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Background: Primary retroperitoneal teratoma of infancy is rare, comprising only 3.5%–4% of all germ cell tumors. The presentation may range from an asymptomatic mass to an abdominal lump causing symptoms due to mass effect on the neighbouring organs. We present a young infant with an abdominal mass who posed a diagnostic challenge. Clinical Description: A 3monthold female infant with an uneventful antenatal and perinatal history presented with complaints of abdominal distension since 1½ months of age. A lump was palpable involving the entire right side of the abdomen, crossing the midline. Management and Outcome: Despite detailed radiological imaging and trucut biopsy, the diagnosis was unclear. A complete open laparoscopic excision of the mass followed by a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of grade 2/3 immature teratoma. Serum alphafetoprotein levels and betahuman chorionic gonadotropin levels were normal. Chemotherapy was not administered. The patient has been on followup for the past 2½ years, doing well without any complaints. Conclusion: Early recognition and complete excision of primary retroperitoneal teratoma with mature or partly immature histopathology carries a good prognosis.

Abstract India has been identified as one of the most susceptible nations to the impacts of climate change. The present study made an attempt to examine the adaptive capacity of farmers living in the Gangetic Plains of India. This study creates an adaptive capacity index for four Gangetic Plains: the lower Gangetic plain, the middle Gangetic plain, the upper Gangetic plain, and the Trans Gangetic plain. It does this by using data from the 77th round of the national sample survey organisation (NSSO), the 2011 census, and the agricultural census of 2015–16, as well as an indicator approach. A total of 29 indicators covers six dimensions: physical resource capacity, financial resource capacity, human resource capacity, social resource capacity, livelihood diversity capacity, and information accessibility. The results show that the trans-Gangetic Plain region has the highest adaptive capacity, while the lower Gangetic Plain region has the lowest adaptive capacity to deal with climate change. Based on the cross-index analysis, the trans-Gangetic plain region had higher adaptive capacity due to higher physical resource capacity, financial resource capacity, human resource capacity, and information accessibility capacity. This paper suggests enhancing the adaptive capacity of farmers in the Gangetic Plains to facilitate the implementation of more effective adaptation measures. We can achieve this by improving the availability of accurate and timely weather information, upgrading irrigation facilities, increasing accessibility to institutional credit, establishing a robust extension service network to disseminate information on changing climate conditions and effective farm management techniques, and promoting livelihood diversification.

Purpose: Rice, a global staple, can accumulate high levels of heavy metals especially Chromium (Cr) when grown in a soil irrigated with tannery effluent over time, potentially reaching toxic levels for human consumption. Biochar offers a cost-effective solution by binding these heavy metals in soil, reducing their bioavailability and mitigating health risks. The present study offers a two-way solution of reducing weed load of agricultural fields through parthenium biochar preparation and its application in Cr contaminated soil with aim of its lower accumulation in the edible part of the crop. Method: The investigation consists of ten treatments in completely randomized design with three replications using simple and concentrated H3PO4 and 1 M FeCl3 modified biochar at graded dose and one biochar untreated control. All treatments receive a recommended dose of NPK fertilizers. Results: Our study shows that biochar produced from parthenium can reduce uptake of heavy metals in the plant body. Moreover, modification of biochar by H3PO4 and FeCl3 hastened the metal fixation and further reduced the metals accumulation in different parts of plant body depicted by lowering translocation factor (TF) along with translocation coefficient (TC). Conclusion: Overall, application of biochar is proven to reduce the metals accumulation in rice plant parts and grains rendering it a good amendment. Research Highlights • Biochar and its subsequent modification reduce the heavy metals content in different plant parts of rice • Application of H3PO4 modified biochar at 10 t ha-1 has declined the root concentration of Cr alone by 24.5% • FeCl3 modified biochar also reduced all heavy metals uptake in different plant parts • Performance of modified biochar at lower rates can produce statistically similar results with the higher dose of simple biochar • Reduction of translocation coefficient and translocation factor within plant emphasizes the beneficial effect of biochar application to crop

Abstract This study assessed the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food security in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Macro data on 29 indicators was collected to identify food insecure districts, and after identification of most food insecure region, i.e. Bundelkhand region, micro data was collected from an intensive field survey. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted to select study sites and respondents. A total of 240 sample households of various land sizes and income groups were contacted to collect data using a well-structured and pre-tested schedule. The study findings revealed that districts belonging to the Bundelkhand region are highly food insecure compared with other regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. Micro-level findings indicate that households in the Lalitpur district are relatively food insecure compared to those in the Jhansi district. The results suggest that ongoing future government responses should focus on structural changes in food security by developing responsive packages to cushion members pushed into food insecurity by such pandemics.

Abstract Indian farmers are vulnerable to changing climate with unpredictable rainfall distribution, rising temperature, and complex socioeconomic conditions. The present study aims to assess livelihood vulnerability of farmers in two regions of the most populous State of Uttar Pradesh namely Bundelkhand and Central region. By using multistage random sampling technique, a total of 480 samples from 16 villages, 8 development blocks, 4 districts, and 2 regions were selected to elicit grass-root information on farmers’ perception of climate change, their sensitivity and adaptive capacity to changing climate, and determinants of livelihood vulnerability. Further, this study has adopted methodology mentioned in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s fourth Assessment Report for the development of climate vulnerability index. The results show that farmers in Jhansi district were highly vulnerable to changing climate, while farmers in Barabanki district were relatively less vulnerable. The elevated degree of vulnerability to livelihood in Jhansi district attributed to its comparatively higher exposure and sensitivity to climatic change. The Binary Logistic Regression results show that illiterate farmers are relatively more vulnerable than literate farmers. On the contrary, higher income, assured irrigation, the use of certified seeds, and crop insurance are negatively associated with the LVI. In other words, farmers who have income from non-farm sources, use certified and recommended seed varieties, and avail themselves of crop insurance are relatively less vulnerable to climate change than those who do not have the aforesaid facilities. Hence, the present study suggests that farmers, must adapt to climate change to reduce its negative impact and reap the benefits of adaptation which can be achieved through capacity building, skill development (i.e., use of ultra-modern techniques), and capacity to strengthen the farmers’ ability to adapt. Further, there is also a need to sensitize government officials on the dangers of climate change and to provide appropriate technical support to farmers for their adaptation.

Plummer Vinson syndrome (PVS) is characterized by classical triad of dysphagia, iron deficiency anemia and esophageal webs. It is an extremely rare cause of anemia, mainly seen in middle aged females. Plummer-Vinson syndrome is considered as a risk factor for the development of upper gastrointestinal tract malignancy. Here we describe a series of four patients who presented to us with varied clinical features, and in whom radiological and endoscopic evaluation established diagnosis of PVS. This case series emphasizes the need for PVS to be kept in differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, even if dysphagia is not predominant feature.

Aims Obsessive-Compulsive or Related Disorders (OCRDs) comprise a group of disorders characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviours and are fairly less prevalent among children. The recommended treatment for OCRDs involves high doses of antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), along with non-pharmacological management. However, evidence suggests that the risk of inducing mania with antidepressants may be especially high in children and adolescents aged 14 years and younger. Methods Here, we present a case of a nine-year girl, studying in fifth standard, with normal birth and development history, with no past/family history of psychiatric illness, presented with psychiatric illness of one-year duration and was diagnosed with Trichotillomania, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Skin picking and Onychophagia as per the 11th revision of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). After initiating tab. escitalopram 5 mg for 10 days, child developed a manic episode, which leads to a diagnostic dilemma as well as difficulties in her further management. In view of the bipolarity, escitalopram was stopped and the child was started on tab. aripiprazole 2.5 mg which was gradually up-titrated to 7.5 mg/day, following which the manic episode completely resolved and there was also improvement in OCD, hair pulling and skin picking behaviour. Later for the remaining symptoms few sessions of Habit reversal therapy were held. Currently the patient is maintaining well on aripiprazole 7.5 mg for the last six months. Results The uniqueness of this case is demonstrated through current limited literature on comorbid OCRDs and antidepressant coincident manic episode, especially in children in whom diagnosing manic episode possess a great challenge owing to various differential diagnosis. While deciding pharmacological therapy in children with OCRDs or Mania the efficacy as well as their safety profile should be considered. Currently there are no medications approved by FDA for treatment of acute manic episode in patients below 10 years of age and use of SSRI which are considered first line for treatment of some OCRDs may exaggerate the manic episode. In literature, second generation antipsychotics such as aripiprazole is found to be useful for the management of both manic episode (as monotherapy) as well as OCD (as an adjuvant). In this case aripiprazole monotherapy led to significant improvement in both groups of symptoms. Conclusion Thus, SSRIs should be used cautiously in children with OCRDs and aripiprazole along with other approved non-pharmacological management strategies can be considered as a good treatment option in children with OCRDs and anti-depressant coincident manic episode.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt derived from glutamic acid, is widely used in commercial food products to improve taste, quality, and preservation. However, its consumption may have detrimental effects on male reproductive function. Nevertheless, plant extracts, such as Lepidium meyenii (Maca), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Spirulina platensis (Spirulina), and Tribulus arabica (Tribulus), may ameliorate these adverse effects. To this effect, the phytochemical properties of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica were assessed, and their potential impact on MSG-induced impairment of reproductive parameters was examined. The phytochemical composition (steroids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids) of the plants was profiled through spectrophotometry and the antioxidant activity was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups at random: a control group receiving distilled water, and five experimental groups (MSG, Maca, Fenugreek, Spirulina, and Tribulus) receiving 900 mg/kg/day of MSG dissolved in water for 45 days. Subsequently, the animals in the experimental groups were administered 500 mg/kg/day of the respective plant extract via oral gavage for an additional 35 days, while the MSG group continued to receive water only. Following the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed, and their reproductive tract organs were collected, weighed, and subjected to further analysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse bioactive elements in the plant extracts, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Exposure to MSG negatively impacted total and progressive sperm motility, which was ameliorated by Lepidium meyenii treatment. Sperm morphology showed no significant differences among groups. Treatment of the phytochemical agents diminished histomorphometric alternations of the testicular length, germinal epithelium height, and number of cells in seminiferous tubules, which were caused by the initial administration of MSG. Testosterone and LH levels were reduced in the MSG group but improved in extract-treated groups. The study suggests Lepidium meyenii as a potential remedy for reproductive dysfunction. However, further investigation into its mechanisms and human safety and efficacy is warranted.

Analyzing agricultural sustainability is essential for designing and assessing rural development initiatives. However, accurately measuring agricultural sustainability is complicated since it involves so many different factors. This study provides a new suite of quantitative indicators for assessing agricultural sustainability at regional and district levels, involving environmental sustainability, social security, and economic security. Combining the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model and indicator approach, this study creates a composite agricultural sustainability index for the 14 mainstream agro-climatic regions of India. The results of this study show that the Trans-Gengatic Plain Region (TGPR) ranks first in agricultural sustainability among India’s 14 mainstream agro-climatic regions, while the Eastern Himalayan Region (EHR) ranks last. Higher livestock ownership, cropping intensity, per capita income, irrigation intensity, share of institutional credit, food grain productivity, crop diversification, awareness of minimum support price, knowledge sharing with fellow farmers, and young and working population, as well as better transportation facilities and membership of agricultural credit societies are influencing indicators responsible for higher agricultural sustainability in TGPR compared with EHR. Although, the scores of environmental sustainability indicators of EHR are quite good, its scores of social and economic security indicators are fairly low, putting it at the bottom of the rank of agricultural sustainability index among the 14 mainstream agro-climatic regions in India. This demonstrates the need of understanding agricultural sustainability in relation to social and economic dimensions. In a nation as diverse and complicated as India, it is the social structure that determines the health of the economy and environment. Last but not least, the sustainability assessment methodology may be used in a variety of India’s agro-climatic regions.

Abstract Soil microbes play a crucial role in soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling and are influenced by management practices. Therefore, quantifying the impacts of various agricultural management practices on soil microbiomes and their activity is crucial for making informed management decisions. This study aimed to assess the impact of various management systems on soil bacterial abundance and diversity, soil enzyme activities and carbon mineralization potential in wheat-based systems. To accomplish this, soil samples from 0 to 15 cm depth were collected from ongoing long-term field trials in eastern Oregon region under wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow (WF), WF with different tillage (WT), wheat-pea (Pisum sativum L.) (WP), WF under different crop residue management (CR) and natural undisturbed/unmanaged grassland pasture (GP). These trials consisted of an array of treatments like tillage intensities, nitrogen rates, organic amendments, and seasonal residue burning. This study was a part of the Soil Health Institute’s North American Project to Evaluate Soil Health measurements (NAPESHM). Bacterial community structure was determined using amplicon sequencing of the V4 region of 16SrRNA genes and followed the protocols of the Earth Microbiome Project. In addition, extracellular enzyme activities, and carbon mineralization potential (1d-CO2) were measured. Among different trials, 1d-CO2 in WT, WP, and CR studies averaged 53%, 51% and 87% lower than GP systems, respectively. Enzyme activities were significantly greater in GP compared to the other managements and followed similar trend as respiration. We observed higher evenness in GP and higher richness in spring residue burning treatment of CR study. Our results indicated that species evenness is perhaps a better indicator of soil health in comparison to other indices in dryland wheat systems.

The present study aims to investigate the use of response surface methodology (RSM) modelling and experimental investigation for the optimization of lead(II) adsorption onto spent tea grains (STG). Independent process variables were optimized and found to be in the range of 38.75 mg/l (initial concentration), 5.20655 (pH), 119.32 rpm (stirring speed), and 3.25 g/l (STG dose) for a contact time of 135.05 min. The optimum adsorption capacity was found to be 8.9087 mg/g through RSM modelling with a maximum of 18.146 mg/g. The batch study was performed by varying different parameters: pH (2.0–7.0), initial concentration (5–50 mg/l), dose (0.1–1 g/100 ml), contact time (15–180 min), and stirring speed (30–200 rpm). The characterization STG was done by proximate and ultimate analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and SEM-EDX. By fitting equilibrium data onto Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 24.272 mg/g. The optimum pH found for lead(II) adsorption onto STG was 5. At optimum conditions, the maximum removal efficiency of STG for lead(II) ions’ adsorption is 94.33%. Based on the findings it is safe to conclude that the STG could be used as a potential adsorbent. HIGHLIGHTS Agricultural waste converted into low-cost adsorbent.; Removal efficiency and uptake capacity of lead(II) ions onto prepared adsorbent STG shows great potential.; A detailed study was done using RSM modelling and various batch experimentation to find optimum values of parameters influencing adsorption.; The present study can be used for developing sustainable treatment technology using STG as an alternative to activated carbon currently used.;

Choledochal cysts (CCs) are abnormal dilatations of the biliary system. Usually, CCs are classified into five types. The sixth type (Type VI) is an emerging and rare type, reported the first case in 1991. We report this rare CC, Type VI seen in our experience for the first time. We have also reviewed the literature; only 26 cases of Type VI were found, including adults and children, ever since the first case has been reported in 1991. To the best of our knowledge, this is the 11th pediatric case report of a Type VI choledochal cyst.

Abstract Production of phosphorus efficient genotypes in groundnut can improve and also reduces environmental pollution. Identification of P-efficient groundnut genotypes is a need of the hour to sustain in P-deficient soils. The pot experiment showed significant differences between genotypes (G) and treatments (T) for all the traits and G × T interaction for majority of traits. The G × T × Y interaction effects were also significant for all the traits except leaf P% (LP%), leaf acid phosphatase (LAP) and root dry weight (RDW). In lysimeter experiment, the effect of G, T and G × T were significant for leaf dry weight (LDW), stem dry weight (SDW), total transpiration (TT) and transpiration efficiency (TE). For traits, LDW, SDW, TT, TE, ICGV 00351 and ICGS 76; for SDW, TT, ICGV 02266 are best performers under both P-sufficient and deficient conditions. Based on P-efficiency indices and surrogate traits of P-uptake, ICGV’s 02266, 05155, 00308, 06040 and 06146 were considered as efficient P-responding genotypes. From GGE biplot, ICGV 06146 under P-deficient and TAG 24 under both P-sufficient and deficient conditions are portrayed as best performer. ICGV 06146 was identified as stable pod yielder and a promising genotype for P-deficient soils. The genotypes identified in this study can be used as a parent in developing mapping population to decipher the genetics and to devleop groundnut breeding lines suitable to P-deficient soils.

The integration of wind–solar energy into hybrid system improves synchronization and lowers power generation variations. It is crucial to consider resource simultaneity when selecting a hybridization location. The current study uses data from 41 years of hourly ERA5 reanalysis to analyze the coexistence of wind and solar energy sources (1979–2019). To take into account the combined impact of simultaneity and capacity factor (CF), as well as to show the viability of establishing a new hybrid power plant for base-load and peak-load applications, a novel hybrid power exploitability index (HPEI) is developed. Additionally, by analyzing the yearly power output gain that may be attained through hybridization, the viability of retrofitting existing freestanding power plants has been examined. According to the findings, resource complementarity abounds in India’s southern region and along its western coast, whereas resource synergy prevails in the northern region. Furthermore, the largest peak CF for wind and sun, respectively, are predicted to be in the southern coastline (51.56%) and northern Himalayan areas (28.48%). In seven of the eight research locations, it has been shown that it is possible to hybridize independent power plants that already exist, with the addition of equal capacity potentially increasing yearly power output by up to 400%. In order to achieve net-zero emissions, hybridizing RE can meet the need for clean energy. Project developers will use the findings of this research to determine where to construct new power plants and where to hybridize existing ones.

Climate models help assess the future availability of wind speeds to extract wind power; however, these climate models are mathematical models that include uncertainty in wind forecasts. Finding an appropriate climate model for analyzing future wind power generation is critical. Therefore, in the present work, six Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment-South Asia (CORDEX-SA) climate models and their ensembles were statistically examined in the Indian offshore region using in-situ buoy readings and ERA5 reanalysis data. Statistical parameters like correlation coefficient, bias, RMSD, and standard deviation are computed to examine the applicable model at buoy locations. With ERA5 wind speeds, the overlapping percentage of climate models is later analyzed for the Indian offshore regions. The ensemble model statistically outperforms individual climate models at buoy sites, with 77% overlap with ERA5 wind speeds in the offshore region. Further, the trends and cumulative variations in wind speeds are calculated for ensemble models under two emission scenarios RCP (Representative Concentration Pathway) 4.5 and RCP 8.5. In the future, the North-East (NE) zone will have the most advantageous change in wind speeds (0.21 to 8.68%), whereas the North-West (NW) area will have a negative cumulative change in wind speeds.

IntroductionRiverine forests in the Himalaya represent a biodiverse, dynamic, and complex ecosystem that offers numerous ecosystem services to local and downstream communities and also contributes to the regional carbon cycle. However, these forests have not been assessed for their contribution to dry matter dynamics and carbon flux. We studied these parameters along three classes of riverine forests in eastern Uttarakhand, dominated by Macaranga, Alnus, and Quercus-Machilus forest.MethodsUsing volume equations, we assessed tree biomass, carbon storage, and sequestration in the study area.ResultsThe total standing tree biomass in Macaranga, Alnus, and Quercus-Machilus forest ranged from 256.6 to 558.1 Mg ha−1, 460.7 to 485.8 Mg ha−1, and 508.6 to 692.1 Mg ha−1, respectively. A total of 77.6–79.6% of vegetation biomass was stored in the aboveground biomass and 20.4–22.4% in belowground plant parts across the riverine forests. The carbon stock in Macaranga forest ranged from 115.5 to 251.1 Mg ha−1, in Alnus forest from 207.3 to 218.6 Mg ha−1, and in Quercus-Machilus forest from 228.9 to 311.4 Mg ha−1. The mean annual litterfall was accounted maximum for Quercus-Machilus forest (5.94 ± 0.54 Mg ha−1 yr.−1), followed by Alnus (5.57 ± 0.31 Mg ha−1 yr.−1) and Macaranga forest (4.67 ± 0.39 Mg ha−1 yr.−1). The highest value of litterfall was recorded during summer (3.40 ± 0.01 Mg ha−1 yr.−1) and the lowest in winter (0.74 ± 0.01 Mg ha−1 yr.−1). The mean value of net primary productivity and carbon sequestration was estimated to be highest in Quercus-Machilus forest (15.8 ± 0.9 Mg ha−1 yr.−1 and 7.1 ± 0.9 Mg C ha−1 yr.−1, respectively) and lowest in Alnus forest (13.9 ± 0.3 Mg ha−1 yr.−1 and 6.1 ± 0.3 Mg C ha−1 yr.−1, respectively).DiscussionThe results highlight that riverine forests play a critical role in providing a large sink for atmospheric CO2. To improve sustainable ecosystem services and climate change mitigation, riverine forests must be effectively managed and conserved in the region.

Objectives: We adopted the Sustainable Livelihood Security (SLS) approach to assess the living conditions of slum dwellers in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Keeping the urban poor at the centre, we attempted to bring out the multidimensional nature of poverty and explored various aspects of the livelihood of slum dwellers. Methods: We surveyed 900 households from both notified and non-notified slums of Lucknow city to construct the SLS index, keeping the social, economic, infrastructural, health, and micro-environmental aspects of slum dwellers in the background. We collected data based on the household approach of the UN and the neighbourhood approach of the Government of India and aggregated the weighted index values under various sub-components to construct a composite index. Results: The results suggested that the index values were low for both types of slum dwellers in Lucknow city specifically in the economic, infrastructural, and micro-environmental aspects. The results also showed that ‘non-notified slum dwellers’ were much more deficient in all the dimensions compared to their ‘notified’ counterparts. The livelihood condition of the marginalized households (backward castes and minorities) was especially precarious and vulnerable. Conclusion: The findings reveal the existence of a high level of informality of livelihood of the urban poor in terms of housing, employment, health, and other basic amenities, and demonstrate that their livelihood condition is characterized by a low assets base, and poor strategies to overcome exigencies and risks. Recommendations: This paper recommends enactment of an urban employment guarantee act, conducting of sabhas (meetings) at the ward level on a regular basis to promote awareness, and notification of non-notified slums to notified slums on regular basis for the overall development of slum dwellers.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is considered a significant contributor to soil water retention. However, generalizations about the role of SOC in available water-holding capacity (AWHC) may have inaccurately portrayed this relationship. We aim to reexamine the relationship between SOC and water retention using the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) Database. We focus on regional soil groups within the Pacific Northwest wheat production region, including Haploxerolls, Argixerolls, Haplocambids, and Durixerolls. We evaluated 77 sites based on SOC, total nitrogen (TN), pH, texture, bulk density (BD), field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), and AWHC. Our findings indicate that texture and BD were the most significant contributors to AWHC variation, while SOC played a secondary role in explaining this variation. Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy coupled with a random forest (RF) algorithm was used to evaluate the importance of spectral bands in determining changes in FC and PWP. This analysis identified mineral bands related to inner-surface hydroxyl groups in kaolinite (3700 cm −1) and Si-O-Si overtones (1870 cm −1) as the most important spectral contributors to PWP. The water retention at FC was associated with organic absorbances relevant to soil aggregation, such as polysaccharide C–O (~1035 cm −1), while mineral bands were relatively less influential. This study highlights the need to reexamine the impact of SOC as well as the interaction between soil texture and compaction on soil water retention to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for AWHC, thus providing insight into future drought adaptation strategies.

IntroductionPromoting sustainable crop production is enhanced by an effective method to assess soil health. However, soil health assessment is challenging due to multiple interactions among dynamic soil properties (i.e., soil health indicators) across management practices and agroecological regions. We tested several currently popular soil health assessment methods for cropping systems in Tennessee in the southeastern US and found that these methods failed to differentiate Tennessee soil health under long-term conservation and conventional management.Materials and methodsThis study developed a Tennessee weighted soil health index (WSHI) by: 1) selecting a set of management-sensitive soil health indicators, 2) assigning meaningful weights to indicators, and 3) normalizing the scores based on regionally relevant undisturbed natural reference sites. The tested cropping systems treatments were moldboard plow (MP) in continuous soybean (SS), no tillage (NT) in SS, NT with wheat cover (NTW) in SS, no cover and chisel plow (NCCT) in continuous cotton (CC), no cover and no tillage (NCNT) in CC, and hairy vetch cover and no tillage (VCNT) in CC. In addition, two woodlots and one grassland sites in the vicinity of the cropping systems were selected to represent undisturbed natural systems.Results and discussionOut of 22 indicators that proved to be management-sensitive, six were selected as a minimum dataset (MDS). These were particulate organic matter C (POM-C), soil respiration from 4-day incubation (4d CO2), small macroaggregate (0.250-2mm)-associated C (SMA-C), surface hardness (PR15), microbial biomass N (MBN), and bulk density (BD). Measured values of the MDS indicators were transformed into unitless normalized scores (based on the regional range of the indicator), and finally integrated into WSHI scores using a weighted-addition approach. Additionally, the soil health gap (SHG) between the soil health of the regional reference system and different cropping systems was calculated. Results revealed that WSHI strongly differentiated soil health between long-term conservation and conventional managements practices. The WSHI scores for southeastern cropland soils varied as follows: VCNT = NTW > NT > NCNT ≥ NCCT ≥ MP. The SHGs under MP, NCCT, NCNT, NT, NTW, and VCNT were 85.5, 79.9, 68, 45.1, 25.2, and 24.3, respectively, relative to the average WSHI of three undisturbed systems. Results showed that the WSHI approach is effective in more meaningful regional assessment of soil health and SHG can be a potential metric for comparing soil health across agroecological regions.

A 4-year-old male child presented with complaints of abdominal pain and vomiting along with yellowish discoloration of the eyes. Investigations were suggestive of acute pancreatitis and double gall bladder (GB) with dilated common bile duct (CBD) with intraluminal calculi and Type II choledochal cyst. He underwent surgical resection of double GB with dilated CBD with hepatico-docho-jejunostomy. On follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic. Our case highlights the importance of preoperative diagnosis to deal with increased operative difficulty and complications.

Conducive civil-military relations (CMR) is essential for political stability, good governance, and the country's prosperity. However, there has been a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of this concept in some quarters in Nepal. The CMR is the relationship between the government and the military, especially the higher echelon of the officer corps, generally expressed as civilian control of the military. Good CMR is vital for national security and defence, which calls for organizing the military by balancing the societal and functional imperatives. While there are many existing theories in CMR, Nepal must focus on democratic civilian control as the country has embarked on a democratic political system. The features of democratic civilian control include division of authority between the state's organs and the military, parliamentary oversight, subordination of the military to civil society, and maintaining the credibility and accountability of the military. This qualitative study concludes that the MOD is a crossroads where military expertise and civilian legitimacy intersect and establish a power relationship between democratically-elected civilian representatives and the military. The civilians must have authority and capabilities in determining the military's policy issues, where the MOD and the legislatures must play an essential role in controlling and oversight the military. Specifically, the Parliamentary Defence Committee and the empowered Ministry of Defence must decide the military's size, roles, higher-level promotion, budget, procurement, and foreign relations.

The microalga Scenedesmus rotundus, isolated from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India was designated as Scenedesmus rotundus-MG910488 after morphological and molecular identification. In this study, the effects of various autotrophic growth media on the physiology and lipid accumulation of this microalga were investigated. The cell density, amount of photosynthetic pigments, the productivity of biomass and lipid content and the cell morphology of the microalga were shown to be significantly affected by the variation in growth media. The highest biomass of 754.56 ± 14.80 mg L−1 with biomass productivity of 37.73 ± 0.74 mg L−1 day−1 was achieved when this microalgae was cultivated in the Zarrouk’s medium, whereas the highest lipid content of 33.30 ± 1.21% was observed in the BG-11 medium. The results confirm that the BG-11 is a cost-effective and efficient growth medium for this microalga. It also shows that the ingredients of the growth medium and its concentration influence the growth and synthesis of biomolecules produced by microalga. The biodiesel produced from obtained lipids was qualitatively estimated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H, 13C NMR) and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), which indicate the presence of oleic acid methyl ester, linoleic acid methyl ester and palmitic acid methyl ester as the leading fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) in the samples, which make this strain an ideal feedstock for biodiesel production.

Soil Zn amended is an efficient agronomical Zn biofortification approach in rice. However, it is still need to know if higher rate of Zn over recommended dose can influence other essential nutrient uptake, high accumulation of Zn in soils and health risk for human consumption. This study was conducted by taking ten treatments (T1: control, T2: RDF, T3: RDF + 1.25 mg kg-1, T4: RDF + 2.5 mg kg-1, T5: RDF + 3.75 mg kg-1, T6: RDF + 5 mg kg-1, T7: RDF + 6.25 mg kg-1, T8: RDF + 7.5 mg kg-1, T9: RDF + 8.75 mg kg-1, T10: RDF + 10 mg kg-1) on hybrid rice in Zn (1.20 mg kg-1) enriched soil. The findings have shown that 6.25 mg kg-1 Zn application significantly increased crop growth and grain concentrations of N, K, Zn, Cu and Fe by 71.4, 125, 78.9, 28.5 and 2.4%, respectively. Nutrient harvest index was significantly affected by ranged between 29.1–36.4%. Application of Zn at 6.25 mg kg-1 (T7) recorded the highest Zn concentration in grain (28.2 mg kg-1) and bioavailability of the fortified Zn (2.05 mg Zn day-1). The lowest phytatic acid concentration in grain was recorded in T8 (RDF + Zn at 7.5 mg kg-1) and after that a significant increase was observed. Transfer coefficient was inversely behaving with Zn application and ranged between 6.03–18.0 grain. The average daily intake of Zn was ranged between 0.075–0.118 mg-1 kg-1 day. Across different treatments the Zn build-up factor, geo-accumulation index and soil enrichment factor was ranged between 0.98–4.90, -0.61–1.70 and 0.24–1.82, respectively in post-harvest soil. In conclusion, agronomic biofortification of Zn through soil applications at 6.25 mg Zn kg-1 was a sustainable way to improving growth and grain Zn, N, K, Cu and Fe uptake of hybrid rice to meet human recruitment.

Introduction: Soil organic matter (SOM) quality is the major driving force for nutrient cycles impacting the productivity of cropping systems. Identification of sensitive indicators and developing metrics to assess SOM quality is a major challenge under field conditions.Methods: Data from a continuing long-term experiment since 2005 at Modipuram, India, were analyzed with key objectives to 1) observe the long-term effect of vermicompost/crop residues alone or in conjunction with NPK chemical fertilizers on crop yield and quality of SOM, 2) identify and develop SOM quality indicators (SOMQI) by encompassing sensitive indicators, and 3) predict system productivity by using SOMQI under rice (Oryza sativa L.)–potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (RPW) and maize (Zea mays L.)–potato–onion (Allium cepa L.) (MPO) cropping systems. The treatments comprised of 100% NPK fertilizer; 100% N from vermicompost (N-VC); 50% NPK from fertilizer + 50% N from VC; 100% NPK from fertilizer + crop residue (CR); 100% N from VC + CR.Results: Results showed that continuous application of 100% N-VC and 100% N-VC+CR for eight years considerably increased the soil’s particulate organic matter carbon (POM-C), light fraction organic matter carbon (LFOM-C), and nitrogen (LFOM-N), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON), as well as the available N (AN), available P (AP) and available S (AS) over control. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified AN, POM-C, LFOM-C: N, and DON in RPW and AN, POM-C, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and LFOM-C: N in MPO cropping system as sensitive SOM quality indicators for the development of SOMQI. Under the MPO cropping system, results were more pronounced with 100% N-VC and 50% NPK+50% N-VC at 0–15 cm soil depth. Furthermore, at 15–30 cm depth, the effect was more prominent in 100% NPK + CR over other treatments.Discussion: Overall MPO cropping system exhibited better SOMQI than the RPW system. Rice, wheat, and maize yields increased significantly under different fertilizer treatments with organic or inorganic amendments. Substitution of fertilizer N with organic sources showed comparable yields obtained under 100% NPK treatment. Partial substitution of chemical fertilizers either by VC and/or CR enhanced the SOM quality and productivity under both cropping systems. The use of PCA-based SOMQI can be helpful in assessing SOM quality and predicting the productivity of cropping systems.

Background: The metacystode of tapeworm Echinococcus causes hydatid disease. Infection in man is mainly caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Surgical intervention to treat complicated hydatid cyst (HC) is different from uncomplicated HC. Aims and Objectives: The present study was performed with an aim to review 82 cases of pulmonary HCs and associated HCs in other locations. We analyze and evaluate our experience in the surgical treatment and complication. Materials and Methods: In a 10-year period, from August 1, 2005, to July 31, 2015; 82 patients were operated on in our hospital for HCs in pulmonary as well as other associated extrapulmonary locations. The diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical features and imaging studies supplemented by serological test. Surgical approach consisted of a posterolateral thoracotomy in all cases of thoracic HCs. For cysts in extrathoracic locations, either laparotomy or local excisions were performed. Results: Radical resections [lobectomy] were done in four cases, and conservative operations in the remaining. Post-operative complications occurred in 12 cases (14.63 %). We had two recurrences, three cases of prolonged air leak with bronchopleural fistula, two had atelectasis, and five wound infections. At 6 months follow-up, 97.56% of our patients were free of any recurrence. Conclusion: HCs of the lung are best treated with surgery. Even when associated with HCs in other locations in the body, surgery is considered the treatment of choice. When supplemented with long-term perioperative Albendazole therapy, the chance of recurrence is practically negligible.

By using systematically collected field survey data of 200 farmers and binary logistic regression, results of this study reveals that wheat farmers of Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, India are well-aware of changing climate and adjusting their farm practices to enhance climate resilience capacity. Farmers use their indigenous knowledge coupled with extension services provided by the government to diversify their occupation and cropping pattern as adaptation strategies. The Binary logistic regression results show that information on climate, access to institutional credit and having crop insurance motivate farmers to improved irrigation facilities. Further, farmers perceive that increase in temperature, decline in rainfall and water tables jointly change cropping pattern from the high water-intensive crop (wheat) to low water-intensive crop (chickpea) as a climate adaptation strategy. The study suggests developing a common platform for government services for the region. Community participation and regular training programmes in the sample villages are benefiting farmers to channelize their indigenous knowledge and optimize local resources, which leads to sustainable farming.

The belowground systems of trees have a major role in forest functioning through absorption of water and nutrient cycling. This study deals with the fine root dynamics including fine root biomass, necromass, production, turnover, and nutrient return in transitional Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) dominated sub-tropical forest ecosystems of Central Himalaya, India. Four sites namely, Site-1 (Kaladhungi), Site-2 (Fatehpur), Site-3 (Ranibagh), Site-4 (Amritpur) were selected in Sal forest within an elevational range between 405 and 580 m above sea level. The dominant and associated co-dominant species were selected from each site for the estimation of fine root dynamics by using sequential core and ingrowth core methods. The results revealed that the fine root biomass, necromass, and production were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by location, seasons, and soil properties. The fine root biomass and production decreased with increasing soil depth and also influenced by stand characteristics including tree density and basal area. The rainy season was most productive with maximum fine root biomass (507.37 kg ha–1) as well as fine root production (600.26 kg ha–1 season–1) in the dominant tree species S. robusta. Among the associated co-dominant tree species highest fine root biomass (330.48 kg ha–1) and fine root production (410.04 kg ha–1 season–1) was reported for Tectona grandis L. during the rainy season, while lowest fine root biomass (126.72 kg ha–1) and fine root production (195.59 kg ha–1 season–1) in the Glochidion velutinum Wight tree species during the winter season. Annual fine root production ranged from 460.26 to 1583.55 kg ha–1 yr –1, while turnover rate varied from 1.37 to 4.45 yr–1 across all the studied sites. The fine roots added carbon input of 154.38 to 564.20 kg ha–1 yr–1 and nitrogen input of 6.58 to 24.34 kg ha–1 yr–1 to the soil through annual flux. The study improves our understanding on fine root parameters under the influence of sites, soils and seasonal and spatial variation. The return of nutrients to the soil through fluxes from the roots illustrates the role of fine roots in carbon and nitrogen cycling of the forests and this potential can be harnessed to assess the long-term carbon and nitrogen pool estimations in forests and to plan and manage the forest ecosystems.

Objectives To determine association of biomarkers—high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), D-dimer, interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR)—at hospitalisation with outcomes in COVID-19.Design and Setting Tertiary-care hospital based prospective registry.Participants Successive virologically confirmed patients with COVID-19 hospitalised from April 2020 to July 2021 were prospectively recruited. Details of clinical presentation, investigations, management and outcomes were obtained.Primary and secondary outcome measures All biomarkers were divided into tertiles to determine associations with clinical features and outcomes. Primary outcome was all-cause deaths and secondary outcome was oxygen requirement, non-invasive and invasive ventilation, dialysis, duration of stay in ICU and hospital. Numerical data are presented in median and interquartile range (IQR 25–75). Univariate and multivariate (age, sex, risk factors, comorbidities, treatments) ORs and 95% CIs were calculated.Results 3036 virologically confirmed patients with COVID-19 were detected and 1251 hospitalised. Men were 70.0%, aged >60 years 44.8%, hypertension 44.1%, diabetes 39.6% and cardiovascular disease 18.9%. Median symptom duration was 5 days (IQR 4–7) and oxygen saturation 95% (90%–97%). Total white cell count was 6.9×109/L (5.0–9.8), neutrophils 79.2% (68.1%–88.2%), lymphocytes 15.8% (8.7%–25.5%) and creatinine 0.93 mg/dL (0.78–1.22). Median (IQR) for biomarkers were hsCRP 6.9 mg/dL (2.2–18.9), D-dimer 464 ng/dL (201–982), IL-6 20.1 ng/dL (6.5–60.4), LDH 284 mg/dL (220–396) and ferritin 351 mg/dL (159–676). Oxygen support at admission was in 38.6%, subsequent non-invasive or invasive ventilatory support in 11.0% and 11.6%, and haemodialysis in 38 (3.1%). 173 (13.9%) patients died and 15 (1.2%) transferred to hospice care. For each biomarker, compared with the first, those in the second and third tertiles had more clinical and laboratory abnormalities, and oxygen, ventilatory and dialysis support. Multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CI) for deaths in second and third versus first tertiles, respectively, were hsCRP 2.24 (1.11 to 4.50) and 12.56 (6.76 to 23.35); D-dimer 3.44 (1.59 to 7.44) and 14.42 (7.09 to 29.30); IL-6 2.56 (1.13 to 5.10) and 10.85 (5.82 to 20.22); ferritin 2.88 (1.49 to 5.58) and 8.19 (4.41 to 15.20); LDH 1.75 (0.81 to 3.75) and 9.29 (4.75 to 18.14); and NLR 3.47 (1.68 to 7.14) and 17.71 (9.12 to 34.39) (p

Information Technology (IT) has made rapid advancement since the turn of this century. Ergo the scope and extent of IT has also grown, resulting in increase in the number of internet users, who have differing reasons for using the IT resources. The users of this IT revolution include students worldwide; who interact with technology based on their needs, with relative ease and have found the whole experience enriching. Progress in IT has not only changed the way humans interact with technology but has also influenced the way of interaction between the people. The interaction online is mostly informal and comes without set guidelines and compounded with the relative anonymity provided by internet, also it has complicated an individual’s ability to interact in a respectful and responsible way. The problems relating to internet safety arise from such interactions. Flame wars and cyberbullying are some of the other risky behavioural interactions displayed online and can lead to severe consequences. The unethical use of IT resources in the form of plagiarism, piracy, identity theft etc also questions the moral of an individual. Whilst there may be some idea, multitude of issues regarding Netiquette and ethical use of IT resources are often poorly understood and the knowledge imparted is also fragmented. Moreover, contemporary educators are much in need of such information. Thus, there is a need to include and summarise current priority areas that relate to etiquette and ethics in digital education.

Himalayas with diverse topographical and ecological zones sustain diverse agroecosystems. Differences in precipitation regimes, cropping systems, land-use systems and availability of resources significantly affect energy flow within agroecosystems (AGEs) of the region. Thus, the present study was aimed to evaluate the energy use pattern and economic profitability of different sized agroecosystems (small, medium and large) along the altitudinal gradient [very low altitude (VLA), low altitude (LA), mid altitude (MA) and high altitude (HA)] of Central Himalaya, India. The sampling was carried out following random stratified design and total 108 agroecosystems (4 altitudes× 3 sizes × 3 replicates × 3 seasons) were assessed. Data collected on quantities of agricultural inputs and outputs were converted to energy values using standard energetic constants and monetary values on the basis of local market price. Low altitude agroecosystems predominantly support cereal + pulse based cropping systems while, high altitudes favour cash crop cultivation (vegetables). Significant variation (P < 0.05) in total input and output energy was observed seasonally, while differences were insignificant across sizes and altitudes. Irrespective of the sizes and seasons, farmyard manure (organic fertilizer) contributed major share of total energy inputs across all altitudes in the order: HA AGEs (66.7 %) > MA AGEs (66.1 %) > VLA AGEs (62.6 %) > LA AGEs (52.1 %). The share of non-renewable energy inputs (inorganic fertilizers and fuel) declined along altitudinal gradient as: LA (31.1 %) > VLA (26.9 %) > MA (12.5 %) > HA (11.8 %). Seasonally, highest net energy was recorded during rainy season (92286 M J ha−1 yr−1) followed by summer (68906 M J ha−1 yr−1) and winter (18686 M J ha−1 yr−1). The economic yield significantly increased with increasing altitude and was recorded maximum for large sized agroecosystems. Energy use efficiency (EUE) differed distinctly (P < 0.05) across seasons and was recorded maximum during rainy season (8) while, across sizes and altitudes it did not vary significantly. EUE did not reflect any definite pattern along altitudinal gradient [HA AGEs (3.84) > VLA AGEs (3.81) > LA AGEs (3.56) > MA AGEs (3.01)]. Benefit-cost ratios (BCR) differed significantly (P < 0.05) along altitudes and was maximum at VLA AGEs (5.27) however, differences were insignificant across sizes and seasons. From present study, it can be concluded that season and altitude had significant impact on the energetics and economic flow of the agroecosystems while, no marked differences were observed for size classes. High altitude agroecosystems were energetically efficient while, monetary wise very low altitude systems.

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of the conjoint application of sewage sludge (SS) and fertilizers on the yield of rice-wheat cropping system using a randomized block design. The grain yield ranged between 24.99 ± 4.24 to 66.32 ± 2.58 q ha-1 and 22.50 ± 0.55 to 50.37 ± 1.07 q ha-1 in Ist year grown rice and wheat, respectively. Among all the treatments, T3 (100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 30 t ha-1 SS) recorded a significantly highest grain yield of rice crop (66.32 and 63.37 q ha-1) and wheat crop (50.37 and 46.91 q ha-1) during 2015-16 and 2016-17 years, respectively. The straw yield in Ist rice and Ist wheat ranged between 55.11 to 81.22 q ha-1 and 35.86 to 56.62 q ha-1, whereas straw yield in IInd rice and IInd wheat were noticed between 48.42 to 79.31 q ha-1 and 30.45 to 52.32 q ha-1, respectively. The finding clearly shows that the application of SS significantly enhances the yield of rice-wheat crops, and could be an option to a sustainable use of SS. However, the precautionary measure should be followed before use. In addition, the application of SS also indicates the improvement in soil health and sustainability.

Coriaria nepalensis, a nitrogen-fixing actinorhizal shrub, is a prominent and successful colonizer of bare rocks and landslide affected degraded lands. Field experiments were conducted to determine the differences in biomass decomposition and nutrient release pattern of different plant parts of C. nepalensis using litter bag technique. Results showed that the leaves decomposed completely within 6 months while only 46.55% of the lateral roots were decomposed with slowest decomposition rate of 0.14% day–1. The decomposition rate was in the order: Leaves > Reproductive parts > Twigs (< 5 mm) > Twigs (> 5 mm) > Bark > Fine roots > Lateral roots. The decay rate coefficient was highest (0.003–0.014) for leaves and lowest (0.001–0.002) for lateral roots. During the decomposition cycle (364 days), overall increase was reported in nitrogen and phosphorus concentration, while potassium concentration decreased continuously in residual litters. The nutrient mobility was in the order: K > P > N. Climatic factors like temperature, relative humidity and rainfall significantly affected the decomposition process and among these factors, rainfall pattern emerged as a most effective environmental driver. Thus, taking into account initial nutrient content, nutrient release and decay rates, the leaves and reproductive parts of C. nepalensis proved to be more important as nutrient source than other components.

An integrated forage-legume cropping system has immense potential to address the issue of land degradability. It provides a critical understanding of the capacity of diversified species mixes vs. monocultures to boost forage production and the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and phosphorus (P). In this study, we assessed the performance of Napier Bajra Hybrid (NBH) (Pennisetum glaucum × P. purpureum) + cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and tri-specific hybrid (TSH) (P. glaucum × P. purpureum × P. squamulatum) + cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) as compared to monocultures of NBH and TSH. The legume equivalent yield of NBH + cowpea and TSH + cluster bean intercropping systems were found −31% and −23% higher than monoculture systems. The SOC increased by −5% in the NBH + cowpea system as compared to NBH monoculture. The carbon mineralization rates under NBH + cowpea and TSH + cluster bean were −32% and −38% lower than the NBH and TSH monoculture cropping systems, respectively. It was found that the legume intensification with the forage significantly improved the soil’s P status. The research suggested that coalescing diverse crops (e.g., grass and legume) poses enormous potential for sustaining soil health and productivity in semi-arid regions of India. This study advances the research on characterizing the crucial factors of grass-legume-based cropping systems and helps in assessing the impact of these factors on long-term sustainability.

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is used in Blockchain Technology to authenticate the entities and to ensure the integrity of the blockchain. Proper Protection of Bitcoin wallet is required for private keys, seeds and keys stored in external hardware in Blockchain infrastructure. In this paper, overview of Blockchain, analysis of existing PKI for Blockchain and key management for Blockchain wallet are discussed. To achieve the confidentiality of sensitive records over the Blockchain network, a Group Key Management scheme for secure group communication is also proposed.

Introduction: Hip fractures are common injuries contributing to both morbidity and mortality in the elderly. The present case–control study was conducted to assess the epidemiological profile of hip fractures and their risk factors in a tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective case–control study carried out in a tertiary care hospital over a period of 1 year. Fifty patients aged 40 years and above who were admitted with radiologically detected fractures of the femur were included as cases. Controls were selected in an equal number of cases. All the physiological parameters were recorded. Other variables were also noted. Data were collected and analyzed using the SPSS software version 21.0. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The study population consisted of 50 cases and 50 controls with an equal male-female ratio. Out of 25 cases in males, 68% were extracapsular and 32% were intracapsular fractures. Out of 25 cases in females, 60% were extracapsular and 40% were intracapsular fractures. The extracapsular (24%) and intracapsular (16%) fractures were maximum in the age group of 40–50 years in males. The extracapsular fractures (28%) and intracapsular (16%) were maximum in the age group of 60–70 years in females. Fractures taking place indoors due to loss of balance were higher (38%). Fractures occurring outdoors due to slip higher (22%). The history of weight loss in the past year was more in cases (44%). Cases were more inactive (46%) in the past than controls. Cases were more inactive (34%) in the past than controls. History of chronic diseases such as diabetes was more in cases (14%), and hypertension was more in controls than cases. History of drug uses as some sought of medication was more in cases (52%) than controls, and usage of drugs for hypertension and calcium tablets was more in controls than cases. Addiction to smoking was more in cases, and alcohol was more in controls. Conclusion: Our study concluded that in males, extracapsular fractures were more, and in females, intracapsular fractures were more. The extracapsular and intracapsular fractures were maximum in the age group of 40–50 years in males. The extracapsular fractures and intracapsular were maximum in the age group of 60–70 years in females. Fractures taking place indoors due to loss of balance were higher. Fractures occurring outdoors due to slip was higher.

Biodiesel is a promising option instead of fossil energy, particularly when non-edible feedstocks are utilized in the production process. To limit the environmental effects of biodiesel production, the production method should be properly chosen and the process variables should be optimized. Ultrasound-based biodiesel synthesis using waste cottonseed cooking oil (WCCO) is significant process. It requires less reaction time and is a highly energy-efficient process. This work focused on a comparison and analysis of optimization results using response surface methodology (RSM) based box-behnken design (BBD) and full factorial design (FFD) methods for a biodiesel production from waste cottonseed cooking oil (WCCO) catalyzed by KOH via an ultrasound (US) based transesterification process and also described the benefits to the environment caused by ultrasound method for producing biodiesel. For optimization of the biodiesel yield following parameters are considered: methyl alcohol: oil ratio (molar ratio) (A), KOH wt % (B), process temperature (C) and found to be methyl alcohol: oil molar ratio: 6:1, KOH wt %: 0.50% reaction temperature: 50 °C, with the process biodiesel yield: 98%. Quadratic polynomial equations are obtained by analyzing experimental values for transesterification reaction. The impact of these parameters on biodiesel yield is inspected and analyzed by different plots. The process variables optimized for biodiesel yield were in a good match for BBD and FFD method.

Coriaria nepalensis is one of the shrubs which have the ability to mitigate the frequency of perilous natural events or natural calamities. This paper elucidates the nutrient dynamics of C. nepalensis shrublands in degraded hills of Kumaun Himalaya. The average nutrient concentration (N, P, and K) in aboveground components of C. nepalensis was in the following order: Foliage > Twigs > Branches > Bole wood, whereas in belowground components the order was: Fine roots > Lateral roots > Stump root. The order of contribution to total nutrient storage in vegetation was: Tree > Herbs > Shrubs. The proportion of nutrients stored in the shrub layer was in the order: N > K > P. The soil stored a maximum proportion of nutrients at each site (79.48–87.54% N, 70.47–87.88% P, 74.33–88.27% K). Maximum nutrient storage in soil and vegetation was recorded for site 3 (Barapatthar) and minimum for site 1 (Pines). The uptake of N, P, and K by vegetation ranged from 428 to 1,353 kg ha–1 yr–1, 32–102 kg ha–1 yr–1, and 109–479 kg ha–1 yr–1, respectively. In the present study, the turnover time was 1.06–1.33 years for N, 1.03–1.15 years for P, and 1.02–1.13 years for K. Compartment models reflect the distribution of nutrients and net annual flux that will help to develop the management plan to maintain the fertility and productiveness of the degraded sites.

Background: Opioids commonly used as adjuvant anaesthetics during spinal anesthesia, are favored technique for lower limb surgeries. Nalbuphine is an opioid adjuvant that acts as antagonist at μ-receptors and agonist at k-receptors that work reasonably potent analgesia. In this study we compare the efficacy of epidural Fentanyl with bupivacaine versus Epidural Nalbuphine with Bupivacaine for post-operative pain relief in lower limb surgeries. Methods: Altogether 80 patients of lower limb surgeries were randomly allocated into two groups. 40 patients in Group I (Inj. 0.5% Bupivacaine (H) 2.5ml + Inj. Fentanyl 25mcg (0.5ml) and 40 patients in Group II (Inj. 0.5% Bupivacaine (H) 2.5ml+ Inj. Nalbuphine 5mg (0.5ml). Age of patients ranged from 18-65 years of age and male:female ratio in the present study was 1: 0.5. Patients in both the above groups were comparable on age, gender, anthropometric variables, and baseline hemodynamic variables. Results: In the study the mean age (36.30±14.10) of group II was comparatively more than the group I (33.88±9.42) while the mean weight (61.80±11.33) of group II was also comparatively more than group I mean weight (53.80±15.59). And the mean value of duration of surgery for the group I was (112.93±12.22) while it was (110.63±10.26) for group II. A significant difference was found in weight. The intergroup comparison of level of motor blockade where in group I the level of motor blockade was (65.0%) at 2 min (B/S-1) while in group II level of blockade (70.0%) at 2 min (B/S-1) after that from 8 min to 130 min it was (100%). The level of sensory blockade of group I (72.5%) at 2 min while it was (72.5%) at 6 min after that it was NA from 8 min to 130 min and in the group II level of sensory blockade (50.0%) at 2 min and (50.0%) at 8 min after that it was (100%) from 10 min to 130 min. During Intergroup Comparison of VAS significant differences was found at 30 min and 480 min. Conclusion: Nalbuphine when compared to Fentanyl is almost safe and hemodynamically stable drug that can be used as an adjuvant in combined spinal epidural anesthesia with similar safety profile as for Fentanyl.

The present study tries to analyse the status of food security, along with its various components, such as food availability, accessibility, and stability with the help of a multidimensional index across districts of Rajasthan, India based on an indicator approach. The QGIS mapping computer application and quintile method were used to map districts into low, medium, high, and very high categories. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was applied to find out the significant determinants of food security and its respective components. The results confirm that there is a wide range of inequalities in terms of food security and its components of availability, accessibility, and stability across districts. It was found that the Ganganagar district (0.407) was rated the most food-secure district due to relatively higher food stability (0.401) in the Rajasthan state. On the contrary, lower food availability (0.084) and accessibility (0.183) contributed to the lowest food security in the Dungarpur district. Moreover, districts associated with dry regions are highly vulnerable and relatively less food secure compared to districts having surface irrigation facilities. Hence, the study recommends; diversification from farm to non-farm activities; sufficient storage capacity to control price fluctuations throughout the year, formulation and dissemination of climate-resilient technologies; investment in infrastructure, promotion of water management, conservation technologies, regulation and replenishment of groundwater in rural areas for augmenting cropping intensity; district-specific policies to arrest food insecurity; and strengthening the coverage of rural employment programme, i.e. MGNREGA.

Abstract Background Advanced stage operable cancers of larynx are treated with total laryngectomy including thyroid resection in most of the cases, which may expose patient to hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. The requirement of thyroidectomy during Total Laryngectomy is controversial. Methods A cross sectional observational study was set out to review preoperative clinical and radiological assessment; intraoperative and histopathological findings; and follow-up data to predict thyroid gland invasion in the setting of squamous cell carcinoma of the Larynx. Results 11 (16%) out of 69 patients had thyroid gland involvement on histopathological examination with mean age 63 years. Out of these 11 cases, 8 (72%) underwent primary total laryngectomy. 90% patients with thyroid gland involvement were male. 9 cases with thyroid gland involvement were staged as T4a preoperatively. Conclusion Invasion of thyroid gland by laryngeal cancer is uncommon. Unnecessary hemithyroidectomies lead to hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. The study points out the clear indications of thyroid excision in patients undergoing total laryngectomy. We can suggest that total thyroidectomy should be done with total laryngectomy in cases which have gross clinical, radiological or intraoperative thyroid gland involvement, subglottic extension and thyroid cartilage invasion. This can save the patients from the brunt of unnecessary morbid hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism.

Introduction: Automated blood pressure (BP) monitor is widely used to assess the blood pressure (BP) of the study subjects in community-based researches. This study aims at the detection of hypertension by automated BP device and examines the concordance and validity between automated and mercury-free LED BP devices. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the tribal state of Jharkhand in India from January 2017 to June 2017. A total of 300 study participants aged more than 18 years were enrolled in this study. BP of the patients in the sitting position was measured three times each by automated device and mercury-free LED BP device. The different sets of readings were assessed by concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and other validity measures. Results: The CCC for systolic and diastolic BP measured by automated and mercury-free LED BP is 0.88 and 0.85, respectively. The mean difference between systolic and diastolic BP by both the instruments is statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of automated BP devices to predict hypertension is 96.61%, 92.21%, 75%, 99%, and 93%. The area under ROC for systolic and diastolic BP is 0.984 and 0.97, respectively with P values < 0.0001 in both the cases. Conclusions: This study concluded that the overall automated BP machine has fair degree of agreement (CCC) with a manual BP device. The validity of this monitor to screen hypertension may also be considered in field settings.

In the present study, six media were standardized to investigate their suitability for on-farm arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) production by examining their physical condition and nutrient status which could be a major determinant of AMF propagule in the final product. The experiment was conducted with Sorghum as a host plant which was inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizoglomus intraradices. Solirite alone recorded 4.66–24.66% higher root colonization than other medium while for spore density in per g of finished product, solirite and red soil mixture (106.33) was found superior followed by solirite and biochar mixture (94.33) and solirite alone (83), respectively, and lowest in soil medium (63 to 74). Moreover, spore density and root colonization were significantly and positively correlated (R2 = 0.583, P

A two-year field experiment was conducted in 2017–19 to assess the growth and yield performance of rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) as influenced by conjoint application of treated sewage sludge (TSS) and chemical fertilizer at Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. The treatments comprised control, 100% RDF [recommended dose of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)], 100% RDF +20 t/ha TSS, 100% RDF +30 t/ha TSS, 50% RDF +20 t/ha TSS, 60% RDF+20 t/ha TSS, 70% RDF +20 t/ha TSS, 50% RDF +30 t/ha TSS, 60% RDF +30 t/ha TSS, 70% RDF +30 t/ha TSS. The experiment was laidout in randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that higher growth, yield attributes and yield of rice and wheat were recorded under 100% RDF with 20 t/ha and 30 t/ha TSS as compared to 100% RDF alone. However, 70% RDF+ 30 t/ha TSS had given equivalent or higher yield as compared to 100% RDF in RWCS. Conjoint application of TSS along with chemical fertilizer i.e. 70% RDF with 20 t/ha and 30 t/ha TSS provided higher yield advantage without any harmful/negative impact on soil system and could be recommended as potential organic amendment for sustainable agricultural production system.

This study examined forest structure, composition, and regeneration patterns of two sites, Tolma-Lata-Raini (TLR) and Bhyundar-Ghangaria (BG). Both sites are located within the temperate zone along the altitudinal gradient between 2,800 to 3,400 m asl of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) in the Western Himalayan Region of India. We recorded a total of 223 species of vascular plants (Angiosperm, Gymnosperm, and Pteridophytes) within the study area. Of the recorded species, plants within the family Rosaceae were dominant (17.69%), followed by Asteraceae (14.97%) and Ranunculaceae (12.93%). Betula utilis had the highest tree density (724 and 324 individuals ha-1) and species cover (44% and 36%) at both TLR and BG sites, followed by Pinus wallichiana (24%) and Cedrus deodara (15%), respectively. In BG site, 56% of tree species showed fair regeneration (i.e., seedling density > sapling density ≤ adult density), 22% good (i.e., seedling density > sapling density > adult tree density), 11% exhibited poor (i.e., species survived only in the sapling stage but not in the seedling stage), and the remaining (11%) indicated no regeneration. Comparatively, at TLR site, 40% of the tree species showed fair regeneration, 40% good, and the remaining 20% showed no regeneration. Across the two sites, species richness and diversity significantly decreased as the altitudinal gradient increased. Vegetation structure and soil properties also revealed differences between the southern and northern aspects. The baseline information generated in this study is helpful in designing effective conservation and management measures for these ecologically sensitive and important ecosystems. To effectively monitor changes in vegetation structure, species composition, and regeneration, we suggest that permanent vegetation plots with meteorological stations be established across the region for long-term monitoring of forest dynamics in response to the changing climate and anthropogenic pressures.

Abstract Tillage and nitrogen (N) application influence soil‐chemical properties and crop productivity. In a long‐term (76‐yr) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow system in northeast Oregon, we assessed the effects of tillage (subsurface‐sweep, sweep; offset‐disk, disk; and moldboard plow, plow) and N application rates (0, 90, and 180 kg N ha−1) on soil organic matter (SOM), soil‐chemical properties in 0‐to‐30‐cm soil profile, and wheat yields. Sweep and disk exhibited more pronounced vertical gradient in soil chemical properties within the 0‐to‐30‐cm soil profile than plow due to shallow soil mixing. Across N rates, at 0‐to‐10‐cm depth, sweep and disk had lower pH (0.60), calcium (Ca; 0.32 g kg−1), magnesium (Mg; 83 mg kg−1), and estimated cation exchange capacity (CECe; 1.8 cmol kg−1), but higher SOM (9 g kg−1) and aluminum (Al; 26 mg kg−1) than plow. Below 10 cm, plow had lower pH (0.67–0.83), Ca (0.29–0.31 g kg−1), and CECe (1.7–1.8 cmol kg−1), but higher Al (13–16 mg kg−1) than disk and/or sweep. Across tillage treatments and depths, pH, Ca, Mg, and CECe generally decreased, whereas phosphorus, potassium, and Al increased with increasing N rates. Wheat yields increased by 14% from N application but did not differ between 90 and 180 kg N ha−1. Sweep and disk produced 9% less wheat yield than plow. Long‐term N application and grain removal of basic cations resulted in surface soil acidification under sweep and disk, which if not remedied, can decrease wheat productivity in this region.

Appropriate phosphorus (P) management techniques increase yield and nutritional properties while minimizing environmental concerns. The widespread use of nano-fertilizers (NFs) in agriculture endangers soil and plants. It is vital to research the behavior of nano-phosphors (nano-P) on plant growth and quality, as well as their technique of interaction with soil properties in order to obtain key ecosystem benefits. With this in mind, a field experiment was conducted using wheat as a test crop to explore the impact of nano phosphorus (nano-P) on soil. The study’s goal was to examine how the foliar application of nano-P to wheat affects its growth, yield and nutrient concentration. Treatments consisted of: T1: 100% NPK (120:137:72 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha−1) by RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer); T2: 100% NPK by RDF + 2 foliar sprays of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha−1; T3: 100% NK + 0% P (no foliar); T4: 100% NK + 75% P + 2 foliar sprays of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha−1; T5: 100% NK + 50% P + 2 foliar sprays of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha−1;T6: 100% NK + 0% P + 2 foliar sprays of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha−1; T7: 100% NPK by RDF + 1 foliar spray of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha−1; T8: 100% NK + 75% P + 1 foliar spray of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha−1; T9: 100% NPK + 1 foliar spray of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha−1; T10-100% NK + 75% P + 1 foliar spray of nano-P @ 494.21 mL ha−1. According to the findings, applying 100% NK + 75% P + 2 foliar applications of nano-P at the tillering and panicle initiation stages increased yield over 100% RDF by 37.1%. Additionally, the highest micronutrient concentration (Zn (36.4 mg kg−1), Cu (21.2 mg kg−1), Mn (22.9 mg kg−1) and Fe (61.1 mg kg−1)) in grain were noticed in T3 (100% NK + 0% P no foliar spray of nano-P) treatment, which was superior to T1 (100% NPK). Furthermore, foliar application of nano-P fertilizer in combination with different levels of diammonium phosphate (DAP) slightly increased the amount of N, P and K, as well as micronutrients in post-harvest soil. In summary, the use of 100% NK + 75% + 2 foliar applications of nano-P saved 25% recommendation dose P if supplied as nano-P as a form of phosphorus, and can be a suitable substitute for DAP, especially in smart agriculture, as it possibly reduces P leaching into groundwater, while maintaining or increasing wheat crop yield over the 100% RDF.

Ceramic pellets of (Ba _1−k Ca _k )(Zr _1−z Ti _z )O _3, (k = 0.140–0.160, z = 0.9) were prepared via solid-state reaction technique followed by double sintering. The impedance measurements were carried out at different temperatures and frequencies (12–1000 kHz). The NTCR nature exhibits the semiconducting behavior of the prepared BCZT ceramics in the measured temperature range. The temperature also has a considerable impact on the relaxing process. The characteristics of Nyquist plots show that bulk and grain boundary effects exist in BCZT ceramics. The bulk conductivity indicates an Arrhenius-type thermally activated process. The observed impedance spectra, relaxation behavior, and AC conductivity of the prepared compositions of BCZT ceramics will extend the possibilities for using this compound in various optoelectronic applications.

Clay–organic complexes (COC) impart chemical and physical protection to soil carbon (C). In the present study, the aim was to assess the long-term effects of different organic amendments on C stability in COC, distribution of the aggregates, C concentration in the aggregates and labile organic C fractions in the inceptisols located at the research farm situated in the semi-arid sub-tropical climate of India. The results showed that the COC, the percentage of large macroaggregates (LMA) (>2 mm) and the C associated with the aggregates decreased through the soil depths, whereas the other size fractions of soil aggregates (min), glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), macroaggregate (MA)-associated C and rice equivalent yield (REY). Overall, the data suggest that the combined application of FYM + GM + BF promotes soil quality under rice–wheat rotation in inceptisols in semi-arid sub-tropical India.