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Polymers have been used in various industries over the past few decades due to their tremendous applications. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates and poly(lactic acid) are easily biodegradable biopolymers derived from bacteria, including recombinant Escherichia coli, Alcaligenes eutrophus, Alcaligenes latus, Azotobacter vinelandii, methylotrophs and Pseudomonas. Conventional petroleum‐derived polymers have become potentially harmful to the environment due to their complex degradation process. The nonbiodegradability of synthetic polymers has become a global issue of concern. There is an urgent need for a substitute to tackle the increasing environmental stress. Microorganisms are small factories for producing different types of polymers during their growth cycle. Various features like biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity and wide substrate spectrum make such microbial polymers highly reliable. Biopolymers such as alginate, cellulose, cyanophycin, levan, polyhydroxyalkanoates, xanthan, poly(lactic acid) and poly(γ‐glutamic acid) can be obtained from different microorganisms like Aureobasdium pullulans, Acetobacter xylinum, Bacillus thermoamylovorans and Cupriavidusnecator. These are extensively used in various fields like food, medicine, wastewater treatment, biofuel production, packaging and cosmetics. Despite being advantageous in several ways, the biopolymer market still faces several hurdles. This review mainly emphasizes the different types of biopolymers, production by microorganisms and various applications of these biopolymers in different fields. The main drawback limiting the development of these polymers is the high production cost and low efficiency of the microbial strains. Genetic recombination is an efficient technique to enhance the microbial yield and to expand the biopolymer market size. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study emphasizes fungi as an important tool against heavy metals and how isolated fungal species can be used to create a successful strategy for the bioremediation of chromium and arsenic-contaminated sites/soils. Globally, heavy metal pollution is a serious issue. In the current investigation, contaminated sites were chosen, and samples could be taken from various localities of Hisar (29.1492° N, 75.7217° E) and Panipat (29.3909° N, 76.9635° E), India. A total of 19 fungal isolates were obtained from the collected samples through the enrichment culture technique using PDA media supplemented with Cr as chromic chloride hexahydrate (50 mg/L) and As as sodium arsenate (10 mg/L) and the potential of fungal isolates to be used for the removal of heavy metals was examined. The isolates were screened for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) exhibiting tolerance capabilities, and the four best isolates C1, C3, A2, and A6 with the highest MICs (>5000 mg/L), were chosen for further investigations. To use the chosen isolates in the remediation of heavy metals (Cr and As), the culture conditions were optimized. The fungal isolates C1 and C3 estimated the highest removal of 58.60% and 57.00% at 50 mg/L chromium concentration, while the isolates A6 and A2 recorded the highest removal efficiency of 80% and 56% at 10 mg/L arsenic concentration under optimal conditions. Finally, the chosen fungal isolates C1 and A6 were molecularly identified as Aspergillus tamarii and Aspergillus ustus, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Friction stir welding is a dependable method of joining metals and other materials. Relatively joint configuration-specific welding process parameters have not yet been tuned. This work is concerned with the Taguchi orthogonal arrays to perform an analysis of variance. In this study, FSW joint configurations of AA6262-T6 Al alloy, such as butt, lap, and T joints, were studied for optimization. An orthogonal array of welds was selected using the Taguchi method. After the welds were constructed, the ultimate tensile strength of each joint was examined for statistical optimization. The lack of parameter optimization studies for butt, lap, and T joints prompted this research to fill the void. As a result, each joint arrangement must be optimised for mechanical properties and a set of parameters must be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the rise in solar electricity, photovoltaic research has increased. A precise model of the PV-based cell/unit is ideal for conceptually examining the capabilities of alternative control approaches. Extraction of precise values for relevant unknown elements of solar photovoltaic models is crucial for modeling PV systems. Optimization strategies for this topic have been increasingly important and dynamic in recent history due to their efficiency in dealing with extremely nonlinear multidimensional optimization challenges. The strategy avoids stalling by deleting the best solution; this keeps the engine diverse and increases global search capacity. Pattern searching, on either side, is a multiobjective approach that has a high convergence speed as well as good stability, which can increase the whale optimization algorithm's traditional optimization ability. As a result, combining these two mechanisms can considerably improve the whale optimization algorithm capacity to find the optimal answer. The modified whale optimization algorithm may also be used to evaluate parameters in single-diode models, double-diode models, and photovoltaic panels, as well as to find independent variables in two distinct methods of PV modules under various light temperature and pressure circumstances. The analytical results show that the modified whale optimization algorithm is both valid and practical for predicting solar cell and photovoltaic unit characteristics. The study goes into great depth on a new optimization approach for changing the parameter unit of solar PV cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used enterprise budgets, ordinary least squares regression, and data from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service to estimate potential changes in costs and returns from use of a partially onion thrips (Thrips tabaci L. Thysanoptera) resistant-cultivar and action-based spray thresholds in onion (Allium cepa L.) producing regions of Idaho and Eastern Oregon. Results suggested the need for management strategies that could reduce the number of insecticide applications used to protect the crop from damage by onion thrips and Iris yellow spot while ensuring a high yield of onions grade in the largest size categories. Analysis indicated an effective cultivar could increase profits $641.10 to $1,013.63 per hectare compared with current marketable yields and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris yellowspot (IYS) disease in onion (Allium cepa L.) is caused by onion thrips (Thrips tabaci L.) vectored Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV). The absence of cultivars that are resistant/tolerant to thrips and/or IYS is a challenge for onion bulb and seed production worldwide. To measure selection progress for reduced/delayed IYS symptom expression in onion breeding lines after two selection cycles, selections were performed in 2011 on previously evaluated lines that exhibited a reduced symptom expression after one selection cycle. Selected plants from each line were massed in a cage and the resulted progenies were evaluated in 2013 and 2014 along with their original populations and a susceptible check--'Rumba'. In some comparisons, the selection progress for delayed/reduced IYS symptom expression was observed for some breeding lines. Plants of most selected breeding lines exhibited less disease expression than plants of 'Rumba'. For some selections, a low disease severity was observed even with a relatively high number of thrips per plant. These results suggest that further improvement might be achievable with additional cycles of selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman)-vectored Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) causes the disease Iris yellow spot (IYS), which is a major threat to the sustainability of onion production worldwide. An increase in thrips resistance to various insecticides, high costs, and the limited efficacy of insecticides under hot and drier conditions found in various onion-growing regions restrict grower's options for effective control of thrips and spread of IYSV. Because cultivars resistant to thrips and IYS are lacking, this study was undertaken to measure selection progress for IYS resistance after one selection cycle. In 2009, selections were performed on previously evaluated New Mexico State University (NMSU) breeding lines that showed some reduced IYS disease symptoms, and the selected plants self-pollinated the following year. In 2011 and 2012, plants from the original and selected populations along with a susceptible check, 'Rumba', were evaluated under field conditions when onion thrips and IYSV were present. Plants were rated for IYS disease severity and the number of thrips per plant was recorded three times during the study in each year. First-generation material, NMSU 10-776, NMSU 10-782, NMSU 10-785, NMSU 10-807, and NMSU 10-813, had fewer thrips number per plant, lower disease severity, and disease incidence than their original breeding lines on at least one or two rating times in both years. Some first-generation breeding lines performed better with a lower thrips number and disease severity than their original population in 1 year or the other. Most entries exhibited fewer thrips, lower IYS disease severity, and less incidence than the susceptible check 'Rumba' at most rating times. Overall, some progress was observed in this first-generation material for reduced IYS disease symptom expression when compared with their original populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris yellow spot (IYS) disease, caused by Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), results in irregular and diamond-shaped, chlorotic, and necrotic lesions on the leaves and seedstalks of onions (Allium cepa L.). These lesions reduce leaf photosynthetic area and ultimately reduce onion bulb size and yield from larger bulb classes. IYSV is vectored by onion thrips (Thrips tabaci L.) that are difficult to control under certain environmental conditions. Currently, no onion cultivar is resistant to the disease symptoms, virus, and/or thrips. Twenty-one cultivars and 17 germplasm lines were evaluated in the field for IYS disease severity and thrips densities at multiple times during the season as well as leaf color, waxiness, and axil openness of these entries. Plants were grown under conditions that favored thrips populations (high temperatures, low moisture, and no insecticidal spray applications), IYSV presence and distribution, and IYS development. Plants of New Mexico State University (NMSU) 07-10-1 had fewer thrips than several entries later in the season in both 2009 and 2010. Several entries exhibited a lower number of thrips per plant early or later in the season; however, these results were not consistent across years and were not associated with a particular foliage characteristic. Lighter leaf color and/or a lesser amount of epicuticular wax did not always result in the fewest number of thrips per plant as has been reported in the literature. Plants of NMSU 09-58 tended to exhibit fewer and less severe IYS symptoms early in the season as compared with plants of other entries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimates of airborne fine particle (PM) concentrations are possible through rigorous empirical correlations based on the monitored PM data. However, such correlations change depending on the nature of sources in diverse ambient environments and, therefore, have to be environment specific. Studies presenting such correlations are limited but needed, especially for those areas, where PM is not routinely monitored. Moreover, there are a number of studies focusing on urban environments but very limited for coal mines and coastal areas. The aim of this study is to comprehensively analyze the concentrations of both PM and PM and develop empirical correlations between them. Data from 26 different sites spread over three distinct environments, which are a relatively clean coastal area, two coal mining areas, and a highly urbanized area in Delhi were used for the study. Distributions of PM in the 0.43-10-μm size range were measured using eight-stage cascade impactors. Regression analysis was used to estimate the percentage of PM in PM across distinct environments for source identification. Relatively low percentage of PM concentrations (21, 28, and 32%) in PM were found in clean coastal and two mining areas, respectively. Percentage of PM concentrations in PM in the highly urbanized area of Delhi was 51%, indicating a presence of a much higher percentage of fine particles due to vehicular combustion in Delhi. The findings of this work are important in estimating concentrations of much harmful fine particles from coarse particles across distinct environments. The results are also useful in source identification of particulates as differences in the percentage of PM concentrations in PM can be attributed to characteristics of sources in the diverse ambient environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanaged mosquito coil ash could be regarded as a possible source of metal and PAHs contamination in households but such risk is generally overlooked. To address this issue, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals were estimated in the bottom ash of a few popular mosquito coils marketed in India. The detected concentration range of individual PAHs in coil ash samples was 8 (benz(a) anthracene and acenapthylene) to 2925 ng g-1 ash (phenanthrene) while metal concentration ranged from 0.3 (As) to 28,366 µg g-1 ash (Fe). Metal concentration ranged from 0.1 (Cd) to 3193.0 (Fe) μg g-1 in the unburnt coils. There was substantial magnification in metal concentration in coil ash over coil. The study indicated that mosquito coil ash could be an important source of metal and PAH contamination in households and hence should be carefully managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative nausea and vomiting is one of the most common complication dispite of advances made in anaesthesia. The efficacy of granisetron with that of ondansetron as antiemetic is compared in 90 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. The patients were devided into three groups of 30 patients each. In group-G, patients received 40 mcg/kg granisetron intravenously 3 min before induction. Group-O patients received 80 mcg/kg ondansetron intravenously 3 min prior to induction while group-C patients received 3 ml of 0.9% normal saline as control. All the patients were selected for general anaethesia and observations in the Department of Surgery & Anaesthesia of Rama Medical College & Hospital Pilakhwa Hapur, were made for pulse rate, blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and side effects of the drugs under study upto 12 hours postoperatively.The frequency of nausea was 10%, 30% and 40% in group-G, group-O and group-C respectively.The statistical analysis shows that granisetron is better for prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in comparison to ondansetron and is highly significant in comparison to control group. As far as the side effects of the drugs are concerned, postoperative headache, dizziness, diplopia and shivering was significantly higher in ondansetron groups. Thus from the present study, it is concluded that intravenous granisetron 40 mcg/kg intravenously is superior to ondansetron 80 mcg/kg as a prophylactic antiemetic in laparoscopic surgeries in controlling PONV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with functional bowel disorders frequently complain of bloating and abdominal pain, but no practical method is available to measure intestinal gas objectively. To evaluate a new technique, we evaluated 54 abdominal radiographs from 19 patients. A gastroenterologist and a radiologist independently outlined the intestinal gas bubbles in these films. Areas of gas bubbles were measured with a computer digitizing board. Bowel gas was also measured in 24 healthy controls, and in five emergency room patients, supine and erect radiographs were compared to evaluate the effects of position on bowel gas patterns. The two evaluators agreed well on the measured areas of bowel gas (r = 0.96), showing that this is a reliable method. Bowel gas was significantly greater in patients than in controls but did not correlate with symptoms. Bowel gas was significantly greater in supine than upright films, showing that the position of the patient must be standardized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris yellow spot is an economically important disease of onion that reduces bulb size and yield and is difficult to control. The disease is spread by Thrips tabaci (onion thrips) and disease symptoms are exacerbated by hot, dry climatic conditions that also favor rapid thrips multiplication and make control programs less effective. Currently, no onion cultivar is resistant to the disease and/or thrips. Certain onion foliar characteristics have shown nonpreferential feeding activity by thrips and may be the first step in developing Iris yellow spot (IYS)-tolerant onion cultivars. Seventy-five onion PI accessions from the U.S. germplasm collection were evaluated for leaf color, waxiness (bloom), and axil pattern; thrips number per plant; and IYS disease severity under conditions that favored thrips and disease buildup. Plants of PI 289689 were less attractive to thrips and had a lower number of thrips per plant than plants of most other accessions. These plants were rated as having light green to green-colored foliage and a relatively low amount of epicuticular leaf wax. Plants of PIs 239633 and 546192 generally exhibited less severe IYS disease symptoms than those of other accessions. Individual plants, that exhibited less leaf area exhibiting IYS disease symptoms, were selected at bulb maturity from 22 different accessions with PI 546140 producing the largest number of selected bulbs. Physiological plant development, environmental conditions, and tolerance to plant stress may influence the degree of disease symptom expression. Further work that examines the role of plant maturity and host plant tolerance to stress with respect to disease expression is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The structural modification and properties of polymeric materials are of utmost importance in deciding their applications. In the present study, the synthesis of polyaniline (PANI) has been carried out via chemical oxidation in acidic medium by potassium-dichromate and the yield of synthesized polyaniline was found to be 75–80%. The copper per chlorate tetrabenzonitrile salt (CuClO4·4BN) used for chemical doping in synthesized polyaniline is stable in organic solvent like acetonitrile (AN) and benzonitrile (BN). The effect of Cu+1 oxidation state (dopant) in polyaniline has been characterized by FTIR. Electrical and dielectric measurements show the decrease in the intensity of the Cu+1 salt signal and the appearance of a radical signal due to the formation of oxidative coupled in polymeric species. Electrical and dielectric properties of doped polyaniline samples show significant changes due to the effect of dopant (CuClO4·4BN). It is observed that the conductivity is contributing both by formation of ionic complex and particularly dominated by electronic due to the mobility of charge carriers along the polyaniline chain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A 12 year old boy with gradually worsening global developmental delay was diagnosed and managed as quadriplegic cerebral palsy since child-hood. Subsequent evaluation revealed marked dystonia over spasticity leading to suspicion of Segawa syndrome. Dramatic improvement in clinical condition followed after therapy with low dose L-Dopa.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunologically complex allergic disorder caused by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Elevated levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE, and IgG antibodies in sera are important immunodiagnostic criteria for ABPA. International reference standards or standardized immunodiagnostic assays are not available due to a lack of well-defined diagnostic antigens. The present study was carried out to identify and evaluate the immunodiagnostic relevance of synthetic epitopic peptides of Asp f 1, a major allergen, antigen, or cytotoxin of A. fumigatus. Five overlapping peptides were synthesized from the N terminus of Asp f 1, one of the potential immunodominant regions predicted by algorithmic programs. The 11-amino-acid synthetic peptide (P1) significantly inhibited both IgG binding (89.10% +/- 4.45%) and IgE binding (77.32% +/- 3.38%) of the standardized diagnostic antigen (SDA) (a well-defined pool of diagnostically relevant allergens and antigens of A. fumigatus). With a panel of sera of ABPA patients, allergic patients with skin test negativity to A. fumigatus, and healthy individuals, P1 showed a higher diagnostic efficiency than SDA (specific IgG, 100%; specific IgE, 98.3%). The diagnostic efficiency of P1 could be attributed to the presence of homologous epitopes in various immunodominant allergens or antigens of A. fumigatus. The ability of P1 to induce histamine release from sensitized mast cells and a Th2 type of cytokine profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ABPA patients suggests its potential for use in intradermal testing. P1 could be further explored for development of a standardized, specific, and sensitive immunodiagnostic test for aspergillosis.