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With COVID-19 paralyzing street food businesses, street food vendors are trying to sustain their operations. The current study helps them by identifying the importance of five prominent stimuli viz. authenticity, quality, staff-service, ambience, and value for money in developing desire for street food in individuals in India. Furthermore, the study contributes by identifying the role of street food nostalgia (as a mediator) and perceived risk of COVID-19, age, and gender (as moderators) on the direct impact of each stimulus on the desire for street food. The study uses partial least squares path modelling to validate the hypotheses using SmartPLS. The findings are comparable to other developing Asian countries, as the proposed associations are validated with perceptual responses from three prominent cities and well-known street food destinations in India. The study showed the relative importance of the five-stimuli based on the stimulus-organism-response framework in developing a desire for street food. The findings suggest partial to complete mediation of street food nostalgia across the three samples. Lastly, the perceived risk of COVID-19 along with age and gender emerged as prominent moderators for many of the direct effects of stimuli on desires for street food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent contributions to the business cycle literature point towards the presence of potential nonlinearities in the relationship between similarities in sectoral composition of countries and their bilateral business cycle synchronization. By using a dynamic indicator of structural change (as opposed to the traditional static indicators), this article attempts to identify whether the similarities in the evolution of structural change across countries influence their bilateral business cycle synchronization heterogeneously across quantiles. With focus on India and its advanced and developing trade partners, this article employs the quantile regression model with non-additive fixed effects to assess this relationship. While India and its advanced countries' trade partners display a homogeneous and positive relationship between the similarity in evolution of agriculture and industry and their bilateral business cycle synchronization, there exists a homogeneously negative relationship with respect to the service sector. Similarities in the evolution of the industry and the service sector between India and its developing trade partners, on the other hand, have a heterogeneous impact on their bilateral business cycle synchronization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing empirical studies concerning labour market rigidity associated with the labour laws in India suggest an adverse impact of rigidity on total factor productivity (TFP). In this paper, we improve upon both the measurement of spatiotemporal variation in labour market flexibility and plant-level TFP from production function estimates in the presence of institutional rigidity in labour inputs adjustment due to job security legislation based on the recent advancement in the literature. We use an unbalanced panel of manufacturing plants from the Annual Survey of Industries panel data from 1999–2000 to 2016–17 to analyse the relationship between labour market rigidity/flexibility and TFP. We find that establishments that fall under the purview of job security legislation have higher productivity than those outside the ambit of job security legislation. The results suggest that rigidity associated with job security provisions does not harm TFP, and higher flexibility is negatively associated with TFP. However, we find considerable heterogeneity in the flexibility–TFP relationship across various industry groups. The heterogeneity in the flexibility–TFP relationship suggests that flexibility-inducing labour policy may improve TFP in some industries and, at the same time, decrease it in others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper focused on investigating the potential of indigenous Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CD5 isolated from manure-enriched soil as a bioremediation agent for chlorpyrifos biodegradation in semi-arid soil of Bathinda district of Punjab, India. The soil had sandy loam texture with slightly alkaline pH and low organic matter content of 0.36%. The growth pattern, alkaline phosphatase enzyme production and chlorpyrifos utilization capability of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CD5 were screened in mineral salt medium and the results revealed degradation of 78.19% of 500 mg L−1 chlorpyrifos within 15 days. The pattern of chlorpyrifos degradation was further studied in natural conditions of semi-arid soil by the Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CD5 and photolysis by sunlight for a period of 105 days. The biodegradation of chlorpyrifos at 500 mg kg−1 sterile soil by Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CD5 was 59.68% in comparison to 26% of photodegradation and enhancing total degradation. The residual chlorpyrifos in sterile soil after biodegradation by Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CD5 under natural light condition was 14.33%. The alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity in soil was found positively correlated with the chlorpyrifos degradation. The Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CD5 can be an effective candidate for the bioremediation of chlorpyrifos-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The de-focalisation of reporting and the focalisation of post-truth ideology is antithetical to the tenets of democracy. It reverts to the traditional centralised propagation of one truth, one reality, and one perspective while contracting, negating, or antagonising the possibility of alternative and parallel narratives. The right wing has created a narrative of suspicion, which is based on the conviction that anything deviating from the traditional cultural patterns is a contamination of the ethos of one's own native values, a deviation from the nativity, and hence an influence that needs to be disposed of. The ongoing Covid pandemic has magnified the narrative of post-truth through the use of sensationalism as an effective modus operandi. The blinding of the truth is rampant as news outlets are being guarded by right-wing gatekeepers and sensationalism is used to reflect the surging emotions of a public already gripped by a precarious reality. This paper examines the three primary and seemingly independent threats to democracy during the pandemic in India: de-focalisation of reporting, coerced homogeneity based on religion and language, and sensationalism. It addresses the question of how adversity is turned into a breeding ground for demagoguery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights the land use/land cover change, and its implications on the long-term changes in various hydrometeorological parameters in India during 2001–2018. The study exhibited a decrease in grassland (15.1%), barren land (10.2%), and shrubland (9.5%) in contrast to an increase in deciduous broadleaf forest cover (27.4%) and croplands (25.2%) in India. The study exhibited 31.7% of the geographical area observed a low warming (<0.8°C), in contrast to 52.1% of the area observed a low cooling (> 0.8 °C) in India over the observation period. The transformation of (a) barren land to shrubland and cropland (Western India) and (b) cropland, and grassland to forest cover (Central India) led to the cooling effects. While Indo-Gangetic Plain and North-Eastern parts observed warming effects due to greenness and wetness change. The findings highlight the relevance of bio-geophysical and land-climate feedback, which may help in developing integrated and effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tomato production is increasing along with postharvest losses in Nigeria, Rwanda and India. Modified Commodity Systems Assessment Methodology on tomato was conducted in the study areas during the July – August 2017 harvest season to evaluate the costs and benefits of improved postharvest practices or technologies that will reduce losses in the value chain. The use of colour chart as maturity index to harvest tomato fruit at breaker stage for long distant market in Rwanda when adopted showed that tomatoes were better protected from mechanical injury during handling and generated an immediate increased profit of US$170 for each 1000 kg load when compared with handling tomato fruit harvested at full ripe stage. In Nigeria, the use of a Zero Energy Cooling Chamber (ZECC) resulted in reduction of tomato loss to five percent when compared with the current practice of immediate sales of harvested produce with loss of 40%. This simple ZECC technology and use of Reusable Plastic Crates (RPC) reduced loss from 30% to 10% and increased the earnings of the farmer/trader in Rwanda. In comparison, in India the use of maturity indices and RPCs during harvesting and transport of tomato was common, and resulted in lower postharvest losses during marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a sample of 39,297 father-son pairs from Indian Human Development Surveys (IHDS), we examine whether migration experienced during child schooling affects the relationship between parent and child education. We relax the co-residency restriction for father-son pairs to obviate coresident sample selection bias in our mobility estimates. The panel structure of data enables us to identify children who were enrolled in school at the time when their families migrated. We find that migration experienced during schooling increases downward mobility. In particular, those children who were young at the time of migration tend to have poor educational outcomes. We show that widely cited aggregate measures of mobility provide an incomplete representation of intergenerational persistence in India, as most of the persistence originates from the tails of the educational distribution. The sons of the least educated fathers have poor prospects of upward mobility and face a glass ceiling in higher education. We use heteroscedasticity-based identification and Rosenbaumʻs sensitivity analysis to account for unobserved heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total Quality Management (TQM) is an enduring approach for enhancing firm competitiveness. Still, there is dearth of research regarding organisational diffusion (post-adoption) of TQM. To address this gap, this research proposes a theoretical model rooted in institutional and upper echelon theories that explain TQM diffusion via top management commitment. We surveyed 300 senior quality managers representing 300 auto-components manufacturers in India to collect data to test the proposed model using variance based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings suggest that institutional pressures significantly influence top management commitment to TQM. Subsequently, top management commitment influences organisational diffusion of TQM via acceptance, routinisation and assimilation. Managers can use the findings of this research to better understand how to assimilate TQM so that anticipated benefits can be fully realised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As quantities and composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) vary significantly with seasons, a seasonal characterization study is critical for developing an efficient MSW management system. MSW was characterized in three different seasons for selecting an appropriate waste treatment and management strategy for Guwahati city. Results of the study shows that the major components of the MSW were organics (42.2%) and plastic wastes (25.2%), which show high variations on a seasonal basis (22–49%). The chemical characterization of MSW revealed that on seasonal basis moisture content varies between 43.4% and 58.3%, pH between 5.5 and 6.5, volatile solid content from 32.9 to 58.9%, and the calorific value between 1203 and 3015 kcal/kg. Waste collected in the present study was a mixture of organics, recyclables, and inert material which is difficult and uneconomical for treatment in its present form. However, with proper waste segregation, bio-methanation, and composting could be sustainable waste treatment solutions due to the high moisture and volatile content of the MSW. Due to inadequate quantity, low calorific values, requirement of skilled supervision, and high capital investment, the thermochemical conversion of MSW may not be economically feasible for the present case. Implications: Present study is a novel attempt to analyze in-depth variation in the municipal solid waste (MSW) composition and properties in different seasons and how does it influence the selection and feasibility of the available waste treatment technologies. Search on Google scholar shows that only seven articles have been published till now which evaluated seasonal impact of MSW. Out to these published studies only one study have calculated energy potential of MSW on seasonal basis which is mainly restricted to incineration only. In-depth analysis of seasonal variation on anaerobic digestion, composting, refuse derived fuel (RDF), pyrolysis, and gasification is yet to determine. Furthermore, to best of our knowledge so far in India there was no such in-depth study has been published related to seasonal variation in MSW on large scale (city level). Present study provides in-depth valuable information regarding degree of variation in MSW composition and how does it affect resource recovery out of waste, which was not studied before in-depth before. Outcomes of the present study will definitely assist engineers and policymaker involved MSW management and planning for large urban areas to fulfil their sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the export baskets of developing economies have undergone a structural shift away from traditional exports towards more technology-intensive exports. The case of India, in particular, is important as the performance of Indian exports in terms of their productivity is now at par with that of developed countries. Since trade integration has significant implications for output comovements, we analyse whether this phenomenon of a structural shift in India's intra-industry trade composition has had any impact on its business cycle synchronisation with its developing and developed trade partners. Using a panel threshold regression model, our estimates reveal that intra-industry trade in technology leads to a convergence in business cycle of India with only its developing country trade partners. Further, when the GDP per capita of the partner country is greater than the threshold estimate, we find a negative relationship between technology-intensive trade and output comovements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is the first detailed Indian electronic medical record (EMR)-based real-world observational study to understand the clinical characteristics, associated comorbidities/risk factors and treatment(s) of CAD patients across India.Methods: EMR data of adult Indians (aged ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with CAD was retrospectively analyzed.Results: The majority of the participants had stable IHD (93%), were men (68.5% in ACS, 59.8% in stable IHD), most common age group was 40–64 years in ACS (56.6%) and stable IHD (51.4%). Both are common in metros (ACS 52%, 62% stable IHD). There is a high frequency of hypertension (38.2% in ACS, 59% in stable IHD) and diabetes mellitus (32.3% in ACS, 57.6% in stable IHD). Most common treatments are antiplatelet drugs and lipid-lowering drugs (96%).Conclusions: In India, stable IHD is the most prevalent form in vast majority of patients. The patients with CAD are mostly males, are mainly located in metros and majority fall between the age group of 40–64. The major comorbidities are hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics for CAD in India may not be similar to what is reported from the west. There is a significant difference in drug usage and adherence to guidelines in India for CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) were result of extensive stakeholder participation and global consensus. Despite large promises, there is an increasing concern among the member states whether SDGs address real problems of nations, particularly the developing world. This study discusses key issues raised by developing countries with respect to the SDGs. Using opinion of experts on SDGs regarding its implications and future, a case study for India is presented. The study with its findings and policy recommendations intend to benefit SDG implementation efforts and planning at the national and sub-national level in India and other developing countries, helping them redesign and investigate their national SDG implementation strategies on similar lines as India to improve its reach and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19-induced lockdowns and movement restrictions led to individuals’ limited movement and recall of street food memories. Against this backdrop, the current study explores the enabler role of the perceived scare of COVID-19 on street food attachment and its contribution to recommending and revisiting intention. A prominent contribution of this study is the evaluation of the moderating role of perceived price fairness, food authenticity, vendor hygiene practices, and income. The proposed model is validated with perceptual responses gathered from two prominent destinations viz. India and the Middle East and analyzed with partial least squares. Results showed that the perceived scare of COVID-19 does significantly enhance one’s attachment associated with street food. Moreover, street food attachment does enhance an individual’s revisit and recommendation intention in the new normal. Furthermore, results showed that the contingent effects of food authenticity, perceived price fairness, vendor’s hygiene practice, and income have a positive moderation on the relationship between perceived scare of COVID-19 and street food attachment. The study is one of the few studies on street food attachment in the new normal for developing countries like India and the Middle East. The implications have relevance for street food businesses and small food business owners in Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop residue burning is a major issue in farmers' fields of Indo-Gangetic Plain and Central India. It emits air pollutants and GHGs into the atmosphere, adversely affects soil, crop yields, human health and the environment. Weed infestation is also a major problem and affects overall crop yield. Therefore, a 2-year farm experiment was conducted at farmers' fields with three treatments – current farmers' practice (FP), conservation agriculture with improved weed management (CAW) and conservation agriculture without any weed management (CA) – from kharif (monsoon) 2017 to summer 2019 to manage crop residue and weeds. A happy seeder and tractor-operated boom sprayer were also introduced in CA and CAW. Total 51 t of crop residue was generated from 2 ha of rice-wheat-greengram cultivation area. In FP this crop residue was burned, but it was utilized as mulch in CA and CAW, thus, emission of 34,400 kg CO2e was avoided and energy potential of 100.1 × 104 MJ was created. The CAW produced percent higher crop yield of 21, 22.5 and 44.4%in first year and 20.6, 20 and 30% in second year of crop cycle respectively in rice (4.6 & 4.1 t ha−1), wheat (4.9 & 4.1 t ha−1) and greengram (1.3 & 1.3 t ha−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhouse cultivation enables year-round production of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Maintaining a favorable micro-climate inside a polyhouse is mostly through manual operation of environmental control systems in developing countries, and to varying degrees, with automation in developed countries. In this study automation of micro-climate control through sensors and controllers was examined. Soil moisture, relative humidity, and air temperature sensors were installed at different locations inside a polyhouse for the operation of irrigation, foggers, and fan-pad cooling systems. Threshold values of these parameterswere set as input to the programmable logic controller and systems. Bell pepper is an economically important crop rich in nutrients. The efficacy of the use of an automated system to control the growing environment for this crop needs to be clarified. The experiment was conducted using cv. Swarna, grown under open-field and polyhouse culture, at irrigation levels of 80% or 100% of crop evapotranspiration. Type of growing environment affected yield and fruit size, with production in the polyhouse being better, but irrigation level did not. The programmable logic controller-based automation system worked well for micro-climate control leading to 93% and 53% higher yield and fruit weight, respectively, in the polyhouse than open-field cultivation. The programmable logic controller-based automation can aid in maintaining a favorable microclimate inside a greenhouse leading to better bell pepper yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puparia of a new whitefly genus and species, Margaritaplena ovatagen. et sp. nov. found feeding on the underside of the leaves of Combretum sp. (Combretaceae) are described from the Andaman Islands, India. It differs from the allied genera, Asialeyrodes Corbett, Icfrealeyrodes Dubey and Sundararaj, and Vasantharajiella PMM David in shape, the large-sized geminate pores, and thoracic and caudal tracheal pores comprising microtubercles, and are inset from the margin, and also from Asialeyrodes in a complete submarginal furrow, and in lacking the first abdominal setae and caudal furrow. Line drawings, images for the habitus, types, and scanning electron microscope photomicrographs are provided for the new taxa. An identification key to puparia differentiating the new genus from related Indian Aleyrodinae genera is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pattern of post-stroke aphasia in speakers of Bengali language has not previously been reported in the literature. Furthermore, the inter-relationship between age, gender, and level of education and aphasia typology has remained unsettled thus far. Aims: To investigate the incidence and type of aphasia in first-ever acute stroke patients who were speakers of Bengali language. Methods & Procedures: Bengali version of Western Aphasia Battery was used for language assessment in our study participants. Lesion localization was done by using magnetic resonance imaging(3T) for ischemic stroke (if not contraindicated) and computed tomography for hemorrhagic stroke. Among 515 screened cases of first-ever acute stroke, 208 presented with aphasia. Language assessment was done between 7 and 14 days in all study participants. Outcomes & Results: The incidence of post-stroke aphasia in our sample was found at 40.39%. Types of aphasia were – Broca's (38.5%) followed by global (27.9%); Wernicke's (12.5%); transcortical motor (9.6%); anomic (4.3%); transcortical sensory (3.8%); isolation (1.9%); and conduction (1.4%). Mean number of years of formal education was significantly higher in fluent aphasia group in comparison with non-fluent group (10.51 years versus 7.01 years, p = 0.003). In logistic regression analysis, location of lesion (posterior perisylvian) (p = 0.007, OR = 5.406, 95% CI, 1.602–18.240) and education (p = 0.044, OR = 1.097, 95% CI, 1.003–1.199) were two independent predictors favoring fluent aphasia. Conclusions: Aphasia among post-stroke Bengali patients is quite frequent. The commonest type of aphasia in our sample was Broca's aphasia. Bengali-speaking people with higher education were more likely to present fluent aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its lower water requirement, methane emission and soil degradation, a maize–wheat rotation (MWR) may be a more attractive alternative to rice–wheat rotation (RWR), in the upper Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) of India. However, N2O emission from MWR needs to be quantified to propose management practices for N2O mitigation. A field experiment was conducted at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi, to assess the impacts of various N sources on N2O emission and its mitigation from the MWR. Six treatments –N0 (control), urea, urea + farmyard manure (FYM), FYM, urea + nitrification inhibitor (NI) and neem oil coated urea (NOCU) were investigated during 2012–2014. Results show ranges of N2O-N emissions from MWR of 0.59–0.69, 1.82–1.86, 1.81–1.85, 1.71–1.77, 1.38–1.52, 1.57–1.61 during 2012–2013, and of 0.62–0.68, 1.86–1.90, 1.78–1.84, 1.72–1.76, 1.40–1.46, 1.52–1.60 during 2013–2014, for N0, urea, urea + FYM, FYM, urea + NI and NOCU treatments, respectively. The 2-year pooled N2O-N emission of MWR decreased by 23% in urea + NI and by 16% in NOCU with higher grain yield as compared to conventional urea application. Application of FYM with urea and FYM alone also reduced N2O-N emission; however, the grain yields of these treatments were decreased. Thus, the study suggests that the application of NOCU and NI with urea can mitigate N2O-N emissions from the maize and wheat crops. Hence, the use of NOCU and application of NI with urea could be a better option to mitigate N2O-N emissions from MWR of the upper IGP of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palaeoclimatic reconstructions from sediment cores of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and other terrestrial ecosystems including lakes, peatlands and proglacial areas from the Indian subcontinent have been used to understand the past Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) variability. The core monsoon zone (CMZ) of India is one of the most important regions to understand past ISM dynamics. Pollen based palaeoclimatic reconstructions in the CMZ of India suggest a progressive increase in the ISM during the Holocene. However, the results suggesting a weak ISM after the Younger Dryas (YD) cooling event are contrary to the observations made in other parts of the country. Besides this, the minor climatic fluctuations are difficult to find in most of the reconstructions. This may be attributed to poor sample resolution and chronological control. These limitations make it difficult to ascertain whether the response of vegetation to climatic change has been insignificant or whether this change is not reflected in the proxy (proxy response). As a consequence, we argue that pollen based palaeoclimatic reconstructions are one of the most widely used proxies and will be meaningful as backbone for climate models only if the reconstructions become more quantitative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new whitefly species, Pealius satakshiae Dubey, found infesting Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (Fagaceae) in the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India, is described. Puparia of the new species differ from described Pealius species in being larger in size, having a differentiated cephalus, rhachisform abdomen and reduced abdominal segment VII, and lacking the first abdominal setae. Puparial characteristics for the genus Pealius Quaintance and Baker in relation to new species are discussed. Camera lucida drawings, images of habitus and holotype, and scanning electron microscope photomicrographs are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been little research conducted within developing nations examining the link between knowledge and diet-related perceptions and behaviors. In addition, prior investigations have rarely examined interrelationships between knowledge and other nutrition-related factors. Purpose: This study explored the relationship between nutrition knowledge, social/ informational factors, and diet-related outcomes among Indian adults with multiple chronic conditions. Methods: A snowball sampling technique was employed to recruit individuals. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to examine mediating and moderating relationships. Results: Results from a cross-sectional survey indicated that knowledge only predicted use among those reporting greater pressure/concern from close others. Furthermore, social support and social trust were found to moderate the relationship between knowledge and diet-related perceptions and behaviors. Discussion: Results suggest that social factors may play a critical role in moderating the impact of nutrition knowledge on diet-related perceptions and behaviors. Translation to Health Education Practice: Public Health Education interventions targeting developing nations should aim to maximize consumers' nutrition knowledge while identifying valued close others who can help encourage positive health action. Furthermore, Health Educators as well as government and local communities must engage in outreach efforts to reinforce or, if necessary, change public perceptions regarding the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Tons River Basin of North India has been selected for prioritisation of sub-watersheds (SW) based on morphometric parameters with respect to groundwater derived from topographic sheets and CARTOSAT data. There are 10 SW have been delineated in the region, high stream frequency (Fs) values of SW (1–5) and SW-9 indicated the occurrence of steep slopes, less permeable rocks, greater runoff, less infiltration possibility. Further, these regions have been predicted as poor groundwater potentialities. SW-2 has been identified as poorest groundwater potential zone, whereas SW-4 and SW (6–8) regions possess good permeable bed rocks. The Drainage density (Dd) map demonstrated that the middle south-west region possesses higherDdwhereas northeastern regions contain lowerDd. Further, the areal parameters indicate elongated shape of the basin, hilly region has moderate to steeper ground slope. The outcomes of work have potential to manage groundwater and to ameliorate the flash flood and droughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microspore morphology of 10 Indian species of Selaginella based on colour, laesura length, ornamentation and size was investigated using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microspore ornamentation of some species and tetrad formation in mature microsporangia of S. ganguliana have been described for the first time. In addition, intraspecific variations in ornamentation patterns of microspores have been reported using SEM. These observations will be helpful in morphotaxonomy for accurate identification and cataloguing the basic data of selaginellaceous microspores, as well as systematics of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, river stage variation derived from satellite altimetry was used to assess the water level, monthly discharge, and annual water yield at six virtual gauging stations at the braided reaches of the Brahmaputra River. The braided reaches of the river dynamically change their planform, thalweg line, and aggradation or degradation period. Stage records derived from the Envisat satellite of the European Space Agency and Topex/Poseidon of NASA/CNES were used for the period 2002–2010. Spatial interpolation and datum correction were applied on altimetry-derived river stage records before analysis. A correlation and error analysis between thein situand satellite-altimetry-derived stages was carried out for these stations for both monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. Yearly optical satellite images were used for qualitative assessment of temporal variations in aggradation/degradation phases at the gauging stations. Using the pseudo-rating curve, discharges at two virtual gauging stations were estimated. The results show that the altimetry-estimated discharges are of good agreement with observed discharge for the monsoon months (June–September) as compared with the non-monsoon months (October–May). In order to assess the annual water yield variability, yearly variation in annual water yield from the altimetry data was also estimated and compared to that observed. The estimated annual water yields were 90% accurate. Similarly, the long-term averaged monthly discharge series estimated from satellite altimetry closely follows the temporal trend of that of the observed series. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Particulate matter concentrations were measured in an industrial region in the Ganjam district of Odisha. The average levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM) were measured to be 142 ± 8 and PM10of particulate matter with a size of less than 10 micrometers (PM10) to be 50 ± 15 μg m−3. Out of the 14 elements determined, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, and K contributed more than 95% of the total weight. In enrichment factors, the trace elements, i.e., Zn, Pb, Cd, and Hg were observed to be highly enriched in the SPM and PM10. Factor analysis indicates that more than 75% of the variance was due to five component factors, which have eigenvalues greater than 1. Intake of elements through inhalation route to adults has been estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeonpea is a major pulse crop in India. However, its productivity, which hovers around 700 kg ha-1, has remained stagnant over the past several decades. Local landraces dominate the cultivation of pigeonpea in the country. A major reason for low productivity in pigeonpea is the nonavailability of quality seed of improved varieties to farmers. In this article, we share experiences of farmer-participatory pigeonpea seed production in Fatehpur and Kanpur Dehat districts in Uttar Pradesh in India. Through farmer-participatory varietal selection trials, farmers identified NA 1, long-duration pigeonpea variety and UPAS 120, short-duration variety, as their preferred choices. Long-duration variety NA 1 was preferred because of its disease resistance, higher yield, attractive seed size and color. Farmers were organized to form cooperative societies to undertake seed production, processing and marketing at the local level. Societies were also linked with the public sector seed producing agencies to participate in the formal seed production program. The C: B ratio of seed production of NA 1 variety was 1: 5.19 as compared to 1: 2.53 of the local variety. Village-level seed production not only addressed the issue of shortage of quality seeds but also brought higher incomes to farmers leading to improved livelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow vein mosaic disease of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is a serious problem for the cultivation of pumpkin throughout India. Symptomatic samples collected from Varanasi region of North India showed mixed infection of the three begomoviruses which could represent up to three species namely Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus, Squash leaf curl China virus and Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades supply chain coordination has been subject to research interest, and technology has been seen as an agent that accelerates this process. In developing countries, with far-flung markets and unorganized distribution networks, using technology for improving supply chain performances and accessing information is not an easy task. The research was directed to understand if mobile technology is being used by downstream supply chain partners for information sharing and thus improving supply chain performances. Findings suggest that supply chain integration with suppliers and customers is done through extensive use of mobile networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the mortality and morbidity of HIV/AIDS have decreased markedly. However, high adherence to ART (>95%) is necessary for a good therapeutic outcome. There is a paucity of data on paediatric adherence to ART and its correlates from developing countries, particularly India. Aim: To determine the rate of adherence to ART in HIV-infected Indian children and the factors associated with adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an ART clinic in New Delhi, north India. Caregivers of 90 children were interviewed using a pre-designed, structured questionnaire and checklist. The primary measure of adherence was 4-day caregiver's recall. Adherence rates were correlated with 3-monthly CD4 counts. Results: Mean (SD, range) adherence was 91·4% (12·3, 75-100%). Adherence was low (<95%) in 31 (34·4%) patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, increasing time since ART initiation (OR 1·08, 95% CI 1·02-1·13), low caregiver educational status (OR 4·19, 95% CI 1·37-10·88), orphanhood (OR 3·57, 95% CI 1·13-9·25), efavirenz-based ART regimens (OR 3·65, 95% CI 1·05-10·69) and female gender (OR 3·15, 95% CI 1·03-7·68) were associated with lower adherence. The rise in CD4 count after ART initiation was more marked in the high adherence group, with the difference in the two groups becoming statistically significant after 6 months of ART (median CD4 count 698 vs 355, p=0·016). Conclusions: It is possible to achieve high adherence to ART in a resource-limited setting. Caregiver recall is a reliable and inexpensive tool for measuring adherence. Paediatric adherence to ART is influenced by numerous factors and larger studies are needed to address the issue in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted during the rainy seasons of 2006 and 2007 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi for the management of yellow mosaic (Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus) and cercospora leaf spots (Cercospora canescens and Pseudocercospora cruenta) of mungbean. Insecticides and fungicides as seed dressings, with or without foliar sprays, were evaluated. Amongst the treatments, a combination of seed treatment with thiamethoxam (Cruiser™) at 4 g kg-1 and carbendazim (Bavistin™) + TMTD (Thiram™) at 2.5 g kg-1 (1:1 ratio) followed by foliar applications of thiamethoxam (Actara™) 0.02% and carbendazim 0.05% at 21 and 35 d, respectively after sowing produced the highest seedling establishment, shoot and root lengths, number of pods, plant biomass, 1000-seed weight, and grain yield in mungbean with the lowest intensity of cercospora leaf spots and mungbean yellow mosaic. Vector (whitefly) populations were also the lowest in this treatment during all stages of the crop. This treatment was cost-effective, as it provided the highest return per Rupee of input. It was second best for the number of Rhizobium root nodules per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Swine-origin influenza A H1N1 (S-OIV) has not been systematically studied in Indian children. Objectives: To study the clinical characteristics, morbidity and mortality pattern in children with S-OIV infection. Methods: This prospective study was conducted during the 'containment phase' of the pandemic in New Delhi from 10 June to 5 August 2009. All children suspected of being infected by S-OIV were admitted to the isolation wards and clinically evaluated according to WHO guidelines. Nasal and throat swabs were collected immediately for real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Haemoglobin, total leucocyte and platelet counts and chest radiography were undertaken in all patients. Those who tested positive for S-OIV infection were treated with oseltamivir for 5 days in isolation wards. Results: Thirty-seven children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty-one tested positive for S-OIV by RT-PCR and 16 tested negative. Comparison of the clinical characteristics of the two groups showed that duration of cough was longer in children with S-OIV (p<0.03). Total leucocyte and lymphocyte counts were significantly less in the S-OIV group (p<0.001 and , 0.02, respectively). Oseltamivir-related gastritis was seen in 38% of children. All improved and were discharged. Conclusion: S-OIV infection in Indian children had features similar to those of seasonal influenza. Lymphopenia is an important feature of S-OIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability of agricultural systems depends on their carbon (C) footprint, and the Coutput:Cinput ratio. Thus, this study was conducted with the objectives to: (i) assess the agricultural C emissions in relation to predominant farming systems in Punjab, India, and Ohio, USA; (ii) evaluate C-use efficiency of production systems; and (iii) determine the relative sustainability of agronomic production systems as determined by their C footprints. The data collated on C-based input into the soil for predominant crops for both regions included the amounts of fertilizers (N, P, K), herbicides and pesticides used for each crop annually, tillage methods, cropland area, total production of each crop, area under different farming systems, water-management practices (e.g., tubewell irrigation), and total number of livestock. These data were used to compute C equivalent (CE) per hectare of input and output, and the relative sustainability indices as a measure of the C-production efficiency. There existed a linear relationship observed between C input and C output for Punjab, indicating that an increase of 1 Tg/yr (1 Tg = teragram = 1012 g = million ton) of C input resulted in the corresponding C output of ∼12 Tg/yr. A similar linear relationship between input and net C output between the 1930s and 1980s was observed for Ohio, and the ratio reached a plateau during 1990s. The average C-sustainability index (increase in C output as % of C-based input) value for Ohio from 1990 to 2005 was 35-43, almost 2.5 times that of Punjab. Since 1989, there has been a major shift in Ohio from conventional tillage to reduced and conservation tillage along with a decline in fertilizer use. No-till farming is practiced on about 35% of the cultivated area, which involves elimination of plowing, retention of crop residue mulch, and judicious use of chemicals. In Punjab, crop residues are removed, resulting in loss of C from the soil organic carbon pool. Hence, the C-based sustainability index is much higher in Ohio than in Punjab. C-efficient systems are more sustainable than inefficient farming systems, and residue removal reduces agricultural sustainability by depleting the soil C pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study tropospheric ozone variability over the Indo-Gangetic (IG) basin, monthly tropospheric ozone residual (TOR) data has been analysed for the 1979-2004 period. Tropospheric column ozone has been observed to have a maximum during late summer (48 ± 4.1 DU) and a minimum during late winter (30 ± 4.2 DU) over the IG basin. The amplitude of the seasonal cycle has been observed to be comparatively larger over the western part of the IG region (∼51 ± 2.3 DU) than over the central (∼47 ± 3.2 DU) and eastern parts (∼47 ± 3.2 DU) of the region. Similarly, the seasonal variation in tropospheric ozone has been observed to be comparatively larger over the western part of the IG region (∼22 DU) than over the central (∼18 DU) and eastern parts (∼17 DU) of the region. The difference in tropospheric ozone amount over the eastern and western parts of the IG region also shows seasonal variation with a large difference (up to 4 DU) during the monsoon season. The monsoon system plays an important role in the seasonal variation of the tropospheric ozone over the different parts of the IG region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpha-lactalbumin (α-LA) (ALA), one of the two major whey proteins, is strongly correlated with the nutritional value and the functional properties of whey and whey products. The genetic variations of ALA gene in Jakhrana Goat breed (Capra hircus) were investigated using an optimized non-radioactive polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis of four amplified fragments covering all four exons of the gene. A total of eight SSCPs patterns were detected in three of these exons in a sample of 50 Jakhrana goats, indicating that this breed has high genetic variability in the ALA gene. This result opens interesting prospects for future breeding programs and conservation strategies. These ALA gene variants can be sequenced and screened in the entire population to develop single nucleotide polymorphisms for association studies with different productive and reproductive performances and marker assisted selection. In addition, our data show that PCR-SSCP is an appropriate tool for evaluating genetic variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal, admits students from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and other countries to the undergraduate medical course. Purposes: The present study sought to describe and explore reading habits of medical students during the first three semesters and obtain their views regarding inclusion of medical humanities in the course. Methods: The authors introduced a voluntary module in medical humanities to the fifth- and sixth-semester students. Gender, semester, and nationality of respondents were noted. Commonly read noncourse books (fiction and nonfiction) were noted. Student attitudes toward medical humanities were studied using a set of nine statements. A total of 165 of the 220 students (75%) participated. Indians followed by Nepalese were the most common nationalities. Results: Romantic fiction and biography were most commonly read. The Alchemist and The Da Vinci Code were commonly read books. Students were in favor of inclusion of medical humanities in the curriculum. The median total score was 30 (maximum possible score = 45). Conclusions: Students read widely beyond their course. The possibility of introducing medical humanities in the curriculum should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We model fertility as endogenous to the family's economic status because poor households choose to have large families in the absence of adequate social insurance. Because of a strong son preference in India, having two girls first can proxy an exogenous increase in fertility, and is therefore a good instrument for fertility in determining poverty of rural households. The 1993–1994 Indian Quinquennial Survey data shows that even though poverty rates are comparable, 74 per cent of two-girl families have a third child compared to 63 per cent of other families. Fertility significantly positively affects poverty when treated as exogenous, but vanishes once endogenised. These results are robust to omitting states with skewed sex ratios and to proxying economic status by expenditures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Administered the Indian adaptation of the Rosenzweig P-F Study to 144 Scheduled Caste (SC) adolescent and 158 young adult male Indians. The results show that SC adolescents scored significantly higher on ego-defensive (ED) and extragressive (EA) and lower on need-persistive (NP), introgressive (IA) and imgressive (MA) reactions as compared to the Non-Scheduled caste (Non-SC) adolescents while there was no significant difference on any reaction among SC and Non-SC young adults. SC adolescents scored higher on NP and lower on obstacle-dominance (OD) reaction as compared to the SC young adults. Non-SC young adults were higher on EA, ED, and OD and lower on IA and NP as compared to those of adolescents. The pattern of reactions was E.D-EA-NP-IA-MA-OD among adolescents and ED-EA-IA-NP-MA-OD among young adults of both the castes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study analyzed the spatial variability in groundwater quality and depth in National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India. The study classified the parameters into five distribution classes viz., low, moderately low, moderate, moderately high, and high. Spatial variability maps were generated using kriging tool in ArcGIS environment. Primary data collected seasonally during 2012–2014 were used for the generation of maps. Physico-chemical parameters were correlated with each other and groundwater depth. All the parameters were found to be negatively correlated with groundwater depth. Spatial distribution maps showed that maximum concentration of most parameters was found in the northern parts of the study area, while maximum depth was reported from the southern part. Maximum area of around 59% of total area of Delhi has low electrical conductivity, TDS, and hardness values. With groundwater depth improving toward north Delhi, groundwater quality is found to be improving toward south parts of Delhi. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]