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Purpose – The main purpose of this study is to determine India's position in publishing top research papers in chemistry as reflected in Science Direct. It also aims to find out authorship pattern, countries with major contributions, journals with high publication rates, etc. Design/methodology/approach – Citation analysis methods were applied to study citations of 450 research papers in chemistry taken from the listing of top 25 papers in Science Direct database. The citations covered 18 issues of the Science Direct generated alert service for the period 2004-2008. The bibliographic data were entered in Excel sheets for necessary analysis. Findings – The studies revealed that, out of 450 research papers, 36 (8 per cent) are contributed by Indian researchers. In the ranking of contributing countries, India reserves third position after the USA and China. More than 86 per cent of Indian chemistry research papers were cited by others. As regards to number of citations, 25 per cent of Indian papers are cited between 10 and 25 times each. The journal Tetrahedron was found as the highest publishing journal with 71 (16 per cent) publications. Research limitations/implications – The paper presents a sense of the importance of Indian chemistry research, and as such informs that community, as well as researchers involved in citation analysis. Originality/value – The outcome of the study is an original research work with citation analysis of top research papers in chemistry. The findings will have practical implications for Indian scientists, funding agencies and research establishments in different areas of chemical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online teaching and learning as an electronically supported approach relies mainly on the Internet as the medium for knowledge transmission. The utmost efforts are being made so that learning will be possible, even during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also maintaining academic integrity. In this paper, we discuss the major steps taken to foster the educational needs of chemistry students in India along with the major challenges faced by Indian teachers and learners. Transmission of education involves all-round and far-ranging development of the learners. This paper elaborates on how the activities being carried out in everyday classrooms could not be replicated efficiently in an online teaching--learning platform. Great attention was given to maintaining academic integrity; this was reflected in the process of moving instruction online.

This study presents bibliometric analysis of the research papers of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy. He is one of the scientists who popularized science in India and truly known as the 'Father of Indian Chemistry'. During the period of 1888 to 1936, in a span of 49 years, he contributed 158 research papers in several reputed national and international journals. The analysis of his contributions includes year and periodical distribution of items, their language distribution, and single and multiple authorship. Year-wise distribution of pages authored by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy has also been presented as well as his journal preference based on periodical distribution of articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes 833 research publications of the Panjab University in chemistry during eight years (2008-15), as covered in Scopus International database. The study quantifies publication data in various aspects of performance, such as the publication growth, research impact and quality, national and international collaboration, contribution and impact of authors, major areas of research and preferred channels of research communications and characteristics of higher cited papers. The findings reveal that Panjab University total publications in chemistry has increased at an annual average growth rate of 17.04% and registered an average citation impact per paper of 6.38 during 2008-15. Of its total publications (833), 22.33% publications of Panjab University did not get any citations as against 77.67% getting 1 or more citations. The 28.69% and 25.81% of the Panjab University publications in chemistry were involved in national and international collaboration during 2008-15. th Among its performance in top 20 most productive Indian universities, Punjab University stood at 16 th rank in terms of publications output (833) and h-index (27), 13 rank in average citation per paper th (6.38) and share of high cited papers (0.12%) and 8 rank in terms of international collaborative papers (25.81%) during 2008-15. Of the 1140 authors involved in 833 papers, the top 15 most productive authors of Punjab University in chemistry together contributed 70.83% and 70.65% share of total publications and citations of Panjab University in chemistry during 2008-15. Of the 221 journals contributing to Panjab University in chemistry research output, the top 30 journals together accounted for 48.37% share of the Panjab University output in chemistry during 2008-15.The top 22 comparatively higher cited papers individually received 31 to 123 citations and together got 12198 citations, with average citation per paper of 55.41. Among 22 higher cited papers, 9 had the participation of single institution (zero collaboration), 9 involve national collaboration and 4 involve international collaboration. These 22 higher cited papers involve 88 authors and 45 organizations and were published in 18 journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper entitled as "Impact of E-Content on Learning Chemistry at Higher Secondary Level" is tried to test the impact of the multimedia courseware in studying chemistry at the XI standard level by picking a sample of 40 students by containing 20 each with control and experimental group by adopting pre-test and post-test control group design. It attains that there is a significant difference that was built in the experimental group compared with the control group. So it is approved to update the studying strategy at the XI std in learning chemistry. It is also established that this experiment also appreciates the passing percentage.

Recently, a number of studies have examined the lived experiences of the international teaching assistants (ITAs) in the U.S. classrooms. The findings show that the ITAs face many challenges such as classroom management, instructional, linguistic, cultural and social challenges. Following this line of research, this interview-based study examined the lived experiences of a group of ITAs using a qualitative methodology. The qualitative approach was intentionally selected to add an interpretive stance to the quantitative analyses prevalent in the current research on the ITAs. The paper aims to: (1) to provide insights into the ITAs' perspectives on their first semester of teaching in the U.S. including determining the challenges they face and (2) to consider possible revisions to existing ITAs' preparation programs based on the ITAs' own perspectives and a review of the available literature. This study contributes to the field by presenting information that has the potential to prompt future empirical investigations into educational cultures as they apply to novice instructors in international contexts and to inform and renew curricula for ITAs' preparation programs at the U.S. universities.

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

Purpose: This paper aims to give a brief description of some chemistry portals available worldwide, followed by a description of the chemistry portal developed for Panjab University Library, Chandigarh (India). Design/methodology/approach: A well-structured chemistry portal was designed for chemistry and its allied departments at Panjab University based on studies of other chemistry portals worldwide. Findings: All the students, research scholars and faculty members of chemistry and allied subjects are deriving benefit from the use of this portal. Research limitations/implications: The paper provides information about chemistry portals available worldwide. However, only selected portals are presented. Moreover, the information sources included in the chemistry portal may also not be exhaustive. Practical implications: The paper would be of help to librarians who plan to develop such portals for other subjects. Originality/value: The success of the portal has led to a demand from other departments in the university for developing subject portals in their subject areas. (Contains 16 figures.)

In Andhra Pradesh, India, chemical experimenting in under graduate college labs by students is neglected because most of the intermediate (10+1 and 10+2) students concentrate on writing competitive exams like EAMCET (Engineering and Medical Common Entrance Test), IIT JEE (Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Test), AIEEE (All India Engineering Entrance Examination), AFMS (Armed Forces Medical Services), AIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science). The students spend most of their time in preparing for competitive exams, practicing bits, and writing many model exams. Even Parents, staff, and management are also motivated and allow the students towards preparation for competitive exams because of the increase in number of engineering seats and demand of medical seats. Ultimately, the quality and quantity of students who join the B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) has been decreasing day by day. Even after joining the B.Sc., the students are motivated towards immediate white collared job oriented courses like M.C.A (Master of Computer Applications) and M.B.A (Master Business Administration) and spending their time for preparing for competitive exams for those courses. Only a few students are interested to join Post graduation in chemistry and try to learn experimental skills in chemistry laboratory. However, the motivated students towards undergraduate chemistry will be demotivated towards it due to lack of fundamentals in chemistry (in 10+2 level), which are essential for better job market. Ultimately, the students are in confusion and neglect learning the skills in doing experiments in chemistry lab. The present paper focuses on the thorough quest of one such teacher who strives for his own professional development. He has developed his own method of guiding the students for their improvement of skills in doing experiments in lab. The teacher explored solutions to his problems or problems of students by sorting out the critical incidents from his own laboratory experiences, documented through regular journal writing. The teacher cum researcher guided the students to overcome the difficulties in: (1) Determination of melting point; (2) Determination of Boiling Point; (3) Test for Extra elements; (4) Ignition Test for Aliphatic/Aromatic/Carbohydrate/Amide; and (5) Test for Functional groups.

The Open Distance Learning (ODL) concept is fast becoming popular all over the world and it has a lot of relevance for a highly populated country like India. However, the most important aspect of this type of teaching-learning process is establishment of the credibility especially when the laboratory based science programmes are delivered from such institutions. The apprehensions arise because teaching laboratory based science related subjects at a distance is difficult due to students' compulsory presence for the experimental work and also the cost involvement. Through this paper we intend to establish the credibility and authenticity of the B.Sc. (major) in chemistry programme by giving a brief comparative account of IGNOU and conventional university courses. It discusses the delivery aspects of this programme highlighting the existing delivery mechanism, analyses the weaknesses in the present system substantiated by a survey study and also suggests some new approaches to make chemistry courses more effective from learner's learning point of view. The survey study has been helpful also in suggesting appropriate technologies for the effective delivery of Chemistry courses. (Contains 6 tables.)

The paper discusses a comparative study of h and g indices of prominent scientists from India in five selected subject fields viz. Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Engineering and Medicine. It throws light on various indices proposed by different scientists from 2006 to 2015. The analysis of the present study is based on publications and citations data extracted from the Web of Science for the time span 1999-2014. It is evident from the study that almost all authors' g-index is higher than that of h-index. The average g/h of all subjects' authors is around 1.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes an inexpensive experiment to determine the carbonyl stretching frequency of an organic keto compound in its ground state and first electronic excited state. The experiment is simple to execute, clarifies some of the fundamental concepts of spectroscopy, and is appropriate for a basic spectroscopy laboratory course. The experiment is complemented by an optional computational component.

In this paper we describe the development and evaluation of two activities for delivery in first year B.Sc. and M.Chem. degree courses, in which we introduced an international context representing either a linguistic or a cultural modification to the previously developed case studies. The case studies focus on an industrial and an environmental scenario. The industrial scenario was recast within a site based in India, whilst the environmental scenario introduced material in several European languages. Evaluation of student attitudes before and after the engagement with the activities suggest that their attitudes towards working in a non-UK environment and towards language learning had become more positive.

Meriandra bengalensis (Konig ex Roxb.) Benth. is an annual herbaceous and aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is scented plant. The leaves of this plant are used to treat lethargy and sore throat in North East, India. Fresh leaves are used to treat high blood pressure and are also used as a tonic, carminative, astringent, and antibacterial. Tonsillitis is treated using an extract from inflorescences. The oil obtained from the leaves comprised mostly (+)-camphor (82%) and 30 minor chemicals. Sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, and flavones have been identified from its aerial portions and roots. The present paper highlights the morphological features and phyto-constituents of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the causality between energy consumption, carbon emissions and economic growth is helpful for policymakers to formulate energy, environmental and economic policies. For the first time, based on nonlinear dynamics, this paper employs multispatial convergent cross mapping (CCM) to revisit the energy-carbon-economy causation for China, India and the G7 countries using both aggregate data and per capita data. The findings indicate that there are significant differences between developing countries and developed countries. A bidirectional nexus between energy consumption, carbon emissions and economic growth is found in China and India, but various causal relationships are identified in the G7 countries, including bidirectional, unidirectional and neutral nexus. The results confirm that the decoupling phenomenon is common in most G7 countries. By leveraging a variety of samples and a new approach, this study provides new evidence for policy authorities to formulate country-specific policies to obtain better environmental quality while achieving sustainable economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study compared the achievements of higher secondary level students before and during the COVID 19 pandemic in five subjects-English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This study was conducted on higher secondary level students from Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Assam, India. Dichotomous variables like rural and urban, tribal and non-tribal are considered for sample collection. A stratified random sampling technique is used for data collection. When five subjects are considered as a unit, the Mahalanobis Distance (MD) is used to measure the difference in dynamical character of achievements. There is a significant difference in the achievement of students between pre-COVID 19 and during COVID 19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic chemistry as a research area contributes to more than one percent of world publication output. The present paper attempts to draw a detailed, in-depth bibliometric analysis of organic chemistry research activity during the last decade (2004 to 2013) with special emphasis on the Indian contribution. The Indian output is compared with that of world's leading countries using exergy, an indicator which combines quantity and quality of publications. A three-dimensional approach combining quantity, quality and consistency is used for analysing the performance of various institutions and authors. It is found that organic chemistry research activity in India during 2004-2013 is equal to the world average and its growth pattern is positive and similar to the worldwide research growth. India ranks at the 9th position based on the Exergy(X), the performance indicator while USA, Germany and China occupy first, second and third positions.Among others, the most productive organisations and authors are also identified using h-index and z-index. The paper identifies countries, international organisations and journals that cite the Indian contributions in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bibliometric parameters including number of papers, number of citations received, institutional collaborations, productivity of journals, subject categories and authorship pattern have been used to carry out the analysis of the research contributions made by the faculty members of the Department of Chemistry at University of Pune. The data set was collected from the Web of Science (WoS) database for the period of about 14 years (1999-2012). The data reveals that thirty faculty members have published 811 papers in 258 journals with 8948 citations. Most of the papers are published in peer-reviewed international journals having high impact factor. These are core journals in the field of chemistry being published in the countries like USA, UK and Germany, etc. The study reveals that there is a continuous growth in publications. About 30% of the papers were published during 2010-2012. The average number of citations received per paper is 11.03. The highest number of citations (905) were received for 41 papers published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry A. This study indicates that majority of the papers published are in the area of physical chemistry. Authorship pattern indicates that highest number of citations are received for papers written by four authors in collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the trends in Indian patents filed in the area of chemical sciences during 1995 to 2008. It highlights the importance of patent literature in scientific developments and global trends in patent filings. A result of Indian patent filing analysis indicated that filing in India is increasing in the past few years and many public and private organisations are filing patents in India and in other countries for protecting the inventions. Among India patent filing activities, chemical and pharmaceutical sciences are the prominent areas. Individual inventors and assignees from private and public organisations are filing patents, but in India, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is leading patent filer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the development of institution for scientific research in India. Influence of the European chemistry on the institution; Background of the chemistry education; Impact of the political struggle on chemical research.

Jammu and Kashmir is the seventh largest state (now a union territory) of India in terms of area, with about 1.25 crore inhabitants. It has 11 universities (Central and State) and 308 colleges affiliated with Jammu and Kashmir universities. With such a diverse higher educational structure, one presumes the region will have sufficient scientific output for scientometric analysis. The study tried to assess its research output and impact in science and technology by analysing 4,697 journal articles indexed in the Science Citation Index–Expanded database Web of Science. The examination of articles revealed that they are predominantly dealing with plant sciences, dairy and animal science, agriculture, and chemistry. All these articles have a mean of 7.24 authors and citation per publication of 6.43. The Jammu and Kashmir researchers' international collaboration is primarily with Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The most prolific institutions are the University of Kashmir, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST), and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). The most productive researchers are Sheikh Javid Ahmad from Cluster University Srinagar, and Farooq Ahmad Masoodi and Aijaz Ahmad Dar from University of Kashmir. The study will serve as an index to assist researchers and organizations in Jammu and Kashmir and their publication profiles in the overall science and technology output of the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study highlights the authorship trend and collaborative research in chemistry in India during 1996-2000. The study found that team research is preferred in the field of chemistry rather than solo research. The degree of collaboration is calculated and found to be 0.76. The degree of collaboration varies from year to year and is found to be 0.72 to 0.83. Average number of authors per paper has increased from 7.52 to 8.39. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinopyroxene relict magmatic phases in Neoarchean Mangikhuta volcanics are described in detail in terms of their geochemistry for the first time, and their petrogenetic insights obtained. EPMA study indicates their restricted compositional range. Elemental variation diagrams show progressive variation of Al, Ca, Si, Fe+3, Ti, Cr, Aly and Aly/Alz, Ti/Al, Fe+2/Fe+3 elemental ratios with fractionation, which establishes their equilibrium conditions during crystallization differentiation. On pyroxene quadrilateral, they plot along fractionation trend of augite. Ca-Al Tschermak, esseneite and Tp are the "other components" in these clinopyroxenes. Progressive variation of other components indicates decrease of pH2O and fO2 of the magma during fractionation. Other components of clinopyroxenes and chondrite normalized whole rock REE patterns indicate minor fractionation of plagioclase in primitive magma. However, plagioclase became a major precipitating phase in later stage of fractionation. Clinopyroxene geobarometer and geothermometer indicate 0–3 kb pressure and 1100–1250° C temperature of crystallization of Mangikhuta clinopyroxenes. Mangikhuta complex have typically high normative orthopyroxene content (35–45 vol. %) now altered to Mg-Al-Fe chlorite. The Mangikhuta magma was highly aqueous and after genesis, it ascended rapidly giving rise to silica-alumina-calc-alkaline series rocks. In the late magmatic history, there was reaction between orthopyroxene and water and plagioclase and water so that Mg(Al,Fe)SiO3 pyroxene converted to Mg(Fe, Al) chlorite and prehnite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of NE–SW to ENE–WSW trending Palaeoproterozoic mafic dykes, intruded within the Archean basement rocks and more conspicuous in the southern parts of the western Dharwar Craton (WDC), was studied for their whole‐rock geochemistry to understand their petrogenetic and geodynamic aspects. Observed mineralogical and textural characteristics classify them either as meta‐dolerites or dolerites/olivine‐dolerites. They show basaltic to basaltic–andesitic compositions and bear sub‐alkaline tholeiitic nature. Three geochemically distinct groups of mafic dykes have been identified. Group 1 samples show flat REE patterns (LaN/LuN = ~1), whereas the other two groups have LaN/LuN = ~2–3 (Group 2; enriched LREE and flat HREE patterns) and LaN/LuN = ~4 (Group 3; inclined REE patterns). Chemistry is not straightforward to support any significant role of crustal contamination and probably reflect their source characteristics. However, their derivation from melts originated from a previously modified metasomatized lithospheric mantle due to some ancient subduction event cannot be ignored. Most likely different mantle melts were responsible for derivation of these distinct sets of mafic dykes. The Group 2 dykes are derived from a melt generated within spinel stability field by ~10% batch melting of a lithospheric mantle source, whereas the Group 3 dykes have their derivation from a melt originated within the spinel–garnet transition zone and were fed from slightly higher (~12–15%) batch melting of a similar source. The Group 1 samples were also crystallized from a melt generated at the transition zone of spinel–garnet stability field by higher degrees (~20%) of melting of a primitive mantle source. Geochemistry of the studied samples is typical of Palaeoproterozoic mafic dykes emplaced within the intracratonic setting, reported elsewhere globally as well as neighbouring cratons. Geochemistry of the studied mafic dyke samples is also compared with the mafic dykes of the eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC). Except the Group 3 samples, which have good correlation with the 1.88–1.89 Ga Hampi swarm, no other group shows similarity with the EDC mafic dykes. There is an ample possibility to have some different mafic magmatic events in the WDC, which could be different from the EDC. However, it can only be confirmed after precise age determinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culex quinquefasciatus is a vector of lymphatic filariasis and vector control strategies normally involve the use of synthetic insecticides targeted against them. Extensive and uncontrolled use of these synthetic insecticides has led to the development of insecticide resistance in the mosquito vectors. In this context, to study the resistance status of Cx. quinquefasciatus, field populations were collected from three districts of Northern part of West Bengal and tested against insecticides (5% malathion, 0.05% deltamethrin, 0.05% lambdacyhalothrin,0.75% permethrin, 0.1% propoxur, 4% DDT and Temephos). Qualitative and quantitative enzyme assay was also conducted in order to find the role of detoxifying enzymes behind the development of insecticide resistance. This study revealed the presence of widespread resistance amongst the field populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus throughout the studied regions. Moreover, the result of native PAGE and biochemical enzyme assay may be linked to some extent in the involvement of the detoxifying enzymes in conferring resistance against insecticides in most of the tested Cx. quinquefasciatus populations. The present study involving the survey of resistance status may be of immense help during the implementation of vector control strategies throughout this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Glucosamine dietary supplements are commonly used for the management of osteoarthritis (OA). However, clinical trials have reported varying outcomes with regard to joint function and disease progression. One of the possible reasons for variability in observed effects of glucosamine could be that, unlike prescription drugs, the quality of manufactured dietary supplements is not closely monitored in many countries. Therefore, there is the possibility that the actual amount of glucosamine present in a dietary supplement is different from that claimed on the label. The quality control of glucosamine supplements is further complicated by the unavailability of a simple and effective analytical method for the analysis of glucosamine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a simple analytical method that could be easily adapted by the pharmaceutical industry for routine analysis of glucosamine. Aims: To develop a novel high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the quantification of glucosamine, and determine the amount of glucosamine present in a sample of dietary supplements commercially available in Australia and India. Methods: Chromatographic separation of glucosamine was achieved using a zwitter-ionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column with a mobile phase consisting of 60% acetonitrile and 40% of 85 mM ammonium acetate, at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min and column temperature 40°C. The developed method was validated for intra- and inter-day linearity, accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. The newly-developed method was subsequently used to analyse 12 glucosamine supplements. Results: The developed method was selective for glucosamine, which had a retention time of 5.9 min. The standard curve was linear with a correlation coefficient (r2) exceeding 0.99, over the range of 10–200 μg/mL for glucosamine. The relative standard deviations for intra- and inter-day accuracy, precision and reproducibility were all less than 4%. The amount of glucosamine determined in six Australian and six Indian glucosamine supplements ranged between 98.7–101.7% and 85.9–101.8% of the labelled values, respectively. Discussion: Unlike previous HPLC methods, this newly-developed HPLC technique does not require pre-derivatisation and can separate glucosamine from both hydrochloride and sulphate salts, and from other amino sugars, such as chondroitin sulphate present in dietary supplements. This simple and effective technique can be employed by analytical laboratories for the quality control of glucosamine dietary supplements. Conclusion: The current study has developed a new analytical technique using HPLC-Corona CAD, which can analyse underivatised glucosamine hydrochloride and sulphate within 6 minutes. Using the novel assay, we confirmed that unlike the tested Australian dietary supplements, only half of the tested Indian products had a glucosamine content within ±10% of what was claimed on the label. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OX513A Aedes aegypti is a genetically engineered strain carrying a self-limiting gene. Studies in several countries have shown the effectiveness of the strain at reducing pest Aedes aegypti populations. As a component of biosafety assessments relevant to Indian environments, OX513A and two Indian wild-type Ae. aegypti strains (from Aurangabad and Delhi) were tested for susceptibility to a range of commonly used insecticides in India, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), malathion, deltamethrin, and permethrin using World Health Organization (WHO) testing kits and following WHO standard test procedures. Knockdown times (KDT) for all compounds were determined separately for male and female adults of the three mosquito strains. Results indicated that adults of OX513A, Aurangabad, and Delhi strains were resistant to DDT, yielding mortality rates of 90.9, 87.4, and 44.4% and 70.1, 3.0, and 6.0% for male and female adults, respectively. In contrast, adults of all three strains were found to be susceptible to malathion, deltamethrin, and permethrin, exhibiting mortalities between 98 and 100%. The magnitudes of susceptibility, based on the KDT50 values, were greater in the OX513A strain, as compared to wild-type strains of Ae. aegypti for all insecticides tested. The results confirm that, aside from historical resistance to DDT, OX513A has retained full sensitivity to these commonly used compounds and exhibits responses akin to those of susceptible Indian wild-type strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding on the importance of viral lysis in the functioning of tropical estuarine ecosystem is limited. This study examines viral infection of prokaryotes and subsequent lysis of cells belonging to different morphotypes across a salinity gradient in monsoon driven estuarine ecosystem (Cochin estuary, India). High standing stock of viruses and prokaryotes accompanied by lytic infection rates in the euryhaline/mesohaline region of the estuary suggests salinity to have an influential role in driving interactions between prokaryotes and viruses. High prokaryotic mortality rates, up to 42% of prokaryote population in the pre-monsoon season is further substantiated by a high virus to prokaryote ratio (VPR), suggesting that maintenance of a high number of viruses is dependent on the most active fraction of bacterioplankton. Although myoviruses were the dominant viral morphotype (mean = 43%) throughout the study period, there was significant variation among prokaryotic morphotypes susceptible to viral infection. Among them, the viral infected short rod prokaryote morphotype with lower burst estimates (mean = 18 viruses prokaryote-1) was dominant (35%) in the dry seasons whereas a substantial increase in cocci forms (30%) infected by viruses with high burst size (mean = 31 viruses prokaryote-1) was evident during the monsoon season. Such preferential infections of prokaryotic morphopopulations with respect to seasons can have a strong and variable impact on the carbon and energy flow in this tropical ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we describe our experiences of conducting a series of workshops titled ‘It’s a MATERIALS world!’ to popularize Materials Science among school children in India. Some of the hands-on activities that can be performed with easily available ingredients/equipment in a classroom are described for the benefit of educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum (Al) is the third most abundant metal in earth crust, whose chemical form is mainly dependent on soil pH. The most toxic form of Al with respect to plants is Al3+, which exists in soil pH <5. Acidic soil significantly limits crop production mainly due to Al3+ toxicity worldwide, impacting approximately 50% of the world’s arable land (in North-Eastern India 80% soil are acidic). Al3+ toxicity in plants ensues root growth inhibition leading to less nutrient and water uptake impacting crop productivity as a whole. Rice is one of the chief grains which constitutes the staple food of two-third of the world population including India and is not untouched by Al3+ toxicity. Al contamination is a critical constraint to plant production in agricultural soils of North East India. 24 indigenous Indica rice varieties (including Badshahbhog as tolerant check and Mashuri as sensitive check) were screened for Al stress tolerance in hydroponic plant growth system. Results show marked difference in growth parameters (relative growth rate, Root tolerance index, fresh and dry weight of root) of rice seedlings due to Al (100 μM) toxicity. Al3+ uptake and lipid peroxidation level also increased concomitantly under Al treatment. Histochemical assay were also performed to elucidate uptake of aluminum, loss of membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation, which were found to be more in sensitive genotypes at higher Al concentration. This study revealed that aluminum toxicity is a serious harmful problem for rice crop productivity in acid soil. Based on various parameters studied it’s concluded that Disang is a comparatively tolerant variety whereas Joymati a sensitive variety. Western blot hybridization further strengthened the claim, as it demonstrated more accumulation of Glutathione reductase (GR) protein in Disang rice variety than Joymati under stressed condition. This study also observed that the emergence of lethal toxic symptoms occurs only after 48h irrespective of the dose used in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particulate pollution has important consequences for human health, and is an issue of global concern. Outdoor air pollution has become a cause for alarm in India in particular because recent data suggest that ambient pollution levels in Indian cities are some of the highest in the world. We study the number of particles between 0.5μm and 2.5μm indoors while using affordable air purifiers in the highly polluted city of Delhi. Though substantial reductions in indoor number concentrations are observed during air purifier use, indoor air quality while using an air purifier is frequently worse than in cities with moderate pollution, and often worse than levels observed even in polluted cities. When outdoor pollution levels are higher, on average, indoor pollution levels while using an air purifier are also higher. Moreover, the ratio of indoor air quality during air purifier use to two comparison measures of air quality without an air purifier are also positively correlated with outdoor pollution levels, suggesting that as ambient air quality worsens there are diminishing returns to improvements in indoor air quality during air purifier use. The findings of this study indicate that although the most affordable air purifiers currently available are associated with significant improvements in the indoor environment, they are not a replacement for public action in regions like Delhi. Although private solutions may serve as a stopgap, reducing ambient air pollution must be a public health and policy priority in any region where air pollution is as high as Delhi’s during the winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful integration of nutrition interventions into large-scale development programmes from nutrition-relevant sectors, such as agriculture, can address critical underlying determinants of undernutrition and enhance the coverage and effectiveness of on-going nutrition-specific activities. However, evidence on how this can be done is limited. This study examines the feasibility of delivering maternal, infant, and young child nutrition behaviour change communication through an innovative agricultural extension programme serving nutritionally vulnerable groups in rural India. The existing agriculture programme involves participatory production of low-cost videos promoting best practices and broad dissemination through village-level women’s self-help groups. For the nutrition intervention, 10 videos promoting specific maternal, infant, and young child nutrition practices were produced and disseminated in 30 villages. A range of methods was used to collect data, including in-depth interviews with project staff, frontline health workers, and self-help group members and their families; structured observations of mediated video dissemination sessions; nutrition knowledge tests with project staff and self-help group members; and a social network questionnaire to assess diffusion of promoted nutrition messages. We found the nutrition intervention to be well-received by rural communities and viewed as complementary to existing frontline health services. However, compared to agriculture, nutrition content required more time, creativity, and technical support to develop and deliver. Experimentation with promoted nutrition behaviours was high, but sharing of information from the videos with non-viewers was limited. Key lessons learned include the benefits of and need for collaboration with existing health services; continued technical support for implementing partners; engagement with local cultural norms and beliefs; empowerment of women’s group members to champion nutrition; and enhancement of message diffusion mechanisms to reach pregnant women and mothers of young children at scale. Understanding the experience of developing and delivering this intervention will benefit the design of new nutrition interventions which seek to leverage agriculture platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical cyclones are extreme random meteorological events that can have profound implications to coastal biodiversities. Given that the frequency, intensity and duration of these events are poised to increase due to the global climate change, understanding the ecological impacts of such erratic occurrences becomes imperative to devise better management strategies. The eventful passage of the tropical cyclone, Phyan, along the northwestern coast of India in November 2009, coupled with the availability of historical data presented a rare opportunity to elucidate the consequences on the polychaete assemblages of the Malvan Marine Sanctuary and their subsequent recovery. This was achieved by comparison of the pre- and post-Phyan seasonal data from four different sites in and around the Sanctuary. MDS analyses and polychaete community parameters suggested conspicuous cyclone related effects on the polychaete community characteristics in the three outer stations off Malvan, whereas the relatively protected bay station remained more or less unscathed. Impacts, attributable to the cyclone apart from seasonal variations, included changes in polychaete composition, reductions in total polychaete density, species diversity, evenness and functional groups. Dominance of the opportunistic polychaete, Paraprionospiopatiens was all pervasive just after Phyan, resulting in poor diversity and evenness values. In the outer stations, diverse feeding modes present prior to the cyclone were replaced by microphagous feeders post the disturbance. However, the study also observed complete recovery as substantiated by the improvement inpolychaete density, diversity indices and re-instatement of multiple feeding guilds in affected areas. This resilience of the coastal waters off Malvan is attributed to its marine protected status, implying that reduced human interference aided rapid revival of damaged ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fortnightly survey in control and fire-impacted regions of scrub jungle of south-west coast of India during south-west monsoon (50 m2quadrats up to 10 weeks) yielded 34 and 25 species of macrofungi, respectively. The species as well as sporocarp richness were the highest during the fourth week, while the diversity attained the highest during the second week in control region. In fire-impacted region, the species and sporocarp richness and diversity peaked at sixth week. Seven species common to both regions wereChlorophyllum molybdites, Lepiotasp.,Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, Marasmiussp. 3,Polyporussp.,Schizophyllum communeandTetrapyrgos nigripes. The overall sporocarp richness was higher in fire-impacted than in control region. The Jaccard’s similarity between regions was 13.5%, while fortnights of regions ranged from 0% (10th week) to 11.7% (eighth week). Control region showed single-species dominance byXylaria hypoxylon, while multispecies dominance byCyathus striatusandLentinus squarrosulusin fire-impacted region. Except for air temperature, nine abiotic factors significantly differed between control and fire-impacted regions. The Pearson correlation was positive between species richness and phosphorus content in fire-impacted region (r = 0.696), while sporocarp richness was negatively correlated with pH in control region (r = −0.640). Economically viable species were 12 and 10 without overlap in control and fire-impacted regions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhydra fluctuans Lour. (Asteraceae), an edible aquatic herb, is traditionally employed against toxic effects of heavy metals in India. The present study was planned to discover the protective effect of edible extract of E. fluctuans (AEEF) against Pb toxicity. Methods: The cytoprotective role of AEEF was determined on murine hepatocytes employing MTT assay and Hoechst staining. The effects on lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, endogenous redox systems and the transcription levels of apoptotic proteins were studied after incubating the hepatocytes with AEEF (400 μg/ml) + Pb-acetate (6.8 μM). The defensive role of AEEF (100 mg/kg) against Pb-acetate (5 mg/kg) intoxication was measured in mice by in vivo assays. Biochemical, haematological and histological parameters, intracellular Pb burden and redox status were measured. Results: AEEF exhibited a concentration dependent cytoprotective effect against Pb-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. Pb-acetate incubation significantly (p < 0.01) altered the extents of ROS production ↑, protein carbonylation ↑, lipid peroxidation ↑, endogenous antioxidant enzymes ↓ and GSH ↓ in vitro. Besides, Pb-acetate significantly (p < 0.01) induced apoptosis in the hepatocytes apparent from the altered expressions of apoptotic proteins viz. Apaf-1 ↑, Bad ↑, Bcl-2 ↓, Cyt C ↑, cleaved caspases↑, Bid ↑ and Fas ↑. However, AEEF (400 μg/ml) could significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) attenuate the Pb-acetate mediated toxic manifestation in vitro. In in vivo assay, Pb-acetate (5 mg/kg) treated mice exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) high intracellular Pb content. A high Pb-burden within the tissues caused significant (p < 0.05–0.01) patho-physiological alterations viz. ROS production ↑, protein carbonylation↑, lipid peroxidation ↑, DNA fragmentation ↑, ATP formation ↑, mitochondrial co-enzymes Q ↓, endogenous antioxidant enzymes ↓ and GSH ↓ within the selected tissues. The haematological and serum biochemical parameters were significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) different in the Pb-acetate treated mice. Finally, histological assessment imposed significant toxic occurrence within the organs of Pb-intoxicated animals. However, concurrent administration of AEEF (100 mg/kg) could significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) reinstate the Pb-acetate mediated toxicity. Conclusion: Presence of metal chelators and phyto-antioxidants within AEEF would offer overall protection through promoting Pb clearance coupled with restoring redox balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidium latifolium Linn. (perennial pepperweed) is one of the preferred phytofoods among cold arid region of Ladakh, India and its leaves contribute significantly to people's diet. This study was conducted to determine its nutritive value and antioxidant activity. Plant samples from three different locations were selected in the present study. Results showed that this plant is an excellent source of glucosinolates, notably sinigrin that is present in very high amount (∼70–90%). Its value ranged from 149 to 199 µg per g fresh weight. Fatty acid composition analysis showed that its leaves were abundant in unsaturated fatty acids, specifically linolenic acid (18∶3) whose percentage is about 50%. Higher glucose and crude protein along with higher nitrogen to sulfur ratio, supplements the nutritive value of this plant. Based on total phenol, flavanoids, free radical scavenging activity and DNA protective activity showed that this ecotype of perennial pepperweed contains high antioxidant properties. The percentage inhibition for O2− scavenging activity ranged from 41.3% to 83.9%. Higher content of phenols (26.89 to 50.51 mg gallic acid equivalents per g dry weight) and flavanoids (38.66 to 76.00 mg quercetin equivalents per g dry weight) in leaves could be responsible for the free radical scavenging activity of this plant. Depending upon the location of the plants, variations were observed in different activities. Based on the systematic evaluation in this study, preparations of Lepidium latifolium from Ladakh can be promoted as substitute to dietary requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) is a new metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) that has recently emerged as a global threat because it confers bacteria with resistance to almost all clinically used β-lactam antibiotics. To determine the molecular basis of this threat, NDM-1 was purified from Escherichia coli TransB (DE3) carrying cloned blaNDM-1 gene by an anion-exchange chromatography step followed by a gel permeation chromatography step. The purified enzyme was stable even in extremely alkaline buffer (pH 11) and reached its highest activity at a low temperature (15°C), which was different from other MBLs. The 50% inhibition concentration of EDTA against NDM-1 was 412 nM, which showed that NDM-1 was more susceptible to EDTA than other MBLs. The effects of zinc on NDM-1 differed between cephem and carbapenem complexes, but inhibition at high Zn2+ concentration was observed for all of tested β-lactam compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochemical studies are performed to examine the impact of leachate infiltration from on-site sewage disposal systems on the groundwater chemistry in Mulbagal town, Kolar District, Karnataka State, India. The leachate infiltration imposed nitrate concentrations ranging from 4 mg/L to 388 mg/L in the groundwater samples; it was observed that 79% of the samples exhibited nitrate concentrations in excess of drinking water permissible limit (45 mg/L). The average (of 43 measurements) E. coli levels in the groundwater samples corresponded to 189 MPN/100 mL and 55% of the samples tested exhibit pathogen contamination. Results also showed that the groundwater in the study area is characterized by acidic pH, large calcium + magnesium ion and Na/Cl ratios of

A suite of calc-alkaline arc rocks in the Pangong Metamorphic Complex in the Karakoram Shear Zone, Ladakh, NW India, was migmatized at upper amphibolite facies under water-fluxed conditions. Meta- and diatexites contain abundant hornblende in both leucosome and melanosome. These form idiomorphic, poikilitic megacrysts in the leucosome and in melanosome rims around leucosomes. Hornblende chemistry, particularly its rare earth element (REE) pattern, is highly variable in protoliths and neosomes, and in most cases the REE contents do not reflect hornblende partition coefficients reported in the literature. These variations are the result of the complex crystallization histories of the migmatites. REE variations in whole-rock diatexites and leucogranites demonstrate the role of hornblende in controlling the REE budget. Formation of heavy REE (HREE)-enriched hornblende and its accumulation in the source results in leucogranitic magmas with high Lan/Ybn and Sr/Y values typical of adakites. We show that leucogranitic magmas, depleted in HREE, can be generated by water-fluxed partial melting of arc-related rocks in the mid-crust without requiring garnet retention in the source. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Malari Leucogranite in the Garhwal Himalaya is cut across by a continental-scale normal fault system called the South Tibetan Detachment (STD). A mineralogical, geochemical and fluid inclusion study of samples from the fault zone of the Malari Granite was performed to reveal the imprints of fluid-rock interaction. Fluid inclusion assemblages observed in the alteration zone indicate the presence of NaCl-dominated aqueous fluids with varied salinity of 6-16 wt.% of NaCl equivalent. Mineralogical changes include the alteration of feldspar to muscovite and muscovite to chlorite. This alteration took place at temperatures of 275°-335°C and pressures between 1.9 and 4.2 kbars as revealed by the application of chlorite thermometry, fluid isochores, and presence of K-feldspar+muscovite+chlorite+quartz mineral assemblage. Geochemical mass-balance estimates predict 32% volume loss during alteration. An estimated fluid/rock ratio of 82 is based on loss of silica during alteration, and reveals presence of a moderately low amount of fluid at the time of faulting. Results of fluid inclusion and alteration mineralogy indicate that the Malari Leucogranites were exhumed due to normal faulting along the STD and erosion from mid-crustal levels. Most of the leucogranites in the Himalayas occur along the STD and possibly a regional-scale fluid flow all along the STD might have caused similar alteration of leucogranites along this tectonic break. Regional fluid flow was probably concentrated along the STD and channelized through mesoscopic fractures, microcracks and grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavobacterium columnare is an important pathogen of freshwater fishes often causing high mortality. Seven strains of F. columnare have been isolated from gill necrosis, skin lesions and internal organs of Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Carassius auratus, Anabas testudineus and Clarias batrachus and characterized by biochemical reactions and serological tests viz indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Dot-ELISA, agglutination test. All the strains showed binding to Congo red dye as well as hemolysis. All the seven strains were susceptible to amikacin, gentamycin and ofloxacin. In vivo LD50 dose of virulent strain MS2 was found to be 6 × 104 CFU/mL after experimental infection to L. rohita. Serologically all the seven strains showed a positive result to agglutination, Dot-ELISA and indirect ELISA. The agglutination titer was found to be in the range of 256-131,072. The lysozyme activity of hyperimmune sera was found to be 39.37 ± 0.80 units/mL. This is the first extensive study that report about the various strains of F. columnare from freshwater fishes of Eastern India and their differentiation by biochemical and serological methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article profiles Dr. K. L. Mittal. He was born in India in 1945 and received his Master of Science in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi. He was associated with International Business Machines Corp. and has been teaching courses and consulting in surface contamination in adhesion science and technology. A list of books edited by Mittal is presented.

Field, petrological and mineral chemistry for meta-volcanic rocks from the Aravalli sequence (Aravalli Craton, India) are presented. Field evidence such as volcanic flows and suspect pillow lava structures, dominant Fe-tholeiite lava flows intercalated with quartzites and argillaceous sediments, indicate rift tectonic environment. Primary mineralogy was obliterated during post-magmatic processes such as metamorphism corresponding to the greenschist to lower amphibolite facies conditions. The rock's mineral composition was overprinted by plagioclase–chlorite–amphibole–epidote assemblage. The relicts of clinopyroxene were observed. The P-T estimation indicates a temperature of 550–600 °C for the pressure ranging from 3.0 to 7.0 kbar for the majority of amphiboles and 8.0–10.7 kbar for the minority. Geochemically, these rocks are komatiitic (picritic) and high-Fe tholeiitic basalts with 45.06−59.2 wt.% SiO2 and MgO content from 5 to 22.4 wt.% and Mg# of 17 to 71. They show large-ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare-earth elements (LREE) enrichment. Chondrite normalized rare-earth elements (REE) patterns for the Aravalli lava are moderately enriched with (La/Sm)N = 1.1−3.85, (La/Yb)N from 1.49 (komatiites) to 14.91 (komatiitic basalts). The trace element systematics with the negative Nb, P and Zr anomalies reflect their derivation from enriched sub-continental lithospheric sources, although minor crustal contamination cannot be ruled out. Aravalli rocks are considered to represent the transition from continental rift magmatism to shallow submarine eruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two previously reported lamprophyre dykes from the Kalwakurthy area, at the northwestern margin of the Cuddapah basin, Dharwar craton, southern India, are reinvestigated. Petrography reveals that they have an overall cumulate texture and comprise clinopyroxene (dominant phase), amphibole (mostly secondary), magnetite, ilmenite and chromite and are reclassified as clinopyroxenites. The chemistry of clinopyroxene and chromite, bulk-rock major and trace element composition and the Sr–Nd isotopic systematics of the Kalwakurthy dykes strongly favour the involvement of subduction-related processes in their genesis and are strikingly similar to those of the continental arc-cumulates and Alaskan-type ultramafics reported from the supra-subduction type of tectonic settings. Incompatible trace element ratios, involving high field strength elements, of these clinopyroxenites are also suggestive of the fluid-related metasomatism influencing their source regions. Petrogenetic modelling reveals that 10–20% partial melting of the fertile lithospheric mantle source was involved in their genesis. The tectonomagmatic significance of the studied clinopyroxenites is evaluated in light of the existing models invoking a Neoarchaean subduction in the evolution of the Dharwar craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water samples collected from Renuka Lake during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons were analyzed to know water quality related to major ion chemistry and other essential parameters. The water is found to be slightly alkaline having pH value 7.22–8.66. Both Ca2+ and Mg2+ are observed as the dominant cations, whereas SO42− and HCO3− are dominant anions during all seasons. The Piper plot has shown Ca2+–HCO3− type of water during pre- to post-monsoon seasons. Alkaline earth metals (Ca2+ and Mg2+) are noticed to exceed over alkali metals (Na+ and K+), and weak acid (HCO3−) surpass over strong acid (SO42−) in all seasons. The carbonate weathering of surrounding rocks is found to be the dominant source of major ions for the lake during pre- to post-monsoon. The WQI values 176.45–184.91 from monsoon to pre-monsoon have revealed that the water of Renuka Lake is unsuitable for drinking. The higher value of WQI is mainly due to increased concentration of F−, which is produced from the fluorapatite, cryolite and mica etc., and anthropogenic activities. Its concentration more than standard permissible limit may be very harmful for human being and aquatic species. However, based on sodium per cent (11.88–15.62%), sodium adsorption ratio (0.48–0.61) and residual sodium carbonate (< 2.5 meq/L), the water quality is determined fit for irrigation. The lake has indicated seasonal variations of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ and HCO3−, etc., which may be due to changing temperature, monsoon rain and human activities. Thus, stringent mitigation measures are required to reduce increased concentration of various physiochemical parameters and preservation of the Renuka Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]