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Three decades after its first outbreak, the shrimp white spot virus (WSV) is still a global cause of concern due to considerable losses and lack of effective control measures. Several candidate host receptor proteins have been identified, but the pathogenesis is not clearly understood, although the key role of the WSV envelope protein VP28 in virus internalization is established. Here, protein-protein docking is applied to evaluate the interaction of VP28 trimeric extracellular region with four host (Penaeus monodon) receptors reported earlier, Rab7 GTPase (PmRab7), glucose transporter 1 (PmGLUT1), C-type lectin (PmCTL) and calreticulin (PmCRT). The stability of predicted complexes evaluated in terms of binding energy per unit buried surface area ranged from -8.46 to -11.82 cal mol

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is one of the integral part of the present ubiquitous and pervasive computing. The smartness of the applications is incomplete without WSNs. Almost all the scenarios of WSNs require efficient and accurate localization process. However, the main disadvantage of the existing frameworks and algorithms is that they are not so much significant with the trust of the beacon nodes which are integral part of WSNs. This must be ensured for localization. In our present solution, we consider this issue. It is obvious to have the malicious nodes in the hostile environment of WSN operations. Our proposed solution, therefore, address this challenge and provides a trust-based framework for secure localization. It focus on the trust assessment algorithm and blockchain generation. In the localization process, trust values of each beacon node are computed based on different trust metrics and the corresponding weights are dynamically adjusted. Subsequently, for the mining process, higher trusty beacon nodes are only selected. This two-step approach ensures an updated blockchain with reliability and consistent trust values of all beacon nodes. We perform a set of simulations to validate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results are comparatively analyzed based on localization accuracy, detection of malicious activities, False Positive Rate (FPR), and False Negative Rate (FNR). In all the aspects our solution outperforms the other algorithms.

Smart cities are developed to optimize operations across the city such as waste and traffic management, water supply management, criminal tracking, and pollution monitoring, etc. Smart cities are formed by the interconnection of various Internet of Things (IoT) devices for collecting the data from objects and humans to perform necessary actions. But the challenge lies in the exchange of enormous information in real-time to drive smart city applications. Therefore, smart city applications make use of Device-to-Device (D2D) communications which provides higher bandwidth and lower latency in message exchanges. D2D communications do not need any infrastructure for communication and hence are cost and time effective. However, this advantage becomes a threat as no third party is involved to verify the authenticity of the devices before exchange of real information. Consequently, a reliable authentication mechanism is required to address the security issues in WiFi (wireless fidelity) Direct communication. In this paper, we propose a secure and lightweight mutual authentication and key agreement protocol for WiFi Direct. The principle of the protocol is based upon a commit/open pair and Diffie Hellman key exchange algorithm. It is observed from the simulations that the proposed protocol successfully authenticates the D2D devices in the WiFi Direct environment. Investigation through formal security analysis revealed the strong resistivity of the proposed protocol against the prominent attacks in the WiFi Direct environment. The comparative analysis demonstrates the reliability of the suggested protocol over the traditional one. The proposed protocol eliminates the occurrence of the denial of service (DoS) and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks in the discovery and key agreement phase, respectively. The proposed protocol can be easily integrated into the devices enabled with WiFi Direct and can offer a wide security package.

Objective Despite the continuous global and national effort, India is far away from achieving universal immunization coverage. The primary objective of this paper is to find the spatial pattern and correlates of the full immunization coverage gap in the districts of India. Data and methods We used data from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015–16. Moran's I, univariate and bivariate Local Indicator of Spatial Association (LISA) analysis had been used to assess the spatial autocorrelation, clustering, and risk factors of the full immunization coverage gap in the districts of India. Results The full immunization coverage gap among children has reduced by 33% over 2005–15. Around half of the children in 163 districts of India were deprived of full immunization. The spatial pattern of immunization coverage identified 99 districts as hot spots, whereas 111 as cold spots. Results from the bivariate LISA map signifies that the districts with higher coverage gap in full immunization also had higher deficit in pre-natal and post-natal care and skilled birth attendant. The spatial regression model revealed that female literacy, female-headed households, antenatal, and post-natal care have a significant association with full immunization coverage in India. Conclusion The existence of clusters indicates the presence of unevenness in immunization coverage and has several implications that should be addressed for better health of the population. Efforts are to be made to ensure the universalization of education, along with accessible and affordable healthcare for all ensuring universal health coverage in India.

Single point incremental forming (SPIF) is a branch of incremental sheet forming where a very small portion of the sheet is deformed plastically at any moment. The highly localized point deformation is done by a simple hemispherical tool, whose path is numerically monitored by a Computer numerical control (CNC) machine, performs this progressive extremely localized deformation. Since no die is required during forming, highly customized and user-oriented sheet metal products can be manufactured employing the process. SPIF can be readily employed in the manufacturing of customized orthopaedic implants and braces, e.g., cranial implants, ankle implants, elbow and knee support braces. The forming of these sheets through SPIF would results in the generation of residual stresses in the sheet metal. With time and other physical factors, these residual stresses would be relieved resulting in dimensional inaccuracy. This inaccuracy is highly detrimental in the case of implants and highly undesirable for supporting braces. The objective of this work is to investigate, experimentally, the state and magnitude of residual stresses on commercially pure titanium grade 2 by SPIF for biomedical applications. The important process parameters: forming angle and incremental step depth are used for this investigation in the present study. The X-ray diffraction technique was used for the experimental measurements of the residual stresses. Microstructural behaviour of the final product at different incremental step depth and forming angles are also observed by EBSD (Electron backscattered diffraction) technique. The experimental findings showed the formation of increased tensile residual stresses with an increase in incremental step depth and steepness of forming angles.

Objective Conventional polysomnographic recordings reflect brain dynamics associated with sleep architecture. We hypothesized that noninvasive tools like transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and acoustic stimulation (for generating event related potentials [ERPs]) would help to predict sleep stability and provide a window to actively assess brain activity during sleep. Materials and methods Twelve healthy male volunteers participated in the multiple whole-night polysomnography (PSG) recording protocol. Acoustic tones (100 msec duration) were presented throughout night to evaluate ERP during sleep. Furthermore, 30 sec tACS were presented during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep on subsequent two nights without disturbing the subject's sleep. For ERP analysis, event-locked artifact-free epochs from each sleep stage were averaged separately. For tACS analysis, 30 sec prestimulus and poststimulus artifact-free EEG epochs were subjected to bootstrapping-based comparison of power spectral values. Results Acoustic stimulation generated sleep stage-dependent ERP components (N350, N550, and P900) in all participants. The tACS stimulation during NREM sleep (0.75 Hz) increased parietal delta power but decreased frontocentral theta and increased frontal gamma power when delivered during REM sleep (40Hz). These interventions provide details on sleep stability as larger N550-P900 ERP-complex correlated with lower NREM disruptions (Spearman's rho = -0.553; p = 0.049; n = 10) and tACS-related theta power perturbation with higher REM disruptions (Spearman's rho = 0.734; p = 0.030; n = 7). Conclusions Noninvasive brain stimulation approaches such as sleep ERP and sleep tACS are reliable tools to evaluate sleep stability during NREM and REM sleep, respectively, but more large-sample studies are warranted.

Magnetic properties and FMR of pulsed laser deposited Y3Fe5O12 (YIG) thin film on Gd3Ga5O12 (1 1 1) substrate have been investigated in the temperature range 4.2 ≤ T ≤ 300 K. The effective saturation magnetization (4πMeff), obtained from Ferromagnetic Resonance at room temperature, is found to be 2600 G, which is higher than SQUID measured 4πMS value of 1770 G. This implies that the value of 4πMeff can only be accounted by considering a negative anisotropy field (HU) of around 830 Oe at room temperature. Such an anisotropy is attributed to a compressive stress (−1.70 × 1010 dyne/cm2) induced in the film closer to the film-air interface. The presence of this stress in YIG film was confirmed using multiple {hkl} stress measurements with grazing incidence X-ray diffraction performed at different depth of penetration on the YIG film.

Sericite sample having potash (K2O) content ~9% is evaluated as a source of potash. The mineralogical studies revealed the fine grain structure of sericite containing muscovite, orthoclase and phlogopite as the major potash bearing phases. The feed sample directly leached in different lixiviants yielded low potash dissolution values. Planetary ball milling was carried out to liberate the potash values from silicate matrix. Leaching was adopted to assess the liberated K values and within milling time of 10–12 h almost 90% potash was leached out. Based on XRD analysis, orthoclase and phlogopite were found to be the toughest potash – bearing phase in terms of dissociation. Compared to other processes, mechanical activation process adopted in this work is simple, environment-friendly and minimal waste generation without using the chemical additive.

Bubble dynamics and the local thermal field associated with single nucleating bubble under subcooled flow boiling conditions have been investigated in a one side-heated rectangular channel with water as the working fluid. A real-time non-intrusive technique, namely rainbow schlieren deflectometry has been employed to simultaneously map the full bubble cycle and temperature gradients field near the heated surface as well as around the bubble. Influence of varying subcooled conditions and Reynolds number on bubble dynamic parameters, various sub-processes associated with subcooled flow boiling phenomenon and the resultant temperature gradients have been studied. Schlieren images for each data set have first been qualitatively interpreted to develop an understanding of sub-processes such as bubble inception, bubble departure/sliding, bubble lift-off, bubble reattachment and their effects on the thermal and flow fields. Experimental observations recorded in the form of color schlieren images clearly highlighted the possible influence of process parameters on a range of phenomena that include enveloping of the superheated liquid layer during bubble inception, micro-layer formation and scavenging of the superheated liquid layer during bubble lift-off. The bubble dynamic parameters observed under different experimental conditions have been quantified in terms of equivalent bubble diameter, aspect ratio and contact angle and bubble trajectory in the field of view. The equivalent bubble diameter is found to be decreasing with increasing Reynolds number and degree of subcooling. The results show that for all the experimental conditions, the bubble grew in a flattened shape, gradually became more spherical during sliding and elongates after lift-off. Regardless of the experimental conditions, the occurrence of bubble lift-off was found in the aspect ratio range of 0.75–0.85. Local thermal field observed over the full bubble cycle has also been captured and presented in the form of temperature gradients field in quantitative terms.

The most important requirement of the agrarian advancement is resilient nutrient source for agriculture without jeopardizing the environmental assets and economy of the country. An algal biorefinery approach is the prime requirement for the sustainable production of biodiesel and biofertilizers after remediation of wastewater. In the present study, the microalgae Chlorella minutissima, Scendesmus spp and Nostoc muscorum and their consortium were used for the biorefinery approach. C. minutissima has shown maximum phycoremediation potential when compared to other possible microalga and their consortium. Experimental results showed that removal of NH4+-N, NO3−-N, PO4−3-P, TDS, BOD5 and COD were found to be 92, 87, 85, 96, 90 and 81% respectively. The maximum dry biomass was observed in C. minutissima followed by Scendesmus spp, and N. muscorum, i.e., 0.45 ± 0.01 g L−1, 0.44 ± 0.02 g L−1, 0.14 ± 0.03 g L−1 respectively. The nutrient fraction of nitrogen and phosphorus were maximum in C. minutissima, i.e., 5.46 ± 0.27 and 0.85 ± 0.03 respectively. The lipid productivity recorded maximum in Scendesmus (81.23 ± 4.5 mg L−1) followed by N. muscorum (14.29 ± 8.7 mg L−1) and C. minutissima (11.33 ± 5.6 mg L−1). Using this biomass as manure one can save the chemical fertilizer of worth about 5584 $ (US Dollar) ha−1 yr−1. The present study not only supports the sustainable phytoremediation, biodiesel production, and organic manure utilization directly but indirectly to combat climate change scenario through minimizing greenhouse gases production.

A library of 49 analogs of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with 2-halo, aryl, styryl and phenylethynyl-substitution at C-2 position and N-/O-/S-methyl linkage at C-3 position, have been synthesized and evaluated for their anti-proliferative activity against breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231), pancreatic (MiaPaca-2), lung (A549), prostate (PC-3) and colon (HCT-116) cancer cell lines and normal cells (HEK-293). Among the screened compounds, 5b exhibited best anticancer potential in all tested cancer cells with IC

In this paper, we develop a feature extraction model using the amalgamation of machine and deep learning techniques for Industrial Internet of Thing (IIoT). We train the model with the most effective feature set evaluated using machine learning algorithms and deep learning feature extraction methods. We test these features with deep learning based network models for validation. We consider error metrics and accuracy as the major factors for combining the machine learning and deep learning techniques. The error rates are analysed using mean square error which show low error rate for the subset than the model tested for full dataset. Further, mean square error, accuracy rate and false values are analysed to test the performance of the proposed model. The comparative analysis with IIoT dataset and existing methods show that our approach is 25% better than the others.

In the present work, a silicon substrate has been patterned with a gold thin film of thickness 15 nm using thermal evaporation , followed by growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using thermal chemical vapor deposition . The effect of temperature on the growth of CNTs on Au patterned substrate is studied using Raman and Field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM). A significant change in the growth of the CNTs grown on Au film patterned substrate with temperature can be observed using SEM images. However, no significant change in the micro crystallinity of the films was observed. Field emission properties of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, grown at different temperatures, on gold film patterned substrate has been investigated. For the non-patterned substrate, for the CNT film grown at 900 °C, the current density comes out to be 8.0 mA/cm 2@ 4.8V/μm, which increases to 14.6 mA/cm2 in the case of CNT film grown on gold patterned substrate. The observed enhancement of nearly 180% in current density for the patterned substrate as compared to non-patterned silicon substrate is primarily attributed to the reduced electric field screening. The reduced screening is realized with the help of COMSOL simulation, showing a significant enhancement in the local electric field near edges.

Fibrous osteodystrophy (FO), a metabolic bone disorder, has been reported in different animal species with variable susceptibility. Albeit, it is commonly reported in horses, the clinical disease is also recorded globally in goats. Diagnosis of fibrous osteodystrophy is mainly based on various clinical examination methods including biochemical alterations which can be adopted as routine diagnostic method. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate calcium: phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity as biochemical diagnostic markers in goats diagnosed for fibrous osteodystrophy by clinical and radiological examinations. Blood samples were obtained from 11 goats diagnosed to have clinical fibrous osteodystrophy and 10 healthy goats, and used for harvesting serum. Goats with fibrous osteodystrophy revealed markedly elevated serum phosphorus level and ALP activity, and lowered calcium level in comparison to healthy goats. Remarkably lower serum Ca:P ratio was also observed in diseased goats. Radiological examination of skull of diseased goats revealed radio-lucent areas on the mandible as well as the upper jaw. In conclusion, marked reduction in Ca:P ratio and elevation in ALP activity could be promising biochemical diagnostic marker of fibrous osteodystrophy in goats.

A novel acrylonitrile embedded benzimidazole-based probe 3 has been designed and synthesized by conjugating anthraquinone with 2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)acetonitrile. The probe 3 potentially detects CN− ions in H2O/CH3CN (1:9; v/v), solid state, and plasma-like solution via chromo and fluorometric approach. The probe 3 displayed an absorption redshift from 415 nm to 472 nm and emission redshift from 510 nm to 610 nm in the presence of CN− ions, in H2O/CH3CN (1:9; v/v). The probe 3 displayed colour change from yellow to orange along with red emission in the presence of CN− ions. The probe 3 showed very low detection limit of 37 × 10−9 M. Furthermore, probe 3 is also utilized as a portable paper strip for on-site detection of CN− ions. The 1H NMR and mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the nucleophilic addition of CN− ions to probe 3.

Benzophenone azine based schiff base exhibiting AIE and ESIPT phenomenon has been synthesised and studied the photophysical behaviour towards detection of Al3+ ions. The results showed that compound 2 exhibit feeble excited state intramolecular proton transfer emission in CH3CN and undergo aggregation induced emission in >70% H2O-CH3CN. The compound 2 shows significant hydrodynamic diameter change from 20 nm to 200 nm upon increasing the H2O volume ratio in CH3CN. Compound 2 shows colorimetric and “off-on” emission response for Al3+, with detection limit of 2.7 × 10−7 M in CH3OH. The association of compound 2 to Al3+ also causes restriction in intramolecular motion induced emission. The hydrodynamic diameter of compound 2 increases from 335 nm to 625 nm in the presence of Al3+ ion in CH3OH.

Objectives Spinocerebellar ataxias are progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive cerebellar features with additional neuro-axis involvement. Oculomotor abnormality is one of the most frequent manifestations. This study was done to assess the polysomnographic abnormalities in patients with Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA1, SCA2 and SCA3) and also to evaluate whether oculomotor abnormalities interfere with sleep stage R scoring. Methods The study was carried out using 36 genetically positive SCA patients. All patients underwent neurological examination with special focus on oculomotor function (optokinetic nystagmus-OKN and extraocular movement restriction-EOM). The sleep quality was measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Disease severity was assessed with International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). All the patients underwent over-night video-polysomnography (VPSG). Results Out of 36 patients studied, the data of 34 patients [SCA1 (n = 12), SCA2 (n = 13), SCA3 (n = 9)] were used for final analysis. Patients from SCA1, SCA2, and SCA3 category did not show significant differences in age and diseases severity (ICARS). All patients had vertical OKN impairment. Oculomotor impairment was higher in SCA2 patients. Sleep macro-architecture analysis showed absent stage R sleep, predominantly in SCA2 (69%) followed by SCA3 (44%) and SCA1 (8%). Patients showed a strong negative correlation of stage R sleep percentage with disease severity and oculomotor dysfunction. Conclusion Voluntary saccadic eye movement velocity and rapid eye movements (REMs) in sleep are strongly correlated. The more severe the saccadic velocity impairment, the less likely was it to generate REMs (rapid eye movements) during stage R. Accordingly 69% of SCA2 patients with severe occulomotor impairments showed absent stage R as per the AASM sleep scoring. We presume that the impaired REMs generation in sleep could be due to oculomotor abnormality and has resulted in spuriously low or absent stage R sleep percentage in SCA patients with conventional VPSG scoring rules. The present study recommends the modification of AASM scoring rules for stage R in patients with oculomotor abnormalities.

The fiber optic communication is the one where the wired and the wireless communication systems are integrated to have high bandwidth, low cost, and high data rate with high user density. The RoF technology brings about high-performance network and the guaranteed quality of service for the increased demand for multimedia services. The RoF faces problems like distortion and chromatic dispersion in the RoF link, reducing the quality of the signal at receiver. To enhance the quality of the signal at the receiver side, several techniques have been reported. Those techniques concentrated on the RoF link and the modulation schemes used in the technology. This article reviews the complete RoF technology, which includes the challenges that limit the RoF network along with its compensation scheme and the RoF in the PON services with security. Along with that, the comparative study on the problems faced by the RoF and its mitigation schemes, such as linearization techniques and compensation for chromatic dispersion, are discussed. The linearization schemes will analyze the different pre-distortion circuits used to linearize the transmitting signal such that the signal received by the mobile unit is free of distortion. When these problems are reduced, the RoF with PON has faced another major problem of insecure transmission. Hence the performance of the existing encryption schemes is compared.