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Simple Summary: This study examined patterns of dog ownership in three different states in India. The main aim was to understand who owns dogs, their reasons for owning them, and how these patterns vary in different areas. We conducted quantitative surveys to gather information on the number of people who own dogs, their backgrounds, and their attitudes towards their pets. Our findings show that there are significant differences in dog ownership depending on where people live and their economic status. In particular, we found settlements in Gujarat state to possess significantly fewer privately owned dogs that Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand. These results are important because they help us understand the needs of dog owners and their pets in different parts of India. This information can be used by those making decisions about public health and animal welfare, such as how to manage stray dogs or prevent diseases that can spread from dogs to humans. This study is valuable as it provides a clearer picture of dog ownership in India, which can help improve the lives of both people and animals. This paper presents the demographics, dynamics, and attitudes of dog ownership across three states in India. The background of this research is set against the increasing significance of pet ownership in urban Indian contexts, with a particular focus on understanding the variations in dog-ownership patterns and their implications for public health and animal welfare. We employed a survey-based approach, gathering quantitative survey data from dog owners (n = 563) and non-dog-owners (n = 9282) across different socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds in seven Indian settlements. The results reveal notable differences in dog-ownership patterns, influenced by regional state. In particular, settlements in Gujarat were found to have significantly fewer dog-owning households than those in Tamil Nadu, with no differences found according to settlement size. Dog ownership was found to be more common in households of higher socioeconomic standing, and settlements in Uttarakhand were found more frequently to possess dogs for reasons other than companionship. Data from Ahmedabad and Vadodara, specifically, also indicate rapidly increasing rates of pet ownership. Sterilisation and rabies vaccination proportions were typically low and high, respectively, across all settlements, with few significant differences found among settlements. Confinement of owned dogs at night was significantly lower in Nainital than all other settlements. Differences in attitudes towards roaming dogs between dog owners and non-dog-owners were also examined, with the results indicating both positive and negative trends accordingly. Our results emphasise the need for region-specific strategies in public health and animal welfare policies, acknowledging the diverse nature of pet ownership in India. This research provides valuable insight for policymakers and animal welfare organisations, underlining the importance of tailored approaches to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper interprets the use of the Auto-Tune effect (ATE) in popular music from northern India. The paper sets out to demonstrate the value of using YouTube channels to identify regionally calibrated listenerships and to demonstrate how three channels in the state of Uttarakhand use the Auto-Tune effect to contribute to regional identity through music. While processes of globalization spread the use of the ATE around the world, a closer examination of its local expression in the music markets of India and Uttarakhand demonstrates that local contexts and local/regional industries influence the way the ATE is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I use deconstructive theory to analyze the category of "millet" and the endangerment of food grains in India. I argue that "millet" cohered as a sign of difference from the 1960s through India's Green Revolution, which created a national infrastructure for the materialization of colonial and masculinist ideology. In the hills of Uttarakhand and through the food grain regionally known as mandua, we see how India's postcolonial success relied on the ontological-epistemic erasure of women's food/land practices and assaulted the intertwined "rootedness" (place-making faculties) of women and the crops they cultivate. Reading mandua as "millet" under erasure (millet) reveals how mixed crop systems and practices of socio-ecological reciprocity eroded in the face of Green Revolution ideology and functioned as a bulwark against it. I turn finally to the counterhegemonic potential of "millet," as Uttarakhandi seed activists link with decentralized third world networks, which are exchanging seeds and building power across and from marginalized places. This opens a potential space of visibility and belonging for Uttarakhandi women farmers in the national arena at a time when the ecological and alimentary value of "millet" has entered national and global conversations, infusing the sign of difference with new meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphones are one of the most affordable and familiar devices available to people that are used for many scientific applications. Thus, implementing a dedicated mobile app for earthquake early warning (EEW) systems is one of the best options to save money and time to achieve dissemination of earthquake warnings to the public at large. This paper describes the development of a Warning Dissemination System comprising field sirens and mobile apps and presents details of developing a smartphone app for Android and iOS operating systems. The app is designed for the EEW system currently operational in the Northwest Himalayan State of Uttarakhand in India. The app named "Uttarakhand Bhookamp Alert" is freely available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and has already been downloaded more than 10,000 times. This app uses Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) service for sending earthquake early warnings to the users. The user's basic information and FCM token are saved at the warning server in a database during the user registration process. The information will be shared with the disaster response authorities after a damaging earthquake to rescue affected users requiring help. This app also provides online earthquake safety recommendations and guidance, including how to prepare yourself, find a safe hiding place, and do's and don'ts during an earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural and remote regions of developing economies face a serious scarcity of reliable energy supply. Focus on providing electricity through renewable and off grid energy resources is becoming increasingly popular. Off the grid or decentralized renewable energy typically considers either solar or small hydro power to fill the supply deficit and increase in demand with time is generally ignored. This paper proposes a hybrid technology mix of various renewable energy options for two remote villages located in Darma valley of Uttarakhand state in the Indian Himalayan Region. Since the villages are at an average height of 3500 m amsl, they are inaccessible during winters due to heavy snowfall. Therefore, decentralized energy could be the most cost effective solution to provide electricity. This paper estimates the energy demand of these villages and identifies the most optimum off the grid solutions, and compares it with grid connected electricity supply using hybrid optimization model for electric renewables. Micro hydro energy generation was found to be the most cost effective and techno-economically viable solution. This paper also evaluates the barriers faced by remote Himalayan villages so as to achieve reliable application of the results of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The documentation of excavation method and support design based on rock mass classification systems i.e. rock mass rating (RMR), Q-system and New Austrian tunneling method (NATM) for adit-7 tunnel being constructed in Garhwal Himalaya, India is discussed in this paper. The New Austrian tunneling method classes of rock units have been developed by using correlations with the RMR and Q systems, according to the ONORM B 2203. NATM principles were used because the geological conditions were continually changing. The study indicated that the RMR-based rock mass estimation was overstated, but the qualitative assessment was right. The NATM technique is more adaptable for Garhwal Himalayan rocks having various uncertainties in rock mass evaluation. The current adit investigations indicate that there are numerous unanswered concerns, concerning rock mass quality evaluation, tunnel behavior during construction and usability. Results of the analysis are considered to be useful for the design of the new tunnels constructed in the similar type of the terrain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive primary health care has been a subject of concern for millennia, and the Indian government has undertaken a variety of initiatives, including the National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, and Health and Wellness Centers, to mention a few. Despite this, there are significant challenges in providing equitable access to primary health care, particularly for persons who live in rural and hilly areas. The major goal of this model is to develop a comprehensive community-based participatory strategy for galvanizing the community toward improved health-care access and realizing the impact of community empowerment. A thorough literature search was conducted to identify the articles that provide a snapshot of primary hea lth-care services situation in mountainous regions of India. Based on the gaps identified in health-care delivery, we proposed a unique approach built on the principle of "to the community, for the community, and by the community." This paper provides the description of the model, its importance, as well as effectiveness of its implementation in a hard-to-reach region. The model recommends developing a community taskforce within the community to educate the masses about their primary health-care needs, thus reducing emergency department visits and hospital admissions, and also assist the primary care or family physician in preparing a collaborative treatment plan for their patients in early stages of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Techno-economic analysis of hybrid solar-wind-biomass-battery system is proposed. • Numerical modelling and varied operational scenarios for the system are formulated. • Evaluating system feasibility across various power loss probabilities is conducted. • Giza Pyramids construction outperformed by $177 saving and 8% less simulation time. The economical electrification of rural settlements extensively utilizes renewable energy sources. In recent years, the deployment of solar photovoltaic, wind turbine, and biomass gasifier-based power generation technologies for electricity accessibility in remote regions has received greater prominence. This paper presents an optimal component design of a hybrid solar PV-wind and battery system along with a biomass gasifier to provide continuous electricity for rural communities of Uttarakhand, India. In this study, a recently developed population-based giza pyramids construction (GPC) methodology is applied to determine the optimal component sizing. The findings of the GPC method are contrasted with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) methodology to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method. The annualized system cost and levelized cost of energy of the hybrid renewable energy system have been minimized subject to technical reliability indicators such as loss of power supply probability and renewable fraction. Moreover, a systematic exploration of the system has been conducted to assess its optimal feasibility across different values of power loss probability ranging from (0% to 4%). The simulation indicates that the proposed method adeptly identifies globally optimal values, leading to a $177 decrease in annual cost and 8% reduction in average simulation time compared to PSO. The research reveals that the balanced point (relative attainment), where system reliability and cost-effectiveness intersect optimally, is achieved at a 3% power loss level, resulting in the most significant cost reduction of $199 compared to other probability levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melaleuca linariifolia Sm. (Genus: Melaleuca ; Family: Myrtaceae) cultivated for its ornamental usages in the Kumaun Himalayan region of Uttarakhand is commercially known as flax-leaved paper bark tree. The present study analyzes the chemical variation of the essential oils obtained from aerial parts and flowers of M. linariifolia. The effect of post-harvest shade drying on the essential oil composition was also assessed in the study. Total of 16 compounds accounting for 94.2 % and 94.6 % were identified in the aerial parts and flowers essential oil, respectively. 1,8-Cineole (71.8 %–73.8 %) was identified as the predominant compound in both the studied essential oils followed by limonene (1.7 %–9.3 %) and α-terpineol (4.2 %–6.7 %). Moreover, the fresh aerial parts had 73.8% of 1,8-cineole content which increased up to 79.2% post-harvest drying. The study revealed oxygenated monoterpenes as the major class constituents with 1,8-cineole as the marker component ranging from 67.7 % to 79.2 % during the post drying analysis. While assessing the biological activities, the antioxidant activity of the oils was investigated in vitro using three assays: DPPH radical scavenging activity, Iron(II) complexing activity, and H 2 O 2 radical scavenging activity. The oil also inhibited the activity of α-amylase with IC 50 of 3.26 ± 0.04 μg/ml and protein denaturation with IC 50 of 3.0 ± 0.03 g/ml. This is the first-time report of essential oil analysis of M. linariifolia flowers and post-harvest drying study from bhabar region of the Kumaun Himalayas. The high essential oil yield, rich chemical composition and biological activities suggest the cultivation of Melaleuca species as an industrial crop. [Display omitted] • The flowers of Melaleuca linariifolia show high essential oil yield than aerial part (leaves + stem) of the plant. • Chemical composition of essential oil of Melaleuca linariifolia was analyzed by using GC-FID and GC-MS techniques. • Post harvest shade drying results increase in percentage concentration of marker compound 1,8-cineole upto 79.2%. • Biological activity analysis confirms potent in-vitro antioxidant, inhibition of α-amylase, and inhibition of protein denaturation activities in essential oil. • This study provides a directive for development of high yielding and commercially benign species of Melaleuca linariifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacts of uranium exposure via drinking water on human health are of great concern due to its radiological and chemical toxicities. The consumption of uranium is linked with various serious diseases such as stomach cancer, kidney disease, deformity of bones and liver etc. In this paper, we present the results of measurements of uranium concentration in drinking water sources of Kumaun Himalaya, India. The associated radiological and chemical risks are estimated in terms of excess cancer risk and hazard quotient, respectively. No siginificant health risk is observed due to uranium consumption via drinking water in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is the insect pest of global agricultural importance due to its wide host range and cosmopolitan distribution, which is supported by a strong genetic base. This paper presents genetic diversity of the pest population feeding on different hosts (inter-host) and geographic locations (inter-location) in Uttarakhand Himalayas, India and their micro-evolutionary consequences. A total of 21 inter-host and 17 inter-location populations were studied using both nuclear (SSR markers i.e., 1st tier) and mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b i.e., 2nd tier). In case of inter-host populations, grouping was observed in relation to crop season (Kharif and Rabi), sequential growing of the crops and association of crops with weeds and concurrence of crop growth stages. Interestingly, in both the nuclear and mitogenome analysis, the wheat population stood separate as a major cluster, which might be due to its adaptation towards the crop in recent past in the region. Although there is a differential grouping in SSR and cytb based clustering in inter-location populations, high altitude populations stand separate. The study illustrates ecological and evolutionary driven behavioural adaptations in H. armigera populations in Uttarakhand Himalayan population, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The entire Himalayan arc is predicted to produce a series of significant earthquakes and the subsequent great earthquakes of magnitude 8.0 and higher. A substantial amount of rock tunneling is being carried out in the Himalayan region to meet the growing demand for transportation, power, and other infrastructure projects. Earthquake forces influence the final design of the tunnel, which requires further strengthening of the concrete lining and improvement in tunnel support. Because of increasing importance, it is essential to combine the dynamic forces and displacements produced by seismic ground movements into the design stage for tunnels. In this paper, a numerical analysis has been carried out to assess the seismic performance of a proposed hydropower tunnel of 8.8m diameter (horseshoe-shape) in Uttarakhand, India. The impact of earthquakes on underground structures such as tunnels is often considered to be insignificant. However, the results of this study show how that stress from seismic loads can be damaging to the stability of the tunnel. In this study, a pseudo-static approach was adopted to assess the impact of the earthquake on the tunnel lining for the sections located in different rocks namely slate (Q=3.4), quartzite (Q=6), and dolomitic limestone (Q=5.2), respectively. Pseudo-static analysis findings suggest there is a 35% increase in the lining forces for an impact of earthquake for the tunnel section situated in Slate. Furthermore, displacements and damage-prone areas are determined to assess the damage to the tunnel, which could be helpful for rapid evaluations of potential future damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the hilly regions of India, hydro power potential is available, but it is not completely utilized for power generation till date due to the unavailability of proper electrical structure. Nine micro/mini hydro power plants have been developed in the bageswar district in Uttarakhand. The development of the optimized Mini-grid structure is an effective and reliable solution for the full utilization of these MHPs potentials. Although Ajit Singh et al. proposed some Mini-grid structures for this area, their work is not appropriate due to their calculation method of reliability. For the determination of reliability (failure and repair time), they have considered only the line length. However, its demographic situations such as elevation level of MHPs, availability of roads, the presence of obstacles like streams will also affect the failure and repair time. This paper proposes an optimized Mini-grid structure for interconnection of these nine MHPs and load substations. All the MHPs are spreads in two blocks, namely Kapkote and Bagheswar, so two substations (load canters) are considered. These MHPs and substations are mapped through the Google Earth software and the optimization data such as distances between MHPs and substations, their elevation levels, the highest and lowest elevation in the connecting path and the path profile are collected through it. The Mini-grid structure is optimized through the Genetic Algorithm using the MATLAB tool. The optimization is performed by making the cost function as an objective function considering the line lengths and reliability of the path for its parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the seasonal variation of physico-chemical parameters in natural spring water sources collected from Pithoragarh city, Uttarakhand, India. A total of sixteen parameters were investigated for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons during the study. Total dissolved solids have been found to range from 315 to 729 mg/L during pre-monsoon and 245 to 704 mg/L during post-monsoon. Total hardness and total alkalinity were observed to be high for two samples. Water quality index was evaluated to determine whether the use of water samples for drinking purpose is safe or not and its values range between 35.71 and 74.39 during pre-monsoon and 31.66 and 72.60 during post-monsoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colour Blindness is an X-linked recessive disorder which predominantly appears in males. Colour blindness is the inability or decreased ability to perceive colour differences by the human eye under normal lighting conditions. The purpose of the present study was to find out the prevalence of congenital Red-Green colour blindness among the people of the Bhoksha tribe in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. The study was conducted with a total number of 204 individuals aged from 5 years to 85 years (mean ± SD is 22.71 ± 13.15) among the randomly selected male population. Colour blindness was examined using a standard Ishihara Chart under proper light. Among the total sample of 204 males in the community, 3 males are found to be colour blind which means that 98.53% were found to be normal, and the frequency of colour blindness was 1.47%. These three cases represented protanopia, deuteranopia and achromatopsia. Colour blindness appeared among the Pundir, Chauhan and Kakkad clans of the Bhoksha tribe in three villages. In conclusion, 1.47% were found to be colourblind in this study among the Bhoksha tribe of Dehradun, which is very high as compared with the prevalence in other tribal populations in India, although they were unaware of it. The present study supports Post and Pickford's (1962, 1963) hypothesis of relaxation of selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste management is a growing environmental and economic issue for a developing country like India. This exploratory paper aims to prioritize key practices as "criteria" for food supply chains that lead to food waste reduction to ensure green waste management. Twenty-five criteria from the existing literature and expert inputs were assessed to resolve food waste reduction issues in food supply chains, especially in the agricultural sectors. The study identifies and ranks the intensities of each of the listed criteria. In the study, the Best-Worst Method, a multi-criteria decision-making approach, is applied. According to the findings, waste prevention at the earlier stages of food supply chains is given more priority compared to food waste minimization and treatment at the later stages. Hence, the study concludes "skill and training" as the highest ranked criteria, followed by "protection and infrastructure." Further, the study infers that understanding the individual intensities of criteria within a food supply chain can affect waste generation at each level, having a significant impact on waste reduction. The data in this research was evaluated in the Indian context. • Explores the green waste management problem in food supply chains. • 25 sub-criteria & 5 main criteria are listed in the circular economy context. •Conducted an empirical case study in the Uttarakhand region in India. • The Best Worst Method is used to evaluate the outcomes. • Training of growers is ranked as the topmost criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]