ephemeral vegetation, ephemeral pool, and peripheral ecotone vegetation are critical components of outcrops and harbour high IndVal Scores, although seasonal changes significantly influence species distribution and abundance. The findings conclude strong habitat and seasonal association of anurans. This research contributes to conservation strategies for this unique ecosystem of Goa.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Gawas, M.M. Sawal, S.S. Sawant, N.S. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7990 2026-09-01T10:25:52Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Community structure and environmental determinants of amphibians in the Western Ghats watersheds of eastern Goa, India Gawas, M.M.; Sawal, S.S.; Sawant, N.S. We studied the amphibian diversity and the influence of abiotic factors across 12 watershed zones in the Western Ghats region of Goa, India. Surveys conducted at 102 sampling sites recorded 22 amphibian species, including eight Western Ghats endemics. Species richness and diversity were highest in watersheds with intermediate canopy cover and deeper leaf litter. Pearson correlation analysis identified leaf litter depth, humidity, and temperature as key factors influencing amphibian diversity. The findings highlight the importance of forest floor microhabitats and microclimatic conditions in shaping amphibian communities and emphasize the need to conserve structurally diverse forest habitats in the Western Ghats.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Dias, J.D. D'Costa, A.H. Bragança, J.M. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7877 2026-06-08T08:46:28Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Design of a biocompatible Curcuma aromatica functionalized bacterial cellulose polymer composite as a bioactive wound dressing Dias, J.D.; D'Costa, A.H.; Bragança, J.M. Bacterial cellulose (BC), a pure counterpart of plant cellulose is produced by acetic acid bacteria, particularly species of the genus Komagataeibacter, through the metabolization of sugars. Curcuma aromatica (CA), commonly known as wild turmeric or kasturi manjal in India, has been traditionally used for its potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in the treatment of wounds, acne, and various skin disorders. Leveraging these bioactivities, CA was incorporated into BC to fabricate a novel BC-CA composite aimed at enhancing its therapeutic efficacy for wound healing applications. HRLCMS confirmed that C. aromatica contained diverse bioactive metabolites, including curcuminoids alongside terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and other phytochemicals. The UV-Vis and photoluminescence analyses revealed distinct optical properties between curcumin and C. aromatica, reflecting differences in their molecular structure and phytochemical composition. While curcumin showed a single intense absorption and emission profile, C. aromatica exhibited broader absorption and dual emission peaks due to the presence of multiple interacting bioactive constituents. Photostability studies on BC-CA film showed that light exposure, especially sunlight, led to partial photodegradation of curcuminoids, resulting in decreased chromophoric intensity without significant changes in chemical structure. Physico-chemical characterisation confirmed successful adsorption of CA onto the BC matrix. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that BC-1 percent CA exhibited significantly higher bactericidal activity compared to BC- 0.5 percent CA, with the highest inhibition observed against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 737). The antibacterial mechanism involved intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation with concomitant bacterial membrane disruption. Furthermore, ABTS antioxidant assays, MTT cytotoxicity tests, and haemocompatibility studies revealed that the BC-CA composites possess potent antioxidant activity while maintaining excellent biocompatibility and haemocompatibility. In vivo wound healing studies showed 99 percent wound closure on day 14 by BC1 percent CA composite film which was better than the positive control (mupirocin). Histological evaluation showed that the bioactive BC scaffold significantly increased re-epithelialization, reduced inflammation and enhanced collagen organisation.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Rane, S. Naik, S. Karapurkar, J. Sawant, N.S. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7800 2026-03-06T08:36:16Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Observation of limb abnormalities in Indirana chiravasi Padhye et al., 2014 from the Western Ghats region of Goa, India Rane, S.; Naik, S.; Karapurkar, J.; Sawant, N.S.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z