•The study investigated the physicochemical evaluation of wastewater produced by vehicle maintenance facilities in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.•Pre-and post-monsoon quality of soil and water chemistry have been analyzedto look at both theseason's differences.•The concentrationof oil and grease in the wastewater and soil from the motor servicing workshops was observed to be alarmingly high in the NW parts of Doon.

The climatic conditions are changing and showing their impact on the glaciers. The melting of glaciers is amplified in the recent past and in the present time due to increased global warming. Consequently, the hazardous events of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are posing a serious threat to the population in the Himalayan region. Many events of GLOFs have caused a huge loss of life and property in the downstream mountain regions. Therefore, there is an essential requirement of developing an effective early warning system to alert masses before any disastrous incident. In this paper, we reviewed the studies related to the GLOF events in the Indian and surrounding Himalayan region. Our main aim for this study is to emphasize the need for an early warning system and in this connection, we are proposing the wireless sensor network (WSN) based system. In the present time, the WSN based early warning systems are gaining popularity in the domain of different natural hazards due to their low cost of installation, maintenance and capability of real-time monitoring. For that reason, these kinds of early warning systems can be installed at multi-locations in a planned manner. This will help authorities for forming mitigation and executions plans as well as downstream people will be attentive regarding any unfortunate GLOF related catastrophe.

In the present study, slope stability analysis was done using limit equilibrium method and finite element method of the Dungale landslide situated in the NW Himalaya along Tons river. The data used for slope stability analysis was collected through geological and geotechnical field and laboratory-based studies. The field study includes remotely piloted aircraft system and ground penetration radar surveys, whereas laboratory study includes determination of engineering properties of slope forming material using standard methods. A road cut across the landslide often gets blocked during monsoon due to landslide reactivation. A fault has been identified running across the landslide at a height of ~ 76 m above the road from where continuous water flow is noticed, and above which instability occurred. The laboratory data reveals that the soil collected from the top of the landslide site is impermeable in nature and thus, may not uphold the flow of water into deeper horizons. Based on our investigation, we conclude that the landslide occurred in two phases. In the first phase, there is development and opening of the cracks in the uppermost layer of the soil at the top of the slope. Due to highly impermeable nature of the slope material, the upper topmost layer becomes saturated in the monsoon, and the inner layer within is dry. The differential water content exerts pressure within the soil and causes the opening of the cracks. In the second phase, the excessive flow of underground water during monsoon along the fault plane erodes the material at rock-soil interface causing the failure of the material. The slope stability analysis also confirms the limiting factors of safety during unsaturated state of soil, which lowers during saturated conditions.

Drilling activities in the hydrocarbon supply chain are complicated and costly processes. In recent decades, due to the enormous potential to improve various fundamental properties in hydrocarbon well cementing, nanotechnology has earned broad attention for use in petroleum energy sector. The usage of nanotechnology in the field of hydrocarbon cementing grout also offers assistance to most of the complex challenges associated with oil well cementation. By using nano-silica in oil well cementing process, cement properties such as durability and strength are improved. The nano-silica particles are emerging as a better replacement for traditional additives such as silica and calcium chloride, since much less is needed. Increment in cement properties occur considering the width and size of these very-fine particles and nano-silica’s large specific surface area. As a multifunctional additive, nano-silica acts. Fresh and hardened cement properties are enhanced by the existence of these nano-silica particles. As nano-silica particles are incorporated in the slurry paste of cement, it is observed that there is a decrease in the time of thickening process, increase in physical properties such as compressive strength, a decrease in porosity as well as permeability in hardened cement, and substancial decrease in fluid loss. The addition of particles of nano-silica enables effective cementation. It also enhances integrity of the wellbore. By forming C–H-S gel to eliminate excessive CH in cement slurry, nano-silica forms refined pore, denser and compact microstructure cement for efficient ring sealing.

The Anderson?s theory (Anderson, 1951) can be utilized to understand the allocation of principal stresses. For various tectonic regimes, the global seismicity trend for crustal earthquakes of less than 20 km depth suggests that the source fault inclination also plays a critical part in the propagation of the aftershocks in the subsurface rupture with respect to the mainshock earthquake. It has also been observed that majority of the compression earthquakes that display upward seismicity migration typically occur along steep faults. However, in the context of Himalaya seismicity, the opposite migratory behaviour of the aftershock sequence is observed even along the gentle dipping source faulting. The failure envelope Mohr?s diagram is used to understand the alteration in the dynamics of the subsurface locked zone of Himalayan Seismic Belt (HSB). This study discusses the alteration in the effective strength of the rock mass which imply the variation in the crustal hydrostatic fluid pressure at shallow depth (0?15 km). Different earthquakes and their aftershocks sequence of Himalayan terrain have been incorporated to corroborate the role of orientation of tectonic principal stresses, subsurface morphology and fluids/partial melts if present. In addition, topography contributes to the vertical loads and development of the subsurface geometry, therefore its role and its influence on seismicity has been discussed. This study highlights the controlling factors and the trend of the principal applied stresses and subsurface fluids in the distribution of aftershock sequences along tectonic regime of the Himalayan arc.

While drilling a well, drilling fluids incurs 15-18 per cent of the overall cost. While preparing a drilling fluid, there are three fundamental considerations. It should be simple to use, not too expensive, and it should be environmentally sustainable. The formulation of a mud system begins with the selection of a mud family that, according to the rock formations and drilling fluid properties, will be sufficient for drilling a well. In order to develop a drilling fluid, we experimented and used tamarind seed powder with bentonite and barite. With approximately 8 to 10 seeds in each pod, tamarind seeds contained in kernels or pods are around 3 to 6 in. long. The average weight of pod is around 0.064 g. In general, a complete grown tamarind tree produces around 175 to 250 kg of seed/kernel. The density of different samples with a mixture of bentonite, barite and tamarind seed powder ranging from 5 to 20 g was found using mud balance. Results show that average mud density received after five test runs of the experiment was 8.662 ppg which is good to be considered as a good drilling fluid. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The fistula risk score (FRS) has been developed to predict clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF). This study aimed to validate its applicability in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy at a tertiary care teaching centre in northern India. Historical records of 105 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy between January 2010 and December 2017 were reviewed. The FRS was calculated for each patient based on operative records. Various outcome parameters, including POPF, were evaluated across four discrete risk zones. The performance of the model was assessed by area under the receiver operating curve. Based on FRS, patients were grouped into 4 risk zones: Group A (negligible risk, score 0): 4 patients (3.8%); Group B (low risk, score 1–2): 35 patients (33.3%); Group C (moderate risk, score 3–6): 54 patients (51.4%), and Group D (high risk, score 7–10): 12 patients (11.4%). Overall incidence of CR-POPF was 15.2%. The incidence of CR-POPF in negligible, low, moderate, and high-risk patients was 0%, 8.5%, 14.8%, and 41.6%, respectively (p = 0.003). Increasing FRS correlated well with the CR-POPF development on univariate (p < 0.03) and multivariate (p < 0.04) analysis. Upon assessing the model performance for fistula risk zones using area under the receiver operating curve, an overall result of 0.80 (95 CI 0.71–0.87) was obtained, indicating good ability of the FRS to predict the development of CR-POPF. This single institutional experience validates FRS as a good and reliable tool for predicting the development of CR-POPF after pancreatoduodenectomy. This study affirms its universal applicability.

The Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) is an extensively used geophysical technique for investigating shallow subsurface structures. We present the results of a GPR survey at the two construction sites of a hydropower project (Tunnel and Adit) in the Satluj River valley, Himachal Pradesh. The GPR survey has been carried at the construction site -1 with an objective to determine the overburden thickness as well as to map subsurface structural features like anomaly zone inside the subsurface strata. Similarly, GPR has been carried out at Site II on the vertical wall and floor of an adit with an objective to map the number of joint sets and shear bands and their continuity inside the rock strata that could make the structure unstable. Results revealed the presence of disturbed strata that are ready to detach at site no 1. Also, the depth of alteration zones at the major discontinuities has been assessed in GPR profile. Similarly, GPR profile of site-2 confers the presence of three joint sets with a shear zone.The radar survey therefore allows the localisation of possible weak zones and a precise mapping of the overburden thickness, joint sets and shear bands etc. Thus, it can be effectively used in mapping the geological structural features and hidden anomalies in rugged terrain of Himalaya.

e15651 Background: Regional lymph nodes metastasis is a poor prognostic factor in pancreato-biliary malignancies. CT findings like lymph node size > 10mm, irregular shape, heterogenous enhancement, conglomeration and infiltration can suggest metastatic involvement. Cholangitis can induce reactive changes in regional lymph nodes. This study aimed to find if episodes of cholangitis interfere with the pre-operative CT evaluation of regional lymphadenopathy in pancreato-biliary malignancies. Methods: Regional lymph nodes metastasis is a poor prognostic factor in pancreato-biliary malignancies. CT findings like lymph node size > 10mm, irregular shape, heterogenous enhancement, conglomeration and infiltration can suggest metastatic involvement. Cholangitis can induce reactive changes in regional lymph nodes. This study aimed to find if episodes of cholangitis interfere with the pre-operative CT evaluation of regional lymphadenopathy in pancreato-biliary malignancies. Results: A total of 41 patients of gallbladder cancer and 20 patients of periampullary cancer were included. A total of 206 lymph node stations were sampled. In gallbladder cancer group, CT finding of lymph node size > 10mm, ill-defined borders and conglomeration; while intra-operative findings were node size > 10mm, hard consistency and necrosis on cut-section significantly predicted metastatic lymphadenopathy on univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, size > 10mm measured intra-operatively was the only significant predictor of metastatic lymphadenopathy.21.9% patients (9/41) had history of cholangitis pre-operatively. In this subgroup, none of the CT characteristic or intra-operative nodal feature significantly predicted malignant involvement. In periampullary cancer, nodal necrosis on intra-operative cut-section was a significant predictor of malignant involvement in univariate, but not in multivariate analysis. Subgroup analysis of patients with history of cholangitis (10/20) did not reveal any significant pre-operative or intra-operative lymph nodal feature predicting malignant involvement. Conclusions: In patients with gallbladder or periampullary cancer with history of cholangitis, the typical CT characteristics or the intra-operative characteristics of regional lymph nodes cannot be relied on to predict metastatic lymph node involvement. Thus, cholangitis affects the clinical staging of these malignancies.

Endoscopic dilatation is the recommended primary therapy for chronic corrosive esophageal strictures (ES), and surgery is reserved for failed dilatation. Through this study, we intend to analyze the efficacy and long-term outcomes of both endoscopic and surgical interventions in corrosive ES. A retrospective cohort analysis of patients with chronic corrosive ES, managed with endoscopic or surgical procedures at a tertiary teaching institute in North India from December 2009 to December 2016, was performed from a prospectively maintained database. The primary outcome measure was the absence of dysphagia following dilatation or surgery. During the study period, 64 patients with ES underwent surgical or endoscopic treatment. Associated gastric strictures and pharyngeal strictures were present in 39 (60%) and 22 patients (28.9%), respectively. The mean age was 28.8 years and mean BMI was 14.2 kg/m2. Acid was the most common corrosive substance. Endoscopic dilatation using Savary-Gilliard (SG) dilators was successful in achieving persistent symptom relief in 46 patients (71.8%) after a total of 358 sessions (mean number of dilatations were 5.2 ± 1.2) of dilatations over 2 years. The dilatation therapy failed in 18 patients (28.1%) including technical failures (15.6%), perforations (3.1%), refractory stricture (1.5%) and recurrent strictures (7.8%). Increasing stricture length (more than 6 cm) was associated with poor outcome of endoscopic dilatation (p < 0.001). Only eleven patients (17%) required esophageal replacement (resection: 0, bypass: 11) for failed dilatations including seven gastric pull-ups and four pharyngo-coloplasty. The stricture rate after surgery was 36.3% (4/11). The median follows up was 32 months. Endoscopic dilatation of corrosive ES is safe and effective therapy and should be the first-line therapy for these patients and surgery should be considered only in patients who have unsuccessful outcome following dilatation therapy.

We describe Per Anal Endoscopic Rectopexy (PAER), a new treatment for complete rectal prolapse, which involves fixing the anterior rectal wall to the under-surface of the anterior abdominal wall and posterior rectal wall to the sacrum, through a submucosal tunnel (both endoluminally). This is a prospective single-centre pilot study done at a tertiary care centre. A total of 12 patients with a mean age of 48 years underwent the procedure. Constipation and incontinence were present in 8 and 4 patients, respectively and a significant improvement was seen in both following the procedure. A significant decrease in anorectal angle and its descent was also observed on post procedure magnetic resonance defecography. One patient had partial recurrence of prolapse. No major morbidity was observed. PAER is a minimally invasive and safe option for rectal prolapse, which needs to be validated in more patients over a longer follow up period.

BACKGROUND:Blumgart's pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) has been described with low pancreatic leak rates. This study aimed to evaluate our experience with this technique regarding the pancreatic leak and other perioperative outcomes.METHODS:We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of a cohort of 81 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in our department from January 2011 to February 2018. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of a clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) and analysis of its risk factors.RESULTS:The CR-POPF rate was 12.3%. Fistula risk score (FRS) was the only significant risk factor for the occurrence of overall POPF in multivariate analysis. However, none of the other factors including FRS was found to be significantly associated with CR-POPF risk. A strong positive correlation was found between the CR-POPF and the incidence of delayed gastric emptying, post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage and increased length of hospital stay.CONCLUSION:Blumgart's technique is a safe technique of pancreatico-enteric anastomosis with low rates of CR-POPF. CR-POPF with this technique is independent of most of the preoperative and intraoperative factors. Therefore, this technique can be used for all types of the pancreas with consistently good results.

Background: Aim of the study was to analyze the clinicopathological profile and long-term operative outcomes of patients with choledochal cysts (CDC) undergoing cyst excision. Methods: Clinical data of 73 adult CDC patients managed at a single tertiary care center between January 2010 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who had undergone complete cyst excision and with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included for long-term outcome analysis. Results: The male female ratio was approximately 1:3 and the median age was 35 years (range, 12-65 years). Type I CDC was the most common cyst type in this series (n=49/73, 67.1%). Abdominal pain was the commonest presenting symptom followed by jaundice, fever and palpable lump. Co-existing gallbladder carcinoma was encountered in 4/73 (5.48%) patients while two patients had secondary biliary cirrhosis with portal hypertension. Complete cyst excision was performed in 65 out of 73(89.0%) patients. Patients undergoing complete cyst excision were followed-up for a median duration of 29.5 months (range, 12-70 months). One case of hepaticojejunostomy stricture and two cases of post-operative incisional hernia were reported. No new case of cholangiocarcinoma was reported in any of our patients. Conclusion: Adulthood CDC are associated with an increased incidence of complications like recurrent cholangitis, pancreatitis and cyst perforation. The lesser association of biliary tract malignancy in Indian population may possibly be linked to a lower incidence of abnormal pancreaticobiliary duct junction. Complete cyst excision with hepaticojejunostomy remains the standard treatment both to relieve the symptoms and to minimize the risk of malignancy.

Introduction: Vasculobiliary and vascular injuries following cholecystectomy are the most serious complications requiring complex surgical management resulting in greater patient morbidity and mortality. Methodology: The study was performed at a tertiary teaching hospital of North India. Records of patients referred for biliary or vascular injury sustained during cholecystectomy were reviewed retrospectively to identify patients with vascular injury between January 2009 and March 2018. Clinical profile, hospital course and outcome of these patients were analysed. Results: Over nine years, 117 patients were referred for cholecystectomy related complications. Total incidence of vascular injury was 5.1% (6/117). Combined vasculobiliary injury (VBI) occurred in 3.4% (4/117) while isolated vascular injury was present in 1.7% patients (2/117). Most (5/6) patients were operated for uncomplicated gall stone disease. Incidences of portal vein (PV) and right hepatic artery (RHA) injuries were equal (3/6). PV injuries were repaired either during cholecystectomy (1/3) or during re-exploration after damage control packing (2/3). RHA injuries presented as pseudoaneurysm and were managed surgically (2/3) or by coil embolization (1/3). All VBI referrals (4/117) were following open cholecystectomy. In VBI patients, vascular injury was diagnosed intra-operatively in two while it was diagnosed several weeks after cholecystectomy in two others. Biliary injury manifested as bile leak post-operatively in all four of them. Nature of biliary injury could be characterized in only 50% (2/4) patients. Definitive repair of biliary injury was performed in one patient only. There was one mortality in our series. Conclusion: Vascular injury is an uncommon complication of cholecystectomy with catastrophic outcome if not managed timely and properly. Adequate surgeon training, keeping the possibility of aberrant vasculobiliary anatomy in all cases, and proper surgical technique is crucial for prevention of such injuries. However in such an event, proper documentation and referral to tertiary centre will help in decreasing morbidity and further litigation. (C) 2018 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTION:Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) has gained widespread acceptance for the management of complete rectal prolapse (CRP). However, there have been concerns considering its use in patients with a redundant sigmoid colon. This study was conducted to evaluate the anatomical and functional results following LVMR, particularly in cases of CRP with a redundant sigmoid colon. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Retrospective analysis of 25 patients who underwent LVMR from January 2011 to September 2016 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the duration of follow-up. Group A (long-term) with follow-up >3 years and Group B (mid-term) <3 years. RESULTS:The study included 25 patients (M:F = 1.5:1) with a median age of 38 years. Eighty-eight percent of the patients had a redundant sigmoid colon. Significant improvement in post-operative Wexner score as compared to pre-operative values was seen in patients with pre-existing constipation (P < 0.0001). In patients presenting with faecal incontinence (FI), significant improvement in post-operative St. Mark's incontinence score was observed. Functional outcomes remain consistent in long-term follow-up (>3 years). CONCLUSIONS:LVMR seems to be a feasible surgical procedure with minimum morbidity and good long-term functional outcomes. It provides satisfactory results in patients with redundant sigmoid colon and improves pre-existing constipation and FI.

Introduction: Most centres offer laparoscopic treatment for liver hydatid cyst (LHC). There have been concerns about the management of intra-peritoneal spillage, bleeding, and cystobiliary communication (CBC) during laparoscopic surgery for LHC. CBC can exist in 13%–37% of cases of LHC. No randomised studies have compared open versus laparoscopic approach for the treatment of LHC. We specifically analysed the outcomes of laparoscopic treatment of LHC with special reference to associated biliary complications. Patients and Methods: We analysed our prospectively collected data of patients undergoing laparoscopic treatment of LHC from 2009 to 2016. Patients undergoing open surgery or interventional radiology procedures were not included. Data analysed included demographic profile, investigational parameters, intra-operative findings and postoperative results with special reference to biliary complications and presence/management of CBC. Results: A total of 41 patients underwent laparoscopic treatment of LHC. History of jaundice was present in 5 (12.2%) patients. CBC was documented in 16 (39.02%) patients. In 11 patients, CBC was detected intra-operatively as visible communication, which was suture ligated or clipped. Five patients had occult CBC, detected as bile leak in the post-operative period. The leak resolved spontaneously in 7 patients and with biliary stenting in 2 patients. Only one patient had a persistent biliary leak. Postoperative bile leak was more common in patients with raised alkaline phosphatase. No statistically significant association was seen with size or location of the cyst, number of cysts and World Health Organisation classification. Conclusion: Laparoscopic treatment of LHC with associated CBC provides acceptable results.

Findings of study related to seed and seed initiatives in seven districts encompassing different classes of seed systems have been explained. Source seed produced by public and private institutions in Nepal is illustrated to make proper analogue as to how seed systems could be made practically functional. SWOT analysis of important seed systems is compared in issues pertaining to seed systems in Nepal. Information received from the seed related stakeholders has been analyzed to draw the inference covering different seed system initiatives in Nepal. On the basis of scientific evidences collected from concerned stakeholders from cross section of study districts on various issues of seed, recommendations have been proposed to make effective seed systems by amalgamation of available seed production initiatives under single funneled seed system that could be implemented to sustain food security and enhanced productivity of crops in general and major food crops in particular in Nepal. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 1-10 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.8981

Nanosized Co3O4 thin films were prepared on glass substrates by using sol-gel spin coating technique. The effect of annealing temperature (400°C - 700°C) on structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties of Co3O4 thin films were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electrical conductivity and UV-visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis). XRD measurements show that all the films are nanocrystallized in the cubic spinel structure and present a random orientation. Six prominent peaks, corresponding to the (111) phase (2θ ≈ 18.90°), (220) phase (2θ ≈ 31.29°), (311) phase (2θ ≈ 36.81°), (222) phase (2θ ≈ 38.54°), (400) phase (2θ ≈ 44.80°), (511) phase (2θ ≈ 59.37°) and (440) phase (2θ ≈ 65.27°) appear on the diffractograms. The crystallite size increases with increasing annealing temperature. These modifications influence the optical properties. The morphology of the sol gel derived Co3O4 shows nanocrystalline grains with some overgrown clusters and it varies with annealing temperature. The optical band gap has been determined from the absorption coefficient. We found that the optical band gap energy decreases from 2.58 eV to 2.07 eV with increasing annealing temperature between 400°C - 700°C. These mean that the optical quality of Co3O4 films is improved by annealing. The dc electrical conductivity of Co3O4 thin films were increased from 10–4 to 10–2 (Ω.cm)–1 with increase in annealing temperature. The electron carrier concentration (n) and mobility (μ) of Co3O4 films annealed at 400°C - 700°C were estimated to be of the order of 2.4 to 4.5 × 1019 cm–3 and 5.2 to 7.0 × 10–5 cm2.V–1.s–1 respectively. It is observed that Co3O4 thin film annealing at 700°C after deposition provide a smooth and flat texture suited for optoelectronic applications.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the major public health problems in some of the endemic districts in India including Surat city of Gujarat province. Historical data reveals that in 1960s, Surat city had infection rate of about 23% and infectivity rate of 1.6%. Since then, Surat city has been reporting the cases of Lymphoedema and hydrocele. Filaria Control Unit was established under National Filaria Control Programme to detect and provide treatment to the cases. Based on the reports of NFCP, Surat City has been considered as LF endemic. During 2004, the country launched campaign of Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with annual single dose of 6 mg/kg body weight of DEC tablets in all LF endemic districts including Surat city. Four rounds of MDA (2004-2007) had shown 41% reduction in mf rate, with drastic reduction in infection rate of 88% and 100% in infectivity rate. Serious adverse effect (SAE) after 4th round of MDA was insignificant (< 0.5%) during 2007. An assessment by surveying 5058 people in different parts of Surat city revealed the drug distribution coverage of more than 95% but actual drug compliance between 70-90%. Analysis of the data revealed that though the overall Microfilaria rate has been reduced due to MDA, higher Microfilaria rate was noticed in North zone of city where the migrant populations influx is higher. The observation and analysis of the data in Surat city towards elimination of Lymphatic filariasis has been discussed in this paper.

The paper discuses synthesis and magnetodielectric properties of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO), Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 (BST), and BST/LSMO thin film heterostructures. The XRD spectra are determined for confirmation of the crystal structure of LSMO, BST and formation of a pure bi-phase composite. The paper presents variation of Cp and tanδ as a function of frequency between 100 Hz to 1 MHz and applied magnetic field up to 0.6 T. The observed variation of Cp, tanδ, magnetocapacitance and impedance spectra are analyzed in terms of a possible equivalent circuit model. The present analysis shows that the method of impedance spectra could be used to separate out the possible contributions.