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Detection and discrimination of similar solvation energies of bioanalytes are vital in medical and practical applications. Currently, various advanced techniques are equipped to recognize these crucial bioanalytes. Each strategy has its own benefits and limitations. One-dimensional response, lack of discrimination power for anions, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generally limit the utilized fluorescent probe. Therefore, a cutting-edge, refined method is expected to conquer these limitations. The use of 19F NMR spectroscopy for detecting and discriminating essential analytes in practical applications is an emerging technique. As an alternative strategy, we report two fluorinated boronic acid-appended pyridinium salts 5-F-o-BBBpy (1) and 5-CF3-o-BBBpy (2). Probe (1) acts as a chemosensor for identifying and discriminating inorganic anions with similar solvation energies with strong bidirectional 19F shifts in the lower ppm range. Probe (2) turns as a chemo dosimeter for the selective detection and precise quantification of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) among other competing ROS. To demonstrate real-life applicability, we successfully quantified H2O2via probe (2) in different pharmaceutical, dental, and cosmetic samples. We found that tuning the −F/–CF3moiety to the arene boronic acid enables the π-conjugation, a crucial prerequisite for the discrimination of anions and H2O2. Characteristic 19F NMR fingerprints in the presence of anions revealed a complementary implication (IMP)/not implication (NIMP) logic function. Finally, the 16 distinct binary Boolean operations on two logic values are defined for “functional completeness” using the special property of the IMP gate. Boolean logic’s ability to handle information by utilizing characteristic 19F NMR fingerprints has not been seen previously in a single chemical platform for detecting and differentiating such anions.

Choquet integral operator has been proved more ideal than traditional aggregation operators in the modeling of interaction phenomena among the criteria in multicriteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problems. In this paper, we mention the limiting behavior of Choquet integral operator for intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and propose Choquet integral for picture fuzzy set (PFS). This limitation is due to the incapability of IFS to model information that may be available in the form of refusal and abstain. We define Choquet averaging and Choquet geometric mean operators for PFS along with their few properties. We have also proposed picture fuzzy Choquet integral-based VIKOR (VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) for MCGDM problems. Proposed picture fuzzy Choquet integral-based VIKOR method includes benefits of PFS and addresses issue of interdependency among noncommensurable criteria in MCGDM problems. An example of supplier selection problem is included to show suitability and applicability of proposed picture fuzzy Choquet integral-based VIKOR method.

The utility of planar optical waveguides constructed from a novel thiol-ene-epoxy polymer has been demonstrated for refractive index sensing. The propagating modes supported by this planar structure were excited as well as taken out of the waveguide using the prism coupling method, and detected using an indigenously developed photodetector system comprising a commercial charge-coupled device (CCD) array and an Arduino microcontroller. The mode-dependent refractive index sensitivity was established by considering a monochromatic laser light excitation at 632.8 nm wavelength. The highest sensitivity of this waveguide sensor was found to be 21.84/RIU (refractive index units) and the corresponding refractive index resolution was 4.92 × 10−4 RIU. The miniaturized version of this optical waveguide sensor has the potential to be integrated within a photonic system for plasmonic-based point-of-care device development.

The homogeneous and isotropic cosmological model in generalized f(R,Tϕ)theories associated with the scalar field is discussed, which is motivated by the f(R,T)theory of gravity studied by Harko et al. (2011), Harko (2014) [1,2]. The f(R,Tϕ)gravity can be explained as f(R,T)gravity with a self-interacting scalar field ϕ, where Tϕis the trace of the energy–momentum tensor. The parametrization of Hubble parameter H(t)is taken as α−βe−γt, where α, β, and γare arbitrary constants such that α,γ>0, and β<0. The model shows no space–time singularity, and the expansion of the universe will continue forever, i.e., the future scenario of the universe attains Big Freeze. The model predicts the moderate inflationary scenario at the time of the evolution of the universe, and it is consistent with ΛCDM in the late times. The consistency of the model has also been examined using the recent observational Hubble dataset and supernovae dataset. Finally, the physical features of the model have been discussed in some detail.

Aging is a natural phenomenon, which is characterised by progressive physiological changes at cellular and organ level. During aging, the defence mechanism of an organism declines over the period of time. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological efficacy of berberine in D-galactose induced aging rat models. For the study, rats were divided into four groups: Controlreceived only vehicle, BBRreceived berberine orally, D-Galreceived D-galactose subcutaneously and BBR + D-Galreceived D-galactose and berberine simultaneously. D-galactose treatment increased the pro-oxidants such as malondialdehyde (MDA) level, protein carbonyl, plasma membrane redox system (PMRS) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in the erythrocytes or plasma. It reduced the anti-oxidant level such as reduced glutathione (GSH), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), plasma thiols, sialic acid and membrane transporters like Na+/K+ATPase and Ca2+ATPase activity in the erythrocyte membrane. Co-treatment of berberine in D-galactose induced aging rat models restored pro-oxidants and anti-oxidants in erythrocytes. Berberine also restored the activity of Na+/K+ATPase and Ca2+ATPase in the erythrocyte membrane. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that berberine treatment could attenuate erythrocyte aging in rats through stabilisation of the redox equilibrium.

Purpose: The utility of the Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology is debatable in determining the risk of malignancy in pediatric patients. Moreover, the upper age limit for defining the pediatric group has varied across different studies. The aim of this study is to compare the risk of malignancy (ROM) and risk of neoplasia (RON) across different Bethesda categories between the pediatric, young adult, and adult patients. Methods: This is a retrospective multi-institutional study performed in three Indian hospitals. ROM was calculated and compared across Bethesda categories in adult (>18 years) and pediatric age groups (≤18 years), with a subgroup analysis in young adults (19–21 years). Results: Thyroid nodules from a total of 5958 patients were subjected to fine needle aspiration. Of these 199 were pediatric (3.3%) and follow-up histology was available in 2276. The ROM and RON rates, including overall ROM/RON, were significantly higher in pediatric age group as compared to adults. Overall ROM of suspicious for malignancy and malignant categories was higher in children as compared to adults. The overall surgical resection rates were also higher in pediatric patients (45.2% vs. 35.7%; p&lt; 0.01). The similar trend of increased ROM, RON and resection rates was seen among young adults as compared to adult age group. Conclusion: Thyroid nodules presenting in children are more likely to be malignant than those in adults. Importantly, the young adult group behaved in a similar manner with regard to surgical resection rates, ROM and RON to pediatric.

This paper presents an analysis of the value that can be realized by medium-voltage back-to-back (MVB2B) converters in terms of the increased utilization rate of distributed energy resources (DERs) and the improvement in operational conditions. A systematic, transferrable, and scalable methodology has been designed to analyze and quantify the increased DER value from three perspectives: 1) curtailment reduction of the DER generation, 2) size reduction of the energy storage needed to otherwise realize DER hosting levels, and 3) hosting capacity improvement of the DERs compared to the base distribution circuit capability. In the case study, the proposed methodology is applied to two utility distribution systems for analysis and quantification of the grid value of the MVB2B converter, installed in the distribution circuit, and provided to the solar photovoltaic (PV) DERs. The analysis results demonstrate that the MVB2B converter can deliver significant value to the PV hosting enhancement of two adjacent distribution systems when they are connected by the MVB2B converter. Based on this case study, this paper analyzes and summarizes the approximate realized grid value of the MVB2B converter for distribution systems dominated by different shares of customer classes.

Background: The existing structural framework of defining gender and sexuality based on heteronormative ideology led to the succession of the notions of stigma, prejudice, and hate towards the sexual and gender minority population. The presence of strong scientific evidence for the negative consequences of discriminatory and violent events has directed the association with mental and emotional distress. This study aims to comprehend the role of minority stress in emotional regulation and suppression among the sexual minority population globally using systematic review of literature through elaborate Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.Summary: The analyses of the sorted literature premised on the PRISMA guidelines revealed that minority stress mediates the emotion regulation processes among the individuals who witness continuous episodes of discrimination and violence leading to emotional dysregulation and emotion suppression. Studies also reported the dominance of various health-risk behaviors such as alcohol addiction, drug abuse, and other forms of intoxication among sexual minority individuals. Increased instances of anxiety, stress, depression, and suicidal ideations were prominent in the findings of the empirical research suggesting an intricate role of minority stress in advancing the faulty emotion suppression and mental health concerns among the sexual and gender minority population.Key message: Minority stressors among sexual and gender minority individuals mediate emotion suppression and mental distress.

Curcumin, a strong natural compound with numerous health benefits, is extracted from the Curcuma longa. According to recent research findings, it also acts as a calorie restriction mimetic. We examined established aging biomarkers in erythrocytes and plasma and tested a persistent oral dietary dose of curcumin in young and d-galactose-induced accelerated rat aging models. For four weeks, d-gal (300 mg/kg b.w. subcutaneously) and curcumin (200 mg/kg b.w. oral) were administered simultaneously to test the protective effects of curcumin against d-galactose-induced accelerated aging and oxidative stress. In the accelerated senescent rat model, we discovered a significant rise in protein carbonyl, malonaldehyde (MDA), and advanced oxidation protein products. Increased levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, ferric-reducing antioxidant potential, and reduced glutathione (GSH) were observed. Our findings reveal that curcumin has characteristics resembling a calorie restriction mimic and can successfully maintain redox equilibrium throughout the aging process in rat erythrocytes and plasma.

As a key feature of modular multilevel converters (MMCs), a large number of semiconductor devices are employed in the converter and distributed over a stack of submodules. Each submodule has a strict temperature limit that imposes constraints on the operating range of the converter. Different loading conditions/losses in the submodules lead to unavoidable temperature variations inside the MMC, which consequently affect the system-level performance and reliability. This paper is focused on the electrothermal analysis and design of a medium-voltage silicon carbide (SiC)-based MMC system, from submodule power semiconductors to the overall MMC system integration of multiple submodules, for grid-connected applications. Loss calculations are performed to estimate the cooling requirements and aid thermal design at different levels. The performance of a forced-air cooling approach is analyzed within a numerical modeling framework. Maximum temperature of the SiC power modules is predicted using numerical tools. Thermal design of the MMC cabinet with various arrangements of air inlet(s) and outlet(s) is investigated and compared from a cooling performance perspective. A fully resolved model of the arrangement that yields optimal results is developed to accurately predict the temperature profile of the essential components in the submodules.

Calpain role has been shown in the cumulus cell-oocyte complexes and, corpus luteum. We investigated the association of calpains-1 and −2 in ovarian folliculogenesis using the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model and steroidogenesis in the human granulosa cells (hGCs). We induced PCOS in 42-day-old SD rats by letrozole oral gavage for 21 days. Premature ovarian failure (POF) was induced in 21-day-old SD rats by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD). Ovulation and ovarian hyperstimulatory (OHS) syndrome were induced by pregnant mare gonadotropin (PMSG) + human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatments in 21 days SD rats, respectively. Steroidogenesis is stimulated in human granulosa cells (hGCs) by forskolin and the response of 17-beta-estradiol (E2) on calpains expression was checked in hGCs. The protein expression by immunoblotting and activity by biochemical assay of calpains-1 and −2 showed an oscillating pattern in the ovarian cycle. PMSG-induced follicular recruitment showed upregulation of calpains-1 and −2, but with no change during ovarian function cessation (POF). Upregulated calpain-2 expression and calpain activity was found in the hCG +PMSG-induced ovulation. Letrozole-induced PCOS showed downregulation of calpain-1, but upregulation of calpain-2. PMSG+hCG-induced OHS led to the upregulation of calpain-1. Letrozole and metformin separately increased the expression level of calpains-1 and −2 in the hGCs during luteinization. In conclusion, the expression levels of calpains −1 and −2 are increased with ovarian follicular recruitment by PMSG and calpain-1 is decreased in the PCOS condition, and letrozole and metformin upregulate the expression of calpains-1 and −2 during luteinization in the hGCs possibly via E2 action.

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The aim of this study was to use dried corn silk powder variety of VL Baby corn-1 for formulation of flavoured herbal tea with different combination of Thyme (Trachyspermum ammi), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Cinnamon powder (Cinnamomum verum), Timur (Zanthoxylum alatum), Tulsi (Holy basil) (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Gandraini(Achillea millefolium), Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Blend (Clove + Timur + Gandraini), and one only corn silk without any other herbs and to know antioxidant properties of developed tea. Result of sensory evaluation experiment showed that all combinations were liked moderately. Lemon grass flavour followed by cinnamon and clove blend obtained highest score. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity for all flavour are analyzed and reported. Results on DPPH free radical scavenging activity indicated that corn silk tea had 81.215 ± 0.75 µg/mL whereas blend with Timurhad significant highest value and Thymeblend had lowest value 64.20 ± 0.40 among all eight different blends with corn silk. The values for total antioxidant capacity blends with Timur (Zanthoxylum alatu) in corn silk showed significantly (P< 0.05) highest value and Clove, Timur, Gandrainiblends got lowest value.

Nutraceuticals are the combination of Nutrition and Pharmaceuticals and refer to the ‘food’ possessing pharmaceutical properties. They are classified into traditional (herbals, phytochemicals, probiotic, prebiotic) and non-traditional (fortified and recombinant) categories; nutraceuticals are mainly intended for preventing and treating diseases. Nutraceuticals possess several therapeutic activities, which can be exploited to treat disorders like cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, inflammations, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Nutraceuticals are mainly obtained from natural sources, hence they are comparatively safer and cheaper alternatives than pharmaceuticals, which leads to tremendous growth and flourishing markets for these kind of products. The main objective of this review is to determine the advancement made in the field of nutraceuticals and their potential as pharmaceutical alternatives. This article focuses on the present and past market scenario of nutraceuticals, their therapeutic effects and advantages over pharmaceuticals products. Secondly, with the advancement of novel drug delivery systems, the drawbacks of nutraceuticals have been resolved, and efficacy has been improved, which resulted in gaining the interests of scientists and researchers in this field for further improvement. Thus, we can expect the lucrative market of nutraceuticals in the upcoming days. It is clear that nutraceuticals have great potential to replace pharmaceuticals and serve the wellbeing of mankind.

The concept of ‘Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P) took shape to refine the contested concept of ‘humanitarian intervention’. In the initial phase, the concept of R2P did not receive enthusiastic endorsement. Developing countries including India perceived it as a new body with the old spirit and likened it with the concept of humanitarian intervention, and this was reinforced by the US-led war against Iraq in 2003. However, the 2005 World Summit proved to be a watershed in the evolution of R2P, just as it is a landmark to understand an important phase of India’s approach to the idea. It would not be accurate to characterize India as a determined nay-sayer on R2P endorsement, particularly in view of the widely known priority India attached at the World Summit to the question of United Nations (UN) Security Council enlargement. Eventually, by 2009 (with the introduction of ‘three- pillar principles’ of R2P), India became a major proponent for the cautious and legitimate implementation of R2P. However, the experiences gained from Libya made India become a voice of caution in invoking forcible options under the R2P principle in Syria. In this article, the attempt has been made to articulate various permutations and combinations regarding India’s evolving approach to R2P on a case-by-case basis.

Background:Fish oils, which are rich in health-promoting polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), have emerged as promising functional foods in the global health and wellness food market. Their source regarding the fish type, season, and location of harvesting might influence the nutritional value of such bioactive oils and determine their market price. The differences in price among such oils often lead to economically motivated mislabeling and adulteration. Objective:In this study, our objective was to demonstrate how a qualitative targeted shotgun lipid profile workflow using an electrospray ionization–quadrupole-linear ion trap MS (QTrap) could differentiate fish oils originating from two different species. Methods:Five samples each of sardine (Sardinella longiceps) oil and shark (Echinorhinus brucus) liver oil were diluted to a concentration of 80 µg/mL in chloroform–methanol (1 + 2, v/v) with 5 mM ammonium acetate. These samples were directly infused into a QTrap MS. The data were acquired for 23 precursor ion and 4 neutral loss scan experiments in the positive ionization mode and compared. Results:We identified the following major lipid classes: cholesteryl ester, diacyl glycerol, triacylglycerol, monoalkyldiacylglycerol, and phophatydyl choline. The relative peak areas of the identified lipid species, when subjected to supervised multivariate analysis, could effectively distinguish the sardine oil and shark liver oil. Conclusions:The approach will be useful in establishing authenticity of fish oil and to support the regulatory agencies in dispute resolution. It can also be extended to establish authenticity in other agricultural and food commodities. Highlights:This paper reports a proof of concept for authenticating PUFA-rich fish supplements. A shotgun targeted lipidomics profile and chemometrics modeling successfully discriminated sardine oil and shark liver oil.

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The present study reports the first time investigation on encapsulation of Laurus nobilisessential oil into chitosan nanoemulsion (CS-Ne-LNEO) and assessment of its efficacy to inhibit fungal infestation and aflatoxin B1(AFB1) contamination in stored masticatories food system. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed m-Eugenol (46.23%) and D-Limonene (8.89%) as the most abundant components of LNEO. The CS-Ne-LNEO was physico-chemically characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and x-ray diffractometry (XRD) analyses. The CS-Ne-LNEO exhibited broad range of antifungal activity against food contaminating fungi including inhibition of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus(AF-LHP-PE-4) and AFB1production at lower concentrations as compared to unencapsulated LNEO. The CS-Ne-LNEO caused impairment in ergosterol biosynthesis and enhancement in leakage of Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ions and 260, 280 nm absorbing materials along with inhibition of methylglyoxal production suggesting the antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic mechanism of action. The DPPH antioxidant activity of CS-Ne-LNEO was noted with IC50value of 0.004 µL/mL. In addition, the CS-Ne-LNEO caused complete protection of stored Phyllanthus emblica(model masticatories) fruit samples against fungal and AFB1contamination without altering their sensory characteristics and exhibited high LD50value (13,504 µL/Kg body weight) mammalian system. Overall, these results indicated that LNEO loaded chitosan nanoemulsion could be promoted as an eco-friendly preservative for complete protection of stored plant masticatories against fungal and AFB1contamination.

In this article, the authors propose a computational method for multi criteria decision making problems using dual hesitant fuzzy information. In this study, the authors mention limitation of fuzzy ideals over a semi ring of positive integers and propose fuzzy ideal over a semi ring over subset of rationals. An intuitionistic fuzzy ideal of semi rings is also defined in this article which is used in idealizing aggregated dual hesitant group preference matrixes. The proposed approach appears in the form of simple computational algorithms. The main characteristic of the proposed approach is it considers the relationship between attributes, and so it takes into account relative preferences of attributes to find out the ranking order of attributes while other methods consider various attributes independently. An example of a supplier selection problem is undertaken to understand the implementation of the proposed computational approach based on MCGDM with dual hesitant information and ranking results compared with different methods.

Ocimum, an important commercial aromatic crop, is well known for the industrially acclaimed essential oil. In the present study, a comparative analysis was performed between Trichodermaharzianum(ThU) and its secondary metabolites on plant growth, essential oil and phytochemical parameters in O. basilicumand O. sanctum. A significant enhancement in biomass and essential oil content (2.37 and 2.16 fold, respectively) was observed in the live culture of ThU (TH_CC) treatment of O. basilicum, whereas its metabolites (TH_CF) enhanced biomass (1.25 folds) and essential oil (2.17 folds) in O. sanctumas compared to their respective controls. The present study first time highlights species dependent response in plants by the application of TH_CC and TH_CF to enhance plant growth, antioxidants and oil content of Ocimum.The present results thus provide a better understanding of the host specific response to ThU and its metabolites which can be used to develop effective biofertilizers for crop improvement.

Trial comprising fifty lentil genotypes was conducted at three locations in India during year 2013–2014 for estimation of grain Fe and Zn concentrations and to analyze G × E interactions by employing the additive main effect and multiplication interaction model. The study revealed significant effects for genotype, environment and genotype by environment interaction for both grain Fe and Zn concentration. In this model genotypes with the IPCA score of nearly zero and mean greater than grand mean are considered as adaptable to the studied environments. For grain Fe concentration genotypes P13143, P13135, ILL2581, P2130, LL147, L4603, PL101 and Globe mutant and for grain Zn concentration genotypes P13122, P2239, P3204 and L11-245 were found stable. The diversity analysis using 20 genomic and 54 EST-SSR markers indicated that the studied genotypes were diverse. The EST-SSRs revealed lower polymorphism as compare to genomic SSRs. Two major clusters were identified with 37 % similarity. Indigenous genotypes were grouped in cluster I and all exotic accessions were grouped in cluster II indicating the role of geographic origin in diversity. Based on multi location evaluation for grain Fe and Zn concentrations and molecular characterization crosses are proposed for development of grain Fe and Zn rich varieties (P3220 × L4649 and VL103 × P2130) and development of mapping populations (P13122 × L11-287 and LL931 × P3220) for study of genetics and mapping of QTLs/gene(s).

The present study explores the practical efficacy of chitosan (CS) nanoemulsion loaded with Petroselinum crispumessential oil (CS-PEO). Since, nanoencapsulation of EO is an emerging field in food science, the PEO was encapsulated into CS nanoemulsion and investigated their efficacy against fungal, aflatoxin B1(AfB1) contamination and lipid peroxidation of stored Salvia hispanica(chia seeds). The GC-MS analysis of PEO confirmed the presence of carvacrol (48.45%) as the major component. The successful encapsulation of PEO was confirmed through FTIR, XRD, and SEM analysis. During in vitroinvestigation, CS-PEO completely inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus(AF-LHP-SH1) as well as eleven other storage fungi at 1.0 μL/mL and AfB1production at 0.75 μL/mL. The reduction of cellular ergosterol followed by subsequent release of cellular constituents confirmed plasma membrane as possible target for antifungal mode of action of CS-PEO. The inhibition of methylglyoxal shed light on novel antiaflatoxigenic mode of action. Further, CS-PEO showed remarkable antioxidant activity with IC50value 14.24 μL/mL as measured through DPPH assay. During in situinvestigation, CS-PEO completely inhibited the production of AfB1and lipid peroxidation in treated chia seeds for one year of storage, and exhibited satisfactory safety profile (LD50= 26, 830 μL/Kg body weight) in mammalian model (mice). Based on overall results, it can be concluded that the CS-PEO could be recommended for industrial scale application in the management of fungal and aflatoxin mediated loss of stored chia seeds.