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• Mono layered Al and double layered Ti/Al CS coatings were deposited on Mg alloys. • Ti top coating with smaller crystallite size/higher dislocation density showed lower wear rate. • Transition probability from metastable to stable pits was considerably low for Ti top coating (in Ti/Al/Mg system). • Ti top coating was in the passivation region in most pH ranges even after 48 h immersion. • Corrosion pits and other localized corrosions were not seen on the Ti top coating even after 264 h immersion. Nitrogen processed, cold sprayed commercially pure (CP)-Al coatings on Mg-based alloys mostly lack acceptable hardness, wear resistance and most importantly are highly susceptible to localized corrosion in chloride containing solutions. In this research, commercially pure α-Ti top coating having good pitting potential (∼ 1293 mV SCE), high microhardness (HV 0.025 : 263.03) and low wear rate was applied on a CP-Al coated Mg-based alloy using high pressure cold spray technology. Potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) curves indicated that the probability of transition from metastable pits to the stable pits for cold spayed (CS) Al coating is considerably higher compared to that with the CS Ti top coating (for Ti/Al/Mg system). In addition, CS Ti top coating was in the passivation region in most pH ranges even after 48 h immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The stored energy in the CS Ti top coating (as a passive metal) was presumed to be responsible for the easy passivation. Immersion tests indicated no obvious pits formation on the intact CS Ti top coating surface and revealed effective corrosion protection performance of the CS double layered noble barrier coatings on Mg alloys in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution even after 264 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airframe construction in conical form is the most desired shape of flight hardware due to their low drag profile and are located at the fore-end region of flight vehicles encountering high drag loads. Owing to their tailoring capability, materials with orthotropic mechanical properties are preferred choice. Delamination defects formed in them while manufacturing or when subjected to loads would unfavorably influence the mechanical performance of the orthotropic airframe. In the current work, FE simulation of delamination which is embedded in orthotropic cone shaped shells under external pressure load is performed as per the method cited in published literature. A layer wise element based on shell theory has been used and the effect of delamination size and its through the thickness position on the mechanical performance of the cone shaped shell is investigated. Circumferential and rectangular shapes of defects have been simulated. The investigation is performed for metal and composite materials with 3 types of stacking sequences generally used in practical designs. Verification of the procedure is carried out by equating with the procedure cited in published studies on shells of thin orthotropic cylinders. The eigen value of the first mode is taken as the critical buckling factor under external pressure. The buckling factor of the delaminated cone is normalized with the buckling factor of the ideal cone. The normalized buckling factor is showed graphically with the normalised defect size. Global, as well as local buckling and also symmetric as well as asymmetric buckling shapes, are observed in the results of the simulation. Shift from global mode to local mode of buckling is also observed in certain cases. Drastic reduction in buckling capability with the local mode is observed when the defect location is close to the surface and more prominent for an outer surface case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of spark plasma sintering (SPS) temperature on microstructure, hardness and corrosion behavior of a high-energy ball milled Mg-10 wt% Al alloy was investigated in this work. The holding time and sintering pressure for SPS were kept constant while varying the sintering temperature from 200 to 350 °C. The grain size and microstructure were studied using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Archimedes' based density measurement. Corrosion behavior was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization tests. The nanocrystalline regime (grain size < 100 nm) was maintained even after SPS up to 350 °C. The density of the alloy increased with increasing the SPS temperature. Vickers' hardness and corrosion performance improved up to 300 °C followed by a decrease after SPS at 350 °C. Possible reasons for densification, strengthening, and corrosion behavior have been discussed in the light of reduced porosity and microstructural changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orange peel waste (OPW) was chemically spiked with silica nanospheres, to develop a novel, nanocomposite (SiO 2 @OPW) with enhanced adsorption capacity for heavy metals. The dispersion of silica nanospheres into orange peel waste was confirmed by XRD, FTIR, TEM, SEM and EDX. Adsorption of Pb2+ ions onto SiO 2 @OPW was studied in batch mode under varying process conditions such as pH, metal concentration, contact time and adsorbent dosage. The maximum adsorption capacity for OPW and SiO 2 @OPW was 166.7 mg/g and 200.0 mg/g, respectively calculated employing the Langmuir isotherm model. The kinetic data followed pseudo second order and intraparticle diffusion models. The maximum removal of Pb2+ ions was at pH = 6.0, adsorbent dosage = 0.02 g/L and contact time 60 min. Regeneration and reusability of SiO 2 @OPW was studied for five cycles. Owing to reusability and high adsorption capacity, SiO 2 @OPW nanocomposites may be considered as a promising adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals from water and wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Knowing current trends for timely comprehensive action for health promotion practices is an important prerequisite for medical practitioners and policy makers. Methods A survey of mothers at a Tertiary Care Hospital in central India. Results On the knowledge front >83.75% of the mothers studied showed good knowledge about breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Similar, but not as encouraging, were the results about attitude, with 76.25% of mothers having a positive attitude. The results of the practices part were varied. The WHO indicators assessed were ‘early initiation of breastfeeding’ (68.75%), ‘exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months’ (85%) (however exclusive breast feeding for first 6 months was carried out by only 36.25%), ‘introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods’ (48.75%), ‘continued breastfeeding at 1 year’ (63.75%) and ‘continued breastfeeding at 2 years’ (6.25%). Conclusions There is a discrepancy between knowledge and practices. The exclusive breast feeding rates are far from the ideal and there is a decline of continued breast feeding beyond 15 months. This calls for sustained efforts with the aim – ‘cover all and cover completely’. The ideal WHO indicator for exclusive breast feeding should be ‘exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months’ which will provide information about the completeness of this ideal practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the synthesis of zinc oxide loaded activated carbon (ZnO-AC) using hydrothermal method and its use to remove organic dyes [Orange G (OG) and Rhodamine B (Rh-B)] from the aqueous system under varying process conditions. ZnO-AC nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDX, DLS, and FTIR. The Langmuir adsorption model was best fitted to the experimental data for both the dyes. Langmuir adsorption capacity ( q max) for OG and Rh-B was 153.8 and 128.2 mg/g, respectively. The rate of adsorption was investigated by various models namely pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion model. Rate mechanism was described by pseudo-second-order model for both the dyes. Thermodynamic studies suggested that removal of Rh-B onto ZnO-AC was endothermic up to a temperature of 40 °C while OG removal decreased with increase in temperature. Negative values of Δ G 0 for adsorption of dyes suggested spontaneous adsorption processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever has re-emerged as a major public health challenge. Of late, several promising attempts have been made to control the disease with limited success. An innovative method of biological control of dengue is the use of the bacterium Wolbachia . Selected strains of Wolbachia have been introduced into Aedes aegypti to prevent transmission of dengue viruses by the vector. Wolbachia prevents dengue transmission by either directly blocking the virus or by decreasing the lifespan of the vector. The mechanism by which it causes these effects is not clearly understood. The main concern of this technique is the emergence of a new dengue virus serotype which may evade the protection offered by Wolbachia . The technique is environment friendly and holds promise for control of other vector borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant exomphalos, also called hepato-omphalocele, is a major exodus of abdominal viscera. Due to the large discrepancy between abdominal domain and the volume of extra abdominal organs, these defects present a significant challenge to pediatric surgeons. A 10 month old boy with antenatally diagnosed exomphalos major had a giant exomphalos 15 × 15 × 10 cm in size. Investigations revealed significant visceroabdominal disproportion, in view of which staged repair of the exomphalos was planned. An intraperitoneal silicon tissue expander was inserted for this child in the infra-umbilical abdominal cavity with the flat surface in the recto-vesical pouch through pfannenstiel incision & gradually inflated. Subsequently, subcutaneous expanders were placed in both flanks using minimal access technique to get adequate healthy skin cover prior to final ventral hernia repair. At eight years of age, the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with ventral hernia repair with meshplasty using dual surface mesh & had an excellent and prompt recovery. There are numerous surgical techniques for giant omphalocele closure, which fall into the categories of staged, and delayed closure. Uniqueness of this case is combined use of both intraperitoneal and subcutaneous tissue expansion with the aid of minimal access technique in placement of subcutaneous expanders. The combined use of both intra-abdominal & subcutaneous expanders has not yet been reported in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals act as toxicants to soil and crops at elevated level. Earthworms help in bioremediation process they remove heavy metal from the soil and accumulate them in their body tissues especially yellow cells. Depending upon the concentrations of heavy metals the body of earthworm get affected. An experiment was conducted to check the effect of Hg and Co on Eiseniafetida. Nine concentration of heavy metals were sprayed i.e. Hg @0.02,0.04,0.06 ppm ,Co @0.02,0.04,0.06 ppm and Hg+Co @0.01 ,0.02,0.03 ppm for two months . Bio-molecular parameters were calculated at an interval of 15 days for 2 months And it was concluded that Hg at 0.006 ppm affect the biomoleculer concentration of body of earthworm than Co and combination of both. The carbohydrates level has been decreased from 17.65% in 0.06 Hg, 17.05% in 0.06 Co and 17.32% in combination of 0.03Hg+0.03Co. At 0.06ppm of Hg lipid content decreased by 41.25%, 23.26% at 0.06ppm Co and 32.44% at 0.03Hg +0.03 Co whereas protein concentration was decreased by 42.47% at 0.06ppm Hg, 35.27% at 0.06ppm Co and 38.07% at 0.03Hg+0.03Co. So it was concluded that Hg is more toxic to earthworm not only bio-molecular parameter it affect coccon production, coelomocytes, body weight, length also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian gypsy moth ( Lymantria obfuscata ) is a pest of national significance, which attacks a wide range of forest and fruit crops in India. The outbreaks of this pest over the past few years spurred interest towards sustainable biointensive approaches for quality fruit production of apple and walnut for agricultural export in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). The exploratory survey's were conducted for the isolation of native strains of L. obfuscata multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LyobMNPV) and field evaluation was conducted to determine the most promising strain as a potential biological control agent of this pest. The virus was recovered from different locations of J&K with its natural incidence varying from 0.77 to 7.43 percent. This is the first report from the Indian sub-continent and worldwide of the occurrence of NPVs in natural larval populations of L. obfuscata . The in vivo mass production was optimised by inoculating per os late 3rd instar L. obfuscata larvae with an inoculum dose of 1.44 × 10 5 OBs/larva and followed by a 10 day incubation period. To prevent the disintegration of larval cuticle and microbial contamination, moribund larvae were harvested with an average yield of 1.42 × 10 8 OBs/larva. The field application of LyobMNPV against the host populations on apple and willow with the pre-standardised dosage of 2.5 × 10 12 OBs/ha reduced the larval population density by 25–63%. In the year following application, the larval population density in the treated blocks was 19–28% lower as compared to controls on both apple and willow. This suggests that the virus has considerable potential as a biocontrol agent and the timely application with LyobMNPV on non-fruit trees such as willow which are the preferred hosts for egg laying may help to initiate viral epizootics to keep population outbreaks under check. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, an asymptotic approach is used to analyse the main features of weakly nonlinear waves propagating in a compressible, inviscid, nonideal gas in the presence of magnetic field. An evolution equation, which characterizes the wave process in the high frequency domain and points out the possibility of wave breaking at a finite time, is derived. The growth equation governing the behaviour of an acceleration wave is recovered as a special case. Further, we consider a sufficiently weak shock at the outset and study the propagation of the disturbance given in the form of a sawtooth profile. It is observed that the non-idealness of the gas causes an early decay of the sawtooth wave as compared to ideal case however the presence of magnetic field causes to slow down the decay process as compared to non-ideal non-magnetic case. A remarkable difference in wave profiles for planar and cylindrically symmetric flows has been observed. The effect of non-idealness, in the presence of magnetic field, on the formation of shock is more dominant in case of cylindrical symmetry as compared to planar case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, polynomial differential quadrature method (PDQM) is applied to find the numerical solution of the generalized Fitzhugh–Nagumo equation with time-dependent coefficients in one dimensional space. The PDQM reduces the problem into a system of first order non-linear differential equations. Then, the obtained system is solved by optimal four-stage, order three strong stability-preserving time-stepping Runge–Kutta (SSP-RK43) scheme. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are demonstrated by three test examples. The numerical results are shown in max absolute errors ( L ∞ ), root mean square errors (RMS) and relative errors ( L 2 ) forms. Numerical solutions obtained by this method when compared with the exact solutions reveal that the obtained solutions are very similar to the exact ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Simply supported steel-concrete composite beams are widely used in bridge construction. Deflection is the significant parameter for serviceability limit state of bridges. A lot of computational effort is required for finite element analysis of bridges considering flexibility of shear connectors and shear leg effects. Neural network is presented for prediction of deflections, at service load, in simply supported steel-concrete composite bridges incorporating flexibility of shear connectors and shear lag effect. The training, testing and validation data sets for neural network are generated using finite element models. The finite element models have been developed using ABAQUS software. These models have been validated with available experimental results. Closed form solution is also proposed based on the developed neural network. The use of the neural network requires a computational effort almost equal to that required for the simple beam analysis (neglecting flexibility of shear connectors and shear lag effect). The neural network has been validated for number of bridges and the errors are found to be small. The network/closed form solution can be used for rapid prediction of deflection for everyday design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In-depth investigations on diapause behaviour of Z. bicolorata revealed that the adults entered diapause at any time from August to December and that the number peaked (42.00%) during the last half of November. The percentage of adults entering diapause increased with a decrease in day length. Weight of diapausing adults was significantly higher than weight of non-diapausing adults. The percentage of adults undergoing diapause at 30°C was significantly lower than those undergoing diapause at 15 and 25°C. The percentage of adults burrowing increased with increasing moisture. In silty soil and soil with high organic matter, 46.7% and 49.2% of adults entered diapause, respectively, whereas in sandy soil, only 23.5% of adults entered diapause. When newly emerged beetles were exposed to 5μg of human insulin 30/70, a significantly lower percentage of treated adults underwent diapause compared to untreated adults under both feeding and no feeding conditions. Insulin treatment also influenced the emergence period from diapause (93.92±1.73days), percent emergence (81±1.54%) and fecundity/month (512.7±25.38 eggs) of Z. bicolorata in treated adults as compared to untreated adults (109.05±2.2, 74.00±1.82 and 438.3±19.33 eggs, respectively). However, there was no significant impact of insulin on adult longevity. These findings are of great utility in the biological suppression of Parthenium as it will enhance the effectiveness of this beetle through manipulation of diapause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two or more distinct materials are combined into a single functionally graded material (FGM) where the microstructural composition and properties change gradually. Thermal post-buckling behavior of uniform slender FGM beams is investigated independently using the classical Rayleigh-Ritz (RR) formulation and the versatile Finite Element Analysis (FEA) formulation developed in this paper. The von-Karman strain-displacement relations are used to account for moderately large deflections of FGM beams. Bending-extension coupling arising due to heterogeneity of material through the thickness is included. Simply supported and clamped beams with axially immovable ends are considered in the present study. Post-buckling load versus deflection curves and buckled mode shapes obtained from both the RR and FEA formulations for different volume fraction exponents show an excellent agreement with the available literature results for simply supported ends. Response of the FGM beam with clamped ends is studied for the first time and the results from both the RR and FEA formulations show a very good agreement. Though the response of the FGM beam could have been studied more accurately by FEA formulation alone, the authors aim to apply the RR formulation is to find an approximate closed form post-buckling solutions for the FGM beams. Further, the use of the RR formulation clearly demonstrates the effect of bending-extension coupling on the post-buckling response of the FGM beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abundant Jacobi elliptic type solutions with distinct physical structures of complex nonlinear conformable time-fractional modified Schrödinger equation are obtained by using the generalized Jacobi elliptic function (GJEF) method. The Jacobi function expansions may lead to new doubly periodic wave solutions, soliton solutions, and triangular periodic solutions. Nowadays the conformable operator is being used for a better description of the dynamical systems. Motivated by the potential applications of the governed equation in nonlinear optics, biological sciences, and fluid dynamics, these solutions may be significant in the study of wave propagation in the desired field. Symbolic computations are made with the aid of Maple. • Abundant Jacobi elliptic type solutions of time fractional modified Schrodinger equation are obtained. • The Jacobi function expansions may lead to new doubly periodic wave solutions. • The obtained solutions may be significant in the study of wave propagation. • Symbolic computations are made with the aid of Maple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aerobic rice systems, wherein the crop is established via direct-seeding in non-puddled, non-flooded fields, are among the most promising approaches for saving water and labour. However, aerobic systems are subject to much higher weed pressure than conventionally puddled transplanted rice (CPTR). Experiments were conducted for 2 years to develop effective and economical methods for managing weeds in aerobic rice grown by direct-seeding or transplanting on flat land or furrow-irrigated raised-bed systems (FIRBS). Total weed dry weight and weed density were lower with CPTR and highest with aerobic direct-seeded rice on a FIRBS (ADSB), followed by aerobic direct-seeded rice (ADSR). In terms of weight grassy weed constituted 78–96% of total weed weight in all systems of rice establishment. Loss of grain yield of rice due to weed competition ranged from 38% to 92%, being the highest in ADSB. Both weed density and dry weight were negatively correlated with rice grain yield. ADSR treatment produced yield and net economic returns similar to CPTR treatment when weeds were controlled. Pretilachlor with safener at 500ga.i.ha−1 applied 3 days after sowing (DAS)/ days after transplanting (DAT) followed by chlorimuron+metsulfuron at 4ga.i.ha−1 applied 21DAS/DAT followed by hand-weeding at 35DAS/DAT could effectively control all the weeds. The next best treatment was cyhalofop-butyl at 120ga.i.ha−1 applied 14DAS/DAT followed by chlorimuron+metsulfuron at 4ga.i.ha−1 applied 21DAS/DAT followed by hand-weeding at 35DAS/DAT. The ADSR was as effective as conventionally puddle-transplanted rice in attaining higher rice grain yield and net returns when weeds were kept under control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Herbicide-resistant (HR) rice has the potential to improve the efficiency of weed management and facilitate adoption of resource conservation technologies (RCTs) in India. However, several important risks associated with HR rice should be examined before its widespread adoption is encouraged. The greatest risk in the commercialization of HR crops is the potential for transfer of the gene conferring the HR trait to related wild and weedy relatives. This could lead to increased weediness or invasiveness. Gene transfer between cultivated and wild or weedy rice is known to occur and existing scientific literature confirms that HR genes can move from HR rice to wild and weedy relatives forming hybrids. The likelihood of such gene transfer is especially high in India, where cultivated rice and its relatives are sympatrically distributed and their flowering times overlap. Such gene flow can impact crop invasiveness, fitness of wild species, and the loss of native biodiversity. Additionally, HR rice may contribute to the problems of crop volunteers and evolution of herbicide resistance. Based on existing scientific literature, it appears that these risks are low, but that additional studies are needed to fully assess the potential adverse consequences of widespread adoption of HR rice in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Shortages of labor, water and the adverse effects of puddling on soil health are forcing farmers to switch rice production systems from puddled transplant to direct seeding. In recent years, resource conservation technologies (RCTs) like zero-tillage (ZT) and bed-planting are being promoted in the rice–wheat cropping systems of South Asia to address these concerns. However, weed control is a serious challenge in non-puddled, direct-seeded ZT/bed-planted rice. In the absence of weed control, rice yields are reduced by 35–100% in direct-seeded/RCTs systems. Herbicide-resistant rice (HR-rice) may facilitate adoption of RCTs by improving weed management options. The three major direct benefits of introducing HR-rice are to: (1) improve control of weeds specifically associated with rice, e.g. weedy Oryza species; (2) substitute currently used herbicides with new ones that are more efficient and that have better environmental profiles; and (3) provide new tools for managing weeds that have already developed resistance to current herbicides. In this paper, we discuss the current issues associated with the rice–wheat systems of India and role of HR-rice in addressing weed management constraints of direct-seeded rice. Direct-seeded ZT/bed-planted rice will save water, labor cost and drudgery involved in transplanting. Other potential benefits include improvement in soil health, timely sowing of wheat, and reduction in greenhouse gases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of intercropping Sesbania with dry-seeded rice up to its vegetative phase (Sesbania), mulching with wheat residue (mulch) and herbicides for managing weeds and optimising the yield of dry-seeded rice. The density of grass weeds was lower with the mulch at all stages of crop growth. Though the dry weight of grass weeds at 30 days after seeding (DAS) was lower with Sesbania than with mulch, they were similar at later stages. A lower broadleaved weed density and dry weight were observed with Sesbania than with the mulch. It is concluded that application of wheat residue mulch at 4tha–1 and Sesbania intercropping for 30 days were equally effective in controlling weeds associated with dry-seeded rice. However, pendimethalin (1000ga.i.ha–1) or pretilachlor with safener (500ga.i.ha–1) as pre-emergence applications followed by one hand-weeding were effective in controlling weeds, increasing grain yield of dry-seeded rice, and resulting in higher net returns than the weed-free treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dry seeding of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the furrow-irrigated raised-bed planting system (FIRBS) represents a major shift in the production practices for attaining optimal water productivity in the rice–wheat system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of South Asia. Information on weed management in dry-seeded rice in the FIRBS is lacking. Two experiments were conducted for 2 years, with an objective of identifying appropriate, effective, and economical methods of managing: (1) broadleaf weeds only; and (2) a mixed population of both grass and broadleaf weeds in dry-seeded rice cultivated in the FIRBS. The major weeds associated with dry-seeded rice in the FIRBS during both years were Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv., Echinochloa colona (L.) Link, Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd., Leptochloa panicea (Retz.) Ohwl, Caesulia axillaris Roxb., Euphorbia hirta L., Lindernia sp., Commelina benghalensis L., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Trianthema portulacastrum L., and Portulaca oleracea L. Triclopyr at 500g a.i.ha−1, bensulfuron at 60g a.i.ha–1, ethoxysulfuron at 18g a.i.ha–1, and 2,4-D (ester) at 500g a.i.ha–1, all applied at 21 days after seeding (DAS), were equally effective in realizing higher rice grain yields by controlling broadleaf weeds. Among these, ethoxysulfuron at 18g a.i.ha–1 was found to be least expensive but effective for controlling broadleaf weeds. Effective and economical herbicides identified for managing a mixed population of both grass and broadleaf weeds included fenoxaprop-p-ethyl+ethoxysulfuron at 50+18g a.iha–1, applied at 21 DAS, and pendimethalin followed by (fb) chlorimuron+metsulfuron at 1000 fb 4g a.i.ha−1 applied at 3 fb 21 DAS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP; including regions of Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh) is generally characterised by fertile soils, favourable climate and an abundant supply of water. Nevertheless, the challenge of increasing food production in the IGP in line with demand grows ever greater; any perturbation in agriculture will considerably affect the food systems of the region and increase the vulnerability of the resource-poor population. Increasing regional production is already complicated by increasing competition for land resources by non-agricultural sectors and by the deterioration of agri-environments and water resources. Global environmental change (GEC), especially changes in climate mean values and variability, will further complicate the agricultural situation and will therefore, have serious implications for food systems of the region. Strategies to reduce the vulnerability of the region''s food systems to GEC need to be based on a combination of technical and policy options, and developed in recognition of the concurrent changes in socioeconomic stresses. Adaptation options need to be assessed with regard to their socioeconomic and environmental efficacy, but a greater understanding of the interactions of food systems with GEC is needed to be able to do this with confidence. This paper discusses information needs relating to resource management and policy support to guide the development of research planning for increasing the robustness of IGP food systems to GEC. Further information is needed to develop a range of adaptation strategies including augmenting production and its sustainability, increasing income from agricultural enterprises, diversification from rice–wheat systems, improving land use and natural resource management, and instigating more flexible policies and institutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the different forms and quantity-intensity (Q/I) parameters of potassium (K) in some soil samples from several districts of Sikkim, India. Number if surface soil samples collected from the districts; Range and mean values of soil pH, organic matter and different forms of K in the samples; Data on the correlation coefficients between Q/I parameters and different K forms.

The present study deals with the impact of the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 on the ambient air quality in the capital city of India. Real-time data were collected from eight continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations measuring important air quality parameters (NO 2 , PM 10 and PM 2.5). Results revealed that the city's air quality had improved significantly during the lockdown period due to COVID-19 outbreak. The concentration of gaseous and particulate matter during the lockdown period (March–May 2020) declined significantly compared with the preceding years' data from the same timeframe. However, the ambient air quality deteriorates with the onset of unlocking phases and post-monsoon season (October 2020). Higher concentration of NO 2 , PM 10 and PM 2.5 were recorded at industrial (S1 and S2) and hotspot (S4 and S5) sites. The lowest concentrations of studied pollutants were observed during the first phase of lockdown (March 24 – May 14, 2020). The present study, once again, establishes the direct effect of anthropogenic activities and deteriorating ambient air quality of Delhi. [Display omitted] • Impact of Covid-19 induced lockdown and unlock down period on the ambient air quality has been depicted. • Variation in the concentration of NO 2 , PM 10 and PM 2.5 has been observed during lockdown and unlock down phases. • Reduction in gaseous pollutant and particulate matter concentration has been observed during Covid-19 induced lockdown. • Concentration of pollutants begin to rise with unlock phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]