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Hindu Marriage is a sacrament that has been conceived to achieve a variety of worldly and spiritual goals. Some forms of hurt, untruthful or betrayal may involve a marriage relationship that may significantly impact the forgiveness behaviours of one or other members of married couples influencing their flourishing. The study examined the role of some biographic features, the forgiveness of self, others and situations in shaping the well-being of married Hindu couples. Employing a correlational design, the study recruited 300 married Hindu couples with the age ranging from 25 to 50 years by snowball sampling. Forgiveness and well-being were measured with the help of The Heartland Forgiveness Scale and Mental Health Continuum. The findings showed that education, age, domicile, occupation and years of marriage and the three types of forgiveness exhibited significant positive correlations with the indices of well-being whereas gender, number of children, nature of family (nuclear or joint), number of family members and socioeconomic status showed negative correlations with the same. Employment status and age emerged as the most significant predictors for hedonic and psychological well-being, respectively. Conversely, others' forgiveness did the same for social and eudaimonic well-being and flourishing. Indian socio-cultural conditions, the conceptualization of Hindu marriage and relevant earlier studies have been used to discuss the findings. Some biographic attributes, inclination towards a postmodern lifestyle and others' forgiveness seem to shape the well-being outcomes of married Hindu couples. Directions for future researchers have been discussed.

Due to their remarkable properties, the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) such as graphene and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) are increasing. These CNMs can enter the freshwater environment via numerous routes potentially exposing various organisms. The current study assesses the effects of graphene, f-MWCNTs, and their binary mixture on the freshwater algal species Scenedesmus obliquus. The concentration for the individual materials was kept at 1 mg L− 1, while for the mixture, both graphene and f-MWCNTs were taken at 0.5 mg L− 1each. Both the CNMs caused a decrease in cell viability, esterase activity, and photosynthetic efficiency in the cells. The cytotoxic effects were accompanied by an increase in hydroxyl and superoxide radical generation, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and mitochondrial membrane potential. Graphene was more toxic compared to f-MWCNTs. The binary mixture of the pollutants demonstrated a synergistic enhancement of the toxic potential. The oxidative stress generation played a critical role in toxicity responses, as noted by a strong correlation between the physiological parameters and the biomarkers of oxidative stress. The outcomes from this study emphasize the significance of considering the combined effects of various CNMs as part of a thorough evaluation of ecotoxicity in freshwater organisms.

BackgroundAlthough self-affirmation has been reported to enhance well-being and other positive life outcomes in normal adults, little is known about its capacity to restore and preserve well-being in adults with depressive tendencies. The current study attempts to expound the restoring and preserving capacity of self-affirmation for well-being in Indian adults with non-clinical depressive tendencies.Participants and procedureThe study used a sequential research design. Eighty participants (22-27 years) with depressive tendencies were chosen through purposive sampling and were randomly assigned equally to the experimental and control conditions. Their depressive tendencies and well-being were measured through standard scales at three intervals: pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up.ResultsThe study used a sequential research design. Eighty participants (22-27 years) with depressive tendencies were chosen through purposive sampling and were randomly assigned equally to the experimental and control conditions. Their depressive tendencies and well-being were measured through standard scales at three intervals: pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up.ConclusionsThe findings showed that self-affirmation helps to restore well-being as well as preserve it after a significant gap, which is evi-dent in higher well-being mean scores of the experimental group taken at post-intervention and follow-up intervals. The positive effects of self-affirmation on well-being may have remained active even after the cessation of the intervention due to the underly-ing mechanisms of enhanced self-worth, positive values, inner strengths, positive attributions and interpersonal relationships.

Aim This study explored the nature of spiritual beliefs and their role in regulating various life outcomes of cancer survivors. Method A heterogeneous sample of thirty diagnosed cancer patients with age ranging from 18 to 75 years participated in the study. The study employed a qualitative research design which involved semi-structured interviews and the thematic analysis of the audiotaped contents of these interviews. Results The analyses led to five themes regarding the spiritual beliefs of the participants. The identified themes were: “optimistic change towards life”, “fighting spirit towards life”, “enhanced trust in family and friends”, “improved realistic self-perception”, and “positive thinking with future orientations”. Conclusions The findings of the study showed that spiritual beliefs represented a complex phenomenon comprising cognitive, affective and behavioural components. Spiritual beliefs also carried many positive outcomes to regain and maintain psychological balance, well-being, quality of life and health. It also facilitated the patients to have strong desires to compensate their losses due to ill health by setting and achieving higher spiritual, social and interpersonal goals by carrying out social services, sacrifice and altruistic deeds.

2,4,6-Trinitrophenol (TNP), an explosive utilized for artillery munitions, ends up polluting water and soil. This study targets the treatment of TNP contaminated water via adsorption technique. A comparative adsorption study using pristine rGO (reduced graphene oxide), α-Fe2O3/rGO, bare α-Fe2O3 and physical mixture of α-Fe2O3 & rGO has been carried to select the most suitable adsorbent. To understand the mechanism of adsorption of TNP on α-Fe2O3/rGO adsorption isotherms were applied on adsorption data. The adsorption kinetics followed pseudo second order kinetic model. The mechanism of adsorption changed significantly with change in pH. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 769.23 mg · g−1. Regeneration studies indicated that the adsorbent can be used up to 3 times without significant decrease in adsorption efficiency. Magnetic nature of adsorbent allowed its easy segregation from the contaminant solution upon application of external magnetic field. To assess the adsorption efficacy of α-Fe2O3/rGO in real water under ambient condition, TNP was spiked in ground water samples collected from adjoining district that had high TDS (Total dissolved solids). The Langmuir adsorption capacity of 164.24 mg · g−1 was attained with substantial decrease in TDS. Thus α-Fe2O3/rGO proves to be an efficient adsorbent for nitrophenols and can be used commercially for waste water treatment.

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT), a nitro-aromatic explosive commonly used for defence and several non-violent applications is contributing to serious environmental pollution problems including human health. The current study investigated the remediation potential of a native soil isolate i.e., Planomicrobium flavidum (strain S5-TSA-19) against TNT. At a TNT concentration of 120 mg/L with a specified environment, the isolate remained incubated for 30 days in a minimal salt medium (MSM). Regular growth of the isolate, the concentration of TNT, nitrate, nitrite and ammonium ion were evaluated at a particular time during the experiment. Within 168 hours (i.e., 7 days) of incubation, P. flavidum co-metabolically degraded 100% TNT. The biodegradation procedure succeeded the first order kinetics mechanism. Formation of additional metabolites like 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2-DANT) and 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), were also witnessed. TNT seems to be non-toxic for the isolate, as it reproduced magnificently in explosive presence. For TNT degradation, the nitro-reductase enzyme was observed to be responsible. This is so far the first reporting of Planomicrobium flavidum, efficiently bioremediating TNT i.e., a nitro-aromatic compound via different degradation pathways, leading to the production of simpler as well as less harmful end products. Further, in the near future, at the field scale application Planomicrobium flavidum may be explored for the bioremediation of TNT (i.e., a nitroaromatic- compound) contaminated effluents.

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Researchers have unanimously suggested forgiveness to be closely linked with a host of positive life outcomes for people across all developmental periods. The scientific endeavours have largely been confined to the study of adults’ forgiveness mostly employing quantitative methods and, thus, have oversighted the study of children’s forgiveness despite its similar and noticeable relevance to their life outcomes. To bridge this gap, this study aims to explore the nature, attributes and perceived consequences of forgiveness for children. The study was carried out on full-time mothers of 4 male (5-10 years) and 4 female (4.50-9.50 years) children of the same local community. The mothers were interviewed about the nature of perceived wrongdoings, emotional, social and cognitive concomitants of forgiveness of their children. The contents of the interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim followed by their analysis by the Thematic Analysis Method. The findings showed that the children’s transgression related to their immediate and tangible realities of life. The significant others played a facilitative role in their learning phase of forgiveness. The children easily accepted their wrongdoings. Some personality attributes regulated the understanding of their wrongdoings. Moreover, children’s forgiveness was more explicit and, thus, easy to understand spontaneously. The understanding and acceptance of wrongdoings of the children were generally guided by their preferences, relationships, moods and concreteness. In essence, the children’s forgiveness evinced close links with their social, emotional and interpersonal developments. The findings have been discussed considering the current empirical findings pertaining to the children’s forgiveness and some cultural concerns. The implications and directions for future research have been discussed along with some limitations.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03402-0.

Rapeseed-mustard is one of the most important oilseed crops and providing a major source of edible oil in the world besides having other economic importance like leafy vegetables, ornamentals, and hedge crops. However, the genetic diversity present in the Brassica gene pool has not been investigated in detail. To address this problem, a study was conducted on 76 genotypes of B. juncea including cultivars, exotic lines, registered genetic stocks, advanced breeding lines, and germplasm lines. The genetic diversity was analyzed with the help of 50 polymorphic SSR and EST-SSR markers. For these genotype-marker combinations, a total of 126 alleles were amplified. Using molecular and phenotypic data, the dendrogram was constructed based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and Manhattan dissimilarity coefficient and linkage algorithm UPGMA. All the genotypes were grouped into 5 clusters based on their dissimilarity matrix. Population structure analysis grouped the genotypes in 8 clusters and various degrees of admixture was also observed. The grouping of genotypes appears effective as per their pedigree. The marker data was found more accurate to characterize the diversity and study the population structure than the quantitative trait data. The results of the present investigation will provide useful information for the identification of important alleles for future studies and pave the way to enhance genetic gains in Indian mustard.

Demand for edible oil from crops like groundnut, mustard and soybean, is increasing and likely to increase further. In this regard, Indian mustard seeds were treated with microwaves (MW), to investigate the possibility of enhancing oil yield and nutritional content. MW pre-treatment was given to the seeds of two Indian mustard varieties i.e. PM21 (V(1)) and PDZ1 (V(2)) for 0, 2, 4 and 6 min (H(0), H(2), H(4) and H(6) min respectively). MW treatment with increasing exposure time showed a linear reduction in the glucosinolate and erucic acid content with concomitant increase in oil yield and moisture loss in both the varieties, as evident from correlation and principal component analysis. Antioxidant capacity has increased with the reduction in phytic acid content (1.82) in V(2) at 6 min exposure time with respect to untreated control. Free radical scavenging activity was improved with increasing MW treatment in both the varieties. Therefore, from the obtained results, it is advisable to treat mustard seeds with MW before extraction of oil, because it gives a relatively good oil yield, with enhanced nutritional factors. Moreover, microwaving was effective in reducing glucosinolates and erucic acid also.

An aero-gel based solid solution of titanium and cerium oxide nanoparticles have been used for the first time for ultra fast and trace level removal of arsenic from water. The interconnected long range ordered mesoporous structure was observed from TEM analysis which has been verified as an essential facet for the fast removal of arsenic in this study. The HR-XRD spectra indicated the face centred cubic structure with Fm 3 ¯ m space group. Le-Bail refinement and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of single phase solid solution of Ce1-XTixO2-Y oxide nanoparticles. The HR-XPS and FT-IR study indicated the surface complexation and partial oxidation of As(III) to As(V) via electron transfer mechanism by reduction of Ce(IV) to Ce(III) and Ti(IV) to Ti(III) simultaneously during adsorption process. The kinetics study demonstrated 99% removal of As(III) within 10 min of initiating the adsorption process. The effect of pH and interfering ions confirmed the wide range of applicability for solid solution of titania and cerium oxide nanoparticles over the different environmental conditions for the removal of arsenic. The adsorption capacity for our best adsorbent (Ce0.8Ti0.2O2-y) was found to be 2 × 105 mg kg−1 while the lowest concentration of water body system was 7 μg L−1 which is the minimum concentration of arsenic achieved by any metal oxide based adsorbent.

2,4,6-trinitrotoluene or TNT, a commonly used explosive, can pollute soil and groundwater. Conventional remediation practices for the TNT-contaminated sites are neither eco-friendly nor cost-effective. However, exploring bacteria to biodegrade TNT into environment-friendly compound(s) is an interesting area to explore. In this study, an indigenous bacterium, Pseudarthrobacter chlorophenolicus, strain S5-TSA-26, isolated from explosive contaminated soil, was investigated for potential aerobic degradation of TNT for the first time. The isolated strain of P. chlorophenolicus was incubated in a minimal salt medium (MSM) containing 120 mg/L TNT for 25 days at specified conditions. TNT degradation pattern by the bacterium was monitored at regular interval using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometric, by estimating nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium ion concentration and other metabolites such as 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), and 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2-DANT). It was observed that, in the presence of TNT, there was no reduction in growth of the bacterium although it multiplied well in the presence of TNT along with no considerable morphological changes. Furthermore, it was found that TNT degraded completely within 15 days of incubation. Thus, from this study, it may be concluded that the bacterium has the potential for degrading TNT completely with the production of non-toxic by-products and might be an important bacterium for treating TNT (i.e., a nitro-aromatic compound)-contaminated sites.

Soil and water get polluted with hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) during its manufacturing, storage and use for civil and military purposes. RDX has toxic effects on living and non-living environment and is a recalcitrant compound. Therefore, the remediation of this compound is necessary. Microbial degradation of RDX can be a suitable and sustainable option to reduce its deleterious impact on the environment. Therefore, the optimization for degradation of energetic munition compound RDX employing the consortium of native bacterial species, isolated from an actual contaminated site, was performed. The experiment was planned with three independent variables (initial RDX concentration, inoculum size of microbes, and duration of the experiment) and three dependent variables (percentage removal of RDX, optical density, and nitrite release). Both independent and dependent variables were analyzed by the response surface methodology (RSM) using the Box–Behnken design. The statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) depicted a high regression coefficient, R2 = 0.9881 with the statistically significant p-value fitted into a quadratic regression model for percentage removal of RDX. Results showed an initial RDX concentration of 40 mg/L, inoculation size 6 mL and a time duration of 12 days was optimal for the reduction of RDX up to 80.4%.

2,4,6-trinitrotoluene or TNT, a commonly used explosive, can pollute soil and groundwater. Conventional remediation practices for the TNT-contaminated sites are neither eco-friendly nor cost-effective. However, exploring bacteria to biodegrade TNT into environment-friendly compound(s) is an interesting area to explore. In this study, an indigenous bacterium, Pseudarthrobacter chlorophenolicus, strain S5-TSA-26, isolated from explosive contaminated soil, was investigated for potential aerobic degradation of TNT for the first time. The isolated strain of P. chlorophenolicus was incubated in a minimal salt medium (MSM) containing 120 mg/L TNT for 25 days at specified conditions. TNT degradation pattern by the bacterium was monitored at regular interval using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometric, by estimating nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium ion concentration and other metabolites such as 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), and 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2-DANT). It was observed that, in the presence of TNT, there was no reduction in growth of the bacterium although it multiplied well in the presence of TNT along with no considerable morphological changes. Furthermore, it was found that TNT degraded completely within 15 days of incubation. Thus, from this study, it may be concluded that the bacterium has the potential for degrading TNT completely with the production of non-toxic by-products and might be an important bacterium for treating TNT (i.e., a nitro-aromatic compound)-contaminated sites.

Hindu Marriage is a sacrament that has been conceived to achieve a variety of worldly and spiritual goals. Some forms of hurt, untruthful or betrayal may involve in a marriage relationship that may significantly impact forgiveness behaviours of one or other member of married couples influencing their flourishing. The study examined the role of some biographic features, the forgiveness of self, others and situations in shaping the well-being of the married Hindu couples. Employing a correlational design, the study recruited 300 married Hindu couples with age ranging from 25 to 50 years by a snowball sampling. Forgiveness and well-being were measured with the help of The Heartland Forgiveness Scale (Thompson et al., 2005) and Mental Health Continuum (Keyes, 2005). The findings showed that education, age, domicile, occupation and years of marriage and the three types of forgiveness exhibited significant positive correlations with the indices of well-being whereas gender, number of children, nature of family (nuclear or joint), number of family members and socioeconomic status showed negative correlations with the same. Employment status and age emerged as the most significant predictors for hedonic and psychological well-being, respectively. Conversely, others forgiveness did the same for social and eudaimonic well-being and flourishing. Indian socio-cultural conditions, the conceptualization of Hindu marriage and relevant earlier studies have been used to discuss the findings. Some biographic attributes, inclination towards postmodern lifestyle and others forgiveness seem to shape the well-being outcomes of the married Hindu couples. Directions of future researchers have been discussed.KeywordsForgiveness; hedonic well-being; eudaimonic well-being; human flourishing; Hindu married couples.

Background: Intrapersonal resources are significant preditors of human flourishing. The study examined the mediating role of self-esteem between the relationship of self-forgiveness and human flourishing. Methods: A correlation research design was used. Two hundred and fourteen participants (MAge = 22.07(1.80)) comprising 100 males (MAge = 22.15(1.61)) and 114 females (MAge = 22.00(1.95)) were chosen as the participants by a convenience sampling. Self-esteem, self-forgiveness and human flourishing were measured with standardized tools. Results: The results showed significant interdependence among self-esteem, self-forgiveness and human flourishing as evident in their positive correlations. Self-esteem and self-forgiveness accounted for significant variability in human flourishing. These results are prerequisite condition to further carry out mediation analysis that showed self-esteem to emerge as a significant partial mediator between the relationships between self-forgiveness and human flourishing. Conclusions: Self-esteem represents self-worth and personal values that are essential ingredients to prepare a person to forgive himself/herself that, in turn, may cultivate positive affect and cognition leading one to achieve flourishing. Self-esteem helps to understand transgressing situations and the exact role of the various stakeholders. These positive attributions may have facilitated self-forgiveness and finally flourishing. It was evident that both self-esteem and self-forgiveness are relevant to understand human flourishing and the impacts of self-forgiveness are mediated by self-esteem. In essence, intrapersonal resources carry significance to enhance human flourishing. The findings represent a significant contribution to understanding the relationships among self-esteem, self-forgiveness and human flourishing. Keywordsself-esteem, self-forgiveness, human flourishing, mediation analysis.

The study explored the lockdown and quarantine on the perceived psychological distress and other life outcomes of children after the outbreak of COVID-19 in recent past. The study employed the Narrative Thematic Research Design and chose a heterogeneous sample of 20 full-time mothers to report the experiences of the restrictions of their children aged 9-11 years. These mothers were the primary source of data about the impacts of lockdown and quarantine on their children. A telephonic semi-structured interview protocol was used to collect data. Four themes were generated: poor social and emotional responsivity, decreased interest in studies and other creative activities, psychological distress symptoms and negative health outcomes. Anxiety, irritation, quarrelling behaviours, anger, frustration, low feeling, reduced interest in games, boredom etc. were observed in children. Sleep disturbances, complaints of indigestion and multiple complaints of body aches were major negative health outcomes. The findings showed a variety of negative psychological and health outcomes for children due to the extreme restrictions, uncertainty, apprehension, reduced positive engagement and lowered social connection after the outbreak of the pandemic. Preventive and protective measures are recommended with concerted efforts of parents, school and community to guard children against the ill-consequences of current and future pandemics. Keywords: children; COVID-19; life outcomes; pandemic; perceived psychological distress, narrative thematic analysis.

Objectives: The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has culminated in the unbearable negative life outcomes for all. The study explored the perceived psychological distress and consequent health outcomes caused by COVID-19. Design: The Narrative Thematic Analysis design was used. Methods: A heterogeneous sample of 18 participants (12 males and 6 females) responded about their experiences of the recent outbreak of COVID-19. The data were collected through a telephonic semi-structured interview that was analyzed through the Thematic Analysis Method. Results: Four themes were generated: perceived psychological distress, lower social support, enhanced religious practices and enhanced negative health outcomes. Extreme anxiety, panic experiences, insecurity, helplessness, hyper-vigilance and negative attributions represented the psychological distress while decreased social interactions and imposed social distancing characterized the perceived social support. Increased reliance on myths, divine interpretations and faith in God showed religious practices. Decreased hunger, insomnia, headache, breathing problems and palpitation were ill-health outcomes.Conclusions: The epidemic was sudden, unknown and fatal that shaped the nature and extent of perceived psychological distress, social support and religious practices. The first two may have caused negative health outcomes while the religious practices maintained equilibrium among the rest three. Immediate trans-disciplinary efforts for the effective prevention, treatment and promotion of the affected people are recommended. KeywordsCOVID-19; pandemic; psychological distress; health consequences; social support; religious practices; narrative thematic analysis.

This study explored the nature, dynamics and role of collective-affirmation in attracting mass cooperation and support to check further spreading and to motivate people to observe preventive measures to reduce the casualties of COVID-19. A Narrative Thematic Analysis Design was employed in which a heterogeneous sample (N= 32, Age range = 36-61 years) was chosen through a purposive sampling method. The participants were interviewed about their experiences of lockdown. The novelty, suddenness and incurability of COVID-19 caused a set of perceived psychological distress and danger to individual and collective life. The Janata (public) curfew was perceived as a curfew of the people, by the people and for the people. The lockdown denoted a strong faith of the Indian government in the positive virtues of Indian People and vice versa. The mass support and adherence to the suggested preventive government measures were facilitated by collective-affirmation in the well-known positive Bhartiya (Indian) cultural and moral values. Collective-affirmation inherent in the Bhartiya collective cultural values catalyzed mass behaviours change in the form of adherence to the essential restrictions and recommendations. Collective-affirmation may have occurred due to the faith of the government in the virtues of the Indians and their perceived administrative capability of the government. A culture-specific collective-affirmation seems to emerge which initiated mass behavioural changes. The findings may have implications for changing people to face difficult situations, to accept social policies aimed at eradicating poverty, illiteracy, corruption and violence, and to adopt a healthy lifestyle to enhance their well-being.KeywordsBhartiya cultural heritage; Collective-affirmation; COVID-19; lockdown; mass behaviour change.

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is a suitable alternative to toxic metal-based catalysts, due to its large surface area, sp2 carbon backbone and oxygen functionalities that can interact with organic moieties and disperse in water. We have reported herein the synthesis of 1,3-oxazines via multicomponent reaction of various amines, formaldehyde and sesamol/2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthaquinone/6-hydroxyquinoline in aqueous medium for the first time using rGO as the catalyst at 80 °C. The reactions were complete in 5–15 min and afforded the products in excellent yields. Short reaction time, easy separation of recyclable catalyst and green methodology are advantages of this protocol.

Background Sinapis alba is a wild member of the Brassicaceae family reported to possess genetic resistance against major biotic and abiotic stresses of oilseed brassicas. However, the resistance nature of S. alba was not exploited generously due to the unavailability of usable genome sequences in public databases. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assemble the first draft genome from raw whole genome shotgun sequences with annotation and develop simple sequence repeat markers for molecular genetics and marker-assisted breeding. Results The raw genome sequences had 96x coverage on the Illumina platform with 170 Gbp data. The developed assembly by SOAPdenovo2 has ~459 Mbp genome size covered in 403,423 contigs with an average size of 1138.04 bp. The assembly was BLASTX with Arabidopsis thaliana which showed 32.9% positive hits between both plants. The top hit species distribution analysis showed the highest similarity with A. thaliana. A total of 809,597 GO level annotations were recorded after BLASTX results, and 34,012 sequences were annotated with different enzyme codes grouped under seven classes. The gene prediction tool AUGUSTUS identified 113,107 probable genes with an average size of 684 bp. The biochemical pathway annotation assigned 16,119 potential genes to 152 KEGG maps and 1751 enzyme codes. The development of potential SSRs from the de-novo assembly yielded 70731 unique primer pairs. Out of 159 randomly selected SSR markers for validation, 149 successfully amplified in S. alba. However, 10 SSR markers did not amplify during the validation experiment. Conclusion The annotated genome assembly with a large number of SSRs was developed in the present study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. alba genome assembly development, annotation, and SSRs mining to date. The data presented here will be a very important resource for future crop improvement programs, especially for resistant breeding.

The ongoing Pandemic of COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has severely stressed the worldwide healthcare system and has created dangerous shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) including N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). Even though suppliers struggled to meet global demand for N95 masks at an unprecedented level, a shortage of FFR appears as a significant factor in the transmission of the disease to frontline workers. CDC, USA has mentioned that FFR decontamination and reuse may be necessary during times of shortage to ensure guaranteed availability. Hence present stressed condition faced by the healthcare sector seeks for an affordable decontamination strategy that can be replicated easily broadening the utility of FFR decontamination across a range of healthcare settings. After reviewing available literature on the various disinfection techniques that may be used for the decontamination of FFRs, a first of its kind, portable Hybrid Decontamination System/procedure has been conceptualized and designed. This system combines the disinfecting properties of both vaporous hydrogen peroxide (VHP) and ultra-violet C irradiation (UV C) to ensure maximum decontamination of N95 respirators. The instrument will be equipped with a hydrogen peroxide chamber and UV light source. Sterilization of the FFRs will be done through treatment with VHP followed by UV light treatment. The proposed system will allow the user to completely sterilize the FFRs in a time-efficient manner., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), a high energy explosive, is used in various military and other applications like nuclear devices, rocket propellants, plastic explosives, rocket fuels, burster chargers construction, quarrying and mining. Generation and unselective disposal of HMX wastes from production sites, detonation fields and unexploded ordinance has resulted in significant environmental contamination of soil and water bodies. Due to its toxicity and persistence in the environment, the study of its biodegradation is highly desirable. Conventional HMX related waste management practices are neither environment friendly, nor cost effective. This work represents a consolidated up-to-date review on HMX, incorporating its production, environmental fate, conventional waste management techniques, and its toxicity and natural remediation (phytoremediation and bioremediation) potential, which may help researchers and implementers as a ready refrence to work with the high energy explosive.

Broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.), an important obligate root parasitic weed in India, has a wide host range including several members of the Solanaceae, Leguminaceae, and Brassicaceae families, among others. Orobanche plants produce thousands of tiny seeds (250 × 300 μm), which can remain viable in the soil for as long as 13 years (3). Rapeseed-mustard (Brassica spp.) is one of the major oilseed crops in India, cultivated on 5.77 million ha with 6.59 million t produced during 2009–2010. Broomrape has been observed in India as a major angiospermic parasitic plant on rapeseed-mustard, tobacco, tomato, and potato. During a field visit to an experimental farm at the Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur (27°12′N, 77°27′E) in the winter of 2009-2010, symptoms of wilt disease were observed on Orobanche plants, 32.6% of which had wilted completely following root infection. Initial symptoms appeared as a browning of the flowering stalk with wilting. Direct observation of below ground plant parasite tissues revealed a necrosis starting at the radical and advancing to the collar region that shredded later on. Tissue fragments, excised from the internal portions of the diseased tissue, were surface sterilized with 0.1% HgCl2, plated on 2% potato dextrose agar (PDA) adjusted to pH 7.0, and incubated at 22 ± 2°C for 7 days. The colonies that grew on PDA plates produced a bright purple color. Single-spore culturing of the fungus yielded Fusarium solani on the basis of morphological characteristics (2). The Fungal Identification Service, Mycology and Plant Pathology Group, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, India (Accession No. 2156) confirmed the identity. The pathogenicity of the fungus was tested by inoculating five healthy Orobanche plants that were parasitizing Brassica spp. at the radicle region with 10-ml spore suspensions (2 × 105 conidia/ml of sterile distilled water) derived from 7-day-old cultures of the fungus. Control plants were treated with sterile distilled water. F. solani-inoculated radicles developed typical wilting symptoms within 2 weeks of treatment, while the control as well as the Brassica spp. plants remained healthy. F. solani was reisolated from inoculated wilted plants, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, on the basis of the literature, this is the first report from India showing that F. solani infects O. aegyptica on Brassica spp. There are reports of fungi (50 different species) infecting different hosts in Southern Italy, including F. oxysporum and F. solani, which have been found to be pathogenic to O. ramose. The most pathogenic Fusarium isolates significantly increased the number of dead spikes of broomrape (1). Control of Orobanche spp. poses a challenge because of the lack of effective and economic control measures. F. solani thus offers a potentially promising management strategy that should be explored in the future for the control of O. aegyptiaca. References: (1) A. Boari et al. Biol. Control 30:212, 2004. (2) P. E. Nelson et al. Fusarium Species: An Illustrated Manual for Identification. 1st ed. Pennsylvania State University Press, University Park, 1983. (3) M.C. Press et al. Parasitic Plants. Chapman and Hall, London, UK, 1995.

The study examined the impacts of gender and levels of education on harm/care, fairness/reciprocity, in-group/loyalty, authority/respect and purity/sanctity dimensions of moral foundations. One hundred ninety two male (MAge = 20.95, SDAge = 2.11) and 197 female (MAge = 20.74, SDAge = 2.05) graduates and postgraduates took part in this study. The moral foundations of the participants were measured with the help of Moral Foundation Questionnaire (Graham, Haidt, & Nosek, 2009). The findings of the study showed that the male and female participants did not differ significantly in their mean scores on the five dimensions of moral foundations. The male graduate and postgraduate students also did not differ significantly. Contrarily, the female undergraduate participants achieved significantly higher mean scores on fairness/reciprocity and in-group/loyalty dimensions of moral foundations as compared to their female postgraduate counterparts, whereas these two groups did not differ significantly on the rest of the measures. Irrespective of gender, the undergraduate participants achieved statistically higher mean scores on fairness/reciprocity and in-group/loyalty. The hierarchical regression also exhibited that gender and educational levels of the participants contributed significantly to five components of moral foundations. It was explicit that education accounted for significant variations in the scores of fairness-reciprocity and ingroup-loyality. The main effects of educational levels for fairness-reciprocity and ingroup-loyality were significant. In addition, the interaction effects of gender and educational levels were also significant for fairness-reciprocity. The findings evinced that educational level of the participants played an important role in shaping some of the dimensions of moral foundations. The findings have been discussed in the light of extant theoretical and empirical findings of moral foundations. The conclusions of the study have significant implications for understanding moral behaviours of various groups. The limitations and future directions for the researchers have also been highlighted.

In this report, aerobic biodegradation of octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine or high melting explosive (HMX), a highly explosive chemical by Planomicrobium flavidum strain S5-TSA-19, an isolate from an explosive-contaminated soil, was investigated. The isolate S5-TSA-19 degraded 70% of HMX in 20 days during which time nitrite ion was produced with the subsequent formation of metabolites, viz. methylenedintramine and N-methyl-N,N′-dinitromethanediamine with molecular weights 136 Da and 149 Da, respectively. The degradation mechanism was found to follow first-order kinetics with a half-life of 11.55 days and formation of above intermediates indicate single nitrite elimination pathway. The proliferation of isolate S5-TSA-19 in the absence of nitramines indicates the cometabolic degradation of HMX. Isolate S5-TSA-19 can thus be used as futuristic microbe for degradation of HMX at explosive-contaminated site.

An aero-gel based solid solution of titanium and cerium oxide nanoparticles have been used for the first time for ultra fast and trace level removal of arsenic from water. The interconnected long range ordered mesoporous structure was observed from TEM analysis which has been verified as an essential facet for the fast removal of arsenic in this study. The HR-XRD spectra indicated the face centred cubic structure with Fm3¯m space group. Le-Bail refinement and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of single phase solid solution of Ce

Silica nanoparticles with a surface area of 673.60 m2/g and particle size of 8–12 nm were prepared using aerogel process (AP) followed by super critical drying. Zero valent Fe, Co, Pt, and bimetallic Fe/Pt and Fe/Co were loaded using an incipient wetness impregnation technique and subsequent reduction. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (TEM-EDX) characterizations indicated fine dispersion of iron on AP-SiO2 +Fe system. Prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for the adsorptive removal of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from water. Surface area normalized rate constant values indicated the adsorptive removal potential of prepared nanoparticles to be: AP-SiO2 + Fe/Co > AP-SiO2 + Fe > CM (commercial) SiO2 + Fe > AP-SiO2 + Co > AP-SiO2 + Fe/Pt > AP-SiO2 + Pt. Lower pH helped in accelerating the reactive removal of TNT on zero valent iron loaded silica. AP-SiO2 + Fe/Co system showed the maximum adsorption potential (74 mg/g) after five cycles.

A method for enhanced extraction of octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) from environmental samples is developed with the assistance of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) surfactant. In this study, the concentration of SDS surfactant and other analytical parameters are optimized on a high-performance liquid chromatography-UV system. An isocratic flow of 1.0 mL/min with mobile phase acetonitrile-water; 70:30 (v/v) at 230 nm wavelength on a reverse-phase amide column is used for baseline separation of explosives and making calibration curves. The amount of recovered explosives from spiked soil and water samples are calculated. The limits of detection obtained for HMX and RDX standards are 1.5 and 3.8 ppb (S/N = 3), respectively, which are much better than obtained by the Environmental Protection Agency method 8330. The recoveries are found to be enhanced by 1.7 and 1.6-fold with SDS solution as compared to water for HMX and RDX, respectively, from soil samples.