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Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses which severely affect the production of crops across the world. In this experiment, we examined 20 rice genotypes of diverse origins and sources including few salt tolerant varieties (Binadhan-8, Binadhan-10, Pokkali and FL478) as check. The main objective of this study was to determine salt tolerance at seedling stage and to evaluate genetic variation using SSR markers. IRRI standard protocol was applied to screen out salinity among those varieties, at the glasshouse of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, BAU campus, Mymensingh-2202. Shoot length, root length and total dry matter were recorded at 6dS/m, 8dS/m, 10dS/m and 12 dS/m salt stress levels. According to the morphological and molecular survey of 20 rice genotypes at the seedling stage it was evident that, Binadhan-8, Binadhan-10, Pokkali, FL478, IR64, IR4630, FR13A and Sadamota identified as salt tolerant whereas THDB, Moulata, MV-20, CPD-23, CPD-29, Pot-18, Pot-27 and Dudkalam those were found as susceptible, BRRI dhan67, Binadhan-17 and Binadhan-21 those were traced as highly susceptible. The highest Nei’s genetic distance value 1.0 was found in Moulata vs Sadamota and the lowest value 0.08 was observed in Binadhan-21 vs IR64. It will be used in future breeding program to develop a saline tolerant variety of rice. Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(1): 75-88, April 2021

Humans life is dependent on technology, if it is their health, travel, day to day life activities, living, moving, traveling, etc. technology is everywhere now and we cannot escape it. With all this, now there is an extra relief and support to human’s daily life and work through the Internet of things. but, security issues and cyber-attacks are making the privacy of its users a challenging aspect of it, where the IoT device require and works on low power and memory, which makes it difficult to implement traditional cryptographic encryption and authentication algorithms which requires high computation power. Therefore, this research article is contributing to the existing works and literatures, by proposing and introducing a robust multi-factor authentication and security model for IoT called SAARZ which uses hardware-based Intrusion Prevention System using PUF, and also IDS technology for detecting unknown and known attacks couple with Hardware based IPS system using PUF, further it uses hash function, XOR operation, Timestamp, and Nonce. The informal analysis shows that, this Security Model is resilient against both known and unknown attacks., {"references":["Zahoor Ahmed Alizai; Noquia Fatima Tareen; Iqra Jadoon ,\"Improved IoT Device Authentication Scheme 519 Using Device Capability and Digital Signatures\", IEEE, 2018.","Mustafa A. Al Sibahee; Songfeng Lu; Zaid Ameen Abduljabbar; Xin Liu; Hemn Barzan Abdalla; Mohammed Abdulridha Hussain; Zaid Alaa Hussien, And Mudhafar Jalil Jassim Ghrabat, \"Lightweight Secure Message Delivery for E2E S2S Communication in the IoT-Cloud System\", IEEE, 2020.","R. Vinoth, Lazarus Jegatha Deborah, Pandi Vijayakumar, Neeraj Kumar, \"Secure Multi-factor Authenticated Key Agreement Scheme for Industrial IoT\", IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 2020.","Anwar Ghani, Khwaja Mansoor, Shahid Mehmood, Shehzad Ashraf Chaudhry, Arif Ur Rahman, Malik Najmus Saqib, \"Security and key management in IoT-based wireless sensor networks: An authentication protocol using symmetric key\", International Journal of Communication Systems, 2019.","Prosanta Gope, Tzonelih Hwang, \"A Realistic Lightweight Anonymous Authentication Protocol for Securing Real-time Application Data Access in Wireless Sensor Networks\", IEEE, 2016.","Feifei Wang, Guosheng Xu, Guoai Xu, Yuejie Wang, and Junhao Peng, \"A Robust IoT-Based Three-Factor Authentication Scheme for Cloud Computing Resistant to Session Key Exposure\", 2020.","Ming-Shen Jian, Yu-En Cheng, Chen-Han Shen, \"Internet of Things (IOT) Cybersecurity based on the Hybrid Cryptosystem', IEEE ICACT, 2019.","Ruchi Garg, Poonam Gupta, Amandeep Kaur, \"Secure IoT via Blockchain Secure IoT via Blockchain\", IOP Conference Series Materials Science and Engineering, 2021.","Xu Wang, Xuan Zha, Guangsheng Yu, Wei Ni, Ren Ping Liu, \"Blockchain for Internet of Things\", The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), 2020.","Mourade Azrour, Azidine Guezzaz, Yousef Farhaoui, Jamal Mabrouki, \"New Enhanced Authentication Protocol for Internet of Things\", Tsighua University Press, 2021.","Saru Kumari, Marimuthu Karuppiah, Ashok Kumar Das, Xiong Li, Fan Wu, Neeraj Kumar, \"A secure authentication scheme based on elliptic curve cryptography for IoT and cloud servers\", The Journal of Supercomputing, 2018.","Mohammed El-hajj, Ahmad Fadlallah, Maroun Chamoun, and Ahmed Serhrouchni, \"A Survey of Internet of Things (IoT) Authentication Schemes\", MDPI Sensors Journal, 2019.","Ygal Bendavid, nasour Bagheri, Masoumeh Safkhani, Samad Rostampour, \"IoT Device Security: Challenging \"A Lightweight RFID Mutual Authentication Protocol Based on Physical Unclonable Function\", MDPI Sensors Journal, 2018.","He Xu, Jie Ding, Peng Li, Feng Zhu, \"a lightweight RFID mutual authentication protocol based on physical unclonable function\", MDPI Sensors Journal, 2018.","Morteza Adeli, Nasour Bagheri, Hamid Reza Meimani, \"On the designing a secure biometric-based remote patient authentication scheme for mobile healthcare environments\", Springer Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing, 2020.","Adel. A Ahmed Abdullah, Waleed Ali, \"an effective multifactor authentication mechanism based on combiners of hash function over Internet of Things\", MDPI Sensors Journal, 2019.","Adel. A Ahmed Abdullah, \"lightweight digital certificate management and efficacious symmetric cryptoraphic mechanism over industrial Internet of Things\", MDPI Sensors Journal, 2021.","Urbi Chatterjee, Rajat Subhra Chakraborty, Debdeep Mukhopadhyay, \"a PUF-based secure communication protocol for IoT\", Association for Computing Machinery, 2017.","Yanan Liu, Yijun Cui, Lein Harn, Zheng Zhang, \"PUF-Based mutual-authenticated key distribution for dynamic sensor networks\", Wiley Security and Communication Networks, 2021.","Karanjeet Choudhary, Gurjot Singh Gaba, Ismail Butun, Pardeep Kumar, \"MAKE-IT: A Lightweight Mutual Authentication and Key Exchange Protocol for Industrial Internet of Things\", MDPI Sensors Journal, 2020.","Yu-Sheng Yang, Shih-Hsiung Lee, Wei-Che Chen, Chu-Sing Yang, \"TTAS: trusted token authentication service of securing SCADA network in energy management system for industrial Internet of Things\", MDPI Sensors Journal, 2021","Mingshi Li, Zhenyu Yin, Yue Ma, Chunxiao Wang, \"Design and verification of secure communication scheme for industrial IoT intelligent production line system with multi-path redundancy and collaboration\", Springer Neural Computing and Applications 2021.","Jin Meng, Xufeng Zhang, Tengfei Cao, Yong Xie, \"Lightweight and Anonymous Mutual Authentication Protocol for IoT Devices with Physical Unclonable Functions\", Research Square, 2021.","Qi Jiang, Xin Zhang, Ning Zhang, Youliang Tian, Xindi Ma, Jianfeng Ma, \"Two-Factor Authentication Protocol Using Physical Unclonable Function for IoV\", IEEE ICCC, 2019.","Abhijeet Thakare, Young-Gab Kim, \"secure and efficient authentication scheme in IoT environment\", MDPI Applied Science, 2021.","Prosanta Gope, Ashok Kumar Das, Neeraj Kumar, Yongqiang Cheng, \"Lightweight and Physically Secure Anonymous Mutual Authentication Protocol for Real-Time Data Access in Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks\", IEEE, 2019."]}

Bullying is defined as unpleasant behavior that causes someone to feel disturbed or embarrassed, affecting their self-esteem. Based on this premise, we set out to investigate bullying among Syrian graduate medical education residents and fellows, estimate its prevalence among specific subgroups, and give recommendations to help validate the findings and enhance the graduate medical education training experience. A sample of 278 residents and fellows in Syrian graduate medical school were recruited for the study in a national cross-sectional survey, with 276 participants completing a Bullying survey in 2021 and two people refusing to participate. Participants in the survey were asked to provide basic demographic and programming information and three general Bullying and 20 specific bullying behavior items. Differences across groups were compared for demographic and programmatic stratifications. About 51% of participants had experienced one or more bullying behaviors, 69% said they had been bullied, and 87% said they had witnessed Bullying. Residents and supervisor-attendings were the most common sources of perceived Bullying (~67 and 62%, respectively), followed by patients (58%), nurses (46%), and pharmacists (46%) (33%). More specific bullying behaviors have been recorded by female Arabic Syrians who are shorter than 5'8, have a body mass index (BMI) of 25, and are 30 years old or younger who were -compared to males- more likely to report attempts to minimize and devalue work (55 vs. 34%, P ≤ 0.01) and criticism and work monitoring (56 vs. 33%, P ≤ 0.01). In addition, general medical graduates and PGY-2-PGY-6 respondents reported more specific bullying behaviors than private medical graduates and post-graduate participants in the first year (PGY 1), respectively. For example, a significant difference is noticed when reporting unreasonable pressure to perform work (83 vs. 6%, P ≤ 0.01). Except for physical violence, which does not differ statistically between groups, most bullying behaviors were reported by participants with statistically significant differences between study groups—many residents and fellows in Syria's graduate medical school system report being bullied. Anti-bullying rules and a multidisciplinary strategy including all players in the medical system are essential to eradicating these pervasive practices in healthcare.

Gum arabic with multialdehyde groups (GAMA) was synthesized and utilized as a naturally derived macromolecular and nontoxic cross-linker to develop biocompatible and smart succinic anhydride-modified chitosan (SCS)-based injectable hydrogels for the first time. Aqueous solutions of GAMA and SCS were mixed at 37 °C to obtain hydrogels through pH-responsive, dynamic, and biodegradable Schiff base linkages. The effect of concentration of GAMA on hydrogel stiffness, swelling, morphology, and drug release behavior was investigated. These hydrogels exhibited outstanding self-healing and mechanical properties. Nanocurcumin as a chemotherapeutic agent was synthesized and loaded into these hydrogels for release studies carried out at pH 7.4 and 5.5. MTT assay revealed that these hydrogels are nontoxic to human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293). Loaded hydrogels demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Thus, the present strategy may find promising application for controlled delivery of anticancer drugs for treating locally accessible cancers.

Potentially pre-malignant lesions (PPOLs) are composed of keratinocytes that are either mortal (MPPOL) or immortal (IPPOL) in vitro. We report here that MPPOL, but not generally IPPOL keratinocytes upregulate various extracellular tumor promoting cytokines (interleukins 6 and 8) and prostaglandins E1 (ePGE1) and E2 (ePGE2) relative to normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs). ePGE upregulation in MPPOL was independent of PGE receptor status, associated with some but not all markers of cellular senescence. Nevertheless, ePGE upregulation was dependent on the senescence program, cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and partially regulated by hydrocortisone. Following senescence in the absence of p16INK4A ePGEs accumulated in parallel with a subset of tumor promoting cytokine and metalloproteinase (MMP) transcripts all of which were ablated by ectopic telomerase. Surprisingly, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) function was not required for ePGE upregulation and actually increased in expression in IPPOL keratinocytes in line with its recently reported role in telomerase function. Only ePGE1 was dependent on p53 function suggesting that ePGEs 1 and 2 are regulated differently in oral keratinocytes. We show here that ePGE2 stimulates IPPOL keratinocyte proliferation in vitro. Therefore, we propose that MPPOL keratinocytes promote the progression of IPPOL to oral SCC in a pre-cancerous field by supplying PGEs, interleukins and MMPs in a paracrine manner. Our results suggest that the therapeutic targeting of COX-2 might be enhanced by strategies that target keratinocyte senescence.Simple SummaryThe early treatment of oral cancer is a high priority, as improvements in this area could lead to greater cure rates and reduced disability due to extensive surgery. Oral cancer is very difficult to detect in over 70% of cases as it develops unseen until quite advanced, sometimes rapidly. It has become apparent that there are at least two types of epithelial cells (keratinocytes) found in oral tissue on the road to cancer (premalignant). One type secretes molecules called prostaglandins but the other does not and the former may stimulate the latter to progress to malignancy, either by stimulating their proliferation or encouraging the influx of blood vessels to feed them. Additionally, we have identified regulators of prostaglandin secretion in premalignant oral cells that could be targeted in future therapies such as inducers of cellular senescence, drugs which kill senescent cells (senolytics), steroid metabolism, cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

The present study reports the formulations of biocompatible nanocomposite hydrogels using chitosan (CH), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), oleo polyol, and fumed silica (SiO2) via a free radical polymerization method for anti-cancer drug delivery. Structural, morphological, and mechanical analyses were conducted using FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and rheological techniques. The effect of SiO2 concentration on mechanical strength, swelling ratios, morphological, and drug delivery behavior was investigated. The incorporation of SiO2 nanoparticles in hydrogels resulted in a significant enhancement in its properties. MTT assay of human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) and human colon (HCT116) cancer cell lines was conducted for up to 48 h to evaluate biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. These studies confirmed the biocompatible nature of nanocomposite hydrogels. Cisplatin-loaded nanocomposite hydrogels exhibit sustained release as compared to free cisplatin at pH 4.0 an...

The electronic and communication devices such as mobile, laptop, and radio ease our day-to-day life. However, these devices emit harmful radiation, which affects human health and the environment. Therefore, to prevent such radiation-based pollution and provide a safer working environment, viable and promising EMI shielding materials have been investigated. Keeping this in mind, the present work reports the relatively low-temperature synthesis of bismuth-doped barium ferrite (BaBixFe12−xO19, Bi-BFO) nanoparticles and their nanocomposite via sol–gel and in situ emulsion polymerization approaches for their application in EMI shielding material. The influence of Bi-doping on phase purity, morphology, structure, and thermal behavior has been explored. The EMI shielding properties of these materials have been investigated in the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz) region. The composite (Bi-BFO:PT = 2:1 Bi-BFO/PTh-21) with 1 mm thickness exhibited maximum shielding effectiveness (SE) of − 47.12 dB in the X-band region. The high shielding activity is mainly due to the efficient complementarities between the magnetic and dielectric loss. The doping of Bi in barium ferrite results in the increase in electrical polarization that led to the high dielectric loss, causing higher absorption of electromagnetic (EM) waves. These studies suggest that the nanocomposite may find its scope as an excellent microwave absorber for a wide frequency region.

Oleo polymer coatings provide a paradigm shift in traditional corrosion control. Herein, the present work provides new insight on solventless Tung oil Polyetheramide-Cerium oxide (UTOPETA-CeO2) nan...

Present study reports a facile synthesis of surface-active antimicrobial hyperbranched polyurethane coatings using oleo-ethers of boric acid (BA) as branching and biocidal moiety (BHPU). The antimicrobial branching center was synthesized via polycondensation reaction of BA and vegetable oil-based diol. The structural characterization of synthesized BHPU and its linear counterpart was investigated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, and 11B NMR) spectroscopy techniques. The cured coatings were examined by physico-mechanical, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The antimicrobial behavior of these polymers against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was carried out by well diffusion technique. The appearance of zone of inhibition (ZOI) in case of BHPU confirmed its antimicrobial activity, which arisen due to the presence of cationic moiety in its structure. These investigations showed that the utilization of oleo-ethers of BA as branching agent in synthesis of BHPU coatings induced prominent effect on its physico-mechanical, thermal, and biocidal properties. In addition, soil burial study for 210 days was conducted on BHPU film to confirm its contact-killing mechanism against soil-borne bacteria. These results suggest the potential scope of BHPU in various applications such as long-term antimicrobial surface-active coatings for medical devices, packaging industry, paints, etc. Keywords: Boric acid, Hyperbranched, Polyurethane, Antimicrobial coating, Sustainable polymers

Tung oil monoglyceride (TMG), 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone modified (DDS-TO-alkyd) polypyrrole enveloped cerium oxide (PPy-PSCeO2) nanofiller dispersed alkyd nanocomposites (alk-DDS-PPy-PSCeO2-x) were synthesized using pyromellitic dianhydride through an eco-friendly, solvent-less and in situ approach. Structural elucidation was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques while morphological studies were performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and optical micrographs. Physico-chemical and physico-mechanical studies were tested to ASTM standards with a hydrophobic study measured by CA values. Further, the anticorrosive performance of the plain alkyd (alk-Pl) and alk-DDS-PPy-PSCeO2-x nanocomposite-coatings were experimentally studied using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray studies (SST). These studies revealed that nanocomposite (alk-DDS-PPy-PSCeO2-1.5) coatings synthesized by the green and solvent-less approach exhibit higher physico-mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, adhesion and superior corrosion protective performance under acidic and saline environments in comparison to reported oleo-alkyds and other oleo-polymer nanocomposite coatings. The proposed oleo-alkyd nanocomposite-coatings are found to be ecologically reliable and thermally more stable and can be safely used up to 213 °C.

The present research highlights the synthesis of new polymer Polyborozirconia(o-toluidine) (PBOT-Z): a novel nanoconducting polymer via a green, easy and scalable approach. This method was free of the template and harmful surfactant, leading PBOT-Z nanoparticles of uniform size c.a. 120–130 nm of well-defined shape. Successively, PBOT-Z incorporated epoxy nanocomposites were prepared which revealed that coatings exhibited outstanding anti-corrosive properties as compared to other nanocomposite coatings. This was corroborated to Boron(B) and Zirconia(Zr) in POT, both of which acted as a smart filler, dynamic cross-linkers as well as compatible modifiers.

The enormous demand of energy and depletion of fossil fuels has attracted an ample interest of scientist and researchers to develop materials with excellent electrochemical properties. Among these materials carbon based materials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene (GO and rGO), activated carbon (AC), and conducting polymers (CPs) have gained wide attention due to their remarkable thermal, electrical and mechanical properties. On this account, the present review article summarizes the history of ESDs and the basic function of various types of ESDs. Further, the various nanomaterials used in energy storage devices for the past few years have also been discussed in detail. In addition, the future trend in the development of highly efficient, cost-effective and renewable energy storage materials have also been highlighted. Keywords: Batteries, Capacitor, Conducting polymer, Graphene, Energy devices

Herein, a facile route was employed for the construction of novel dual-functional boronated (hybrid) hyperbranched polyurethane composite (HPUC) coatings using covalently functionalized reduced graphene oxide (FRGO) as chain extender and reinforcing agent. The FRGO exhibited excellent compatibility with the boronated HPU matrix that resulted in the chemical, structural and surface transformation of FRGO-HPUC coatings. The electrochemical corrosion studies were employed to confirm the protective performance of these composite coatings. The presence of electron deficient centres (tri-coordinated B) and electron rich FRGO restricted the diffusion of electrons through the coating network, which altered the mechanism of corrosion protection. In addition, the antimicrobial surface activity of these composites were investigated to ascertain their permanent contact killing properties.

Waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs), owing to their environmental friendliness and non-flammability, are considered as a green class of materials for a wide spectrum of applications, like adhesives, co...

Local delivery of anticancer agents via injectable hydrogels could be a promising method for achieving spatiotemporal control on drug release as well as minimizing the disadvantages related to the systemic mode of drug delivery. Keeping this in mind, we report the development of

The chemically oxidized gum arabic was prepared and used as a naturally derived nontoxic and pH-responsive cross-linker to develop smart polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based hydrogels for the first time. The formulated hydrogels exhibited high mechanical properties, good porosity, and pH sensitivity, which facilitated their application as promising biomaterials for sustained delivery of folic acid. Further, the synthesized cross-linked PVA hydrogels displayed no cytotoxicity toward the human embryonic kidney cell line and exhibited higher blood compatibility. The hydrolytic degradation study confirmed their biodegradable nature. While the sustained delivery along with photoprotective properties of these hydrogels confirmed their multifunctional characteristics, these results suggest that these hydrogels may act as an efficient photoprotective material and find their application in the field of drug delivery.

Sustainable development requires greener modifications of petro-based polymers and environment benign alternatives. Here we report, formulation of sustainable vegetable (soy) oil based epoxy polymer blends (ESODG), and their green colored nickel oxide (NiO) based organic-inorganic hybrid (ESODG-PA-NiO) nanocomposites (NCs). Along with additional improvements over generic shortcomings of DGEBA epoxies, the polymeric NC formulation can substitute up to 50% of synthetic epoxy polymer. ESODG-PA-NiO imbibes various value added properties of synthetic polymers but the use of ESO and reduction in the use of organic solvents lead to a sharp decrease in volatile organic components (VOCs). The incorporation of NiO and formulation of stable NCs were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Further, the anticorrosive performance of these coatings have been investigated using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and salt (5 wt.% NaCl vapors) mist techniques. It was observed that with the increased NiO concentration in NC improved, the thermal stability, physicochemical/mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, lowering of current density (Icorr), and higher pore resistance (3.5 wt.% NaCl and HCl solutions) values. The excellent anticorrosive performance of ESODG-PA-NiO hybrid is mainly governed by the electrostatic interaction between NiO and ESODG-PA, which provide additional locking/sealing effect and rectified polymeric artifacts and can be used as a surface decorative/protective anticorrosive coating.

Surface functionalized tri-metallic strontium magnesium ferrite (Sr0.3Mg0.7Fe2O4, SMF) nanoparticles were synthesized by using facile solvent less green oleo polyol method. Various analytical techniques (XRD, XPS, FT-IR, TEM, SEM, BET, and VSM) were used for the investigation of the crystal lattice, surface functionalization, morphology, surface area, and magnetic properties of these nanoparticles. SEM and TEM analysis revealed that the nanoparticles exhibit mesoporous morphology with cubic structure. These mesoporous nanoparticles have been exploited for the removal of toxic organic pollutant (Congo red, CR) from the aqueous solution. Detailed investigations on the adsorption of CR dye by these nanoparticles have been conducted via the rate kinetics study using various adsorption isotherms (Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin, etc.). These studies revealed that the mesoporous SMF nanoparticles with the high surface area (21.85 m2g−1), have exhibited superior adsorption capacity (>90% within 30 min) and fast separation ability under the influence of external magnetic field along with good recyclability (∼93%). The adsorption analysis of magnetic SMF revealed pseudo-second order dye removal kinetics and follow Freundlich isotherms. These properties of magnetic SMF nanocubes provide an extra edge over other such reported systems and may find its potential as a cost-effective magnetic adsorbent for water treatment application.

Barium ferrite encapsulated polythiophene (BaFe12O19/PTh) nanocomposite has been synthesized to analyse electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. The morphological analysis of the synthesized composites has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed the encapsulation of BaFe12O19 nanoparticles by PTh forming a core-shell structure. Highest loading of BaFe12O19 in composite (NC-100 i.e. BaFe12O19:PTh = 1:1) exhibits excellent magnetic properties with a magnetic moment and coercivity of 25.78 emu/gm and 2.5 kOe, respectively. Microwave shielding behaviour of the nanocomposite samples has been tested in X-band region by vector network analyser. Highest −43.27 dB shielding effectiveness at 11.65 GHz has been obtained in NC-100 composite. The excellent shielding effectiveness is due to the synergistic effect of dielectric and magnetic loss of the nanocomposite. These results suggest that the BaFe12O19/PTh nanocomposite (NC-100) exhibited superior EMI shielding properties and find wider application as low cost, high performance, lightweight microwave absorbing material.

Inhibition of electrochemical and microbial corrosions is one of the prominent importance in both industrial and environmental applications. Therefore, we have designed a sustainable surface-active bi-functional (antimicrobial/anticorrosive) polyurethane nanocomposite (PUC) coating by means of synergistic effects of π-π interaction and in situ incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) for the first time. The PUC was synthesized using Pongamia oil, acrylic acid (to induce π-π interaction), GO (biocidal and reinforcing agent), and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) via one-pot addition polymerization. These interactions improved GO distribution, which influenced the structure and segmental dispersion within the PUC network. Further, it was observed that the properties (physical, mechanical, thermal, barrier, and adhesion) of the synthesized PUC coating were significantly improved. The electrochemical studies confirmed that upon addition of small amount of GO (0.5 wt.%) the anticorrosive behavior of PU nanocomposite coating was increased, exhibiting high corrosion potential (Ecorr= -0.179 V), low corrosion current density (Icorr = 2.3 × 10−11 A. cm-2), and enhanced impedance modulus at low frequency (|Z|0.01 Hz = 3.6 × 1010 Ω cm2) even after 21 days of immersion (5% NaCl solution). Besides, the surface activity of the PUC coating was confirmed by its strong contact-killing effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Based on these results, present work provides a facile route towards the development of high-performance dual-functional coatings that may find a wider scope of applications in various industries like maritime, food, fuel and healthcare.

Herein, we present the synthesis of CD, polycarbazole (PCz), and CDs encapsulated in PCz (CD@PCz) nanofillers. These nanofillers were dispersed in a safflower oil polyurethane (PU) matrix to formulate nanocomposite coatings. The structures, morphologies, and thermal behaviors of these coatings were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The anticorrosive performance was evaluated using acid resistance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and salt spray tests. The results showed that the PU nanocomposites had superior corrosion resistance performance with a very small loading amount (0.5%) of nanofiller (CD, PCz, and CD@PCz). The CD@PCz/PU nanocomposite coatings exhibited excellent corrosion resistance performance, with a low icorr value (1.15 × 10−11 A cm−2), a high Ecorr value (0.05 V), and the highest protection efficiency (99.999%) compared with other coating systems. The superior anticorrosive performance of these coatings was attributed to the excellent barrier properties, strong filler–matrix interactions, and the formation of a stabilized passive layer at the coating-metal interface. These results suggested that the proposed nanocomposite coatings (CD@PCz/PU) have potential for the development of a new generation of multicomponent anticorrosive coatings with high performance.

A waterborne polyesteramide (WBPEA) and its nanocomposites (WBPEA–RGO) were synthesized using soya oil, diethanol amine, phthalic anhydride and RGO nanoparticles. Ethanolic solutions of RGO nanoparticles were dispersed in WBPEA via sonication (WBPEA–RGO) and simultaneously both (WBPEA) and (WBPEA–RGO-x) were cured with 80 phr poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde) isobutylated solution (PMF). Their coatings (WBPEA–PMF-80 and WBPEA–PMF-80–RGO-x) were formulated on finally polished carbon steel strips. The structural elucidation of these materials was performed by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic analysis. The physico-chemical, physico-mechanical, thermal and anticorrosive properties of these coatings were investigated, which revealed that the nanocomposite coatings possess remarkably good physico-mechanical [impact resistance (150 lb per in.), scratch resistance (11.5 kg), bend tests (flexibility retained up to 1/8 inch)] properties. The nanocomposite coatings show far superior anticorrosive performance (impedance = 107 ohm cm2 and phase angle = 85.6°) in comparison to those of WBPEA–PMF-80 (impedance = 106 ohm cm2 and phase angle = 82°) and other such reported coatings.

The Hippo-YAP pathway serves as a central signalling hub in epithelial tissue generation and homeostasis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is an essential downstream transcription cofactor of this pathway, with its activity being negatively regulated by Hippo kinase-mediated phosphorylation, leading to its cytoplasmic translocation or degradation. Our recent study showed phospho-YAP complexes with Desmoglein-3 (Dsg3), the desmosomal cadherin known to be required for junction assembly and cell–cell adhesion. In this study, we show that YAP inhibition by Verteporfin (VP) caused a significant downregulation of desmosomal genes and a remarkable reduction in desmosomal proteins, including the Dsg3/phospho-YAP complex, resulting in attenuation of cell cohesion. We also found the desmosomal genes, along with E-cadherin, were the YAP-TEAD transcriptional targets and Dsg3 regulated key Hippo components, including WWTR1/TAZ, LATS2 and the key desmosomal molecules. Furthermore, Dsg3 and phospho-YAP exhibited coordinated regulation in response to varied cell densities and culture durations. Overexpression of Dsg3 could compensate for VP mediated loss of adhesion components and proper architecture of cell junctions. Thus, our findings suggest that Dsg3 plays a crucial role in the Hippo network and regulates junction configuration via complexing with phospho-YAP.

Graphene oxide (GO) reinforced Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-Waterborne Castor Alkyd (WCA) nanocomposites (PVC/WCA/GO) films were processed through solution blending technique. TGA showed that the thermal stability of PVC/WCA/GO-0.5 films was better than that of PVC/WCA blend film. With incorporation of 0.5 wt.% GO, the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the blend nanocomposite have significantly improved by about 260% and 185%, respectively, compared with neat polymer. The physico-mechanical properties of these films suggest that the PVC/WCA/GO nanocomposite films may have a potential scope for their application in packaging industries. The results are supported by characterizations like FTIR, XRD, TEM and FESEM.

Nanocomposite hydrogels have found a wide scope in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and smart drug delivery applications. The present study reports the formulations of biocompatible nanocomposite hydrogel films using carboxymethyl cellulose-hydroxyethyl cellulose-acrylonitrile-linseed oil polyol (CHAP) plain hydrogel and Na-montmorillonite (NaMMT) dispersed CHAP nanocomposite hydrogel films (NaCHAP) using solution blending technique. The structural, morphological, and mechanical properties of resultant nanocomposite hydrogel films were further investigated to analyze the effects of polyol and NaMMT on the characteristic properties. The synergistic effect of polyol and nanofillers on the mechanical strength and sustained drug-release behavior of the resultant hydrogel films was studied, which revealed that the increased cross-link density of hydrogels enhanced the elastic modulus (up to 99%) and improved the drug retention time (up to 72 h at both pHs 7.4 and 4.0). The release rate of cisplatin in nanocomposite hydrogel films was found to be higher in CHAP-1 (83 and 69%) and CHAP-3 (79 and 64%) than NaCHAP-3 (77 and 57%) and NaCHAP-4 (73 and 54%) at both pHs 4.0 and 7.4, respectively. These data confirmed that the release rate of cisplatin in nanocomposite hydrogel films was pH-responsive and increased with decrease of pH. All nanocomposite hydrogel films have exhibited excellent pH sensitivity under buffer solution of various pHs (1.0, 4.0, 7.4, and 9.0). The in vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity tests of these films were also conducted using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay of human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines up to 48 h, which shows their biocompatible nature. However, cisplatin-loaded nanocomposite hydrogel films effectively inhibited the growth of human breast MCF-7 cancer cells. These studies suggested that the proposed nanocomposite hydrogel films have shown promising application in therapeutics, especially for anticancer-targeted drug delivery.

Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) is a life-threatening autoimmune disease manifested with blisters in the skin and mucosa and caused by autoantibodies against adhesion protein desmoglein-3 (Dsg3) expressed in epithelial membrane linings of these tissues. Despite many studies, the pathogenesis of PV remains incompletely understood. Recently we have shown Dsg3 plays a role in regulating the yes-associated protein (YAP), a co-transcription factor and mechanical sensor, and constraining reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study investigated the effect of PV sera as well as the anti-Dsg3 antibody AK23 on these molecules. We detected elevated YAP steady-state protein levels in PV cells surrounding blisters and perilesional regions and in keratinocytes treated with PV sera and AK23 with concomitant transient ROS overproduction. Cells treated with hydrogen peroxide also exhibited augmented nuclear YAP accompanied by reduction of Dsg3 and α-catenin, a negative regulator of YAP. As expected, transfection of α-catenin-GFP plasmid rendered YAP export from the nucleus evoked by hydrogen peroxide. In addition, suppression of total YAP was observed in hydrogen peroxide treated cells exposed to antioxidants with enhanced cell-cell adhesion being confirmed by decreased fragmentation in the dispase assay compared to hydrogen peroxide treatment alone. On the other hand, the expression of exogenous YAP disrupted intercellular junction assembly. In contrast, YAP depletion resulted in an inverse effect with augmented expression of junction assembly proteins, including Dsg3 and α-catenin capable of abolishing the effect of AK23 on Dsg3 expression. Finally, inhibition of other kinase pathways, including p38MAPK, also demonstrated suppression of YAP induced by hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, antioxidant treatment of keratinocytes suppressed PV sera-induced total YAP accumulation. In conclusion, this study suggests that oxidative stress coupled with YAP dysregulation attributes to PV blistering, implying antioxidants may be beneficial in the treatment of PV.

Die hygienische Händedesinfektion hat für die Prävention von nosokomialen Infektionen eine herausragende Bedeutung. Hierfür ist eine hohe Compliance für die Durchführung händehygienischer Maßnahmen entscheidend. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersuchte die Auswirkungen der Umstellung des Händedesinfektionsmittelkonzeptes auf fest installierte Desinfektionsmittelspender an vorher definierten Bereichen in den Patientenzimmern einer internistischen Intensivstation der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Am 01.01.2017 erfolgte die Inbetriebnahme von 56 automatisierten Desinfektionsmittelspendern (Ingo-man® smart touchless der Firma Ophardt Hygiene-Technik), die jede Betätigung kontinuierlich erfassen. Die Compliance bezogen auf händehygienische Maßnahme wurde durch direkte Observation ermittelt. Die Rate an nosokomialen Infektionen wurde dem Krankenhaus-Infektions-Surveillance-System entnommen. Anschließend wurden der Desinfektionsmittelverbrauch, die Compliance und Rate nosokomialer Infektionen vor (Jahre 2015/16) und nach Installation der Spender (2018/19) verglichen. Der Desinfektionsmittelverbrauch veränderte sich nach Einführung der automatisierten Spender nicht. Die von den Spendern ermittelte Abgabemenge an Desinfektionsmittel unterschied sich nur geringfügig von der ausgelieferten Menge. Auch die Compliance händehygienischer Maßnahmen sowie die Rate an nosokomialen Infektionen änderten sich nicht signifikant. Am niedrigsten war die beobachtete Compliance vor aseptischen Tätigkeiten. Die patientenfernen Spender wurden fast dreimal so häufig benutzt wie patientennahe Spender. In Ein- und Zweibettzimmern sahen wir eine höhere Spenderbetätigung pro Patiententag als in den Mehrbettzimmern. Die Betätigung der Spender war an Wochenenden signifikant geringer als an Werktagen (46 versus 56 Betätigungen pro Stunde). Tagsüber erfolgten mehr als doppelt so viele Betätigungen der Spender als nachts (73 versus 31 Betätigungen pro Stunde). Durch die Einführung eines neuen Desinfektionsmittelkonzeptes mit automatisierten Spendern veränderten sich weder der Desinfektionsmittelverbrauch noch die Compliance hinsichtlich der Händehygiene oder die Rate an nosokomialen Infektionen. Die deutlich niedrigere Spenderbetätigung am Wochenende sowie in den Abend- und Nachtstunden scheint auf ein Compliancedefizit hinzudeuten. Ferner könnte die deutlich niedrige Anwendungsrate der patientennahen Spender einem Compliancedefizit vor allem bei aseptischen Tätigkeiten entsprechen, was in der direkten Observation beobachtet werden konnte. Das Ingo-man® smart touchless Spender System bietet über die automatisierte Datenerfassung die Möglichkeit, den Desinfektionsmittelverbrauch auch in komplizierten Bestell- und Liefer-Situationen detailliert und exakt zu ermitteln. Zudem bestünde die Möglichkeit, die Mitarbeiter regelmäßig über die aktuelle Performance der Händedesinfektion zu informieren, um somit eine höhere Motivation und letztlich auch Compliance zu erreichen., Hand hygiene is known to be of outstanding meaning for the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. A high compliance regarding hand hygiene is furthermore crucial. Our study analysed the impact of the modification of the hand hygiene concept to mounted, automated dispensers at predefined localisations in a medical intensive care unit of the Charité – University Hospital Berlin. On the January 1st 2017, 56 automated hand hygiene dispensers were launched (Ingo-man® smart touchless of the company Ophardt Hygiene-Technik). The dispensers register every activity continually. The compliance of hand hygiene was determined via intermitting direct observation. The ratio of hospital-acquired infections was taken from the KISS (hospital-infektion-surveillance-system). Afterwards, alcohol-based hand rub consumption, compliance and hospital-acquired infections were compared before (years 2015/16) and after the installation of the dispensers (years 2018/19). No change was observed in hand rub consumption after the modification of the hand hygiene system. Neither the ratio of hospital-acquired infections nor the hand hygiene compliance changed after the installation of the mounted dispensers. The amount of hand rub detected by the dispensers only slightly differed from the delivered amount. Observed compliance was lowest before aseptic activities. Patient-side dispensers were used three-times less frequently than other dispensers. A higher hand rub consumption per patient per day was observed in one- and two-bed rooms compared to bigger rooms. A reduced hand hygiene action was observed on weekends compared to working days (46 versus 56 dispenser actions per hour). During the dayshift more than twice as many hand hygiene actions were registered than during the nightshift (73 versus 31 actions per hour). The implementation of a new hand hygiene concept with automated dispensers changes neither hand rub consumption nor hand hygiene compliance or ratio of hospital-acquired infections. The significant lower dispenser action on weekends and during the nightshift might point towards a compliance deficiency. Moreover, the reduced action of patient-side dispensers might reflect the compliance deficiency for aseptic activities, which was noticed during direct observations. Via automated data acquisition, the Ingo-man® smart touchless dispenser system offers the opportunity to register exactly the hand rub consumption even if order and delivery are complicated to trace. Moreover, personnel might be informed about the hand hygiene performance on a regularly base to increase motivation and subsequently hand hygiene compliance.

The growth and proliferation of pathogenic microbes and bacteria on various surfaces have caused an ever-increasing awareness, necessitating scientists of diverse realm to develop potential antimicrobial materials. Among various methods of prevention, the application of biocidal polymer films and coatings has played a vital role. Generally such polymers are developed by the incorporation of antimicrobial moieties within their matrices. The design and formulation of polymer nanocomposite (PNC) films and coatings with biocidal property, have gained higher interest due to the exceptional reinforcing abilities of nanomaterials compared to other biocides. From this perspective, the aim of the present chapter is to discuss the approaches used for the fabrication and processing of surface-active, selective, leaching and nonleaching antimicrobial PNCs along with their mechanism of action. The chapter also covers the importance of naturally derived precursors for the construction of eco-friendly and cost-effective antimicrobial PNCs. Further the advantages, limitations, and the future scope of such functional PNCs have been discussed.