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[Display omitted] Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in water treatment industries can simultaneously offer disinfection and eradicate organic contaminants. The present work examined the direct exposure impact of various oxidative (UV, O 3 , and H 2 O 2) and their eclectic combinations (UV/O 3 , H 2 O 2 /O 3, and UV/H 2 O 2) for the abolition of Trihalomethane (THMs) precursors. The application of the Fenton process proved to be the most effective technique for reducing TOC (85.23%) and UV 254 (91.11%) than other used AOPs. Higher removal of THMs precursors found in the Fenton process may be attributed to the higher degradation potential of hydroxyl radical generated from this process than other AOPs. The deformed ferrous iron salts (Fe2+) in the Fenton reagent catalyzed the hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and produced highly reactive radicals. Seasonal probabilistic lifetime cancer and non-cancer risks of THMs in males and females were also investigated in the drinking water supplies of five major cities in India. Comparative risk analysis through different pathways revealed significant risk from oral ingestion (99%), followed by inhalation exposure (0.77%) and dermal absorption (0.002%), where females were found at higher risk of cancer. Sensitivity analysis using a radar plot was also performed to identify the most influential parameter affecting the total risk of cancer. The Risk value of chloroform (CF) was highest among the THMs compound in all the WTPs for both seasons. Seasonal risk assessment revealed a higher risk of cancer in the pre-monsoon season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lifetime cancer risk and the hazard index of trihalomethanes (THMs) through oral ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation exposure from supply water of five WTPs were analysed. THMs concentration varied from plant to plant and was found to be in the range of 274–511 µg/l, which is much higher than the prescribed USEPA standards of 80 µg/l. Chloroform was the most dominant THM followed by bromodichloromethane (BDCM), and dibromochloromethane (DBCM). Cancer risk analysis through multi-pathways exposure reveals that residents had a higher cancer risk through oral ingestion than other two routes of exposure. The lifetime cancer risks of THMs from supply water were 100 times higher than prescribed USEPA guidelines. The higher cancer risk found for Indian context than those reported for other countries like USA, UK, Japan, Australia, is mainly due to the higher concentration level of THMs, water intake and average body weight. The study also revealed that amongst different THMs, chloroform is the major THMs causing cancer risk through both oral and dermal route of exposure whereas in case of inhalation it was mainly because of BDCM. Average lifetime cancer risk analysis indicated that females are more prone to cancer risk than males. Oral ingestion is a major route indicating the potential impact of non-cancer risk while it was insignificant through dermal exposure. Sensitivity analysis of THMs revealed that chloroform is the predominant parameter followed by body weight and exposure duration influencing cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Results of a survey of dissolved helium, fluoride and electrical conductivity in groundwater from across the main stem of the Narmada River, between Bharuch in the west and Amarkantak in the east, are reported. This survey was undertaken to identify active tectonic regions, based on locations of high helium concentrations, interpreted as indicative of upward migration of deep fluids. Existence of deep fluids in this region has been hypothesised earlier based on various geophysical studies in the Narmada Rift Basin — a major tectonic feature in central India. Samples with high helium concentration are clustered in two broad regions with known intersecting faults, indicating the possibility of plumes with high helium concentration being injected into shallower groundwater in these regions, facilitated by these faults and fractures. Locations of groundwater samples having excess fluoride remarkably correspond to these two clusters of excess helium. This suggests a possible commonality between the causal factor of excess helium and higher fluoride in groundwater, which needs to be further investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary (76036'-76046'E & 29052'-30000'N), situated in Kurukshetra District of Haryana provides an important wintering ground for a diverse range of wetland birds. This study was carried out from April 2009 to March 2012 to document the diversity of wetland birds. Altogether 57 species of wetland birds belonging to 37 genera and 16 families were recorded from the study area. Family Anatidae dominated the wetland bird community with 13 species. Among recorded species, 33 were winter migrants, two summer migrants and 22 were resident species. The winter migratory birds did not arrive at this wetland in one lot and at one time. Instead, they displayed a definite pattern specific to species for arrival and departure. They appeared at the wetland during mid-October and stayed up to early April. The composition of birds in major feeding guilds in the study area showed that the insectivore guild was the most common with 35.09% species, followed by carnivore (29.82%), omnivore (19.30%), herbivore (10.53%) and piscivore (5.26%). Among the birds recorded in this study area, Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) and Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) were Near Threatened species. Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos), listed in Appendix II of CITES, was also spotted in the sanctuary. The spotting of these threatened bird species highlights the importance of Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary as a significant wetland bird habitat in Haryana. However, anthropogenic activities like fire wood collection, livestock grazing, cutting of emergent and fringe vegetation and improper management of the wetland are major threats to the ecology of this landscape [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Results of oxygen and hydrogen isotopic investigations of shallow groundwater and river water samples from the Central Indian Peninsula are reported. The study was undertaken to isotopically characterise the near surface water sources and identify the influence of the two branches of the Indian Summer Monsoon (June–September) in this region. The western part of the study area receives vapour flux largely from the Arabian Sea branch, whereas the eastern part receives significant vapour flux from the Bay of Bengal branch. No significant rainfall occurs in the study area during northeast winter monsoon period of October–December or the remaining part of the year. Therefore, the isotopic character of shallow groundwater from this region could be used to study the relative influence of the vapour sources from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The study shows that: (i) The northeast part, receiving significant rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch, has a distinctly depleted isotopic composition (δ 18O≈−5±2‰) compared to areas receiving dominant rain from the Arabian Sea branch (δ 18O≈−1±1‰). (ii) In the west coastal belt, the average δ 18O in groundwater is close to the average δ 18O of precipitation at Bombay (−1.4±1.1‰). But, groundwater samples in the entire Deccan Plateau region show signatures of evaporative enrichment in the form of (a) low slope (∼6.5) of δ 18O–δD regression line; (b) low d-excess (0±5‰) and (c) slightly enriched δ 18O values (−1±1‰) compared to those expected from the limited precipitation data from stations in Maner basin approximately in the middle of the study area. (iii) Depleted ground waters along the central Indian east coast could arise due to continental rainout of the Arabian Sea vapour source as the moisture-laden monsoon winds crossover to the Bay of Bengal. Alternatively, it is necessary to postulate that the surface waters of the Bay of Bengal contributing to inland vapour flux are significantly more depleted during the monsoon period than the known depletion of ∼1‰. It is also possible that both factors are operative. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Several field crop experiments were carried out on the annual determinate anti-malarial medicinal plant Artemisia annua over three annual cropping periods in the subtropical agroclimate of Indo-Gangatic plains. The experiments examined the effects of variation in the time of planting and harvest and of number of harvests on the yield of artemisinin and plant growth and development characters related to it. The observations showed that the artemisinin yield was positively correlated with leaf yield and number of harvests. High yields of artemisinin were realized when crop produced artemisinin-rich leaves accompanied by least possible growth of stem tissue, attained by multiple harvesting in early planted full time grown crops. The crops grown for ≥30 weeks and harvested three and four times gave average yields of 44.1±14.2 and 74.2±15.6, respectively, much higher than the maximum yield of 25 kg ha−1 reported for A. annua in earlier studies. It was concluded that for obtaining artemisinin in high yields the A. annua crop should be ratooned/multi-harvested four times. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present article discusses and compares five different water quality indices, viz arithmetic water quality index, multiplicative water quality index, unweighted arithmetic water quality index, unweighted multiplicative water quality index, and Harkin's water quality index, which were considered for characterizing the coastal water quality at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Bombay, India. Dissolved oxygen, pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), temperature, suspended solid, and turbidity were used as the parameters of water quality indices. The value function graphs used for above-mentioned variables were developed using harbour water quality standards and aquatic life. The product moment correlation coefficients for various water quality indices were determined using the SPSS software package to evaluate correlation among various indices. It was found that the unweighted arithmetic water quality index was higher than weighted arithmetic water quality index while the multiplicative water quality index was lower than unweighted multiplicative water quality index. All the indices were well correlated with each other except Harkin's water quality index. The Harkin's water quality index was different from other water quality indices. The comparison of different form of indices showed that the multiplicative water quality index was the most suitable water quality index for coastal waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the utility of subsurface drainage as an intervention to reclaim waterlogged saline lands and to ensure sustainability of irrigated agriculture in India. Climatic zones and drainage; Guidelines on implementing drainage system; Subsurface drainage works for waterlogged saline lands at various locations.

Assesses the prevalence of methemoglobinemia in areas with high nitrate concentration in drinking-water in India. Adoption of cytochrome-beta[sub 5] reductase activity; Determination of the methemoglobin level and cytochrome-beta[sub 5] reductase activity; Health risks from exposure to nitrates.

Although human sensitization to basidiomycete Ganoderma has been reported in New Zealand, North America and Europe, hypersensitivity due to this fungi is not known in India, in spite of its prevalence in the atmosphere. We have studied the atmospheric concentration of Ganoderma in different localities within Delhi and the sensitization level to this fungi amongst the Indian population. Aerobiological sampling, using a Burkard personal slide sampler, was carried out in Delhi for 2 consecutive years (October 1989-September 1991). The sampler was operated at 10 day regular intervals for 10 mm to trap the spores. The peak season for Ganoderma is recorded from July to September with highest average monthly catch of 336 spores/m3; in September 1991 from south Delhi. Antigenic extracts were prepared from both, the spores and whole body of Ganoderma lucidum. The results of intradermal skin tests conducted on 172 patients revealed that 28.48% and 17.44% of patients showed marked skin reactivity to spore and whole body extracts, respectively. A significant correlation (r = 0.963, P < 0.01) was found between intradermal and skin-prick tests. More than 80% of the intradermal test positive patients had significantly (P < 0.01) elevated IgE antibodies to the fungi in question. Thus, sensitization to Ganoderma lucidum has been reported for the first time in the atopic population of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the Indian Entrepreneurship Development Strategy, a program of training and counseling designed to encourage entrepreneurship in India. Stages of the program; Costs of Entrepreneurship Development program; Effectiveness of the program.

Background: Oral cavity is prone for myriad of changes with advancing age as well result of environmental and life style related factors like consumption of tobacco (smoke or smokeless) and alcohol. Aim: The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the association of oral mucosal changes (OMC) with nonsmoked tobacco over smoked tobacco and alcohol. Methods: Data of 11,145 subjects from 106 health screening camps, organized in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan between April 2015 to June 2017 was analyzed to unveil and determine the mode of addiction and prevalence of OMC. Bivariate and multivariable models were tested for comparison and identification of factors associated with an increasing risk of developing OMC. Results: The primary symptoms were mouth ulcer in 5.6% and trismus (1.0%). The overall proportions of tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol addiction were 12.5%, 10.7% and 2.5% respectively. The highest prevalence of smoking noted in the age-group 55-64 years (14.4%), for tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption in the age-group 25-34 years was 15.6% and 4.2% respectively (P < 0.001). The prevalence of mouth ulcers were 20.7% among smokers and 27.8% among tobacco chewers (P < 0.001) while the percentage of trismus 26.1% among smokers and 53.0% among tobacco chewers (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Results of this study can be used for creating awareness among the population regarding the hazards of tobacco use. More number of studies needs to be conducted all over India to understand the prevalence and the biologic behavior of these oral premalignant lesions and its progression to invasive diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiation therapy is used in two-third of all patients diagnosed with cancer in any form and it has become an integral part of modern treatment strategies for many types of cancers in recent decade. Semi-urban and rural places in India lack healthcare facilities and so as the cancer care facilities. Aim: To identify the propensity of a metro-centric oncologic care in developing countries undermining the need of availability of facilities in smaller towns and cities. Methods: Data for state-wise population for 2016 and 2026 was projected using cohort component method. For the projection of cancer incidence and prevalence in 2016 and 2026, we assumed that the state-level prevalence and incidence of cancer in the year 2015 will not change over time in 2016. Data collected through telephonic interviews from the radiotherapy centers listed by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), India. Further, we assumed few scenarios of cancer incidence and prevalence increase and projected state wise cancer burden in 2026. Results: With almost 70% population of India residing in districts and cities lacking quality health care, the situation of cancer care is much grave. India is currently equipped with only 394 RTU (Radiation Therapy Unit) against requirement of almost 1300 RTU, amounting to 0.38 RTU per million populations as per World Health Organization. The public sponsored healthcare infrastructure for cancer treatment, and research is centralized with all the resources centered in metro/major cities. Eight metro cities of India with a combined population of 140.6 million hold control of 188 RTU under their boundaries. Thus, while habitants of these eight metro cities, constituting only 10.9% of the national population, avail treatment benefit from 38% of total RTU capacity of India, rest of Indian population at 1143.8 million strengths is left prey to the wrath of cancer with just 306 machines at disposal. In comparison, the developed nations as the United States of America, Australia, and the United Kingdom fare far better in RTU availability for treatment of diagnosed cancer patients, with RTU per million population density of 12.45, 10.12 and 5.04 respectively. Similar scenario has been seen in other LMICs in world like Congo, Mongolia, Sudan, Nigeria, Nepal etc. Conclusion: We observed that wide disparity exists in India concerning RTU and cancer facility availability and density per million populations in between metro cities and rest of India and a dire need of improvement to fight against cancer which is very similar to the situation in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasteurellosis in small ruminants affects the livelihood of small and marginal farmers of India. The present study was undertaken to understand the trends in gene carriage and antibiotic resistance pattern of Pasteurella multocida isolates recovered from small ruminants over a period of 10 years in India. A total of 88 P. multocida isolates of small ruminant origin were subjected to virulence gene profiling for 19 genes by PCR and antibiogram study employing 17 different antibiotics. Virulence genes like e xbB , exbD , tonB , oma87 , sodA , sodC , nanB and plpB (100% prevalence) and ptfA and hsf-2 (>90% prevalence) were found to be uniformly distributed among isolates. Unexpectedly, a very high prevalence (95.45%) of pfhA gene was observed in the present study. Dermonecrotoxin gene ( toxA) was observed in 48.9% of isolates with highest occurrence among serotype A isolates and interestingly, one of each isolate of serotype B and F were found to carry this gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed 17.04% isolates to be multidrug resistant. Amongst all the antibiotics tested, most of the P. multocida isolates were found to be susceptible to enrofloxacin and chloramphenicol. This study highlights novel epidemiological information on frequency and occurrence of virulence genes among Indian isolates from small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The steel companies are becoming increasingly aware about the sustainability challenges. In order to become a responsible corporate citizen, the industry has responded to these challenges through adoption of pillars of sustainability. The industry has made the beginning with identification of sustainability indicators. The indicators have been developed specifically for steel industry. Generally, it is quite difficult to evaluate the performance of company on the basis of large number of sustainability indicators. Integration of key sustainability indicators is quite essential for decision-making. Composite indicators are an innovative approach to evaluate sustainable performance. This paper presents a method for development of composite sustainability performance index (CSPI) that addresses the sustainable performance of steel industries along all the three pillars of sustainability—economic, environmental and societal. Organizational governance and technical aspects have also been considered fourth and fifth dimensions of sustainability. The objective of this paper is to introduce sustainability and to present a conceptual decision model, using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to assist in evaluating the impact of an organization''s sustainability performance. AHP has been used to determine the weights at various levels. Sub-indices have been evaluated and aggregated to form CSPI. The effectiveness of the proposed model is evaluated in a case study for a major steel company in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The GRAPES-3 extensive air shower (EAS) array started operation with 256 scintillator detectors at Ooty in India. Each detector is viewed by a fast photomultiplier tube (PMT) mounted at a height of 60cm above the scintillator. However, for further expansion of the array, an alternative readout of the scintillator using wave-length shifting (WLS) fibers is employed. This resulted in improved performance with a larger photon signal and a more uniform response. With the inclusion of a second PMT, the dynamic range for particle detection has been increased to ∼5×103 particles m−2. We now use plastic scintillators, developed in-house to cut costs. The measurement of the density spectrum, shows a power law dependence with an index γ =1.57±0.04. Using the zenith angle dependence of the density spectrum, an attenuation length Λ a =98–106gcm−2 for the EAS is obtained. These measurements are found to be consistent with the results reported earlier by other groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]