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The leachates emanating from the landfills are high in organic loads and thus become potential sources of contamination for both surface and groundwater. As the landfill ages, the nature of leachate changes from acidic to alkaline. The change in pH level affects the chemical oxygen demand (COD)/biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) ratio and when it is less than 0.63, chemical treatments are more effective over the biological treatment methods such as upflow anaerobic sludge blankets (UASB). The existing literature suggests coagulation–flocculation and advanced oxidation process (Fenton) as effective methods for treating wastewater but no comparison of the two are available. Thus, the present study attempts to identify the most efficient coagulants out of ferric chloride (FeCl3), ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) and alum [Al2(SO4)3]. Ferric chloride leading to 99% colour removal, 98% COD removal, 99% decrease in total organic carbon, 94.3% removal in NH3–N and 91.4% removal in total Kjeldahl nitrogen is observed to be the most efficient coagulant and surprisingly, proves to be even better than Fenton. To understand the field applicability of the two treatment procedures, coagulation with FeCl3 and Fenton are compared with the UASB method which is currently employed at Gazipur landfill site, Delhi. With lesser operational cost than UASB, both FeCl3 and Fenton perform better on cost-efficiency scale. Switching from in-suit UASB method to the FeCl3 method of treatment may result in decreasing the operational cost by 71.9% and to conventional Fenton may result in decreasing the operational cost by 76.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to estimate attenuation characteristics of the central Himalayan region of India concerning various strong-motion parameters such as Kappa value (κ) and site effects. We have tried to elaborate on the regional structural heterogeneities and their implications towards the seismic hazard assessment of the study region. A total of 81 earthquakes recorded at 50 stations situated in the central Himalayan region of India are used for the purpose. The particular focus is kept on Kappa value, which shows variability from 0.03 s to 0.095 s, inferring the higher values obtained in plains with deep sediment accumulations proving high-frequency energy dissipation and stiff-soil/rocky sites exhibit comparatively limited attenuation accordingly. To substantiate these results various attenuation parameters such as coda wave quality factor (Qc), intrinsic attenuation parameter (Qi), and scattering attenuation parameter (Qs), have been estimated for two regions in the central seismic gap Himalayan region of India employing the single backscattering model and Wennerberg formulation. The estimated values of Qc, Qi, and Qs are found to be highly dependent on frequency in the frequency range 1.5–24 Hz for both the regions. The average frequency-dependent relationships ( Q = Q 0 f η ) estimated for both regions are Q c = 158 f 1.18 and Q c = 194 f 1.2 , respectively. The low value of Q0 shows that the region is highly heterogeneous while the higher value of η indicates higher seismicity in the area. It is also found that intrinsic attenuation is predominant over the scattering attenuation, envisaging the behavior of the wave attenuation through the absorption within the granitic layer at shallow depths. At lower frequencies, Qc values are found close to Qs values, which is in agreement with the theoretical measurements suggesting the presence of complex crustal heterogeneities beneath the region affecting the propagation of seismic waves experiencing considerable decay of energy through scattering. To confirm the aggregate attenuation on the stations, the site characteristics are also determined for examining the behavior of the amplification as the ground motion is comprised of the combined effect of the source, path, and site. The sites are amplified at a predominant frequency (fpeak) in between 1.5 to 10 Hz for the central Himalayan region. The different attenuation and amplification parameters like kappa, Q, and site effects can be utilized for detailed seismic hazard analysis (based on ground motion prediction equations) of the area as this region is of great importance from a socio-economic point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site effect estimation using recorded ground motion is an effective approach to assess the seismic hazard of a region. Keeping the same thing in mind, an endeavor is being made to study the local site effects at different locations in the North East region of India through analysis of recorded strong ground motion data provided by Indian strong motion network. The data recorded at 25 sites from 37 earthquakes with a magnitude range M L 4.0–6.9 have been utilized. The estimated predominant frequencies ( f p e a k ) using horizontal to the vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) is well observed for various sites placed in various geological formations like the Precambrian, Tertiary and Quaternary Consequently, the pseudo velocity response (PSV) for 5% critical damping is estimated and compared with the regional geological formations, especially in the Brahmaputra Valley region. It is further noticed that the HVSR, as well as PSV, show a noticeable correlation according to the geological set up of the region for most of the sites, giving a clear idea about the site effect evaluation. Analyzed strong motion data also show the effect of non-linearity, which is an important parameter as it explains the inelastic behavior of the soil causing a reduced or non-linear amplification. Since some of the sites used in present work do not correlate with geology, the sites used for HVSR estimation are used to classify them according to the classical approach employing f p e a k . All the sites are classified in four different classes namely A, B, C, and D based on shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m. The outcome of the present study is being shown in the form of contour maps for f p e a k and site amplification for various types of buildings in order to assess the seismic hazard and risk mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The content and nature of media reports could influence suicide prevention measures. Aim: To evaluate contemporary online media reports' compliance with guidelines for responsible reporting of suicidal acts from Indian resources. Methods: We included English and Hindi articles for reports concerning suicide, published by local and national media sources for 30 consecutive days from the day of death of a celebrity by alleged suicide. The search was performed in Google News with predefined search queries and selection criteria. Two independent investigators did data extraction. Subsequently, each news report was assessed against guidelines for the responsible reporting of suicide by the WHO and the Press Council of India. Results: We identified 295 articles (Hindi n = 172, English n = 123). Results showed more than 80% of the media reports deviated from at least one criterion of the recommendations. A maximum breach was seen in the news article's headlines, sensational reportage and detailed suicide methods description. Significant differences were seen in the quality of English and Hindi reporting and reporting celebrity and noncelebrity suicide. Additional items revealed were reporting suicide pacts, linking multiple suicides in a single news report, allowing user-generated threads and linking Religion and suicide. Conclusion: Measures are required to implement reporting recommendations in the framework of a national suicide prevention strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Media portrayal of mental illness may influence public stigma and service utilization. Aim: This study aims to explore the overall tone and content of the news articles on mental illnesses in India. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on online English and Hindi news portals for articles which made reference to mental illness, published by local and national media sources between September 2019 and August 2020. The search was performed using location and news-only filters in the "Google" search engine; we used predefined search queries and selection criteria. A previously published checklist was used for the content analysis; it was done by two independent investigators. Results: A total of 273 news reports met inclusion criteria (Hindi n = 164, English n = 109). Results showed that more than half (54.9%) had a positive tone. Nearly a third (30.8%) of these articles were stigmatizing in tone. Persons with mental illness were portrayed as violent, unreliable, and unpredictable. Uses of blanket terms (33.3%) such as mentally ill, mentally unstable, mentally retarded, and stigmatizing photographs (36.9%) were also common. Overall, Hindi media had a significantly better quality of reporting than the English language media. National media reports had a less negative and stigmatizing tone than local articles. Conclusion: There is a need for a concerted attempt to improve the quality of media reporting of mental illness in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquakes are deadliest among all the natural disasters. The areas that have experienced great/large earthquakes in the past may experience big event in future. In this study, we have simulated Kangra earthquake (1905, Mw 7.8) and a hypothetical great earthquake (Mw 8.5) in the north-west Himalaya using Empirical Green's Function (EGF) technique. Recordings of Dharamsala earthquake (1986, Mw 5.4) are used as Green function with a heterogeneous source model and an asperity. It has been observed that the towns of Kangra and Dharamsala can expect ground accelerations in excess of 1 g in case of a Mw 8.5 earthquake and could have experienced an acceleration close to 1 g during 1905 Kangra earthquake. The entire study region can expect acceleration in excess of 100 cm/s in case of Mw 7.8 and 200 cm/s in case of Mw 8.5. The sites located near the rupture initiation point can expect accelerations in excess of 1 g for the magnitudes simulated. For validation, the estimates of the PGA for Mw 7.8 simulation are compared with isoseismal studies carried out in the same region after the Kangra earthquake of 1905 by converting PGA values to intensities. It was found that the results are comparable. The target earthquakes (Mw 7.8 and Mw 8.5) are simulated at depth of 20 km and 30 km to examine the effect of PGA for different depths. The PGA values obtained in the present analysis gave us an idea about the level of accelerations experienced in the area during 1905 Kangra earthquake. Future construction in the area can be regulated, and built environ can be strengthened using PGA values obtained in the present analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attenuation characteristics based on coda waves of two areas-Jamnagar and Junagarh of Saurashtra, Gujarat (India)-have been investigated in the present study. The frequency dependent relationships have been developed for both the areas using single back scattering model. The broadband waveforms of the vertical components of 33 earthquakes (Mw 1.5-3.5) recorded at six stations of the Jamnagar area, and broadband waveforms of 68 earthquakes (Mw 1.6-5) recorded at five stations of the Junagarh area have been used for the analysis. The estimated relations for the Junagarh area are: Q = (158 ± 5)f (lapse time : 20 s), Q = (170 ± 4.4)f (lapse time : 30 s) and Q = (229 ± 6.6)f (lapse time : 40 s) and for the Jamnagar area are: Q = (178 ± 3)f (lapse time : 20 s), Q = (224 ± 6)f (lapse time : 30 s) and Q = (282 ± 7)f (lapse time : 40 s). These are the first estimates for the areas under consideration. The Junagarh area appears to be more attenuative as compared to the Jamnagar area. The increase in Q values with lapse time found here for both the areas show the depth dependence of Q as longer lapse time windows will sample larger area. The rate of decay of attenuation ( Q) with frequency for the relations obtained here is found to be comparable with those of other regions of the world though the absolute values differ. A comparison of the coda-Q estimated for the Saurashtra region with those of the nearby Kachchh region shows that the Saurashtra region is less heterogeneous. The obtained relations are expected to be useful for the estimation of source parameters of the earthquakes in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat where no such relations were available earlier. These relations are also important for the simulation of earthquake strong ground motions in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attenuation properties of the crust in the Chamoli region of Himalaya have been examined by estimating the frequency-dependent relationships of quality factors for P waves (Qα) and for S waves (Qβ) in the frequency range 1.5–24 Hz. The extended coda normalization method has been applied on the waveforms of 25 aftershocks of the 1999 Chamoli earthquake (M 6.4) recorded at five stations. The average value of Qα is found to be varied from 68 at 1.5 Hz to 588 at 24 Hz while it varies from 126 at 1.5 Hz to 868 at 24 Hz for Qβ. The estimated frequency-dependent relations for quality factors are Qα = (44 ± 1)f(0.82±.04) and Qβ = (87 ± 3)f(0.71±.03). The rate of increase of Q(f) for P and S waves in the Chamoli region is comparable with the other regions of the world. The ratio Qβ/Qα is greater than one in the region which along with the frequency dependence of quality factors indicates that scattering is an important factor contributing to the attenuation of body waves in the region. A comparison of attenuation relation for S wave estimated here (Qβ = 87f0.71) with that of coda waves (Qc = 30f1.21) obtained by M andal et al. (2001) for the same region shows that Qc > Qβ for higher frequencies (>8 Hz) in the region. This indicates a possible high frequency coda enrichment which suggests that the scattering attenuation significantly influences the attenuation of S waves at frequencies >8 Hz. This observation may be further investigated using multiple scattering models. The attenuation relations for quality factors obtained here may be used for the estimation of source parameters and near-source simulation of earthquake ground motion of the earthquakes, which in turn are required for the assessment of seismic hazard in the region. [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]

We simulate the strong ground motion for an expected major earthquake (Mw 7.0) beneath the Bhutan Himalayan region with an empirical Green's function method using waveforms recorded from the 2009 Bhutan mainshock (Mw 6.1) and its largest aftershock (Mw 5.1). Fault orientation and location of the simulated event extend the length of the fault plane determined from the 2009 Bhutan mainshock and aftershock along its strike. The simulated PGA values are compared with the results derived from a ground motion prediction equation (GMPE) for the Himalayan region and it is found that different levels of accelerations are associated with different rupture initiation points on the fault plane. It is observed that the NE Indian region is capable of generating peak ground acceleration (PGA) in exceedance to 121 cm/s2 for simulated earthquake (Mw 7.0). The maximum impacts of shaking will be on the sites located near the rupture initiation points that are poised to generate higher values of ground acceleration. To validate our simulation, we also estimate the extent of rupture directivity of the simulated earthquake with respect to four initiation points indicating that higher value of PGA and shaking duration exist either to South or to South-West azimuths from the imitated locations, which are corroborated with respective geology of the sites. This study suggests that areas of maximum ground shaking would occur in the vicinity of the source initiation where possibility of relatively stronger earthquake hazards does exist, which in turn requires attention for adoption of earthquake risk mitigation plans in view of impacts of trans-boundary earthquakes in the region. • Different acceleration levels are associated with different rupture initiation points beneath Bhutan extended to NE-India. • Maximum impacts of shaking is on sites located in S or SW of rupture initiation which is confirmed by rupture directivity. • Cities in NE India are capable to generate PGA equivalent to a maximum of 121 cm/s2 in case of simulated earthquake. • Proactive steps should be regulated to mitigate the trans-boundary disastrous earthquakes in NE-India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum magnitude (MM) earthquake in the Kopili fault zone of North-East India has been assessed using different approaches, which are primarily dependent on various parameters such as fault geometry, slip rate, geodetic moment rate, and convergence rate. The analyses reveal that the source zone has accumulated strain energy, during the last 72 years since 1943, enough to produce a strong earthquake of magnitude ≥ 7. On supplementing with the historical data, we conclude M w 7.3 as the maximum potential earthquake for the Kopili source zone. Such large earthquake, on its occurrence, may cause widespread significant ground shakings and damage to infrastructures in the study region. We, therefore, also simulated strong ground motion, in the form of peak ground acceleration (PGA), for the M w 7.3 potential earthquake using Empirical Green’s Function (EGF) approach for ten different sites. In the analysis, an earthquake of magnitude M w 6.5, which has been simulated using a recorded M w 5.3 earthquake, is used as Green’s Function. The two-step approach is adopted in the simulation process, as the required criteria, i.e., moment ratio of < 1000 between the target potential event (M w 7.3) and the element event (M w 5.3) could not be met. We found that the cities like Tezpur, Masamari, Tumuki, Dhekiajuli, Nagaon, Bomdila, Udalguri, Seppa, Hajoi, Behali, Guwahati, and Itanagar that are located ∼ 60–130 km from the source zone may experience very strong to moderate ground shaking with PGA ranging between 0.36–0.14 g. However, the cities located in the distance range of ∼ 130 – 300 km from the source, namely Jorhat, Ziro, Mokokchung, Dhubri, and Kokrajhar are expected to have low ground shaking with PGA < 0.14 g. The study therefore provides valuable insights to the likely seismic hazard scenario in north-east India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Valeriana jatamansi Jones. syn. V. wallichii DC (Indian valerian) is an aromatic as well as medicinal crop. It is commercially used as a substitute for V. officinalis. The valepotriates, mostly from its underground parts, possess tranquillising property. The present studies were conducted during 2001–2006 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh in the Indian western Himalaya to study seasonal variation of plant growth, and content of enriched fraction of valepotriates and essential oil in its underground parts. The studies were conducted with V. jatamansi cultivar Himbala raised under natural shade. Fresh weight of underground parts and length of root were significantly higher during July and August, the time of maximum rains in the study area. However, dry matter in underground parts was maximum in October. Enriched fraction of valepotriates in underground parts ranged from 2.0 to 5.6%. Enriched fraction of valepotriates was significantly lower during February to June (2.4–3.6%), the time of flowering and fruiting in the crop, and was significantly higher during January, October and November (5.4, 4.7 and 4.9%, respectively). Essential oil in the underground parts ranged from 0.1 to 0.5% and was significantly higher during March to June (0.3–0.4%) attaining its peak in June (0.4%). Estimate of yield of enriched fraction of valepotriates indicated that November or January is the ideal time to harvest V. jatamansi for enriched fraction of valepotriates production, while May is appropriate harvesting time for production of essential oil in western Himalayan region in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the spread of SARS-CoV2, in August and September 2020, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (India) conducted a serosurvey across its constituent laboratories and centers across India. Of 10,427 volunteers, 1058 (10.14%) tested positive for SARS-CoV2 anti-nucleocapsid (anti-NC) antibodies, 95% of which had surrogate neutralization activity. Three-fourth of these recalled no symptoms. Repeat serology tests at 3 (n = 607) and 6 (n = 175) months showed stable anti-NC antibodies but declining neutralization activity. Local seropositivity was higher in densely populated cities and was inversely correlated with a 30-day change in regional test positivity rates (TPRs). Regional seropositivity above 10% was associated with declining TPR. Personal factors associated with higher odds of seropositivity were high-exposure work (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval, p value: 2.23, 1.92-2.59, <0.0001), use of public transport (1.79, 1.43-2.24, <0.0001), not smoking (1.52, 1.16-1.99, 0.0257), non-vegetarian diet (1.67, 1.41-1.99, <0.0001), and B blood group (1.36, 1.15-1.61, 0.001)., Competing Interests: SN, VS, RU, NB, RK, AB, SP, SP, RK, BR, KT, MA, GC, AL, SK, SM, MM, MS, SK, AS, BT, MV, GV, SV, AA, DG, PH, MP, GS, RV, AP, VA, AM, RS, AR, SA, PK, SV, HS, AK, RJ, AT, DP, AS, JK, VK, AM, IG, GR, PS, RC, GC, PK, RY, SS, DS, SS, PB, SA, VS, SV, DS, SS, SV, ST, FF, AS, AS, BS, MS, YP, VH, VP, DS, NT, PC, SM, DG, JS, SR, BK, KK, SG, PJ, RC, VJ, NK, DG, GT, US, PS, SC, RK, PG, AT, DS, RR, AD, MK, DS, MD, SD, RJ, AP, SM, AK, VW, RY, AK, MB, AC, SK, KK, SP, JK, NS, TP, PM, WR, PB, DO, RS, EB, RS, AN, PV, AP, AV, KC, SD, YM, VA, SD, AA, DD, SS No competing interests declared, (© 2021, Naushin et al.)