Pollution indices and correlation of heavy metals contamination in the groundwater around brick kilns in Jammu and Kashmir, India.

The present investigation focuses on assessing the water quality of groundwater surrounding brick kilns in the Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). At 43 different brick kiln sites in both north and south regions of Jammu, concentrations of heavy metals were measured using established techniques. The elements zinc, copper, iron, lead, cadmium, nickel, and manganese were analyzed utilizing an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The pollution load index value was consistently below unity across all sites, suggesting an absence of pollution and making the water suitable for consumption. The average concentrations, listed in ascending order, were found to be 0.38 mg/L for copper, 0.31 mg/L for zinc, 0.01 mg/L for iron, and 0.09 mg/L for manganese. Notably, concentrations of lead, cadmium, and nickel were found below the detectable levels. Evaluation of contamination factors revealed the sequence Cu > Fe > Zn > Mn, while the geo accumulation index followed the sequence Cu > Fe > Mn > Zn. Comparison of these findings with the established standards of World Health Organization and Bureau of Indian Standards indicated that the recorded ranges were within permissible limits. The study's outcomes suggest that heavy metal emissions from brick kilns may not significantly impact the quality of groundwater. Elevated copper levels found near brick kilns were likely to result from plumbing materials in the study area. Iron and manganese in groundwater seems to have geo-genic origin and not emission-related. This research represents a foundational step in examining groundwater contamination by heavy metals specifically in the neighborhood of brick kilns in Jammu district. It contributes to the establishment of a comprehensive database and serves as a reference point for future studies. Additionally, the study recommends regular monitoring of groundwater to ensure the maintenance of drinking water quality.

UV index-based model for predicting synthesis of (pre-)vitamin D3 in the mediterranean basin.

The importance of solar radiation for the body's ability to synthesize Vitamin D3 is well documented, yet the precise amount of sun exposure required to avoid Vitamin D insufficiency is less clear. To address this knowledge gap, this study sought to utilize the sun in a suitable period at the optimum dose by utilizing numerical simulations to determine the amount of Vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin according to season, time of day, and geographical location in Turkey. The study was carried out in three stages; in the first stage, daily, monthly, and annual values were determined in cases where the solar zenith angle has the active UV-B wavelength. The second stage determined the level of Vitamin D that can be synthesized in all skin types at 25% solar radiation exposure. In the third stage, the sun exposure time required for 1000 International Units (IU) for all skin types was calculated. According to the analysis, the yearly period of active synthesis of D3 on Earth lasts from the beginning of March to the third week of October. During the day, it is between 10:00 and 16:00. For 1000 IU/day, the average annual estimated times (minutes) are 5.05 for Type I, 6.3 for Type II, 7.6 for Type III, 11.35 for Type IV, 15.15 for Type V, and 25.25 for Type VI. The results of this paper will impact awareness for academic-medical users.

Exploring the antecedents of AI adoption for effective HRM practices in the Indian pharmaceutical sector.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to investigate the factors that facilitate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in order to establish effective human resource management (HRM) practices within the Indian pharmaceutical sector. Design/methodology/approach: A model explaining the antecedents of AI adoption for building effective HRM practices in the Indian pharmaceutical sector is proposed in this study. The proposed model is based on task-technology fit theory. To test the model, a two-step procedure, known as partial least squares structural equational modeling (PLS-SEM), was used. To collect data, 160 HRM employees from pharmacy firms from pan India were approached. Only senior and specialized HRM positions were sought. Findings: An examination of the relevant literature reveals factors such as how prepared an organization is, how people perceive the benefits, and how technological readiness influences AI adoption. As a result, HR systems may become more efficient. The PLS-SEM data support all the mediation hypothesized by proving both full and partial mediation, demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed model. Originality: There has been little prior research on the topic; this study adds a great deal to our understanding of what motivates human resource departments to adopt AI in the pharmaceutical companies of India. Furthermore, AI-related recommendations are made available to HRM based on the results of a statistical analysis.

Impact of fermented organic formulations combined with inorganic fertilizers on broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) cv. Palam Samridhi.

A two-year field experiment (2018-19 and 2019-20) was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a spacing of 60 × 45 cm involving three replications with ten treatments having cow manurial amendments along with integrated nutrient management in a plot size of 3.0 m × 1.8 m. The effect of the integration of cow manurial amendments and mineral fertilizers on soil fertility, nutrient uptake, yield, and economics of broccoli was studied. The experiment was laid out during the rabi season in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. T8 [90% RDN (112.5 N: 67.5 P: 46.8 K kg/ha) + 5% jeevamrit (1.5 l/m2) + 5% jeevamrit foliar spray] obtained the greatest organic carbon (20.93 g kg-1), available N (375.13 kg ha-1), P (48.46 kg ha-1), K (260.53 kg ha-1) in the soil as well as more uptake of N (60.58 kg ha-1), P (7.25 kg ha-1) and K (37.88 g ha-1) by the plants. Further, this treatment obtained the greatest value for yield (186.77 q ha-1 and 12.44 kg plot-1), net income (₹ 245840) and cost-benefit ratio (1.93). Outcomes of this investigation suggested that combined usage of cow manure, jeevamrit, beejamrit, and ghanjeevamrit with inorganic fertilizers proved to be useful for enhancing soil health, increasing nutrient uptake, and ensuring sustainable production of broccoli.

A review of different twisted tape configurations used in heat exchanger and their impact on thermal performance of the system.

Heat transfer in water with the help of solar energy is an effective way to harness renewable energy and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources of energy. The utilization of turbulent promoters is an efficient solution to ameliorate the performance of heat exchangers (HE). The current work summarizes the experimental and numerical behaviour of HE reported in the literature, including the thermal examinations of HT and fluid flow characteristics with various turbulent promoters and tube arrangements. This article reviews multiple studies in which different twisted tape (TT) geometry enhances the HT rate in various HE tubes. The current work also compares the thermal performance (η) of TT configurations in HE tubes using correlations developed by different investigators. Maximum heat transfer and minimum friction factor concerning fluid utilized in the system may also produce the optimal form for twisted tapes.