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Analysing the behaviour of student performance in classroom education is an active area in educational research. Early prediction of student performance may be helpful for both teacher and the student. However, the influencing factors of the student performance need to be identified first to build up such early prediction model. The existing data mining literature on student performance primarily focuses on student-related factors, though it may be influenced by many external factors also. Superior teaching acts as a catalyst which improves the knowledge dissemination process from teacher to the student. It also motivates the student to put more effort on the study. However, the research question, how the performance or grade correlates with teaching, is still relevant in present days. In this work, we propose a quantifiable measure of improvement with respect to the expected performance of a student. Furthermore, this study analyses the impact of teaching on performance improvement in theoretical courses of classroom-based education. It explores nearly 0.2 million academic records collected from an online system of an academic institute of national importance in India. The association mining approach has been adopted here and the result shows that confidence of both non-negative and positive improvements increase with superior teaching. This result indeed establishes the fact that teaching has a positive impact on student performance. To be more specific, the growing confidence of non-negative and positive improvements indicate that superior teaching facilitates more students to obtain either expected or better than expected grade.

Northeast India encompasses numerous thrusts, faults, and lineaments with undulated surface topography and is one of the utmost tectonically active regions in the world. Owing to the results of the collision of the Indian Plate under the Tibetan Plate and Burmese Plate, respectively, this area has affected the highest seismic potential zone-V, triggering many earthquakes. The current study area is located in and around the Shillong plateau, Mikir Hills, Naga Hills, Arakan-Yoma fold belt, Bengal basin, and Mishmi hills of the Himalayan foothills and that fall under the northeast of India. The thrusts and faults information available in this area are very scanty due to limited availability of geoscientific data and revealing seismic survey. Henceforth, it is necessary to get enhanced geoscientific learning for a better understanding of thrusts, faults, and lineaments information, the most positive and most negative curvature attribute analyses have been carried out using ground gravity data in this area. The significant derived results from this study encourage supplementary findings of thrust, fault, and lineament information, which also correlate well with the previously found results of 3D Euler deconvolution and source edge detection. Although, gravity data interpretation has its own limitations, however, the current derived results using the latest curvature analysis approach utilizing gravity data show realistic invigorated solutions for a better understanding of the thrust, fault, and lineament locations in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylates are well known electrophilic alkenes having multitude of applications in organic synthesis. They are very good acceptors in Michael addition reactions and are good enophile/dienophile/dipolarophile partners in cycloaddition reactions. Replacing the β‐alkyl/aryl groups in acrylates by a silicon group would be interesting. In addition to the conventional reactions displayed by acrylates, β‐silylacrylates (β‐SAs) can show reactivity specifically related to the silicon group. Many conventional organic reactions such as hydrodimerization, organocatalytic asymmetric Michael additions, inter‐ and intra‐molecular Diels–Alder reactions, and asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions have been used to generate the complex chemical entities from β‐SAs. Some of the reaction outcomes were vastly influenced by the silicon substituent. This review describes the practical synthesis β‐SAs and their use as starting point in complex molecule generation including total synthesis of some natural products/bioactive molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Basal ganglia hemorrhage (BGH) is a severe neurologic condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and its optimal management remains a topic of debate. Our study assessed the surgical outcomes of BGH patients at the 3-month mark using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted over 10 years at an advanced neuro-specialty hospital in Eastern India, including patients who underwent decompressive craniotomy and hematoma evacuation. Variables were systematically coded and analyzed to evaluate the postoperative outcome with age (in years), preoperative motor (M) status, and hematoma volume. Results This study enrolled 2,989 patients with a mean age of 59.62 (standard deviation: 9.64) years, predominantly males (n = 2,427; 81.2%). Hypertension (1,612 cases) and diabetes mellitus (1,202 cases) were the most common comorbidities. Common clinical presentations included ipsilateral weakness (1,920 cases) and/or altered mental status (1,670 cases). At the 3-month mark postsurgery, 2,129 cases (71.2%) had a favorable outcome based on mRS, while 389 cases (13.0%) had an unfavorable outcome. The regression equation showed that age was inversely related to the percentage of individuals achieving a favorable outcome. It also revealed that the preoperative motor score was positively correlated with favorable outcomes. Hematomas smaller than 60 mL had better outcomes, with 1,311 cases (69.1%) classified as good outcomes and 337 cases (17.8%) as bad outcomes. Fatal outcomes related to the illness were observed in 471 patients (15.8%) within the study population. Conclusion Surgery for BGH showed a substantial improvement in outcomes, particularly in patients with M5/M4 motor status. The preoperative motor score (M status) emerged as a crucial predictor of favorable neurological outcomes. Age and hematoma volume, however, were found to be nondefinitive factors in determining good outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Profiles of aerosols and cloud layers have been investigated over a high-altitude urban atmosphere in the eastern Himalayas in India, for the first time, using a Raman LIDAR. The study was conducted post-monsoon season over Darjeeling (latitude 27°01 ′ N longitude 88°36 ′ E, 2200 masl), a tourist destination in north-eastern India. In addition to the aerosols and cloud characterization and atmospheric boundary layer detection, the profile of the water vapor mixing ratio has also been analyzed. Effects of atmospheric dynamics have been studied using the vertical profiles of the normalized standard deviation of RCS along with the water vapor mixing ratio. The aerosol optical characteristics below and above the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) region were studied separately, along with the interrelation of their optical and microphysical properties with synoptic meteorological parameters. The backscatter coefficient and the extinction coefficient were found in the range from 7.15 × 10 − 10 m − 1 sr − 1 to 3.01 × 10 − 5 m − 1 sr − 1 and from 1.02 × 10 − 5 m − 1 to 2.28 × 10 − 3 m − 1 , respectively. The LIDAR ratio varies between 3.9 to 78.39 sr over all altitudes. The variation of the linear depolarization ratio from 0.19 to 0.32 indicates the dominance, of non-spherical particles. The periodicity observed in different parameters may be indicative of atmospheric wave phenomena. Cloud parameters, such as scattering coefficients, top and bottom height, and optical depth for different cloud phases, have been evaluated. A co-located Micro Rain Radar has been used with LIDAR for cloud life cycle study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents data on the U–Pb chronology of detrital zircon grains and radiogenic isotopic composition (87Sr/86Sr, ɛNd) from the Proterozoic clastic successions of the Garhwal‐Kumaon Lesser Himalaya representing the extended northern Indian cratonic margin, NW India. The Proterozoic Lesser Himalayan Basin in Garhwal‐Kumaon Himalaya is divided into two sectors, namely, Inner Lesser Himalaya (ILH) and Outer Lesser Himalaya (OLH) by a tectonic boundary, namely the Tons Thrust (TT). Age distribution from inner and outer sectors of the Lesser Himalaya shows that the U–Pb chronology of most of these zircons provides Palaeoproterozoic (between 1.6 and 1.8 Ga) to Neoproterozoic (800 Ma) ages. The age data suggest sedimentation of the Rautgara Formation (Damtha Group) of ILH continued till the Neoproterozoic (~850 Ma), which was earlier regarded as ≤1.6 Ga. Tracking the detrital U–Pb zircon ages in the near adjacent cratonic parts point towards Aravalli Orogen as the major source region. Whole‐rock ƐNd(0) values for ILH rocks range from −37.6 to −14.6 and for OLH it ranges from −19.6 to −6.7. More negative ƐNd values along with dominance of Neoarchean‐Palaeoproterozoic ages in ILH indicates supply from more evolved protolith or recycled sources and less negative ƐNd values with major Neoproterozic zircon ages from OLH supports for less evolved source rock. The change from more negative ƐNd to less negative ƐNd values progressively upward the stratigraphy can be due to a shift in source with time. Both U–Pb zircon and ƐNd supports for a continuous sedimentation model, rule out the presence of ~500 Ma unconformity within the LH and argues for separate evolution of the Lesser Himalayan Basin on the trailing edge of the extended north Indian craton in "Columbia" configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oldest Asian record of alpheid shrimps, assigned to genus Alpheus, based on snapping claw fingertips from the Miocene Khari Nadi Formation in the Kutch Basin, western India reported herein, extends the fossil record of the family Alpheidae from Asia by ∼22 million years. An early Miocene (Aquitanian) age is estimated based on the associated assemblage of calcareous nannofossils, Sphenolithus disbelemnos, Cyclicargolithus floridanus, and Reticulofenestra haqii. The co‐occurring microbiota includes bony fish otolith remains, identified as "genus Gobiidarum", isolated teeth of Dasyatis rays, Sphyrna sharks, and teleosts, ctenoid and placoid scales, ostracods, belonging to the genera Paractinocythereis, Alocopocythere, Ruggieria, Aglaiocypris, Bairdoppilata, and echinoid spines. Taken together, the microfossil assemblage and data from chemical analyses using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, X‐Ray Diffraction and Wavelength Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence of host and associated lithologies suggests prevalence of a shallow (neritic) to coastal marine (intertidal) depositional paleoenvironment. The present investigation also provides the oldest fossil evidence on the co‐occurrence of Alpheus and gobiids (based on otoliths) that strongly advocates that the mutualistic association between these animal groups had developed by the Aquitanian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several global health incidents and evidences show the increasing likelihood of pandemics (large‐scale outbreaks of infectious disease), which has adversely affected all aspects of human lives. It is essential to develop an analytics framework by extracting and incorporating the knowledge of heterogeneous data‐sources to deliver insights for enhancing preparedness to combat the pandemic. Specifically, human mobility, travel history, and other transport statistics have significantly impact on the spread of any infectious disease. This article proposes a spatio‐temporal knowledge mining framework, named STOPPAGE, to model the impact of human mobility and other contextual information over the large geographic areas in different temporal scales. The framework has two key modules: (i) spatio‐temporal data and computing infrastructure using fog/edge based architecture; and (ii) spatio‐temporal data analytics module to efficiently extract knowledge from heterogeneous data sources. We created a pandemic‐knowledge graph to discover correlations among mobility information and disease spread, a deep learning architecture to predict the next hotspot zones. Further, we provide necessary support in home‐health monitoring utilizing Femtolet and fog/edge based solutions. The experimental evaluations on real‐life datasets related to COVID‐19 in India illustrate the efficacy of the proposed methods. STOPPAGE outperforms the existing works and baseline methods in terms of accuracy by ≈$$ \approx $$(18–21)% in predicting hotspots and reduces the power consumption of the smartphone significantly. The scalability study yields that the STOPPAGE framework is flexible enough to analyze a huge amount of spatio‐temporal datasets and reduces the delay in predicting health status compared to the existing studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatitis neglecta (DN), first described by Poskitt et al. in 1995, is a dermatosis resulting from insufficient frictional cleansing of the skin. Lesions result from self-neglect and may have several underlying etiologies, including psychiatric conditions. There is a dearth of any formal study or large case series on this subject. Moreover, the psychological aspects of DN mostly remain unexplored. We report here the clinical profile and psychiatric comorbidities of a group of patients with DN from eastern India. Sporadic cases of underlying psychological problems like cognitive deficit and executive dysfunction, schizophrenia, severe anxiety disorder, and depression have been reported in the existing literature. Associated psychiatric disorder was present in 72.7% of the patients of this case series that include several underlying psychiatric disorders like depression, schizophrenia, somatic symptom disorder, social anxiety disorder, intellectual disability, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and alcohol dependence. In this article we would like to emphasize that DN is frequently associated with psychiatric disorder and management of the underlying psychiatric condition with psychotropic medications; psychotherapy is of immense importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The star-forming activity in the H  ii region RCW 42 is investigated using multiple wavebands, from near-infrared to radio wavelengths. Located at a distance of 5.8 kpc, this southern region has a bolometric luminosity of 1.8 × 106 L⊙. The ionized gas emission has been imaged at low radio frequencies of 610 and 1280 MHz using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope , India, and shows a large expanse of the H  ii region, spanning 20 × 15 pc2. The average electron number density in the region is estimated to be ∼70 cm−3, which suggests an average ionization fraction of the cloud to be 11 %. An extended green object EGO G274.0649-01.1460 and several young stellar objects have been identified in the region using data from the 2MASS and Spitzer surveys. The dust emission from the associated molecular cloud is probed using Herschel Space Telescope, which reveals the presence of five clumps, C1-C5, in this region. Two millimetre emission cores of masses 380 and 390 M⊙ towards the radio emission peak have been identified towards C1 from the ALMA map at 1.4 mm. The clumps are investigated for their evolutionary stages based on association with various star-formation tracers, and we find that all the clumps are in active/evolved stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recently, India witnessed an unprecedented surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) cases. In addition to patient management issues, environmental Mucorales contamination possibly contributed to the outbreak. A recent study evaluated environment contamination by Mucorales in the hospital setting. However, a considerable number of CAM patients were never admitted to a hospital before the development of the disease. The present study, therefore, planned to evaluate Mucorales contamination of patients' residences. Methods: The residential environment of 25 patients with CAM living in north India was surveyed. Air samples were collected from indoor and immediate outdoor vicinity of the patients' residence and cultured on Dichloran Rose- Bengal Chloramphenicol (DRBC) agar with benomyl for selective isolation of Mucorales. Surface swab samples were also collected from the air coolers fitted in those residences and cultured on DRBC agar. The isolates were identified by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was employed to evaluate the genetic relatedness of the environmental and patients' clinical isolates. Results: The median spore count (mean ± SD, cfu/m³) of Mucorales in the air of patients' bedrooms was significantly higher than in the air in other rooms in those residences (3.55 versus 1.5, p = 0.003) or the air collected directly from the front of the air cooler (p < 0.0001). The Mucorales spore count in the environment did not correlate with either ventilation of the room or hygiene level of the patients' residences. Rhizopus arrhizus was isolated from the environment of all patients' residences (n = 25); other Mucorales species isolated were Cunninghamella bertholletiae (n = 14), Rhizopus microsporus (n = 6), Rhizopus delemar (n = 6), Syncephalastrum racemosum (n = 1), Lichtheimia corymbifera (n = 1), and Mucor racemosus (n = 1). Genetic relatedness was observed between 11 environmental isolates from the patients' bedrooms and respective clinical isolates from patients. Discussion: The study supported the view that the patients might have acquired Mucorales from the home environment during the post-COVID-19 convalescence period. Universal masking at home during patients' convalescence period and environmental decontamination could minimize exposure in those susceptible patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the clinical presentation, mycological profile, and risk factors of fungal keratitis (FK) cases presenting at two tertiary-care centers, one each at North (Chandigarh) and Northeast (Assam) India, and to compare the spectrum of fungi recovered from the clinical and environmental samples at both locations.Methods: All patients with suspected FK were enrolled from both the centers between January 2018 and December 2019. Corneal samples were collected and processed as per standard laboratory protocols. Demographic details and clinical and mycological profiles were noted in all patients. Environmental sampling from the soil, air, and the vegetative matter was performed from both locations and neighboring districts.Results: Of the 475 suspected cases, 337 (71%) were diagnosed as FK (median age: 50 years; 77.2% males). The presence of diabetes, hypertension, blurred vision, and corneal discoloration was significantly higher in patients with FK compared to those without FK. Aspergillus sp. (52.1%) and Fusarium sp. (47.61%) were the predominant etiological agents isolated from cases in North and Northeast India, respectively. FK due to melanized fungi was associated with diabetes, trauma with animal tail, and corneal discoloration. A similar spectrum of fungi was seen in environmental and clinical samples in both the regions.Conclusion: The difference in etiological agents of FK and environmental fungal isolates in North and Northeast India highlights the need to identify the ecological niche of potential fungal pathogens. Prospective, multicenter studies, systematic environmental sampling, and the evaluation of the differences in causative agents and clinical presentation of FK from different parts of the country can substantially improve our understanding of its region-specific clinico-epidemiological profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Newborn oil massage is a widespread practice. Vigorous massage with potentially harmful products and forced removal of vernix may disrupt skin barrier integrity. Hospitalized, very-preterm infants treated with sunflower seed oil (SSO) have demonstrated improved growth but community-based data on growth and health outcomes are lacking. Objectives We aimed to test whether SSO therapy enhances neonatal growth and reduces morbidity at the population level. Methods We conducted an open-label, controlled trial in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, randomly allocating 276 village clusters equally to comparison (usual care) and intervention comprised of promotion of improved massage practices exclusively with SSO, using intention-to-treat and per-protocol mixed-effects regression analysis. Results We enrolled 13,478 and 13,109 newborn infants in demographically similar intervention and comparison arms, respectively. Adherence to exclusive SSO increased from 22.6% of intervention infants enrolled in the first study quartile to 37.2% in the last quartile. Intervention infants gained significantly more weight, by 0.94 g · kg−1 · d−1 (95% CI: 0.07, 1.82 g · kg−1 · d−1, P = 0.03), than comparison infants by intention-to-treat analysis. Restricted cubic spline regression revealed the largest benefits in weight gain (2–4 g · kg−1 · d−1) occurred in infants weighing <2000 g at birth. Weight gain in intervention infants was higher by 1.31 g · kg−1 · d−1 (95% CI: 0.17, 2.46 g · kg−1 · d−1; P = 0.02) by per-protocol analysis. Morbidities were similar by intention-to-treat analysis but in per-protocol analysis rates of hospitalization and of any illness were reduced by 36% (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.94; P = 0.02) and 44% (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.77; P < 0.001), respectively, in treated infants. Conclusions SSO therapy improved neonatal growth, and reduced morbidities when applied exclusively, across the facility–community continuum of care at the population level. Further research is needed to improve demand for recommended therapy inside hospital as well as in community settings, and to confirm these results in other settings. This trial was registered at www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN38965585 and http://ctri.nic.in as CTRI/2014/12/005282. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride and nitrate are the most widespread toxic pollutant elements present in groundwaters in large parts of India. The study assessed the groundwater quality and non-carcinogenic health risk due to fluoride and nitrate. Groundwaters were alkaline in reaction with the predominance of sulfate > bicarbonate > chloride > nitrate > fluoride. About 83.8% of the samples were poor in water quality and 77 and 93% of the samples had nitrate and fluoride content above the permissible limit for drinking. Principal component analysis suggested that alkaline pH of groundwater was due to presence of high bicarbonate and low calcium concentration (resulting from precipitation of calcium as calcium carbonate), that also favored release of fluoride. Cluster analysis indicated a common source of anions and cations (Na, Ca and Cl) and the influence of anthropogenic activities in groundwater nitrate contamination; but a geogenic source for fluoride and the influence of alkaline water on weathering of fluoride bearing minerals. The hazard quotient for infant, children and adults due to nitrate was 2.8, 2.19 and 2.0 and due to fluoride was 3.39, 2.64 and 2.42 respectively and 99% of the samples were above the cumulative hazard index implicating that groundwater was unsafe for drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The paper aims to develop a comprehensive framework for adopting an information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled customer relationship management (CRM) system, toward strengthening and expanding the customer basis of the organization. Design/methodology/approach: Advanced ICT-enabled CRM includes mobile CRM, AI integrated CRM and social CRM and several business organizations have already started exploring their advanced utilization for direct financial gain and indirect "soft" benefits. Most of them, however, are challenged in the process, due to lower-than-demanded adoption of such CRM systems. To deal with the issue, the paper methodologically applies a dual qualitative case study approach that ultimately develops an advanced comprehensive CRM adoption framework. Findings: The key findings pertaining to the evaluation of organizations' readiness to adopt advanced ICT-enabled CRM systems in terms of infrastructure and resources, the identification of the critical functional areas of the organization's focus and the differences in the requisite approaches across industries and organization types. Practical implications: In the context of the internet and social media, the analysis and management of customer big data and their transcription into useable information is crucial. Traditional and conventional CRM was deemed unable to address this need, thus necessitating the use of advanced ICT-enabled CRM. The proposed corresponding framework tangibly and practically, thus, directs businesses toward the successful deployment of ICT-based CRM systems. Originality/value: This study constitutes a novel attempt to identify the issues of deployment of ICT-based CRM systems in an organization and proposes a comprehensive framework, which will enable organizations to overcome the barriers when adopting a new system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria control system (MCS), an Information technology (IT)-driven surveillance and monitoring intervention is being adopted for elimination of malaria in Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India since October 2015. This has facilitated 'smart surveillance' followed by required field response within a timeline. The system facilitated data collection of individual case, data driven mapping and strategies for malaria elimination programme. This paper aims to present the analysis of post-digitization data of 5 years, discuss the current operational functionalities of MCS and its impact on the malaria incidence. Methods: IT system developed for robust malaria surveillance and field response is being continued in the sixth year. Protocol for surveillance control was followed as per the national programme guidelines mentioned in an earlier publication. Secondary data from the malaria control system was collated and analysed. Incidence of malaria, active surveillance, malariogenic conditions and its management, malariometric indices, shrinking malaria maps were also analysed. Results: Smart surveillance and subsequent response for control was sustained and performance improved in five years with participation of all stakeholders. Overall malaria incidence significantly reduced by 83% at the end of 5 years when compared with year of digitization (DY) (p < 0.001). Early reporting of new cases (within 48 h) was near total followed by complete treatment and vector control. Slide positivity rate (SPR) decreased from 10.36 (DY) to 6.5 (PDY 5). Annual parasite incidence (API) decreased from 16.17 (DY) to 2.64 (PDY 5). There was a negative correlation between contact smears and incidence of malaria. Five-year data analyses indicated declining trends in overall malaria incidence and correlation between closures by 14 days. The best impact on reduction in incidence of malaria was recorded in the pre-monsoon months (~ 85%) compared to lower impact in July–August months (~ 40%). Conclusion: MCS helped to micromanage control activities, such as robust reporting, incidence-centric active surveillance, early and complete treatment, documentation of full treatment of each malaria patient, targeted mosquito control measures in houses surrounding reported cases. The learnings and analytical output from the data helped to modify strategies for control of both disease and the vector, heralding the city into the elimination stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal Endophthalmitis is a potentially blinding condition, and difficult to treat. It is more often reported from Asia, including India. The mainstays of treatment are vitrectomy and intravitreal injection of antifungal agents. The current clinical and microbiological diagnoses of fungal endophthalmitis, both exogenous and endogenous, are discussed. The mechanisms of action and delivery routes of antifungal agents are discussed. The characteristics of endophthalmitis caused by three common species, Aspergillus, Candida, and Fusarium are described. Published data from 2009 to 2019 from India and additional data collected from 7 large referral centers spread across India are presented. Published data suggest a clear benefit from vitrectomy and intravitreal antifungals agents in fungal endophthalmitis though it is likely that many eyes are initially treated with intravitreal bacterial antibiotic only. This is probably related to lack of unequivocal clinical differentiation. Possibly not much harm is inflicted if the specific treatment is instituted as soon as laboratory evidence is available. The future research should focus on early clinical and laboratory diagnosis. Big data analysis to identify the clinical biomarkers and newer laboratory technology to early detection of fungal infection should improve management of this condition that has a poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study from the late Pliocene ofNeillWest Coast Formation, Neil Island, serpulid tubes assignable toDitrupa gracillima Grube have been identified with the help of tube morphological (light microscopy) and ultrastructural (SEM) studies. This is the first record of the species from the late Pliocene of India. The outer layer ofD. gracillima is entirely different from other invertebrates, and the presence of Ridged Prismatic Structure (RRP) exclusively characterises this particular species. The mineralogical analysis (Raman spectroscopy and EDS) reveals a Mg-Ca skeletal for D. gracillima. Isotopic analysis indicates that there is a narrow range of variation in the 18Ovalues ofD. gracillima The 13CofD. gracillima shows significant variation and displays themost 13Cdepleted values. Based on isotopic analysis it has been inferred that the deposition of sediments took place in a shallow marine environment and D. gracillima thrived in the proximity of hydrocarbon seepages. The present day distributional pattern of D. gracillima indicates that they are mainly confined in the Indo-Pacific region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two major facies associations are identified in the Upper Kaimur Group of the Son Valley, namely, tidally influenced fluvial channel facies association and tidal sand flat association. Lithofacies supports the Dhandraul Sandstone as the product of a tidally‐influenced fluvial channel and the underlying Scarp Sandstone as a tidal sand flat, which endorse a tide‐dominated estuarine setting. Grain size analysis shows that most of the sandstone samples are medium‐ to coarse‐grained and only small fractions are of fine‐ and very fine‐grained categories. In general, sediments are moderately well sorted, near‐symmetrical to fine‐skewed and leptokurtic to mesokurtic in nature, suggesting deposition under fluctuating energy conditions in different geomorphic domains from a tidally‐influenced fluvial channel to beach settings. Bivariant plots combining the textural parameters imply that marine processes dominate over fluvial processes in the Upper Kaimur Group sediments. Cumulative curves and C–M plot suggest sediment transport mainly by saltation and bottom suspension processes under varying energy conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical profile, severity and complications of patients suffering from malaria in Mangaluru, a southwestern coastal city in India. A total of 579 patients, who were treated at the District Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru, and 168 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The clinical profile, haematological and biochemical parameters, and disease complications were assessed. The majority of patients were treated as outpatients and patients who had severe clinical conditions were admitted to the hospital for treatment and supportive care. Among the total 579 patients recruited in this study, the distribution of P. vivax, P. falciparum and mixed infections were 364 (62.9%), 150 (25.9%) and 65 (11.2%), respectively. Among these, 506 (87.4%) had mild malaria, whereas 73 (12.6%) had severe malaria. Overall, the clinical features and severity of malaria in P. vivax and mixed infection patients were comparable to P. falciparum patients, albeit with some significant differences. The clinical complications in severe malaria cases included thrombocytopenia (50.7%), metabolic acidosis (30.1%), severe anaemia (26.0%), jaundice (21.9%), hepatic dysfunction (15.1%), acute renal failure (6.8%), haematuria (8.2%), hypotension (9.6%), cerebral malaria (1.4%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (1.4%). All the patients with severe malaria recruited in our study were successfully treated and discharged. Majority of patients had mild malaria, likely due to seeking treatment soon after experiencing symptoms and/or having preexisting immune protection. However, a significant number of patients had severe malaria and required hospital admission indicating that there is a substantial need for creating awareness among vulnerable immigrant population. Implementing effective surveillance and vector control measures in malaria hotspot locations in the city and educating people about preventive measures are likely to reduce the malaria burden in this endemic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian retail industry has emerged as one of the most dynamic and fast-paced industries due to the entry of several new players. Total consumption expenditure is expected to reach nearly US$ 3,600 billion by 2020 from US$ 1,824 billion in 2017. It accounts for over 10 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and around 8 per cent of the employment. India is the world's fifth-largest global destination in the retail space. The Indian retail industry is divided into organized and unorganized sectors. The organized retail however is at a very nascent stage, though attempts are being made to increase its proportion bringing in a huge opportunity for prospective new players. According to the 8th annual Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) of A.T. Kearney, Indian retail industry is the most promising emerging market for investment. In 2007, the retail trade in India had a share of 8-10% in the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the country. In 2009, it rose to 12%. It is also expected to reach 22% by 2010. With over 1,000 hypermarkets and 3,000 supermarkets projected to come up by 2021, India will need additional retail space of 700,000,000 sq ft. (65,000,000 m2) as compared to previous year. India has been ranked as the third most attractive nation for retail investment among 30 emerging markets by the US-based global management consulting firm, A.T. Kearney in its 9th annual Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) 2012. The state of Jharkhand has witnessed a paradigm shift from unorganized retailing to organized retailing over past few years. This has been possible due to digital revolution, increase in awareness, improvement in infrastructural facilities and increase in disposable income. Organised retail sector is likely to become one of the most prominent sectors that generate gainful employment opportunities for the Indian masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Under-reporting, delayed diagnosis, incomplete treatment and inadequate vector management are few among many factors responsible for uninterrupted transmission of malaria in India. Information technology (IT) and mobile apps can be utilized effectively to overcome these hurdles. Indigenously developed digital handheld geographic information system (GIS)-tagged Android-based tablets (TABs) has been designed especially for implementation of digitization protocol. This has changed the effectiveness of malaria surveillance and intervention strategies in a malaria endemic area of Mangaluru city, Karnataka, India. Methods: A software was developed and implemented for control measures to create a digital database of each malaria case. Secondary data analyses were carried out to determine and compare differences in malariometric indices between pre- and post-digitization years. With the introduction of this software active surveillance, information education and communication (IEC), and anti-vector measures were made 'incidence-centric'. This means that the entire control measures were carried out in the houses where the malaria cases (index cases) were reported and also in surrounding houses. Results: Annual blood examination rate (ABER) increased from 13.82 to 32.8%. Prompt reporting of new cases had improved (36% within 24 h and 80% within 72 h). Complete treatment and parasite clearance time were documented in 98% of cases. In the second post-digitization year untraceable cases reduced from 11.3 to 2.7%; contact blood smears collection also increased significantly (p < 0.001); Slide Positivity Rate (SPR) decreased from 15.5 to 10.48%; malaria cases reduced by 30%. Conclusions: IT is very useful in translation of digitized surveillance to core interventions thereby effectively reduce incidence of malaria. This technology can be used effectively to translate smart surveillance to core interventions following the '1-3-7-14' strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on investigation of properties of two most widely used self-set sand binder systems APNB and FNB across the Globe, for making molds and cores in foundries to produce castings of different sizes involving wide range of metals and alloys, ferrous and nonferrous. This includes study of compression strength values of samples made out of molding sand at different binder addition level using new, mechanically reclaimed (MR) and thermally reclaimed (TR) sand. Strength values studied include dry strength (at room temperature) at specified intervals simulating different stages of mold handling, namely stripping and pre heating, followed by degraded strength after application of thinner based zircon wash by brush, subsequent lighting of, then checking strength both in warm (degraded strength) & cold (recovered strength) conditions. Throughout the cycle of mold movement from stripping to knock out, strength requirements can be divided into two broad classifications, one from stripping to closing (dry strength) and another from pouring to knock out (hot & retained strength). Although the process for checking of dry strength are well documented, no method using simple equipments for checking hot & retained strength are documented in literature. Attempts have been made in this paper to use some simple methods to standardize process for checking high strength properties using ordinary laboratory equipments. Temperature of 450°C has been chosen by trial & error method to study high temperature properties to get consistent & amplified values. Volume of gases generated for both binders in laboratory at 850°C have also been measured. Nature of gases including harmful BTEX and PAH generated on pyrolysis of FNB and APNB bonded sands are already documented in a publication [1]. This exercise has once again been repeated in same laboratory, AGH University, Poland with latest binder formulations in use in two foundries in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Thrombocytopenia is a most commonly observed complication during malaria infections. Inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10 have been documented in malaria induced thrombocytopaenia. This study was aimed to understand the possible relationship between inflammatory cytokines across varying degrees of thrombocytopenia during P. vivax, P. falciparum, and mixed infections. Methods. A hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted at District Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru, a city situated along the south-western coastal region of Arabian Sea in India. In this study, blood samples from 627 malaria patients were analyzed for infected parasite species, clinical conditions, platelet levels, and key cytokines that are produced in response to infection; samples from 176 uninfected healthy individuals were used as controls. Results. The results of our study showed a high prevalence of malarial thrombocytopenia (platelets <150 ×103/μl) in this endemic settings. About 62.7% patients had mild-to-moderate levels of thrombocytopenia and 16% patients had severe thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 × 103/μl). Upon comparison of cytokines across varying degrees of thrombocytopenia, irrespective of infecting species, the levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were significantly higher during thrombocytopenia, whereas IL-6 levels were considerably lower in severe thrombocytopenia patients suffering from P. vivax or P. falciparum infections. The severe clinical complications observed in patients with malarial thrombocytopenia included severe anemia (17.5%), acute renal failure (12.7%), jaundice (27.0%), metabolic acidosis (36.5%), spontaneous bleeding (3.2%), hypoglycemia (25.4%), hyperparasitemia (4.8%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (1.6%), pulmonary edema (19.0%), and cerebral malaria (1.6%) in various combinations. Conclusion. Overall, the results of our study suggest that inflammatory cytokines influence the transformation of mild forms of thrombocytopenia into severe forms during malarial infections. Further studies are needed to understand the association of inflammatory cytokine responses with severe malaria complications and thrombocytopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain size analysis is an important sedimentological tool used to unravel hydrodynamic conditions, mode of transportation and deposition of detrital sediments. For the present study, detailed grain size analysis was carried out in order to decipher the palaeodepositional environment of Middle–Upper Jurassic rocks of the Ler Dome (Kachchh, western India), which is further reinforced by facies analysis. Microtextures were identified as grooves, straight steps and V-shaped pits, curved steps and solution pits suggesting the predominance of chemical solution activity. Grain size statistical parameters (Graphic and Moment parameters) were used to document depositional processes, sedimentation mechanisms and conditions of hydrodynamic energy, as well as to discriminate between various depositional environments. The grain size parameters show that most of the sandstones are medium- to coarse-grained, moderately to well sorted, strongly fine skewed to fine skewed and mesokurtic to platykurtic in nature. The abundance of medium- to coarse-grained sandstones indicates fluctuating energy levels of the deposition medium and sediment type of the source area. The bivariate plots show that the samples are mostly grouped, except for some samples that show a scattered trend, which is either due to a mixture of two modes in equal proportion in bimodal sediments or good sorting in unimodal sediments. The linear discriminant function analysis is predominantly indicative of turbidity current deposits under shallow-marine conditions. The C-M plots indicate that the sediments formed mainly by rolling to bottom suspension and rolling condition in a beach subenvironment. Log probability curves show that the mixing between the suspension and saltation populations is related to variable energy conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic structure of the Indian population is influenced by waves of several immigrants from West Eurasia. Therefore, genetic information of various ethnic groups is valuable to understand their origins, the pattern of migration as well as the genetic relationship between them. No genetic data is available on Pathare Prabhu, which is a small indigenous Hindu community from Mumbai, Maharashtra State, India. The aim of this study was to screen the Pathare Prabhus for hemoglobinopathies, which is a major public health problem in India. Two hundred and fifty-seven unrelated Pathare Prabhus subjects were screened for various hemoglobinopathies. Complete blood counts (CBC) were done on an automated hematology counter. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify β-thalassemia (β-thal) carriers. Molecular characterization of the β gene defects was done by reverse dot-blot hybridization, amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) and DNA sequencing. Deletional α-thalassemia (α-thal) was detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hb A2-Saurashtra (HBD: c.301C>T) was identified by DNA sequencing; its modeling was also done. The prevalence of β-thal was 3.89%, while deletional α-thal was 5.4%. The initiation codon (ATG>ACG) (HBB: c.2T>C) was seen in eight individuals (80.0%), Hb D-Punjab (HBB: c.364G>C) and Hb A2-Saurashtra, was found in two and one individual, respectively. A community-specific β-thal mutation was found in Pathare Prabhus in significant proportions. This information is useful in developing an algorithm for a prenatal diagnosis (PND) program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: Efficient estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) is vital for understanding and monitoring the effect of perennial fodder crops in conserving SOC. In subtropical regions, there is limited information on SOC accumulation and its allocation into different pools under long‐term grasses and legumes. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics of SOC in a 20‐year‐old field trial with seven perennial grass species and a legume in a Typic Paleudalf soil under subtropical climate in north‐east India by analysing oxidizable organic C (Coc) and its fractions of very labile (CVL), labile (CL), less labile (CLL) and non‐labile (CNL), microbial biomass C (Cmic) and mineralizable C (Cmin). Growing perennial fodder crops increased SOC in the 0–0.60 m soil depth from 19.9%–39.6% compared with the conventional cultivation with maize (Zea mays). The relative efficacy of the fodder species to SOC accumulation was Setaria sphacelata = Brachieria rosenesis > Panicum maximum cv. Makunia = Arachis pintoi > Panicum maximum cv. Hamil > Paspalam conjugalum = Pennisetum purpureum > Thysanolaena maxima. Among the analysed fractions, CVL, CL, CLL and Cmic were influenced most by the fodder crops and the active pools (CVL+CL) constituted 71.6% of the SOC. The results indicate that under the tested subtropical climate, soil under perennial grasses and legumes conserves organic C and that most of the SOC is in labile pools of short residence time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is highly prevalent in many parts of India and is mostly caused by the parasite species Plasmodium vivax followed by Plasmodium falciparum. Chloroquine (CQ) is the first-line treatment for blood stage P. vivax parasites, but cases of drug resistance to CQ have been reported from India. One of the surveillance strategies which is used to monitor CQ drug resistance, is the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the associated gene markers. Susceptibility to CQ can also be determined by copy number assessment of multidrug resistant gene (mdr-1). The current study has examined the prevalence of SNPs in P. vivax orthologs of P. falciparum chloroquine resistant and multi-drug resistant genes (pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1, respectively) and pvmdr-1 copy number variations in isolates from the highly endemic Mangaluru city near the South Western Coastal region of India. Methods: A total of 140 blood samples were collected from P. vivax infected patients attending Wenlock Hospital Mangaluru during July 2014 to January 2016. Out of these 140 samples, sequencing was carried out for 54 (38.5%) and 85 (60.7%) isolates for pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1, respectively. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the pvcrt-o and pvmdr-1 genes were analysed by direct sequencing method, while copy number variations of 60 isolates (42. 8%) were determined by real time PCR. Results: Out of 54 clinical isolates analysed for pvcrt-o, three (5.6%) showed K10 insertion and the rest had wild type sequence. This is the first report to show K10 insertion in P. vivax isolates from India. Further, out of 85 clinical isolates of P. vivax analysed for mutations in pvmdr-1 gene, only one isolate had wild type sequence (~ 1%) while the remaining (99%) carried mutant alleles. Seven non-synonymous mutations with two novel mutations (I946V and Y1028C) were observed. Of all the observed mutations in pvmdr-1 gene, T958M was most highly prevalent (present in 90% of samples) followed by F1076L (76%), and Y976F (7%). Amplification of pvmdr-1 gene was observed in 31.6% of the isolates, out of 60 amplified. Conclusion: The observed variations both in pvmdr-1 and pvcrt-o genes indicate a trend towards parasite acquiring CQ resistance in this endemic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is highly prevalent in many parts of India and the Indian subcontinent. Mangaluru, a city in the southwest coastal region of Karnataka state in India, and surrounding areas are malaria endemic with 10-12 annual parasite index. Despite high endemicity, to-date, very little has been reported on the epidemiology and burden of malaria in this area. Methods: A cross-sectional surveillance of malaria cases was performed among 900 febrile symptomatic native people (long-time residents) and immigrant labourers (temporary residents) living in Mangaluru city area. During each of dry, rainy, and end of rainy season, blood samples from a group of 300 randomly selected symptomatic people were screened for malaria infection. Data on socio-demographic, literacy, knowledge of malaria, and treatment-seeking behaviour were collected to understand the socio-demographic contributions to malaria menace in this region. Results: Malaria is prevalent in Mangaluru region throughout the year and Plasmodium vivax is predominant species compared to Plasmodium falciparum. The infection frequency was found to be high during rainy season. Infections were markedly higher in males than females, and in adults aged 16-45 years than both younger and older age groups. Also, malaria incidence was high among immigrants compared to native population. In both groups, infection rate was directly correlated with their literacy level, knowledge on malaria, dwelling environment, and protective measures used. There was also a significant difference in treatment-seeking behaviour between these two groups. Conclusions: Malaria incidences in Mangaluru region are predominantly localized to certain hotspot areas within the city, where socioeconomically underprivileged and immigrant labourers are densely populated. These areas have inadequate sanitation and constant water stagnation, harbouring high vector density and contributing to high infection incidences. Additionally, people in these areas seldom practice preventive measures such as using bed nets. The high incidences of malaria in adults are due to minimal cloth wearing, and long working hours stretching to late evenings in places with high vector density. Instituting heightened preventive public measures by governments and creating awareness on using preventive protective and environmental hygienic measures through educational programmes may substantially reduce the risk of contracting infections in these areas and spreading to other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, which constitutes more than 30% of the solid waste stream in India is not given proper attention and loses it's recycling potential. Absence of enforcement and negligence on behalf of the authorities has given rise to independent overlords who fight among themselves for the control of waste thereby making it even more difficult to categorize and quantify C&D waste. Re-utilization of Solid Waste is in developmental stage and thus ends up mostly in landfills without taking into consideration the malignant effects on the environment. Elements like Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium and Silica find their way into the soil and are then transported into the ground water (Stefania Butera, 2015). So the directive is to minimize the exploitation on the environment and find a means for recycling the waste into environment friendly building materials. Estimation of CD waste is carried out by making use of Building specific and region specific waste generation rates. An all encompassing model which can successfully predict the total amount of waste generated from a particular project does not exist and this fact is quite evident given the diversity of construction techniques and composition of building materials. Even If such a database were to be compiled, end users would find it hard to comprehend and apply this data into meaningful quantity. The most appealing way of making users more aware of the need to recycle is by offering a perspective where they can perform a cost benefit analysis of the revenue that can be generated from proper optimization and reutilization of CD waste. Contractors can make a prior estimate of the investment for a particular project and order precise quantities of the materials required. This would not only eliminate the additional cost incurred but also reduce waste on site from off cuts and poor handling of surplus materials. Therefore the objective is to propose a model which makes use of easily available data like transportation rates and resale value of recyclable materials which would provide an intuitive and simple optimization model while imbibing the basic principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle into action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report invasive candidiasis caused by Candida viswanathii over 2 time periods during 2013-2015 in a tertiary care hospital in Chandigarh, India. Molecular typing revealed multiple clusters of the isolates. We detected high MICs for fluconazole in the second time period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six porous carbons (PCs) were prepared via thermochemical methodology from cotton-stalk crop residue, collected from diverse geographical locations in India. Although similar in nature, the precursor collection sites majorly influenced the properties of the generated PCs, possibly due to variations in soil characteristics and fertilizer usage patterns. The microstructures were characterized by a series of analytical data, including FT-IR and Raman Spectra, XRD, TGA, SEM imaging, and in-depth XPS studies. Nitrogen sorption isotherms at 77 K of all PCs revealed well-defined microporosity and high specific surface area, varying from 1706 to 2438 m2/g under similar synthetic conditions. Further, gaseous CO 2 adsorption studies showed that the PCs exhibited diverse uptake performances at 1 bar under varied temperatures. The maximum uptake capacity of 6.23 mmol/g (273 K), 3.85 mmol/g (298 K), and 3.28 mmol/g (313 K) defined superior values over contemporary adsorbents. A critical-point drying technique was employed further to enhance the CO 2 uptake capacity of these carbons. Importantly, all the carbons revealed moderate to good CO 2 /N 2 separation selectivity at low temperature (~25 at 273 K) that experienced a unique enhancement under elevated temperature, as calculated from ideal adsorbed solution theory. After vacuum regeneration, the activated carbons exhibited stable CO 2 adsorption up to five cycles, validating their potential reusability for CO 2 capture. Precisely, the cotton stalk crop residue-derived PCs represent one-of-a-kind low cost, eco-friendly, abundant, and scalable absorbents for regenerable CO 2 capture with moderate heat of adsorption and selectivity values, with promises of practical usability. [Display omitted] • Cotton-stalk crop-residue based porous carbons (PCs) synthesized from diverse geographical locations. • Microporous PCs exhibits surface area > 2000 m2/g and excellent CO 2 adsorption with modest Q st values. • The CO 2 adsorption capacity augments through critical point drying technique. • Temperature variable sorption studies indicate sharp enhancement in CO 2 /N 2 selectivity. • PCs exemplify low-cost, eco-friendly, abundant and scalable CO 2 absorbents for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Lilliput effect' represents the phenomenon whereby there is a pronounced reduction in the size of biota associated with the aftermath of mass extinction. This fact has been supported by the evidence of dwarfism both in invertebrates and vertebrates recorded after the end-Permian mass extinction event. The extinct genus Glossopteris belonging to seed ferns Glossopteridales is one of the best known fossil taxon that flourished during the Permian and continued its existence till Triassic. In contrast to the Permian, the Triassic was a time when greenhouse conditions with an increased temperature and widespread aridity prevailed as evidenced by the global dataset. The new set of environmental conditions in the Triassic posed a major challenge for the existing Glossopteris lineage, whereby the smaller forms (dwarfs) with reduced leaf surface area continued and sustained. The present study from different late Permian and early Triassic formations of India is aimed at unravelling the changes in morphological traits of seven species of Glossopteris leaves whose existence continued surpassing the Permian-Triassic mass extinction event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the devastating effect of suicide on numerous lives, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning its neurochemical aspects. There is increasing evidence that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression through binding and activating their cognate receptors TrkB and TrkA respectively. The present study was performed to examine whether the expression profiles of BDNF and/or TrkB as well as NGF and/or TrkA were altered in the hippocampus of postmortem brain of the participants, who had committed suicide and whether these alterations were associated with specific psychopathologic conditions. These studies were performed on the hippocampus of 21 suicide victims and 19 non-psychiatric control individuals. The protein and mRNA levels of BDNF, TrkB, NGF, and TrkA were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot and reverse transcription-PCR. Given the importance of BDNF and NGF and their cognate receptors in mediating physiological functions, including cell survival and synaptic plasticity, our findings of reduced expression of BDNF, TrkB, NGF, and TrkA on both the protein and mRNA levels of postmortem brains of suicide victims suggest that these molecules may play an important role in the pathophysiological aspects of suicidal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coral bleaching has emerged as an outright menace for the coral reefs right through their global distribution range. Despite being rated among the highly diverse biological ecosystems on the earth, coral reefs are deteriorating at an alarming rate due to severe intensification of multiple natural and human-induced disturbances, especially in the tropical oceans and coastlines. The Andaman Islands in India are not an exception to this peril. A dearth of adequate scientific data and poor management has led to large-scale bleaching and extirpation of coral populations in the Andamans. As the regular episodes of coral bleaching and mortality are hampering an array of critical ecosystem services, conservation of coral reefs becomes a prime imperative. This paper discusses the vulnerable status of coral populations in some of the important Andaman Islands, their diversity and inadequacy of the various management strategies being implemented. Some realistic conservation strategies novel to India and several developing countries of the world are also proposed. These ideas lay the foundation for a conservation paradigm considering both the changing biodiversity maintained by natural processes and rapid alterations brought about by humans. Major as well as subtle modifications in the existing programs and formulation of an integrated pattern applied for reef conservation can prove to be substantial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Subsidence is the motion of a surface as it shifts downward relative to a datum caused by various manmade and natural activities. Most of the coalfields of India are facing significant subsidence problem due to underground coal mining. Extraction of thick seams at shallow depths has damaged the ground surface in the form of subsidence and formation of cracks reaching up to the surface, enhancing the chances of spontaneous heating of coal seams leading to mine fires. A proposed alignment of Giridih-Koderma broad gauge (BG) railway track neat Giridih Railway station lies above old, abandoned underground coal mine workings. This site lies at the southern fringe of the Giridih coalfield (also known as Karharbari formation). The mining was commenced in 1871, first by the Bengal Coal Co., then by the National Coal Development Corporation (NCDC) and lastly by the East India Railway and it was closed in 1936. Bord and pillar mining method was practiced in this mine and it was closed without any de-pillaring and backfilling. The present undulating topography depicts the existence of subsidence at different parts of the coalfield. Total 117 boreholes were drilled for investigating the ground condition and to evaluate ground stability for laying railway tracks to run MBG (1987) train load along the proposed layout above the basin. The paper deals with the causes and subsidence potentiality over old abandoned underground coal mines neat Giridih town of Karharbari formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical cutting machines are presently extensively used for its eco-friendly environment. Such machines are applicable especially where drilling-and-blasting is difficult due to sensitive surrounding and/or where selective winning of mineral/ore beds/seams, partings and overburden is essential. Despite of its lucrative benefits and successful application in different parts of globe, cannot be universally accepted due to the rigid boundary conditions. Considering techno-feasible information of different surface miners available in the world and un-controllable parameters viz., ground topography, stability and intact rock strength properties of the limestone mine in Khasi Hills of Meghalaya plateau, the paper discusses about the feasibility of surface miner in this mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to develop a validated, rapid, simple, and lowcost ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method for estimating Etoricoxib (ETX) in pharmaceutical formulations. The analysis was performed on λ max 233 nm using 0.1 M HCl as blank/diluent. The proposed method was validated on International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines including parameters as linearity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and specificity. The proposed method was also used to access the content of the ETX in two commercial brands of Indian market. Beer's law was obeyed in concentration range of 0.1-0.5 μg/ml, and the regression equation was Y = 0.418x + 0.018. The mean accuracy values for 0.1 μg/ml and 0.2 μg/ ml concentration of ETX were found to be 99.76 ± 0.52% and 99.12 ± 0.84, respectively, and relative standard deviation (RSD) of interday and intraday was less than 2%. The developed method was suitable and specific to the analysis of ETX even in the presence of common excipients. The method was applied on two different marketed brands and ETX contents were 98.5 ± 0.56 and 99.33 ± 0.44, respectively, of labeled claim. The proposed method was validated as per ICH guidelines and statistically good results were obtained. This method can be employed for routine analysis of ETX in bulk and commercial formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous cultivation of rice–wheat cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic plains is under threat with decline in soil organic carbon (SOC), total factor productivity and overall sustainability. Pulses, an important component of crop diversification, are known to improve soil quality through their unique ability of biological N2 fixation, leaf litter fall and deep root system. Therefore, the effect of inclusion of pulses in the puddled rice system under organic and inorganic amendments on SOC pool and its management indices were evaluated in a long-term experiment after seven cropping cycles. The results indicated that inclusion of pulses in the rice-based system improved the SOC content, being greater in surface soil (0–20 cm) and declining with soil depth. Among the four carbon fractions determined, less labile carbon fraction (Cfrac3) was the dominant fraction in the puddled rice system, particularly under organic treatments, indicating that it is possible to maintain organic carbon for longer time in this system. The rice–wheat–mung bean system resulted in 6% increase in SOC and 85% increase in soil microbial biomass carbon as compared with the conventional rice–wheat system. Application of crop residues, farm yard manure (5 t ha−1) and biofertilisers had greater amount of carbon fractions and carbon management index (CMI) over control and the recommended inorganic (NPKSZnB) treatment in the soil surface, particularly in the system where pulses are included. Interestingly, in the puddled rice system, passive carbon pool is more in surface soil than deeper layers. The relative proportion of active carbon pool in surface layer (0–20 cm) to subsurface layer (20–40 cm) was highest in rice–wheat–rice–chickpea (1.14:1) followed by rice–wheat–mung bean (1.07:1) and lowest in the rice–wheat system (0.69:1). Replacing wheat with chickpea either completely or during alternate year in the conventional rice–wheat system also had positive impact on SOC restoration and CMI. Therefore, inclusion of pulses in the rice-based cropping system and organic nutrient management practices had significant impact on maintaining SOC in an Inceptisol of the Indo-Gangetic plains of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine frequency of female genital tract (FGT) tuberculosis (TB) in the gynecological biopsies received in the Department of pathology of a peripheral medical college. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in the Department of Pathology of Burdwan Medical College & Hospital. Histopathological records of two year (2008-2010) were retrieved and searched for the cases of female genital tract TB. Relevant histopathological findings and clinical data were recorded and analyzed. Results: There were 1537 cases of gynecological biopsy and 9 cases were diagnosed as FGT tuberculosis based on histopathological and clinical findings. Ovarian benign cystic teratoma was seen in one case along with ipsilateral tuberculous salpingitis, one case showed B/L ovarian tuberculosis with involvement of both the tubes. Bilateral fallopian tubes were involved in 2 cases and endometrial tuberculosis was diagnosed in 5 cases with 1 case showing simultaneous involvement of the cervix. In one case omental biopsy received along with tubal specimen showed tuberculous granulomas. Conclusion: FGT tuberculosis was usually seen in age 16-28 years and constituted 0.59% of total gynecological cases. Fallopian tubes, ovaries and endometrium and cervix were affected with the involvement of peritoneum or omentum, commonest being tuberculous endometritis. Histopathology, in association with clinical findings still remains gold standard for the diagnosis of FGT tuberculosis in our country despite advancement in diagnostic modalities; however, incidental histological detection in clinically unanticipated cases is not an uncommon event [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larvivorous fish in malaria control is more than a century old strategy in vector management. This is basically aimed at larval source management. This strategy is being reinvented in view of the current situation when the best drugs against malarial parasites and insecticides against insect vector(s) are showing reduced susceptibility, and also prohibitive operational costs. There are many situations where traditional residual insecticide spays have shown adverse effects on other beneficial insects, which make local cottage industry vulnerable. One such example is sericulture industry in certain areas of Karnataka, south India. Here, we describe how two larvivorous fish are used in containing malaria in villages in Karnataka. Extensive geographical reconnaissance of vector breeding habitats namely Anopheles culicifacies and An. fluviatilis and, studies on their sibling species helped in designing the intervention strategy. Application of global positioning system would be more useful in relocating the breeding habitats while monitoring. Introduction of two poeciliid fish Poecilia reticulata (guppy) in wells, and mosquito fish Gambusia affinis in ponds and streams resulted in disappearance of malaria. Contrary to the reported adverse effects of non-native fish on the local fauna, we have not observed such effects in the study areas. Introduction of Poecilia in indoor water storing cement tanks also contained Aedes aegypti larval infestation. The work is being carried out with the active cooperation of the local community and administration. This strategy is cheap, sustainable, and can be included in the integrated vector management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-year field study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 at the Pulses and Oilseeds Research Sub-station, Beldanga, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India to study the effect of seed inoculation with Rhizobium (LLR 22) alone and in combination with PGPR (CRB 1, CRB 2, RB 1, RB 2, PUR 34 and KB 133) on growth, nodulation and seed yield of lentil. The results revealed that significantly higher seed yield was obtained when Rhizobium is inoculated with PGPR strain (KB 133) as compared to uninoculated control. Yield advantages due to inoculation with Rhizobium+PGPR strain KB 133, Rhizobium+PGPR strain PUR 34, Rhizobium+PGPR strain RB 1 and Rhizobium+PGPR strain CRB 1 were 50.65, 29.41, 28.81 and 26.80%, respectively, over uninoculated control and 30.30, 11.93, 11.41 and 11.06%, respectively, over Rhizobium inoculation only [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaves of mature of Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. plants (Indian wintergreen) were collected from various locations in the Eastern Himalayan region on the Indo-China border and were analysed by steam distillation and gas chromatography to identify an elite line that contained 1.79% (v/v) essential oils, 98% of which was methyl salicylate. Subsequently, a highly reproducible micropropagation protocol using adult shoot tips from this elite genotype was developed in order to conserve this highly-valued, endangered, woody oil-bearing aromatic shrub in India. Among several plant growth regulator (PGR) combinations tested for in vitro multiplication, up to 35 shoots per explant could be induced within 14 weeks of culture on woody plant medium (WPM) fortified only with 0.22 mg l-1 thidiazuron (TDZ). These shoots could elongate on WPM containing 1.0 mg l-1 kinetin. Rooted plantlets were acclimatised ex vivo, with 70% success. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis indicated the genetic uniformity of both the micropropagated plantlets and the donor plants. This is the first report on in vitro micropropagation of G. fragrantissima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine the level of C- reactive protein in pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) along its relation with normal pregnant mothers and also to compare it with different grades of pregnancy. C-reactive protein and inflammation are interrelated. Another objective of this study is to find out the relationship of C- reactive protein, biochemical and hematological parameter in PIH as well as its clinical correlation. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the department of Gynaecology and department of Pathology in Burdwan Medical College West Bengal India after taking permission from ethical committee. 50 cases of PIH mothers and age and gestational matched 50 cases of normal control pregnant mothers and 50 normal healthy non pregnant adult women were included in this present study. CRP was estimated by turbidometric method. Serum Uric acid, SGPT, Serum Creatinine were estimated by semi auto analyzer, Serum β HCG was estimated by ELISA technique. The total leukocytes count, absolute Neutrophils count, Platelet counts were done in hematological cell counter with correlation from peripheral direct smear and manual counting. Urine protein was detected by dipstick method. Results: Serum C- reactive protein was positively correlated with severity of in PIH. Results shows a significantly increased C-reactive protein in PIH (Mean SD 42.02 mg/L±18 .01 mg/L, P<0.001) in comparison to normal control mother (Mean SD 4.2 ±0.93 mg/L). Conclusion: Serum C-reactive protein levels can be used as marker for early diagnosis and intervention of PIH and can be reduced maternal as well as fetal morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The short-term objective of our endeavour was to understand the perception of Grama panchayat presidents and secretaries on the issues related to malaria and its control, being the key leaders of the Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) at a Grama panchayat level. This was necessary to achieve the long-term objective of the role of PRIs in malaria control and their enhanced participation/partnership with the public health sector. Materials and Methods: Grama panchayat presidents and secretaries representing all the 28 Grama panchayats of Chikkanayakanahalli taluk Tumkur district in Karnataka were invited for a 1-day workshop. Deliberations with the participants (n = 32) shed light on their perceptions with respect to knowledge, attitude and practice vis-a-vis malaria and its control strategies. Results: Their knowledge of malaria as a disease was fairly good as they were well aware of it being a communicable disease and its transmission by mosquitoes. However, knowledge about the breeding sources of malaria mosquitoes (Anophelines) was very poor. Many practices in vogue to control mosquitoes at the community level were unscientific. There was a general negative attitude toward the government's handling of the malaria problem and the credibility of the health care system. Conclusion: Existence of health committees in every Grama panchayat coupled with their jurisdiction and responsibilities toward sanitation, water supply and health care resources makes PRIs a natural partner to the health sector. While health education and public health intervention strategies should be based on generic principles of science, the implementation and operational specifics should definitely be based on a sociological perspective of the stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productivity of rainfed monocropping farming system in North Eastern Region of India is low and it is a high economic risk activity. Intensive natural resources mining, continuous degradation of natural resources (soil, water, vegetation) and practice of monocropping under conventional agricultural practices will not ensure farm productivity and food security in the coming years. In order to keep the production system in different land situations sustainable, conservation agriculture based on no-till system is an alternative to reconcile agriculture with its environment and overcome the imposed constraints of climate change and continuous inputs cost. Studies on conservation tillage and residue management in different land situations were conducted during 2006-2009 and they are highlighted in this article. In terrace upland, growing mustard completely on residual moisture following upland rice/maize was possible when it is practised under conservation tillage (crop residue of all crops, including weed biomass incorporated). Similarly, in valley upland, growing second crop of pea in rice fallow is possible if two-thirds or half of rice residues are retained on the soil surface under zero tillage. A longterm study (2006-2009) revealed that double no-till practice in rice-based system is cost-effective, restored soil organic carbon (70.75%), favoured biological activity (46.7%), conserved water and produced yield (49%) higher than conventional tillage. Therefore, conservation tillage practised in terrace upland, valley upland and low-land situations ensured doublecropping, improved farm income and livelihood in rainfed NE India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The community-based mental health studies have revealed that the point prevalence of depressive disorders in the elderly population of the world varies between 10% and 20% depending on cultural situations. Objective: To determine the median prevalence rates of depressive disorders in the elderly population of India and various other countries in the world. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study based on meta-analysis of various study reports. Setting: Community-based mental health surveys on geriatric depressive disorders conducted in the continents of Asia, Europe, Australia, North America, and South America. Study Period: All the studies that constituted the sample were conducted between 1955 and 2005. Sample Size: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria on published and indexed articles, 74 original research studies that surveyed a total of 4,87,275 elderly individuals in the age group of 60 years and above, residing in various parts of the world were included for the final analysis. Inclusion Criteria: The researchers had included only community-based cross-sectional surveys and some prospective studies that had not excluded depression on baseline. These studies were conducted on homogenous community of elderly population in the world, who were selected by simple random sampling technique. Exclusion Criteria: All the unpublished reports and unavailable or unanalyzed or inaccessible articles from the internet were excluded from the study. Statistical Analysis: The median prevalence rate and its corresponding interquartile range (IQR), Chi-square test, and Chi-square for Linear Trend were applied. A P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically signifi cant. Results and Conclusion: The median prevalence rate of depressive disorders in the world for the elderly population was determined to be 10.3% [IQR = (4.7%-16.0%)]. The median prevalence rate of depression among the elderly Indian population was determined to be 21.9% [IQR = (11.6%-31.1%)]. Although there was a signifi cant decrease trend in world prevalence of geriatric depression, it was significantly higher among Indians in recent years than the rest of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]