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This research article focuses on achieving water security in hilly terrains through the identification of suitable sites for rainwater harvesting reservoirs near habitations. The study was conducted in the planned geological park (PGP) location within Sikkim University (SU) campus, utilizing a multi-faceted approach that combined geological, geophysical, and geotechnical methodologies. The analysis of ALOS-P DEM revealed the absence of streamflow within SU campus, ruling out direct water recharge options. However, the planned geological park (PGP) location exhibited a gentle slope and receives an annual average precipitation (ERA) of 1215 mm indicating potential for rainwater harvesting. Geological fieldwork excluded densely fractured areas, involving data collection on soil and rock types, joint analysis, soil sampling, and Schmidt hammer tests. Geophysical fieldwork provided insights into fracture zones, layer depth, and fracture orientation. Incorporating data into a non-linear finite element model allowed to assess shear, deformation, and safety factors, identifying Site A as most suitable due to higher stability compared to Sites B and C. The key innovation lies in the integration of scientific methodologies. The combination of geological, geophysical, and geotechnical data, in the study has presented a holistic approach to site identification, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the terrain’s hydrological characteristics.

The present research investigates the theoretical foundations of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), focusing on the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, a foundational text in Buddhist meditation practice. The study aims to examine the foundational framework of MBCT by assessing the congruence between MBCT practices and techniques and Buddhist meditation methods explained in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. Even though MBCT is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention for preventing the relapse of depression, its theoretical foundation and mechanism of efficacy remain insufficiently investigated. Through a cross-cultural perspective, this study evaluates the relationship between MBCT and the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta and its implications for the development of MBCT as a therapeutic intervention, focusing on the connections between the theoretical underpinnings of MBCT and the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. The findings support that MBCT is an evidence-based intervention that was integrated with ancient knowledge from Asia on the management of depression.

This manuscript presents the first inventory of dissolved ions (cations and anions) and trace metals (Pb, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) in the Punpun River water to assess its irrigational suitability, pollution sources and hydrogeochemical processes. For this, the physicochemical parameters and trace metals in river water were analysed in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The results showed that the concentrations of cations and anions were Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42- > Cl− > NO3− > PO43-, respectively, in both the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. However, trace metal concentration in pre- and post-monsoon followed the trend of Pb > Mn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Zn > Co and Pb > Ni > Mn > Cr > Zn > Co > Cu, respectively. The results reveal that combined effects of rock weathering and evaporation-concentration influence hydrochemistry, along with anthropogenic factors like industrial effluents, urban domestic sewage and agricultural runoff. Piper and Durov plots suggest that the river water is dominated by Ca–Mg–HCO3− type, and the processes were governed by simple ion dissolution and mixing. However, the Gibbs plot shows that silicate and carbonate weathering govern the hydrochemical properties. Irrigational indices like sodium adsorption ratio, %Na, residual sodium carbonate, Kelly's ratio, magnesium hazard, and trace metals indicate that most of the water samples are suitable for irrigation. Comprehensive pollution index values suggest that the river water quality ranges from sub-clean to slightly to moderately polluted. HIGHLIGHTS The dominant cation and anion in the Punpun River water were Ca2+ and HCO3−, respectively.; The Punpun River water is influenced by silicate and carbonate weathering.; Different water processes indicate ion dissolution and mixing.; Sodium adsorption ratio, %Na, residual sodium carbonate, Kelly's ratio and MH irrigational indices show that most river water is suitable for irrigation.; Comprehensive pollution index value shows that river water falls into a slightly to moderately polluted category.;

Abstract: Aim: The Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Scale is a popular instrument that assesses an individual's responsiveness to reward and punishment. It is widely translated and validated in different languages. However, the Hindi version of this scale is not yet available. The present study aimed to adapt the BIS/BAS scale into Hindi and examine its psychometric properties and factor structure. Method: The original BIS/BAS scale was translated into Hindi using the translation and back-translation method. The translated Hindi version along with the NEO-FFI and HADS was administered on 200 participants. Psychometric properties, i.e., reliability, validity, and factor structure, were estimated. Result: Cronbach’s α coefficient ranged between .68 and .80, while test–retest reliability ranges between .85 and .92. The validity is also adequate. The findings support the five-factor structure of the BIS/BAS scale. Limitations: The present study has a relatively small sample, which is drawn from only one Hindi-speaking region of India. Conclusion: It was found that the Hindi version of the BIS/BAS scale is a reliable and valid tool with good psychometric properties.

Key Clinical Message This case report describes a 52‐year‐old patient presenting with recurrent episodes of pancreatitis and renal stones. Further investigation revealed hypocalcemia and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, leading to diagnosis of a parathyroid adenoma. This case highlights the importance of considering primary hyperparathyroidism in patients with recurrent pancreatitis and renal stones, as early diagnosis and surgical intervention can prevent recurrence and reduce morbidity. Abstract Primary Hyperparathyroidism secondary to Parathyroid adenoma, rarely presents as acute pancreatitis. A 38‐year‐young male with a history of recurrent renal stones referred from a local center, presented to the emergency services, with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and bilateral renal stones. Laboratory evaluation showed an elevated calcium level, elevated PTH levels, low vitamin D, and low phosphorus levels. CT scan done outside was suggestive of acute pancreatitis along with bilateral renal calculi. USG neck and MIBI scan done as a part of hypercalcemia evaluation showed presence of a right parathyroid adenoma. Parathyroid adenoma was later removed, and calcium and parathyroid levels were normal on subsequent follow ups.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Amid rising health awareness, natural products which has milder effects than medical drugs are becoming popular. However, only few systems can quantitatively assess their impact on living organisms. Therefore, we developed a deep-learning system to automate the counting of cells in a gerbil model, aiming to assess a natural product’s effectiveness against ischemia. Methods: The image acquired from paraffin blocks containing gerbil brains was analyzed by a deep-learning model (fine-tuned Detectron2). Results: The counting system achieved a 79%-positive predictive value and 85%-sensitivity when visual judgment by an expert was used as ground truth. Conclusions: Our system evaluated hydrogen water’s potential against ischemia and found it potentially useful, which is consistent with expert assessment. Due to natural product’s milder effects, large data sets are needed for evaluation, making manual measurement labor-intensive. Hence, our system offers a promising new approach for evaluating natural products.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth's atmosphere is a significant greenhouse gas and plays a pivotal role in shaping the carbon dynamics of specific regions. Here, we have examined the spatio-temporal variations of atmospheric CO2 in the Bihar region of India and provided critical information regarding climate change mitigation. NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) satellite retrieved dry air column average atmospheric CO2 concentrations (XCO2) datasets (2015-2021) are used to analyse hot/cold spots, anomalies, hot/cold moments, and their relationships with Bihar's climate and vegetation indices. The highest CO2 concentration (416 ± 1.5 ppm, hot moments) is found in April and May (summer season) and the lowest concentration (406 ± 1.6 ppm, cold moments) is seen in monsoon season. The results reveal that seasonal variations of XCO2 are instrumental in comprehending Bihar's annual carbon dynamics, impacting factors such as plant growth and crop yields. Anomalies and hotspots analyses identify Kaimur, Munger, and Paschim Champaran as significant hotspots, which are house of major industries, power stations, cement factories and mining sites. Moreover, the study shows significant negative correlations (p < 0.001) between XCO2 and various parameters, including Sun Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) at wavelengths 740 and 757, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and relative humidity. Particularly, NDVI and EVI changes explain XCO2 variability by 26 % (p < 0.001) and 24 % (p < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, relative humidity accounted for 37 % (p < 0.001) of the variance in XCO2. Our results indicate that the socio-economic condition of the study area has not been changed significantly during the study period. Further, the increase in afforestation activities has counterbalanced the small increase in CO2 due to developmental process over limited locations. These findings contribute significantly to our understanding of regional carbon dynamics of Bihar and their implications for climate change mitigation efforts.

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (TolCNDV) causes yellow mosaic disease, which poses a significant biotic constraint for sponge gourd cultivation, potentially resulting in crop loss of up to 100%. In the present investigation, 50 diverse genotypes were screened for 3 years under natural epiphytotic conditions. A subset of 20 genotypes was further evaluated across four different environments. The combined analysis of variance revealed a significant genotype × environment interaction. Eight genotypes consistently exhibited high and stable resistance in the preliminary screening and multi-environment testing. Furthermore, genotype plus genotype × environment interaction biplot analysis identified DSG-29 (G-3), DSG-7 (G-2), DSG-6 (G-1), and DSGVRL-18 (G-6) as the desirable genotypes, which have stable resistance and better yield potential even under diseased conditions. The genotype by yield × trait biplot analysis and multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index analysis further validated the potential of these genotypes for combining higher yield and other desirable traits with higher resistance levels. Additionally, resistant genotypes exhibited higher activities of defense-related enzymes as compared to susceptible genotypes. Thus, genotypes identified in our study will serve as a valuable genetic resource for carrying out future resistance breeding programs in sponge gourd against ToLCNDV.

Abstract This study analyzed the BC associated with PM1 and the contribution of biomass burning to the BC using a portable seven-channel Dual spot Aethalometer in and around Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, India, during April 2021. Additionally, CO2 and meteorological parameters (Temperature, Pressure, and Relative Humidity) was measured. The minimum concentration of BC was found in rural areas where the contribution of biomass burning to the BC is highest. The observed spatial variability of BC over Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) area is minimal. Five days back-trajectory analysis was done using the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model to understand the regional influences of air masses at Gangtok. The air mass of the studied region is under influence of trans-regional transport from Indo-Gangetic Plains affecting the BC concentration over the studied region. The black carbon presence in the ambient air near the glacier heights in the Eastern Himalayan region may significantly cause localized warming, thereby enhancing glacier melts. The results have significant bearing for the policy-makers to take corrective steps in addressing the issue of rising BC concentration in high altitude regions. A further detailed study is needed to examine the effect of BC on radiative forcing and its large-scale effect on the East Asian summer monsoon using regional climate models.

Background/Aims Evidence on predictors of primary nonresponse (PNR), and secondary loss of response (SLR) to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in inflammatory bowel disease is scarce from Asia. We evaluated clinical/biochemical/molecular markers of PNR/SLR in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Methods Inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with anti-TNF agents (January 2005–October 2020) were ambispectively included. Data concerning clinical and biochemical predictors was retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Immunohistochemistry for expression of oncostatin M (OSM), OSM receptor (OSM-R), and interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) were done on pre anti-TNF initiation mucosal biopsies. Results One-hundred eighty-six patients (118 CD, 68 UC: mean age, 34.1±13.7 years; median disease duration at anti-TNF initiation, 60 months; interquartile range, 28–100.5 months) were included. PNR was seen in 17% and 26.5% and SLR in 47% and 28% CD and UC patients, respectively. In CD, predictors of PNR were low albumin (P