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Anthropogenic deterioration of streams and rivers has affected their surface-subsurface linkages. This has led to the degradation of hyporheic zones, a sensitive interface between a stream channel and its surrounding sediments, responsible for transforming pollutants, natural solutes and supporting benthic communities. Several authors have reported the influence of stream restoration measures on hyporheic exchanges and have called for the inclusion of hyporheic zone restorations in stream management. Engineered Hyporheic Zones (EHZ) are the creation of artificial transition areas due to induced hyporheic flows, brought about by some feature modifications done to the stream channel or its subsurface. These feature modifications and their implications have been investigated through lab experiments, outdoor flumes, modelling and field studies for several years. This paper attempts to summarize the endeavours made in the study of EHZ and its applications in water quality improvement and habitat restoration. A comprehensive review of up-to-date literature with specific focus on the influence of engineered structures on hyporheic exchanges is presented, followed by the comparison of preferences opted for different studies and their limitations. The paper ends with suggestive future scope in EHZ studies and its potential as a low cost alternative treatment technology for river restoration.

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) has emerged as a multi-facet, sustainable and effective technique to replenish dwindling groundwater resources. Suitable site selection is an important step in the design phase of MAR process. Conventional methods of site suitability studies using GIS and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) does not address the aquifer’s response to MAR, while limited modelling-based studies have considered the effect of surface hydraulic factors. In this paper, a fresh approach is presented, that utilises decision model, K-mean clustering technique and numerical model to identify optimal sites for MAR interventions. The methodology was applied in a semi-arid region of Lower Betwa River Basin (LBRB), India. Four different parameter combinations were employed that incorporated the impact of surface and subsurface parameters. Multiple model runs were executed using MODFLOW–NWT to assess the groundwater head response to the infiltrated volume of water. The results indicated that under the least head change category (< 0.7 m), the north and south–east regions of the LBRB were the most appropriate sites. The coalition of geomorphology and drainage density along with aquifer properties such as hydraulic conductivity, specific yield and aquifer thickness were found to be the best suited combination for site selection in LBRB, with maximum spatial coverage (16%) under it. It was observed that the choice of parameter combinations affected the range of groundwater head variations and depended upon the site-specific criteria of accepted head change ranges for determining the best suitable parameter combinations for MAR site selection.

The ever-increasing demand for freshwater has led to the overexploitation of aquifers. Despite its known importance, integrated studies reckoning the impact of external stress on budget components are limited. This study assessed the spatiotemporal impact of recharge and abstraction stresses in Lower Betwa River Basin (LBRB) aquifers, India, from 2003 to 2020, using SWAT and MODFLOW-NWT models. The simulated difference in groundwater inflow and outflow components was accounted by a net cumulative storage loss of 36.5 Mm3/year. Mann-Kendall trend analysis indicated that about 62 % of the LBRB showed a declining trend in groundwater levels (0 - 1.2 m/year), 30% of the area had no significant trend and around 8% area showed an increasing trend. Spatial storage variations indicated that 78% of basin area was under stable aquifer systems while 1.6% area was under very high storage stress. Application of management scenarios to reduce groundwater storage loss exhibited that a 20% reduction in abstraction rates would reduce storage loss by 29% and 16% in Bamaur and Gursarai blocks. An integrated approach of abstraction reduction and increased inflow through managed aquifer recharge was the most suitable management solution to offset groundwater depletion and achieve long term sustainability in the LBRB.

In the present study, a novel coupled analytical - finite element model is developed to examine the effect of spatially varying volume fractions of differently sized ZnO grains on the performance of functionally graded thermoelectric devices (FGTEDs). The volume fraction distribution of grains along the device length is defined using the power’s law function. The volume fraction variation parameter ( n ) is varied from 0 to ∞, and the corresponding power output of the device is systematically analysed and compared. The grain sizes ranging from 0.18 µm to 5.75 µm are considered in the temperature range 120 K to 675 K. The results indicate that the FGTEDs with a higher volume fraction of larger grains yields a greater power output. A maximum power output of 2.6341 x 10 -4  W and a peak figure of merit of 0.006 at 345 K are achieved. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis performed reveals that the electrical resistivity has the most significant influence on the power output, followed by the Seebeck coefficient and the thermal conductivity. This study underscores the crucial role of grain size distribution in optimizing the performance of ZnO based FGTEDs.

In the last few years, phishing scams have rapidly grown posing huge threat to global Internet security. Today, phishing attack is one of the most common and serious threats over Internet where cyber attackers try to steal user’s personal or financial credentials by using either malwares or social engineering. Detection of phishing attacks with high accuracy has always been an issue of great interest. Recent developments in phishing detection techniques have led to various new techniques, specially designed for phishing detection where accuracy is extremely important. Phishing problem is widely present as there are several ways to carry out such an attack, which implies that one solution is not adequate to address it. Two main issues are addressed in our paper. First, we discuss in detail phishing attacks, history of phishing attacks and motivation of attacker behind performing this attack. In addition, we also provide taxonomy of various types of phishing attacks. Second, we provide taxonomy of various solutions proposed in the literature to detect and defend from phishing attacks. In addition, we also discuss various issues and challenges faced in dealing with phishing attacks and spear phishing and how phishing is now targeting the emerging domain of IoT. We discuss various tools and datasets that are used by the researchers for the evaluation of their approaches. This provides better understanding of the problem, current solution space and future research scope to efficiently deal with such attacks.

IntroductionRheumatic heart disease is the commonest cause of chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) in the developing world. Despite successful mitral valve replacement (MVR), many patients remain in AF. Previous data from West has mostly assessed non-valvular AF while studies in rheumatic AF have used Amiodarone for rhythm control. Flecainide can be useful in these patients but has not been studied due to concerns of underlying structural heart disease. We assessed the use of oral flecainide for conversion and maintenance of SR in 25 post MVR patients with chronic rheumatic AF.MethodsOral flecainide was used in 25 patients (age 44.43 ± 12.3 yrs, 52% females, mean AF duration: 3.6+1.6 yrs, mean HR 91.2 bpm, mean LA size 60.6+7.9 mm, mean LA strain 22.8+3.1%). Non-converters underwent DC cardioversion at 24 h and 4 weeks. All patients received flecainide, bb/diltiazem and anticoagulation as per INR. Patients with rate < 60/min, LA > 80 mm, AF duration > 5 years, LV/RV dysfunction, left atrial/appendage clot, 2nd/3rd degree AV block or bundle branch block were excluded.ResultsA single oral loading dose of Flecainide achieved SR in 6/25 patients (24%) while 19/25 achieved SR after DCC. Hence at 24 hours 21/25 (84%) were in SR. Of 23/25 patients seen at 30 days, successful maintenance of SR was seen in 15/19 (78.9%) patients who had initial SR, while 3/19 had reverted to AF. A total of 7 patients underwent 2nd DCCV at 4 weeks. At 6 months, 16/23 (69.5 %) were in SR on Flecainide while 7 had AF.No significant changes in PR interval, QRS duration or QTc were noted and flecainide was well tolerated.Patients in SR had significantly better functional status, QOL scores (AFEQT© score 55.9 ± 8.3 vs 62.4 ± 12.2, p 0.01) and higher LA strain values (25.2 ± 2.6 vs 17.4 ± 1.9 % , p <0.0001). Patients who achieved SR at 6 months had significantly shorter AF duration (2.9 ± 1.1 vs 5.3 ± 1.5 years, p 0.004 ), smaller LA (57.6 ± 4.9 vs 67.6 ± 9.6 mm, p 0.003 ) and better LA reservoir strain (25.2 vs 17.4 %, p < 0.001) vs non-responders. ROC analysis for SR prediction at 6 months revealed the sensitivity/specificity of LA diameter < 61 mm to be 93.7% and 85.7% while the corresponding sensitivity/specificity for mean AF duration < 4 years and for LA strain > 21 % was 87.5 & 71.43 % and 100/85.71 % respectively.Of the 16 patients who were in SR at 6 months, 15 (94%) had LA size < 61mm, 14/16 (90%) had AF duration < 4 years and 15/16 (94%) had LA strain > 21%.ConclusionOral flecainide was effective in achieving and maintaining SR in post MVR patients with rheumatic AF. Maintenance of SR was achieved in 79 % of initial converters and 64% of overall population, with better LA strain values. Flecainide was well tolerated. As patients of rheumatic AF are often young and unlikely to have underlying coronary artery disease or severe LV dysfunction, flecainide is a potentially attractive modality for achieving and maintaining SR in these patients.Conflict of InterestNone declared

IntroductionData on pre-operative statin loading for patients undergoing valve replacement (VR) and its effects on global and regional strain are not well described. We studied the effect of rosuvastatin 40 mg in 50 patients of rheumatic valvular heart disease undergoing VR (34 MVR,11 DVR, 5 AVR) on speckle strain parameters and release kinetics of cardiac biomarkers. (TnI, CK-MB and BNP).MethodsPatients received a loading dose rosuvastatin (40 mg initiated 7 days before surgery; statin loaded group; SL) or no statins (non-loaded group, NL). TnI, CK-MB and BNP were measured at baseline and at 8, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. 2D echocardiography for global LV (longitudinal, GLS, circumferential, GCS and radial, GRS) strain was done preoperatively, @ 48 hours and 30 days post surgery. Primary outcome was to assess the effect of high dose statin loading on global LV strain patterns.ResultsFollowing VR, there was decline in mean GLS, mean GCS and mean GRS at 48 hours in both SL and NL groups. At 48 hours, the mean GLS (-10.9 + 2.1% vs -10.2 + 2.0%), mean GCS (-10.8 + 2.1% vs -9.9 + 2.1%), and mean GRS (16.5 + 4.8% vs 15.9 + 4.6%) were comparable (although slightly higher) in the SL vs NL groups. However % decline in each strain was significantly lesser in SL groups (% change mean GLS 35.8 vs 38.8%, mean GCS 34.0% vs 44.1% and mean GRS 45.7% vs 52.6% respectively). At 30 days post surgery, there was an increase in all global LV strains (GLS, GCS, and GRS) in both the groups. Significantly higher improvement (vs 48 hour values) was noted in SL as compared to NL group for GLS (-15.9+2% vs -12.6+1.6%; p<0.01), GCS (-15.1+2.9% vs -13.0+2.4%; p<0.01) and GRS (22.1+6.8% vs 19.3+6.5%; p=0.03) at 30 days post surgery.All three cardiac biomarkers (Trop I, CKMB, NT pro BNP) increased significantly following surgery in both groups. For all three biomarkers, values remained consistently lower in the SL group vs NL group at 8, 24 and 48 hours. The mean delta troponin-I, the mean delta CKMB, mean delta NTPBNP (change from baseline to peak level) was significantly lower in the SL group (p<0.05). Mean hospital stay , mean ICU stay and mean ventilator duration were significantly shorter in the SL group. Pearson’s correlation test analysis revealed that baseline and 48 hours strain parameters significantly correlated with post-operative LVEF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only baseline GCS and GLS at 48 hours were found to be independent for predicting postoperative LVEF. In the ROC analysis Baseline GLS <14% and 48 hr GLS <9.0% best predicted post operative 30 day LVEF < 50%ConclusionUse of a high dose of rosuvastatin prior to isolated valve replacement surgery may be “cardioprotective” in terms of favourable effect on the global strain parameters and release kinetics of different biomarkers. These parameters may also be used as prognostic predictors and optimal timing of operation in this patient population.Conflict of InterestNone declared

The study was initiated with two major purposes: investigating the role of isomalt (GIQ9) as a pharmaceutical carrier for solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDSs) and improving the oral bioavailability of lipophilic curcumin (CUN). GIQ9 has never been explored for solidification of liquid lipid-based nanoparticles such as a liquid isotropic mixture of a SNEDDS containing oil, surfactant and co-surfactant. The suitability of GIQ9 as a carrier was assessed by calculating the loading factor, flow and micromeritic properties. The S-SNEDDSs were prepared by surface adsorption technique. The formulation variables were optimized using central composite design (CCD). The optimized S-SNEDDS was evaluated for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopy, dissolution and pharmacokinetic studies. The S-SNEDDS showed a particle size, zeta potential and PDI of 97 nm, −26.8 mV and 0.354, respectively. The results of DSC, XRD, FTIR and microscopic studies revealed that the isotropic mixture was adsorbed onto the solid carrier. The L-SNEDDS and S-SNEDDS showed no significant difference in drug release, indicating no change upon solidification. The optimized S-SNEDDS showed 5.1-fold and 61.7-fold enhancement in dissolution rate and oral bioavailability as compared to the naïve curcumin. The overall outcomes of the study indicated the suitability of GIQ9 as a solid carrier for SNEDDSs.

Purpose To study the effect of rosuvastatin 40 mg (initiated 7 days prior to surgery) in patients undergoing valve replacement (VR) for rheumatic mitral valve disease on left ventricular (LV) strain and biomarker release kinetics. Methods In this randomized study, cardiac biomarkers viz. troponin I (TnI), Creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTPBNP) were measured before surgery; and 8, 24 and 48 h postoperatively. Global LV (circumferential, global circumferential strain (GCS); longitudinal, GLS; radial, global radial strain (GRS)) strains were measured preoperatively; and 48 h and 30 days postoperatively. Results Following VR, Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), Global Circumferential Strain (GCS) and Global Radial Strain (GRS) declined at 48 h in both statin loaded (SL) and non loaded (NL) groups. The % decline in strain was significantly lower in SL group (% change in GLS 35.8% vs 38.8%, GCS 34% vs 44.1%, GRS 45.7% vs 52.6%; p < 0.001). All strain values improved at 30 days with higher improvement in SL group (GLS -15.92 ± 2.00% vs -12.6 ± 1.66%, GCS -15.12 ± 2.93% vs -13.04 ± 2.44%; GRS 22.12 ± 6.85% vs 19.32 ± 6.48%). While TnI, CKMB, NTPBNP increased following surgery, values at 8, 24 and 48 h were lower in the SL vs. NL group. Mean change (baseline to peak biomarker value) was also significantly lower in SL group. The SL group had shorter hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay . On Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analysis, baseline GCS ≤ 14% best predicted postoperative 30 day Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) ≤ 50% . Conclusion Pre-operative high dose rosuvastatin was “cardioprotective” with favorable effect on LV global strain and release kinetics of biomarkers. These cut-offs (described for the first time for rheumatic VR) can be used as prognostic predictors.

Background: Left atrial volume indexed to body surface area (LAVi) is the recommended method for LA size quantification. Assessing LAVi in Indian patients undergoing coronary interventions for acute coronary syndrome (STEMI, NSTEMI, and UA) is clinically relevant. Methods and Results: Amongst 190 patients (66.4 yrs, 68.4% males), 29.5%, 40.5%, and 30% respectively had STEMI, NSTEMI and UA. Mean LAVi was 32.29 ± 12.06 ml/m2 and 111 (58.4%) had LAVi ≥32 while 79 (41.6%) had LAVi <32. Patients were divided into 2 groups (group 1 LAVi >32 and group 2 LAVi <32). Group 1 patients had higher prevalence of TVD [n = 49 vs n = 5, p = <0.001] and higher mean Syntax score (24.47 vs 14.64, p = <0.001). Despite similar LVEF, those with higher LAVi had had higher incidence of mild MR (50.4 vs 27.8, P = 0.0002) and moderate/severe MR was present only in Group 1 patients (27.9% and 5.4%). Grade I, II, and III diastolic dysfunction was present in 71.2, 17.1, and 9.9% patients in Group 1 vs 45.6%, 0%, and 0% in group 2. Diastolic parameters like septal E/e' and lateral E/e'ratio were also higher in Group 1. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 30 days was significantly higher in group 1 (20.7 vs 6.3%, P = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, triple vessel disease and LAVi were the only predictors of MACE while LVEF was not. ROC curve analysis for LAVi demonstrated that a cut-off 33.35 ml/m2, predicted 30 day MACE with Area under curve (AUC) 0.775 (95% CI 0.700-0.850); sensitivity and specificity of 86.7% and 61.4%. Inter-quartile analysis of LAVi (<26.3, 26.3-33.35, 33.36-36.3, and >36.3 ml/m2) demonstrated that 30 day MACE increased across quartiles (4.16%, 4.25%, 22.44%, and 28.26%, respectively, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Amongst patients with ACS undergoing revascularization, those with higher LAVi had more severe CAD, diastolic dysfunction and higher 30 day MACE. LAVi provides superior prognostic information as compared to conventional LV systolic and diastolic parameters in patients with ACS and should be incorporated in routine echocardiographic analysis. More studies with larger numbers and longer follow up are required to further elucidate on this.