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Background Near-patient access to appropriate tests is a major obstacle for the efficient diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and associated drug resistance. Methods We recently developed the “TB Concentration & Transport” kit for bio-safe, ambient-temperature transportation of dried sputum on Trans-Filter, and the “TB DNA Extraction” kit for DNA extraction from Trans-Filter for determining drug resistance by DNA sequencing. In the present study, we evaluated the compatibility of Kit-extracted DNA with Hain's line probe assays (LPAs), which are endorsed by National TB programmes for the detection of drug resistance in sputum collected from presumptive multidrug-resistant TB patients (n=207). Results Trans-Filter-extracted DNA was seamlessly integrated with the LPA protocol (Kit-LPA). The sensitivity of Kit-LPA for determining drug resistance was 83.3% for rifampicin (95% CI 52–98%), 77.7% for isoniazid (95% CI 52–94%), 85.7% for fluoroquinolones (95% CI 42–100%) and 66.6% for aminoglycosides (95% CI 9–99%), with a specificity range of 93.7% (95% CI 87–97) to 99.1% (95% CI 95–100) using phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) as a reference standard. A high degree of concordance was noted between results obtained from Kit-LPA and LPA (99% to 100% (κ value: 0.83–1.0)). Conclusions This study demonstrates successful integration of our developed kits with LPA. The adoption of these kits across Designated Microscopy Centres in India can potentially overcome the existing challenge of transporting infectious sputum at controlled temperature to centralised testing laboratories and can provide rapid near-patient cost-effective “Universal DST” services to TB subjects residing in remote areas.

In this work, a polypyrrole-polyethyleneimine (PPy-PEI) nano-adsorbent was successfully synthesized for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution. Synthetic dyes are among the most prevalent environmental contaminants. A new conducting polymer-based adsorbent called (PPy-PEI) was successfully produced using ammonium persulfate as an oxidant. The PEI hyper-branched polymer with terminal amino groups was added to the PPy adsorbent to provide more effective chelating sites for dyes. An efficient dye removal from an aqueous solution was demonstrated using a batch equilibrium technique that included a polyethyleneimine nano-adsorbent (PPy-PEI). The best adsorption parameters were measured at a 0.35 g dosage of adsorbent at a pH of 6.2 and a contact period of 40 min at room temperature. The produced PPy-PEI nano-adsorbent has an average particle size of 25–60 nm and a BET surface area of 17 m2/g. The results revealed that PPy-PEI nano-composite was synthesized, and adsorption was accomplished in the minimum amount of time. The maximum monolayer power, qmax, for MB was calculated using the isothermal adsorption data, which matched the Langmuir isotherm model, and the kinetic adsorption data, which more closely fitted the Langmuir pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir model was used to calculate the maximum monolayer capacity, or qmax, for MB, which was found to be 183.3 mg g−1. The as-prepared PPy-PEI nano-adsorbent totally removes the cationic dyes from the aqueous solution.

Photocatalytic degradation can be increased by improving photo-generated electrons and broadening the region of light absorption through conductive polymers. In that view, we have synthesized Polyaniline (PANI) with CdS, CdS-ZnS, and CdS-TiO2 nanocomposites using the chemical precipitation method, characterized and verified for the photo-degradation of Acid blue-29 dye. This paper provides a methodical conception about in what way conductive polymers “PANI” enhances the performance rate of composite photocatalysts (CdS, CdS-ZnS and CdS-TiO2). The nanocomposites charge transfer, molar ratio, surface morphology, particle size, diffraction pattern, thermal stability, optical and recombination of photo-generated charge carrier properties were determined. The production of nanocomposites and their efficient photocatalytic capabilities were observed. The mechanism of photocatalysis involved with PC, CZP and CTP nanocomposites are well presented by suitable diagrams representing the exchange of electrons and protons among themselves with supported equations. We discovered that increasing the number of nanocomposites in the membranes boosted both photocatalytic activity and degradation rate. CdS-Zinc-PANI (CZP) and CdS-TiO2-PANI(CTP) nanocomposites show entrapment at the surface defects of Zinc and TiO2 nanoparticles due to the demolition of unfavorable electron kinetics, and by reducing the charge recombination, greater photocatalytic activity than CdS-PANI (CP) with the same nanoparticle loading was achieved. With repeated use, the photocatalysts’ efficiency dropped very little, hinting that they may be used to remove organic pollutants from water. The photocatalytic activity of CZP and CTP photocatalytic membranes was greater when compared to CdS-PANI, which may be due to the good compatibility between CdS and Zinc and TiO2, as well efficient charge carrier separation. PANI can also increase the split-up of photo-excited charge carriers and extend the absorption zone when combined with these nanoparticles. As a result, the development of outrageous performance photocatalysts and their potential uses in ecological purification and solar power conversion has been facilitated. The novelty of this article is to present the degradation of AB-29 Dye using nanocomposites with polymers and study the enhanced degradation rate. Few studies have been carried out on polymer nanocomposites and their application in the degradation of AB-29 dyes and remediation of water purposes. Nanoparticle CdS is a very effective photocatalyst, commonly used for water purification along with nanoparticle ZnS and TiO2; but cadmium ion-leaching makes it ineffective for practical and commercial use. In the present work, we have reduced the leaching of hazardous cadmium ions by trapping them in a polyaniline matrix, hence making it suitable for commercial use. We have embedded ZnS and TiO2 along with CdS in a polyaniline matrix and compared their photocatalytic activity, stability, and reusability, proving our nano-composites suitable for commercial purposes with enhanced activities and stabilities, which is a novelty. All synthesized nanocomposites are active within the near-ultraviolet to deep infrared (i.e., 340–850 nm). This gives us full efficiency of the photocatalysts in the sunlight and further proves the commercial utility of our nanocomposites.

Nanoparticles (nanoparticles) have received much attention in biological application because of their unique physicochemical properties. The metal- and metal oxide–supported nanomaterials have shown significant therapeutic effect in medical science. The mechanisms related to the interaction of nanoparticles with animal and plant cells can be used to establish its significant role and to improve their activity in health and medical applications. Various attempts have been made to discuss the antibiotic resistance and antimicrobial activity of metal-supported nanoparticles. Despite all these developments, there is still a need to investigate their performance to overcome modern challenges. In this regard, the present review examines the role of various types of metal-supported nanomaterials in different areas such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and so on. Based on the significant ongoing research and applications, it is expected that metal-supported nanomaterials play an outstanding role not only in medical but also in other important areas.

Although regarded as environmentally stable, bioelectrochemical fuel cells or, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) continue to face challenges with sustaining electron transport. In response, we examined the performance of two graphene composite-based anode electrodes—graphene oxide (GO) and GO–polymer–metal oxide (GO–PANI–Ag)—prepared from biomass and used in MFCs. Over 7 days of operation, GO energy efficiency peaked at 1.022 mW/m2 and GO–PANI–Ag at 2.09 mW/m2. We also tested how well the MFCs could remove heavy metal ions from synthetic wastewater, a secondary application of MFCs that offers considerable benefits. Overall, GO–PANI–Ag had a higher removal rate than GO, with 78.10% removal of Pb(II) and 80.25% removal of Cd(II). Material characterizations, electrochemical testing, and microbial testing conducted to validate the anodes performance confirmed that using new materials as electrodes in MFCs can be an attractive approach to improve the electron transportation. When used with a natural organic substrate (e.g., sugar cane juice), they also present fewer challenges. We also optimized different parameters to confirm the efficiency of the MFCs under various operating conditions. Considering those results, we discuss some lingering challenges and potential possibilities for MFCs.

Metal ion studies in wastewater are required on a regular basis for environmental monitoring and assessment. Less metal ion concentrations and the interference from complex sample matrices remains challenging for instrumental quantification. Herein, we proposed a fix-bed solid phase extraction method, consisting of a newly prepared dimercaptosuccinic acid functionalized polystyrene beads. The ligand forms stable complex with Hg(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II), evident by experimental as well as density functional theory. The metal-ligand stabilization energy calculations, suggested the higher selectivity of polystyrene dimercaptosuccinic acid (PSDMSA) toward Pb(II) compared to Cd(II) and Hg(II). The prepared adsorbent was utilized to enrich Hg(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) ions from environmental samples. Column parameters were studied in detail and optimized accordingly. The preconcentration factor for Hg(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) were found to be 900, with the preconcentration limit of 0.74 µg L−1. The detection limit for Pb(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) ions was found to be 1.3 ± 0.2, 1.5 ± 0.3, and 1.8 ± 0.3 ng L−1, respectively. The method accuracy was tested against systematic and continuous errors by standard addition method (

Recognition of sustainability issues around water resource consumption is gaining traction under global warming and land utilization complexities. These concerns increase the challenge of gaining an appropriate comprehension of the anthropogenic activities and natural processes, as well as how they influence the quality of surface water and groundwater systems. The characteristics of water resources cause difficulties in the comprehensive assessment regarding the source types, pathways, and pollutants behaviors. As the behavior and prediction of widely known contaminants in the water resources remain challenging, some new issues have developed regarding heavy metal pollutants. The main aim of this review is to focus on certain essential pollutants’ discharge from anthropogenic activities categorized based on land-use sectors such as industrial applications (solid/liquid wastes, chemical compounds, mining activities, spills, and leaks), urban development (municipal wastes, land use practices, and others), and agricultural practices (pesticides and fertilizers). Further, important pollutants released from natural processes classified based on climate change, natural disasters, geological factors, soil/matrix, and hyporheic exchange in the aquatic environment, are also discussed. Moreover, this study addresses the major inorganic substances (nitrogen, fluoride, and heavy metals concentrations). This study also emphasizes the necessity of transdisciplinary research and cross-border communication to achieve sustainable water quality using sound science, adaptable legislation, and management systems.

Nanotechnology is an innovative area of science that includes the design, characterization, production, and application of materials, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanometer scale (1–100 nm). Nanotechnology incorporation in cosmetic formulation is considered as the hottest and emerging technology available. Cosmetic manufacturers use nanoscale size ingredients to provide better UV protection, deeper skin penetration, long-lasting effects, increased color, finish quality, and many more. Micellar nanoparticles is one of the latest field applied in cosmetic products that becoming trending and widely commercialized in local and international markets. The ability of nanoemulsion system to form small micellar nanoparticles size with high surface area allowing to effectiveness of bioactive component transport onto the skin. Oil in water nanoemulsion is playing a major role as effective formulation in cosmetics such as make-up remover, facial cleanser, anti-aging lotion, sun-screens, and other water-based cosmetic formulations. The objective of this review is to critically discuss the properties, advantageous, and mechanism of micellar nanoparticles formation in nanoemulsion system. Therefore, present article introduce and discuss the specific benefits of nanoemulsion system in forming micellar nanoparticles for cosmetic formulation which become major factors for further development of micellar-based cosmetic segments.

Human activities continue to affect our water quality; it remains a major problem worldwide (particularly concerning freshwater and human consumption). A critical water quality index (WQI) method has been used to determine the overall water quality status of surface water and groundwater systems globally since the 1960s. WQI follows four steps: parameter selection, sub-indices, establishing weights, and final index aggregation, which are addressed in this review. However, the WQI method is a prolonged process and applied to specific water quality parameters, i.e., water consumption (particular area and time) and other purposes. Therefore, this review discusses the WQI method in simple steps, for water quality assessment, based on two multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods: (1) analytical hierarchical process (AHP); and (2) measuring attractiveness by a categorically based evaluation technique (MACBETH). MCDM methods can facilitate easy calculations, with less effort and great accuracy. Moreover, the uncertainty and eclipsing problems are also discussed—a challenge at every step of WQI development, particularly for parameter selection and establishing weights. This review will help provide water management authorities with useful knowledge pertaining to water usage or modification of existing indicators globally, and contribute to future WQI planning and studies for drinking, irrigation, domestic, and industrial purposes.

Benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFCs) are considered to be one of the eco-friendly bioelectrochemical cell approaches nowadays. The utilization of waste materials in BMFCs is to generate energy and concurrently bioremediate the toxic metals from synthetic wastewater, which is an ideal approach. The use of novel electrode material and natural organic waste material as substrates can minimize the present challenges of the BMFCs. The present study is focused on cellulosic derived graphene-polyaniline (GO-PANI) composite anode fabrication in order to improve the electron transfer rate. Several electrochemical and physicochemical techniques are used to characterize the performance of anodes in BMFCs. The maximum current density during polarization behavior was found to be 87.71 mA/m2 in the presence of the GO-PANI anode with sweet potato as an organic substrate in BMFCs, while the GO-PANI offered 15.13 mA/m2 current density under the close circuit conditions in the presence of 1000 Ω external resistance. The modified graphene anode showed four times higher performance than the unmodified anode. Similarly, the remediation efficiency of GO-PANI was 65.51% for Cd (II) and 60.33% for Pb (II), which is also higher than the unmodified graphene anode. Furthermore, multiple parameters (pH, temperature, organic substrate) were optimized to validate the efficiency of the fabricated anode in different environmental atmospheres via BMFCs. In order to ensure the practice of BMFCs at industrial level, some present challenges and future perspectives are also considered briefly.

A wide variety of pollutants are discharged into water bodies like lakes, rivers, canal, etc. due to the growing world population, industrial development, depletion of water resources, improper disposal of agricultural and native wastes. Water pollution is becoming a severe problem for the whole world from small villages to big cities. The toxic metals and organic dyes pollutants are considered as significant contaminants that cause severe hazards to human beings and aquatic life. The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is the most promising, eco-friendly, and emerging technique. In this technique, microorganisms play an important role in bioremediation of water pollutants simultaneously generating an electric current. In this review, a new approach based on microbial fuel cells for bioremediation of organic dyes and toxic metals has been summarized. This technique offers an alternative with great potential in the field of wastewater treatment. Finally, their applications are discussed to explore the research gaps for future research direction. From a literature survey of more than 170 recent papers, it is evident that MFCs have demonstrated outstanding removal capabilities for various pollutants.

The recycling and treatment of wastewater using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) has been attracting significant attention as a way to control energy crises and water pollution simultaneously. Despite all efforts, MFCs are unable to produce high energy or efficiently treat pollutants due to several issues, one being the anode’s material. The anode is one of the most important parts of an MFC. Recently, different types of anode materials have been developed to improve the removal rate of pollutants and the efficiency of energy production. In MFCs, carbon-based materials have been employed as the most commonly preferred anode material. An extensive range of potentials are presently available for use in the fabrication of anode materials and can considerably minimize the current challenges, such as the need for high quality materials and their costs. The fabrication of an anode using biomass waste is an ideal approach to address the present issues and increase the working efficiency of MFCs. Furthermore, the current challenges and future perspectives of anode materials are briefly discussed.

Water is an essential part of life and its availability is important for all living creatures. On the other side, the world is suffering from a major problem of drinking water. There are several gases, microorganisms and other toxins (chemicals and heavy metals) added into water during rain, flowing water, etc. which is responsible for water pollution. This review article describes various applications of nanomaterial in removing different types of impurities from polluted water. There are various kinds of nanomaterials, which carried huge potential to treat polluted water (containing metal toxin substance, different organic and inorganic impurities) very effectively due to their unique properties like greater surface area, able to work at low concentration, etc. The nanostructured catalytic membranes, nanosorbents and nanophotocatalyst based approaches to remove pollutants from wastewater are eco-friendly and efficient, but they require more energy, more investment in order to purify the wastewater. There are many challenges and issues of wastewater treatment. Some precautions are also required to keep away from ecological and health issues. New modern equipment for wastewater treatment should be flexible, low cost and efficient for the commercialization purpose.

Traditional object detection answers two questions; “what” (what the object is?) and “where” (where the object is?). “what” part of the object detection can be fine grained further i-e. “what type”, “what shape” and “what material” etc. This results in shifting of object detection task to object description paradigm. Describing object provides additional detail that enables us to understand the characteristics and attributes of the object (“plastic boat” not just boat, “glass bottle” not just bottle). This additional information can implicitly be used to gain insight about unseen objects (e.g. unknown object is “metallic”, “has wheels”), which is not possible in traditional object detection. In this paper, we present a new approach to simultaneously detect objects and infer their attributes, we call it Detectand- Describe (DaD) framework. DaD is a deep learning-based approach that extends object detection to object attribute prediction as well. We train our model on aPascal train set and evaluate our approach on aPascal test set. We achieve 97.0% in Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC) for object attributes prediction on aPascal test set. We also show qualitative results for object attribute prediction on unseen objects, which demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach for describing unknown objects.

Background and Objectives: In pulmonary tuberculosis, bacteriological status at two months affects subsequent treatment and prognosis. The effect on treatment outcome and risk factors for sputum conversion at two months treatment in previously untreated pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients was studied in the following report. Methods: A 1:1 case-control study was performed from June 2006 to February 2008 on patients in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program in a tertiary level institute in Delhi, India. Patients with previously untreated PTB with sputum smear positive at 2 months of treatment (cases) were compared with those who achieved conversion (controls). Results: In 74 cases and 74 controls, independent risk factors for sputum smear positive at two months were: illness for >2 months, presence of cavity or extensive disease on chest X-ray, and interruption in intensive phase of treatment. Patients with smear positive at 2 or 3 months of treatment were more likely to fail or default from treatment. Aforesaid factors were also associated with sputum culture positive status at 2 months in univariate analysis. Patients who interrupted treatment ≥3 times in the first two months were more likely to be culture positive at two months and had a higher rate of default and failure. Conclusions: Illness for more than 2 months, presence of cavity or extensive disease on chest X-ray, and interruption in intensive phase of treatment are independent risk factors for sputum smear positivity at two months, which in turn is associated with poor treatment outcomes. Patients with these factors merit special attention under the national program.