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Studies on the wheat response under late sowing (LS) and salinity stress (SS) are available, however, in rice-wheat and cotton-wheat cropping systems, wheat planting is often delayed resulting in co-occurrence of LS and SS in salt affected soils. This two-year field study was conducted to evaluate the influence of foliar application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) [thiourea (TU), salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); water and no application were taken as control] on the productivity, grain quality and economic returns of timely-sown (TS) and LS wheat under normal (NC) and natural saline conditions (SS; EC 11.27 dS m− 1). Delay in sowing and planting in naturally saline soils caused a significant decrease in plant growth, grain yield, grain quality and net economic returns during both years of study. Late planting and SS caused a significant reduction in grain yield reduction by 40.58% and 34.72% (LS) and 40.66% and 42.89% (SS) compared with respective controls during 2021 and 2022, respectively. However, the influence of co-occurrence of LS and SS was more devastating than the individual stress causing 62.17% and 60.18% reduction in grain yield than the respective control during 2021 and 2022, respectively. However, the application of all PGRs improved the grain yield, grain quality and economic turnover under SS and LS stress. The order of improvement in grain yield by the application of PGRs treatments was TU > SA > H2O2. In conclusion, the application of different plant growth regulators improved economic returns, grain yield and quality attributes of late-sown wheat under saline conditions. In this regard, TU application was the most effective.

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is considered one of the most economically important invasive pests that causes severe damage to tomato crops. The biopesticide spinosad is widely used for controlling T. absoluta. This study aimed to investigate the spinosad-induced intergenerational sublethal effects on T. absoluta. Results showed that spinosad exhibited high toxicity against 3rd instar T. absoluta with the LC50 of 0.04 mg L-1 after 72 h exposure. The LC10 and LC30 of spinosad significantly decreased the durations of various developmental stages and some reproductive parameters of parental (F0) T. absoluta compared to control. The developmental durations, survival rate, reproduction and life table parameters (intrinsic rate of increase, r; finite rate of increase, λ; net reproductive rate, R 0; and oviposition days, Od ) were significantly decreased in the progeny generations (F1 and F2) following F0 exposure to the LC10 and LC30 of spinosad as compared to the control group. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of development and reproduction related genes such as Vg, VgR, and JHBP were down-regulated in parental and progeny generations at both spinosad treatments as compared to control treatment. The resistance related cytochrome P450 genes CYP321C40 and CYP6AW1, followed by CYP4M116, CYP9A307v2, CYP15C1, CYP339A1, and CYP6AB327 were up-regulated at spinosad-treated groups in the parental and progeny generations of T. absoluta as compared to control. Overall, these results showed that although spinosad exhibited high toxicity and induces intergenerational sublethal effects on the parental and progeny generations, the indiscriminate and long-term application might causes resistance development in of T. absoluta.

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a destructive pest of tomato crops. The cryptic nature of larvae often leads to low control efficacy. Sterile insect technique (SIT) has the potential to be an alternative management option for T. absoluta. In this study, the optimal dose for T. absoluta sterility was determined by estimating the effect of gamma radiation on parental generation (F0) and their descendants (first and second generation, F1 and F2). Adult emergence was not affected when T. absoluta pupae were exposed to gamma radiation at doses of 100~400 Gy. However, increasing doses of radiation increased deformed individuals and shortened their longevity. Furthermore, as the dose increased, F0 females showed decreased fecundity and fertility, and they were completely sterile when exposed to 300 Gy. The survival and sex ratio of females declined significantly in F1 of irradiated males with increasing doses. Moreover, we found that 300 Gy of gamma radiation did not affect the mating competitiveness of F0 males. Interestingly, this treatment caused a considerable reduction in the number of descendants and caused inherited sterility in F1 by lowering their fecundity and fertility. Therefore, the optimal radiation dose was 300 Gy, and the release of sterile adults may suppress T. absoluta population growth in the field. Our findings provide basis for controlling T. absoluta through SIT programs.

Background: Though arteriovenous grafts (AVG) mature more reliably than arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) and require fewer maturation procedures (MP) to obtain functional patency, AVG are thought to have worse function after maturation. We explored differences in post-maturation outcomes between the following groups: AVF patients who did (AS-AVF) and did not (unAS-AVF) require assisted maturation and AVG patients who did (AS-AVG) and did not (unAS-AVG) require assisted maturation.Methods: Using the US Renal Data System (2012–2017), we retrospectively identified patients who initiated dialysis with a central venous catheter, underwent AVF or AVG placement and achieved successful two-needle cannulation. Primary patency and access abandonment after maturation were compared across groups using competing risks regression methods, generating sub-hazards ratios (sHR).Results: We identified 42,664 AVF and 12,335 AVG that met inclusion criteria. A larger proportion of AVFs required interventions: 18,408 AVF (43.2%) versus 2594 AVG (21.0%; p < 0.01). Both AS-AVG and AS-AVF patients experienced patency loss at 1 year more frequently compared with unAS-AVG (67.5% & 57.5% vs 55.2% respectively). Patency loss was lowest in unAS-AVF (38.9%). These trends were robust on adjusted analysis (unAS-AVG reference, AS-AVG sHR = 1.44, p < 0.01; AS-AVF sHR = 1.08, p < 0.01, unAS-AVF sHR = 0.67, p < 0.01). AS-AVGs were more likely to be abandoned than unAS-AVGs (11.7% unAS-AVG vs 17.2% AS-AVG). Fistulae, assisted or not, had lower unadjusted rates of 1-year abandonment than grafts (8.9% AS-AVF vs 7.3% unAS-AVF). On adjusted analysis, AVF usage was protective against abandonment (unAS-AVG, reference; AS-AVF sHR = 0.67, p < 0.01; unAS-AVF sHR = 0.59, p < 0.01) while AS-AVG was not (AS-AVG sHR = 1.32, p < 0.01).Conclusions: unAS-AVF have the best long-term outcomes. AS-AVF lose primary patency at a higher rate than unAS-AVG. AVGs may be a better choice than AVFs if veins are marginal and likely to require assisted maturation. Further research is needed to identify anatomic and physiologic factors that affect long-term performance and influence conduit choice.

Energy utilization is a significant aspect of the manufacturing industrial processes, and inefficient transferring of heat is one of the disadvantages which can affect the quality measures of end product. Therefore, by controlling the heat transferring rate, the efficiency of manufacturing processes can be improved. Thus, the variable thermal relaxation time factor in the theory of Cattaneo-Christov is main concern of this analysis. The non-isothermal flow by means of a porous medium is modeled and analyzed for a viscous fluid. The fluid deformation is discussed under stretching mechanism. A study is also executed to interrogate the heat transfer features under the heat flux model of Cattaneo-Christov. Thermal relaxation time is also considered which is determined by temperature. The aspect of thermal stratification is also implemented to see the modifications in temperature. The flow and energy equations are reduced by appropriate variables. The reduced constitutive flow equations are then computed using an analytical convergent technique. The significant impacts of the numerous parameters on the flow field and heat transport features are evaluated in detail through various plots. Skin friction coefficient is evaluated mathematically. Results found that the temperature significantly decreases with increased stratification effects. For larger thermal relaxation time parameter, the temperature function shows increasing behavior.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for asymptomatic carotid artery disease is advised for patients with low perioperative stroke risk and life expectancy of 3–5 years. We sought to explore the role of risk stratification and postoperative medical management in identifying appropriate asymptomatic candidates for CEA in the end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) population.

The limited germination capacity of stevia is a serious problem in stevia cultivation. Drought stress is one of the most important environmental constraints that impact seed germination and the early growth of many crops. This study’s objective was to assess the effects of foliar application of different plant growth promoters (PGPs), including salicylic acid (SA; 250 µM), ascorbic acid (AsA; 250 mM), moringa leaf extract (MLE; 10%), thiourea (TU; 10 mM), and proline (PRO; 1 mM), on a few germination indices and physiological characteristics of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana var. honey) seedlings under drought stress (half field capacity). Seeds were sown at 0.5-inch depth after 15 days of germination, seedlings were subjected to drought stress. Later after a week of drought stress, foliar supplementation of different PGPs were applied, and plants were harvested after 15 days of foliar supplementation. According to the findings, drought stress had a detrimental impact on various growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, fresh and dry shoot weight, fresh and dry root weight, and leaf number however PGPs helped to alleviate the detrimental impacts of drought stress improving root length (8.33–16.67%), shoot dry weight (9.09–55.68%), root dry weight (49.02–286.27%). Furthermore, drought stress significantly enhanced photosynthetic pigments, PRO accumulation, AsA content and peroxidase enzymatic activity several folds in all PGPs treatments as compared to the control. PRO and MLE were found to be most efficient than other PGP treatments in improving growth and physiological parameters under drought stress conditions. Nevertheless, the oxidative damage parameters, hydrogen peroxide, reduced dramatically (16.16–37.88%) after treatment with PGPs, maintaining membrane integrity under drought stress. Hence, foliar application of PGPs is suggested that may help to increase stevia seedling development under drought stress.

The objective of this work is to evaluate the mechanical properties and immersion corrosion performance of 0.35%C–10.5%Mn steel processed by austenite reverted transformation (ART) annealing process. Microstructure analysis revealed the formation of the well-refined microstructure having martensite (α′) and retained austenite (γ) phases after 4 h of ART-annealing compared to non-heat-treated steel. This phase transformation caused a 50% improvement in total elongation and 42.85% in impact toughness. ART-annealing for 16 h offered an optimum combination of mechanical properties. Immersion corrosion test of 168 h was also performed to evaluate the corrosion performance in a 5% NaCl solution. ART-annealed samples exhibited crack-free, thick and uniform oxide layer with Cl precipitates. ART-annealing for 4 and 16 h produced a porous-structured corrosion product, while 8 and 12 h of ART-annealing produced rod-shaped corrosion product. The performance of the porous-structured corrosion product in inhibiting corrosion mechanism was much better than the rod-shaped corrosion product. The ART-annealing process performed for 16 h exhibited maximum corrosion resistance as evidenced by the lowest value of weight loss (0.64 mg/cm2).

Climate change and global trade are two main drivers of shifts in the distribution of invasive insect pests. The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel, is one of the most economically important invasive pests having detrimental effects on several vegetables and fruits. This highly invasive species originating from mainland Asia has now spread worldwide. The species has recently expanded its range northward into previously considered unsuitable areas such as Central China, which poses a significant new risk to agriculture in the temperate zone. In this study, we identified the limiting climatic conditions in the global distribution area. We combined MaxEnt and CLIMEX models to estimate the suitable areas of B. dorsalis under climate change scenarios. Moreover, the potential economic impact of B. dorsalis was predicted for citrus in China, with and without management practices, using the Monte Carlo simulation model. Results showed that current climatically suitable locations included parts of central and southern North America, north and east of South America, central Africa and Madagascar, east, south, and Southeast Asia, and northern Oceania. MaxEnt and CLIMEX predictions indicated that the suitable area of B. dorsalis would expand northward in North America and southward in South America under future climatic conditions. In China, the potential geographical distribution of B. dorsalis would expand northward into Henan, Shandong, and some parts of Hebei. Moreover, @RISK software analysis showed that B. dorsalis could cost the citrus industry in China 25.21 billion US dollars without management practices. These management measures would save 8.721 billion US dollars. These results provide in-depth information about the impact of climatic changes on the possible geographic range of B. dorsalis and its impact on the citrus industry in China.

Background and purpose Flow diversion has established as standard treatment for intracranial aneurysms, the Surpass Streamline is the only FDA-approved braided cobalt/chromium alloy implant with 72-96 wires. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of the Surpass in a post-marketing large United States cohort.Materials and methods This is a retrospective multicenter study of consecutive patients treated with the Surpass for intracranial aneurysms between 2018 and 2021. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and aneurysm characteristics were collected. Efficacy endpoint included aneurysm occlusion on radiographic follow-up. Safety endpoints were major ipsilateral ischemic stroke or treatment-related death.Results A total of 277 patients with 314 aneurysms were included. Median age was 60 years, 202 (73%) patients were females. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity in 156 (56%) patients. The most common location of the aneurysms was the anterior circulation in 89% (279/314). Mean aneurysm dome width was 5.77 ± 4.75 mm, neck width was 4.22 ± 3.83 mm, and dome/neck ratio was 1.63 ± 1.26. Small-sized aneurysms were 185 (59%). Single device was used in 94% of the patients, mean number of devices per patient was 1.06. At final follow-up, complete obliteration rate was 81% (194/239). Major stroke and death were encountered in 7 (3%) and 6 (2%) cases, respectively.Conclusion This is the largest cohort study using a 72–96 wire flow diverter. The Surpass Streamline demonstrated a favorable safety and efficacy profile, making it a valuable option for treating not only large but also wide-necked small and medium-sized intracranial aneurysms.

Cytochrome P450s (CYPs) genes are associated with insecticide resistance through overexpression and detoxification mechanisms in several insect-pest species. However, little is known about the role of P450s genes and their response to clothianidin resistance development in cotton-melon aphid, Aphis gossypii, a serious crop pest. In this study, we characterized CYP6CY14 and CYP6DC1 from CYP3 clad that are differentially expressed in aphids. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed that CYP6CY14 and CYP6DC1 expressions were significantly higher among thirty five cytochrome P450 genes in clothianidin-resistant strain (CT-R) of A. gossypii compared to the susceptible strain (CT-S). RNAi was conducted to knock-down the highly expressed CYPs genes (CYP6CY14 and CYP6DC1 from CYP3 clad) and study their detoxification effects on clothianidin. The apterous adult aphids became more sensitive to clothianidin, with a higher mortality rate than the control after silencing CYP6CY14 and CYP6DC1 genes. Bioinformatic analysis showed conserved motifs in amino acid sequences of CYP6CY14 and CYP6DC1 with other insect species. This study highlighted the functional importance of these P450 genes in insecticide resistance development and revealed that overexpression of CYP6CY14 and CYP6DC1 genes was responsible for the high levels of insecticide resistance in the A. gossypii population.

Wheat grain quality is a range of compositional and physical properties where threshold levels are set according to end-use requirements. The heat stress limits resource translocation to developing grains, causing a significant reduction in grain yield due to a decrease in the grain dimension and size. Moreover, heat stress also decreases the starch content; however, the grain gliadin content increases. Heat stress affects wheat quality by affecting grain appearance, size, weight, hardiness, protein, starch and mineral content, flour yield, and dough handling properties. However, the extent of change largely depends on the timing and severity of the stress and the type of wheat genotype. This review discusses the impact of heat stress on flower development, fertilization, grain development, and reproductive failure. The influence of heat on wheat grain yield, quality, and composition and associated biochemical and molecular mechanisms has been described.

In nature, plants are frequently exposed to various stresses simultaneously. The effects of salinity stress on plant metabolism are well known, but little has been researched on how amino acid application alleviates abiotic stress. In the present experiment, four maize (Zea maysL.) genotypes (FH-1275, FH-936, FH-1231, and FH-1227) were studied using three methionine levels (0, 5, and 10 mg L−1) under 80 mM NaCl salt stress and 20 mM control levels. Sandy canal soil was used in plastic pots for experimentation. The pots were set in a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial experiment. Results showed that methionine at 5 and 10 mg L−1levels significantly ameliorated the influence of salinity in all genotypes by improving photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant activities, and osmolyte and secondary metabolite production. Performance of the salt-tolerant genotypes (FH-1275 and FH-936) was much better than that of salt-sensitive genotypes (FH-1231 and FH-1227), irrespective of salinity treatments. This study confirms the notion that FH-1275 and FH-936 genotypes of maize and methionine at a concentration of 10 mg L−1could be recommended to farmers to improve maize productivity in salinity-affected areas. The heat map showed high levels of superoxide dismutase and nitrate reductase activities, while low and medium activities were observed for catalase and peroxidase in all treatments. However, the ecological consequences of methionine dose for organisms from distinct trophic levels remains to be investigated.

Different tillage and residue management practices can strongly impact soil structure stability and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. However, the detailed information about the aggregate stability, SOC protection, and mineralization within aggregates are still lacking. Using aggregate fractionation with laboratory incubation, we investigated aggregate-associated SOC, soil structural stability, and SOC mineralization in rice–wheat rotation under different tillage treatments: CT0 (puddled rice, conventional wheat − residue); CTR (puddled rice, conventional wheat + residue); NT0 (direct rice seeding, zero-tilled wheat − residue); and NTR (direct rice seeding, zero-tilled wheat + residue). NTR significantly enhanced the large macro-aggregate fraction (> 2 mm) at the 0–45 cm soil layer and macro-aggregate-associated SOC at the 0–15 cm soil layer. However, CTR enhanced the macro-aggregate-associated SOC at the 15–30 cm layer. Notably, the mean weight diameter (~8%) and geometric mean diameter (~24%) were higher under NTR than those under other treatments, and the effect was more pronounced in 30–45 cm layer. The highest average cumulative carbon mineralization Cm(~9%) was observed in macro-aggregates (> 2 mm) than micro-aggregates (< 2 mm). With regard to tillage systems, the Cmwas higher under NTR compared to other treatments. However, Cmat the 15–30 cm layer was higher (~22%) under CTR than that in other treatments. Notably, a positive relationship was found between total carbon input and soil aggregation. Specifically, carbon input of NT0, NTR, and CTR increased > 2 mm aggregates at 0–15 cm, while carbon input of CTR increased > 2 mm at 15–30 cm soil depth. Overall, no tillage with residue return (NTR) could enhance the soil macro-aggregation and associated SOC accumulation by decreasing SOC mineralization in rice–wheat double cropping system.

BackgroundThere is little data available to guide optimal anesthesia management during rescue intracranial angioplasty and stenting (ICAS) for failed mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We sought to compare the procedural safety and functional outcomes of patients undergoing rescue ICAS for failed MT under general anesthesia (GA) vs non-general anesthesia (non-GA).MethodsWe searched the data from the Stenting and Angioplasty In Neuro Thrombectomy (SAINT) study. In our review we included patients if they had anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes due to intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA-M1/M2) segments, failed MT, and underwent rescue ICAS. The cohort was divided into two groups: GA and non-GA. We used propensity score matching to balance the two groups. The primary outcome was the shift in the degree of disability as measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included functional independence (90-day mRS0-2) and successful reperfusion defined as mTICI2B-3. Safety measures included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and 90-day mortality.ResultsAmong 253 patients who underwent rescue ICAS, 156 qualified for the matching analysis at a 1:1 ratio. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were balanced between both groups. Non-GA patients had comparable outcomes to GA patients both in terms of the overall degree of disability (mRS ordinal shift; adjusted common odds ratio 1.29, 95% CI [0.69 to 2.43], P=0.43) and rates of functional independence (33.3% vs 28.6%, adjusted odds ratio 1.32, 95% CI [0.51 to 3.41], P=0.56) at 90 days. Likewise, there were no significant differences in rates of successful reperfusion, sICH, procedural complications or 90-day mortality among both groups.ConclusionsNon-GA seems to be a safe and effective anesthesia strategy for patients undergoing rescue ICAS after failed MT. Larger prospective studies are warranted for more concrete evidence.

BackgroundThe Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is a novel intrasaccular flow disruptor tailored for bifurcation aneurysms. We aim to describe the degree of aneurysm occlusion at the latest follow-up, and the rate of complications of aneurysms treated with the WEB device stratified according to rupture status.MethodsOur data were taken from the WorldWideWeb Consortium, an international multicenter cohort including patients treated with the WEB device. Aneurysms were classified into two groups: ruptured and unruptured. We compared clinical and radiologic outcomes of both groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was done to match according to age, gender, bifurcation, location, prior treatment, neck, height, dome width, daughter sac, incorporated branch, pretreatment antiplatelets, and last imaging follow-up.ResultsThe study included 676 patients with 691 intracranial aneurysms (529 unruptured and 162 ruptured) treated with the WEB device. The PSM analysis had 55 pairs. In both the unmatched (85.8% vs 84.3%, p=0.692) and matched (94.4% vs 83.3%, p=0.066) cohorts there was no significant difference in the adequate occlusion rate at the last follow-up. Likewise, there were no significant differences in both ischemic and hemorrhagic complications between the two groups. There was no documented aneurysm rebleeding after WEB device implantation.ConclusionThere was no significant difference in both the radiologic outcomes and complications between unruptured and ruptured aneurysms. Our findings support the feasibility of treatment of ruptured aneurysms with the WEB device.

The 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), an antioxidant, has been widely reported to participate in coping with different abiotic stresses. Among which, salinity greatly impacts the sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.) growth and production. The effect of 5-ALA spray (7.62 mM) was assessed to endure the adverse effect of salt stress on sunflower by using two cultivars of sunflower, namely, FH-751 and FH-675. Some morphological and physio-biochemical attributes were measured to observe the positive effects of 5-ALA. Foliar application of the 5-ALA enhanced the shoot fresh weight (33.91% to 34.53%), shoot and root dry weight (28.22% to 45.61%), shoot length (14.7% to 15.54%), number of the leaves (13.72% to 14.28%), leaf area (17.56% to 30.41%), and the first internode length (16.66% to 26.50%). Moreover, chlorophyll contents, soluble proteins, free proline, soluble sugar, glycine betaine, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, phenolic and ascorbic acid contents, as well as shoot and root potassium, calcium, and K+/Na+ratio were also increased. In terms of root and shoot fresh and dry weights, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and ROS species, FH-751 cultivar outperformed FH-675. Overall, sunflower FH-751 cultivar showed better biochemical and morpho-physiological responses to salt stress compared to FH-675 which therefore proved more tolerant to salt stress. So, the 5-ALA foliar application can be used as beneficial approach in improving productivity and growth of sunflower cultivars under salt stress.

BackgroundThe Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device has Food and Drug Administration approval for treatment of wide-necked intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. The WEB device has been shown to result in adequate occlusion in bifurcation aneurysms overall, but its usefulness in the individual bifurcation locations has been evaluated separately only in few case series, which were limited by small sample sizes.ObjectiveTo compare angiographic and clinical outcomes after treatment of bifurcation aneurysms at various locations, including anterior communicating artery (AComA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA) bifurcation distal to AComA, basilar tip, internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation, and middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysms using the WEB device.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was conducted at 22 academic institutions worldwide to compare treatment outcomes of patients with intracranial bifurcation aneurysms using the WEB device. Data include patient and aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, angiographic and functional outcomes, and complications.ResultsA total of 572 aneurysms were included. MCA (36%), AComA (35.7%), and basilar tip (18.9%) aneurysms were most common. The rate of adequate aneurysm occlusion was significantly higher for basilar tip (91.6%) and ICA bifurcation (96.7%) aneurysms and lower for ACA bifurcation (71.4%) and AComA (80.6%) aneurysms (p=0.04).ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the most extensive study to date that compares the treatment of different intracranial bifurcation aneurysms using the WEB device. Basilar tip and ICA bifurcation aneurysms showed significantly higher rates of aneurysm occlusion than other locations.

The limited germination capacity of stevia is a serious problem in stevia cultivation. Drought stress is one of the most important environmental constraints that impact seed germination and the early growth of many crops. This study’s objective was to assess the effects of foliar application of different plant growth promoters (PGPs), including salicylic acid (SA; 250 µM), ascorbic acid (AsA; 250 mM), moringa leaf extract (MLE; 10%), thiourea (TU; 10 mM), and proline (PRO; 1 mM), on a few germination indices and physiological characteristics of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana var. honey) seedlings under drought stress (half field capacity). Seeds were sown at 0.5-inch depth after 15 days of germination, seedlings were subjected to drought stress. Later after a week of drought stress, foliar supplementation of different PGPs were applied, and plants were harvested after 15 days of foliar supplementation. According to the findings, drought stress had a detrimental impact on various growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, fresh and dry shoot weight, fresh and dry root weight, and leaf number however PGPs helped to alleviate the detrimental impacts of drought stress improving root length (8.33–16.67%), shoot dry weight (9.09–55.68%), root dry weight (49.02–286.27%). Furthermore, drought stress significantly enhanced photosynthetic pigments, PRO accumulation, AsA content and peroxidase enzymatic activity several folds in all PGPs treatments as compared to the control. PRO and MLE were found to be most efficient than other PGP treatments in improving growth and physiological parameters under drought stress conditions. Nevertheless, the oxidative damage parameters, hydrogen peroxide, reduced dramatically (16.16–37.88%) after treatment with PGPs, maintaining membrane integrity under drought stress. Hence, foliar application of PGPs is suggested that may help to increase stevia seedling development under drought stress.

Microstructural development and mechanical properties of tungsten heavy alloy, WHA, with FeNiCoCrMn high entropy alloy, HEA, binder were investigated and compared to conventional WHA using Fe–Ni binder. Both WHAs, with HEA and conventional Fe–Ni binders, were fabricated by hot isostatic pressing at a temperature of 1450 °C in an argon environment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that WHA with HEA and conventional binders possessed uniform and well-refined microstructures. Energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, XRD, spectroscopy validated the formation and composition of HEA, existing as a skeletal network surrounding tungsten grains. HEA binder exhibited an overall increase of 42% in micro Vickers hardness values. Furthermore, hardness values of the tungsten heavy alloy were also seen to rise when fabricated with HEA binder. However, WHA sample with HEA binder was seen to undergo faster strain hardening and a premature failure, leading to lower values of ultimate strength and reduced ductility.

Despite having a significant medicinal potential and the ability to produce nodules, mungbean production and quality not meet consumer need. Its production and quality can be improved in an economically and sustainably sound manner by auxin and cytokinin that are generated in the rhizosphere as a result of precursor-inoculum interaction. For this purpose, a field study was conducted at Soil Bacteriology Secrion, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute during 2020–21 to evaluate the influence of L‑tryptophan (L-TRP; an auxin precursor) and L‑Adenine (L-ADE; cytokinin precursor) along with rhizobium application on the yield and quality of mung bean. Results revealed that bacterial inoculation and precursor-inoculum interaction increased mung bean grain yield by 12% and 34% compared to control. Moreover, it was perceived that combined use of precursor (L-TRP) and inoculum significantly increased plant height (20%), number of nodules plant−1(69%), biomass yield (20%) followed by L‑ADE (with 18%, 25%, 69%, and 14% increase in plant height, grain yield, number of nodules plant−1and biomass yield, respectively) over control. Likewise, the interactive effect of rhizobia and physiological precursors improved mungbean quality with 55% and 17% increase in protein contents over sole application of rhizobium. Based on the results, it was concluded that precursor inoculum interactions in the rhizosphere uplifted mungbean production and improved its quality. Moreover, the approach of precursor inoculum interaction can be carried out in different climate for sustainable agriculture.

AbstractThe novel COVID-19 virus, and the pandemic that has followed its spread, has had a massive impact on the banking industry on a global level. Therefore, considering this context, this study examines the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the banking sector’s performance in the Asian emerging economics, over a time span ranging from 2016Q1–2021Q2. For this purpose, this study makes use of the FE, RE, 2SLS, and PPML regression models. The empirical findings show that the GDP and banking size are positively related to bank performance in the pre-COVID era, and the COVID pandemics era thus far in the Asian emerging economies. In addition to this, the findings also reveal that the impact of GDP and bank size on banking performance is lower in the pandemic period, as compared to the pre-COVID period. Furthermore, the results show that the COVID pandemic has significantly affected the banking sector performance in the Asian emerging economies. Findings have also suggested that the central bank should shift their focus on the banking industry in the Asian emerging economies. Various other policy implications have also been suggested under the present study.

AbstractUnderstanding the aspects of renewable energy consumption is important because it contains low-carbon emissions, which could significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Little research is done on exploring the factors of renewable energy consumption. The primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of the green environmental policy on renewable energy consumption in the BRICST economies over data ranging from 1991 and 2019 by using panel quantile regression. The fixed-effects and quantile regressions confirm the positive effects of economic growth and non-renewable energy on renewable energy consumption. In contrast, the consumer price index and CO2hurt the renewable energy consumption in the BRICST economies. The estimate of the environmental policy stringency appears to be negative and insignificant in the fixed-effects model. On the other side, the estimates of the environmental stringency index appear to be positively significant from the 10th–40th quantiles and negatively significant from 50th–90th quantiles. Robust policy implications of our outcomes are also discussed.

Climate change generally influencesall the living world, including insects, so all organisms cope with these stresses to survive. Temperature rise leads to increased insect pest severity, whilecold acclimation helps insects tosurvive in temperate areas in several complex ways. The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is one of the most economically important invasive pests of fruits and vegetables worldwide. In this study, we investigated the effect of low (LT: 3 °C) and high (HT: 38 °C) temperature stress on key biological and population parameters of B. dorsalis using an age-stage, two-sex life table approach. The results showed that the mean developmental duration of the larval stage was significantly prolonged inboth HT (6.82 d) and LT (7.80 d) compared to the untreated group (6.33 d). The developmental duration of pre-adult stage was substantiallyincreased when treated with LT (19.57 d) and HT (18.03 d) as compared to control insects (17.51 d). Compared to the control, the mean longevity of male and femaleflies was significantly prolonged in bothLT and HT treatments. The adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total pre-oviposition period (TPOP), and oviposition days of B. dorsalis were increased under both temperature stress conditions. The number of eggs per female was also significantly higher in LT (869.70 eggs) and HT treatments (846.90 eggs) compared to control (684.56 eggs). Furthermore, the total population size of B. dorsalis was highest in HT treatment followed by LT compared to control after 100 d. This study reveals that temperature stresses at larval stage increased the reproduction, development, and life span of B. dorsalis, these altered biological traits during the heatwave and cold conditions could have significant agricultural impacts.

Orius predators are important natural enemies of thrips, whiteflies and mites and are reared as commercial biological agents. Due to the importance of food sources in natural-enemy mass-rearing programs, researchers have been screening efficient food sources for the rearing of such enemies. In this study, we compared the demographic fitness of Orius strigicollis reared on 3 foods (i) frozen 48h-old eggs (FE) of Spodoptera frugiperda, (ii) frozen 24h-old 2ndinstarlarvae (FL) of S. frugiperda, and (iii) 2nd instar larvae of Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips, WFT) using the age-stage, two-sex life table. According to the life table analysis results, O. strigicollis were successfully maintained on FL for consecutive generations, and the reproductive performance of individuals from the 1st (G1) and 6th (G6) generations was evaluated. Among the 3 tested foods, FE was the lowest suitable food, leading to slower development and lowerO. strigicollisfecundity than with other foods. In overall, O. strigicollisshowed similar fitness when reared on WFT and on FL (no difference in fecundity), although the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) was lower on FL. The fecundity and longevity of G6 O. strigicollis reared on FL were not significantly different from those of G1. The results indicate that frozen S. frugiperdalarvae could be a promising factitious food for the long-term rearing ofO. strigicollis and more broadly that frozen larvae of Lepidoptera may be potential new factitious food sources for Orius spp. rearing.

Carotid revascularization is performed to prevent cerebrovascular events in patients with symptomatic (>50%) and asymptomatic high degree (>70%) carotid stenosis. As this operation carries significant risks for perioperative stroke, careful selection of patients who will benefit from the procedure is essential. Certain plaque characteristics, including texture, are associated with increased tendency for rupture and can be used to identify high-risk patients. Medical therapy, carotid endarterectomy, and carotid stenting are the mainstays for patient management. With careful selection of patients, all anesthesia techniques (general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care, and regional anesthesia) can be used safely for these revascularization procedures.

Ecdysone receptor (EcR) plays important roles in molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction of insects. EcR ortholog and its function in melon aphid Aphis gossypii have not been documented yet. RNA interference (RNAi) is a reverse-genetic approach used to study functional genomics, but recently, it has also shown promise as a novel tool that could be used to control insect pests. In this study, reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), RNAi, and bioassays were employed to isolate EcR gene and investigate its knock-down effects on aphids. The lethal and sublethal effects were also studied after silencing the EcR gene. The results showed that EcR gene is highly expressed (P < 0.006) in 2nd nymphal stage of A. gossypii while expression was statistically lower in all other developmental stages. Knock-down of EcR gene caused up to 43 and 68% mortality in 2rd instar nymphs after feeding dsEcR for 48 and 72 h, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, RNAi-induced silencing of EcR gene caused sublethal effects on surviving aphids. Significantly lower longevity (about 42%) and fecundity (about 44.22%) were observed in insects fed with dsEcR solution at their nymphal stage. Analysis of gene expression showed that the mortality rates and the lowered longevity and fecundity were attributable to the down-regulation of EcR gene by RNA interference technology. Taken together, our results demonstrate that EcR is an essential gene for aphid growth and development and could be a potential target gene for the development of an RNAi-based bio-aphicide.

The issue of biofouling on marine structures carries significant economic and ecological implications, necessitating the development of effective and durable antifouling coatings. Traditional organic antifouling coatings often struggle with mechanical robustness in harsh marine environments, making them fragile and highly susceptible to abrasion. To address these challenges, we propose a novel “bifunctional domain engineering” strategy for designing robust antifouling coatings that combines excellent mechanical strength of a Fe-based amorphous layer and high antifouling efficacy of an incorporated organics. The hard domains consist of Fe-based amorphous micro humps, providing a sturdy framework that enhances the coating's mechanical durability. In contrast, the soft domains comprise epoxy resin infused with Cu2O and 4,5-Dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (DCOIT), offering a dual-action antifouling function via controllable antifouling agent release. Evaluation of antifouling performance by lab tests against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Chlorellaalgae and practical marine field tests (for 150 days) demonstrates significant reductions in bacterial and algal adhesion (nearly 100 % resistance) with the bifunctional domain engineered coating (referred to as HSR coating), compared to pure amorphous coating. Mechanical durability tests, including abrasion and erosion experiments, underscore the HSR coating's excellent wear resistance. Importantly, the HSR coating maintains its outstanding antifouling properties even after 1000 abrasion cycles, highlighting its potential for long-term marine applications in harsh conditions. This study lays the groundwork for design of robust antifouling coatings capable of withstanding the harsh operating environments while effectively combating biofouling.

The continuous supply of reliable and affordable energy sources is crucial for driving a nation's economic activities. The phenomenon of continuous energy supply at affordable prices is called energy security. To date, more than two-thirds of the global energy demand is met by non-renewable energy derived from natural resources. The empirical connection between natural resource depletion and energy security risk remains unexplored in the prior literature. Thus, this study analyzes the empirical linkage between natural resource depletion and energy security risk by applying the CS-ARDL and PMG-ARDL models. As per our findings, natural resource depletion increases long-term energy security risks Globally and in Asia, America, Europe, and Africa. In short run, the role of natural resource depletion is mostly insignificant in energy security risk. In contrast, the GDP, financial development, trade openness, and technological development help reduce long-run energy security risk in all regions except Africa. In the short run, only GDP and trade openness help reduce energy security risks in most regions. Therefore, policymakers should focus on efficiently utilizing natural resources to mitigate energy security risks.

No significant difference in the angiographic and clinical outcomes was observed for the treatment of sidewall versus bifurcation intracranial aneurysms with use of Woven EndoBridge.

Economists have long documented the significance of insurance markets in the development process. This study considers the nonlinear impact of insurance sector development on CO2emissions for five high-polluting economies over data ranging from 1990 to 2019. The present study employs a panel and time series NARDL framework. We find that insurance sector development has asymmetric effects on CO2emissions. It is inferred from the findings that a positive shock in insurance sector development increases CO2and a negative shock in insurance sector development decreases CO2in the long run in high-polluting economies. Regarding country-wise analysis, we also observe that a positive shock in insurance sector development increases CO2in the USA, Russia and Japan, but a negative insurance sector development shock decreases CO2in the USA and India in the long run The results recommend some important policy implications.

Single cell protein (SCP) has a potential to be used as an alternative to conventional protein sources. It can be produced at lower cost on different food industrial wastes. This study focused on optimization of SCP production from carrot pomace which would help in sustainable food waste management. SCP successfully produced through submerged fermentation at 30 °C during 5 days of incubation. The supplementation of SCP increased the protein contents of noodles in a dose-dependent manner, e.g., an addition of 20% SCP resulted in a 30% increase in protein contents. Likewise, amino acids profile of noodles improved significantly (p < 0.05), as obvious from different indices like essential amino acids to total amino acids ration, protein efficiency ratio, and essential amino acids index. The cooking time of noodles decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 11.5 to 9.35 min at 8% SCP concentration. Moreover, absorption capacities (water and oil absorption), swelling index and cooking yield of noodles increased significantly (p < 0.05). The organoleptic evaluation indicated that supplementation of SCP in noodles was acceptable up to 8%. Thus, SCP may be used to enhance nutritional value of formulated noodles.

Caffeine, a significant naturally occurring alkaloid in beverages like tea and coffee, can be degraded by bacteria. Prolonged caffeine consumption can stimulate adrenal glands, cause irregular muscle activity, cardiac arrhythmias, and withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. Beyond its health-related concerns, the environmental impact of caffeine degradation is noteworthy. Effluents from coffee industries contain high caffeine concentrations, and the discharge of such effluents into lakes poses a risk to the portability of drinking water. This study isolated a novel bacterium from agricultural soil, identified as Bacillussp. KS38 through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, which can metabolize caffeine as the sole carbon and nitrogen source. The bacterium exhibited Gram-positive characteristics. Response surface methodology (RSM) optimized bacterial growth conditions. The relevant parameter for the degradation of caffeine was obtained by first screening the parameters using the Plackett-Burman design. Using central composite design (CCD) and RSM, the important parameters were determined to achieve the ideal degradation conditions. The identified the ideal degradation conditions: 0.66 g/L caffeine, 0.85 g/L glucose, pH 6.83, and 20.5 °C. RSM predicted a bacterial growth of 0.591, which was confirmed experimentally. This bacterium has potential applications in wastewater treatment and caffeine bioremediation.

•Wheat plants fight against combined (late-sown and salt stress) by improving secondary metabolite production.•Plant growth promotors increase the flag leaf area, pigment biosynthesis and carboxylation capacity.•Plant growth promotors application enhances the synthesis of anthocyanin, niacin, flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, saponin and riboflavin.•Thiourea and salicylic acid show strict control over the stomatal regulation and gas exchange attributes under stressful conditions.

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) has a high concentration of organic matter and total suspended solids. However, improper disposal of oil refining wastes containing oils, fats, and sludge can cause environmental damage and harm human health due to their toxic, carcinogenic, and polluting effects. This research was carried out to solve the harmful effects caused by the release of POME to the environment. The goal of this study was to isolate a naturally occurring bacterium that could degrade POME and use it as a single carbon source. Bacteria were isolated from POME-contaminated medium using an enrichment technique. Judging by 16S rRNA partial gene sequencing, morphological, biochemical, and molecular identification methods, the isolated bacteria was identified as a novel Bacillussp. The effects of substrate concentration, inoculum size, pH, temperature, and incubation time on the bacterial growth were investigated using a "one factor at a time" (OFAT) approach. The optimal conditions for the bacterium's growth were found to be pH 7.5, 35 °C, 20 % v/v substrate concentration, 6 % v/v inoculum size, and 96 hours of incubation. The isolate is capable of reducing 84 % of COD and 91 % of BOD from a POME sample. The high degradation potential of POME by the isolate suggests it can be used as a good option for bioremediation of POME-polluted areas.

Chlorpyrifos, being a frequently used organophosphate pesticide poses a significant threat to human health due to its prolonged presence in soil, plants, and water, this has raised concern. Consequently, researchers have shifted their attention towards finding methods to mitigate its toxicity or eliminate it from the environment. This has highlighted the importance of bioremediation. This study was aimed at analyzing and characterizing the metabolites of chlorpyrifos degradation by Bacillussp. strain UPMB10 isolated from polluted environment using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The bacteria were successfully isolated utilizing the enrichment technique in mineral salt media, followed by screening to obtain the best isolate. Identification of the isolate was done at morphological, biochemical, and molecular levels, with a focus on the 16S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the close relationship between the bacterium and Bacillussp. strain UPMB10. Optimization (One Factor at A Time) was done to determine best growth conditions of the isolate. The optimal growth conditions obtained include, incubation time of 48 hours, a substrate concentration of 4 g/L, a pH of 7.0, a temperature of 37 °C, and an inoculum size of 2 % (v/v), these quantitative data revealed valuable insights into the factors affecting efficient degradation of pesticide. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis demonstrated that the bacterium achieved a remarkable degradation efficiency of 99 % after 48 hours of incubation. Notably, Mesitylene and Dimethylmalonic acid were obtained as some of the metabolites of chlorpyrifos degradation. This result provides insight into the transformation of products generated during degradation process. The study finding revealed that Bacillussp. strain UPMB10 exhibits a remarkable capacity for chlorpyrifos degradation, making it a promising candidate for bioremediation of insecticides and acaricides.

λ-cyhalothrin (LC), a frequently used synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, poses a substantial risk to human health and the environment due to its prolonged presence in plants, soil, and water. This study aimed to identify and characterize bacteria with the ability to degrade and utilize λ-cyhalothrin as their sole carbon and energy source. The bacteria were isolated by employing an enrichment technique on mineral salt media through a series of dilution steps. Strain isolated underwent identification through morphological, biochemical, and molecular analyses, specifically employing 16S rRNA and phylogenetic analysis, which disclosed its classification as Bacillussp. With the accession number OR133746. Physio-cultural conditions, including temperature, initial substrate concentration, pH, incubation time and inoculum size affecting the strain's activity were investigated in MSM using a one-variable-at-a-time approach. The optimal conditions for bacterial growth and λ-cyhalothrin degradation was found to be a substrate concentration of 6 g/L, a temperature of 30 °C, a pH of 6.5, and an incubation time of 96 hours. The results of Gravimetric analysis revealed that the selected isolate exhibited notable degradation rates of 75.4 % and 100 % after 72 hours and 96 hours of incubation, respectively. These findings highlight the exceptional efficiency of the strain in degrading λ-cyhalothrin. Consequently, this strain emerges as a promising candidate for tackling pollution attributed to λ-cyhalothrin through bioremediation processes.