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• A detail study of rain fade at Ka band over tropical region has been done. • Performance comparison of experimental link at 20/30 GHz with ITU-R model done. • "s" parameter relating fade slope to filter characteristics is calculated. Dynamic characteristics of Ka band rain fade (or rain attenuation) over tropical region are relatively less studied, though they are essential for implementation of suitable fade mitigation techniques. In this paper, dynamic characteristics of rain fade at 20 GHz and 30 GHz from GSAT-14 satellite are reported with experimental measurements at Ahmedabad, India. ITU-R model for fade slope probability distribution has been analyzed in this paper and Ka band rain fade has been investigated based on this fade-slope analysis. The ITU-R model is found to closely match 20 GHz measurements, though differences increase at 30 GHz. Fade slopes are found to be within ±0.5 dB/s at both 20 and 30 GHz. Both positive and negative slopes of the fade slope distributions are quasi-similar. ITU-R model's s parameter, relating fade slope to filter characteristics, is found to be very close to the measured value for this region. Distributions of fade slopes are also found to be dependent on the standard deviation values similar to ITU-R recommendation at 20 GHz, but significant deviation is observed at 30 GHz. This observed frequency dependency might be due to increase in cloud attenuation at high frequencies or may be due to limited data set. Results indicate needs of further experimental data at high frequencies from other tropical regions to gain further insight into the fade slope characteristics. This will ultimately help in designing a better prediction model in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the publication pattern of physical research laboratory (PRL) scientists in Ahmedabad, India. The study used data about research papers published in journals, conference proceedings and invited talks. Results showed that the number of multiple and double authored papers surpassed the number of single authored papers during the period from 1997 to 2006. The study also determined types of collaborative papers in conference proceedings during the period.

Amount raised: During 2017, funds from Chai for Cancer Addas totaled approximately US$ 28,000 (IRS 18 lacs). Background and context: Chai for Cancer (www.chaiforcancer.org) is in a sense, a satellite brand of Friends of Max (www.friendsofmax.info). Friends of Max is a registered Public Charitable Trust and the support group arm of The Max Foundation in India. In India chai or tea is a household drink. At its best in an informal setting, an Adda serves a dual purpose as a fund-raiser and advocacy platform. It is based on the concept of an informal gathering among well-wishers and caregivers supporting underserved cancer patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The chronic condition is made manageable by life-long treatment. Aim: Chai For Cancer is a dynamic fundraiser and advocacy model for CML/GIST patients and caregivers in India. Strategy/Tactics: In 4 years, now on the cusp of the 5th year, Chai for Cancer has built up a creditable legacy of trust and an extended family of volunteers that networks throughout the year with the ability to attract new segments of donors/well-wishers and patient/caregiver participants. Funds thus raised support patient group meetings which facilitate various patient-related activities and patient–physician interactions which form the bedrock of FOM's dictum "Together We Share And Learn". Potential donors are approached and educated informally about how to host an Adda. Once the host expresses interest, support is provided to the host in terms of tea bags and paper cups (from Society Tea), literature (printed leaflets, brochures elaborating the concept, newsletters) and receipts (U/s 80 G of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961). Program process: An Adda is usually hosted by members/volunteers belonging to Friends of Max although it is not unusual for persons who have simply heard of Chai for Cancer to get in touch and express interest in hosting an Adda. The emergence of new hosts like D Y Patil University and IDEAL (Institute of Design Expression Art and Learning) in Ahmedabad, Jayanth Jayaprakash's India To Excellence 2020 in addition to long-time supporters Society Tea, Being Human-The Salman Khan Foundation, Manish Mandhana Retail Ventures, Mahotsaav Entertainment, Radio One and Red FM is testimony to the strength of the fundraising/advocacy model and a platform to encourage openness, empowering patients and caregivers. HNIs from various industries have also been donors. Costs and returns: The entire process is manned by senior, experienced people who volunteer their time and professional skills. Year-long publicity is generated through social media (FM radio stations, Web site www.chaiforcancer.org Twitter, Instagram and Facebook). What was learned: This is a personalised and intimate approach to raising funds for patient-related activity. This approach ensures known and accepted sources of funds within a growing family. It is different from crowd-funding techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Purpose: The outbreak of methanol poisoning described in this paper occurred in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India in July 2009. Our intention is to share the experience of clinical features, laboratory investigations and their relation during this tragedy. Materials and Methods: Single center, retrospective study of clinical features and laboratory parameters of 178 cases of methanol toxicity treated at tertiary care hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Results: Maximum patients (39.8%, n = 45) were received in 48 h; Mean age of presentation was 41.9 ± 10.2 years. Most of them were men (175 out of 178). On presentation, 83% patients had gastro-intestinal symptoms, 46% had neurological symptoms, 73% had visual symptoms and 32% had dyspnoea. 62% had blurred vision, 10.5% had blindness. Patients with visual symptoms had high mean level of methanol (120.12 ± 23.12 vs. 55.43 ± 29.24, P = 0.014). On fundus examination 52.8% (n = 62) had bilateral hyperaemia of discs, 8.4% (n = 12) had bilateral disc pallor and 4.5% had papilledema (n = 5). Patients with hyperaemia of discs, discs pallor or papilledema, had higher mean methanol level (121.1 ± 32.2 mg% v/s 70.1 ± 23.2 mg%, P = 0.032). Mean of pH values was 7.17 ± 0.22 and bicarbonate was 12.3 ± 7.3 mmol/L. Both pH and bicarbonate levels correlated well with mortality and serum methanol level. Mean serum methanol level was 87.1 mg/dL, and correlated significantly with the mortality (53.1 ± 41 mg/dL v/s 121 ± 92 mg/dL, P value < 0.05). Conclusion: GI symptoms, neurological symptoms and breathlessness are important clue to ED physician for diagnose methanol poisoning. Visual symptoms and fundus findings correlate well with the methanol level. Arterial Blood Gas derived pH and bicarbonate levels correlate significantly with the methanol level and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In January 2011, human cases with hemorrhagic manifestations in the hospital staff were reported from a tertiary care hospital in Ahmadabad, India. This paper reports a detailed epidemiological investigation of nosocomial outbreak from the affected area of Ahmadabad, Gujarat, India. Principal Findings: Samples from 3 suspected cases, 83 contacts, Hyalomma ticks and livestock were screened for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus by qRT-PCR of which samples of two medical professionals (case C and E) and the husband of the index case (case D) were positive for CCHFV. The sensitivity and specificity of indigenous developed IgM ELISA to screen CCHFV specific antibodies in human serum was 75.0% and 97.5% respectively as compared to commercial kit. About 17.0% domestic animals from Kolat, Ahmadabad were positive for IgG antibodies while only two cattle and a goat showed positivity by qRT-PCR. Surprisingly, 43.0% domestic animals (Buffalo, cattle, sheep and goat) showed IgG antibodies in the adjoining village Jivanpara but only one of the buffalo was positive for CCHFV. The Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum ticks were positive in PCR and virus isolation. CCHFV was isolated from the blood sample of case C, E in Vero E-6 cells and Swiss albino mice. In partial nucleocapsid gene phylogeny from CCHFV positive human samples of the years 2010 and 2011, livestock and ticks showed this virus was similar to Tajikistan (strain TAJ/H08966), which belongs in the Asian/middle east genetic lineage IV. Conclusions: The likely source of CCHFV was identified as virus infected Hyalomma ticks and livestock at the rural village residence of the primary case (case A). In addition, retrospective sample analysis revealed the existence of CCHFV in Gujarat and Rajasthan states before this outbreak. An indigenous developed IgM ELISA kit will be of great use for screening this virus in India. Author Summary: A nosocomial outbreak of CCHFV occurred in January 2011, in a tertiary care hospital in Ahmadabad, Gujarat State in western India. Out of a total five cases reported, contact transmission occurred to three treating medical professionals, all of whom succumbed to the disease. The only survivor was the husband of the index case. These results highlight the importance of considering CCHFV as a potential aetiology for Hemorrhagic fever (HF) cases in India. This also underlines the need for strict barrier nursing and patient isolation while managing these patients. During the investigation presence of CCHFV RNA in Hyalomma anatolicum ticks and livestock were detected in the village from where the primary case (case A) was reported. Further retrospective investigation confirmed two CCHF human cases in Rajkot village 20 kilometres to the west of Ahmadabad in 2010, and CCHFV presence in the livestock 200 kilometres to the north in the neighbouring State Rajasthan. This report shows the presence of CCHFV in human, ticks and animals in Gujarat, India. The fact of concern is the spread of this disease from one state to another due to trading of livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cumulative sum procedure is an effective statistical process control tool that can be used to monitor the quality of ready mixed concrete during its production process. In this paper, an attempt has been made to design and apply a new cumulative sum procedure for the ready mixed concrete industry, which takes care of the risks involved in and associated with the production of concrete. This new procedure can be termed as risk adjusted cumulative sum. The 28-day characteristic cube compressive strengths of the various grades of concrete and detailed information regarding the production process and the risks associated with production were collected from the operational ready mixed concrete plants in and around Ahmedabad and Delhi, two important cities in India. The risks were quantified using a likelihood-based scoring method. Finally, a risk adjusted cumulative sum model was developed by imposing the weighted score of the estimated risks on the conventional cumulative sum plot. This model is a more effective and realistic tool for monitoring the strength of ready mixed concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is derived from analysis of part of the data obtained for development of "A Scale to Measure Jointness of Families in India." It is proposed to discuss some of the dimensions of jointness of a sample of 118 Asiatic Indian families of children studying in two schools in Ahmedabad, India. These dimensions are: (1) Jointness in residence, and (2) Jointness in visits. Family types of 118 respondents were classified into "nuclear," "extended," "joint family," and "broken family." Incidence of each of the above four family types among various socio-economic classes and types of relatives living in extended families were considered. Some findings are: (1) Two or more conjugal units reside together in a joint family in about one out of four cases, (2) One or more relatives reside with a conjugal unit in about one out of four cases, (3) About one out of three nonresidential family units is visited once or more per week while about one out of ten and one out of six non-residential units are visited once a fortnight and once a month, respectively, and (4) A significant number out-of-station visits occurred where relatives stay and take meals in one another's households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe underutilization of healthcare facilities and lack of timely, affordable and effective access to healthcare services in resource-constrained, bottom of pyramid (BoP) settings are well-known issues, which foster a negative cycle of poor health outcomes, catastrophic health expenditures and poverty. Understanding BoP patients' healthcare choices is vital to inform policymakers' effective resource allocation and improve population health and livelihood in these areas. This paper examines the factors affecting the choice of health care provider in low-income settings, specifically the urban slums in India.Method: A discrete choice experiment was carried out to elicit stated preferences of BoP populations. A total of 100 respondents were sampled using a multi-stage systemic random sampling of urban slums. Attributes were selected based on previous studies in developing countries, findings of a previous exploratory study in the study setting and qualitative interviews. Provider type and cost, distance to the facility, attitude of doctor and staff, appropriateness of care and familiarity with doctor were the attributes included in the study. A random effects logit regression was used to perform the analysis. Interaction effects were included to control for individual characteristics.Results: The relatively most valued attribute is appropriateness of care (β=3.4213, p = 0.00), followed by familiarity with the doctor (β=2.8497, p = 0.00) and attitude of the doctor and staff towards the patient (β=1.8132, p = 0.00). As expected, respondents prefer shorter distance (β= - 0.0722, p = 0.00) but the relatively low importance of the attribute distance to the facility indicate that respondents are willing to travel longer if any of the other statistically significant attributes are present. Also, significant socioeconomic differences in preferences were observed, especially with regard to the type of provider.Conclusion: The analyses did not reveal universal preferences for a provider type, but overall the traditional provider type is not well accepted. It also became evident that respondents valued appropriateness of care above other attributes. Despite the study limitations, the results have broader policy implications in the context of Indian government's attempts to reduce high healthcare out-of-pocket expenditures and provide universal health coverage for its population. The government's attempt to emphasize the focus on traditional providers should be carefully reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]