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Technical progress has a tremendous potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by reducing energy consumption, a major concern across production units. However, the existing empirical literature concerning technical efficiency and carbon intensity is scanty. Thus, this paper examines the relationship between technical efficiency and carbon intensity for the organized manufacturing sector of two states, Maharashtra and Odisha, and the all-India level from 2001 to 2018. The paper uses data envelopment analysis to estimate technical efficiency scores. It applies the 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Tier 1 methodology for estimating carbon intensity for each 3-digit manufacturing industry in all three sample cases. The study has used static panel regression and fractional logit regression techniques to examine the deterministic relationship between technical efficiency and carbon intensity. The result shows that technical efficiency is highly sensitive to carbon intensity in the Indian manufacturing industries. The findings also addressed that the size of the industries also reduces the technical performance of manufacturing units. This paper also confirmed that increased profit could boost the Indian manufacturing industries' technical efficiency. Thus, this study addresses that carbon intensity as a proxy for the manufacturing sector's potential to affect climate change plays a crucial role in explaining the technical efficiency variations across industries. Thus, it calls for better policies aimed at reducing the emissions of industries specifically to achieve sustainable growth for the Indian manufacturing sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Essential herbs such as garlic, ginger, and cardamom have shown antimicrobial activity with no potential adverse effects and are cost-effective. Despite these advantages, the efficacy of these agents needs to be tested against common oral pathogenic microorganisms to ensure that if found effective, they can be used in clinical settings. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of garlic, ginger, and cardamom oils on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) against chlorhexidine. Materials and Methods: An in-vitro study was conducted at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, in the Department of Microbiology and Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India from January 2023 to September 2023. Oil extracts of garlic, ginger, and cardamom were loaded onto sterile filter paper discs measuring 6 mm in diameter in concentrations of 50 µL, 100 µL, and 200 µL. Additionally, 2% chlorhexidine (control group) was loaded onto similar sterile paper discs. The discs were dried and placed aseptically on culture media plates inoculated with S. mutans, and the plates were then incubated at 37°C overnight. Subsequently, the zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters. Results: Ginger oil exhibited the highest zone of inhibition, measuring 25 mm, followed by cardamom oil and garlic oil measuring 18 mm and 12 mm, respectively, at a concentration of 200 µL. The zone of inhibition measured for 100 µL concentrations of garlic, ginger, and cardamom oils were 7 mm, 16 mm, and 13 mm, respectively. For 50 µL concentrations of the oils, the zones of inhibition for garlic, ginger, and cardamom were 0 mm, 13 mm, and 9 mm, respectively. The zone of inhibition shown by chlorhexidine was 22 mm for concentrations of 50 µL, 100 µL, and 200 µL. Conclusion: Essential oil extracts from ginger, cardamom, and garlic were found to have antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, with ginger oil showing the highest effectiveness, followed by cardamom oil and garlic oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myristica swamps are one of the world's unique freshwater ecosystems. In recent years there has been an increase in reports about their distribution along the Western Ghats. In this paper, we present a new distribution record for Myristica swamps in the northern part of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. The Myristica swamp is located within the Bhalandeshwar Sacred Grove of Kumbral Bagwadi, Dodamarg Maharastra, India. This forms the second report from the state of Maharastra. Frequent field visits were made to study and document the floral assemblage and biodiversity in the swamp from November 2023 to January 2024. The swamp is dominated by Myristica magnifica Bedd. and is part of a sacred grove protected by villagers due to religious beliefs. The second discovery of a Myristica swamp with a gap of just six years points out to the potential existence of more swamps in the region. Therefore, systematic surveys are needed to document undocumented swamps in various areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen can be the transitional solution required to reduce anthropogenic emissions and enhance energy independency from fossil fuel. To improve green hydrogen adoption, a cluster-based infrastructure, called a hydrogen hub, is devised taking into account the demand-supply interplay coupled with transport ease. In this paper, we have identified sites across states that are conducive for hydrogen hubs. It involves a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) framework deployed to assign priorities within competing set of criteria. A comprehensive analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to rank criteria that are connected to establish a functioning hydrogen hub. These criteria include, but not limited to, proximity to refineries, fertilizer plants, substations, chlor-alkali units, steel manufacturing plants, water availability, access to gas pipelines, railway line access, and finally distance to highways. Our analyses indicate that proximity to refineries and fertilizers scored higher (scores directly proportional to importance) while railway line access scored the least. These prioritised scores are used to spatially locate sites using geographical information system. In a total of thirteen states identified, Gujarat had the largest parcel of most suitable land for setting up hydrogen hub followed by Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. For India to set up a functioning hydrogen economy and achieve green hydrogen goals, it is important to identify states that can drive the agenda forward. This paper illustrates a way (amongst many available ways) to identify states based on their strength and capability to fulfil the national goal of 5 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030. • The paper addresses setting up of green hydrogen hubs in India based on a multi-criteria site selection framework. • Nine selection criteria covering aspects of hydrogen ecosystem proposed to identify site(s) suitable for hydrogen hubs. • Integration of AHP and GIS is used to ascertain land parcels where hydrogen economy can sustain across states in India. • Zones in 13 states were identified as potential hydrogen hubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing youth population of India requires high-quality educational opportunities to shape their future. It is the urgent need to design education policy which provides the key to scientific advancements, national integration and economic growth to ensure India's continued progress globally. Thus Ministry of Education of Government of India passed National Education Policy (NEP) in 2020 and thus Directorate of Technical Education of Government of Maharashtra decided to design and implement the curriculum in all autonomous Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) with effect from academic year 2023-24. This paper describes the implementation of Electronics and Telecommunication engineering curriculum structure at the department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering of Rajarambapu Institute of Technology, Islampur, Sangli, Maharashtra, India. Author has summarized components of different categories mentioned in Government Resolution of Government of Maharashtra on NEP 2020 as well as AICTE Model curriculum and compared the category wise credits suggested by both. The author further highlighted the courses and credit requirements to get Honors, Double Minor, Honors with Research degrees for gifted students and multiple entry multiple exit for students facing obstacles in their learning path. The designed curriculum has ensured the multidisciplinary and holistic education and is in line with NEP 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Declining air quality is highly ignored and very common form of degradation of the environment in nations that are both developed and developing. There are several contaminants in the air that have been identified in various studies on air pollution. The crucial parameters of all air pollutants are gaseous and particle pollution. The present study was undertaken to estimate the quality of ambient air in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra state of India. In this paper, an effort has been made to study the standing and trend of Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter i.e.; PM10, PM2.5, toxic pollutants i.e.; lead, arsenic, nickel, benzo [a] pyarene and benzene and hydrocarbons. The results clearly show that, all parameters of ambient air quality monitoring values were some shown slightly below permissible limit. The ambient air quality monitoring data show that the Chandrapur district has substantial air pollution concerns in terms of SO2, NOx, PM, and other air pollutants. However, after comparing these values with NAAQS levels, the yearly averages of these air pollutants have been found to be below than the NAAQS levels. However, without effective mitigation measures, the concentrations of these pollutants will rise at quite alarming rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 75 years, since Independence, the central and state governments in India have implemented various measures for water management, which include initiatives to construct and revive small water bodies and wetlands. Schemes such as Amrit Sarovar, Amrit Dharohar, Jalyukta Shivar, and Galmukta Dharan-Galyukt Shivar are being implemented to revive small water bodies. However, these schemes have been criticised for their unsystematic planning and implementation and for benefiting an elite section of society while excluding people experiencing poverty. India is known for its traditional water harvesting systems and community-based management of water commons. Through a case study of grassroots-level management of small-scale waterbodies in eastern Maharashtra, this paper demonstrates the need to understand local dynamics and ground realities for inclusive and efficient water management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring groundwater level provides sufficient information on groundwater quantity and quality and is vital in effective management of water resources. This study applies transfer entropy coupled with directed-weighted complex network for the analysis of groundwater levels in the Sina river-basin, Maharashtra, India. All observation wells present in study area have been classified into five clusters using canopy clustering method. The direction and weight of the links of this complex network have been obtained by employing transfer entropy. Seasonal groundwater level data for pre-monsoon (May) and post-monsoon (October) were obtained from centre for groundwater board, Pune, Maharashtra for the period 1990–2009. Data analysis show that both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon groundwater level show significant decreasing trend. The proposed methodology determines the directional relationships between the selected observation wells of different clusters. It recognizes the most influenced well by using node strength and directed clustering coefficients. For each cluster, clustering coefficients and in-strength and out-strength have been calculated. Clustering coefficients for the selected wells of cluster 0 are 1, 1, 1, 0.6844 and 0.6342 which indicates Cluster 0 emerges as the strongest cluster. Similarly, clustering coefficients for cluster 4 are 0.6604, 0.6540, 0.3095, 0.2616 and 0 which means cluster 4 is the weakest among all the clusters formed. Clustering coefficients obtained for all clusters indicate that all wells within a cluster are forming clusters among themselves, however, some are strong whereas others are weak clusters. Therefore, transfer entropy can be effectively applied to groundwater and results obtained from it can be used for forecasting and water resources management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal reactive power dispatch problem optimizes the shunt capacitor bank installation in distribution systems, reducing power loss and also reducing the financial loss for the electricity market associated with power loss. Moreover, the sharing of both active and reactive power from different renewable energy sources like PV and wind in the form of distributed generation also contributes toward reducing power loss and improving the voltage profile of the system. But the installation and maintenance costs associated with these additional set-ups are rarely taken into consideration any optimization problem. This paper aims to reduce the power loss and improve the voltage profile of a radial distribution network with the integration of capacitor banks, PV, and wind energy sources, while taking into account the overall associated cost of each parameter during optimization. The problem is formulated as a novel cost minimization problem aiming to achieve the optimal settings for a life-long capacitor bank-PV-wind integrated distribution network with the least possible installation, operational, and maintenance costs while reducing its power loss significantly for a span of 20 years. The uncertain nature of PV and wind power output has been modeled using the beta probability distribution function and the Weibull probability distribution function, respectively. This unique proposed problem statement of the capacitor bank-PV-wind power integrated distribution network has been tested on the IEEE 33 and IEEE 141 bus systems and solved using the rock hyraxes swarm optimization (RHSO) algorithm. The results were compared with those from other nine well-established techniques, from which it was concluded that the RHSO algorithm has obtained optimal conditions for both systems to operate efficiently. The problem has also been tested on a practical 13-bus 33 kV distribution network in Maharashtra, India, to validate its performance on a practical system. The RHSO has successfully reduced the power loss to almost 17.48% w.r.t. the base case for the practical network while maintaining a minimum overall cost of $51,073,687.7582 for an entire life-span of 20 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chandrapur City of Maharashtra state of India has undergone rapid industrialization, development, and infrastructure facilities along with prominent increase in population. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to study the air quality of the city. The mitigation measures of air pollution in the city were also discussed in the present study. Air quality monitoring was carried out at each monitoring station taken twice a week for 24 hours for particulate matter (PM10), particulate matter (PM2.5), sulphur dioxides (SO2), nitrogen dioxides NO2, and carbon monoxides (CO). The data revealed the high levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) to approximately 1.56-2.15 times and 1.47-2.21 times higher than National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), respectively and were many times higher than WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines. The major sources of pollution were the emission from industries, mining activities and traffic. Observed concentrations of SO2 (24.88 to 45 μg/m³), NO2 (45.4 to 70.6 μg/m³ ) and (0.63 to 0.88 mg/m³) were below NAAQS. The obtained data was also processed for the calculation of air quality index (AQI). The AQI value at Chandrapur super thermal power station (CSTPS) was found higher (310) followed by MIDC with AQI of 302 (Very poor air quality) mainly due to higher particulate pollution, indicating respiratory illness to the people on prolonged exposure. AQI for remaining three stations namely, Jatpura gate, Bimba gate and Babupeth ranged from 264 to 284 (Poor air quality) mainly due to vehicular pollution indicating breathing discomfort to people on prolonged exposure. All the pollutants were observed higher than the concentrations recorded in earlier studies and showed increasing trend as compared to records of previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural extension system of India has various kinds of service providers like state agriculture departments, universities, research institutes, Farm Science Centers and private players. This study was conducted in 2020 and attempted to explore the association between average annual net income earned from citrus cultivation and the source of availing citrus extension services through Correspondence Analysis (CA) method of 300 citrus farmers selected from three districts in Maharashtra, India. The farmers with high income (1808.31 to 2,411.09 USD ha-1) received advisory services of the public research institute ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI) through either personal contact or electronic platforms. Awareness about CCRI services, source of seeking citrus cultivation related information, source of purchasing citrus planting material, using CCRI mobile app and website for citrus advisories, and contacting CCRI scientists for solving citrus farming related issues was found to have significant (P< 0.05) positive relationship with net income from citrus farming through Pearsons' correlation coefficient, while cost of cultivation and orchard age had negative significant relationship. The multi-linear regression analysis, depicted cost of cultivation, awareness about CCRI services, source of seeking citrus advisories, and source of purchasing planting material had significant association with net income. The findings of correlation and regression thus emphasized the positive significant association of CCRI's extension services to income from citrus farming. Identifying homogenous target groups of citrus farmers through Classification and Regression Tree (CART) method can serve as policy implication for extension service providers to deliver customized need-based advisories to target clientele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semi-arid farming systems in India are facing an increasing frequency of climate change-induced extreme weather events. With the aim of improving their climate resilience, we retrospectively assess climate resilience in two case studies in Maharashtra, India. We considered a 15-year period and multiple interventions in both. The systems showed improved climate resilience when agricultural productivity-enhancing interventions were combined with those related to water management, soil health, livelihood diversification, and food and nutrition security. Further, we recommend embedding a monitoring, evaluation and learning component within the design of all interventions to help with adaptive decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Ipomoea consists of many climbing herbs and weeds belonging to the family Convolvulceae which are distributed all over India and are extensively important in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha medicine. Objectives: Looking into its above important activity the present research studies were carried out to investigate the Ipomoea reniformis Choisy ethnomedicinal plant for its quality, purity, and identification with the help of Pharmacognostic, Physicochemical, and Phytochemicals evaluation. Materials and Methods: The selected and authenticated medicinally important plant I. reniformis is belonging to the family Convolvulceae with the help of Pharmacognostic and Physicochemical characterization of powder and Phytochemicals evaluation of various extracts for its quality, purity, and identification. Results: Macroscopic studies of the plant part’s color, odor, size, taste, and arrangement of leaves, Petiole, and stem of I. reniformis were observed. Microscopy of leaves, petiole, and stem of the I. reniformis plant confirmed the presence of several significant sections. Physiochemical parameters such as % moisture content, % total solid content, total Ash values, water and alcohol soluble ash, acid-insoluble ash, and Sulfated ash values (% w/w) are 1.15±0.02, 98.85±0.04, 4.91±0.14, 3.28±0.27, 4.02±0.22, 0.93±0.37, 1.31±0.35 respectively. Ethanol and methanol produced high extractive yields of 11.06% and 9.86% respectively. Phytochemical evaluation of the various herbal extracts found many significant phytochemical constituents in ethanol and methanol extracts. Conclusion: Pharmacognostic, physiochemical, and phytochemical studies were carried out for the identification and authentication of I. reniformis Choisy, and these studies will help in the differentiation of the medicinal plants from its various species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following several surveys of aquatic Coleoptera during 2013-2018 in northern Western Ghats, India, we hereby provide an illustrated checklist with modified keys to the species of families Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae, Noteridae, and Hydrophilidae. To date, we have collected 69 species of true water beetles, adding new occurrence records for two species to the fauna of the state. Keys are modified from the works of various authors. Distribution records are provided with district specific records for Maharashtra. Keys, species lists, and distribution records are based on our survey results. Species were identified following the works of various authors, and affirmed by dissecting male genitalia. Provided with keys are habitus images, images of male genitalia for 59 species, and digital drawings & scanning electron micrographs of taxonomically important structures wherever necessary. These surveys were conducted to revive the work on aquatic beetles that have been neglected for about 40 years, and to prepare a revised checklist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Saoner mine reclamation study conducted in Maharashtra, India, meticulously investigates the practicality and efficacy of ecological restoration initiatives post-mining operations. Employing multifaceted research approach, including field observations, interviews, and questionnaires, the study captures a diverse array of perspectives from stakeholders representing local communities, mining companies, regulatory bodies, and environmental organizations. Within this complexity, the research uncovers spectrum of viewpoints. Encouragingly, positive outcomes emerge from specific reclamation practices like revegetation and soil stabilization. However, substantial challenges linger in vital areas such as water management, soil quality restoration, and post-reclamation monitoring, demanding targeted interventions. Stakeholders' diverse concerns reflect varying priorities. Local communities express apprehension about the adequacy of reclamation efforts and potential health implications, underscoring immediate impact on their lives. Mining companies prioritize regulatory compliance and economic contributions, emphasizing their immediate obligations. Simultaneously, environmental organizations advocate for stringent monitoring and the adoption of more robust practices, reflecting long-term ecological perspective. The study suggests a holistic approach to mining, beyond regulatory compliance, involving integrated planning, ongoing monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. This approach can reduce the industry's environmental footprint, promote sustainable development, and foster harmony between mining activities and local communities, making it a crucial foundation for Saoner and other Indian mining regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the Indian subcontinent, where a billion hearts beat, cancer casts a long shadow. In this crucible of healthcare innovation, the researchers shift their focus to India, a land as diverse as its challenges. This research delves deep into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform cancer care within India’s unique ecosystem. Journeying to Kharghar, Maharashtra, a microcosm of the nation’s hopes and realities, the researchers assess the community’s attitude towards embracing AI-driven solutions. But amidst the enthusiasm lies a sobering truth: the specter of high cancer care costs looms large across India’s healthcare landscape. This research serves as a call to action, urging targeted government interventions tailored to the Indian context. Envisioning a future where AI-powered cancer care is democratized, hope replaces despair for millions battling this formidable foe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Female Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) played a crucial role during the Coronavirus Diseases-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, diligently donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to deliver essential care to patients. While PPE effectively shielded FHCWs from infections, it simultaneously imposed limitations on their ability to perform fundamental human activities, including using restrooms and managing menstruation. During menstruation, the restricted access to sanitary pads, combined with the challenges of working in PPE, heightened vulnerability among FHCWs, resulting in discomfort, distress, and a decline in work efficiency. Aim: To assess the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of FHCWs regarding PPE usage while providing healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aimed to explore the challenges experienced in managing Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) during the COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the western region of India at a tertiary care hospital of the medical college of Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University) in Pune, Maharashtra, India from September 2020 to November 2020. A total of 300 FHCWs who were assigned COVID-19 duties and utilised PPE were included. Data was collected through a semistructured proforma, covering topics on PPE usage, challenges encountered, personal experiences, and the management of menstruation. The collected data underwent analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0, with a primary emphasis on descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 194 (64.7%) perceived that PPE imparted protection, and 267 (89.1%) believed that work efficiency was compromised. Challenges reported by FHCWs while working in PPE included sweating, difficulty in making eye contact, triggers of headaches, nausea, and earaches. A total of 161 (53.9%) reported experiencing a menstrual cycle while on duty with COVID-19 patients, out of which 40 (24.8%) experienced irregular periods, 23 (14.2%) experienced premenstrual stress, and 98 (60.8%) suffered from dysmenorrhoea during menstruation. Additionally, 155 (96.4%) were unable to change sanitary pads, 18 (11%) had stained PPE suits, and 146 (99.9%) experienced challenges in the disposal of sanitary napkins. Conclusion: Many FHCWs felt that PPE offered protection but also compromised work efficiency. Sweating, discomfort, and managing menstrual hygiene within PPE were common challenges encountered. Providing training on PPE usage, adjusting shift durations, implementing policies for the supply of sanitary pads, permitting breaks for changing, ensuring proper disposal arrangements, providing necessary medications and additional PPE if required, leaves, or creating alternative duty arrangements would be beneficial for FHCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is an essential component of safe motherhood programs. This study aims to systematically identify and synthesize available evidence on birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant and recently delivered women in India. Methods: The study followed PRISMA guidelines and used databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest. Joanna Briggs Institute [JBI] Tool was used for critical appraisal of studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis [CMA] tool and R studio software. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using visual inspection of the forest plot, Cochran's Q test, and the I2 statistic results. Funnel plot and Egger's tests were applied to explore the possibility of the publication bias in the studies [PROSPERO: CRD42023396109]. Result: Thirty-five cross-sectional studies reported knowledge on one or more components of birth preparedness [BP], whilst knowledge on complication readiness [CR] or danger signs was reported in 34 included studies. Utilizing the random effect model, the pooled result showed that only about half of the women [49%; 95% CI: 44%, 53%] were aware on BPCR components. This result ranged between 15% [95% CI: 12%, 19%] to 79% [95% CI: 72%, 84%] in Maharashtra and Karnataka respectively [I2 = 94%, p = < 0.01]. High heterogeneity [> 90%] is observed across all components [p < 0.01]. The result of subgroup analysis indicated no significant difference in the proportion on BPCR among pregnant women [50%; 95% CI: 45%, 55%] and recently delivered women [54%; 95% CI: 46%, 62%]. However, the southern region of India indicates relatively better [56%; 95% CI: 45%, 67%] prevalence. Conclusion: Our study highlights the low prevalence of BPCR in India and the factors associated with it. Scaling up cost-effective interventions like BPCR that have a positive overall effect is necessary. Authors strongly suggests that birth preparedness and complication readiness should be given utmost importance to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Consideration should be given to fortifying existing resources, such as frontline workers and primary healthcare, as a strategic approach to augmenting the effectiveness of awareness initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the long-term treatment outcome of conventional and hypofractionation radiotherapy in postmastectomy cancer breast patients. Material and Methods: A total of 140 postmastectomy breast cancer patients were included in this retrospective study, who were treated from 2012 to 2014 with chemotherapy and various fractionation radiotherapy schedules. Radiotherapy treatment records for study group-I received radiotherapy 4256 cGy in 16 fractions over 31/2 weeks, group-II patients received 4005 cGy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks, and conventional radiotherapy group-III received 5000 cGy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Results: The median follow-up of patients from all groups was 60 months (range 9 to 111 months). There were 39 cases with disease failure, 13 (26%) in group I (42.56 Gy), 16 (40%) in group II (40.05 Gy), and 10 (20%) in group III (50 Gy). There were 4 locoregional recurrences (LRRs), two isolated, and 11 distant failures in group I, 3 LRRs (1 isolated LRR) and 15 distant failures in group II, and only one LRR and 9 distant failures in group III. The disease-free survival (DFS) were 74%, 60%, and 80%, respectively, in groups I, II, and III (P =0.044). Conclusion: The long-term results of this study show that hypofractionation radiotherapy in postmastectomy cases is well tolerated and acute and late side effects are also comparable to conventional fractionation. In our study, locoregional and distant failure seems slightly higher with hypofractionation schedules than in other studies, highlighting the need for more studies with long-term follow-up in postmastectomy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oldest idea or original art of travel is pilgrimage tourism, which has a shorter history than modern tourism. Modern tourism was sparked by pilgrimages to sacred and holy locations. Hindu pilgrimages, known as tirtha yatras, appear to have originated and developed from a custom that predates even their civilization. There has been an incredible improvement in the expansion of pilgrimage tourism in Maharashtra. The fast increase in the influx of pilgrims significantly contributes to the regions sustainable development by producing socio-economic advantages including enhancing educational resources, fostering global awareness and national integration, opening up of new growth centres, creating jobs & raising domestic incomes healthcare facilities and effective demand of new infrastructure is a constant. Simultaneously, removal of regional disparities is crucial. The unrestrained & uncontrolled rapid expansion of pilgrimage tourism imposes significant costs on the environment and destruction of the environment, depletion of local resources, and other socio cultural and economic issues. The trust or the government should provide funding for such efforts of environmental conservation & protection. Boosting the natural areas economic significance, and encouraging locals & tourists in awareness of environmental values to protect these natural resources for future generations. The study came to conclusion that there is a favourable correlation between the rise in pilgrimage tourism and other forms of tourism, and that this expansion greatly aids in the host populations sustainable development. Taking Shirdi Sansthan Trust as a case study, a famous pilgrimage destination in Maharashtra, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture is a significant industry in food production, and its contribution to food and nutrition security is well acknowledged. India's aquaculture production has continued to increase significantly, thus playing a key role in supplying animal protein sources for human consumption. There is a steady increase in Tilapia fish farming in India; however, studies on the efficient use of water and its quality management are scanty. In recent years, farmers in Maharashtra have engaged in aquaculture-crop farming, with those from the Ujjani reservoir area practicing integrated sugarcane farming using tilapia farm discharge water. From this background, the present study assesses the effects of fish farming activities on the aquatic environment by studying tilapia fish farms' water quality in the commanding area of the Ujjani, the second-largest reservoir in Maharashtra. Ten fish farms were selected for the study and two sampling sites were used for each tilapia fish farm; the first sampling point was located upstream of the fish farming facilities, and the second one was downstream from the fish farm discharge point. Collected water samples were analyzed for the measurement of physico-chemical parameters viz. pH, Temperature, Turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Nitrite-N, total ammonia-N, Nitrate-N, Hardness, Alkalinity, Calcium, Sodium and Potassium. Self-paired data of each parameter were analyzed using a student's t-test for paired samples and repeated measure of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to detect significant associations (p, 0.05) between these variables and the parameter values in inlet and outlet from the fish farms. The repeated measures of ANOVA were used to analyze the significant differences between water quality across pond number and month at the inlet-outlet. The paired sample t-test result shows that the outlet and inlet water parameters are positively correlated except for temperature and alkalinity, and there is a significant difference between 13 water quality parameters at the inlet and outlet (p<0.05). The repeated measure of ANOVA result revealed that there are significant differences exist between the source and pond number, with nitrite varying in the source and nitrate and ammonia in the source and source-pond number. Hardness, alkalinity, turbidity, and calcium show significant differences in the source and source-month, with calcium varying in source-pond number and source-pond numbermonth. Alkalinity and potassium differ significantly between source and month, while potassium, temperature, PH and DO exhibit significant differences in source and source-pond number. The result shows that the Tilapia fish are enhancing water quality at discharge, and the integrated sugarcane farming with tilapia farm discharge water is playing both an environmentally beneficial role by improving water quality and an economically beneficial role by reducing production costs, increasing productivity, and yielding higher income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typical symptoms of little leaf such as yellowing, phyllody, virescence, and witches' broom were observed on snake gourd in the Jalna district of Maharashtra state, India. Total genomic DNA extracted from symptomatic plants was subjected to PCR assay using the 16S rRNA gene specific primer pair. Pairwise comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence (1.2 kb) of the Snake gourd phytoplasma isolate showed it shared 100% sequence identity with Crotalaria phyllody-[16SrII-C] phytoplasma (Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia). Further virtual RFLP analysis of 16Sr RNA gene sequence of F2 region of the snake gourd phytoplasma isolate showed a similarity coefficient of 0.99 with the 16SrII-C subgroup. Here we have described Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia (16SrII-C) infecting snake gourd in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]