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In this study, a novel cobalt-doped cerium oxide (CeO2)on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) substrate was successfully prepared through a hydrothermal method. The comprehensive characterization of the synthesized nanocomposite involved X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), Raman spectrum analysis, High Resolution Transmission Electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Field Emission Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). The effective surface area of CeO2/rGO and Co-CeO2/rGO was determined using the Randles-Sevecik equation, revealing values of 4.02X10-5 cm2 and 6.35X10-5 cm 2, respectively. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) was employed to investigate the electrochemical reversibility behavior, demonstrating promising results for Co-CeO2/rGO nanocomposite. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) further highlighted low charge transfer resistance (Rct) and enhanced double-layer capacitance (Cdl). Notably, the synthesized nanocomposite exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for methanol and formic acid oxidation in an acidic medium. Overall, this work provides valuable insights into the synthesis characterization, and electrochemical performance of Co-CeO2/rGO nanocomposite, showcasing their potential applications in energy-related processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic variability in selected 21 black pepper accessions was analyzed based on desirable drought-tolerant and susceptible characteristics using principal component and cluster analyses. The experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Experimental farm, Peruvannamuzhi, Kozhikode using a randomized block design with four replications. Morphological, physiological and yield contributing traits were studied. The traits examined showed a comprehensive range of variability. The principal component and UPGMA clustering analyses were employed to assess the proportional contribution of various traits and grouped the genotypes, respectively. The first principal component was responsible for the highest variation (30.87%) in the yield-related characteristics, which were positively correlated with each other and correlated negatively with the morphological characteristics and stomatal frequency. Separate clusters were formed for the genotypes that displayed drought-tolerant characteristics (cluster 2 and 3) and those that showed susceptible characteristics (cluster 1). The results indicated that the analysed black pepper genotypes have significant genetic variability among them which may be helpful for identification of genotypes with desirable drought tolerant characteristics. Accessions 7211 (cluster 2), 1495, 1343 and 4132 (cluster 3) showed characteristics that make them potentially drought tolerant while the accessions 5717 and 4064 (cluster 1) showed drought susceptible traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistical tools such as analysis of variance, correlation, path coefficient analysis, Scott-Knott test and principal component analysis were used in the present study to characterize black pepper verities/hybrids for spike and berry traits. ANOVA indicated that fifteen traits under study were statistically significant. Traits like fresh pericarp weight and dry pericarp weight showed high positive correlation (>0.95) with spike weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed that berry weight and seed size are contributing directly to spike weight. Scott-Knott test identified Panniyur-1 and Nedumchola as the most contrasting genotypes for most number of traits studied. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), first three principal components had an eigen value above unity and explained 88 per cent of cumulative variation. Principal component PC-1 accounted for maximum variation of about 42.4 percent which discriminated the genotypes based on fresh berry weight, dry seed weight and fresh pericarp weight. These traits serve as the selection criteria for improvement of yield in black pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pedigree method of breeding in predominantly self-pollinated crop like dolichos bean enable exploiting only fixable genetic effects as a result of rapid increase in homozygosis. One or a few cycles of inter-mating in F2 generation help create populations with high frequency of desired recombinants which otherwise cannot be realized in later generations. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the impact of inter se mating in F2 population on nine quantitative traits’ (QTs) mean and variability parameters.Methods: Randomly selected 20 pairs of a single cross-derived F2 plants with flowering synchrony were inter se mated. Progenies derived from 20 paired crosses (designated as BIP F3 progenies) and those (F3) derived from their 40 F2 parents were evaluated for 9 QTs. Statistics such as mean, absolute range (AR) and standardized range (SR), variance (σ2), additive genetic variance (σ²A) and narrow-sense heritability (NS-h²) were estimated. BIP F3 progenies were compared with those of F3 progenies for QTs mean, AR/SR, σ², σ²A and NS-h². Significance of differences between BIP F3 progenies and F3 progenies for mean and σ² were examined using two-sample t test and Levene’s tests, respectively. Result: The random mating in F2 population was effective in increasing the means, variances, σ²A and NS-h² of racemes plant-1, fresh pods node-1, fresh pods plant-1 and fresh pod yield plant-1 in dolichos bean. Considering that random mating followed by selfing is a method of genetic improvement for future breeding rather than for immediate use, our results suggest long-term genetic gain and better prospects of deriving superior pure-lines with desired traits/combination of traits from inter-mated population in dolichos bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on enhancing the durability of rubberwood, derived from Hevea brasiliensis trees, by utilizing a novel approach involving metal oxide nanoemulsions combined with linseed oil and paraffin wax to combat fungal attacks, offering a potential solution.

The article focuses on exploring the potential of using papaya peel extract as a dietary supplement to boost immunity in Labeo rohita fingerlings, a species cultivated in aquaculture in India, aiming to reduce the use of antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants.

The article focuses on investigating the potential of lauric acid as a therapeutic compound for oral cancer through an in-silico approach, utilizing computational tools to evaluate its pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, and potential targets.

The article focuses on a study conducted by researcher Pranidhipurnima Rachh and colleagues to analyze the benefits of the all-on-4 dental implant technique for toothless or severely damaged teeth. It found that many lacked accuracy, credibility, and reliability, emphasizing the need for more reliable sources, particularly from expert dental institutions.

The article focuses on a study that explores the potential of symbiosis to enhance the production of lactic acid and cellulose, both of which require glucose as a starting metabolite but follow different biosynthesis pathways.

The article focuses on a study conducted by researcher Aatifa Rasool and colleagues to explore crossbreeding the scab-resistant rosalie variety with the popular but vulnerable Fuji variety to produce columnar growing apple trees with scab resistance.

The article focuses on enhancing the sensitivity of graphene-based biosensors for cancer detection by combining graphene with metasurfaces, utilizing gold nano octagons to excite surface plasmons and amplify the electromagnetic field near the metal surface.

The article focuses on the dispersal behavior of snow leopards, elusive apex predators in the high mountains of Asia, whose movements are influenced by safety, food availability, and the complexity of the landscape, with limited knowledge about their dispersal behavior due to their elusive nature.

The article focuses on investigating the potential of yoghurt-derived bacteria and their metabolites, particularly from Streptococcus genus, to reduce foam cells associated with atherosclerosis, offering insights into a potential alternative approach for combating heart disease.

The article focuses on studying the parasites infesting the commercially harvested black pomfret, Parastromateus niger, which reduces its proteinaceous production, through collaborative research conducted by multiple institutions across different regions.

The article focuses on the implementation of the Wadi concept by the BAIF Development Research Foundation, which aims to empower smallholder farmers by transforming degraded or underused lands into profitable assets through an agroforestry-based integrated farming system.

The article focuses on a study conducted to develop a Tamil version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) to assess mindfulness, which includes observing, describing, non-reacting, and acting with awareness in a non-judgmental manner.

The article focuses on a study conducted to analyze the effectiveness of dermal application of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. A liposomal formulation of aceclofenac was developed, incorporating chitosan for enhanced topical delivery and achieved an effective particle size and demonstrated superior therapeutic activity and skin tolerance in in-vivo studies, suggesting potential for further development and clinical trials.

The article discusses the development of a questionnaire to diagnose No Mobile Phone Phobia (Nomophobia) by psychologists from India and suggests a need for mental health professionals to refine assessment tools and develop interventions to promote healthier smartphone use among college students.

The article focuses on a study conducted by researchers from Chandigarh, India, who simulated aspirin's interactions with oestrogen receptor alpha and found that it inhibits its function, leading to decreased expression in breast cancer cells, suggesting aspirin's potential in breast cancer treatment.

The article focuses on a study conducted by researchers from India to explore the possibility of enhancing stress tolerance in crops by increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model system, they successfully inserted genes from pearl millet associated with stress tolerance into the algae, demonstrating increased resilience to multiple stresses, suggesting a potential method for breeding stress-resistant crops in agriculture.

The article discusses a study conducted by researchers K. Prathyusha and A. J. Solomon Raju to map malaria risk zones to tackle the prevalence of malaria in Paderu, Andhra Pradesh. By layering various data sources including topography, vegetation index, water bodies, and climate data, they identified key factors influencing malaria transmission. Their spatial analysis identified eight out of twelve mandals as malaria-prone areas with a new method showing higher accuracy.

Evaluation of 117 field gene bank accessions of small cardamom for phenotypic characters along with yield potential and disease resistance (rhizome rot and leaf blight) at ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research Regional Station, Appangala revealed significant variation with respect to phenotypic characters. The highest plant height (350 cm) and number of bearing tillers (36.4) were recorded in the accessions, field gene bank (FGB) 65 and FGB 16, respectively. The highest fresh weight of capsules (399.61 g) and maximum number of capsules (244.20) plant-1 were recorded in the accession, FGB 13. Further, based on screening for disease resistance, 35 and 15 accessions of cardamom were identified as resistant to leaf blight and highly resistant to rhizome rot, respectively. Based on the multivariate cluster analysis, 117 FGB accessions were classified into 5 clusters viz., clusters 1 and 2 encompassing equal number of accessions (44), cluster 3 with one accession (FGB 10), clusters 4 and 5 with 8 and 20 accessions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution is one of the emerging problems of environmental contaminations due to the rapid industrialization of geologic and anthropogenic activities. Among further metals, chromium originates to be noxious due to its connotation with other metals. Therefore, the present investigation aims to isolate, identify and characterize the bacteria from soil samples and to evaluate their heavy metal (chromium) degrading efficiency under batch mode condition. Among the 300 bacterial isolates, two strains such as Pseudomonas fluorescens (YPS3 GenBank number—MH580200) and Bacillus safensis (YKS2 GenBank number—H539636) have found to possess effective chromium degrading capacity up to 84% and 72%, respectively, which was identified by morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization. The 16S rRNA phylogenetic association was resolute by means of bioinformatics and recognized as bacterial species YKS2 and YPS3 with 100% sequence resemblance. In conclusion, the findings show effective chromium degradation level by the bacterial strains in the contaminated environment soil. These biological mediated metal degradation methods will be an effective green alternative for polluted environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), belonging to the Piperaceae family, is the oldest known spice. Genetic variability and correlation for yield and yield attributes were estimated in nine black pepper genotypes. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the characters studied. Maximum Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) were recorded for rachis weight vine-1 followed by dry berry yield vine-1 and fresh berry yield vine-1. These characters exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance over mean indicating the considerable contribution of additive genetic variance in the expression of these characters. Dry berry yield vine-1 had a highly significant and positive correlation with rachis weight vine-1, fresh berry yield vine-1, spike length and lateral branch length both at the genotypic and phenotypic level. Genotypes HP 2173 (HP1117 x Thommannkodi), OPKM, HP 780, Hp 1411 and HP 820 were found promising for the economically important characters and have the potentiality to release as new commercial varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty two germplasm accessions of black pepper aggregated from pepper cultivating tracts of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra were characterized for 17 quantitative traits as per the IPGRI descriptors during 2018-19 at the field gene bank of ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Experimental Farm, Kozhikode. Wide range and high coefficient of variation (CV) were recorded for dry berry weight, fresh berry weight and number of spikes vine-1 whereas, lower CV was observed for berry size. Fresh berry weight showed significant positive correlation with dry berry weight followed by number of spikes vine-1 whereas, number of immature berries spike-1 and berry size showed significant negative association with setting percentage. High positive direct effect of fresh berry weight on dry berry weight was observed during path analysis. Both fresh rachis weight and number of spikes vine-1 had indirect positive effects on dry berry weight through fresh berry weight. Residual effect was meagre suggesting that the 17 quantitative traits explained 99% variability. Traits like number of spikes vine-1 and fresh berry weight are the important traits that need to be augmented during improvement of black pepper for yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are major vectors for the transmission of many diseases like chikungunya, malaria, dengue, zika, etc. worldwide. In the present study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized fromClausena dentataand were tested for their larvicidal efficacy against the fourth-instar larvae ofAnopheles stephensi,Aedes Aegypti, andCulex quinquefasciatus. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR) spectroscopy, EDaX, and SEM. The results recorded from UV-Vis spectroscopy show the peak absorption spectrum at 420 nm. In FTIR, the maximum peak value is 2922.25 cm−1assigned to N-H group (amide group). In EDaX analysis shows peak around 72.64 which confirm the binding intensity of selenium. In SEM analysis, the synthesized SeNPs sizes were ranging from 46.32 nm to 78.88 nm. The synthesized SeNPs produced high mortality with very low concentration (LC50) were 240.714 mg/L; 104.13 mg/L, and 99.602 mg/L forA. stephensi,A. Aegypti, andC. quinquefasciatus, respectively. These results suggest that theC. dentataleaf extract-mediated biosynthesis of SeNPs has the potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach toward the control of mosquito vectors at early stages. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this work, we designed an amperometric catechol biosensor based on α-Fe2O3nanocrystals (NCs) incorporated carbon-paste electrode. Laccase enzyme is then assembled onto the modified electrode surface to form a nanobiocomposite enhancing the electron transfer reactions at the enzyme’s active metal centers for catechol oxidation. The biosensor gave good sensitivity with a linear detection response in the range of 8–800 μM with limit of detection 4.28 μM. We successfully employed the sensor for real water sample analysis. The results illustrate that the metal oxide NCs have enormous potential in the construction of biosensors for sensitive determination of phenol derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]