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Objective: To investigate an anthrax outbreak affecting multi-species of animals including human in five remote tribal villages in West Midnapur district, India, with no previous history of anthrax cases for decades. Methods: A systematic epidemiological investigation, along with bacteriological examination, cultural isolation, biochemical and molecular characterization of the samples (blood, dried meat, pieces of bones) was carried out to con firm diagnosis, identify transmission routes and risk factors to recommend suitable control measures. Results: Samples from nine animals were confirmed for presence of Bacillus anthracis by characteristic morphology, biochemical profile, McFadyean reaction in blood smear, ‘medusa head’ appearance of colonies and PCR based detection of pXO1 plasmid. Epidemiological investigation revealed that the human patients contracted the infection during butchering or while handling contaminated animal products. In total, 14 animals died and 11 people got infected with cutaneous anthrax during the outbreak period. Conclusions: Anthrax continues to be a persisting problem in Indian subcontinent causing considerable morbidity and mortality in animals and human. Collaborative efforts of human and animal health officials through various controlled measures viz., ring vaccination, early treatment of human cases, quarantine of affected animals, safe disposal of carcass and public health campaign effectively controlled the zoonotic anthrax outbreak.

The focus on building better and efficient cooling techniques for electronic gadgets are gaining importance day-by-day. Among the various techniques being studied passive cooling techniques using heat pipes are gaining momentum; the challenge being finding a suitable working fluid which would enhance the performance of these devices. With the present scenario demanding eco-friendly alternatives, the researchers have tried using R600a, a hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero Ozone Depletion Potential. The optimum fill ratio of 50% was determined experimentally at an orientation of 90° from horizontal. Experiments were carried out to find the performance parameters of the thermosiphon heat pipe at the said fill ratio by varying the input heat from 20 W to 140 W with an increment of 20 W each. Next, the working fluid was replaced by de-ionized water and experiments were repeated. The results suggest that the resistance of the heat pipe thermosiphon reduced by 27% when R600a was used. Also, heat transfer coefficients at the evaporator and condenser section increased by a significant margin of 19% and 30% respectively when R600a was used in comparison to DI water.