Western Part Of India Research Articles

The pattern of animal bites in a tertiary hospital of west India

The animal bite is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and the prevalence is high in India. The present study was undertaken with the aim to analyze the pattern of animal bites in a tertiary hospital of west India and to provide a valuable piece of information to reduce the incidence. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the forensic medicine department of a tertiary hospital of Gujarat in India. The prevalence of animal bites in our study was higher (4.9%) and the majority of the victims were Hindu males belonging to the younger age group of 21–40 years. The snake bite (40.75%) was the leading cause of animal bite, followed by the cases of unknown animal bite (36.23%), scorpion bite (10.94%) and insect bite (5.65%). The outcome of animal bite cases in the hospital during treatment shows that almost half (49.43%) of the cases of animal bites were discharged after successful treatment. This study provides relevant information and data about the animal bites and associated risk factors in the western part of India, which can be used for the prevention and control of the animal bites.

Examining Traffic Operations at Multi-Legged Intersection Operating under Heterogeneous Traffic: A Case Study in India

An intersection is a critical component of any road network, where traffic from different approaches merges and diverges. These merging and diverging traffic movements affect traffic operations and safety significantly. Different traffic management measures and control strategies and necessary geometric improvements are suggested to optimize traffic operations at a given intersection. It is also more prudent to assess the effectiveness of potential strategies towards improvement using simulation at first before certain appropriate strategies/alternatives are finally selected for on-field implementation. Kamrej intersection, a multi-legged junction in Surat, located in the western part of India, is taken as a case study. Traffic data such as traffic volume counts and spot speeds are used to generate and calibrate the present field condition (base model) using PTV-VISSIM software. The calibrated model is then validated using vehicle-class-wise average travel time for each traffic movement (straight and turning) and traffic flow during peak hours. Average delay is used as a measure to assess the effectiveness of selected potential traffic management alternatives. When different demand management scenarios are assessed, it is found that delays for straight and right movements can be reduced substantially, contributing towards improvement in efficiency and traffic operations at selected intersections. The current approach holds promise, thereby contributes to improving traffic operations at selected multi-legged intersections.

English

Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus usually found in the few regions of West Bengal and Assam, the Gangetic Plains, western parts of India, and sporadically from southern and few northern Indian states.1 Humans are infected by inhalation of microconidia and mycelial fragments of H. capsulatum. 2 It commonly infects immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS, transplant patients and patients receiving immunosuppressive agents). In immunocompromised patients, it presents as nonspecific symptoms such as fever of unknown origin, weight loss, oral and aphthous ulcers, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly.3 Here, we are reporting a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompromised patient.

Emergence of ceftriaxone resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in Eastern India

In view of widespread isolation of fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi globally, third generation cephalosporins (ceftriaxone) are used as alternative drugs for treatment of typhoid fever in recent years. But reports on emergence of third generation cephalosporin resistant S. Typhi have been documented from various countries including India posing threat in future use of this drug for typhoid treatment. Here, we report on genomic analysis of a third generation cephalosporin resistant S. Typhi strain isolated for the first time from Eastern India, Kolkata during 2019. The study strain was phenotypically resistant to ceftriaxone, ampicillin. Whole genome sequencing revealed the presence of conjugative IncX3 plasmid carrying blaSHV-12 gene on it. The study strain belongs to H58 haplotype (4.3.1.2) and ST1 type. Comparison of phylogenetic analysis of the study strain with other cephalosporin resistant S. Typhi strains across the world revealed that three strains isolated from Western part of India during 2016 were its closest neighbours. Hence close monitoring of cephalosporin resistant S. Typhi strains are of great importance to control the furure use of this antibiotic for the treatment of typhoid fever.

Four decades of epidemiological data reveal trajectories towards malaria elimination in Kheda district (Gujarat), western part of India

BackgroundMalaria is a main public health problem in India and was so particularly in the state of Gujarat in the western part of the country. This study assesses the effects...

Drought detection and declaration in India

Drought is a complex, multifaceted, and one of the most widespread natural disasters causing an economic loss of billions of dollars. Drought declaration is crucial since it signifies the beginning of states's response to drought. India's current drought management policy is specified in the Manual for Drought Management 2016. While the manual provides comprehensive guidelines to states and regional Drought Monitoring Centres (DMC's) for monitoring and declaration of droughts, assessing the current drought detection framework and its suitability in different regions has been lacking. Using gridded products of precipitation, soil moisture, and remote sensing indicators, we examine the differences between detected and declared droughts for all the districts in India during the 2000–2017 period. Comparison of detected and declared droughts show a higher probability of detection (POD) in central India. In contrast, lower POD was found in regions of high drought susceptibility like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Large differences between the detected and declared droughts were identified in the irrigated regions of Punjab and Gangetic Plain. The use of Solar-induced chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) instead of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a remote sensing indicator improved drought detection (based on POD and false alarm ratio, FAR) in central and western parts of India. The framework specified in the drought manual detects most of the major droughts that affected a large part of the country. However, regional droughts in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka are frequently missed. Finally, we highlight the limitations in the existing drought monitoring framework and opportunities for its enhancement.

Accuracy Assessment of Different Open-Source Digital Elevation Model Through Morphometric Analysis for a Semi-arid River Basin in the Western Part of India

Accuracy Assessment of Different Open-Source Digital Elevation Model Through Morphometric Analysis for a Semi-arid River Basin in the Western Part of India

Estimation of optimum geometric configuration of mine dumps in Wardha valley coalfields in India: a case study

The Wardha valley coalfields, situated in the western part of India, contribute to more than 7% of the national coal production. The open-pit mining methods are the modes of exploitation of coal in the majority of the mines in the area. Due to the increased depth of working and higher stripping ratio, the output of waste overburden is increased. The challenges are the scarcity of the available land for dumping waste overburden geo-material safely. Optimization of the mine dump slope geometry is the only available alternative in the hands of the management in order to increase the life of the projects and continue the production of coal. This investigation specifically addresses this issue, and proposes a combination of the optimum geometric configurations of the dump slope. This work utilizes the computational power of the numerical modeling technique in order to solve a large number of alternatives and zero them down to the optimum combination. The numerical modeling is considered as a major external factor that contributes to the mine dump's instability. This work shows an 18% increase in the dumping waste material volume in the present condition. This investigation also reveals that double stage dumping is comparably better in optimizing the dump slope configuration.

Carbon reservoir perturbations induced by Deccan volcanism: Stable isotope and biomolecular perspectives from shallow marine environment in Eastern India.

The Deccan Traps in Western India is hypothesized to have caused significant fluctuations in climatic condition and organic matter (OM) productivity across the Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary (K/PgB). The periodic release of large amounts of volatiles into the atmosphere is thought to drive these changes. Yet, direct impact of volcanism on the carbon cycle and ecosystem remains relatively unconstrained. For the first time, we attempt to trace changes in both marine and terrestrial carbon reservoirs from pre- and intervolcanic sedimentary units (infra- and inter-trappeans respectively) from Rajahmundry, ~1500km SE of main eruption sites in Western India. Molecular level characterization of OM and stable isotope composition of carbonates (δ13 Ccarb ), bulk OM (δ13 Corg ), and n-alkane (δ13 Calk and δDalk ) have been analysed to provide a chemo-stratigraphic framework. In Rajahmundry, high CO2 concentration estimated from infra-trappean carbonate nodule is synchronous with the onset of the Deccan Traps and the Late Maastrichtian warming episode. Impact of the warming event is reflected in Rajahmundry from a major shift in the terrestrial ecosystem. Marine OM production also seems to have been low throughout the infra-trappean. A steady decrease in δ13 Ccarb values, increase in mortality rates and dwarfism in invertebrates immediately below the first volcanic units in Rajahmundry suggest stressed conditions from eruption in the western part of India ~40-60kyrs prior to K/PgB. A significant increase in heterotrophic activity is observed after the volcanic deposits in Rajahmundry that seems to have controlled the marine carbon reservoir for a maximum of ~200kyrs after the boundary. Advent of pteridophytes, increase in carbon content and positive shifts in δ13 Ccarb and δ13 Calk values in the upper inter-trappean units mark the onset of recovery in terrestrial and marine environments. Overall, our results suggest significant perturbations in the carbon reservoir as a consequence of the Deccan eruption.

Exploration of Encapsulated Modified Psyllium Husk for Preparation of Probiotic Basundi

Background: The dairy industry is one of the largest industries in India. The exports were made to 105 countries in the world. Dairy production is one of the major sustenance factors for the rural economy of India. Notably, India ranks first in Isabgol production (98%) and is the sole supplier of seeds and husk in the international market. Among medicinal plants, Isabgol is the first ranked foreign exchange earner for the country. India is the largest producer and the main supplier of seed and husk to the world market. It contains a significant number of proteins and husk yields colloidal mucilage which are valued for medicinal application and is used in Ayurveda, unani and allopathic systems of medicines. It is the main constituent of a number of laxative preparations. The psyllium is high in soluble fibre content with detoxing effect over digestive system makes it a very apt nutraceutical. Basundi is one of the heats desiccated indigenous products popular in Western part of India, mostly Maharashtra and Gujarat. It can be classified in the condensed milk group along with rabri, khoa, mithai and kheer and can be considered similar to sweetened condensed whole milk. Methods: The present investigation indicates utilization of encapsulated lactic acid bacteria culture (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus) and modified psyllium husk for the preparation of probiotic basundi. The prepared probiotic basundi was analyzed for sensorial, physicochemical and microbial quality parameters. Probiotic basundi was prepared from 1000 ml of milk, 90 gm sugar, 02-03 pieces of cardamom, saffron and encapsulated LAB culture having (107, 108 and 109 cfu/gm containing equal proportions of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) with 0.65 per cent hydrochloric acid modified psyllium husk. The probiotic basundi was then stored at refrigerated conditions at 4°C for 08 hrs. Result: The organoleptic evaluation of probiotic basundi was carried out. As per the score of hedonic scale, basundi with encapsulated 10 per cent probiotic culture (109 cfu/gm) with 0.65 per cent hydrochloric acid modified psyllium husk had shown maximum consumer acceptability (8.3) among all samples.

Impact of Indian Summer Monsoon Change on Ancient Indian Civilizations During the Holocene

A large part of South Asia receives rainfall mainly during the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) season of the year (Jun–Sep). The socioeconomic conditions of most of the developing countries in this region largely depend on the ISM rains. It also played important roles in rise and collapse of ancient civilizations in this region. However, the influence of the ISM on Indian ancient civilizations has not yet been fully explored though there were some attempts to correlate monsoon variation with their rise and fall. For example, in the mid to late Holocene period, Indus Valley or Harappan Civilization flourished in the western part of India from its early development, through its urbanization and eventual transformation into a rural society. Probably a prolonged decrease in the ISM rainfall caused the decline in the urban phase of the Indus Civilization around the 4.2 kyr BP global climate event. Another well-recorded early Holocene global climate event is the 8.2 kyr BP cooling event which also reportedly influenced ISM significantly, but its impact on human settlement is not clear in this region. The present study is a comprehensive review of the archaeological and climatological researches carried out on the role of ISM variability on the rise and fall of ancient Indian civilizations for the most part of the ongoing interglacial period, the Holocene. The review covers the studies on the period of the last 10 kyr as evidence suggests that human settlement and cultural developments in this region started around the beginning of this period. We have noted that the existing studies are mostly restricted to vague qualitative analysis of the weakening/strengthening of the ISM, and researches related to quantitative estimations of changes of the monsoon strengths and durations of drought events that caused collapse of civilizations are limited. Therefore, in the present analysis, emphasis has also been given on the requirement of estimating the absolute changes that might have caused cultural shifts. Some possible ways to quantitatively estimate the changes of some climate parameters are discussed.

A Remote Sensing and GIS Integrated Study on Assessment of Change in Land Use and Loss of Agricultural Land due to Urbanization – A Case Study of Nashik City

Abstract: Urbanization may be a process having a serious impact ashore use characteristics. Basically, as an impression of urbanization, the world is observed with rapid change within the land use character of agricultural land. Generally, the agricultural land is employed for various development activities like industrial establishments, residential colonies and other urban infrastructure during the method of urbanization. it's necessary to possess a periodical assessment of land use change for the developing populated area , which helps to make a decision the longer term expansion strategies for the world. Nashik city is located in the state of Maharashtra in the western part of India. It is one of the most dynamic cities of India with a rapid growth rate due to migration from various parts of Maharashtra. The Nashik city is presently spread over an area of 264.15 sq. km. with a periodical increase in municipal corporation boundary during the last few decades. As a result of urbanization and expansion of municipal corporation limits, the city has undergone drastic changes in land use character. In this study, land-use change is quantified for the existing six zones of Nashik city during the last 30 years using remote sensing and GIS. The study has analysed the relationship between urban expansion and the loss of agricultural land because of an increase in a built-up area and other land use. The study present excellent scenario for land use change during the year 1991, 2001, 2011 and 2020. This can surely guide the development strategies for the study area of Nashik. Also the study can be extended for conducting a suitability analysis to assess future change of land use based on various criteria. Keywords: Land use, Remote sensing, GIS, Supervised classification, Urbanization, Agricultural land loss

OCTO SCM: assessment of determinants of seaport logistics for the export supply chain of agricultural products

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes of this paper are as follows: to understand the context of seaport logistics and supply chain design structure, to apply Monte Carlo simulation in the interface of the supply chain and to analyze the Monte Carlo simulation algorithm and statistical techniques for identifying the key seaport logistics factors. Case overview/synopsis It was 9:00 p.m. on November 10, 2020, and Nishadh Amonkar, the CEO of OCTO supply chain management (SCM) was glued to the television watching the final cricket match of the Indian Premier League, 2020. Amonkar’s mobile phone rang and it was a call from Vinod Nair, a member Logistics Panel of Ranji Industries Federation. Nair informed Amonkar that it was related to the rejection of several export consignments of agricultural products from Ranji (in the western part of India). The rejection was due to the deterioration in the quality of the exported agricultural products during transit from Ranji to various locations in Europe. Complexity academic level This course is suitable at the MBA level for the following courses: Operations research (Focus/Session: Applications on Monte Carlo Simulation). SCM (Focus/Session: Global SCM, Logistics Planning, Distribution Network). Logistics management (Focus/Session: Transportation Planning). Business statistics (Focus/Session: Application of Hypothesis Testing). Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and logistics.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike Mutations, L452R, T478K, E484Q and P681R, in the Second Wave of COVID-19 in Maharashtra, India.

As the global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic expands, genomic epidemiology and whole genome sequencing are being used to investigate its transmission and evolution. Against the backdrop of the global emergence of “variants of concern” (VOCs) during December 2020 and an upsurge in a state in the western part of India since January 2021, whole genome sequencing and analysis of spike protein mutations using sequence and structural approaches were undertaken to identify possible new variants and gauge the fitness of the current circulating strains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that newly identified lineages B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 were predominantly circulating. The signature mutations possessed by these strains were L452R, T478K, E484Q, D614G and P681R in the spike protein, including within the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Of these, the mutations at residue positions 452, 484 and 681 have been reported in other globally circulating lineages. The structural analysis of RBD mutations L452R, T478K and E484Q revealed that these may possibly result in increased ACE2 binding while P681R in the furin cleavage site could increase the rate of S1-S2 cleavage, resulting in better transmissibility. The two RBD mutations, L452R and E484Q, indicated decreased binding to select monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and may affect their neutralization potential. Further in vitro/in vivo studies would help confirm the phenotypic changes of the mutant strains. Overall, the study revealed that the newly emerged variants were responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 in Maharashtra. Lineage B.1.617.2 has been designated as a VOC delta and B.1.617.1 as a variant of interest kappa, and they are being widely reported in the rest of the country as well as globally. Continuous monitoring of these and emerging variants in India is essential.

CFD Simulations for Performance Enhancement of a Solar Chimney Power Plant (SCPP) and Techno-Economic Feasibility for a 5 MW SCPP in an Indian Context

The use of solar energy for power generation using the innovative solar chimney concept has been explored by many researchers mostly with the help of analytical models as well as CFD simulations while experimental studies for a pilot and bench scale facilities have been carried out. The efficiencies of these chimneys, however, are less than 1% (~0.07% for 50 kW pilot plant similar to Manzanares plant in Spain). In the present study, an effort has been made to make modifications in the chimney design to improve the efficiency of the chimney in terms of power generation. CFD simulations have been carried out for this modified design and the efficiency is seen to improve to 0.12% for a 50 kW chimney. Furthermore, a techno-economic feasibility analysis has been carried out for a conventional 5 MW solar power plant which can be installed on the western part of India, which receives good solar irradiation throughout the year. Two cases with and without government subsidies have been considered. It is observed that a high rate of return (~20.4%) is obtained for a selling price of electricity of Rs 5 per kWh with government subsidy, while a rate of return of ~19% is obtained for Rs 10 per kWh without government subsidy.

Enhancing Employability Skills and Placements in Technical Institutes: A Case Study

Objective: Employability skills and placements are extremely important for any technical institute. Analysis of strengths, weakness, opportunities and challenges (SWOC) helps to make informed decisions on the inputs received from the stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to identify the SWOC of training and placement cell of a technical institute, undertake initiatives based on the SWOC analysis and determine the impact of these initiatives. Methodology: IT tools like Google form were designed and employed to carry out the SWOC analysis. This Google form was sent to the students and responses were obtained from 1087 students. The students responses were grouped under strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges and then segregated under five sub categories namely - institute and infrastructure; staff; teaching and learning; training/placement activities and mechanism or policies for improvement. Based on the SWOC analysis, certain initiatives were undertaken to overcome the weakness and to explore the opportunities. These initiatives have been mapped with the SWOC are analysed to determine the impact. To remain within the scope of this paper, data related to training and placement activities are presented in this paper. This SWOC analysis has been conducted in an engineering college located in the western part of India in the state of Maharashtra. Findings: Findings indicate that there has been a significant improvement in the number of placements, average package and industry footfall following the implementation of the initiatives. Average placements increased by 36.03%, average package increased by 2.31%, maximum package increased by 40% and industry footfall increased by 35%. According to the recruiter feedback, a satisfactory increase of around 10 to 15 % has been observed in the leadership skills, overall behaviour and sincerity of the students. Limitations: The present study has considered only the activities related to training and placement cell for enhancing the employability skills and placements in the institute. A larger study including other categories needs to be undertaken. Social Implications: The analysis is based on the opinion of the students, faculty, recruiters and actual values obtained after the implementation of the initiatives. Authors believe that a similar process with suitable modifications can be adopted to enhance the employability skills of students and placements of any educational institute. Originality: This study is original in the sense that data is collected directly from the students. Further, in this study systematic mapping of SWOC analysis, initiatives undertaken and outcome of these initiatives is being carried out. The outcome of this study will help the Management, Principal and other senior faculty in developing appropriate strategies for enhancing the employability skills and placements.

Antibody Specificity in Alloimmunised Thalassemia Patients Attending Tertiary Care Center in Western Part of India.

Abstract Introduction: In thalassemia major patients there is marked ineffective erythropoiesis occur leading to intramedullary hemolysis. To suppress the ineffective erythropoiesis allogenic transfusion is given. So alloimmunisation is a common problem in transfusion dependant thalassemic patients leading to delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction. Aim & Objective: The aim of this study to identify the antibody specificity pattern in transfusion dependant thalassemia patients at our center. Material & Method: The study was conducted on 210 transfusion dependant thalassemic patients registered at SMS hospital for regular blood transfusion and give valid consent to participate in the study. Data collection was started after approval of plan from research review board of institute in April 2019 onwards till significant sample size was collected. Total 210 patients were selected and included in the study with 95% confidence and 10% allowable error. The qualitative data was expressed as percentage . The difference in proportion was analysed by using Chi square test. Quantitative data was expressed as mean. Result : Out of 210 patients, 8 patients were screen positive, Out of which 7 having alloantibody and 1 patient having autoantibody. Antibody identified were belongs to Rh & Kell blood group system. Keyword: Alloimmunisation, thalassemia, transfusion dependant

A new record of an endangered and endemic rare Rein Orchid Habenaria rariflora from Gujarat, India

Habenaria rariflora A.Rich., a species endemic to the southern and western parts of India, is reported for the first time from Gujarat State, western India. A detailed description and photographs are provided here for easy recognition in the field. Further, morphology, distribution, habitat, ecology, anatomy of leaf, rarity index, and conservation status of the species are provided.

Screening of PCSK9 and LDLR genetic variants in Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients in India.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal, dominant, inherited disorder characterized by severely elevated LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with high risk for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). There are limited genetic studies especially on genes other than Low Density Lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) conducted in Indian population. Thus, our aim was to screen the entire Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 gene (PCSK9) gene & hotspot exons 3, 4 and 9 of LDLR gene in FH cases and controls. 50 FH cases were categorized into definite, probable and possible cases according to Dutch Lipid Network Criteria (DLNC) who were gender matched with 50 healthy controls. All 12 exons of PCSK9, and hotspot exons 3, 4 & 9 of LDLR gene were screened through High Resolution Melt (HRM) curve analysis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure circulating PCSK9 levels. Total cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly high in all three groups of cases. Total 8 nonpathogenic variants in exon 1, 5, 7 and 9 of the PCSK9 gene were detected. In LDLR gene, 3 known pathogenic and 1 benign variant were found in exon 3 & 4. In FH cases, PCSK9 levels were significantly high compared to controls (P = 0.0001), and were directly correlated to LDL-C (P = 0.0001) and Total Cholesterol (P = 0.0001). Our study is first to screen the entire PCSK9 gene in western part of India. Since no pathogenic variants were identified, it is possible that PCSK9 variants are clinically less relevant. However, 3 known pathogenic variants were found in the LDLR gene. These findings support our understanding of the genetic spectrum of FH in India.

'We are not aware of notification of tuberculosis': A mixed-methods study among private practitioners from western India.

Implementing the Standards for tuberculosis care in India (STCI) guidelines in the private sector is vital. This study attempted to estimate the knowledge and practices regarding STCI guidelines among private practitioners and to explore the reasons and solutions for low tuberculosis (TB) notification rates. We conducted a cross-sectional study for assessing the knowledge and practices of the STCI guidelines among 100 full-time allopathic private practitioners in Bhavnagar (in western part of India) from September 2018 to January 2019. Knowledge and practice were categorised as good or poor by assigning scores to the responses to a questionnaire based on the STCI guidelines. It was followed by two focus group discussions to explore the reasons and solutions for low notification rates of TB as perceived by private practitioners. Among the 100 private practitioners, 55% had good knowledge, and 41% had good practice regarding the STCI guidelines; 69% knew about the gazette notification of mandatory notification of TB, and 58% were notifying TB cases to the government. Lack of awareness about the process as well as incentives for notification, time constraints and infrequent visits by health workers were the main reasons perceived by private practitioners for not notifying TB cases to the government. The critical solutions suggested by them were creating awareness regarding the notification process as well as incentives, increasing health worker visits and use of social media for notification. Only about half of private practitioners follow the STCI guidelines for TB care, and the notification rates are low in our setting. Regular sensitisation programs need to be arranged for private practitioners to create awareness on TB notification.