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The inclusion of lead in the Champion perovskite material MAPbI3 is a detrimental factor in the commercialization of lead based perovskite solar cells. This is mainly due to the toxicity of lead and also due to degradation of MAPbI3 in ambient condition into hazardous chemicals which are toxic to the environment [1]. Due to these factors, though the Hybrid Organic Inorganic Lead based PSCs exhibit excellent photovoltaic effect and photo conversion efficiency (PCE), yet numerous theoretical and experimental studies have been done to replace lead with suitable elements such as Sn, Ge, Bi etc. This research work focusses on replacing Pb from MAPbI3, with different wt% of Bi such as 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% and analyzing its effect on the stability and efficiency of the PSC. These solutions of Bi doped perovskite are coated on the FTOs and are fabricated under room ambient condition in the sandwich structure. The results exhibit lower efficiency of Bismuth doped PSCs but it shows remarkable stability comparable to that of MAPbI3.

Biochar (BC) is a soil fertility enhancer, regarded as a potential carbon sequester and nutrient leaching preventer. Various studies have shown better phosphorus (P) availability with adding biochar. However, limited reporting is available on absorption–desorption behaviour of added P and dose optimisation of biochar. Rice straw biochar (RSB) and acacia biochar (ACB), prepared by slow pyrolysis at optimised temperature and pyrolysis time, were incubated at different rates (0, 5, and 10 g kg−1) in loamy sand and clay loam soils to study P sorption compared to the unamended control. The data was observed to be best fitted into Langmuir adsorption isotherm for P adsorption. The effects on maximum P adsorption, bonding energy, and adsorption rate constants were lower in loamy sand compared to clay loam soil. The values of maximum P desorption (Dm) and desorption rate constant (Kd) decreased with the application of biochar. A linear regression equation optimised the amount of P addition for soil amendments. For the soil with inherent P content, rice biochar was the best option (5 g kg−1), while for soils lacking in P, ACB is optimised at 5 g kg−1 with external P input of 1 mg P kg−1 of test soil. This data can be recommended to the farmers as a best practice for the P addition, along with managing farm wastes as biochars to enhance nutrient availability.

The purpose of this Erratum is to correct a misprint presented in the original article.

The thermal springs of the study area are situated in North-eastern Arunachal Himalayas, India along Subansiri and Siang River valleys with surface temperature ranging between 20 and 57 °C. The pH of thermal springs varies from 7.69 to 9.31, indicating near neutral to alkaline nature of thermal and non-thermal waters. The major geochemical processes influencing hydrochemistry are demonstrated using conventional graphical plots, geochemical modelling by PHREEQC and multivariate statistical analysis. The thermal waters of Chetu and Taksing in Subansiri valley are primarily Na–Cl and Na–HCO3 type, while, thermal water of Yangte in Siang valley is also mixed water-type and others of Ca–Mg–HCO3 type. The geochemically distinct type of waters is obvious from dendrogram derived from hierarchical cluster analysis. Quartz geothermometer predicts reservoir temperatures of thermal springs of 88 ± 13 °C; while, Na–K Giggenbach geothermometer predicts 182 °C and 176 °C for Chetu and Taksing hot springs. Thermal waters are immature and highly prone to mixing with meteoric waters as evident from enthalpy-chloride modelling. Evaporite dissolution, silicate weathering and ion exchange processes are found to contribute to total ion budget in geothermal waters. The saturation indices studies depict oversaturation of all thermal waters with calcite and dolomite. Considering all geochemical features, a conceptual hydrological model resembling geomorphology and origin of thermal springs of North-Eastern Arunachal Himalaya has been proposed. The thermal waters of Subansiri valley display very high Sr and F− content which prohibit them from drinking and utilization purposes. High concentration of toxic elements is addressed to geogenic causes over anthropogenic contributions due to lesser accessibilities at hot spring spots.

Utilizing available water resources efficiently is crucial to address both our present and future requirements and plays a vital role in safeguarding food security. This current investigation deals with assessment and optimizing water footprint (WF) and virtual water flow (VWF) for primary crops in Banas River Basin (BRB) using AquaCrop model with local datasets and district-level estimates. VWF in the basins were estimated by multiplying the WF of crops with the amount exported/imported, which is determined based on the difference between production and consumption in the basin. The possibility of changing the cropping patterns was evaluated for the potential reduction of the blue WF. Annual WF from primary crops in the basin amounts to 19,255 MCM/yr (70 % green, 21 % blue and 10 % grey WF, respectively). Banas basin is a net exporter of agriculture commodities with nearly 7391 MCM/yr of water flowing out of the basin due to agricultural exports of which approximately 265 MCM/yr is virtual blue water outflow. Crops having low economic water productivity of blue water are being grown in vast areas resulting in a high blue WF. The optimizing the cropping pattern can result in a 5–42 % lower blue water footprint with 11–39 % higher economic output under different scenarios with and without considering the consumption needs. Changing the cropping pattern and making trade plan to optimize the crop import/exports can be viable option for tackling the blue water scarcity issues in the basin. WF can be managed sustainably by improving water resource allocation for better economic, social, and environmental productivity and going for less aggressive agricultural production.

This study aimed to develop a healthy blended oil with a balanced fatty acid ratio, as well as high thermal and oxidative stability. The blending of highly saturated Palm olein (PO) with polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich (PUFA) Perilla seed oil (PeO) in two different proportions, 70:30 (B1) and 80:20 (B2) v/v was studied. The physicochemical parameters, fatty acid composition, and oxidative stability of cold-pressed perilla seed oil (PeO), palm olein, and their blends were analyzed. The blends presented higher oxidative stability (6.5 h) with enhanced α-linolenic acid content (18%) than pure oils. The fatty acid ratio in both blend (B1- 1:1.4:1 and B2- 1.5:1.5:1) was found close to the WHO recommended ratio i.e., 1:1-5:1. The evaluation of the thermal stability of the blended oils revealed that PeO oxidized quickly during heating (Peroxide value-15.16 meq O2/kg); whereas thermal stability improved with blending (Peroxide value: B1-7.92 and B2- 7.69 meq O2/kg).

This research paper presents an analysis of temperature variables over the West Banas basin in order to detect the presence of underlying trends employing historical temperature data for three points viz., Abu Road, Mount Abu and Pindwara obtained for a period of 40 years (1981 – 2020) from MERRA-2 database. The study aims to investigate the long-term changes in temperature trends and identify any significant patterns or anomalies in mean, maximum and minimum temperatures at monthly, seasonal and annual timescales at the three locations amounting to a total of 162 series. The trends were evaluated using the Mann-Kendall test, a popular and powerful statistical technique formulated for analysing abnormal distributions. Prior to the application of the trend test, autocorrelated time series were identified and the trend test was modified using a variance correction approach to incorporate the influence of autocorrelations upon the resultant trends. The findings of autocorrelation analysis revealed that 11 of the 162 series were autocorrelated, a majority of which were associated with the temperature series at Abu Road. The results of the trend test showed that 27 out of the 162 series possessed significant trends with the mean and maximum monsoon temperatures in most of the series exhibiting a reducing trend while the minimum temperature appeared to be rising. Overall, the research highlights the importance of monitoring temperature trends, particularly in regions that may be more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The findings of this study can inform future climate adaptation strategies and support decision-making processes aimed at mitigating the effects of global warming on the natural and built environment.

In the nuclear power plants, stainless steel is widely used for fabrication of various components such as piping and pipe fittings. These piping components are subjected to cyclic loading due to start up and shut down of the nuclear power plants. The application of cyclic loading may lead to initiation of crack at stress raiser locations such as nozzle to piping connection, crown of piping bends etc. of the piping system. Crack initiation can also take place from the flaws which have gone unnoticed during manufacturing. Therefore, prediction of crack initiation life would help in decision making with respect to plant operational life. The primary objective of the present study is to compile various analytical models to predict the crack initiation life of the pipes with notch. Here notch simulates the stress raisers in the piping system. As a part of the study, Coffin-Manson equations have been benchmarked to predict the crack initiation life of pipe with notch. Analytical models proposed by Zheng et al. [1], Singh et al. [2], Yang Dong et al. [25], Masayuki et al. [33] and Liu et al. [3] were compiled to predict the crack initiation life of SA312 Type 304LN stainless steel pipe with notch under fatigue loading. Tensile and low cycle fatigue properties were evaluated for the same lot of SA312 Type 304LN stainless steel as that of pipe test. The predicted crack initiation lives by different models were compared with the experimental results of three pipes under different frequencies and loading conditions. It was observed that the predicted crack initiation life is in very good agreement with experimental results with maximum difference of ±10.0%.

Groundwater accounts for about half of the water use for irrigation in India. The fluctuation pattern of the groundwater level is examined by observing rainfall replenishment and monitoring wells. The southern part of Rajasthan has experienced abrupt changes in rainfall and has been highly dependent on groundwater over decades. This study presents the impact of over-dependence on groundwater usage for irrigation and other purposes, spatially and temporally. Hence, the objective of this study is to examine the groundwater level trend by using statistical analysis and geospatial technique. Rainfall factor was also studied in groundwater level fluctuation during 2009-2019. To analyze the influence of each well during recharge or withdrawal of groundwater, thiessien polygonswere generated from them. In the Jakham River basin, 75 wells have been identified for water level trend study using the Mann-Kendall statistical test. The statistics of trend analysis show that 15% wells are experiencing water level decline in pre-monsoon, while very low percentage of wells have such trend during post-monsoon season. The average rate of water level decline is 0.245 m/a in pre-monsoon and 0.05 m/a in post-monsoon. The aquifer recharge potential is also decreasing by year.it is expected that such type of studies will help the policy makers to adopt advanced management practices to ensure sustainable groundwater resource management.

The Eastern Himalaya Bryogeographical Region is recognized as one of the richest areas for bryoflora in India. It comprises the eight North Eastern States (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura), Darjeeling, and the Hills of the West Bengal. In the present article, the occurrence of Riccia curtisii (Austin) Austin and Riccia pathankotensis Kashyap of Ricciaceae is reported for the first time for the Eastern Himalaya region from the state Manipur. Detailed descriptions and photographs of the two newly recorded species of Riccia L. are provided to facilitate easy identification. A key to species of the nine Riccia species found in Manipur is also incorporated. Keywords: Riccia, New record, Eastern Himalaya, Manipur

The results of this study revealed that the pan evaporation and sensor based irrigation scheduling along with fertigation scheduling significantly affected the plant height, fruit weight, fruit length, crop water requirement, crop yield and water use efficiency of okra crop. The pan evaporation and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) values significantly vary over different stages of okra crop. The maximum and minimum average daily pan evaporation was recorded 8.4 mm day-1 and 4.5 mm day-1 at mid stage and late stage of okra crop respectively while, the maximum average daily ETc was recorded 7 mm day-1 at mid stage of okra crop. A approach of irrigation scheduling with 100 per cent field capacity, based on soil moisture sensor under automated drip irrigation system along with 100 per cent RDF through fertigation in equal splits at 4 day intervalor 80 % per cent of volume of crop water requirement based on pan evaporation under automated drip irrigation along with 100 per cent RDF through fertigation in equal splits at 2 day interval, can be used for irrigating okra crop with significant water saving, crop yield and water use efficiency under limited availability of daily weather datain climatic condition of Udaipur district of Rajasthan.

Hydroponic crops can be grown using a variety of media and production systems (NFT system, wick system, drip system, ebb flow system etc.). EC and pH management are required to successfully handle these hydroponic systems (water quality and nutrient solution maintenance). These hydroponics systems have gained rapid adoption due to disciplined management of their resources and food production. Although the hydroponic system was developed in a closed-loop system, and substrate nutrition increases production, it is not cost-effective to develop this system on big scale. It is critical to design a low-cost hydroponic structure that decreases reliance on human labour and lowers overall startup cost in order to increase the commercialization of hydroponic farms. We need more research to develop more productive and cost-effective organic nutrient solutions and improve hydroponic crop production systems. In this review paper, we will discuss the opportunity and challenges in hydroponic crop production systems.

The nature and magnitude of genetic diversity was assessed among 120 genotypes of pigeonpea along with three checks in augmented design during Kharif, 2011-12. The Non-hierarchical Euclidean cluster analysis grouped all the genotypes into twelve distinct non-overlapping clusters indicated existence of high degree of genetic diversity in the materials. The crossings between the members of diverse clusters separated by high inter-cluster distances are likely to throw desirable segregants. In this context, very high inter cluster distances were recorded between cluster VI and XII, cluster V and XII, cluster II and IX, cluster VI and XI, cluster II and VI and cluster V and IX. Considering the mean performance for different characters of genotypes belonging to diverse clusters, the promising genotypes for exploitation as parents in breeding programme were NDAGC 2011-4, NDAGC 2011-42 and NDAGC 2011-2 of cluster II; NDAGC 2011-18, NDAGC 2011-58, NDAGC 2011-34 and NDAGC 2011-27 of cluster V; NDAGC 2011-16, NDAGC 2011-41, NDAGC 2011-88, NDAGC 2011-104 and NDAGC 2011-103 of cluster VI; IC 525504 and Pusa 33 of cluster IX and IC 525456, IC 525408 and IC 525463 of cluster XII. It may be concluded that crosses between diverse genotypes belonging to clusters separated by high inter-cluster distances with desired means are likely to produce transgressive segregants may be advocated for developing high yielding pigeonpea varieties.

Selection for wider adaptability of sugarcane varieties to specific production environments is often challenged by the occurrence of significant genotype by environment interactions (GEI). Several statistical models have been proposed for exploiting positive GEI and supporting decisions in varietal selection and recommendation for target environments. Additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) model effectively captures the additive and multiplicative components of GEI and provides meaningful interpretation of multi-environment data sets in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to assess the significance and magnitude of GEI effects on cane yield and suggest the exploitation of the positive GEI effects using AMMI biplot analysis. Cane yield data of nine sugarcane genotypes evaluated at seven locations for two crop seasons (2008-09 and 2009-10) across north-west zone of sub tropical India were used for this purpose. AMMI analysis of variance of cane yield (t ha-1) showed that 61.11% of the total sum of squares was attributable to GEI effects indicating high interaction among genotypes and environments. However, 22.34% and 16.05% of the total sum of squares were attributable to environments and genotypes, respectively. The sum of squares of interaction principal component analysis axis –I (IPCA-I) and IPCA-II were significant and cumulatively contributed to 69.40% at 38 df. According to the AMMI biplots, none of the varieties had superior performance in all the environments. However, genotype CoS 767, combining low absolute IPCA-I score with good cane yield, was the overall winner with less variable yields across the environments which was also confirmed by low estimate of AMMI stability value.

In this study, 31 bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of Curcuma amada (mango ginger) and their plant growth promotion potential, salinity tolerance, antibiotic sensitivity, antimicrobial properties were evaluated. Eight bacterial strains namely Azotobacter chroococcum KCA1, Pseudomonas fluorescens KCA2, Bacillus subtilis KCA3, Bacillus sp. KCA4, Agrobacterium tumifaciens KCA5, Bacillus cereus KCL7, Pseudomonas putida KCA8 and Paenibacillus sp. KCA9 have been identified on the basis of biochemicals and 16S r RNA gene sequence analysis. All the strains solubilized tri-calcium phosphate and produced IAA, ammonia but only 50% of the strains produced siderophores during PGP traits analysis. Strains KCA8 tolerated maximum NaCl (7%) relative to strain KCA5 (1-2%). The strains were sensitive to the antibiotic chloromphenicol followed by erythromycin and most of these effectively inhibited growth of Escherichia coli, Fusarium solani and Alterneria alternata during antimicrobial properties.

Tunnelling related hazards are very common in the Himalayan terrain and a number of such instances have been reported. Several twin tunnels are being planned for transportation purposes which will require good understanding for prediction of tunnel deformation and surface settlement during the engineering life of the structure. The deformational behaviour, design of sequential excavation and support of any jointed rock mass are challenging during underground construction. We have raised several commonly assumed issues while performing stability analysis of underground opening at shallow depth. For this purpose, Kainchi-mod Nerchowck twin tunnels (Himachal Pradesh, India) are taken for in-depth analysis of the stability of two asymmetric tunnels to address the influence of topography, twin tunnel dimension and geometry. The host rock encountered during excavation is composed mainly of moderately to highly jointed grey sandstone, maroon sandstone and siltstones. In contrast to equidimensional tunnels where the maximum subsidence is observed vertically above the centreline of the tunnel, the result from the present study shows shifting of the maximum subsidence away from the tunnel centreline. The maximum subsidence of 0.99 mm is observed at 4.54 m left to the escape tunnel centreline whereas the maximum subsidence of 3.14 mm is observed at 8.89 m right to the main tunnel centreline. This shifting clearly indicates the influence of undulating topography and in-equidimensional noncircular tunnel.

While the role of mitochondrial metabolism in controlling T-lymphocyte activation and function is becoming more clear, the specifics of how mitochondrial redox signaling contributes to T-lymphocyte regulation remains elusive. Here, we examined the global effects of elevated mitochondrial superoxide (O2·-) on T-lymphocyte activation using a novel model of inducible manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) knock-out. Loss of MnSOD led to specific increases in mitochondrial O2·- with no evident changes in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxynitrite (ONOO−), or copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) levels. Unexpectedly, both mitochondrial and glycolytic metabolism showed significant reductions in baseline, maximal capacities, and ATP production with increased mitochondrial O2·- levels. MnSOD knock-out T-lymphocytes demonstrated aberrant activation including widespread dysregulation in cytokine production and increased cellular apoptosis. Interestingly, an elevated proliferative signature defined by significant upregulation of cell cycle regulatory genes was also evident in MnSOD knock-out T-lymphocytes, but these cells did not show accelerated proliferative rates. Global disruption in T-lymphocyte DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation was also observed with increased mitochondrial O2·-, which was correlated to alterations in intracellular metabolite pools linked to the methionine cycle. Together, these results demonstrate a mitochondrial redox and metabolic couple that when disrupted may alter cellular processes necessary for proper T-lymphocyte activation. Keywords: Redox, Oxidative stress, Manganese superoxide dismutase, Immune, Adaptive immunity, Cytokines, Proliferation, Apoptosis, Metabolism, Methylation, Hydroxymethylation

Tunneling in complex rock mass conditions is a challenging task, especially in the Himalayan terrain, where a number of unpredicted conditions are reported. Rock joint parameters such as persistence, spacing and shear strength are the factors which significantly modify the working environments in the vicinity of the openings. Therefore, a detailed tunnel stability assessment is critically important based on the field data collection on the excavated tunnel's face. In this context, intact as well as rock mass strength and deformation modulus is obtained from laboratory tests for each rock type encountered in the study area. Finite element method (FEM) is used for stability analysis purpose by parametrically varying rock joint persistence, spacing and shear strength parameters, until the condition of overbreak is reached. Another case of marginally stable condition is also obtained based on the same parameters. The results show that stability of tunnels is highly influenced by these parameters and the size of overbreak is controlled by joint persistence and spacing. Garnetiferous schist and slate characterized using high persistence show the development of large plastic zones but small block size, depending upon joint spacing; whereas low persistence, low spacing and low shear strength in marble and quartzite create rock block fall condition.

The blasting operation plays a pivotal role in the overall economics of opencast mines. The blasting sub-system affects all the other associated sub-systems, i.e. loading, transport, crushing and milling operations. Fragmentation control through effective blast design and its effect on productivity are the challenging tasks for practicing blasting engineer due to inadequate knowledge of actual explosive energy released in the borehole, varying initiation practice in blast design and its effect on explosive energy release characteristic. This paper describes the result of a systematic study on the impact of blast design parameters on rock fragmentation at three mines in India. The mines use draglines and shovel–dumper combination for removal of overburden. Despite its pivotal role in controlling the overall economics of a mining operation, the expected blasting performance is often judged almost exclusively on the basis of poorly defined parameters such as powder factor and is often qualitative which results in very subjective assessment of blasting performance. Such an approach is very poor substitutes for accurate assessment of explosive and blasting performance. Ninety one blasts were conducted with varying blast designs and charging patterns, and their impacts on the rock fragmentation were documented. A high-speed camera was deployed to record the detonation sequences of the blasts. The efficiency of the loading machines was also correlated with the mean fragment size obtained from the fragmentation analyses.

The study involves the characterization of rock mass along the right bank of river Sutlej, Luhri, Himachal Pradesh. This road connects to several important locations and therefore blockage due to slope failure may cause several problems. Lack of proper geotechnical/geological investigations has led to cutting of the natural hill slopes with improper design. The subsequent road cut slope has made this zone highly vulnerable and a threat to local commuters. The concerned area has varying lithology which are highly jointed and exposed all along the road cuts. The unrestrained slope in this zone is prone to recurrent failures due to high precipitation and seismicity, eventually causing loss of life and property. Therefore, the study helps in understanding the behaviour and mode of failure of the cut slope through geometrical relationship between structural discontinuities and surface topography. Several important parameters were determined to quantify the region based on available and widely used rockmass characterization techniques to develop a proper understanding. This will ultimately help in designing appropriate remedial measures to such vulnerable zones that will prevent further slope failure and resulting damage.

The DSSAT CANEGRO model was calibrated and validated using field experimental data (1997-2013) from four locations of north Indian region.The genetic coefficients for 10 cultivars of sugarcane were estimated.R2 obtained between measured and simulated stalk yield was 0.69 with the nRMSE (7.50%) and D-index (0.91) and R2 between measured and simulated sucrose mass was 0.57 with the nRMSE (11.75%) and D-index (0.85). The model underestimated both the stalk fresh mass as well as sucrose mass by 2 and 6 per cent only, respectively. Hence,the CANEGRO model can be used to simulate the phenology and yield attributes of sugarcane cultivars of north India particularly of Uttar Pradesh region. The model can also be used to evaluate and improve the present practices of sugarcane crop management to obtain increased cane production and sugar recovery.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of oven, steam and microwave cooking methods on lipid oxidation, microbiological and sensory quality of chicken nuggets. Nuggets were prepared and analyzed at a regular interval of 5 days from day of production to spoilage of products under refrigerated storage. Cooking methods significantly affected the lipid oxidation of nuggets under refrigerated storage. Highest lipid oxidation was reported in microwave cooked nuggets, however cooking methods did not affect the microbiological quality of nuggets during storage. Products were safe for consumption up to 15 days at refrigerated storage as the microbial count had not exceeded the permissible limit. Steam cooked nuggets had better sensory scores in comparison to microwave and oven. Overall acceptability scores for all the products were more than 6.0 at the end of storage period, reflecting more than moderate acceptance till the products were microbiologically safe.

The leaf spotting disease complex is a major biotic constrain in enhancing grain production in the major wheat growing regions. Two leaf spotting diseases, tan spot, caused by an ascomycete fungus Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, and Stagonospora nodorum blotch besides causing average yield losses of 5-10%, cause significant losses in grain quality by red smudge, black point and grain shriveling. Conservation agriculture in combination with wheat monoculture involving cultivation of susceptible cultivars has resulted in frequent onset of leaf spots epidemics worldwide. Development of resistant wheat cultivars, in conjunction with crop rotation, will provide an effective, economical, and environmentally safe means of controlling leaf spot. International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico has initiated major efforts to mitigate the threat of tan spot. Efforts include screening of wheat germplasm, identification of new sources of resistance, characterization of new tan spot resistance genes through classical and molecular genetic analysis, incorporation of resistance into adapted cultivars, and assessing the variability in the tan spot fungus. Screening studies reveal that elite CIMMYT germplasm has high level of resistance to tan spot caused by P. tritici-repentis race 1. These germplasm have diverse genetic make-up and the resistance is likely broad based. Association mapping studies done with CIMMYT germplasm reconfirmed the presence of previously identified genomic regions for tan spot resistance; however, novel genomic regions on long arm of chromosomes 6A and 7B have also been identified. Studies done to date indicate that CIMMYT germplasm possess high level diverse genetic based resistance to tan spot of wheat. Efforts are in place to develop desired wheat cultivars with tan spot resistance. Virulence studies indicate presence of P. tritici-repentis race 1 only with some variability in level of toxin Ptr ToxA produced in each of the 76 isolates studied.