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We investigate the two-dimensional behavior of colloidal patchy ellipsoids specifically designed to follow a two-step assembly process from the monomer state to mesoscopic liquid-crystal phases via the formation of the so-called bent-core units at the intermediate stage. Our model comprises a binary mixture of ellipses interacting via the Gay–Berne potential and decorated by surface patches, with the binary components being mirror-image variants of each other—referred to as left-handed and right-handed ellipses according to the position of their patches. The surface patches are designed so as in the first stage of the assembly the monomers form bent-cores units, i.e., V-shaped dimers with a specific bent angle. The Gay–Berne interactions, which act between the ellipses, drive the dimers to subsequently form the characteristic phase observed in bent-core liquid crystals. We numerically investigate—by means of both Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations—the described two-step process: we first optimize a target bent-core unit and then fully characterize its state diagram in temperature and density, defining the regions where the different liquid crystalline phases dominate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reported a distinctive case of an adolescent diagnosed with trauma induced BPPV posed by coexisting geotropic and apogeotropic nystagmus. The discussion highlights the pathophysiology and need for repeated vestibular rehabilitation sessions of repositioning manoeuvres for complete resolution of the vertigo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existence of potent in vitro regeneration system is a prerequisite for efficient genetic transformation and functional genomics of crop plants. In this study, two contrasting cultivars differencing in their in vitro regeneration efficiency were identified. Tissue culture friendly cultivar Golden Promise (GP) and tissue culture resistant DWRB91(D91) were selected as contrasting cultivars to investigate the molecular basis of regeneration efficiency through multiomics analysis. Transcriptomics analysis revealed 1487 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), in which 795 DEGs were upregulated and 692 DEGs were downregulated in the GP-D91 transcriptome. Genes encoding proteins localized in chloroplast and involved in ROS generation were upregulated in the embryogenic calli of GP. Moreover, proteome analysis by LC-MS/MS revealed 3062 protein groups and 16,989 peptide groups, out of these 1586 protein groups were differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Eventually, GC-MS based metabolomics analysis revealed the higher activity of plastids and alterations in key metabolic processes such as sugar metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and secondary metabolism. TEM analysis also revealed differential plastid development. Higher accumulation of sugars, amino acids and metabolites corresponding to lignin biosynthesis were observed in GP as compared to D91. A comprehensive examination of gene expression, protein profiling and metabolite patterns unveiled a significant increase in the genes encompassing various functions, such as ion homeostasis, chlorophyll metabolic process, ROS regulation, and the secondary metabolic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by natural swarm systems, robotic swarms aim to solve complicated problems through the emergent behaviour of coordinating robots (agents). Communication among the robots is of paramount importance for their effective coordination, cooperation, and overall performance. This research presents a colour light-based communication system for miniature mobile swarm robots, on which a pre-trained supervised machine learning model runs and is responsible for effective colour recognition, enhancing inter-robot local communication. The performance of various supervised machine learning techniques was examined, and XGBoost performed best overall, with a classification accuracy of 96.66%, an execution time of 0.403 ms, an average sensing distance of 87.38 cm, and an acceptable size of 402.1 kilobytes while running on a 32-bit embedded microcontroller. The current work also demonstrates various swarming behaviours, utilising the developed communication as proof of concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's world, image processing techniques play a crucial role in the prognosis and diagnosis of various diseases due to the development of several precise and accurate methods for medical images. Automated analysis of medical images is essential for doctors, as manual investigation often leads to inter-observer variability. This research aims to enhance healthcare by enabling the early detection of diabetic retinopathy through an efficient image processing framework. The proposed hybridized method combines Modified Inertia Weight Particle Swarm Optimization (MIWPSO) and Fuzzy C-Means clustering (FCM) algorithms. Traditional FCM does not incorporate spatial neighborhood features, making it highly sensitive to noise, which significantly affects segmentation output. Our method incorporates a modified FCM that includes spatial functions in the fuzzy membership matrix to eliminate noise. The results demonstrate that the proposed FCM-MIWPSO method achieves highly precise and accurate medical image segmentation. Furthermore, segmented images are classified as benign or malignant using the Decision Tree-Based Temporal Association Rule (DT-TAR) Algorithm. Comparative analysis with existing state-of-the-art models indicates that the proposed FCM-MIWPSO segmentation technique achieves a remarkable accuracy of 98.42% on the dataset, highlighting its significant impact on improving diagnostic capabilities in medical imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to explore the effect of plateau duration in eliciting masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMPs) in healthy individuals with hearing sensitivity ≤ 15dBHL. Method: A within-subjects design was utilized in the study. Therefore, ipsilateral tone burst evoked mVEMPs were obtained from 30 healthy individuals using the zygomatic montage at 500 Hz tone bursts. Self-monitoring biofeedback was given during the procedure to confirm the tension of the masseter muscle. mVEMPs were recorded across three different plateau duration from 0 to 2 ms with rise/fall time of 2 ms at 95dBnHL. Hence the median and interquartile range were calculated for descriptive analysis of the data followed by non-parametric inferential statistics. Results: Tone burst evoked mVEMPs were found to be 100% present across all three plateau durations for both ears at 95 dBnHL. P11 and N21 latencies increased with longer plateau durations in both ears. There were no significant differences in P11-N21 peak-to-peak amplitude or interaural amplitude ratio (IAAR) observed across different plateau durations. IAAR was lowest for a 2 ms plateau duration in the 2–2-2 cycle. No significant variations were found across the three plateau durations. Conclusion: Significant differences in P11 and N21 latencies were observed across the three stimulus cycles, while no significant differences were found for P11N21 amplitude and IAAR. Yet, there was found to have the highest amplitude and lowest IAAR for 2–2-2 cycle than 2–0-2 and 2–1-2, suggesting it to be the optimal stimulus among the three of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the cellulase production of four fungi: Aspergillus terreus NIH2624, Aspergillus clavatus NRRL1, Aspergillus versicolor CBS583.65 and Aspergillus phoenicis ATCC3157, under submerged cultivation conditions. When these fungi were cultured in shake flasks using Mandels and Weber's minimal medium with 1% sugarcane bagasse as a carbon source and 1.8 g/L of rice bran extract as a nitrogen source, A. terreus showed maximum cellulase production (filter paper activity (FPase) 3.35 U/mL; carboxymethyl cellulase activity (CMCase) 1.69 U/mL). Consequently, A. terreus was selected for the optimization study for cellulase production. Among the different tested carbon sources, A. terreus showed higher CMCase activity when it was cultivated on delignified sugarcane bagasse (1.64 U/mL) and higher FPase activity on sugarcane straw (7.95 U/mL). Regarding the nitrogen sources, the maximum FPase activity was observed when using rice bran (FPase, 8.90 U/mL) and soybean meal (FPase, 9.63 U/mL). The optimized fermentation medium (minimal medium with delignified sugarcane bagasse and rice bran as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively) resulted in an enzymatic cocktail mainly composed of xylanases, with a maximum activity of 1701.85 U/mL for beechwood xylan, 77.12 U/mL for endoglucanase and 21.02 U/mL for cellobiohydrolase. Additionally, the enzymatic cocktail showed efficient activities for β-glucosidase, β-xylanase, arabinofuranosidase and lytic polysaccharide monoxygenases (LPMOs). This cellulase enzyme solution has the potential to efficiently hydrolyze lignocellulosic biomass, producing second-generation sugars in biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio over fiber (ROF) is a very attractive technology for the increasing demand for flexibility and transmission capacity and due to its high bandwidth and low attenuation, it offers an economic advantage. The wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is used to multiplex the different wavelengths signals within a single optical fiber. In this paper, WDM-ROF system is analysed with different filters using an optisystem. Results were compared using max Q factor, min BER, and eye height parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer matrix syntactic foams have received a lot of interest in recent years because of their advantages, such as their lightweight and energy-absorbing properties. The purpose of this study is to produce representative elementary volume of syntactic foams with a random filling of hollow glass microspheres from neat epoxy to 0.4 v/v filling in epoxy resin. Different forms of syntactic foams have been evaluated. ANSYS software (2020, R1) was used to investigate the numerical results. The impact of the microsphere volume fraction on the elastic mechanical properties of syntactic foams was investigated. The relative modulus, density and Poisson's ratio values of foams fall as the microsphere volume fraction rises but specific modulus values of composites increases, confirming that the weight of a component can be reduced. The relative modulus, Poisson's ratio and density of syntactic foam decreases with increasing volume fraction of microballoon, dropping to approximately 4.5, 8.9 and 30 percent respectively at 0.4 volume fraction compared to neat epoxy. Parameters for beam and plate design ensuring that with same bending and axial stiffness for beam and bending stiffness for plate, weight of a component could well be reduced. As a consequence, utilizing syntactic foams in structural applications may result in significant weight reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the clinical findings of mVEMP responses in conjunction with cVEMPs and oVEMPs in an individual with Wallenberg syndrome. The results indicated that the degree of abnormality in mVEMP was comparatively higher than in cVEMPs and oVEMPs. mVEMPs can offer valuable insights into the Wallenberg syndrome's brainstem pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Masseteric VEMPs have been effective in evaluating a diverse spectrum of vestibular conditions associated with various brainstem pathologies, but they have rarely been explored among patients with vestibular neuritis. Case Report: The current investigation included a case series highlighting mVEMP responses in addition to cVEMPs and oVEMPs in three patients diagnosed with vestibular neuritis. In the study, all three patients were found to have absent or diminished responses in cVEMPs, oVEMPs, and mVEMPs. Conclusions: In the present study, the distinctions in cVEMP and oVEMP findings can be attributed to the involvement of inferior and superior vestibular nerve respectively. Furthermore, mVEMP presents a more intricate scenario, both in terms of its genesis and outcomes. This emphasizes the clinical relevance of mVEMP when used in combination with cVEMP and oVEMP, rather than as a substitute for the other VEMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Karamnasa River, originating in Bihar's Kaimur district, serves as a vital water resource in the region. This research, conducted at coordinates 25°30'54''N latitude and 83°52'30" E longitude, aimed to identify optimal sites for water conservation structures within the Karmanasa River Basin (KRS) using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques. By analysing morphometric parameters (MP) of the basin, including slope, stream length, and drainage density, the study delineated the basin into seven sub-watersheds and five stream orders. The comprehensive analysis revealed SW2 as the most critical sub-watershed, necessitating immediate conservation efforts. Assigning ranks to parameters like bifurcation ratio and circulatory ratio, SW2 emerged as the priority sub-watershed. Fifteen potential conservation sites were identified, comprising 9 farm ponds, 3 percolation tanks, and 3 check dams. The research underscores the significance of prioritizing sub-watersheds based on morphometric characteristics, with lower parameter values indicating higher priority. The study's drainage network analysis, conducted through remote sensing and GIS, enhances understanding of the KRS hydrological features. This research highlights sustainable development through effective water resource use and targeted conservation in the Karamnasa River Basin, emphasizing community engagement and participatory methods for enduring, resilient environmental stewardship and successful land management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image preprocessing is a method to transform raw image data into clean image data. The objective of preprocessing is to improve the image data by suppressing undesired distortions. Enhancement of some image features which are relevant for further processing of image and analysis task is also done in preprocessing. Screening and diagnosis of various eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, Choroidal Neovascularization(CNV), DRUSEN, etc. are possible using digital retinal images. This paper aims to provide a better understanding and knowledge of the computer algorithms used for retinal image preprocessing. In this paper, various image preprocessing techniques are incorporated such as color correction, color space selection, noise reduction, and contrast enhancement on retinal images. Retinal blood vessels are better seen in Green color space instead of Red or Blue color space. Noise reduction through Block matching and 3D(BM3D) techniques show a significant result as compared to Total Variation Filter (TVF) and Bilateral Filter (BLF). Contrast enhancement through Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) outperforms Global Equalization (GE) or Adaptive Histogram Equalization (AHE). Evaluation parameters such as Mean square error, Peak Signal Noise ratio, Structured similarity index measures, and Normalized root mean square error values for BM3D noise filtering are 0.0029, 25.3370, 0.6839 and 0.0998 respectively which shows that BM3D outperforms the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐photon Polymerization (2PP) process for high‐resolution 3D printing presents an opportunity to design micro‐scale structures with a high surface‐to‐volume ratio for highly responsive devices. However, these acrylate or thiol‐based resins are electrically insulating and non‐functional in nature, therefore limiting their widespread application in biosensing and biotechnology. Here, a novel conductive polymeric composite resin to print conductive 3D micro‐structures via the 2PP technique is developed and its application in sensing are demonstrated. The composite consists of acrylate‐based 2PP resin and Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), a conductive and biocompatible organic semiconductor The PEDOT:PSS incorporation in resin through Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is studied. An electrical conductivity of 3.5 × 102 S cm−1 in a 20 µm long and 10 µm high 3D printed micro‐structure which is suitable for electronic applications is achieved. An ultra‐fast micro‐3D printed humidity sensor with a response and recovery time of 0.15 and 0.3 s respectively is demonstrated. The printed sensors show high sensitivity in humidity levels of 0–80%RH. As a proof of concept, the real‐time respiration of a human body is recorded, implying a potential application in health monitoring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air filters with pleats of different shapes present intricate manufacturing complications and flow patterns that pose a significant computational challenge. These pleated filters are primarily employed to enhance filtration area and dust-removing efficiency, as the volume of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere continues to escalate. This study examines diverse pleat shapes, such as U-shaped, semi-triangular, triangular, and sine wave triangular pleats, and investigates the effects of different design parameters, including pitch, height, thickness, angle, and amplitude of the pleat at varying inflow velocities. The simulation results using the RNG k-ϵ turbulence model have been compared to the previously documented experimental data and found to be in close agreement, within the inlet velocity range of 0.5–4.5 m/s. The study revealed that the pressure drop across the filter is influenced by both the pleat shapes and design parameters. In comparison to U-shaped, semi-triangular, and triangular pleats, the pressure drop values in rectangular-type pleats are higher by approximately 10%, 42%, and 100%, respectively, for a unit height of pleat and filter medium thickness. Among all the pleats examined, sine wave-type triangular pleats had the lowest pressure drop value. These results can provide valuable insights to industries involved in clean-air environments and automobiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cs2AgBiBr6 is a promising lead‐free double perovskite solar cells (PSCs) material. Its full potential has yet to be realized due to issues with its large band gap and the optimization of the alignment of the electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL). The photovoltaic performance of Cs2AgBiBr6‐based devices has been optimized using ZnO, IGZO, TiO2, WS2, PCBM, and C60 ETLs and Cu2O, CuScN, CuSbS2, NiO, P3HT, PEDOT: PSS, Spiro MeOTAD, CuI, CuO, V2O5, CBTS, and CFTS HTLs. It has been observed by simulation study that Cs2AgBiBr6‐based devices exhibit remarkably high photoconversion efficiency when combined with certain ETLs. To better understand the performance, we examine how the best device structures are affected by the absorber and ETL thickness, ETL carrier density, series and shunt resistance, generation, and recombination rate. The findings suggest that TiO2 and ZnO ETLs, in conjunction with CBTS HTL, exhibit good potential for producing high‐efficiency (η > 13%) Cs2AgBiBr6‐based heterojunction solar cells with an ITO/ETL/Cs2AgBiBr6/CBTS/Au device structure. Optimization of the valence band offset (VBO) at the CBTS/Cs2AgBiBr6 interface reveals that reduced VBO value has a beneficial impact on the performance of the solar cell. This modeling work gives a prospective route for manufacturing lead‐free Cs2AgBiBr6 PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of soil plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture. To better understand the changes in soil quality across different agroecosystems, long‐term experiments are considered as the most effective approach. Moreover in spite of their significance, there is paucity of information pertaining to long‐term impact of fertilizer and manure application on soil quality in Vertisols of Central India. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the soil quality in an ongoing 46‐year long‐term fertilizer experiment conducted in central India, where a soybean‐wheat cropping system (SWCY) was implemented on a Vertisol. The experiment involved the application of inorganic and integrated nutrient treatments, including farmyard manure (FYM). By analyzing various biological and physiochemical properties of the soil, a soil quality index (SQI) was developed. The SQI encompassed treatments with both optimal and suboptimal nutrient dosages, revealing the range of soil quality variations resulting from different nutrient applications over the long term. The study found a significant correlation between the SQI values and the grain yields of soybean (R2 = 0.85**) and wheat (R2 = 0.85**). The main indicators identified for assessing soil quality were large macro‐aggregates, dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass nitrogen and carbon, and available nitrogen. Overall, the findings highlighted the importance of soil biological and physiochemical properties in determining soil quality, emphasizing the significance of integrating both inorganic and organic sources of nutrients for improving soil quality and crop productivity of soybean and wheat sequence in Vertisols of Central India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To successfully convert lignocellulosic biomass into value-added products, it is necessary to overcome its structures' resistance to enzymatic digestion. Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is an inevitable process loosening the carbohydrate-lignin network, thus improving the digestibility/enzymatic saccharification into second-generation sugars. Several pretreatment methods exist; however, steam explosion with or without catalyst, dilute acid hydrolysis, alkaline pretreatment, hydrothermal, and organosolv pretreatment have been studied in detail. Although several pretreatment techniques have been established, the feasibility of these techniques on a large scale remains a major bottleneck in the biorefinery. In this sense, emerging technologies such as supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, hydrodynamic cavitation, and nanobiotechnology have shown encouraging results in terms of process feasibility. This paper discusses the key pretreatment techniques, their advantages, and disadvantages. Additionally, the chemical and physical changes that occurred due to different pretreatments on the biomass at a molecular level are discussed and compared using Microsoft Power BI. Finally, the perspective of emerging technologies is explored, and future trends in biomass pretreatment are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniaturization is governed by the precise and accurate micro-machining operations of various applications. Micro-EDM has emerged as a feasible method for attaining microscale high-precision drilling. The present paper aims to conduct an experimental investigation for drilling micro-holes on copper using the Alumina (Al2O3) powder mixed Micro-EDM technique. Process parameters, including voltage, feed rate, and powder concentration, are varied in experimentation to evaluate their impact on response measures like MRR, TWR, taper angle, and aspect ratio. ANOVA determines the individual contribution of process parameters on each response measure. Voltage is the primary factor influencing MRR (93.5%), TWR (58.24%), and aspect ratio (67.3%), whereas the interaction effect of voltage with powder concentration primarily affects the taper angle (32.36%). Furthermore, the GRA method has optimized the multiple parameters for different responses. The optimum combination of parameters was obtained at a voltage of 125 V, powder concentration of 0.8 g/L, and tool travel speed of 9 µm/s at which better responses are received. The results obtained from FESEM analyses indicate that utilizing alumina (Al2O3) Nano-powder in the dielectric fluid leads to improved effectiveness and reduces the formation of micro-cracks, and micro-voids. Furthermore, the formation of recast layer is reduced by 36.49% as compared to without powder mixed EDM oil during micro-drilling operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a novel Black Widow‐Optimized Dense CNN (BW‐DCNN) framework for the automated detection and segmentation of brain tumors in MRI scans, aiming to enhance early diagnosis and treatment planning. With the increasing frequency of brain tumors, early and accurate detection becomes crucial for effective treatment. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic technique owing to its excellent sensitivity. However, manual MRI data analysis is time‐consuming and prone to errors. Leveraging advancements in Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and optimization algorithms, the proposed BW‐DCNN framework utilizes a unique integration of preprocessing, segmentation enhancement, and classification techniques optimized through Black Widow Optimization to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. Evaluating the BW‐DCNN framework against existing methodologies, including DCNN, DNN, and DBN, demonstrates superior performance across a comprehensive suite of metrics. These results highlight the potential of the BW‐DCNN approach to significantly advance the capabilities of computer‐aided diagnostic systems in medical imaging, offering a promising direction for future research and application in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence against women with disabilities (WWD) is a significant social issue that affects the well-being and rights of this vulnerable population. Violence against women with disabilities is a pervasive issue that manifests in various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. This paper explores the nature and extent of such violence, examining the unique vulnerabilities and barriers faced by this population. By analyzing data from various studies, legal frameworks, and support systems, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue and suggest policy recommendations to address and mitigate the impact of violence against women with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction One of the most important aspects of happiness is one's health. Increased industrialization in developing nations has contributed to a change in disease patterns away from infectious illness as the major cause of morbidity and mortality toward chronic diseases such as heart disease and trauma. Most emergency circumstances need immediate medical attention before a person is taken to the hospital; therefore, public awareness and training programs can aid in providing efficient basic life support care and services. Only a few works of literature on basic life support and prehospital emergency care in an Indian context are available and are usually studied among school teachers. However, no comparable research including allied health experts such as speech and hearing professionals has yet been published in the literature. Aim The present study aimed at exploring the awareness of speech and hearing professionals regarding basic life support in an Indian context. Methods The questionnaire consisted of two sections where section A comprised 6 questions related to demographic details and participant's experience, and section B composed of 17 questions related to knowledge of normal bodily physiology, medical emergencies, and first aid and related aspects. A cross-sectional exploratory study design was conducted on 250 participants. Out of 250 responses, 42 of them were incomplete and so were removed from the study. Therefore, a total of 208 complete responses received from the participants in the age range of 22 to 60 years from across 23 states and 1 union territory of India were included in the study. Results The result revealed a low percentage of speech and hearing professionals with an adequate understanding of basic life support. The majority of them were found to have insufficient knowledge of normal bodily physiology, medical emergencies, and first aid and related aspects. Discussion Being the first of its kind, the present study revealed limited awareness about basic life support among professionals, and therefore, the need to improvise the knowledge of basic life support and prehospital emergency care. This may be achieved by introducing training programs of various natures and dimensions to speech and hearing professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The heat stress transcription factor HSFA2e regulates both temperature and drought response via hormonal and secondary metabolism alterations. High temperature and drought are the primary yield-limiting environmental constraints for staple food crops. Heat shock transcription factors (HSF) terminally regulate the plant abiotic stress responses to maintain growth and development under extreme environmental conditions. HSF genes of subclass A2 predominantly express under heat stress (HS) and activate the transcriptional cascade of defense-related genes. In this study, a highly heat-inducible HSF, HvHSFA2e was constitutively expressed in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to investigate its role in abiotic stress response and plant development. Transgenic barley plants displayed enhanced heat and drought tolerance in terms of increased chlorophyll content, improved membrane stability, reduced lipid peroxidation, and less accumulation of ROS in comparison to wild-type (WT) plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed that HvHSFA2e positively regulates the expression of abiotic stress-related genes encoding HSFs, HSPs, and enzymatic antioxidants, contributing to improved stress tolerance in transgenic plants. The major genes of ABA biosynthesis pathway, flavonoid, and terpene metabolism were also upregulated in transgenics. Our findings show that HvHSFA2e-mediated upregulation of heat-responsive genes, modulation in ABA and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways enhance drought and heat stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Tobacco smoking is an established risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Current evidence suggests that non‑tobacco‑related risk factors vary geographically and are less understood than smoking. This study aims to compare the risk factors, symptoms, and clinical features of smoking (S‑COPD) and non‑smoking (NS‑COPD) in a COPD population. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross‑sectional study, 489 COPD patients were screened. Data on socio‑demographics, smoking and medical history, other risk factors, symptoms, and clinical characteristics including COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, and Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale were examined. Results: Of the total selected 416 COPD patients, 35.34% were NS‑COPD while 64.66% were S‑COPD. S‑COPD was predominant in males, whereas NS‑COPD was predominant in females (P < 0.0001). In NS‑COPD, biomass fuel exposure was a major risk factor (P < 0.0001), and 61% of subjects had a biomass fuel exposure index of >60. In bivariate and multivariate analyses, no risk factors were correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 )% predicted, while among clinical features, duration of illness (P = 0.001) was correlated with lower values of FEV1 in the multivariate table of S‑COPD. In the multivariate analysis, biomass fuel exposure (P = 0.039) and CAT score (P < 0.0001) were correlated with FEV1 (%) in NS‑COPD. Conclusion: Biomass fuel exposure is a substantial risk factor for NS‑COPD and was correlated with FEV1 (%) predicted. In addition, the CAT score correlated with disease severity in patients with NS‑COPD. The development of COPD in non‑smokers is being recognized as a separate phenotype and it should be managed according to risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy density concrete made of hematite-based aggregates commonly known as ferro-siliceous sacrificial concrete (FSSC) can be used effectively against radiation shielding in case of nuclear melt down. However, performance assessment of such concretes on exposure to elevated temperatures are not available widely. In the present study, thermo-mechanical and thermophysical properties of hematite-based FSSC concrete are evaluated on exposure to elevated temperatures. The porosity and water absorption capacity of FSSC are investigated on its exposure to higher temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 1000 °C. Similarly, various thermo-mechanical [compression, split tension, modulus of elasticity (MOE)] and thermophysical (specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal effusivity) properties are evaluated on exposure to elevated temperatures. The mechanical properties of the concrete such as compression, split tension, MOE decrease monotonically with increase in the exposed temperature. Porosity and water absorption of the concrete increases with the increase in temperature. Relationship between damage and the exposed temperature can be described by Weibull model. Thermophysical property such as specific heat of the concrete increases, while thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and effusivity decrease with the increase in temperature. Correlations for the variation in thermal conductivity, specific heat and thermal diffusivity are proposed. The variations in the mechanical and thermophysical properties are explained through the porosity variations and correlation coefficient between porosity and various mechanical and thermophysical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New forms of interaction made possible by developments in special educational technologies can now help students with dyscalculia. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool in recent decades, particularly between 2001 and 2010, offering avenues to enhance the quality of education for individuals with dyscalculia. Therefore, the implementation of AI becomes crucial in addressing the needs of students with dyscalculia. Content analysis techniques were used to examine the literature covering the influence of AI on dyscalculia and its potential to assist instructors in promoting education for individuals with dyscalculia. The study sought to create a foundation for a more inclusive dyscalculia education in the future through in-depth studies. AI integration has had a big impact on educational institutions as well as people who struggle with dyscalculia. This paper highlights the importance of AI in improving the educational outcomes of students affected by dyscalculia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) estimates have been studied over time for understanding its variation across the country. However, it is never sufficient without accounting for presence of variability across in terms of space, time, maternal and system level factors. The study endeavours to estimate and quantify the effect of exposures encompassing all maternal health indicators and system level indicators along with space–time effects influencing MMR in India. Using the most recent level of possible -factors of MMR, maternal health indicators from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS: 2019–21) and system level indicators from government reports a heatmap compared the relative performance of all 19 SRS states. Facet plots with a regression line was utilised for studying patterns of MMR for different states in one frame. Using Bayesian Spatio-temporal random effects, evidence for different MMR patterns and quantification of spatial risks among individual states was produced using estimates of MMR from SRS reports (2014–2020). India has witnessed a decline in MMR, and for the majority of the states, this drop is linear. Few states exhibit cyclical trend such as increasing trends for Haryana and West Bengal which was evident from the two analytical models i.e., facet plots and Bayesian spatio- temporal model. Period of major transition in MMR levels which was common to all states is identified as 2009–2013. Bihar and Assam have estimated posterior probabilities for spatial risk that are relatively greater than other SRS states and are classified as hot spots. More than the individual level factors, health system factors account for a greater reduction in MMR. For more robust findings district level reliable estimates are required. As evident from our study the two most strong health system influencers for reducing MMR in India are Institutional delivery and Skilled birth attendance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of technology in both combat and defensive situations, the requirement of the use of autonomous vehicles which carry payload is increasing. For the different types of targets, missiles are used. The missile guidance system calculates the miss distance and the trajectory dynamics through automated system. Using image processing, multiple types of target can be identifies. The use of image processing in the guiding system to differentiate between the objects may provide the contemporary error correction in the flight path. In this paper, multiple approaches are used for target identification, tracking and control of trajectory dynamics. The approach identifies two targets, a massive missile truck and an airplane. The algorithm successfully identifies target despite colour variances and almost equivalent structural arrangements. Further trajectory estimation of target is done through constant velocity and constant turn models. When utilising motion estimates and detection, real-world success depends on the ability to recognise visual targets. The Type 1 system's main objective is flight path management using the yaw, pitch, and roll axes. A common atmospheric model and a set of equations are used by the missile autopilot system to describe the aircraft. In MATLAB Simulink, a simulated missile attack travelling at 328 m/s is modelled and simulated. In the model, the missile and its intended target came together at 3.5 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between canopy air temperature difference and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) in wheat crops under normal or nonstressfull conditions. The treatments were undertaken on five plots, having randomized block design (RBD), each maintained at different levels of soil moisture having full irrigation; no irrigation; and 10%, 30%, and 50% soil moisture. Then canopy air temperature difference was regressed against VPD to generate non-water stress and maximum water stress baselines, and the crop water stress index (CWSI) was computed using empirical approach-baseline methods at different soil moisture deficits. It was found that irrigation treatment at 30% soil moisture deficit yielded the maximum water use efficiency. The canopy air temperature difference and VPD resulted in linear relationships, and the slope (m) and intercept (c) for lower baseline of preheading and postheading stages of wheat crop were found as m=−2.371 , c=−1.659 ; and m=−1.8952 , c=−2.32 , for the crop season of 2018–2019. Similarly, the non-water stress baseline equation in the season of 2019–2020 had m=−1.7184 , c=−2.3009 ; and m=−1.8137 , c=−1.9176 for preflowering and postflowering stages of wheat, respectively. The CWSI was determined by using the developed empirical equations for three irrigation schedules of different maximum allowable depletion (MAD) of available soil water (ASW). The developed CWSI may have the potential to improve irrigation scheduling of wheat in India. The study shows practical applications for enhancing wheat cultivation under varying soil moisture conditions. First, it recommends irrigating at 30% soil moisture deficit to maximize water use efficiency, aiding farmers in balancing crop yield and water conservation. Second, established relationships between canopy air temperature difference and VPD allow for the assessment of water stress. By utilizing regression equations, farmers can estimate the CWSI across soil moisture levels, guiding irrigation scheduling during critical growth stages. Third, the developed empirical equations enable real-time prediction of water stress. Monitoring the canopy air temperature difference and VPD offers insights into plant health, helping with informed decisions on irrigation and fertilization. Last, the findings are relevant for water-scarce regions like India, where tailored CWSI equations can be integrated into irrigation systems, promoting sustainable practices under a changing climate. This study may help farmers with practical tools for water-efficient wheat cultivation, fostering informed choices for sustainable agriculture, particularly in water-scarce regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to develop and optimize apremilast (APST) solid dispersion formulations using copovidone (Kollidon VA64) as the carrier and vitamin E TPGS as the surfactant to enhance solubility and dissolution, and to utilize in silico Physiologically Based Biopharmaceutics Modeling (PBBM) in GastroPlus to simulate the in vivo behaviour of the optimized formulation, predicting its potential for enhancing oral bioavailability. Methods: Solid dispersion formulations of APST were prepared via the hot melt extrusion (HME) technique, utilizing copovidone (commercially known as Kollidon VA64) as the polymeric carrier. The selection of suitable polymeric carriers as well as surfactant was initially performed through phase solubility studies. The second-generation amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) was formulated with Kollidon VA64. Following this, the third-generation solid dispersions were engineered by choosing vitamin E TPGS as the surfactant carrier, a decision informed by comprehensive screening studies. The formulation of these batches employed a twin-screw configuration in the HME process. Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was utilized to ascertain the optimal ratio of drug: polymer: surfactant to achieve maximum solubility and dissolution enhancement. Drug release studies were conducted in 6.8 phosphate buffer solution. The developed formulations were subjected to a variety of characterization techniques to assess their properties. Stability studies were conducted for the final formulation over a period of up to three months. Results: Based on the DoE studies, the optimized formulation was identified as APST with copovidone (Kollidon VA64) in a 1:5 ratio, supplemented with 3% vitamin E TPGS. Furthermore, PBBM in GastroPlus was utilized to simulate the in vivo behaviour of the optimized formulation. Conclusion: The amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) of APST, developed via the HME technique, demonstrated a substantial enhancement in solubility, exhibiting an increase of up to 248-fold relative to the unprocessed drug over a 24-hour period. A noteworthy increase in the percentage of drug release during dissolution was observed in comparison to the pure drug. The observed improvements in solubility and dissolution were corroborated through PBBM in GastroPlus, thereby suggesting a viable strategy for enhancing the oral bioavailability of APST. This investigation effectively illustrates the formulation of a third-generation ASD of APST, significantly ameliorating its solubility and pharmacokinetic parameters, and indicating potential for industrial-scale manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized primary alkyl chlorides are precursors to a plethora of scaffolds but their access from chemical feedstocks remains challenging. Herein, we report a concise dual Ni/photoredox catalytic protocol for regioselective chlorocarbonylation of unactivated alkenes that enables rapid access to β‐keto primary chlorides. The catalytic process features an extensive substrate scope, scalability and functional group tolerance. The Ni/photocatalytic Cl⋅ generation and subsequent cross‐coupling is implicated for the process based on the control experiments and DFT study. The synthetic utility of the protocol has been further corroborated through functionalization of complex substrates and modifications of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized primary alkyl chlorides are precursors to a plethora of scaffolds but their access from chemical feedstocks remains challenging. Herein, we report a concise dual Ni/photoredox catalytic protocol for regioselective chlorocarbonylation of unactivated alkenes that enables rapid access to β‐keto primary chlorides. The catalytic process features an extensive substrate scope, scalability and functional group tolerance. The Ni/photocatalytic Cl⋅ generation and subsequent cross‐coupling is implicated for the process based on the control experiments and DFT study. The synthetic utility of the protocol has been further corroborated through functionalization of complex substrates and modifications of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB), an agro-industrial byproduct generated by a sugar mill, holds a substantial carbohydrate content of around 70 wt.%, comprising cellulose and hemicellulose. Saccharification plays a pivotal role in the conversion of SCB into second-generation (2G)-ethanol and valuable compounds, which is significantly aided by thermochemical pretreatments. In this study, SCB underwent diluted sulfuric acid pretreatment (2% H2SO4, 80 rpm, 200 °C, 20 min), resulting in the removal of 77.3% of the xylan. The hemicellulosic hydrolysate was analyzed to identify the sugars and degraded products acting as microbial inhibitors. The acid hydrolysate showed a xylose yield of 68.0% (16.4 g/L) and a yield of 3.8 g/L of acetic acid. Afterward, the hemicellulosic hydrolysate was concentrated 2.37 times to obtain a xylose-rich stream (39.87 g/L). The sequential detoxification, employing calcium oxide and activated carbon, removed the inhibitory compounds, including acetic acid, while preserving the xylose at 38.10 g/L. The enzymatic saccharification of cellulignin at 5% and 10% of the total solids (TSs) yielded comparable reducing sugar (RS) yields of 47.3% (15.2 g/L) and 47.4% (30.4 g/L), respectively, after 96 h, employing a 10 FPU/g enzyme loading of Cellic® CTec3 (Novozymes Inc. Parana, Brazil). In summary, these findings outline an integrated green chemistry approach aimed at addressing the key challenges associated with pretreatment, concentration, detoxification, and enzymatic hydrolysis to produce fermentable sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that a massive demand for thermal comfort has resulted in a sharp rise in energy use for residential space heating and cooling. This article presents numerical simulations of a room coupled with an earth‐to‐air heat exchanger system operating at the climatic condition of 21.2497° N, 81.6050° E for both summer and winter seasons. The present study involves an estimate of monthly variations in soil temperature at different depths and a suitable geometrical arrangement of pipe is proposed. The thermal performance of the earth‐to‐air heat exchanger system in terms of the outlet air temperature and effectiveness has been calculated. It is shown that with an effectiveness of 0.77 in summer and 0.78 in winter, the present EAHE system reduces the ambient air temperature from 38 to 28.2°C in the summer and it rises from 13 to 22.9°C in winter, respectively. Finally, an improvement in the thermal comfort condition of the room exposed to the solar radiation has been examined at different time intervals and different heights of the room. During the summer the room temperature dropped by 4.2°C while in winter it rose by 5.2°C. Furthermore, the environmental effects of system have been evaluated, showing energy savings of 3.90 kWh/day during summer and 4.83 kWh/day during winter leading to a decrease in CO2 emissions of 6.13 kg/day in summer and 7.59 kg/day in winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that presents with recurring and spontaneous seizures. It is prevalent worldwide, affecting up to 65 million people, with 80% of cases found in lower-income countries. Medicinal plants are commonly employed for managing and treating epilepsy and convulsions due to their unique therapeutic properties. With increasing research and clinical application, medicinal plants are gaining attention globally due to their potent therapeutic effects and fewer side effects. The development of new plant-based antiepileptic/anticonvulsant agents has become a major focus in the pharmaceutical industry. This article summarizes recent research on medicinal plants with reported antiepileptic/anticonvulsant effects. It provides pharmacological and molecular mechanism of action information for the crude extracts and related active constituents evaluated in preclinical research for the treatment of epilepsy and convulsions, and offers a reference for the development of future related studies in this area. Articles related to ethnopharmacological and antiepileptic studies on plants or natural products from recent and most recent were collected from PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, etc. using keywords related to epilepsy, medicinal plants, and natural products, etc. Different plant species are commonly used to treat epilepsy and convulsions in African and Asian countries. Also, natural products showing potential for antiepileptic/anticonvulsant effects have been identified from these medicinal plants. These products can be broadly classified as alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and other compounds. The antiepileptic action of plant extracts and their active ingredients can be classified according to their abilities to modulate the GABAergic and glutamatergic systems, act as antioxidants, exhibit antineuroinflammatory effects, and provide neuroprotection. In addition, we highlight that some medicinal plants capable of pharmacologically relieving epilepsy and cognition may be therapeutically useful in the treatment of refractory epilepsy. The review highlights the fact that herbal medicinal products used in traditional medicine are a valuable source of potential candidates for antiepileptic drugs. This confirms and encourages the antiepileptic/anticonvulsant activity of certain medicinal plants, which could serve as inspiration for further development. However, the aspects of structural modification and optimization, metabolism, toxicology, mechanisms, and clinical trials are not fully understood and need to be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most popular technique for polymer additive manufacturing is fused deposition modelling (FDM), which is growing in popularity in a variety of engineering applications since it makes complex parts quickly. The proper selection of the process parameters has a significant impact on the mechanical qualities of 3D printed items. The study delved into the mechanical properties of Wood–Polylactic acid (Wood-PLA) composites, specifically focusing on tensile strength, flexural strength, and durometer hardness, along with the impact of various processing factors. The principal effects of four FDM processing parameters—infill density, layer height, infill pattern, and printing speed—were examined using the Taguchi design of experiments. Wood-PLA 3D printer and a commercially accessible fused deposition modelling (FDM) machine was utilized for the experimentation purpose. In this study, The strength of the processing settings was shown by the mechanical properties of the manufactured FDM components. L9 orthogonal array was used for design of experiment. The fabricated samples were measured and tested in accordance with ASTM D638, ASTM D790, and ASTM2240, and the results were compared to the original 3D computer-aided design model. Design Expert's statistical analysis tools were used to construct an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the significance of the variables and their interactions in terms of tensile strength, flexural strength, and durometer hardness. In order to check the validity of the results, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the use of smartphone-embedded microelectro-mechanical sensors (MEMS) for accurately estimating rotating machinery speed, crucial for various condition monitoring tasks. Rotating machinery (RM) serves a crucial role in diverse applications, necessitating accurate speed estimation essential for condition monitoring (CM) tasks such as vibration analysis, efficiency evaluation and predictive assessment. Design/methodology/approach: This research explores the utilization of MEMS embedded in smartphones to economically estimate RM speed. A series of experiments were conducted across three test setups, comparing smartphone-based speed estimation to traditional methods. Rigorous testing spanned various dimensions, including scenarios of limited data availability, diverse speed applications and different smartphone placements on RM surfaces. Findings: The methodology demonstrated exceptional performance across low and high-speed contexts. Smartphones-MEMS accurately estimated speed regardless of their placement on surfaces like metal and fiber, presenting promising outcomes with a mere 6 RPM maximum error. Statistical analysis, using a two-sample t-test, compared smartphone-derived speed outcomes with those from a tachometer and high-quality (HQ) data acquisition system. Research limitations/implications: The research limitations include the need for further investigation into smartphone sensor calibration and accuracy in extremely high-speed scenarios. Future research could focus on refining these aspects. Social implications: The societal impact is substantial, offering cost-effective CM across various industries and encouraging further exploration of MEMS-based vibration monitoring. Originality/value: This research showcases an innovative approach using smartphone-embedded MEMS for RM speed estimation. The study's multidimensional testing highlights its originality in addressing scenarios with limited data and varied speed applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is an essential component of safe motherhood programs. This study aims to systematically identify and synthesize available evidence on birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant and recently delivered women in India. Methods: The study followed PRISMA guidelines and used databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest. Joanna Briggs Institute [JBI] Tool was used for critical appraisal of studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis [CMA] tool and R studio software. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using visual inspection of the forest plot, Cochran's Q test, and the I2 statistic results. Funnel plot and Egger's tests were applied to explore the possibility of the publication bias in the studies [PROSPERO: CRD42023396109]. Result: Thirty-five cross-sectional studies reported knowledge on one or more components of birth preparedness [BP], whilst knowledge on complication readiness [CR] or danger signs was reported in 34 included studies. Utilizing the random effect model, the pooled result showed that only about half of the women [49%; 95% CI: 44%, 53%] were aware on BPCR components. This result ranged between 15% [95% CI: 12%, 19%] to 79% [95% CI: 72%, 84%] in Maharashtra and Karnataka respectively [I2 = 94%, p = < 0.01]. High heterogeneity [> 90%] is observed across all components [p < 0.01]. The result of subgroup analysis indicated no significant difference in the proportion on BPCR among pregnant women [50%; 95% CI: 45%, 55%] and recently delivered women [54%; 95% CI: 46%, 62%]. However, the southern region of India indicates relatively better [56%; 95% CI: 45%, 67%] prevalence. Conclusion: Our study highlights the low prevalence of BPCR in India and the factors associated with it. Scaling up cost-effective interventions like BPCR that have a positive overall effect is necessary. Authors strongly suggests that birth preparedness and complication readiness should be given utmost importance to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Consideration should be given to fortifying existing resources, such as frontline workers and primary healthcare, as a strategic approach to augmenting the effectiveness of awareness initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrite is a significant environmental pollutant present in industrial waste water, food additives, detergents, and physiological systems. Therefore, an effective electrochemical sensor is essential for nitrite determination. Accordingly in this work, graphene oxide (GO) is functionalized with 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (GO‐APTMS) and 3‐mercaptopropyltrimehtoxysilane (GO‐MPTS). Further, Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were grown on GO‐MPTS (GO‐MPTS/AgNPs) and GO‐APTMS (GO‐APTMS/AgNPs). GO‐APTMS/AgNPs and GO‐MPTS/AgNPs are characterized by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), UV‐vis and powder X‐ray diffraction(p‐XRD), transmission electron microscopy(TEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX). The nanocomposites, GO‐APTMS/AgNPs and GO‐MPTS/AgNPs are immobilized on glassy carbon (GC) electrode and abbreviated as GC/GO‐APTMS/AgNPs and GC/GO‐MPTS/AgNPs, respectively. It exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of NO2−. It shows the broad calibration range from 0.1 μM to 1 mM. The detection limit for NO2− is 90 nM and 80 nM for GC/GO‐APTMS/AgNPs and GC/GO‐MPTS/AgNPs, respectively. GC/GO‐APTMS/AgNPs and GC/GO‐MPTS/AgNPs exhibit sensitivity of 0.26 μA μM−1cm−2 and 0.46 μA μM−1 cm−2, respectively for NO2− determination. The modified electrode, GC/GO‐APTMS/AgNPs and GC/GO‐MPTS/AgNPs exhibit a wide calibration range, low detection limit, high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability for NO2− determination. Real sample analysis of tomato ketchup was performed at GC/GO‐APTMS/AgNPs and GC/GO‐MPTS/AgNPs with reliable recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews optimization models in the context of water resources management and security. The article is instituted on four fundamental pillars: (a) an understanding of the quantum of key optimization techniques adopted by the researchers over the past few decades in managing water resources, (b) an enumeration of these techniques, both in terms of their brief mathematical structures and with reference to their representative applications in managing water resources so as to conform to one of the four perspectives of water security, viz. welfare, equity, sustainability, and risk, (c) an evaluation of major challenges associated with these conventional equation-based optimization techniques, including the perceptive account of the distinction between the gradient-based local optimization and non-gradient global optimization, and finally, (d) an assessment of context-sensitive appropriateness of simulation-based bottom-up modeling schemes, with special reference to evolutionary algorithms. The review emphasizes that the ontology of conventional equation-based models lies in an aggregate manifestation of social behavior and, as a result, it fails to capture individuals' behaviors juxtaposed with ecological and hydrological systems while modeling complex water resources. On the contrary, the expediency of the domain of operational research in responding to societal problems ensuing from a scarce natural resource like water lies in bottom-up optimization schemes, which are more obliging in the sense that they can incarcerate such social explanations in the modeling frame based on local values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide levels in the earth atmosphere have been rising to alarming levels over the past few decades by human activity and thus caused global climate change due to the "greenhouse effect," which in turn brought about adverse effects on the planet. Major sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions include fossil fuel combustion, land-use change, industrial processing, respiration of various life forms, and decomposition of biomass. However, over the past 20 years, there has been a continuous research effort on the reducing carbon dioxide levels, by converting into the syngas, methanol, dimethyl carbonate, epoxides, polymers, and fine chemicals through chemical catalytic or biotransformation routes. Biological conversion including microbial and/or enzymatic conversion holds high potential as an alternative to the energy-intensive chemical conversion of CO2. Besides being the low energy process, bio-conversion of CO2 offers several unique advantages such as an easy and improved production at a high scale with a better conversion rate, the possibility of a diverse product range, and hyper-production by genetic modifications with zero competition for land with food crops. To this end, products that use CO2 biotransformation by the global biotech and chemical industry are only about 11.5 million tons annually, and it is a very small fraction of the approximately 24 billion tons of annual CO2 emission. Hence, there is an enormous scope for generation of high end biorefineries through CO2 bioconversion systems. Here, we review the various production sources of CO2, the metabolic and enzymatic CO2 conversion pathways, and the commercialization potentiality of various green chemicals from CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]