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Crop establishment is the most important phenological stage in the life cycle of crop plants which is governed by the pre-sowing quality of seed. From harvesting to sowing, a broad range of factors including genomics and prevailing environmental conditions can have marked influence on the quality of seed. These factors solely or in combination can cause a huge financial loss. However, control of all these factors for improving seed quality is a difficult task for the farmers to accomplish, however, some of the factors could be controlled. To tackle the issue, physical properties of seed are modified by the exogenous application of certain physical, chemical or biological compounds directly to the surface of a natural seed coat. Application of coatings through seed coating improves germinates phases, advances phenological events, enhances physio-morphological attributes, yield and most importantly the restoration efficacy of seed. In addition, seed coating offers an attractive option as a tool for enhancing crop establishment by propelling the challenges faced to agricultural systems and restoration of degraded systems. This review summarizes comprehensive information on various seed coating technologies and their potential role for achieving a cost-effective ecosystem by increasing food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lithium is recovered by pseudocapacitive electrodes in electrosorption. • Two Ti-based intercalating materials were used as electrodes. • Impurity ions were preferentially removed so lithium is enriched. • High purity lithium solution was achieved from a binary ionic solution. • This demonstrate using the electrosorption process to recover lithium ions. Lithium is a crucial component in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for many applications, including the powering of electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems. This investigation focused on two hybrid pseudocapacitive materials, the polystyrene sulfonate-MXene composite (PM) and the sodium titanate/graphene oxide composite (NG), for lithium ions recovery from aqueous Li+ resources. This was achieved by selectively removing unwanted divalent Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions, as well as monovalent K + ions, through capacitive deionization (CDI) using a single-cell system, resulting in a final solution enriched with Li+ ions. Based on the ion selectivity order observed previously as Mg2+≈ Ca2+ > K + > Li+, a series of CDI experiments were conducted with sequential steps to remove more selective ions first and to obtain a lithium-enriched solution with higher purity and maximum extracted fraction. Both PM and NG electrodes demonstrated promising performance when tested in binary, ternary, and quaternary ionic solutions with the recovered lithium solution purity in the range of 59.09 %-95.94 % and 59.75 %-77.17 %, respectively. Further, the highest enrichment factor values observed were S Li+,Mg2+ ; 268.1 for PM and S Li+,Ca2+ ; 44.25, for NG electrodes. The PSS-modified MXene composite electrode in obtaining the Li+ solution with the highest purity when separated Ca2+ from a binary solution. These findings offer valuable insights into the selective electrosorption of divalent ions over lithium ions through the utilization of ion intercalation pseudocapacitive nanocomposite electrodes. The obtained results hold significance in advancing novel non-precipitation techniques for the recovery of lithium ions from aqueous lithium resources. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral infection with no licensed vaccine or therapeutics available for its treatment. In the present study we have developed the first multi-epitope subunit vaccine effective against all the seven genotypes of CCHF virus (CCHFV). The vaccine contains five B-cell, two MHC-II (HTL), and three MHC-I (CTL) epitopes screened from two structural glycoproteins (Gc and Gn in M segment) of CCHFV with an N-terminus human β-defensin as an adjuvant, as well as an N-terminus EAAAK sequence. The epitopes were rigorously investigated for their antigenicity, allergenicity, IFN gamma induction, anti-inflammatory responses, stability, and toxicity. The three-dimensional structure of the vaccine was predicted and docked with TLR-3, TLR-8, and TLR-9 receptors to find the strength of the binding complexes via molecular dynamics simulation. After codon adaptation, the subunit vaccine construct was developed in a pDual-GC plasmid and has population coverage of 98.47% of the world's population (HLA-I & II combined). The immune simulation studies were carried out on the C-ImmSim in-silico interface showing a marked increase in the production of cellular and humoral response (B-cell and T-cell) as well as TGFβ, IL-2, IL-10, and IL-12 indicating that the proposed vaccine would be able to sufficiently provoke both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Thus, making it a new and promising vaccine candidate against CCHFV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Skin is the first line of defense against the physical, chemical and the biological environment. It is an ideal organ for studying molecular responses to biological infections through a variety of skin cells that specialize in immune responses. Comparative analysis of skin response to pathogenic, non-pathogenic, and commensal bacteria would help in the identification of disease specific pathways for drug targets. In this study, we investigated human breast reduction skin responses to Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) , Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) , Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), and TLR1/2 agonist using Affymetrix microarray chips. The Pam3CSK4 solution and bacterial cultures were prepared and inoculated in steel rings, that were placed on the acetone treated epidermis in a petri dish. After 24 h incubation, 8 mm punch biopsies were taken from the center of the ring, and RNA was extracted. The genome-wide expression was then analyzed using Affymetrix HG-133A gene chip microarray. We found that the C. acnes and S. aureus boosted the production of extracellular matrix components and attenuated the expression of differentiation markers. The above responses were mediated through the TLR2 pathway. Skin also responded to S. aureus and C. acnes by inducing the genes of the cell cycle machinery; this response was not TLR2-dependent. S. aureus induced, whereas C. acnes suppressed the genes associated with apoptosis; this was also not TLR2-dependent. Moreover, S. epidermis apparently did not lead to changes in gene expression. We conclude that the breast reduction skin is a very useful model to study the global gene expression in response to bacterial treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zika virus (ZIKV) is one of the mosquito borne flavivirus with several outbreaks in past few years in tropical and subtropical regions. The non-structural proteins of flaviviruses are suitable active targets for inhibitory drugs due to their role in pathogenicity. In ZIKV, the non-structural protein 5 (NS5) RNA-Dependent RNA polymerase replicates its genome. Here we have performed virtual screening to identify suitable ligands that can potentially halt the ZIKV NS5 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). During this process, we searched and screened a library of ligands against ZIKV NS5 RdRp. The selected ligands with significant binding energy and ligand-receptor interactions were further processed. Among the selected docked conformations, top five was further optimized at atomic level using molecular dynamic simulations followed by binding free energy calculations. The interactions of ligands with the target structure of ZIKV RdRp revealed that they form strong bonds within the active sites of the receptor molecule. The efficacy of these drugs against ZIKV can be further analyzed through in-vitro and in-vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing research is about location tracking either completely indoor or altogether on open air by utilizing various sensors and procedures based on inter-networking or internet of things. A limited arrangement has been proposed to embrace a single location area detecting innovation that based on both environments using physical devices. This paper intends to track a client position in both indoor and open-air situations by utilizing a single remote sensor with negligible subsequent bumble. The huge majority of the existing localization arrangements use additional equipment supplies to accomplish higher limitation precision. Received signal strength indicator (RSSI) was the standard element of remote sensors; the localization methods won't have any extra equipment. To overcome the problems, we need to study how to grow more precision distance for the strength of the signal model and 3dimensional measurement techniques. The Path Loss Exponent (PLE) determines the separation of RSS. In this event that RSS diminish at the separation, PLE will measure the rate; its esteem depends on the extraordinary proliferation environment. For positioning, the system requires location data. Most part use two-dimensional positioning as a part of the system with moving toward localization with three-dimensional positioning with weighted centroid restriction calculation as a proposed work. Here considers the triangular pyramid to perform three-dimensional positioning instead of three circle intersection method, in which the pyramid is divided into four two-dimensional surfaces. It consists of different parts of the environment where transmitter and receiver’s parts have the different PLE when compared to others existing research. Many researchers used two-dimensional positioning system, however, some circumstances we have to go through in three-dimensional position system. So, the proposed idea is basically based on the three-dimensional centroid limitation of systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current wastewater treatment biomeasures are dominated by single microbial species, which can only decolorize low concentrations (≤150 mg L −1 ) of crystal violet (CV). Considering the advantages of microbial aggregates, with micro-porous structure and complete hierarchical trophic communities, several innovative bioreactors based on periphyton (i.e. epiphyton, metaphyton and epilithon) were examined. The results showed that periphyton could tolerate high concentration of CV (1000 mg L −1 ) and the immobilized periphyton bioreactors could completely decolorize up to 1000 mg L −1 of CV within 168 h showing 50–100% removal by bioreactors. The removal of CV was a synergistic process accomplished by adsorption (with insignificant desorption) followed by the dominant mechanism of biodegradation. The CV was converted into non-toxic aliphatic compounds in the presence of periphyton. Phytotoxicity and microbial toxicity tests showed that biodegradation of CV did not produce any toxic secondary metabolite, leading to environmentally benign effluents meeting the standards of agricultural irrigation. These results provide an insight into the processes involved in removing CV by periphyton or similar microbial aggregates, and indicate the potential of periphyton as a green material to purify water contaminated by high concentrations of CV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioremediation capabilities of three kinds of periphyton (i.e. epiphyton, metaphyton and epilithon) immobilized in bioreactors to decolorize and biodegrade the sulphonated azo dye, amaranth. Results showed that periphyton dominated by phyla including Cyanobacteria , Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes . Complete removal of dye was shown by all the biofilms periphyton (epiphyton showed highest removal efficacy) over a range of initial concentrations (50–500 mg L −1 ) within 84 h at pH 7 and 30 °C. Biodegradation of amaranth was confirmed through FTIR and HPLC and the biodegradation pathways were detected by GC–MS/MS analysis. The azo bonds in the amaranth were successfully broken by periphyton and amaranth was converted to non-toxic, aliphatic compounds including isobutene, acetyl acetate and ethyl acetate. The results showed the potential application of immobilized periphyton at industrial scale for the removal of azo dyes from wastewater containing azo dye amaranth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their large scale use, azo dyes are adversely affecting aquatic fauna and flora as well as humans. The persistent nature of sulphonated azo dyes makes them potential ecotoxic hazards. The aim of the present study was to employ a proficient, locally available biomaterial, viz. periphyton (i.e. epiphyton, epilithon or metaphyton), for removal of the azo dye, methyl orange (MO). Results showed that the periphytic biofilms are capable of completely removing comparatively high concentrations (up to 500 mg L −1 ) of MO from wastewater. The removal of MO occurs by a synergistic mechanism involving bioadsorption and biodegradation processes. The adsorption of MO by periphyton can be described by pseudo-second order kinetics. Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models as well as Langmuir equations fit well to the MO adsorption process. FTIR analysis of MO and its metabolites demonstrated biotransformation into simpler compounds within 72 h. GC-MS/MS analysis showed the conversion of MO into simpler compounds such as phenol, ethyl acetate and acetyl acetate. The results indicated that periphyton is a promising biomaterial for the complete removal of MO from wastewater and that the treatment process has the potential for in situ removal of MO at contaminated sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-Sulfur batteries have become one of the most promising energy storage systems due to their ultra-high energy density, environmental friendliness, and low cost. However, the sluggish redox kinetics of lithium polysulfide (LPS) and its shuttling effects have impeded the practical applications of Li-S batteries. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with atomically dispersed metal-based sites have been applied as a promising candidate for electrocatalysts for Li-S batteries. Herein, we design and demonstrate a single atom Fe-N/C catalyst impregnated with N, P–doped carbon (FeN 6 –NPC), N, P–doped carbon material (NPC), as well as Fe 2 P nanoparticles anchored with N, P–doped carbon (Fe 2 P–NPC). In-depth XANES and FT-EXAFS analyses were used to characterize the precise architecture of SACs containing Fe-N/C active sites. The electrochemical results of SACs with Fe-N/C active site configuration reveal the highest catalytic lithium polysulfide conversion compared to the NPC and nanoparticle anchored samples. In addition, the SACs enable FeN 6 –NPC/S electrode to deliver a high discharge capacity of 1115 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintain 570 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles with excellent Columbic efficiency (>99%). This work successfully develops organic-based strategies for SACs that suppress lithium polysulfide formation, improve cyclic stability, and increase Coulombic efficiency for lithium-sulfur batteries. [Display omitted] • The SACs FeN 6 -NPC is fabricated via one step organic-based synthesis. • Single-atom with Fe-N/C active sites configuration is better than the Fe 2 P nanoparticles. • Via in-depth XANES and FT-EXAFS, the detailed architectures of Fe-N/C were identified. • The FeN 6 -NPC/S electrode exhibited an initial capacity of 1115 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), as well as microplastics, have drawn global attention due to their presence in the aquatic ecosystem and persistence in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In the present study, for simultaneous bio-removal of two EDCs, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), bisphenol A (BPA), and a microplastic, polypropylene (PP) four kinds of periphytic biofilms were employed. Additionally, the effect of humic acid (HA) on the removal efficacy of these biofilms was evaluated. It was observed that EE2 and BPA (0.2 mg L−1 each) were completely (∼100%) removed within 36 days of treatment; and the biodegradation of EE2, BPA, and PP was significantly enhanced in the presence of HA. Biodegradation of EE2 and BPA was evaluated through Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), and Gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to determine the mechanism of degradation. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and SEM had validated the biodegradation of PP (5.2–14.7%). MiSeqsequencing showed that the community structure of natural biofilm changed after the addition of HA, as well as after the addition of EDCs and PP. This change in community structure might be a key factor regarding variable biodegradation percentages. The present study revealed the potential of periphytic biofilms for the simultaneous removal of pollutants of different chemical natures, thus provides a promising new method for wastewater treatment applications. [Display omitted] • EDCs and microplastics were co-treated with immobilized periphytic biofilms. • Humic acid can substantially induce biodegradation potency of periphytic biofilms. • EDCs were completely whereas PP was partially degraded within 36 days with HA. • HA affects biodegradation potential as well as structure and abundance of biofilms. • Periphytic biofilms are a potent technology for simultaneous removal of pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A packed reactive distillation column producing ethyl tert-butyl ether from tert-butyl alcohol and ethanol was simulated for detection of multiple steady states using Aspen Plus®. A rate-based approach was used to make the simulation model more realistic. A base-case was first developed and fine-tuned to fit experimental data. Sensitivity analyses were then performed for reboiler duty and distillate molar flow as continuation parameters to trace the respective bifurcation curves in the region of multiplicity. The results show output multiplicity at three distinct steady states at high reboiler duties. Input multiplicities were detected at high reflux ratios. Temperature and composition profiles of the solution branches were analyzed to identify the stable and desirable steady state. The optimum operating point was determined to be at a reboiler duty of 0.38kW and a reflux ratio of 5–7. These results closely match the experimental results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rapid treatment processing for agricultural waste is of the utmost importance with the boom in China's agriculture sector. Ultra-high temperature aerobic fermentation pre-treatment process assisted composting (HTC) is superior to traditional composting (CCT) with enhanced compost maturity and accelerated organic matter degradation. This research aimed to optimize and investigate the change in the chemical composition of ultra-high aerobic fermentation pre-treatment (UHT-AF) during agricultural waste composting and compare the effects of HTC and CCT on physio-chemical and biological parameters for compost quality assessment. Taguchi analysis based on physio-chemical parameters of pretreated-product provided experiment R5 (75 °C, 15 h, 40 g/kg) as optimal conditions. Comparative results revealed that HTC is superior to CCT with a shortened maturity period of 24 days. HTC showed a very rapid increase in high temperature (96.02 °C on the 3rd day) and a long-lasted thermophile stage (day 1–20 ≥ 60 °C). The C/N ratio reduced from 21.33 to 15.57, moisture content 60.5–35.5%, pH from 7.80 to 8.17, and compost showed GI ≥ 95%. The FTIR analysis of optimal pretreated-product confirmed that the UHF-AF technique could promote lignocellulose degradation and lignin degradation in subsequent composting, and SEM images provided clear morphological evidence of lignocellulose degradation. The study suggested UHT-AF pretreated (HTC) as a promising agricultural waste composting technique for rapid degradation of organic matter and enhanced quality compost production. [Display omitted] • Novel thermal pretreatment process for agricultural waste composting. • UHT-AF pretreatment composting is superior (HTC) to traditional composting (CCT). • Ultra-high temperature and a long-lasted thermophile stage during subsequent composting. • Total nitrogen retained in HTC and CCT compost was 91% and 80%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) have been gaining the attention of environmental researchers since the 1960s anecdotal reports of plastic entanglement and ingestion by marine creatures. Due to their increasing accretion in aquatic environments, as well as resistance towards degradation, marine litter research has focused on microplastics more recently. In the present study, a relatively new method of biodegradation was implemented for the biodegradation of three structurally different MPs i.e. polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Periphytic biofilm was used for this purpose in various backgrounds of carbon sources (glucose, peptone, and glucose and peptone). Biodegradation of MPs was estimated in terms of weight loss. It was observed that the addition of glucose enhanced the biodegradation of MPs by periphyton biofilm for all MPs (from 9.52%–18.02%, 5.95%–14.02% and 13.24–19.72% for PP, PE and PET respectively) after 60 days compared to natural biofilm alone. To the contrary, peptone, and glucose and peptone together, were inhibitory. Biodegradation was further confirmed by morphological changes observed using SEM, FTIR spectra and GPC lent further support to the results whereby new peaks appeared along with reduction in old peaks and decrease in peak intensities. MiSeq sequencing shows that Deinococcus-thermus > Proteobacteria > Cyanobacteria are the dominant phyla in natural biofilms, and their relative abundances increase after the addition of glucose. However, the abundances shifted to Deinococcus-thermus > Cyanobacteria > Firmicutes > Bacteroidetes , when the biofilms were treated with either peptone alone, or with glucose and peptone together. Therefore, the change in biodegradation capability might also be due to the change in the microbial community structures after addition of the C-sources. These experiments provide an innovative approach towards effective biodegradation of MPs using a relatively new environment-friendly method. Unlabelled Image • Immobilized periphytic biofilms were implemented for the biodegradation of MPs. • Glucose proved to be the most effective C-source for effectual MPs' biodegradation. • SEM and FTIR confirm biodegradation showing morphological and structural changes. • MiSeq sequencing shows that C-sources affects microbial community structure. • Periphytic biofilms are eco-friendly entities effectual for MP biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Dormancy is an essential stage of development in deciduous plants that allows them to tolerate the unfavorable environment. • During different dormancy stages, transcripts related to ABA and GA signaling showed differential expression pattern. • ABA and GA contents showed variation at three different dormancy stages. • This study will offer a useful approach to understand dormancy mechanism using pathway based transcriptomic approach. Abstract Dormancy is an essential stage of development in perennial plants that allows them to tolerate against unfavorable climatic conditions. Based on RNA-seq analysis, we compared the level of transcripts related to Gibberellins (GA) and Abscisic acid (ABA) at three different dormancy stages, i.e. summer buds (C1), para -dormancy (C2), and endo -dormancy (C3). Our results revealed a prominent up-regulation of GA and ABA signaling transcripts at different dormancy stages. Most of the transcripts related to protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) showed down-regulatory behavior during C2 vs C3. In C1 vs C3, three transcripts related to PYR/PYLs were up-regulated while in C2 vs C3, only one had expressed the low transcript level. Four (SnRK2) related transcripts had exhibited down-regulation in case of C2 vs C3. Six transcripts encoding DELLA proteins in GA signaling pathway showed down-regulation in C1 vs C3 while ten transcripts were up-regulated in case of C2 vs C3. Nine transcripts encoding GID2 proteins were up-regulated in C1 vs C3 whereas six transcripts were down-regulated in C1 vs C3, respectively. The lower ABA content was observed at C3 stage as compared to other two stages whereas GA3 content was higher at C3 stage than C2 stage. The expression profiles depicted that the transcripts related to ABA and GA signaling were involved in dormancy mechanism. Based on these results we can speculate that ABA and GA pathways act as regulatory switches to regulate grape bud dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]