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We present a comprehensive analysis of the X-ray spectral properties of 198 newly identified active galactic nuclei (AGNs), leveraging archival data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. All these AGNs exhibit a power-law spectral signature spanning a broad energy range of |$0.5{\!-\!}7.0$| keV, characterized by the photon index (⁠|$\Gamma$|⁠) values ranging from |$0.3^{+0.16}_{-0.14}$| to |$2.54^{+0.14}_{-0.13}$|⁠. Particularly, 76 of these AGNs display discernible levels of intrinsic absorption, after considering the Galactic absorption. The column densities associated with this local absorption (⁠|$n_{\rm H}^{\rm local}$|⁠) are within a range of |${\sim} 10^{19}{\!-\!}10^{22}\ {\rm cm^{-2}}$|⁠. We study the cosmological evolution of AGNs using the variation of |$n_{\rm H}^{\rm local}$| and |$\Gamma$| with their estimated redshift. The intrinsic spectral signature did not reveal any significant cosmological evolution; however, a deficit of hard sources at high redshift is possibly intrinsic. Our sample covers several orders of broad-band intrinsic luminosity (⁠|$L_{\rm B}^{\rm intr}$|⁠) ranging from |$4.59^{+0.41}_{-0.41} \times 10^{42}$| to |$2.4^{+0.12}_{-0.12} \times 10^{46}\, {\rm erg~s}^{-1}$| with peak at 1.84 redshift. We also investigate the hardness–luminosity diagram to further probe the AGNs. We conduct a sanity check by applying our findings to known AGNs, and the results are consistent with our observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has provided a strong foundation to believe that future seafarers are expected to possess a traditional seafaring licence as a prerequisite for obtaining a licence to operate ‘smart’ ships [Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)]. Since the standards of competence for a traditional seafaring licence are dictated by the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code, it may be implied that the Code may have to reinvent itself to include skills and competencies which will be relevant for the seafaring workforce of the future to take on expected roles and responsibilities. The question, thus arises, should the STCW Code continue in its current form in laying down the standards of competence, or should it draw lessons from skills and competency frameworks (used for the workforce of other industries) to outline defined set of behaviours deeply valued by the maritime industry? This question drove a systematic literature review, based on which, this paper presents findings to answer if past research had investigated the feasibility of the STCW Code to be translated into a skills and competency framework. This study also delved deeper into the essential characteristics of the frameworks which need to be imbibed (or which already exist) in the Code to continue allowing it to be relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future seafarers are expected to work on autonomous ships, the systems and operations of which are increasingly being influenced by advancements in technologies and digital services. This implies that the skills and competencies outlined for current seafarers by the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code (last revised in 2011) to operate nonautonomous ships, may need to be supplemented with new skills and competencies based on the threat of becoming redundant in the near future. Although there has been active research in the area of identifying new skills and competencies for future seafarers, there is a dearth of research in the design and development of a framework to accommodate them. In this paper, findings from a systematic literature review have been presented to identify the challenges and implications in the design and implementation of a suitable skills and competency framework in the context of the seafaring industry. The challenges (and suggested solutions) are drawn from the review of literature in the area of skills and competency frameworks built for other industries' workforces. The findings are useful in building a regimented structure for the training of future seafarers while meeting the needs of the employers and regulatory bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of cropping systems on soil aggregation and associated carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stabilization in relation to soil's antecedent C level has not been well addressed, which is essential for prioritization of agricultural soils for C and N sequestration. In this background, the present study investigated the influence of maize-wheat (MW) and soybean-wheat (SW) cropping systems and continuous fallow (CF) on soil aggregation and associated C and N storage in four soils of same type and texture (sandy loam textured Typic Ustorthents) but different antecedent C levels: a low-C soil (Soil 1, 5.6 g C kg–1), two medium-C soils (Soil 2, 9.0 g C kg–1 and Soil 3, 9.6 g C kg–1) and a high-C soil (Soil 4, 12.9 g C kg–1). While in low-C soil, MW outperformed the SW in increasing aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) by 13% and C and N preservation capacities of macroaggregate fractions by 5–52%; in medium-C soils, the opposite occurred where SW showed 4–9% increased MWD and 8–76% increased C and N preservation capacity over MW. Contrarily in high-C soil, the two cropping systems behaved similarly; these decreased the aggregate MWD by 6–10% and the macroaggregate-preserved C and N by 8–39% compared to the CF. Changes in macroaggregate C and N storage were significantly related to bulk soil C and N levels (R2 = 0.65–0.85, p < 0.05). Conclusively, the selection of cropping systems to improve aggregate C and N storage must preconsider the antecedent soil C level; because the magnitude and direction of cropping impacts on C and N storage depend on soil's antecedent C level. For a greater physical stabilization of sequestered C and N, in the Entisols of northwest India, MW and SW may be promoted to low- and medium-C soils, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High charge carrier mobility is a prerequisite for organic electronics for which molecular arrangement and morphology play a vital role. Herein, we report how the self-assembly of thienylenevinylenes T1 and T2 can achieve morphologically distinct nanostructures with improved charge carrier mobility. Morphological analysis revealed that T1 forms 2D nanosheets that further extend to an array of hierarchical pseudo-1D assemblies, whereas T2 results in 1D nanofibers. Flash photolysis – time resolved microwave conductivity and transient absorption spectroscopy (FP-TRMC and TAS) revealed that 1D fibers of T2 show 1.75 fold higher charge carrier mobility (9.2 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1) when compared to the array of 2D sheets obtained from T1 (5.0 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1). This simple approach can be extended to design self-assembled organic photoconducting materials for optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the spacetime geometry of the halo region in spiral galaxies is obtained considering the observed flat galactic rotation curve feature, invoking the Tully–Fisher relation and assuming the presence of cold dark matter in the galaxy. The gravitational lensing analysis is performed treating the so-obtained spacetime as a gravitational lens. It is found that the aforementioned spacetime as the gravitational lens can consistently explain the galaxy–galaxy weak gravitational lensing observations and the lensing observations of the well-known Abell 370 and Abell 2390 galaxy clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-minimally coupled global monopole or a Schwarzschild black hole that swallowed a global monopole at the center of a galaxy can correctly describe the observed flat rotation curve of galaxies without the need of dark matter. To become a viable alternative to dark matter the global monopole based model also needs to explain the other observations hinting for the existence of dark matter. Here we have studied weak gravitational lensing due to Schwarzchild space time with global monopole and compare with the findings of galaxy-galaxy weak lensing and also the lensing observations of the rich galaxy cluster Abell 370. We find that global monopole based model cannot describe the mentioned lensing observations without the presence of dark matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabindra Sarovar lake is an artificial freshwater lake in the arsenic infested eastern region of India. In this study, using the genome resolved metagenomics approach; we have deciphered the taxonomic diversity as well as the functional insights of the gene pools specific to this region. Initially, a total of 113 Metagenome Assembled Genomes (MAGs) were recovered from the two predominant seasons, that is, rainy (n = 50) and winter (n = 63). After bin refinement and de-replication, 27 MAGs (18 from Winter season and 9 from Rainy season) were reconstructed. These MAGs were either of high-quality (n = 10) or of medium quality (n = 17) that was determined based on genome completeness and contamination. These 27 MAGs spanning across 6 bacterial phyla and the most predominant ones were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria regardless of the season. Functional annotation across the MAGs suggested the existence of all known types of arsenic resistance and metabolism genes. Besides, important secondary metabolites such as zoocin_A, prochlorosin, and microcin were also abundantly present in these genomes. The metagenomic study of this lake provides the first insights into the microbiome composition and functional classification of the gene pools in two predominant seasons. The presence of arsenic metabolism and resistance genes in the recovered genomes is a sign of adaptation of the microbes to the arsenic contamination in this region. The presence of secondary metabolite genes in the lake microbiome has several implications including the potential use of these for the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to investigate the factors of assessment that students undergoing authentic assessment perceived to be significant regarding their academic achievement. This project advanced past research by the authors which found that the academic achievement of seafarer students was significantly higher in a formatively implemented authentic assessment compared with a summative traditional assessment. The academic achievement (assessment scores) was based on the students' performance in analysing information presented in a real-world context (authentic assessment) as opposed to the analysis of information presented devoid of a real-world context (traditional assessment). Using the data obtained from students undergoing the authentic assessment, this project correlated their perceptions of authenticity for factors of assessment to their scores in the associated task. Stage 1 focused on deriving the factors conceptually from the definition of the authentic assessment by the authors, based on which a perception survey questionnaire was designed. Stage 2 extracted new factors through a factor analysis conducted using the software SPSS. Both stages of investigation found that the factor of transparency of criteria was a significant predictor of the students' academic achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabindra Sarovar lake is an artificial freshwater lake in the arsenic infested eastern region of India. In this study, using the genome resolved metagenomics approach; we have deciphered the taxonomic diversity as well as the functional insights of the gene pools specific to this region. Initially, a total of 113 Metagenome Assembled Genomes (MAGs) were recovered from the two predominant seasons, that is, rainy (n = 50) and winter (n = 63). After bin refinement and de-replication, 27 MAGs (18 from Winter season and 9 from Rainy season) were reconstructed. These MAGs were either of high-quality (n = 10) or of medium quality (n = 17) that was determined based on genome completeness and contamination. These 27 MAGs spanning across 6 bacterial phyla and the most predominant ones were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria regardless of the season. Functional annotation across the MAGs suggested the existence of all known types of arsenic resistance and metabolism genes. Besides, important secondary metabolites such as zoocin_A, prochlorosin, and microcin were also abundantly present in these genomes. The metagenomic study of this lake provides the first insights into the microbiome composition and functional classification of the gene pools in two predominant seasons. The presence of arsenic metabolism and resistance genes in the recovered genomes is a sign of adaptation of the microbes to the arsenic contamination in this region. The presence of secondary metabolite genes in the lake microbiome has several implications including the potential use of these for the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubrics are assessment tools without which students have no guidelines towards their achievement or to understand the teacher's feedback. Although, traditionally designed by educators, students have been engaged to co-construct rubrics with their teachers. The authors of this paper set out to investigate the difference in the academic achievement (measured using assessment scores) when students are excluded versus included in rubric design. This paper presents the first phase of investigation when the students were excluded from rubric design intended to be used for the authentic assessment of their competence in the use of leadership skills. The authentic assessment was implemented as a formative assessment in the form of two separate and distinct assessments. The students were provided feedback on their performance in the first task using the rubrics constructed by the educators. The assessment scores revealed a significant number of students used the feedback to improve their academic achievement. Future research will present findings from the second phase of investigation when the students will co-create the rubrics and its impact on their academic achievement will be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research shows seafarer students perceive traditional assessment methods used in maritime education and training (MET) institutes as disengaging, making them adopt surface-learning approaches towards acquiring essential knowledge and skills required for the workplace. Instead of developing skills that may be transferred to shipboard tasks, disengaged seafarer students focus only on achieving the minimum score required to attain a 'pass' grade for their certification. In this paper, a quantitative research methodology is developed to investigate seafarer students' perception of authenticity to workplace tasks in decontextualised traditional assessments versus authentic assessments conducted in real world contexts. The methodology will further correlate the perceptions to student achievement (measured using assessment scores) in the assessment tasks. The paper describes the research design and identifies the ethical issues. Procedures to address validity and reliability of the research are also established. Future research aims to implement the methodology to conduct research in a selected educational institute and a unit of competence. However, this paper acknowledges that the methodology should be replicated in other educational institutes for different units of competence to compare and generalise findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research showed that traditional assessment methods that required seafarer students to construct responses based on memorisation and analysing information presented in absence of real-world contexts (e.g. oral examinations and multiple-choice questions) disengaged the students from learning. Memorising information is a lower-order cognitive ability, failure in which led to errors and low academic achievement for students. Authentic assessment methods require students to construct responses through the critical analysis of information presented in real-world contexts. Hence, this research investigated the difference in seafarer students' academic achievement (measured through scores obtained in assessment) in authentic assessment as compared with traditional assessment. Two separate and independent student groups (the 'control' group and 'treatment' group) were used for a selected unit of learning delivered at the Australian Maritime College within the Bachelor of Nautical Science degree program. Because some past researchers had defined and implemented traditional assessment methods as a single-occasion assessment, this project implemented the assessment in a summative format, as opposed to authentic assessments implemented during student preparation. Analysis of student scores revealed that the authentically assessed students were guided towards significantly higher academic achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past analysis of marine accident investigations has revealed that inadequate risk assessment conducted on board ships lead to maritime accidents. The International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (ISM Code) provided an international standard for the safe operation of ships with risk assessment as one of the principal precepts of the Code. However, effective implementation of the process of risk management cannot be achieved without the active involvement of competent seafarers on board ships. This paper reviewed a compilation of empirical research publications regarding ship safety to infer the possible reasons for the failure of risk assessment by focusing on areas (training and competence, procedural approach, process verification, culture and organisation) that affect seafarer practices. The findings highlighted the challenges faced by the maritime industry that warrant attention at the organisational level. The challenges were classified as: Lack of adequate training and competency in non-technical skills; Failure of a procedural approach to risk management; Risk perceptions, attitudes, and cultural/organisational factors; and Process verification: lack of ownership and identification of safety objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blowout on the drilling rig ‘Deepwater Horizon’ resulted in human fatalities and significant environmental damage; and drew attention to the vulnerabilities in the safety of the vessels and the seafarers operating the vessels in the offshore sector. One of the reasons of the explosion was attributed to the poor risk assessment and management practices. Risk assessment is one of the central tenets of the ISM Code that establishes safety management objectives and requires safety management system (SMS) to be established by ship operators. It is therefore imperative that in order to meet the objectives of the Code and to ensure personal safety, all seafarers should be conversant with the risk management principles and trained in its practical application. However, based on a theoretical analysis of the regulatory requirements of training as well as analysis of past incidents on offshore vessels, this paper highlighted the challenges faced by the offshore sector in the effective training of its seafarers in the process of risk assessment. In doing so, the regulatory requirements for training and its inherent flaws are discussed. The practices and attitudes of the seafarers towards the process of risk assessment is also critiqued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As evidenced from past research presented in this paper, seafarer students and employers are dissatisfied with traditional assessment methods in its ability to engage students in learning and develop skills for transfer from classrooms to the workplace. Although authentic assessments conducted in real world contexts may provide a possible solution, there is a dearth of research on it in the area of seafarer education and training (SET). Moreover, the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code 1995, that provides global, minimum standards of competence, overlooks to include authentic assessment as a method for demonstrating competence. Hence, to enhance the understanding of authentic assessment towards achieving it in SET, this paper expands on the individual characteristics provided by major authors that in combination define the concept. The characteristics are categorised under ‘tasks’ and ‘processes’ that result in the ‘outcomes’ of: higher student engagement, ability to transfer skills to different contexts, contextual and multiple evidence of competence, and valid (relevant to workplace) and reliable (multiple and consistent) student performance. Future research will design authentic assessments in SET using the defined characteristics and collect empirical evidence towards its impact on seafarer student learning and skills development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The design of fluorescent molecular platforms capable of responding to multiple analytes is a topic of great interest. Herein, the use of a Zn2+-complexed unsymmetrical squaraine dye, Sq-Zn2+, as a chemical platform for recognizing structurally distinct analytes is reported. The squaraine ring is substituted on one side with a dipicolylamine unit, which acts as the metal ion receptor, whereas the other part of the molecule carries a dibutylaniline moiety, which is an electron donor. The molecular system is unique because it can respond specifically to different types of analytes, namely, atmospheric carbon dioxide, cyclic phosphates, and picric acid. Moreover, the interaction of these analytes can be monitored colorimetrically and fluorimetrically, which favors both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The distinct response towards cyclic and linear phosphates, as well as the selective response towards picric acid, among the various nitroaromatic compounds was achieved with sensitivity at the ppm level. The flexible coordination offered by Zn2+ plays a significant role in the discrimination of these analytes with high specificity. Dye Sq-Zn2+ introduced herein is a single-molecule construct that can be used for the selective and sensitive response towards analytes of environmental and biological relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence from past research suggests that decontextualised traditional assessment methods promoted by the STCW Code’95 are failing to address the development of skills considered essential by seafarer employers and leading to overall student disengagement. Authentic assessments conducted in real-world contexts and requiring an integration of competence will assess a seafarer’s competence to perform tasks at workplace standards. However, there is absence of research on authentic assessment in seafarer education and training (SET). The assessment methods adopted by maritime education and training (MET) institutes to assess a seafarer’s competence is directed by the requirements of the STCW Code. Hence, this paper analyses assessment methods (training ships, in-service experience, simulator, laboratory equipment, practical tests) other than traditional assessments that are recommended by the STCW Code in its effectiveness to implement authentic assessment for SET. The effectiveness of the methods was not only judged on its ability to recreate real-world scenarios but also on the issues of financial costs, task design, and learning effect. This paper concludes to state that authentic assessment can theoretically find its place in SET if the issues highlighted in this paper are addressed. Future research shall provide empirical evidence towards the impact of authentic assessment on student achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Merchant shipping is moving more than 10 billion tons of ballast water around the world annually, placing human health at risk and causing ecological and environmental damage through the transportation of pathogens and marine aquatic species. The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address this issue, is set to enter into force on the 8 September 2017. Once the Convention enters into force, seafarers conducting ballast water management (BWM) operations will need in-depth knowledge of the Convention and be proficient with standards and best practices. Lack of competence will have serious implications for seafarers (e.g. health hazards and financial penalties); and damage to the marine environment. Based on a perception survey of 25 seafarer students enrolled in their final year of training at the Australian Maritime College (AMC), this research investigates the effectiveness of maritime training providers in delivering training for seafarers certified for operational and management levels of competence, to effectively comply with the BWM Convention. The student perceptions indicated that majority of the students are satisfied with elements of BWM training which are being delivered by the AMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reality of a global gender imbalance in the workforce is undeniable. However, it is even more profound in the traditionally male-dominated maritime industry, where women make up a mere 2% of the workforce. Although the maritime industry has adopted initiatives towards closing the existing gender gap, the integration of women into the maritime industry has been at a sluggish rate due to various impediments. This paper not only traces the issue of the gender imbalance to its historical roots but also highlights the current impediments and challenges unique to the maritime industry towards achieving gender equality in its workforce. Using a review of literature, this paper also brings forward the various initiatives put in place to facilitate the integration of women into the maritime sector and suggests recommendations for the same. The paper acknowledges that women are a growing force and the need to close the gender gap is widely accepted. However, even though many initiatives have led to an increase of female presence, there is room for further efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Research in the design and development of fully autonomous and unmanned merchant vessels has revealed positive results and expected benefits that support their likely implementation on the high seas in the near future. The benefits mainly derive from the removal of the human element which may reduce associated errors; and provide financial savings on crew salaries and omission of crew accommodation. However, even though the technical concepts for unmanned vessel operation are well established, studies on human interaction with the systems are not as prevalent. This paper highlights the regulatory, legal, safety, human/technology interface and societal concerns posed to the operation of unmanned vessels. This paper argues that the belief in complete reliability and trustworthiness of fully automated ships is unrealistic, and in doing so, questions its commercial viability. This paper concludes that the maritime and seafaring industry require further evidence of the validation of the technology before the long-term effects of fully automated vessels can be equated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

π-Gels are a promising class of functional soft materials formed out of short π-conjugated molecules. By utilizing the chemistry of noncovalent interactions, researchers have created a wide range of π-gels that are composed of supramolecular polymers. During the last two decades, supramolecular gel chemistry has been pursued with the hope of developing new materials for applications in, for example, organic electronics, energy harvesting, sensing, and imaging. The high expectations for π-gels were centered mainly around their electronic properties, such as tunable emission, energy transfer, electron transfer, charge transport, and electrical conductivity; such properties are amenable to modulation through size and shape control of molecular assemblies. Although a large number of exciting publications have appeared, a major technological breakthrough is yet to be realized. In this review, we analyze the recent advancements in the area of functional π-gels and their scope in future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a comprehensive analysis of TESS high-quality light curves from sectors 43 and 44 of a few samples of young (∼2–3 Myr) brown dwarfs in the Taurus molecular cloud. They are well characterized and bona fide members of Taurus. We aim to search for the fast rotations of brown dwarfs and to picturize their dynamic atmosphere and surface features. Out of 11 young BDs, we found that 72% are periodic, in the period range of 1–7 days; among them, three BDs have periods <1.5 day and the period of one object is estimated for the first time. The sinusoidal periodic variations are related to a large spot or group of small spots corotating with the objects. Interestingly, we have detected four flare events in three young BDs, with one object, MHO 4, showing two flares in two different sectors. From the flared light curves, we have estimated the total bolometric flared energy in a range of 1035–1036 erg, which is close to the superflare energy range (≥1034 erg). To produce such kinds of superflare events, we have calculated the required magnetic field strength, which comes out at the order of a few kilogauss. Such superflares have a strong effect on the habitability of planets around M dwarfs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial shipping in the Arctic region presents significant financial incentives through reduced transit times and opportunities for natural resource activities. However, it also presents significant risks for the safe navigation of vessels and increased environmental pollution. This paper describes the factors that are promoting the expansion and inhibition of commercial shipping in the Arctic region. It explains the hazards of Arctic shipping and classifies threats to the environment under oil pollution, aquatic species invasion, marine mammal displacement, and carbon emissions. The costs described relate to underwriter and insurance premiums. The paper also describes the risk-mitigating elements of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code). The paper concludes to highlight the need for a deeper understanding of associated risks by stakeholders before sea routes in the Arctic region are fully commercialised for maritime use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of coaxial p-n heterojunctions by mesoscale alignment of self-sorted donor and acceptor molecules, important to achieve high photocurrent generation in organic semiconductor-based assemblies, remains a challenging topic. Herein, we show that mixing a p-type π gelator (TTV) with an n-type semiconductor (PBI) results in the formation of self-sorted fibers which are coaxially aligned to form interfacial p-n heterojunctions. UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction studies, atomic force microscopy, and Kelvin-probe force microscopy revealed an initial self-sorting at the molecular level and a subsequent mesoscale self-assembly of the resulted supramolecular fibers leading to coaxially aligned p-n heterojunctions. A flash photolysis time-resolved microwave conductivity (FP-TRMC) study revealed a 12-fold enhancement in the anisotropic photoconductivity of TTV/PBI coaxial fibers when compared to the individual assemblies of the donor/acceptor molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of coaxial p-n heterojunctions by mesoscale alignment of self-sorted donor and acceptor molecules, important to achieve high photocurrent generation in organic semiconductor-based assemblies, remains a challenging topic. Herein, we show that mixing a p-type π gelator (TTV) with an n-type semiconductor (PBI) results in the formation of self-sorted fibers which are coaxially aligned to form interfacial p-n heterojunctions. UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction studies, atomic force microscopy, and Kelvin-probe force microscopy revealed an initial self-sorting at the molecular level and a subsequent mesoscale self-assembly of the resulted supramolecular fibers leading to coaxially aligned p-n heterojunctions. A flash photolysis time-resolved microwave conductivity (FP-TRMC) study revealed a 12-fold enhancement in the anisotropic photoconductivity of TTV/PBI coaxial fibers when compared to the individual assemblies of the donor/acceptor molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention set global, minimum standards of competence for seafarers. Maritime Education and Training institutes (METs) are responsible for ensuring assessment processes not only assure attainment of STCW outcomes but also produce competent graduates that meet the expectations of core stakeholders such as regulators and employers. A review of literature in this area, however, suggests that some current assessment methods employed by METs are largely failing on both accounts. This paper argues that STCW falls short in its ability to provide appropriate standards and looks at the need for authentic assessment in seafarer training. A brief review of authentic assessment presented herein highlights characteristics that may improve the shortcomings of current assessment methods and STCW. The paper proposes authentic assessment as a way to elevate the collection of evidence of a seafarer's competence using methods that promote student engagement and transfer of competence in different contextual scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Seafarer training in Australia is severely affected by the scarcity of training berths, which is due to the absence of sufficient berths on 'blue water' vessels in a declining Australian fleet. Analysis of responses from global maritime institutes provide evidence to suggest an inconsistency in approach and a global frustration with international regimes that enforce archaic training practices and time serving, which retard efforts to solve the issue of availability of sea time and applied training. Improved collaboration between key stakeholders, harnessing alternate means of training, recognition of prior learning, and innovative management of vessels providing sea time could be combined to reduce the current backlog of seafarers unable to obtain approved certificates of competence due to a lack of mandatory sea time. Issues associated with these alternative approaches will be discussed and the solutions that should be investigated and trialled in Australia identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel wet-chemical methods of synthesis have been adopted to synthesize nano-crystalline CeO2 and Gd-substituted compositions aiming to explore an efficient oxide ion conducting solid electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) applications. Nano-crystalline CeO2 powders were synthesized by combustion method using redox mixture of cerric ammonium nitrate or cerium nitrate and maleic acid or 1,3-dimethylurea and compared with high surface area CeO2 powders prepared by hydrothermal technique with microwave precipitated precursor from aqueous solutions of (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 and urea. The grain size achieved by the hydrothermal technique is ∼7 nm which is smaller than that of commercial nano CeO2 powders. Conventional or microwave sintering was used to prepare dense Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 pellets from the ceria powders made of redox mixture of cerium nitrate, 1,3-dimethylurea (DMU) and Gd2O3 as the starting ingredients. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ac impedance spectroscopy. The ionic conductivity measured for the pellet sintered at 1400 °C is 1 × 10−2 and 2.4 × 10−2 S/cm at 700 °C and 800 °C respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports for the first time the attempted synthesis of SrO- and MgO-doped LaGaO3 (La1−x Sr x Ga1−y Mg y O3−0.5(x+y), LSGM) perovskite by an aqueous ‘regenerative’ solution route. This novel technique enabled recycling of the undesired product and subsequently yielded product with much better phase purity and density than that obtained from the solid-state route. La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.85Mg0.15O2.825 (LSGM-2015) and LaGaO3 were prepared using both the regenerative sol–gel (RSG) and conventional solid-state route at 1400°C. Series of La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.83Mg0.17O2.815 (LSGM-2017) pellets were also prepared by the RSG method at different sintering temperature (1200–1500°C) and time. The effect of conventional and microwave sintering of samples obtained from both solid-state and regenerative route was also investigated. Microwave heating was carried out using SiC as a microwave susceptor. The LSGM pellets prepared by using different synthetic methods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and pellet density was determined by pycnometry. The LSGM-2015 prepared by RSG route exhibited conductivity σ t =0.066 and 0.029Scm−1 at 800 and 700°C, respectively, and activation energy of the bulk, grain-boundary, and total are E b =0.97eV, E gb =1.03eV and E t =1.01eV, respectively. The sintering temperature severely affected the grain size (<0.1–10μm) and also the grain-boundary resistance (3–175kΩ). The unique aspect of this RSG technique is that the final product can be recycled which makes the process cost effective and time saving compared to the solid-state ceramic technique and this technique would allow optimization of processing parameters in a cost effective and time saving manner for obtaining well sintered LSGM as an electrolyte for IT-SOFC''s. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sr2/3La1/3FeO3 is a perovskite-type oxide with formally 67% Fe4+ and 33% Fe3+ ions revealing a charge disproportionation of Fe4+ and concomitant Fe3+Fe3+Fe5+ charge ordering below its Ne´el temperature of ∼200 K. Co-doped materials Sr2/3La1/3Fe1−xCoxO3 (0.15&les;x&les;0.33) were synthesized and investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, 57Fe Mo¨ssbauer spectroscopy, magnetization measurements, and magnetotransport studies in order to explore the relation between charge ordering, magnetic properties, and magnetoresistance effects in this system. Cobalt substitution induces the formation of charge disordered ferromagnetic clusters (x=0.15, 0.24) and finally leads to complete suppression of the charge disproportionation (x=0.33). Spin-glass like magnetic properties are observed. Pronounced negative magnetoresistance effects up to −20% at 5 K and 7 T are attributed to reduced scattering of charge carriers due to parallel spin alignment of ferromagnetic regions in an applied magnetic field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Agricultural soils have the potential to store C (carbon), thereby improving soil health, and contributing to climate change mitigation. However, the capacity of a soil to hoard C may be limited. We tested the C saturation behavior of agricultural soils belonging to predominant soil orders (Inceptisols, Entisols, Alfisols, Aridisols and Vertisols) in Indian Subcontinent. A mesocosm experiment in open environmental conditions was conducted with six rate of farmyard manure (FYM) addition (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40 Mg ha−1) for three and half years and total carbon (TC) was analyzed. Addition of more than 10 Mg FYM ha−1 enhanced TC content of soil with the period of experimentation irrespective of soil orders. Application of C input of the agriculturally recommended addition of FYM in India at 5.0 Mg ha−1 maintained the soil TC content. Without addition of any C input, sometimes there was depletion in native carbon. With higher levels of C additions, all the soils did not show any evidence of C saturation, thereby suggesting their higher potential to additional C storage. Indian agricultural soils could contribute significantly toward achieving the target of "4 per 1000" initiative of the United Nations. Higher organic carbon in soils would make agroecosystems more resilient toward extreme climate events and sustain crops productivity thereby could help to meet the food demand of the ever-increasing population of the country in the years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma is a locally destructive middle ear infection with bone erosive properties which can lead to fistula if erodes labyrinth. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at tertiary health care centre with a total of 12 patients who presented with complaints of otorrhoea, hearing loss and vertigo. Such patients were evaluated clinic audiologically and radiologically as a pre op assessment. Post-surgery audiological assessment was done. Results: Hearing preservation was seen in 91.7% patients and none of the patients had iatrogenic sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion: Complete removal of the cholesteatoma is beneficial and does not lead to any iatrogenic SNHL when performed meticulously. A newer way of diagnosing membranous labyrinthine breach utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging T2 Diffusion Weighted (MRI- T2 DW) sequence can be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The microevolutionary dynamics of soil bacteria under microclimatic differences are largely unexplored in contrast to our improving knowledge of their vast diversity. In this study, we performed a comparative metagenomic analysis of two sharply divergent rocks and soil types at the Evolution Plateau (EP) in eastern Upper Galilee, Israel. We have identified the significant differences in bacterial taxonomic diversity, functions, and patterns of RNA-based gene regulation between the bacteria from two different soil types. Furthermore, we have identified several species with a significant genetic divergence of the same species between the two soil types, highlighting the soil bacteria's incipient sympatric speciation. Soil bacteria respond rapidly to changes in new environmental conditions. For adaptation to the new environment, they could mutate their genome, which impacts the alternation of the functional and regulatory landscape. Sometimes, these genetic and ecological changes may drive the bacterial evolution and sympatric speciation. Although sympatric speciation has been controversial since Darwin suggested it in 1859, there are several strong theoretical or empirical evidences to support it. Sympatric speciation associated with soil bacteria remains largely unexplored. Here, we provide potential evidence of sympatric speciation of soil bacteria by comparison of metagenomics from two sharply contrasting abutting divergence rock and soil types (Senonian chalk and its rendzina soil, and abutting Pleistocene basalt rock and basalt soil). We identified several bacterial species with significant genetic differences in the same species between the two soil types and ecologies. We show that the bacterial community composition has significantly diverged between the two soils; correspondingly, their functions were differentiated in order to adapt to the local ecological stresses. The ecologies, such as water availability and pH value, shaped the adaptation and speciation of soil bacteria revealed by the clear-cut genetic divergence. Furthermore, by a novel analysis scheme of riboswitches, we highlight significant differences in structured non-coding RNAs between the soil bacteria from two divergence soil types, which could be an important driver for functional adaptation. Our study provides new insight into the evolutionary divergence and incipient sympatric speciation of soil bacteria under microclimatic ecological differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomous ships are expected to become operational in the foreseeable future. However, so far, most of the discussions have been centred on automation technology with less emphasis on training of seafarers who shall operate them. Depending on the level of autonomy, it is imperative that these ships will still be operated by humans either onshore or onboard. Thus, it is critical to identify the training needs of operators and the facilities that will be required to deliver them. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on maritime education and training (MET) of future operators of autonomous and unmanned ships. An extensive review of the literature revealed that currently, there is an absence of a framework for training the future operators of autonomous vessels. Moreover, the exact equipment that will be needed for training is also not known. As the literature on operational requirement of autonomous ships is limited, this paper expanded the review of the literature to industries which have already embraced the autonomous systems and in particular the framework utilised for training the workforce that operates and manage those autonomous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of gravitational time advancement (negative time delay) for particles with non-zero mass in Schwarzschild geometry has been obtained. The influences of the gravitational field that describes the observed rotation curves of spiral galaxies and that of dark energy (in the form of cosmological constant) on time advancement of particles have also been studied. The present findings suggest that in presence of dark matter gravitational field the time advancement may take place irrespective of gravitational field of the observer, unlike the case of pure Schwarzschild geometry where gravitational time advancement takes place only when the observer is situated at stronger gravitational field compare to the gravitational field encountered by the particle during its journey. When applied to the well known case of SN 1987a, it is found that the net time delay of a photon/gravitational wave is much smaller than quoted in the literature. In the presence of dark matter field, the photon and neutrinos from SN 1987a should have been suffered gravitational time advancement rather than the delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a research study conducted aiming to educate maritime design students with maritime Human Factors (HF) and Human-Centred Design (HCD) theoretical concepts and to motivate them to utilise that knowledge in the design process. The final year maritime design students at the Australian Maritime College were facilitated throughout a year of a planned HCD scaffolding program based on a pedagogical framework. Action Research was used as the methodological framework, which is considered appropriate for studying the effectiveness of a teaching intervention. The overall effect of the program was determined through records maintained in the researcher's journal, response from a questionnaire, an interview, and from the results of a design project report review. The findings demonstrated that the contribution of such a program raised awareness and understanding of HCD and maritime HF among the students. Also, the findings of this paper highlighted the fact that the fresh mind of a maritime design undergraduate is the best state to integrate HF and HCD knowledge which provides enduring benefits for the industry and for shaping ships for people. Besides, possible improvements for future delivery of this program were also identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of organic molecules as lasing media has much potential to develop next‐generation optical devices as soft‐matter photonics with wideband tunability and large coherence area. Although mirrorless lasing was theoretically predicted and practically demonstrated in helical cholesteric liquid crystalline (LC) phases of organic compounds, recent studies on optical confinement have been much focused into hard‐crystalline phases of the molecules. Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and enhancement (AIEE) provides one of the optimal molecular systems for light amplification in condensed phases, and herein AIEE activity and excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) are successfully coupled in a room temperature (RT) nematic LC. Suppressing the effect of concentration quenching/self‐absorption and attaining four‐level system for population inversion by the combination of AIEE and ESIPT in LC phases, lead to the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) from a newly designed molecule: C5Ph‐HBT dispersed in RT LC matrix with the pumping energy threshold of 20 mJ cm–2. Moreover, the nematic LC allows the orientation of the molecular dipoles in response to external electric fields. Hence, the fluorescence as well as the ASE switching is attained at RT, demonstrating the potential of these composite materials as "switchable" ASE media for technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charge-transfer (CT) complexes of near-infrared absorbing systems have been unknown until now. Consequently, structural similarities between donor and acceptor are rather important to achieve this phenomenon. Herein, we report electron donors such as non-fused diporphyrin-anthracene (DP), zinc diporphyrin-anthracene (ZnDP) and fused zinc diporphyrin-anthracene (FZnDP) in which FZnDP absorbs in NIR region and permits a CT complex with the electron acceptor, perylene diimide (PDI ) in CHCl3 exclusively. UV/Vis-NIR absorption, 1H NMR, NOESY and powder X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the CT complex formation occurs by π-π stacking between perylene units in FZnDP and PDI upon mixing together in a 1:1 molar concentration in CHCl3, unlike non-fused ZnDP and DP. TEM and AFM images revealed that the CT complex initially forms nanospheres leading to nanorods by diffusion of CH3OH vapors into the CHCl3 solution of FZnDP/PDI (1:1 molar ratio). Therefore, these CT nanorods could lead to significant advances in optical, biological and ferroelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a first, we used Preference Ranking Organization Method and Geometrical Analysis for Interactive Aid (PROMETHEE-GAIA) tool in agricultural research for identifying the best management decision with weakening factors for cultivation of mustard following rice under fifteen regimes of conservation agriculture (CA) practices, because of its versatility, simplicity and usefulness. We created the regime of CA practices based on energy spent for raising the crop combining different tillage practices viz., reduced tillage and zero tillage, and quantity of crop residues and fertilizer application. The performance of the CA regimes was evaluated over the conventional ones using conflicting criteria (31) related to soil, agronomy, plant protection, energy use and economics. With the PROMETHEE-II method, we found zero tillage with 100 % residue plus 75 % NPK (ZERO 3) as the best performing alternative, while GAIA analysis identified ZERO 3 and zero tillage with 50 % residue plus 100 % NPK (ZERO 4). On integration, PROMETHEE-GAIA helped the decision makers to segregate the effects of the criteria on the outcome creating a scope for maneuvering the weak links for optimizing the performance of mustard crop under different CA-regimes. The tool has a huge potential for use in multi-factorial agricultural research. [Display omitted] • PROMETHEE-GAIA was used for screening and selecting the best alternative(s) of CA-practices. • Identified ZERO3 and ZERO4 as the optimal CA-practices for rice-mustard system. • The identified nonperforming factors can be manoeuvred for enhancement of the outcome. • The method can be used for choosing new and innovative agricultural practices influenced by several factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This study examined the cytotoxic mechanisms of Condurango-glycoside rich components (CGS) against NSCLC-H460 cells. [•] CGS induced cell death occurred mainly by apoptosis rather than necrosis. [•] CGS caused ROS-dependent mitochondria-mediated caspase-3 activation and cell death. [•] CGS led to the inhibition of cell proliferation by EGFR downregulation. [•] CGS has the capacity to induce DNA damage via ROS accumulation in BaP-treated lung cancer of rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • New Cyanobacterial species of Leptolyngbya genus isolated from Indian Ocean. • All Genome and 16S based analysis evidence qualifies this as a new species. • Species delineation supports polyphyletic nature of Leptolyngbya taxon. • The isolate shows unprecedented acid neutralizing ability. • The acid neutralization is more of a surface phenomenon. An acid-neutralizing, filamentous, non-heterocytous, marine cyanobacterium named 'LK' has been isolated from the seashore of Bangaram Island, an atoll of Lakshadweep, India, and is described here as a novel species. LK has been characterized using morphological, ecological, and genomic features. Based on 16S rRNA, whole-genome sequencing, and marker gene-based analysis, LK has been identified as a new species. LK clustered with Leptolyngbya -like strains belonging to the LPP group but diverged from Leptolyngbya sensu stricto , indicating the polyphyletic nature of the Leptolyngbya genus. Leptolyngbya sp. SIOISBB and Halomicronema sp. CCY15110 were identified as LK's two closest phylogenetic neighbors in various phylogenetic studies. The analysis of 16S rRNA, ITS secondary structures, and genome relatedness indices such as AAI, ANI, and gANI strongly support LK as a novel species of the Leptolyngbya genus. The mechanism behind acid neutralization in LK has been delineated, attributing it to a surface phenomenon most likely due to the presence of salts of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. We name LK as Leptolyngbya iicbica strain LK which is a novel species with prominent acidic pH-neutralizing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Information on the effect of conservation agriculture (CA) on N availability in soil is inconsistent. Estimation of available N using conventional analytical methods may not be suitable due to changes in N forms in soils under CA. The study aimed to assess the impact of CA on N availability in soil and to evaluate estimation methods for plant-available N under CA.A field experiment was conducted involving fifteen treatments comprising three tillage operations and five rice residue + nutrient management practices with three cropping systems [rice-maize-cowpea (RMaC), rice-mustard-black gram (RMuB) and rice-cauliflower-rice (RCR)] in alluvial soils of the lower Indo-Gangetic Plains. Availability of N in surface soil layers was assessed using neutral phosphate buffer (PB), calcium chloride (CC), sodium bicarbonate (SB) and alkaline permanganate (PP) methods after three years.The amount of available N extracted by the four methods followed the order SB > PB > PP > CC. Zero tillage with 50%residue + 100%NPK and 100%residue + 75%NPK resulted in ~ 3 to 20% and 3 to 12%, respectively, higher available N in soils over other CA treatments for RMaC and RMuB cropping systems. In contrast, reduced tillage with 50%residue + 100%NPK had ~ 1 to 13% higher available N for RCR cropping system.This work offers choice of efficient CA practices with higher plant available N in soils. Novel multi-criteria-based technique identified PB as the best method in estimating available N in soils under CA with rice-based cropping systems.Methods: Information on the effect of conservation agriculture (CA) on N availability in soil is inconsistent. Estimation of available N using conventional analytical methods may not be suitable due to changes in N forms in soils under CA. The study aimed to assess the impact of CA on N availability in soil and to evaluate estimation methods for plant-available N under CA.A field experiment was conducted involving fifteen treatments comprising three tillage operations and five rice residue + nutrient management practices with three cropping systems [rice-maize-cowpea (RMaC), rice-mustard-black gram (RMuB) and rice-cauliflower-rice (RCR)] in alluvial soils of the lower Indo-Gangetic Plains. Availability of N in surface soil layers was assessed using neutral phosphate buffer (PB), calcium chloride (CC), sodium bicarbonate (SB) and alkaline permanganate (PP) methods after three years.The amount of available N extracted by the four methods followed the order SB > PB > PP > CC. Zero tillage with 50%residue + 100%NPK and 100%residue + 75%NPK resulted in ~ 3 to 20% and 3 to 12%, respectively, higher available N in soils over other CA treatments for RMaC and RMuB cropping systems. In contrast, reduced tillage with 50%residue + 100%NPK had ~ 1 to 13% higher available N for RCR cropping system.This work offers choice of efficient CA practices with higher plant available N in soils. Novel multi-criteria-based technique identified PB as the best method in estimating available N in soils under CA with rice-based cropping systems.Result: Information on the effect of conservation agriculture (CA) on N availability in soil is inconsistent. Estimation of available N using conventional analytical methods may not be suitable due to changes in N forms in soils under CA. The study aimed to assess the impact of CA on N availability in soil and to evaluate estimation methods for plant-available N under CA.A field experiment was conducted involving fifteen treatments comprising three tillage operations and five rice residue + nutrient management practices with three cropping systems [rice-maize-cowpea (RMaC), rice-mustard-black gram (RMuB) and rice-cauliflower-rice (RCR)] in alluvial soils of the lower Indo-Gangetic Plains. Availability of N in surface soil layers was assessed using neutral phosphate buffer (PB), calcium chloride (CC), sodium bicarbonate (SB) and alkaline permanganate (PP) methods after three years.The amount of available N extracted by the four methods followed the order SB > PB > PP > CC. Zero tillage with 50%residue + 100%NPK and 100%residue + 75%NPK resulted in ~ 3 to 20% and 3 to 12%, respectively, higher available N in soils over other CA treatments for RMaC and RMuB cropping systems. In contrast, reduced tillage with 50%residue + 100%NPK had ~ 1 to 13% higher available N for RCR cropping system.This work offers choice of efficient CA practices with higher plant available N in soils. Novel multi-criteria-based technique identified PB as the best method in estimating available N in soils under CA with rice-based cropping systems.Conclusion: Information on the effect of conservation agriculture (CA) on N availability in soil is inconsistent. Estimation of available N using conventional analytical methods may not be suitable due to changes in N forms in soils under CA. The study aimed to assess the impact of CA on N availability in soil and to evaluate estimation methods for plant-available N under CA.A field experiment was conducted involving fifteen treatments comprising three tillage operations and five rice residue + nutrient management practices with three cropping systems [rice-maize-cowpea (RMaC), rice-mustard-black gram (RMuB) and rice-cauliflower-rice (RCR)] in alluvial soils of the lower Indo-Gangetic Plains. Availability of N in surface soil layers was assessed using neutral phosphate buffer (PB), calcium chloride (CC), sodium bicarbonate (SB) and alkaline permanganate (PP) methods after three years.The amount of available N extracted by the four methods followed the order SB > PB > PP > CC. Zero tillage with 50%residue + 100%NPK and 100%residue + 75%NPK resulted in ~ 3 to 20% and 3 to 12%, respectively, higher available N in soils over other CA treatments for RMaC and RMuB cropping systems. In contrast, reduced tillage with 50%residue + 100%NPK had ~ 1 to 13% higher available N for RCR cropping system.This work offers choice of efficient CA practices with higher plant available N in soils. Novel multi-criteria-based technique identified PB as the best method in estimating available N in soils under CA with rice-based cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: When the prostate cancer cells become unresponsive to androgen therapy, resistance to chemotherapy becomes imminent, resulting in high mortality. To combat this situation, lycopodine, a pharmacologically important bioactive component derived from Lycopodium clavatum spores, was tested against hormone sensitive (LnCaP) and refractory (PC3) prostate cancer cells in vitro. This study aims to check if lycopodine has demonstrable anti-cancer effects and if it has, to find out the possible mechanism of its action. The MTT assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect. Depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle, EGF receptor activity and apoptosis were recorded by FACS; profiles of different anti- and pro-apoptotic genes and their products were studied by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, indirect-ELISA, western blotting. Drug–DNA interaction was determined by CD spectroscopy. Administration of lycopodine down-regulated the expression of 5-lipoxygenase and the 5-oxo-ETE receptor (OXE receptor1) and EGF receptor, and caused up-regulation of cytochrome c with depolarization of mitochondrial inner membrane potential, without palpable change in p53 activity, resulting in apoptosis, cell arrest at G0/G1 stage and ultimately reduced proliferation of cancer cells; concomitantly, there was externalization of phosphotidyl serine residues. CD spectroscopic analysis revealed intercalating property of lycopodine with DNA molecule, implicating its ability to block cellular DNA synthesis. The overall results suggest that lycopodine is a promising candidate suitable for therapeutic use as an anti-cancer drug. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: [6]-Gingerol, a pharmacologically important bioactive component of ginger, has been reported to have anti-hyperglycemic, anti-cancer and anti-oxidative properties, but mechanisms through which these are achieved are largely unclear. The present study focuses on apoptosis and autophagy, two key events of anti-cancer activity, in HeLa cells treated with [6]-gingerol. The treated cells showed several morphological changes, including externalization of phosphatidyl serine, degradation of DNA and increase in TUNEL positivity. Furthermore, there was depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, providing evidence of mitochondria mediated apoptosis. The expression of caspase 3 and PARP was increased in cells exposed to [6]-gingerol. Circular dichroism study for testing drug–DNA interaction with both calf thymus and nuclear DNA as target revealed that the drug had potential to bind with the nuclear DNA and induce conformational changes of DNA. The over-expression of NFkβ, AKT and Bcl2 genes in cancer cells was down-regulated by [6]-gingerol treatment. On the other hand the expression levels of TNFα, Bax and cytochrome c were enhanced in [6]-gingerol treated cells. Thus, overall results suggest that [6]-gingerol has potential to bind with DNA and induce cell death by autophagy and caspase 3 mediated apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The tunable luminescent features along with the electrical conductivity (∼2 × 10−4 S m−1) exhibited by the gel fibers formed through supramolecular polymerisation of the N-annulated perylenedicarboxamide based π-gelator 1 are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results of our study of two planetary nebulae (PNe), PB1 and PC 19. We use the optical spectra of these two PNe observed at 2 m Himalayan Chandra Telescope and also archival and literature data for the study. We use the morphokinematic code shape to construct 3D morphologies of the PNe and the photoionization code cloudy to model the observed spectra. The 3D model of PB 1 consists of an elongated shell surrounded by a bipolar halo and that of PC 19 consists of an open lobed bipolar structure and a spiral filamentary pair. We analyse the ionization structure of the PNe by deriving several plasma parameters and by photoionization modelling. We estimate the elemental abundances of the elements, He, C, N, O, Ne, S, Ar, and Cl, from our analysis. We find He, C, and N abundances to be significantly higher in case of PB 1. We estimate different physical parameters of the central stars, namely effective temperature, luminosity, and gravity, and of the nebula, namely hydrogen density profiles, radii, etc. from photoionization modelling. We estimate distances to the PNe as ∼4.3 kpc for PB 1 and as ∼5.6 kpc for PC 19 by fitting the photoionization models to absolute observed fluxes. Progenitor masses are estimated from theoretical evolutionary trajectories and are found to be ∼1.67 and ∼2.38 M⊙ for PB 1 and PC 19, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here medium resolution (λ/Δλ ∼ 1200) H - and K -band spectra of M-type dwarf stars covering the wavelength ranges 1.50–1.80 μ m and 1.95–2.45 μ m. The sample includes 53 dwarf stars (M0V–M7V) from new observations using the TIFR Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Imager instrument on the 2-m Himalayan Chandra Telescope. Using interferometrically measured effective temperature (T eff), radius and luminosity of nearby bright calibrator stars, we have created new empirical relationships among those fundamental parameters and spectral indices. The equivalent widths of H -band spectral features like Mg (1.57 μ m), Al (1.67 μ m) and Mg (1.71 μ m), and the H2O– H index are found to be good indicators of T eff, radius and luminosity and we establish linear functions using these features relating to those stellar parameters. The root-mean-squared error of our best fits are 102 K, 0.027 |$\, \mathrm{R}_{\odot }$| and 0.12 dex respectively. Using spectral-type standards along with known parallaxes, we calibrate both H - and K -band H2O indices as a tracer of spectral type and absolute Ks magnitude. Metallicities of M-dwarf samples are estimated using the K -band calibration relationships. The masses of M dwarfs could be determined using the luminosity (⁠|$L/{\rm L_\odot }$|⁠) and we establish a new empirical relation for this. We also compare and contrast our results with other similar work from the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]