Background and aims:Sepsis remains a leading cause of pediatric in-hospital mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. The Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (p-SOFA) score is widely used to guide prognostication, but its performance in children is suboptimal. The Phoenix Sepsis Score (PSS), developed specifically for pediatric patients, may offer improved predictive accuracy, yet validation data from Eastern India are lacking. We aimed to evaluate and compare the predictive performance of the PSS and p-SOFA scores for in-hospital mortality among children with sepsis admitted to a resource-limited pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Eastern India. Patients and methods:This prospective analytical study enrolled children aged 1 month to 15 years with suspected or confirmed sepsis over 18 months. The PSS and p-SOFA scores were recorded on day 1 and day 3. Predictive performance for in-hospital mortality was assessed using the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC), area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for mortality. Results:Among 105 included children, 21 (20%) died during hospital stay. Non-survivors had significantly higher PSS and p-SOFA scores on both day 1 and day 3 (p < 0.001). On day 3, the PSS showed superior predictive performance (AUROC 0.910; AUPRC 0.678) compared to p-SOFA (AUROC 0.861; AUPRC 0.595). A PSS ≥5 on day 3 was associated with 96% sensitivity and significantly increased odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR 40.0, 95% CI: 35.1-47.5). Conclusion:Both scores are effective for mortality prediction, but the PSS demonstrated superior sensitivity, ease of use, and robustness in resource-limited environments. The PSS may serve as a more practical tool for early prognostication in pediatric sepsis. How to cite this article:Kumar R, Ghosh A, Annigeri S, Prakash J, Jana D. Utility of Phoenix Sepsis Score for Predicting Mortality in Pediatric Sepsis: A Prospective Analytical Study from a Resource-limited Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Eastern India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2026;30(1):27-34.

Cercospora leaf spot, a fungal disease caused by Cercospora canescens Ellis and Martin, that occurs frequently and is a more prevalent and destructive disease, causes huge losses to crop production in Mothbean (Vigna aconitifolia) growing region. The experiments were conducted to investigate the bio-efficacy of fungicides against cercospora leaf spot disease of mothbean during Kharif, 2020 and 2021. Collective findings of the two subsequent years (2020 & 2021) of investigation indicated that the minimum percent disease intensity (7.6%) of cercospora leaf spot caused by C. canescens Ellis and Martin, was recorded in two foliar sprays with pyraclostrobin 133 g/l + epoxiconazole 50 g/l SE @ 1.5 ml/l along with maximum seed yield (438 kg/ha), Rs. 10459 net return, and a 1.76 benefit-cost ratio. To a great extent, difenoconazole 25% EC @ 0.5 ml/l also reduced the disease menace and was found to be the second-best-performing fungicide against the targeted disease in mothbean. The findings indicated that after the 10th day of the second spray, 9.4 percent disease intensity and 414 kg/h seed yield with Rs. 9407 net return and a 1.69 benefit-cost ratio were recorded in the difenoconazole 25% EC @ 0.5 ml/l treatment. Absorbingly, the maximum cercospora leaf spot (31.0%) was recorded in the control along with minimum (260 kg/h) seed yield, Rs. 2930 net return, and 1.25 benefit- cost ratio. Therefore, the application of pyraclostrobin 133 g/l + epoxiconazole 50 g/l SE @ 1.5 ml/l is most feasible treatment for the management of cercospora leaf spot (C. canescens) perils in mothbean crop.

Wastewater is an abundant yet underutilized source of thermal energy. Integrating wastewater flow with heat exchangers and heat pumps is a promising method for addressing buildings' heating and cooling requirements. This approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also promotes sustainability in buildings. This study explores the techno-economic and environmental potential of such a system, known as a Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) system. An energy model was developed to simulate and compare the performance of a WET system with an existing conventional Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Using local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions factors, utility rates, and weather data, the model calculated both systems' comparative energy consumption, operating costs, and GHG emissions. The models were created to determine the project's economic and environmental viability. Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) campus buildings were utilized for a case study and implementation of a WET system. The analysis included six Canadian cities of Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver, with varying climates and energy infrastructures. Montreal had the highest operating cost savings at $2,057,855, while Calgary had the lowest at $128,544. Winnipeg led in GHG reductions, offsetting 5,464 tonnes annually, whereas Montreal had the smallest reduction at 21 tonnes.

As new energy-efficient technologies emerge, space and water heating systems are continuously evolving. The latest generation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Canada and other countries is shifting away from natural gas heating to cleaner electrical options, such as air-source heat pump water heaters (ASHPWH). While many studies focus on reducing space heating, research on the effectiveness of ASHPWHs in cold climates is limited. This study aims to fill that knowledge gap by analyzing the performance of ASHPWHs in typical home applications across various climates in Canada. An experimental setup was constructed, and TRNSYS modeling was employed to evaluate the techno-economic and environmental performances of these systems in comparison to existing natural gas and conventional electric water heating systems. The findings of this research indicate that ASHPWHs possess the capability to substantially decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when compared to conventional natural gas-fired water heaters. Despite this significant environmental benefit, ASHPWHs may not be the most cost-effective option due to the prevailing natural gas pricing structure. Nevertheless, there is potential for these systems to become more economically viable in the future, particularly if an appropriate level of carbon pricing mechanisms is implemented.

The feasibility of a Natural Gas Absorption Heat Pump (GAHP) was assessed using an Excel-based technology screening tool that incorporated performance curves evaluated experimentally. The GAHP unit was installed at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's Archetype Sustainable Houses (ASH), and its heating and cooling capacities, Gas Utilization Efficiency (GUE), Coefficient of Performance (COP), and economic-environmental performances were analyzed. The GAHP's performance during the cooling season aligned with expectations. However, in the heating season, its effectiveness significantly declined at outdoor air temperatures below - 1.5 °C, rendering it less efficient than other natural gas-based technologies. This significant decrease in heating efficiency during extreme cold raises concerns about its practicality for use in Canadian houses. An Excel-based screen tool was created with a validated performance curve to assess the feasibility of the GAHP in five major Canadian cities (Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Edmonton, and Vancouver). Vancouver achieved the highest GUE at 108

Enhancements of a building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) system intended for coupling with an air source multispeed heat pump (MSHP) is presented. The systems were analyzed using a modified version of EnergyPlus, a quasi-steady state building energy simulation program. A sensitivity analysis of the internal channel surface and cover emissivity parameters of the Opaque BIPV/T, transparent BIPV/T, and building integrated solar air heater collectors (BISAH) was conducted. In addition, collector arrangement analyses were performed. A BIPV/T- BISAH array design was selected based on the results of the analyses and evaluated using a net-zero energy house and an energy efficient house. The integrated BIPV/T-BISAH coupled ASHP system reduced space heating electricity consumption of the net-zero house by 6.5% and the energy efficient house by 3.4%. These low levels of savings were largely due to the passive design of the houses that reduced heating loads during sunny hours; this resulted in a mismatch between the hours when the integrated system could provide energy savings and the need for space heating.

Background: Charcoal rot of fenugreek caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is destructive disease of all fenugreek growing areas of Rajasthan, The disease is wide occurrence in sandy soil of Rajasthan, where the climatic conditions are dry and temperature remains high. Under severe infestation it cause 35.00-42.56% losses in yield. In the present investigation, our main emphasis was to find out some new fungicides alone and combination with bio-agent for management of charcoal rot of fenugreek. Methods: Eight fungicides viz., captan 70%+ hexaconazole 5% WP, azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenaconazole 1.4% SC, chlorothalonil 75% WP, carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP, tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG, carboxin 37.5% + thiram 37.5% WP, copper oxychloride 50% WP and captan 70% WP were tested at different concentration of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm against M. phaseolina using Poisoned Food Technique in vitro. The in vivo study was taken to evaluate the effect of one fungal and one bacterial bio-agent viz., T. harzianum, P. fluorescens was applied as seed treatment, soil dressing and soil application @ 5+5g/kg and @ 10 kg/ha respectively and fungicides viz., tebuconazole 50%+ trifloxystrobin 25% @ 1.5 g/kg, carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% @ 2 g/kg and azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenaconazole 11.4% 2 ml/kg seed were used in different treatments. The experiment was conducted at Experimental farm COA, SKRAU, Bikaner during Rabi 2020-21 on most popular cv. Rmt-305 in RBD design with the application of seed treatment, soil dressing and foliar spray of different fungicides with bioagents at different concentrations against Charcoal Rot disease and compared with an untreated control. Result: Among all the tested fungicides used in the present investigation, tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG found most effective in controlling the mycelium growth of pathogen. In field condition, it gave maximum disease control (85.72%) with highest grain yield (19.83 q/ha) when applied as seed treatment with tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG @ 1.5 g/kg seed + soil application of T. harzianum @ 10 kg/ha + SD with tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG. These treatments can provide an effective management of charcoal rot disease for fenugreek cultivators.

An investigation was conducted to explore the potential use of a Natural Gas Absorption Heat Pump (GAHP) for heating and cooling. This investigation involved experiments and simulations using TRNSYS software. In the experimental and modelling study, a working fluid comprising a solution of 50% Propylene Glycol (PG) and water was utilized to prevent freezing in the system’s primary loop, which is exposed to extreme cold weather conditions. The data from the experimental study was utilized to develop performance curves used in the system simulations. TRNSYS simulations were conducted to predict the performance behaviour of the system under different operating and climatic conditions. The results of the analysis indicate that the GAHP can be a substitute in areas where natural gas is the primary heating fuel. However, it was noted that the GAHP’s capacity, Gas Utilization Efficiency (GUE), and Coefficient of Performance (COP) were significantly lower during the heating and cooling seasons. It was observed that the heating GUE values ranged from 0.53 to 0.64, and cooling GUEs ranged from 0.32 to 0.38. These GUE values are significantly lower than anticipated for this technology per system specifications. Furthermore, the lower performance of the GAHP operation in Canada is attributed to extremely cold conditions, excessive cycling, and part-load performance. It was concluded that optimizing the control system is necessary to improve the practicality of GAHP in Canada.

This paper presents the findings of fifteen energy audits conducted on industrial sites in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The audits covered a range of industries including food processing, packaged goods, and finishing processes (powder-coating). The primary focus of the audits was to analyze the natural gas consumption and the performance of major-gas-consuming equipment. The audits identified natural-gas-consuming equipment that could be optimized to yield energy and operational cost savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction opportunities. Food production plants’ energy intensity ranges from 5.59 m3/ft2 to 17.73 m3/ft2. Therefore, there is a significant opportunity to improve energy consumption through better technology integration. The results of the audits indicate a trend of an increase in the percentage of non-productive consumption with non-productive time. The proposed energy-saving measures include reducing non-productive natural gas consumption, gas-fired equipment tune-up, optimizing boiler loads, and reducing oven exhaust by using variable frequency drives (VFDs). The findings of this study could be used to develop a demand-side management program specifically for small- and medium-sized industrial facilities in the Greater Toronto Area and other parts of Canada.

Gaganyaan program represents India’s inaugural endeavour to establish human presence in Earth’s Low Earth Orbit. The Orbital module is designed to accommodate astronauts and various electronic systems like environment monitoring systems, crew display systems, cabin lighting systems, camera systems, communication systems, audio-video processing systems, etc. Crew Cabin Systems Controller (CCSC) Module is an integral part of Audio Video Processing System that serves as a crucial intermediary between on-board electronics and Mission Computers for Tele-Command & Telemetry information exchange. This paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the design of Fault Tolerant Crew Cabin Systems Controller for the Gaganyaan mission.

Background: Cercospora leaf spot of mothbean caused by Cercospora canescens Ellis and Martin is one of the most important fungal diseases causing damage to the crop. C. canescens causes losses to yield in major Mothbean growing areas of Rajasthan. Its affects the foliation and in severe infection damaged entire crop that lead to yield loss up to 50-70%. In this, Check the efficacy of new molecules available in the market should be analyzed with this disease. Methods: Nine fungicides were tested at four concentrations (50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) under in vitro conditions with CRD design against C. canescens and also tested under field conditions. The field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of College of Agriculture, SKRAU, Bikaner, during Kharif 2019 in RBD design with the application of foliar spray of nine different fungicides at different concentrations against Cercospora leaf spot disease of mothbean. Result: Among these new molecule fungicides tested, trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% WG and carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP was highly effective with maximum inhibition of mycelial growth (100.00%) at 200 ppm concentrations. The results of in vivo studies revealed that spraying with 0.15% trifloxystrobin 25% + tebuconazole 50% WG helped to manage the leaf spot successfully and reduced the disease intensity (15.51%) with disease control (72.71%) and recorded highest yield (8.10 q ha-1) effective under field conditions as foliar spray at appropriate time.

The current rice production system, centered around the high-input green revolution methods, tends to favour affluent farmers, leaving lower-income farmers unable to fully embrace modern agricultural techniques due to soaring input prices. In India, shrinking cultivable land and a growing population have led to intensified agronomic practices like heavy chemical fertilizer usage mainly impacting soil health and crops productivity especially rice. This trend has discouraged poorer farmers from rice cultivation due to diminishing factor productivity and profitability amidst rising input expenses, posing significant concerns about sustainability and economic viability. In this context, the review aims to assess how rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes perform when exposed to varying levels of fertilizer application, providing valuable insights into their adaptability and potential for increased productivity and soil fertility. It was investigated how different fertilizer levels, specifically nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, affects important agronomic practices, yield-related parameters, and grain quality in various rice genotypes. A diverse set of genotypes represent a broad spectrum of genetic background and adaptation strategies, including those known for their efficiency in using nutrients. Highlighting how the robustness of certain genotypes under conditions with limited nutrients maintained satisfactory yields and grain quality. In contrast, some genotypes demonstrated superior performance under higher fertility conditions, resulting in significant yield increases, larger grain sizes, and improved nutritional profiles. These approaches optimize fertilizer application, reduce the environmental impacts associated with excessive nutrient use, and ultimately enhance overall rice production.

Introduction: With a tremendous spike in the cases of anxiety in recent years, scientists are looking for herbal drug alternatives for its treatment as all the conventional medication options available in the market have side effects and lead to dependence. Ethnopharmacological reports revealed the usefulness of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. for anxiety and depression. Therefore, it was envisaged to explore this plant's possible anxiolytic activity. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Z. mauritiana leaves based on its ethno pharmacological relevance. Materials and Methods: Anxiolytic activity of the chloroform leaf extract of this plant was determined with the use of animal models elevated plus maze, mirrored chamber and light/dark box test. The chloroform extract was given orally to mice at 200 and 400 mg/kg and number of entries and time spent in the animal models was observed. The extract was then subjected to PTLC and a pentacyclic triterpenoid (RJ11) was isolated which was then characterized using spectroscopic techniques. Molecular docking studies of isolated compound RJ11 was done on GABAA receptors. Results: The chloroform extract showed significant anxiolytic effect in mirrored chamber, elevated plus maze and light/ dark models at the dose of 400mg/kg. Molecular docking studies of isolated compound RJ11 on GABAA receptors revealed good binding affinity and interactions with central benzodiazepine binding site on GABAA that may be responsible for the anxiolytic effect of this plant. Conclusion: The chloroform extract of leaves of Z. mauritiana Lam. possess anxiolytic effect which may be attributed to binding affinity of pentacyclic triterpenoid present in this plant with GABAA receptors on its benzodiazepines receptor site.

Introduction: Most laboratories around the world have focused on improving the analytical quality of laboratory tests. Laboratory turnaround time (TAT) is often left unnoticed and under-recognised in the healthcare setting. Both patients and clinicians are more interested in receiving rapid, reliable, and accurate results. This can be achieved by improving the TAT through the identification of the causes that lead to delayed TAT. Materials and methods: This prospective study aims to identify the cause of delayed TATs within the outpatient department and implement corrective strategies to overcome them. A total of 214 samples were received. The study was conducted for a period of two years; of all the samples received, 154 were from the outpatient department, and 78 samples exceeded the expected TAT. The samples were analysed in the clinical biochemistry department of the hospital. The time spent at each station was determined using an internal computer system, which was also used to identify the samples that exceeded TATs. The primary outcome of the study was to identify the number of samples exceeding TAT and the causes of it. Results: Upon implementation of corrective measures and root cause analysis, the TATs were reduced from 80-88% to 11-33%. After analysing the duration of time for the samples that exceeded TAT, 45.1% and 37.5% exceeded 30 minutes in Year 1 and Year 2, respectively. Only 3.2% and 6.2% exceeded five hours in Year 1 and Year 2, respectively. Furthermore, using root cause analysis, it was found that 12% of the delay was due to increased waiting time or sample collection, 14% included other causes such as outsourcing of samples, and 18% of the delay was due to pre- analytic processing time. Conclusion: Our study concludes that TAT is an important quality assessment tool within the laboratory setting, and with proper identification of causes, it can be improved. Although monitoring TAT is a tedious process that mandates tremendous efforts, with the presence of real-time monitoring, improving TAT is an achievable goal. This, in turn, can improve patient treatment outcomes and clinician satisfaction.

Background: Outcome prediction for surgical patients with sepsis may be conducive to early aggressive interventions. In several studies, changes in the level of numerous biomarkers like red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) have been demonstrated to be associated with mortality in critically ill patients. We aimed at investigating the prognostic significance of dynamic changes in RDW, PC, MPV, and PDW in surgical patients with sepsis. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 110 surgical patients of sepsis in our study admitted to the surgical ward and ICU. We measured RDW, PC, MPV, and PDW on days 1, day 4, and day 8. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were generated for prognostic validation of these parameters and mortality in surgical patients with sepsis. Results: We found that higher RDW and PDW on day 1 among non-survivors as compared to survivors on day 1 were significantly associated with mortality. ROC curves showed that RDW and PDW on day 1 could be used to predict mortality in surgical patients with sepsis and it was dynamic changes in PC on day 4 and day 8 along with a change in MPV on day 8, which was significantly associated with mortality.Conclusion: The major findings of our study were baseline value of RDW and PDW on day 1 and continuous decrease in PC and increase in MPV over one week were significantly associated with mortality. So, it is better to monitor dynamic changes in PC and MPV in combination with baseline RDW and PDW. So, these parameters can be promising markers to assess prognosis in surgical patients with sepsis.

ICTs can be broadly interpreted as technologies that facilitate communication and transmission of information by electronic means. In this study ICTs is operationalised as the use of communication devices or applications by the farmers encompassing mobile phone, Internet, Kisan Call Centres for obtaining information. ICTs can make agriculture more remunerative and a fruitful occupation by providing latest information. It saves money, time and eff orts and reduces dependency on so many factors in the chain of extension. The present study was conducted in Bikaner district of Rajasthan in year 2018 on 80 registered farmers (Users) on one of the ICT portal “mkisan.com” through Agriculture Research Station, Bikaner and 80 non-users. The sample was selected from three tehsils of Bikaner district namely Bikaner, Nokha and Kolayat out of total eight tehsils because these three tehsils having highest number of registered farmers under ICT portal “mkisan.com” and having good area under Clusterbean crop. Further two villages from each tehsil were selected and made a total sample size of 160.The study revealed that 93.75 percent users were found in moderately favourable to more favourable attitude. While 92.50 percent of non-users had moderately favourable to less favourable attitude towards use of ICTs.

Mung bean is a short-duration ancient legume crop that can be grown as a sole or intercrop for grain and green manure in all three crop seasons, including winter, summer and rainy in various regions of the country. MYMV (Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus) disease is one of the most destructive diseases transmitted by whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn) persistently. Weather parameters have no direct effect on MYMV, but affect the whitefly population. Field experiments were conducted for three consecutive years from 2019-2021 as to know the effect of weather parameters on the whitefly population. Development of whitefly population and MYMV disease severity were recorded in mungbean crops at 7 days interval starting from 20 days after sowing (DAS). The present study showed that whitefly population builds up starting in July and reached to maximum at end of August to early September. There are various factors influencing the build-up of whitefly population viz., maximum temperature 36±2°C, minimum temperature 25±2°C, morning relative humidity more than 90 percent, more sunshine hours and no rainfall prevailing during that period. Whitefly population had positive significant correlation with maximum temperature and bright sunshine hours while evening relative humidity and rainfall were recorded as negatively significant. Three-year data is very helpful in guiding the farmers for timely and preventive sprays based on existing infections and the population of whitefly in a season.

Background: Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (uNGAL) has been demonstrated to be a powerful marker of progression in chronic kidney disease. The present study was done to find out the ability of uNGAL as a biomarker to differentiate steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS), steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS), and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) from each other.Method: The cross-sectional study included 45 patients with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome (INS) (15 each of SSNS, SDNS, and SRNS). uNGAL was measured by ELISA. Demographic profile of patients with INS, lab parameters including Serum albumin, cholesterol, urinary albumin, creatinine, etc., were estimated using standard laboratory methods. Various statistical methods were used to assay the usefulness of NGAL as a diagnostic marker.Results: Among the three groups, the median value of uNGAL was 8.68 ng/ml in SSNS, higher in SDNS (32.8 ng/ml), and highest in the SRNS group (50 ng/ml). The receiver operating curve (ROC) was generated for uNGAL to differentiate between SDNS and SSNS. Cut-off 13.26 ng/ml had a sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 97.4%, PPV 92.9%, and NPV 87.5 % with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.958. Another ROC was generated for uNGAL to differentiate between SRNS and SDNS, and cut-off 40.02 ng/ml had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 86.7% with an AUC of 0.907. A similar result was observed when ROC was generated to differentiate SRNS from SSNS and SDNS combined.Conclusion: uNGAL can distinguish between SSNS, SDNS, and SRNS.