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Extremely high particle stiffness and very low hardness is a serious concern in various mechanical processes in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Here we report an exceptionally high Young’s modulus (E) of ∼ 18 GPa in a drug, isoniazid (INH). This is one of the highest experimentally determined values among all reported pharmaceutical molecular crystals, which we attribute to the presence of a strong three-dimensional (3D) hydrogen bonding network (HBN). Further, we successfully reduced the 3D HBN in INH to 2D in its cocrystal using a co-former, 3,4-dimethylbenzoic acid (DMBA), where its two hydrophobic groups act like protecting groups at supramolecular level and prevent the extension of HBN. This reduced the Ein the 1:1 cocrystal, INH-DMBA, by many folds and markedly improved its powder tabletability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reliable molecular level approach to alter the stiffness of pharmaceutical crystals and tabletability improvement in a predictable manner, hence, is important in the context of crystal engineering.

Trees outside forests are vital for sustainable resource management and play a crucial role in the sequestration of carbon. This study attempted to estimate the above ground biomass (AGB) of trees outside forests utilizing the datasets of ALOS PALSAR-2 (L-band) and Sentinel-1 (C-band), with a focus on a semi-arid region in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Here, we employed random forest (RF) algorithm integrating AGB observed over a large-scale ecological plot and remote sensing technology for generating 3 models (Model-1 (M1), Model-2 (M2), and Model-3 (M3)). Backscattering coefficients (VV and VH) and H-α dual pol decomposition parameter, anisotropy (A) from Sentinel-1 were applied for M1, and the backscattering coefficients (HV and HH) and the band ratio (HV/HH) from ALOS PALSAR-2 data were utilized in M2. M3 is the ensemble of parameters from both sensors. Validating the three models found that the R2values fall between 0.44 and 0.64, the RMSE between 1.89 t/ha and 2.49 t/ha, and the MAE between 1.56 t/ha and 1.99 t/ha. The results of the study suggest that both Sentinel-1 and ALOS PALSAR-2 data can be employed for AGB estimation in semi-arid regions incorporating machine learning algorithms like RF. The results of the study are crucial for sustainable land management and reducing uncertainty using data from large-area ecological plot and multi-frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR).

AbstractThe continual development of construction products is linked to the actors’ long-term persistent viability, capacity, and reputation involved in the construction process. If these businesses fail, the skills and expertise available to the construction industry today will be lost to future generations. One of the actors is Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which play a crucial role in developing countries’ economies. Keeping this in view, this research aimed to identify the weakness and suggest the mechanisms for the effectiveness of the construction companies development programme in the Southern Regional State under the Universal Rural Road Access Program (URRAP). Besides the URRAP program design document analysis, a desktop study on contractor development programmes of six African countries’ practices was conducted for comparison. The program’s design document lacked: specific detailed objectives on methodology and a detailed time-frame to achieve construction company development, business and management-related training, holistic development addressing all of the essential issues, and supporting financial institutions for access to credit and financing. For developing URRAP construction enterprises, there is a felt need to create a conducive business environment, and improve access to work opportunities, training and advisory services, and programme structure, such as support initiatives, should be planned and implemented.

Begomoviruses, member of the Geminiviridaefamily, are responsible for significant economic losses in crops worldwide. Chilli leaf curl India virus (ChiLCINV) is a well-known begomovirus that causes leaf curl disease, primarily affecting plants in the Solanaceaefamily. In this study, sample from a Jamaica cherry (Muntingia calabura) tree showing typical begomovirus symptoms of mosaic and leaf curling was collected from Nagavara village in the Bengaluru Rural district of Karnataka State, India. The collected sample was designated as the MUT-1 isolate. The association of the begomovirus (DNA-A) and betasatellites with the sample was confirmed by PCR using begomovirus-specific primers, resulting in the expected amplicons of approximately 1.2 kb and 1.3 kb, respectively. No amplification was obtained for DNA-B and alphasatellite specific primers. The complete genome sequence of DNA-A of begomovirus isolate MUT-1 was obtained through rolling circle amplification and compared with other begomoviruses using Sequence Demarcation Tool which revealed that, DNA-A of MUT-1 isolate, (Acc.No. PP475538) showed maximum nucleotide (nt) identity of 98.7–99.4% with chilli leaf curl India virus. Further, sequence of betasattelite (Acc.No. PP493212) of this isolate shared maximum nt identity of 86.5–100% with tomato leaf curl Bangladesh betasatellite (ToLCBDB). Recombination and GC plot analysis showed that the presence of two and three intraspecific recombination event in DNA-A and betasatellite genomic regions, respectively and are derived from the previously reported begomoviruses. This study presents one more evidence of expanding host range for begomoviruses and first record of begomovirus associated with mosaic and leaf curl disease of Jamaica cherry (M. calabura) from India.

Assessing the spatial distribution and composition of vegetation is key to biodiversity assessment and conservation efforts. This study examines the changes in Keoladeo National Park (KNP) over the last five decades due to the invasion of Prosopis juliflora. Prosopisdeliberately planted in the KNP during the 1960s and 1970s has spread at an alarming rate and significantly affected native terrestrial and wetland species. Emerging hot spot analysis, an advanced space–time pattern mining technique was used to analyze the spatio-temporal trends of invasion by Prosopis juliflora.The annual rate of spread was estimated to be 3.31% over the last five decades (1972–2024). A slight decrease in the distribution of P. juliflorafrom 2021 indicates that management's continued efforts are having a positive effect. Grasslands decreased by 51%, while P. julifloraincreased by 82%, indicating a long-term trend of invasive species encroachment. This study identified different categories of spatiotemporal trends in invasion hotspots. Oscillating hot spots with fluctuating levels of P. julifloracoverage contributed the most (82.73%), followed by persistent hot spots (6.55%) and new hot spots (4.83%). The dominance of oscillating hotspots suggests that reactive management strategies in KNP may be effective in mitigating the spread of P. juliflora.The current work highlights the application of multi-temporal remote sensing data and geospatial techniques to monitor the spread of invasive species and to identify sites where more effective management is needed.

In semiarid regions, water being the main constraint, the rainfall intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves play a significant role in water resources engineering and management. The IDF curves are used to assess the heavy rainfall events, climatic regimes classification, to derive design storms, etc. The objective of the present study is to develop IDF curves for the Ananthapuramu district in semiarid region of southern India. Annual peak rainfall data of 56 years (1966–2021) at Agricultural Research Station, Ananthapuramu, were analyzed for extraction of peak rain-storm intensity value, their corresponding durations and the frequency using Gumbel distribution method. The short-duration rainfall intensity was estimated using empirical reduction method described by the India Meteorological Department. The parameters of the IDF equation and correlation coefficient for different periods were calculated (2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years). The results of the data analysis indicated that rainfall intensity decreased with increase in rainfall duration. Further, a rainfall of any given duration will have larger intensity if its return period is large. The most frequent rainfall durations in the study area are 15, 30, and 45 min, and they were found to account for 22.4%, 28.2%, and 32.4%, respectively, of the total daily rainfall, whereas the percentage of the daily rainfall during 1-, 2-, and 3-h storm events was 34.9%, 44.5%, and 50.9%, respectively. By using these relations, short-duration rainfall can be quickly estimated, saving time, money, and other resources. The IDF curves can be recommended for the prediction of rainfall intensity and frequency of return period for Ananthapuramu district in semiarid region of Andhra Pradesh.

There are major gaps remaining in understanding of species distribution and how relationships between biodiversity, environment and scales change over space and time. This review explores the significance, challenges, future directions, and the potential contribution of Earth Observations based Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) to enhance our understanding of biodiversity. Integrating EBVs with Remote Sensing of Earth Observations (RS-EO) is found to be an effective approach to quantify and monitor changes in biodiversity over space and time. Species serves as the fundamental taxonomic units of biodiversity and are the focal points of conservation policies. Prioritizing the utilization of species-level metrics and their seamless integration into the EBV framework is crucial. The current study has contributed 11 potential EBVs to the existing knowledge base. Integrating multiple data sources and methodologies is essential for overcoming the constraints and obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of biodiversity patterns. This synergy offers a holistic approach for monitoring, assessing, and managing biodiversity, to contribute significantly to global conservation efforts and sustainable development goals.

Mechanically responsive organic crystals with thermo-mechano-fluorochromic behavior are relatively scarce. A polymorphic J and H aggregate system with such mechanosalient properties has potential importance for the understanding of structure-mechanochromic luminescence. Herein, we not only carefully investigated the nanomechanical properties of a polymorphic organic fluorophore of (biphenyl-4-ylmethylidene) propanedinitrile but also demonstrated their exceptional thermo-mechanochromic luminescence. Both the polymorphs were characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction, solid-state UV, SSFL, nanoindentation, Hirshfeld surfaces, energy frameworks, powder X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry thermograms. Relatively weak π–π stacking interactions present in the crystal structures govern the hypsochromic shift on mechanical grinding. Density functional theory calculations provide tremendous support to shed light on the origin of the distinct photophysical properties of the two polymorphs.

Background: Endometriosis is a benign gynaecological condition causing chronic pelvic pain, impaired fertility and dysmenorrhoea. It is difficult to describe the lesion distribution due to the complexity of the disease, inconsistent pattern and sometimes even absent progression. Aim: To describe clinical characteristics and locations of lesions in women with endometriosis using #ENZIAN classification. Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of 154 patients with endometriosis who underwent laparoscopic or robotic endometriosis excision between April 2021 and September 2022 by a single surgeon in a multidisciplinary endometriosis centre. Clinical criteria such as age, demographics, menstrual history, previous endometriosis surgeries, size and location of endometriomas, along with clinical symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, infertility, dyspareunia, urinary frequency and rectal pain were documented. The #ENZIAN [2021] classification was used to assess the distribution of disease. Results: Mean age of the patients was 32.25 ± 6.107 years, and mean BMI was 23.9 ± 3.36 kg/m2. 47.2% had taken medical treatment for a period of 5.9 ± 11.7 months. Regarding parity, 75.4% were nulliparous, and 40.8% patients had infertility as co-existing complaint. According to #ENZIAN, the left ovarian involvement was observed in 67.4% and bilateral involvement noted in 46.1%. A (rectovaginal vagina and septum) was involved in 61% cases, B (uterosacral ligaments and pelvic wall) 63.58% on left and 60.33% on right and C(rectum and sigmoid colon) 33.1% cases. Conclusion: #ENZIAN provides a comprehensive and reproducible form of lesion distribution, extent of disease and surgical complexity. It can be a unique language of communication amongst radiologists, clinicians and surgeons.

The hollyhock plants exhibiting typical symptoms produced by begomovirus were collected and subjected to PCR analysis using specific primers to amplify viral DNA. PCR amplification and whole genome sequencing indicated the involvement of a DNA virus in hollyhock infection. The full-length genome of the virus infecting hollyhock has shown maximum nucleotide (nt) identity of 91% with Tomato leaf curl virus(ToLCV) (KP178730 and AY754812) infecting tomato in India. As per the presently applicable classification for DNA viruses (91% nt identity), the virus infecting hollyhock is a strain of ToLCV. The betasatellite associated with hollyhock leaf curl disease showed maximum nt identity of 88.4–88.9% with Cotton leaf curl Bangalore betasatellite(CLCuBaB) infecting cotton and okra in south India. Further recombination analysis showed that the genome fragments of the virus infecting hollyhock has been derived from already prevailing begomoviruses infecting diverse crops resulting in the evolution of recombinant virus. This is the first report of ToLCV infection in Hollyhock.

Most of the existing motor imagery (MI)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) systems operate in synchronous to the system-generated time slots. But in real-world applications, users want to control the interface asynchronously at their own convenience. The main challenge in such asynchronous BCIs lies in the detection of relax period. In this study, sparse representation-based classification (SRC) scheme is proposed for asynchronous BCI systems. The dictionary needed for the SRC scheme is learned from the extracted EEG features using the K-SVD algorithm. The proposed framework is evaluated on two benchmark datasets from BCI competitions III and IV. The results showed the SRC's detection ability to relax states and to MI states, which is better than the detection ability of the well-known linear discriminant analysis classification method. The betterment of the proposed scheme is also shown in terms of accuracy while classifying the left-hand MI, right-hand MI, and the relaxed state.

This article presents the electrothermal runaway characteristics of an extruded high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable in the presence of eccentricity, i.e., a misalignment in the axes of cable conductor and insulation, which is practically unavoidable in extruded cables. In particular, eccentricity in dc case assumes importance due to nonlinear, temperature (or load current)-dependent field dynamics as compared to alternating current (ac) case. The effect of eccentricity on electrothermal breakdown has not received adequate attention till now. In this work, the authors simulate the runaway in an HVDC cable and investigate the impact of eccentricity under different scenarios, such as short-time and long-time instability, using a comprehensive finite element method (FEM) model. The results show a drastic shift in phenomenon from traditional global thermal breakdown to local thermal breakdown due to eccentricity in power cables. The results are validated with analytical computations.

Coefficient of elastic uniform compression (Cu) of soil, used in the determination of soil spring stiffness for design of foundations of industrial structures and structures subjected to dynamic loads, is generally determined from cyclic plate load tests. The values of Cudetermined with respect to test plate size are corrected for actual foundation size based on Barkan’s equation. However, no established shape factor is available from the literature for arriving at the value of Cuof circular footing from Cudetermined from plate load test results on square test plates. Hence, in the present work, the effect of shape of loading plate on Cuis studied in cohesionless and cohesive soils through small-scale cyclic load tests conducted in the laboratory using square and circular loading plates of same size. The results of study revealed that the value of coefficient of elastic uniform compression (Cu) of square test plate is about 0.85 and 1.2 times of Cuof circular plate in fine sand and cohesive soils, respectively.

Leaf samples of chrysanthemum plants showing typical begomovirus symptoms of mosaic, mottling and downward leaf curl were collected from famer’s field in Karnataka state of India. The begomovirus infection was confirmed by PCR using specific primers in twenty two infected chrysanthemum samples and no amplification was observed in twenty two healthy chrysanthemum samples. The partial begomovirus genome (1.2 kb) sequencing indicates, twenty two infected chrysanthemum samples are infected with begomovirus (tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus, ToLCNDV). Therefore one representative sample was selected for complete genome amplification using RCA method. The complete genome amplified was cloned and sequenced. The Species Demarcation Tool (SDT) analysis of full genome of ToLCNDV showed maximum nucleotide (nt) identity of 89.2–97.6% (DNA A) and 87.7–96.3% (DNA B) percent with ToLCNDV infecting cucurbits. Based begomoviruses species demarcation criteria (91% nucleotide sequence identity), the virus infecting chrysanthemum is considered as a strain of ToLCNDV. The betasatellite amplified from the begomovirus infected chrysanthemum showed maximum nt identity of 89% with Tomato leaf curl Bangladesh betasatellite (ToLCBDB) infecting papaya in India. Further, break point recombination analysis showed that genome and betasatellite of ToLCNDV infecting chrysanthemum is recombinant with already know begomoviruses. The whitefly cryptic species predominantly present in the begomovirus infected chrysanthemum fields was identified as Asia-II-5 group. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Western Ghats are considered as one of the global biodiversity hotspots. There is an information gap on conservation status of the biodiversity hotspots. This study has quantified estimates of deforestation in the Western Ghats over a period of past nine decades. The classified forest cover maps for 1920, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2013 indicates 95,446 (73.1%), 63,123 (48.4%), 62,286 (47.7%), 61,551 (47.2%), 61,511 (47.1%) and 61,511 km2(47.1%) of the forest area, respectively. The rates of deforestation have been analyzed in different time phases, i.e., 1920–1975, 1975–1985, 1985–1995, 1995–2005 and 2005–2013. The grid cells of 1 km2have been generated for time series analysis and describing spatial changes in forests. The net rate of deforestation was found to be 0.75 during 1920–1975, 0.13 during 1975–1985, 0.12 during 1985–1995 and 0.01 during 1995–2005. Overall forest loss in Western Ghats was estimated as 33,579 km2(35.3% of the total forest) from 1920’s to 2013. Land use change analysis indicates highest transformation of forest to plantations, followed by agriculture and degradation to scrub. The dominant forest type is tropical semi-evergreen which comprises 21,678 km2(35.2%) of the total forest area of Western Ghats, followed by wet evergreen forest (30.6%), moist deciduous forest (24.8%) and dry deciduous forest (8.1%) in 2013. Even though it has the highest population density among the hotspots, there is no quantifiable net rate of deforestation from 2005 to 2013 which indicates increased measures of conservation.

Zinnia (ZinniaelegansL.) is one of the important ornamental crops grown in gardens and is affected by number of diseases. Of these, leaf curl disease caused by begomovirus is one of the major limiting factors for its cultivation in the country. Survey data revealed that the incidence of zinnia leaf curl disease (ZiLCD) ranged from 4.44 to 68.96% in different horticultural nurseries and gardens located in Bengaluru and Kodagu districts of Karnataka State of India. Samples of naturally infected zinnia plants exhibiting symptoms of vein thickening, curling and reduction in leaf size, typical of begomovirus infection were collected from Bengaluru and Kodagu and designated as ZN-BLR and ZN-KOD, respectively. The virus was transmitted to healthy zinnia by whitefly, Bemisiatabaci(Asian-I group). The presence of begomovirus in zinnia samples was confirmed through polymerase chain reaction assay using begomovirus specific primers. Complete DNA A nucleotide sequence of virus isolates was amplified by rolling cycle amplification. Nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that two isolates (ZNKOD, ZN-BLR) associated with zinnia belong to the tomato leaf curl Karnataka virus (ToLCKV). Further, DNA betasatellites (ZNβ-KOD and ZNβ-BLR) and alphasatellites associated with the virus were cloned and sequenced. The betasatellites shared the maximum nt identity (95.4 and 97.1%) with papaya leaf curl betasatellite (PaLCuB) and tomato leaf curl Bangladesh betasatellite (ToLCBDB) and alphasatellites shared maximum nt identity with ageratum enation alphasatellite (AEA) and parthenium leaf curl alphasatellite (ParLCuA) molecules. The recombination breakpoint analysis showed that the begomovirus and DNA satellites are recombinants. This is the first report of ZiLCD associated with ToLCKV along with alpha and betasatellites from India.

In this issue of the magazine, we (Francesca Vipiana and CJ Reddy) “sat down” (virtually) with Prof. Konstantina (Nantia) S. Nikita, M.Eng., M.D., Ph.D., who is currently serving as the editor in chief of IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation. Prof. Nikita gave the keynote talk at the Women in Engineering and Radio Science Reception during the IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and USNC-URSI Radio Science Meeting, from 23 to 28 July 2023, in Portland, OR, USA, on the topic of building divergent career paths based on convergence principles. Our interview is based on her talk at the event so her inspiring story can reach a wider audience.

Young Professionals (YPs) of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S) are excited to announce that the AP-S won the prestigious 2023 IEEE Young Professionals Hall of Fame award from IEEE YPs. This award is meant to recognize active and inspiring YPs affinity groups and Society groups worldwide, based on their activities [1]. As the winner of the award, the AP-S received a plaque (Figure 1) and US${\$}$500 cash prize designated for future activities. AP-S YPs were recognized for this achievement at the IEEE Student Activities Committee (SAC)/YPs/Women in Engineering (WIE) Joint Meeting on 15–17 March 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal, in the presence of Saifur Rahman, 2023 IEEE president and chief executive officer; Fred Schindler, IEEE vice president of technical activities; Antonio Luque, chair-elect/vice president-elect, IEEE Member and Geographic Activities Board; and Hasala Dharmawardena, chair, IEEE YPs (Figure 2).

Beet root plant exhibiting different kinds of symptoms were collected from two locations of Karnataka State (India). The presence of causal agent in the infected samples was assayed by PCR using begomovirus specific primers. The partial genome amplification from the ten infected beet root samples was cloned and sequenced. The Sequence Demarcation Tool (SDT) analysis revealed that infected beet root samples were closely related (> 95% nucleotide identity) to tomato leaf curl Kerala virus (ToLCKeV) reported from Pakistan. A comparison of complete genomes (DNA-A) of the five representatives ((BR1, BR2, BR3, BR4 and BR5) isolates infecting beet root revealed that more than 97% nt identity with ToLCKeV. Further full-length genome sequence of DNA satellite shared highest nucleotide (nt) identity of 98.5% with papaya leaf curl betasatellite (PaLCuB). This is the first record of ToLCKeV and PaLCuB associated with yellow vein mosaic disease of beet root plant from India.

The marine red alga Phycocalidia vietnamensiswith healthy thalli (HT) at a mature stage, moderately bleached thalli (MBT) at 5 weeks post-maturity, and fully bleached thalli (FBT) at 7 weeks post-maturity were collected from wild stocks. All samples were analyzed for biochemical such as pigments (R-phycoerythrin (R-PE), R-phycocyanin (R-PC), and chlorophyll-a), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidants (FRAP, DPPH), moisture, lipid, protein, and carbohydrate contents. Sulfated polysaccharides and cellulose were also extracted from all the samples. Results indicated a significant reduction in all the components studied except for moisture and carbohydrates in post-maturation MBT and FBT samples over the HT. The carbohydrate was found unaffected and got densified due to the loss of other components in the thallus. Polysaccharides and cellulose contents in FBT and MBT were significantly higher than in HT. The findings suggests that the biomass harvested from wild stock after 5 weeks from maturity (MBT) could be utilized for diet purposes, while the biomass harvested after 7 weeks from maturity (FBT) could be used for the extraction of sulfated polysaccharide and cellulose for various commercial applications. Thus, the harvesting of P. vietnamensisfrom natural stock in post-maturation stages could provide biomass for edible and commercial applications without negatively impacting the species diversity and population structure.

Provides society information that may include news, reviews or technical notes that should be of interest to practitioners and researchers.

The study explicates the manifestation of edible seaweed diversity encountered across the underexplored frontier of the Gulf of Kachchh (GoK). Nine seaweeds were examined for their nutritive and antioxidant assets aiming to enhance overall health and fiscal valorization of this region. The total carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, Na/K, ash content, C/N balance, macro- and microminerals were studied. The Na/K ratio ranged from (0.13–9.32), offering the choice of inclusion of specific seaweed/s in diet as required. The C/N ratio was quite balanced. The total phenol and flavonoid content ranged from 12.45 to 28.58 mg PGE g−1dry weight and 20.76–36.45 mg Quercetin g−1dry weight, respectively, at highest extract concentration. The antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts of seaweeds was determined using five different assays and concentrations (1250–2500 µg/ml) each. The reducing capacity of the seaweeds was (2.76–6.28) mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g seaweed dry weight. The nitric oxide radical scavenging activity was (57.38–87.39%). The ABTS scavenging (51.69–82.39%), the hydroxyl radical scavenging (55.08–76.36%) and the total antioxidant activity (40.1–71.25%) were also studied. These antioxidant activity studies highlighted the significance of including antioxidant rich seaweeds in diet. The principal component analysis showed a correlation between TPC, TFC and antioxidant assays indicating the role and contribution of polyphenols in the antioxidant properties of seaweeds. Overall, all nine species of the Kachchh coast showed promising abilities for being considered as inclusions and dietary supplements along with the area being suitable for seaweed-based studies and cultivation.

Provides society information that may include news, reviews or technical notes that should be of interest to practitioners and researchers.

Understanding space charge phenomenon in polyethylene under long-term thermal stress is essential and is of huge practical importance. In this article, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheet samples are thermally aged for up to 256 days, and space charge dynamics are investigated at low and high electric fields experimentally. For highly aged samples, the space charge is measured in the vicinity of breakdown. A clear difference in trend of packet-like charge movement is observed in the highly aged samples when compared to packet charge of fresh samples reported until now. Interesting insights on the injection and movement of charges through the bulk, mean accumulated charge density, field enhancement factor (FEF), and the shift of space charge regimes with aging are presented, which were apparently not given adequate attention in the literature so far. The results are believed to be useful for high-voltage direct current (HVdc) insulation designers and utilities.

The hydrate dimorphs of the antiviral drug EIDD-1931 (EIDD) exist as tautomers possessing different conformations, synthon preferences, thermal decomposition profiles, and mechanical properties. This coexistence of manifold contrasting structural features is unusual and makes the hydrate dimorphs of EIDD-1931 exceptional. As analogs of uridine and cytidine, the tautomers corresponding to the crystal forms (Form I and Form II) of EIDD help effectively block viral RNA replication. With regard to the analogous nucleosides, the computed MESP of EIDD exhibits extensive alterations and disproportionate distribution of maxima and minima sites, contributing to its hydration characteristics. The water of crystallization and its efflorescence have a direct impact on the thermal decomposition profiles as well as the nanomechanical response of the crystal forms because of their distinct roles in the stabilization of the structure─as a two-donor, two-acceptor interaction center occupying isolated sites in Form I as opposed to a one-donor, one-acceptor moiety confined to a void-filling role in Form II. From a broader perspective, the nanomechanical responses correlated to the interaction characteristics, and dehydration events are remarkable in deriving a molecular basis of the properties in pharmaceutics wherein a major share of the pharmaceuticals exists as hydrates.

The numerous plants of Solanum nigrumL, and Physalis minimaL, well-known weeds with medicinal properties in agriculture and horticulture crops exhibiting severe mosaic, enation and leaf curl symptoms, were collected from the Varanasi and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. The begomovirus infection in S. nigrumand P. minimawas validated by PCR using virus-specific primers. The whole genome of the represented isolate of S. nigrum (SN1), P. minima(PM1), and beta satellite was amplified, cloned and sequenced. The SDT analysis showed that the DNA-A of PM1 and SN1 isolate showed the highest nt identity of 87.4 to 99.1%, with several chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCuV) isolates from India and Oman, respectively. The betasatellite sequence (PM1β) obtained from the PM1 isolate showed a very low identity of 83.1–84.5%. A demarcation threshold of 91% for betasatellite species delineation has led to identifying a new betasatellite in the PM1 sample. This unique betasatellite has been named "physalis minima leaf curl betasatellite," indicating its novelty with the plant. Whereas, betasatellite sequence (SN1β) obtained from the SN1 sample showed 86.8–91.2% nucleotide identity with ChiLCB isolates infecting several crops in Indian subcontinents. The RDP analysis of the viral genome and betasatellite of SN1 and PM1 isolates revealed recombination in substantial portions of their genetic makeup, which appeared to have originated from pre-existing begomoviruses known to infect diverse host species. The present research also highlights the potential role of these plants as significant reservoir hosts for ChiLCuV in chili plants.

In sustainable energy applications, boost converters are preferred owing to the low voltage profile of sustainable energy sources. Because of their light weight, high reliability, and small size, boost converters play a vital role in biomedical portable devices. In this paper, boost converter performance is examined using nonidealities of semiconductor devices. The impact of such nonidealities on the different parameters is investigated. To compensate for the damage incurred by nonidealities, expressions for output voltage and duty cycle are derived. The expression for voltage gain has been modified as a side effect of these nonidealities. The design equation for the inductor is modified based on these nonidealities. Further, nonidealities based expressions for the average value and ripple of current flowing through the inductor have also been established. Ultimately, these theoretical findings are validated with the results of simulation in MATLAB and hardware setup. In the hardware, the desired output voltage of 24 V is obtained from a 12 V input source by enhancing the duty cycle from 0.5 to 0.5174.

As an IEEE Power Electronics Society (PELS) Distinguished Lecturer (DL), last December, John Deere Technical Fellow Dr. Brij N. Singh, also an IEEE Fellow, was on a lecture tour of India, invited by joint IEEE Power & Energy Society/Industry Applications Society/Power Electronics Society (PES/IAS/PELS) Chapters at Bombay, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Delhi sections, India.

Netted Custard apple tree (Annona reticulataL.) showing typical phytoplasma symptoms of witches’-broom disease were collected from Patoli village in Dandeli Taluka of Karnataka, India. DNA extracted from samples was processed through PCR assay using 16S rRNA and Ribosomal protein (rp) specific primer pair. Analyzed sequences of both 16Sr RNA and rpgene shared highest nt identity (> 98%) phytoplasmas strains under ‘CandidatusPhytoplasma asteris’ (16SrI) group. RFLP patterns of isolates showed similarity coefficient 1 to the reference pattern of 16SrI-B subgroup.

Since, data is generated every minute by everyone including consumers and/or business worldwide, there is an enormous worth for big data analytics. Big data analytics is a technique for extracting important information from large amounts of a data. Visualization is the best medium to analyze and share information. Visual images help to transmit bid data to the human brain within a few seconds. Visual interpretations help in visualizing data from different angles. Visualization helps to outline problems and understand current trends. Augmented reality enables the user to experience the real world, which is digitally augmented in a way. The main objective of this research work is to find the solution to visualize the analyzed data and show it to the users in a 3D view and to improve the angle of visualization with the help of augmented reality techniques.

Bitter gourd plants exhibiting various kinds of symptoms were collected in famer’s fields in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh states of India. The casual agent associated with symptomatic bitter gourd plants (One sample) was artificially inoculated through whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) to the healthy bitter gourd plants. Further host range studies indicate that it will infects few plant species in the Cucurbitaceae family.The status of the virus associated with bitter gourd plants was assesses by subjecting the total DNA of 80 symptomatic samples to PCR using begomovirus specific primers. The resulted PCR amplicon of 1.2 kb partial viral genome sequencing and analysis indicates that 80 symptomatic bitter gourd samples are infected by begomovirus, which is closely related to tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). The representative bitter gourd samples were selected to amplify the complete viral genome of eight isolates using RCA method. The pair wise nucleotide sequence analysis of DNA-A (nucleotide identity of 92.8–97.6%) and DNA-B (nucleotide identity of 82.9–95.1%) of eight bitter gourd isolates showed more homology with ToLCNDV affecting cucurbits, lentil, chilli, tomato, bitter gourd and pumpkin. The recombination break point analysis of the complete genome of eight bitter gourd isolates indicates these isolates are exchange the DNA fragments in both the components with already prevailing begomoviruses. The cryptic species of the whiteflies identified as Asia-I and Asia-II-5 group, which were collected from infected bitter gourd fields. The significance of these research findings is discussed.

Species distribution models provide habitat mapping tools and produce scalable information to inform policy decisions. Integrating spatial statistical modelling with bioclimatic information identifies the contribution of the most critical variable in species occurrence and distribution. In the present study a suitable bioclimatic model, MaxEnt modelling algorithm is used for Dipterocarpus indicus, an endemic and endangered species by incorporating field inventory data.This model predicted a high probability of potential distribution area in the forests of Uttara Kannada, Chikmagalur, Shivamogga and Kannur. The highly suitable hábitats are distributed in protected áreas, namely Kudremukh, Mookambika, Pushpagiri, Sharavathi Valley, Shettihalli, Someshwara, Parambikulam, Peechi-Vazhani, Shendurney, Thattekadu Bird, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai), Kalakad, Mundanthurai and Kanyakumari. The Area Under Curve value for the potential distribution of species is observed at 0.894 for training data. The highest fractional predicted area was in the low elevation tropical wet evergreen forest region between 50 and 700 m. The contributions of the climatic variables in the model showed that precipitation in the coldest quarter was the most influential, followed by annual mean temperature and annual precipitation. This study aids in long-term conservation planning, monitoring, and managing potential habitats of endemic and endangered tree species.