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14CO2 activity in air samples collected at Kakrapar Gujarat Site, India, was measured, and site-specific dilution factor for 14CO2 has been evaluated. 14CO2 activity in air samples was monitored for 72 different sampling events at onsite stack of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and at ESL meteorology laboratory (at 1.6 km from NPP stack). 14CO2 activity in air at stack of NPP and at ESL meteorology laboratory was observed to 0.10–0.18 TBq (GWe.year)–1, with mean value 0.12 TBq (GWe.year)–1 and ≤0.04–0.13 Bq m–3, with mean value 0.08 Bq m–3 respectively. The results were correlated with meteorological parameters. Site specific dilution factor for 14CO2 in air was evaluated at 1.6 km and was found to be in the range of 4.6E-05 to 21E-05 s m–3. Inter angle (degree) between plume direction and fixed sampling location and rainfall (mm) are found to be the important influencing parameters for dilution factor of 14CO2 in air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper Rights of Persons with Disabilities in India: Provisions, Promises and Reality traces the historical evolution of the disability related legal provisions in India briefly, in the context of the United Nations mandated Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons (1975) and the Convention on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2007). In such a scenario, the paper attempts to arrive at an understanding of the extent to which the provisions have been implemented. To this extent, the researcher conducted a series of telephonic interviews with several parent-advocates who have been vocal about disability rights in India. An extensive interview was also conducted with a parent-activist, Mr. A.Joshi, who has been at the forefront of the disability rights movement in India with his personal as well as professional engagements at a national level and who was able to provide a critical understanding of the systemic roadblocks in the implementation of the legal provisions. The paper particularly tried to look at the implementation of the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD Act), 2016 and the proposed dilution of the National Trust Act (NTA), 1999 that was hailed by many as a landmark Act for its provision of legal guardianship of individuals with special needs (after 18 years of age). A critical reading of the press coverage on these issues as well as the extensive interview with Mr. Joshi threw significant light on them. In conclusion, although several remarkable disability laws have been passed in India, till date, due to systemic inadequacies and loopholes, the fissures between what could have been achieved and what has been achieved, are quite wide. A more concerted effort needs to be taken towards strengthening the dialogue between various stakeholders in the disability sector as well as place pressure on the powers that be, to acknowledge the gaps inherent in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria are oxygenic photosynthetic microorganisms known for their agricultural and industrial importance. Unavailability of efficient and fast isolation and purification methods of cyanobacteria has impeded our understanding of cyanobacterial diversity. A number of techniques for isolation and purification of cyanobacteria are available, but most of them are cumbersome as well as time-consuming. In the present study, we modified and validated a uni-algal isolation technique named as Microscope Assisted Uni-algal isolation through Dilution (MAU-D) which used dilution of mixed algal population on slide and isolation of single type of cyanobacterial cells using light microscope. Using this technique, we obtained 81 cyanobacterial isolates belonging to various species from 19 different genera from soil and water samples collected from rice fields of Uttar Pradesh, India. This technique also resulted in isolation of six distinct genera, viz., Cyanobacterium, Toxopsis, Desertifilum, Chroococcidiopsis, Halomicronema, and Alkalinema, which were previously not reported from rice fields of India. Hence, the MAU-D technique presents a simple, comparatively fast method of isolation and purification of cyanobacteria which can help to isolate those cyanobacteria which are difficult to isolate through routine sub-culturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single borehole dilution tests (SBDTs) are an inexpensive but effective technique for hydrogeological characterization of hard‐rock aquifers. We present a freely available, easy‐to‐use, open‐source Python package, DISOLV, for plotting, analyzing, and modeling SBDT data. DISOLV can significantly reduce the time spent interpreting field data by helping to identify flowing fractures intersecting the borehole and estimate the corresponding flow rates. DISOLV is successfully benchmarked against two analytical solutions. We also present an example application to real data collected in a borehole in a crystalline basement aquifer in southern India. Article impact statement: Analyze, model, and plot single borehole test data with the Python package DISOLV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prior research on earnings management largely assumes that newly public firms manage earnings opportunistically around IPOs. However, only a few studies have empirically examined the real motives behind newly public firms' earnings management. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of ownership dilution on earnings management among IPO firms. The authors chose the setting of security offerings in an emerging market, which is characterised by unique ownership structure, to examine the possible incentive of owners or pre-IPO shareholders to engage in earnings management. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs accrual and real transactions measures to check the presence of earnings management among 409 IPO firms from India during the period 2000‒2018. Subsequently, using ordinary least squares regression models with heteroscedasticity-robust standard errors, this paper examines the relationship between earnings management and selling or dilution incentives of pre-IPO shareholders. Findings: The study finds that the degree of earnings manipulation by issuer firms is positively associated with the ownership dilution at the time of IPO as well as around lockup expiration. Practical implications: The findings of this study will help the investors and regulators to understand the practice of earnings management among IPO firms and how it is linked to the ownership dilution of pre-IPO shareholders. Originality/value: The paper contributes to the limited stream of research that investigates the motives of earnings management among IPO firms. It empirically establishes an association between the selling incentive of pre-IPO shareholders and earnings management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three of the seven serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus are prevailing in India. A massive vaccination campaign is on to control and eradicate the disease from the country. However, FMD vaccines provide short term immunity, hence regular assessment of antibody level in the vaccinated herds is indispensible for the success of the control programme. The antibodies are quantitatively estimated, either by virus neutralization test or by end-point dilution liquid-phase-blocking ELISA (LPBE). Millions of cattle and buffalo in the country are now systematically vaccinated, and thousands of serum samples are routinely screened in the country for estimation of herd immunity against FMDV serotypes O, A and Asia1. Testing such a large number of serum samples within limited a period of time by the conventional end point dilution method of LPBE requires lots of man power, and biological reagents. A more economical high throughput single dilution LPBE (SdLPBE) assay was optimized and validated for quantitative estimation of antibody levels against the three FMD virus serotypes. The assay was thoroughly validated against LPBE method before adopting it for country-wide use. The biological reagents used in the assay were prepared in thermo-stable form to enable transportation to the field level FMD diagnostic laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] First report on bioethanol production from acid pretreated Indian Bamboo. [•] Maximum sugar yield was 0.651g/g of pretreated biomass. [•] 1.76% (v/v) ethanol produced with a fermentation efficiency of 41.72%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sweet sorghum is emerging as a promising energy crop in India, with potential for ethanol production both from the extracted juice and the bagasse residue. This work investigates the release of fermentable total sugars (TS) and formation of total degradation compounds (TDC) by dilute sulphuric acid hydrolysis of sweet sorghum bagasse from the genotype SSV 84. Hydrolysis was conducted at moderate temperatures (100°C and 121°C). The effect of pretreatment severity (measured by the combined severity factor, CS), particle size and substrate loading on the hydrolysate composition was examined. The kinetics of xylose, acetic acid and furfural formation was also studied. The maximum theoretical yield is 29.9g C5 sugars/100g bagasse on dry weight basis. Under the conditions of this study, 10% substrate loading in the CS range of 1.64–1.93 was optimal with C5 yield >22.3g/100g bagasse and efficiency (TS/TDC ratio) >8. Bagasse particle size reduction also resulted in a higher efficiency. SEM and FT-IR analysis of the solid residue confirmed disruption of the biomass structure and removal of functional groups associated with hemicelluloses and lignin. This study demonstrates that acid hydrolysis at moderate temperature has an advantage in terms of high sugars concentration vis-a-vis low degradation compounds formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study presents the results of one of the first systematic experiments on tritium (3H) concentrations in ground level air against that in rainwater near a pressurized heavy water reactor in a tropical region. The samples were collected over the rainy season of three years (2007, 2008 and 2010). For this study, 31 data sets were collected and interpreted based on the theoretical information available in the literature. The specific activity ratio of 3H between rainwater and air moisture at ground level was calculated for each data set. The average specific activity ratio was found to be 1.96 ± 2.72. A correlation (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) was observed between the total rain hours in a day and the rainwater 3H activity. Higher rain duration with slower rain rate yielded higher 3H concentrations as more time was available for the scavenging/wash out process to take effect together with lower dilution. The present data also suggested the need to further investigate the influence of raindrop distribution and other local meteorological parameters on the 3H wash out process. An attempt was also made to predict the 3H concentration in air moisture samples using a Gaussian plume dispersion model and the values were compared with the measured 3H activity. The measured values were generally lower than the predictions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we present the experimentally determined emission factors and emission estimates of particulate matter (PM), SO2, NO and NO2 emitted from biomass fuels used as energy in rural area of Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), India. Biomass fuel samples were collected at district level from this region. The burning of the collected biomass fuels is performed by using the modified dilution sampler based on studies done by . In this study, the emission factor represents the total period of burning including pyrolysis, flaming and smoldering. The average emission factor of PM from dung cake, fuel-wood and crop residue over Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Bihar are estimated as 16.26 ± 2.29 g kg−1, 4.34 ± 1.06 g kg−1 and 7.54 ± 4.17 g kg−1 respectively. Similarly, the average emission factor of SO2, NO and NO2 from dung cake, fuel-wood and crop residue over this region are also determined (SO2: 0.28 ± 0.09 g kg−1, 0.26 ± 0.10 g kg−1 and 0.27 ± 0.11 g kg−1, NO: 0.27 ± 0.21 g kg−1, 0.41 ± 0.25 g kg−1 and 0.54 ± 0.50 g kg−1 and NO2: 0.31 ± 0.23 g kg−1, 0.35 ± 0.28 g kg−1 and 0.54 ± 0.47 g kg−1 respectively). The emission of PM, SO2, NO and NO2 from biomass fuels used as energy in rural household over, IGP are also estimated in this paper. The result shows the regional emission inventory from Indian scenario with spatial variability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present work was carried out in order to establish a suitable protocol for screening program for antimicrobial producing Streptomyces sp. from soil sample of Durg District of Chhattisgarh, INDIA. Fifty seven Streptomyces isolates with distinct characteristics were isolated and purified by serial dilution method on starch casein nitrate agar medium. These isolates were screened for their antimicrobial activity against twenty one test organisms obtained from the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC), IMTECH, Chandigarh. Morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics indicated that these isolates belong to the genus Streptomyces and characterized as Streptomyces rimosus, Streptomyces chromogenus, Streptomyces rouchi-3, Streptomyces antibioticus-3, Streptomyces filipinensis, Streptomyces atroolivaceus, Streptomyces exfloliatus-2, Streptomyces halstedii, Streptomyces cyaneus, Streptomyces violaceus, Streptomyces oliovaceoviridis, Streptomyces lydicus, Streptomyces phaeochromogenes, Streptomyces chromofuscus . Among fifty seven isolates, nineteen exhibited antimicrobial activity against test pathogens, and out of these nineteen isolates, 11 isolates exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal activity while 8 exhibited only antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a group of homeopathic medicines in children with acute rhinitis. Materials and methods: In this multi-centric open clinical trial, a total of 784 children (408 males; 384 females) aged 6 months to 15 years, presenting symptoms of acute rhinitis were enrolled from 7 Institutes/ Units under the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (India). Symptoms were assessed using an acute rhinitis symptom score (ARSS). A total of 13 homeopathic medicines were shortlisted after repertorizing the nosological symptoms of acute rhinitis in children and the results were analyzed. The medicines were prescribed in dilution 6c (10-12) and doses were repeated from few minutes to few hours as per the need of the case. Appearance of any change (improvement or worsening) was followed by placebo / change in dilution or change in medicine according to the response of the patient. The follow up period was up to the 7th day of illness. Results: Out of 784 children enrolled, 638 children were followed up and analyzed. A significant change in the score from the baseline (p<0.05) was observed. Twelve medicines were found to be useful in 638 children suffering from acute rhinitis and among them Nux-v (n=109), Merc (n=106) and Bell (n=88) were the most useful. No complications were observed during the treatment. Adverse events in the form of hyperpyrexia were observed in 2 children only. Conclusion: This study indicates the usefulness of homeopathic medicines in the management of acute rhinitis of children; controlled studies are needed to investigate their efficacy and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the relationship between distribution of actinomycetes and antagonistic behaviour with the physico-chemical characteristics of the Sundarbans, off the Bay of Bengal, India. Soil/sediment samples were collected from three regions: near to the sea, intertidal regions and mangrove forests. For the enumeration of actinomycetes, four treatments combining dilution with distilled or sea water with or without heating followed by plating onto starch-casein, glycerol-arginine and starch-nitrate media were done. Dilution with seawater, heating and plating onto starch-casein yielded maximum number of actinomycetes. The highest number of actinomycetes was isolated from an intertidal region having alluvial soil and the lowest from a site containing sandy sediments. Antimicrobial activity was dependent upon seawater. Antimicrobial score of an actinomycetes strain was calculated allotting maximum points to the isolate showing activity against all the test bacteria, next lower point to the isolate showing activity against one less the total and so on. The antagonistic potential (AP) of a sampling site was the ratio of total antimicrobial score of the isolates and their number. The high AP sites were influenced by tides, while the low AP sites were not. Pearson’s correlation between soil chemical parameters and microbiological parameters revealed soil nitrogen as the key factor determining the antagonistic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes various issues related to trademarks that have emerged as a result of the digital or Internet era in India. It includes an in-depth analysis of various trademark issues relevant to phishing, banner advertising, framing, jurisdiction, domain name disputes, linking, meta-tagging or invisible use and spamming in the digital era.

This work investigates the absorption properties of soluble brown carbon (BrC), extracted in methanol and water, from ambient aerosol (PM 10) samples, collected over an urban background site in Mumbai, India. The diurnal variability was investigated in samples collected in the morning (7–11 a.m.) and afternoon (12–4 p.m.) periods. Absorption properties of BrC (in the 300–600-nm wavelength range) were measured in filter extracts of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and methanol-soluble organic carbon (MSOC). WSOC and MSOC accounted for on average 52% and 77%, respectively, of the measured OC, potentially indicating unextracted BrC and rendering these values the lower bound. Compared with afternoon samples, the morning samples of MSOC and WSOC had increased BrC concentrations and absorption coefficients (b abs 365; 40%–65%). The correlation between b abs 365 and EC, ns-K+, and NO 3 − in the morning samples indicated contributions from primary sources, including both biomass and vehicular sources. The decreased b abs 365 in the afternoon samples was partly explained by mixing layer dilution, accompanied by a reduction in the concentrations of primary aerosol constituents. Furthermore, in the afternoon samples, 1HNMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of more oxidized functional groups and significantly higher OC/EC and WSOC/OC ratios, indicating the greater aging of afternoon aerosol. The MAC 365 (m2gC−1) for both WSOC and MSOC extracts decreased significantly by 20%–34% in the afternoon samples compared with the morning samples, indicating degradation in the absorption properties of the particles and potentially a change in the constituent BrC chromophores. Image 1 • Enhanced BrC levels & absorption, morning vis-à-vis afternoon, at urban Indian site. • Correlation between b abs 365& EC/ns-K+ implies primary source contribution in morning. • More oxidized functional groups, more aging found via 1HNMR, in afternoon. Compared with morning, BrC absorption of ambient aerosols decreased in the afternoon in Mumbai, India, with boundary layer dilution and change in emission sources being the influencing factors. Relatively higher OC/EC, WSOC/OC ratios and 1HNMR spectroscopy suggest the presence of more oxidized functional groups indicating greater aerosol aging in the afternoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]