Search

The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of three remedial techniques to improve the spelling ability of students with learning disability. The three techniques, namely, TAK/v, visual orthographic method and listen, speak, read and write (LSRW) method were administered to three experimental groups, each having 13 students with learning disability. The students in the three groups differed in the kind of errors they made in spelling. TAK/v, group, visual orthographic group and LSRW group comprised of dyseidetic spellers, dysphonetic spellers and spellers with mixed errors respectively. The students in the sample had at least average intelligence, manifested specified traits of learning disability, had significant deficits in spelling skills and had no sensorial problems. The results indicated that all the three remedial techniques were significantly effective in ameliorating spelling deficits among students.

As the wealth of information available on the Web increases, Web-based information seeking becomes a more and more important skill for supporting both formal education and lifelong learning. However, Web-based information access poses hurdles that must be overcome by certain student populations, such as low English competency users, low literacy users, or what we will refer to as "emerging Internet users." The challenge springs from the fact that the bulk of information available on the Web is provided in a small number of high profile languages such as English, Korean, and Chinese. These issues continue to be problematic despite research in cross-linguistic information retrieval and machine translation. These technologies are still too brittle for extensive use by these user populations for the purpose of bridging the language gulf. In this paper, we propose a mixed-methods approach to addressing these issues specifically in connection with emerging Internet users, with data mining as a key component. Our target emerging Internet users are rural children who have recently become part of a technical university student population in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. As Internet penetration increases in the developing world and at the same time populations shift from rural to urban life, such populations of emerging Internet users will be an important target for design of scaffolding and educational support. In this context, in addition to using the Internet for their own personal information needs, students are expected to be able to receive assignments in English and use the Web to meet the information needs specified in their assignments. Thus, we begin our investigation with a small, qualitative study in which we investigate in detail the problems faced by these students responding to search tasks given to them in English. We first present a qualitative analysis of the result write-up in response to the given information-seeking task along with some observations about the corresponding search behavior. This analysis reveals difficulties posed by the strategies students were observed to employ to compensate for difficulties understanding the search task statement and retrieved materials. Based on these specific observations, we present an extensive controlled study in which we manipulate both characteristics of the search task as well as the manner in which it was presented (i.e., in English only, in the native language of Telugu only, or presented both in English and the native language) in order to understand how a light form of support might impact task success for these information seeking tasks. One important contribution of this work is a dataset from roughly 2,000 users including their pre-search response to the task statement, a log of their click behavior during search, and their post-search write up. A data mining methodology is presented that allows us to understand more broadly the difficulties faced by this student population as well as how the experimental manipulation affects their search behavior. Results suggest that using machine translation for the limited task of translating information seeking task statements, which is more feasible than translating queries or large scale translation of search results, may be beneficial for these users depending on the type of task. The data mining methodology itself, which can be applied as an assessment technique for evaluating search behavior in subsequent research, is a second contribution. Finally, the findings from statistical analysis of the study results and data mining are a third contribution of the work.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework with related analysis methodologies that identifies the influence of social environment on an established cropping system. Design/Methodology/Approach: A stratified survey including 103 villages and 823 farmers was conducted in all districts of Haryana (India). Firstly, technical efficiency (TE) was modeled using biophysical data including grain yield, seeding rate, wheat varieties, tillage, sowing date, seed source, harvesting method and the application of fertilizer, herbicide and irrigation. The relationship between TE and social community factors such as farm size, farmer age, level of education and agricultural support programs was analyzed by regression tree. Findings: TE was lower with the farmers who only have education to a primary standard. Farmers with high TE scores were mostly between 35 and 40 years of age, and a higher TE association was common for farmers who use technical publications. Social individual factors such as farmers' views on the future of farming were also analyzed across different TE levels. Practical implications: Farmers with lower TE are an obvious target for production improvement, particularly given the understanding that the overall production yield gap is small in Haryana. Theoretical implications: Our conceptual framework shows a quantitative way to establish the socio-ecological linkage, and to identify the opportunities for changes in management with extension services leading to productivity improvement. Originality/Value: This paper provides a novel framework with detailed methodology to effectively identify the socio-economic factors that limit the biophysical production in an agricultural system.

To test the efficacy of an intervention to reduce tobacco use among youth (10-19 years old) in slum communities in Delhi, India. This community-based cluster-randomized trial included 14 slums composed of purposely built resettlement colonies and adjacent inhabitant-built Jhuggi Jhopris. Youth in the intervention received a 2 year multiple-component intervention: (a) youth and adult leader training; (b) peer-led interactive activities and outreach; (c) tobacco cessation camps; and (d) enforcement of India's Tobacco Control Law (smoke-free environments and youth access). Overall, no differences between the intervention and control conditions were observed over time; self-reported tobacco use declined in both groups. However, when stratified by type of residence, a significant decrease was observed among youth in the resettlement colonies in the intervention group for overall tobacco use (slope = -0.69) and cigarette and bidi smoking (slope = -0.66), compared to an increase in the control group (slope = 0.24 and 0.12, respectively) (P < 0.001). No differences in smokeless tobacco (SLT) use were observed for either group. Comprehensive community-based interventions that engage youth can be effective in reducing smoking among disadvantaged youth in India. More intensive interventions, like tax increases or large-scale media campaigns, appear warranted for the most marginalized in this context and for SLT products.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the use of electronic journals from the INFONET consortium by faculty and research scholars of physics and chemistry at Kurukshetra University, India. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on the results of a questionnaire distributed to all the teachers and research scholars of the two departments. Findings: The main findings are that the respondents are more attracted towards e-journals than print journals. However, they depend more on open-source materials than those available via INFONET. Respondents also identified the need for training in using e-resources and retrieving information from them from time-to-time. Originality/value: The use of e-resources, particularly e-journals, is increasing in the developing countries. Studies such as this one are required to understand the problems faced by the users and to increase the use of e-resources. (Contains 17 tables.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess employees' perceptions of their organizations' orientation towards learning in manufacturing and service firms. Design/methodology/approach: The Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) developed by Marsick and Watkins, was administered to 235 executives working in the National Capital Region (NCR) in India. Regression analysis with the help of Eviews 5 was utilized to investigate the difference between the dimensions of DLOQ in both the sectors. Findings: Results suggest a significant impact of structural level dimension on a firm's financial and knowledge performance. Furthermore, no difference was observed between manufacturing and service sectors in context of a learning organization (LO). Research limitations/implications: Data were collected only from organizations operating in India's National Capital Region. Originality/value: This research fulfills the literature gap in the domain of LO. It applies the LO approach and the DLOQ tool to examine the learning orientation of both manufacturing and service organizations in the NCR which has not been done so far in the literature. The results indicated greater impact of the structural level dimension as compared to the people level dimension irrespective of the sector in India. (Contains 2 figures and 5 tables.)

Nowadays mental health is being fundamental concern to human being, while work is an integral part of modern life. Mental health is an important psychological attribute that plays a determining role in increasing the performance of employees and reducing rate of absenteeism, tardiness, and turnover of employees in the organisations. Our aim was to explore the psychometric properties of the newly developed questionnaire related to mental health. The items were framed with help of the previously available tools and interaction with sampling unit. Initially, 56 items were constructed related to the emotional, psychological and social well-being, eliminating jargons and complex terms defining the dimensions and its underlying statements so that newly developed questionnaire could be used in variety of workplace settings and items were framed to fit the manager's context. Only 42 items were retained on the basis of experts' maximum agreement and this 42-item questionnaire was distributed to participants to take their responses. The sample comprises of 250 managers of first level working in different units of Coal India Limited. The results of reliability analysis indicate that Cronbach's alpha =.896 after deleting the 15 items from the questionnaire due to poor corrected item total correlation, less loadings and cross loadings in exploratory factor analysis. The reliability statistics fit the optimal level of Nunnally's criteria and statistically acceptable for newly developed questionnaire. Results of the exploratory factor analysis indicate that these 27 items are loaded on three factors and these three factors explain 42.623% of total variance in mental health. This questionnaire will be useful for assessment of mental health of managerial personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in the world. The production and productivity of wheat is adversely affected by several diseases including leaf rust, which can cause yield losses, sometimes approaching >50%. In the present mini-review, we provide updated information on (i) all Lr genes including those derived from alien sources and 14 other novel resistance genes; (ii) a list of QTLs identified using interval mapping and MTAs identified using GWAS (particular those reported recently i.e., after 2018) and their association with known Lr genes; (iii) introgression/pyramiding of individual Lr genes in commercial/prominent cultivars from 18 different countries including India. Challenges and future perspectives of breeding for leaf rust resistance are also provided at the end of this mini-review. We believe that the information in this review will prove useful for wheat geneticists/breeders, not only in the development of leaf rust-resistant wheat cultivars, but also in the study of molecular mechanism of leaf rust resistance in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recombinant drug products successfully treat many life-threatening and chronic diseases. The high cost of these drugs makes them inaccessible to the patients particularly in developing countries. Patent expiration of innovator recombinant drug products has led to the development of biosimilars or similar biologics by several manufacturers. Unlike generics, these are not identical to their innovator products because of the differences in the manufacturing process; however, they are similar in quality characteristics, biological activity, safety, and efficacy. The regulatory procedures used for generic drugs cannot be applied for biosimilars as they are large complex structures produced from living cells and can produce potential risk of immune-based adverse reactions. Out of several safety issues related to biosimilars, two main safety concerns are variable potency and immunogenicity, for which a robust long-term pharmacovigilance system is needed. Various guidelines have been issued for the regulatory approval and pharmacovigilance of biosimilars by USFDA, EU, and pharma-emerging countries like China and India. The article includes the pharmacovigilance plan of biosimilars in these countries, discusses the challenges and opportunities in pharmacovigilance through spontaneous reporting systems, and suggests amendments in the existing suspected adverse event reporting form of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In common wheat, genes/QTL for a number of traits including grain quality and resistance against all the three rusts were pyramided in the background of an erstwhile elite Indian wheat cv. PBW343. For this purpose, two improved lines (P1 and P2) each in the background of PBW343 were crossed; these two lines were earlier developed using marker-assisted selection (MAS). The genes carried by line "P1" included Yr70/Lr76 + Lr37/Yr17/Sr38, and the genes carried by line "P2" included Gpc-B1/Yr36+QPhs.ccsu-3A.1+QGw.ccsu-1A.3+Lr24/Sr24+Glu-A1-1/Glu-A1-2. Following foreground MAS in F2 and F3 and SDS-PAGE analysis in F5, 23 lines were selected, each carrying all the genes/QTL for grain quality and resistance to three rusts in homozygous condition. Eleven of the selected lines had relatively higher grain protein content (along with one or more other traits) and were also resistant to five pathotypes of Puccinia triticina (Pt), seven pathotypes of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), and two pathotypes (78S84 and 47S103) of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) that occur in major wheat-growing areas of India. One line (CCSU-7) out of these 11 selected lines had significantly higher grain yield as well as grain protein content compared with check cv. PBW343, which should prove useful in future wheat breeding programs for improving not only the grain quality but also the durability of resistance against all three rusts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Profiles the national library network in India, including its history, governance, staff, holdings, users, facilities, circulation, and services. (FM)

Exposure to temperatures ≥30°C during flowering and grain filling stages can negatively affect seed set and seed weight in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The screening of a large set of germplasm under hot wheat growing environments (Indo‐Gangetic Plain in India) led to the identification of promising heat‐tolerant genotypes. The selected set of 28 diverse spring wheat genotypes were exposed to heat stress (34/16°C day/night temperatures) for 10 d during flowering and for 30 d during grain filling to quantify genetic variability in pollen germination, photosynthesis, and yield parameters under controlled‐environment conditions. Pollen grains collected immediately at anthesis (between 0530 and 0630 h) were incubated on liquid in vitro pollen germination media. Averaged across wheat genotypes, a significant reduction in pollen germination (39.9%, P < 0.001) was recorded from plants exposed to heat stress. Heat stress for 10 d during flowering induced significant reduction in seed number (15.4 and 23.0%) and seed weight (32.3 and 34.6%) on main and primary spikes, respectively, compared with the control. Heat stress during grain filling had a more pronounced impact on seed weight (16 and 22%) than seed number (2.7 and 9.3%) in main and primary spikes, respectively. Genotypes KSG025 and KSG1214 with higher seed number, seed weight, and harvest index and appreciable pollen germination under heat stress were identified as candidate donors for simultaneously enhancing flowering and post‐flowering heat tolerance in spring wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indo-Gangetic region is an important source of food grain produced in India. With advent of advanced crop management practices, there has been a recent increase in production. This could be due to improved yield and/or multiple crops per year. Understanding cropping patterns is, therefore, a fundamental requirement to strategize food security in the country. The long running space based earth observation programmes, provides a powerful tool to study the change in vegetation, through use of indices, synoptically and temporally. This study proposes a machine learning based technique to identify distributed (pixel-wise) cropping cycles, based on the temporal trend in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The technique is applied to several time series NDVI data sets (OCM, MODIS and GIMMS) and results are discussed. There is tremendous scope to further extend this study to predict drought conditions, change in cropping pattern, and estimate production statistics, by using advanced artificial intelligence methods (such as deep learning). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of research to e-research emphasizes on the value of research data. Development of re3data.org, a unique registry for research data preservation across countries, is a great opportunity for researchers. This registry has been using a tool to identify the most effective repository resources for desired research. The primary objective of this article is to explore research data understanding in the Indian research community and the auxiliary objective is to depict an overview for present development of research data preservation in Indian repositories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional geoprocessing techniques often rely on the use of multiple softwares for data handling and management which consumes almost 80% of the time and requires the user to be well versed with all the intricacies of pre-processing. Therefore, there is a need to reverse the trend on analysis and data management, so as to enable scientists and researchers to focus on the science rather than data handling and pre-processing. The concept of a Data Cube which is a massive multi-dimensional array of raster or gridded data, 'stacks' satellite images and addresses the problems faced by traditional remote sensing practices and provides an interactive environment where datasets can be analysed with relative ease as compared to its traditional counterparts. This framework allows multi-format and multi-projection datasets spanning decades to be used in various geoprocessing techniques from simple GIS tasks such as data conversion, time series generation, and to do more complex tasks such as change detection, NDVI generation, unsupervised classification and modelling. LISS III data for the state of Uttarakhand, India was used on an interactive interface called the Jupyter Notebook where scripts written in Python allowed data to be ingested, analysed and visualised. The Data Cube framework hence proved to be a flexible and extensive development environment which can be extended to meet more complex modelling requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of frugal and reverse innovation has brought emerging economies into focus. However, disruptive innovation (DI) is rarely observed in this context. This study outlines the evolution of DI in the Indian automotive sector through an instrumental case study. Our study reinterprets the phenomenon in the context of emerging economies by investigating how dynamic capabilities (DCs) at the firm level actuate DI manifestation, and offers a set of takeaways that focus on the dimensions of DCs required for such manifestation. In addition, we identify any additional constructs that may play a role in catalysing DI in emerging economies. While not hypothesised, we do find that larger firms actuate DI in emerging economies actively, and a turbulent or VUCA environment enables the identification of disruptive opportunities. Further, managerial implications include the importance of managing innovation policy in a turbulent environment and the necessity of different dimensions of DC as an overlay on the operational capabilities of a firm in achieving DI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University Grants Commission (UGC) listed more than 38,000 journals based on three databases, Web of Science, Scopus and Indian Citation Index for selection/promotion of teachers and other academic staff in the universities and colleges, in India. The first covers 15 journals in the area of Library and Information Science which are published from India. This study provides comprehensive information of those journals with the objectives of critically studying on the aspects such as: reviewed/refereed/coverage in abstracting and indexing in databases, journal ranking and updateness of the journal. The list of LIS Journals presently available on the UGC website is reviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The link between social interaction and entrepreneurial activity has attracted considerable attention in the entrepreneurship literature. In this study, we focus on individual cultural values, shaped by interactions in the social space, as they relate to opportunity evaluation, a cornerstone of the entrepreneurial process. We test our predictions in India, a non-Western society that has sustained one of the highest rates of entrepreneurial activity in the world. Our findings suggest that value orientation of high power distance is negatively associated with opportunity evaluation whereas uncertainty avoidance, collectivism, and femininity are positively associated with opportunity evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to study the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors on first lactation production and reproduction traits of 493 Phule Triveni cattle sired by 55 bulls during 1976–2012 maintained at Research-Cum Development Project on Cattle, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri, District Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra, India. The average FLTMY was 2855.40±42.67 kg with an average FLL 331.03±3.01 days and the FL300DMY was found to be 2646.77±39.30 kg. The average AFC, FCI, FSP and FDP was 985.41±1.93, 430.32±4.01, 151.07±5.10 and 93.45±2.84 days, respectively. The effect of season of calving was found to be non-significant on all production and reproduction traits except FL300DMY which was affected significantly. However, the effect of period of calving was found to be highly significant on all production and reproduction traits except FSP on which effect was found to be significant. The effect of the sire was found to be significant on FL300DMY, FDP and AFC. The heritability (h2) estimates for production and reproduction traits were found to be moderate to high. The highly significant genetic and phenotypic correlation was found between production and reproduction traits. The present investigation revealed that FLTMY, FL300DMY and AFC could be improved through selection and can be used for further improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper discusses and compares four different air quality indices, viz, arithmetic, multiplicative, unweighted arithmetic, and unweighted multiplicative, which were considered for characterising the coastal air quality at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mumbai, India. Suspended particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, and sulphur dioxide were used as the parameters of air quality indices. Value function graphs for above-mentioned variables were developed using Indian ambient air quality standards for different areas. Product moment correlation coefficients for various air quality indices were determined using the SPSS software package to evaluate correlation among various indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-term study of measurement of concentration of NOx, SO2 and TSP pollutants have been done in a port and harbour region in India. Monthly measurements of gaseous and particulate pollutants were made at six monitoring stations from January 1997 to December 2000. Meteorological data was also simultaneously collected. In this study, the relationship between monitored ambient air quality data and meteorological factors, such as wind speed, temperature, is statistically analysed, using the SPSS package. The monthly mean concentrations of NOx, SO2 and TSP were in the range of 19.5-59.0 µg/m³, 8.6-51.3 µg/m³ and 88.2-199.3 µg/m³ respectively. The results show that TSP is strongly correlated with NOx and SO2 with a correlation coefficient of 0.83 and 0.82, respectively. The correlation coefficients for TSP, NOx, and SO2 with wind are -0.78, -0.78, and -0.88, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution potential indices (APPI) give an idea of the capacity of the atmosphere to disperse and dilute the pollutants emitted into it by myriad sources. The higher the index the better is the dilution. These indices are computed based on the vertical and horizontal extent of mixing of the pollutants in the atmosphere. In the present paper, meteorological data have been analysed to determine diurnal, monthly and seasonal variations in temperature, wind speed, mixing height, ventilation coefficient and air pollution potential index to assess the air quality around Jawaharlal Nehru Port Area in New Bombay, India. The maximum mixing heights for winter, pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons were 1906, 2808, 1582 and 2046 m, respectively. The maximum ventilation coefficient (10530 m²/s) was recorded in the month of April, and the lowest value was 4398 m²/s in the month of July. The lowest value of APPI (3) was obtained for the month of December and high values of APPI (about 7) were recorded during March, April and May. The study demonstrates that coastal regions are in general favourable for pollutant dispersion, and APPI can be used as indicators for regional environmental planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on evaluation of different component biomass of Alnus nepalensis, Rhododendron arboreum and Tectona grandis using pre-existing multiple species-specific equations developed by various authors. The study aimed to compare component biomass estimation obtained using these different equations keeping values of diameter, wood density and height constant for three plant species. A total of 80 equations were computed. A wide variation in component biomass estimation were observed within tree species. Biomass for all the three tree species was also evaluated and compared using two mixed standard equations which can be used across a range of conditions in India. It was observed that there was a significant difference in biomass estimation in the studied tree species. Aboveground biomass for Tectona grandis ranged from 551-1869 kg tree-1. Leaf Biomass for Rhododendron arboreum ranged from -1.29 to -5.29 as negative numerals. Similar intriguing observations were reported for tree bio-volume estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and perception of corporate frauds in India and their consequences in the business and economic systems, and it highlights the emerging issues so that existing legal and regulatory obligations can be redefined and structured. Design/methodology/approach -- An exploratory research was conducted through a combined mode of literature review; case studies; structured questionnaires from 346 sample companies; and 43 interviews with the corporate professionals, management, investors, government offices and authorities having wide experience. Findings -- It was found that the regulatory system is weak, and there is dire need to redefine the role of auditors. Coordination among different regulatory authorities is poor, and after every scam, there is a blame game. Reporting of fraud and publication of fraud prevention policy are missing. Banks and financial institutions are ineffective on due diligence, and there is a lack of professionalism on the board and other executive levels in companies. Research limitations/implications -- This study assumes that fraud could be mitigated by proactive and conscious action by auditors, and corporate executives are willing to avoid perpetrating financial fraud despite pressures from investors, government securities regulators and exogenous market fluctuations. The authors relied on the honesty of the respondents during the sample collection and recorded semi-structured interviews. A minimum level of five years' work experience relative to preventing, detecting or investigating fraud has been considered a valid determinant in selecting the purposive sample. Practical implications -- The study suggests mandatory publication of fraud prevention policy; constitution of special purpose corporate offence wing; recognition to companies for improved corporate governance; true adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards; due diligence by banks and financial institutions; compulsory appointment of professionals by shareholders and fixation of responsibility on independent professionals; intellectualisation of audit committee; and more powers to the regulators, especially Securities and Exchange Board of India. Social implications -- Prevention of corporate frauds reduces anxiety, improves corporate image and builds up confidence of the investors, which is essential for resource channelling in financial markets. Originality/value -- The research work is based on a thorough analysis of regulatory framework and fraud case studies and primary data collected from companies, banks and other government and developmental institutions. Paper type Research paper [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite altimetry for inland water applications has evolved from investigation of water height retrieval to monitoring since last two decades. Altimetry derived reservoir/ river levels can subsequently be used to deal with key inland water resources problems such as flood, rating curve generation for remote locations, reservoir operations, and calibration of river/lake models. In this work 29 inland water bodies were selected over Indian region to monitor from satellite altimetry. First cut selection of potential water bodies was based on availability of altimeter tracks and geographic locations. Then feasibility study was carried out to check the potential of availability of in-situ measurement and scope of GPS survey for final selection. An algorithm is proposed and tested for the water-level retrieval over the Ukai Reservoir which fulfil all the necessary requirements. The methodology is based on averaged high rate waveforms, modified retracker and range corrections. The results were then validated with the GPS survey and in-situ tide gauge dataset. SARAL derived water-level information for six different retrackers were compared with the in-situ tide-gauge dataset installed close to the Ukai Dam. Averaged high rate waveforms were analysed for better performance, i.e. single 40Hz, and multiple 40-Hz. A field trip was conducted on 17th January 2014, same day on the SARAL pass, using two Dual frequency GPS instruments. New improved retracker work best with overall RMSE within the range of 8 cm. The results supports that AltiKa dataset can be utilized for more accurate water level information over inland water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental Research, Engineering & Management / Aplinkos Tyrimai, Inžinerija ir Vadyba is the property of Institute of Environmental Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A hybrid technique was used for the runoff production and its routing in an agro-forested watershed located within the Kanha National Park in Central India with the use of remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) data. In this technique, a modified Soil Conservation Service curve number (SCS-CN) method and a two-dimensional overland flow model were combined. Modified SCS-CN method estimated daily net rainfall fractions were used as an input to the overland flow model along with other remote-sensing-derived inputs such as the digital elevation model (DEM), rainfall, and roughness factor for routing of the produced runoff. The model works on a cell basis and routs produced runoff from one cell to next following the maximum downslope directions. The flow model uses the diffusive wave approximations of the St. Venant equations for routing surface water. The model was tested by calibrating the Strickler coefficient , which is inversely proportional to resistance to flow, and comparing the observed and simulated daily change in the water levels for two gauging sites. The calibrated average values of for different subcatchments were 15.7, 21.7, 23.4, and 28.4 for Kurkuti, Sijhora, between the gauging sites, and downstream catchments, respectively. The model was tested for some statistical parameters like the Nash Sutcliffe coefficientand RMSE using residuals between observed and simulated data, and found to be within the acceptable limits. The results show that the hybrid technique works well to extend the application of curve number to address the routing phase of runoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two new species, Podapolipus husbandi and Podapolipoides channabasavannai, collected on Oxya sp. from West Bengal, India are described and illustrated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of developmental dental anomalies in an Indian population and to statistically analyze the distribution of these anomalies. The study was based on clinical examination, evaluation of dental casts, and panoramic radiographs of 1123 Indian subjects (572 males, 551 females), who visited the outpatient clinic at Government Dental College, Indore between November 2009 and September 2010, after obtaining their informed consent. These patients were examined for the following developmental dental anomalies: shape anomalies (microdontia, talon cusp, dens evaginatus, fusion, taurodontism), number anomalies (hypodontia, oligodontia, anodontia), structural anomalies (amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenesis imperfecta) and positional anomalies (ectopic eruption, rotation, impaction). The percentages of these anomalies were assessed for the whole group and compared using statistical analysis. Among the 1123 subjects, a total of 385 individuals (34.28%) presented with the selected developmental dental anomalies. The distribution by sex was 197 males (34.44%), and 188 females (34.06%). Out of the total 1123 individuals, 351 (31.26%) exhibited at least one anomaly, 28 (2.49 %) showed two anomalies and 6 (0.53%) displayed more than two anomalies. P values indicated that the dental anomalies were statistically independent of sex. On intergroup comparison, positional anomalies were significantly most prevalent (P < 0.05) in the Indian population. The most common developmental dental anomaly was rotation (10.24%), followed by ectopic eruption (7.93%). The next common group was number anomalies. The most common number anomaly was hypodontia (4.19%), which had a higher frequency than hyperdontia (2.40%). Analyzing the next prevalent group of shape anomalies, microdontia (2.58%) was found to be the most common, followed by taurodontism (2.49%), dens evaginatus (2.40%) and talon cusp (0.97%). Dentinogenesis imperfecta (0.09%) was the rarest, followed by amelogenesis imperfecta (0.27%) and fusion (0.27%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithospheric velocity structure of the lower Indus basin has been evaluated through inversion of fundamental modes of both Love and Rayleigh wave group velocities from the broadband records of a seismic network maintained by the Institute of Seismological Research, Gujarat, India. We have considered three clusters of wave paths A, B, and C that mainly cross the lower Indus basin from south to north; the wave paths of A mainly cross the continental shelf, and the wave paths of B and C pass through the lower Indus basin. The measured group velocities correspond to periods of 5 to 90 s for Rayleigh waves, and 5 to 115 s for Love waves. These data sets resolve the structure of the lithosphere through a nonlinear inversion based on a genetic algorithm with a wide solution space. The mean and standard deviation (S.D.) of the 70 accepted solutions for each of these three clusters provide the 2D structure for the lower Indus basin from south to north. The sediment consists of two layers with total thickness from 5.7 to 6.6 km increasing northward. The crustal thickness also increases northward from 32.9 (cluster A) to 39.7 km (cluster C) in the lower Indus region. The S-wave velocity below the crust varies from 4.55 to 4.59 km/s, which is close to the corresponding velocity of 4.60 km/s of the Indian shield region to the east of the Aravalli range. The thicknesses of the lithosphere, as well as the velocities of the uppermost mantle of the lower Indus plain, are similar to that of the Indian shield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the current status of risk management in Indian companies and explore the reasons for the adoption or lack of adoption of integrated approach to risk management. It identifies the imperatives for implementation of comprehensive risk management solutions leading to enterprise-wide risk management (EWRM). The paper shows that effective risk management can improve organizational performance but adequate infrastructure is not available in companies for implementing EWRM. Design/methodology/approach - Exploratory design using the survey research methodology that includes structured questionnaires and interviews of 130 companies. Findings - Risk management in Indian companies is currently facing the problem of integration and incentivisation. The risk management function is not suitably blended into the corporate strategy and use of information technology for risk management is minimal. The portfolio approach to risk management titled as integrated risk management or EWRM is ineffective from an implementation perspective and a sea change in risk perception is required which accentuates the need for building up of risk culture across business segments and adequate incentivisation for risk management. Practical implications - Risk management is an integral part of the decision-making process and effective risk management can proactively help in overcoming the possibilities of the business failures. Originality/value - The paper highlights the fact that knowledge of risk management in Indian companies is inadequate and sample companies hesitate to respond thinking that itmayreflect inefficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the trends on social science education and research in India. It mentions the developments happened to sociological studies during the British occupation up to the country's independence and cites the introduction social science research in colleges and universities. Furthermore, the role of science and technology on the development of sociology in the nation is also mentioned.

Irrigated agriculture in many areas of the world is currently being practiced from multiple water sources such as precipitation, canal, wetlands, ground aquifer, etc. This study highlights the use of high temporal remote sensing data [IRS- 1D; Wide Field Sensor (WiFS), 188-m resolution] to assess conjunctive water use pattern and its productivity in the 6 Main Canal command of Damodar Irrigation Project West Bengal, India. In this command three sources of water (canal water, groundwater and wetland) were used for the rice growing system during the summer season. A multi-date (ten dates, two bands) image stack was prepared. Using this image stack and an unsupervised classification (Fuzzy k-means) backed by space- time spiral curve (ST-SCs) technique, canal release and wetlands information was used to prepare irrigated classes (canal, groundwater or wetlands) map for summer 2000. ST-SCs have been used to analyze temporal WiFS data to continuously monitor class dynamics over time and space and to determine class separability (different types of irrigated-classes) at various time periods within the season. Results showed that the area under agriculture, non-agriculture and water were 81%, 18.5% and 0.5%, of the total area respectively. While, groundwater, canal water and wetland irrigated rice were 67.6%, 25.6% and 6.8%, respectively out of the total agriculture area. Classification results found to have more than 89.3% overall accuracy for broad land cover, while sub-classes of rice i.e. irrigated classes found have reasonably good accuracy of 85.7%. A productivity index (LAI/water-requirement) was also developed. Productivity index was high for the wetland and groundwater irrigated rice as compared to the rice irrigated through canal water. These results were weighed against the observed yield data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Soil Conservation Service curve number (SCS CN) model has been used in the GIS environment to compute run-off at spatio-temporal scales using remote sensing-derived rainfall for 2004 and climatic normal (1951-80) rainfall data. The SCS CN model takes into account land use/land cover, antecedent soil moisture condition and hydrological soil groups. Temporal 10-day composite Normalized Difference Vegetation Index images of SPOT-VGT sensor, and daily remote sensing-derived rainfall data at 10 km resolution from the NOAA Climate Prediction Centre have been used to generate the land cover and antecedent moisture condition (degree of saturation) respectively. Hydrological soil groups were prepared using the soil texture and their infiltration and drainage characteristics. Run-off coefficient maps were generated using the CN-based rainfall excess run-off. Wetland rice-growing areas of West Bengal, India were used to calculate threshold run-off coefficient (0.2) to identify run-off potential areas for major river basins of India during the monsoon season (June to September). There was a large difference in the spatial pattern of run-off estimated for the year 2004 compared to using normal climatic rainfall data. Area estimates for run-off potential were also found to vary significantly for the climatic normal and in-season (2004) data. The spatial variability showed high run-off potential in the western India river basins like Mahi, Luni, rivers of Saurashtra and Sabarmati in 2004. Run-off potential areas over India have been found to increase abruptly from June (158,700 km²) to July (712,300 km²), and decrease from August (633,400 km²) to September (142,000 km²) during 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attenuation properties of the crust in the Kachchh region, Gujarat, India, have been investigated. For this purpose, 49 local earthquakes having focal depths in the 3-38 km range have been used. The quality factors Qα (the quality factor using P waves) and Qβ (the quality factor using S waves) have been estimated using the coda normalization method. The quality factor of coda waves (Qc) has been estimated using the single backscattering model. Multiple scattering models have been used to estimate Qi (the intrinsic attenuation parameter) and Qs (scattering attenuation parameter) for the region. The values of Qα, Qβ, Qc, Qi, and Qs show a dependence on frequency in the range of 1.5-24 Hz for the Kachchh region. The average frequency-dependent relationships (Q = Q0fn) estimated for the region are Qα = (77 ± 2)f(0:87±0:03), Qβ = (100 ± 4)f(0:86±0:04), and Qc = (148 ± 3)f(1:01±0:02). The estimate of Qc is found to be higher than Qβ in this region. This analysis supports the Zeng et al. (1991) model that predicts that the effects of intrinsic and scattering attenuation combine in a manner that Qc should be more than Qβ. The estimated values of Qs and Qi vary from 529 and 183 at 1.5 Hz to 3053 and 2668 at 24 Hz, respectively. We find that the Qc estimates lie between the estimates of Qi and Qs but are closer to Qi at lower frequencies. This is in agreement with the theoretical as well as laboratory measurements. A comparison between Qi and Qs shows that intrinsic absorption is predominant over scattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetotelluric investigations have been carried out in the Garhwal Himalayan corridor to delineate the electrical structure of the crust along a profile extending from Indo-Gangetic Plain to Higher Himalayan region in Uttarakhand, India. The profile passing through major Himalayan thrusts: Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFF), Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and Main Central Thrust (MCT), is nearly perpendicular to the regional geological strike. Data processing and impedance analysis indicate that out of 44 stations MT data recorded, only 27 stations data show in general, the validity of 2D assumption. The average geoelectric strike, N70°W, was estimated for the profile using tensor decomposition. 2D smooth geoelectrical model has been presented, which provides the electrical image of the shallow and deeper crustal structure. The major features of the model are (i) a low resistivity (<50Ωm), shallow feature interpreted as sediments of Siwalik and Indo-Gangetic Plain, (ii) highly resistive (> 1000Ωm) zone below the sediments at a depth of 6 km, interpreted as the top surface of the Indian plate, (iii) a low resistivity (< 10Ωm) below the depth of 6 km near MCT zone coincides with the intense micro-seismic activity in the region. The zone is interpreted as the partial melting or fluid phase at mid crustal depth. Sensitivity test indicates that the major features of the geoelectrical model are relevant and desired by the MT data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the infrastructure and other facilities of education at school level and the level of education of the general population in India. It states that the important factors that caused poverty are illiteracy and ignorance. Moreover, the Government of India has opened several schools in rural and urban areas to improve the level of education on the masses. However, several large schools lack the basic requirement of good and sufficient number of teachers, enough rooms and blackboard facilities.

The paper highlights the security-related provisions in IPR laws in India. There are no specific provisions related 10 national security in the laws on copyright, trademark, and geographical indication. It describes the provisions in the laws relating to patents, designs, integrated circuits, and plant varieties, The components of the Competition Act and the Information Technology Act relevant to the application of the acts keeping in mind the security of the country have also been included. The paper also points out the importance of other issues in the management of IPRs in defence like protection of confidential information, use of patent information in R&D, and sharing of IPRs during collaboration and the joint ventures in the development of technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report seasonal variation in CH4 and N2O emission rate from solid storage of bovine manure in Delhi as well as emission factors and emission inventory from manure management systems in India. Emission flux observed in the year 2002–2003 was 4. 29±1, 4. 84±2. 44 and 12. 92±4. 25mgCH4 kg−1 dungday−1, as well as 31. 29±4. 93, 72. 11±16. 22 and 6. 39±1. 76μgN2Okg−1 dungday−1 in winter, summer and rainy seasons, respectively. CH4 emission factors varied from 0. 8 to 3. 3kghd−1 year−1 for bovines and were lower than IPCC-1996 default values. N2O emission factors varied from 3 to 11. 7mghd−1 year−1 from solid storage of manure. Inventory estimates were found to about 698±27GgCH4 from all manure management systems and 2. 3±0. 46tons of N2O from solid storage of manure for the year 2000. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In bread wheat, single-locus and two-locus QTL analyses were conducted for seven yield and yield contributing traits using two different mapping populations (P I and P II). Single-locus QTL analyses involved composite interval mapping (CIM) for individual traits and multiple-trait composite interval mapping (MCIM) for correlated yield traits to detect the pleiotropic QTLs. Two-locus analyses were conducted to detect main effect QTLs (M-QTLs), epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs) and QTL × environment interactions (QE and QQE). Only a solitary QTL for spikelets per spike was common between the above two populations. HomoeoQTLs were also detected, suggesting the presence of triplicate QTLs in bread wheat. Relatively fewer QTLs were detected in P I than in P II. This may be partly due to low density of marker loci on P I framework map (173) than in P II (521) and partly due to more divergent parents used for developing P II. Six QTLs were important which were pleiotropic/coincident involving more than one trait and were also consistent over environments. These QTLs could be utilized efficiently for marker assisted selection (MAS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study, ‘Impact of social mobility on society—a case study of ‘majha’ cultural zone of Punjab’ was undertaken to study mobility from generation-I to generation-II. The sample of 400 respondents i.e. 200 from generation-I and generation-II from eight villages of two districts were taken Only those households were selected where the members belonging to the two generations were alive. The sample consisted of 40 households each from landless, marginal, small, medium and large farm categories. Two eldest males i.e. one each from the two generations were selected for interview. Interview schedule was used as research instrument for collection of data. Study revealed that due to mobility there was disintegration of joint family system, mainly because of outside employment. People have become more materialistic and self-centered. There was an increase in the family expenditure pattern on different household items due to which rural indebtedness has also increased. In the rural areas there was a change in caste hierarchy. People now give more preference to economic status of the family than the caste status. There was an increase in the educational level and specialization. There was however in increase in the levels of mental tensions, stress and strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the cause of death in East Delhi, India. The information was collected by conducting a door-to-door survey of 20,000 households from 50 colonies and villages in East Delhi. It was found out that heart diseases and stroke were the common causes of deaths among people comparatively higher economic status, living in old urban colonies, new urban colonies and Delhi Development Authority Flats/Government Quarters. Respiratory diseases, tuberculosis and diarrhoeal diseases as causes of deaths were among common to people of comparatively lower economic profile living in villages, jhuggi jhopri colonies and resettlement colonies. Death due to accidents were higher in the villages, and mortality due to respiratory diseases was higher among children and elderly people.

NALCO – the largest exporter of aluminium in India has a power plant of 720 MW capacity in Nandira watershed in Angul district of Orissa. The power plant utilises local coal to generate thermal power and disposes of large amount of ash which accumulates in slurry form at nearby two ash ponds. These ash ponds were breached on 31 December 2000, causing ash accumulation for entire regime of the Nandira river. An attempt has been made towards preparation of recovery and rehabilitation plan for NALCO using temporal Remote Sensing data and GIS. Indian remote sensing satellite data for pre-breach condition 12 December 2000, during breach event 31 December 2000 and post-breach condition 4 and 6 January 2001 has been digitally analysed for Nandira watershed. The satellite data of coarse spatial resolution provides the absence and presence of fresh sediment deposition along Nandira watershed and Brahmani river pertaining to pre-breach and post-breach conditions respectively on regional scales. The temporal comparison of fine resolution has clearly highlighted the aerial extent of damage caused by the disaster for entire watershed on local scales. The GIS has helped in demarcation of freshly accumulated ash at interval of 500 m along the river length as well as in delineation of maximum ash accumulation across the river width. The study has clearly demonstrated the use of temporal Remote Sensing data in conjunction with GIS for disaster management in terms of recovery and rehabilitation plan preparation of the Nandira watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the implementation of the Project Small Family (PSF) as a methodology to control population in the tribal belt of central India. The PSF is implemented by the Chhindwada MP (India) based nonprofit organization, Institute for Development of Youth, Women and Children (IDYWC) with funding from the PSF Inc. The design philosophy, process, incentive programs and actual pilot project result are considered.

In India, the implementation of river-cleaning operations through River Action Plans (RAPs) conventionally focuses on a reduction in concentrated or point sources of organic loading to the river, and is assessed by monitoring the consequent improvement in river water quality. However, in the case of Indian rivers or river stretches having substantial background pollution due to distributed or non-point loading of organic matter and nutrients, elimination of point sources of pollution may not substantially impact or improve river water quality. It is suggested that implementation of River Action Plans in India under such circumstances must be conducted using a multi-tier approach. The initial emphasis in such cases should be on the selection of priority stretches of the river, where pollution control will have maximum beneficial impact on the citizens, and interception and diversion of all concentrated or point loads of pollution from these stretches. In addition, measures to minimize non-point pollution and visible pollution to the river and initiation of riverfront restoration and development projects are necessary in these priority stretches. Such measures would result in aesthetic improvements, increase the beneficial uses of the river and its surroundings, and generate favorable public perception towards RAPs, though they may not be sufficient to enhance the river water quality to the desired levels. However, as a result of the above actions, public support for funding more expensive and longer-term river cleaning schemes, resulting in comprehensive reduction in organic and nutrient loading to the river from point and non-point sources all along its length, may be generated. The need for this alternative methodology for implementation and assessment of RAPs in India has been illustrated by taking the example of the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) and assessment of its implementation near the city of Kanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, as a test case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass burning is one of the major sources of trace gas emissions in the atmosphere. In India the major sources of biomass burning include deforestation, shifting cultivation, accidental fires, controlled burning, fire wood burning, burning from agricultural residues and burning due to fire lines. Studies on biomass burning practices gain importance due to increasing anthropogenic activities and increasing rates of deforestation. Satellite data have been widely used over the globe to monitor the rates of deforestation and also with respect to biomass burning studies. But, much of the polar orbiting satellites, due to their repetitive cycle, have limitations in observing such events and in the tropics, due to cloud cover, getting a cloud-free image during the daytime is difficult. In this study we used Defence Meteorological Satellite Program Operational Line Scanner (DMSP-OLS) night-time data to study the biomass burning events over a period of 10 years from 1987 to 1998 for the Eastern Ghats region, covering the northern part of Andhra Pradesh, India. Two ground-based experiments were carried out to quantify the emissions from biomass burning practices. The results of the study with respect to trace gases suggested emission ratios for CO, CH4, NOx and N20 during the burning to be about 12.3%, 1.29%, 0.29% and 0.07% at the first site and 12.5%, 1.59%, 0.29% and 0.05% at the second site, suggesting low inter-fire variability between the sites. The variation has been attributed to the fuel load, vegetation characteristics, site conditions and local meteorological parameters affecting the relative amounts of combustion. Using the DMSP OLS derived areal estimates of active fires, the trace gas emissions released from the biomass burning were quantified. The results suggested the emissions of 8.2 × 10[sup 10] g CO[sub 2], 1.8 × 10[sup 8] g CO, 6.0 × 10[sup 6] g N[sub 2]O, 3.0 × 10[sup 6]g NO[sub x] and 1.2 × 10[sub 8][sup 8]g CH[sub 4] during March 1987. The emissions increased to 1.0 × 10[sup 11]g CO[sub 2], 2.3 × 10 g CO, 7.8 × 10[sup 6] g N[sub 2]O, 3.9 × 10[sup 7] g NO[sub x] and 1.6 × 10[sup 8] g CH[sub 4], over a period of 10 years. The results of the analysis suggest the possible use of monitoring biomass burning events from DMSP-OLS night-time data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain information on the assemblage of Protozoa in the changing environment in Lake Naini Tal, this study was carried out for a period of one year from November 1995 to October 1996. Samplings were done from the mud–water interface at two stations which differed considerably in their magnitude of pollution. Station I was moderately polluted while Station II was highly polluted. Some physico-chemical parameters of water such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, pH, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorus and BOD were also measured. A total of 23 ciliates were found at the mud–water interface of the two stations during the sampling period. The annual mean of species richness at Station I was significantly greater (19 species) than that of Station II (13 species). The species composition was also different at the two stations. In general, Station I supported larger ciliated species (1249 × 103 μm3 taxon–1) than Station II (348 × 103 μm3 taxon–1). Among different feeding groups of ciliates, the groups ‘Algivore-Bacterivore’ and ‘Bacterivore’ were about twice as common at Station II (116 × 103 cells–1) than at Station I (55 × 103 cells–1). The annual average ciliate community abundance was more diverse at Station I than Station II. The annual average biomass in terms of carbon content for both stations was almost the same (6.0 mg Cl–1 for Station I and 6.1 mg Cl–1 Station II). However, different species were responsible for the contribution to the biomass at the two stations. The values for Shannon-Weiner's diversity indices at Staion I were higher that those for Station II. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]