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Treatment of tunnel wash runoff water and road runoff water before it reaches the environment is recommended to limit the negative consequences of traffic-related pollution. The efficiency of existing water treatment systems to remove traffic-related microplastic (MP) has not been sufficiently documented. Expanding the knowledge about traffic-related MP and documenting the treatment efficiency of MP in road tunnel wash water (TWW) and road runoff (RRW) treatment systems were the objectives of the presented project. TWW from the Tåsen tunnel, Norway, and RRW from the Fossbekken sedimentation pond were investigated in summer and winter situations. Six commonly available polymer types, tire rubber tread particles (TRP), and road marking paints (RMP) were analyzed in the selected samples. About 0.12 and 0.26 μg/L of polymers were identified in winter and summer TWWs. Significantly higher tire rubber and road marking paint concentrations were identified in the winter sample compared to summer sample. Suspended particle concentration in the Fossbekken RRW treatment pond effluent was lower in the summer than in the winter sample. About 0.002 and 0.0008 μg/L polymer masses were identified in winter and summer samples, respectively. TRP in the winter and summer samples were 0.7 and 0.2 μg7/L, and 13.4 μg/L RMP was found in the winter sample, while it was only 0.008 μg/L in the summer sample. HIGHLIGHTS Microplastic contamination of road runoff water (RRW) and tunnel wash water (TWW) was investigated.; Heavy metal pollution and microplastic particles larger than 10 μm were measured.; Six commonly available polymer types, tire rubber tread particles (TRP), and road marking paint (RMP) in RRW and TWW samples were analyzed.; The treatment efficiencies of a roadside pond and a TWW sedimentation tank was evaluated.;

Diabetes is one of the most fatal and vastly heritable metabolic disorders across the globe primarily due to the associated long-term effects including uncontrolled blood sugar levels, blindness, renal and cardiac problems. One of the diabetes related genes peroxisome proliferated activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) plays significant role in insulin metabolism and is expressed predominantly in adipose tissues. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) like Pro12Ala, is known to be associated with PPARγ2 gene. In this study, we have made an effort to investigate the prevalence of Pro12Ala allele in the diabetic population of Guwahati, Assam. A total of 50 human subjects with control subjects were included in the study. The data obtained revealed that 49 out of 50 samples carried the Pro/Pro allele, while 1 individual carried the Pro/Ala allele. Results obtained in the study indicate the existence of insignificant link between the targeted SNP Pro12Ala and type 2 diabetes in the sampled population, whereas in contrast we found a strong association of the SNP Pro12Pro with diabetes. The present study shows that there is a need to carry out an extensive study with a large population, which would give us the better picture of occurrence of this SNP in Northeast Indian population.

We calculate the excess energy transferred into two-dot and three-dot quantum dot cellular automata systems during switching events. This is the energy that must eventually be dissipated as heat. The adiabaticity of a switching event is quantified using the adiabaticity parameter of Landau and Zener. For the logically reversible operations of WRITE or ERASE WITH COPY, the excess energy transferred to the system decreases exponentially with increasing adiabaticity. For the logically irreversible operation of ERASE WITHOUT COPY, considerable energy is transferred and so must be dissipated, in accordance with the Landauer Principle. The exponential decrease in energy dissipation with adiabaticity (e.g., switching time) distinguishes adiabatic quantum switching from the usual linear improvement in classical systems.

Image Processing, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning concepts were used to assist farmers. Our application includes features such as early detection of plant disease, which is accomplished through a variety of methods. Following evaluation, the results revealed that the Convolutional Neural Network performed better for plant disease detection with high accuracy. It also assists the farmer in forecasting the weather to determine the best time for agricultural activities such as harvesting and plucking. To prevent disease reoccurrence due to soil mineral loss, a crop specific fertiliser calculator is included, which can calculate the amount of urea, diammonium phosphate, and muriate of potash required for a given area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the impact of the intrinsic molecular reorganization energy on switching in two-state quantum-dot cellular automata cells. Switching a bit involves an electron transferring between charge centers within the molecule. This, in turn, causes the other atoms in the molecule to rearrange their positions in response. We capture this in a model that treats the electron motion quantum-mechanically but the motion of nuclei semiclassically. This results in a non-linear Hamiltonian for the electron system. Interaction with a thermal environment is included by solving the Lindblad equation for the time-dependent density matrix. The calculated response of a molecule to the local electric field shows hysteresis during switching when the sweep direction is reversed. The relaxation of neighboring nuclei increases the localization of the electron, which provides an intrinsic source of enhanced bistability and single-molecule memory. This comes at the cost of increased power dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the energy dissipated by a two-state quantum system during a switching operation when interacting with a thermal environment. For an isolated system, the excess energy decreases exponentially with switching time. For classically damped systems, the energy dissipation decreases linearly with switching time. We model the quantum system coupled to a thermal environment using a Lindblad equation for the density matrix. For rapid switching, the exponential quantum adiabaticity holds. For slow enough switching, the damping from the bath yields linear dissipation, as in the classical limit. Between these two limits, when the switching time is comparable to the characteristic energy transfer time to the thermal bath, there is an inverted region when dissipation increases with longer switching times. Consequences for the design of molecular quantum-dot cellular automata are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uttar Pradesh, particularly its western region, has better export potential for the premium early potato segment as leading Indian exporters demand export-grade tubers (>55mm) during January to tap the deficit period of fresh potatoes in the global market. With this background, a field experiment was conducted during 2020-22 in the early crop season with five promising varieties/ advanced hybrid viz., Kufri Sangam, Kufri Kiran, Kufri Neelkanth, Kufri Chipsona-4 and WS/07-113. The crop was planted in September end and harvested in mid-January. Advanced hybrid WS/07-113 recorded the highest export-grade tuber yield (4.95 t/ha), followed by Kufri Kiran (4.63 t/ha). Maximum tuber dry matter content was attained by cv. Kufri Chipsona-4 (21.3%) followed by Kufri Kiran (20.1%) and Kufri Sangam (19.3%). As a specialty segment, exporters showed keen interest in cv. Kufri Neelkanth which has 4.32 t/ha export-grade tuber yield and 18.6% specific gravity. As exporters require potatoes in January, crop duration may easily be increased to 85-90 days to achieve higher yields. Performance of varieties and exporters' feedback indicates that western UP can lead to export-grade potato production during the early-season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted to record the economics, incidence and resurgence effect of commonly used insecticides like imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and oxydemeton-methyl against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and leafhoppers Amrasca biguttula biguttula Isida on early planted potato (K. Pukhraj) crop during two consecutive years 2018 and 2019. The population of B. tabaci and A. biguttula biuguttula was active on potato crop throughout the crop growth. No resurgence of whitefly and leafhopper was noticed after the application of recommended and slightly higher doses of Imidacloprid 17.8 SL and Thiamethoxam 25% WG except its sub lethal doses. While Oxydemeton-Methyl 25 EC sprayed crop showed high degree of resurgence during both the years. Highest pooled mean tuber yield (21.81 t/ha) with maximum (14.91 %) increase in tuber yield was recorded from Thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 7g/10l four sprays treated plots. The sub lethal doses of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam and all the doses of oxydemeton-methyl were recorded negative and no increase in potato yield over control. Similarly, thiamethoxam 25% WG @ 7g/10l treated plot ranked first indicating the maximum return of Rs. 2.99 per rupee invested followed by imidacloprid 17.8 SL@6 ml/10l with Rs.2.09. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is regarded as the future crop for assuring food security in the developing world. Of many diseases which limit the growth and trade value of potatoes, silver scurf is emerging at an alarming rate. Potato silver scurf is a widespread disease in which silvery skin blemishes appear on the periderm of tubers. The causal agent Helminthosporium solani Durieu & Mont is an Ascomycete fungus which attacks the potato plants in the field as well as in storage. The pathogen is reported to have a hemibiotrophic or necrotrophic lifestyle. The disease which was earlier considered of minor importance has become a major cause of non-acceptance of commercial potatoes during the last two decades. Lack of resistant cultivars and emergence of thiabendazole fungicide resistant strains has made it much more devastating in potato cultivation and trade. Several new fungicide molecules have been found very effective as seed treatment chemicals in mitigating this disease. Likewise, many beneficial microbial antagonists have shown mycoparsitism and antibiosis against this pathogen. These bioagents can be utilized in an integrated disease management program. Germplasm screening for disease resistance is an important aspect that will assist the resistance breeding program for the development of silver scurf resistant potato cultivars. The pathogen has multiple cell wall degrading enzymes and several genes in glucoside hydrolase family which suggest that there is a need to reconsider the life cycle of this pathogen with special emphasis on its host range. This review draws attention to the pathogenomics, infection process and management possibilities of silver scurf disease and proposes some critical questions to be addressed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydration of the 18-crown-6 molecule was examined through a rigorous topography mapping of molecular electrostatic potential (MESP). Then, a simple electrostatic model, which considers the electrostatic potential for intermolecular complexation, was employed for determining trends in energetics. Computations using the model were consistent with ab initio calculations, indicating the applicability of MESP topography for investigating the lock-and-key features in a hydration process through cooperative electrostatic effects.

The molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) and the corresponding polarization corrected (PMESP) one of some saturated hydrocarbons, namely, methane, ethane, cyclopropane, cyclobutane, n-butane and cyclohexane, were investigated at the ab initio SCF level. For predicting coordination of Li+ with the hydrocarbons, the topography of PMESP was used. Results indicate that the complete exploitation of three-dimensional PMESP distribution provides a systematic way for studying cation-molecule interactions.

The spiders of family Zodariidae mimic with ants and feed on them. Presently 12 species are reported from genus Tropizodium Jocqué & Churchil, 2005. Present paper deals with first record of male Tropizodium viridurbium from Melghat forest, Maharashtra, along with the description of the female. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two structurally unique aggregation induced emission (AIE)‐active luminogens have been designed and synthesized based on the furocarbazole skeleton. Such small molecule AIEgens were designed based on forbidden planarity and engineering a twist into the scaffold to realize induction of emission in the aggregated states. The structures were fully characterized and their thermal stabilities, electronic properties, photophysical and electrochemical properties were systematically investigated. The unique twist in the molecules as evident from their X‐ray crystal structure along with the short intermolecular interactions enhances the structural rigidification and restricts detrimental π–π stacking interactions, restricting the internal rotations (RIR) accompanied by a curb of the ICT process, resulting in enhanced emission in the aggregated state. This intriguing luminescent property enabled one of the luminogens to selectively detect trinitrophenol (TNP) over other nitroaromatics in both aqueous and organic media at nanomolar concentrations. Moreover, the good photostabilities and biocompatibilities empowered both luminogens to function as fluorescent bioprobes for cancer cell imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerogels are prepared by quantifying the sol–gel process of the organo‐metallic precursors. The objective of the present article is to synthesize ultralow density, low index of refraction, and monolithic silica aerogels. The quantification of hydrophobicity of the silica aerogels using water drop contact angle is not only crucial but also the estimation of the surface free energy is an important parameter to understand the interfacial behavior of the aerogel surface and liquid. To provide insight on this behavior, calculation of the surface free energy is done by using Neumann's equation of state. These synthesized aerogels emerged with ultralow density 24 kg m−3 and low thermal conductivity ∼0.091 W m−1 K−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The deceleration time of the pulmonary venous diastolic flow has been well-correlated with invasive pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in several studies regardless of left ventricular systolic function. This study was conducted to correlate deceleration time of pulmonary venous diastolic wave, DT(D), and left atrial pressure (LAP), obtained noninvasively from mitral early diastolic inflow velocity-to-early diastolic mitral annulus velocity ratio (E/e'), and to assess the ease of each method in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) by transesophageal echocardiography.Methods: Forty-five adult patients with coronary artery disease, with left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥50% posted for elective OPCAB were enrolled in the study.Results: Forty values of LAP and DT(D) were analyzed. A significant linear correlation (r = -0.64) was found between DT(D) and LAP. Area under the curve of DT(D) of ≤183 ms for predicting elevated LAP (>15) was 0.903 (95% confidence interval: 0.767 to 0.974, P < 0.0001).Conclusion: Deceleration time of pulmonary venous flow diastolic waveform, DT(D), feasible promising echocardiographic measure in determining elevated LAP and DT(D)≤183 ms predicts elevated LAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), is an important pest of several vegetable crops. Detection and monitoring of this pestiferous species rely heavily upon male lure or parapheromone cue lure. Consuming natural male lure compounds by males of tephritid fruit flies enables them to mate more successfully within their female choice mating systems. Here, we studied the olfactory behavioural response of mature male and female melon flies to body volatiles of cue lure fed and unfed mature male melon flies and protein fed immature male and female, protein unfed mature male and female melon flies body volatile. Olfactometer assay results revealed that female melon flies were highly attracted towards the cue lure fed male flies body volatile and male melon flies towards the cue lure unfed male flies body volatile. Our study also revealed the chemical composition of body volatiles collected from the aforesaid treatments and N-(3-Methylbutyl) acetamide was found to be abundant in the body volatile samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early diagnosis of neonatal hypernatremia is necessary for better prognosis. It’s a medical emergency and it should not be overlooked. A detailed knowledge regarding the diagnosis, complications, etiology & treatment can help to prevent it. With this view present study was planned. Methodology: Our investigation included 12 ‘out-born’ cases of “lab-confirmed” Hypernatremia from NICU with Na+ range 170-210 mEq/L and Acute Kidney Injury. Full neonatal & maternal history was taken. Details were obtained regarding pregnancy & the patterns of feeding.Clinical examinations were carried out from head to foot to evaluate for signs of hypernatremia, dehydration and further investigations were done.Analysis of the fluid correction therapy was undertaken. Results: Majority of the neonates affected were born to primi mothers. Breast-feeding was in-frequent i.e. less than 7 times in 66% of the cases and 3 were formula-fed and 1 with top-fed (60% had undergone C-section).Delayed and inadequate feeding could have been major factors. Conclusions: Key takeaway to note is that - complications such as cerebral edema & seizures should be watched out for. Early detection and proper management of the disorder are primarily required. All our cases responded well to the standardized protocol with high rate of survival (only 2 deaths out of 12 pts). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0, commonly referred as the fourth industrial revolution, has the potential to transform the modern organization in the way the products are designed, manufactured, delivered, and serviced. The implementation of Industry 4.0 is a challenge for the organizations because there is hardly any universally accepted framework. Therefore, it is difficult for the managers to plan its implementation methodology. The purpose of this study is to answer the question what are the important lessons for managers while implementing Industry 4.0? A literature review is carried out on the implementation of Industry 4.0. This paper is based on the primary data from academic articles. This study finds ten lessons that managers can keep in mind while implementing Industry 4.0 in the organizations. Besides, some limitations and issues are also identified. This study will help the practising managers and practitioners while implementing Industry 4.0 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]