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Background. There is lack of reliable predictors of disease severity and mortality in dengue. The present study was carried out to identify these predictors during the 2015 outbreak in India. Methods. This prospective observational study included confirmed adult dengue patients hospitalized between August and November 2015 in a tertiary care centre in New Delhi, India. Appropriate statistical tests were used to compare clinicolaboratory characteristics, derive predictors of severe disease and mortality, and compute a predictive score for mortality. Serotyping was done. Results. Data of 369 patients were analyzed (mean age, 30.9 years; 67% males). Of these, 198 (54%) patients had dengue fever, 125 (34%) had dengue hemorrhagic fever (grade 1 or 2), and 46 (12%) developed dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Twenty-two (6%) patients died. Late presentation to the hospital (≥5 days after onset) and dyspnea at rest were identified as independent predictors of severe disease. Age ≥24 years, dyspnea at rest and altered sensorium were identified as independent predictors of mortality. A clinical risk score was developed (12*age + 14*sensorium + 10*dyspnea), which, if ≥22, predicted mortality with a high sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (79.2%). The predominant serotypes in Delhi (2015) were dengue virus DENV2 and DENV4. Conclusion. Age ≥24 years, dyspnea at rest, and altered sensorium were identified as independent predictors of mortality. Platelet counts did not determine outcome in dengue patients. Timely referral/access to healthcare is important. The clinical risk score for mortality prediction that was developed in this study can be used in all healthcare settings, after validation in larger cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Judet's technique of quadricepsplasty for an extension contracture of the knee joint offers the benefit of a sequential and controlled release of the intrinsic and extrinsic soft tissue constituents restricting the knee flexion. The main principle of our study was to analyze the clinical as well as functional outcome and to assess an extension lag following Judet's quadricepsplasty for the knee extension contracture deformity. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study comprises of thirty three patients, operated for extension contracture with Judet's quadricepsplasty with the mean follow-up was 30 months. Knee range of motion of the operated knee was recorded preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 24 month follow-up after the surgery. Judet's criteria were used to evaluate the outcomes following the procedure. Results: 92.42° (range, 60°–110°) of knee flexion was achieved after an average follow-up of 24 months compared to preoperative knee flexion was 14.09° (range 5°–25°), reflecting a 74.69° average improvement in knee flexion. Twelve patients had excellent results, nineteen had good results as per Judet's criteria but there were no patients with extension lag. The two patients with fair results had superficial wound infection which healed without any further surgical intervention. Conclusions: Judet's quadricepsplasty offers sequential release without extension lag of the knee joint. Patients with the knee extension contractures deformity can be successfully managed with the Judet's quadricepsplasty to gain useful knee motion and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Naphthalene degrading bacterial consortium (DV-AL) was developed by enrichment culture technique from sediment collected from the Alang-Sosiya ship breaking yard, Gujarat, India. The 16S rRNA gene based molecular analyzes revealed that the bacterial consortium (DV-AL) consisted of four strains namely, Achromobacter sp. BAB239, Pseudomonas sp. DV-AL2, Enterobacter sp. BAB240 and Pseudomonas sp. BAB241. Consortium DV-AL was able to degrade 1000ppm of naphthalene in Bushnell Haas medium (BHM) containing peptone (0.1%) as co-substrate with an initial pH of 8.0 at 37°C under shaking conditions (150rpm) within 24h. Maximum growth rate and naphthalene degradation rate were found to be 0.0389h−1 and 80mgh−1, respectively. Consortium DV-AL was able to utilize other aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, phenol, carbazole, petroleum oil, diesel fuel, and phenanthrene and 2-methyl naphthalene as sole carbon source. Consortium DV-AL was also efficient to degrade naphthalene in the presence of other pollutants such as petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biodiesel production is undergoing rapid technological reforms in industries and academia. This has become more obvious and relevant since the recent increase in the petroleum prices and the growing awareness relating to the environmental consequences of the fuel overdependency. However, the possibilities of production of biodiesel from edible oil resources in India is almost impossible, as primary need is to first meet the demand of edible oil that is already imported therefore it is essential to explore non-edible seed oils, like Jatropha curcas and Pongamia as biodiesel raw materials. The oxidation stability of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas oil is very poor. Therefore the aim of the present paper is to study the oxidation stability of Jatropha curcas biodiesel/ diesel blend. Also the effectiveness of various antioxidants is checked with respect to various blends of biodiesel with diesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy plays significant role in the development of a nation. The conventional sources, though exhausting and not environment friendly are being increasingly used. Looking at limited supplies and various environment problems associated with its uses, renewable energy sources are getting attention. Municipal solid waste [MSW] is getting importance in recent years. Having fewer disposal problems is being considered as valuable bio-energy resources. The MSW management involves collection, transportation, handling and conversion to energy by biological and thermal routes. The present paper reports the results of physical, proximate and TGA/DTA analysis, used to select the most appropriate method of energy conversion. Based on the energy potential available, the feasibility of energy conversion through biogas production using available waste has been carried out. The CDM benefits have also been considered. The cost of generation with and without CDM benefits is Rs. 1.36/- and Rs. 1.41/- per kWh respectively as compared to cost of energy from grid [Rs. 3.50/- per kWh]. Therefore power generation from MSW of Haridwar city using biomethanation conversion technology is feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Out of various non-edible oil resources, Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) is considered as future feedstock for biodiesel production in India. Limited work is reported on the kinetics of transesterification of high free fatty acids containing oil. The present study reports the results of kinetic study of two-step acid base catalyzed transesterification process carried out at an optimum temperature of 65 °C and 50 °C for esterification and transesterification respectively under the optimum methanol to oil ratio of 3:7 (v/v), catalyst concentration 1% (w/w) for H2SO4 and NaOH. The yield of methyl ester (ME) has been used to study the effect of different parameters. The results indicate that both esterification and transesterification reaction are of first order with reaction rate constant of 0.0031min−1 and 0.008min−1 respectively. The maximum yield of 21.2% of ME during esterification and 90.1% from transesterification of pretreated JCO has been obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The increasing industrialization and modernization of the world has to a steep rise for the demand of petroleum products. Economic development in developing countries has led to huge increase in the energy demand. In India, the energy demand is increasing at a rate of 6.5% per annum. The crude oil demand of the country is met by import of about 80%. Thus the energy security has become a key issue for the nation as a whole. Petroleum-based fuels are limited. The finite reserves are highly concentrated in certain regions of the world. Therefore, those countries not having these reserves are facing foreign exchange crises, mainly due to the import of crude oil. Hence it is necessary to look forward for alternative fuels, which can be produced from feedstocks available within the country. Biodiesel, an ecofriendly and renewable fuel substitute for diesel has been getting the attention of researchers/scientists of all over the world. The R & D has indicated that up to B20, there is no need of modification and little work is available related to suitability and sustainability of biodiesel production from Jatropha as non-edible oil sources. In addition, the use of vegetable oil as fuel is less polluting than petroleum fuels. The basic problem with biodiesel is that it is more prone to oxidation resulting in the increase in viscosity of biodiesel with respect to time which in turn leads to piston sticking, gum formation and fuel atomization problems. The report is an attempt to present the prevailing fossil fuel scenario with respect to petroleum diesel, fuel properties of biodiesel resources for biodiesel production, processes for its production, purification, etc. Lastly, an introduction of stability of biodiesel will also be presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are increasing worldwide [1]. The rates have almost increased to 60% more in the last decade in the elderly. Total knee replacement or Knee arthroplasty has made a revolution the field of orthopedics as the earlier thought of painful conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis could now be solved by replacing the damaged joint with an artificial joint which dramatically improves the pain of the patient and the person who could barely walk due to pain starts walking again pain free. While most years these joint replacement surgeries were out of reach for common patients, various schemes implemented by the Govt has made it possible that even poor needy patients can get the total knee arthroplasty done and can live a better quality of life free of pain and suffering. Methodology: This study was a record based observational study conducted retrospectively in the department of Orthopaedics in a tertiary care hospital in central India from 1st March 2021 to 28th February 2022. Observation and Results: A total of 40 patients were studied in total. Out of them 22 were males and 18 were females. The mean age of the patients was 58.2 years. Out of the 40, 15 patients had yellow ration card i.e. belonging to lower socio economic status while 15 had saffron ration card and only 10 had white ration card. Majority of the population was Hindu (40%) followed by Muslims (25%), Buddhist (25%) and 10% were Christians, Sikhs and Jains. Majority of the population was educated up to 10th standard while 15% were illiterate. Osteoarthritis was the most common indication for hip joint replacement (70%). Conclusion: Knee joint replacement is being done commonly in the right candidate and helps in alleviating patients from their sufferings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip arthroplasty made a revolution the field of orthopedics as the earlier thought of painful conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis could now be solved by replacing the damaged joint with an artificial joint which dramatically improves the pain of the patient and the person who could barely walk due to pain starts walking again pain free. This magical medical innovation has changed lives of many worldwide. As the mean life span of the population is increasing, the diseases attributed to the age like osteoarthritis is also increasing and hence the scope for joint replacement is boundless. This study was an observational study to study the socio-demographic profile of the patients undergoing hip replacement arthroplasty in a tertiary hospital in central India. Methodology: This study was a record based observational study conducted retrospectively in the department of Orthopaedics in a tertiary care hospital in central India from 1st May 2021 to 30th April 2022. Sample Size of 50 patients were analyzed and pat clinical data was used from hospital records. Observation And Results: A total of 50 patients were studied in total. Out of them 30 were males and 20 were females. The mean age of the patients was 60.2 years. Out of the 50, 20 patients had yellow ration card i.e. belonging to lower socio economic status while 20 had saffron ration card and only 10 had white ration card. Majority of the population was Hindu (40%) followed by Muslims (30%), Buddhist (24%) and 6% were Christians, Sikhs and Jains. Majority of the population was educated up to 10th standard while 16% were illiterate. Osteoarthritis was the most common indication for hip joint replacement (70%). Conclusion: Due to better schemes for the poor, facilities, and equipment and the will to serve the poor, old age poor people can also get costly operations like hip joint replacement done to alleviate them from their sufferings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakebite poses a significant health threat in numerous tropical and subtropical nations, with around 5.4 million cases reported annually, which results in 1.8–2.7 million instances of envenomation, underscoring its critical impact on public health. The 'BIG FOUR' group comprises the primary committers responsible for most snake bites in India. Effective management of snakebite victims is essential for prognosis, emphasizing the need for preventive measures to limit snakebite-related deaths. The proposed initiative seeks to develop a transfer learning-based image classification algorithm using DenseNet to identify venomous and non-venomous snakes automatically. The study comprehensively evaluates the image classification results, employing accuracy, F1-score, Recall, and Precision metrics. DenseNet emerges as a potent tool for multiclass snake image classification, achieving a notable accuracy rate of 86%. The proposed algorithm intends to be incorporated into an AI-based snake-trapping device with artificial prey made with tungsten wire and vibration motors to mimic heat and vibration signatures, enhancing its appeal to snakes. The proposed algorithm in this research holds promise as a primary tool for preventing snake bites globally, offering a path toward automated snake capture without human intervention. These findings are significant in preventing snake bites and advancing snakebite mitigation strategies. [Display omitted] • =Densenet for snake classification - 86% accuracy in distinguishing BIG-4 snake species. • Recognizing the primary perpetrators responsible for most snake bites in India. • Research aims to reduce snakebite fatalities, and medical issues, fostering community well-being. • Global snakebite prevention: primary tool for mitigating snakebites worldwide. • saving lives, reducing disabilities,for rural communities affected by snakebites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is a nation with a diverse economy that requires tremendous resources to completely meet the desires of its compatriots in various sectors. In terms of energy resources and requirements, coal-based power plants can fulfill the bulk of these electricity needs. India is very reliant on coal, which is used in power plants as a primary energy source. However, the usage of coal energy at a higher level continuously pollutes the atmosphere. The Indian power market alone accounts for half of the country's CO2 emissions, which implies that significant action is needed to contain environmental pollution. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a bridging technique and feasible alternative for the carbon fired plant processing of CO2. However, the application of CCS in coal-fired power stations is still uncommon in the nation. At the UNFCCC Paris Summit, India committed to reduce its carbon emission intensity by approximately 30–33% by 2030. In this work, several CCS systems, possible CO2 origins, and emission levels in India are discussed. Various advanced methods for CO2 capture and separation are also highlighted. Furthermore, the current work discusses CCS situations and the applications of CCS in India along with its manifold challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]