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The differential cross sections and unpolarized spin-density matrix elements for the reaction γp→pω were measured using the CBELSA/TAPS experiment for initial photon energies ranging from the reaction threshold to 2.5 GeV. These observables were measured from the radiative decay of the ω meson, ω→π0γ. The cross sections cover the full angular range and show the full extent of the t-channel forward rise. The overall shape of the angular distributions in the differential cross sections and unpolarized spin-density matrix elements are in fair agreement with previous data. In addition, for the first time, a beam of linearly-polarized tagged photons in the energy range from 1150 MeV to 1650 MeV was used to extract polarized spin-density matrix elements. These data were included in the Bonn–Gatchina partial wave analysis (PWA). The dominant contribution to ω photoproduction near threshold was found to be the 3/2+ partial wave, which is primarily due to the sub-threshold N(1720)3/2+ resonance. At higher energies, pomeron-exchange was found to dominate whereas π-exchange remained small. These t-channel contributions as well as further contributions from nucleon resonances were necessary to describe the entire dataset: the 1/2−, 3/2−, and 5/2+ partial waves were also found to contribute significantly.

Photoproduction of two neutral pions off the proton is studied using linearly polarized photons, and the polarization observables Is and Ic are measured for the first time. These two observables are unique to multi-meson final states; they characterize correlations between the linear photon polarization and the direction of outgoing single particles in photoproduction of three-body final states. The Is and Ic distributions suggest that, in the 1.8 to 2.0 GeV mass region, the N(1520)3/2−π intermediate state is reached with reaction dynamics consistent with a dominant JP=3/2+ wave. These data are included in the Bonn–Gatchina (BnGa) partial wave analysis which is based on a large variety of data; the analysis confirms a significant contribution from the reaction chain γp→N(1900)3/2+→N(1520)3/2−π0→pπ0π0. Keywords: Baryon spectroscopy, Double meson photoproduction, Polarization observables

The reaction γp→KS0Σ+ is studied in the photon energy range from threshold. Linearly polarised photon beams from coherent bremsstrahlung enabled the first measurement of photon beam asymmetries in this reaction up to Eγ=1650MeV. In addition, the recoil hyperon polarisation was determined through the asymmetry in the weak decay Σ+→pπ0 up to Eγ=2250MeV. The data are compared to partial wave analyses, and the possible impact on the interpretation of a recently observed prominent structure in the cross section near the K⁎ thresholds is discussed. Keywords: Meson production, Other strange mesons, Baryon resonances (SCB0), Decays of baryons, Polarisation in interactions and scattering

Abstract Global crop protection and food security have become critical issues to achieve the ‘Zero Hunger’ goal in recent years, as significant crop damage is primarily caused by biotic factors. Applying nanoparticles in agriculture could enhance crop yield. Nano-silver, or AgNPs, have colossal importance in many fields like biomedical, agriculture, and the environment due to their antimicrobial potential. In this context, nano-silver was fabricated by Citrus medica L. (Cm) fruit juice, detected visually and by UV–Vis spectrophotometric analysis. Further, AgNPs were characterized by advanced techniques. UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis revealed absorbance spectra at around 487 nm. The zeta potential measurement value was noted as -23.7 mV. Spectral analysis by FT-IR proved the capping of the acidic groups. In contrast, the XRD analysis showed the Miller indices like the face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline structure. NTA revealed a mean size of 35 nm for nano-silver with a 2.4 × 108 particles mL−1 concentration. TEM analysis demonstrated spherical Cm-AgNPs with 20–30 nm sizes. The focus of this research was to evaluate the antifungal activity of biogenic AgNPs against post-harvest pathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and Alternaria alternata. The Cm-AgNPs showed significant antifungal activity in the order of A. niger > A. flavus > A. alternata. The biogenic Cm-AgNPs can be used for the inhibition of toxigenic fungi.

Soil plays a pivotal role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. This study focuses on a critical region for soil research, Kalmykia's central dry steppe zone in southern Russia, characterized by arid conditions and unique challenges. Our investigation aimed to evaluate the current state of soil properties and assess trace element accumulation within this environment. The region's distinctive characteristics, including being home to Europe's first desert, present a complex scenario for soil conservation and management. A thorough analysis of key physicochemical properties, including organic matter content, soil texture, pH levels, and the concentrations of trace elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, and Pb) using established methodologies, was conducted. Our findings revealed several crucial insights into the soil conditions of this arid region. Soil samples predominantly consisted of Haplic Kastanozems Sodic, characterized by low organic carbon content (0.3-1.9%). Soil texture analysis indicated a predominantly light and medium loamy granulometric composition with a prevalence of sandy fractions. Soil pH values ranged from neutral (pH = 7.6-7.9) to slightly alkaline (pH = 8.0-8.4). Furthermore, the study provided the first assessment of soil conditions in residential areas of the Caspian Lowland's arid region. Notably, trace element analysis showed elevated concentrations of several metals, with Sr having the highest levels. Co, Cr, and Zn concentrations did not significantly increase compared to the background values. The results of this soil fertility evaluation hold significance for soil restoration and conservation efforts in this unique and fragile ecosystem. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgent need for soil monitoring and management practices to address soil degradation and desertification driven by overgrazing and erosion. Understanding the physicochemical properties and trace element dynamics in arid regions is essential for developing strategies to restore and conserve these valuable soils.

Algae are existing macroscopic materials with substantial benefits, including as important growth regulators and macronutrients and micronutrients for the growth of healthy crop plants. Biofertilizers obtained from algae are identified as novel production fertilizers or innovative biofertilizers without the detrimental impacts of chemicals. Seaweeds contain many water-soluble minerals and nutrients that plants can easily absorb and that are valuable for crop plants’ growth. At present, Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis extract outperforms chemical fertilizers in terms of increasing seed germination, plant development, and yield, as well as protecting plants from severe biotic and abiotic stresses. A. nodosum contains bioactive compounds that exhibit an array of biological activities such as antibiotic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic activities. A. nodosum extract (AnE) contains alginic acid and poly-uronides that improve soil’s water-carrying ability, morsel structure, aeration, and capillary action, stimulating root systems in plants, increasing microbial activity in soil, and improving mineral absorption and availability. The scientific literature has comprehensively reviewed these factors, providing information about the different functions of A. nodosum in plant growth, yield, and quality, the alleviation of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants, and their effects on the interactions of plant root systems and microbes. The application of AnE significantly improved the germination rate, increased the growth of lateral roots, enhanced water and nutrient use efficiencies, increased antioxidant activity, increased phenolic and flavonoid contents, increased chlorophyll and nutrient contents, alleviated the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses in different crop plants, and even improved the postharvest quality of different fruits.

The modern agricultural system is facing the unprecedented task of contriving the extensive demand for agrarian production owing to population explosion and global climate change. The employment of Nanotechnology in agriculture has gained immense interest in recent times for the development of sustainable agricultural technologies and environmental remediation strategies. Nanotechnology pertains to the employment of nanoparticles and furnishes the potential to fabricate novel materials and products possessing improved quality. The nanomaterials may be used as; nanosensors, nanocides, nanofertilizers, nanobarcodes, and nano-remediators, which play a significant role in modern agricultural practices. However, the physical and chemical processes of nanoparticle production is neither economical nor environmentally sustainable. Therefore, the need for green or biogenic nanoparticles obtained from plants, bacteria, fungi or their metabolites has emerged as novel, sustainable, economical, biocompatible, and eco-friendly technology. In this perspective, the production and sources of biogenic nanoparticles and their implication in agro-ecosystems for crop productivity, soil health management, biocontrol, and environmental remediation have been focused on in this review. The potential development and implementation challenges are also explored.

Fluorescent nanoparticles have a transformative potential for advanced sensors and devices for point-of-need diagnostics and bioimaging, bypassing the technical burden of meeting the assay performance requirements. Carbon dots (CDs) are rapidly emerging carbon-based nanomaterials. Regardless of their fate, they will find increasing applications. In this study, a simple approach for synthesizing CDs from fruit peels was developed. The CDs were fabricated from Annona squamosa (L.) peels using a carbonization technique through microwave-assisted hydrothermal digestion at temperatures around 200 °C. Synthesized CDs were detected using a UV transilluminator for the preliminary confirmation of the presence of fluorescence. UV–Vis spectrophotometry (absorbance at 505 nm) analysis, zeta potential measurement (−20.8 mV), nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA) (average size: 15.4 nm and mode size: 9.26 nm), photoluminescence, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis were used to identify the capping functional groups on the CDs. The total quantum yield exhibited was 8.93%, and the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed the size range up to 40 nm. The germinating mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.)) seeds were incubated with biogenically synthesized CDs to check the absorption of CDs by them. The fluorescence was observed under a UV-transilluminator in the growing parts of seeds, indicating the absorption of CDs during the germination, development, and growth. These fluorescent CDs could be used as a bioimaging agent. This novel method of synthesizing CDs was found to be eco-friendly, rapid, and cost-effective.

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the disease of lungs primarily but also produces significant systemic consequences like pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). COPD results in chronic hypoxemia consequently which causes PAH. PAH then leads to corpulmonale and right ventricular failure late in the course of the COPD. 2D echocardiography is probably the best technique to measure tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary arterial pressure non-invasively. Material and Methods: 50 cases above the age of 18 years admitted with signs and symptoms of COPD in our hospital over a period of two years were taken. Diagnosis of COPD was made on basis of history, signs and symptoms, supported by spirometry, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and radiological data. 2D echocardiography was performed on these patients to detect the presence of tricuspid regurgitation, PAH, right ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular dilatation and right ventricular failure. Results: Emphysema and chronic bronchitis was present in 38% and 62% respectively. Echocardiographic evidence of cor-pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension was found in 70% of the patients. Conclusions: Echocardiography is more sensitive than electrocardiography in detecting PAH and right ventricular dysfunction in COPD.

The objective of the present study was to assess the antifungal activity of pet. Ether extract, acetone extract, ethyl acetate, and ethanol bark extract of Ventilago denticulata (VD). The material was dried in shade made to a coarse powder and weighted quantity of the powder (1000 g) was subjected to hot percolation in a soxhlet apparatus using petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, acetone and ethanol, at a temperature range of 40-80°C. Phytochemical tests were done in presence of phytoconstituents like glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, flavonoids. The anti-fungal activity was carried out by using cup method using Sabraud’s agar as medium. Plates were incubated at 250C for 42hr and later observed for zones of inhibition. The effect of the extracts on fungal isolates was compared with Griseofluvin at a concentration of 10 mg/ml. The Ethyl acetate extract at low as well as high doses gives antifungal effect. Pet-ether extract, acetone extract and ethanolic extract did not produce any antifungal effect at both doses. Ethyl acetate extract shows zone of inhibition at low dose (T1 10 mg/ml) 10 mm and at high dose (T2 20 mg/ml) 16 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate water supplies recall the environmental values of recovery and reuse of limited resources. One of the exciting opportunities in these circumstances is Grey water. Wastewater generated from household activities like bathing, kitchen sinks, washbasins, and laundry is classified as greywater. Inventing a pilot-scale greywater treatment system that treats in-house generated greywater and makes it reusable by assisting the untapped potential of physical methods of greywater purification was the main aim of this study. The study results from greywater samples' characterization from various sources in an Indian middle-class single household with four residents for six months. Moreover, the designing and analyzing of a treatment system applied to treat this in-house generated greywater was conducted. A filtration system with different filter layers was designed. It was found to have a chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 85.98%, biochemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 86.28%, and total suspended solids removal efficiency of 94.44%. The filter system designed in this study describes improved removal efficiency in all respects and gives an idea of the reusability of in-house treated greywater. The study concludes that greywater can be recycled and reused for toilet flushing, gardening, car washing, and firefighting. This practice can also lead to a significant reduction in the consumption of freshwater.

Agriculture is a backbone of global economy and most of the population relies on this sector for their livelihood. Chitosan as a biodegradable material thus can be explored for in various fields in its nano form to replace non-biodegradable and toxic compounds. The chitosan has appealing properties like biocompatibility, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and low allergenic, making it useful in several applications including in agriculture sector. Because of their unique properties, chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) are extensively applied as a bioagent in various biological and biomedical processes, including wastewater treatment, plant growth promoter, fungicidal agent, wound healing, and scaffold for tissue engineering.Furthermore, the biocompatibility of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) is reported to have other biological properties such as anti-cancerous, antifungal, antioxidant activities, even induces an immune response in the plant, and helps manage biotic and abiotic stresses. Chitosan can also find its application in wastewater treatment, hydrating agents in cosmetics, the food industry, paper, and the textile industry as adhesive, drug-delivering agent in medical as well as for bioimaging. Since chitosan has low toxicity, the nano-formulation of chitosan can be used for the controlled release of fertilizers, pesticides, and plant growth promoters in agriculture fields. The ChNPs applications in precision farming being a novel approach in recent developments. Here we have comprehensively reviewed the major points in this review are; the synthesis of ChNPs by biological resources, their modification and formulation for increasing its applicability, their modified types, and the different agricultural applications of ChNPs.

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between stress and periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: This study included fifty chronic periodontitis subjects. The clinical parameters assessed for the full-mouth periodontal examination were as follows: Plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The subjects were provided with a questionnaire for the assessment of stress based on the Zung's self-rating depression and anxiety scale, the scores of which were correlated with the periodontal findings. Results: The number of subjects showing depression and anxiety were significantly less and the severity of depression and anxiety was mild in them. The clinical parameters (PI, PD, CAL) showed no significant differences among the subjects with varying levels of stress. There was no statistical significance for stress to be contributing toward the periodontal disease. Conclusion: The present study showed no association between stress and periodontal disease, and future longitudinal studies directed at larger population, might yield conclusive results.

Introduction: We depend on eyesight more than any other of our senses to maneuver through the space around us. In a fraction of a second, our eyes work with our brain to tell us the size, shape, colour, and texture of an object. Our eyes are body’s most highly developed sensory organs. The use of computers and television in the era of information technology has given new heights to the professional success rate and it saves time but on the other hand, it has led to an increase in the number of patients with ocular complaints. Aims: The objective of the study was to study the effect of eye exercise techniques along with kapalbhati pranayama on Visual Reaction Time (VRT). Material & Methods: Total 60 subjects in an age group of 18– 30 were recruited in the study. All the subjects were divided into two equal groups (study group and control group) containing 30 subjects (18 male & 12 female) each. Both the male and female subjects were selected on the basis of their voluntary involvement. Visual reaction time for red and green light was recorded from all 60 subjects before the start of the study. Study group subjects were trained to practice various eye exercise techniques and kapalbhati pranayama for 8 weeks regularly whereas control group were busy with their routine activities. After 8 weeks, visual reaction time was measured for red and green light from all 60 subjects. Statistical Analysis: Data expressed as Mean ± S.D, Student t –test was applied for analysis of data, p value 0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that simple eye exercises along with pranayama helps in improvement of visual reaction time.