Government of India

About: Government of India is a government organization based out in New Delhi, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Government. The organization has 2945 authors who have published 2999 publications receiving 44942 citations. The organization is also known as: Union Government & Central Government.

Resurgence of Diphtheria in North Kerala, India, 2016: Laboratory Supported Case-Based Surveillance Outcomes.

Abstract: Introduction: As part of national program, laboratory supported vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) surveillance was initiated in Kerala in 2015. Mechanisms have been strengthened for case investigation, reporting and data management. Specimens collected and sent to state and reference laboratories for confirmation and molecular surveillance. The major objective of this study is to understand the epidemiological information generated through surveillance system and its utilization for action. Methods: Surveillance data captured from reporting register, case investigation forms and laboratory reports was analysed. Cases were allotted unique ID and no personal identifying information was used for analysis. Throat swabs were collected from investigated cases as part of surveillance system. All Corynebacterium diphtheriae isolates were confirmed with standard biochemical tests, ELEK’s test and real-time PCR. Isolates were characterized using whole genome based Multi locus sequence typing (MLST). Case investigation forms and laboratory results were recorded electronically. Public health response by government was also reviewed. Results: A total of 533 cases were identified in 11 districts of Kerala in 2016, of which 92% occurred in three districts of north Kerala; Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur. Almost 79% cases occurred in >10 years age group. In 18 years, 69% were females. In 10 years, 3% cases had received all doses. Fifteen toxigenic C. diphtheriae isolates represented 6 novel sequence types (ST405, ST 408, ST 466, ST 468, ST 469 and ST 470). Other sequence types observed are ST 50, ST295 and ST377. Conclusions: Diphtheria being the emerging pathogen, establishing quality surveillance for providing real time information on disease occurrence and mortality is imperative. The epidemiological data thus generated was used for targeted interventions and to formulate vaccine policies. The data on molecular surveillance has given an insight on strain variation and transmission patterns.

High-resolution operational monsoon forecasts: an objective assessment

Abstract: Optimization of computational efficiency is indispensable in the incorporation of numerical complexity in a pragmatic climate forecast system. From the resource optimization standpoint, the debate regarding, to what extent increased computing efficiency and expense on resources has reduced the signal-to-noise ratio and improved our understanding towards future climate states on different time scales, still continues. With the recent advancement of real time climate forecasts from different operational agencies with increased computational efficiencies and resources, it has become necessary to perform an objective evaluation of the high resolution operational monsoon forecasts to conform if the high resolution outlooks are skillful enough as compared to a low resolution version. In this paper, we have performed a quantitative comparison of the extended range (~2–3 weeks) forecasts of monsoon intraseasonal oscillations (MISO) obtained from the climate forecast system model version 2 developed at National Centre for Environmental Prediction USA at two different resolutions: T126 (~100 km) and T382 (~38 km). It is observed that, higher model resolution (T382) has provided better basic state for MISO along with large reduction in climatological biases in June–September precipitation than the lower resolution forecast (T126). However, compared to the computing resources, there is no significant improvement in the prediction skill from increased horizontal resolution.

Application of sequential leaching, risk indices and multivariate statistics to evaluate heavy metal contamination of estuarine sediments: Dhamara Estuary, East Coast of India

Abstract: In the present study, concentration of some selected trace metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Cd) are measured in Brahmani, Baitarani river complex along with Dhamara estuary and its near shore. Chemical partitioning has been made to establish association of metals into different geochemical phases. The exchangeable fraction is having high environmental risk among non-lithogeneous phases due to greater potential for mobility into pore water. The metals with highest bio-availability being Cd, Zn and Cr. The metals like Mn, Zn, Cd and Cu represent an appreciable portion in carbonate phase. Fe-Mn oxides act as efficient scavenger for most of the metals playing a prime role in controlling their fate and transport. Among non-lithogeneous phases apart from reducible, Cr showed a significant enrichment in organic phase. Risk assessment code values indicate that all metals except Fe fall under medium-risk zone. In estuarine zone Cd, Zn, Pb and Cr are released to 32.43, 26.10, 21.81 and 20 %, respectively, indicating their significant bio-availability pose high ecological risk. A quantitative approach has been made through the use of different risk indices like enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index and pollution load index. Factor analysis indicates that in riverine zone, Fe-Mn oxides/hydroxides seem to play an important role in scavenging metals, in estuarine zone, organic precipitation and adsorption to the fine silt and clay particles while in coastal zone, co-precipitation with Fe could be the mechanism for the same. Canonical discriminant function indicates that it is highly successful in discriminating the groups as predicted.

E‐governance success factors: An analysis of e‐governance initiatives of ten major states of India

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate e‐governance projects for the social and economic development and citizen services by ten major states of India: Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and West Bengal.Design/methodology/approach – ICT and e‐governance policy framework of these ten states was captured from their published policy documents/ literature, as well as through the in‐person interviews and discussions with the concerned Secretary/Director/Managing Director level officials at different forums on the basis of a structured questionnaire.Findings – The results highlight the policy gaps and suggest that there is a need to look at improving such factors as capacity building, common standards, security guidelines, quality, completeness, depth and spread of services, coordination, mindset, etc. In terms of overall performance, four e‐governance projects, e‐Sewa in Andhra Pradesh, Bhoomi in Karnataka, Setu in Maharashtra and ...

Architecture of rose and hollow marigold-like ZnIn2S4 flowers: structural, optical and photocatalytic study

Abstract: In the present investigation, a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal route has been employed to design self-assembled rose and hollow marigold-like ZnIn2S4 flowers. In the absence of the surfactant, uniform (∼3–5 μm) marigold-like flowers are observed. The self-alignment of the transparent petals (∼3–5 nm thick with a length of ∼25–100 nm) leads to the formation of hollow marigold-like flowers, for which a plausible growth mechanism has also been proposed. Moreover, DEA assisted ZnIn2S4 demonstrates a rose flower-like via self assembly of hexagonal nanoplates. Structural and optical characterization shows the existence of hexagonal structures with a band gap in the range of ∼2.4–2.6 eV. Considering the ideal band gap in the visible region, we have used such unique nanostructured self assemblies of ZnIn2S4 as photocatalysts and demonstrated visible light-driven photocatalytic production of clean hydrogen by toxic hydrogen sulphide, which is abundantly available as a waste gas from oil refineries (15–20%). We believe that continuous efforts in this direction may open up new insights into the design of controllable nanostructures and their potential applications in advanced fields.