Analysis of decarbonization measures for the Indian Cement Sector.

Cement is one of the widely used materials in construction, and its production is both energy- and emission-intensive, contributing significantly to industrial emissions. This study investigates multiple methods for reducing emissions in the Indian cement sector based on the mass and energy balances of a representative cement plant. A novel methodology for calculating the overall emissions reduction per tonne of cement with multiple emission reduction measures and their interdependencies is proposed. The effect of captive power plants in the cement industry on emissions reduction is also considered. The results are depicted using an emission abatement curve, which gives the CO2 abatement cost against cumulative emission reduction per tonne of cement, and a cost premium curve, which shows the cumulative abatement cost against percentage abatement. The analysis shows that up to 30% emissions reduction is possible using existing emission reduction measures in all the cases considered with no additional cost, and near-zero emission reduction is only possible with the adoption of emerging technologies such as carbon capture and storage. The proposed methodology is the first to explore the impact of multiple measures for emission reduction on a given cement plant, allowing for a realistic estimate of emission reduction from the measures implemented.

What is in a Meter? A Qualitative Exploration into the Implementation of Electricity Metering Across Mumbai Communities Using Normalisation Process Theory.

Metering is fundamental in the efficient operation of electricity networks, as meters facilitate controlled usage and improve health and well-being. However, across the Global South, meters have often been found to be lacking or not fit for purpose. Therefore, this study sought to determine residents' perceptions and access to electricity metering across a community in Mumbai, with the goal of developing recommendations to support the implementation of meters in the future. Fifty semi-structured interviews were conducted by phone, with participants from different areas and socioeconomic classes, within Greater Mumbai. The sample consisted of 20 low-income, 20 middle-income, and 10 high-income participants. The Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) was used to inform the interview schedule and to organise the thematic analysis. Meter accessibility and location was variable across the participant groups, as was the education and awareness of metering technology. Socio-political factors were found to directly affect the use of meters, specifically in the low-income group. The high cost associated with metering was a prominent finding; with a preconception that introducing meters would only increase utility expenditure. Future work should focus around ensuring meters are easy to use, practical and accessible to all residents and supporting education programmes around how to use a meter and how they can reduce utility expenditure. The cost of meters should also be investigated, to establish that the costs, associated with introducing new meters, are not passed disproportionately to consumers. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43477-022-00059-y.

Clustering and optimising regional segregated resource allocation networks.

Policymakers and officials worldwide are making more stringent environmental norms and waste disposal policies to encourage industries to move towards cleaner production. One of the main challenges that industries face moving towards cleaner production is the adoption of different strategies for optimising their resource utilisation and waste reduction economically. This is particularly challenging for large-scale industries or a group of industrial plants located in an industrial region. This paper presents a novel approach to economic resource optimisation focussed mainly on large-scale industries, different industrial plants located in the vicinity of each other, or an industrial symbiosis network. In this work, a clustering algorithm is developed to segregate the given plants into different clusters based on the concept of load deficits and surpluses of each plant. The concept ideally allows only the plants with surpluses to send out their unused sources and plants with deficits to only receive external sources/resources. The clusters are formed based on the distances between plants, which in turn helps in saving transportation and communication costs. The clustered plants are then easy to optimise and manage for resource and cost optimality. The applicability of the proposed clustering algorithm is demonstrated using two case studies from the domain of water recycling networks containing multiple contaminants with detailed network design, highlighting the importance of clustering in an industrial symbiosis network. It is observed that directing the excess flows from one plant to other plants in the same cluster can save a considerable amount of fresh resources. It implies that in the broader aspect, the developed methodology can address the optimisation of economic resources and can aid in the better management of overall resources for a large-scale industrial symbiosis network.

Physical distancing on public transport in Mumbai, India: Policy and planning implications for unlock and post-pandemic period.

COVID-19 outbreak affected the daily lives of people around the globe, and authorities proposed numerous interventions to make activity participation and traveling safer during the pandemic period. This study investigates the potential implication of such interventions on executing physical distancing on public transport in Mumbai, India. The study reviews the demand-supply gap of public transport during the pre-pandemic and pandemic period and evaluates the challenges in practicing physical distancing with the short-term interventions, such as lockdown guidelines at different phases and long-term interventions, such as flexible work arrangements, on public transport. The study findings indicate that physical distancing on public transport is difficult to achieve at peak hours, even with the very high travel restrictions and lockdown measures, unless flexible work arrangements are implemented. The flexible work arrangements, such as staggered working hours and work from home, can significantly reduce peak-hour demand and total excess demand without altering the supply pattern. The study can guide in constituting transport and broader policy decisions, including developing low-risk public transport for the post-pandemic period.

Financial Pinch Analysis: Minimum opportunity cost targeting algorithm.

To achieve the market competitiveness as well as sustainable products and processes, a firm invests in different environmental and conservation projects. Capital budgeting essentially entails the decision of funding a set of acceptable projects from a larger pool of available projects, subject to different funding constraints. This paper proposes a new algorithm, the minimum opportunity cost targeting algorithm (MOCTA), to address the capital budgeting problems for selecting environmental management projects. This algorithm is based on the principles of Pinch Analysis, a well-established resource conservation methodology and can be directly applied to partially acceptable projects which can be formulated as a linear programming problem. The proposed algorithm, in coordination with the branch and bound technique, can further be applied to solve mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation of the problem, where projects should either be completely accepted or completely rejected. A hypothetical example demonstrates the applicability of the methodology through a complex search tree. The proposed methodologies are demonstrated through a case study of selecting energy conservation projects in the Indian Paper and Pulp industry.

Analysis of unstable periodic orbits and chaotic orbits in the one-dimensional linear piecewise-smooth discontinuous map.

In this paper, we analytically examine the unstable periodic orbits and chaotic orbits of the 1-D linear piecewise-smooth discontinuous map. We explore the existence of unstable orbits and the effect of variation in parameters on the coexistence of unstable orbits. Further, we show that this structuring is different from the well known period adding cascade structure associated with the stable periodic orbits of the same map. Further, we analytically prove the existence of chaotic orbit for this map.

Analysis of stable periodic orbits in the one dimensional linear piecewise-smooth discontinuous map.

In this paper, we consider one dimensional linear piecewise-smooth discontinuous maps. It is well known that stable periodic orbits exist for such maps, in some parameter region. It is also known that the corresponding bifurcation phenomena (termed as period adding bifurcation) exhibit a special structure. In the last couple of years, several authors have analyzed this structure using border collision bifurcation curves and given the characterization for various parameter regions. In this paper, we have analyzed a specific parameter range employing a different approach. We show that this approach enables one to pose some interesting questions like: what is the number of distinct periodic orbits of any given cardinality? We prove that there are precisely φ(n) distinct orbits of period n, where φ is the Euler's totient function. We propose an algorithm which calculates the location of fixed points of all these φ(n) distinct orbits and gives the precise range of existence of these orbits with respect to the parameters. Further, we show how the amount of computations required to find these ranges of existence can be optimized.

Laryngeal dynamics of pedagogical taan gestures in Indian classical singing.

OBJECTIVES: Vocal modulations characterize many styles of singing. Vibrato, trill, and trillo are some of the ornaments that Western classical singers use. Likewise, taan is one of the basic frequency modulations demonstrated by Hindustani Indian classical singers. The objective of this descriptive study was to discover the F0 contour of taan; establish selected acoustic, aerodynamic, and glottographic characteristics of the taan gesture; and explore the pedagogical taan utterances demonstrated by a well-known singer and teacher. STUDY DESIGN: Exploratory. METHODS: Fundamental frequency, alternating current (AC) glottal flow, and electroglottographic width measures were obtained for taan productions by the classical Indian singer and teacher who demonstrated taan rate variations based on his pedagogical approach. RESULTS: The structure of the taan gesture was found to be an F0 lowering and rising (the "taan dip") followed by a relatively flat portion (the "taan superior surface"). Rate of the F0 structure of the taan gestures ranged from approximately 1.65 to 3.41Hz, and the F0 extent ranged from 1.87 to 2.21semitone (ST). As the rate of the taan gesture increased, the superior surface shortened, whereas the taan dip stayed relatively constant (ranging from 170 to 230 ms). AC flow was greater for the lowest frequencies of the dip and faster rates. CONCLUSIONS: The pedagogical taan gesture has a specific structure of an F0 dip followed by a relatively flat F0 portion that shortens as taan rate increases. The F0 dip and extent are relatively robust across rate. The taan productions are voluntarily controlled, in contrast to vibrato productions.

Segment-2 sequence analysis and cross-neutralization studies on some Indian bluetongue viruses suggest isolates are VP2-variants of serotype 23.

Sequence analysis of segment 2 (seg-2) of three Indian bluetongue virus (BTV) isolates, Dehradun, Rahuri and Bangalore revealed 99% nucleotide identity amongst them and 96% with the reference BTV 23. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the isolates in 'nucleotype D'. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of the Bangalore isolate showed a high variability in a few places compared to other isolates. B-cell epitope analyses predicted an epitope that is present exclusively in the Bangalore isolate. Two-way cross serum neutralization confirmed that Bangalore isolate is antigenically different from the other two isolates. The results of this study suggest that these three isolates are VP2 variants of BTV 23. This signifies that non-cross-neutralizing variants of the same BTV serotype should be included in vaccine preparation.

Comparative genomics of serotype Asia 1 foot-and-mouth disease virus isolates from India sampled over the last two decades.

This study deals with a comparative analysis of complete genome sequences of twenty-one serotype Asia 1 foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) field viruses isolated over a period of two decades from India, two vaccine strains and seven exotic sequences. The Indian viruses could be grouped in to three distinct lineages at the entire coding region, evolving independently probably under differential selection pressure as evident from the lineage-specific signatures identified. This comparison revealed 80% of amino acids at the polyprotein region to be invariant. Twenty-one residues in L, 3A and P1 region were identified to be under positive selection of which some are antigenically critical. Analysis at functionally crucial motifs, receptor contact residues, polyprotein cleavage sites and at putative T-cell epitopes expands the knowledge beyond other serotypes. Antigenic site II in betaB-betaC loop of VP2 was highly unstable suggesting its exposure to extreme immune pressure. A single cross-over at the L proteinase region in an isolate from buffalo, also featuring an extensive deletion at the 5' untranslated region (UTR), reflects the role of intraserotypic genetic recombination in natural evolution. The likely biological relevance of deletions/insertions observed at UTRs, VP1 and 3A could not be deduced. Altogether, a substantial amount of data raised on full length genomes of type Asia 1 virus adds value to the FMD virus genomics.

Development and comparison of genome detection assays for the diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease suspected clinical samples.

Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) from clinical specimens by conventional sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and virus isolation in cell culture is often compromised owing to limited sensitivity and inactivation during transit, respectively. A RT-PCR (oligoprobing) ELISA in both solid and aqueous phase hybridization formats targeting an across serotype conserved site at 3C-3D region was developed and its effectiveness was compared with that of the known targets at the IRES region. A non-isotopic RNA dot hybridization assay with colorimetric detection targeting both the IRES and the 3D region were also validated, which is capable of handling high throughput samples with ease. RT-PCR (oligoprobing) ELISA and dot hybridization assay showed 1000- and 10-fold greater sensitivity than the sandwich ELISA, respectively. Robustness of these diagnostic methods was explored by examining on sandwich ELISA-negative clinical samples. Both the assays developed in the present study were able to detect viral genomes in samples undetectable by conventional ELISA, thereby demonstrating 'proof of sensitivity'. Although the potential of these assays for providing definitive diagnosis in carrier hosts and in species where clinical disease is inapparent remains to be examined, nevertheless these assays can be adapted for comprehensive surveillance of foot-and-mouth disease in India.

A bivalent vaccine against goat pox and Peste des Petits ruminants induces protective immune response in goats.

Safety and immunogenicity of an experimental combined vaccine comprising attenuated strains of Peste des Petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and goat poxvirus (GTPV) was evaluated in goats. Goats immunized subcutaneously with 1 ml of vaccine consisting of 10(3) TCID(50) of each of PPRV and GTPV were monitored for clinical and serological responses for a period of 4 weeks postimmunization (pi) and postchallenge (pc). Specific antibodies directed to both GTPV and PPRV could be demonstrated by indirect ELISA and competitive ELISA, respectively following immunization. All the immunized animals resisted challenge with virulent strains of either GTPV or PPRV on day 28 pi, while control animals developed characteristic signs of disease. Specific antigen could be detected in the unvaccinated control animals after challenge but not from any of the immunized goats. Bivalent vaccine was found to be safe and induced protective immune response in goats as evident from sero conversion as well as challenge studies, indicating that component vaccines did not interfere with the immunogenicity of each other.

Economic appraisal of supercritical fluid extraction of refined cashew nut shell liquid.

This manuscript summarises the techno-economic feasibility of refined cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). A simple mass transfer based mathematical model for the yield prediction is presented. The process parameters and extraction time for maximum profit and purity of the product were optimized. The optimum extraction time for maximum profit and purity was found to be 0.9h at 300 bar and 323 K. The influence of the different costs, such as fixed cost, raw material cost, labor cost, utility cost, etc. on profit and cost of production of the extract is also presented.

Extraction of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell liquid using supercritical carbon dioxide.

This work investigated the extraction of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)). Effects of process parameters such as extraction pressure, temperature and flow rate of SC-CO(2) were investigated. The yield of CNSL increased with increase in pressure, temperature and mass flow rate of SC-CO(2). However, under different operating conditions, the composition of CNSL varied. The study of physical properties and chemical composition of the oil obtained through super critical fluid extraction (SCFE) showed better quality as compared to the CNSL obtained through thermal route. Experimental results were compared with diffusion based mass transfer model. Based on this simple model, extraction time was optimized.

Antigenic and genetic analyses of foot-and-mouth disease virus type A isolates for selection of candidate vaccine strain reveals emergence of a variant virus that is responsible for most recent outbreaks in India.

Recent reports indicated presence of two antigenic and genetic groups (genotypes VI and VII) of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) type A in India and are divergent from the vaccine strains. In order to choose suitable field isolate as candidate vaccine strain, anti-sera against representative isolates from both the genotypes and two in-use vaccine strains are tested in neutralization assay. Two candidate vaccine strains from both the genotypes are selected with close antigenic match to the field isolates. From the result it is evident that IND 81/00 (genotypes VII), gave a better antigenic coverage (antigenic relationship (r)-value>0.40 with 79% of isolates of 2002--2003) than IND 258/99 (genotype VI; r-value>0.40 with 42% of 2002--2003 isolates). Phylogenetic analysis based on P1 genomic region placed all the recent isolates (2001--2003) into genotype VII, with emergence of a new variant virus (VIIb--VP3(59)del) having amino acid deletion at an antigenically critical residue (VP3(59)), indicating a major evolutionary jump probably due to immune selection. Though very limited in its extent, this data indicates an apparent dominance of genotype VII over genotype VI and underscores the need to continue further molecular epidemiological investigations to substantiate this finding.

Development and evaluation of a multiplex PCR for differentiation of foot-and-mouth disease virus strains native to India.

A multiplex PCR (mPCR) for the differentiation of Indian FMDV serotypes, O, A, Asia 1 and C was developed and evaluated on 142 clinical and 39 cell culture samples. On the latter samples both the tests worked well with 100% efficiency, whereas on clinical samples mPCR had better efficiency than ELISA. The test was found to be specific for FMDV. The detection limit of the assay was varied among the serotypes; it was most sensitive on types A and Asia 1 and least sensitive on type C. The mPCR clearly identified the serotype and in some cases detected dual infections. The test is sensitive and reliable and can be used for serotyping of ELISA negative samples.

Evaluation of in vitro inhibitory potential of small interfering RNAs directed against various regions of foot-and-mouth disease virus genome.

India is endemic for foot-and-mouth disease and it continues to be a major threat to the livestock industry despite vaccination programmes. In the present study, the ability of specific small interfering (si)RNAs directed against different genomic regions of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) to inhibit virus replication in BHK-21 cells was examined. For preliminary evaluation of possible siRNA-mediated FMDV inhibition, a cocktail of several unique populations of 12-30bp siRNAs were successfully produced corresponding to three target regions located at structural (VP3-VP1), non-structural (2A-2C), and non-structural-untranslated (3D-3'UTR) region of serotype Asia1. Once the populations of siRNAs generated were found to reduce the virus titre significantly, two highly conserved 21bp siRNA duplexes were designed by analysing all FMDV sequence entries available in public-domain databases. In virus titration assay, more than 99% inhibition of virus yield for all the four serotypes (type Asia1, O, A, and C) could be demonstrated in cells transfected with each of the FMDV-specific siRNAs at 24h post-infection, compared to control cells transfected with scrambled siRNA. This was well supported by reduction in OD values in FMDV-specific sandwich ELISA. Although 100-fold reduction in virus titre with siRNA1 is substantial considering the transfection efficiency and fixed level of input siRNA, siRNA2 emerged to be a better choice as target where more than 300-fold reduction was observed and its inhibitory effect extended up to 48 h post-infection against all the serotypes. Interestingly, in the present study type A virus (IND 17/77) had a single mismatch at position 2 in the siRNA2 target region but it did not abrogate the inhibitory effect.

Differentiation of sheep pox and goat poxviruses by sequence analysis and PCR-RFLP of P32 gene.

Sheep pox and Goat pox are highly contagious viral diseases of small ruminants. These diseases were earlier thought to be caused by a single species of virus, as they are serologically indistinguishable. P32, one of the major immunogenic genes of Capripoxvirus, was isolated and Sequenced from two Indian isolates of goat poxvirus (GPV) and a vaccine strain of sheep poxvirus (SPV). The sequences were compared with other P32 sequences of capripoxviruses available in the database. Sequence analysis revealed that sheep pox and goat poxviruses share 97.5 and 94.7% homology at nucleotide and amino acid level, respectively. A major difference between them is the presence of an additional aspartic acid at 55th position of P32 of sheep poxvirus that is absent in both goat poxvirus and lumpy skin disease virus. Further, six unique neutral nucleotide substitutions were observed at positions 77, 275, 403, 552, 867 and 964 in the sequence of goat poxvirus, which can be taken as GPV signature residues. Similar unique nucleotide signatures could be identified in SPV and LSDV sequences also. Phylogenetic analysis showed that members of the Capripoxvirus could be delineated into three distinct clusters of GPV, SPV and LSDV based on the P32 genomic sequence. Using this information, a PCR-RFLP method has been developed for unequivocal genomic differentiation of SPV and GPV.