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OBJECTIVE: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammatory and/or fibrotic lung disease. The restrictive lung function with low diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) is common in interstitial lung diseases (ILD). There are limited data on pulmonary function test (PFT) in HP and its role for diagnosis is questionable. We analyzed the data of 152 HP patients for type of defect, lung volume, and DLCO. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study is a retrospective analysis of 152 patients at one of the tertiary chest institutes in India. All diagnosed cases with at least spirometry were included. PFT findings were classified and graded as obstructive, restrictive, and mixed patterns. The correlation of PFT was calculated with disease duration and 6MWT distance. RESULTS: The majority were female [106 (70%)], with a mean age of 47.8 ± 12.3 years. Spirometry with lung volume data were available for 97% patients. PFT was abnormal in 118 (80%) cases. Among the patterns of abnormality, the most common type was restrictive (74%) followed by mixed (15%) and obstructive (11%) with the majority in the severe to very severe grade. The mean total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV) were reduced, with the grade more severe when the pattern of abnormality was restrictive while the RV/TLC was higher suggestive of air tapping. DLCO data were available for 132 (87%) cases, with levels decreased in 67%. The severity of DLCO was highest when the pattern of abnormality was restrictive. One of the PFT parameters was abnormal in 137 (90%) cases, with isolated decreased DLCO levels seen in 16 (10%) cases. Forced vital capacity (FVC), TLC, and DLCO showed positive correlation with 6MWT distance (FVC r = .22, P = .02; TLC r = .28, P = .003; DLCO r = .30, P = .002). CONCLUSION: The PFT abnormality is seen in >80% of HP patients. All types of abnormality were seen, with the restrictive pattern being the most common. Isolated decreased DLCO levels were seen in 10% of cases. We advised to do full PFT for diagnosis and followup of HP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and sustainability are recent buzzwords in manufacturing environments. However, the connection between these two concepts is less explored in the literature. In the current business context, the future generation of manufacturing systems is greatly influenced by the rapid advancement of information technology. Therefore, this study aims to examine the drivers of I4.0 to diffuse sustainability in Supply Chains (SCs). This research identifies the most relevant drivers through the literature and discusses them with area experts. Afterwards, an empirical analysis is conducted to validate the key drivers. Finally, the Grey based DEMATEL method is employed to examine the influential strength of the identified drivers and to build an interrelationship diagram. 'Government supportive policies' and 'Collaboration and transparency among supply chain members' were reported as highly significant drivers of I4.0. This study is an initial effort that investigates the key drivers of I4.0 to achieve high triple bottom line (ecological-economic-social) gains in SCs by taking an example from an emerging economy, i.e. India. This study may help managers, practitioners and policy makers interested in I4.0 applications to diffuse sustainability in SCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using National Crime Records Bureau and National Sample Survey data, this article explores the Spatio-temporal patterns of different types of crime in India. To explain these spatial patterns, we use spatial panel data regression techniques that account for spatial dependencies between different crimes and their socio-economic predictors at the NSS-region level. The results show that different types of crime have different time consistent spatial clustering of high and low crime regions. Evidence has been found that the prevalence of crime in a region is influenced by the crime rate of its neighbouring regions. This influence is linked to the spatial diffusion of criminal behaviour and harmful social norms that spread across contiguous regions over time. Our results also confirm the importance of various socio-economic variables like female literacy rate, sex ratio, inequality, regional prosperity, etc., in shaping the prevalence of crime in India. These findings could have significant implications for the policies aiming to reduce crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to a lack of historical data, forecasting the diffusion of new products in an emerging market is important yet challenging. Managers often resort to inefficient forecasting practices to understand diffusion and to stay ahead of the competition. This study aims to forecast sales for smart speakers in India, which have been introduced recently. Due to the lack of adequate sales data, the research has used sales data of analogous products using look-alike analysis to estimate the parameters of diffusion models. The authors forecasted future sales using three relevant diffusion models—the Bass, the Gompertz, and the Logistic—to determine the model to forecast sales for smart speakers. The analysis revealed that the Bass model gave better predictions as compared to the other two models. The results were validated using parameter estimates from secondary literature. This study predicts that the aggregate sales of smart speakers in India will peak around 2023–27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under certain suitable geological conditions, anthropogenic seismicity due to gold/coal mining, geothermal and natural gas/oil production, filling of artificial water reservoirs, and high-pressure fluid injection has been reported globally. The reservoir-triggered seismicity (RTS) is most prominent, having been reported from hundreds of with at least five sites where earthquakes exceeding M 6 occurred, claiming human lives and destruction of properties. The most important correlate for RTS to occur is the height of water column in the reservoir. Certain common characteristics of the RTS sequences have been identified, which discriminate them from normal earthquake sequences. Factors influencing RTS include the highest water levels reached in the reservoir, duration of the retention of high-water levels and rate of loading/unloading. The mechanism of RTS is reviewed. The absence of knowledge of physical properties of rocks and fluids in the fault zone does not permit us to comprehend the RTS mechanism. Koyna, India, is found to be a very suitable site for such investigations as the earthquakes have been occurring in a small region of 20 × 30 km, at shallow depths (mostly within 8 km), with no other seismic source in the vicinity, and the region being accessible for all kinds of observation and investigations. The suitability of Koyna for setting up of a deep borehole laboratory was discussed during International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) workshop in 2011 and accepted. Suggestions were made for some additional scientific works, which were completed during 2011–2014. The second ICDP workshop in 2014 approved of going ahead. A 3-km-deep Pilot Borehole has been completed in the vicinity of Donachiwada fault that hosted the main 10 December 1967 M 6.3 earthquake and several earthquakes of M ~ 5. The investigations being carried out are providing the necessary input to set up the proposed ~ 7-km-deep borehole laboratory. In this article, an overview of RTS globally and at Koyna, India, specifically is focused. Article Highlights: Global review of the reservoir-triggered seismicity (RTS) sites Factors influencing RTS, their common characteristics and mechanism Continued seismicity at Koyna, India, and near-field studies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of Industry 4.0 has brought in its wake an important number of challenges and opportunities for organisations across the globe. To cope with such a fast-changing environment, organisations have been steadily implementing different types of technologies, and at different stages. One of the most disruptive and promising technology is blockchain, and its potential to transform various aspects of organisations' business and operations, including the supply chain relationships, is tremendous. In line with the global research trend in this domain, this paper proposes a multi-stage model of adoption (intention, adoption, and routinisation stages), for a better understanding of blockchain diffusion across supply chains. We drew on the diffusion of innovations theory, the resource-based view, dynamic capability, the technology adoption model, and the institutional theory to propose a multi-stage model. We validated the model using PLS-SEM, which was applied on data collected in India and the U.S. Our results showed that, from one country to another, there are essential differences in the variables that determine blockchain innovation and in the stage of diffusion. Additionally, our proposed model provided a good explanation at all stages of blockchain diffusion. This study offers significant and valuable contributions in terms of theory and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we formulate Monin–Obukhov similarity theory (MOST)-based relationships, for normalized standard deviations of wind velocity components under the local scaling framework, and investigate their applicability under stable and highly stable atmospheric conditions. We used the fast response data collected using an ultrasonic anemometer over a flat terrain of Kalpakkam in India and a complex hilly terrain at Cadarache, France, for arriving at these formulations. The study shows that after filtering of the submesoscale motions from the sonic anemometer data, the turbulence diffusion relationships follow local scaling, under stable conditions. The study further indicates that these relationships follow similar behavior for the sites taken for this study. At neutral conditions, the values of the scaled standard deviations are found to be 1.9 ± 0.07, 1.8 ± 0.06 and 1.3 ± 0.02, for longitudinal, crosswind and vertical component, respectively, for the complex terrain and 1.8 ± 0.03, 1.9 ± 0.06 and 1.1 ± 0.04, respectively, for the flat terrain. The research also investigates the effect of the new diffusion relationships in simulating atmospheric dispersion, using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART-WRF. Simulations using these new diffusion relationships show a higher dose estimate relative to the model default Hanna's method, in the case of radioactivity dispersion. Detailed comparisons of the simulated dose rate estimates against measurements using Environmental Radiation Monitors (ERM) indicate that the new relationships give better correlation (r2 = 0.62) under stable conditions over model default relationships (r2 = 0.50). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Excessive intake of fluorides can lead to the development of fluorosis, a serious public health issue in India. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of community defluoridation in preventing fluorosis in Kaiwara village. Methodology: This community interventional trial was conducted in Kaiwara village, Karnataka, after obtaining ethical clearance. The study included 903 participants; preintervention data were collected by recording the required parameters. The postinterventional study was carried out 2 years after installing the reverse osmosis plant. Data from pre- and post-intervention study were compared. Results: Dean's index showed no significant change in the pre- and post-intervention period for its various categories (P = 0.543). However, the mean urine fluoride levels were found to be decreased significantly (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of providing defluorinated water to the village population as a potential solution for fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can we identify highly central individuals in a network without collecting network data, simply by asking community members? Can seeding information via such nominated individuals lead to significantly wider diffusion than via randomly chosen people, or even respected ones? In two separate large field experiments in India, we answer both questions in the affirmative. In particular, in 521 villages in Haryana, we provided information on monthly immunization camps to either randomly selected individuals (in some villages) or to individuals nominated by villagers as people who would be good at transmitting information (in other villages). We find that the number of children vaccinated every month is 22% higher in villages in which nominees received the information. We show that people's knowledge of who are highly central individuals and good seeds can be explained by a model in which community members simply track how often they hear gossip about others. Indeed, we find in a third data set that nominated seeds are central in a network sense, and are not just those with many friends or in powerful positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is the role of spatial peers in diffusion of information about health care? We use the implementation of a health insurance program in Karnataka, India that provided free tertiary care to poor households to explore this issue. We use administrative data on location of patient, condition for which the patient was hospitalized and date of hospitalization (10,507 observations) from this program starting November 2009 to June 2011 for 19 months to analyze spatial and temporal clustering of tertiary care. We find that the use of healthcare today is associated with an increase in healthcare use in the same local area (group of villages) in future time periods and this association persists even after we control for (1) local area fixed effects to account for time invariant factors related to disease prevalence and (2) local area specific time fixed effects to control for differential trends in health and insurance related outreach activities. In particular, we find that 1 new hospitalization today results in 0.35 additional future hospitalizations for the same condition in the same local area. We also document that these effects are stronger in densely populated areas and become pronounced as the insurance program becomes more mature suggesting that word of mouth diffusion of information might be an explanation for our findings. We conclude by discussing implications of our results for healthcare policy in developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors that drive spatial heterogeneity and diffusion of pandemic influenza remain debated. We characterized the spatiotemporal mortality patterns of the 1918 influenza pandemic in British India and studied the role of demographic factors, environmental variables, and mobility processes on the observed patterns of spread. Fever-related and all-cause excess mortality data across 206 districts in India from January 1916 to December 1920 were analyzed while controlling for variation in seasonality particular to India. Aspects of the 1918 autumn wave in India matched signature features of influenza pandemics, with high disease burden among young adults, (moderate) spatial heterogeneity in burden, and highly synchronized outbreaks across the country deviating from annual seasonality. Importantly, we found population density and rainfall explained the spatial variation in excess mortality, and long-distance travel via railroad was predictive of the observed spatial diffusion of disease. A spatiotemporal analysis of mortality patterns during the 1918 influenza pandemic in India was integrated in this study with data on underlying factors and processes to reveal transmission mechanisms in a large, intensely connected setting with significant climatic variability. The characterization of such heterogeneity during historical pandemics is crucial to prepare for future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of increased gas (methane) recovery with simultaneous CO 2 sequestration in unconventional reservoirs like gas shales has been studied in the past few years. Diffusion is the main transport mechanism in shale gas reservoir. Understanding the methane and CO 2 diffusion properties of shales and its modeling is important for planning successful methane recovery and CO 2 sequestration in these reservoirs. Methane and CO 2 adsorption kinetic studies were carried out at four different pressure steps (in the range of 3.5–8.9 MPa for CH 4 and 2–6 MPa for CO 2 ) to investigate their diffusion behavior on two shale samples (Pakur and Salanpur) from Damodar Valley Basin, India. The sorption kinetic data was modeled using unipore model and modified unipore model (MM). The unipore model is giving good match with experimental sorption kinetics data up to a fractional uptake of 62–92% for methane and 62–88% for CO 2 . The MM model is giving very good match up to the fractional uptake of 78–99% for methane and 77–98% for CO 2 . It was observed that the MM model is giving better fit than that of unipore model for both gases for the entire pressure range. Thus it can be suggested that MM model is a better model to represent the diffusion of methane and CO 2 in shales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the key barriers to diffusion of domestic solar water heater in India is its high capital cost. Hence, there is a perception among people that it is not economically viable. The objective of this paper is to check the validity of this perception using net present value as a tool. An explicit formula has been developed from first principle to calculate the net present value of a domestic solar water heater which can be used globally. Scenario analysis has been conducted taking three scenarios: current, pessimistic and optimistic, to understand the spread in net present value. Taking probability of each scenario, expected net present value is calculated. The next objective is to go a further step to simulate using Monte Carlo simulation to attach a probability value with the net present value. Monte Carlo simulation model has been developed for risk assessment of solar water heaters. A range of values of all input variables have been considered assuming a normal distribution curve and based upon that a probability distribution curve of net present value is obtained. It was found that solar water heater is a viable option for east-coastal region of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continued reservoir-triggered seismicity for five decades in Koyna area has been attributed to southward migration of seismicity (during 1967-1992 near and south of Koyna dam and from 1993 onwards mostly near the new Warna reservoir). Spread of seismicity in the vicinity of reservoirs is attributed to pore-pressure diffusion. Moderate size Koyna-Warna earthquakes are found to nucleate at shallow depth (≤ 3 km) due to pore pressure caused by water level fluctuation of reservoir(s). The nucleation zone deepens along the critically stressed permeable fault zone to cause the occurrence of mainshock at the base of seismogenic layer (i.e. 5-10 km). The clustering of foreshocks up to 500 hr prior to several moderate size Koyna earthquakes of magnitude Mw 4-5 has been detected and used for quantifying the nucleation process. A static stress transfer by means of cascade model from one foreshock to next for the generation of foreshocks has been proposed for nucleation model. The nucleation process can be considered as an immediate earthquake precursor for the Koyna-Warna region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Koyna region located in the west coast of India is a classic example of reservoir triggered seismicity (RTS) that started soon after the impoundment of the Koyna reservoir in 1962. Previous studies have shown that RTS can be explained in terms of stress and pore pressure changes due to poroelastic response of the rock matrix. The permeability of rock matrix is a key parameter for pore pressure diffusion which is mainly responsible for generation of stress perturbation related to seismicity. Based on the poroelastic theory, we employ 2-D finite element models to simulate the evolution of pore pressure up to 5 years after the reservoir impoundment in 1962, using a range in permeability, 10-10 m. Constraints on material properties of Deccan basalt and granitic rocks were taken from available studies. The results show the formation of pore pressure front and its propagation with depth and time since the reservoir impoundment as a function of permeability. While a permeability of 10 m does not produce any significant change in pore pressure, a ten-fold increase in permeability produces significant changes up to a depth of 2 km only beneath the reservoir after 5 years of impoundment. Permeability values between 10 m and 10 m are required to induce critical pore pressure changes in the range 0.1-1 MPa up to depth of 10 km, capable of triggering earthquakes in a critically stressed region. Studies on core samples of granitic basement rock down to a depth of 1522 m in the Koyna region provide evidences of fracture zones that may contribute to water channelization. Direct measurements of material properties through the ongoing deep drilling programme would help to develop more realistic models of RTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study emphasizes on the identification of factors which may have influenced the banks to adopt credit cards along with their traditional banking services. Bank specific variables were investigated to deepen the understanding on the diffusion and adoption of credit cards. The data relating to sampled banks' characteristics have been collected from database of Reserve Bank of India. To know about the status of the bank regarding its adoption of credit card, the websites and annual reports of the banks were explored during different intervals of time period of the study. The study considers the dependent variable i.e. adoption of credit cards as dichotomous variable, whether or not a bank renders the credit card services, denoting 1 if the bank has adopted credit card otherwise 0. The logistic regression has thus been applied to get the valid and reliable results. The empirical findings reveal that, size, non-interest income, non-performing assets, profitability, age and market share of the bank are the variables which have contributed significantly in the diffusion and adoption of credit cards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is a country where 300 million people still live without access to formal electricity, and where hundreds of millions more live with irregular supply through the existing grid network. This paper examines business innovation in the diffusion of off-grid solar technologies in India. An in-country survey of off-grid solar energy providers from across the nation was conducted and coupled with extensive field interviews. Findings reveal that most off-grid solar energy enterprises are not operating in the government subsidy market and that more than half are not offering any form of financing to their customers when selling their products. Also, more than half of the enterprises are selling their products in areas where the electric grid is present. Analysis of data collected suggests that an increase in product categories (lanterns, solar home lighting systems (SHS), micro-grids, etc.) negatively affects unit scaling for a firm but increases the likelihood that the firm is offering financing for its products. In areas without the electricity grid, the number of off-grid solar technology options decreases because the firms operating in the area have fewer categories of technology options. This study finds that off-grid solar technology enterprises that focus on fewer technology categories are more likely to achieve unit scaling. This finding must be balanced with the fact that the extent of the grid has not inhibited the market for off-grid solar technologies, but rather affects the number of categories of technologies that can be offered in those regions. Development programs should thus recognize that those who need electricity access the most may be the ones with the most limited technology options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We evaluate a large-scale model of agricultural advisory services, known as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or Farm Science Centers, introduced by the Government of India. • The study evaluates the direct and spillover effects of frontline demonstrations and capacity-building programs conducted by KVKs, and then, examines gains in the speed of diffusion at the aggregate. • The study shows that the impact is larger for KVK beneficiaries, substantial gains also arise for network beneficiaries. • The study underscores the importance of conducting interventions at frequent intervals to influence adoption on aggregate. We evaluate a large-scale model of agricultural advisory services, known as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or Farm Science Centers, introduced by the Government of India to facilitate smallholder adoption of new agricultural technologies. The study first evaluates the impact of frontline demonstrations and capacity-building programs conducted by KVKs and aimed at promoting a new wheat variety (HD-2967); it then examines gains in the speed of diffusion at the district level. The study's second objective is to estimate the spillover effects of KVKs through social networks. The study identifies network beneficiaries based on a "networks within sample" approach. The study uses a matched difference-in-differences approach and sample of 1496 wheat farmers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The finding shows that frontline demonstrations and capacity-building programs positively impact the adoption of HD-2967. The magnitude of the impacts is larger for KVK beneficiaries, but substantial gains also arise for network beneficiaries. The study underscores the importance of frequently conducting interventions to influence adoption on aggregate at the district level. From a policy perspective, the study offers new insights for strengthening outreach and extension services designed to facilitate the transfer of agricultural knowledge and information, emphasizing frontline demonstrations, capacity-building programs, and spillovers in extending the scope of KVKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vinita, J.; Shivaprasad, A.; Revichandran, C.; Manoj, N.T.; Muraleedharan, K.R., and Binzy, J., 2015. Salinity response to seasonal runoff in a complex estuarine system (Cochin estuary, west coast of India). The hydrographic conditions in Cochin estuary are investigated using longitudinal measurements of salinity profiles during a 1-year period. The estuary transformed from salt wedge conditions during the wet season to a partially or well-mixed state during the dry season. During high runoff months (June-September) and moderate runoff months (October-December and May), the salinity structure is a strong function of variations in river runoff, and the estuary responds coherently to episodic inputs of freshwater. However, during the period from January to April, the dependence of the salinity field on runoff was weakened by axial diffusivity. The salt transport was a balance between seaward flux induced by river runoff and tidally induced diffusive landward flux. The latter dominated in almost all sections along the estuary except at the upstream end, increasing the salt content of the estuary. The computed horizontal diffusion coefficients ranged from 5 to 704 m2 s−1. The flushing time of Cochin estuary ranged from 1 to 2.5 days during the wet season. During the dry season, the tide-driven flushing time was 8.7 days. The results represent an important benchmark against which numerical models should be measured and will be useful for developing a better understanding of biological and chemical distributions within the estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textural and mineral-chemical characteristics in the Bangriposi wehrlites (Eastern India) provide insight into metamorphic processes that morphologically and chemically modified magmatic spinel during serpentinization of wehrlite. Aluminous chromite included in unaltered magmatic olivine is chemically homogenous. In sub-cm to 10s-of-micron-wide veins, magnetite associated with antigorite and clinochlore comprising the serpentine matrix is near-stoichiometric. But Al-Cr-Fe spinels in the chlorite-magnetite veins are invariably zoned, e.g., chemically homogenous Al-rich chromite interior successively mantled by ferritchromite/Cr-rich magnetite zone and magnetite continuous with vein magnetite in the serpentine matrix. In aluminous chromite, ferritchromite/Cr-rich magnetite zones are symmetrically disposed adjacent to fracture-controlled magnetite veins that are physically continuous with magnetite rim. The morphology of ferritchromite-Cr-rich magnetite mimics the morphology of aluminous chromite interior but is incongruous with the exterior margin of magnetite mantle. Micropores are abundant in magnetite veins, but are fewer in and do not appear to be integral to the adjacent ferritchromite-Cr-rich magnetite zones. Sandwiched between chemically homogenous aluminous chromite interior and magnetite mantle, ferritchromite-Cr-rich magnetite zones show rim-ward decrease in CrO, AlO and MgO and complementary increase in FeO at constant FeO. In diffusion profiles, FeO-CrO crossover coincides with AlO decrease to values <0.5 wt% in ferritchromite zone, with CrO continuing to decrease within magnetite mantle. Following fluid-mediated (hydrous) dissolution of magmatic olivine and olivine + Al-chromite aggregates, antigorite + magnetite and chlorite + magnetite were transported in 10s-of-microns to sub-cm-wide veins and precipitated along porosity networks during serpentinization ( T: 550-600 °C, f(O): −19 to −22 log units). These veins acted as conduits for precipitation of magnetite as mantles and veins apophytic in chemically/morphologically modified magmatic Al-rich chromite. Inter-crystalline diffusion induced by chemical gradient at interfaces separating aluminous chromite interiors and magnetite mantles/veins led to the growth of ferritchromite/Cr-rich magnetite zones, mimicking the morphology of chemically modified Al-Cr-Fe-Mg spinel interiors. Inter-crystalline diffusion outlasted fluid-mediated aluminous chromite dissolution, mass transfer and magnetite precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A set of six sub-bituminous to high-volatile bituminous coal samples was chosen to analyze the adsorption rate during the isotherm tests. The isotherm tests were conducted at 30°C on dry, powdered coal samples up to a maximum experimental pressure of ~8MPa and ~6.5MPa for methane and CO2, respectively. It was observed that the rate of adsorption for CO2 is higher than that for methane for the same experimental pressure–temperature condition and, for a particular pressure step, the equilibrium was reached earlier for CO2 compared to methane. It was also observed that at an increased pressure range, the rates of adsorption and the diffusion were generally decreased. The experimental data were fitted to unipore diffusion model but this model failed to predict the experimental adsorption kinetics data for the entire time range. However, the modification of unipore model, as suggested by Mianowski and Marecka (2009), was able to satisfactorily predict the experimental kinetics data at various pressure stages for the entire time range with the introduction of a kinetic parameter, C, accounting for the effect of gas diffusivity. The adsorption kinetics data was “unusable” at the initial time range due to variation in temperature–pressure in the sample cell after gas was injected. It was also observed that this “unusable” data is small at lower pressure range (~15s), but could be significant (~30–50s) at higher-pressure range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) involves a package of management practices for rice cultivation that was developed by a French Jesuit priest in Madagascar. Although the technical and economic efficacy of the package is heavily contested among rice scientists, the package has spread rapidly across the globe, at least in the sense that many rice farmers now identify them with the term ‘SRI’. Understanding the spreading process of SRI may yield important lessons for agricultural research and extension establishments which often have difficulty to spread their ideas and technologies. This paper seeks to throw some light on the spreading process of SRI within the context of Andhra Pradesh, India. Inspired by innovation theoretical considerations, we do not orient ourselves to the spread at the farmer level, but rather to the way in which SRI was adopted by higher level organisations and institutions. This paper suggests that the formation of a heterogeneous ‘support network’ which transcends the conventional agricultural networks is likely to have played a significant role in the spreading of SRI. As part of this network, an important newspaper has reported disproportionally about SRI and represented it in a highly favourable manner. This simultaneously mirrors support for SRI among higher level actors in the agricultural innovation system, and is likely to have contributed to further awareness and opinion formation at this level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study, the grain size ( d) and shape of 225 magnetite grains, that crystallized at T>600°C in a syntectonic granite (Godhra Granite, India) are evaluated and implications of data to decipher deformation mechanism of magnetite are discussed. Fractal (ruler) dimension ( D) analysis of magnetite grains is performed and it is demonstrated that they show fractal behaviour. Smaller magnetite grains tend to be more serrated than the larger ones, which is manifested in the higher fractal (ruler) dimension ( D) of the former. Assuming a natural strain rate ranging between 10 s and 10 s, the grain size data fall dominantly in the dislocation creep field of the existing deformation mechanism map of magnetite for 630°C. However, SEM-EBSD studies reveal that subgrains are absent in the magnetite grains and they did not undergo dislocation creep. Thus it is inferred that the shape of magnetite grains was not controlled by dislocation creep. It is concluded that the higher serration and increased fractal dimension of finer magnetite grains implies the importance of diffusion creep as an important deformation mechanism at high-T for magnetite in polymineralic rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study was designed to study antibiotic resistance profile of E. coli isolates from colibacillosis in layers in and around Pantnagar. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 isolates of E. coli were recovered from 35 cases of colibacillosis in layers during necropsy. Antibiogram was studied via disc diffusion method against 12 antibiotics. Results: Results showed multiple drug resistance in 52.63% E. coli isolates. Serotyping of these isolates revealed 10 'O' group serotypes, predominantly O80 and O84 accounting for 31.57%. O80, O110, O119 and O132 have previously been isolated from human suggesting its zoonotic importance. Ahigh degree of resistance was seen against cephalexin (73.68%) whereas chloramphenicol was found to be maximally (100%) effective. Emergence of enhanced mechanism of resistance to a variety of frequently used antibiotics is an increasing public health problem. Conclusion: It can be concluded that animals and human are at potential risk of acquiring infection with multi drug resistant strain of E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diffusion of new technology is an important driver of economic growth. In this paper, diffusion of mobile telephony in India is studied. There is a vast diffusion potential in this country which needs to be exploited efficiently and in a rational way. This paper investigates the social, technological, economical and political (STEP) factors that have influenced the diffusion process of mobile telephony especially the diffusion speed. The epidemic model, which is widely employed in the diffusion studies of mobile telephony, is used for the study. The data is fitted into logistic, gompertz, and bass models by nonlinear least squares and it is found that gompertz model best describes the diffusion process of mobile telephony in India. The study reveals that competition and government intervention played a significant role in accelerating the diffusion speed of mobile telephony by making the technology affordable. It is found that mobile telephony is a substitute for fixed line telephony in India. The findings will be useful in taking managerial decisions with respect to factors in forecasting and controlling the diffusion process of emerging technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is an emerging body of literature on product innovations for the poor at the bottom of the income pyramid. However, there is little on why delivery systems succeed or fail in this context and the present paper attempts to fill this void by examining why and how sanitation entrepreneurs are succeeding in India to diffuse toilets — an innovation for rural households, which never had access to one before. The literature is analyzed and confronted with the actual field practices. We demonstrate that the common thread that unifies progressive sanitation entrepreneurs is their adoption of a ‘market based approach’. There are market failures stemming from the demand side due to problems in expression of demand and its mismatch with the perceived value of the innovation. In response, sanitation entrepreneurs go beyond the standard linear model of assessing need and appropriateness of technology. They create innovations in ‘technological design’ as well as in the ‘delivery platforms’ to include practices for ‘accompaniment’, ‘sustainable maintenance’ and ‘generation of knowledge''. Thus, they make-up for sluggish or missing markets and informational asymmetries to ensure sustained use of toilets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main purpose of this work was to study water loss, solids gain, and weight and moisture reduction during the osmotic dehydration process of the West Indian cherry (Malpighia punicifolia). The diffusion coefficient of West Indian cherry was estimated by the inverse method using average moisture contents. Osmotic dehydration was examined for 12 h in a 65°Brix solution at temperature of 27 °C, without agitation, using a fruit:solution mass ratio of 1:4, 1:10, and 1:15. The kinetics and internal changes occurring during the osmotic dehydration of West Indian cherry are reported. The product’s drying kinetics was simulated using the diffusion model, and two optimization methods, Levenberg–Marquardt and Differential Evolution algorithm, were used to predict the diffusion coefficient. The results indicated that the two optimization methods performed similarly in estimating the diffusion coefficient adequately. The average calculated diffusion coefficient was 1.663 × 10−10 m2s−1, which is consistent with values reported in the literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The analysis of the cross-correlation between the seismicity and the daily water level changes in both the Koyna and Warna (India) reservoirs is studied. The time lag between both datasets is calculated and is applied to estimate the hydraulic diffusivity. The range of the hydraulic diffusivity estimated between 0.1m² s-1 and 10m² s-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian government imposed a ceiling on the price of Bt cotton seeds in 2006. This paper aims to analyze the effect of such price intervention on the diffusion of Bt cotton in India. Using three variations of dynamic logistic models, diffusion paths in nine major cotton growing states from 2002 to 2008 are studied. It was found that although seed prices were significant in impacting the diffusion rates, the effect was limited. It was also found that varietal approval is an important factor affecting diffusion rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Studies on the carriage rate of beta-hemolytic streptococci among children form an important component of public health practice to prevent disease complications such as rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease, nephritis, and other local or systemic infections. Methodology: Throat swabs collected from asymptomatic schoolchildren were inoculated into appropriate media for isolation of beta-hemolytic streptococci. They were identified by standard biochemical methods and sero-grouped. Antibiotic sensitivity was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results and Conclusion: Beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated from 106 (7.7%) out of the 1,384 throat swabs and Group F was the predominant sero-group isolated. The highest resistance observed among all the beta-hemolytic streptococci was to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The indoor radon concentration was estimated based on the radon flux in soil and groundwater. The indoor radon concentration in Budhakedar area of Garhwal Himalaya, India is estimated to be 3.0–131.4Bq/m3 in summer and 4.6–92.4Bq/m3 in winter. Based on the available data from study area, the calculated value of diffusion coefficient for the soil ranges from 0.1×10−2 to 3.0×10−2 cm2 s−1 in the summer season and 0.1×10−2 to 0.4×10−2 cm2 s−1 in the winter season. The calculated value of diffusion flux in the study area is found to vary from 0.1×10−2 to 16.1×10−2 Bqm−2 s−1 in summer season and 0.1×10−2–12.2×10−2 Bqm−2 s−1 in winter season. The formulation was tested by comparing the results of radon values from two different seasons of a year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The sorption of Cu(II) onto waste residue left after extraction of juice from Indian gooseberry (Amla) fruit (Emblica officinalis) was studied. Equilibrium isotherms, kinetic data and thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated. Equilibrium data agreed well with Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm models. The kinetic data followed pseudo-second-order model and it was found that intra-particle diffusion was not the sole rate-controlling factor. Gibbs free energy showed spontaneous process for all interactions. The breakthrough and exhaustive capacities were found to be 4.0 and 24.0mg/g respectively. Emblica officinalis was shown to be a promising sorbent for Cu(II) removal from aqueous solutions. The practical utility of the sorbent has been demonstrated by achieving 97.60% removal of Cu(II) from electroplating wastewater by column process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a statistical approach for the estimation of the diffuse/global irradiation on various inclined surfaces from the measured data of horizontal surface. In fact diffuse solar radiation on an inclined plane consists of two components: sky diffuse radiation and reflected radiation from the ground. For analyzing estimation of the daily tilted sky diffuse component from the daily horizontal diffuse irradiance, we have considered six models Badescu, Circumsolar, Skartveit and Olseth, Hay, Klucher and Liu and Jordan (Isotropic). All these models except Badescu adopted the same methodology for estimating the ground-reflected radiation component, therefore, only sky diffuse component was analyzed at Lucknow (latitude 26.75°, longitude 80.50°), India location. Statistical analysis showed that the Skartveit and Olseth model gives good prediction for the low inclination angle however; Klucher model gave better performance for highly inclined south-facing surfaces. The Root Mean Square Errors (% RMSE) value varies from 3.45% to 24.15% except for Badescu and Circumsolar model which predict worse results. In general, Klucher’s model provides close agreement with the measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ceria (CeO2) and india (In2O3) represent two of the most important metal oxide systems for catalytic and optoelectronic applications, respectively. Here, we report analytical interatomic potential models for these two materials, which reproduce the materials structural, elastic and dielectric properties. The potential models are then applied to study the fundamental defect reactions occurring in these materials. Further, we focus on the mechanisms of oxygen diffusion through the lattice, arising from anion Frenkel-pair formation, which is of particular interest for understanding the processes involved in radiation damage and catalysis. The thermodynamic barriers associated with the formation of the first stable anion Frenkel-pairs are 5.80eV and 4.81eV in cerium dioxide and indium sesquioxide, respectively; while for recombination, we calculate barriers of 0.78eV and 0.23eV. The threshold displacement energy for radiation damage in ceria is found to be 35.4eV, in excellent agreement with recent experimental measurements, while for india we predict a value of 14.2eV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Demographic interest in the explanations of the first fertility transition has receded considerably during the last decade. Despite the empirical evidence of global convergence in fertility, there is still no consensus on the factors which explain the swiftness of the change in some contexts and its deceleration in some others. From the policy perspective, it remains pivotal to locate the factors that affect the momentum of fertility transition. In this essay the fast decline to below replacement-level period Total Fertility Rate in South India will be examined as an example of fertility transition despite slow social and/or economic development. The analysis is based on a literature review of empirical studies on the determinants of regional fertility differentials in India. Some southern states, most particularly Andhra Pradesh, manifest below replacement-level fertility (TFR 1.79) despite low average age at marriage even in Indian terms, the resilience of women's universal marriage, and heavy reliance on a terminal family planning method, female sterilization. The case of Andhra Pradesh shows that below-replacement level fertility can occur despite slow social development, widespread poverty and gender asymmetries. Geographical and social diffusion effects are partly responsible of the speed of the decline, although they are difficult to measure or test in the level of fertility decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous observation data collected over the year 2008 at Astronomical Observatory, Thiruvananthapuram in south Kerala (76°59′E longitude and 8°30′N latitude) are used to study the diurnal, monthly and seasonal soil moisture variations. The effect of rainfall on diurnal and seasonal soil moisture is discussed. We have investigated relationships of soil moisture with surface albedo and soil thermal diffusivity. The diurnal variation of surface albedo appears as a U-shaped curve on sunny days. Surface albedo decreases with the increase of solar elevation angle, and it tends to be a constant when solar elevation angle is greater than 40°. So the daily average surface albedo was calculated using the data when solar elevation angle is greater than 40°. The results indicate that the mean daily surface albedo decreases with increases in soil moisture content, showing a typical exponential relation between the surface albedo and the soil moisture. Soil thermal diffusivity increases firstly and then decreases with the increase of soil moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of molecular diffusivity of HSO and NH vapours on nucleated particles of SO and NO species are reported. Condensation sink and source rate of HSO and NH vapours, growth rates and ratios of real to apparent nucleation rates are calculated for SO and NO aerosols using fractional contributions of them in total aerosol size-distribution during the measurement period at Pune, reported in Chate and Pranesha (2004). The percentage of nucleated SO and NO aerosols of mid-point diameter 13 nm are 2% and 3% respectively of the total particles (13 nm ≤ D ≤ 750 nm) for both HSO and NH diffusion. In the diameter range 75 nm ≤ D ≤ 133 nm, it is 48% and 45% of SO and NO aerosols, respectively for NH diffusion and 43% and 36% of SO and NO for HSO diffusion. Increase in percentage of nucleated particles of these species corresponding to mid-point diameter 133 nm around 0900 h IST is significantly higher than that of mid-point diameter 13 nm and it is due to photo-chemical nucleation, coagulation and coalescence among nucleated clusters. The ratios of real to apparent formation rates for SO and NO aerosols are 12% and 11% respectively, corresponding to mid-point diameter 13 nm, 17% and 13%, for midpoint diameter 133 nm and 12% and 9.5%, for mid-point diameter 750 nm. The results indicate that nucleation involving HSO and acidic NH diffusion on SO and NO particles is the most relevant mechanism in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The theories and classification schemes commonly used for understanding estuarine dynamics often refer to a steady state of the estuary in which the salinity field is time-independent. In this state salinity-ingress into the estuary due to different processes (diffusion, gravity current formation, impact of tidal asymmetries, etc.) is balanced by salinity-egress induced by runoff. Here we point out that the salinity field of the estuaries that are located on the coasts of the Indian subcontinent and come under the influence of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) is never in a steady state. We refer to such estuaries as “monsoonal estuaries”, an example of which is the Mandovi estuary located on the west coast of India. We describe the annual cycle of the salinity field in this estuary and conclude that the essential unsteadiness of the salinity field arises from two features of the runoff into it. First, most of the runoff occurs as a series of episodes of highs and lulls spread over about 4 months of the wet summer monsoon. Second, the total runoff is large, well over an order of magnitude larger than the estuarine volume. We define two parameters to represent these two features, and show that they can be used to distinguish the monsoonal estuaries from others. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of MRI based diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) for characterizing breast lesions in Indian patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective analysis was performed between October 2006 and June 2008. It includes 200 patients between the ages of 16 and 80 years with solid breast lesions greater than 1 cm in diameter. Of these 200 patients, 80 underwent breast MRI with contrast and DWI. One hundred and twenty patients had only DWI as they had come only for sonomammography. A total of 280 lesions were detected. ADC values were calculated for all the lesions and the highest and lowest values of ADC for benign and malignant lesions were identified. Finally, we compared our findings with those of previous studies. Results: Two hundred and eight lesions were categorized as benign and 72 lesions were categorized as malignant based on the ADC values. Based on previous data, lesions with ADC values from 1.3 to 1.5 mm²/s were considered benign where as lesions with ADC values ranging between 0.85 and1.1 mm²/s were considered malignant. Two lesions whose ADC values were in the benign range were proven to be malignant tumors after surgery. This method of using ADC values for the detection of malignant lesions showed a sensitivity of 97.22% and a specificity of 100%. The positive predictive value was 100%. Conclusion: DWI is a useful technique for characterizing breast tumors, especially for lesions that cannot be adequately characterized by ultrasonography and routine magnetic resonance imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A detailed study of monthly average daily diffuse solar radiation for selected Indian locations have been performed using five years (2001–2005) measured data. The data of four prominent locations (Jodhpur, Calcutta, Bombay and Pune), representing varying weather conditions of the entire country, have been taken for the present study. The correlations between the diffuse fraction (H d/H) and the sunshine fraction (S/S 0) have been developed using regression analysis method for each selected location as well as for all Indian locations, we call it All India Correlation (AIC). The results obtained from present AIC are well compared with the measured data along with the estimates of Liu and Jordan, Gopinathan and Iqbal for different locations. The comparisons between various data conclude that AIC can be used to estimate diffuse fraction for any location in India. For further validation and to show the accuracy of present correlations, statistical tests of root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE) and mean percentage error (MPE) are also performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A majority of the Indian population does not have access to convenient energy services (LPG, electricity). Though India has made significant progress in renewable energy, the share of modern renewables in the energy mix is marginal. This paper reviews the status and potential of different renewables (except biomass) in India. This paper documents the trends in the growth of renewables in India and establishes diffusion model as a basis for setting targets. The diffusion model is fitted tot the past trends for wind, small hydro and solar water heating and is used to establish future targets. The economic viability and green house gas (GHG) saving potential is estimated for each option. Several renewables have high growth rates, for example wind, Photovoltaic (PV) module manufacture and solar water heaters. New technologies like Tidal, OTEC, Solar thermal power plants and geothermal power plants are at the demonstration stage and future dissemination will depend on the experience of these projects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]