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A screening programme using mineral salt medium supplemented with n-hexadecane resulted in isolating a Bacillus megaterium SPSW1001 which was capable of producing surface active molecules lowering culture medium surface tension to 27.43 ± 0.029 mN/m and interfacial tension to 0.38 ± 0.03 mN/m at 72 h and an emulsification index (E24) (85.63%). The biosurfactant product was further used to assess its effects on the rheological characteristics of water-in-oil emulsion prepared with engine oil. Structural characterization of the biosurfactant product by FTIR revealed a C–O–C stretch in sugar moiety and ester carbonyl linkage group between sugar and fatty acids, respectively, while mass spectral analysis revealed its glycolipid nature, with an m/z value of 662.44. The fluid behaviour of water-in-oil emulsion showed a non-Newtonian viscoelastic dilatant flow after yielding exemplified appropriately by Herschel-Bulkley model with 100% confidence of fit. The present study is significant in formulation and handling, processing, and transport of emulsion and in understanding flocculation characteristics.

In the current work cobalt, magnesium and lithium dopant substitution is performed in series of SrFe(12-2x)(Co,Mg,Li)xO19 (for x = 0.0, 0.15, 0.25, 0.5) using sol–gel method. The prepared samples were calcined at 950 °C for 4h. The synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). LCR meter was used for performing dielectric measurements. The formation of hexagonal SrFe(12-2x)(Co,Mg,Li)xO19 was confirmed using XRD. Debye Scherer was used to determining the crystallite size in the range of 37–57 nm. The band positions were studied using FTIR. The real part of the dielectric constant enhanced to 77.8 at 250 Hz for x = 0.5. The value of dielectric loss for cobalt, magnesium, and lithium-doped strontium hexaferrite nanoparticles has increased from 2.21 to 54.0 at 250 Hz. AC conductivity values also showed an increase as the concentration increased in strontium hexaferrite. AC conductivity results explain that electron hopping governs the conduction process. The electrical properties and conductivity rise with the increasing concentration of dopant. The enhanced dielectric properties and increased conductivity of the prepared nanoparticles make it applicable in supercapacitors and charge storage devices.

Nanotechnology mediated drug delivery has been reported to enhance the drug efficacy, bioavailability, reduced toxicity and improve patient compliance by targeting the cells and tissues to elicit the desired pharmacological action. The main aim of the study was to formulate lovastatin loaded nanosponges and to evaluate them. Lovastatin loaded nanosponges were prepared by Emulsion solvent diffusion method using different polymers (Ethyl cellulose, Polyvinyl alcohol, β-cyclodextrin, Pluronic F68, Hydroxy Propyl β- cyclodextrin). The FTIR test is conducted as the preliminary test, by this test there was no interaction between the drug and polymers. Then nanosponges were evaluated for particle size, PDI, zeta potential, SEM, entrapment efficiency andinvitrodrug release. The particle size ranged from 295.5 to 578.8 nm, PDI ranged from 0.189 to 0.465, zeta potential from -17.3 to -35.96 mV and entrapment efficiency was ranged from 78.38 to 95.77 %. The cumulative percentage release from all nanosponges varied from 66.86 to 96.60% after 12 hours depending upon the drug and polymers ratio andF6 formulation showed highest drug release i.e., 96.60%. The release kinetic studies showed that the release first order diffusion controlled and the n value (0.6017) from the Korsmeyer-Peppa’s model indicated the release mechanism was non-fickian type.&nbsp

Fermented foods are an essential source of nutrition for the communities living in developing areas of the world. Additionally, traditional fermented products are a rich source of various bioactive components. Experimental research regarding the functional exploration of these products is a way forward for better human health. Among fermented foods, Koumiss is rich in vitamins especially vitamin C and minerals, i.e., phosphorus and calcium. In addition, it is also rich in vitamins A, E, B2, B12, and pantothenic acid. High concentrations of lactose in milk favor bacterial fermentation, as the original cultures decompose it into lactic acid. Koumiss contains essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid. Koumiss offers many health benefits including boosting the immune system and maintains blood pressure, good effect on the kidneys, endocrine glands, gut system, liver, and nervous and vascular system. The rich microflora from the fermented product has a pivotal role in maintaining gut health and treating various digestive diseases. The core focus of the current review paper is to highlight the nutritional and therapeutic potential, i.e., anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemia effect, antioxidative properties, antibacterial properties, antibacterial spectrum, intestinal enlargement, and β‐galactosidase activity, of Koumiss as a traditional fermented product. Moreover, history and production technology of the Koumiss are also the main part of this review paper., Fermented commodities are an essential source of nutrition for the communities living in developing areas of the world. Traditional fermented products are a rich source of various bioactive components. Koumiss is rich in vitamins and minerals. It offers many health benefits to people such as boosting the immune system; maintaining blood pressure, good effect on the kidneys, liver, endocrine glands, gut system, nervous and vascular system.

Deficiency of Vitamin D is very common in Pakistan, even among healthy asymptomatic individuals [1], [2]. Recent studies have shown that the risk of contracting COVID-19 was increased to two-fold, and consequent mortality to 4-fold if the person is Vitamin D deficient [3]. Health care workers including the nursing and administration staff are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV2 due to increased regular exposure in a health care setting [4]. Consequently, a convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deficiency of Vitamin D, and the increased exposure can render the health care workers at an additional risk to COVID-19 infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy asymptomatic front-line health care workers and to analyze the change in serum level by loading oral dose of SunnyD STAT softgel capsules (200000 IU Vitamin D3). We followed single centered, cross-sectional, cohort study with subsequent randomized placebo-controlled design for supplementation and follow up. Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was the main outcome variable, with anthropometric data, nutritional intake, and lifestyle variables analyzed for potential association as risk factors for the outcome. Severe Vitamin D deficiency was found to be prevalent among front line health care workers in this urban hospital-based sample. Serum level of Vitamin D was found to be significantly associated with designation and presence of high blood pressure. The likelihood of increased serum Vitamin D levels was observed with increasing monthly income, higher designation, increasing age and supplementation intake. Mean increase in the serum 25(OH)D3 level after 2 doses of SunnyD STAT softgel capsule (200000 IU Vitamin D3) was 34.22 ng/ml. Public health interventions regarding Vitamin D supplementation and awareness are needed, especially amid COVID-19 pandemicDeficiency of Vitamin D is very common in Pakistan, even among healthy asymptomatic individuals [1], [2]. Recent studies have shown that the risk of contracting COVID-19 was increased to two-fold, and consequent mortality to 4-fold if the person is Vitamin D deficient [3]. Health care workers including the nursing and administration staff are at a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV2 due to increased regular exposure in a health care setting [4]. Consequently, a convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deficiency of Vitamin D, and the increased exposure can render the health care workers at an additional risk to COVID-19 infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy asymptomatic front-line health care workers and to analyze the change in serum level by loading oral dose of SunnyD STAT softgel capsules (200000 IU Vitamin D3). We followed single centered, cross-sectional, cohort study with subsequent randomized placebo-controlled design for supplementation and follow up. Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was the main outcome variable, with anthropometric data, nutritional intake, and lifestyle variables analyzed for potential association as risk factors for the outcome. Severe Vitamin D deficiency was found to be prevalent among front line health care workers in this urban hospital-based sample. Serum level of Vitamin D was found to be significantly associated with designation and presence of high blood pressure. The likelihood of increased serum Vitamin D levels was observed with increasing monthly income, higher designation, increasing age and supplementation intake. Mean increase in the serum 25(OH)D3 level after 2 doses of SunnyD STAT softgel capsule (200000 IU Vitamin D3) was 34.22 ng/ml. Public health interventions regarding Vitamin D supplementation and awareness are needed, especially amid COVID-19 pandemic.

The P22/P91 dissimilar weld increasingly used in supercritical power plan boilers calls for experimental investigations on its properties for enhanced performance in high-temperature service conditions. This study investigates the weld joint between P22/P91 steel using tungsten inert gas process employing a P22 matching filler metal. The fabricated weld has been characterized for mechanical properties of tensile strength and microhardness. The microstructural examination has been carried out in the weld region, transition zones, and base metals. The weld was exposed to a temperature of 700 °C in the environment of molten salt (50% Na2SO4 + 50% NaCl) to quantify the effect of high-temperature corrosion at its sight of application. Furthermore, the welds were also shot-peened and its effect on corrosion properties has been examined. The corroded specimens were examined using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope to analyze the oxide scale produced upon exposure to high temperature in a controlled environment. The P22 base metal was found to oxidize more severely as compared to the weld fusion zone. Shot peening improves the corrosion resistance of weld by 7.56%. The results of this study comprehensively cover multiple aspects of weld integrity as per the service conditions, with its results having significant application in the power plant industry.

This research investigates the effect of CaO–CaF2–SiO2–Al2O3 based flux coating constituents of nickel-based electrodes on the weld chemistry of power plant applications. Extreme vertices design approach was used to prepare electrode coatings and extruded on FM-182 (Nickel based) core wire. TiO2 is added in a fixed amount to enhance the arc stability during welding and slag detachability. Weld beads were deposited on P22 alloy steel plate and examined for weld chemistry in terms of Cr, Ni, Nb and Fe. The microhardness of the deposited welds was also observed using Vicker's microhardness tester. Regression analysis was applied to develop a relationship between the weld chemistry and flux constituents. The results obtained from the regression analysis were then optimized to choose the best suitable electrode coating composition with higher desirability.

Background Oseltamivir treatment is currently the only way of managing influenza in young infants for whom influenza vaccines are not licensed, but little data exist on the effectiveness of the treatment in this age group. Methods In a prospective study, we enrolled 431 newborn infants and followed them up for 10 months during their first respiratory season (September 2017‐June 2018). During each respiratory illness, we examined the infants and obtained nasopharyngeal specimens for determination of the viral etiology. Infants with influenza were re‐examined at short intervals, and additional nasopharyngeal specimens were obtained at each visit for measuring the viral load. All infants with symptoms

This paper reports on the effect of CaO-CaF2-TiO2-SiO2 based electrode coating constituents and their binary, tertiary interactions on the weld metal chemistry of offshore structure. Coating compositions were prepared based on extreme vertices design methodology and extruded on austenitic 309L filler wire. Red ochre, a mineral waste from iron ore site, has been added to coating compositions in uniform quantity to utilize its iron content. Multi-pass weld beads hence deposited on super duplex 2507 grade steel were examined for chemical composition in terms of phosphorus, sulphur, molybdenum, niobium, and iron. Regression analysis was carried out to develop a relationship between the chemical composition and coating constituents, quantifying the effect of interactions. Obtained responses have also been optimized to find the most suitable coating compositions in the desired range of mineral constituents. The developed electrode coatings have been analyzed for their microstructure using scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersion spectroscope. The work establishes a relation between the coating minerals and their interactions on the weld chemistry.

Malnutrition is considered as major public health concern and is emerging challenge to food and nutrition security particularly in developing countries. Rice is the staple food and consumed by the half of the world's population which is the source of daily requirement of the nutrients. Attempts are being made to fortify rice with micronutrients, but the loss or retention of these micronutrients in different cooking methods is not well studied and documented especially in fortified rice. In the present study, paddy seeds of six Indian varieties were fortified with iron and zinc by parboiling process. Consequently, fortified polished rice had higher micronutrient contents (Fe, 106.31 ± 12.56; Zn, 97.72 ± 9.75) than non-fortified polished rice (Fe, 7.44 ± 1.05; Zn, 14.74 ± 2.94) expressed in ppm. Polished rice of both fortified and non-fortified were cooked under five different cooking conditions and analyzed for remaining iron and zinc content. Cooking rice in rice cooker without prior washing (NRC) retained highest concentration of Fe and Zinc in both fortified and non-fortified rice varieties. It also showed that fortified rice suffered higher percentage loss of micronutrient, than the non-fortified rice. But the average retained micronutrient amount measured in ppm, was higher in fortified rice (Fe, 43.54 ± 6.88; Zn, 36.7 ± 3.12) than in non-fortified rice (Fe, 4.24 ± 0.87; Zn, 9.3 ± 2.11). Hence, adopting appropriate cooking method, higher amount of micronutrients will be retained in the cooked food which will in turn help in combating the malnutrition and improve health.

Alibori River located in northwestern Benin is subject to contamination by trace metal elements (TME: Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) due to the use of agricultural inputs in its vicinity. This study focuses on the speciation of TME elements in the sediments of this river. The sediments were sampled during the rainy and dry seasons, dried, crushed and then sieved. The sediments were then mineralized and subjected to sequential fractionation. The total extraction and sequential extractions were analyzed using a spectrophotometer UV. The sediments of Alibori River had an acid pH and were contaminated by TME during the dry season. The zinc and copper had an affinity with the different fractions with a high proportion in the fractions F1 and F2 during the rainy season and a high proportion in the F5 fraction during the dry season. The lead and cadmium had an affinity with the F5 fraction during the rainy season, and the F3 and F4 fractions during the dry season. The calculated contamination index, individual contamination factor and risk assessment code (RAC) demonstrated that the river presented a potential risk of water contamination. The aforementioned parameters also showed that the river induced risk of bioavailability ranging from medium to very high for organisms. The TMEs found in the sediments of the Alibori River were linked to the exchangeable and acid-soluble fractions which made them more mobile and bioavailable to organisms. Key words: Speciation, Alibori River, trace metal elements (TME), bioavailability, fraction.

This study reveals the phytoextraction of trace metals (cobalt ‘Co’, copper ‘Cu’ and zinc ‘Zn’) by selected plants Alhagi maurorum, Tamarix aphylla, Salvadora persica and Suaeda nigra in saline soil. The two parts (roots and shoots) of selected plants were collected from different sites and desalinated rhizospheric soil samples (adhering to the root of plants). The matrices of saline soil, desalinated rhizospheric soil samples and different part of selected plants were oxidized using the acid mixture. The metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using different techniques. The mean values of Co, Cu and Zn in bulk saline soil of four sites termed as BS1, BS2, BS3 and BS4 were found to be (18.6, 186 and 188), (22.4, 112 and 189), (27.7, 161 and 193) and (29.1, 191 and 170) µg/g, respectively. The residual % of Co, Cu and Zn in soil after harvested plants was observed as (14.3, 45.3 and 16.5 %), (20.2, 22.6 and 20.4 %), (28.2, 35.7 and 14.4 %) and (28.7, 26.7 and 32.5 %), respectively. The bio-concentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF) and the % of removal rate revealed that T. aphylla for Cu and Zn, A. maurorum for the Cu and S. Persica for Zn are suitable halophytes for the phytoremediation from the saline soil. Thus, it can be concluded that selected plant species may have the ability for the phytoextraction of Co, Cu and Zn from saline soil.

Arbenan leaf is a medicinal plant that used in the healing of inflammation. The content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, steroids and tannins contained in arbenan plants which play an important role in alternative medicine. Currently, scientific work of phytotherapy is an important alternative route in finding effective natural medicines with minimal side effects. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical properties and to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of arbenan leaf [Duchesnea indica (Jacks.) Focke] extract. In this study, nine male Wistar rats were tested in three treatment groups. Group I Na CMC, group II Na diclofenac and group III arbenan leaf extract. Inflammation in rats by inducing 1% carrageenan as much as 0.10 mL. The volume of edema per hour is known from the difference in the volume of the foot at certain hours with the volume of the normal foot. The AUC value of edema volume was calculated by the trapezoid method every one hour and the percen of anti-inflammatory power was calculated. The statistical analysis of the Least Significance Different (LSD) AUC value from the edema volume data showed that the two treatment groups, namely the Na diclofenac and the arbenan leaf extract group, were significantly different from the Na CMC group (P

Nanotechnology is the fabrication, characterization, and potential application of various materials at the nanoscale. Over the past few decades, nanomaterials have attracted researchers from different fields because of their high surface-to-volume ratio and other unique and remarkable properties. Cobalt and cobalt oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have various biomedical applications because of their distinctive antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, larvicidal, antileishmanial, anticholinergic, wound healing, and antidiabetic properties. In addition to biomedical applications, cobalt and cobalt oxide NPs have been widely used in lithium-ion batteries, pigments and dyes, electronic thin film, capacitors, gas sensors, heterogeneous catalysis, and for environmental remediation purposes. Different chemical and physical approaches have been used to synthesize cobalt and cobalt oxide NPs; however, these methods could be associated with eco-toxicity, cost-effectiveness, high energy, and time consumption. Recently, an eco-friendly, safe, easy, and simple method has been developed by researchers, which uses biotic resources such as plant extract, microorganisms, algae, and other biomolecules such as starch and gelatin. Such biogenic cobalt and cobalt oxide NPs offer more advantages over other physicochemically synthesized methods. In this review, we have summarized the recent literature for the understanding of green synthesis of cobalt and cobalt oxide NPs, their characterization, and various biomedical applications., Graphical abstract

This study employed mesophilic Bacillus subtilis RTS strain isolated from soil with high xylanolytic activity. A 642 bp (xyn) xylanase gene (GenBank accession number MT677937) was extracted from Bacillus subtilis RTS and cloned in Escherichia coli BL21 cells using pET21c expression system. The cloned gene belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 11 with protein size of approximately 23 KDa. The recombinant xylanase showed optimal enzyme activity at 60 °C and at pH 6.5. Thermostability of recombinant xylanase was observed between the temperature range of 30–60 °C. Xylanase also remained stable in different concentration of various organic solvents (ethanol, butanol). This might be due to the formation of protein/organic solvent interface which prevents stripping of essential water molecules from enzyme, thus enzyme conformation and activity remained stable. Finally, the molecular docking analysis through AutoDock Vina showed the involvement of Tyr 108, Arg140 and Pro144 in protein-ligand interaction, which stabilizes this complex. The observed stability of recombinant xylanase at higher temperature and in the presence of organic solvent (ethanol, butanol) suggested possible application of this enzyme in biofuel and other industrial applications.

Aims: For prevention and management of type II diabetes among rice eating population, consumption of rice with lower Glycemic Index (GI) is highly desirable as low GI food decreases plasma glucose levels and plasma insulin demand. As there is paucity of information on the GIs of commonly consumed rice varieties in India, the aim of this study was to determine GI of selected five rice varieties, and to find relationship of GI with their cooking and eating quality traits. Study Design, Place and Duration: In vivo experiment was conducted at PG&RC, PJTS Agricultural University, Hyderabad, India, during March, 2017 to February, 2018. During this period, cooking and eating quality traits of selected rice varieties were determined in ICAR- Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, India. Methodology: GIs were determined by feeding10 fasted human subjects a fixed portion of foods and subsequently measuring plasma glucose of their blood samples at specific interval of time and GIs were calculated using standard formula. Cooking and eating quality traits were determined using standard procedure. Results: The estimated GI values were 56.38(SEM 1.57), 59.23(SEM 1.02), 71.73 (SEM 1.75), 87.40 (SEM 1.90), and 94.05 (SEM 1.21), respectively for Sampada, Dhanrasi, DRR Dhan 42, DRR Dhan 43, and Jarava. Alkali spreading value (ASV), Gel consistency (GC), and Water uptake (WU) values of these five varieties ranged from 4 to 6, 22 mm to 54.5 mm, and 80 ml/ 100 g to 255 ml/100 g, respectively. Conclusion: Two varieties were identified with moderate GI values (Sampada, 56.38 ± 1.57; Dhanrasi, 59.23± 1.02). These varieties can prove to be a healthier option to incorporate in nutritional therapeutic diet. It is also concluded that lower ASV, higher GC, and lower WU, are good predictors for lower GIs of rice varieties. These relationships may be used for screening of low GI rice cultivars in breeding programme.

In this study fine powder of rice husk were used as novel adsorbent for the removal of bromophenol dye. Different conventional physicochemical analysis and instrumental techniques were used to characterize the adsorbent. The surface area of the adsorbent was found to be 160.6 m2/g with bulk density of 1.139 g/dm3. Proximate and ultimate analysis showed that the selected material is a rich source of carbon with the advantage of not having Sulphur contents. FTIR and SEM analysis confirmed the surface modification via aqua regia in comparison to parental material (that have enhanced its surface porosity). The maximum uptake capacity (0.8 mg/g) of dye was reached at pH 3, 20 ppm of adsorbate concentration, and 0.5 g of treated rice husk dosage at room temperature and 60 min of equilibrium time. The equilibrium adsorption data was best explained by Freundlich adsorption isotherm with R 2 value of 0.998. Kinetic studies revealed that adsorption follows pseudo second order kinetic model with R 2 value of 0.997, K 2 equal to 0.831 (g/mg min), and q e value of 0.97 mg/g. The thermodynamic parameters (∆S° = 6.78 J/mol, ∆H° = 1501 J/mol, ∆G° −1.50, 0.5, 0.621 and 0.0787 kJ/mol corresponding to 293, 303, 313 and 333 K) pointed towards the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the process.

A typical planar structure is the most feasible conceptual design of betavoltaic battery due to its simplicity. The self-absorption of beta source, however, causes a limitation to the geometrical efficiency. Herein, we tried to investigate the self-absorption event in Ni-63 beta source by changing the geometrical aspects and evaluated its effect on each layer of a 4H-SiC semiconductor as the radiation-electricity converter. The design configuration from previous literature was adopted and the model was developed using Monte Carlo N-Particle X (MCNPX) consists of radioisotope source, semiconductor, and also ohmic contacts. The energy of beta emission was adjusted to the actual Ni-63 beta spectra with an isotropic distribution of ejected particles. The average beta energy deposition degrades along with the addition of source mass thickness, but the n+ substrate has a unique result where a peak is observed at 0.1246 mg/cm2 due to the self-absorption effect. Furthermore, the rectangular surface area magnification gives a positive impact on the beta energy deposition up to 2.48% and the photon average energy deposition up to 137.21%. The results of average electron absorbed dose are consistent with Oldano-Pasquarelli semi-empirical theory of self-absorption in the beta source, where the upper layer receives a wider angular distribution of particles compared to the lower one, which corresponds to the counting geometrical coefficients.

Aedes mosquitoes are the most important group of vectors that transmit pathogens, including arboviruses, and cause human diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and Chikungunya. Biosynthesis and the use of green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is a vital step to identify reliable and eco-friendly controls for these vectors. In this study, Aedes (Ae.) aegypti larvae (2nd and 3rd instar) were exposed to leaf extracts of Ricinus communis (Castor) and AgNPs synthesized from the extract to evaluate their larvicidal potential. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (XRD). Ae. aegypti larvae were treated with different concentrations (50–250 ppm) of the leaf extract and synthesized AgNPs. There were five replicates per treatment, in addition to a positive (temephos) and negative control (dechlorinated water). Mortality was recorded after 12, 24, 36, and 48 h and the data were subjected to Probit analysis. The nanoparticles were more toxic (LC50 = 46.22 ppm and LC90 = 85.30 ppm) than the plant extract (106.24 and 175.73 ppm, respectively). The leaf extracts of Ricinus communis were subjected to HPLC analysis to identify their chemical constituents. This study suggests that plant extracts and synthesized nanoparticles are excellent alternatives to hazardous chemical pesticides used to control vector mosquitoes. This is a potentially useful technique that can reduce aquatic toxicity from insecticide use.

Background and Objective: COVID-19 can cause severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. With deteriorating disease, most of the patients may require intensive care admission. This study was carried out to determine and evaluate the response of Tocilizumab with special reference to C-reactive protein (CRP) in critically ill patients presented to Farooq Hospital, West Wood Lahore. Methods: This retrospective study included the data of 55 critically ill COVID-19 patients (respiratory rate ≥30, SpO2

The current study aims to examine the concentration of some toxic elements such as, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) and physicochemical parameters such as electric conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and biological oxygen demand (BOD) in the wastewater of dye manufacturing, textile dyeing, and small dyeing industries. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni in wastewater samples of these industries were significantly higher than the permissible limits set by WHO for toxic metals in industrial wastewater. The highest level of EC was observed in wastewater samples of the small dying industry as compared to the other two types of industries. The BOD of the investigated wastewater samples was almost two to three-times exceeded than the suggested threshold level recommended by EPA for industrial wastewater. The elevated BOD levels might be due to the presence of the excess level of organic matter in wastewater discharged from the various activities of industries.

Dimensional changes and water migration of individual muscle fibers and meat blocks of pectoralis major muscle obtained from commercial broilers (CB) and yellow-feathered chicken (YFC) were affected by early cooking temperatures (30, 40, 50 and 60 °C). At early heating temperatures (30–60 °C), the maximum shrinkage in the volume of meat blocks was higher (10–29%) than the individual extracted fiber fragments (7–19%). Changes in the width and cross sectional area were significantly (p

The work is aimed at characterizing the properties of slag obtained from CaO-CaF2- TiO2-SiO2 based coatings developed for welding the offshore structures. Extreme vertices methodology was used to formulate coating compositions. Iron ore waste red ochre has been used as source of iron in the coating. The slag has been characterized for thermal stability, density, specific heat, enthalpy of reaction, thermal conductivity behavior, and thermal diffusivity. Welding slag was also structurally analyzed for different phases and bonds. Silicate ion (SiO44−) has been found to influence all the slag properties significantly. Effect of coating constituents has been studied using regression analysis. Mineral constituents and their interactions were found to have influential role on thermo-physical, chemical and structural behavior of slags.

In this study, we investigated the combination of algal treatment and subsequent oxidation to improve the antibiotics removal and refractory organics degradation in livestock wastewater effluent. We also proposed a better combination of oxidation processes for robust treatment of recalcitrant wastewater, mainly focusing on the removal of antibiotics. Stand-alone processes of O3, O3/H2O2, ultraviolet C (UVC), and UVC/H2O2 as well as their combined effects were evaluated as a downstream oxidation process. Prior to those oxidation processes, the effluent was treated with microalgae under continuous light illumination, which turned it into alkaline wastewater (pH > 10). The algal treatment was feasible not only to directly remove antibiotics resistant to a specific oxidation method, but also to improve the degradation of antibiotics and effluent organic matter in the alkaline wastewater upon subsequent oxidation. The alkaline wastewater was more favorable for the removal of antibiotics (especially for clopidol) with UVC treatment (UVC and UVC/H2O2). The algal treatment promoted ozonation to some extent for the degradation of florfenicol in the effluent. The removal of antibiotics by ozonation decreased with added H2O2, whereas the UVC performance was improved by adding H2O2. For ozonation followed by UVC treatment, the ozonation dominated the degradation of selected antibiotics.

The current study was aim to evaluate the speciation of arsenic (total arsenic “TAs”, arsenite “AsIII” and arsenate “AsV”) and total contents of essential metals in the feeds and litters of branded poultry feed using farms (BPF) and non-branded poultry feed utilizing farms (NBPF) at Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan. The TAs and essential metals determined by graphite furnace and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (GF and FAAS), respectively. Whereas, the AsIII and AsV separated by solvent extraction followed by GF-AAS. The high levels of sodium, potassium, and zinc were observed in branded poultry feeds whilst calcium and iron contents were higher in non-branded poultry feed. The contents of total arsenic in poultry feed samples of both branded and non-branded poultry feed utilizing farms were within the NRC permissible limits (30.0 mg/kg) except NBPF-1 and NBPF-4. Total As in all poultry litter samples were found under the permitted monthly average dose of As (41.0 mg/kg) for agronomical application expert poultry litter samples of BPF-1, NPBF-2, and NPBF-3. The daily accumulation of total As from feed to boilers were also studied.

Objective Cytokine release syndrome is suggested to be the most important mechanism triggering acute respiratory distress syndrome and end organ damage in COVID-19. The severity of disease may be measured by different biomarkers. Methods We studied markers of inflammation and coagulation as recorded in 29 patients on admission to the hospital in order to identify markers of severe COVID-19 and need of ICU. Results Patients who were eventually admitted to ICU displayed significantly higher serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin. No statistical differences were found between the groups in median levels of lymphocytes, D-dimer or ferritin. Conclusions IL-6 and CRP were the strongest predictors of severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Background Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) is a disorder characterized by the progressive accumulation of fibrillary extracellular deposits in several ocular tissues. It is an independent risk factor for glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness analysis using optical coherence tomography is a documented investigative tool to detect glaucoma at an early stage. Objective The aim was to evaluate and compare RNFL thickness in PXS patients without glaucoma with their age- and sex-matched healthy controls and detect the possibility of early glaucomatous damage in patients with RNFL thinning. Study Design This was a cross sectional case–control study. Materials and Methods A total of 100 patients were included, of which 50 were cases (Group A) and 50 were controls (Group B). RNFL thickness of cases and controls were compared using Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT 500 (ZEISS Medical Technology, United States). Results There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to mean RFNL thickness in nasal (p = 0.129) and temporal quadrants (p = 0.832). The mean inferior RNFL thickness values were 112.9 ± 21.72 μm in Group A and 120.6 ± 10.35 μm in Group B (p = 0.002). The mean thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer in superior quadrant in Group A was 101.6 ± 23.16 μm, whereas it was 113.5 ± 13.47 μm in group B (p Conclusion There was statistically significant difference in RNFL thickness between cases and controls in inferior and superior quadrants and in global average thickness.

Rare earth (RE) materials such as neodymium (Nd) and others consist of unique electronic configurations which result in unique electronic, electrochemical, and photonic properties. The high temperature (>1100 °C) growth and low active surface areas of REs hinder their use as an efficient electrocatalyst. Herein, different morphologies of Nd were successfully fabricated in situ on the surface of graphene using a double-zone chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The morphology of the Nd material on graphene is controlled, which results in the significant enhancement of the large specific surface area and electrochemical active area of the composite material due to the spatial morphology of Nd, thereby improving the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance in an alkaline medium. The significantly enhanced HER activity with an overpotential of 75 mV and a Tafel slope of 95 mV dec-1 at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 is observed in Nd-GF. Mainly, a high specific surface area of ∼2217 cm2 g-1 and the porosity of graphene play major roles in the enhancement of activity. Thus, the present work provides a new strategy for the neodymium engineering synthesis of efficient rare earth-graphene composite electrocatalysts with a high electrochemical active area.

Most of the Indian diets are typically based on cereals and lack micronutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, and flesh foods. The incorporation of zinc biofortified rice in daily diets can help overcome zinc deficiency. The present study aimed to analyze the consumers’ acceptance of zinc biofortified rice as the willingness of consumers to accept it is important for the success of biofortification strategy to combat micronutrient malnutrition. The consumers’ acceptance of zinc biofortified rice in terms of its hand feel mouth feel texture, taste, and overall acceptability was determined using the Five-point Hedonic scale. Hand-pounded samples of zinc biofortified rice and control were provided to sixty farm women to evaluate by the Home Use Test protocol. The index of acceptability (IA) was worked out for the acceptance of zinc biofortified rice and was found to be greater than 70% for all the parameters. The consumers’ socio-economic characteristics did not show a significant relationship with the acceptability of zinc biofortified rice except for hand feel texture. Based on the hedonic categorization suggested by Belmes (2019), the overall acceptability of both the zinc biofortified rice and control are in the acceptable category of hedonic rating. Therefore it can be concluded that the zinc biofortified rice variety DRR Dhan 45 is equally acceptable to the consumers as the control rice. The consumers’ socio-economic characteristics did not show a significant relationship with the acceptability of zinc biofortified rice. The zinc biofortified rice can be promoted for use in daily diets to help meet the zinc needs of the family and included in the nutrition intervention programs of the country for overcoming micronutrient malnutrition.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces liver inflammation that can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Inflammation is the outcome of the action of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Mature IL-1β production and secretion are facilitated by active inflammasome complexes, including the NACHT-LRR pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Our study shows that the NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in HCV-infected hepatocytes and that the activation is regulated by posttranslational modifications. NLRP3 is modified by lysine-63 ubiquitin chains in hepatocytes and is deubiquitinated during HCV infection. Inhibition of deubiquitinases (DUBs) with chemical inhibitors or blocking UCHL5 DUB expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA) abrogated NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation. Inhibition of inflammasome deubiquitination was correlated with a reduction in IL-1β maturation, decrease in HCV protein expression, and reduction in release of HCV from the cells. Together, this study suggests that HCV-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome through posttranslational modification is crucial for the HCV life cycle and pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE HCV infection induces inflammation leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. The current study identifies the mechanisms leading to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatocytes, which is an important site of viral replication. Deubiquitination of NLRP3 by UCHL5 is required for inflammasome activation. Inhibition of deubiquitination blocks NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β maturation and also decreases HCV replication, suggesting the importance of the NLRP3 inflammasome in inflammation as well as other signaling pathways.

Quantitative analysis of facies in a complex depositional environment is have some difficulty in terms of ability to constrain the data available into easily recognizable and reproducible facies types. One of the most challenging environments is the shallow water carbonate depositional system. Using subsurface data, a facies class of Tertiary carbonates of Banggai Basin was established to allow reproducible facies descriptions by multiple workers. The analysis based on core data from Research area (about 2,000 feet of core from five wells) Tertiary subsurface carbonates of the Research area, range in age from Late Miocene to Early Pliocene and are comprised of diachronously deposited shallow water platform carbonate build-ups and associated with detrital carbonate sediments. Time equivalent carbonates of the Mentawa member Limestone, showing the same range of environments. On the basis of faunal content, grain types, sedimentary texture, and sedimentary structure, Autochthonous facies types represent reef margin, platform interior, and slope environments ranging from shallow-water, reefal boundstone and rudstone to planktonic foraminifera wackestone and packstone. Allochthonous facies represent grain-dominated, detrital facies types, intercalated within mud-dominated to graindominated facies types; rich in planktonic foraminifera. Age diagnostic, large benthic foraminifera (LBF), planktonic foraminifera, and calcareous nannoplankton enable the correlation of subsurface data and allow high-resolution sequence stratigraphic correlation throughout the research area. Integration of subsurface data leads to more insightful and realistic geological models of subsurface stratigraphy. The sequence stratigraphic development of the subsurface Paleogene in Research area, Central Sulawesi, was define using well cuttings, core data and wireline logs tied into largely published biostratigraphic and available seismic data. Large benthic foraminifera assembladges used for detailing depositional environment also associated with reef connected environment. Diagenetic process indicating creation and destruction of carbonate porosity, due to presence of marine, fresh water, pressure and temperature that present in term of tectonic and subsidence. Some of the micritization, recrystallization, and neomorphism .

Neem seed oil is a possible option that can be used in biodiesel production. Moreover, the residue from neem tree seeds can help synthesize a catalyst for biodiesel production. This offers a different utility of the residue other than incineration or disposal. It provides opportunities for better use of the planet’s resources and helps tackle the current century’s energy problems. Current research has focused on the synthesis and characterization of potassium hydroxide catalyst supported with activated carbon derived from waste neem seeds post-oil extraction. In these instances, different catalyst types are introduced for the transesterification of neem oil for biodiesel production. It observed that biodiesel production’s optimum conditions, a yield of biodiesel 93.9%, are 65 °C temperature, 120 min of reaction time, 9:1 methanol to oil ratio, and NC2 catalyst. Furthermore, when measured, the biodiesel’s main properties were produced to meet the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) and European (EN) standards. This study proposes that potassium hydroxide (KOH) supported by activated carbon derived from neem seed residue is an effective catalyst for transesterification of local neem seed oil to produce biodiesel as a potential alternative fuel.

The new millennium has witnessed an expeditious expansion in the installation of rooftop solar PV in the residential as well as the commercial sector. The grid-tied solar PV installations favor the consumer as well as the utility by providing electrical energy at an optimized rate and a relief to the national grid respectively. With the advancement in the field of solar PV technology, conventional solar PV cells are replaced with thin-film modules. In this regard, copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) based thin-film modules are considered to be the future of solar PV modules from the standpoint of cost as well as efficiency. A grid-connected CIGS thin-film solar PV modules approach with a battery energy storage system (BESS) is proposed in this research effort. The system is modeled using PVsyst software considering the case of a university to furnish comparative analysis of CIGS-based system over conventional crystalline technology. PVsyst software uses advanced computational algorithms and thereby provides results closely to real-world scenarios. A comprehensive analysis including the considerations to be adopted for the optimal PV array and battery sizing, system losses, and annual available power injected to the grid based on peak shaving power dispatch strategy is discussed in the paper. It is concluded that the CIGS-based PV system provides an annual energy production advantage of 2.5% and 5.4% against mono-crystalline and poly-crystalline-based PV systems respectively. Furthermore, the designed system performance ratio is found to be 87.5%, satisfying the minimal boundary conditions for the installation of the proposed system.

To better reveal the formation of thawing drip, this study investigated the ice crystallization and myowater dynamics changes in frozen bovine Longissimus dorsi muscle. In ultra-fast freezing a narrow distribution of ice crystals size was observed together with higher solubility, lower surface hydrophobicity and stable second structure of myofibrillar protein. Accordingly, ultra-fast freezing samples exhibited significantly lower thaw loss (4.35 %) than slow freezing (8.22 %) after 48 h of freezing. Upon thawing, 2D T1-T2 relaxation spectra indicated a myowater redistribution, in which slow freezing led to major migration of water from immobile water to free water. Besides, T1 and T2 relaxation times showed an increasing trend with freezing process. The proton density images displayed major free water seep from myofibrils to the surface of muscle. Consequently, the water from the “reservoir” (free water) flowed into the “channel” (the widened spaces between muscle fibres), and formed into the thawing drip.

The effects of low voltage electrostatic field thawing (LVEFT) on the changes in physicochemical properties of myofibrillar proteins and the quality of thawed beef were investigated. Results showed that by applying LVEFT, thawing process was shortened by 42%. LVEFT significantly reduced thawing loss and shear force of the thawed beef (P

Food contamination with cadmium (Cd) is a serious health threat to humans worldwide and Cd accumulation by rice is a major source of Cd entrance to the food chain. Silicon (Si) application decreases the Cd content in rice but the timing of Si application may need further investigation. The present study investigated the effect of split application of Si in the soil (600 kg/ha of Si) at different growth stages of rice on the growth and Cd accumulation by rice under Cd stress. Rice plants were grown in the presence and absence of Cd and Si was applied in the soil at different growth stages of rice under Cd stress. The results indicated that Cd stress alone reduced the growth and photosynthesis and increased the Cd content in different tissues and grains of rice. Silicon application improved the plant growth and reduced the Cd accumulation, translocation factor, and bioaccumulation factor in rice especially in grains, whereas the response of Si varied with the application of Si at different growth stages. The application of Si in three splits (transplanting (S1), tillering (S2), panicle initiation (S3)) was the best in improving growth and reducing Cd concentrations in plants compared to other combinations of Si application. Silicon application in three splits (S1+S2+S3) reduced the grain Cd concentrations below the threshold level (0.2 mg/kg) and reduced the Cd health risk index under the experimental conditions. Overall, split application of Si at three growth stages may function as remediator and diminishes Cd uptake into rice grains.

Acetaldehyde is a metabolite of ethanol, an important constituent of tobacco pyrolysis and the aldehydic product of lipid peroxidation. Acetaldehyde induced toxicity is mainly due to its binding to cellular macromolecules resulting in the formation of stable adducts accompanied by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to characterize structural and immunological alterations in human immunoglobulin G (IgG) modified with acetaldehyde in the presence of sodium borohydride, a reducing agent. The IgG modifications were studied by various physicochemical techniques such as fluorescence and CD spectroscopy, free amino group estimation, 2,2-azobis 2-amidinopropane (AAPH) induced red blood cell hemolysis as well as transmission electron microscopy. Molecular docking was also employed to predict the preferential binding of acetaldehyde to IgG. The immunogenicity of native and acetaldehyde-modified IgG was investigated by immunizing female New Zealand white rabbits using native and modified IgG as antigens. Binding specificity and cross reactivity of rabbit antibodies was screened by competitive inhibition ELISA and band shift assays. The modification of human IgG with acetaldehyde results in quenching of the fluorescence of tyrosine residues, decrease in free amino group content, a change in the antioxidant property as well as formation of cross-linked structures in human IgG. Molecular docking reveals strong binding of IgG to acetaldehyde. Moreover, acetaldehyde modified IgG induced high titer antibodies (>1:12800) in the experimental animals. The antibodies exhibited high specificity in competitive binding assay toward acetaldehyde modified human IgG. The results indicate that acetaldehyde induces alterations in secondary and tertiary structure of IgG molecule that leads to formation of neo-epitopes on IgG that enhances its immunogenicity.

In the current study, boric acid loaded chitosan (CS) and collagen-based hydrogels were prepared. Hydrogels with four different boric acid concentrations were prepared; control hydrogel (wi...

Cooking meat at different temperatures resulted in loss of fluids and alterations in its textures. This work signifies the effect of different cooking temperatures on the volumetric changes and biophysical properties of breast meat blocks obtained from broilers and yellow-feather chicken (YFC). Shrinkage in the length and volume of meat blocks of broilers were higher, whereas YFC showed an increase in cross-sectional area. At each cooking temperature (60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, and 100°C), mostly there were significant differences (p< .05) in volumetric changes found between the meat block of both breeds. Results from the biophysical properties indicated that the cooking of broilers meat below 80°C increases its hardness, the opposite was observed for YFC. Cooking at 100°C produced more hardness in YFC meat than broilers (34.15 N vs 26.80 N) (p< .05). Moreover, cooking at higher temperature produced early gel properties in broilers than YFC meat. SDS-PAGE results revealed a similar trend for both breeds except cooking at 100°C where broilers have more band intensities than YFC. LF-NMR (low-field nuclear magnetic resonance) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) data suggested that after cooking at each temperature YFC reserved more water than broilers. Physical meat quality traits have correlations with volumetric changes and cooking temperatures. Cooking of YFC meat at 90°C and 100°C has demonstrated similar correlation patterns with physical quality traits. Overall, cooking at 100°C caused more undesirable changes in YFC than broilers meat blocks. Therefore, it is suggested that cooking at 90°C could be a better temperature for YFC meat.