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Above Ground Biomass (AGB) is a vital factor in the forest ecosystem, closely linked to the carbon cycle and global climate change. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing is a potent tool for AGB quantification, due to its ability to penetrate vegetation canopies and its reliability for all-weather forest mapping and monitoring. The study used HH/HV dual-polarization SAR data from EOS-04 (C) and ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 (L) satellites to estimate AGB. Multiple linear regression-based statistics model was developed for AGB prediction by considering the best suited frequency and polarisation data for different forest density classes in the study area. The results revealed a strong correlation between AGB and HV backscatter from both the frequencies. The combined HV backscatter from both the sensors showed improvement in the goodness-of-fit (R2 > 0.5) with reduced error for all the forest density classes. The model estimated AGB was validated with the ground estimated AGB over 80 number of forest inventory plots (0.1 ha), and the overall root-mean-squared error corresponding to the estimated AGB was 32.02 Mg/ha. The model predicted versus ground estimated AGB showed a high correlation upto AGB density of 120 Mg/ha, beyond which underestimation was observed due to saturation of SAR backscatter at higher AGB density values. The AGB in the study ranged from about 10 to 200 Mg/ha. From the results, it was observed that the use of multi-frequency SAR data can be helpful in reducing error with consideration of forest categorisation in the AGB prediction model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a potential precursor related to the Mw 7.2 Mexico earthquake on April 4, 2010, was investigated by analysing ionosphere total electron content (TEC) fluctuations derived from Global Positioning System data collected from 200 Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) in Mexico and the western United States. Abnormal TEC variations were statistically identified within a 30-day time frame prior to the earthquake event. The two nearest stations at distances of 45 km and 53 km from the epicentre (IID2 and P500) were employed as benchmarks for the detection of anomalous days and time in TEC variations. Notably, a distinctive anomaly was observed on April 2, 2010, a couple of days before the earthquake, featuring a TEC unit deviation of 3–4 (TECU) from the baseline (15-day average value). Maximum TEC deviations (the time of anomaly) were recorded at 14.75 UTC on April 2, 2010. The analysis indicated a decrease in TEC concentration at a rate of 0.0017 TECU per kilometre towards the epicentre, supported by data collected from 200 CORS stations in the region. Spatial interpolation of TEC data from these stations further highlighted a distinct zone of low TEC density in the ionosphere above the epicentre at 14.75 UTC. This low TEC density zone was concentrated in areas with higher density points of geological structures (faults). The study suggests that the low TEC zone may be detected before the earthquake within proximity of the earthquake preparation zone above the epicentre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M-type Al–Cr-substituted strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12-x-yAlxCryO19 where x = y = 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) powders are synthesized successfully using sol–gel auto-combustion method. The synthesized powders were sintered at 1200 °C for 2 h, and their structural, morphological, and magnetic properties were studied using characterization techniques like XRD (X-ray diffraction), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), and VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer). The XRD pattern confirmed the formation of single phase hexagonal structure with P63/mmc space group. The saturation magnetization is observed to decrease from 63.37 to 46.89 emu/g with the increase in dopant concentration. However, the coercivity initially decreased and then increased with increase in dopant concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AstroSat, a dedicated Space Observatory of India, has completed five successful years of operation in space on 28th September 2020. AstroSat is a quite complex satellite, as it is a multi-wavelength observatory with many scientific instruments. The saga of many agencies, including Indian Space Research Organisation, the lead agency, and many scientists and engineers has resulted in realizing and operating this mission with excellent performance and highly satisfactory results. This mission generated a lot of observations leading to enhanced research activity for Indian astronomers, as well as international astronomers. It has also kindled interest, as expected, in young scientists and science students. The mission still continues in orbit contributing to celestial observations. AstroSat is a collaborative effort of many agencies not only from India but also from international agencies. The managers and the project team had to face many technological and managerial challenges at various stages of the mission. In this paper we present the challenges in conceiving a space science mission in India, and methods adopted to overcome them to make the mission successful. This may help in planning and executing future space science missions, more efficiently, meeting the growing demands from the scientific community involved in the frontier areas of space research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine circovirus2 (PCV2) infection in pigs is one of the major causes of economic loss to the farmers in terms of low production, slow growth and increase post-weaning mortality rate. The effect of PCV2 infection on haemogram, serum biochemical profile and oxidant/anti-oxidant status is not well established in pigs. In the present study, haemogram, serum biochemical profile and oxidant/anti-oxidant status were assessed in pigs confirmed positive for PCV2 infections as evidenced by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (n = 151) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (n = 42) among a total of 306 number of pigs included in the study. Non-infected healthy pigs (n = 6) served as healthy control. The total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count (DLC) and thrombocyte count were measured. The levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and glucose and enzymes viz. alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Oxidative stress indicators such as plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and total anti-oxidant activity (TAOA) were measured using commercially available kits. The mean values of TLC, lymphocytes and thrombocyte count were significantly (P < 0.05) low in PCV2-infected pigs. The levels of globulin, AST, GGT, BUN and creatinine were significantly increased (P < 0.05) whereas levels of albumin and glucose significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in PCV2-infected pigs. The significant increase (P < 0.05) in MDA level and significant decrease (P < 0.05) in TAOA level were noticed in PCV2-infected animals as compared with healthy control. The present study supports immunosuppression, possible multiple organ damage and oxidative stress associated with naturally occurring PCV2 infection in pigs. Timely vaccination and managemental practices can reduce PCV2 infection in farms. In spite of many research studies, there is still paucity of detailed systemic study on haemato-biochemical alteration and oxidative stress associated with PCV2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random forest (RF) is one of the most powerful ensemble classifiers often used in machine learning applications. It has been found successful on many benchmarked data. However, the performance of an RF model is highly affected by the calibration of the model parameters. It requires optimization of two parameters—(i) size of RF and (ii) number of features. RF is based on the principle of bagging and random selection of relevant features. This paper conveys an effective method in improving classification accuracy of RF. The principal component analysis (PCA) technique was used for dimension reduction of spectral bands whereas correlation-based feature selection (CFS) was used to identify the optimal set of features. RF was initialized by 10 random trees with an increment of 10, with a variable number of features till the model achieved its highest accuracy. The model was tested with variable sample sizes in order to observe the effectiveness. An investigation was carried out on Hyperion sensor data of the Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite. The performance of RF was observed to be significantly enhanced in terms of predictive ability and computational expenses with the optimized set of features and number of random trees as base classifiers. While comparing with the other advanced classifiers like a support vector machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and maximum likelihood classifier (MLC), the optimized RF outperformed all the other classifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured CdS films are prepared on glass substrates by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method at room temperature and the samples are subjected to 120 MeV Ag SHI irradiation at various fluences from 1 × 10 to 3 × 10 ions/cm. Analysis of the samples by XRD exhibits both pristine as well as irradiated films are of cubic phase structure and shifting of diffraction peaks towards lower diffraction angle is observed upon irradiation. Structural phase transition from cubic to hexagonal is observed for the sample at high fluence 3 × 10 ions/cm. Crystallite size is found to increase for irradiated samples. Surface morphology observed using AFM shows that films consist of several nanoparticles (grains) and several small grains of CdS nanoparticles are grouped to form cluster. Increase in grain size due to irradiation is also observed from AFM picture. The optical absorption spectra exhibit shift in the fundamental absorption edge and hence the optical band gap energy decreases but the refractive index as well as dielectric constant increase with increasing ion fluence. Two intense and one weak Raman lines for pristine as well as irradiated CdS have been observed and all the samples show shift in Raman lines relative to bulk CdS due to phonon localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria is a major public health concern in Northeast India with a preponderance of drug-resistant strains. Until recently the partner drug for artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) was sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (SP). Antifolate drug resistance has been associated with the mutations at dihydropteroate synthase ( dhps) and dihydrofolatereductase ( dhfr) genes. This study investigated antifolate drug resistance at the molecular level. A total of 249 fever cases from Arunachal Pradesh, NE India, were screened for malaria, and of these, 75 were found to be positive for Plasmodium falciparum. Samples were sequenced and analysed with the help of BioEdit and ClustalW. Three novel point mutations were found in the dhps gene with 10 haplotypes along with the already reported mutations. A single haplotype having quadruple mutation was found in the dhfr gene. The study reports higher degree of antifolate drug resistance as evidenced by the presence of multiple point mutations in dhps and dhfr genes. The findings of this study strongly discourage the use SP as a partner drug in ACT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present report communicates a case of canine trypanosomosis with ophthalmic involvement, its diagnosis, hemato-biochemistry and therapeutic management in a 2 year old dog. The dog had history of bilateral corneal opacity and impaired vision since last 4 weeks. On the basis of history and clinical signs, a presumptive diagnosis of canine trypanosomosis was made followed by confirmation with Giemsa stained buffy coat smear examination. Therapeutic regimen was comprised of Diminazine aceturate @ 3.5 mg/kg deep IM for two occasions 24 h apart along with parenteral fluids, hematinics, NSAID and multivitamins which yielded favourable response by third day post-therapy. Haemato-biochemical parameters took nearly 14 days of time to return to near normal levels. Improvement with respect to corneal opacity took 6 weeks of time and the animal was followed up to 3 months without any recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is an effort to develop an appraisal of the hydrogeochemical regime for the aquifers of Dhekiajuli, Sonitpur district, Assam, which is imperative considering: (i) excessive use of groundwater for irrigation; (ii) reported high arsenic (As) contamination; (iii) application of fertilizer is an inevitable process undergoing in this region to achieve higher yield owing to deteriorating water quality; and (iv) study area being the location of many tea estates of Assam, that export tea in many foreign countries. The highest As concentration of 44.39 µg/L was detected in this study (Bachasimalu and Sitalmari region), implying high As-contaminated aquifers being used for drinking and irrigation purposes in the area. The relative abundance pattern of major cations and anions was in the order of Na > Mg > Ca > K and HCO > Cl > SO , respectively. Majority of the samples belong to Na-K-Cl-HCO and mixed water type. Closer inspection of Piper plot reveals that a higher As value (>40 µg/L) was prevalent in HCO water type. Results of hydrogeochemical plots suggest silicate and carbonate weathering, ion exchange and anthropogenic activities to be the dominant processes governing groundwater contamination, including As which is further supported from PCA loadings. The Singri area to the east of the affected areas and adjacent to the Brahmaputra River has oxic aquifers owing to the absence of mass deposition of younger sediments, while reducing conditions prevails in the Bachasimalu and Sitalmari region. High positive correlation between As and Fe ( r = 0.83**) and a negative correlation between ORP and Fe ( r = −0.68**) further add that Fe (hydr)oxides are the direct source of As release in the affected region, the mechanism being reductive hydrolysis of such (hydr)oxides. The study implies that although groundwater is suitable for irrigation use, there is a high probability of As getting into the food chain through tea and other edible plants irrigated with As-contaminated water; thus, the area has a maximum probability of facing health hazards caused by As-contaminated groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AstroSat is India's first space-based observatory satellite dedicated to astronomy. It has the capability to perform multi-wavelength and simultaneous observations of cosmic bodies in a wide band of wavelengths. This paper briefly summarizes the challenges faced in the configuration of AstroSat spacecraft, accommodation and sizing of its critical subsystems, their realization and testing of payloads and the integrated satellite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charged Particle Monitor (CPM) on-board the Astrosat satellite is an instrument designed to detect the flux of charged particles at the satellite location. A Cesium Iodide Thallium (CsI(Tl)) crystal is used with a Kapton window to detect protons with energies greater than 1 MeV. The ground calibration of CPM was done using gamma-rays from radioactive sources and protons from particle accelerators. Based on the ground calibration results, energy deposition above 1 MeV are accepted and particle counts are recorded. It is found that CPM counts are steady and the signal for the onset and exit of South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) region are generated in a very reliable and stable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although triethanolamine (TEA) is widely used as complexing agent in the preparation of nanocrystalline PbS thin film by chemical bath deposition method, not enough studies have been reported on how its concentration affects various properties of the films. In the present work, we studied the effect of concentration of TEA on structural, morphological, optical, photoluminescence and electrical conduction properties of the films. We observed that with the increase of molar concentration of TEA-the crystallinity deteriorates with reduced crystallite size and increased strain and dislocation density; the densities of the films have been reduced; the films become non stoichiometric; optically these become more transparent but less reflecting showing prominent blue shift in the optical band gap which increased with the concentration of TEA; the width of the localized states in the band gap has been increased. The refractive index and extinction coefficient of the films are observed to be wavelength dispersive. The refractive index decreases with the increase of TEA complexation. In the NIR region, the extinction coefficient also decreases as concentration of TEA increases. The real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant replicates the refractive index and extinction coefficient curves respectively against wavelength. The PL spectra reveal conduction band to valence band transition with reduced intensity at higher molarity of TEA. The current-voltage measurement shows that the conductivity decreases considerably with the increase of TEA concentration. Our measurement estimated the crystallite size in the range of 29-37.49 nm, strain ~10, dislocation density ~10 cm, band gap 0.8-1.55 eV, bandtail width 0.27-0.57 eV, the refractive index 2.3-5.8 and conductivity 0.0011-0.20 (Ωcm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A male Persian cat was presented with a history of alopecia at the dorsal tail region, with mild pruritus, flaking of skin and the owner's complaint of pruritus on herself and her family members. All the vital signs of the cat were found within the normal reference range. Skin scraping and hair samples were found to be negative for Demodex spp. and Sarcoptes spp. of mites, pediculosis and fungal infestation. Physical examination of the whole body revealed absence of fleas or flea eggs. Further, food hypersensitivity was ruled out by gradually changing the previous wheat based diet to a commercial cat food. However, eggs of Cheyletiella spp. were seen on microscopic examination of skin scraping and the lesions on the owner's body were indicative of infestation by Cheyletiella spp. as it's zoonotic in nature. A treatment protocol was initiated that included Ivermectin and bath with a shampoo containing selenium sulphide. Owners were advised to apply Calamine lotion on their lesions. Both the owner and patient recovered uneventfully 3 months post-therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of researchers have been synthesising thin films of PbS on glass substrates by reaction of 1 M CHNS with of 0.50 M Pb(CHCOO).3HO complexed by 1 M triethanolamine (TEA) at different deposition temperatures and reported various temperature dependent properties of the films. In our work, we followed the same recipe but reduced the concentration of Pb(CHCOO).3HO by 0.10 M. The pH of the bath was adjusted at 12. The deposition has been carried out at five different temperatures-30, 40, 50, 64 and 70 °C. We wish to study how structural, optical and electrical properties of the films prepared with reduced concentration of Pb(CHCOO).3HO change with temperature. We have observed that at 30 and 40 °C, no crystalline PbS phase was formed, only elemental S was detected. The PbS phase formation was noticed only from 50 °C. The elemental S has been subdued and the crystalline PbS phase formation has been enhanced with increase of temperature. The average crystallite sizes were determined from XRD by Debye-Scherrer formula, lattice constants from Nelson-Riley plot, band gaps by the derivative method and electrical conductivities from current-voltage characteristics. It has been found that with the increase of deposition temperature, the crystallite size increases, strain decreases, band gap reduces and conductivity improves. The average crystallite sizes were found 35.79, 42.51 and 42.67 nm at 50, 64 and 70 °C respectively. The band gaps for these three films were noted as 1.74, 1.67 and 1.66 eV respectively indicating blue-shift from the bulk value. The tail widths of localised states in the forbidden band were observed in the range of (0.70-0.76) eV. The strains in the films were ~10 and conductivities were ~10-10 (Ω cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured cadmium zinc sulphide films have been deposited onto cleaned glass substrates by chemical bath deposition method at room temperature using polyvinyl alcohol as capping agent. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of cubic-phase cadmium zinc sulphide films. Crystallite size obtained from the calculation of Scherrer's formula and Williamson-Hall plot as well as size-strain plot is found to decrease with the increase in zinc concentration. The films have very high dislocation density of the order of 10 m, whereas the strain is of the order of 10. Scanning electron microscopic image reveals that the particles are agglomerated to form nanoclusters and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis confirms that films are composed of cadmium, zinc and sulphur. High-resolution transmission electron microscopic image reveals that the shape of the particles is nearly spherical, uniformly distributed. Selected-area electron diffraction pattern supports the formation of cubic phase of the film. Optical absorption peaks of the films shift towards lower wavelength side and their optical band gap increases with the increase in zinc concentration. The increase in zinc concentration enhances the photoluminescence emission intensity, whose emission is in the green region of visible spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The long-term effects on bone health of nutritional status in adolescence are unclear. The impact of adolescent and current body mass on bone mass in young adulthood in rural India was assessed. Current lean mass was a more important determinant of bone mass than thinness during adolescence in this population. Purpose/introduction: Adolescence is a crucial period for skeletal growth. However, the long-term effects on bone health of nutritional status in adolescence, particularly in the context of nutritional transition, are unclear. The current manuscript assessed the impact of adolescent and current body size on bone mass in young adulthood in an Indian rural community that is undergoing rapid socioeconomic changes. Methods: The Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study is a prospective cohort study in Hyderabad, India. In 2003-2005, the study collected anthropometric and cardiovascular data on adolescents (mean age = 16 years old). The second and third waves of the study in 2009-2012 collected data on current anthropometric measures, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in hip and lumbar spine (L1-L4) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and living standards of the trial participants who were now young adults (mean age = 22 years old). Results: The median body mass index (BMI) of the 722 participants included in this analysis was 16.8 kg/m during adolescence, while the median BMI as young adults was 19.3 kg/m. Lower aBMD during adulthood was associated with lower adolescent BMI (β (95 % confidence interval) for hip aBMD 0.017 (0.013 to 0.022) and LS aBMD 0.012 (0.008 to 0.016)). This association was attenuated upon adjustment for current fat and lean mass (β (95 % CI) for hip aBMD 0.00 (−0.005 to 0.005) and LS aBMD 0.005 (0.000 to 0.01)). There was clear evidence for positive associations between aBMDs and current lean mass. Conclusions: Current lean mass was a more important determinant of bone mass than thinness during adolescence in this population. Weight gain during late adolescence and young adulthood coupled with improvement in lean mass may help to mitigate any adverse effects that pre-adulthood undernutrition may have on bone mass accrual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured cadmium sulphide thin films have been synthesized onto suitably cleaned glass substrates by simple chemical bath deposition method at room temperature using polyvinyl alcohol as capping agent. X-ray diffraction study confirms the formation of nanocrystalline cubic phase of cadmium sulphide in the films. Various physical parameters such as lattice constant, stress, strain, dislocation density, etc. have been calculated and are found to be affected by the molarity of the solution. The ultra-high resolution transmission electron microscopic study shows that the shape of the particles is nearly spherical and the average particle size agrees well with the result obtained from X-ray diffraction study. Selected area electron diffraction patterns have also supported the formation of cubic phase of cadmium sulphide. The surface texture of the prepared films investigated using atomic force microscopy confirms the formation of nanocluster of high density cadmium sulphide nanoparticles. The surface is slightly non-smooth with uniform crack-free and densely packed microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bomdila Gneiss (BG) of Western Arunachal Himalaya (WAH), a suite of felsic magmatic rocks of different components of Palaeoproterozoic age is hosted within the Lesser Himalayan Sedimentary Sequence (LHSS) and placed between the two notable thrust systems- MCT at the top of the structural level to the north and MBT at the lower structural level to the south. Both MCT and MBT are highly sheared ductile zone of high strain and the felsic batholith around Bomdila signatures the protolithic history as porphyritic granite. The BG is highly sheared, strained and displays a number of shear sense indicators like σ, δ, mica fish, stretch ribbon, S-C fabric, dislocation fabric and effect of mylonitisation. Stratigraphic status, magnetic susceptibility and whole rock geochemistry of BG have been studied to evaluate the tectonostratigraphy and nature of granite as ilmanite series (reduced type) and the related data sets are correlated as supplements with the redox state (moderately reduced type). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-house sterilization by electron beam (EB) radiation of various plastic consumables (plastic petridishes, micro centrifugal tubes and screw-capped vials) used routinely in the lab was studied by use of three microbiological cultures ( S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans). Current international standards (ISO 11137-Part 2 -ISO, 2011) recommend an irradiation dose of 25 kGy as a reference dose for terminal sterilization. All containers were exposed in an ILU-6, 2 MeV, 20 kW, Pulse EB accelerator located in our complex. Sterility test (S.T.) was performed and results revealed that 10 and 10 population of all strains passed whereas 10 population failed S.T. for all micro-organisms indicating the potential of 2 MeV EB for commercial sterilization of plastic lab consumables for up to 10 population of these micro-organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basement gneiss of the Shillong plateau and the overlying rocks of the Shillong basin have been dissected by a number of mafic dyke swarms represented by older Proterozoic dolerite dykes and sills named as Khasi greenstone and the younger set of Cretaceous dykes. The older dolerites dykes of Shillong basin are partly metamorphosed and have undergone low-grade metamorphism compared to the fresh unmetamorphosed Cretaceous dykes dominantly exposed in the BGC of West Garo hills region. The Khasi greenstones are tholeiitic in composition and range from basalt to basaltic andesite. Most of the metamorphosed mafic dykes indicate continental nature with some amount of overlapping oceanic tectonic setting. Palaeomagnetic study of the metadolerite dykes show a direction of magnetization of Dm=29, Im=38 (α = 28.84; k = 48.33; N = 2) with a palaeolatitude of 21.3° N to the Indian sub-continent that clearly support the Proterozoic dyke/dyke swarm emplacement in the region. The magnetic carrier as inferred from IRM studies is magnetite in the range of psuedosingle to multi domain (MD) states with minor contribution from hematite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new composite with cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticle dispersed in an aluminum matrix has been prepared using the ball-milling technique followed by compaction and sintering. Our efforts were largely focused on investigating the contribution of cobalt ferrite to the enhancement of structural, mechanical and magnetic properties of aluminum. Incorporation of 1-10 weight (wt)% of nanosized cobalt ferrite into the aluminum matrix could affect remarkable change in mechanical properties. Enhancement of hardness value, elastic modulus, and compressive strength was observed in the case of cobalt ferrite-incorporated aluminum matrix as compared to the pure aluminum sample. Incorporation of cobalt ferrite could impart considerable improvement of magnetization value of the aluminum matrix with a saturation magnetization of 17.07 emu/g for the aluminum sample reinforced with 10 wt% of cobalt ferrite. A decrease in coercive force in the sample arising from the increase in surface effects and inter-particle interaction between the ferromagnetic cobalt ferrite and soft phases in the matrix was also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd) concentrations and their chemical speciations were investigated for the first time in bed sediments of Bharali River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River of the Eastern Himalayas. Levels of Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cd in the bed sediments were much below the average Indian rivers; however, Cu and Zn exhibit levels on the higher side. Enrichment factors (EF) of all metals was greater than 1 and a higher trend of EF was seen in the abandoned channel for most metals. Pb showed maximum EF of 32 at site near an urban center. The geoaccumulation indices indicate that Bharali river is moderately polluted. The metals speciations, done by a sequential extraction regime, show that Cd, Cu, and Pb exhibit considerable presence in the exchangeable and carbonate fraction, thereby showing higher mobility and bioavailability. On the other hand, Ni, Mn, and Fe exhibit greater presence in the residual fraction and Zn was dominant in the Fe-Mn oxide phase. Inter-species correlations at three sites did not show similar trends for metal pairs indicating potential variations in the contributing sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-irradiation studies have been carried out to elucidate the effects of electron beam irradiation on the structural, optical, dielectric, and thermal properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) films. The experimental results showed that both the optical band gap and activation energy of HDPE films decreases with an increase in the doses of electron radiation. The electrical measurements showed that dielectric constant and the ac conductivity of HDPE increases with an increase in the dose of electron radiation. The thermal analysis carried out using DSC and TGA revealed that the melting temperature, degree of crystallinity, and thermal stability of the HDPE films increased, obviously, due to the predominant cross-linking reaction following high doses of electron irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Indian (Peninsular) Shield which includes both the Eastern and Western Continental Margins of India is not as stable as it was originally thought of. The importance of intraplate seismicity within this Shield has recently been realized with some devastating earthquakes that occurred during the last few decades. It is also significant to note that most of the Precambrian tectonic lineaments in this Shield are oriented in either a NW-SE or W-E direction, joining the eastern offshore. In contrast, the western margin has an elevated coast, associated with a linear coast parallel escarpment, particularly on the southern side, superimposed by Deccan Trap volcanics on the northern side. The fault reactivation and the associated seismicity are hence more predominant on the east coast. Recent geophysical studies delineated land-ocean tectonics (LOTs) over the eastern margin, in some cases associated with moderate seismicity as a result of the compressional stress acting on the Indian Plate. Though the Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI) is considered as a passive margin, coastal seismicity due to the reactivation of the pre-existing tectonic lineaments extending offshore represents a potential natural hazard. In this context, the ECMI appears to be much more vulnerable compared to its counterpart on the west. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of higher packing density and increased duration of transport on the survival and key metabolic enzymes of Labeo rohita fry was investigated. L. rohita fry (length 40 ± 5 mm, weight 0.60 ± 0.13 g) were packed in two different densities 40 and 80 g/l and sampled at 0, 12, 24, and 36 h after packing. Results showed that packing density and length of confinement severely affected the survival of the fry. The whole-body glucose level and the activities of the enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) assayed from the fish whole-body significantly ( P < 0.05) increased due to increase in the length of the confinement. However, acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) with increase in the length of confinement. Similarly, higher packing density also significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the glucose level and activities of all these enzymes (except AchE). The results revealed that both higher packing density and increased transportation duration mobilize protein resources for glucose production via gluconeogenesis and subsequently activate the glycolysis pathway for energy. The rise in the ATPase activity indicates disruption of the osmoregulatory function and the role of this enzyme in ameliorating it. Overall results suggest that normally practiced packing density of 40 g/l is optimum up to 24-h duration for seed transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation water requirements of wheat and mustard crops grown in Western Yamuna Canal Command area were estimated using FAO model CROPWAT with the help of agrometeorological and remote sensing data (1986-1998 and 2008). The variations in irrigation water requirements of these two crops were judged by calculating coefficient of Variations (CVs) of yearly data. Crop coefficient values were obtained through FAO (1993) method. Supervised Maximum Likelihood Classification (MXL) of IRS 1B image was done to estimate area under wheat and mustard in the canal command. Water need was calculated from amount of supply and water requirement for the whole area. Results showed that ET values of both wheat and mustard varied very little over different years (CVs 4.7% and 5.6% respectively). Irrigation water requirements of both these crops were having relatively large variations (CVs 14.1% and 22.6% respectively) which were mainly because of high variations of their effective rainfall (CVs 61.1% and 69.2% respectively). In general, increase in amount of irrigation enhanced the growth performance of the wheat crop. Increase in distribution equity within soil associations slightly improved the growth performance of the wheat crop. Agro-climatic data merged with satellite image approximated the deficiency of applied irrigation amount (549.5 ha-m for wheat and 692.7 ha-m for mustard) as compared to requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation distribution equity and crop growth were studied in Delhi Sub-branch of Western Yamuna Canal Command. Total irrigation was estimated from the canal and tube well discharge data and irrigation distribution equity was expressed in terms of Theil’s and Christiansen’s Coefficients for nearly 140 wheat fields randomly chosen over the command. Crop growth performance for these plots was assessed from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) obtained from the IRS, LISS II data. Four soil associations viz., Nabha-Ghoga, Daryapur-Hissar, Holambi-Nabha and Khampur-Hissar mainly represented the study area. In general, increase in amount of irrigation enhanced the growth performance of the wheat crop. Increase in distribution equity within soil associations slightly improved the growth performance of the crop. Over and above, the irrigation equity, quality and quantity constraints to irrigation, the other soil parameters like CEC, applied P also contributed to differences in wheat growth as observed from the stepwise multiple regression analysis. Irrigation performance indices were estimated from water distribution between soil associations and from water requirement of crop, indicated performance slightly below the critical level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each and every part of human life is somehow linked with the embedded products. Embedded systems are product of hardware and software co design. It is becoming an integral part of engineering design process for efficient analysis of data acquisition. Data acquisition implies the gathering of information about a system or process. It is the process of collecting data in an automated way from analog and digital sources of measurement, such as sensors and devices under test. The present paper describes the design of an embedded system for the control of temperature and light intensity in a single system using sensors, microcontroller and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). It describes the controlling action incorporated in the hardware to control any device connected when specific conditions are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3½ years old mongrel female cat was brought with the history of inappetence, seizure and lateral recumbency since 4 days and motion sickness since 2 days. Faecal examination confirmed Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme along with un-hatched live Toxocara cati larvae. Treatment has been initiated with Pyrantel pamoate and along with supportive therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meghalaya is a landlocked state where the progress of industrialization is very slow. Majority of the population (rural) depends on agriculture. Agriculture in the state is carried on in primitive ways with Jhumming prevailing in many parts. This practice is considered destructive as vast forest areas are cleared and burnt. Such areas are used for cultivation and left out. After a gap of few years (2–3 years as of now and 15–20 years in past) the area is revisited for cultivation without allowing to rejuvenate. The present work provides a status and trend of Land use land cover dynamics in parts (at watershed level) of Meghalaya. The geospatial tools have been used to assess (a) the changes in land use land cover since 1970s to 2005; (b) patch dynamics for understanding the degree of fragmentation; (c) changes along the terrain topography. Umngot watershed of Meghalaya is taken as experimental area, which is a representative of mid-altitudinal watershed particularly in the Jaintia hills district of Meghalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses micronutrients as an essential aid to daily growth in children. It notes that the mechanism behind the processes involved in the growth of a child is yet to be determined. It examines the role played by nutrients in child growth in which nutrition deficiency leads to growth retardation, reduced work capacity and poor mental and social development. It adds that a deficiency in micronutrient intake contributes to problems with physical growth and mental development in a child.

The Archaean gneissic basement of Shillong plateau has been traversed by number of mafic dyke swarms. At least two suites of dykes are identified in the region represented by Proterozoic Khasi greenstone related dolerites and younger Cretaceous dolerite dykes in addition to mafic alkaline dykes. The older Khasi greenstone dolerites are altered and have undergone low-grade metamorphism compared to fresh Cretaceous dykes, which are well exposed in the West Garo Hills region. All the Khasi greenstone dolerites are tholeiite in composition and range from basalt to basaltic andesite in composition and show olivine or quartz normative character. Most of the dykes show continental nature of emplacement with some overlapping oceanic tectonic setting of origin. Petrochemical study suggests that they were derived from picrites that subsequently undergone low-pressure fractionation. Palaeomagnetic study of the older Khasi greenstone related dolerites show a direction of magnetization of Dm=17, Im= +57 (α95= 23.34; K=31.5; N=24) with a palaeolatitude of 29.7°N to the Indian subcontinent that clearly support the Proterozoic dyke/dyke swarm emplacement in the region. The magnetic carrier as inferred from K-T studies is in multi domain (MD) size and cation deficient (CD) domain states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of Skiplot Sampling Plans (SkSP) originally developed by Dodge and Perry are reconsidered in this paper from a computational point of view. The reference plan plays an important role in the performance of SkSP. A Single Sampling Plan (SSP) is normally used as reference plan and a number of procedures are available to determine the SSP. We focus on the algorithm-based procedures instead of methods based on statistical tables to determine the SSP and its effect on the performance indicators of SkSP. Spreadsheet solutions are nowadays more user-friendly than customized programs written in specific languages. We present a case of using Excel worksheet functions to handle statistical distributions required in the determination of the plan., The performance of SkSP is compared by generating a SSP as reference plan using algorithms due to i) Guenther, ii) Modified Graf et al. It is shown that an admissible reference plan can always be generated with Excel functions and templates are developed to obtain the characteristics of SkSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:To assess dietary habits and nutrition knowledge levels of the adolescent girls from different schools and to study the efficacy of two different nutrition education tools in improving their nutrition knowledge in the classroom setting.Design:Purposive sampling technique was adapted for selecting the subjects in the study.Setting:Four secondary schools in Hyderabad, India.Subjects:In total, 164 adolescent girls belonging to eighth grade.Interventions:Two interventions (Intervention-1. Traditional method using print media such as folders leaflets and charts; Intervetion-2. Audio-visual CD) were carried out in a classroom setting for the experimental group.Results:FFQ data on dietary consumption of adolescent girls revealed more consumption of aerated drinks, bakery items, fast foods and less consumption of millets irrespective of their socio-economic conditions. However, consumption of vegetables, green leafy vegetables and fruits was moderate. A significant improvement in the nutrition related knowledge was observed among the experimental group after interventions-1 and -2 as compared to the baseline data. However, no significant difference in the improvement of nutrition knowledge levels was observed with the second intervention over the first intervention as already the children in the experimental group gained knowledge through print media.Conclusions:Education on ill effects of aerated drinks, fast foods and the importance of nutrition during the adolescent phase should be emphasized in future programmes.Sponsorship:The study was supported by the National Institute of Nutrition (Indian Council of Medical Research), Hyderabad from the intramural funds.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007) 61, 1081–1085; doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602622; published online 7 February 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess dietary habits and nutrition knowledge levels of the adolescent girls from different schools and to study the efficacy of two different nutrition education tools in improving their nutrition knowledge in the classroom setting.Design: Purposive sampling technique was adapted for selecting the subjects in the study.Setting: Four secondary schools in Hyderabad, India.Subjects: In total, 164 adolescent girls belonging to eighth grade.Interventions: Two interventions (Intervention-1. Traditional method using print media such as folders leaflets and charts; Intervetion-2. Audio-visual CD) were carried out in a classroom setting for the experimental group.Results: FFQ data on dietary consumption of adolescent girls revealed more consumption of aerated drinks, bakery items, fast foods and less consumption of millets irrespective of their socio-economic conditions. However, consumption of vegetables, green leafy vegetables and fruits was moderate. A significant improvement in the nutrition related knowledge was observed among the experimental group after interventions-1 and -2 as compared to the baseline data. However, no significant difference in the improvement of nutrition knowledge levels was observed with the second intervention over the first intervention as already the children in the experimental group gained knowledge through print media.Conclusions: Education on ill effects of aerated drinks, fast foods and the importance of nutrition during the adolescent phase should be emphasized in future programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficacy of irrigation management of wheat and mustard crops grown in Western Yamuna Canal Command area was determined in the present study from agro-climatic data merged with Maximum Likelihood Classified (MXL) satellite image and from irrigation scheduling efficiencies obtained through FAO model CROPWAT. For computing irrigation scheduling efficiencies, amount of water supplied at different growth stages, soil water depletion and crop water need have been taken into account. Agro-meteorological data in combination with MXL classified crop map approximated the deficiency of applied irrigation amount compared to requirement. Irrigations at 35-80 Days After Sowing (DAS) for two times of applications, 30-60-90 DAS for three, 21-50-80-110 DAS in case of four and 20-45-70-90-120 DAS in case of five irrigations have yielded better scheduling efficiencies for wheat than other times of applications in all soil associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a periodic review inventory problem over a finite horizon where the demand in different periods is assumed to be influenced by the stock on display. This is called Stock Dependent Demand (SDD). A linear function is used to explain the SDD and the effect of SDD is assumed to be temporary at the beginning of the period. Models with and without shortages have been developed to determine the optimal number of orders to be placed and the optimal lot sizes for different periods. The models are numerically illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissociative chemisorption of methane over ruthenium, cobalt, platinum and their bimetallic counterparts supported by alumina and NaY was investigated under a wide range of temperatures. The extent of hydrogen loss from methane was monitored by deuterium uptake of the surface CH species formed from methane during the course of methane chemisorption. The presence of a high average number of deuterium in the desorbing methane suggested a widespread dissociation of methane. The initial distribution of the deuterated products generally decreased in the sequence CD>CHD>CHD. The amount of chemisorbed methane during methane chemisorption increases with temperature and it follows the sequence of reducibility of the supported metals and particle size which, in turn, depends on the support and the alloy formed. CH (x=1) species prevailed on alumina supported catalysts, while on NaY supported metals, CH species are dominant when small metal particles are stabilized inside the supercage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the possibility that in a heavy nucleus a few nucleons exist in a state of total deconfinement. The constituents of these deconfined nucleons are regarded as a mixture of quark-and gluon-gases in thermal equilibrium at a fixed temperature T. This approach reproduces the observed softening of the valence quarks in heavy nuclei and predicts fewer gluons at x<1 and an exponential decrease of the structure functions at x>1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large grain polycrystalline silicon films are produced by a two step process involving plasma deposition of microcrystalline silicon films on a substrate, separation from the substrate, and subsequent grain enhancement of the silicon films. The effects of doping and substrate temperature during deposition on the solar cell conversion efficiency are investigated. Effects of ppm level molybdenum contamination from the substrate, and silicon microstructure after grain enhancement, on solar cell efficiency parameters are also investigated. Solar cells with efficiencies of up to 10.1% under AM1 illumination, were fabricated on these silicon films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total magnetic intensity and bathymetric surveys were carried out in the northern Bay of Bengal between 6° to 11° 45′ N latitudes and east of 84° to 93° 30′ E longitudes. The hitherto known 85° E Ridge is characterised as a subsurface feature by a large amplitude, positive magnetic anomaly surrounded by Mesozoic crust. A newly identified NE to NNESSW trending magnetic anomaly between 7° N, 87° 30′ E and 10° 30′ N, 89-90° E may be one of the unidentified Mesozoic lineations in the northern Bay of Bengal. The Ninetyeast Ridge is not associated with any recognizable magnetic anomaly. The Sunda Trough to the east of the Ninetyeast Ridge is characterised by a positive magnetic anomaly. A combined interpretation, using Werner deconvolution and analytical signal methods, yields basement depths ~ 10 km below sea level. These depths are in agreement with the seismic results of Curray (1991). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A regeneration system for broadleaf cattail ( Typha latifolia), a common freshwater wetland monocot, was established. Callus was induced from 3 day-old seedlings on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with picloram or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Picloram induced more callus growth than 2,4-D. Callus proliferated predominantly from the root-shoot junction and sporadically from the roots. Upon transfer to N6-benzyladenine-supplemented medium, callus regenerated shoots. The mode of regeneration was organogenesis, with shoots arising from organized areas of callus. The regenerated shoots rooted in vitro and, on transfer to pots containing a commercial potting mix, were established in a greenhouse. The plants grew vigorously and produced a high root mass. No albinos and no morphological aberrations were observed in the regenerates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliable callus regeneration and shoot multiplication system for wetland monocot Juncus accuminatus has been established. Callus was induced from 6-day-old seedlings on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 5 mg/l picloram. The callus differentiated into shoots upon transfer to 5 mg/l benzyladenine (BA)-supplemented medium. Effects of medium pH (3.8–7.8) and source of callus (grown in the dark or continuous light) on regeneration were determined. Both parameters significantly influenced regeneration. Regenerated shoots were multiplied by subculturing shoots onto 5 mg/l BA medium at 4-week intervals. The regenerated shoots were rooted on 0.1 mg/l naphthaleneacetic-acid-supplemented medium. The rooted plants were transferred to pots containing a commercial potting mix and established in the greenhouse. Plants covered with plastic grew faster and flowered earlier than uncovered plants. All plants set viable seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformed Vigna mungo (blackgram) calli were obtained by cocultivating segments of primary leaves with Agrobacterium tumefaciens vir helper strains harbouring the binary vector pGA472 having kanamycin resistance gene as plant transformation marker. Transformed calli were selected on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 50 mg/l kanamycin and 500 mg/l carbenicillin. Transformed calli were found to be resistant to kanamycin up to 900 mg/l concentration. Expression of kanamycin resistance gene in transformed calli was demonstrated by neomycin phosphotransferase assay. Stable integration of transferred DNA into V. mungo genome was confirmed by Southern blot analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]