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In this era of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an accurate method of diagnosis with less diagnosis time and cost can effectively help in controlling the disease spread with the new variants taking birth from time to time. In order to achieve this, a two-dimensional (2D) tunable Q-wavelet transform (TQWT) based on a memristive crossbar array (MCA) is introduced in this work for the decomposition of chest X-ray images of two different datasets. TQWT has resulted in promising values of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) at the optimum values of its parameters namely quality factor (Q) of 4, and oversampling rate (r) of 3 and at a decomposition level (J) of 2. The MCA-based model is used to process decomposed images for further classification with efficient storage. These images have been further used for the classification of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 images using ResNet50 and AlexNet convolutional neural network (CNN) models. The average accuracy values achieved for the processed chest X-ray images classification in the small and large datasets are 98.82% and 94.64%, respectively which are higher than the reported conventional methods based on different models of deep learning techniques. The average accuracy of detection of COVID-19 via the proposed method of image classification has also been achieved with less complexity, energy, power, and area consumption along with lower cost estimation as compared to CMOS-based technology.

The entire collection of cultivated barley germplasm accessions conserved in the Indian National Genebank (INGB) was characterized for nine qualitative and 8 quantitative traits to assess the nature and magnitude of prevailing genetic variability and to develop a core set. A wide range of variability was observed for days to spike emergence (51–139 days), days to physiological maturity (100–152 days), plant height (45.96–171.32 cm), spike length (3.44–13.73 cm), grain number/spike (10.48–82.35), and 100-grain weight (1.20–6.86 g). Initially, seven independent core sets were derived using 3 core construction tools– MSTRAT, PowerCore, and Core Hunter 3 by employing the maximization method, heuristic sampling, and optimisation of average genetic distances, respectively. The core set-3 generated by Core Hunter 3 by simultaneous optimisation of diversity and representativeness, captured maximum genetic diversity of the whole collection as evident from the desirable genetic distance, variance difference percentage (VD; 87.5%), coincidence rate of range (CR; 94.27%) and variable rate of coefficient of variance (VR; 113.8%), which were more than threshold value of VD (80%), CR (80%), and VR (100%) required for good core collection. The coefficient of variation and Shannon–Weaver diversity indices were increased in the core set as compared with the whole collection. The low value of Kullback-Leibler distance (0.024–0.071) for all traits and quantile-quantile plots revealed a negligible difference between trait distribution patterns among the core set and entire assembly. Correlogram revealed that trait associations and their magnitude were conserved for most of the traits after sampling of the core set. The extraction of the INGB barley core set and identification of promising accessions for agronomically important traits in different genetic backgrounds will pave the way for expedited access to genetically diverse and agronomically important germplasm for barley breeding.

The growing need for sustainable technologies has attracted considerable interest in the synthesis of ecofriendly materials. This paper reports the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities of...

In the Kali Gandaki Valley in Central Nepal, Ephedra gerardiana and E. pachyclada show species specificity for physical and chemical characteristics of soils. Here, the relationship between soil characteristics and ephedrine and pseudoephedrine contents was examined. E. gerardiana grew in moist alpine scrub and upper alpine meadow from 3735 to 4156 m a.s.l., while E. pachyclada grew in the lower Caragana steppe and dry alpine scrub from 2629 to 3671 m a.s.l. The soil texture of E. gerardiana and E. pachyclada collection sites were classified as loam or sandy loam mainly composed of sand and silt. Loss on ignition (%) of soil in E. gerardiana habitats (28.4–35.0%) was markedly higher than for that in E. pachyclada habitats (14.2–17.2%). E. pachyclada soil (pH 8.4–9.2) was more alkaline than that for E. gerardiana (pH 8.5). The five ions (Cl−, SO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+) in soil of E. pachyclada (Cl−, 0.01–18.97 mmol/100 g dry soil weight; SO42−, 1.95–83.33; Ca2+, 3.79–77.91; Mg2+, 1.28–27.9; Na+, 0.94–34.49) were markedly higher than those of E. gerardiana (Cl−, 0.18–0.29; SO42−, 0.07–0.08; Ca2+, 4.19–4.59; Mg2+, 0.22–0.58; Na+, 0.93–1.40). The main factor contributing to strongly alkali soils for each species was different between E. gerardiana and E. pachyclada: CaCO3 for E. gerardiana and CaSO4, MgSO4, NaCl, or a combination of these for E. pachyclada. The total ephedrine and pseudoephedrine content in E. gerardiana and E. pachyclada ranged from 1.67–1.88%DW and 1.95–4.80%DW, respectively. Both E. gerardiana and E. pachyclada were amenable for use a raw material source for extraction of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, and the ephedrine content of both species showed a statistically significantly positive correlation with Mg2+ and Na+ contents of the soil.

Purpose of Study: In this age where population and industrialization have extended exponentially, contamination is a noteworthy emergency looked by humanity and essential measures ought to be taken to control it quickly. High levels of pollutants in the atmosphere, which are responsible for causing pollution that causes human heart problems, breathing and other all health problems to our society. This paper focused to provide a substantial solution to pollution in our society as a result of which major social, personal health and environmental pollution problems can be monitored and by taking effective steps they can be reduced. Methodology: The proposed framework is an IOT unit for handling these issues, including powerful use of the different sensor, to capture the estimations of various sorts of toxins in the earth and show insights on a site which can be gotten to by all clients for nothing. The research data is collected from the different sensors installed at different locations in our surroundings. After collecting data from sensors, a comparative study of data is carried out with the standards provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Results: The proposed system helps to reduce the pollution in our environment and as a result of which pollution can be reduced by taking major steps towards it. Application/Implications: The framework we are proposing is a propelled answer for observing the ecological contamination at a specific spot and make data available for each person. Novelty/originality of the study: Our proposed system ensures that pollution which ultimately causes health, environmental and other social problems can be tracked from time to time and each and every person in the society can track and check pollution level in their surroundings.

Purpose of Study: The purpose of the study is to investigate the dark side of artificial intelligence followed by the question of whether AI is programmed to do something destructive or AI is programmed to do something beneficial? Methodology: A study of different biased Super AI is carried out to find the dark side of AI. In this paper SRL (system review of literature approach methodology is used and the data is collected from the different projects of MIT’s media lab named “Norman AI”, “Shelley” and AI-generated algorithm COMPAS. Main Finding: The study carried out the result if AI is trained in a biased way it will create havoc to mankind. Implications/Applications: The article can help in developing super-AIs which can benefit the society in a controlled way without having any negative aspects. Novelty/originality of the study: Our findings ensure that biased AI has a negative impact on society.

Introduction: Studies on hospital cleaning staff are scarce. Hospital cleaning is far more complex than cleaning offices or schools. Hospital cleaning therefore requires teaching and training. They are liable to hazards of several magnitudes. Regular teaching of basic microbiological principles for all cleaning staff, and assessment of hazards have proved beneficial. Aims: To assess the knowledge of housekeeping staff regarding occupational health hazards. Materials and Method: The methodology of the presents study was a pre experimental research design. Sample size of the study was 60 selected with non-propability sampling technique. Self-structured knowledge questionnaire on occupational health Hazards among housekeeping staff was used ford at a collection. Data collection method was self-reporting questionnaire method; data analysis was done with the help of descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: The results of the study shows that in pre-test, housekeeping staff were having an average 75% knowledge regarding selected questionnaire on occupational health hazards and mean score was 18.77 in post-test, average 86.66% knowledge regarding selected questionnaire on occupational health hazards and means score was 22.93, The post-test mean knowledge score is significantly greater than the pre-test mean knowledge score so structured teaching programme was effective. Conclusion: The study concluded that the structured teaching programme was effective in enhancing the knowledge of housekeeping staff regarding occupational health Hazards.

From the last decade, the development of a generic model for memristive systems which simulates the biologically inspired nervous system of living beings is one of the most attracting aspects due to its capability to resolve the problems in the field of artificial neural network. Here, a generic, non-linear analytical memristive model which is based on interfacial switching mechanism has been discussed for neuromorphic computation applications. The proposed model has the capability to simulate the high-density neural network of biological synapses that regulates the communication efficacy among neurons and can implement the learning capability of neurons. Further, the proposed model is the parallel connection of the rectifier and memristor which covers the better non-linear profile along with non-ideal effects with rectifying nature in its pinched hysteresis loop in the resistive switching characteristics. Moreover, proposed model shows the significant low values of maximum error deviation (MED) ~ 4.44 % for Y2O3-based and ~ 4.5 % for WO3-based memristive systems, respectively in its neuromorphic characteristics with respect to the corresponding experimental results. Therefore, the proposed analytical memristive model can be utilized to develop the memristive system for real-world applications based on neuromorphic behaviors of any memristive systems.

The area of fixed point theory is very active in many branches of mathematics and other related disciplines such as image processing, computer vision, applied mathematics, etc. The main goal in this theory is to solve many problems and to give some useful applications. The aim of this paper is to associate fixed point theory and digital images.

Synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from medicinal plants is an emerging and eco-friendly biosynthetic route. An aqueous extract of Picrasma quassioides (P. quassioides) leaves was used for the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using different methods, namely; ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The UV–Vis spectrum of the synthesized AgNPs showed absorption peak at 412 nm. The FTIR study provides evidence for the occurrence of possible biomolecules responsible for the reduction of silver ions to a zero-valent metal as well as capping agent that helps in increasing the stability of the fabricated AgNPs. The XRD pattern analysis revealed peaks at 38.35° (111), 46.75° (200), 64.65° (220) and 77.75° (311) corresponding to the diffraction facets of silver. TEM, AFM and SEM analysis showed that the AgNPs were almost spherical in shape with an average size of 5–40 nm. Cytotoxic and radiosensitization potential of AgNPs formulation was determined on HepG-2 cell lines.

Table S9. Cross-transferable cg-WSSR markers and the size of alleles amplified by each of them in related wheat species (DOCX 17 kb)

Table S2. Phenotyping data of 60 wheat genotypes evaluated for vegetative stage salt tolerance under NaCl (150Â mM). (DOCX 21 kb)

Table S4. Salt responsive genes, Ensembl ID, cg-WSSR chromosome location, gene annotation, gene function, type of repeat motif, repeat location in the gene sequence and reference. (DOC 264 kb)

Table S8. Nucleotide sequence of DNA fragment amplified with WSSR markers in wheat and related species. (DOCX 15 kb)

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) by chemical and physical methods produce harmful products which may cause various environmental problems, thus, there is an increasing demand to use ecofriendly methods. Therefore, biosynthesis of SNPs using Justicia adhatoda flower extract is demonstrated in the present study. The biosynthesized SNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. The result of UV-visible spectroscopy peaked at 417 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of SNPs. The TEM and SAED result reveals the crystalline nature of SNPs. FTIR spectroscopy used to identify the possible biomolecules responsible for the conversion of silver ions to SNPs. The study concluded that Justicia adhatoda flower extract act as an excellent reducing agent and the green synthesized SNPs are safer to the environment.

Table S7. Distribution of cg-WSSR loci on three wheat sub-genomes. (DOCX 14 kb)

Table S7. Distribution of cg-WSSR loci on three wheat sub-genomes. (DOCX 14 kb)

Table 10. Salt responsive candidate gene homologs of rice and Brachypodium containing SSR repeat motifs. (DOCX 14 kb)

Table S3. Selected candidate salt responsive genes and associated details, such as, transgenic model system in which their role was validated (for some genes), the experimental condition such sodium salt concentration and tissue type analyzed for expression analysis, gene expression analysis method, expression pattern and phenotype of transgenic under salt stress. (DOC 214 kb)

Table S1. Details of 60 wheat genotypes used for validation of salt responsive cg-SSR markers. (DOC 117 kb)

PAHs and heavy metal chemical fractions were determined in biomass ashes from four power plants that fired coconut, chicken, and wood wastes. All these ashes were alkaline (pH 8.7–12.7). High unburned carbon in the fly ashes (8.3 to 16.9%) indicates incomplete combustion. The major chemical phases were SiO 2 – CaO – K 2 O – MgO followed by Fe 2 O 3 > Al 2 O 3 > SO 3 > MnO, with an exception of higher P 2 O 5 (5 – 8.8%) in chicken litter ash. SEM showed that the FAs have more angular particles, whereas BAs have fused and glassy particles. The contents of B (15– 205 mg/kg), Cu (236 – 481 mg/kg), Cd (13 – 23.2 mg/kg), Ni (50 – 186 mg/kg), and Zn (10 – 400 mg/kg) were relatively higher in the ashes. Most of these elements (except B) were associated with metal oxide and silicates. B is the most mobile element and >75 % of B is present in the available forms. The total PAH content was comparatively lower (0.19 – 12.3 mg/kg), except for wood ash (PAH 193 mg/kg). These ashes have significant amount of plant nutrients and most of the potentially toxic elements are in non-available forms which supports their suitability for soil amendment.

Today, discharge of hazardous dyes from textile industries in water bodies like lakes, rivers and groundwater has become a serious problem, which contributes to increase their pollution levels significantly. These pollutants are difficult to remove by traditional water treatment procedures. Thus, there is a need to develop more suitable methods of effluent treatment. Here, we describe use of green-synthesized nanostructured silver particles in degradation of hazardous dyes like Safranine O, Methyl red, Methyl orange and Methylene blue etc. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) used as nanocatalysts were synthesized using Zanthoxylum armatum leaves. The reduction of silver ions and the formation of AgNPs have been assessed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. DLS, SEM–EDX, TEM, SAED and XRD studies revealed that the AgNPs were crystalline in nature with size range from 15 to 50nm. The report emphasizes that the AgNPs are observed to be an excellent catalyst on reduction of hazardous dyes, which is confirmed by a decrease in absorbance maximum values.

The present paper evaluates whether the adaptive market hypothesis provides a better description of the behavior of Indian stock market using daily values of Sensex and Nifty, the two major indices of India from January 1991 to April 2013. We employed linear and nonlinear methods to evaluate the hypothesis empirically. The linear tests show a cyclical pattern in linear dependence suggesting that the Indian stock market switched between periods of efficiency and inefficiency. However, the results from nonlinear tests reveal a strong evidence of nonlinearity in returns throughout the sample period with a sign of the taping magnitude of nonlinear dependence in the recent period. The findings suggest that Indian stock market is still in the first stage of AMH and hence calls for an active portfolio management for excess returns.

Biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles is gaining more importance owing to its simplicity, economical, sustainable route of synthesis of nanoparticles and ecofriendliness. Based on the search to improve and protect the environment by decreasing the use of toxic chemicals and eliminating biological risks in biomedical applications, the present article reports an environment friendly and unexploited methods for biofabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Raphanus sativus leaf extract. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The absorption spectrum of the dark brown color silver colloids showed a single and prominent peak at 431nm, indicating the presence of AgNPs. Further, catalytic degradation of methylene blue (organic dye) by using AgNPs was measured spectrophotometrically. The results revealed that biosynthesized AgNPs was found to be impressive in degrading methylene blue and can be used in water purification systems.