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For the very first time, on 22-March-2020 the Indian government forced the only known method at that time to prevent the outburst of the COVID-19 pandemic which was restricting the social movements, and this led to imposing lockdown for a few days which was further extended for a few months. As the impact of lockdown, the major causes of air pollution were ceased which resulted in cleaner blue skies and hence improving the air quality standards. This paper presents an analysis of air quality particulate matter (PM)2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Air quality index (AQI). The analysis indicates that the PM10 AQI value drops impulsively from (40–45%), compared before the lockdown period, followed by NO2 (27–35%), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) (2–10%), PM2.5 (35-40%), but the Ozone (O3) rises (12–25%). To regulate air quality, many steps were taken at national and regional levels, but no effective outcome was received yet. Such short-duration lockdowns are against economic growth but led to some curative effects on AQI. So, this paper concludes that even a short period lockdown can result in significant improvement in Air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioenergy production from marginal and degraded lands is getting worldwide attention due to its potential for renewable energy, land restoration, soil carbon sequestration and also for meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, majority of the literature reported the bioenergy production prospect based on a single bioenergy crop production system. Therefore, the present article utilizes a multi-criteria analysis to identify India's potential marginal and degraded lands (P ml) and their suitability for bioenergy crop production based on a polyculture zonation technique (PZT) with the projections for bioenergy and carbon mitigation potentials. Ten multipurpose bioenergy crops have been studied, out of which seven hardwood tree species were further selected based on ecological and climate suitability. Results suggested that India accounted for 45.13 million ha (Mha) of P ml , and it could produce 96.82 Mt y−1 of biomass and 6.16 Mt y−1 of biofuel, considering half utilization of the plantation areas. Such productions represent 2.22 EJ y−1 (equivalent to 618 TW h y−1) of bioenergy potential. Around 64 Mt C y−1 can also be sequestered by these plantations and additionally help in meeting carbon sequestration over 2800 MtCO 2 by 2030, corresponding to India's nationally determined contribution. According to the spatial validation results via centroid coinciding approach, 14 randomly generated points out of 24 coincided on the centroids of randomly identified land parcels, which were further validated through the ortho-imagery from Google Earth. Our study results can be used for framing suitable strategies for exploring bioenergy production from similar agroecological conditions and also for attaining India's national and international commitments related to land restoration and renewable energy production. [Display omitted] • India accounts for 45.13 Mha of marginal land suitable for bioenergy crop production. • A multi-criteria analysis explores the suitability of bioenergy production. • Seven tree species can produce 96.82 Mt y−1 of biomass and 6.16 Mt y−1 of biofuel. • This represents 2.22 EJ y−1 equivalent to 618 TW h y−1 of bioenergy potential. • The study reflects >2800 MtCO 2 mitigation by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem faced by the food banks operating on the front-end model is the collection of surplus food from donation points and re-distribution of it to the demand points using a fleet of vehicles available at different volunteer locations/depots within specified time windows. Further, due to the limited vehicle capacity, demand splitting is allowed at the pickup as well and delivery points. Therefore, this problem can be seen as a rich variant of the vehicle routing problem (VRP) and named as a multi-depot VRP with time windows, split pickup and split delivery (MDVRP-TW-SP-SD). The problem is to determine the optimal number of vehicles from each depot to be hired and their optimal routes (sequence for visiting pickup and demand nodes) such that the total cost of hiring the vehicles, routing cost and penalty for unmet demand are minimized and it is formulated as a mixed-integer programming problem. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to formulate the MDVRP-TW-SP-SD. To efficiently and effectively solve the problem, an elitist GA and a GA hybridized with the local search are proposed. The performance of the proposed algorithms is tested through extensive computational experiments carried out on 180 modified benchmark problem instances from the literature. The results of computational experiments show the superiority of the GA hybridized with 3-opt local search. A case of the Robin Hood Army operating in the Lucknow city of India is also presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model to practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity associated with the fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) has not been well studied, particularly in relation to the emissions from on-road vehicles and other sources in low- and middle-income countries such as India. Thus, a study was conducted to examine the oxidative potential (OP) of PM 2.5 at a roadside (RS) site with heavy vehicular traffic and an urban background (BG) site in Mumbai using the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay. Simultaneous gravimetric PM 2.5 was measured at both sites and characterized for carbonaceous constituents and water-soluble trace elements and metals. Results depicted higher PM 2.5 , elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) concentrations on the RS than BG (by a factor of 1.7, 4.6, and 1.2, respectively), while BG had higher water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) levels (by a factor of 1.4) and a higher WSOC to OC ratio (86%), likely due to the dominance of secondary aerosol formation. In contrast, the measured OPDTTv at RS (8.9 ± 5.5 nmol/min/m3) and BG (8.1 ± 6.4 nmol/min/m3) sites were similar. However, OPDTTv at BG was higher during the afternoon, suggesting the influence of photochemical transformation on measured OPDTTv at BG. At RS, OC and redox-active metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe) were significantly associated with measured OP (p < 0.05), while at BG, WSOC was most strongly associated (p < 0.05). The coefficient of divergence (COD) for PM 2.5 , its chemical species, and OPDTTv was >0.2, indicating spatial heterogeneity between the sites, and differences in emission sources and toxicity. The estimated hazard index (HI) was not associated with OPDTTv, indicating that current PM 2.5 mass regulations may not adequately capture the health effects of PM 2.5. The study highlights the need for further studies examining PM 2.5 toxicity and developing toxicity-based air quality regulations. [Display omitted] • First study in India to estimate the OP of PM 2.5 at roadside and urban background sites. • Carbonaceous aerosols (OC and EC) showed a significant association with OP. • Metals specific to tire (Zn) and brake (Cu) wear significantly impacted OP. • OP and HI show no link, suggesting mass alone fails to explain PM 2.5 health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CO 2 hydrate formation kinetics in various sediments is evaluated. • Clayey sediments retarded the CO 2 storage capacity. • L-Tryptophan enhanced hydrate formation kinetics and CO 2 storage capacity. • The developed kinetic model showed an excellent prediction of the hydrate growth kinetics. Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is the key to a low carbon transition model applicable to attain the Net-Zero targets. In this direction, the hydrate-based CO 2 sequestration (HBCS) approach has gained significant attention due to its high storage capacity and long-term stability. The current work evaluates the CO 2 hydrate formation kinetics and storage capacity in clayey-sandy sediments and develops a chemical potential-based kinetic model for porous hydrate sediments. Experiments are performed in a high-pressure reactor mimicking the subsea sediment conditions. Multiple silica sand sediments with various clay content (2–8 wt%) are used as a porous media, and saline water of 3.5 wt% salinity is used as a substitute for seawater. For a successful deployment of HBCS technology, the effect of the following parameters is investigated for CO 2 hydrate formation kinetics and storage capability: impact of clay content in sediment; salinity, sediment's particle size; water saturation of the sediments; and hydrate promoter (L-Tryptophan). Besides the close prediction of the conversion kinetics of water-CO 2 to CO 2 hydrates in the aforementioned distinctive operating environments, the proposed kinetic model offers its generalized potential. This work offers important insights into the deployment of HBCS in subsea clayey-sandy sediments available in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishment of first gamma radiation facility for sterilization of medical products under auspices of UNDP by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in the year 1974 gave a big boost to radiation related applied research activities in India. Today radiation related research is not confined to DAE units but it is being carried out in many universities and other institutes of India. A very positive outcome of this has been that, many industries are adopting radiation technologies. Presently 18 electron beams and 24 gamma processing plants are commercially operating in India. Radiation applications are being explored for radiolysis based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for treatment of waste water and treatment of dry sewage sludge, synthesis of grafted membranes for separation and energy storage purpose, synthesis of high recovery shape memory polymers, synthesis of chemi-resistive, electromechanical and peizo-resistive sensors and other applications. The article briefly describes various activities being presently being pursued or have been completed in recent past. Efforts have been put to guesstimate the direction of the near future activities in-view of the present activities. • Radiation-based research initiated in India as early as 1940's. • Setting-up of medical sterilization plant and 7 MeV LINAC were watershed moments. • BARC, universities and institutes now involved in the research in radiation field. • Indian industry has come-ahead to setup gamma and EB facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubber (Hevea brasilienis) is a plantation crop grown in various regions of India. It is a non-edible oil source and has excellent potential for being a biodiesel feedstock. The major problem with crude rubber seed oil is its high free fatty acid (FFA) content (37.46%). The present study has used the Box-Behnken response surface method to minimize the FFA content of the oil. FFA content of 1.31% was obtained with alcohol to oil molar ratio of 6.652:1 and 0.5 wt% of H2SO4 catalyst at a reaction temperature of 63.75 °C in 50 min. The results of engine testing indicated a decrease in fuel consumption by 50.23% for RB10 and 47.74% for RB20 when compared with neat diesel. The thermal efficiency was reduced by 12.16% for RB10 and 14.74% for RB20. The emission analysis revealed that HC emissions were increased by 22.3% for RB10 and by 41.72% for RB20. There was a decrease in NOx emissions by 21.5% for RB10 and by 21.7% for RB20 while the CO2 emissions were reduced by 46.3% for RB10 and 49.54% for RB20 at full loading. The CO emissions were increased by 25% and 37.5% for RB10 and, respectively, when compared with diesel. • Prospect of rubber seed oil as a potential biodiesel feedstock. • Use of Box-Behnken design to minimize the free fatty acid content of the RSO. • Acid esterification was done to reduce FFA content from 37.46% to 1.31%. • BSFC decreased for RB 10 and RB 20 and BTE is also decreased for RB 10 and RB 20 when compared to pure diesel under full loading. • Increase in HC and CO emissions and a decrease in NOx and CO 2 emissions was noted for RB 10 and RB 20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drastic increases in oil prices and need to reduce global warming are issues that have raised huge public awareness, which in turn encouraged many developed and developing countries to adopt new energy policies. Renewable energy resources are gaining fast attention in solving power supply problems in almost every area to shield the environment. In solving power supply problem standalone microgrid systems including renewable energy sources plays a key role. For a stand-alone renewable power delivery system, battery is the crucial component which allows storing excess renewable energy and further using the energy as and when needed by the load. In order to achieve the best performance and utilization the state of charge of the batteries should be assessed. This paper presents heuristic approaches to evaluate the state of charge (SOC) of lead–acid battery through optimal power generation in a standalone hybrid wind-solar renewable power delivery system. The mathematical analysis is made by the application of modified heuristic techniques, i.e. tuned genetic algorithm (TGA) and improved colliding body optimization(ICBO), for a specific loading condition in India. More optimized power is generated by the renewable distributed energy sources when evaluated by ICBO than that achieved by TGA, for both winter and summer load demands. These optimized value of power generated by the application of ICBO, resulted in low average value of SOC. The low values of SOC further prevent the battery from malfunctioning for a longer period of time. In order, to explore more optimal generation pertaining to good value of SOC parametric studies of modified algorithms, i.e. TGA and ICBO have been carried out. A set of critical operational parameters have also been obtained through parametric study of TGO and ICBO for a specific real time load profiles. Thus the reliable and optimal values lead to a better prospect in utilizing standalone renewable power delivery system for Indian future power scenario. Moreover, a comparative study has also been performed in analysing the performances of conventional and non-conventional methods in this regard. It has been found that the heuristic techniques, viz ICBO and TGA delivered 13% and 17% better result in comparison to that obtained by linear programming method respectively. Thus it can be surmise that the heuristic techniques perform well in considering the uncertainties and approximations of real world problem of generation renewable power, pertaining to better values of SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blackgram or urdbean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) and mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) are important leguminous crops of India, Pakistan and South-East Asian Countries. India accounts largest acreage but productivity is very low due to prevalence of biotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses, Urdbean Leaf Crinkle Disease (ULCD) is considered to be one of the most serious diseases and causes yield loss up to 100%. Symptom expression was observed to be highly influenced by temperature. Threshold temperatures for symptoms expression were determined through mechanical inoculation of seeds and exposure to fixed temperature under glasshouse conditions. Typical ULCD symptoms were observed in the temperature range 25–38 °C. Disease incidence was significantly increased between temperature range 30–35 °C and reduced at 38 °C or above. Effect of temperature on ULCD was fitted to a non-linear beta model. Based on the model potential ULCD distribution has been predicted. It was evidenced that northern India and part of central India is prone to severe leaf crinkle disease during June–September (kharif season). However, disease incidence appeared to be low during March–May (summer season) crop. Predicting potential geographical areas for low disease incidence is an important component in strategic management of the disease under changing climates. • Urdbean leaf crinkle disease (ULCD) development in blackgram is highly influenced by temperature. • Typical ULCD symptoms were observed in the temperature range 25–38 °C with maximum incidence at about 30–32 °C. • Predicting potential locations for low or no disease incidence is an important component in strategic disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • First glacial and de-glacial chronology from the Sikkim higher Himalaya. • Glaciation dates back to the MIS 2 and started at ∼28 ± 2.8 ka. • We ascribe the glaciation to lower temperature and increase moisture. Abstract The present study investigates the relics of the most extensive glacier advances and their retreat in the transitional climatic zone of the Chopta valley, northern Sikkim Himalaya with an aim to understand the forcing factors. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of the stratigraphically oldest glacier advance and its retreat in the Chopta valley revealed that the glacier advanced at ∼28 ± 2.8 ka and sustained through the global Last Glacial Maximum (gLGM; 26.5 ka and 19 ka; Mix et al., 2001). The deglaciation is manifested by recessional moraine (ridge) dated at ∼18 ± 2.2 ka. Comparing the results of the present study with the existing glacial chronologies from the Himalayan region, it has been observed that irrespective of the geographical locations; the intensified mid latitude-westerlies during the gLGM and the associated decrease in winter temperature was the major driver of glacier advance during the MIS-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gangotri Glacier has attracted international attention for its rapid rate of retreat. It is one of the best studied Himalayan glaciers, however there are no unanimous views about the history of climate change for the Gangotri Glacier. We prepared the lithologs/textural logs by making two trenches in the kame terraces and analysed it in detail for sediment grain parameters and 14C AMS dates to infer the depositional sedimentary environments, monsoon variability and major climatic events in the Gangotri Glacier region. The sedimentary parameters and geomorphic analysis revealed that the sediments of the kame terraces are consolidated to semi-consolidated, stratified, very coarse to fine grained layers of sand, silt and clay with few gravels and sedimentary structures. The sediment size indicating energy of the depositional environment varies from medium to fine sand (1.02–2.26 Φ). The standard deviation is poorly sorted (0.89–1.46 Φ) which describes that the energy of the depositional environment is continuously fluctuating. The positive skewness (0.32–0.98 Φ) indicates the excess of finer sediments and dominance of low energy whereas, very leptokurtic kurtosis (2.28–4.47 Φ) describes the fluctuating energy conditions. The present study explains the glacial stages and weak Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) around 19.5, 14.5, 13.1, 10.1, 8.6, 7.5, 2.2, 0.54, 0.08 ka BP and warm and intense ISM during 23.9, 22.7, 19.4, 1.15, 0.05 ka BP. The higher percentage of clay in both the trenches around 0.65–0.2 ka BP (1300–1750 AD) and higher percentage of silt and low clay content around 1.15–0.55 ka BP (800–1400 AD) validates the Little Ice Age (LIA) and Medieval Warm Period (MWP) respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Environmental performance of the dairy processing industry was evaluated using EA and LCA. • Gate to Gate approach for 10 dairy products were assessed. • IMPACT 2002+ Method having 15 midpoint categories and 4 endpoint categories was used for impact assessment. • The Frozen products contributed largely to the end-point indicators; Ghee and butter contributed largely to GWP. • Relative contributions of environmental load are higher in use of NaOH, HNO3,wastewater & ideas to allay them was proposed. Abstract Environmental impacts associated with a dairy processing industry are directly related to consumption of water and energy, as well as the generation of waste and wastewater. The objective of this research is to suggest improvements for increasing the environmental efficiency of a dairy factory using Environmental audit and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the first time in south India. A gate-to-gate approach was conducted based on environmental audit data. LCA calculations of 10 dairy products was performed according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 to identify and quantify the impacts within the system boundary using the LCA software SimaPro® 8.1.1.16. Calculations were based on IMPACT 2002+ impact assessment method consisting of 15 midpoint categories and four endpoint categories. The results clearly indicate that the frozen products such as ice cream candy, ice cream, and sip-up attributed more environmental burden to endpoint categories. The global warming potential related to the products ghee and butter (0.0039 kg CO 2 eq.) is high. Relative contributions revealed sodium hydroxide, nitric acid and wastewater were the major impact contributing factors to endpoint categories. Among them, sodium hydroxide contributed more impact to the endpoint categories: human health (99.4%), eco-system quality (96.4%), climate change (97.1%) and resource usage (97.9%). Based on the findings a new eco-design proposal has been proposed for improving the environmental efficiency of the industry. Also, suitable alternatives were proposed to minimise the environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geomorphic and morphotectonic evaluations of the Kashmir Basin have been carried by implicating different geomorphic indices such as stream-gradient index (SL), hypsometric integral (HI), drainage basin asymmetry (AF), valley floor height and width ratio (Vf), transverse topographic symmetry factor (T), mountain front sinuosity (Smf), drainage basin shape (BS) and sinuosity index (SI) for the categorization of relative index of active tectonics (RIAT) through the use of geographic information systems (GIS) so as to decipher the role of neotectonics in geomorphologic evolution of the basin. The verified RIAT classes through field investigation and validation reveal the traverse of twenty-one active faults in the basin with demarcation of three RIAT classes viz., class-1 (inactive 20.07% of the area), class-2 (moderately active; 36.52% of the area) and class-3 (very active; 43.4% of the area). The observed values of RIAT distribution pattern are well corroborated with field observations. Ultimately, the overall geomorphic outputs and clustering of recent seismicity support the active tectonic control over the Kashmir basin, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumin seeds were collected from agro-ecological sub-regions comprising of major cumin growing areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat state, India, to analyze chemical composition of essential oil. The study area was located between the geographical co-ordinates 21°78′ 32″N, 71°33′85″E to 26°21′ 28″ N, 74°37′61″ E. Maximum and minimum EO yield (35.9–28.4%) were obtained in cumin from AESR 2.4 and 5.1 respectively. GC–MS analysis of EO indicated the preponderance of terpenic hydrocarbons in the AESR 2.4 (53.85%) and decrease in AESR 2.1 (32.62%) while cuminaldehyde content was more (39.90%) in AESR 4.2 and less (25.84%) in 2.4. The prominent terpenic compounds included γ-terpinene, β-pinene, santolina triene, α-terpinene, α-pinene and β-thujene, the concentration of these compounds varied with AESRs. Cumic alcohol (10.33–14.40%), anethol & estragol (4.03–9.15%) were the major alcohols with cymol (2.9–4.26%) and geraniol (0.02–2.39%) in traces. Total phenolic content in the various AESRs ranged from 41.50 (AESR 5.1) to 58.61 mg GAEg −1 seeds (AESR 2.3) while the flavonoid content in the AESRs ranged between 27.14–36.03 mg QE g −1 seeds, being least in 4.2 and highest in 5.1. The study revealed that the average radical scavenging percentage of methanol seed extract does not vary with the different AESRs (94.98–99.05%), as well as EC 50 value is also same (15.31–15.38 mg BHTE) for samples from different AESRs. Cumin from the AESRs with favourable minimum and maximum temperature and rainfall showed high cuminaldehyde bearing pleasant aroma whereas the AESRs with biotic/abiotic stresses showed higher terpenic compounds with increased pungency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability have been shown to span beyond organizational boundaries, indicating the importance of managing sustainability initiatives across the supply chain. Although scholars and practitioners focus a great deal of attention toward economic and environmental sustainability in supply chains, less attention is paid to social aspects. This is unfortunate, because social sustainability not only plays an important role in enabling other sustainability initiatives, but social injustices in one echelon of a supply chain can lead to significant losses for firms across the chain. Social issues have been especially problematic in developing nations, where abusive labor practices continue to negatively affect trading partners. This research seeks to disambiguate supply chain social sustainability in developing nations by uncovering relevant dimensions of social sustainability and resultant outcomes. Using semi-structured interview data collected from supply chain executives in Indian manufacturing companies, this research uncovers dimensions of social sustainability in terms of not only the focal firm, but also first-tier suppliers and customers. Each of these dimensions is then associated to potential performance outcomes. The findings not only provide a baseline for future research, but help practitioners understand where to focus their attention to enhance social sustainability in their supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of the Arabian Sea (AS) warming in modulating the winter precipitation over the Indian subcontinent and associated dynamical response such as subtropical jet variability using regional climate model, RegCM4.7 of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). In this regard, a control run (Reg CTL) is forced by real sea surface temperature (SST), and two sensitivity experiments with uniformly increased SST over AS by 0.45 °C (Reg SST45) and 0.90 °C (Reg SST90) are performed. The results obtained from a control experiment (Reg CTL) are compared with corresponding values from RegSST45 and RegSST90 to assess the warming impact. The model (Reg CTL) realistically simulates the circulation features, precipitation, and temperature over the Indian subcontinents in the winter season (November–December-January-February; NDJF) during 2006–2015. It is found that AS warming increases the precipitation over most parts of India during winter. The precipitation response varies with the month (NDJF) and the magnitude of AS warming. In general, precipitation is found to intensify with increasing AS warming over northern India and adjoining south Asian nations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and some parts of Burma and Nepal. The strengthening of STJ is observed due to AS warming (Reg SST45). The strengthening of the subtropical jet (STJ) persists with an intensification of AS warming (Reg SST90); however, the magnitude of strengthening is less than Reg SST45, which is consistent with the corresponding increase of precipitation over India. Cold wave duration is found to be significantly sensitive to the intensity of AS warming. It is noticed that the AS warming increases the cold wave duration over the northern part of India with major increases over the western Himalayan region. • RegCM shows resemblance to observation in simulating winter monsoon characteristics and associated mechanisms. • The Arabian Sea warming impact in modulating winter precipitation over the Indian subcontinent is investigated • The precipitation increases over most parts of India during winter that varies with months and levels of warming. • The strengthening of the subtropical jet (STJ) is consistent with the precipitation increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study hereby is an attempt to evaluate the process of landfill mining as a remediation technique for Municipal Solid Waste dumpsites, which are an inherent feature of each city of note, in the developing countries. These dump sites, more often than not, nothing more than a piece of land where all of the city's refuse is collected, are threats to the environment and consume valuable land, which could otherwise be converted into a revenue generating asset. Many cities are extremely short on land and some are also facing the negative impacts of these dumps in terms of water contamination, air pollution and land degradation to name a few. Encouraged by the positive outcomes of studies carried out earlier, this study was aimed at applying the idea on a broader scale in terms of encompassing a number of cities across the country. The solid waste characterization for the cities taken into the study was obtained and the amount of solid waste deposited in the landfills of these cities was estimated. Based on these, various revenue generating fractions were identified. From the current market cost of the land used as dumpsite and the material salvaged by the landfill mining operation, the benefit-cost scenario was judged. It was found that for most of the scenarios the overall operation of mining the landfills was economical in terms of cost, but the intangible benefits, which cannot be monetized, are expected to be far greater than the rest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food banks play a significant role to ensure food security through surplus food recovery and redistribution to economically deprived and marginalized people. Food bank is a recent phenomenon in several countries including India. The purpose of this paper is to identify challenges and barriers that impede the growth and adoption of food banks in the Indian context and to evaluate critical barriers by prioritizing them. A total of 14 barriers have been identified through literature survey, qualitative interviews with different stakeholders of food banks in India and expert's inputs. These barriers have been clustered into 7 categories - Policy and regulation, financial resources, infrastructure and human resources, planning and coordination, knowledge, uncertainty, and characteristics of food, of main barriers. Then, DEMATEL is used to find the cause-effect relationship among the identified barriers. A network of inter-relationship among the identified barriers is devised using Analytic Network Process (ANP) using the output from DEMATEL. Results of DEMATEL indicates that lack of planning and coordination is the most significant barrier that hinders the growth and sustenance of food banks in India. Also, lack of infrastructure and human resources are the major effect of the other barriers. Further, the financial barrier attains maximum weight in the ANP process and came out to be the most critical barrier. This study can be help food banks and policy makers to devise the plans for sustenance of the food banks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt ever to identify and prioritize the barriers for the food banks. • This paper identifies challenges and barriers that impede the growth and adoption of food banks in the Indian context. • A total of 14 barriers have been identified through literature survey and expert's input. • Applicability of identified barriers for Indian context has been assessed through qualitative interviews. • DEMATEL is used to find the cause-effect relationship among the identified barriers. • A network of inter-relationship among the identified barriers is devised using ANP using the output from DEMATEL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A global optimization technique using particle swarm optimization (PSO) is presented to estimate the depth to the basement of a heterogeneous sedimentary basin from the vertical component of the residual gravity anomalies. Inversion of basement relief for known density distributions has particular importance in many real applications such as mineral exploration, geothermal exploration, etc. Generally, gravity inversion in the Fourier domain allows a reduction in the optimization parameter. However, in the present study, an automated parameter selection criterion is developed for further reduction of optimizing parameters. A detailed uncertainty appraisal analysis is also performed for different configurations of synthetic models, which ensures the reliability of the optimization technique. All synthetic models are contaminated with white Gaussian noise, and an optimized depth profile is compared with noise-free data for sensitivity analysis. The result shows the robustness of the optimization method in the presence of noise. The technique is implemented on two real gravity anomaly profiles (1) Godavari basin, India, and (2) Sayula basin, Mexico. The optimized depth profile shows a good agreement with the published results using other optimization techniques. The method developed in the present work is a novel approach for the automatic selection of parameters as per the model's complexity. It provides an inversion technique that considers a small number of parameters with a minimum computational expense. • Estimation of depth profile of sedimentary basins from observed gravity anomaly. • Automated parameter selection as per the complexity of the profile. • Fourier domain representation for reduction of optimization parameters. • Inversion for any kind of depth varying density distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study demonstrates how the Paleo-Proterozoic Wangtu Gneissic Complex (WGC) of the Lesser Himalayan Crystalline sequence experienced superposed folding and doming prior to its exhumation, with the help of integrated field, microstructural, magnetic fabric anisotropy and geochronological studies. The WGC forms the basement of the Lesser Himalaya and is bounded by Vaikrita Thrust (VT) to the northeast and Munsiari Thrust (MT) to the southwest. The regional structure consists of upright large scale early folds (D1) trending NW–SE. The mesoscopic fabric is related to axial plane foliation of the D1 folds and, to a lesser extent, late D2 folds. The axis of maximum compression for D1 and D2 folds are mutually orthogonal. The D1 folds have formed simultaneously with the major Himalayan thrusts whereas the D2 folds have developed during a later deformation event. The magnetic lineation at the hangingwall of the VT is sub-horizontal indicating stretching along the strike of the thrust. In the interior parts of the WGC, the magnetic fabric is of two types: (i) magnetic lineation demarks the intersection of mesoscopic and magnetic foliation indicating superposed deformation and (ii) scattered distribution of magnetic lineations due to D2 folding on initially curved and non-cylindrical D1 surface. 40Ar–39Ar dating of biotite from one site from the core of WGC gives an age of 9.3±0.3 (2σ)Ma. It is inferred that the doming of the WGC took place at ∼9Ma and, instead of large scale thrusting, it is characterized by superposed folding and strike-parallel stretching along the VT zone. It is suggested that the effect of superposed folding and ductile deformation of the Himalayan basement rocks has to be taken into account before cross-section balancing or any estimation of crustal shortening is attempted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In India, the per capita water availability is reducing day by day due to rapid growth in population and increasing water demand. Greywater treatment and reuse is one of the feasible options in developing countries like India to overcome this problem. A greywater collection, treatment and reuse system was designed and implemented in an urban household having a water requirement of 165liter per capita per day (lpcd) and a greywater generation rate of 80lpcd. An upflow–downflow greywater treatment plant having a screening, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection as major treatment processes was constructed and treated greywater is used for toilet flushing and to irrigate the vegetables in the backyard of the household. Greywater characterisation indicates that COD and BOD are sufficiently reduced during the treatment and there is also substantially reduction in Escherichia coli count. The payback period of this greywater treatment and reuse system is estimated to be 1.6 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A high concentration of Arsenic (As) contamination in ground water has been reported in the village of Kaudikasa in Rajnandgaon district, wherein around 10% of the population is suffering from As-borne diseases. The region does not share any demographic or geological similarity with the sedimentary aquifers of the Bengal Delta Plain in Eastern India, but represents an igneous terrain with elevated As concentrations in groundwater. There is limited information about the source of As in groundwater and its mobility constraints. In this area, almost all the wells are located in the granitic terrain with pegmatitic intrusions. Most of these wells are characterized by As concentration above the World Health Organization () and the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) standards, with the highest being found in a well with more than 250μg/L of As. Here we report petrographic studies of the granitic host rock and X-ray diffraction results that indicate that altered realgar (α-As4S4), para realgar (AsS), and/or tennantite (Cu12As4S13), are the main mineral that contain As. This element is leached during the weathering and water–rock interactions. Microprobe analysis of the altered realgar grains of in pegmatitic intrusions of the host granite indicate 23–27wt.% As. Remote sensing is useful to delineate the source of this contaminant, which appears to lie at the intersection of a mineralized NW-SE and N–S lineaments associated with the Kotri rift zone. These lineaments are structurally controlled as rifting followed by thrusting and other types of faulting caused left-lateral displacement of N–S Kotri lineament along a NW-SE fault plane showing sinistral shearing. This process caused water drainage in the areas to flow along these highly mineralized weak zones. Thus, the water becomes highly contaminated due to leaching of minerals at the intersection of these lineaments, clearly visible at two areas of high contamination that lie very near to this intersection over granitic rock. The source of As affecting the Rajnandgaon district is located in granites that have pegmatitic intrusions likely generated by hydrothermal activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals with how the Hydrogen Energy may play a crucial role in taking care of the environmental scenario/climate change. The R&D efforts, at the Hydrogen Energy Center, Banaras Hindu University have been described and discussed to elucidate that hydrogen is the best option for taking care of the environmental/climate changes. All three important ingredients for hydrogen economy, i.e., production, storage and application of hydrogen have been dealt with. As regards hydrogen production, solar routes consisting of photoelectrochemical electrolysis of water have been described and discussed. Nanostructured TiO2 films used as photoanodes have been synthesized through hydrolysis of Ti[OCH(CH3)2]4. Modular designs of TiO2 photoelectrode-based PEC cells have been fabricated to get high hydrogen production rate (∼10.35lh−1 m−2). However, hydrogen storage is a key issue in the success and realization of hydrogen technology and economy. Metal hydrides are the promising candidates due to their safety advantage with high volume efficient storage capacity for on-board applications. As regards storage, we have discussed the storage of hydrogen in intermetallics as well as lightweight complex hydride systems. For intermetallic systems, we have dealt with material tailoring of LaNi5 through Fe substitution. The La(Nil − x Fe x )5 (x =0.16) has been found to yield a high storage capacity of ∼2.40wt%. We have also discussed how CNT admixing helps to improve the hydrogen desorption rate of NaAlH4. CNT (8mol%) admixed NaAlH4 is found to be optimum for faster desorption (∼3.3wt% H2 within 2h). From an applications point of view, we have focused on the use of hydrogen (stored in intermetallic La–Ni–Fe system) as fuel for Internal Combustion (IC) engine-based vehicular transport, particularly two and three-wheelers. It is shown that hydrogen used as a fuel is the most effective alternative fuel for circumventing climate change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Photovoltaic–thermal (PV/T) technology refers to the integration of a PV and a conventional solar thermal collector in a single piece of equipment. In this paper we evaluate the performance of partially covered flat plate water collectors connected in series using theoretical modeling. PV is used to run the DC motor, which circulates the water in a forced mode. Analytical expressions for N collectors connected in series are derived by using basic energy balance equations and computer based thermal models. This paper shows the detailed analysis of thermal energy, exergy and electrical energy yield by varying the number of collectors by considering four weather conditions (a, b, c and d type) for five different cities (New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Jodhpur) of India. Annual thermal and electrical energy yield is also evaluated for four different series and parallel combination of collectors for comparison purpose considering New Delhi conditions. This paper also gives the total carbon credit earned by the hybrid PV/T water heater investigated as per norms of Kyoto Protocol for New Delhi climatic conditions. Cost analysis has also been carried out. It is observed that the collectors partially covered by PV module combines the production of hot water and electricity generation and it is beneficial for the users whose primary requirement is hot water production and collectors fully covered by PV is beneficial for the users whose primary requirement is electricity generation. We have also found that if this type of system is installed only in 10% of the total residential houses in Delhi then the total carbon credit earned by PV/T water heaters in terms of thermal energy is USD $144.5 millions per annum and in terms of exergy is USD $14.3 millions per annum, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Genotypic polymorphism studies at 15 highly polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR) loci were carried out in two populations belonging to one caste and one tribal group of Madhya Pradesh, in central region of India. These include 110 individuals from Brahmin caste (Kanyakubj) and 89 from Gond tribe (Ojha). The 15 loci studied are: 13 CODIS STR core markers, i.e., D8S1179, D3S1358, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO, vWA, TPOX, D18S51, THO1, D13S317, D16S539, D5S818, FGA and 2 other loci D19S433 and D2S1338. The results show departure from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium with respect to two loci, viz., D3S1358 and FGA in Gond tribe and at seven loci, viz., D21S11, D19S433, TPOX, D18S51, THO1, D5S818, and FGA in Brahmin caste. Population differentiation tests between the two studied populations and with seven neighboring populations (4 tribes and 3 castes – two middle castes and one Deshasth Brahmin) revealed significant differences at several loci. The power of discrimination of the microsatellite markers used was found to be high for both the populations. The data thereof is of immense significance for forensic result interpretation and is an addition to the existing autosomal STR database on Indian population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: HIV infection in India is unique as it occurs predominantly by CCR5-utilizing isolates that exhibit no co-receptor switch. Objectives: To study HIV-1 co-receptor dynamics on T cells and monocytes following viral infection. Study design: HIV co-receptor expression was evaluated by flow cytometry on various cell subsets in HIV-infected Indians and in vitro in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells infected with CCR5- or CXCR4-utilizing HIV-1. Transfection of the T cell line CEM-CCR5 (which expresses CD4, CCR5 and CXCR4) with HIV-1 Nef or Vpu expression vectors, or treatment with recombinant soluble gp120 from CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1, was carried out to determine their effects on co-receptor expression. Results: Indian HIV patients had fewer CD4+CCR5+ T cells and CCR5-expressing activated CD4+ T cells, but higher CXCR4-expressing activated CD4+ T cells compared with controls. Expression of CCR5 was not different on monocytes in HIV patients as compared to controls. The CCR5 downregulation on T cells was HIV infection specific and was governed by the co-receptor-utilization phenotype of the virus. The Nef and soluble gp120 proteins induced CCR5 downregulation, the latter in a co-receptor-utilization phenotype specific manner. Conclusions: The HIV-1 co-receptor dynamics in Indian patients is distinct from western patients and depends upon the virus surface protein. We propose this to be a viral survival strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The influence of structural anisotropy on time-dependent deformation (creep) of rocksalt from Shali Formation (Precambrian), Himachal Pradesh, India was investigated to analyze the differential mobility of rocksalt body in nature. The effect of structural anisotropy (orientation of bedding planes) with respect to the compression axis on the compressive strength, yield strength, modulus of elasticity, failure strain and yield strain of rocksalt has been analyzed on cubic samples (5×5×5cm3) to collect the basic input for the purpose of creep of rocksalt. Time-dependent compression of cubic samples perpendicular, parallel and oblique to bedding planes were subjected to constant stresses equal to 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, and 80% of their uniaxial compressive strengths for presenting analogous situation of variable stressing of rocksalt caused by over laying rocks and tectonic stresses. The results of experimental deformation reveal the strong control of structural anisotropy on development of instantaneous strain, transient strain, steady-state strain and accelerated strain; however the influence of structural anisotropy on deformation of rocksalt decreases with increment in stress levels. At higher stress level creeps, the control of structural anisotropy on deformation became negligible. The progress of time-dependent deformation occurs due to evolution of minute tensile and shear crack arrays in proportions. At lower stress creep the development of tensile crack arrays and shear crack arrays is assisted by structural anisotropy. However, at higher stress levels the creep of rocksalt is facilitated by reduction in tensile crack arrays and domination of shear crack arrays, resulting in shearing where the anisotropic rocksalt exhibits isotropic behaviour. Thus the mobility of rocksalt bodies is dependent on characteristic of structural anisotropy and stress conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thirty isolates of Aeromonas species were isolated from river Narmada at Jabalpur during the period of January 2002–December 2002. Diversity of these fresh water isolates were determined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. These environmental isolates were found to be positive for virulence factors, i.e. protease, amylase, lipase and DNase. Isolates were also positive for -hemolytic activity. All Aeromonas species were tested for antibiotic resistance patterns and were found to be resistant to ampicillin and sensitive to gentamycin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Indian telephony industry is a diverse platform for product and service in customer value perception. The present study organizes and synthesizes the varied research streams for developing a customer value delight (CVD) framework for marketing decisions like segmentation and targeting. The conceptual framework is developed by using ten-value predictor variables and customer delight through divergent viewpoints identified from previous studies. The significance of the segregation proposition is tested through discriminant analysis in three different dimension runs i.e. delight, gender, and marital category. The scholarship behind the study provides insight into an imperative issue of segregating customer delight by perceived value predictors in categories. The perceptual mapping and vector magnitude analysis of value predictors were performed to club customers in two categories of Mid-Town (low/moderate delight) and Extremes (high delight). The analysis rigorously supports the discriminating power of perceived price, perceived benefit, and self-congruity. The salience of study unlocks psychographic and demographic perceptual maps of customer delight with its perceived value predictors for strategic and tactful planning in the mobile industry. • The study highlights the imperative issue of segregating customer delight in categories by perceived value predictors. • The propositions are tested by discriminant analysis on novel dimensions i.e. delight, gender and marital category. • The analysis rigorously supports the discriminating power of perceived price, perceived benefit, and self-congruity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of climate change is being observed in India in the form of shorter winter coupled with commencement of summer quite earlier than normal. The proximity of equator and late sowing of wheat (due to late harvesting of rice) exposes the wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) to high temperature stress during grain filling stage leading to terminal heat stress in the crop and reduced yield. There are limited studies done till date in India to assess the long term impact of climate variability on wheat yield and to develop adaptation strategies to reduce its negative impact. Therefore, in this study, simulation model (InfoCrop) and field experiment was used to assess the impacts of terminal heat stress on growth and yield of wheat as well as to identify adaptation strategies. Simulated results showed that terminal heat stress will reduce wheat yield by 18.1%, 16.1% and 11.1%, respectively in present, 2020 and 2050 scenarios. Advancement in sowing date, application of additional dose of nitrogen and irrigation at grain filling stage were found suitable options for preventing yield loss. Among various combinations of adaptation options, early sowing by 10 days from recommended sowing date with 30 kg ha−1 additional nitrogen fertilizer and one additional irrigation at grain filling stage was found most suitable. Adaptation of these strategies will help in reducing impact of heat stress by 7.5, 6.4 and 9% respectively in present, 2020 and 2050 heat stressed scenarios. • Simulation predicted wheat yield penalty of 18.1, 16.0 and 11.1% under present, 2020 and 2050 climate change scenarios. • Advancing sowing date, additional dose of N-fertilizer and demand-driven irrigations may safeguard yield loss by 0.5-3.5%. • The most effective adaptation option to beat terminal heat stress was planting wheat on 01-Nov and applying 150 kg N ha−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analysis of oil and fatty acid content of seeds of H. benghalensis. • Physico-chemical analysis of H. benghalensis seed oil. • Production of biodiesel from H. benghalensis seed oil. • Analysis of various fuel properties of Hiptage biodiesel with ASTM-D6751 standard. Increasing demand of fossil fuel and its depleting stock across the globe have necessitated a search for potential alternative sources of renewable energy. Recently focus has shifted to production of diesel from bio-oils derived from plant biomass as a potential source. However, it has been an endeavour to shift the exploration to non-edible oils produced by non-crop plants. Hiptage benghalensis is one such unexplored plant which stores ricinoleic acid in its seeds. In this report, analyses of various biochemical and biophysical parameters of H. benghalensis seed oil have been undertaken in order to explore the potential of this oil for biodiesel production. The plant was sourced from three different geographic regions of India. The total lipid and ricinoleic acid contents of seeds obtained from three locations varied from 54 to 69% and 69–87 %, respectively. Properties of various parameters of the H. benghalensis seed oil (HbSO), besides being non-edible prove its potential as a biodiesel feedstock. In order to test this potential, the seed oil was converted into biodiesel through the process of transesterification with an efficiency of ∼93 %. Analysis of various fuel properties like acid value, calorific value, viscosity, density, ash content, flash, pour and cloud point of the biodiesel in accordance with ASTM-D6751 standard and a comparison with the properties of other reported biodiesels showed its reasonable quality. Thus, this non-edible oil from H. benghalensis seeds has a potential to be utilized as an alternate green energy source for biodiesel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the impacts of climate change on water resources in the Banas River Basin, which is located in a semi-arid part of the state of Rajasthan in India. A bias-corrected ensemble mean of three CORDEX-SA driving GCM experiments (CNRM-CM5, CCSM4, and MPI-ESM-LR) was used with the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to predict water yield and evapotranspiration for three future periods (2011–2040, 2041–2070, and 2071–2099) under two representative concentration pathway scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), and the results were compared with the data of a historical period (1979–2008). The SUFI-2 method was used for the calibration and validation of the SWAT model. The model was calibrated for the period of five years (1982–1986) and validated for the next five years (1987–1991). The values of R2, NSE, bR2, PBIAS, and RSR were, respectively, 0.78, 0.77, 0.61, 47.4 and 0.48 during the calibration period, and 0.71, 0.65, 0.60, 72.1 and 0.59 during the validation period. Trend analysis was also performed for annual future predicted flows using the Sen Slope method. From the results, it can be predicted that precipitation, evapotranspiration, and water yield will increase in all the three future periods under both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Water availability in the future in the basin (zone wise) was identified using appropriate indicators. Per-capita water availability and meteorological variation were used to calculate future water availability and, considering these indicators, it can be concluded that zone 3 will better than the other zones. Zone 3 exhibits high values of per capita water availability and meteorological variation. This study will be useful in understanding the impacts of climate change on the water availability of the river basin and may help in overall water management in the present and the future. Unlabelled Image • SWAT model was applied to study the water security using Ensemble CORDEX-SA climatic model at the basin level • Calibration and validation of model were satisfactory, the R2 is 0.78 and 0.71 • Water security analysis on the basis of per capita water availability and meteorological variation in the future periods [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we elucidated deformational and kinematic characteristics of the NW-SE trending Vigodi Fault (VF) and its associated subsidiary faults in the western Kachchh basin. We applied paleostress inversion technique to understand the past stress regime from the acquired fault slip data. The subsidiary faults strike NW-SE and NE-SW and slickensided surfaces are well developed on the Fault planes. We present slip analysis and changes in the stress reorientation using the plane solutions to identify the principal stress axis (σ1) position regionally. To obtain Pressure Tension and Null axis (PBT), stress ratio, and principal (σ1) axis we used the right Dihedron Method using the Win-Tensor and T-Tecto software's respectively. Geomorphologically, the VF zone comprises of bedrock strath terraces towards the upthrown block and fill terraces on the downthrown block of the fault. Development of fault scarps, warped Quaternary sediments, slit canyons within Quaternary sediments, river nick-points, and deflected rivers are the major striking features observed along the strike length of the Vigodi Fault. The analyses indicate that NE-SW compressional stress dominates the regional area and the local area is affected by transpressional stress exhibiting oblique slip motion. The combined observations made from the present investigation can be used to estimate seismic hazard and mitigation planning of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) put adverse impacts on the quality of life (QOL). Excessive sleepiness and other associated symptoms may negatively affect ability to learn, employment, and interpersonal relations, and directly degrade QOL. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of OSAS on Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), Physical and Mental components related with QOL. Materials and methods: Design: Observational, Hospital based study Setting: Study was carried out in 190 index subjects in polysomnography unit of Department of Pulmonary Medicine, KGMU, India. Method: Overnight sleep study was carried out in all subjects on polysomnography unit. Hindi version of HRQOL tool SF-36 was used to evaluate Physical Functioning (PF), Role Physical (RP), Bodily Pain (BP), General Health (GH), Vitality (VT), Social Functioning (SF), Role Emotional (RE), Mental Health (MH), Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) in these subjects. Results: PCS was found to be associated with BMI, Neck Circumference, Blood Pressure, Hypopnea, and number of total Desaturation fall events below 5% while MCS was found to be associated with BMI and Hypopnea events in these subjects. In males, severity of disease was found associated with BP, RP and MCS (p =0.05, 0.03 and 0.01 respectively) whereas in females, severity of disease was significant association with parameters such as BP (p =0.02), GH (p =0.01), VT (p =0.01), SF (p =0.02), PF (p =0.04), RP (p =0.001) and PCS (p =0.000). Conclusion: Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) are related with sleep related events in these subjects thus improvement in these parameters through various treatment modalities can be used to improve QOL in this population. Acknowledgements: I would like to thank my guide and my co-guides who help me to walk in a right direction. I would also like to thank all the subjects who respond me so patiently. I would also like to thank to God for being with me throughout my work. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Energy is the major source for the economic development of any country. In case of the developing country like India, shortage of electricity work as a barrier for development. In recent years, India׳s energy consumption has been increasing at a relatively fast rate due to population growth and economic development. Rapid growth of the Indian economy places heavy demand of electric power. Presently most of the electric demand fulfilled by coal power plants and creates pressure on fossils fuel. Coal-based power generation is characterized by local and regional environmental degradation as well as greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change. Thus, there is need of enhance energy security along with reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy is one of the environmentally friendly sources of energy. In present energy scenario harnessing of renewable potential in effective manner is becoming need of the era, which can provide sustainable power supply as well as mitigate the negative environmental impact due to fossil fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pestiviruses isolated from sheep and goats in India thus far have been bovine viral diarrhoea virus 1 (BVDV-1) or BVDV-2. During routine genetic typing of pestiviruses in the years 2009-10, border disease virus (BDV) was detected in eight Indian sheep of a flock showing clinical signs of BD by real time RT-PCR. All the samples yielded positive virus isolates in cell culture but were found negative by a BVDV antigen ELISA. A representative BDV isolate was characterized at genetic and antigenic level. Phylogenetic analysis carried out in 5′-UTR, N pro and E2 regions of genome typed the Indian BDV isolate as BDV-3. A more detailed analysis in N pro and entire region coding structural proteins showed that the N pro (168), C (100 aa), E rns (227 aa), E1 (195 aa) and E2 (373 aa) proteins were of size characteristic for BDV reference strain X818. Antigenic differences were evident between the BDV-3 isolate and previously reported BDV-1, BDV-5 and BDV-7 strains. Although origin of BDV-3 in India is not clear, the results reflect probable introduction through trade in sheep between India and other countries or BDV-3 may be more widely distributed. Additionally, this study suggests that for diagnosis of BDV infection, the commercial BVDV Ag-ELISA should be used with caution. This is the first identification of BDV in sheep in India which highlights the need for continued pestivirus surveillance and assessing its impact on sheep and goat production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to meet the challenges of growing air pollution for a developing nation and to measure the ambient fine particles (PM2.5, particles having aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5μm) on routine basis an air sampler was designed, developed and evaluated in the field. The impactor removes particles greater than 2.5μm from the air stream via impacting them onto a vacuum grease substrate and finer particles get eventually collected on a backup filter. Various impactor nozzles with conical geometry were designed based on the published theoretical design equations. A detail parametric investigation was carried out which resulted in the optimum impactor nozzle design. For this exercise, a novel dry aerosol generator was employed in addition to the well known time-of-flight instrument, APS (Aerodynamic Particle Sizer, Model 3021, TSI Inc.). The average particle losses for the impactor nozzle as well as the sampler body were below 10% and the overall pressure drop (including a backup 47mm filter) through the PM2.5 sampler was only 2in. of H2O. This developed PM2.5 sampler operates at a flow rate of 15LPM. Field performance of this sampler was evaluated through co-located sampling with a high volume PM2.5 reference sampler (HVS, GEM-BLI Model 2360, Tisch Environment Instrument) within the IIT Kanpur campus. The sampling period was 10h long and it was carried out on six different days. The entire sets of filters were analyzed gravimetrically followed by their chemical analysis for elemental and anionic analyses. The particle mass, elemental, and anionic concentrations obtained with this newly developed PM2.5 sampler as well as those from the reference HVS sampler showed moderate to good correlation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Shilajit is a multi-component natural occurring mineral substance used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine which originated in India. Its source can be traced to the mountainous regions, where the hilly tribes first identified its beneficial use. Shilajit is aptly referred to as ‘rasayana’/‘rasayanam’ in Ayurveda and Siddha literature which means rejuvenator because it prevents ailment and enhances the quality of life. Materials and Methods: An attempt has been put forth to review shilajit pertaining to its origin, synonyms, varieties, physical properties, chemical constituents, therapeutic properties and important biological properties to affirm its rasayana property. All relevant information on shilajit was collected from classical texts including pharmacopoeias, formularies, etc. Moreover, select doctoral thesis from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi and Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar were also scanned. Published papers on shilajit were collected from important databases for biomedical sciences. Amongst, the various biological properties of shilajit, antioxidant activity and immuno-modulatory activity were focused as it is closely related to its rasayana potential. Results: This review finds that shilajit is used in twenty Sastric formulations and twenty-four proprietary drugs for extraneous indications. Even-though, there is a long history of use of shilajit in traditional Indian materia medica, shilajit unfortunately lacks scientific evaluation and systematic documentation. In vivo antioxidant activity of shilajit has been studied at an irrelevant dose and without using a positive control. The immuno-modulatory activity does not stand the test of critical assessment and currently may be considered as unproven. Conclusion: Based on the earlier studies, the bioactivity of shilajit lacks substantial evidence. Nevertheless, further studies are imperative to overcome the lacuna in establishing the antioxidant property of shilajit and more specific assays are needed to vouch shilajit as an immuno-modulator which may be of use to establish its rasayana potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Classical swine fever (CSF), a highly contagious viral disease of pigs, is endemic in India. As there is no information concerning the accurate genetic typing of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) isolates in India, 16 CSF viruses isolated during 2005–2007 from domestic pigs in different districts of Assam were typed in 5′ UTR (150 nucleotides). To confirm the genetic typing results and to study the genetic variability, selected viruses were also analyzed in E2 (190nt) and NS5B gene (409nt) regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the 16 CSFV isolates analyzed belonged to group 1 and subgroup 1.1 in contrast to the situation in other Asian countries. Additionally, analysis in E2 and NS5B region placed the Indian isolates in a clearly separated clade within subgroup 1.1. The results suggest that subgroup 1.1 CSF viruses are currently circulating in India, which is important for epidemiology and control of CSF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In developing countries like India, migration of people from rural to urban areas is responsible for ever expanding urban boundaries. This trend is exerting significant pressure on unprotected natural forests located near urban centers. This paper highlights the case of Kerwa Forest Area (KFA), located at about 10km from the city of Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh state. The objectives of this study are to quantify the extent of disturbance faced and ecosystem services provided by the KFA. Suitable spatial technologies and forest sampling techniques have been used to achieve the objectives of the study. It was found that the KFA is currently facing severe anthropogenic pressure. Parts of the KFA, located close to the settlements, were found more disturbed than the parts which were located far from the settlements. In spite of disturbances, KFA is a habitat for many threatened and endangered plant, animal, and bird species. KFA also plays a critical role of a carbon sink with a total storage of about 19.5 thousand tons of aboveground carbon. Immediate precautionary measures are required to prevent further degradation of the KFA for ensuring better environmental quality for the residents of Bhopal city in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: India has two types (pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs)) of commercial nuclear reactors in operation, in addition to research reactors. Many of the life limiting critical components in these reactors are fabricated from zirconium alloys. The progressive degradation of these components caused by the cumulative exposure of high energy neutron irradiation with increasing period of reactor operation was monitored to assess the degree of ageing. The components/specimens examined included fuel element claddings removed from BWRs, pressure tubes and garter springs removed from PHWRs and calandria tube specimens used in PHWRs. The tests included tension test (for cladding, garter spring), fracture toughness test (for pressure tube), crush test (for garter spring), and measurement of irradiation induced growth (for calandria tube). Results of various tests conducted are presented and applications of the test results are elaborated for residual life estimation/life extension of the components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The allele frequency distribution of 15 autosomal STR loci was determined using AmpFlSTR® IdentifilerTM kit in three endogamous caste populations namely, Rajbanshi, Paliya and Dhimal from northern regions of West Bengal, India. The study includes 13 CODIS STR core markers, i.e., D8S1179, D3S1358, D21S11, D7S820, CSF1PO, vWA, TPOX, D18S51, THO1, D13S317, D16S539, D5S818, FGA and two other loci D19S433 and D2S1338. All the loci followed Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, except loci D8S1179, vWA and FGA in Rajbanshi population, D13S317 in Paliya population and D16S539 and TPOX in Dhimal population. The allele 12 in CSF1PO in Rajbanshi population and allele nine in THO1 in Paliya as well as in Dhimal population were found to be most frequent. All the 15 STR loci studied were found to be highly polymorphic with respect to observed heterozygosity values. Population differentiation tests revealed highly significant differences at several loci suggesting the endogamous nature of studied populations. STR allele frequency data on Dhimal population presented here is a unique contribution to the existing DNA data base on Indian population. To the best of our present knowledge, hitherto Dhimal Population has not been explored genetically for generating forensic data on STR markers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For the first time for CORDEX-South Asia, a high-resolution regional earth system model (ROM) is adopted to assess the impact of horizontal resolution (0.22° and 0.11°) in simulating the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) and the underlying spatiotemporal variability. ROM at both resolutions bears a close resemblance to observations in simulating the mean precipitation climatology compared to other regional climate models (RCMs) participated in CORDEX- South Asia. ROM shows substantial improvement relative to the ensemble mean of the RCMs included in CORDEX-South Asia. While comparing both simulations with observations, some systematic wet and dry bias over Central India (CI) and Northern Western Ghats is noticed. In general, the wet/dry bias over India is mainly associated with the overestimation/underestimation of the large-scale/convective component. Increasing horizontal resolution from 0.22° to 0.11° significantly adds value in simulating the JJAS mean precipitation by reducing the wet bias over western central India (WCI) and southern peninsular India and dry bias over eastern CI. The reduction in wet/dry bias is mainly associated with suppression/enhancement of the large scale/convective precipitation. This improvement in mean precipitation is partially due to the improved representation of the propagation of mesoscale systems such as boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (eastward and northward). Despite the above improvements, the wet precipitation bias, particularly over WCI, persists. The weaker Findlater Jet associated with weaker land-ocean thermal contrast caused by the warm sea surface temperature (SST) bias over the western Arabian Sea (AS) suggests that AS moisture transport does not contribute to the wet bias over India. The wet bias is possibly associated with favourable atmospheric conditions (atmospheric instability). • A high-resolution regional earth system model namely ROM is implemented over CORDEX-South Asia. • The impact of horizontal resolution (0.22° and 0.11°) in simulating the summer monsoon characteristics is investigated. • The improved representation of the dynamical and thermodynamical processes yield better monsoon simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent analysis of trends in global short-wave radiation measured with pyranometers in major cities in India support a decrease in solar radiation in many of those cities since 1990. Since direct and diffuse radiation measurements include cloud effects, spring and summer dust and the variable summer monsoon rains, we concentrate in this paper on wintertime (November–February) aerosol optical depth measurements. The aerosol optical depth is derived from cloud-free turbidity measurements beginning in the 1960s and more recent sun photometer direct aerosol optical depth measurements. We compare the sun photometer derived trends with the pyranometer-derived trends using a radiative transfer model. These results are then compared to total ozone mapping spectrometer (TOMS) satellite-derived regional aerosol optical depths from 1980 to 2000. The results show that inclusion of the earlier turbidity measurements helps to establish an increasing regional turbidity trend. However, most of the increasing trend is confined to the larger cities in the Ganges River Basin of India (mainly Calcutta and New Delhi) with other cities showing a much less increase. Regional satellite data show that there is an increasing trend in aerosol off the coast of India and over the Ganges River Basin. The increase over the Ganges River Basin is consistent with population trends over the region during 1980–2000. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Crop residue burning is a common practice in many parts of the world that causes air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Regenerative practices that return residues to the soil offer a 'no burn' pathway for addressing air pollution while building soil organic carbon (SOC). Nevertheless, GHG emissions in rice-based agricultural systems are complex and difficult to anticipate, particularly in production contexts with highly variable hydrologic conditions. Here we predict long-term net GHG fluxes for four rice residue management strategies in the context of rice-wheat cropping systems in Eastern India: burning, soil incorporation, livestock fodder, and biochar. Estimations were based on a combination of Tier 1, 2, and 3 modelling approaches, including 100-year DNDC simulations across three representative soil hydrologic categories (i.e., dry, median, and wet). Overall, residue burning resulted in total direct GHG fluxes of 2.5, 6.1, and 8.7 Mg CO 2 -e in the dry, median, and wet hydrologic categories, respectively. Relative to emissions from burning (positive values indicate an increase) for the same dry to wet hydrologic categories, soil incorporation resulted in a −0.2, 1.8, or 3.1 Mg CO 2 -e change in emissions whereas use of residues for livestock fodder increased emissions by 2.0, 2.1, or 2.3 Mg CO 2 -e. Biochar reduced emissions relative to burning by 2.9 Mg CO 2 -e in all hydrologic categories. This study showed that the production environment has a controlling effect on methane and, therefore, net GHG balance. For example, wetter sites had 2.8–4.0 times greater CH 4 emissions, on average, than dry sites when rice residues were returned to the soil. To effectively mitigate burning without undermining climate change mitigation goals, our results suggest that geographically-target approaches should be used in the rice-based systems of Eastern India to incentivize the adoption of regenerative 'no burn' residue management practices. • Efforts to build SOC for climate change mitigation, while simultaneously avoiding burning, may have unintended consequences. • Tier 1, 2, and 3 modelling approaches were used to compare no-burn rice residue pathways. • Field hydrology had a dominant effect on methane emissions. • Soil incorporation of residues increased emissions relative to open burning, except in comparatively dry fields. • Biochar is estimated to have the lowest GHG emissions of the evaluated 'no burn' alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nyctanthes arbortristis L. (Oleaceae) is widely used in the traditional medicine of India. The plant is shown to have antibacterial and antileishmanial activities. Aim of the study: Evaluation of iridoid glucosides from the plant as inhibitor of trypanothione reductase (TryR), a validated drug target enzyme of the Leishmania parasite. The study contributes towards understanding mechanism of antileishmanial effect of the plant. Materials and methods: TryR of Leishmania parasite is expressed and purified. Iridoid glucosides are isolated from the plant and tested as inhibitor of TryR enzyme of the parasite. Results: Inhibitory constant (K i) of various iridoid glucosides ranges from 3.24±0.05μM to 6.49±0.05μM. Thus, the molecular mechanism underlying antileishmanial activity of these compounds is mediated through inhibition of TryR. Conclusion: The current study also points out towards potential application of iridoid glucosides as novel drugs against the disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Vaccination is considered as the most cost effective method for preventing infectious diseases. Low grade fever is a known adverse effect of vaccination. In India, it is a common clinical practice to prescribe paracetamol either prophylactically or therapeutically to manage fever. Some studies have shown that paracetamol interferes with antibody responses following immunization. This manuscript reports the outcome of a post hoc analysis of data from a clinical trial of a pentavalent vaccine in Indian infants where paracetamol was not used or was used either as prophylaxis or for treatment of fever. Methods Pre and post vaccine antibody levels against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B were assessed in no paracetamol and paracetamol groups. The paracetamol group was further divided into prophylactic and treatment groups. Results Similar rates of seroprotection/seroresponse for anti-D, anti-T, anti-wP, anti-PT, anti-HBs and anti-PRP were observed in all the groups. There was no clear tendency for difference in percentage seroprotection/seroresponse and geometric mean (GM) titers in any of the groups. Conclusion The study found no evidence that paracetamol usage either as prophylactic or for treatment impact immunological responses to DTwP-HepB-Hib combination vaccine. [Clinical trial registry of India (study registration number CTRI/2012/08/002872 )]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The study examines the dynamic nature of movements into and out of poverty over a period when poverty has fallen substantially in India. The analysis identifies people who escaped poverty and those who fell into it over the period 2005–12. Using panel data from the India Human Development Survey for 2005 and 2012, we find that the risks of marginalized communities such as Dalits and Adivasis of falling into or remaining in poverty were higher than those for more privileged groups. Some, but not all of these higher risks are explained by educational, financial, and social disadvantages of these groups in 2005. Results from a logistic regression show that some factors that help people escape poverty differ from those that push people into it and that the strength of their effects varies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal shipping has been widely recognised as a sustainable and efficient alternative to road transport. However, the barriers encountered in the industry have not been systematically studied in any region. From an Indian perspective, this study aims to prioritise barriers to coastal shipping development for effective policy interventions. It identifies important barriers through a Delphi study and then quantifies their cause-and-effect relationships by the decision making-trial and evaluation laboratory analysis ( DEMATEL ) technique. It is interesting that the main barriers, those have most impact on coastal shipping development, are not necessarily the ones most widely recognised. The study also uncovers the hidden cause-and-effect relationships between several barriers. Four main barriers are identified: (1) Indian maritime legislation (especially cabotage rules); (2) issues in the infrastructure and procedures at port and port-centric areas; (3) underdevelopment of small ports; (4) lack of a collaborative culture among the various service providers involved in the logistics supply chain. This study finally recommends relaxing cabotage rules to stimulate the inflow of foreign capital to grow coastal shipping, improving the current port system through joint efforts of the ports, Indian customs and government, and fostering supply chain collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses are a threat to poultry in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Here, we report isolation and characterization of H5N1 viruses isolated from ducks and turkeys in Kerala, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh, India between November 2014 and March 2015. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses of haemagglutinin gene identified that the virus belonged to a new clade 2.3.2.1c which has not been detected earlier in Indian poultry. The virus possessed molecular signature for high pathogenicity to chickens, which was corroborated by intravenous pathogenicity index of 2.96. The virus was a reassortant which derives its PB2 gene from H9N2 virus isolated in China during 2007–2013. However, the neuraminidase and internal genes are of H5N1 subtype. Phylogenetic and network analysis revealed that after detection in China in 2013/2014, the virus moved to Europe, West Africa and other Asian countries including India. The analyses further indicated multiple introductions of H5N1 virus in Indian poultry and internal spread in Kerala. One of the outbreaks in ducks in Kerala is linked to the H5N1 virus isolated from wild birds in Dubai suggesting movement of virus probably through migration of wild birds. However, the outbreaks in ducks in Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh were from an unknown source in Asia which also contributed gene pools to the outbreaks in Europe and West Africa. The widespread incidence of the novel H5N1 HPAI is similar to the spread of clade 2.2 (“Qinghai-like”) virus in 2005, and should be monitored to avoid threat to animal and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]