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With the development of information technologies, many learners opt to stay home receiving various forms of online education such as massive open online courses (MOOC). However, many learners and instructors complain that MOOC-based learning effectiveness has been dampened by many factors. Through a meta-analysis using Stata/MP 14.0, this study reveals that MOOC-based learning outcomes can be significantly influenced by eight factors, i.e. behavior intention, learning engagement, students' motivation, perceptions, satisfaction, performance, self-regulation, and social networks across the world. Future research could reveal more influencing factors pivoting on the forum improvements, as well as the effect of social presence on MOOC-based learning outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the current paradigm of clinical and community-based disease detection. We present a multimodal wearable sensor system paired with a two-minute, movement-based activity sequence that successfully captures a snapshot of physiological data (including cardiac, respiratory, temperature, and percent oxygen saturation). We conducted a large, multi-site trial of this technology across India from June 2021 to April 2022 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic (Clinical trial registry name: International Validation of Wearable Sensor to Monitor COVID-19 Like Signs and Symptoms; NCT05334680; initial release: 04/15/2022). An Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm was trained to discriminate between COVID-19 infected individuals (n = 295) and COVID-19 negative healthy controls (n = 172) and achieved an F1-Score of 0.80 (95% CI = [0.79, 0.81]). SHAP values were mapped to visualize feature importance and directionality, yielding engineered features from core temperature, cough, and lung sounds as highly important. The results demonstrated potential for data-driven wearable sensor technology for remote preliminary screening, highlighting a fundamental pivot from continuous to snapshot monitoring of cardiorespiratory illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) is a harmful virus that is responsible for the remarkable economic loss of Litopenaeus vannamei culture. IHHNV was first observed in shrimps, which were characterized by light microscopy, SEM, and TEM. The infected shrimps showed severe morphological deformity, including reduced body size, bent rostrum, shrunken and twisted antenna, rough cuticles, shrunken eyes, and rigid muscles. The antennal segments of the infected shrimps were fused together, puffy, dented, bent, and rough, as observed under a scanning electron microscope. The affected shrimps also showed tumor-like growth (hyperplasia) at the lateral position of the carapace in which the gastrofrontal sulcus was bent. This hyperplasia was found to be soft. In addition, the connective tissue of the diseased shrimp was in a degraded state, and the muscle fibers were despoiled. The nucleus of the cells from the infected gill cells of the shrimps was almost occupied by viral icosahedral particles, which TEM revealed. These viral particles were also found in the cytoplasm in a scattered manner within the same cells and were identified as IHHNV, as confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The famous Tang Dynasty monk Yi Jing travelled to ancient India in 671 AD, visited more than 30 regions and returned to China in 695 AD. He wrote Nanhai Jigui Neifa Zhuan, which he completed in 691 AD. It describes the basic rules, namely 'Inner Dharma' (Neifa,内法) that Buddhist sites and monks should follow in their daily lives. Additionally, the author provided an overview of ancient Indian Buddhist medicine, covering aetiology, diagnosis, medication, acupuncture, health preservation and other aspects, which exhibited distinct characteristics. Methods: This article first delves into the original text of Nanhai Jigui Neifa Zhuan by reading it thoroughly and extracts core chapters related to hygiene, medicine and health care. Later, the extracted information is meticulously classified and organised. Lastly, through a systematic literature review, keywords search, data screening and comparative analysis, an in-depth and comprehensive exploration and analysis of Nanhai Jigui Neifa Zhuan is conducted within the domains of hygiene, medicine and health care. Results: Nanhai Jigui Neifa Zhuan emphasizes the importance of personal hygiene for ancient Indian monks and introduces the basic theories of ancient Indian medicine. It compares ancient Indian and Chinese medicinal materials, highlighting their respective roles in treating different diseases. Furthermore, it briefly discusses the storage and processing of ancient Indian medicinal materials, poisoning and toxicology, and ancient Indian health preservation ideologies. Conclusion: A comprehensive and in-depth study of traditional ancient Indian medicine, including Buddhist medicine and Ayurveda, and its application in the religious environment and communities of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) aids in understanding the treatment methods and health practices of ancient Indian medicine. Additionally, it facilitates a deeper understanding of the similarities, differences and exchange between Chinese and Indian medicine, thereby opening up new horizons for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses neoclassical microeconomic theory to investigate the demand for energy and interfuel substitution in India at the sectoral level. It makes full use of the relevant economic theory and econometrics and generates inference in terms of Allen and Morishima elasticities of substitution that are internally consistent with the data and nonlinear models used. The results indicate that the interfuel substitution elasticities are consistently below unity in the household and power sectors, revealing the limited ability to substitute between major energy commodities in these two sectors. However, significant substitution relationships are found in the industrial and transportation sectors, suggesting that energy price changes in these sectors will significantly shift the demand for energy and consumption. Based on measured elasticities of substitution, we also discuss implications of energy price shocks on inflation and inflation targeting strategies by the central bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the high burden of disease caused by air pollution, the World Health Organization (WHO) released new Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) on September 22, 2021. In this study, the daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and surface ozone (O3) data of 618 cities around the world is collected from 2019 to 2022. Based on the new AQG, the number of attainment days for daily average concentrations of PM2.5 (≤ 15 µg m−3) and O3 (≤ 100 µg m−3) is approximately 10% and 90%, respectively. China and India exhibit a decreasing trend in the number of highly polluted days (> 75 µg m−3) for PM. Every year over 68% and 27% of cities in the world are exposed to harmful PM2.5 (> 35 µg m−3) and O3 (> 100 µg m−3) pollution, respectively. Combined with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is found that more than 35% of the world's cities face PM2.5‐O3 compound pollution. Furthermore, the exposure risks in these cities (China, India, etc.) are mainly categorized as "High Risk", "Risk", and "Stabilization". In contrast, economically developed cities are mainly categorized as "High Safety", "Safety", and "Deep Stabilization." These findings indicate that global implementation of the WHO's new AQG will minimize the inequitable exposure risk from air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trans-Himalayan geodetic data show that, between both syntaxes, India/Asia convergence is steadily oriented ≈ N20°E. However, surface faulting near both syntaxes, along the 2005 and 1950 earthquake ruptures, imply long-term thrusting directed ≈ 130° apart, and post-LGM (last Glacial Maximum) shortening rates of ≈ 5 to 6 mm/y, ≈ 2 to 3 times slower than in Nepal (≈ 15 to 20 mm/y). Syntaxial earthquakes' return-time are also ≈ 3 times longer (>2,000 y) than in Nepal (≈ 700 y). In a structural frame centered halfway between the syntaxial cusps, the tectonic features of the range show remarkable symmetry. In map view, the overall shapes of the Main Front Thrust (MFT) and the Main Central Thrust (MCT) closely fit ellipses, with major-to-minor axis ratios of ≈ 2.5 to 3. This suggests that the range growth atop subducting India is "pinned" by the strike-slip faults that bound it to the east and west. Discrete Element Modeling corroborates a late-Tertiary elliptical range growth. This accounts for the ≈ 65° angles and twofold to threefold decrease in active thrusting between Nepal and the syntaxes, for the maximum Himalayan heights (≥8,000 m), larger magnitudes (≥8), and shorter return-time (≈ 700 y) of great earthquakes in Nepal, for the existence of two 500- to 600 km-long, south-concave mountain ranges north of both syntaxes and for the ≈ 9 mm/y, N100 to 110°E extension across southern Tibet. It also suggests that predictions of impending or frequent great earthquakes in the eastern- and westernmost Himalayas may be overstated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While increased access to household assets has been shown to improve older individuals' autonomy and bargaining power at home, the role of gender hierarchy in shaping differential impacts of household assets has received far less attention. This article explores the gender asymmetry in the association of older people's (age 60 years or more) decision-making power at home and survival probability with their ownership of and managerial control over agricultural land in rural India. Using data from the India Human Development Survey, results find that in multi-generational households, landownership at the household level is associated with higher decision-making power and survival probability for older men but not for older women. Among older women, the relationship between household landownership and decision-making power is positive when they have clearly established titles to the land or managerial control but negative when their names are not on the land title. HIGHLIGHTS Landownership is an important source of old age security in India. Agricultural land in India is typically controlled by the patriarch; women rarely own or control household land. The generational power conferred on older men with landownership does not apply to older women to the same degree. It is crucial to register household land under women's names and recognize women as actual landowners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing and forecasting the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) is vital for South Asia's socio-economic stability. Using 35 climate models from the latest generation of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) to simulate and project ISMR, we integrated statistical methods, such as Taylor diagrams, comprehensive rating indicators, and interannual variability scores, to compare performance differences between various models and analyze influencing mechanisms. The results show that the majority of models effectively simulate the climatology of the ISMR. However, they exhibit limitations in accurately capturing its interannual variability. Importantly, we observed no significant correlation between a model's ability to simulate ISMR's general climatology and its accuracy in representing annual variability. After a comprehensive assessment, models, like BCC-ESM1, EC-Earth3-Veg, GFDL-CM4, INM-CM5-0, and SAM0-UNICON were identified as part of the prime model mean ensemble (pMME), demonstrating superior performance in spatiotemporal simulations. The pMME can accurately simulate the sea surface temperature changes in the North Indian Ocean and the atmospheric circulation characteristics of South Asia. This accuracy is pivotal for CMIP6's prime models to precisely simulate ISMR climatic variations. CMIP6 projections suggest that, by the end of the 21st century, ISMR will increase under low, medium, and high emission scenarios, with a significant rise in rainfall under the high emission scenario, especially in the western and northern parts of India. Among the pMME, the projected increase in rainfall across India is more moderate, with an estimated increase of 30%. The findings of this study suggest that selecting the best models for regional climate downscaling research will project regional climate changes more accurately. This provides valuable recommendations for model improvements in the Indian region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to compute and report subscores for a test that was originally designed for reporting scores on a unidimensional scale has been a topic of interest in recent years. In the research reported here, we describe an application of multidimensional item response theory to identify a subscore structure in a test designed for reporting results using a unidimensional scale. This research also dealt with the problem of planned missing data due to low levels of item overlap among multiple test forms. Furthermore, we provided evidence for the generalizability of the multidimensional structure using multiple forms of the same test. We also compared the subscores from multiple groups to show the usefulness of the subscores. The research provides evidence that subscores can be identified and produced to provide useful information about different constructs for multiple examinee groups even though the test data were well fit by a unidimensional model.

Growing population and consumption pose unprecedented demands on food production. However, ammonia emissions mainly from food systems increase oceanic nitrogen deposition contributing to eutrophication. Here, we developed a long-term oceanic nitrogen deposition dataset (1970 to 2018) with updated ammonia emissions from food systems, evaluated the impact of ammonia emissions on oceanic nitrogen deposition patterns, and discussed the potential impact of nitrogen fertilizer overuse. Based on the chemical transport modeling approach, oceanic ammonia-related nitrogen deposition increased by 89% globally between 1970 and 2018, and now, it exceeds oxidized nitrogen deposition by over 20% in coastal regions including China Sea, India Coastal, and Northeastern Atlantic Shelves. Approximately 38% of agricultural nitrogen fertilizer was excessive, which corresponds to 15% of global oceanic ammonia-related nitrogen deposition. Policymakers and water quality managers need to pay increasingly more attention to ammonia associated with food production if the goal of reducing coastal nitrogen pollution is to be achieved for Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is a unique global natural geographical unit with a high altitude and fragile ecology, where land cover change has been affecting its regional ecological security and sustainable development. The plateau covers nine countries with different variations in climate change and human activities, which cause significant spatial variations in its land cover change. This paper uses land cover data to reveal the spatiotemporal characteristics and multi-country differences in land cover change on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau from 1992 to 2020 by applying spatiotemporal characteristic analysis and mapping methods. The results show that grassland (65.70%), bare land (15.56%), and woodland (10.25%) are the main types of land cover on the plateau, accounting for 91.51% of the total area. The interconversion of bare land and grassland was dominant in 1992–2020, with an area share of 67.83%. The turning point year of grassland change occurred in 2015. The grassland area increased by 6312 km2 in 1992–2015, while it decreased by 14,646 km2 in the plateau in 2015–2020. The areas of woodland, cropland, and water increased by 2.77%, 5.85%, and 7.57%, respectively, and the area of built-up land increased from 299.17 km2 to 1206.29 km2. Overall, a warming and wetting trend of the climate in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau has driven the expansion of natural vegetation and water in the central plateau within China, with its natural vegetation area increasing by 0.11%. However, the development of regional warming and drying caused local grassland degradation, where Kyrgyzstan and India within the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau experienced the most prominent vegetation degradation. Human activities are relatively frequent in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau within China and India, causing higher growth rates of built-up land and cropland than in other countries. The establishment of reserves and effective forest management policies have led to significant increases in woodland areas in China and Nepal within the plateau, while weak forest management and limited investment in forest conservation have led to high rates of deforestation in India and Myanmar. Accelerated temperature rises and regional differences in precipitation are the main drivers of large-scale land cover change on the plateau and differences in human activities and land use policies are responsible for the dramatic and diverse localized land cover change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the role of evidence in maternal health policy processes in Vietnam, India and China. Both formal and informal types of evidence were used; and differences were found between the stages of policy processes. Evidence used mostly covered easily quantifiable issues and clearly identifiable technical solutions. Different policy actors were involved; actors' evidence preferences were affected by their power, agendas, values and perceived characteristics of robust evidence. To enhance evidence role there is a need to: develop culture of evidence-informed policies; value different evidence types; ensure evidence use throughout policy processes; recognise and manage actors' agendas; and develop context-specific strategies.

Chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizer is widely used in sugarcane production, especially in China and India. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and mining miRNAs and their target genes associated with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in sugarcane can aid in developing the N-efficient varieties, and thus is beneficial to reduce N fertilizer application. In this study, the root miRNA database of N-efficient sugarcane variety ROC22 under low N stress (0.3 mM NH4NO3) for 3 h was constructed, along with their transcriptome-rearranged data. KEGG analysis indicated that those candidate target genes, corresponding to differentially expressed miRNAs, were mainly enriched in N metabolism, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, and hormone signal transduction pathways. It was found that under low N stress for 0–24 h, there was a negative correlation between miR168 and SPX, along with miR396 and acnA. Furthermore, the expression of miR156 in the roots of ROC22 was significantly up-regulated under low N treatment. Compared with the wild-type, the Arabidopsis plants overexpressing sugarcane miR156 exhibited significantly improved length and surface area of roots, while the expression of one NO3− transporter gene NRT1.1, three N assimilation key genes (NR1, NIR1, and GS), and the activity of two N assimilation key enzymes (NR and GS) were up-regulated under low N treatment. It can be reasonably deduced that sugarcane miR156 can enhance the nitrogen assimilation ability of the overexpressed Arabidopsis plants under low N application, and thus has a potential ability for improving sugarcane NUE. The present study should be helpful for understanding the molecular regulatory network in the N-efficient sugarcane genotype responding to low N stress and could provide the candidate miRNAs with a potential function in improving sugarcane NUE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyse the spatial and temporal characteristics of the transfer of pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), non‐methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOX), and particulate matter with particle size below 10 microns (PM10), which are embodied in the bilateral trade between China and India, and the transfer paths between various industries. A multiregional input–output model (MRIO) is constructed based on the EORA Database to track the economic connections and the effects of specific products across regional supply chains. The empirical results indicate the following significant findings. China is a net exporter of embodied pollutants in bilateral trade, and India is a net importer. CO accounted for the most significant amount of pollutants emitted by the bilateral trade between China and India. The energy intensity has mainly adverse effects on emissions of six pollutants, while the consumption scale has overall positive effects. Metal products and mining and quarrying are the top two industries producing the highest emissions at the export ends. The emissions of certain pollutants, such as SO2, are also particularly pronounced in individual sectors. Construction and electrical and machinery are the highest CO‐importing sectors of China and India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to allocate personnel is a central question in the organization of the state. We link survey data on the performance of 1471 elite civil servants in India to their personnel records between 1975 and 2005 to study how home allocations affect their performance and careers. Using exogenous variation in home assignment generated by an allocation rule, we find that bureaucrats assigned to their home states are perceived to be less effective and more likely to be suspended. These negative effects are driven by states with higher levels of corruption and cohorts with greater numbers of home state officers. (JEL: J45, O43, D73, M5) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type of lithosphere subducted between India and Tibet since the Paleocene remains controversial; it has been suggested to be either entirely continental, oceanic, or a mixture of the two. As the subduction history of this lost lithosphere strongly shaped Tibetan intraplate tectonism, we attempt to further constrain its nature and density structure with numerical models that aim to reproduce the observed history of magmatism and crustal thickening in addition to present-day plateau properties between 83°E and 88°E. By matching time-evolving geological patterns, here we show that Tibetan tectonism away from the Himalayan syntaxis is consistent with the initial indentation of a craton-like terrane at 55 ± 5 Ma, followed by a buoyant tectonic plate with a thin crust, e.g., a broad continental margin (Himalandia). This new geodynamic scenario can explain the seemingly contradictory observations that had led to competing hypotheses like the subduction of Greater India versus largely oceanic subduction prior to Indian indentation. By evaluating model predictions with multiple geological data, the study shows that Tibetan tectonism is most consistent with the initial indentation of a cratonic terrane, followed by subduction of a buoyant tectonic plate resembling a continental margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe air pollution in China and India threatens the health of over one-third of the global population. When it comes to air pollution governance, the two countries have vastly different approaches. China's approach features centralized target-setting and implementation, with policies enforced primarily through top-down administrative lines. While India's approach reflects the division of power among central and state governments and relies substantially on legislative and judiciary systems for accountability. We conduct a detailed review of the trends and sources of six air pollutants in China and India, and make a structured comparison of China and India's air pollution policy frameworks. An extensive literature review is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of policies in each country. The studies show that China's policy efforts have achieved significant improvements in air quality, while India's policies have been largely ineffective. Nevertheless, both approaches have the potential to lead to effective air pollution governance, if a country can build strong political will and clearly defined accountability systems. We further identify key lessons learned from the two countries for air pollution policymaking in developing countries, including taking good advantage of "post-crisis policy window", and targeting "low-hanging fruits" to make incremental improvements in a cost-effective way. • We systematically reviewed and compared air pollution governance in China and India. • China and India have similar policy frameworks but different implementation approaches. • Strong political will and clearly defined accountability systems are key to success. • We provide insights into effective air pollution control in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I combine personnel records with vital statistics for 1910 to 1925 to study how bureaucratic representation affected mortality in 1,271 Indian towns during the 1918 influenza pandemic. Exploiting the rotation of senior colonial officers across districts and a cross-border comparison, towns headed by Indian (as opposed to British) district officers experienced 15 percentage points lower deaths. The lower mortality effects extended beyond the urban areas and coincided with greater responsiveness in relief provision. Bureaucratic representation can thus be a powerful way to increase state responsiveness during times of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Miocene–Quaternary Tengchong volcanic field in SE Tibet was generated after the main stage of continental collision between India and Eurasia. Consensus on the origin of Tengchong volcanism has not yet been achieved. In this study, we analysed the He-Ar isotopic compositions of olivine and pyroxene phenocrysts, whole-rock major and trace elements and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions. The 3He/4He ratios range from 4.1 to 8.2 Ra (Ra = 1.4 × 10−6), overlapping the values of mid-ocean ridge basalt (7.0–9.0 Ra) and subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM, 5.2–7.0 Ra). The low 3He/4He (< 7.0 Ra) basalts have high 87Sr/86Sr (average of 0.707928) and La/Yb (average of 22.0) ratios and low Nb/La (average of 0.36) ratios, whereas the high 3He/4He (> 7.0 Ra) basalts exhibit relatively low 87Sr/86Sr (average of 0.706708) and La/Yb (average of 17.0) ratios and relatively high Nb/La (average of 0.52) ratios. These observations indicate that the primitive magmas originated from a mixture of metasomatized SCLM and enriched asthenospheric mantle. The SCLM was likely metasomatized by the subducted Neo-Tethyan oceanic plate, while the asthenospheric mantle was enriched by the subducting Indian oceanic plate. The increasing trend of 3He/4He ratios and decreasing trend of 87Sr/86Sr ratios over time suggest that the contribution of the metasomatized SCLM decreased after the late Pleistocene relative to that of the enriched asthenosphere, reflecting progressive lithospheric extension and thinning. Our results reveal that magmatic He isotopes can be used to constrain deep dynamic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin and formation of the continental collision-related magmas remain elusive. The volcanic rocks erupted during India-Asia continental collision offer an ideal opportunity to explore their genesis and geodynamic process. Here, we report new zircon U-Pb dating results and Hf isotope, whole-rock element and Sr-Nd isotope data of volcanic rocks in Linzhou Basin, central Lhasa Terrane, southern Tibet. These volcanic rocks are mainly comprised of andesites and belong to Dianzhong Formation. The timing of their formation is ca. 63–66 Ma, coeval with the India-Asia continental initial collision in the central part of southern Tibet. All these rocks show an arc-like geochemical affinity and they have more depleted Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic compositions (87Sr/86Sri = 0.705006–0.705963, εNd(t) = −1.78 to 3.52, zircon εHf(t) = 1.2–7.0) than the Cretaceous pre-collisional andesites and Eocene ancient lithospheric mantle-derived melts beneath the central Lhasa Terrane. The correlation between Mg# and CaO, TiO2, Al2O3, Sr/Y, 87Sr/86Sr, εNd(t) suggests that they were likely hybrid production between an isotopically depleted end-member and the enriched lithospheric mantle (ELM). The oceanic crust-derived melts would be the best candidate for the former end-member according to their depleted Sr-Nd isotopic compositions. The andesitic rocks of Dianzhong Formation in the central Lhasa Terrane were most likely stemmed from partial melts of altered Neo-Tethyan crust and then mixed with the ELM-derived melts. Given the Cretaceous-Tertiary upper crustal shortening, back-arc extension, and voluminous volcanism in the Lhasa Terrane, along with abrupt increasing in the magma temperature and the convergence rate between India and Asia during Palaeocene, the occurrence of the Dianzhong Formation volcanic rocks can be well explained by the Neo-Tethyan slab roll-back. The mixing between the oceanic crust- and the continental lithospheric mantle-derived melts induced by the oceanic slab roll-back would be a complimentary scenario for the formation of the syn-collisional magmatism in collisional orogeny belts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the quality of groundwater for drinking purposes was evaluated. The following parameters were analyzed using American Public Health Association standard method: pH, total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), bicarbonate (HCO3-), chloride (Cl-), sulphate (SO4 2-), fluoride (F-), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). These values were compared with limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for drinking purposes. The cation and anion dominance of the study region groundwater samples were Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3- > Cl- > SO4 2- > F-, respectively. Bicarbonate was the dominant anion and Na+ was identified as the dominant cation in the groundwater of the study region. The Na+ and Cl- concentration of 43% and 37% of groundwater samples were found to be more than the acceptable limit of WHO in the study region. Most of the groundwater samples in the study region were categorized as a very hard category. The groundwater was highly affected by the fluoride and about 60% of groundwater samples were unfit for drinking purposes in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reveals a distinct impact of two types of the South Asian highs (SAH)—the northern mode of the SAH (NSAH) and the traditional SAH in its entirety (ESAH)—on the relation between Indian and north China summer rainfall variation. Specifically, variation of the summer rainfall over India has a strong (weak) relation with that over north China in the anomalous NSAH (ESAH) years. In particular, in association with a reinforced and northwestward shifting NSAH, the westerly jet stream at upper‐level troposphere over mid‐latitude also enhances and shifts northward. This is accompanied by a significant circumglobal teleconnection (CGT)‐like atmospheric wave train over mid‐latitude, with two marked anticyclonic anomalies around western Asia and northeastern China. The associated southerly wind anomalies over tropical northern Indian Ocean transport more water vapour northward to India and lead to above‐normal rainfall there. In addition, the pronounced southerly wind anomalies over East Asia transport abundant water vapour to north China and also result in more rainfall over north China. The above‐normal summer rainfall and associated atmospheric heating over India help maintain the CGT wave train over mid‐latitude, which is beneficial to increasing rainfall over north China, and leading to a close connection between the Indian and north China summer rainfall variation. However, for the ESAH years, the summer rainfall anomalies over India are weak, which cannot induce an obvious CGT‐like wave train over mid‐latitude and thus have a weak impact on the rainfall over north China. Thereby, the relation between Indian and north China summer is weak for the ESAH years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the ca. 1.0 Ga paleogeographic reconstruction, the North China Craton (NCC) is placed near Siberia, Laurentia, the Northern Australia Craton (NAUS), Baltica or India. To distinguish among these possibilities, we present inverse Monte Carlo modelling of the Xihe Group from the eastern NCC (ENCC), which is dominated by Grenvillian orogeny‐related detrital zircon age peaks, and of potential provenances (including NAUS, Siberia, Laurentia, India and the North Atlantic region). The result reveals that the ENCC–NAUS connection model yields the best mean cross‐correlation coefficient (R2 = ~0.92), which is also supported by the similarity in median εHf values between the Qiaotou Formation (Xihe Group) and the Jamison sandstones from the NAUS. The NCC–NAUS connection possibly records the breakup of Nuna and the assembly of Rodinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fractional derivative is an advanced category of mathematics for real-life problems. This work focus on the investigation of 2nd wave of the Corona virus in India. We develop a time-fractional order COVID-19 model with effects of the disease which consist of a system of fractional differential equations. The fractional-order COVID-19 model is investigated with Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo fractional derivative. Also, the deterministic mathematical model for the Omicron effect is investigated with different fractional parameters. The fractional-order system is analyzed qualitatively as well as verified sensitivity analysis. Fixed point theory is used to prove the existence and uniqueness of the fractional-order model. Analyzed the model locally as well as globally using Lyapunov first and second derivative. Boundedness and positive unique solutions are verified for the fractional-order model of infection of disease. The concept of fixed point theory is used to interrogate the problem and confine the solution. Solutions are derived to investigate the influence of fractional operator which shows the impact of the disease on society. Simulation has been made to understand the behavior of the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2019 extreme positive Indian Ocean dipole drove climate extremes over Indian Ocean rim countries with unclear carbon‐cycle responses. We investigated its impact on net biome productivity (NBP) and its constituent fluxes, using the Global Carbon Assimilation System (GCASv2) product, process‐based model simulations from TRENDYv9, and satellite‐based gross primary productivity (GPP). By distinguishing two separate regions, the India‐Africa and Asia‐Pacific, GCASv2 indicated enhanced terrestrial carbon uptake of 0.23 ± 0.20 PgC and release of 0.38 ± 0.15 PgC, respectively, during September–December (SOND) 2019. These NBP anomalies had comparable magnitudes to those following the 2015 extreme El Niño which, however, caused the consistent carbon release in both regions. The TRENDYv9 model ensemble confirmed these NBP responses, albeit with smaller magnitudes. These regional NBP anomalies were related to soil moisture variations with a dominant role of GPP. Understanding the impact of IOD provides new insights into mechanisms driving interannual variations in regional carbon cycling. Plain Language Summary: The extreme Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) can drive climate extremes, such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, over the Indian Ocean rim countries. However, responses of regional terrestrial carbon cycling to IOD remained unclear. We used the net biome productivity (NBP) from an atmospheric inversion and multiple terrestrial biosphere models to demonstrate an enhanced terrestrial carbon uptake and release over the India‐Africa and Asia‐Pacific regions, respectively, during the extreme positive IOD (September–December) in 2019. These IOD‐induced regional NBP anomalies showed comparable magnitudes but different patterns to those following the 2015 extreme El Niño. Along with the more frequent extreme IOD under future greenhouse warming, IOD will be an important mechanism driving interannual variations in regional carbon cycling. Key Points: The 2019 extreme positive Indian Ocean Dipole caused the enhanced land carbon uptake over India‐Africa and release over Asia‐Pacific during September–DecemberThese regional net biome productivity (NBP) anomalies were closely related to soil moisture variations with a dominant role of gross primary productivityThese Indian Ocean Dipole‐induced regional NBP anomalies showed comparable magnitudes but different patterns to those following the 2015 extreme El Niño [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, Zika virus (ZIKV) re-emerged in India and was potentially associated with microcephaly. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ZIKV pathogenesis remain to be explored. Results: Herein, we performed a comprehensive RNA-sequencing analysis on ZIKV-infected JEG-3, U-251 MG, and HK-2 cells versus corresponding uninfected controls. Combined with a series of functional analyses, including gene annotation, pathway enrichment, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, we defined the molecular characteristics induced by ZIKV infection in different tissues and invasion time points. Data showed that ZIKV infection and replication in each susceptible organ commonly stimulated interferon production and down-regulated metabolic-related processes. Also, tissue-specific immune responses or biological processes (BPs) were induced after ZIKV infection, including GnRH signaling pathway in JEG-3 cells, MAPK signaling pathway in U-251 MG cells, and PPAR signaling pathway in HK-2 cells. Of note, ZIKV infection induced delayed antiviral interferon responses in the placenta-derived cell lines, which potentially explains the molecular mechanism by which ZIKV replicates rapidly in the placenta and subsequential vertical transmission occurs. Conclusions: Together, these data may provide a systemic insight into the pathogenesis of ZIKV infection in distinct human tissue-derived cell lines, which is likely to help develop prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against ZIKV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past three decades have witnessed the dramatic expansion of global biomass‐ and fossil fuel‐fired power plants, but the tremendously diverse power infrastructure shapes different spatial and temporal CO2 emission characteristics. Here, by combining Global Power plant Emissions Database (GPED v1.1) constructed in this study and the previously developed China coal‐fired power Plant Emissions Database (CPED), we analyzed multi‐scale changes and underlying drivers from the globe to the unit in generating capacities, age structure, and CO2 emissions over the past 30 yr. Our estimates show global CO2 emissions from the power sector increased from 7.5 Gt in 1990 to 13.9 Gt in 2019, and the growth of power demand meeting by large and young units mainly drives this increase for all stages. However, regional drivers were broadly different from those affecting global trends. For example, the critical roles of thermal efficiency improvement (accounting for 20% of the decrease in CO2 emissions) by eliminating small and low‐efficient coal‐fired units and fossil fuel mix (61%) by developing natural‐gas‐ and oil‐fired units were identified in preventing CO2 emission increases in the developed regions. By contrast, the decrease of fossil fuel share by speeding up the expansion of renewable power gradually demonstrates its importance in curbing emissions in the most of regions, especially including the developing economies (i.e., China and India) after 2010. Our multi‐scale results of 30 yr emission variations indicate the structure optimization and transformations of power plants is paramount importance to further curb or reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector. Plain Language Summary: The power sector is the top CO2 emitter and accounts for 37% of global anthropogenic emissions, which has great significance for climate change. Our combined database shows that the capacity of global fossil‐fuel‐ and biomass‐fired power plants experienced a substantial increase, mainly driven by the growing demand of power generation during the past three decades. In contrast to 133.3% increase of power capacity, global CO2 emissions of power plants increased by 85.3% during the period 1990–2019, and the disproportionately low increase of emissions benefited from the upgrade of coal‐fired power units and the large‐scale expansion of non‐coal‐fired ones with low/zero carbon intensity. Specifically, global power plant fleet turnover improved the power generation efficiency and optimized the fuel mix by constructing large and technologically advanced power units, slowing the growth rate of global CO2 emissions in 1990–2019. Moreover, changes in the critical role of fossil fuel power were associated with regional economic growth, environmental policy and technological advances, indicating that the expansion of non‐fossil‐fuels will likely represent an increasing factor in driving future CO2 emission reductions from the power sector. Key Points: Global CO2 emissions from the power sector increased from 7.5 Gt in 1990 to 13.9 Gt in 2019, mainly driven by the growth of demandThe efficiency improvements and the non‐coal power development carry positive effects on decreasing CO2 emissions in the developed regionsThe power shift from fossil fuels to non‐fossil fuels plays an increasingly critical role on curbing CO2 emissions in developing regions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migratory shorebirds that move across continents along their flyways are undergoing a drastic decline globally. A greater proportion of them that regularly winter along the Indian coasts within the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) are also undergoing severe declines. However, the mechanisms underlying the population trends in these areas remain little understood. This study investigated the diversity, abundance, population dynamics and distribution patterns of shorebirds along the Indian coasts based on the available literature. The west coast of India is relatively less studied than the east coast in the CAF. Further, we observed that the diversity, abundance, population dynamics and distribution pattern of the shorebirds follow different trends on the west coast compared to the east coast. These variations are in accordance with the differences in topography and biotic and abiotic factors between the coasts. Anthropogenic activities have far-reaching effects on the survival and persistence of shorebirds along the coasts. The west coast is evidently more productive than the east coast at every trophic level and thus the west coast is expected to account for more abundance and diversity of shorebirds. Paradoxically, we found that the east coast supports a greater abundance and diversity of shorebirds than the west coast. The west coast, therefore, requires further investigations to obtain a better understanding of the causes of apparent differences in abundance and diversity as well as the observed declines in shorebirds, compared to the east coast of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional Fe-Mg exchange geothermometers generally are not effective means to measure the peak metamorphic temperatures of granulites because of Fe-Mg diffusion during the re-equilibration during the exhumation and cooling. Therefore, it is essential to find alternative geothermometers. In this study, we investigated the magnitude of Mg isotope fractionation between the coexisting clinopyroxene and garnet in garnet pyroxenites and high-pressure mafic granulites from southern India. The clinopyroxene and garnet from the garnet pyroxenites have δ26Mg values of −0.04 to −0.07‰, and −0.65 to −0.64‰, respectively, with Δ26MgCpx-Grt = δ26MgCpx − δ26MgGrt = 0.62 and 0.57‰. The δ26Mg values of the coexisting clinopyroxene and garnet in the high-pressure mafic granulites are 0.03 to 0.07‰ and −0.54 to −0.55‰, respectively, with Δ26MgCpx-Grt = 0.57 and 0.62‰. The inter-mineral Mg isotope fractionations between the clinopyroxene and garnet of the garnet pyroxenites are similar to those of the high-pressure mafic granulites and more or less fall within the equilibrium fractionation lines at peak metamorphic temperatures. The measured peak temperatures for all four samples indicate equilibrium Mg isotope fractionations between the clinopyroxene and garnet. The clinopyroxene-garnet Mg isotope geothermometer of Li et al. (2016) yields temperatures of 994 ± 60 °C and 1048 ± 89 °C for the garnet pyroxenites, and 1048 ± 89 °C and 994 ± 65 °C for the high-pressure mafic granulites, which are slightly lower than those at both 10 and 12 kbar from the clinopyroxene-garnet Mg isotope thermometer of Huang et al. (2013). Compared with the peak metamorphic conditions from phase equilibrium modeling, the clinopyroxene-garnet Mg isotope thermometry yielded temperatures corresponding to the peak metamorphic conditions of the garnet pyroxenites and the high-pressure mafic granulites, whereas the conventional clinopyroxene-garnet Fe-Mg exchange thermometry yielded lower temperatures corresponding to the retrograde metamorphism. These results underscore the inter-mineral Fe-Mg exchange between clinopyroxene and garnet during the retrograde cooling of the ultrahigh temperature (>900 °C), which, however, did not disturb their Mg isotope fractionation equilibrium attained during the ultrahigh-temperature metamorphic condition. Therefore, we conclude that clinopyroxene-garnet Mg isotope thermometry, together with phase equilibrium modeling, is a valid tool to constrain the peak metamorphic temperature conditions even for ultramafic-mafic granulites that have undergone ultrahigh-temperature metamorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continental regions are essential for the outgassing of deeply‐sourced helium in response to volcanic and tectonic processes. However, the helium fluxes remain largely unknown for continental collision settings such as the Tibetan Plateau. Here, we focus on hydrothermal helium degassing from the Simao block, Southeast Tibetan Plateau margin, and report flux estimates of (0.03 – 32) × 105 atoms m−2 s−1 for 3He and (3.2 – 32) × 1010 atoms m−2 s−1 for 4He, with mantle fractions of helium fluxes up to 2−3 orders of magnitude greater than those of stable continents. Geologically recent magma recharge beneath Quaternary volcanoes is proposed to account for the high mantle helium fluxes and 3He/4He up to 7.24 Ra. Active tectonics driven by the India‐Asia continental collision possibly maintained efficient release of crustal helium over geological timescales. These findings present the first flux estimates for hydrothermal helium degassing controlled by volcanic and tectonic processes in continental collision settings. Plain Language Summary: Helium (including 3He and 4He isotopes) is an element mainly outgassing from Earth's interior to the atmosphere. The fluxes and isotopic compositions of helium are critical parameters for monitoring the hazardous volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, estimating the fluxes of other volatile species (e.g., CO2 and N2) from the solid Earth, and exploring the helium resources and geothermal energy. We conducted a quantitative study on the magnitude of helium outgassing from hot springs in the Simao block of the Southeast Tibetan Plateau margin, which is located in a region influenced by the India‐Asia continental collision. The results show that the mantle and crustal helium fluxes of the Simao block are comparable to those estimated for the representative continental regions worldwide. This observation can be explained by the intrusion and degassing of mantle‐derived magmas beneath Quaternary volcanoes and efficient release of crustal helium in response to regional active tectonics. We suggest that India‐Asia continental collision zone is an important natural laboratory for studying helium degassing from solid Earth. Key Points: We report the first estimates of hydrothermal helium fluxes for continental collision settingsGeologically recent magma recharge is proposed to feed the mantle helium degassingActive tectonics driven by India‐Asia continental collision possibly maintained efficient release of crustal helium over geological timescales [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the two largest countries by population, China and India have pervasive effects on the ecosphere. Because of their human population size and long international boundary, they share biodiversity and the threats to it, as well as crops, pests and diseases. We ranked the two countries on a variety of environmental challenges and solutions, illustrating quantitatively their environmental footprint and the parallels between them regarding the threats to their human populations and biodiversity. Yet we show that China and India continue to have few co-authorships in environmental publications, even as their major funding for scientific research has expanded. An agenda for collaboration between China and India can start with the shared Himalaya, linking the countries' scientists and institutions. A broader agenda can then be framed around environmental challenges that have regional patterns. Coordinated and collaborative research has the potential to improve the two countries' environmental performance, with implications for global sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Clockwise P–T paths with considerable heating during decompression were first reported in mafic granulites from the Sittampundi Complex. • Zircon U–Pb age of 2513 ± 29 Ma represents the peak or near-peak metamorphic time. • The NSGT experienced collision/subduction and subsequently mantle diapirism processes. The dispute of tectonic environments such as subduction-collision setting versus extension tectonic setting, is a common phenomenon in the Precambrian. Despite the ongoing controversy, the pressure–temperature (P–T) paths recorded by metamorphic rocks are often used as an indicator for distinguishing between subduction-collision and extension tectonic settings in the early Precambrian. It is widely acknowledged that high-pressure (HP) granulites may have formed in crustal-thickening-dominated collision/subduction environment. Conversely, ultra-high temperature (UHT) granulites may have formed in the elevated mantle heat flux environment. The Sittampundi Complex (SC), where HP granulites and UHT granulites coexist, plays a crucial role in unraveling the late-Neoarchean to early-Paleoproterozoic tectonic evolution of northern South Granulite-facies Terrane (NSGT) of India. In this study, we present new P–T paths from three HP mafic granulites overprinted by UHT granulite facies metamorphism in the SC and provide more data to unravel metamorphic evolution of NSGT. Phase equilibria modeling and traditional thermobarometry calculations illustrated that clockwise metamorphic pressure–temperature (P–T) paths were yielded, passing from 3.3 to 9.3 kbar/631–669 °C (prograde stage) through 11.9–18.5 kbar/828–986 °C (pressure-peak stage), and through 6.6–11.1 kbar/1019–1085 °C (temperature-peak stage) to 4.4–8.1 kbar/845–930 °C (retrograde stage). The HP mafic granulites exhibit clockwise P–T paths with a considerable heating process (ca. 150–180 °C) from the pressure-peak stage (HP-granulite sub-facies) to the temperature-peak stage (UHT-granulite sub-facies). Zircon U-Pb dating yields an age of 2513 ± 29 indicates that the metamorphism took place in the Neoarchean. The uncommon P–T paths from Neoarchean HP granulite in the NSGT suggest that during late Neoarchean, the NSGT had experienced the crustal-thickening dominated collision/subduction (assembly of micro-blocks of Dharwar Craton) and subsequently mantle diapirism process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing global warming has a strong influence on regional hydrological cycles. The upper reaches of the Yangtze River (UYR) are highly vulnerable to extreme hydrological droughts and floods, but a lack of long‐term streamflow observations has limited our understanding on global warming influences. Here, we establish an annually resolved and absolutely dated tree‐ring oxygen (δ18O) isotope chronology and use it to reconstruct the summer streamflow history of the UYR between 1260 and 2017. The UYR experienced 79 extreme floods and 107 extreme hydrological droughts over this period. We found a trend toward dry conditions in the region with tendencies for an increased drought probability since around 1850s. Especially, the frequency of hydrological droughts in recent decades has been outside the envelope of natural variability of extreme hydrological droughts. The temporal evolution of hydrological extremes is closely linked to variability of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) at decadal scales. The UYR has experienced more frequent droughts during dry spells and experienced more frequent floods during wet spells of the ISM. The recent increase in the frequency of hydrological droughts is consistent with the observed trend toward a weaker ISM and increasing temperatures. Weaker transport of low‐level moisture and greater evaporation caused by global warming have contributed to the increase in extreme hydrological droughts. Our results thus provide a long‐term context for observed hydrological changes and suggest that the UYR will experience more frequent and severe extreme events as a consequence of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Plain Language Summary: We present a 700 yr reconstruction of summer streamflow for the upper Yangtze River (UYR) in China using a tree‐ring δ18O record. Based on this reconstruction, we found an increase of extreme hydrological droughts since the onset of global warming around 1850s, whereas extreme floods have decreased. The temporal pattern of hydrological extremes is significantly linked with the Indian summer monsoon intensity. This study suggests that UYR would experience more frequent hydrological extremes under the context of global warming. Key Points: Reconstruction of hydrological extremes in the upper Yangtze River over the past 700 yr using tree ring oxygen isotopeExtreme hydrological droughts have increased significantly under the background of ongoing global warmingRecent increase in extreme hydrological droughts is related to the weakening of India's summer monsoon due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global gains in food production over the past decades have been associated with substantial agricultural nitrogen overuse and ammonia emissions, which have caused excessive nitrogen deposition and subsequent damage to the ecosystem health. However, it is unclear which crops or animals have high ammonia emission potential, how these emissions affect the temporal and spatial patterns of nitrogen deposition, and where to target future abatement. Here, we develop a long-term agricultural ammonia emission dataset in nearly recent four decades (1980-2018) and link it with a chemical transport model for an integrated assessment of global nitrogen deposition patterns. We found global agricultural ammonia emissions increased by 78% from 1980 and 2018, in which cropland ammonia emissions increased by 128%, and livestock ammonia emissions increased by 45%. Our analyses demonstrated that three crops (wheat, maize, and rice) and four animals (cattle, chicken, goats, and pigs) accounted for over 70% total ammonia emissions. Global reduced nitrogen deposition increased by 72% between 1980 and 2018 and would account for a larger part of total nitrogen deposition due to the lack of ammonia regulations. Three countries (China, India, and the United States) accounted for 47% of global ammonia emissions, and had substantial nitrogen fertilizer overuse. Nitrogen deposition caused by nitrogen overuse accounted for 10 to 20% of total nitrogen deposition in hotspot regions including China, India, and the United States. Future progress toward reducing nitrogen deposition will be increasingly difficult without reducing agricultural ammonia emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Green Revolution is often seen as epitomising the dawn of scientific and technological advancement and modernity in the agricultural sector across developing countries, a process that unfolded from the 1940s through to the 1980s. Despite the time that has elapsed, this episode of the past continues to resonate today, and still shapes the institutions and practices of agricultural science and technology. In Brazil, China, and India, narratives of science-led agricultural transformations portray that period in glorifying terms—entailing pressing national imperatives, unprecedented achievements, and heroic individuals or organizations. These "epic narratives" draw on the past to produce meaning and empower the actors that deploy them. Epic narratives are reproduced over time and perpetuate a conviction about the heroic power of science and technology in agricultural development. By crafting history and cultivating a sense of scientific nationalism, exceptionalism, and heritage, these epic narratives sustain power-knowledge relations in agricultural science and technology, which are underpinned by a hegemonic modernization paradigm. Unravelling the processes of assemblage and reproduction of epic narratives helps us make sense of how science and technology actors draw on their subjective representations of the past to assert their position in the field at present. This includes making claims about their credentials to envision and deliver sustainable solutions for agriculture into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fruit neck length (FNL) is an important quality trait in cucumber because it directly affects its market value. However, its genetic basis remains largely unknown. We identified a candidate gene for FNL in cucumber using a next‐generation sequencing‐based bulked segregant analysis in F2 populations, derived from a cross between Jin5‐508 (long necked) and YN (short necked). A quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 7, Fnl7.1, was identified through a genome‐wide comparison of single nucleotide polymorphisms between long and short FNL F2 pools, and it was confirmed by traditional QTL mapping in multiple environments. Fine genetic mapping, sequences alignment and gene expression analysis revealed that CsFnl7.1 was the most likely candidate Fnl7.1 locus, which encodes a late embryogenesis abundant protein. The increased expression of CsFnl7.1 in long‐necked Jin5‐508 may be attributed to mutations in the promoter region upstream of the gene body. The function of CsFnl7.1 in FNL control was confirmed by its overexpression in transgenic cucumbers. CsFnl7.1 regulates fruit neck development by modulating cell expansion. Probably, this is achieved through the direct protein–protein interactions between CsFnl7.1 and a dynamin‐related protein CsDRP6 and a germin‐like protein CsGLP1. Geographical distribution differences of the FNL phenotype were found among the different cucumber types. The East Asian and Eurasian cucumber accessions were highly enriched with the long‐necked and short‐necked phenotypes, respectively. A further phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Fnl7.1 locus might have originated from India. Thus, these data support that the CsFnl7.1 has an important role in increasing cucumber FNL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our previous studies indicated that the triterpenes from the fruits of Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai (TCS) owned effectively therapeutic effects on gastric ulcer patients and animals, but its mechanisms have not been fully understood. The current study was to further investigate its protective effect on indomethacin (IND)‐damaged RGM‐1 cells and rats, as well as its mechanisms involved. Methods: The gastroprotection of TCS was evaluated with IND‐induced gastric lesions model in RGM‐1 cells and rats. In vitro, the proliferation, migration, mitochondrial viability and apoptosis were assessed. In vivo, ulcer index, ulcer inhibition rate, gastric juice acidity, gastric wall mucus (GWM) and histopathology of gastric mucosa were detected. The gastroprotective effects of TCS through the TFF1‐mediated EGF/EGFR and apoptotic pathways were measured by qRT‐PCR and Western blot assays. Key findings: The results demonstrated that TCS had gastroprotective function, which was related to the amelioration in promoting IND‐damaged RGM‐1 cell proliferation and migration, hoisting gastric juice acidity and GWM, improving ulcer index and ulcer inhibition rate, attenuating the haemorrhage, oedema, epithelial cell loss and inflammatory cell infiltration of gastric mucosa, upregulating PCNA, Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xl mRNA and TFF1, EGF, p‐EGFR, p‐Src, pro‐caspase‐3, pro‐caspase‐9 protein expressions, mitochondrial viability, mitochondrial cytochrome c concentration and p‐EGFR/EGFR, p‐Src/Src, Bcl‐2/Bax, Bcl‐xl/Bad ratioes, downregulating Bax, Bad, Apaf‐1 mRNA and cleaved‐caspase‐3, cleaved‐caspase‐9, cleaved PARP‐1 protein expressions and cytosol cytochrome c concentration. Conclusions: Our present study demonstrated that TCS's gastroprotective effect was closely connected with boosting TFF1 expression, activating TFF1‐mediated EGF/EGFR pathway, thus restraining mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis, which provided new insights into interpreting its underlying mechanism and promised to act as a candidate drug to treat gastric mucosal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying granitoids can provide important knowledge on the composition of continental crust and the geodynamic processes of continental growth. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of granitoids formation during continental collision remain uncertain. In this paper, we present new zircon U–Pb–Hf isotope and whole‐rock Sr–Nd isotope compositions, and major‐ and trace‐element data for granitoids from the Chacangka area of the central Lhasa Terrane, southern Tibet. The Chacangka quartz monzonites crystallized at ca. 61 Ma, whereas the monzonites and granites were emplaced at ca. 51 Ma. The quartz monzonites are peraluminous and have high 87Sr/86Sri ratios (0.7129–0.7131), and their low εNd(t) (−7.65 to −7.10) and zircon εHf(t) (−9.3 to −7.5) values are more depleted than those of ancient crustal basement beneath the central Lhasa Terrane, which suggests that they originated from a mixed source of juvenile and ancient lower crust. Compared with the quartz monzonites, the monzonites have much higher contents of MgO (2.34–3.62 wt%) and values of Mg# (42.3–46.3) and zircon εHf(t) (−6.9 to 1.9) and show more depleted Sr–Nd isotopes, indicating that more juvenile materials were involved in their source. The granites have Sr–Nd isotope compositions that are similar to those of the coeval monzonites but have higher SiO2 contents, lower CaO and MgO contents, and lower values of Mg#, suggesting that they were differentiates of the monzonites. The elemental and isotopic compositions of the Chacangka granitoids exhibit a marked transformation from 61 to 51 Ma, probably indicating breakoff of the Neo‐Tethyan oceanic slab. The Neo‐Tethyan slab breakoff not only induced the upwelling of deep material and eruption of magma but also caused re‐melting and destruction of ancient crustal basement of the central Lhasa Terrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pur‐Banera belt of metasedimentary rocks, in the Bhilwara region of the Aravalli Craton, northwestern India, constitutes a Mesoproterozoic rift‐related supracrustal sequence. The Pur‐Banera belt, while containing psammitic, calcareous, and ferruginous metasediments, is dominated by garnet–staurolite–kyanite‐bearing metapelites. Here we integrate data on outcrop‐ and microscopic‐scale deformation structures with pseudosection modelling and zircon–monazite geochronology to decipher the P–T–t–d evolution of these metapelites. The metapelites record three distinct deformation events. The first two (D1–D2) produced a composite S1//S2 foliation, and a younger event of dextral shearing (D3) produced crenulations superimposed on the foliation. Textural and compositional data indicate two stages of growth of garnet, whose core compositions were significantly altered during peak metamorphism. The textures combined with pseudosection modelling and conventional thermobarometry reveal that the garnet cores continued to grow up to staurolite‐grade prograde metamorphism, followed by a second stage of garnet growth (syn‐D2; 7.3–7.9 kbar and 665–690°C) during kyanite‐grade peak metamorphism. Fibrolite grew in the matrix during post‐peak readjustments due to uplift and decompression, whereas fluid‐induced retrograde metamorphism (480–540°C) resulted in the formation of euhedral staurolite prisms and narrow rims around garnet porphyroblasts. Detrital zircons of magmatic origin yield a weighted mean 207Pb/206Pb age of 1,827 ± 7 Ma (95% confidence) indicating a Palaeoproterozoic igneous source rock for the sediments, consistent with a Mesoproterozoic (1.6–1.3 Ga) age of deposition as inferred in previous work on the Pur‐Banera quartzofeldspathic gneisses. Monazite U–Th–(total) Pb ages indicate the timing of commencement of prograde metamorphism at c. 1.3 Ga, peak metamorphism at c. 1.2–1.1 Ga, and fluid‐induced retrograde metamorphism at c. 0.85–0.75 Ga. Our combined results indicate that the metapelites experienced two deformation events (D1 and D2) during the closure of the Pur‐Banera basin and the consequent burial of the sediments to lower crustal depths. These were followed by post‐collisional uplift and exhumation, and fluid‐induced retrograde metamorphism during D3 shearing. Southwestward tilting of the rocks during the D3 event, and subsequent erosion, have exposed rock units in the western, central, and southeastern parts of the belt which were buried deeper than those in the southwestern parts. This explains the observed northeastward increase in the metamorphic field gradient along the NE–SW strike of the belt. These new insights into the Meso‐ to Neoproterozoic tectonometamorphic evolution of the Pur‐Banera belt help relate it to the amalgamation and fragmentation of the supercontinent Rodinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarce water uses driven by hotspots in production and consumption stages of global supply chains have been well studied. However, hotspots in primary inputs and intermediate transmission stages also leading to large amounts of global scarce water uses are overlooked. This gap can lead to the underestimation of the impacts of certain nation sectors on global scarce water uses. This study identifies critical primary suppliers and transmission centers in global supply chains contributing to scarce water uses, based on environmentally extended multi‐regional input‐output (EE‐MRIO) model and complex network analysis methods. Results show that some critical primary suppliers (e.g., the service auxiliary to financial intermediation sector in the United States and the financial intermediation services sector in India) and transmission centers (e.g., the raw milk sector in the United States and the transmission services of electricity sector in China) are unidentifiable in previous studies. These findings provide hotspots for supply‐side measures (e.g., optimization of primary input and product allocation behaviors) and productivity improvement measures. The critical inter‐sectoral transactions (mainly involving the agricultural and food products sectors in India, China, and the United States) further provide explicit directions for these measures. Moreover, this study conducts a community detection, which identifies communities (i.e., the clusters of nation sectors closely interconnected) leading to global scarce water uses. Most of the communities involve sectors from different nations, providing foundations for international cooperation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We report the first mantle degassing transect across a continental convergent margin. • Three levels of mantle He degassing are recognized based on 3He/4He distribution. • Causes for possible decoupled He-Sr isotopes of Quaternary basalts are explored. • Volatile origin and outgassing are controlled by continental convergence processes. Mantle degassing transect across different tectonic units within a plate convergent setting has been well documented for oceanic convergent margins by systematic changes in geochemistry (e.g., 3He/4He, δ13C, and CO 2 /3He) of hydrothermal gases. However, little is known about spatial variations in volatile geochemistry across a continental convergent margin. In this study, we identify a mantle degassing transect in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau using He-CO 2 systematics of hydrothermal gases, which extends from India-Asia continental convergent margin to intra-continent extensional region. δ13C-CO 2 (−11.8‰ to −3.1‰) and CO 2 /3He (1.7 × 108 to 7.1 × 1011) values of hydrothermal gases show large variations that are consistent with modification by secondary physico-chemical processes, such as multi-component mixing, hydrothermal degassing, and calcite precipitation. Three levels of He degassing can be recognized based on 3He/4He dataset (0.01–5.87 R A) of the hydrothermal gas samples and their distances to volcanic centers. A magmatic level He degassing (35–74% mantle He) is found near active and/or Quaternary volcanoes fed by mantle-derived magmas. With increasing distance to volcanic centers, the outgassed magmatic volatiles are gradually diluted by crustal components (e.g., radiogenic 4He), defining a transitional level He degassing (13–33% mantle He). The 3He/4He values (8.16–8.48 R A) of olivine phenocrysts indicate a MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalts)-type mantle source for the magmatic and transitional levels of He degassing that are localized in Quaternary volcanic fields. In contrast, a background level He degassing (<12% mantle He) dominates the entire study area, and can be attributed to (i) degassing of sub-continental lithospheric mantle, and/or (ii) higher degrees of crustal contamination than those of the transitional level He degassing near volcanic centers. Combined with olivine 3He/4He data reported in this study and whole-rock 87Sr/86Sr data of host basalts from literature, source components of the mantle-derived magmas are suggested to include the MORB-type convective mantle, subducted Indian slab materials, and less degassed mantle materials, which can account for the possible decoupling between He and Sr isotope systematics. These findings delineate the origin and outgassing of mantle volatiles controlled by the India-Asia continental convergence, and would contribute to a better understanding of the deeply-sourced volatile emissions in these tectonic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 7 February 2021, a catastrophic flood destroyed two hydropower plants, killing at least 150 people in the Himalayan Uttarakhand state of India. This flood was reportedly initiated by a high-position landslide. This work explored the capability of using Sentinel-2 images to diagnose the landslide trigger of this event. There were 264 Sentinel-2 images taken before the landslide, 111 of which are clear. In a pre-landslide Sentinel-2 image, tensile cracks are clearly visible on the landslide head. In the post-landslide image acquired on 10 February 2021, a fresh landslide scarp stripped of snow is visible, indicating that a high-position landslide occurred that may have led to the disaster in the downstream areas. The landslide was initiated at an elevation of ~ 5600 m, slid to the valley floor (~ 3800 m elevation) and scooped up an unconsolidated mixture of moraine, ice and water that wreaked havoc on local infrastructure. To derive the slope deformation that occurred before the landslide, we selected 15 Sentinel-2 images to compose 10 image pairs. To filter out background noise, we developed a new method to derive reliable slope deformation results. We found that the slope was consistently moving since 2016, after which it moved at least 25 m. We speculated that the slope instability was caused by the seasonal freeze–thaw process. With the impacts of climate warming, more similar hazard chains are expected in the Himalayan region. The regular monitoring of slope stabilities in the Himalayan Mountains and beyond is urgently needed for regional sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant metabolome is considered as a bridge between the genome and the phenome and is essential for the interaction between plant growth and the plant environment. Here, we used the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to perform a widely targeted metabolomics analysis of 150 millet germplasm and simultaneous identification and quantification of 330 annotated metabolites. Comparing the metabolic content of different millets revealed significant natural variation of both primary and secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolamides, hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives, nucleotides, and lipids, in the millets from India and the north and south of China; among them, some of the flavonoids are the most prominent. A total of 2.2 TB sequence data were obtained by sequencing 150 accessions of foxtail millet using the Illumina platform. Further digging into the genetic basis of metabolites by mGWAS analysis found that cyanidin 3- O -glucoside and quercetin O -acetylhexside are concentratedly located at 43.55 Mb on chromosome 5 and 26.9 Mb on chromosome 7, and two Lc were mined as candidate genes, respectively. However, the signals of luteolin 7- O -glucoside and kaempferol 3- O -glucoside were also detected at 14.36 Mb on chromosome 3, and five glycosyltransferase genes on this loci were deemed to regulate their content. Our work is the first research to use mGWAS in millet, and it paves the way for future dissection of complex physiological traits in millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absence of a fully preserved foreland basin system in the central-eastern Yarlung-Zangpo Suture Zone (YZSZ) of Tibet has hindered the understanding of the initial timing of the India-Asia collision along strike. To address this issue, remnant foredeep and wedge-top deposits of the foreland basin system are described from the Tethyan Himalaya sequence and the YZSZ in the Xigaze area. The foredeep is defined by the olistostrome of the Zongzhuo Formation, which consists of matrix and blocks, including chert, limestone, sandstone and volcanic rocks. Based on the matrix properties, the Zongzhuo Formation is divided into two units: a lower member (Zhilong unit) with a matrix composed of black shale and thin layers of siltstone and an upper member (Yongla unit) with a matrix composed of distinctly red shale or yellow-green siliceous mudstone with interbedded siltstone and limestone. The Zongzhuo Formation is dated to 65–57 Ma by detrital zircon U - Pb chronology and radiolarian assemblages. In the YZSZ, the Puxia and Jiabi units are interpreted as wedge-top deposits consisting of mudstone matrix and exotic blocks, such as sandstone, chert and limestone. The maximum depositional ages (MDAs) of the sandstone blocks from both units are ca. 65–59 Ma. Detrital zircon provenance analysis and trace element data exclude an intraoceanic arc origin and point to a source from the Gangdese arc and recycled accretionary wedge in the suture zone. Therefore, we propose that the initial collision between India and Asia occurred at 65 Ma in the central-eastern YZSZ. • We report a remnant peripheral foreland basin at the Yarlung-Zangpo Suture Zone. • The foredeep consists of the Zongzhuo Formation on the Tethyan Himalaya. • The wedge-top, exposed on the accretionary wedge, contains Jiabi and Puxia units. • The foredeep implies the India-Asia collision is no later than 65 Ma. • The ages and provenance of wedge-top and foredeep support a single-stage collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paederia foetida L. belonging to Rubiaceae family is a perennial medicinal herb widely distributed in India and China. The first complete chloroplast genome sequence of P. foetida was assembled and characterized in this study. The total chloroplast genome was 153,591 bp in length with 37.74% GC content, composed of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,677 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 16,888 bp and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,513 bp. The whole chloroplast genome encoded 133 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of 30 chloroplast genomes strongly suggested that P. foetida was closely related to P. scandens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Andrographis paniculata is a herbaceous dicot plant widely used for its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐viral properties across its distribution in China, India and other Southeast Asian countries. A. paniculata was used as a crucial therapeutic treatment during the influenza epidemic of 1919 in India, and is still used for the treatment of infectious disease in China. A. paniculata produces large quantities of the anti‐inflammatory diterpenoid lactones andrographolide and neoandrographolide, and their analogs, which are touted to be the next generation of natural anti‐inflammatory medicines for lung diseases, hepatitis, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune disorders and inflammatory skin diseases. Here, we report a chromosome‐scale A. paniculata genome sequence of 269 Mb that was assembled by Illumina short reads, PacBio long reads and high‐confidence (Hi‐C) data. Gene annotation predicted 25 428 protein‐coding genes. In order to decipher the genetic underpinning of diterpenoid biosynthesis, transcriptome data from seedlings elicited with methyl jasmonate were also obtained, which enabled the identification of genes encoding diterpenoid synthases, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenases and UDP‐dependent glycosyltransferases potentially involved in diterpenoid lactone biosynthesis. We further carried out functional characterization of pairs of class‐I and ‐II diterpene synthases, revealing the ability to produce diversified labdane‐related diterpene scaffolds. In addition, a glycosyltransferase able to catalyze O‐linked glucosylation of andrograpanin, yielding the major active product neoandrographolide, was also identified. Thus, our results demonstrate the utility of the combined genomic and transcriptomic data set generated here for the investigation of the production of the bioactive diterpenoid lactone constituents of the important medicinal herb A. paniculata. Significance statement: Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees is a member of the order Lamiales, family Acanthaceae, that is widely used for the treatment of infectious disease, and is well known and historically documented in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India. Here, we reported a chromosome‐scale A. paniculata genome sequence of 269 Mb, and investigated in vitro the functional characterization of two class‐II copalyl/labdadienyl diphosphate synthases (ApCPS1 and ApCPS3), two class‐I diterpene synthases (ApKS1 and ApKS2) and a glucosyltransferase gene ApUGT73AU1, to uncover diversified diterpenoid scaffolds on the basis of this genome information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are emerging opportunities to assess health indicators at truly small areas with increasing availability of data geocoded to micro geographic units and advanced modeling techniques. The utility of such fine-grained data can be fully leveraged if linked to local governance units that are accountable for implementation of programs and interventions. We used data from the 2011 Indian Census for village-level demographic and amenities features and the 2016 Indian Demographic and Health Survey in a bias-corrected semisupervised regression framework to predict child anthropometric failures for all villages in India. Of the total geographic variation in predicted child anthropometric failure estimates, 54.2 to 72.3% were attributed to the village level followed by 20.6 to 39.5%to the state level. The mean predicted stunting was 37.9% (SD: 10.1%; IQR: 31.2 to 44.7%), and substantial variation was found across villages ranging from less than 5% for 691 villages to over 70% in 453 villages. Estimates at the village level can potentially shift the paradigm of policy discussion in India by enabling more informed prioritization and precise targeting. The proposed methodology can be adapted and applied to diverse population health indicators, and in other contexts, to reveal spatial heterogeneity at a finer geographic scale and identify local areas with the greatest needs and with direct implications for actions to take place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]