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Objectives: The nanobiotechnology era has sparked interest in the green synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) without hazardous chemicals. As a result, the current study used chitosan-salicylaldehyde Schiff base (CSB) as a non-toxic, reducing and stabilizing agent to prepare stable silver nanoparticles. Methods: The characterization of Ag-NPs impregnated chitosan-salicylaldehyde Schiff base was fulfilled using UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD and TEM studies. Results: The absorption band present around 425 nm in UV-Vis spectra indicated the formation of Ag-NPs. The appearance of a new band for the CN bond, deduction in the intensity of the CO group of salicylaldehyde and NH group of chitosan confirmed the formation of Schiff base and Ag-NPs in FTIR analysis. XRD pattern revealed the orientation and crystalline nature of Ag-NPs with 2θ at 38°, 46° and 54° related to Ag-NPs (JCPDS No. 04-0783), whereas the peak at 2θ = 27° associated with CSB. The total porosity of 53.24% was determined using the liquid displacement method. The CSB-Ag-NPs have good scavenging activity (46.25% and 49.35% activity in DPPH assay and H2O2 assay), great antibacterial (zone of inhibition 17 mm and 19 mm for E-Coli and Pseudomonas sp.), antifungal (18 mm for P. notatum), and anti-larvicidal activity, according to biological assessments. Conclusions: The synthesised Ag-NPs were non-toxic to marine ecosystems in a safety bioassay test.

Thermal energy and its storage systems play an extensive role in day-to-day life. They store renewable energy and are capable of recovering generated heat from different systems. Storage of thermal energy can be classified into three types: sensible, latent and sorption heat storages. Thermal heat storages use different types of materials based on their capacity of heat storage, stability of duration and thermal conductivity. Various phase change materials (PCMs) that are suitable for thermal storage are reported. Low conversion ability limits their effectiveness. We reviewed some of the traditional materials synthesized recently that are used for thermal energy storage (TES). Recently developed TES materials exhibit high thermal conductivity, reduced super cooling and multiple phase change temperatures. Nano-enhanced PCMs produced an increase in thermal conductivity up to 32% with a reduction in latent heat by 32%. At this juncture, MXenes with high performance and extraordinary properties (thermal, mechanical, etc.) are of special significance. MXenes displayed an increased thermal conductivity up to 16% and 94% efficiency. In view of their structure and adaptability to be used in thermal storage systems, an attempt was made to review their role also in thermal storage applications. It is observed that MXenes highly impact storage and efficiency. Apart from MXenes, various types of PCMs along with their thermal characteristics are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum-doped Zinc Titanate (AZT) AlxZn1-xTiO3 ( for x= 0.20,0.40,0.60,0.80) nanoparticles are synthesized through low temperature hydrothermal method and their physical properties such as structure, surface, energy gap and dielectric characteristics were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy and impedance analysis. XRD analysis indicated structural transformation of tetragonal phase for samples of x = 0.20 to 0.60 and some secondary phases for x=0.80. It was found that lattice constants of the sample decrease with increasing aluminium content. The morphology of nano-composites, as evidenced by FESEM and TEM imaging, displayed the formation of nano-spheres and nano-rods. The impedance and dielectric modulus analysis for the current samples revealed their dielectric behaviour, microstructure and conduction procedure. However negative dielectric property was seen in nano-composite with x=0.60. All samples with x ranging between 0.2 to 0.8 displayed high ac-electrical conductivity at 1 MHz frequency. These samples are well suitable for charge storage capacitors and as perfect absorbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes of the Culex genus are responsible for a large burden of zoonotic virus transmission globally. Collectively, they play a significant role in the transmission of medically significant diseases such as Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus. Climate change, global trade, habitat transformation and increased urbanisation are leading to the establishment of Culex mosquitoes in new geographical regions. These novel mosquito incursions are intensifying concerns about the emergence of Culex-transmitted diseases and outbreaks in previously unaffected areas. New mosquito control methods are currently being developed and deployed globally. Understanding the complex interaction between pathogens and mosquitoes is essential for developing new control strategies for Culex species mosquitoes. This article reviews the role of Culex mosquitos as vectors of zoonotic disease, discussing the transmission of viruses across different species, and the potential use of Wolbachia technologies to control disease spread. By leveraging the insights gained from recent successful field trials of Wolbachia against Aedes-borne diseases, we comprehensively discuss the feasibility of using this technique to control Culex mosquitoes and the potential for the development of next generational Wolbachia-based control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Variations in cystic artery anatomy are not unusual in occurrence, hence considerably crucial during hepatobiliary surgical planning and execution. This systematic review and meta-analysis of the anatomical variations of cystic artery (CA) was undertaken to emphasize their significance in surgical practice. Methods. The PICO model was adopted, both MeSH term and free keywords were utilized for the search strategy. The risk of bias in each study was calculated by the anatomy quality assurance (AQUA) tool. Result. The search strategy identified 8204 records, extracted 5529 studies, and evaluated 117 abstracts. Out of these 117 studies, 53 met the eligibility criteria. The CA was absent in 2% of instances (95% CI: 0.01-0.04), indicating that 98% of cases had the CA. In 10071 participants from 29 investigations, double cystic arteries were found in 13% (95% CI: 11-16%), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 91%). In 46 studies with a total of 9928 participants, 89% of the individuals had CA originating from RHA (95% CI: 85%-92%) with significant heterogeneity (I2 =94.3%) and a predictive range of 43%-99%. Conclusion. The cystic artery is primarily derived from the right hepatic artery, followed by aberrant, proper, and left hepatic arteries. It is located anterior to common hepatic ducts and cystic ducts. The mean length and diameter of CA were 20.77 mm and 1.91 mm Short cystic arteries are common (20%) Congenital anomalies like absent and double cystic arteries have low prevalence but must be considered during surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]