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This review discusses the potential of afforestation in mitigating climate change by capturing atmospheric Carbon dioxide (CO2) and storing it in biomass and soil. It elaborates on the distinction between biological and geological carbon sequestration, with a focus on afforestation a biological method where trees and vegetation absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. Wastelands, characterized by poor soil quality, low vegetation cover, and minimal economic value, are significant contributors to atmospheric CO2 due to the degradation of soil organic matter. The article highlights the global distribution of wastelands, with notable examples in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices are prevalent. Afforestation is presented as a viable strategy for reclaiming these degraded lands. Historical and contemporary examples, such as the Loess Plateau in China and the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, demonstrate the success of afforestation projects in sequestering carbon, restoring land productivity, and providing socio-economic benefits. The mechanisms of carbon sequestration in afforested wastelands are explained, including photosynthesis, soil organic carbon sequestration, and the role of mycorrhizal fungi. Factors influencing the effectiveness of carbon sequestration are also discussed, such as tree species selection, soil characteristics, climate conditions, and management practices. Challenges to afforestation include harsh environmental conditions, water scarcity, socio-economic issues, and potential ecological risks. The article suggests mitigation strategies like soil amendments, efficient water management, community engagement, and sustainable forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prevalence studies on major depression and dysthymia are plentiful at the community level in India. Hospital-based studies are few and none in Puducherry. This study aims to find the proportions of major depression and dysthymia and their association with socio-demographic characteristics among the patients attending the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 896 patients above 18 years were assessed between June 2019 to March 2020. A qualified psychiatrist diagnosed patients with depressive episodes and dysthymia according to the ICD-10 classification. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used for the severity assessment of depressive episodes. Socio-demographic data were collected from all the participants. The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to analyse differences in proportions. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations. A p-value

Antibacterial materials are preferable for water treatment a medical applications. In the present study, to improve the antimicrobial performance of flexible polyurethane (PU) foams, copper nanoparticles were in situ generated. The Cu nanoparticles were formed on the surface of polyurethane cell walls with sizes of 100–130 nm, and exhibited high affinity with the PU matrix. Although the cell structure of the nanocomposite PU foams was not greatly influenced, the open cell content decreased slightly from 97.42 to 96.64%. The bound metal nanoparticles on the cell walls could strengthen the cell skeleton improved the mechanical strength of the resulting foams. The mechanical parameters were dramatically improved, such as tensile and compressive strength of the nanocomposite PUs were improved from 78.1 to 94.2 kPa and from 3.80 to 5.63 kPa, respectively. Besides, these nanocomposite foams showed great antibacterial activity that can be considered for antibacterial applications in water treatment and medical fields.