A modelling study of Indian low latitude ionosphere—Part II: Results and comparison with SROSS-C2 satellite data

66-71A time-dependent model developed for the Indian low latitude ionosphere (Part l) is used to calculate the O+ and H+ ion density distribution within ± 15° geomagnetic latitude. The calculations are performed along magnetic field lines from a base altitude of 120 km in the northern hemisphere to the same altitude in the southern hemisphere for solar minimum equinoctial conditions. It is found that the modelled O+ and H+ concentrations are in reasonable accord with the observations made from Indian SROSS-C2 satellite at a height of ~500 km over India during the period August 1995-July 1996

A modelling study of Indian low latitude ionosphere—Part I : Description of the model

59-65On the basis of continuity equation for the ionospheric F-region, a time dependent model for the Indian low latitude ionosphere is proposed. Photoionization production, recombination, thermospheric wind and electromagnetic drifts have been taken into account for solving the continuity equation for the major ion species O+ and H+. The numerical scheme used for solving the continuity equation is given and the selection of input parameters to the numerical model is discussed. The model can be used for the investigation of the influence of different parameters such as neutral wind, solar radiation flux, electro-magnetic drift, etc. on the ionospheric processes

Theoretical simulation of O⁺ and H⁺ densities in the Indian low latitude F-region and comparison with observations

The O+ and H+ ion density distributions in the Indian low latitude F-region, within ± 15° magnetic latitudes, are simulated using a time dependent model developed on the basis of solution of the plasma continuity equation. The simulated ion densities for solar minimum June and December solstices are then compared with ionosonde observations from the period 1959–1979 and measurements made by the Indian SROSS C2 satellite during 1995–1996 at an altitude of ~ 500 km. The simulated O+ density has a minimum around pre-sunrise hours and a maximum during noontime. H+ density is higher at nighttime and lower during the day. The simulations reproduced the well-known equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) observed in electron density at the peak of the F2-region in the Indian low latitude sector during solar minimum. In situ measurement of O+ density by the SROSS C2, however, showed a single peak of ionization around the equator.Key words. Ionosphere (equatorial ionosphere; modeling and forecasting

Performance analysis of pressurized kerosene stove with porous medium inserts

565-569Performance evaluation has been carried out of BIS high-pressure kerosene stove incorporating porous medium technology (PMT) in conventional burners. Burners with and without porous material were used for the study in terms of thermal efficiency, kerosene consumption rate and emission. Overall fuel saving was found to be 103 g/h (34%) with increase (10-11%) in thermal efficiency. Similarly, emission factors for pollutants CO (% vol), HC (ppm) and NOx (ppm) were controlled in the range of 32%, 15% and 83% respectively with PMT. Flames stabilized within the port of porous structure due to internal heat feedback of burned gases to unburned gases by radiation and conduction. Such flames produce higher burning velocity and leaner flammability condition and contributes to low NOx formation. Thus, PMT may be useful in terms of fuel economy and environmental compatibility

Theoretical simulation of O⁺ and H⁺ densities in the Indian low latitude F-region and comparison with observations

International audienceThe O+ and H+ ion density distributions in the Indian low latitude F-region, within ± 15° magnetic latitudes, are simulated using a time dependent model developed on the basis of solution of the plasma continuity equation. The simulated ion densities for solar minimum June and December solstices are then compared with ionosonde observations from the period 1959?1979 and measurements made by the Indian SROSS C2 satellite during 1995?1996 at an altitude of ~ 500 km. The simulated O+ density has a minimum around pre-sunrise hours and a maximum during noontime. H+ density is higher at nighttime and lower during the day. The simulations reproduced the well-known equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) observed in electron density at the peak of the F2-region in the Indian low latitude sector during solar minimum. In situ measurement of O+ density by the SROSS C2, however, showed a single peak of ionization around the equator

Study of quality parameters in vermicomposting

410-413In the present study, vermicompost samples were tested for chemical constituents. Effect of temperature and density of cocoons on the production of vermicompost was also studied. Samples collected from vermicompost units installed in the laboratory as well as in the field provided an opportunity to analyze quality assessment of the vermicompost and introduction of a three-pit system of vermicomposting

IndOSS-Assam: Investigating the feasibility of introducing a simple maternal morbidity surveillance and research system in Assam, India

Objective: To assess the feasibility of establishing a simple maternal morbidity surveillance system in Assam (Indian Obstetric Surveillance System-Assam (IndOSS-Assam)) to investigate the incidence and trends in severe maternal complications. This study presents the surveillance platform of IndOSS-Assam. Design: Four tasks were undertaken: (i) setting up a steering committee; (ii) establishing priorities for the region; (iii) mapping of surveillance sites; (iv) piloting case-notification system in selected centres. Setting: Two government tertiary hospitals in the state. Study population: Pregnant women delivering in the hospitals between March and August 2015. Main outcome measures: Incidence and case fatality rates with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Local stakeholder ownership and a simple uncomplicated anonymous system for case notification were the key strengths of this project. Cases and deaths were reported for six conditions: eclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage, puerperal sepsis, septic abortion, uterine rupture and anaemic heart failure. Among 10,475 women delivering over six months, 402 had one of these conditions and 66 died (case fatality 16%). The incidence of eclampsia was 17 per 1000 deliveries (95%CI=14 to 19), postpartum haemorrhage 11 per 1000 deliveries (95%CI=10 to 13) and anaemic heart failure was 3 per 1000 deliveries (95%CI=2 to 5). For each of the other three conditions, puerperal sepsis, septic abortion and uterine rupture, the incidence rate was 2 per 1000 deliveries. Conclusion: IndOSS-Assam was shown to be a feasible and simple system for ongoing surveillance of maternal morbidity which can be used to monitor the trends in the incidence of specific severe life-threatening conditions during pregnancy.</p

The association between maternal anaemia and pregnancy outcomes: a cohort study in Assam, India

Objectives: To examine the association between maternal anaemia and adverse maternal and infant outcomes, and to assess the feasibility of conducting epidemiological studies through the Indian Obstetric Surveillance System–Assam (IndOSS-Assam) Design: Retrospective cohort study using anonymised hospital records. Exposure: maternal iron deficiency anaemia; outcomes: postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), low birthweight, small-for-gestational age, perinatal death. Setting: Five government medical colleges in Assam. Study population: 1007 pregnant women who delivered in the five medical colleges from January to June 2015. Main outcome measures: Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to estimate the association between maternal iron deficiency anaemia and the adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Potential interactive roles of infections and induction of labour on the adverse outcomes were explored. Results: 35% (n=351) pregnant women had moderate-severe anaemia. Women with severe anaemia had a higher odds of PPH (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=9·45; 95%CI=2·62-34·05), giving birth to low birthweight (aOR=6·19; 95%CI=1·44-26·71) and small-for-gestational age babies (aOR=8·72; 95%CI=1·66-45·67), and perinatal death (aOR=16·42; 95%CI=4·38-61·55). Odds of PPH increased 17-fold among women with moderate-severe anaemia who underwent induction of labour and increased 19-fold among women who had infection and moderate-severe anaemia. Conclusion: Maternal iron deficiency anaemia is a major public health problem in Assam. Maternal anaemia was associated with increased risks of PPH, low birthweight, small-for-gestational age babies and perinatal death. While the best approach is prevention a large number of women present with severe anaemia late in pregnancy and there is no clear guidance on how these women should be managed during labour and delivery

Reproductive Health Crisis During Waves One and Two of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India: Incidence and Deaths From Severe Maternal Complications in More than 202000 Hospital Births

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in India has adversely affected many aspects of population health. We need detailed evidence of the impact on reproductive health in India so that lessons can be learnt. METHODS: Hospital-based repeated monthly survey of nine severe maternal complications and death in 15 hospitals across five states in India covering a total of 202,986 hospital births, December-2018 through to May-2021. We calculated incidence rates (with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) per 1000 hospital births, case-fatality and rate ratios (RR) with 95% CIs. Linear regression was used to examine the association between the Government Response Stringency Index (GRSI) for India and changes in hospital births, incidence and case-fatality. FINDINGS: There was a significant decrease in hospital births per month during the pandemic period with a 4.8% decrease per 10% increase in the GRSI scores (p < 0.001). The overall incidence of severe complications in the pandemic period was not significantly different from the pre-pandemic period, but hospital admissions from septic abortion was 56% higher (RR=1.56; 95% CI=1.22-1.99; p < 0.001). The overall case-fatality of complications increased by 23% (RR=1.23; 95% CI=1.03-1.46; p = 0.022) and remained high across the different phases of the pandemic with a notable significant increase in deaths from heart failure in pregnancy. INTERPRETATION: Our study supports the legitimacy of the calls made to maintain sexual and reproductive health services as essential services during the pandemic. Lessons learnt should be used to avert the ongoing reproductive health crisis while India plans to manage a third wave of the pandemic. FUNDING: The MaatHRI platform and this study are funded by a Medical Research Council Career Development Award to MN (Ref:MR/P022030/1). The funder has no role in the study design, data collection, analysis, or writing the paper