4-E analysis and multiple objective optimizations of a novel solar-powered cogeneration energy system for the simultaneous production of electrical power and heating.

Owing to its natural and rich advantages, exploration of solar energy technology has become increasingly popular in recent years to counter the growing crude oil prices. However, its universal adoption is still limited, not only due to environmental restrictions but also due to lower overall efficiency. Rankine cycle is optimised to conduct 4-E (Exergy, Energy, Economic and Ecological) analysis. Furthermore, three sets (R-113, R-11, and R-1233zd) of refrigerants are prioritised and ranked on the basis of 4-E analysis as outcomes. The contemporary study addressed all critical factors and explains the impact of solar irradiance, mass flow rate of molten salt and steam, turbine inlet pressure, and turbine inlet temperature which are eventually weighed and prioritised using combined multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques. The energy efficiency, exergetic efficiency, power/ cost of electricity, and ecological emissions are taken as the indicators of the combined cycle, respectively. The energy efficiency of the hybrid system is improved to 75.07% after including cogeneration cycle, with an increment of 54.58%. In comparison to conventional thermal powerplant setups, the power/cost of electricity and ecological efficiency have been reduced by 68% and upgraded by 16%, correspondingly. Direct normal radiation is the most critical factor followed by turbine inlet temperature. Further, the result indicates that maximum exergy destruction that occurs in the central receiver declines to 39.92%, followed by heliostat and steam turbine which was 27% and 9.32% respectively. In conclusion, the hybrid cycle can furnish cheaper electricity, with lower carbon imprint in sustainable manner with better efficiency.

Intensified seed spices-based cropping systems for higher productivity, resource-use efficiency, soil fertility and profitability in arid and semi-arid regions of India.

Coriander, fenugreek, nigella etc. are collectively known as seed spices. They are "High value and low volume crops" and considered cash crops for the growers of arid and semi-arid regions of India. Coriander, fenugreek and nigella are grown during the rabi season and take hardly 130-140 days to attain full maturity. In this context, farmers are not able to develop income from available arable land round the year, even though they have sufficient resources as well as manpower. Therefore, coriander, fenugreek and nigella-based cropping systems, four of each (total 12) were evaluated during 3 consecutive years (2019-20 to 2021-22) for their productivity, resource-use efficiency, economics and soil fertility. The results showed that among the seed spices-based cropping systems, maximum system productivity (5193 kg ha-1), production efficiency (18.81 kg ha-1 day-1), water-use efficiency (2.31 kg ha-1 mm-1), economic efficiency (11.85 US $ ha-1 day-1), net return (3270 US $ ha-1), benefit:cost ratio (3.27) and available N (165.6 kg ha-1) were observed under nigella-green coriander-mungbean cropping system. Hence, seed spices growers are recommended to adopt nigella-green coriander-mungbean cropping system in order to realize better productivity, resource-use efficiency, soil fertility and profitability.

Role of nuclear energy in carbon mitigation to achieve United Nations net zero carbon emission: evidence from Fourier bootstrap Toda-Yamamoto.

In this communication, the time series data of three major countries USA, France, and Japan from 1965 to 2020 for CO2 emission, GDP, and nuclear energy (NE) are evaluated. It also analyzed and validated the EKC hypothesis while using nuclear energy for electricity generation. Fourier ARDL is used to investigate the hypothesis criteria, and the Fourier bootstrap Toda-Yamamoto (FBTY) causality test is used for causal linkage between the variables as well as the wavelet coherence; it is also presented the time and frequency dependency of the variables. The CO2 mitigation by using the NE is also assessed for all three countries and assessed that the France, Japan, and USA mitigated the CO2 per year is 0.0463 million metric ton (MMT), 0.0239 and 0.0728 MMT per year respectively. Similar to that the SO2 is reduced by using the NE is 24.322, 43.527, and 132.592 MMT/year, and NOx is reduced by approximately 0.2847, 0.147, and 0.4478 MMT/year by France, Japan, and USA respectively by applying the NE for power generation. The evidence of the EKC, Fourier bootstrap and Toda-Yamamoto clarifies the important role of nuclear energy in terms of carbon mitigation to achieve UN net zero carbon emission by 2050. Hence, in order to meet the UN target of net zero carbon emission by 2050, the USA and Japan should increase the production of nuclear energy as France meets its 74.1% energy demand through NE by validating the EKC hypothesis; on the other hand, all the three countries should increase the production of tidal energy due to their geographical location as tides are much more predictable than wind and sun keeping in consideration to the expenses incurred and a full proof plan for disposing NE residuals in a safe place as NE residuals are highly radioactive and contains traces of thorium and uranium.

Continued persistence of a single genotype of dengue virus type-3 (DENV-3) in Delhi, India since its re-emergence over the last decade.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The re-emergence of an epidemic strain of dengue virus type-3 (DENV-3) in Delhi in 2003 and its persistence in subsequent years marked a changing trend in dengue virus circulation in this part of India. Its evolving phylogeny over the past decade has not been studied in detail as yet. METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the CprM gene junction of DENV-3 from different outbreaks since 2003 was carried out. Thirty CprM DENV-3 sequences from this study were compared with 46 other previously reported CprM DENV-3 sequences from India and other countries. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic trees were constructed to determine the extent of genetic heterogeneity and trace the phylogeny of DENV-3. RESULTS: Thirty CprM DENV-3 sequences (Accession numbers AY706096-99, DQ645945-52, EU181201-14, and EU846234-36) were submitted to GenBank. The CprM junction was found to be AT rich (approximately 53%). Nucleotide sequence alignment revealed only nucleotide substitutions. Phylogenetic analysis indicated sustained evolution of a distinct Indian lineage of DENV-3 genotype III in Delhi. CONCLUSION: Active circulation of DENV-3 genotype III over the last decade in Delhi was evident and worrying. This genotype has been implicated in several outbreaks in South-East Asia and other parts of the world.

Insecticide treated nets, antimalarials and child survival in India.

Malaria has been a complex public health problem affecting mainly the poor and the rural communities in India. Insecticide treated nets (ITN) and antimalarials are the two proven interventions for prevention and control of malaria. ITN has been amply demonstrated to be an effective intervention to protect children from malaria, and in preventing deaths due to falciparum malaria. Antimalarials are a therapeutic intervention for management of malaria, and prevention of complications due to Plasmodium falciparum infection. However, implementation of these interventions is fraught with problems of complex and multidimensional nature at the periphery. These can be addressed by optimizing the use of the 2 interventions, the insecticide treated nets and antimalarials, for area specific application and country specific needs, determined by the eco-epidemiological diversity of malaria in India. This article reviews the significant role of ITN in reducing child mortality, and the judicious use of antimalarials in the management of malaria patient, and the problems associated with the use of these interventions in protecting children against malaria in India.

Lymphatic filariasis in East District, Sikkim.

East district of Sikkim has been considered as non-endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF). However, a LF survey conducted during 2008 revealed microfilaria rate (mf rate) of 1.2%. The LF survey was carried out in 15 randomly selected villages and urban localities of East Sikkim. Out of 3,428 night blood smears collected and examined, 42 were found positive for Wuchereria bancrofti. Microfilaria (mf) carriers were detected from 5 surveyed villages and 5 urban localities of Singtam and Rangpoo with mf rate ranging from 0.5% to 4.2%. The mean mf density was 5.4 per 20cmm3 blood. All mf carriers were residents of east district, Sikkim except two persons who were from Bihar. The detection of microfilaria in young children who had never moved from the area indicates probable indigenous transmission. Out of 15 surveyed areas LF disease was found in 11 areas with prevalence ranging from 0.4% to 7.0%.(Disease rate was 1.6%) (1.7% for Males & 1.4% for females). One local individual was found with lymphoedema and also mf positive. Vector density ranged from 70 to 435 per ten-man-hours, sufficient for transmission of LF. 712 female Cx. quinquefasciatus were dissected to detect the filarial infection and none was found positive. The present survey findings indicate endemicity of filariasis in East district of Sikkim.

Role of information technology (IT) in public health, India (problems & prospects): Role of information communication technology (ICT) in disease surveillance under Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP).

Information Communication Technology (ICT) has proven to be a strong public health tool. Keeping the future need of country and building National Disease Surveillance System, Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP) was launched by Hon'ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare in November 2004. It is a decentralized, State based surveillance program in the country. It is intended to detect early warning signals of impending outbreaks and help initiate an effective response in a timely manner. One of the major components of the project is the - use of Information Technology for collection, collation, compilation, analysis and dissemination of data besides distance education and video conferencing. A network of 800 sites across India has been established through Satellite, Broadband and High end Video conferencing equipments. The network is managed by a team of data managers and data entry operators at all state surveillance units and district surveillance units respectively. The network was proven to be extremely useful to respond to the current influenza A H1N1 pandemic. It is proposed to extend the network to cover private sector and provide convergence with other National Health Programs.

Status of lymphatic filariasis in Lucknow District, Uttar Pradesh.

Lucknow district was endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF). During March 2008, LF survey was carried out in 14 randomly selected villages (six Primary Health Centres) and 4 Mohallas of Lucknow city. Out of 3,654 night blood smears (NBS) collected and examined, 209 were found positive for Wuchereria bancrofti (micrifilaria rate: 5.7%). Microfilaria (mf) carriers were detected from all surveyed villages and Mohallas. The age of these positive persons ranged from 6-70 years. In all areas, prevalence of microfilaraemia generally increased with age up to 21-30 years. Males (6.7%) were more affected than females (3.9%). All mf carriers were residents of Lucknow district. Overall disease rate was 4.7%. In all, 175 individuals had disease manifestations of LF. Out of 108 males, 81 had hydrocele(75%). Disease rate was similar in males (4.7%) and females (4.8%). The mean mf density was 9.5 per 20 cmm blood, but no significant difference between males (9.4) and females (9.9). Vector density ranged from 150 to 810 per ten-man-hours. Infectivity and infection rates were 0.14%. The present survey indicates that filariasis is one of the major public health problems in surveyed areas.

Management of malaria threat following tsunami in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India and impact of altered environment created by tsunami on malaria situation of the islands.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Indian Territory) are situated in the Bay of Bengal and endemic for malaria with perennial transmission. Anopheles sundaicus which prefers to breed in brackish water, is known as the main vector for malaria and maintains high endemicity of malaria. Tsunami waves entered the inhabited coastal areas, caused heavy devastation and left large areas inundated causing exceptionally high breeding sources for vector mosquitoes of malaria. The disaster created a new habitat suitable for the proliferation of malaria and other disease-carrying mosquitoes besides making thousands of people homeless. They were living in temporary open shelters, getting more exposed to mosquito bites. The population already had existing high parasite load. Hence, there was a real threat of malaria outbreak in the area. However, malaria was effectively controlled due to strategic planning and timely remedial measures. Malaria situation was monitored closely and epidemiological data of three subsequent years from 2005 to 2007 after tsunami were analysed and compared with pre-tsunami malaria data from 1986 to 2004. In this paper, effect of tsunami on malaria profile in these islands has been discussed along with action taken for its control.

Red baby syndrome a new disease due to parvovirus B-19 observed in Kerala.

Red Baby Syndrome is a new disease seen in infants and young children. Dramatic onset of clinical symptoms with high intensity, short duration and lack of similarity with other cutaneous lesions makes it distinct. Of 50 such patients studied over a period of 5 years, half were below one year of age. Abrupt onset of high fever and generalized erythema involving the entire skin, which is swollen and tender is characteristic. These children were highly irritable and had paradoxical cry when cuddled. Rapid resolution of symptoms occurred in 7-10 days with extensive desquamation. Routine investigations were normal, C-reactive protein was raised only in 10 patients. Human Parvo virus B-19 IgM antibodies were positive in 15 out of 24 patients. Real time polymerase chain reaction was positive for human parvovirus B 19 DNA in one. Histopathological changes in the skin biopsy showed post infectious vascular injury pattern.

Phylogenetic studies reveal existence of multiple lineages of a single genotype of DENV-1 (genotype III) in India during 1956-2007.

BACKGROUND: Dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) have been mostly circulating silently with dominant serotypes DENV-2 and DENV-3 in India. However recent times have marked an increase in DENV-1 circulation in yearly outbreaks. Many studies have not been carried out on this virus type, leaving a lacunae pertaining to the circulating genotypes, since its earliest report in India. In the present study, we sequenced CprM gene junction of 13 DENV-1 isolated from Delhi and Gwalior (North India) between 2001-2007 and one 1956 Vellore isolate as reference. For comparison, we retrieved 11 other Indian and 70 global reference sequences from NCBI database, making sure that Indian and global isolates from all decades are available for comparative analysis. RESULTS: The region was found to be AT rich with no insertion or deletion. Majority of the nucleotide substitutions were silent, except 3 non-conservative amino acid changes (I --> T, A --> T and L --> S at amino acid positions 59,114 and 155 respectively) in the Indian DENV-1 sequences, sequenced in this study. Except two 1997-98 Delhi isolates, which group in genotype I; all other Indian isolates group in genotype III. All Indian genotype III DENV-1 exhibited diversity among them, giving rise to at least 4 distinct lineages (India 1-4) showing proximity to isolates from diverse geographic locations. CONCLUSION: The extensive phylogenetic analysis revealed consistent existence of multiple lineages of DENV-1 genotype III during the last 5 decades in India.

Genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 in Delhi population of Northern India.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), protect cells from reactive chemical intermediates and oxidative stress. Among different classes of GSTs, GSTM1 (Mu) and GSTT1 (theta) are found to be genetically deleted. Present study was intended to genotype homozygous null distribution of GSTM1 and GSTT1 in healthy individuals of Delhi, located in Northern India. Out of 309 healthy individuals included in this study, we have found genetic deletion in 21% and 27.4%, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, respectively. A small proportion (0.7%) population showed deletion of both the genes. The prevalence of the GSTM1(*)0/0 and GSTT1(*)0/0 genotypes varied within India compared to communities in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Caucasian.

Impact of HIV on genomic variability in the 5'UTR of HCV in Indian patients with HCV/HIV co-infection.

BACKGROUND: The impact of HIV on hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome during HCV/HIV co-infection is poorly understood. The present study was intended to unveil nucleotide sequence variability in the 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) of HCV in co-infected cases. METHODS: Automated nucleotide sequencing of the 5'UTR of HCV from both mono- and co-infected cases was performed. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed deletion of a continuous stretch of 12 nucleotides (nt 240-251) from domain IIIc in 20% co-infected cases, but no long-stretch deletion was observed in HCV from mono-infected cases. On the contrary, there was no insertion in the 5'UTR of HCV from co-infectedcases, but there were insertions in domain II and III (3 mononucleotides and 2 dinucleotides) of the 5'UTR in mono-infected cases. CONCLUSION: Since domain III is known to be important for binding of 40S ribosomal subunit, deletion of a single stretch of 12 nucleotides in HCV from co-infected cases observed in the present study may have implications during HCV replication with or without HIV infection. Although this is the first report on genomic heterogeneity in the 5'UTR of HCV from HCV/HIV co-infected Indian patients, it would be worthwhile to study if similar changes are observed in other genes of HCV during co-infection.

Investigation of an outbreak of chikungunya in Malegaon Municipal areas of Nasik district, Maharashtra (India) and its control.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: An outbreak of chikungunya fever occurred in Malegaon town of Nasik district of Maharashtra state, India during February and March 2006. A total of 4530 fever cases were reported during this period including 1781 cases which were admitted in different hospitals of the town. An entomological and epidemiological investigation was carried out in the affected villages during the outbreak to study the possible causes of the outbreak and to isolate the virus responsible. METHODS: Entomological evaluation was done as per WHO guidelines. Sera samples were collected by venipuncture from clinically suspected chikungunya patients in hospitals and also during house-to-house survey in affected villages. IgM antibodies to dengue virus were detected using IgM capture ELISA (PANBIO) and by "Haemagglutination inhibition test" for detection of antibodies against Chikungunya virus. Acute sera samples were inoculated in cell lines for virus isolation. The isolates were confirmed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: On investigation, it was found that water storage containers like cement tanks, plastic containers or earthen pots placed in front of the individual houses were the potential breeding sites for Aedes aegypti. Entomological survey carried out in the most affected areas revealed high Aedes indices. House, container and breteau indices were found to be 27.2, 16.19 and 35.1, respectively. Out of the 13 acute sera samples collected, virus was isolated in 10 samples. The isolates were confirmed by RT-PCR and sequencing using primers from nsP1 gene of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV, Accession No. EF077609, EF077610). Of the 17 convalescent sera tested, significant level of HI antibodies to CHIKV was detected in five samples. One sample was positive for IgM antibodies against dengue virus. Based on clinico-epidemiological features and laboratory findings, the illness was confirmed to be of chikungunya viral disease. CONCLUSION: Control measures targeting the vector population and personal protective measures against the mosquito bites were instituted. Extensive IEC campaign with the involvement of community and religious leaders helped in containment of the disease.

Breeding ecology of visceral leishmaniasis vector sandfly in Bihar state of India.

Soil samples weighing 255.3 kg, collected from 50 villages of 5 visceral leishmaniasis (VL) endemic districts of Bihar state were examined for sandfly breeding, using the soil incubation method. Breeding of sandflies was detected in 46% of the villages and 7.3% of the soil samples examined. Intra-domestic soil was found to be infested with 2 species of sandflies, Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale and Brunetti and Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli). In comparison with human houses, P. argentipes was found to show greater propensity to breed in cattle sheds; breeding prevalences in villages and soil samples, for the species, were significantly higher in cattle sheds than in human houses. The preference for breeding sites by the sandflies appeared to be associated with the pH of the soil. P. argentipes thus preferred to breed in the alkaline soil of cattle shed, and P. papatasi in the soil with neutral pH, of human houses. The emergence of adult P. argentipes from soil samples was mainly observed from April to October.

Post-earthquake outbreak of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Kashmir (India): an epidemiological analysis.

OBJECTIVE: An earthquake struck Kashmir on 8 October 2005. A central team of public health specialists was sent to Kashmir to assess the public health measures required following the earthquake, and to assist in institution of public health measures. STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiological and environmental investigation in Tangdar block (Kupwara district) and Uri Tehsil (Baramula district). METHODOLOGY: Visits to villages affected by the earthquake, rehabilitation camps and health care, examination of cases with acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD), environmental observations, collection of clinical samples from ADD cases and environmental samples from drinking water sources, and laboratory methods. RESULTS: In total, 1783 cases of ADD were reported between 14 October and 17 December 2005 in Tangdar (population 65000). The overall attack rate was 20% in children under 4 years of age. Twelve cases of ADD with loose motions without blood were studied, and 11 rectal swabs and one stool sample were processed. No bacterial enteropathogens could be isolated, but three of the 12 samples yielded rotavirus antigen on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Twelve of 13 (92.3%) water samples, collected from various stream or tap water (source: spring/stream) sources, were unsatisfactory (P=0.001) using the H(2)S strip method compared with other sources (well/mineral water). All eight water sources in Tangdar block were unsatisfactory, indicated by blackening of H(2)S filter paper strips. Following the earthquake, drinking stream water or tap water without boiling or chlorination may have led to a common source water-borne outbreak of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Other contributing factors were: overcrowding; poor sanitation; open-air defaecation; poor hygiene; and living in makeshift camps near streams. Person-to-person transmission may also have contributed to perpetuation of the outbreak. Following the establishment of medical camps and information, education and communication regarding the need to drink boiled water and follow safer hygienic practices, the outbreak was brought under control. CONCLUSIONS: The earthquake in Kashmir in 2005 led to widespread contamination of drinking water sources such as stream and tap water (source: stream or spring). This appears to have led to a common source outbreak of rotavirus between October and December 2005, leading to ADD, amongst infants and small children, transmitted by the faecal-oral route and perpetuated by person-to-person transmission.

Emergence of an independent lineage of dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) and its co-circulation with predominant DENV-3 during the 2006 dengue fever outbreak in Delhi.

OBJECTIVES: The sudden emergence of dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1) and its co-circulation with predominant DENV-3 was the hallmark of the 2006 dengue fever outbreak in Delhi. Viruses that circulated between 1996 and 2005 in the City have been well characterized, but the genomic diversity in 2006 strains is not known. The present study was undertaken to reveal the emerging molecular genotype(s) and evolutionary trend of the viruses responsible for the dengue fever outbreak in Delhi during 2006. STUDY DESIGN: The CprM gene junction of the DENV isolates from the 2006 Delhi dengue fever outbreak were subjected to nucleotide sequencing. Comparative phylogenetic analysis was done using DENV-1 and DENV-3 sequences retrieved from the global database. RESULTS: Multiple sequence alignment revealed only substitutions, with no insertions or deletions. A dendrogram indicated emergence of a distinct lineage of DENV-1 (having similarity with the Comoros/Singapore 1993 and Delhi 1982 strains, but quite different from the Delhi 2005 lineage) and microevolution of the pre-circulating DENV-3. These findings point towards the circulation of two independent lineages of DENV-1 in Delhi during 2005 and 2006. CONCLUSIONS: It is feared that the introduction of an independent lineage of the outbreak-associated strain of DENV-1 and its co-circulation with the deeply-rooted strain of DENV-3 in Delhi may result in yet another, possibly more severe outbreak in the near future.